May 2010 Journal Plus

REV. CURT MINER | THE COULTERS | LINDA MINTON | PATRICIA FARROW

Journal PLUS MAY 2010

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

KRIS KINGTON-BARKER DE I S IN EN

TR

& R e O m A

L

CO

A

ST

HoU T D C

O

O

I

n this era of corporate crime and personal greed, who can you trust with your financial future?

An ethical local firm with a 50-year track record

It is indeed a pleasure to be writing this letter as a testimony for an excellent individual and dear friend Al Moriarty, owner of Moriarty Enterprises.

I first met Al when I was a student at Cal Poly in 1965. I tried out for football under the encouragement of Coach Vic Bucola. I was pretty young back then and competed for the middle line backer position. Al attended some of our practice games and I was impressed by his support of the Cal Poly booster program. He encouraged me to never give up and I continue to take his good advice today. Al has always had a great ability to help others. My tenure in football didn’t last long, but the friendship that has developed between Al and I is “priceless.”

Beyond his expertise as a professional and progressive individual, Al is also an awesome people person. He has supported and encouraged me through some really tough times. I have been in Education now for almost 30 years. I coached football, baseball, basketball, taught FFA, a dozen different subjects and even took five years off to be a service manager for Quinn Caterpillar. No matter where I was in my life, I could pick up a phone and call Al for advice. He is a very wonderful man, and his advice, integrity, and willingness to help has literally kept me out of harms way.

If I had one person to trust my life with, it would be Al. He is a great listener and has always been a great financial advisor and trusting friend for more than 40 years. When I was the CTA president, someone jokingly said, “Hey Jeff you’re always telling us that you’re going to win the lotto someday! What would you do with all that money?” Without a hesitation I said, “I’d call Al Moriarty, he’s the best there is!” I still know and believe that, I love the man, and his family. He is a blessing for me and my own family.

Richard (Jeff) Jeffery West Hills Community College Work Experience Coordinator & Vocational Counselor

B

"Integrity, as in nature, will always be supreme"

efore you make another major financial decision, call for a no-obligation appointment to evaluate your resources and goals.

M

(You won’t be asked to make any investments then, since solid financial planning requires research.) Ask about upcoming FREE seminars.

MORIARTY ENTERPRISES Financial Services since 1954

P.O. Box 970, Grover Beach, CA 93483

Phone: (866) 546-1366 Lic. No. 0144566

Al Moriarty Financial Advisor

CONTENTS

12 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson 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, Christine Dietrick, Dan and Lee Anna O’Daniel, Julian Varela, Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Heather Hellman, Patricia Harris, 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

REV. CURT MINER

14

16

THE COULTERS

LINDA MINTON

PEOPLE

COMMUNITY

10 12 14 16 18

KRIS KINGTON-BARKER REV. CURT MINER JOE AND BARBARA COULTER LINDA MINTON PATRICIA FARROW

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 PULSE 22 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 24 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 25 KITCHEN IDEAS

26 27 28 29 30 32 34 46

SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES THE DOG NEXT DOOR SLO ART SCENE OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: Lot Petitions HOSPICE CORNER VETS VOICE / SUDOKU PUZZLE ALMANAC The Month of May

BUSINESS 35 40 41 42

DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening PALM STREET – SLO City Attorney, Dietrick EYE ON BUSINESS THE BULLETIN BOARD

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

.BSL :PVS $BMFOEBS

FREE

,JUDIFO 4FNJOBST SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH IN HONOR OF OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

European Heritage by Wood-Mode

SATURDAY MAY 8 10:30AM TO NOON

Defining the Architectural Hood Come see how a utilitarian appliance can become the focal point of a gorgeous kitchen. Space is limited to the first 20 guests. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to 541-7117 or by email to mail@sanluiskitchen.com.

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.

For your home. For your life.

For our environment.

OPEN 7 DAYS Family Owned and Operated Since 1985

Dining Room Sofas Bedroom

Recliners Home Office Sleepers Accessories Entertainment

DECORATING SERVICES • WINDOW TREATMENTS

Design A Functional Beautiful Space Coastal Living

Visit Our 19,000 Sq. Ft. Furniture Showroom

From the publisher

J

an and I built our dream house last year on 11 acres overlooking the Santa Margarita Ranch, and last month received a certificate from SLO Green Build recognizing our efforts in building a Green Home. Our contractor, Greg Moore, and his General Manager, Michael Brennan, along with our Architect, Tim Becher (pictured below with Jan and me) submitted the application. We were honored to receive this award at the Board of Supervisors meeting. More on Green Build in an upcoming issue.

I had the opportunity to be one of the judges for Idler’s 26th Annual Mom and Apple Pie Contest.

Don Idler personally hosts this wonderful event. The winners received several gifts, including a new stove.

We tasted 20 Apple Pies. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm - Sun Noon-5pm Photo by Heather Young - Atascadero News

• 1069 E. Grand Avenue • Arroyo Grande • (805) 489-8533 M o n -S at 10 a m - 6 p m Sun Noon-5pm w w w .

D o n n a s I n t e r i o r s

. c o m

We have five people profiles this month, including Hospice of SLO Executive Director, Kris KingtonBarker, and community volunteer extraordinaire, Linda Minton. You’ll enjoy their stories.

Plenty of good reading again this month.

Enjoy the magazine,

Steve Owens

Idler’s sleep source

Now opeN IN sAN luIs oBIspo ANd pAso roBles

SAN LUIS OBISPO 122 Cross St. San Luis Obispo (805) 543-6600

FRom ThE ComPANy yoU’vE kNowN AND TRUSTED FoR 55 yEARS.

PASO ROBLES 2361 Theatre Dr. Paso Robles (805) 238-6020

BEST PRICES. GUARANTEED.

Patient Care Transformed

Patient Care Transformed

Highlights of the French Hospital Medical Center Expansion & Redesign Project

Thank you for being a part of our announcement to transform the way patient care is delivered to San Luis Obispo.

11 bed ICU Expansion and Remodel

6,000 Sq. Ft. Health Education Pavilion

New Patient Care Units adding 21 beds New GI/Endoscopy Suite

Remodeled Emergency Department and New Stroke Center

12 bed Cardiac Day Stay

As the County grows, so does demand for excellent medical care, the latest in diagnostic and technological advances, and the rapid delivery of life-saving care. French Hospital Medical Center has revealed the details of their estimated $39 million expansion and redesign project. Funding for this project will be accomplished through a partnership between the Community and the Hospital.

Watch the press conference and virtual tour of this expansion and redesign! French MedicalCenter.org Your Award-Winning Community Hospital

www.FrenchMedicalCenter.org

10

PEOPLE

kris kington-barker Hospice of SLO’s New Executive director

By Sandy Baer

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ---Clyde Cambell We are fortunate as a community to have three local hospice programs, The Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, the Hospice of the Central Coast as well as the Marion Medical Hospice in Santa Maria.

The word “hospice” comes from the Latin word “hospis,” meaning host and guest and is the root word for such words as hospitality, hospital, and host. Other sources cite “hospitium,” meaning guesthouse. It was originally described as a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers returning from religious pilgrimages.

The first hospice was established in the United States in 1974 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Today more than 3,000 hospices across the country offer both volunteer and medical hospice care.

Kris Kington-Barker began as Executive Director of Hospice of San Luis Obispo County on February 1st after a hiatus from San Luis Obispo for a few years to pursue other health-related positions, from Texas to the Central Valley.

