April 2010 Journal Plus

JEFF CLA ASSEN | LIBRARY OPENING | KRIST Y MCCRAY | KINDRED SPIRITS

Journal PLUS APRIL 2010

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

SAN LUIS OBISPO PARKS AND RECREATION

DE I S IN EN

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Uncertainty in today’s world is a fact we all deal with on a daily basis. Financially speaking, protection of our accumulated wealth is, as it should be, our top priority but today’s investment opportunities are riddled with risk.

The stock market, mutual funds and the like are more risky than ever. Corporate failures and accounting frauds, such as Enron, have robbed so many people of their secure financial future. So where does one invest their “nest egg” with confidence?

May I recommend the financial services of Moriarty Enterprises. Mr. Al Moriarty has investment opportunities that you can take advantage of and have peace of mind. He has protected and grown my father’s capital and his “personal touch” has developed a financial plan to meet my father’s financial needs well into the future.

Moriarty Enterprises is worth a look. Thank you Mr. Moriarty for taking such good care of my father’s financial future.

David Gentry (Pat Gentry’s Son) Engineer Grass Valley, CA

Pat Gentry (Father) Retired Morro Bay, CA

Al Moriarty Financial Advisor

CONTENTS

24 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

www.slojournal.com

SLO HISTORICAL MUSEUM DISPLAY

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain

ARMANDO CORELLA

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, John Ashbaugh, Dan and Lee Anna O’Daniel, Shelley Matson, Julian Varela, Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Heather Hellman, Kate Lehmkuhl, Gordon Fuglie and Phyllis Benson Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

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

Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE. Cover photo by Tom Meinhold

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PEOPLE 8 10 12 13

JEFF CLAASSEN ARMANDO CORELLA KRISTY MCCRAY KATE LEHMKUHL/ WINNING ESSAY

HOME & OUTDOOR 14 SLO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT. 16 PULSE 17 NUTRITION 18 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 20 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 21 KITCHEN IDEAS

KRISTY MCCRAY

COMMUNITY

22 24 26 28 29 30 32 34 39 46

KINDRED SPIRITS SLO HISTORICAL MUSEUM DISPLAY BIG ROCK BALALAIKAS SLO ART SCENE OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: Charles H. Johnson/Part 2 HOSPICE CORNER VETS VOICE / SUDOKU PUZZLE SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES ALMANAC The Month of April

BUSINESS 35 40 41 42

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

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FR E E

NJOBST F 4

O F I D JU , ONTH OF THE M

Y SAT U R D A NIVERSARY S E CO N D R 25TH AN U O F O R IN HONO

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Learn from our 25-year history – all phases of remodeling so you can easily plan your own project. We are Cal Poly Architecture grads focusing on space planning for maximum functionality, plus creating the look you want with our huge selection of beautiful cabinetry.

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From the publisher

T

here isn’t a day that goes by on the Central Coast that someone doesn’t help somebody else. This month I was moved by the following act of generosity.

Most of our schools are having a difficult time with budgets and Lynn Cooper’s grandson’s school is no exception. The special needs class needed extra supplies for their classroom, and knowing that dollars are hard to come by, decided to have a fundraiser. They decided on a BBQ and Lynn’s daughter called her father for suggestions. Lynn offered to do the BBQ and recruited his son, Todd, Bill Zweifel and John Durant. There was one minor challenge; the school is in Las Vegas. More than 350 tickets were sold. Lynn and his gang hooked up two BBQ trailers, loaded the wood, the food and caravaned to Vegas. The BBQ went off without a hitch and more than $15,000 was generated for the classroom.

Now on to this month’s issue. Our cover story gives a more thorough picture on how much the SLO Parks and Recreation Department does for this community.

Betsy Kiser and Rich Ogden give us an overview. We also feature three individuals who make a difference this month, including Armando Corella. I met Armando at the Central Coast Funds for Children awards luncheon last year, and was so impressed at his passion to help our youth, that a profile was the least I could do.

You’ll also enjoy the profiles on the Big Rock Band and Kindred Spirits as well.

Enjoy the magazine,

ph 805.541.5800 ryanrossdds.com 567 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Steve Owens

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PEOPLE

jeff claassen – art is his passion

By Heather Hellman

Y

ou can’t help but smile when you enter Jeff Claassen’s Art Gallery on Marsh Street in San Luis Obispo.

His creations are unique, whimsical, fun, a bit confusing, edgy, not-of-this-world and many other descriptors that are subjective to the visitor. He displays his art, other artists, t-shirts, hats, buttons and art supplies on the walls and in recycled furniture bought at a swap meet or estate sale. He’s repainted the furniture and walls himself to match his gallery style. It’s sort of a hangout for aspiring and established artists, a place to sketch, watch art movies, chat and form ideas. One sure thing, his art sells. Its thought provoking and appealing to young and old on so many levels (full disclosure: I have collected several pieces). No matter what medium he is working with- drawing mounted on pine wood with a high gloss resin finish, ink on paper or screen printing – Jeff pours the joy and good nature that is his spirit into his work.

Jeff Claassen has always been interested in art. He grew up in San Luis Obispo and started drawing when he was in the 5th grade, penning characters with big heads modeled after the Simpsons. Jeff would

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fill binders full with sketches, always carrying pens, not pencils, so he couldn’t erase. His style developed from the spontaneity of new creations. He would draw and smear the ink across a page, leaving no dead space. In the 7th grade, Jeff got into skateboarding, and board art confirmed his love of the animation genre. Soon, graffiti, with its vibrant colors, street edginess and sharp aesthetics caught Jeff’s eye.

Much of his influence came from the street.

Jeff graduated from San Luis Obispo High School, but didn’t enroll in Art School because of the process and structure associated with schooling. He enrolled in the Claassen School of the self-taught, educating himself by reading about pop artists/icons Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, the photo realism of Chuck Close and contemporary street artist Sheppard Fairey. Jeff emailed Fairey (creator of the Obama campaign posters) to complement his work. A complete surprise to Jeff, Fairey emailed back and they exchanged work. Fairey sent Jeff a bunch of stickers, and Jeff sent Fairey a t-shirt.

In 1999, Jeff developed his first art show. It coincided with the first Open Studios Art Tour. Jeff’s gallery was his apartment. He emptied it, furniture and all, created pieces to fill the walls, had his sister help as hostess, sent out invitations and attracted 100 people. He sold many of his pieces that night, and at 21 years he was eager to further explore the world of art.

Wanting to broaden his exposure to different art genres and artists, Jeff moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2000. While there, he attended numerous art openings, shows, parties, as well as frequenting the area museums. He saw artists he admired and noticed that they put their works on several different mediums without it diminishing its integrity. In fact, it made their art more accessible for people. He began to experiment with other surfaces, drawing on objects like bottles and bathtubs.

“Art is created for enjoyment,” says Claassen. “I want people to be inspired when they see my work and have access to it.”

His own eclectic, animated style developed as Jeff created some interesting characters that really defy description. Is it a chicken or alien being? Perhaps it’s a girl, a squid, or both? Usually beginning with an eyeball or a shape, Jeff develops a piece in free flow form, not really determined what the final outcome will be. The proportions of anatomy are often skewed, but it is what makes his characters interesting and unique. The free flowing designs with colorful, expressive backgrounds and objects make Jeff’s Uber-World pop with expression and life.

PEOPLE that. His current location on Marsh Street is large enough, not only to showcase his art, but creations from other local artists. Jeff spends his days at the gallery, creating new pieces, selling his work on JeffClaassen.com and Etsy.com and Twittering out to his followers. He definitely loves his day job.

Jeff hopes to expand his presence in new mediums and geographically. He has created quite a bit of commission work lately and wants to build on that part of the business. He’s also

working on snowboard and skateboard decks, as well as screen printed napkins and many other items. He’d like to have additional galleries in San Diego, Portland or Seattle one day.

There is no end to Jeff’s imagination and creativity. His art certainly adds great dimension to the San Luis Obispo art scene. Pop in and meet Jeff (a really nice guy) at his gallery someday soon. Guaranteed, you’ll walk out with a smile on your face and, perhaps, with an original Jeff Claassen.

French Hospital Saved My Life.

“I went in for a routine exam. I had no idea I was on the verge of a heart attack. The award-winning cardiac team at French Hospital recognized the signs and I was admitted THAT DAY for a bypass surgery.

Thank goodness I had access to such top-rate care, and it is right here in our community.”

— Reese T. Davies, President / CAO Founders Community Bank

“I used to not have one inch of empty space in my works,” says Jeff. “Backgrounds were full.

Busy. I just couldn’t stop creating. Now, I’m ok with empty space and layered backgrounds.”

In 2004, Jeff returned to San Luis Obispo. He had submitted his artwork to several galleries for showings, but without much response.

That year, he decided he would open his own gallery. His first space was a small, one room office on the second floor of a building on upper Higuera Street. He created hundreds of pieces, hosted fun opening night parties with other artists and participated in the Art After Dark series. His collection was soon overflowing out into the hallway. Jeff’s following grew.

Soon, Jeff needed more space and a better location to attract people off of the street. His offerings were expanding to include stickers, buttons, t-shirts and art supplies. Jeff moved to a space on Morro Street and soon outgrew

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A P R I L

805-543-5353

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Armando corella soccer is the name of the game

By Natasha Dalton

W

hen I first met Armando Corella, there were many things I wanted to ask him. What he wanted to talk about was soccer. I’d ask him about his life, and he’d bring up the game; I’d ask about his job – and there’s that soccer again.

Soon enough I understood why. “Soccer is so universal that through it we can deal with a lot of cultural differences,” Armando explains.

His parents moved from Mexico to Gilroy, California when he was only five. At that time he didn’t even speak English, and based on the results of a test, the instructions of which he couldn’t understand, young Armando got labeled “Special Ed.” In spite of such a rocky start, he quickly picked up the language and did well at school. He continued his education at Cal Poly where he studied Child Development.

After graduating, he moved through several Departments in the County Government, until some ten years ago he found himself at the Department of Public Health, working with pregnant teens and teenage parents.

That job brought him to Paso Robles. “It was summertime, and I remember seeing lots of kids running around with nothing to do,” Armando recalls. He also noticed that at The Oak Park Housing Project, kids were playing with a make-shift soccer ball, using piles of leaves and litter as their goals. That prompted Armando to ask the director of The Project for permission to start a small soccer league for youth.

The director agreed.

It turned out that The Project’s maintenance man, Salvador Echeverria, was considering the same idea. He even came up with the League’s slogan: “Raising Stars of the Future.” Things began moving when Sal agreed to become the League’s Manager. And that’s how it all started.

Initially, they formed four teams. The next year four became twelve.

And when The Project’s director built them a new soccer field, “the whole thing just exploded.” Today, the Oak Park Soccer program is on its 11th year and includes 34 teams, with four more waiting in the wings.

“We didn’t expect that the League would get this big,” Armando confesses, “but we wanted to do something for this community – and that’s where we are now.”

The objective of Armando’s Program at the Health Department was two-fold: to support teen parents, and to prevent their siblings from teen pregnancies. “I relate to these kids and the struggles they are having at school where English isn’t their first language,” Armando says.

“And I also understand the difficulty of growing up in a culture that is new to the kids’ parents. Our Soccer Program is a good way to divert youth from the temptations of the streets,” Armando continues.

According to him, The Project has changed dramatically since the time Armando first set foot in Paso Robles. “Ten to fifteen years ago it was ‘Gang Central’ in here,” he recalls. “It’s much, much safer now, and at least A P R I L

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partly it’s because of our Soccer Program. The previous troublemakers are gone, and the next generation didn’t follow in their footsteps.”

There is plenty of evidence to prove this point. Where previously there was indifference and apathy, now there is a strong sense of community. One of the episodes that still strikes a chord with Armando is about a boy who got suspended from his own game for ridiculing players during the game he was watching. The expectations had changed, and everyone took notice: there’s a new order in the area now that is brought about by the rules of the Soccer Program.

“For this little community, soccer is by far the most important sport,” Armando says. Everyone follows it and everyone wants to participate.

Understanding that, Armando decided to make the kids’ uniforms look similar to those of the professional teams in Mexico. “The kids want to play for the team that has a uniform closest to the team where they lived before,” Armando explains.

“It’s kind of like as if I lived in Africa, and there was an American football game going on nearby, and there was a team called 49ers playing, I’d want to support that team,” says Armando, still loyal to his roots in Gilroy.

So he lets the kids choose which team to play for. “We don’t tell them – they tell us,” he insists.

Another issue was selecting and educating coaches. “Coaches are very competitive,” Armando says; “They want victory at any cost. But what we stress every year is that for us, it’s not about winning; it’s about teaching sportsmanship, team concept, following instructions and anger management.”

“We’re working together to keep kids out of Juvenile Hall and away from drugs and teen pregnancies,” Salvador Echeverria adds.

Armando recalls an incident demonstrating these positive changes in the community. Where in the past, violence was often present in the kids’ activities, now it is not tolerated – including rough play. When one time a few years ago two boys in between the games began goofing around and throwing mud at each other and other kids, causing a fight, women immediately interfered by grabbing the offenders, scolding them and sending them home. It was an important lesson to everyone. “It was a Championship Sunday; there was going to be food and trophies,” Armando explains. “Neither Sal, nor I, nor coaches had to jump in – the mothers themselves were now applying the standards of behavior we’re trying to instill.” It turns out that the soccer

PEOPLE

Armando Corella with Salvador Echeverria

program does more than just teach children how to play ball; it helps parents to take charge of their kids and to stay involved.

