February 2010 Journal Plus

PETE JENNY | TOM LEBENS | CANZONA WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE | BET T Y CLEMENS

JournalPLUS FEBRUARY 2010

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER SAVING OUR SEA LIFE

DE I S IN EN

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CONTENTS

26 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

CANZONA WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain

TOM LEBENS

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

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

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

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PEOPLE 8 10 12 14

PETE JENNY TOM LEBENS RUDOLF BUDGINAS BETTY CLEMENS

HOME & OUTDOOR 16 PULSE 17 NUTRITION 18 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 20 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 21 KITCHEN IDEAS 22 BOOKS/JEANNE KINNEY 24 MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

BETTY CLEMENS

COMMUNITY

26 28 29 30 32 34 39 47

CANZONA WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE THE DOG NEXT DOOR OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: Early Schools HOSPICE CORNER VETS VOICE / SUDOKU PUZZLE SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES ALMANAC The Month of February

BUSINESS 35 40 41 42

DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening PALM STREET – SLO Mayor - Dave Romero EYE ON BUSINESS THE BULLETIN BOARD

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few months ago two of our close friends, Rick and Pam, were walking the beach near San Simeon and witnessed a distressed sea lion being helped by several individuals. After the sea lion went on his way, Rick asked the group more about what they do. The group is part of the Marine Mammal Center, and they help distressed sea life along the California Coast, covering more than 600 miles. He felt people should know more about this organization, and so did we. You’ll enjoy our cover story inside.

This month we profile four individuals that make a difference on the Central Coast. We start out with Pete Jenny, the new director of the Land Conservancy. We move on to Tom Lebens, Rudolf Budginas and finish with local artist, Betty Clemens.

Finally, we feature a newly formed musical group, Canzona Women’s Ensemble, led by Cricket Handler and Jill Anderson. You know when these two put something together...it is good. Cricket and Jill tell us about Canzona’s upcoming plans and concerts.

Coastal Living

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There is plenty of other good reading inside as well.

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PEOPLE

pete jenny – from slo county parks to new recreational opportunities

By Hilary Grant

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hose who make a long-time and unwavering commitment to a cause aren’t likely to let retirement get in the way.

Pete and Karen Jenny

That’s surely the case with Pete Jenny, known by area environmentalists as a passionate advocate of outdoor recreation and land protection.

As Parks Director of San Luis Obispo County Parks until late last year, when he voluntarily left in order to devote more time to his family, Jenny spent more than a decade accomplishing a good deal of impressive, and visible, goals around the County.

Indeed, Jenny’s leadership helped to expand acreage of the entire park system, improve and replace deteriorating playgrounds and park restrooms, and modernize many old bicycle and hiking trails.

Jenny also led the way toward the purchase of the open land adjacent to the historic Dana Adobe in Nipomo, implementing a California state children’s program that directed kids to limit television and computer time and play outdoors instead, and assisting in building and maintaining a network of dog parks at virtually no cost to taxpayers.

All of this hands-on experience has made Jenny an invaluable asset in his latest job – or perhaps more accurately, three jobs.

That’s because these days, Jenny is happily tackling new conservation challenges with a trio of non-profit organizations. All have missions that revolve around embracing the land, oceans and bays of the Central Coast.

In fact, joining the boards of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and the Bay Foundation (a support group of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program), Jenny says that by serving in this way, he can continue to promote and care for the natural beauty of SLO County.

Pete and Karen at Pete’s college graduation

“Perhaps it came from my parents, but I feel I have a responsibility to appreciate God’s gifts in this world,” says Jenny. “Coupled with that, there’s a need for me to sow the seeds of good stewardship, and to cherish and protect nature.”

Jenny also says that by being part of policy decisions for all three groups, he hopes to encourage more collaboration and communication between these non-profits and similar entities.

“I’m always amazed to find out how many people are working on so many different projects without quite connecting the dots,” says Jenny.

“My hope is that I can help to further connect those dots to give us even more bang for our buck.

“And if all else fails,” continues Jenny, “I still remember how to plant a tree or swing a hammer!

“Those are two pretty practical ways to help with the many conservation and restoration projects around, especially those being done by The Land Conservancy.”

Growing Up Born in Long Beach, about 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Jenny was raised just down the freeway in Santa Ana, and considers Orange County “my first real home.” He graduated in 1974 from Cal State Fullerton – perhaps surprisingly, not with a degree that focused on the environment, parks or recreation, but a bachelor’s in communications that emphasized public relations.

Despite that major, Jenny had already started park work while attending college.

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That’s when he took a part-time job as a park attendant with the Orange County Parks system. Soon after graduating, Jenny then grabbed a chance to work for his employer full-time as a groundskeeper. Jenny stayed until 1990, with his last position a senior park ranger, whose duties included supervising a handful of regional parks. He and wife Karen moved to the Central Coast that same year, where Jenny started his SLO County Parks career as Operations Superintendent.

His father’s love of viewing nature through a camera lens also led Jenny to meet one of the most famous photographers of our time.

“Not only did San Luis Obispo offer the benefit of incredible local beauty, it also was clearly of a size where I felt I could make a difference,” says Jenny. “The simple physics of Orange County were clear – it was so big and cumbersome that there was little any one person could do to make an impact.

Another conservationist hero, adds Jenny, is John Muir.

“Working in SLO Parks was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

At Ease With Nature What makes Jenny so comfortable around spacious parcels of greenery?

“My dad, Al, was probably the greatest influence on my appreciation for the natural world,” he says. “Beginning in my early school years, our typical family vacation was two weeks of camping and visiting the wonderful parks found around California and the West.

“And while dad would never have called himself an environmentalist in those early days, I gained a great appreciation for the natural world through those trips.

“I think he and mom were pleasantly surprised to see the impact of those early vacations,” adds Jenny. “They did play a defining role for me as a teacher of natural lessons and advocate of public lands.”

“My dad spent many years studying personally with Ansel Adams,” says Jenny. “I was introduced to him while my dad shared meals in his home and studio.” (Best known for his stark black and white images of the American West, Adams has also become closely identified with photos of Yosemite National Park.)

“I have a poster that celebrates his vision, and it has been hanging in my den for many years,” he says. “I’ve certainly found his life and passion inspirational, particularly given his early background and how he came to ‘find himself’ in wilderness.”

All in all, Jenny feels lucky to be at this place in his life.

“I was fortunate to grow up during a time when opportunities to experience the outdoors were all around me,” he says. “Too many people, especially young people, seem to be missing out on those opportunities – which enrich our lives and strengthen the fabric of our community.

“Anything I can do now, to help others share that experience, is my way of giving back some of what I’ve been given.”

Find out more about The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County at lcslo.org; the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden at slobg.org, and the Bay Foundation at mbnep.org.

Honeymooning in Yosemite - 1975

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Tom Lebens an industry leader

By Heather Hellman

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om Lebens may be the hardest working man in San Luis Obispo County. When you hear about all of his professional, volunteer, community and outside activities, your head spins.

Some have often wondered if he’s figured out how to clone himself because one man could never do so much. But Tom does; and always with a sense of adventure, purpose and commitment. He was born in Nebraska and learned hard-working, mid-western values from his parents and grandparents. Mentors and leaders shaped his appreciation for service. Because of all that has been given to him growing up, Tom feels an obligation to give back. His leadership in every aspect of his life has resulted in positive change and growth for many people, organizations and businesses in and outside the county.

There is an inherent curiosity in Tom Lebens.

It’s a thirst for knowledge and accomplishment that drives a true zest for life. It’s his marriage of goals, passions and willingness that makes Tom Lebens a true leader. Time and time again, he has stepped up to the challenge.

Tom was born in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother had returned home to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, to give birth and live on the family farm while her husband, Tom’s father, also a native of Plattsmouth, was serving as a Navel Officer on a ship off the coast of Vietnam.

Tom’s grandfather, on his dad’s side, was a

lawyer in the town. Tom learned from his extended family at an early age.

After his father concluded his service in the Navy, and briefly worked for a paper company in Washington State, Tom’s parents moved the family to an oceanfront home in Shell Beach. Tom’s father, a Chemical Engineer educated by the Navy, earned an MBA from Cal Poly and graduated at the top of his class. After graduation, he took a position at Cal Poly and worked for the university for 25 years in a number of positions, eventually working in the No. 3 position at the university as V.P. of Administration and Finance.

Tom grew up in San Luis Obispo and attended Shell Beach Elementary, Sinsheimer Elementary, San Luis Obispo Junior High and Senior High School, and Cal Poly.

As a boy, Tom was active in many organizations. He joined the Boy Scouts and became a leader, achieving Eagle Scout, the highest honor. He also served as Lodge Chief in The Order of the Arrow, a group of older scouts who serve scouts council-wide.

“I had the greatest adult leaders when I was a Boy Scout,” says Lebens. “I was given leadership opportunities that shaped who I am today. Warren Sinsheimer was one of those adult leaders.”

Tom was also active in his church youth group, in the concert, orchestra and marching bands (he played the drums and tympany.)

and some sports. In the early ’80s, Tom had a growing passion for computers and electrical gadgets. He bought the first Radio Shack computer in high school. The TRS 80 Model I had all of 4k RAM. Tom taught himself to program and put up a bulletin board through a telephone modem. His bulletin board still exists to this day on the internet.

“I think I have one of the earliest social networking sites on the internet,” laughs Lebens.

“The bulletin board was really the first type of social networking. I still use it now and then to keep challenged.”

While in high school, Tom attended his mother’s Masters of Education graduation ceremony at Cal Poly. He was listening to the ASI President’s speech when his father leaned over and said, “You could do better than that.” It was a small enough comment that put the notion in Tom’s head that made his universe move in that direction.

He began by serving on the El Corral Bookstore Advisory Committee. He then applied to work on the ASI President’s Executive Staff, getting hired as a computer analyst and then transitioned to the position of community relations representative. As a sophomore and community liaison, he sat on the San Luis Obispo Chamber Board of Directors and had monthly lunch meetings with the Mayor (Ron Dunin). He got to know all of the community leaders. In his second and third years, Tom ran for the Student Senate and represented the College of Engineering. In his fourth year, Tom was the Chair of the Administrative Commission, was on Student Senate again and was elected President of the School of Engineering Student Council. In his fifth year,

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PEOPLE he ran for ASI President. Tom was endorsed by every single member of the Student Senate and each of the Presidents of the Student Councils for each school (now called colleges).

Needless to say, no one ran against him.

As ASI President, Tom managed a multi-million dollar budget and a staff. He was involved in the passage of the Recreation Center and negotiations to open a SESLOC branch on campus. He worked on structuring the ASI to work as a corporate entity instead of a government entity. Tom’s work changed the Cal Poly campus that year and, on top of that, he graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree.

As graduation approached, Tom debated about a career. He was not sure he wanted to be a full-time engineer, wasn’t adventuresome enough at the time to be an entrepreneur and didn’t want to pursue an MBA. He also didn’t want to focus on just one technology as many engineers do. Someone suggested law school and, more specifically, Intellectual Property (IP) law; work that would put Tom on the forefront of cutting edge technologies.

The idea intrigued him, so he spoke with local attorney, Tom Duggan, a lawyer at Sinsheimer, Schiebelhut & Baggett (in the very building where Tom has his office today) and to Judge Don Umhoffer. Convinced, he chose the law and attended the University of San Diego.

erty practice at his firm and wanted to see if Tom was interested before he put an ad in the paper. Tom approached Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery, and at the end of the day, the two firms decided to form a relationship in that practice area. Tom became Partner and Chair of the IP practice in what is now Sinsheimer Juhnke Lebens & McIvor, LLP and returned to San Luis Obispo. He is also the Managing Partner of West Coast Operations for Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery, traveling to the Los Angeles and San Diego offices often.

“Working with two firms and holding partnership positions in each is very rare,” says June McIvor, a partner at SJLM. “Tom is certainly an industry leader in Intellectual Property law.

He works with technology giants that innovate like Sony, Sonic Solutions and Deluxe Digital Studios, to name a few. Tom has grown the IP practice, spearheaded our firm’s monthly Webinars and foray into social networking and brought more awareness of SJLM business capabilities through new technologies.”

Upon his return to San Luis Obispo, Tom re-established many professional and community relationships. He has taken leadership and board positions with many nonprofits and companies in the area over the years – too

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many to list. He currently is Chair of the Board of Directors for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce; Director of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Alumni Association; Director of the Cal Poly Corporation (which operates El Corral Bookstore and campus dining); Director of Softec, Central Coast Software and Technology Association; Area Director for Area 10Q of the American Youth Soccer Organization serving more than 6000 youths from Santa Ynez to Paso Robles; Chair of the National Intellectual Property Task Force; Past Director of the San Luis Obispo Literacy Council; Past Board Member of the Friends of the Prado Day Center, and Past Chairman of the Central Coast Natural History Organization.