“I don’t believe in coincidences. I knew there was a path and I just needed to follow it, trust it and see where it ended up.”

Kington-Barker grew up a “military brat,” primarily in Germany and Italy, where she attended base schools until her father retired from the Air Force in 1967 and moved the family to San Jose, CA. After high school graduation, Kington-Barker trained as a psychiatric nurse at San Jose Agnew Hospital in 1972. She then pursued a nursing degree while working for Santa Clara County Mental Health.

responsibilities, including working as a counselor in a methadone treatment detox program.

“At that time it wasn’t very popular to work with people with drug problems, but I found it to be an amazing job. I learned so much and was really jazzed by it,” Kington-Barker says.

“I was fluent in Italian as a child but since my mom was a national German, we primarily spoke English at home so she could learn English,” Kington-Barker says. “Growing up in a military family, my friendships only lasted one to three years. I had to learn to make acquaintances quickly, appreciate friends for the time I had with them, and then learn to let them go and move on. I hoped for deeper and lasting relationships for my daughter, so we found San Luis Obispo. That was 1978. Today, her daughter lives with Kington-Barker’s three grandchildren in a Dallas suburb.

“I’ve been one of those people who have had tremendous opportunities,” Kington-Barker says. She first worked for Atascadero State Hospital before taking a job as a youth therapist for San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Program. She was the director of the Nipomo Clinic, then a rural health clinic, and now the Community Health Clinic of the Central Coast.

She served as the director of the National Health Screening Council (now defunct) whose goal was to provide free health screenings via collaborative efforts with French Hospital. That led to a position with French Hospital doing marketing and public relations which included physician recruitment and health fairs.

After a three year tenure in Dallas with Tenet from 1993 - 1996, Kington-Barker returned to the Central Coast as vice president of business development for Tenet until 1999 when she became interim COO of Valley Community Hospital in Santa Maria. She also served as the associate administrator of Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center from 2000 - 2001.

After a seven-year stint as associate administrator for Delano Regional Medical Center, Kington-Barker found herself back in San Luis Obispo County. Along with a partner, During her tenure with Santa Clara County, Kington-Barker held a variety of ever-increasing she opened Central Coast Wigs and More in M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

Templeton in 2009. Now sole owner, she also hosts the American Cancer Society’s wig loan program.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” KingtonBarker says. “I knew there was a path and I just needed to follow it, trust it and see where it ended up.” Then she saw the advertisement for executive director for Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. “I thought about it for a couple of days and decided it was on my path.”

“I have never felt like I couldn’t do something.

I felt I could always learn. My dad was a great teacher. Even though we had different interests, we both loved to do research, to look things up. Everything I have learned is because of other people. I ask questions and listen to people. I’ve been fortunate in that all of my jobs offered incredible mentors and colleagues.”

As long-time friend and former president of the Hospice’s Board of Directors, Dave Cox says, “Kris brings the best of everything to her position with Hospice. She is a skilled manager who has spent her entire career in healthcare; she has an enormous heart, a giving spirit and cares passionately about what she does.”

As Kington-Barker says, “Hospice is a philosophy. It’s not just about the final few months of life. It is about a transition, an end of a life

PEOPLE cycle. Hospice addresses a much longer period of time than the final days or months of a person’s life. We often follow our clients for five years or longer as they undergo chemotherapy, clinical trials and radiation.”

Beverly Sloan, CEO of the non-profit Denver Hospice agrees, “Hospice is not a place but a philosophy of care providing medical, emotional and spiritual care focusing on comfort and quality of life.” As with Hospice SLO, the Denver Hospice teams care for patients in their own homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and retirement communities as well as vigil care in hospitals.

Kris and Bill

Kris and her mom, Hylde

“We are a community, volunteer hospice, as compared to Hospice Partners, which is medically based. We work in tandem, but my goal is to have a much more seamless transition from counseling and support groups to a dignified, comfort care end of life. The two hospices are at both ends of the scale.”

Lee Ferrero, current Board of Director member says, “I’ve always believed in the hospice process and after I retired I didn’t want to vanish.

Hospice is a positive situation, and I wanted to be better informed. Kris brings energy and enthusiasm as well as an impressive resume.”

11

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is solely funded by donations and all services are free.

“Of course, the biggest challenge is the funding,” Kington-Barker says. She oversees a staff of eight as well as 100 volunteers, all of whom undergo 32 hours of training. What brought me here were my experiences caring for a dear friend before she died and then my dad passed away. Now I feel like I am in the right place at the right time,” Kington-Barker says.

When Kington-Barker, who lives at Heritage Ranch, is not at Hospice SLO or Wigs and More, she enjoys sailing with her husband on Nacimiento Lake and hopes to learn herself.

“But family is most important to me – my mother, husband, daughter, grandkids and step kids are all incredible individuals who each in their own way teach me something every time I am with them.”

“I enjoy traveling and trying new things. I recently did canopy tours in Mexico and tandem parasailing in the Alps,” KingtonBarker says. And I especially like riding my red Vespa! Keep an eye on Kington-Barker.

She is on the move!

For more information, visit www.hospiceslo. org or call 544-2266.

Available April 3rd

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

12

PEOPLE

REV. CURT MINER PASSIONATE ABOUT THEATER

By Heather Hellman Rev. Curt Miner with his wife, Linda and Ted Neeley.

T

he congregation backstage at the Performing Arts Center on the Cal Poly campus was beyond excited to meet Ted Neeley, the iconic actor whose portrayal of Jesus in the film “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” and later the theatrical production has electrified audiences for nearly four decades. At 66, Neeley still had the chops to belt out those high octaves of some of the best known songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Rev. Curt Miner had set up the meeting earlier. He and his wife, Linda, had seen Neeley in the play several times. Rev. Curt, as he is called, had sent Neeley a chapter of his doctoral dissertation on The Filmlical Jesus in the early 90s. The chapter was titled “Jesus, the Song and Dance Man.” As Neeley strolled in the room, he greeted Rev. Curt with a big hug and thanked all in attendance for coming to the performance. What a thrill for everyone, but none bigger, still, for the Rev. Curt Miner.

Walk into the office of the Rev. Curt Miner at the United Church of Christ in San Luis

Obispo and, perhaps, one of the first things you will notice, aside from the papers piled on his desk, are the theater posters and several photos on the wall of him and Ted Neeley. Other things will give you clues that Rev. Curt is passionate about theater – from scripts for the next church production to books on the subject. This passion for story and performance has fueled Rev. Curt for 40 years. It has brought a delightful way to educate and engage his congregations in a 25-year ministry with meaning.

Rev. Curt first caught the theater bug when he was dared to try out for a show in his senior year in high school. He got the part of strong-arm sanitarium worker Dwayne Wilson in the play “Harvey.” He was hooked.

Rev. Curt chose to pursue Theater as a major in college and decided on Northern Arizona University. It was close to his hometown, Phoenix, and it didn’t have a graduate degree in Theater.

He was advised to go to a school with no graduate theater degree as he could get more “hands-on” experience and act in productions right away. In his first year, he had parts in “The Good Woman of Setzuan” and “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” He also stage managed “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

During his freshman year, Curt went home to Phoenix for Thanksgiving. He had received a “Dear John” letter from his girl friend, so his mother encouraged him to touch base with another girl he knew from high school that was in his Chorus and Thespian groups. The girl, Linda, became his wife after college. It was a perfect match for the two theater enthusiasts.