Today Armando serves as the Director of Paso Robles Housing Authority and has many responsibilities regarding the Project, not the least of which is overseeing its dramatic expansion. But raising the Stars of the Future is still a priority for him, and he continues to attend the games whenever he can.

While Armando considers passing grades, good discipline and getting along with others to be their Soccer program’s main priorities, Salvador Echeverria believes that one day their League will also produce professional players.

“We take this program seriously,” he says. “Kids take it seriously; they trust us. We tell parents: ‘We’ll help your kids to master soccer; you have to help them learn how to respect their neighbors, be good students and stay away from drugs, alcohol and gangs.’ There are parents who don’t care much, but many appreciate what we’re doing.”

Here is an example that shows just that. Armando likes to tell a story about a game he once watched where he noticed a girl on the field breaking a rule: she raised her foot while throwing in the ball. “The referee made a motion to blow the whistle – but didn’t. The kids saw it, they stopped for a microsecond – and then continued to play.”

Serving San Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

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Youth Soccer Match

Armando was puzzled until later that day someone explained to him that the girl had special needs and that everybody knew it. “They didn’t care,” Armando says, “they just wanted her to play soccer.” Armando went on to quote the mother of that girl who had said that no other services helped her daughter as much as soccer did. When the girl joined the team, it was the first time in her life that she felt normal. “The kids had evolved so much that they had enough empathy to accept her the way she was,” Armando beams with pride.

“I’m glad to have a friend like Armando,” Salvador Echeverria says. “I believe that one day people will be telling each other: ‘The Oak Park community is the right place for your kids!’” He and Armando aren’t professional athletes, and yet they have moved mountains to bring soccer to the children in our county. They’re now hoping to find professional soccer enthusiasts who could help them advance their program even further. “Even just a clinic with a professional would be great,” Sal says. I hope that there are soccer players out there who will want to get involved. “Armando helped to start something important here,” Salvador says. “Local kids change their mind about trying drugs because they want to stay in the League. They may not care about school, but they want to play, so they keep their grades up. And parents thank us for that.”

To learn more, go to www.pasorobleshud.org.

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PEOPLE

kristy mccray sarp center executive director

By Susan Stewart

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day with feminist icon Gloria Steinem during her junior year in college had a profound impact on Kristy McCray. The following year, she interned under Patricia Ireland at the National Organization for Women. And in graduate school, McCray was mentored by her favorite professor, Adriana Kezar, who is (in McCray’s words) “an incredibly talented and inspiring woman.”

As the new executive director of San Luis Obispo’s Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center (SARP), McCray’s passions have always been fueled by strong women – in both her personal and professional lives. She was hired to replace SARP’s outgoing executive director, Jenny Adams, in January.

Born and raised in Southern California, McCray says she couldn’t wait to leave Chino, a place she found small and boring when she was a teenager. In retrospect, however, she appreciates the choice her parents made to raise their two daughters (Kristy has a younger sister Kelly) in a safe and friendly city.

McCray earned her BA in 2002 from USC with a double major in print journalism and political science. By 2007, she had completed her Master of Education, also from USC. Her master’s thesis addressed the academic and athletic success of female student athletes, and she was hired that same year as an Academic Advisor for Cal Poly Athletics.

“I didn’t know anyone when I moved to San Luis Obispo,” said McCray. “I thought volunteer work would be a good way to make friends and give back to the community. … I’ve always been interested in women’s issues, so SARP seemed like a good fit.”

Originally formed in 1976 when organizers began meeting and working as rape crisis responders, SARP used to be called the Rape Crisis Center. As the need grew and services expanded, it was renamed the Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention Center in 2000.

“The key to ending sexual assault,” said McCray, “is through prevention education. Our team does a great job of getting out into schools and the community, and I’d like to see that scope broadened.”

In addition to outreach and prevention education, SARP provides a 24-hour crisis line (545-8888), clinical counseling for survivors and significant others, extensive accompaniment services (supportive escorts to medical and legal appointments), self-defense classes, and peer counseling – all free, and completely confidential.

multiple restaurant fundraisers, and a table at Farmers’ Market,” said McCray.

Delighted to be living in San Luis Obispo County, McCray loves to hike, play soccer, and read. She is an enthusiastic sports fan and she ran her first marathon last year, a difficult achievement but one she wants to try again soon. Eventually, McCray would like to earn her PhD and become a professor.

“I love seeing that light bulb click over a student’s head when he or she finally gets a difficult concept.”

In the meantime, she is working hard in her new position to get the word out about SARP. “I want people to know we are here for them,” she said. “Our vision is a world free from sexual violence. When that happens, I’ll happily be out of a job!”

Facts About Sexual Assault (data from 2005) One out of every six American women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

•

One in every 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in his lifetime.

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It is estimated that every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

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Victims of sexual assault are: 3 times more likely to suffer from depression 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders 14 times more likely to abuse alcohol 26 more times likely to abuse drugs 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide

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Call 805.545.8888 or visit www.sarpcenter.org for more information.

Funding for these critical services comes primarily from grants and annual fundraisers. “Evening with an Artist” is held each November and “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is coming up this month, Saturday April 24th, at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo.

“This year, we’ll be ramping up our efforts in education and awareness during April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with A P R I L

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PEOPLE “no place for hate”

slohs essay winner kate lehmkuhl The “No Place for Hate” essay contest was initiated this year as a part of the 2010 San Luis Obispo High School Multi-Cultural Week.

The purpose of the essay contest was to encourage students to reflect on why SLOHS is a safe place for persons of all walks of life. The essays were collected and scored independently by members of the SLOHS ASB Executive Cabinet and Kate Lehmkuhl’s essay was selected. This event helped SLOHS qualify to become an Anti-Defamation League “No Place for Hate” certified school.

Erin Thompson Agriculture Department ASB Director San Luis Obispo High School

SLO High: No Place For Hate One Thursday at San Luis Obispo High School, I sat down in the middle of the quad to eat lunch and enjoy the beautiful view of Madonna and Bishops basking in the sun. I was chomping on my apple when a friend came up and sat down next to me. Pretty soon a few other friends and acquaintances joined us for lunch.

Suddenly the conversation turned Kate Lehmkuhl from the contents of our lunches to our beliefs and religions. One girl asked me, “Hey, I heard you talking to those boys the other day about God, what was that all about?” Before long everyone was eagerly chipping in to the discussion. We questioned the reality of God and sin, wrestled through our parents’ religions, which included Catholicism, atheism, and Christianity, and considered the differences in our beliefs. In no time, the first bell rang and SLO High students began clogging the red stairs. Reluctantly we got up and headed off to our classes with red, sun kissed faces, minds oblivious to what we had just been a part of. It didn’t occur to us that we had had the privilege of peacefully coming together and discussing our religious views out in the open. This situation is one of many that make me hopeful that SLO High students can embrace religious, political, ethnical, and personal diversities and inhibit our school from becoming a facility for hate.

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students, and many flaunted stickers advertising “No on 8” or “Yes on 8.” Being very opinionated on the topic myself, I was curious about people’s beliefs and reasons for their stance. As I questioned people, I was very impressed with the diversity in responses I heard. Mostly people were informed, having established strong, personal convictions on the subject. Though most people were gracious in their conversations and disagreements over the debate, others resorted to foul language and harsh words. Unfortunately, some students approached this debate in a way that facilitated hate. By not being mature enough to consider the discussion on their own, come up with an opinion, and support it with reasons, students allowed meaningless division and tension to break up the campus. Despite negative situations we encountered last November, I am hopeful that students will learn to respectfully listen to other’s opinions and argue their own.

Most people would argue that SLO High is not a very ethnically diverse school. Though this is true, I would argue that SLO High is much more diverse than other schools because our students get along. Coming to the high school, I was very pleased to find most people’s range of friends ethnically diverse. Programs through and outside of school, such as youth groups, sports, and clubs, have brought many different ethnic groups together. I am aware that about once a month there are fights or rumors of fights on our campus that are supposedly based on racism. Yet, rather than being a display of racism, I think fights are a commentary on the maturity of the students involved. Deeper issues than racism such as family hardships and self centered attitudes need to be addressed in these students’ lives as a main contributor to violent outbreaks. In the main, our school is a peaceful and cooperative environment, which ultimately depends on the attitude of students.

Since coming to SLO High freshman year, I have noticed a wide variety in hair styles, clothes, and also campus clubs. From girls with hair extensions to boys with dreadlocks, students’ styles are all over the map.

The range of economic status has greatly influenced the variety of personal flare at our school. Some sport expensive, high end clothes, and others are satisfied with cheap thrills found at local thrift stores. Many students wear the wackiest outfits, unconcerned with other’s opinions of them. To me this boldness in style shows the diversity of our students’ home life, economic status, and personal flare. Thankfully our campus is one where students feel comfortable to express themselves.

Religious, personal, political, and ethnical diversity thrives at SLO High. Students are free to express their beliefs, opinions, personalities, and cultures in an environment almost free of any criticism and discrimination. Though hate may exist in some people’s minds, the general student body is very accepting and cooperative. In continuing to embrace our differences, I think students can rise above the norm of discrimination and criticism and rid our school of hate.

Perhaps you can recall the chaos on campus last year when Proposition 8 was being voted on in California. Proposition 8, or the California Marriage Protection Act, was a ballot proposition and constitutional amendment passed in the November 2008 elections. The measure added a new provision to the California Constitution that states, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Heated discussions could be heard between teachers and A P R I L

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HOME/OUTDOOR

parks make life better let us count the ways! What you may not know about SLO Parks and Rec

By Susan Stewart

40 Years of Comprehensive Real Estate Experience

Specializing in ReSidential and inveStment pRopeRtieS – Slo county Cal Poly Graduate – 1971 BS Degree, Business/Financial – Real Estate • R.E. Broker since 1971, GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute SRES, Senior Real Estate Specialist • Real Estate Appraiser since 1973 10,000+ SFR/Commercial Appraisal Assignments • Appraisal Institute Member MAI, SRA since 1977 • CA Licensed General Building Contractor since 1988 •

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A

mericans’ Best Idea. That’s what a recent PBS series by Ken Burns calls our national parks.

And rightfully so. What would America be without Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, Death Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains?

On a smaller scale, but just as valuable, and far more accessible, are America’s city parks. What would our cities be without these beautiful, open, green places where we exercise, play, and renew our spirits.

“Parks Make Life Better,” declares the slogan for our own Parks and Recreation Department. Indeed they do, and with eight divisions and dozens of programs for every age and interest, the San Luis Obispo

HOME/OUTDOOR Parks and Recreation Department is the embodiment of many “best ideas.”

Laguna Golf Course

Director Betsy Kiser, whose lifelong career in Parks began when she was 16 years old (“I was a lifeguard at the community pool.”) says that the real beauty of a municipal parks department is that there really is something for everyone. A recent survey indicated that 98% of Californians visit our city parks regularly, and half of us participate in the many programs they offer. The challenge, however, is making sure people know what’s available.

More than 800 families in San Luis Obispo are served by the Department’s biggest and most popular division – children’s services.

Before- and after-school child care, summer camps, Fabulous Fridays, and Spring Break days are just a few of the many programs serving kids of all ages. Working parents depend on them to provide safe, healthy, and fun activities for their school-age children.

The Historic Jack House

The SLO Triathlon

Recreational sports teams for youth, teens, and adults run the gamut from volleyball to golf; flag football to futsal, basketball to track and field. This year, Recreation Supervisor Rich Ogden and his big band of enthusiastic volunteers will host the 31st Annual Parks and Recreation Triathlon on Sunday, July 25th. This much-anticipated and challenging event combines a half-mile swim, a 15-mile bike ride, and a 3-mile run. It begins at the San Luis Swim Center and continues along city sidewalks and streets, before ending at the SLO Baseball Stadium. Completion, rather than competition, is the focus of the short-course triathlon.

“Heritage Oaks Bank is our primary business sponsor,” said Kiser. “We couldn’t put the triathlon on without their support and that of our other sponsors.” Many Parks and Recreation programs depend on their generous business sponsors, said Kiser, especially during this tough economy.

Senior Center events

Volunteer Day along the many trails

The Jack House, for example, is one of many Parks and Recreation facilities hosting an array of special events throughout the year. Volunteer docents conduct tours of the gracious historic Victorian home throughout the year, and a Mother’s Day Concert is held annually.

The Aquatics program offers the full spectrum of water opportunities, from baby’s first swim to high school teams and water therapy for seniors. Parks and Recreation also oversees the Laguna Lake Golf Course, a 10-hole, executive-length course with a driving range, club and cart rentals and lessons from a PGA teaching professional. The Senior Center near Mitchell Park is home to bridge, book, and camera clubs, a plethora

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of volunteer options, and a range of health and exercise programs. And there are three Community Gardens in the city, where plots can be leased by residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

The city’s park rangers make sure the parks stay clean and safe for everyone. With more than 40 miles of trails and roads available to the public, city park rangers lead educational hikes, oversee trail workdays, and run junior ranger nature camps.

A special set of activities just for Boomers includes Global Gourmet cooking classes and a Historic Walking Club. The Special Events division includes Snow Night, Monster Skate Park Series, Teen Idol, Howl-o-ween Hoopla, a Victorian Holiday, and an annual Easter Egg Hunt. And those who want to remember a loved one can purchase and donate a commemorative bench through the Department’s Bench Program. There is even a Public Arts program which encourages and processes public art in buildings, parks, and streets.