“Most of my time outside of practicing law is spent in youth activities with my children and the American Youth Soccer Organization,” says Tom. “Even if I didn’t have children, I would be a volunteer to help youth in some way. I was given great opportunities and advice from the adult leaders in my life, and it shaped my life. I want to have the same positive effect that those leaders had on me.

It’s an honor and also great fun.”

Tom Lebens lives in Arroyo Grande with his wife and two children.

There were only two IP law firms in San Diego at which Tom applied for a clerkship.

Neither firm was looking for help, but having Eagle Scout on his resume got him an interview with Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery, one of the oldest law firms with continuous operations in the nation. After graduating with honors, the firm hired him as a Law Clerk, primarily for research. When one of the partners approached him about some technology issues, Tom was again at the forefront by installing the first email system for the firm. When he moved into a full-time attorney position, Tom worked on patents for medical devices, electronic products, defense work and automotive devices.

“IP work is very demanding intellectually,” says Lebens. “We work on algorithms and inventions that can be difficult to understand.

But, it’s exciting to be able to have the inventor teach you about their innovation. I am continually learning.”

Tom knew he always wanted to return to San Luis Obispo. His parents and grandparents resided in Arroyo Grande and he wanted to raise his children there. He just needed to figure out how to do it. Out of the blue, he got a call from Warren Sinsheimer. Warren was thinking about starting an Intellectual PropF E B R U A R Y

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music, love and life

rudolf budginas

By Natasha Dalton

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n a late winter afternoon, Rudolf and I were meeting for a cup of coffee. He was running late, but I didn’t mind. It was a beautiful sunny day in San Luis Obispo: an occasional whiff of ocean breeze swayed tall white calla lilies by the house next-door, and the light chill was beginning to fill the air. It felt good to sit on the patio of the coffeehouse watching how the low rays of the winter sun were gradually coloring the street in front of me in bright orange. Another minute – and the calla lilies would turn orange, too. That was the moment when Rudolf arrived.

At first, he didn’t want to sit outside and look at the lilies in the sunset, but then he agreed. “Are you sure?” I wanted to double check.

“Do I look unsure to you?” he answered.

Indeed, from what I know, “unsure” is hardly the word that applies to Rudolf. I’ve heard people describe him as “talented,” “amusing,” “funny,” “charming”… and also “determined,” and “complex,” but not “unsure.” In fact, some of Rudolf’s good friends don’t hesitate to point out that he is known for having rather strong opinions. I say that to Rudolf, and it makes him chuckle. “Of course I have opinions!” he says. “An artist has to have strong opinions: that’s a part of your personality. I think you have to be very convinced of your philosophy of life, and you have to be very clear about it,” he adds emphatically.

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PEOPLE I caught up with the pianist Rudolf Budginas during a short break in his eighty-two cities tour across thirty-two states. Rudolf, who lives on the Central Coast now, was born in Lithuania, and as a child, attended the Churlyonis music school, then continued his education in the Moscow State Conservatory, and later received his Ph.D. from UCLA. From a very young age, he played in many musical capitals of the world dazzling his audience with his outstanding virtuosity.

He won a number of prestigious awards, including Yamaha of Europe Award and the First Prize in the International Liszt Piano Competition. Today, he plays for the American public – and his performances here are making a big splash, as well.

An artist with his background certainly knows a thing or two about technical perfection. But making a personal connection with the audience is just as important to Rudolf as “playing well.” “The skill means nothing,” he says. “It can be acquired by anybody [who] isn’t lazy.

Skill is only a tool – it’s the emotion (and its expression) that’s the most important element.”

So, in building his career, Rudolf chose to engage his public in a way rarely seen in traditional concert halls. “I’ve made my own arrangements, and I began to play with jazz and rock musicians, and orchestra – in all kinds of combinations,” he explains. This classically-trained pianist puts on a cowboy hat, brings along percussion instruments, and (given a chance) might even arrive on stage in a cherry-picker – hoping to stir up his audience’s curiosity. And when he plays – he plays “from a different perspective,” surprising listeners with his energy, wit and unorthodox interpretations of popular classical pieces.

I don’t agree. We cannot change the world. I think it’s much easier to change yourself than to change the audience. A lifetime won’t be enough for you to change others…”

“I am tired of playing for snobs,” Rudolf says.

“I want to play for people who come to the show to have a good time and to connect with me. There’s of course this image of classical musicians who say: ‘The audience doesn’t get this and that, and we have to understand it.’

“The relaxed nature of Budginas’ concerts offers a pleasant alternative to the often stilted environment of classical musical concerts or the rowdy experience of rock concerts,” Mr. Kiel adds approvingly.

“I choose music that doesn’t allow my audience to doze off,” Rudolf continues. “I play pieces that are light, recognizable, and very short, and I mix them up with entertaining talk that people can relate to.”

And it works. Rudolf still remembers with deep satisfaction how some ten years ago, a lady came up to him after his concert and said: “I don’t know anything about music, but today you made me choke up.” “Generally, I don’t even pay attention to compliments,” Rudolf comments. “I love when people flatter me,” he adds quickly. “Please, do! – but flattery stops you from growing.” That day, however, the lady’s words touched him so much because they were so personal: “She was telling how she felt.”

Professional musicians give Rudolf a similarly enthusiastic appraisal. “With amazing virtuosity and sometimes surprising subtlety, Budginas transitions effortlessly from classical to pop and back, spicing it all up with humorous interludes. From Bach to Brubeck, from Liszt to Latin rhythms, Jazz to Johnny Cash, Rudolf Budginas manages to stitch it all coherently together into a delightfully eclectic mix of musical styles and genres that appeals to just about every musical taste,” comments Ron Kiel, Concertmaster of the San Luis Chamber Orchestra – a musician known for his high standards.

Rudolf Budginas is not the first performing artist trying to dust off classics for new generations. Andy Griffith in The Andy Griffith Show was explaining Shakespeare’s tragedies to his little son Opie by comparing their characters’ behavior to that of his own neighbors.

A Polish musician Zmijewski came up with the idea of rendering Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from the cutout center in an installation of moving pianos. And who doesn’t remember the legendary Victor Borge’s routines! Like Borge, Budginas infuses his presentations of classical music with decidedly non-classical, humorous introductions.

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A fiery ball of energy on-stage, at home Rudolf especially enjoys lazy mornings and unhurried conversations around the dining table with friends and family. And how about this for a stereotype-breaker: this 38 year-old, who makes people cry with his renditions of Mozart and Beethoven, is a big fan of MTV! “I like very distorted, dark, depressing electronic and club types of music,” he admits; “grungy music makes me happy.

I’m always most curious about music, about fashion, about trends. It makes me current.

I never want to be left behind and become old-fashioned, saying things like: ‘oh, I only listen to my favorite bands from the 80-s!’

I want to know what’s going on the radio today; I like to be on top of events happening in the world. I don’t ever want to get old. I’m not planning on getting old!”

2010 is bound to become a particularly memorable year for Rudolf. First off, he is already planning a new program. Besides, in February he and his wife Lily are expecting their first child. The way Rudolf talks about his wife makes it clear that music isn’t the only big passion that fills his heart. “My wife makes me wonder about things,” he says. “She finds new angles to all aspects of life: relationships, art, politics – anything. She is someone who stimulates me to grow as a person. She is an attorney and is very analytical, but at the same time there is an artist inside of her, too. She plays piano, speaks six languages and knows art and history better than I do. We don’t even have a TV set at home. We start our dinner at ten, and then we talk. We always go to bed at one or two in the morning, because there’re so many things we can talk about.”

Lily is also the most trusted critic of Rudolf’s music. “Before every show I have to go through her censorship,” Rudolf says. “She is the only one who’d tell me honestly about the way I sound and act. She can be very ruthless, but her criticism makes me happy, because I know that I can trust her.”

This is Rudolf for you – a remarkable musician, an appreciative husband and a soonto-be dad. Like those callas in the bright evening light, Rudolf stands out in a crowd.

Approach him after the concert, and he’ll be glad to chat with you about music. But he is just as interested in talking about life, and love, and relationships – the things that connect all of us, musicians or not.

Rudolf with his wife, Lily

To learn more, go to www.rudlofpiano.com.

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betty Clemens: Still discovering artistic passion at 80

By Ruth Starr

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etty wears her age like a badge. At 80, she says she has lived a long and varied life. She began her love of writing in high school, living in the Santa Maria area. Later she moved to Washington State and became a creative writing major at the University of Washington. After graduation she earned a teaching certificate and for five years taught High School English and Spanish.

Following some financial setbacks, Betty moved back to California. She had made a conscious decision not to ask anyone for help, and that’s when she decided to start her own business. Betty began making a bread mix and sold it wholesale to stores. She said it was a lot easier to get started in a business in those days. It was a two-pound bag of mix and it made three pounds of bread by mixing water

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with it. To promote her product, she began to go to fairs in Paso Robles and Santa Maria.

She participated in seven fairs in 1973 and did very well with her products. At the 17-day Phoenix Fair things changed for Betty. She was placed in a huge building that housed home arts with only six commercial people inside. It was very slow moving and she was bored. She had tubs of flour that she had bought for the rolls and other ingredients. There was a dealer selling cinnamon and she decided to buy some and try her hand at making cinnamon rolls. It was an instant success. Soon everyone began buying Betty’s cinnamon rolls.

Betty married Ernie, her second husband of thirty years. They opened up a store, Old West Cinnamon Rolls, in Pismo Beach. Her

PEOPLE When in her thirties, Betty took up carving with wood and stone. Carving became her next love. If she wasn’t teaching, cooking or writing – you could find her carving. She learned to sculpture. She was hooked after attending a sculpture symposium in Cambria.

Betty has a workshop set up at home, part indoors and part outdoors, where she continues to carve a variety of stone pieces. Some of her pieces have been on display at the San Luis Obispo Art Center. She is also an active member of the Crafters Group.

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Betty has carved a beautiful horse out of a piece of orange Calcite. It is displayed in her house atop a hill in Pismo Beach where the sun shines through it giving it a luminescent look. Her home is filled with many paintings and pieces of sculpture. My favorite was a Condor carved out of Alabaster.

Even at 80, Betty continues with her artistic passion. Her adoring husband Ernie looks at her lovingly and says, “I can’t keep up with her!”

son joined forces to manage and run the store. They still go to the fairs today with the cinnamon rolls, and the business has continued to be successful.

After her son took over the Cinnamon Roll store, Betty became interested in writing once again. She began researching her family tree and found relatives as far back as 1797. These were some of the folks that began the City of San Francisco. She was very interested in learning more about her family history.

Her first story was based on Mary Trejo, who lived in Lopez Canyon. Betty printed 500 books, and they sold out quickly. The rangers in Lopez Canyon, to this day, use the book in their talks about the history of Lopez Canyon.

Betty has also written a book called San Luis Obispo Bites and Recipes that is a special collection of recipes and anecdotes.

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HOME/OUTDOOR PULSE

change now... or else

By Julian J. Varela

W

hy is it that most of us generally wait until the New Year to create health and fitness goals when we had the prior year to reach them? Meaning, each January most people set health and fitness goals only to find that their new-found behaviors go up in smoke sometime in April. These goals are conveniently forgotten about until early summer when the realization occurs that soon we must trade in our winter and spring attire for swim shorts and bikinis. Some manage to jump start their routine for a couple of months only to find that fall is back in full swing with the holidays right around the corner. So, why start now when I’ll only gain the weight back during November and December?

The pattern is clear, and most of us at one point or another have fallen into it; perhaps over your lifetime. If you’re reading this article, it’s been about four weeks since the beginning of 2010: Are you on track to hit your goal? Are you feeling motivated, inspired and changed? Why is it that some people are remarkable at setting, hitting and maintaining goals while many fail miserably year after year? What are the secrets to changing our behavior for good?

One of the most successful doctors and founders of behavior change as it relates to heart health is Dr. Dean Ornish. For years, Dr. Ornish argued that patients diagnosed with heart diseases due to years of unhealthful habits could safely avoid surgery simply by following a vegetarian diet and engaging in daily physical activity. To prove his point, Ornish studied 333 patients whose insurance programs were willing to pay for them to have coronary bypasses or angioplasties: 194 volunteered to try Ornish’s regime while the other 139 underwent heart surgery (Deutschman, Alan, Change or Die, 2007). The average age of the volunteers was only 58 years, but their medical records were frightening and intimidating: 50% suffered from hypertension, 20% had diabetes, 66% had smoked, 58% had family histories of heart disease and 55% had already suffered heart attacks.