M A Y

201 0

at the Oklahoma Theater Center in Oklahoma City. After that, he worked as a Stage Manager and Technical Director at a dinner theater.

There wasn’t much money to be made, so he and Linda headed back to Phoenix.

While in Phoenix, Rev. Curt worked jobs as a laborer, a grocery clerk and sold copiers. He also taught drama classes at his high school alma mater, Maryvale High School. In the evening, he worked as the Technical Director for the Phoenix Performing Arts Theater. It was around the time that Linda was expecting their second child, that Rev. Curt started thinking seriously about ministry.

“I remember going to a minister’s ordination when I was 12 years old and saying to myself that I wanted to be a minister,” says Rev. Curt. “It had always been there. It just felt like the right time to go for it.”

When the Miners’ second child arrived, the decision was made. Curt and Linda sold their home, liquidated other belongings and headed to Berkeley, California where Curt had been accepted into the Pacific School of Religion, an affiliate of the United Church of Christ. The Miners settled in where Curt got a maintenance job, and Linda worked at a Day-care Center.

While at seminary, Curt had a teacher, Wayne Rood, who used drama and theater as a way of teaching. Curt first began doing “First Person” sermons, taking characters from the Bible and bringing them to life, as a way of teaching lessons and ministry. Drama and theater were used as a unique way to engage congregants and “feed the spirit.”

During college, Rev. Curt’s first love was Technical Theater. He designed and built sets, lighting and props. The acting part, frankly, had to grow on him. He graduated with a degree in Speech Theater Education and, as a fall back, got a teaching credential.

“I love giving ‘first-person’ sermons,” says Rev. Curt. “It’s a way to get into the heads of the characters of Jesus’ time, and what they may have thought about this upstart, and the things he was preaching. It is the greatest story ever told when you look at the impact it has had on the world and on people’s lives.”

After college, Rev. Curt worked in the grocery business until he got a job as a Shop Foreman

In the summer of 2007, Rev. Curt had an opportunity to sing the role of Caiaphas in a

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE

13

Jesus Christ, Superstar

local production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. In 2008, a year and a half after arriving in San Luis Obispo, Rev. Curt formed the “God Is Still Speaking” Players at the UCC. He and Linda have staged and acted in productions including “The Scopes Monkey Trial: What Really Happened,” “Godspell,” “J.B.,” and “12 Angry Men,” a collaboration with Bent Angel Productions.

Several local actors have made these past performances a great success. The church plans to produce “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” in the fall of 2010.

“All of the ‘God Is Still Speaking’ productions have a message,” says Rev. Curt. “They speak of faith, society and religion and how, as human beings, we treat each other and cope in a world that is not perfect. We’re not perfect, but, we can begin by treating each other with love and respect, no matter what we believe.”

Pontius Pilate

Ask Rev. Curt his favorite part, and he will unequivocally answer Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” He loves its story of tradition, how things must change and the way of love. He has played the part twice and is always refreshed by its message.

In San Luis Obispo, Rev. Curt and Linda have a wonderful, musical life. If they hear a phrase or word at home, they often break out in song. They have participated in SLO Little Theater productions, produced and performed in the “God Is Still Speaking” Players’ productions and sing in the church choir. They travel to LA, San Francisco and points beyond for productions. Life is theater and a song, and Rev. Curt and Linda Miner are enjoying every minute of it.

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

14

PEOPLE

joe & barbara coulter “thomas” from atascadero

By Natasha Dalton and Brett Dalton

J

oe and Barbara Coulter believe in staying busy. “It’s better to have a variety of things you can enjoy,” Barbara reasons. She likes to paint and quilt, while Joe is good at welding, carving and making art pieces out of salvaged quality wood. But the couple’s fame lies with their Little Train.

In 1998 Joe, while going though Fresno, witnessed a scene that really stuck with him: he saw a tractor pulling a bunch of barrels and a group of kids following it. The kids’ joy and fascination were contagious and gave Joe an idea to build a little train for the kids in our community.

It was pretty basic at first. Joe took his tractor engine and put a plywood body on its top (which in those days he had to unscrew every time he needed his tractor for yard work).

For the cars, he took 30-gallon used barrels, cut out an opening in each of them and installed modified baby chairs for the seats.

Split yellow garden hose was used to cover sharp edges and add festive color.

By Easter of 1999, the 40-foot-long train was ready for its first ride. Unfortunately it rained on Easter that year, and the Coulters feared that the celebration in the Atascadero Park might get canceled, or that the kids would not come.

But the kids came and flocked to the train.

The people of Atascadero, where the Coulters live, took to the train right from the start – while Joe kept working on its improvement. “All the inventions were dictated by necessity,” he explains. After his greatgrandson Nicholas mentioned that the ride felt a bit bumpy, Joe found little hard balloon tires which make for a softer ride. The garden hose that proved to be irresistible for babies’ teeth got replaced by plastic guards.

The other issue that popped up was seatbelts.

“We didn’t have them at first,” Joe remembers. “Then I found myself pulling eight cars behind me with kids crawling around, trying to climb out. I had to stop the train to get them all back in!”

“Some children are so smart,” Joe muses. “You strap them in one time, and when they are riding again, someone already knows how to get out on their own. They loosen up the tape or they wiggle out – you have to watch them!”

The train volunteers

Joe and his train M A Y

201 0

Of course, none of these unexpected challenges could deter the Coulters from continuing their operation. On the contrary, they find a lot of joy in being around little kids – long days at the park and occasional troubles notwithstanding.

But Joe and Barbara have always known that it would be impossible for them to run this enterprise on their own. “Joe likes to drive his train himself, but in many other ways this operation is really a team effort,” explains one of the volunteers, Chris Millar. Her job is to help the kids to get on and off the train, while her husband Jack assists Joe with loading the train on and off its trailer. “We love serving our community and enjoy the fellowship this service builds,” Chris says.

Journal PLUS

Other volunteers walk with the train. This was initiated by Willie Johnson, who, like the Millars, has been involved with the project right from the start. “He did it for the kids’ safety, but some of the older children found it to be scary,” Barbara remembers. “So he had to walk past the train real fast!” Joe even offered to build a little flatbed to pull behind the train for Willy to ride on, but Willie refused: “You can build it, but I won’t ride!” he said. “He is 80-something now, but he’d still rather walk!” Joe chuckles.

From “counters” to “walkers,” to back-up drivers and mechanics – there is a tight group of Atascadero Elks for whom this project became an important part of their lives as well, and Joe and Barbara really appreciate it.

“The Lodge has always been supportive,” they agree. “It’s different from what the rest of the lodges are doing.” The Elks are viewed by some as being a social club, and the Atascadero Elks are happy to be known for something that’s plain good.

When the Coulters first started their endeavor, some of the Elks advised them to charge $1 per ride. “But we got to thinking that some of the families have 3-4 kids, and some of the kids ride several times – it can be too much for a family,” Barbara explains.

That’s why Joe decided: “It’s free, or I don’t do it. It won’t be fair to the kids otherwise.” The Coulters do, however, encourage donations to the Purple Pig – the Elks’ charity which supports kids with physical disabilities.

“Many parents are teaching their children to donate, and most little ones are doing it,” Barbara smiles. “We get lots of $1 bills, sometimes up to $100 a day!”