Betsy Kiser, who has been in the parks business all her life, will retire in June, after 13 years of service to this department. Her Recreation Manager, Linda Fitzgerald, will retire this month after 35 years. Kiser hopes for a smooth transition to the new leadership and would like to see three things accomplished in the near future: a new skate park, a dog park, and more scholarships for children’s services.

Kiser is grateful to the many business partners who make the continuation of quality Parks & Recreation programs available and affordable. And the value of her volunteers cannot be overstated.

“Over 20,000 hours of volunteer assistance is given each year to department programs such as Jack House docents, SLO Triathlon, Teen and Senior Activities, and Special Events,” said Kiser. “Without these hard-working helpers, many programs would not be possible.”

The mission statement that guides her dedicated staff reads: “With integrity and enthusiasm we are committed to providing quality parks, open space, recreation, cultural and educational services essential to the enhancement and promotion of personal well-being and sense of community.”

Your San Luis Obispo City Parks and Recreation Department is full to bursting with high quality fun for every age and interest.

Visit www.slocity.org/parksandrecreation for a full listing or call 781-7300. It may be the best idea you’ve had all year.

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HOME/OUTDOOR PULSE

getting ready to get ready – steps to organizing our health

By Julian J. Varela “I am definitely going to take a course on time management…just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” --- Louise E. Boone It is actually quite funny that I’m writing this article right now. I’m leaving for a conference in San Diego first thing tomorrow morning, have a packed schedule today and have only 45 minutes to complete this article; yes I procrastinated a bit. I’m generally very organized; I utilize a Blackberry, my appointments are color coded and categorized, I generally complete my tasks on time while maintaining a healthy balance of exercise and a reasonable diet. While some may consider my organization a little over the top, with a lot of practice and effort, I’ve managed to become a pretty good time manager.

One of the first things I encourage clients looking for ways to improve their health to do is start with their schedules. Too many of us have our priorities upside down, with too much emphasis on work and not enough on our own health. If you can’t manage your time, time will manage you right into the ground. Getting a grasp on your schedule and prioritizing in a manner that aligns with your values and priorities will not only improve your productivity, it will also improve your health. So where to start? Funny enough, it’s the start that stops most people. It’s now time to stop getting ready to get ready and just start!

The first thing I suggest is to write out last weeks schedule along with everything that you have to do this week and then set it aside.

Now it’s time for a little reflection. I suggest that you ask yourself some of the following questions and jot the answers below last weeks schedule. Is spending time with your family important? Is exercise important to you? Is reading important to you? Are you productive at work? Are you constantly interrupted or distracted? Do you have “time bandits,” such as checking email 24/7? Is your open door policy too open? Are you constantly logged into Facebook? Do you surf the internet constantly? Now that we’ve identified our priorities and time-bandits, take a look at last weeks schedule and see how you can improve your productivity by eliminating time-bandits, delegating more effectively, and replacing these items with your priorities and values such as exercise and family time. Here’s your cheat sheet.

Step 1: Review last week’s schedule Include: Work, school, important projects, administrative items, meetings, etc. Family time, chores, errands, you time, exercise, preparing healthy meals

Step 2: Review your priorities and values Is family time priority? Is your health a priority? Are these items in my schedule and balanced?

Step 3: Look for time bandits Do you check your phone for text messages or emails every other minute? Are you logged in to Facebook 24/7? Do you respond to emails as soon as they come in?

Step 4: Schedule Makeover Create a new schedule for next week. Eliminate time bandits. Delegate more efficiently. Replace time-bandits and delegated time with A P R I L

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priorities, i.e. workouts and meal preparation. Be assertive and learn to say no when something threatens your priorities.

The ability to control your time, and stay consistent with your commitments will lead you to success. Walter Bagehot said this, “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” Here’s a short story for you to reflect upon in your quest to become a more organized person.

Once upon a time, there was a college professor who wanted to write a biography – not of a productive person – but of a productive day. The professor began his research by interviewing hundreds of highly productive people. After listening to how these people spent their days, he compiled this information and came up with the following list: 1. First thing in the morning, highly productive people plan their work for the day. They know exactly which projects they want to begin, which ones they need to make progress on, and which ones they have to complete on that day.

2. They make a firm commitment to stick to their plan for that day – no matter what.

3. They get down to work. They’ve already planned their work. Now they’re working their plan.

4. As they work on their projects and make progress – they feel energized. It feels good to be productive.

5. They continue working. However, these good feelings do not last forever. These highly productive people are confronted by frustration, upset, and even lack of motivation. Sometimes they want to quit, BUT they keep working on their projects because they are committed to staying committed to their commitments.

6. As the rest of the day passes, the good feelings come back . . . but so do the bad. Nevertheless, these people press on. They know the secret is to rise above their feeling and to keep their commitments. They know that professionals do their best when they feel like it least.

7. They complete some projects and make progress on others; maybe not perfectly. These highly productive people believe in progress not perfection; perhaps not without unforeseen snags. But they were productive. They got the job done.

8. When the day is done and they’re just about to put their heads on their pillows, they get their real reward. They are able to say to them, “I’m glad I did,” while less productive people can only say, “I wish I had.”

9. They wake up the next morning and go back to step #1.

10. They keep doing Steps #1-#9 until they’ve become a habit. They’ve learned that habits start out as thin threads and end up as strong cables 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@eclubs.com.

HOME/OUTDOOR

Nutrition

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benefits of shopping at farmers’ market

By Shelley A. Matson

T

he San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market is definitely worth the trip.

With summer on its way and the promise of warmer weather a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables awaits! The locally grown produce is often available at lower prices than at grocery stores and shopping from local farmers strengthens your local community.

Since the fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of the season, nutrients will be more abundant. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a worthwhile goal. The following list shows many of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables organized by their pigment (color). Try to eat a rainbow of colors this summer!

Color

Plant Pigment/ Main Phytonutrient

Health Benefits

Food Sources

Red

Lycopene

Helps reduce certain cancers.

Protects cells from damage.

Antioxidants help protect against heart disease.

Tomatoes, cherries, watermelon, strawberries, pink grapefruit.

Protects vision. Can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, and improve immune function.

Carrots, cantaloupe, squash. Yellow bell peppers, corn, yellow apples, and tangerines.

Anthocyanin orange & Yellow

Beta-Carotene

Green

Lutein

Helps with heart and skin maintenance. Prevents cancer.

Lowers fat levels in blood.

Broccoli, spinach, collard greens, bok choy, green apples

Blue & Purple

Anthocyanin

Protects cells from damage.

Help improve memory.

Blueberries, grapes, plums, blackberries, eggplant, raspberries, prunes, and raisins.

White

Allicin

Help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Help reduce heart disease.

Bananas, cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, and jicama.

Liminoids

Available April 3rd

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S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

Extend Your Home’s Living Spaces Outdoors

By Statepoint Media

I

t doesn’t matter if your backyard is a tiny patch of grass or an expansive green lawn. You can extend your home’s living spaces by creating an inviting outdoor room for relaxing, dining, entertaining and even cooking.

Outdoor living rooms are a booming trend in home design, representing a creative way to expand your home’s living areas. And they add value to your home, with homebuyers ranking such outdoor spaces fifth on their top ten list of must-have home features,

according to an annual survey by Avid Ratings Co. These days it’s no longer about a simple picnic table on a patio or deck. There are many ways to create the right ambience – from cozy seating areas to outdoor fireplaces to full outdoor kitchens.

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Depending on your surrounding environment, everything from slate tiles to wood planks can do the trick. But even something as simple as an outdoor rug can define your outdoor room.

• Around the Fireplace: What better way to bring people together outdoors than a warm, crackling fireplace? Choose one with stainless steel construction, built to handle the rigors of the elements. Different fireplaces offer different features, such as the Merit Plus which sports a traditional design, or the Oasis LS0-43 which boasts one of the largest viewing areas to watch those flames. You even can opt for the convenience of gas models, such as the Lennox Elite Series, which is ventless and requires no chimney.

A hearth easily serves as a centerpiece around which to arrange outdoor furniture. Its radiant heat also allows you to continue enjoying your space during cooler months.

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• Outdoor Kitchens: Kitchens aren’t just for indoors. Many upscale appliances are available for outdoor installation. While barbecue grills are fine by themselves, gas-powered stoves, outdoor rotisseries,

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burners and granite countertops also help homeowners get in touch with their inner and outdoor chef.

“By extending your home’s living spaces to the great outdoors with comfy seating and an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, you can give your friends and family more space to enjoy while increasing your house’s resale value,” says Robert Dischner, director of marketing for Lennox Hearth Products.

For more information on outdoor home enhancements, visit www.lennox.com.

Regardless of the direction you choose, you have the option of starting small and adding elements over time. A cozy seating area can grow into an open-air kitchen and living room.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

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fresh grated beet salad with apples, carrots & mint

at the market

FOR THE SALAD (use Organic or pesticide-free produce as much as possible for flavor and for yourself): 2 large beets 1 large carrot (or 2 small)

N

1 large apple

By Sarah Hedger

ow that it is beginning to finally feel like Spring, it is a great time to have awareness of our ever evolving seasonal cravings. Most affiliate winter with hearty warm soups and stews because of their internal warming capabilities, however it is also the hearty ingredients that our bodies crave as well.

As the temperatures outside begin to warm, lighter (and often fresher) ingredients begin to sound more enticing. Fresh salads with spring ingredients sound delicious as well as a tendency toward fruits and vegetables that are coming into season. April is a great time of year because in our area, there is little that isn’t in season! We still see residual winter produce such as chard and potatoes; however the spring produce that enters the markets runs the gamut. There is no shortage of asparagus, artichokes, fresh spring herbs, green peas, carrots, beets (and tops), strawberries, lemons…the list seems to go on and on. It is a wonderful time to find ways to create nutrient dense meals. And, the color – the vibrant colors of our produce alone

is amazing in itself! The dark beets and the bright orange carrots support nutritionists prodding to encourage us to eat the most (naturally) vibrant colors we can find.

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The recipe for April is simple, and simplicity can oftentimes be surprisingly beautiful. This dish, Fresh Grated Beet Salad with Apples, Carrots, and Mint, could not be more vibrant in color as well as extremely refreshingly delicious (and nutritious). It can easily be enjoyed as a light meal, with the addition of some toasted walnuts and Feta cheese, or as a side dish for the great Easter meal. I am hopeful I haven’t lost too many readers with the raw beet idea. For those of you who haven’t tried it, I encourage you to give it a shot. It isn’t much different than a grated carrot in a lot of ways, but the beet packs a punch of nutrition unlike others. Beet comes from the Amaranth family with other superfood siblings including chard and spinach. Hence, for those of you really brave souls who have discovered the delicious brilliance of beet tops, I applaud you! An unfortunate catastrophe when most have them discarded upon purchase, only to later find out they can get even more value by keeping the greens and enjoying them raw in salads, sautéed, or even in soups. Alright, back to the beet root. When beets are enjoyed in the springtime, their skins are thin enough there is no need to even peel them. Just snip the top and bottom off, give them a good soak and scrub, and you’re off and running. Nutrition wise, beets are high in dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and bioflavonoids. And, if this doesn’t get you running to find the nearest beet you can find, keep in mind the beet tops have even more highly concentrated amounts of these nutrients. The other ingredients in this salad are simple and sweet and easy to find. If you are fortunate to have a food processor with a grating component, this is a great way to utilize it. Otherwise, find a big bowl, place it in a sink, put on a dark shirt or dark apron and give it a go. I assure you, you will be pleasantly surprised and pleased that something so nutritious can taste so delicious.

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¼ cup finely minced fresh mint ¼ cup finely minced fresh parsley ½ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup mild olive oil OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: 1-2 ounces sheep’s milk Feta ¼ cup walnuts, toasted in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes Put on dark shirt or dark apron. Place large bowl in sink followed by large grater (in large bowl). Grate beets, carrots, and apple into large bowl. Add finely minced mint, parsley, cider vinegar and olive oil.

Toss well. Let sit, in refrigerator or otherwise for 15-30 minutes allowing flavors to meld. Toss well again and serve. If enjoying as a light meal, top with walnuts and Feta. Beware – you might be surprised how much salad you really want to eat when no one is looking…

Makes 4 salad servings.

120 calories per serving, 15 grams carbs, 3 grams protein, 2 grams fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), 5 grams of dietary fiber and a whole lot of goodness

HOME/OUTDOOR Kitchen Ideas

Seeing the light part 2

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

I

n this second half of our article about lighting design, we’ll address some of the technical aspects of this seemingly inexhaustible subject.

There have been changes in the past few years in building codes, that govern which types of lighting will be approved for new residential construction. The 2005 standards, for example, mandated that a minimum of half the wattage used by light fixtures in new kitchens must be provided by high-efficacy, dedicated fluorescent sources. Dedicated means a fixture type that cannot be later converted to an incandescent type. Bathrooms, utility areas and exterior fixtures are even more restrictive. And there are more changes in the works for the not-too-distant future energy codes, in which (hopefully) the use of LED (light-emitting diode) type lamps will be addressed and included. What does this boil down to when choosing lighting for a kitchen remodel? It means, basically, for every 100-watt incandescent lamp you want to include, there needs to be 100 watts of dedicated fluorescent light. Using the classic single tube fixture averaging 8 watts per linear foot as an example, 12-1/2 feet would need to be included to offset that one incandescent light. These tubes could be placed along the upper perimeter of the cabinets, or below the wall cabinets as midzone task lighting.

cooler toned light promotes concentration and better ability to see small detail. The color of light will also have an impact on the colors of other materials such as stone, wood grain, tile, wall treatments, etc., so it is very important to check your finish materials in the same light as that which you’ll be installing in the space. Fluorescents are now available in a very wide Kelvin range, to suit individual taste and color preferences.