A team of cardiologists, psychologists, nurses, personal trainers, dieticians, yoga and meditation instructors and chefs met with Ornish’s patients for three months, three times per week for four hours each time: an hour for exercise, an hour for yoga and meditation and an hour for a meal. For nine months thereafter they got together only once per week. Patients were left on their own for the second and third year. It turned out that 77% of the participants had changed their lifestyle so thoroughly that they safely avoided the need for heart surgery. On average the 194 volunteers still practiced yoga and meditation twice per week and stuck to the low-fat diet. And the savings to our health care system? The Ornish program had only cost $7,000 per patient, while the bypass surgeries and associated costs would have cost over $30,000 per patient. It’s pretty clear that the Ornish program works; even for those that treated their body so poorly that they were approved for surgery. The questions are, why was this program so effective at long-term behavior change, and how we can use these key concepts to change our own behavior for good?

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The key concepts that led to behavior change for the Ornish patients as explained by Alan Deutschman, author of Change or Die, are Relate, Repeat and Reframe. Let’s discuss.

Key #1 – Relate: The conventional approach usually starts with a relationship between the patient and the cardiologist and generally stops there. The patient is told to “change or else you’re going to die” and then leaves in fear.

This approach may work for a few months but not permanently. The approach with Dr. Ornish’s program however included a relationship with a team of experts within a community of other patients who all strive to help one another and inspire hope. The key for your own health is to find and create your dream team of experts and/or friends and family who can relate and support you.

Key #2 – Repeat: The Ornish patients spent many hours every week with a variety of professionals who had the right training and beliefs to help them learn, practice and master the new habits and skills that they’d need to continue their new found habits.

While the typical cardiologist doesn’t fully believe patients can change their lifestyles, the yoga teacher believes patients can and will learn how to stretch, breathe and meditate. The personal trainers are confident about getting them to walk consistently, and the chef knows the food she prepares is so delicious the patients will enjoy it even if its vegetarian. The support group helps patients get into the habit of talking about their feelings with friends and finding hope from a sense of camaraderie and connectedness.

It’s understood that smoking, drinking, overeating, overworking and venting anger aren’t really the “problems” for heart patients. The real problems are depression, loneliness, isolation, stress, unhappiness, powerlessness, anxiety, fear, hopelessness and purposelessness. All of these are psychological, emotional and spiritual, and most of these have been remedied with “solutions” although unhealthy “solutions.”

But when you’re unhappy, getting through the day is more important than living longer. The take-home message here is to consistently work with your support network and truly learn your new skills until they become part of your normal day-to-day routine.

Key #3 – Reframe: Thirty to forty years ago, many patients and doctors would have laughed when told that lifting weights, walking, meditation, spirituality, friendship and community would reduce the risk of heart disease or chronic illness. Now we know that physical health depends much on finding meaning and purpose in life.

That’s where the third change comes in. You need a relationship that helps you “reframe” and learn new ways of thinking. It’s important to seek and nurture relationships where you find support with people who can help you become heroic with your health, not helpless, individuals who inspire you to take responsibility for your health rather than live irresponsibly.

Learning new skills and living life a little differently may seem difficult, but it is possible; you just need the right team of people to support you consistently along the way. This year let’s not fall back into the disappointing cycle that we have year after year. This is the year to change for good.

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

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

HOME/OUTDOOR

Nutrition

Rethink your place – move away from the accustomed large portions of meat.

Instead build a plate with equal portions of vegetables, whole grains and healthy protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu.

heart healthy valentine’s day

By Shelley A. Matson

O

ur hearts are easily one of our most prized possessions; we can’t live or love without them.

This Valentine’s day, give your heart some love by eating these foods that are proven to help prevent heart disease.

Almonds and walnuts contain unsaturated fats that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Nutrition research finds that people who eat nuts regularly are less likely to have heart attacks. Recommendations are one small handful of nuts per day.

Blueberries – these antioxidant-containing berries repeatedly show up on healthy food

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lists. Anthocyanin is the antioxidant responsible for the deep blue color and is one of the most powerful disease-fighting nutrients.

Buy blueberries fresh, frozen, or dried to put in cereal, muffins, or trail mix.

Broccoli and spinach – both dark green vegetables are packed with photochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that fight heart disease. Hands down they are the two powerhouses of the vegetable kingdom.

red wine and dark chocolate – in honor of Valentine’s Day choosing a glass of red wine offers more cardiovascular benefits than other alcoholic drinks. Both red wine and dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa content) contain reservatrol and flavoinoids, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. The key to these heart-healthy foods is of course, a small portion.

This is a convenient list to remember which foods are beneficial for your heart, but remember that heart health is not a “one day� experience. Consistent nourishment from a variety of these sources is key.

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

Salmon – abundant in protein and full of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, the American Heart Association recommends eating salmon twice a week.

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

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S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

Fast and Easy Ways to Enhance Your Home in a Weekend

By Statepoint Media

W

hy suffer through a long and expensive kitchen or bathroom remodeling project when you can give these rooms a quick facelift over a weekend?

Dingy cabinets and dull appliances can be spruced up without being replaced or refinished professionally. All it takes is some spray paint and DIY pointers.

“With fewer tools and less clean-up than traditional painting, you can easily give your home a professional looking upgrade using spray paint,” said Jane Ryder, Category Manager at Valspar. “Spray paint is not just for wicker furniture anymore. It has incredible versatility – you can create an antique crackle vase, suede DVD rack or chalkboard all with spray paint.”

Jazz up your kitchen or bath with these projects:

• Clean surfaces with a damp, soapy cloth to remove grease. Rinse and let dry.

Refresh Kitchen Cupboards

• Lay down newspaper and make sure workspace is well-ventilated.

If your existing kitchen cupboards need upgrading, simply spray paint them to get the appearance of new units. This works best on cupboards and drawers made of MDF, pressboard or melamine.

• All you need is coarse sandpaper, newspaper, a screwdriver, masking tape and the right spray paint, such as Valspar’s Cupboard Colors.

• Remove drawers and doors and strip off hardware including handles. If handles are glued on, wrap them with masking tape. Sand units with rough or damaged surfaces.

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• Spray unit fronts with several thin coats of paint in a color of your choice, leaving five minutes between coats. Follow instructions on the can for the perfect finish.

• Once fully dry, reassemble units.

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Stainless Steel Appliance paint, which can be used on most metal surfaces except sinks, ovens, stovetops or any surface that reaches over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Empty and unplug the fridge. Remove it from the kitchen to a well-ventilated space with room for you to reach the sides. Mask the surrounding area with newspaper.

• Wash the outside of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water to remove grease or grime, then rinse.

• Once dry, use masking tape to shield handles, gadgets or other areas from the paint.

• Spray the front, sides and top. Several thin coats will give the best result.

Frost Glass Doors tor an upgrade by “silvering” it yourself.

• You need newspaper, masking tape, and special spray paint, such as Valspar’s

An old, glass cabinet can easily be turned into a bathroom centerpiece by frosting its windows.

• You’ll need sandpaper, masking tape,

newspaper, colored spray paint and Glass Frosting spray paint.

• Make sure the glass is clean, dry and free from grease.

• Lightly sand the cabinet to remove flaking paint, then remove dust with a damp cloth.

• Once dry, use a paper cut out or masking tape on the glass doors to create a design.

Wherever there is tape or paper, the glass will remain clear.

• Spray very thin coats of glass frosting paint and allow to fully dry.

• Cover the glass with newspaper and masking tape, masking off handles or key mountings.

• Spray the cabinet with colored spray paint using thin coats. You could also spray the inside for a neat effect through the frosted glass!

• Remove the tape and newspaper when dry.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

ORGANIC California Un-roll (aka Salad with local avocado)

at the market

FOR THE SUSHI RICE: 2 cups short grain brown rice (or sticky brown rice works as well) 4 cups water ½ cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. sea salt

By Sarah Hedger

F

ebruary is probably one of the best times (not the only time) to celebrate the love in our lives. Be it with our families, those we choose to share our lives with, our loyal cats and dogs, or with our self, it is a good time to be grateful.

Along those same lines, it is also a great time to show our appreciation to those we are grateful to, and for me personally, I can think of few better ways to show my appreciation than giving the gift of a good meal. As domestic goddess-like (or any other word you prefer) that may sound, with a good meal, you are giving the gift of health, which I have found to be appreciated by many! February brings an assortment of produce to the markets including (and by no means limited to) our amazing local avocados, beets, broccoli, chard, and a variety of citrus. While some ingredients such as winter squash continue to carry over into February, we start seeing the beginnings of Spring ingredients toward the end of the month.

This month’s recipe is one that I’ve been wanting to make for quite some time. While tempted to continue with the well known chocolate theme of February, I decided to continue with the health theme for the New Year. Let me rephrase that; continue with the delicious health theme for the New Year. Yes, healthy meals can be delicious and delicious meals can be healthy.

This recipe is just one example. It is essentially a homemade California roll, unwrapped.

It is a fun meal because it can both be prepared and presented as a complete salad or it can be presented in a way where people can make their own based on their personal preferences. The California (un) roll not only incorporates a healthy feast, but F E B R U A R Y

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also utilizes the amazingly brilliant avocado we are blessed (yes, blessed) to have in our backyards. Some still have resistance to the avocado because there is no hiding the fact that it has fat in it and if you eat a fair amount, the caloric content can add up.

However, in my book, there are more than a few reasons that make the avocado worthy, such as… Similar to olive oil and almonds, avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats, meaning healthy fats which our bodies benefit from (in moderation). Every 100 grams of avocado contains close to 7 grams of fiber as well as having over 60% more potassium than the average banana. And, above all, they taste great. In all honesty, it took about 15 years into my life to enjoy avocados as there was something about the consistency I didn’t appreciate as a child.

That said, regardless of your experience with using these ingredients in the past, this salad/unroll is a great, simple, and fun way to try something new (and healthy). Feel free to use this recipe as a base recipe that serves 4. Other protein elements can easily be substituted depending on your preferences.

Vegetarians can make easy substitutions and other sustainable, wild seafood can easily be substituted for the crab. Whatever you do, be light about it and remember there is no “wrong” way. Giving the gift of health is one of the best gifts out there.

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FOR THE SALAD: 1 pound crab (highly recommend the frozen Wild King Crab found at Costco on Fridays in SLO) 1 organic carrot, washed, peeled, and finely chopped julienne or grated 1 organic cucumber, washed, peeled, and finely chopped julienne or grated 1 organic, local avocado, halved, pitted and thinly sliced 1 oz. sunflower sprouts, rinsed (or other spicy sprout) 2-3 green onions, rinsed, finely chopped 4-6 sheets Nori seaweed (Asian Market on Monterey Street or most grocery stores) EXTRAS: Pickled ginger Wasabi powder (mixed to taste into paste) Soy sauce (or reduced sodium soy sauce) Toasted sesame seeds Spicy Sauce (equal parts Sambal chile sauce mixed with mayo) *The Ginger People make a great Ginger Wasabi Sauce/Dressing that works beautiful on this salad (definitely found at New Frontiers, other stores unknown) Rinse rice under running water until the water runs clear. Cook rice however you are most comfortable cooking rice, be it in a rice cooker (brilliant), pressure cooker (my choice), or standard pot with lid. In microwave safe bowl, heat vinegar, sugar, and sea salt for 30 seconds until hot.

Stir to dissolve salt and sugar. When rice is done cooking, drizzle with half the vinegar/sugar/salt mixture (reserve remaining mixture in separate bowl) and gently fold to incorporate. Be careful to not over mix as rice is vulnerable and can become mushy. Spread the hot rice mixture on a cookie sheet and set in freezer for 15-30 minutes while you prepare salad.

Wash crab legs thoroughly under warm running water, separating the legs at the joints. With kitchen scissors, cut the crab legs lengthwise, pull out the meat and place aside in bowl. Separately toss the carrots and cucumber with ¼ cup each of reserved vinegar/sugar/salt mixture and let sit for 15 minutes or so (while you are finishing up prep). On large cutting board or plate, organize salad ingredients. Remove rice from freezer and spoon into bottom of serving bowls.

Place crab, carrot, cucumber, avocado, sprouts, green onions, and coarsely shredded Nori on top of rice. Sprinkle with extras and enjoy- It’s simple and delicious!

HOME/OUTDOOR

21

Kitchen Ideas

finding your focal point

By Lisha Perini, Lee Anna and Don O’Daniel

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

A

room without a focal point – an emphasis that engages your attention when you enter – is a room that’s not really finished. There are many ways to create a focal point, the simplest one being by function (something that is functional to the space); for example, in a bedroom, the obvious focus would be the bed.

Following this logic, a kitchen’s focal point could be the range and/or a hood, the sink area, or perhaps an island with a dramatic shape. A farmhouse sink with colorful wall tile behind it, and some type of period light fixture above it, would be one idea. Another functional place is the cooktop, which could be impressively large or professional. Back it up with a custom-built wood or plastered hood surround, and it becomes an overall architectural statement, too. Of course, with the proliferation of sculptural hoods now on the market, perhaps a really daringly shaped hood in a chrome or copper finish would be the arresting object you seek. You can increase the impact by choosing a brightly-colored range such as one by Viking or AGA.