“We enjoy helping out and being with the kids,” states another volunteer, Mary

A Retirement Facil PEOPLE

Doherty, which is not to say that handling the little darlings is always an easy task.

Ralph McCormack, who helps Joe with mechanical work, remembers a boy who was so scared at first, he cried when his Mom got him on the train; then he took a ride with Mom walking by his side and liked it so well, he cried when she wanted to get him out!”

“We enjoy the look on children’s faces when they see this Little Train.”

“When children want another ride, they’re expected to go to the end of the line – but they can ride as long as they want to,” Mary explains. And the children don’t mind. The problems that they have are usually of a different sort.

“One time a little girl was crying because all she wanted was to ride in a purple car and that car was already taken,” Barbara recalls.

So the girl sat there until her favorite car became available – then she was happy.

“There’re kids who would ride this thing 24 hours a day,” Joe admits. “Someone would inevitably fall asleep,” Barbara adds. She remembers one particular boy who fell asleep, but would wake up every time his parents tried to get him out of the train. “He just wouldn’t get out,” Barbara says, “he screamed bloody murder!”

Then another memory makes her smile.

“One grandma was walking through the park in Paso Robles with her grandson, and she let him take a ride on the train,” Barbara recalls.

“Then she promised the boy that they’d come back for him to ride more. But when they returned, we were already preparing to leave. The kid was crying and crying, because ‘Thomas’ was going away. So we just let him sit on the tractor for a while.” Barbara says, “He was satisfied.”

It’s clear that after all these years the youngsters still continue to amuse their friends from the Elks’ Lodge. “On the train, some of them shake, the others rock,” Joe laughs.

One time for some reason all his passengers decided to lean to one side at the same time, and the train tilted over!” Poor Joe had to stop the engine and rush to straighten up his train. “I asked one little girl who was waiting to be picked up: ‘Are you all right?’ And she said: ‘Yeah! Let’s do it again!’”

15

Even though the prospect of moving m “And the patience they have!” Barbara marIt’s hard to be sure, but with 200-400 trips a you owe it the to Coulters yourself to learn h vels. She remembers being really moved when future, day when in operation, estimate after commenting to a little girl’s mother on carefree that theirliving Little Train must’ve already exceeded in your own home for man her child’s good behavior, she received the girl’s explanation: “I have a lot of patience!”

The girl wasn’t much older than three.

100,000 rides. “We do it for the kids and we get a lot of fun out of it, don’t we?” Joe looks at Barbara and winks. “We enjoy the look on children’s faces when they see this Little Train.”

You Don’t Have to Move

Feel Safe and

Another time, during a as we get older, It’sa aparade, fact Barbara of lifegave that Pristine is fully one-year-old boy a stuffed animal to ride with, The next opportunity to ride Joe’s Little Train some day-to-day tasks become too licensed and insu and he kept saying “thank you” every time she will be during the Children’s Day in the Park walked by. “He must’ve just learned how toon say our in Atascadero on May 15th. For call:worke much to handle own. That Alldetails, of our it,” Barbara smiles. “Kids are so sweet!”

466-3557.

doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully scre from the comfort of your home. and pass a crimin Avoid theHome High Cost of Moving Pristine Services is a local background chec company that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test, giv toCounty a Retirement Facility residents avoid the high cost when someone f of moving to a retirement facility. in your home.

“She helps me w Enjoy Affordable Living Home Services Specialist personal care. S

All of our services can be provided She should be cl daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable From housekeeping You to handyman services and plumbing to preparingyou meals.need There is no task too large or pay for only the services dows!” R. Watso too small for Pristineand Homewe Services.

All of our those services can be providedatdaily, weekly, or on an as-needed provide services a price basis. You pay for only the services you need and we provide those services at a price you can“They afford. took the t you can afford. what I wanted.

Pristine Home Services made it possible exactlyforwhat I a Convenient One-call us to stayService comfortable and independent reasonable. I wo in our home.

When Mary was diagnosed Our personal care services include a friend. with cancer, is no longer ato threat, the ” C. shopping, daily errands, mealwhich preparapeople at Pristine became a very important tion, transportation part andofnon-medical Before you mak our team. They were trustworthy, care. Our housekeeping services keep reliable and always stood by ourcould side. Weaffect yo truly enjoy our relationship with their your kitchen and the rest of your home and staff. standard o -Don and Mary Smith spotless. We even do windows and to read these tw laundry.

Our yard maintenance crews Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every s “What know how to take care of your favorite the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in rose bushes and keep the grass neatly “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.” provided by specialists in plumbing, service provid We invite you to call Pristine rightwork, now so that we can sendrepairs you these two FREE reports by mail. electrical painting, and anyone work i safety rail installation.

CAll FoR RAteS We invite you t now so that we two FREE repor

(805) 543 Ca

We Bring Assisted Living Home You Whatever you need...give us atocall 805-543-4663 www.pristinehomeservices.net 710 FIERO LANE, UNIT 16 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401

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

201 0

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE

16

linda minton: giving back to cal poly and more

By Hilary Grant

“We began 11 years ago when our board of directors decided we needed to do a big event,” says Minton, who served as chairman of the dinner for its first few years. “We did research and decided that a themed dinner and auction was the way to go. The first one was held on campus, and about 250 people came.”

Minton reports that the celebration first moved up to the Alex Madonna Expo – with more than 650 guests in attendance – last year. With the Expo’s capacity to hold more than 2,000 partygoers, Minton has high hopes that this year’s Disco Ball theme dinner will fill the room.

M

“We like to find something fun that’s easy for people to identify with,” explains Minton. “So this year, we’re encouraging everyone to dig out their 1970s disco outfits and ‘boogie the night away.’ In addition to a giant disco ball in the center of the room, which will light up the entire area, food and other decorations will keep the theme going.

arrying young, raising a family, attending college. Throw in a full-time corporate career, and this sort of busy life becomes a balancing act that’s more than enough for most of us.

Linda Minton has made all of the above happen, and has long done something else: she happily spends a good amount of time giving back to the Central Coast community, especially when it comes to activities that provide a helping hand to Cal Poly students.

“Madness has actually become such a popular event that many people call us months ahead to find out the date – that way, they can plan their vacations to SLO around that time.”

To that end, Minton is once again busy with Mustang Madness, the annual dinner and auction event slated this year for Saturday, May 29th, at the Alex Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $75 per person, with a reserved table for 10 priced at $750, and a reserved VIP table going for $1,000. Tickets are on sale through May 23.

All of those dates and numbers come down to this one fact: over the years, the nighttime event has brought in tens of thousands of dollars for the Mustang Athletic Fund, the fundraising arm of the university’s athletic department. And, thanks to the popularity of Mustang Madness, there are more available scholarships this year – nearly 200, both full and partial – set to be awarded to students in many majors.

Other themes have included Malt Shop Memories, Knights of the Round Table and the Wild West. Some past auction items have been a week-long Puerto Vallarta vacation, and a private tour and picnic at Hearst Castle. This year, offerings include a chance to spend a week in Italy, enjoy passes to Disneyland, or finally get that Lasik eye surgery.

Mustang Madness is just one of the many ways Minton, a senior vice president/regional manager at Rabobank, devotes time to our community.