Another technical aspect of which to be aware is Color Rendering Index (CRI). This is a measure of how closely the lamp renders an object’s color compared to a standard source, such as daylight. In this comparison, daylight and all incandescent sources (including halogen) are considered to have a CRI of 100, which means they render total accuracy in color appearance. Lamps with

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very distorted color rendering will have a low CRI. The higher the CRI, the more natural the appearance of the light and the richer that colors lit by it will appear. CRI and color temperature are specified by all manufacturers of lamps if you take the time to investigate.

Lighting your kitchen doesn’t have to involve headaches or huge expense as long as you think carefully about what you need to accomplish. Yes, there’s a whole new world of choices out there, but by talking with a qualified lighting professional you can reap great rewards.

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

Okay, so now that you know you need to learn to love fluorescent, it helps to be aware of some other attributes of light.

One factor that may most influence whether you’ll be happy with your lighting choice is color temperature. Daylight is in the range of 5,000K (Kelvin scale) and up.

Higher color temperature lamps (4,000 K or more) emit a cooler (blue-white) color of light more similar to daylight, and lower color temperatures (2,700–3,000 K) emit a warm (yellow-white through red) color of light. In general, warmer toned light creates a feeling of relaxation, whereas A P R I L

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COMMUNITY kindred spirits A choir apart from the rest

By Hilary Grant

T

here’s no lack of terrific live music on the Central Coast – a fact that’s especially true when it comes to finding great choirs.

Some of our better known groups are the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble, started in 1977 and known for touring the world; the Cuesta Master Chorale, which recently turned 25 years old, and the Central Coast Children’s Choir, made up of more than 100 boys and girls. With their user friendly web sites, email notices and other marketing tools, it’s easy to find out performance schedules and ways to lend a helping hand.

Then there’s Kindred Spirits.

Begun more than a decade ago, those who love good choral music usually only hear about this unique group by word of mouth.

Nonetheless, the nearly 40 women who make up the choir sang 22 performances in 2008, and in 2009, gave 16 concerts around the County and in Santa Maria. They’ve also done a program at the Clark Center, sang as special guests of the Allan Hancock College Band and lent their voices to a Habitat for Humanity benefit.

But the group’s main focus is smaller venues – Newcomer Club meetings, San Luis Blues baseball games, social networking groups and senior residence facilities, mostly during the holiday season. (Then again, Kindred Spirits sang at a Manse on Marsh concert in downtown SLO in midMarch, and a few days later, performed for the Nipomo Newcomers Club.)

There’s no charge for the half hour senior housing concerts, although donations are gratefully accepted.

“We love singing at retirement homes throughout the community because our songs are so well-received there,” says director Bev MacLeod, a Pismo Beach resident who has been the group’s director since 1999.

“Music is so important to these seniors, and often, they sing along with us.”

Jamie Neutill, who works as Activities Coordinator at the Sydney Creek Residence Home in SLO, couldn’t agree more.

“The Kindred Spirits ladies come and completely engage with our residents,” she says. “That’s so important. We also like them because they’re always very upbeat, dress nicely and just do a great job bringing in lots of holiday cheer.”

Dave Weitzel, spokesperson for the social club BlackLake Gyros, praises the group as well.

“We’ve had the choir at our last two dinner events in Santa Maria,” he says. “They’re just magnificent! For one thing, they sing songs that we all know. They bring back a lot of memories – and they always show up right on time.”

Melodies include show tunes and what Bev MacLeod calls “old standards” from the 1930s through the 1960s. More specifically, the Kindred Spirits repertoire has patriotic and religious tunes, songs that salute specific holidays and seasons, some barbershop melodies, and even a few foreign language ditties.

“Our most popular numbers include ‘Amazing Grace,’ which is often requested and well received,” says MacLeod. “Audiences also love ‘Sugartime,’ ‘Lollipop’ and ‘God Bless America.’ Audiences especially like to sing along with this last one.”

Joining the group means making a year-round commitment.

Rehearsals are every week and last for two hours. Although most members are adept at reading music, tapes are sometimes made of individual voice parts in order to help memorize the songs, especially those for Christmas concerts. A selection committee comes up with the music, and, says MacLeod, “we also get input from all of the ladies as to which songs they prefer to sing.

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COMMUNITY “Joy in singing is something we like, and something that’s very important to us.�

Kindred Spirits began on Halloween Day in 1997.

It was then that a dozen women – all members of the San Luis Obispo Newcomers Club or Five Cities Newcomers Club – decided to try and sing together, just for the fun of it.

Several names were suggested by the original group, but Kindred Spirits seemed most appropriate, and has stuck.

“Nowadays,� says Bev MacLeod, “we pretty much choose new members according to our need for specific voice parts.�

While there are a number of challenges to running Kindred Spirits, MacLeod says there’s an even bigger payoff. “I love the camaraderie we share,� she says. “I’m also excited to see our improvement every year, and the audience’s enjoyment of each performance. And finally, I receive a lot of energy and excitement from continuing

23

what I was professionally trained to do. “We call ourselves Kindred Spirits,� adds MacLeod. “Ask any member and she’ll assure you that we are a family of like minded souls.

Our purpose is to make good music and support one another through joy and sorrow‌ like a bridge over troubled waters.�

To find out more about Kindred Spirits, or to receive a copy of their Christmas CD, contact Bev MacLeod at (805) 773-0323, or rbmac6@tcsn.net.

Less than six weeks later, the novice ensemble gave their first performance at The Villages of San Luis Obispo.

Today, 37 women, mostly retired, make up Kindred Spirits. Members have been teachers, a librarian, homemakers and businesswomen, as well as a composer, beautician and legal secretary. Two of the Kindred Spirits have sung professionally, and ages range from 63 to 83 years old. (Bev MacLeod was an elementary school vocal music teacher for 20 years, as well as a choral director in Orange County.)

When new members are added (the choir is currently closed), they must read music, have some choral experience, and be able to sing in four-part harmony.

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COMMUNITY

Slo Historical museum display bells, belles and beaux: historical wedding traditions

By Sandy Baer

colors of blue, red or black. Even though common lore purports that it was Queen Victoria’s purity or virginity that promoted the first white wedding gown, in reality, it was her desire to incorporate some white lace she had that she enhanced with orange blossoms and an eighteen-foot-long train.

In the 19th century, vanity dictated a white wedding gown more than virginity! A white wedding gown was a sign of wealth – after all, only very wealthy women could afford a dress that would generally be worn once, even though there were some exceptions, as some brides dyed their dresses and wore them for years for other special occasions.

Until Queen Victoria’s departure from the more traditional colors of blue, black or red, brides from all cultures wore their native costumes. In particular, blue was considered a color of purity/virginity. Ancient Israeli brides bordered their wedding gown with blue to indicate love, modesty and fidelity.

Other sources cite that red was not worn as it implied promiscuity and black was avoided as the color of mourning. On the other hand, the white dress signifying purity/virginity was no more than lore.

“I … chose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well.”

---Oliver Goldsmith c. 1728-1774

In fact, it was not until Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840 that she broke tradition and wore a white wedding gown, rather than the more cross-cultural

Dubbed, “Bells, Belles and Beaux: Wedding traditions of SLO County, 1870s-1950s,” The San Luis Obispo County Historical Society and Museum is mounting a year-long exhibit to open with a reception on April 16, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Approximately 20 wedding gowns will be showcased in two installments – the second beginning in November 2010.

Culled from the Society’s textile and memorabilia collection, volunteers Nancy Hillenberg, a retired teacher from the Anaheim School District with a master’s degree in textile history from Cal-State Fullerton joined forces with Ann Judd, another local volunteer of some 10 years, and they realized that the SLOCOHS had considerable “wedding” resources.

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As they catalogued, researched and documented wedding accessories and paraphernalia, an idea was literally born. Among one of the more unusual unearthed wedding gowns is a maroon wedding dress from the Dana family that has a “pregnancy panel,” sewn in as she proceeded to bear children.

The wine taffeta has gold velvet trim at the neck and on the edge of an attached sash.

Another unusual wedding gown was donated by the Machado family, Cecliea Serpa and Amelia Garner, the former being the granddaughter of Machado, in 1964. This two-

COMMUNITY piece back taffeta and black lace ensemble was fashioned with the late 19th century style of back panniers and bustle.

Yet another unique display is of the first nighttime wedding at the Mission on November 7, 1942 between Elvira Rodriques to Manual L. Oliveira. This particular vignette includes the veil, a tiara, groom’s suit, wedding invitation and newspaper article announcing their marriage. Oliveira was an employee of the Harmony Valley Creamery.

“Soft and glad the music swells, Gaily in the night wide stealing.

Sweetly sound the wedding bells,” by Eliza Cook, captures the nature of the evening.

“The challenging chore of associating wedding artifacts with local families and their histories consumed five years on the textile collection and two years on the exhibit,” says Hillenberg. Her combined talents as a textile historian in conjunction with Ann Judd’s 30 years as a Swiss resident in her husband’s native land that inspired her worldly appreciation of textiles have often “worked” 20 or more hours weekly in the past two months to prepare for the “Bells, Belles and Beaux” exhibit.

“The joy of seeing an exhibit well done that reflects the stories of our county – our oldtime families – brings to life our history,” Judd says. “I have learned so much from Nancy. For instance, we are rotating the 20 or so exhibits after six months due to the fragility of the textiles.”

Every Tuesday afternoon, they can be found at the Museum’s warehouse, preparing for this yearlong retrospective of SLO County wedding history. The Textiles and Exhibits committees joined forces to showcase this exhibit of wedding artifacts, accessories and accruements. Ilana Walker, a Cal Poly history major was also instrumental in the

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research and cataloging and the exhibit became her senior project.

tuxedos as well as historical photographs accompany each exhibit.

Many other volunteers with the SLOCOHS contributed their time, skills and expertise, including Pierre Rademacher, whose firm designed the mail postcard to promote this event. “My attitude about history is in order to understand the present years, you have to understand the past.” Rademacher says.

As Kimberly Alfaro, Executive Director of the SLOCOHS says, “I am really excited abut this exhibit. It is the first time that we have done a clothing-based exhibit. Also, weddings are such a great topic because it’s something that everyone has experienced in some form or another. Now they get to compare their experience with the experiences of 100 years ago.”

The families represented are among those with familiar SLO County heritages, multigenerational histories and histrionics that will ring the bells of memory amongst many of you. The original silk dress worn

by Stella Louis, the first Chinese-Christian wedding locally, has extensively deteriorated, so yet another volunteer, Jennifer Blue of Something Blue, is replicating the gown for the exhibit.

As our country was as diverse then as now, so are the families represented in the exhibit as well as the array of wedding gowns and accessories reflecting both the times and the traditions. Ensembles representing about every 10 years from 1870 to 1950 are the thread that holds the show together.

Sponsors for the “Bells, Belles and Beaux: Wedding traditions of SLO County, 1870s1950s” exhibit at the SLOCOHS include “Club Mckenzie KCBX Radio, hosted by Guy Rathbun with a period play list, Panacea Event Floral Design, Two Cooks Catering, Trumpet Vine Catering, Phoenix Catering, Central Coast Shutter Booth, Amy Bakes Cupcakes, Cassium’s Custom Cupcakes, Zenaida Cellars, Edna Valley Vineyards, Pithy Little Wine Company, Got You Covered Rentals, and Studio 101 West.

For more information, call the SLOCOHS at 805-543-0638 or email kalfaro@slochs.org.

The Machado, Maino, Spooner, Luis/Clan, Righetti, Oliveira and Dana families are but a few whose contributions to the SLOCOHS collection bring this exhibit free to the public. As diverse as the generations are the styles and social acceptance of traditions.

According to Hillenberg, “There are basically three styles of wedding gowns. During the 1850s-1860s, the ‘bell’ shape was in vogue, as it seems to be currently, as well. Then during the 1870s, ‘bustles’ were popular, generally a large rectangle of fabric with a triangle on one corner. In the flapper days of the 1920s -1930s, the gown of choice was often a ‘column’ silhouette, sleek and slender.” Wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, groom’s

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COMMUNITY

russian folk music on the central coast

big rock balalaikas

By Ruth Starr

A

large crowd of people were swaying and clapping their hands to the rhythmic sounds of Russian, Polish, and other ethnic music. Big Rock Balalaikas, grown here on the Central Coast, was in town performing in Baywood for the Mozart Festival. The instruments they play – balalaikas, domras, and a large contrabass balalaika – are seldom seen around the Central Coast of California.

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The balalaika, the traditional instrument of Russia, has a triangularly shaped body and three-strings. It is played without a pick, which gives it its distinctive sound. Also featured are domras, round-bodied instruments that are played with a pick. Their name “Big Rock” refers to the Morro Rock, a partially submerged extinct volcano situated in the Morro Bay harbor.