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A second way to create a focal point is by design. In this method, you choose an area to make interesting strictly for the sake of decoration.

For example, you might want a large display of plates or a collection of antique gadgets. If you find you have three or four examples of a particular item, you’re on your way to having a collection to show off. Plates are ideal for this, especially if they’re old and interesting. So are botanical prints. Strive for uniformity either of color or type, and group them together, or hang them around the room below a crown moulding.

Tile, whether on the floor or in the backsplash area, makes a great decorative statement. Designers can create a mural effect, a geometric pattern, or even a “faux rug” using a mosaic arrangement of tile. It can set the color palette for the rest of the room.

Even a window can be a focal point, whether or not it has a wonderful view. You can use window coverings to give some visual impact, perhaps with a fabric awning or colorful curtains. With a picture window, you might place glass shelves across the expanse and put a collection of vases, jars of preserved vegetables, or perhaps small growing pots of herbs on them.

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In kitchens with tall ceilings, a vertical space of 1 foot or more above the upper cabinets can display a collection of old tins, wicker baskets, metal pots, and so forth. I had one client who showcased her entire collection of shiny coffeepots (numbering about 40) on open shelves in front of a window. And speaking of pots, many people love the look of a large pot rack holding a colorful pot and pan collection and hanging in full view.

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Of course, the room’s focal point should also encourage you to appreciate the rest of the space, so you’ll want to balance it by choosing other elements such that your eyes rove around the room rhythmically and then get drawn back to the focal point. You can achieve this by using repetition of some aspect of the focal point, such as a shape or finish color, thoughtfully placed elsewhere throughout the kitchen.

You don’t want your focal point to be “the elephant in the room.”

567 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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HOME/OUTDOOR book writer

Jeanne Kinney

By Sandy Baer

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ---Henry Miller When Jeanne Kinney moved to San Luis Obispo from Pasadena in 2003, she had a new way of seeing the historic Railroad District and serendipitously discovered a Lymanbuilt house on Upham Street, which she eventually purchased in 2006 and restored to its early 1920’s architectural style.

“I’ve always liked San Luis Obispo and after renting here for three years, I made the com-

mitment to ‘buy into’ the community,” Kinney says. “I am an outdoors type and enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and other activities that San Luis Obispo County affords, with its mountains, beaches, and the open space around town.”

“I’ve always wanted to live in an older home downtown, and I got lucky,” Kinney says.

“After I bought the home, my interest in the builder, Harry Elmer Lyman, was heightened by noting its tightness of construction, as well as design. It started as a curiosity but evolved into extensive research.”

Kinney provides a new way of looking at 24 of the more than 100 structures built by Lyman between 1908 and 1928 in her recent (October 2009) limited edition publication, Lyman – Sample Projects 1910-1928, San Luis Obispo. Featuring mostly residential buildings, largely in Old Town and particularly on Upham and surrounding streets, Kinney’s monograph reflects her skills as a consummate researcher as well as an architect, writer, photographer and real estate appraiser.

“This project worked out to use my architectural background, writing and photography plus my love for older buildings.” Kinney says.

“My grandfather, an East Coast contemporary of Harry Lyman, was a carpenter/builder in Pennsylvania. I remember a small apartment complex he built that I loved. I thought of him often while doing this research.”

Lyman designed bathroom

Lyman designed archway

Kinney was born in Philadelphia and grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Collingswood High School. After an initial move to California, she returned to New York City and received her B.A. in English from City College of New York in 1973. She also received a certificate from the New York Institute of Photography. “I always wanted to be an architect, but because then it was frowned upon and discouraged for women, I studied English.” Kinney says.

“Even when I was very young, I wanted to be an architect. I most admired Frank Lloyd Wright because his hotel remained standing in the 1923 Japanese earthquake,” F E B R U A R Y

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Kinney biking in Avila

Kinney recalls. “I was and still am into floor plans. I remember designing houses based on the stairway in Gone With The Wind and other notable homes in movies. I really like that the profession has opened up so much to women since Julia Morgan practiced here.”

Kinney returned to California and received her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in 1981. “I worked in Los Angeles as an architect for a few different firms. It was a very difficult time for architects as interest rates were high and there was little new construction, much like the times we are in now. I didn’t have the luxury of specializing in residential or commercial. You did what you were assigned,” Kinney says.

Kinney eventually combined her interests and skills in architecture and writing and became an appraiser with a career in Southern California that spanned nearly 30 years.

She photographed hundreds of buildings, did extensive real estate research and wrote narrative reports on the properties, all skills she has imparted in her book.

So it seemed natural that her interest in Harry Lyman and the structures he built would evolve into a monograph detailing the history of two dozen of these solidly built California bungalows. Kinney’s home was described in a 1983 historical survey by the city as “California bungaloid.” As Kinney noted in her book, “The vast majority of his work was single-story, wood-framed residences with a simple elegance. The designs are assured, and the craftsmanship solid. Reportedly, he had clients who were so pleased with his work that they didn’t ask for a bid. To a very select group, his reputation as a builder of good solid homes remains to this day.”

HOME/OUTDOOR

Kinney leads a tour (front row center) of the Lyman built homes using her book as a guide.

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They were modest homes, generally around 1000 square feet. Kinney adds, “Porches tend to be standard on Lyman houses which is a very neighborly thing. Since that time, we have generally enclosed them for lack of use and added space.” Such is the case with the “sister” property next door to Kinney’s 1923 property. Built as a rental, it underwent a major altercation to its facade in 1955 when the porch was enclosed.

Current resident Roberta Soules bought the home in 1982. “I had been in the home once before I actually bought the property,” Soules recalls. I knew then this was the house I wanted. It was only on the market for an hour before I paid full price for it!” Well into his 90s, Soules’ grandfather, one-time principal of Santa Barbara High School and woodworking teacher at UC-Santa Barbara, inspected the house and declared it “extremely well-made.”

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Soules says, “The design flow of the layout is great. Even though it is small, it doesn’t feel like it. There are a lot of really nice built-ins, for instance. I love living in this house.” Kinney concurs as she writes in her book of her house, “Its wood floors, fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and nine-foot ceilings would be unusual in any affordable housing in this age. The house has a wonderful flow that belies its small size.”

“It is notable that many people of modest incomes could commission a custom residence. I also observed that many people (related or not) could live at one address in very small homes,” Kinney says. Others recognize the historical significance of the Lyman-built structures, as the city has named eight Lyman-built properties on its Master List of Historical Resources and four are on its Contributing List.

Kinney’s interests are not confined to historical homes even though she recently led an architectural tour of her neighborhood. “I offered it as a charity gift at the SLO Skiers Auction and six people in the club bought it. I also want to do an architectural bike tour which is something I taught at UCLA Extension many years ago.” Kinney cross-country skis with SLO Skiers at Glacier Point in Yosemite and does long and short distance bike rides with the SLO Bike Club. “My favorite place to bike is along the North Coast. But my longest ride was 50 miles, between Goleta and Ventura.” She is also a five-year member of the SLO Night Writers and specializes in writing non-fiction.

The legacy of Harry Elmer Lyman lives on through the loving maintenance and restoration of many of his California bungalow constructions in San Luis Obispo as well as their documentation in Kinney’s monograph, Lyman – Sample Projects 1910 – 1928, San Luis Obispo. The book is available for sale at the SLO County Historical Museum’s gift shop.

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johnny@realestategroup.com 962 Mill Street, SLO See more listings at www.realestategroup.com

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24

COMMUNITY

THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER: RESCUER OF STRANDED SEA MAMMALS

By Hilary Grant

T

hanks to the smash movie hit Ghostbusters, we all know who to phone when a haunting gets out of hand…comedians Bill Murray and Dan Ackroyd.

On a different, solemn note, Central Coast residents – especially those who live, work and play in one of the area’s many beach towns – might not be aware of the number to call when a sick or injured ocean mammal is found on shore. Luckily, more and more

locals are discovering the answer: The Marine Mammal Center (often shortened to TMMC), is the one organization here that’s trained to respond to exactly these sorts of emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Founded 35 years ago with its main office in Sausilito, just north of San Francisco, this non-profit’s 600-mile coastline coverage begins at the northern coast of Mendocino, and continues south into SLO County.

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SLO: Mary Bettencourt: 545-0731

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

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

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North County: Sandy Hexberg: 238-1529

A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS F E B R U A R Y

The Marine Mammal Center’s mission is cut and dry: utilizing about 800 specially trained volunteers, it rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured, sick and orphaned marine mammals, which includes seals, otters, sea lions, dolphins and whales.

When discovered, most of these mammals are dying or in dire distress. TMMC also works closely with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and the Long Marine Lab,

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The SLO Operations Office began 15 years ago in a volunteer’s garage. Then in 2006, thanks largely to Duke Energy, which recognized the importance of TMMC’s work, the Central Coast facility relocated to its current home, a state-of-the-art Triage and Rescue Center in Morro Bay.

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Promenade Shopping Center (between Chase Bank and Radio Shack)

445A Madonna Road -> Ê Õ ÃÊ"L ë ÊUÊ805.788.0220

COMMUNITY an organized research unit under the auspices of the University of California at Santa Cruz.

“Prior to our SLO location, volunteer crews had to drive down from Monterey or Sausalito,” says Lisa Harper Henderson, who began as a volunteer seven years ago, and since the summer of 2008, has headed TMMC’s Central Coast Operations. “So, by the time they got here, the animal had often been chased back into the water by bystanders, or even if it was dying, returned on its own.”

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“We’ve had volunteers who have been with TMMC since practically the beginning of the rescue range being extended to include SLO County,” she adds. “Our core volunteers now average seven to eight years, and are still with us.

“It can be addictive. From the free education and training that volunteers receive, to incredible people you work with, to being allowed to handle and care for these animals. And also, to making a difference for the mammals we treat, and making a difference to our environment.”

These days, with 61 area volunteers, the chances of those scenarios happening aren’t nearly as frequent.

Word about The Marine Mammal Center, says Harper Henderson, gets out in a lot of ways.

As a matter of fact, thanks to the Center’s always open hotline, about 1,600 marine mammals, covering the entire TMMC range, have been lovingly and gently rescued, stabilized, and in some cases, shipped to Sausilito for treatment, in the last year alone. More than 400 of those mammals were discovered on Central Coast beaches.

There’s signage at select beaches (“We’re working on adding more”), and many locals keep contact information from rescue cards handed out both during outreach and education presentations. Also, just prior to sea lion pup season, information is distributed to many SLO County businesses. TMMC mans a display booth at the annual Morro Bay Harbor Festival as well.

If that seems like a lot, it is.

Indeed, Harper Henderson says this figure is the largest number of sea mammals rescued since the Marine Center’s inception. “The average, for our entire range, is about 650 mammals per year,” she says.

“So, it’s been pretty overwhelming.”

Two separate problems, explains Harper Henderson, caused the unexpected rise.

Last spring and early summer, she says, there was a shortage of food for adolescent sea lions. Then last fall, a toxic algae bloom manifested, a circumstance that brought on seizures and central nervous system problems.

The latter, says Harper Henderson, has been particularly rampant in SLO County waters.

Still, Harper Henderson says that her TMMC volunteers like to “view difficulty as a challenge.”

To illustrate that point, Harper Henderson talks about the tricky disentanglement of a 700-pound, female elephant seal – also called an ES – found near a breeding colony at Piedras Blancas, a few minutes north of San Simeon.

“The animal had a packing strap around its midsection,” explains Harper Henderson. “When that happens, whether it’s that sort of strap, a fishing line, or netting, it begins to cut into the animal’s flesh as the animal grows. Without our intervention, the animal can die.”

What does Harper Henderson think is the most misunderstood thing about what she and The Marine Mammal Center do?

“People have said that we are interfering with nature,” she says. “But when the public is out on the coastline and observe a sick or injured mammal, they demand that someone do something.

“So, we provide a humanitarian response to these animals, and by doing so, provide basic human safety by preventing human interaction with wild animals, which can carry diseases and bite.”

Working with these water mammals, adds Harper Henderson, also helps scientists gain crucial knowledge about our constantly changing environment.

“What we do can help all of us better understand what’s going on in our oceans, and the oceans’ health,” she says. “These animals tell us what is coming next for the human population, and our planet. For me, it’s the chance to work with a great and diverse group of people – and become a steward of our oceans.”

“We’re all making a difference.”

To find out about volunteer training for The Marine Mammal Center’s SLO County Operations office, phone (805) 771-8302. To report a sea mammal in distress, call (805) 771-8300, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finally, learn more about The Marine Mammal Center at tmmc.org.