She has also been active in the SLO Chamber of Commerce, serving on its board for four years, and has been part of the YMCA Leadership Foundation. In addition, Minton was a member of the first wave of the Performing Arts Center Foundation, and is very active in Quota International, a more than 80-year-old service club with members in

Meeting Rooms Available Rooms

Theater

San Luis

72

California Monterey Executive

1930 Monterey St. M A Y

201 0

150 120 25

Classroom 75 50 32 16

Hollow Square 70 50 40 18

U Shaped 60 40 32 14

Available Items: High-Speed Wireless Internet, Overhead, TV/VCR/DVD, PA Systems, Tables, Flag, Podium, Ice Water, LCD Projector, Food Service, Handicapped Facilities.

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE “After having my boys, I knew that San Luis Obispo was the place to raise my family,” she says. “Now I also have two wonderful grandkids, Nathan and Gavin, who I enjoy attending Cal Poly sporting events with.”

Oldest son Kevin is a technology officer for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, while Shawn, her youngest, heads up Minton Insurance and Financial Services, both located in SLO. The Minton Family

“Having my kids here with me is my pride and joy,” says Minton. “I consider myself so

17

lucky – I’m living in a wonderful place where I smile when I go to work, where I smile when I volunteer for service groups, and where I smile for Cal Poly.”

For more information about this year’s Mustang Madness Dinner and Auction, contact Bill Saylor, Special Events Coordinator for Cal Poly Athletics, at (805) 756-0277, or email bsaylor@calpoly.edu. To see a complete list of auction items, visit gopoly.com.

Linda with the newest Minton

14 countries. She has also been a recipient of many awards, including Cuesta College’s Women of Distinction, and has a certificate of recognition from the California State Senate for her outstanding community and public service work in the volunteer sector.

“I understand,” she says, “that the quality of life here is directly dependent on the investment we all must make in it.”

Minton has lived in California her entire life, but didn’t discover the Central Coast until she was a teenager.

Born in Hollywood, she was raised in a house near Melrose Avenue – “before it became a famous street!” – and graduated from Hollywood High School. Marrying her high school sweetheart at 18, Minton moved to SLO when her new husband was accepted to Cal Poly.

During those years, Minton was both a Cuesta College and Cal Poly student, and also worked at Bank of America in SLO while attending the latter school. She graduated from the National Commercial Lending Graduate School at Oklahoma University.

Shortly after Minton’s spouse received a Cal Poly degree, the couple moved back to Los Angeles and settled in the Toluca Lake area, just adjacent to Burbank. There, Minton attended the management program at Bank of America, and also had two sons, Kevin and Shawn.

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

18

PEOPLE

happy birthday

Patricia farrow ...longtime slo resident and world traveler turns 95

By Susan Stewart

J

ust “Do It!” reads the license plate on Patricia Farrow’s 1966 Ford Mustang, a philosophy that still guides her long and adventurous life…including the 60 guests she will host at her immaculate English Tudor home for her 95th birthday this month. A San Luis Obispo resident since 1944, and a Cal Poly health nurse for 16 years, Farrow is a much-admired woman with friends from all over the world.

she married a physician, Dr. Harrison Eilers, at age 20. The couple spent the first few years of married life in small rural towns in New Mexico before moving to San Luis Obispo in 1941 where Dr. Eilers had accepted a position as the County’s Public Health Officer. By then, their daughter Dorothy had been born and a son, Paul, came along in 1945. Tragically, Paul died of a rare intestinal disorder when he was just five months old.

Born in Chicago on May 18, 1915, Patricia was an only child whose father was an army man. She moved with her parents to sunny San Diego at age three, where she lived until the age of 20. Recalling those days with nostalgic fondness, “Pat” recalls idyllic summer days that cost only 15 cents: a nickel to ride the bus to Balboa Park, a nickel for lunch, and a nickel for the bus ride back.

A move to Long Beach, California lasted seven years, but in 1951, the family returned to San Luis Obispo to stay. And that’s when Pat decided to go to work.

Patricia enrolled in nursing school at San Diego County Hospital when she was still a teenager, and was one of only 9 to graduate from the 23 classmates who started the course with her. Barely out of nursing school,

“I woke up one day and realized I wasn’t accomplishing much,” she said, “so I applied for work as a nurse.” The director of nursing for French and Mountain View hospitals hired her to fill in wherever she was needed and she eventually found a permanent place at Cal Poly’s Student Health Center. When a heart attack took Pat’s husband suddenly one Saturday, there was little time for grieving.

By Monday, she was back at work.

“That job was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she recalls. “I loved my work, and I’d still be doing it today if my eyes and hearing were better.”

In 1971, her daughter Dorothy now grown with two sons of her own, Pat met her second husband, Lonnie Farrow. Lonnie was a

Farrow ‘s home since 1952

Offering Excellence in:

• Custom Maintenance Programs • Irrigation Systems • Deck & Fence Construction • Water Features

• Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Design Services

Marc Brazil: 459-5376 Bill Coryell: 459-0318 FREE Consultation 541-3377

Farrow on her Wedding Day - 1935 M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE

19

retired hotel man who had opened the famous Beverly Hills Hotel in the 1920s. He retired in San Luis Obispo where he opened the Ranch Hotel on upper Monterey Street in 1941, against the advice of many.

No one will pay $5 a night to stay in your hotel, they warned. But Lonnie opened on Memorial Day Weekend in 1941 and had nary a vacancy from that first night through the end of the Korean War. “He was the nicest man!” said Pat. “Everyone liked Lonnie.” But just 17 months after their wedding, Pat was widowed once more when Lonnie suffered a choking episode while watching a basketball game and died later that day. He was in his early 60s. These many years later, long after the grief has transformed to pleasant memories of both her husbands, Pat punctuates her rendition of their untimely deaths with a little joke: “You just can’t trust these men, you know!”

The Ranch Hotel circa 1960

Australia and Portland, Oregon respectively. Despite the losses, Pat looks forward to celebrating her birthday this year.

That’s when the world traveling began. With her lovely home on Murray Street as her anchor (where she lived with a black and white cat called Boots), Pat started to travel – first to see as many of the American states as she could. Every other year, she went abroad, and has filled many a scrapbook with memories of Asia, Europe, Russia, Mexico, Canada, and South America. These long and numerous trips gave her a richly layered knowledge of the world, and made her the perfect fit for a job as docent at Hearst Castle.

Photo Shop owner Peggy Messler, who has known Pat all her life, says, “She’s really sharp, and she tells such great stories. Pat is a very social, genuinely happy person, so it’s a joy to be around her.”

When asked about the most significant changes she’s witnessed in the time she has been here, Pat points to the number of women, especially mothers, who work today. In her day, it was unusual for young mothers to work outside the home.

Bill and Peggy will join more than 60 more of Pat’s large and loyal fan base – from fellow travelers to longtime SLO folks – to celebrate her 95th birthday this month. As Pat prepared a mental list for the party to come, a neighbor stopped by to admire a single white rose, edged in bright pink and turning in its vase to open into the sun.

Five years ago, Pat suffered yet another loss when her daughter Dorothy died from cancer. Pat’s grandsons, Scott and Brian, live in

Longtime friend Bill Zweifel says, “I plan to keep Pat around till she’s at least 100!”

“Yes, isn’t it beautiful?” she declared. “It’s my first rose of the season!”

We’re Focused on You

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

20

HOME/OUTDOOR

PULSE

meet self-control, your new friend

A

By Julian J. Varela

ny successful person who has undergone any kind of significant health change knows the importance of self-control. And those of us who don’t consider self-control our friend know how difficult and frustrating it can be.