The founder of the band is Judy Sherman, who lives in Morro Bay. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of balalaikas, her history with the instruments and she will gladly help you find one if you’re interested. Most balalaikas are small like the size of a mandolin. They provide just the right sound for traditional Russian folk music.

Most Americans are not familiar with Russian folk music, yet for years Sherman made a living playing that kind of music, even taking her balalaika to concert halls. Now she and her group have introduced the Central

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Coast to mostly Russian music by playing at festivals, weddings, farmers markets, groups, and local coffee houses.

Sherman fell in love with Russian music when she was at UCLA in the late 1960s.

She received a music degree from UCLA. Her studies were in the field of world music with an emphasis on Greek and Bulgarian.

During this time she met a well-known Russian musician, Steve Wolownik. Sherman, Wolownik, and others formed a group they called the Odessa Balalaikas and hit the road.

Judy toured with the Odessa Balalaikas (the professional extension of the UCLA Balalaika Orchestra) for eight years.

They dressed the part by wearing ethnic costumes, went to the music center at UCLA and played for tips. They certainly did not fit the rock trends of that time. They did not have electric guitars or drums, nor were they dressed like musicians in the 60s; however, they had a large following nonetheless. They performed at festivals, church gatherings, and college events with their lists of fiftyyear-old songs, their three stringed instruments and ethnic costumes that looked like they just arrived by boat from the old country. Sherman says they were always a big hit because they were so different.

Sherman followed Wolownik to the east coast in the early 80s. They played regularly in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York.

She performed and recorded for 20 years with the Gypsy Balalaikas and Balalaika Russe, and contributed to the continuation of the University of Pennsylvania Balalaika Orchestra. Judy eventually got a job at an inner city school teaching special education and limited her playing to weekends.

In 2000, Steve Wolownik died unexpectedly, leaving Judy heartbroken. She decided that it was time to move closer to her family in Morro Bay, California.

She was still in grief over the loss of Steve Wolownik when she decided to use her talents in music for just the joy of the music. She began taking her balalaika to the Morro Bay Farmers Market and the 2 Dogs Coffee Co in Morro Bay. It proved to be an excellent decision.

As she played, she found that musicians began approaching her wanting to play along. At the Farmers Market, guitarist Walt Lanford saw her playing and when he heard that she would be playing at the local coffee house, he showed up bringing along his guitar and asked if he could play along with her.

A short time later, Carl Moody saw her playing at a local venue. Moody was a teacher

COMMUNITY of Russian Language at UC Santa Barbara.

Moody soon joined up with her and they had the beginnings of a band. Sherman was anxious to build a group and invited Tina Granados, who plays the domra, who was not only Sherman’s cousin, but she lived next door. She was anxious to continue a family tradition of playing music together.

Tina knew that their mothers would have been thrilled to see them playing music together, and the joy they were experiencing.

Eventually the band swelled to include musicians: Andy King, Stephanie Moss, Montey Ellman, Evelyn Spencer, and Chuck Aronson.

Six of the musicians now make up the band.

They all had different levels of musical knowledge to bring to the group. Some were already accomplished musicians, while others had limited experience. Sherman was the only one who had played significant amounts of Russian music. The band pulled together bringing a cohesive sound to their music.

The songs are mostly fast and joyful coming from the end of the 19th century to sometime in the 1950s. The music is infectious, fun, and very unique. Judy states that the group is part

of the flow of Russian music in the United States. They began playing in the early seventies. In the late seventies, there was the first influx of virtuoso musicians of Russian music.

Today, the group does cabaret style music.

They include many of the old traditional music and follow the traditions of the groups heard in New York and Paris. They are now rooted in the Central Coast community and are delighted when people tell them that it brings back wonderful memories of their parents and grandparents.

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To get a flavor of their music go to www.youtube.com and in the search, put in Big Rock Balalaikas. Judy says that one of the most important websites for this kind of music is www.BDAA.com It has history of balalaikas and domras and a lot of information on the whole context of this kind of music.

To step outside of our culture and into that of a different time and energy, is to experience the Big Rock Balalaikas. They bring into our midst a style and verve that the Central Coast has rarely seen.

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COMMUNITY SLO county art scene

the art of printmaking

By Gordon Fuglie

T

he art of printmaking requires patience, and not just with the multiple tools, processes and techniques it takes to get the right image, but also in describing over and over the various media from which an artist may choose.

Tell a non-artist you make lithographs or linoleum cuts, etchings, engravings (and don’t even think of using “intaglio,” the more formal term), serigraphs, etc. and you’ll get a puzzled expression or an eye-glazed stare when you try to define your medium.

Your interlocutor will start to wonder why you couldn’t make your art with less troublesome efforts – hey, how about just doing watercolor?

Los Osos artist and printmaker Robert “Rosey” Rosenthal has been making etchings and relief (a.k.a linoleum or wood cut) prints for decades, and he is indeed a very patient man. His resumé reveals an artist committed to explaining the mysteries of his craft, year in year out. He has lectured on printmaking both at the Cal Poly and Cuesta College Art Departments, as well as various San Luis

Obispo County art organizations. Such topics as “What is an original print?” and “What is an etching?” appear frequently in his public speaking repertoire.

The subject of his own work, however, is anything but complex. Rosey, as he is best known in the Central Coast art community, is an unabashed populist in his subject matter, and a lover of visual puns. His favorite genre is mythic-fantasy, and he etches knights, ladies, castles, monsters and menacing dragons with gusto. Another topic is wry eroticism, à la the fin-de-siecle Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

Using carved linoleum blocks relief-printed in high contrast black and white, his sultry ladies vamp it up in stylized settings.

Rosey is also a past director of the governing board of the San Luis Obispo Art Center, a cofounder and former president of the Central Coast Printmakers, an association that has been the focal point for printmaking artists of the Central Coast since 1983. He and his artist wife, Barbara, have for a number of years operated a gallery and artist workspace in Los Osos, Art is for Everyone, but have decided to close it to pursue a new venture. (They hope to lease it, however, to an artist tenant.)

Confessing to a periodic itch to refreshing his approach to art, Rosey decided to establish a new printmaking atelier in Studios on the Park, Paso Robles. By the time you read this, he will be up and running in the north county, accompanied by his friends and colleagues in the Central Coast Printmakers.

In the meantime, his work is also included in Legends, a juried exhibition of regional graphic art presented by the Central Coast Printmakers at the San Luis Obispo Art Center through April 18.

Appropriately, the work in Legends was selected by another and outstanding printmaker, Nick Spohrer, who is an instructor in art at Fresno City College. Stories, a oneperson exhibit of Spohrer’s color woodcuts, runs concurrently with the group show, and I was personally pleased to curate his display for the Art Center. (It is my conviction that artists from the mid-state region be seen

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DW Piranesi

The Green Bicycle

throughout our area, not just in their own towns or counties.) Both the Central Coast Printmakers and I were drawn to Spohrer because his work has strong narrative qualities and these corresponded to the theme of Legends. In this aspect, Spohrer’s work corresponds to Rosey’s.

A younger artist, Spohrer’s prints draw on a number of woodcut influences by three notable American artists. He is an enthusiast of the technical color wizardry of Santa Fe’s Gustave Baumann (1881-1971); the populist imagery of Antonio Frasconi (b. 1919); and the depictions of the human condition by Ben Shahn (1898-1969). I find it interesting that all were immigrants who quickly engaged with American life and its landscapes.

Spohrer also draws on comic books, graphic novels and cartoons for his elemental figures.

But he eschews overt humor, gags and action situations in favor of emotionality, “states of mind” – with themes of desire, longing, loneliness and searching. Spohrer notes that these are universal concerns: “I believe in providing a context, and relying on the viewer’s experience, memories and life stories.”

COMMUNITY

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Our Schools: local revenue options for schools

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

O

ver the past 18 months our schools in our county have lost over 20% of their state revenue.

This equates to a loss of over $34 million countywide, or an average of $30,000 per classroom. In order to adopt a legally required balanced budget, our local school districts have had to make severe reductions in expenses, primarily by reducing staff since personnel costs account for over 85% of the district budgets.

The structure of school finance in California forces local school district Governing Boards to look almost exclusively at the expense side of their budgets and not at the income side. Only 10% of a district’s revenue comes from local sources under district control.

These local sources include interest income, donations, rental income and student fees for transportation. This means that 90% of the revenue for school districts is controlled by either the state or federal government. This is different from other states and certainly diminishes the reality of local control.

Because of the devastating effects of having to reduce services to students, there has been interest in how to raise more local revenue to offset the loss in funds from the state and reduce the need for cuts. I will briefly review some of the possible sources of local revenue. For a more complete explanation of these sources please consult EdSource (www.

edsource.org) for a September 2009 report on Local Revenues for Schools.

Donations and Contributions. Gifts and contributions of money from citizens represent a very small portion of district revenue. Usually, money donated directly is one-time money and cannot be counted on as a stable source of revenue. The most promising practice for encouraging and managing local donations is for a district to form an educational foundation as a nonprofit organization in support of the district.

Several of our local districts have such organizations. Generally, educational foundations are formed to establish an endowment from which annual amounts are allocated based only on the investment earnings of the endowment principal. An endowment allows a district to have an organization that can receive donations of cash as well as other assets such as stocks or real estate. Statewide, the latest data show that there are about 600 such foundations which accounted for about $150,000 as compared to over $50 billion dollars from state revenue sources.

Fund Raisers. A variation on donations is to conduct various fund-raising activities that usually involve selling a product or attendance at an event with the proceeds going to fund specific school programs. Athletic Booster Clubs are examples of organizations that engage in annual fund raising activities. Although the funds raised from such endeavors

certainly help, the amount raised is far less than what is needed to avoid the substantial reductions. Also, fundraising can often involve a small group of people who have to expend a lot of time and energy. It is hard to maintain this commitment on an annual basis in order to keep the funding consistent over time.

Local Tax Options. The most common local tax option in use today is a parcel tax levied on all or some parcels of real estate within the district. Parcel taxes differ from the property taxes currently in place since the amount of the tax is not based on the value of the property. A parcel tax is a flat amount per parcel, regardless of the value of the parcel. Between 2001 and 2009, 83 school districts out of 980 in California had passed a local parcel tax with most of these districts being smaller districts in the San Francisco Bay Area. The amount of the tax varied, but most were under $100 per parcel. The district must specify the uses of the proposed new revenue and the length of time that the tax will remain in place. Parcel tax elections currently require a two-thirds majority to pass the measure, which is a difficult threshold to reach. However, there is currently a proposed statewide initiative being circulated for signatures that would reduce this requirement from two-thirds to 55% for passage.

Finally, three counties have also attempted to increase the local sales tax rate to help schools, but only San Francisco County has been successful.

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history

charles H. johnson

Part 2

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

What’s Your Story?

I’ve been writing family stories for publication for more than 20 years.

Every family is fascinating.

Every family is inspiring.

It’s all in the telling.

Last month, the 1847 journal of Charles H. Johnson written on his voyage from Baltimore to the Sandwich Islands underscored the adventurous young man’s determination to seek his fortune as a trader with a keen interest in exploring the world found in his travels. Little did he realize within a few years his adventure – and the rest of his life – would involve a prominent role in the dusty crossroads of an “antique” settlement called San Luis Obispo.

The story continues…

Under the command of Benjamin Hill, the Rhone sailed from Hawaii to California in about ten days. As the 22-year-old sailed through the Golden Gate on August 11, 1848 toward the “chaotic encampment” of San Francisco, the future – indeed – looked bright. News of the treaty ending the Mexican-American War had finally reached California a few days earlier, and the budding gold strike would bring an unprecedented stampede of men and a few women to the “emporium of the Pacific” – all needing supplies.

The human deluge in San Francisco into the previous small hamlet was enormous (swelling quickly to 100,000). Gold fever struck the hearts of many and blinded most to the reality of “get-rich quick” schemes. Everyone, however, needed provisions in order to sluice or dig for el dorado. The ship’s cargo would gather gold without any mining. Reportedly selling their wares for $100,000, the entrepreneurs began the mercantile house of Finley, Johnson & Co.

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COMMUNITY The company expanded rapidly but lost everything in one of the many “great” fires.

While having no insurance, the men quickly rebuilt their business only to have another “great” fire destroy their merchandise. They struggled to rebuild supposedly fireproof structures. A quarter of a million dollars was lost along with anywhere from 10 to 12 million dollars from other businesses in yet another conflagration in mid-1850. Fortune turned its back on the young men. Finley, Johnson & Co. closed its doors.

However, if one door closed and even greater one was slowly opening. If the mercantile business was no longer an option, there were other opportunities for the literate young man.

His interest (and heart) took him to Monterey where he met a prominent California family. He married 19-year-old Isabel Gomez Estrada on July 5, 1852. The former Spanish capital was also a source of revenue from trading vessels. The following year, Isaac B. Wall, the Collector of Customs, appointed Johnson as his Deputy.

Fortuitously, Isabel’s dowry included considerable property in San Luis Obispo…near the roadstead of the Avila port…also subject to custom fees. The newly-weds now had both property and employment in the sparsely populated county to the south.

By 1855, Johnson was appointed Inspector of Customs for the Avila port. In November of the same year, he wrote to his superiors in Washington, D. C. of the “assassination” of Wall with the assurance of his continuing “to perform such duties as may be legal and necessary” while awaiting a replacement for the murdered official. As Inspector, however, he needed to be closer to the Port.

Indeed, a family legend relates his having Stenner Creek – close to their farm – declared a navigable stream.