Harper Henderson says it took six volunteers to carefully herd the elephant seal toward a cliff, topography that was needed to use as a barrier for controlling the ES. In addition to its size and strength, the group also had to be careful of the mammal’s very impressive, biting teeth. It took several attempts – the belligerent seal kept resisting by completely rearing back her head in a very threatening way – until one brave volunteer quickly cut the strap.

“The center of her body then expanded, and she was able to go right back into the ocean,” says Harper Henderson. “She was aptly named ‘Strapless.’”

Those who enthusiastically take part in such rescues, she says, are ordinary heroes committed to marine mammals and ocean health.

Current Central Coast volunteers, says Harper Henderson, range from 18 years old to 75 years old, and include an attorney, computer experts, grocery workers, students from Cal Poly and Cuesta College, engineers, artists and contractors.

The Central Coast Marine Mammal Center Team F E B R U A R Y

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COMMUNITY

NEW VOICES ON THE ChORAL MUSIC LANDSCAPE

CANZONA WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE

By Susan Stewart Photos by Brian P. Lawler

O

n Sunday February 28th at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary of the United Methodist Church in San Luis Obispo, the longtime dreams of two of our county’s most respected musicians will come to life. That’s when the twenty-two voice choral ensemble, Canzona, will begin its inaugural concert—a carefully crafted program featuring Verdi’s Laudi alla Vergine Maria (one of his Four Sacred Pieces) and Aaron Copland’s Zion’s Walls.

Canzona (meaning “song” in Italian) Women’s Ensemble was cofounded by Cricket Handler and Jill Anderson, whose combined list of musical contributions to the Central Coast is long and illustrious. Their collaboration brings a balance of diverse musical interests to the choir’s repertoire, as well as decades of dedication to the world of choral music.

“I have loved singing in a treble ensemble since the time I attended summer music camp as a young teen,” said Handler. “I wanted to offer local women the chance to explore the rich and varied repertoire written for women’s chorus.”

“I had been intending to start a choral group of my own after I retired from the Pacific Repertory Opera,” said Anderson. “Cricket has a great knowledge of choral repertoire, particularly of the more modern period … so I thought we would complement each other since I’m more familiar with classical and early music.”

“I hope that Canzona will serve as a mentoring organization for young female singers, encouraging them to sing throughout their school years and beyond,” said Handler.

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Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music / Voice, a Master of Music in Opera from USC, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance. She was a singer with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and also founded a five-member chamber ensemble called Qualche Voce while still in L.A. Since moving to this area, she has been a soloist and chorister with the Mozart Festival Chorus, the Cuesta Master Chorale, and the SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble. Anderson sang for ten seasons with the San Francisco Opera. She established the Pacific Repertory Opera on the Central Coast where she served as artistic director for 23 years.

Handler, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music and a Master of Music in Choral Studies from USC, has been a singer and assistant director with the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble for many years. She served as cantor at Congregation Beth David and Temple Ner Shalom; taught in the choral program at Morro Bay High; and was executive director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony for nine years. Handler continues to be an integral part of San Luis Obispo High School’s choral music program.

“I hope that Canzona will serve as a mentoring organization for young female singers, encouraging them to sing throughout their school years and beyond,” said Handler.

In keeping with that goal, Handler and Anderson have asked Canzona member Melody Svennungsen, conductor of the Central Coast Children’s Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, to invite some of her young singers to join them in a selection for this first concert. She’ll conduct a vocal jazz arrangement of Disney’s “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Canzona’s other musical guests will include SLO Symphony violinist Pam Dassenko who will be featured in a set of Five Hebrew Love Songs by well-known American composer Eric Whitacre. Set to poetry written by Whitacre’s wife, Israeli-born Hila Plitman, these moving songs

COMMUNITY year by local composer Meredith Brammeier of the Cal Poly faculty. We are also exploring modern music from other countries such as Finland and Bulgaria.”

Handler and Anderson originally invited 26 women to join Canzona, believing that only about half would sign on and intending to end up with a core of 16. It’s a testament to the respect they each command in the musical community that 22 of the 26 made the commitment.

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The church at 1515 Fredericks is a perfect venue for Canzona’s first performance: not too big, not too small, centrally located, and with wonderful acoustics. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and can be purchased by calling 542-0506.

“Mature women’s voices differ from the lighter quality of high school and college female ensembles,” said Anderson. “We hope people will be enticed to come and hear us.”

Cricket Handler

Jill Anderson

will open the second half of the concert. Dassenko will also accompany Jill Anderson as she performs two songs by Vaughan Williams.

Harpist Jennifer Sayre is slated to be a guest artist for Canzona’s May concert.

English madrigals, Brahms Folk Songs, the whimsical “Log Driver’s Waltz” and one of Ron Nelson’s Three Mountain Ballads, “He’s Gone Away,” provide an intriguing mix of early classical music and modern American compositions.

“Cricket is a great champion of new music,” said Anderson. “We are doing a piece this F E B R U A R Y

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COMMUNITY

the dog next door Shitzu-Love X8 Story and Photo By Jeanne Harris

A

re they all yours? It is the most common question Terri Quinn and Gary Faucette are asked when they take their brood of shitzus out and about. And yes, all eight of them make their home with the couple. Another frequent question: Are they all related? Well, yes and no. Cinnaman has the same mother as Sasha and Sage, but is five years older. Sienna, 13, is not related to the others. Sasha and Sage are sisters and are 9. Six-year-old Sheba is not related to the older dogs, but is the mother of Simba, Sugar Plum and Spirit, littermates who are now 3 years old. They’re a dizzying, sweet concoction of s’s. This happy pack of bright-eyed pooches is affectionately referred to by family members as “the puppies.” They are loving, engaging, sometimes naughty, and always entertaining.

skidding to a stop when they reach Gary’s side. He then ushers them to the official cheese-eating location. They line-up, like hairy little soldiers, waiting patiently for their turn. Except for Spirit. As Gary offers a piece to each one, they accept it politely. Spirit, however, takes her cheese then sneakily walks to the back of the pack and reenters the line. She does this every night. And most nights she gets an extra tidbit, because she is so clever.

The youngest three, Spirit, Simba and Sugar Plum tend to be the instigators of naughtiness. One day Terri and Gary were gone for the afternoon, leaving the dogs in their usual enclosed area. Upon arriving home, the couple discovered the house had been T.P.’d, but not on the outside. While home alone, the pups sniffed out several packages of toilet paper and went wild. They gleefully streamed the white, twoply sheets from the bathroom, through the hallway and into the living room, shredding the soft paper with their tiny, sharp teeth, creating a look of fresh snowfall, in July.

These bundles of bouncing energy need exercise and socializing. It is quite a sight when walking them in the neighborhood. Walks are usually quick. In no time, the eight brightly colored leashes become entangled in a rainbow web of knots. While the dogs try to keep a quick pace, they ultimately come to a dead stop, unable to move forward or backward, unwittingly lassoed by the twisted, snarled leads.

While this is a challenging feat for Terri and Gary, it provides great hilarity to neighbors fortunate enough to be out at just the right time to witness it. The couple prefers to take the gang to the dog park in Arroyo Grande as often as possible. It is the kids’ favorite place – they love running free in the cool, soft grass, meeting other dogs, and sometimes having play dates with shitzu friends.

The family has a variety of routines. Terri has her morning “meditation” time with the dogs. She sits on the large leather couch, surrounded by the pups, looking out the expansive window at the beautiful view, sipping her tea. Each dog has its own perch place. Sasha lies on the back of the couch, to the right of Terri; Simba is behind Terri, serving as companion as well as a pillow for her head. Sheba cuddles next to Terri’s leg and Spirit is next to Sheba. Cinnaman claims his spot on the couch as well, while Sage prefers the loveseat. Sugar Plum claims Terri’s lap. It is a peaceful, quiet ritual and is Terri’s favorite part of her day.

Even though there are many advantages to having a houseful of happy dogs, there are drawbacks as well. Feeding them, grooming them, and providing necessary veterinary care is costly. And Terri and Gary must maintain a special permit through SLO County Animal Services. The permit must be renewed each year, and an annual inspection is made of their home to assure the dogs are being properly cared for. Finally, an abundance of dogs means an abundance of love, but also, inevitable loss. Sadly, just recently, Sienna, their shy, elderly girl passed away. It was sudden and they are grieving the loss of her gentle, quiet presence.

In the evening, after dinner and before bedtime, Gary nonchalantly walks to the kitchen. Every fuzzy head pops up. Their eyes focus, heads tilt as they wait with great anticipation for the magic word…

“Cheese!” It’s their cue to scramble to the kitchen, fur flying, paws

Needless to say, there will be ample shitzu-love at the Quinn-Faucette home on February 14th. This pack of funny, mustached fur babies are great reminders that living each day with joy, and giving and receiving love can help make every day, Valentine’s Day.

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Our Schools: education priority for 2010

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

T

he priority, as well as a challenge, in 2010 for our county’s public schools continues to be closing the achievement gap between those students who are not yet proficient in English and the majority of our students. English learners perform about 30 percentile points lower than the average for all students in the county on state tests. Our English learners represent about 15% of the 34,700 students in our schools and this number is steadily increasing. The consequence of not narrowing this achievement gap is a colossal waste of personal, social and economic potential for the future of our community, state and nation. We simply cannot afford to have significant numbers of students who leave our schools, often by dropping out, unprepared to be contributing citizens and economically competitive. On a statewide basis, our State Superintendent, Jack O’Connell, had been a leader in efforts to close the achievement gap.

The good news for 2010, just like 2009, is that we know what works to substantially narrow this gap in student achievement for English learners.

Quality Teachers. The most important factor, hands down, in narrowing the achievement gap for English learners is the quality of the teachers who stand before our students each day. This is no surprise since the quality of teaching is also the most important factor for the success of all students.

Building and retaining a quality teaching staff requires a long-term, steady commitment to continuous training and improvement; quality time for planning and collaboration; supportive and knowledgeable leadership; reasonable working conditions such as low class sizes, access to current performance data, and adequate materials; and, yes, competitive compensation. Simplistic proposals for merit pay or evaluating teachers based on student test performance serve only to distract us from the real work of providing quality teachers for our students. The work of recruiting, retaining and rewarding quality teachers may not be flashy, but it is absolutely essential in order to have quality schools for all students.

Quality Assistance. English learners come to our schools with a variety of skills. Some are from bilingual and biliterate families and

need limited assistance; some come from families where no English is spoken and need greater assistance; and a few students come from families whose literacy skills in their native language are low. These students need intensive assistance over a longer period of time. In order to meet these various student needs, we should have targeted assistance based on each student’s circumstances. This usually means additional tutorial or small group assistance, either during the school day or after school, under the guidance of skilled staff.

Quality Preschool. The research is clear that young English learners benefit greatly from a quality preschool experience at ages three and four. Early English language development under the guidance of a skilled preschool teacher provides English learners with skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn rather then starting school already behind their peers. Georgia Brown Elementary School in Paso Robles and Oceano Elementary School in the Lucia Mar Unified School District are local examples of the power of quality preschool for English learners. Unfortunately, many of our young English learners do not access to high quality preschool yet.

The bad news for 2010 is that our schools simply do not have the resources necessary to apply these solutions because our state legislators and Governor continue to under-invest in public education. Even before the current recession, California was 47 out of 50 states in per pupil expenditures. In his proposed state budget for 2010-2011, the Governor reduces existing funding for schools by another $1.7 billion which means a loss of about $9.4 million for schools in San Luis Obispo County. Because of this underfunding, we simply cannot attract and support quality teachers, principals or assistants. We cannot offer quality preschool for all children. Our teachers and principals struggle admirably to make do with existing funds, knowing full well that we are not making the progress needed to narrow the achievement gap for English learners.

My wish for 2010 is for legislators and a Governor who are committed to their moral obligation to invest in California’s future by investing in our children today.

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COMMUNITY

history

what do you know?

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

Answer the following: 1. Define verse, stanza and paragraph.

2. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 feet long at $20 per meter?

Grammar and math not really your strong suits? Let’s try American history and what is rarely noted as orthography: 3. Show the territorial growth of America.

4. Define and give an example of a trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, and linguals.

5. Write ten words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Still is bit rusty? Here’s a geography question: 6. Name all the republics of Europe and each capital.

Early photo of Emerson School

Now imagine the above – and 44 of similar challenge – as a final exam from the 8th grade! Undoubtedly duplicated elsewhere, the questions were used in Salina, Kansas in 1895. The youngsters also had to try naming an event connected with 1607, 1620, 1800, and 1865. Students had five hours to complete the exam (an hour was allotted for 10 questions in orthography alone).

They would need every minute in order to describe the mountains of North America. Those lucky enough to be able to attend school certainly were expected to have a well-trained memory and much more than the traditional concept of the “3r’s.”