Life would be so much easier if we didn’t have to change anything wouldn’t it? Well change happens all the time and with a few key tips we may find that change can be easy and dare I say…enjoyable.

Change Happens First of all we need to realize that change happens all of the time. For example, are you married? Are you considering it? Have you moved in with a significant other? People have been getting married and moving

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

in together since the beginning of time and this is probably one of the biggest changes we’ll make and we seem to manage that ok right? And of course there are always babies.

I’m not sure about you, but I’m pretty certain we’re in the midst of baby season right now.

Everywhere I look I see strollers, expecting moms and dads-to-be looking doe-eyed and confused. I do not have any children yet, but I can’t imagine being woken up months on end, every hour through the night, for trivial administrative duties such as changing a diaper. I mean I certainly wouldn’t work for a boss that woke me up every hour for food and a change. Are you getting my point?

Change happens all the time, and most of us have already made some of the hardest changes already: marriage and children.

HOME/OUTDOOR We’re Schizophrenic The fact of the matter is that we’re all schizophrenic in some shape or form. For example, how many of you have set your alarm for 5:45 AM with the intention of getting a workout in before work only to find yourself chucking the alarm clock across the room the next morning when the alarm went off? Something happened between the time when you planned on waking up early and when you actually decided to do it. Also, how many of you have had an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend that you swore never to talk to again only to find yourself sending them a text message one late evening after a couple late-night drinks? We all have schizophrenic tendencies; it’s just good to realize them when they happen.

Learn to ride elephants Our schizophrenic behavior may be best described as riding an elephant. Some of you have ridden an elephant, or at least seen someone else ride one; so tell me, who has control over that odd situation, the rider or the elephant? It may be easy to assume that since the rider has hold of the reigns that the rider has control, but any reasonable person knows that if the rider wants to go right, but the elephant really wants to go left, the elephant wins. This example is very similar to our dueling personalities; the rider is the planner and the elephant is our emotion. In other words, the rider sets the alarm clock and the elephant stamps it to death. The rider plans on never calling the ex at 2:00 a.m., and the elephant sneaks in the call. The key to bringing the rider and the elephant together are really pretty easy. First of all, realize that this battle of wills goes on inside all of us. Second, align the rider and the elephant by giving clear and precise directions and goals to the rider (or planner) and then grease the wheel a little bit by making it emotionally rewarding for the elephant (or our emotions).

Self-Control is exhausting Have you ever noticed how exhausted you are after a work party or perhaps a community function? How about a dinner party with your new in-laws? You spend hours trying to control your behavior, saying the right things and filtering others; trying to control your words and actions for hours on end is tiring. Self-control in other areas such as diet or exercise can also be tiring and sometimes what looks like laziness is simply exhaustion. Trying to control behavior to any extent over a long period of time is challenging.

The way to make it easier is to provide incentives for us to continue to proceed with the new behavior along with making it as fun and enjoyable as possible along the way. Who says that change has to be all work and no play?

To drive the point home, we need to realize that change happens all the time, most of us have experienced significant change, and we’ve handled it just fine. Recognizing that most of us have experienced conflicting behavior, e.g., the planner versus the doer, can be im-

portant in understanding how we can align the two thereby making change easier. Finally, changing behavior can be utterly exhausting, and rewarding ourselves when achieving goals while finding ways to make change fun can help make the process more tolerable and even exciting.

Julian J. Varela holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Julian co-owns Equilibrium Fitness Inc and Equilibrium Fitness for Women. Julian can be contacted at Julian@eqclubs.com

If you’ve been feeling self-conscious, embarrassed, or limited in what you can do and where you can go …

It’s time to get your life back!

Who We Are: · Dr. Arthur Segal – a Board Certified Gynecologist with over 30 yrs exp. · Highly-trained Nurse Practitioners & support staff · Caring, Compassionate, Committed

What We Do: · Our practice focuses on the health concerns that are unique to each stage of a woman’s life – these include menstrual problems, birth control, peri-menopausal and post menopausal issues. · We manage the latest in diagnostics, medical and surgical treatment.

Options include non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, to the newest therapies for Urinary Incontinence, Uterine Prolapse and Vaginal Wall Prolapse.

· Wherever you are in the cycle of life, we listen, evaluate, respect, & treat the whole woman.

Call for a confidential appointment today!

544-4883

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

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

For Over 32 Years

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

RizzolisAutomotive.com

21

Most Insurance Plans Accepted Women’s Healthcare Specialists of San Luis Obispo A Center for Menopausal Medicine & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery 184 Casa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA

Women’s Healthcare Specialists

Because every woman is unique … at every stage of her life.

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

Invite Nature’s Beauty Into Your Yard or Garden

By Statepoint Media

N

o matter where you live, there is always an opportunity to make your home more nature-friendly by inviting plant life, songbirds, and woodland creatures to your yard or garden.

Creative additions can transform simple grass and flowers into a natural haven.

Embellishments may include birdbaths, birdfeeders, and even cautionary decals to prevent songbirds from flying into your window glass. In no time, both your neighbors and wildlife will be stopping by for a visit. experts at your local garden center or search the Internet for advice on how to use Match Plants To Your Home plants to attract colorful birds and butterBefore you begin, make sure to speak with flies to your home. A variety of factors such as shading, erosion, and division of plant species should be considered when creating a vibrant haven. Just remember that putting the wrong plants close to your home can harm its foundation over time.

Welcome Your Neighbors In what may feel like a welcome change of attitude, there is now an entire wildlife industry built around inviting nature’s gentle creatures to your outdoor space. Readymade homes are available for butterflies, ladybugs, songbirds, and squirrels. Homes for bats and honeybees can be installed.

Wild bird seed or even live mealworms will attract songbirds by the dozens.

Don’t forget to include a few accessories for you and family members. Rain gauges, weather stations, and solar stick lights are entertaining. Wind chimes make a nap on the porch appealing, perhaps even for grandchildren.

Be Creative But Cautious If you’re going to make additions to your yard, you’ll need to understand how songbirds and wildlife coexist with each other and your home. One issue often ignored is the 98 million birds killed annually from colliding with windows, according to Western EcoSystems Technology.

With wild songbirds particularly prone to these accidents during their migration, some subtle and inexpensive window decals, such as those from WindowAlert, can prevent them from striking windows. These de-

S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

cals have a special coating that reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This light is invisible to humans, but birds see it as a brilliant glow.

“Humans don’t notice our decals, but birds see a stoplight preventing them from hitting glass,” says company founder Spencer Schock. “To meet the demands of flight, birds have evolved such that their eyesight is remarkably keen -- and our decals take advantage of this evolutionary characteristic. For you and I, the decals have a subtle, frosted appearance.”

For more information, visit www.WindowAlert.com.

Taken together, the right plants and adornments can turn an everyday yard into a vibrant and safe space benefiting every member of the family --as well as local wildlife.