In 1853 and 1855, two sons are born – both in Monterey. Undoubtedly, Isabel wanted to be close to her family.

There is no exact date when the family relocated in San Luis Obispo. In Myron Angel’s History of San Luis Obispo County (1883), he quotes Johnson’s knowledge of the early days of the community with a detailed description of its beginning as both a Spanish and Mexican outpost.

Whatever the date, unlike most other pioneers, there is little documentation to suggest Johnson’s source of income other

than as a customs inspector. In the 1860 Census, he is listed as a “farmer” by then owning 160 acres plus several other pieces of property included in his wife’s dowry.

Raising cattle in one of the “cow counties” was profitable for the family as he continued to buy and sell property.

However, Johnson’s contribution to the community was more than wealth. Of his many accomplishments, his role in establishing the town (then city in 1876) became his greatest legacy. The San Luis Obispo in the early 1850s wasn’t even a recognized town…merely a former missionary settlement. Yet, it was the County seat.

Application was made to the United States Land Commission requesting recognition as a pueblo. As such, the amount of land granted would have been considerably more than if the settlement were designated a town. The Land Commission denied the petition. Johnson’s detailed explanation of this process points to his having been closely involved in the process.

It was not until February 19, 1856 that Legislation was passed creating the Town of San Luis Obispo. Needing authority to collect additional taxes, two years later the town was incorporated again with Johnson as president of the community’s Board of Trustees. In 1860, he was elected to the State Assembly and resigned from his custom’s position. With an official census of 1,782 and a voter turnout of about 450,

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he won by four votes over another pioneer William L. Beebe.

Johnson continued as a central figure in the emerging municipality as president of the Board of Trustees…the forerunner of the City Council. His efforts in obtaining yet another incorporation in 1868 are well documented. When legislation stalled in Sacramento aimed at assuring ownership of property in the town, it was Johnson who met with the legislators to revive the bill.

While there was now a mechanism to secure individual title to property, the Town still did not legally exist.

With the municipal election in 1870, Johnson seems to have avoided elected office but continued as a leading proponent of democracy and the Democratic Party. In one article, he enjoined all to “exercise that sacred right” – the vote. The issue: State subsidies to the railroads…that would finally join the community across Johnson land.

Next time: Johnson becomes the owner (in trust) for the entire town.

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A $150,000 budget shortfall has created a crisis for our county public libraries. Help us enhance 24/7 library access by providing resources like:

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How to help: • Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal at www.slolibraryfoundation.org • Send a check to the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries, P.O. Box 12942, San Luis Obispo 93406-2942

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hospice corner can you receive hospice care in skilled nursing facilities?

By Sally Packard

Vicky Hemmah, Florence Touryan, and Sally Packard

M

any people find themselves in a skilled nursing facility at the end of their lives.

Most individuals believe it won’t happen to them, yet nursing homes are overflowing with people who are in their sunset years and need the care. Patients who are victims of stroke, dementia, liver, kidney and other diseases/afflictions can and do live for years in these facilities. They receive the assistance they need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for eating and bathing, as well as the medical care required to sort through their many pills and treatments. So, if they already have all this care, how can hospice care assist them as they approach the end of their lives?

Hospice is a concept of care that treats the person, instead of the disease, and emphasizes the quality of life, instead of its duration. The goal of hospice care is to provide

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terminally ill patients a means to achieve what they need most as they reach the end of their life: freedom from pain; emotional and spiritual support; and, the ability to control the direction of their own care.

Hospice care is appropriate for any person who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, having approximately six months or less to live, no matter what the age, or what the illness. Hospice Partners will provide hospice care to hospice patients wherever they call home. Home can be a private residence, a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living facility. Hospice Partners has three dedicated hospice nurses on its staff: Vicky Hemmah, RN, Florence Touryan, RN, and Sally Packard, RN, CHPN, (all pictured above) who manage the care of hospice patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNF).

The hospice nurse works closely with the patient’s physician and the facility staff to review all of the patient’s current medications, especially the ones causing adverse side effects, to determine if some of the medications can be eliminated. The facility nurses have so many patients and so many demands on their time, they often welcome the expertise that hospice nurses can provide for pain and symptom management.

Medical equipment needs are also assessed by the hospice nurse – would the patient be more comfortable in an electric bed or with a special air mattress to help pad their aging body? Hospice Partners will provide, when needed, bedside commodes, oxygen, and various foam padding, because some facilities don’t have, or don’t have enough, of these items. The hospice nurse will visit the patient several times during the week, daily if needed, to make sure all the patient’s needs are met. Advice and extra visits at night are also available to the patient, facility staff and family at anytime.

Journal PLUS

Hospice Partners Medical Social Workers (MSW) will also visit the patient, family and facility staff, lending assistance to formulate a plan of care according to the patient’s wishes.

It is common to have questions, worries and difficult adjustments to make during this time period and our MSW’s sensitivity and knowledge can be very helpful. Most nursing homes do not have anyone on staff that can support the patient or their families in this way.

As the end of life approaches, patients often appreciate and enjoy spending time with a chaplain. Our hospice spiritual counselors provide this service to them at their bedside.

Many patients have been life long churchgoers and have missed having that spirituality in their lives. Life review, scripture reading, blessings and peace are offered and received.

Some facilities can offer a limited amount of these types of visits, most cannot.

The hospice musicians are frequently seen in the nursing homes several times a week.

They offer our hospice patients various types of music. The music can be therapeutic to the hospice patients and their families. Even with dementia, music reaches out to calm the soul and often brings smiles to “non-responsive” patients.

Hospice Home Health Aides will also assist hospice patients in SNFs. The facility staff will bathe and feed the patient as needed but our Hospice Aides will provide back/foot rubs, hand and toenail care, and extra time as needed at meals.

Hospice Partners volunteers visit the patient to offer walks on the patio, good conversation, assistance with facility activities and hobbies. If the patient has extra needs, Hospice Partners volunteers have a variety of ways to meet them.

When the hospice patient dies, their families, and the facility staff, are also provided

COMMUNITY grief counseling by Hospice Partners Bereavement Counselors for at least thirteen months afterwards, and are guided to other community resources if needed.

So, the answer is yes – hospice care is provided in skilled nursing facilities. The Hospice Partners team is there for the residents of our community, no matter where they call home.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Sally Packard, RN, CHPN, is one of the members of the Hospice Team. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

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Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan SLO VA Clinic Staff

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hree days after my Vets Voice deadline I received an e-mail from The San Luis Obispo County Administrator, Jim Grant, saying they had decided to leave everything the same in the County Veterans Service Office. It will continue to be a department level operation with a fully qualified person with a mission to serve the veterans as they have in the past. The VSO office will remain in the basement of the SLO County Veterans Memorial Hall at 801 Grand Avenue, next door to the Central Coast Veterans Museum. The office has ideal handicapped access from the parking lot. We thank the County Administrator, Jim Grant, and everyone else in the County government who listened to and considered our concerns. Ain’t democracy grand? What a great country we live in.

The next big holiday will be Memorial Day, Monday May 31st. I will be directing the American Legion Memorial Day service at the San Luis Obispo Wheeler/Smith Cemetery on Higuera and Elks Lane as I have since 1996.

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For newcomers to this column, a little history of Memorial Day in San Luis Obispo. The Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic made up of veterans of the Civil War. They were the San Luis Obispo chapter of the GAR, and they first celebrated what was then called Decoration Day, because the idea was to decorate veterans’ graves. Their first celebration was May 30, 1885 at the Civil War section of the San Luis Obispo cemetery situated where the Flag is south of Elks Lane. By 1923 there were only three civil war veterans left.

They asked the young veterans of WWI who had formed the American Legion Post 66, in September 1919, to take over the responsibility of memorializing our fallen heroes. We are continuing that 125-year tradition. We follow the theme of the Fred Steele Post 70, outlined

by National Commander Hawley in 1885. The San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge 322 and the staff of Wheeler Smith will both present Medals of Valor to the families of veterans killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I was saddened recently by the death of Bob Scamara of Atascadero.

He was a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot serving in the Pacific theater in WWII flying escort for the B-29s bombing Japan. I knew him from the twenty years I worked at Cal Trans. He was the personality of the month in the March 2008 issue of Vets Voice.

A few locals from that conflict served with me circa 1948/1950 in the local California National Guard at Camp San Luis Obispo, originally in the 3668th then in the 161st. Ordnance Depot Company. When the 161st was federalized in August 1950 for the Korean, “POLICE ACTION,” they served their country a second time. Guys like Robert P. Nimmo, Harry Zelazny, Norriss Allen, Louis Bettiga, Bob Ciocci, Charles Hudson, Steve Michaloko, L.T. Petker, Ted Rudd, John Richardson, Kenshaw Landice, Lloyd and Richard Marcum, Claude Batchelor, Norbert Volney, Flavius O’Hagan, Charles Herrera, Ed Adler, Ray Gomes, Lee Heric, Bert Houghtaling, and Joseph Silva. We younger guys had the privilege of their expertise in the ways of the army. The guys named above are no longer on this earthly veil. However, each Memorial and Veterans Day I remember them as comrades during my two years of service. There are several “pictures by Lennie” of the 161st before and after we were federalized one at Camp San Luis Obispo in the Summer of 1949 and the second at Camp Cooke in 1951 after we were brought up to full strength with additional personnel. My thoughts go back to them over 60 years ago.

I recently was given a picture of the crew at the SLO veterans clinic at 1238 Morro St. If you have not registered with them, you should do so. Call them at 543-1233 or stop in and ask for the necessary application. It is important that every veteran register so congress can have the knowledge to properly fund the VA in the future, and in case you need medical help in the future.

Here is a reminder that my deadline for the May issue of the Journal Plus is April 10th. So keep in touch about veterans’ issues. Especially I want to know about any Memorial Day celebrations in your area so I can pitch them in the May column. 543-1973 or frowan248@att.net.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

April 2010

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emember the movie “Sideways?” I think at the Adobe—stay awhile and spin some tales a great sequel would be “Side Streets,” a with Anne; Granada Bistro, delicious homemade story about the businesses located off the BIG fare and wine in a cozy atmosphere; Ciopinot 3 in Downtown (Monterey, Higuera and Marsh Seafood Grille—delectable ocean fresh seafood streets). Perhaps it’s the economy or perhaps and local wines in a trendy, contemporary just a natural phenomenon that the boulevards setting; Growing Grounds Downtown, everything intersecting the main drags are blossoming into you need to ‘grow your own;’ Sanctuary their own little ‘boutique districts’ with unique Tobacco, billed as Downtown’s only ‘work and unusual businesses, each with a particular free smoke place…’ and so many others.

Deborah Cash, CMSM, look-and-feel much like you might find in older he incredible story of each of these businesses Executive Director European towns. These neighborhood clusters has a lot to do with their owners; chances are infinitely interesting and rather unexpected; are that’s who’ll be working the store when you arrive. recently, the Design Committee during its Beautification These people are colorful, imaginative, industrious, Awards deliberations noted that Morro Street (between resilient—and there’s more and more of them all the Marsh and Higuera), Chorro Hill (Chorro Street) across time. The ‘little’ side street spaces are snapped up as soon from the Mission up to Palm Street, Garden Street as they become available and some of the neighboring between Higuera and Marsh, Broad Street between businesses are even partnering to ‘share customers.’ While Marsh and Monterey, the West End and other ‘pocket we’ve been focused here at the Downtown Association areas’ are gussyin’ up and getting attention—yea! on moving forward with the bigger projects that promise f you take time to walk around Downtown, here’s to bring housing, hotel and ground floor retail, this the kinds of things you can expect to find: Vraja’s wave of eclectic entrepreneurs has quietly moved into Kitchen—100% vegan Brazilian food to die for with Downtown and created a new ambiance that was a good ‘samba’ feeling on Friday nights; San Luis Art completely unanticipated. I hope you can take time to Supply—Law’s edgy reincarnation; G’s Italian Freeze, check out some of these stars of “Side Streets” and get a mouthwatering fruity beverages in old country style; Yarns new appreciation for the ongoing evolution of Downtown.

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On the Cover: "Side Street" businesses Borracha and Granada Bistro lend old country charm to the tucked away area on Morro

Street between Higuera and Marsh. Many new boutique businesses like this are popping up all over Downtown off the beaten path.

Photo by Deborah Cash

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mentioned the Beautification Awards earlier; nearly just two months away and we are happy to announce that three dozen businesses were recently honored the bands have been selected for the summer series that at a special membership breakfast with awards begins June 4. The Downtown Association’s promotion for their part in making Downtown a beautiful committee received more than 50 applications for 13 place. A complete list of the winners and slide show slots and chose a winning lineup of local talent in a are posted on our website at www.downtownslo. variety of genres; some returning bands and some new to com. Top awards were issued to the following: Concerts in the Plaza. This will be the 15th year for the summer music fest that attracts thousands of people to ayor’s Award: Mission Plaza to enjoy two hours of first rate music every Ciopinot Seafood Grille Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 through hairman’s Award - Downtown August 27. A list of bands and Living Spaces: more Concert information is Wineman Building and also available on the website.

777-785 Marsh Street inally, don’t miss this year’s xecutive Director’s Award: Rib Cook Off on April 22 at Wineman Hotel Sign Farmers' Market. Come munch some bones and vote for your hairman Marshall Ochylski favorite; see what the judges conducted the ceremony come up with as well. New this for the program that he started year, we’re adding line dancing 23 years ago. Members of for the crowd so don your c’boy the Design Committee juried boots and head Downtown the nominations and were around 6 PM for food and fun. on hand to give out awards Whether on the main drag or with more than 100 people in the Side Streets, there’s plenty attendance at the annual event.