Fortunately, in the Historical Society archives, there are numerous school reports, attendance data, schoolbooks, commencement/gradua-

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COMMUNITY tion programs and other education memorabilia but, unfortunately, no tests have yet come to light. Given the rural nature of the County, the dozens of one-room schools, any final exam may not have been as stringent. Simply having a room was a luxury.

Far from the expenses of today, the men would often build the school and the ladies would “decorate” the interiors. Students attended when possible.

exam from 8th grade, there may not have been a need for much further study to teach, but State law required a “rigorous and thorough examination and investigation” of any potential instructor. “Good moral character” was also an expectation.

In 1874, a twenty-page test included questions on music, natural history, grammar, algebra, and physiology among others. The examination was conducted by the County Superintendent and Board of Education acting as a Board of Examination administering questions from the State Board.

There were few amenities including indoor plumbing and any request to use the “rest room” was anything but restful as an outhouse (if there was any) could also prove home to various varmints.

For the 1880 exam, questions were developed by the five-member County Board. The six day examination required considerable amount of writing. Begun shortly before Christmas, all but two of the twelve applicants were successful in receiving a certificate.

In 1865, visitors described the only school in the “dilapidated” town of San Luis Obispo as a rented room “fifteen by twenty in which are crowded from 20 to 50 children, as the irregular attendance may be.”

There was a 12-foot long desk with backless benches. A dozen “claret boxes” completed student accommodations. With almost 900 county children between ages 4 and 18, less than 50 received any instruction. Expenses of almost $10 a month for “books and stationary” were viewed as high. The officials from the State headquarters wondered why a school wasn’t built for $200 when revenue was over $1700 annually. San Simeon had a county owned school, they commented, but “we believe…a log one.”

One of ten grammar questions required using the word “what” as a “relative pronoun, definitive adjective, adverb, and interjection” followed by the conjugation of verbs, some punctuation rules and an analysis of the difference between “lie” and “lay.”

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for the county’s Teacher’s Library that related to what was expected to be taught.

Subject matter was not the sole concern for a potential educator as questions regarding teaching methods were also on the test. “How would you develop the idea of a fraction in the mind of a pupil?” was asked along with “How would you teach Morals and Manners to pupils?” Unfortunately, no answers exist. Expectations have not changed too much as one essay required writing “a brief daily programme” of activities…today’s lesson plan.

The details of these qualifying exams continue for several pages. Once certified by the Board of Education, the certificate was valid for four years and allowed the holder to teach in any elementary school.

Afterward, an annual Teacher’s Institute was a requirement.

By the turn of the century, the dozens of schools in the county and the need for teachers led Myron Angel and others to propose the establishment of a state teacher’s institution – a normal school – for the county. They were unsuccessful in their efforts. Instead, the state agreed to a polytechnic school and California Polytechnic School was born.

Arithmetic included the following: “A ship leaving Canton 113 deg. 20 min. east finds her chronometer has lost 5 deg., 25 min. and 30 seconds. What is her longitude?”

Early in Statehood, the Board of Education was composed of the Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Surveyor General. Education was considered important and expensive. Sacramento needed to monitor all expenditures. Along with the ever-present political and revenue issues, teachers were also expected to be fit for duty.

History was not excluded and one question required naming the “present incumbent in each department” of the President’s Cabinet as well as giving “the causes of the War of 1812 and the Mexican war?” One of ten geography questions asked for the “origin of the coal beds” and the location of the most important.

Potential educators were not necessarily college graduates. Given the sample final

It is no wonder that the newspaper encouraged the Superintendent to purchase books

Thanks to Audrey Hooper for sharing the elementary school test and Hilliard Wood the State official’s comments.

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hospice corner Maintaining Quality hospice care

By Mary Diodati, RN

A

s a licensed and certified hospice agency, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast must be in compliance with Medicare Federal Conditions of Participation and California state licensing regulations. Hospice Partners is also CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc.) accredited and must meet and maintain hospice standards set forth by the Community Health Accreditation Program.

Every licensed hospice agency must have a quality assessment program in place in order to operate and provide hospice care to the community. At Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, we have a Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program to monitor the effectiveness of hospice services so that our agency can provide the highest quality patient care and emotional support to the terminally ill and their families. Our QAPI program is based on an ongoing planned approach to continuous quality improvement.

As the Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement Manager of Hospice Partners, my role to is to make sure that our agency provides quality services that enable our hospice patients the opportunity to live with peace and dignity during the final stages of their lives. It is also my responsibility to oversee and coordinate all the quality activities within our organization. I am responsible for ensuring agency compliance to all federal and state licensing regulations, internal policies and procedures, and CHAP accreditation guidelines. Our Quality Assessment Department achieves its mission by performing clinical record reviews; conducting mail surveys to determine physician and patient/family/ caregiver satisfaction; and providing staff education in efficiency and efficacy. Our job is to compile data, look for trends and patterns, and report on data collected related to patient care, safety, risk management, infection control and client satisfaction. If we find that care and services delivered do not match pre-determined indicators, a problem is identified and methods of resolving the problem is determined so

corrective actions can be implemented. Our ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and services.

We believe all hospice team members are responsible for quality improvement and play an integral part in identifying problems, collecting of data and reporting outcomes. QAPI staff works collaboratively with team members to ensure end-of-life care and services are patient/family centered and provided in a manner that is safe and effective.

The QAPI department also oversees Utilization Review. This includes ensuring appropriate utilization of patient medications, medical equipment and services; and making certain that patients continue to meet eligibility requirements set forth by the centers of Medicare services.

How do we measure our performance? Hospice Partners is a member of the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and participates in their benchmark activities. By comparing performance in our agency against other hospice agencies in California and nationally we create a culture of excellence and ownership of best practices. One benchmark measure we participate in is the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC). This is a post-death survey that asks questions about families’ perception of care as well as their own hospice experience. The survey assesses multiple areas of care including: patient comfort and emotional support, coordination of care, respect for the patient and provision of emotional support to the family. The wording and order of questions can’t be changed, this assures accurate benchmark comparisons. Hospice Partners consistently scores as high, or higher, than California and National results. For example, in 2009 100% of families surveyed

by Hospice Partners surveyed reported they would recommend hospice services. California results were 97.5% and National results were 98.3%.

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COMMUNITY Our economy is struggling to recover and find economic stability; the future of our health care is uncertain; unemployment is on the rise, but in all this turmoil one thing remains constant and that is Hospice Partners commitment to providing quality end-of-life care and services to our community. It is Hospice Partners privilege to serve you, and our hospice team thanks you for letting us into your hearts and homes.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Mary Diodati, RN, is the Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement Manager. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

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COMMUNITY

Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan

A

fellow Elk, Past Exalted Ruler Joe Reynolds turned me on to a remarkable “You Tube” video of the 1945 Surrender of the Japanese Empire aboard the USS Missouri. I downloaded it to my computer for future viewing It brought back some ancient memories. I saw it in 1945 at the Fremont theater. For readers who were not yet born in 1945, the movie news was where we got the news.

Today we get most of our news from TV via CNN, FOX, etc. In 1945 besides reading about it in the Telegram Tribune and hearing it on the radio, it was a thrill to see it as it had really happened. Today we see such activities as they happen. What a change in our lives TV has made.

I received an email from Michael Rogers who thanked me for reminding him and other veterans that we do have VA benefits if we go get them. Every veteran should register with the Veterans Administration to take advantage of any benefits they still have. For instance the VA furnished me with hearing aids. I once again enjoy talk-

ing to friends without having to ask them to repeat. Register at the VA Clinics in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria or at a County Veterans Service office.

My Hero of the Month is Ron Nelson of Atascadero. Ron is a WWII veteran and here is his story: He joined the US Navy in 1928. After training in San Diego, Ron rode the aircraft carrier the USS Ranger to San Pedro to board the USS Vestal, a Navy Repair ship, which was to be his home for the next eight years.

The Vestal sailed to Hawaii, and Nelson was assigned to the Optical Shop repairing range finders and telescopes in the City of Pearl while being assigned to the Vestal for sleeping quarters. He also worked on the Vestal in the Optical shop.

Nelson and friends were playing tennis early Sunday morning December 7, 1941 when a bunch of planes came flying by. At first they thought they were American. Suddenly they realized they had red meatball emblems and they were strafing at a low level. He said “We all jumped into an adjacent ditch.”

After they flew by, he returned to the military area and was assigned to a multiple 50 caliber machine gun turret where he spent the night.

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On December 8 he returned to the Vestal which had been badly damaged in the attack. It was hit by two bombs and beached so it wouldn’t sink. A welding crew was already working to repair the damage. He was sent to Mare Island, California for further optical training while the ship was repaired.

Casual Atmosphere – Serious Food

In June 1942 Nelson was transferred to the South Pacific on a Victory ship, where he rejoined the Vestal in the Solomon Island area. He spent the rest of the war all around the Pacific repairing optical equipment. His battle station was at the main range finder above the bridge with no protection except the railing. Fortunately they never came under direct attack.

OPEN 11:30 M-F

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

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

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CPO Ronald Nelson aboard the Vestal 1944

Ronald Nelson today

When discharged in January 1946, he worked for Lane Wells for several years. He passed the California Highway Patrol test and was hired in 1948 as a motorcycle cop in the El Monte CHP station. In 1953 he was transferred to Paso Robles and while there assisted CHP officer Ernie Tripke in the James Dean crash near Cholame. After being promoted to Lieutenant, he was assigned as the first Commander of the newly established Templeton CHP office and retired in 1975.

Be sure to keep in touch about veteran’s interests. Call me at home 543-1973 or via email frowan248@att.net. Be sure to come see me next month, March 2010, right here in the Journal Plus.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

February 2010

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D

owntown SLO: how’s it doing? That’s what Congresswoman Lois Capps asked on a recent Economy Recovery Tour visit where she solicited feedback from community business leaders on how Washington could provide some rx to our local economy where it’s needed most. Okay, it wasn’t just about Downtown but my two cents, if you don’t mind, would be to encourage Ms. Capps, and Mr. Schwarzenegger and SLO County and City, while we’re at it, to look to the past in developing financial policy as we forge a path to the future, on local, state and national levels.

D o w n t o w n

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or pay the rent? Congresswoman Capps was astute in her observation that there are many, many worthy projects demanding consideration. But first we have to stop the bleeding before we can pump it to the less critical areas. (Apologies to Ms. Capps, R.N., for my cheesy medical analogies.)

I

t’s true that industries like manufacturing, technology, education, energy and the like are essential for developing new jobs and finding Deborah Cash, CMSM, new ways to increase our GDP. But let’s not Executive Director overlook how the infrastructure we already have in place can boost efforts—perhaps even provide ’m sure that entities from local to federal levels are a cushion—of putting our eggs in the futurama basket. aware that the return on investments made in historical ow do we convince the powers that be that preservation and revitalization efforts is significant and is revitalization projects are as worthy of federal funding a line item, albeit unfunded, in California’s budget. Main as their sexier, soon-to-come-hither counterparts? With Street—yes! Funding—oh, sorry, no. Downtowns—and the facts: The cumulative success of the Main Street the small businesses housed therein—are, so they say, the Approach® and Main Street programs on the local level has backbone of America. They probably know deep in their earned a reputation as one of the most powerful economic hearts that not only is investing in programs like Main development tools in the nation. The National Trust Main Street advantageous financially for this country, but it also Street Center annually collects statistical information on pays off emotionally, physically and environmentally. Every economic activity in local Main Street programs nationwide. dollar spent in rehabilitation of our heritage comes back These statistics are tracked from 1980 to December 2008 tenfold in terms of happiness, satisfaction, lifestyle, health, and reflect activity in more than 2,200 communities. pride and security for future generations. But do you eat

I

H

On the Cover: Who doesn't LOVE Downtown Brown? The market mascot is a hit with every age group; in fact, many in our

community have 'grown up' with the lovable bear, getting hugs and high fives on Thursday nights at Farmers Market year 'round.

Very appropriate for this month's Valentine cover! Love ya Brown! Photo by Deborah Cash

Sweethearts Night at Farmers' Market

February 11, 2009 6-8:30pm Garden Street Music, candy, flowers and photo opportunity Spend a special evening together!

For more information call 541 0286 or visit www.downtownslo.com

Come celebrate with the ones you love at Farmers’ Market

W h a t ’ s

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2008 Reinvestment Statistics*

Dollars Reinvested:Total amount of reinvestment in physical improvements from public and private sources.

Net gain in businesses:

D o w n t o w n

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(The National Trust Main Street Center®) It just gets better!

$48.8 Billion

87,850

Net gain in jobs:

391,050

Number of building rehabilitations:

206,600

Reinvestment Ratio(i):- the average $25 to $1 number of dollars generated in each community for every dollar used to operate the local Main Street program. o what do we want? Access to capital. Tax credits.