Bringing Quality To The Surface Since 1990

Save 15% on your natural stone purchase through the month of May

COUNTER TOPS · FLOORS · SHOWERS · FIREPLACES

SAN LUIS MARBL E & GRAN I T E

Mon–Fri 8am-5pm · Sat 10:30am-2:30pm LOCATED AT 5452 Edna Rd. San Luis Obispo · (805) 544-9133 · www.slmarble.com

24

HOME/OUTDOOR

the great green salad (dressing)

at the market

By Sarah Hedger

A

pril showers definitely bringing May flowers! This abundant time of year leaves no shortage of options at our local farmers’ markets. There are few recipes that bring together such a showcase of ingredients as a great salad. It seems there is a universal salad rule (well, maybe not a rule, but close) that salads generally taste better when someone else has prepared them. A goal with this month’s recipe is to prove that rule wrong! In other words – this salad rocks! It has options so you can create your own magical salad. The dressing is the key, and The Great Green Dressing will not disappoint. First off, it is beautiful. They say looks aren’t everything, but when it comes to salad dressings, it sure helps, and this dressing delivers beyond its good looks! It is an intensely flavorful and delicious dressing without being overbearing. It is healthy without tasting (too) healthy (nice creamy consistency). It is simple, which makes it easy and fun to toss together.

And, above all, it goes with just about any ingredient. There are no wrong turns with this salad because you get to use only what you want to use. Here we go…

Shrimp or Chicken Fettucine Dinner $12.95 3 BBQ Beef Rib Dinner $11.95 Casual Atmosphere – Serious Food

The recipe this month has a little different format than in the past only because I wanted to give you ideas and (seasonal) ingredient combinations so you can keep your eyes open for them the next time you are shopping. Using seasonal, organic produce delivers the best flavor with less preparation. The base for this salad are the greens. You can choose what you always choose, or you can mix it up by adding a little something that you haven’t used much of in the past, such as arugula or spinach. The next layer is the veggies. There is no right and wrong, but use what is in season! Have you ever noticed tomatoes don’t taste as good in the winter? There is a reason for that! Again, mix it up a little and try something you love and try something new. The fresh herbs are a great addition to this salad as they add a brightness that no dry herb can dream of replicating.

They are everywhere and easy to pick up as well as packing a punch of nutrients into the salad. The fourth layer of the salad is the extras – everything from seeds and nuts to cheeses, grains, and legumes. This is what makes your salad, Your salad! Plan ahead and if any of these extras need to be prepped or boiled or cooked, do it ahead of time to make tossing this salad together easy when you want it. The final component of the salad is an extra as it is the protein element. At this point, if you have done a good job of adding a good combination of extras, there might not be a need to add extra protein. But, some people just need more protein! Make sure you add the protein last, more as a topping, as this is a very moist salad and soggy protein is not a good thing. Do your best to underestimate how much salad you are making as it gains size fast and doesn’t keep well overnight (the dressing doesn’t have laden amounts of fat to help keep it lofty). Last, go easy about it! You are doing yourself and whomever you share this salad with a huge favor as it will skyrocket your health to a new level (no guarantees but trust me when I say you will feel great after eating this one).

OPEN 11:30 M-F

Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week Breakfast served Sat. & Sun. 9:00 Full Bar • Nightly Specials O w n e rs – Scott & Dana Milstead

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

201 0

Journal PLUS

FOR THE DRESSING 1 small bunch of parsley (flat leaf or curly), rinsed and roughly chopped 1 small bunch of fresh basil, rinsed and roughly chopped ½ cup apple cider vinegar 3-4 medium sized dill pickles, roughly chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled 1 T. Dijon mustard ½ medium sized cucumber, rinsed and roughly chopped 1 tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. fresh ground pepper 5-10 spinach leaves, well washed ½ cup good quality olive oil Place all the ingredients, apart from the oil, in a food processor or blender and blend well until ingredients are a uniform paste.

Add olive oil and blend well until dressing is a thick, creamy, dressing (can be made ahead and refrigerated in advance).

Salad Options: Your choice of any combination below (use organic, pesticide-free produce): Greens: Romaine, Spinach, Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Butter lettuce Veggies: Cucumbers, Carrots (grated), Tomatoes, Celery, Pickles, Avocado, Red bell peppers, Green Onions, Red Onion (finely chopped), Olives, Mushrooms (quartered), Peas, Fennel (finely sliced), Apple (not a veggie however a good addition to the salad) Herbs: Basil, Parsley, Dill, Arugula (not really an herb but use it like one in this salad), Mint ExtraS: Sunflower Seeds (toasted), Cashews, Almonds, Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Good Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, Feta, Chevre, Mozzarella, Blue Cheese, Roquefort, Cheddar (grated), Brown rice (cooked), Quinoa (cooked), Lentils (cooked) or even some good pasta Protein: (see cheeses and nuts above), Roast chicken, Poached or BBQ’d shrimp, salmon (or other fish in season), Eggs (hard or soft boiled) Sea Salt Fresh Ground Pepper Wash and spin greens and herbs in a salad spinner. Pick the herby leafs off their stalks and finely chop. Finely slice or chop the veggies. Crumble or grate any cheeses. Toss your salad creation with your choice of greens, veggies, herbs, extras, The Great Green Dressing, salt and pepper together in a large bowl (salad tongs are good but nothing beats a clean set of hands to delicately toss the salad- it’s not pretty but they definitely work the best). Top with protein element, if you are using one.

Divide between serving bowls and enjoy!

HOME/OUTDOOR

25

est level of customization, your builder or kitchen designer can design one for you to be built on site. A built-in-place plaster hood will complement your kitchen because it is constructed especially to fit your overall style. Often wood trim or a band of tile is added for color and accent. Perhaps some used brick or a carved onlay can be included.

Also, on a more practical front, the custom designed plaster hood will give you the most flexibility of any when selecting your insert/ blower units.

Kitchen Ideas

The new role of hoods as architectural focal points

By Sarah Day and Lee Anna O’Daniel

It is also possible to purchase pre-cast composite hoods from several different manufacturers – just paint or faux finish for that classic plaster feel. While these give you the same overall look of a built-in-place hood, they should save you both time and money; they are usually very light so installation is simple too. Pre-cast hoods allow a certain amount of customization, but they do tend to be more limited than built-in-place hoods.

U

ntil a decade or so ago, a hood was usually just a fan, encased in a white sheet-metal box, hanging from a cabinet over the range.

Lately designers have seized the opportunity to create an architectural statement with this one-time utilitarian appliance. They are drawing our attention to the hood – and they are doing so with a variety of mediums.

The wood hood lends a unified architectural structure to the room. It combines the functions of the hood and the beauty of the cabinetry with a seamless grace. Wood hoods offer efficiency both in that the wood

Spring into Summer Special $119

unlimited membership

hood can be installed at the same time as the cabinetry and that they can be designed to fit any size/shape insert. Wood hoods can also offer hidden storage options integrated right into the hood surrounding itself. The details available with a wood hood are unlimited – from a simple slanted cottage design to large and complex mantel styles. Include tile medallions, hammered metal details, or exotic woods for more variety.

Borrowing images from custom fireplaces and mantels, plaster hoods are another popular option. Plaster hoods come in many formats, shapes and sizes. For the great-

Off-the-shelf decorative metal hoods can be one of the simplest solutions. Most appliance lines feature several metal hood varieties – from stainless and glass contemporary models to more industrial professional looks. Or you can have a custom made metal hood – create a hefty copper “old world� style or a techno-modern extravaganza – the sky’s the limit!

By making a distinct design statement with an architectural hood, the kitchen designer is emphasizing the creative importance of the kitchen and the cook to the home. No longer is the kitchen segregated away as a utilitarian workspace, it is celebrated as the heart of the home both in style and in function.

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.

4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This This year this is the year. This year this is the year.