Mayor Dave Romero gets ready to munch on a juicy rib to enjoy…around Downtown. during a past Rib Cook Off. Thursday Night Farmers’ Market peaking of annual events, barbecuers will compete for the coveted “best beef, best pork Concerts in the Plaza is now

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her practice, she knew that San Luis Obispo was the perfect place to open a second office.

Susan K. Boyd, Owner “I spent a lot of time in Morro Bay and Cayucos 1150 Osos Street, Suite 205 as a kid,” Boyd said, “The people were so (805) 782-9800 warm and it was such a warm area.” www.susankboydmft.com Boyd found an ideal location in Downtown Enter the office of Licensed Marriage & Family San Luis Obispo at 1150 Osos St. and Therapist, Susan K. Boyd and prepare to be treated said she chose the location because of its like a VIP. One step through the door takes you from atmosphere and beautiful setting. the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into a safe, serene atmosphere topped off with comfortable “I chose to be Downtown because of the trees and seating and an assortment of fresh fruits, nuts and/ the mountains that can be seen from the window or your choice of several flavors of Chai Tea. in my office and when it’s open, you can hear the bells from the Mission and it’s so tranquil.”

Boyd specializes in relationship counseling and the treatment of a range of anxiety disorders. She has Boyd continued by saying that Downtown provides also given numerous seminars to various groups a great outlet for her patients to forget their over her 18 years of professional practice, including work for troubles and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the streets. governmental agencies, churches, schools, families and individuals. “Once a session is done, I like to tell my clients to forget Originally from Bakersfield, Boyd received her Masters of Science about everything and just go enjoy the energy of Downtown, degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University especially when Cal Poly is in session or if Farmers’ Market Bakersfield and opened her first practice in her hometown. is going on because of the diversity it brings to the area.”

Having grown up in the San Joaquin Valley, she spent a lot of Call or visit www.susankboydmft.com for more information. time on the Central Coast, so when it came time to expand

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Trio Boutique

Christy Grierson, owner 952 Chorro Street (805)-543-3040 www.trioboutique.com Cal Poly graduate and former teacher Christy Grierson said she always had a desire to have a career that could play to her creative instincts. She broke into the fashion industry when she began designing wedding veils and eventually ended up opening her first boutique, La Crème, in San Luis Obispo. Four and a half years later, Grierson said she felt the need to open a store that, while maintaining the ‘boutique’ look and feel, offered affordably priced clothing appealing to an expanded customer base.

Thus was born Trio Boutique, a chic clothing store located at 952 Chorro St. that offers a wide-range of stylish tops, a large collection of handmade jewelry and an assortment of other accessories of boutique quality at department store prices.

“There’s a common misconception of boutiques being very expensive. All the tops here are between 12 and 39 dollars.

Everything’s super comfortable, casual and can fit everyone,” Grierson said. “I only charge what I would want to pay.”

Trio Boutique has many unique features, but the biggest difference is that this boutique only carries tops. “Pants are just too complicated,” Grierson said.

Another unique aspect of the store is the beautiful handmade jewelry that Grierson creates; she offers custom jewelry and repair as well.

For Grierson, owning a boutique in San Luis Obispo has been a great experience. “The business owners located on the Chorro Hill District are very close-knit and offer each other a good support network,” she said. “The small town is the best part about it. It allows you to build relationships with people,” Grierson explains. “I know most of my customers pretty well.”

While she said she is content with her business for now, Grierson says she also aspires to create her own clothing line using organic cotton and other natural materials she eventually would carry at Trio Boutique.

Trio Boutique is open 7 days a week: Monday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-3 p.m.

By Katie Koschalk

The items in Zoey’s on Garden are unique and unusual with each antique in the store Zoey Schrage, Owner having a distinct, personal story, adding a 1129 Garden Street, Suite B meaningful experience to each sale.

(805) 543-2468 A box that says “ribbons” and a rouge pot with make-up puffs are examples of two intricate items Anyone looking to get lost in the world of antiques that one can only ponder who they belonged to, should set aside some time to look at the array of how they were used, and what they meant to the unique items on display at Zoey’s on Garden, located original owner. “There is a story behind every piece,” midblock between Higuera and Marsh streets.

Schrage said. “You can almost imagine a woman Upon entering the store, customers are immediately sitting there applying the rouge with the puffs.” welcomed into what feels like someone’s home, Although the store caters most to those with a complete with personality, history and countless love for antiques, Schrage has recently introduced memories. Pillows made from old sweaters rest on a more modern items into her store like body vintage sofa, porcelain dolls observe the room from creams and scarves. She says that mixing the an antique wooden cabinet, heirloom china lines a glass case and countless trinkets are scattered throughout the store. older, collectible items with the new merchandise increases the shop’s appeal to anyone from students to antique collectors.

Owner Zoey Schrage has been collecting antiques for about 50 Visitors to Zoey’s will also find a selection of local artwork, years, keeping an eye out for items during her travels and on pottery and a large collection of Bakelite jewelry in the a day-to-day basis. “I love seeing the smile on someone’s face store Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. when they find something that they really like,” she said. “I

By Katie Koschalk learn something new everyday from people and the antiques.”

Zoey’s on Garden

BUSINESS

san luis county library

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grand opening of the cayucos library

By Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Youth Services SLO County Library

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he Grand Opening of the new Cayucos Library on April 16th has been a long time coming. This library represents the efforts of all members of the Cayucos community and is a showcase of what can happen when people in a city show their love.

The effort to update the cramped Cayucos Library dates back to a bond measure inspired

by Superintendent of Cayucos Elementary School, George Erdelyi, in 2002. Knowing that the school needed an uplift, Mr. Erdelyi went out into the Cayucos community to create a bond measure that would improve the community in a way that locals thought was pertinent. Erdelyi said that after staging numerous focus groups of school families, service groups, and community members, he was surprised to find out that “one issue that was very important to the community, in addition to improving the school, was the creation of a permanent library.�

Through the combined efforts of Erdelyi, SLO County Library Director Brian Reynolds, the Cayucos Friends of the Library, and everyday citizens of Cayucos, the dreams of an improved community have come to fruition.

Cayucos citizens generously passed two bond measures in 2004 and 2006 with over 70% approval, to improve their school and create a public library near the school campus. The passage of these two bonds was a move that

Brian Reynolds calls “a symbol of unbelievable community spirit and the voice of people who see the value of kids to their community.� These library and school buildings are excellent examples of how people have the power to improve their own community.

The changes are worth a visit. The new Cayucos Elementary School has a beautiful campus with remodeled classrooms, a spacious community room, and unbeatable ocean views. Just down the hill from the remodeled school, at 310 B Street lies the new Cayucos Library. The new library triples the size of the previous library from 945 square feet to 3,123 square feet. It makes use of reclaimed elementary school classrooms, combining the best elements of the old library and adding much needed things like more parking spaces, a teen area, a quiet reading area, bathrooms, and an educational game computer for kids.

Everything was done through the power of the Cayucos community. Even the move from the old library to the new reflects the Cayucos community spirit. Books, movies, music, and more were moved down the street from the old library by community members, library friends, librarians and members of the Grizzly Academy.

If you would like to witness the growth of the Cayucos community, please join the Friends of the Library, community members, school children, and Library Director Brian Reynolds

Library Director, Brian Reynolds and Supervisor, Bruce Gibson helping fill the shelves

Members of the Grizzly Academy helped with the move.

The Cayucos Library

at 310 B Street for the Cayucos Library Grand Opening on April 16th between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. There will be tours, refreshments, a ribbon cutting, and of course, that indomitable Cayucos community spirit and hospitality.

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BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective why preserve the historic resources of san luis obispo

By SLO City Councilman, John Ashbaugh J.P. Andrews Building

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an Luis Obispo is not a “museum” – but our history is a vital part of our present vitality, and of our economic future

In 1951, William Faulkner wrote: “The past is never dead. In fact, it’s not even past.” When it comes to historical buildings and sites, however, much of our Nation’s history has indeed “died” – lost to neglect, demolition, or natural disasters.

Fortunately, San Luis Obispo still retains hundreds of fine, historic buildings that showcase our colorful history. We see these historic buildings every day, in almost every neighborhood – particularly our celebrated downtown.

Let’s take a look at some of San Luis Obispo’s historic resources: • 177 buildings are on our “Master List of Historic Properties,” including several that are already on the Secretary of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places, such as Jack House, Carnegie Library, the Mission, and the Myron Angel house.

• 517 “Contributing historic properties,” due to their age and distinctive architectural character, contribute to the architectural charm and character of their neighborhoods.

• Five designated historic districts, including the Downtown (62 acres, 98 designated historic structures); Chinatown (4-½ acres, 11 resources); Old Town (86 acres, 121 historic structures); Mill Street (20 acres, 84 listed properties) and the Railroad District (81 acres, 38 historic structures).

All of this adds up to a wonderful cultural mosaic and a physical manifestation of the great story of this 154-year-old city. Everywhere one looks, these buildings are telling us this story. If we just know where to look, there are innumerable opportunities for planned or impromptu “sidewalk scavenger hunts.” You don’t need to be a historian or an architecture buff; all you need is to feel that “sense of place” created by these historic treasures.

But it’s one thing for us to enjoy the aesthetic gifts of these buildings from the street; it is quite another to be an owner, resident, or tenant in a designated historic building. How do people who live in these old

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homes, or who work in the historic commercial buildings, feel about them? For the most part, people who own these properties are fully aware of the character of these buildings; in fact, most owners are fiercely proud of the heritage that their buildings embody.

For example, let’s look at the 1894 Andrews Building at Monterey and Osos Streets. For over three decades now, the Richardsonian Gothic façade of the Andrews Building has been lovingly maintained by its owners, Vintage Properties of San Luis Obispo. There are rarely any vacancies in the building, and the corner is occupied by one of SLO’s best restaurants, Koberl at Blue. (Full disclosure: My wife’s law firm of Maguire and Ashbaugh has been located there for 30 years, and I also housed my planning firm there for 17 years through 1998).

Even more than the aesthetic and emotional value of these historic resources, the entire city benefits from the vital economic role these buildings play. It is unlikely that any historic buildings would still be here, if they did not also play an essential role in San Luis Obispo’s unique mix of retailing, tourism and hospitality, office space and quality residences.

People today are searching for authenticity, not “Disneyland.” The historic buildings of San Luis Obispo help to provide that – a genuine integrity that is appreciated not only by environmentalists and preservationists, but also by business owners, professionals, and visitors from all over the world.

Right now, the City’s Cultural Heritage Committee is working on a draft Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Program Guidelines. Together, these documents are intended to guide the City as well as property owners in decision-making about historic preservation. This spring, the City Council will consider these proposed standards to govern the process of preserving, restoring, and adaptively re-using historic resources throughout the City. Adoption of a historic preservation ordinance would enable the City to become a “Certified Local Government” and eligible for preservation grants and other benefits.

If we do this right, we might even look to the possibility of another milestone for San Luis Obispo’s famous downtown: Designation as a National Historic District. The process for this designation involves several complex steps beyond adoption of our updated historic preservation ordinance, but that is the first key step.

You’re invited to help us shape our historic preservation program. To learn more, visit slocity.org/communitydevelopment/longrange.asp, or call the Community Development Department at 781-7176 and ask to join the list of people interested in our historic resources. You could also check out the latest exhibits at the SLO County Historical Society in the old Carnegie Library at Monterey and Broad Street. Check out the gift shop, join the Society, or even volunteer as a docent.

In San Luis Obispo, we’re truly fortunate that the past lives on, and is still with us. Let’s do our best to keep what we have, for as long as we can, while we still have it.

BUSINESS

eye oN business marketing to improve 2010 results

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associate

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he first quarter of 2010 is behind us. Win, lose or draw on how your business performed, one thing is certain: time flies by and it’s tough to squeeze in a moment to think about what’s going on.

is to speak to a specific customer profile using words and methods that relate to that individual. Know what your good customers want, and then deliver.

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And a final word on the little things that can sometimes make or break a sale. Review your hours of operation. Make a point of responding quickly to customer inquiries. And with regards to Web sites – yours doesn’t have to be fancy, but it absolutely needs to tell a customer how to reach you without effort. Phone number, address, etc. – make it easy.

The bottom line is that we are all moving quickly and often with little patience. Let your customers know that you respect their time and understand their needs. Communicate that you “get it,” and likely you’ll get more sales.

There’s no question that with razor thin margins, lean staffs and Internet-driven competition, business is more demanding than ever.

And there’s a profound change that adds to the challenge: the customer is in charge, and marketing efforts must embrace this fundamental shift. With one quarter down and three to go, it’s time to take stock of where you are and what you can do now to help drive to a better year end when December rolls around. Every single day counts.

UPDATE YOUR BRAND: Freshen your brand

and brand promise. Make sure your product, service or message still works, is still relevant and offers clear benefit to your customer. Get rid of anything that is outdated, unnecessary or noncompetitive. Be bold.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPONS: There are many

ways to market. Grab on to the methods that work best for you. Traditional advertising, aggressive public relations and a solid web site all work. So does direct business-to-business contact. Social media likely has a place in your arsenal, but be careful – it is not the end all and be all. Facebook, blogging and other methods are the hot buzzwords and can offer easy, fast, cheap and trackable results. But these new techniques can also be black holes of lost time and missed messaging. You have limited time and money – decide how to use them

ACTIVATE CUSTOMERS: Help turn your customers into active promoters of your business.