Grants. Public/Private Partnerships. No bailouts, no subsidies, no handouts. Just the ability for people who are willing to put up their life’s savings and work hard to have access to funds that will generate more money for the local economy and beyond. WHAT OTHER INVESTMENT HAS A 20-YEAR HISTORY OF A 25 TO 1 RETURN? onsider: While these reinvestment statistics are important, numbers tell just part of the story—civic pride, leadership development, and community sustainability also increase when local stakeholders join with national partners to leverage their assets and build a future together.

* S

Reinvestment Statistics, The Main Street Program's Economic Success, Historic Preservation = Economic Development

o, thanks to Congresswoman Capps for her in-person, sincere solicitation of input from the trenches; we applaud her quest to improve the lives and economy of those in her district and her country. Let’s hope that a united effort by all of our elected officials will make 2010 the beginning of a new era…around Downtown.

S

C

Congresswoman Lois Capps talks with Wineman project architect Craig Smith about the economic rewards the mixed use project will deliver. Photo by Deborah Cash

REIS FAMILY M O RT U A R I E S

&

C R E M AT O RY

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

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N e w

B u s i n e s s

N e w s

Lofgren Therapy

Ly-Lan M V Lofgren (Owner) AASECT Certified Sex Therapist 1124 Nipomo Street, Suite A 762-4398 www.LofgrenTherapy.com You can’t avoid it, sexuality is everywhere you look, it seems. Whether it’s a ‘racy’ Carl’s Jr. commercial (think Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian), or the promise of a “good time” with the consumption of a certain brand of alcohol, in advertising and life, sexuality is constantly being thrown at us everyday. Despite this continual bombardment, certified American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapist Ly-Lan (Lee-Lan) Lofgren says many people strive to ignore it when really they need to embrace it. “For those who are open to it, understanding your sexuality can be a wonderful source of intimacy, joy, and pleasure in your life,” Lofgren said.

Lofgren earned her bachelors and masters degrees in social work from Rutgers University and worked in a variety of settings,

Baxter Moerman

Matthew Moerman and Matthew Baxter, Owners 1118 Morro Street 801-9117 www.BaxterMoerman.com Matthew Moerman is a fourth generation native of San Luis Obispo and met friend/business partner Matthew Baxter while working together in a local jewelry store. The pair decided to partner in 2007 and began selling their pieces to other local jewelers until they finished their line and could create their own showroom. That dream is now a reality with the opening of the duos’s Morro Street workshop and gallery: Baxter Moerman.

“We’re presenting quality material and unique designs,” Moerman said, “Our work is heavily influenced by the natural beauty of land and water.” Baxter and Moerman use their high quality craftsmanship as an art form to create each individual

Kastaways

including transitional housing, a methadone clinic, a residential treatment facility for foster children, intensive foster care, autism/special education, home health social work and hospital social work. After coming to California in 2001, Lofgren says she transitioned from a career in social work to become a sex therapist.

“Sexuality was a huge part of everything I was doing; I didn’t have the skills, so I looked into it a little more and things blossomed from there,” Lofgren said.

Lofgren offers counseling for all ages, genders, and sexualities as well as couples and individuals.

Counseling sessions address marital concerns, sexual dysfunction, desire levels, sexual abuse or any curiosities one might have. Confidential phone calls and emailing are available, as well as a wide variety of resources including books and videos. Lofgren is also an Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapist and uses these techniques to address anxiety and trauma recovery in sexuality. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 762-4398.

By Rebecca Joynt piece into its own unique ‘sculpture.’

“Our jewelry is really something nobody has seen before,” Baxter said, “We only use recycled metals and diamonds that are conflict-free because we care about the health of our earth, its future generations and the rights of all humans.”

Moerman said that they chose to bring their business Downtown because “Downtown is the perfect place to showcase what we have to offer because it’s got the atmosphere we were looking for. Everything we need to run our business is nearby and the location is set in an area where people come to find new things,” he said.

The jewelry itself is displayed in elegant hand-carved walnut cases, while the gallery offers a warm atmosphere that encourages its visitors to hang out and really appreciate everything Baxter Moerman has to offer. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30.

By Rebecca Joynt

she could sell her items as a hobby. With the decline in substitute teaching opportunities, Karen Duncan, Owner Duncan said she decided to open her 778 Marsh Street business Downtown for many reasons.

(805) 610-3153 “I wanted to be Downtown because of the great foot traffic we get throughout the day,” Kastaways in Downtown SLO is ‘grand Duncan said. “With all of the wonderful central’ for upscale vintage collectables and stores in the area, this is the place to be.” treasures. Located next to Hep Cat Clothing on Marsh Street, Kastaways offers a variety She continued by saying that she of items like clothing for men, women and enjoys owning her own business children, books, CDs, jewelry, shoes, musical because it allows her to do things instruments, artwork, furniture and home décor accessories other store owners may not have the flexibility to do. to name a few. But don’t confuse this resale boutique with “I have lower prices than most upscale vintage boutiques, ‘any old resale store’ emphasizes owner Karen Duncan. and I can run my own specials. For example, every month I “Kastaways is not a consignment store,” Duncan said, give a $50 gift certificate to a teacher,” Duncan said, “I ask “I don’t buy things from people that come in looking to every person or child that comes into the store if they are pawn their possessions.” Duncan says her approach is to or know a teacher in the area and I put their name on a list go out and search for unique items that can’t be found and pick one each month to receive a gift certificate.” just anywhere; she personally makes each selection.

Kastaways is open Tuesday-Saturday between 10 a.m.

Duncan, originally from southern California, has been living in to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Paso Robles for the last 15 years. She spent the last seven years as a By Reyes Miranda substitute teacher and began renting space in similar stores where

BUSINESS

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san luis county library goings on at your library

By Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Youth Services SLO County Library

S

an Luis Obispo County Libraries will be hosting “Master the Art of Reading” an Adult Winter Reading Program. Adults read 10 books and receive prizes and surprises (which vary from library to library). It began on January 15 and ends on April 15, 2010. When participants sign up they will receive a “Master the Art of Reading” log which lists 10 different categories of books. The participant is encouraged to read one book from a variety of genres. After completing the list, the reader returns to the library and gets goodies.

Participating libraries include San Luis Obispo City, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Atascadero. Cambria Library is doing a variation on the adult winter program “Chez Bibliotheque.” Just drop by and sign up for a chance to reward yourself for doing something you already love.

Other upcoming free San Luis County Library events include: • Film Noir Movie Series with panel discussion at the San Luis Obispo City Library.

Reference Librarian Lynn Wiech signing up Steve Kinsey for the adult winter program.

Bad guys, dangerous dames, and mystery light up the big screen at the library the second Wednesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in February, March and April. Film noir is a genre of Hollywood crime dramas produced from the 1930s to the 1950s. After each screening, local film experts will lead a discussion of the movie. Call the library for film titles.

• The Art of Chinese Dancing with Shiu-Ching-Hu McSparron at the Arroyo Grande Library on Saturday February 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Watch and learn the beautiful art of Chinese dancing from a local expert.

• Live Red-tailed Hawks with scientist Kara Hagedorn at the San Luis Obispo City Library on February 20th at 2:00 p.m. Meet a live red-tail hawk and learn about their lives from a local scientist.

• Travel through Tibet with Gordon Snider at the Arroyo Grande Library on Saturday February 20 at 2:00 p.m. Come share the magic of Tibet with local author Gordon Snider, who shares his love of the country through true travel stories and fictional novel Sigourney’s Quest.

• Local Author Lecture Series at the Morro Bay Library, Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m to noon. Meet area authors and illustrators to talk about their work and their craft.

• Check the San Luis Obispo County Library website to see what other free events are happening at a library in your part of the county: http://www.slolibrary.org/eventcal.htm.

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BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective Thankful to live in slotown

By SLO City Mayor, Dave Romero

F

or many California cities 2009 was a terrible year, with reduced revenues and increased costs to provide services, leading to the most difficult budget in many years. San Luis Obispo was not immune, and we struggled for many months to balance our budget while still maintaining reasonable service levels. Carryover funds from last budget year, measure Y funds, a reduced Capital Improvement Program and employee salary concessions all played major roles in arriving at a balanced budget.

On a personal note, 2009 will be memorable for me because of the sadness I felt with the announced retirement of City Manager Ken Hampian, Finance Director Bill Statler, Council Secretary Barbara Ehrbar and the resignation of City Attorney, Jonathan Lowell. I’ve worked with each of them almost every working day during my terms as Mayor. They are all most capable individuals and close friends as well. I will miss every one of them.

On a more positive note, there are many things to be thankful for in 2009: • Caltrans (with its funding limitations) was able to conduct major maintenance on every state highway within the city – and after more than a year of disruption the improvements are almost complete.

• The Nacimiento Waterline Project is almost complete, ahead of schedule and within budget.

San Luis Obispo is able to pay its share without major hardship to our users. We will now have ample supplies for all emergencies and sufficient to serve even our great-grandchildren.

Few California cities are so fortunate.

• The recession hit our city more gently than most other cities in California. With our large percentage of government employees, job and salary losses are more modest than in many areas. With our slow growth, we have fewer marginal home loans and fewer foreclosures.

• San Luis Obispo will continue to have outstanding employees, with well run depart-

Serving San

I am confident that 2010 will be a better year, with many businesses, individual residents and the city beginning to recover from the recession, I am looking forward to groundbreaking for a long awaited Target store and for Chinatown Development to get underway to rejuvenate a block of downtown. Both city hospitals will soon unveil plans for major expansion. With luck we’ll begin work on improving the Los Osos Valley Road Interchange.

Most of all I am looking foreword to progress on my favorite project, that is the upgrading of all street furnishings in downtown, helping it to become the most attractive in the state.

I am forever grateful to have been a part of our city administration for over 50 years, helping to guide it to an ever-improving status. In SLOTOWN, even the hard times are GOOD times compared to most other places in the world. We are all blessed to live here.

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

Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

F E B R U A R Y

ments, excellent fire and police, good streets, well operated water and sewer systems, many parks and playfields and a great downtown.

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eye oN business big talent boosting local business

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associate

I

t’s a new year, and we’re all jumping in with hope and a renewed commitment to even harder work. I’ve written in the past about the many terrific business support services available in our county through chambers of commerce, the Economic Vitality Corporation and other fine organizations. I know first hand that these folks are really helping to make a difference.

The Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) is sponsored by the US Small Business Administration. The SLO County chapter is a group of volunteers working harder than ever to give both local business owners and prospective new businesses a hand. I’ve gotten to know the SCORE team well in the last few months (We share office space.) and I just have to brag on ’em.

Let’s start with who these (mostly) guys are. This is an impressive group of retired captains of industry. They offer their experience, perspective and smarts at no charge.

Meet just a few of the local SCORE members: there’s Joe Whitaker, the Mattel marketing exec who introduced and managed the “Hot Wheels” brand. Current Chapter President Dave Bresnan was VP of sales and marketing for the B.F. Goodrich Aerospace Division. Bob Mulrooney was VP and general manager for Champion International’s Flexible Packaging Division. Grant Beatson was VP and CFO of Hughes Electronics Space and Communication Division. Lou Robinson was a journalist, a business owner and public information officer for Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, and James Kiraly was VP Strategic Planning at Transamerica Corp. Keep in mind this is a partial list, but you get the picture. These guys love business. They want to help it thrive. They really connect with clients, care about them, and become partners in seeing them through to buckets of black ink and happy achievement. Talk about great help in troubled times.

It’s no surprise that SCORE clients are pouring in, and the team often runs double crews on counseling days. One of SCORE’s most satisfied clients is Mike Munger, who owns White Flag Pest Control Company.

He currently serves residential accounts in

two counties, is eager to continue to grow and credits SCORE as one of the secrets to his success. Munger started by attending a SCORE business workshop and followed that

41

up with one-on-one sessions with various SCORE counselors. He worked closely with one in particular, Lorna Whiteaker, a lawyer and financial adviser who now assists him on a regular basis. “Lorna provided more than just financial advice. She helped me restructure the entire business. Now the telephone just keeps ringing and ringing.”

No wonder Mike Munger appreciates SCORE. I do, too, and I’ll close with some inside information: besides being brainy, hard-working biz whizzes, the SCORE guys are a bunch of characters who have an awful lot of fun. If you’d like to find out more, contact the local chapter at (805) 547-0779 or online at www.sloscore.org.

W h at ’ s i n s t o r e f o r 2 010? i t ’ s a l l a m at t e r o f p e r s p e c t i v e .

American Principle Bank opened its doors in 2007 w it h t he foc us on its f ive foundin g pr inc iples: Integrity t Commitment t Expertise t Communication t Service.

In today’s difficult economic climate, we remain more committed to those principles than ever.