Positive word of mouth is the best marketing ever. The customers you have are by far more cost efficient than trying to attract new ones, so keep them happy and they’ll help build your business. And a word of caution – with the ease of an email, an unhappy customer can do more damage than ever before.

TARGET TARGET TARGET: Know who

your customer is, both geographically and demographically. Narrow your focus. Think rifle versus shotgun. We can’t afford to talk to everybody anymore; instead, the objective A P R I L

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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

it’s time to go fly a kite

Come visit our showroom.

2015 Santa Barbara • San Luis Obispo 805.541.1646 • www.quaglinosflooring.com

Spring brings breezy conditions and clear skies to the coastal community of Morro Bay – perfect conditions for kite flying! Kite enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come out and fly a kite at the fourth annual Discover Your Better Nature Kite Festival on Saturday, April 24 at the rock in Morro Bay. The event focuses on the art and craft of kite flying, and will feature kite-related exhibitions all day long. Exhibitions and demonstrations will be conducted throughout the day, and the festival will wind up around 3 p.m. Plenty of free parking is available at the Rock.

For more information visit www.morrobay.org or call (805) 772-4467.

sign up now for idler’s mom & apple pie contest

Moms, preheat your ovens and rev up your rolling pins. Idler’s Appliances is searching for the next award-winning apple pie during the 26th annual Mom & Apple Pie contest. Contestants can sign up at any Idler’s Appliances store. Local celebrity judges will taste their way through the preliminary rounds. The first round begins Saturday, April 3, at Idler’s Appliance in SLO. Other preliminary rounds will take place at Idler’s stores on Saturday, April 10, in Atascadero, and Saturday, April 17 in Paso Robles. The Championship round will be held at the Paso Home Show on April 24th. All entries must be double-crust, traditional apple pies made from scratch and made at home. This is a moms-only event.

“Our Mom & Apple Pie contest is all about tradition and simple ways of bringing family together,” said Don Idler of Idler’s Appliances. For more information, call (805) 238-6020 or visit www.idlers.net.

FHMC employees donate $39,000

QUALITY AUTO REPAIR 805-543-3180 www.wronas.com

John Kimball

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

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French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is proud to announce that 125 of its employees have pledged more than $39,000 to the 2010 Employee Caring Circle. Donations from the Employee Caring Circle support special projects that benefit the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff. This year’s campaign has been the most successful in FHMC’s history, with more employees participating to pledge more than ever before.

project benefits Community action partnership

Pacheco Elementary School sixth-grade students Vincent Sherrod (left) and Gabe Parkinson turned their required 20-hours of community service into a valuable contribution of assorted school supplies and toys for local children through their donation to the Head Start programs of the Community Action Partnership of SLO County, Inc. Vincent and Gabe enjoyed their venture into community service so much that they now want to work with their parents to bring home-baked goods to the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter for families in need.

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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

Morro bay AAuw 24th annual garden tour

“Gardens from Around the World” is the theme of the Morro Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women’s 24th annual garden tour to be held on Sunday, April 25th from noon to 5. Eight unique gardens in Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos will be featured in the self-guided tour. One $10 ticket is good for visiting all gardens. The proceeds from ticket sales are used to support local educational and community based programs. Tickets may be purchased at Miner’s Hardware stores, Volumes of Pleasure Bookstore in Los Osos, Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, and any AAUW member of the Morro Bay Branch. For more information, call 805-771-9180.

“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

free senior health screening

Free Senior Health Screening for seniors (50+) is available throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and diabetes. Take-home screening test kits for colo-rectal cancer available for $5. Nutritional counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 788-0827 for dates, times and locations.

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS 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

Let me help you review & compare your local insurance needs... & FINANCIAL SERVICES • LIFE • AUTO • HOME • RENTAL • MORTGAGE/PROTECTION

Shawn Minton SMinton@Minton-Insurance.com

805.546.8113 cell: 805.748.5819 Lic #0F43815

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monday club’s tenth annual architectural tour

HYOSUNG

EXPERIENCE You Can TRUST • Factory Certified Technicians Service ALL MAJOR BRANDS • The Central Coast’s #1 Motorcycle TIRE SOURCE!

3566 S. Higuera, SLO

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

The Monday Club’s Tenth Annual Architectural Tour will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 2nd, from 1 to 5 p.m. The Tour will focus on an eclectic selection of architectural styles and is entitled: Secrets of Six “Span the Century Houses.” There are six sites featured, beginning with an early 1800s adobe, a Classic Revival, two types of Victorians, a mid-century modern and a state-of-the-art sustainable “green” residence.

It should be a fun and especially significant as it commemorates the Tour’s 10th Anniversary and the 75th Anniversary of their clubhouse. Ticket holders begin the Tour at the Monday Club, then will take the Ride-On shuttle vans to each of the featured sites. Parking is free at the Monday Club. Tickets are priced at only $20. All proceeds are used to fund the club’s Tri-Award Scholarship program. Annually the Monday Club awards 6 scholarships to local graduating high school seniors. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, at the door on date of Tour, or phone: 543-9807.

gabe Garcia named CFO at Morris and garritano

SABRINA CARELLI Board Lic. Esthetician Massage Practioner & Make-up Artist

Kim & Co. Salon and Day Spa 2130 Broad Street, SLO

(805) 541-5424

•

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE

20% OFF ANY SERVICE

www.kimandcosalon.com

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” A P R I L

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SLO native and Cal Poly grad Gabe Garcia recently joined Morris & Garritano as Chief Financial Officer. With fourteen years of experience in public and private sector accounting, Mr. Garcia brings a wealth of financial experience to the firm. “Mr. Garcia is a perfect representative for Morris and Garritano,” said Brendan Morris. Having Gabe here not only provides strong internal financial structure for our organization, but also strengthens our foundation for our customers.”

Mr. Garcia graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, he earned a Master of Business Taxation from the University of Southern California. Mr. Garcia enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two young children at activities such as hiking, fishing, golfing, and traveling. He also enjoys running and has completed three marathons.

ccfc pancake breakfast fundraiser The Central Coast

Funds for Children (CCFC) is hosting a pancake breakfast feed on Saturday, April 10th, at the SLO Applebees Restaurant, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. A full breakfast will be on the menu and the women of CCFC will be your hostesses. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased from any CCFC member. You can also call Marge Cooper at 544-0673 for tickets and more information. All proceeds go toward supporting several non-profits on the Central Coast.

opera slo celebrates life and love in la bohemE

Opera SLO is presenting the opera, La bohème on Friday and Sunday, April 9th and 11th, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Set in the vibrant world of Paris’ Latin Quarter, La bohème is a celebration of life and love! A chance meeting between a young aspiring poet and the beautiful woman next door ignites one of the most romantic stories of all time. Tickets range from $25-$65. For more information go to www.operaslo.org or call 541-5369.

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mid-state fair wins coveted award

The California Mid-State Fair has been selected as the recipient of the Western Fair Association’s coveted Merrill Award for their new Mission Square and commercial kitchen Project. The Merrill Award is the highest honor awarded in the WFA Achievement Award Program and named for the founder of the WFA, Louis Merrill. The award is given to a program or project that “clearly demonstrates innovation, vision and excellence.” “To receive a Merrill Award has been a dream of mine during my tenure as CEO,” stated Vivian Robertson, Fair CEO (pictured above). This years California Mid-State Fair runs July 21st - August 1st and the theme is “Endless Summer Fun.”

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

SLO art Center renamed slo museum of art

By a landslide, the art organization known for over 50 years, first as the SLO Art Association and then the SLO Art Center, is now to be called the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. The new name was selected by public vote after members of the community submitted suggestions. The three most-suggested names were put to a vote, with votes accepted online and at the Art Center. “We knew the public was up to the challenge, and they really came through,” said Joseph Timmons, board president.

“We received over 125 name ideas, then hundreds of voters spoke.

Seventy-two percent of the votes went to San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. We are very happy with the new name and grateful to those who donated their time and creativity to this project.” The new name will take effect this summer. More information about the Art Center is available by phone at (805) 543-8562 and online at www.sloartcenter.org.

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

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

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO

Applications for 2010 Miss Mid-State Fair

Contestants must be between the ages of 17-22 on opening day of the 2010 Fair, be a current resident of San Luis Obispo County, and never been married. Each contestant will compete in five categories, Interview, Platform, Talent, Swimsuit and Evening Wear. In addition, each contestant will establish a platform of service for the Fair. If selected as Queen or Princesses, they must be able to attend every day of the 2010 Fair, participating in numerous public events such as introducing performers, taking pictures and meeting with various dignitaries.

Applications are officially due Thursday, April 15th, by 4 p.m., and are available at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside, Paso Robles or on-line at www.midstatefair.com. For more information, contact pageant coordinator Patti Lucas at 805-612-6971 or via email at pglucas19@gmail.com.

cambria chili cook-off and car show

This exciting event has it all! Enjoy gourmet chili, lively music, raffle drawings, and great beers while viewing some of the coolest classic cars on the Central Coast. It’s all happening at the Vets Hall & Pinedorado Grounds on Saturday, April 17, from 10-4. You can vote for your favorite car (10-2 p.m.) and sample the mouth watering variety of chili (12-3 p.m.); then cast your vote for the most delicious chili in Cambria.

Drawings for raffle prizes add to the fun throughout the afternoon.

Cambria Chamber of Commerce 927-3624 www.cambriachamber.org.

Hear Better. Live Better.

1495 Palm Street

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-EARS(3277)

AdvancedHearingSLO.com

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COMMUNITY

sitka, the oldest park in Alaska, is 100

APRIL Almanac

By Phyllis Benson

years old. Sitka became a national monument in 1910 and celebrates this year with Tlingit song, tribal dances and totem pole dedications.

april 14, 1910: President William Howard

“The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.” ---Will Rogers

Taft threw out the first presidential pitch for the opening day of baseball season.

legend says Taft inspired the seventh april foolelry matches hoaxers with

hoaxees. Beware of any chat that starts with a DYK or Did You Know. It opens the door to a probable prank. Such as Did You Know we are out of sky hooks or IRS is here with your refund.

bmw offers annual auto foolery. Last year

BMW ran an April ad promoting its new magnetic tow technology, allowing BMW drivers to get a free ride from the car ahead of them.

easter Sunday is April 4. The local Sunday School mixes religion and humor for the

knee-knocker crowd. Parents soon learn how bunnies stay in shape: Hareobics.

1910: Russian immigrant Sam Born came

to the United States. The candy maker developed chocolate coating for ice cream bars, chocolate sprinkles, and a machine for putting sticks in lollipops.

just born, the candy company founded

by Sam Born, designed machines to mechanically form the hand-made Peeps marshmallow candies. Over a billion Peeps are now sold every year.

inning stretch the same day. His 300-lb., 6-ft.-plus frame was cramped in a small wooden chair. He stood in the seventh inning to ease aching legs and the crowd stood respectfully. He sat back down, the crowd sat down, and the tradition was born.

boston marathon runs on Patriots’ Day.

The day honors the first military engagement of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

tax time arrives. Our accountant says

Form 1040 stands for 10 minutes filling in the return and 40 minutes of taxpayer grousing.

writer, dave barry says, “It’s tax time. I know this because I’m staring at documents that make no sense to me, no matter how many beers I drink.”

april hosts National Garden Month. The hot topic is compost.

garden classes tout composters sealed

versus tumbling, plastic versus wood. Recipe books list ingredients wet and dry, permitted and verboten. The common ingredient is patience. It may take a year to cook up a good friable batch.

our gardener says composting is a simple

task. Pile garden debris behind the shed until spring and then shovel the rotting muck back on the garden.

april 22 marks Earth Day’s 40th

anniversary. The event reaches over 15,000 organizations in 174 countries.

groucho mark said, “If they’d lower the

taxes and get rid of the smog and clean up the traffic mess, I really believe I’d settle here until the next earthquake.”

april chores include weeding, digging out

and planting. It is tribute to nature and faith.

Gardeners try weird tools, exotic flowers and jumbo okra that no sane person eats.

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The Real Estate Group and Bank of America By your side every step of the way Helping you from house hunting to closing. We joined forces to help make buying a home as easy as possible. A real estate agent who knows your neighborhood and can help you find the right home. And a bank that can help you find the right mortgage for that new home. Working together so you get the home you want.

To get started, contact us:

Colleen Clarke Broker Associate/RealtorÂŽ 805.550.1015 Colleen@RealEstateGroup.com www.RealEstateGroup.com License #01267325

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Bank of America, N.A. and the other business/organization mentioned in this advertisement are not affiliated; each company is independently responsible for the products and services it offers. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Š 2009 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. 00-62-0078D 04-2009 AR73288

Enjoying the ride (unaware that a wipeout awaits).

When your weekend warrior doesn’t know his limits, it’s a good time for you to know the way to the Sierra Vista Emergency Room.

Whether it’s as simple as road rash or as serious as a head injury, the Sierra Vista Emergency Room is ready to help. Open 24 hours.

The choice of Cal Poly Athletics.

1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo For a physician referral, call (800) 483-6387

Trauma and Emergency Services

SierraVistaRegional.com twitter.com/SierraVistaRMC