Hello. I’m Tom Beene, President and CEO of American Principle Bank. As a career banker, I can tell you that it’s easy to become focused on managing only the many economic risks and negatives that can impact your bank. To ensure that our clients can prosper, a different perspective is required.

Whether you are a business owner, a professional, or a real estate investor, American Principle Bank offers you greater accessibility to banking services, and the very latest in banking technology, so that you can succeed in the challenging times to come.

Over the past few months, I have been very impressed with the strength and resilience of American Principle Bank. Our strong financial foundation, longstanding committed board members, and local ownership give us the kind of forward-thinking perspective our clients require to prosper in 2010 and beyond.

Call me at (805) 547-2800 to see how American Principle Bank can be of service to you.

Jec 8[[d[ President & CEO American Principle Bank

4051 Broad Street, Suite 140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone (805) 547-2800 Fax (805) 547-2801 AmericanPrincipleBank.com

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THE BULLETIN BOARD Real Estate

Lynn R. Cooper Broker Associate Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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

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

morro bay high school red cross club Members of the Morro Bay High School Red Cross Club reached out to their community for support in combating death caused by the measles throughout the world. The club sold specially designed ribbon pins at the Albertsons store in Morro Bay. They raised $155, enough to vaccinate 155 children.

French hospital hosting cpr classes French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) will host monthly Heartsaver CPR and First Aid classes in 2010. All classes are open to the public and will be held from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in FHMC’s Auditorium on the following dates: February 1st, March 1st, April 5th, May 17th, June 21st. Classes also run monthy through December. Class sizes are limited to 25 participants each and registration, including a $15 materials fee, is required. For more information, or to register for a class, call (805) 542-6268.

local boy receives life-saving dog

QUALITY AUTO REPAIR

John Kimball

805-543-3180 www.wronas.com

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

A four-year-old boy named Cooper Giron was presented with funds from Jack’s Helping Hand, Inc. that will allow his parents to purchase a specially trained service dog. The Giron family will travel to Colorado where a specially selected dog will be trained with his new owner, ending a several month-long effort to obtain the needed funds. [Follow their story on www.coopersdog.blogspot.com] Cooper has life-threatening allergies. To maximize his chances for survival and to increase his independence, Cooper’s physician prescribed an allergy-detection dog that would prevent his exposure to these allergens, and provide instant access to his medications in an emergency. A nonprofit company in Colorado called Angel Service Dogs, Inc. raises and trains Allergy Alert dogs and have accepted Cooper and his parents into their program.

Exterior & Interior Plastering

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

Terry Evans, President

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

cathi@sloplastering.com · terry@sloplastering.com CA LIC#759246 F E B R U A R Y

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

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

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

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

Specializing in:

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

French hospital receives special awards Three of the nation’s leading and most respected healthcare ratings organizations gave French Hospital Medical Center top awards in a number of categories at a special reception last month. Awards included being one of the Top 100 hospitals in the nation for Cardiac Care, Best in the Region for Cardiology and ranking in the top 15% in the nation for treatment of Heart Attack and Joint Replacement. French also received the National Research Corporation (NRC) Consumer Choice Award in SLO County for the third consecutive year. Pictured above is FHMC CEO Alan Iftiniuk, Board Chairman John Dunn and three doctors accepting the awards.

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

Farris Jack Jack Farris

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

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

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

www.sloseniorservices.com 805 627-1760

•

slosenior@gmail.com

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

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

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

805.546.8113 cell: 805.748.5819 Lic #0F43815

Reverse Mortgages For Senior Homeowners Bob Gayle

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

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

$8,000 to Big Brothers/Sisters from Vons Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County recently received an $8,000 grant from the Vons Foundation and its employees. In these trying economic times, this donation is especially significant as the Vons Foundation has increased its donation by $2,000 over last year. The check was presented at the Vons store in SLO by Vons District Manager John Ferden, pictured center, and Store Manager John Nightingale pictured second from left. Accepting the check were (left to right) Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member Monique Carlton of SLO Realty, Executive Director Anna Boyd-Bucy, and Board Member Marian Anderson of First Bank.

Atascadero fine arts – Alice in wonderland The Atascadero Fine Arts Academy is presenting the musical, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. for three performances – Friday and Saturday evenings, February 5th & 6th with a matinee on Sunday, February 7th on the Atascadero Junior High Baro Stage. With music and characters from the original movie, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. is for all ages. Call 460-2500 for ticket information.

$10,000 to La Clinica de Tolosa

www.honeyhuts.com

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and the 2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel and Wine Festival Committee awarded $10,000 to Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County in support of their non-profit children’s dental clinic, La Clinica de Tolosa. The funding is a portion of the proceeds from auctions held during the 2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival in March and Paso Robles Wine Festival in May to support North County charities dedicated to healthcare, education and greater community services to benefit vineyard workers and their families. It is part of the PRWCA’s commitment to give back to those who support their industry. More information on children’s dental care can be obtained online at www.clinicadetolosa.org, or call 238-5334.

800.222.4887 805.927.8554

Habitat for Humanity – give a day, get a disney day

HARVEY’S HONEY HUTS “Exceptional Portable Sanitation” FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jennifer & Harvey Smith

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” F E B R U A R Y

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There are families in your community who are living in substandard conditions and simply need a Hand Up, not a hand out. Habitat for Humanity is providing that Hand Up and you can help. Volunteer.

Advocate. Donate. Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service. Habitat for Humanity for SLO County is a partner in this endeavor. A volunteer for Habitat can celebrate their good works with a 1-Day, 1-Theme Park ticket to the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, free. There’s no better time to make a dream come true for others and let Disney make a few come true for you. Please e-mail us at info@hfhsloco.org to learn about the many opportunities to volunteer with Habitat. The Disney Program Overview available at disneyparks.disney.go.com.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

45

Don Morris receives distinguished alumni award At the recent meeting of the Community College League of California, held in San Francisco, The Under Secretary of the United States Department of Education Martha J. Kanter and the President of Mt. San Antonio College Dr. John Nixon presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Shell Beach resident Dr. Don Morris. Morris graduated from Mt. SAC in 1950 and went on to become a Professor/Administrator at Cal Poly. He also achieved the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy and served on several local boards. 79-year-old Morris also recently won the Senior Olympic Navada State and Huntsman World Championship in free throw shooting and three point shooting.

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

CCFC supports school symphony program Thanks to a grant from Central Coast Funds for Children, elementary school children throughout the County have a chance to work with a musician from the SLO Symphony on a regular basis. A program called “Strings in the Schools” offers affordable after-school group string instruction to all 2nd through 6th grade students in five SLO County public schools. Classes run from October through May every year.

Julian varela to chair Heart Assoc.

After a successful 2009 fundraising year, the American Heart Association’s local chapter is happy to announce Julian Varela as the Chair of the 2010 Executive Leadership Team. Julian Varela, co-owner of Equilibrium Fitness Inc. and Equilibrium Fitness for Women has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years now and is involved in a variety of health promotion organizations in SLO County including HEAL-SLO, a volunteer childhood obesity prevention taskforce.

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

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

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO

new officers for retired active men The 150 members of the San Luis Obispo Retired Active Men Branch #2 recently installed new officers at their Holiday Gala held at Madonna Inn on December 15. The new Vice President is Ted Ivarie (Little Ram), newly elected President Frank Lebens (Big Ram) past president, Ekki Petring (past Big Ram) and Jim Kiraly (Secretary).

FINN PLUMBING Inc. old school quality

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

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

All services / Water Heaters / Repair Accredited Green Plumber – Save Water & Energy Fix Leaks and Upgrade Appliances

$50 off your next service with this ad 544-5325 / 528-4693 / www.finnplumbing.com

For Over 32 Years

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

F E B R U A R Y

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RizzolisAutomotive.com

Journal PLUS

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COMMUNITY

Touring Landau, introduced in 1910, was one of the first camping vehicles with a water tank, toilet and washbasin behind the front seat.

february Almanac

By Phyllis Benson “A man is already halfway in love with any woman who listens to him.” ---Brendan Francis

sun city offers a 50-year anniversary

toast to founder Del E. Webb’s memory. The Arizona retirement community offers golf, parades and sock hops to celebrate.

our barber says 20 years ago a retire-

ment community sounded like an elephant bone yard. Now the elephant is leading the parade and calling him to leave chores and come play.

groundhog day is february 2.

Our forecaster says if Punxsutawney Phil hunkers in his den and cranks up the thermostat, look for more winter.

to the sports. The visitors left and the improvements remained.

lunar: The Chinese New Year this month

They stock up on pizzas, drinks, snacks and friends.

begins the year of the Tiger. Soothsayers believe the symbolic tiger means a year of upheaval and turmoil. Others say the Tiger has its peaceful, purring side.

florida wins without even playing. This

satirist ambrose bierce said, “In each

super bowl fans kick off the month.

year’s Super Bowl in Miami is pure gold for the state economy.

fifty years ago Squaw Valley, a small

human heart are a tiger, a pig, an ass and a nightingale. Diversity of character is due to their unequal activity.”

California ski resort, hosted the 1960 Olympic Games. When it bid on the winter games, the resort had one chair lift and two rope tows.

1910: Glacier became the tenth national

the 1960 winter olympics marked

our neighbor visits Glacier by website. It

the first held in the western United States, the first televised games, and the first using computers to track results.

1960 olympics boosted California. The Squaw Valley event required freeways, bridges, hotels, motels, restaurants and other facilities to bring 47,000 spectators

park. In its first year about 4,000 visitors crossed into the Montana park. Today nearly 2 million a year visit in person.

is informative, telling him how to pick a dog sleeping bag to keep his pooch from freezing and how to survive a grizzly bear attack.

He says that is TMI, too much info, on park amenities.

rv century: Recreational vehicles boast 100 years on the road. The Pierce-Arrow

february holds Mardi Gras. Traditional

Mardi Gras colors for costumes and beads are purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

our travel agent says Mardi Gras colors should be purple, black and blue for the bruises from exuberant parading and New Orleans festivity.

february birthdays honor actress

Christina Ricci, rapper Ice-T, heiress Paris Hilton and actor James Dean.

james dean said, “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”

february 14 is Valentine’s Day. erma bombeck said, “Marriage has no

guarantees. If that’s what you’re looking for, go live with a car battery.”

february is Dental Health Month for

people and pets. Our niece says the kids can brush the dog’s teeth. But she chooses the toothbrush and paste. Fido does not need the Hello Kitty brush with bubblegum toothpaste.

pancake week is here. Practice making

flapjacks shaped like bunnies and faces.

Add some bran to the batter and eat in good humor and health.

random acts of kindness Week

spreads good deeds spontaneously. Find a deed and fill it.

this is a cold and stormy month.

Stay in, put on music and do those rainy day chores. Clear closets, dust shelves and sort the junk drawer. That takes care of February blahs.

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Journal PLUS

Cardiac Wellness Education Series Come learn how to live a heart healthy lifestyle. This FREE 5-lecture series will provide valuable information for those who have a diagnosis of heart disease, those who have risk factors for heart disease, or those who just want to improve total body health.

Classes are team-taught by registered dietitians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and exercise physiologists, and include lecture, hands-on participation and mild movement and stretching exercises.

Second Tuesday of every month 1:00 – 2:00 pm FHMC Auditorium 1911 Johnson Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA

1. Diet and your Heart How diet affects your heart How to eat for a healthy heart

2. Risk Factors for your Heart Understand your numbers and your risk level How to lower your risk and improve your heart health

3. Exercise and your Heart What to do, how often, and for how long Make a plan to get started

4. Medications for your Heart How medications treat or prevent heart disease Supplements and heart disease

5. Emotions and your Heart How emotions and stress affect your heart Managing your emotions for a healthy heart

9 13

Feb

Jul

9 10

Mar

Aug

13 14 Apr

Sept

11 12 May

1

Jun

Oct

9

Nov

For information or to register, contact Denise at HeartAware (805) 542-6282.

Sierra Vista’s new addition doesn’t say much,

but it can sure

perform.

Typical lengths of incisions required for most procedures: Traditional surgery = 12-14 cm Robotic surgery = 1 cm

Sierra Vista is the first hospital between Santa Barbara and Salinas to introduce the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System, a robotic minimally invasive surgical tool that needs only 1 cm incisions for most procedures.

Smaller incisions usually mean faster recovery and a quicker return to normal activities. This nearly $2-million technological investment in the health of San Luis Obispo County meets Sierra Vista’s ongoing mission of providing services that allow people to stay closer to home for their care.

To us, an amazing new surgical tool. To you, another innovative way Sierra Vista is caring for the health of our community. Watch for more details in 2010.

1010 Murray Avenue San Luis Obispo

For physician referral call (800) 483-6387

SierraVistaRegional.com twitter.com/SierraVistaRMC