4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year thisI is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS promise THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This to the takeyear. steps to a year this is the year. This year this is 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the healthier, new lifestyle year. This year this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This This year this is the year. This year for me and my family. this is the year. 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This This year this is the year. This year this is the year.

805-541-1100 3930 Broad St., SLO promise Help.

4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year thisWe is the year.toThis year this is the year.

4HIS YEAR THIS IS (in the Marigold Center) www.eqclubs.com THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year. year 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the year. This year this is the year.4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR 4HIS YEAR THIS IS THE YEAR This year this is the

Transform your body & Change your life in 1 year or less OR your next year is FREE!

4HIS YEAR

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

26

COMMUNITY

san luis county library cary grant film series at the slo library

(805) 541-9922

www.palazzogiuseppe.com

By Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Youth Services SLO County Library

Palazzo Giuseppe Offers:

Weekend Brunch Starting @ 10:30 am

In addition to the NEW Lunch & Brunch Menu (see menu below)

Palazzo Giuseppe Brunch Menu ***In addition to our regular lunch menu

W

hen asked who the greatest actors of the 20th Century are, you are sure to get many responses. One actor sure to make everyone’s list is Cary Grant. Smooth, handsome, and debonair, his appeal crosses generational lines. From his legendary screwball comedies, to his Hitchcock thrillers, no one embodied the Hollywood leading man better than Cary Grant. You can share the wonder of Grant’s greatest moments on the big screen at an upcoming local film series that will thrill film buffs of any age.

Mimosa $6 Bottomless Mimosa $14 House-Made Bloody Mary $8 Basket of scratch-made breakfast pastries $7 Breakfast pizza with pancetta, free range eggs, & fresh mozzarella $10 Grilled B.L.T. panini served with cucumber & tomato salad $10

San Luis Obispo Library is excited to present some of Cary Grant’s greatest films in a free program: “Cary Grant: Smooth Operator.” Drop in at the SLO Library each week to see Cary Grant light up the screen, paired with some of the top leading ladies of all time: Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, and Katherine Hepburn. These iconic films will be presented at 995 Palm St, in the San Luis Obispo City Library Community Room on Saturdays May 22nd, May 29th, and June 5th. Films begin at 3:00 p.m. and refreshments will be provided free of charge. Sorry, no cocktails provided.

Two eggs, fried or scrambled, with applewood bacon or Italian sausage, served with roasted fingerling potatoes $10 Calzone of scrambled eggs, house-made sausage, & caramelized onion $11 Frittata with turkey, fall squash, tomatoes, pancetta, avocado, & fontina cheese $11 “French Toast Italian Style” with caramelized bananas, fresh strawberries, candied pecans, Grand Marnier dipped Pannetone, & real maple syrup $11 Quiche with proscuitto cotto (ham), broccoli, fontina cheese, & green onions served with a mista salad w/Turkish apricots $11 Pastrami hash & eggs with Bloomsdale spinach, white corn, roasted pasillo chilies, & Yukon potatoes $11 “Eggs Diavolo Style” sunny side up, fingerling potatoes, toasted Pugliese bread with house-made sausage $12

Half Pound Kobe Burger with sweet Maui onions, balsamic tomatoes, pepper jack cheese, arugula, roasted red pepper aioli ,& house-made potato chips $13 Seared Ahi salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion ,& rustic Italian bread $14

Other upcoming events at San Luis Obispo County Libraries include:

New York Strip Steak Panini, crispy onions, heirloom tomatoes, butter lettuce, & gorgonzola dolce $15

Pizza of smoked salmon (lox), mascarpone, red onions, capers, & arugala $15

May 1st: 10:30 a.m. – “Cascada de Flores” – enjoy the music of Cuba and Mexico at the San Luis Obispo Library with one of Santa Barbara’s best Latino musical groups.

May 1st: 2:00 p.m. – Learn to Juggle with Scott Cleere – a program for all ages at the Arroyo Grande Library.

May 12th: 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Find out about the latest robotics technology at the Atascadero Public Library for ages ten to adult.

Includes hands-on activities.

May 15th: 10:00-2:00 p.m. – “Typing in

M A Y

201 0

Grant in Notorious

This event is provided to the public free of charge, through the generosity of the Friends of the San Luis Obispo Library. For more information and film titles, please contact Steve Kinsey at 781-1215 or visit the San Luis Obispo online events calendar at: http://www.slolibrary.org/eventcal.htm

Club sandwich “Palazzo Style” turkey, proscuitto cotto, applewood bacon, avocado, hard boiled eggs, vine ripe tomatoes, & lettuce, served with house-made potato chips $13

Poached white Gulf of Mexico prawn salad alla Nicoise, green beans, black olives, potatoes, preserved lemons, vine ripe tomatoes, & hard boiled eggs $15

Grant in Charade

Journal PLUS

Grant in Bringing Up Baby

Public” – Share your love of the written word by creating spontaneous prose on a vintage typewriter at the San Luis Obispo Library.

May 26th: 10:00-12:00 – Meet author Robert Pavlik and listen to excerpts and inspirations from his fascinating book, Norman Clyde: Legendary Mountaineer of California’s Sierra Nevada at the Morro Bay Library.

Now through June 26th – Join Cambria Readers for the MoRA Adult Reading Program: Earn incentives for reading something new at the Cambria Library.

COMMUNITY

27

the dog next door ellie doodle – new mom Story and photos By Jeanne Harris

T

here’s a new mom on the block. She’s a curly-topped, blonde labradoodle named Ellie. And even though she normally is a goofy, playful girl, she has taken to motherhood naturally and become a devoted, loving caretaker of her eight precious pups.

Fittingly, Ellie lives in a family of blondes: Kris and Russ and their three daughters, Kaitlin, Hilary, and Megan. When Ellie was two years old, the family began to consider breeding her. Close family members, friends, and even strangers asked Kris and Russ if their sweet, happy-go-lucky golden girl would ever have puppies. People are enamored of the looks and character of labradoodles, as well as drawn to the non-allergenic, low-shedding qualities of their coats. Kris knew she could agree to breeding Ellie only with assurance that the puppies would go to good, loving homes. Since there were plenty of people already in line for Ellie’s puppies-to-be, the decision was made. At two and a half years old, Ellie would have a one-time opportunity to experience motherhood.

A dashing silver standard poodle named Dakota visited Ellie for ten days, “wining and dining” her, as Kris humorously refers to it.

Their ten-day tryst was successful. Within the following month subtle changes in Ellie’s behavior hinted that perhaps she was pregnant. Kris and Russ took her to the vet for an ultrasound, which is the only reliable way to confirm pregnancy. Sure enough, the test showed she was carrying at least six pups!

squeaky little being, but during the course of her labor her maternal instincts kicked in. The rest of her healthy brood arrived in 30- to 60minute intervals, the last little peanut holding out until 1:30 p.m. One by one, as the pups were born, Kris and her daughters briefly whisked them away to be dried and rubbed with a soft towel, ensuring that they started breathing on their own. Upon returning to Ellie, they began nursing immediately, easily finding their way to Mom’s source of nourishment and comfort.

In those first moments of life, Kaitlin, Hilary and Megan named the puppies: Lola, June-Bug, Ruby, Marley, Penny, Charlie, Bear, and Peanut – five girls and three boys.

Ellie’s kids range in color from blonde to black, to a tint of café-au-lait. Six have coats with loose, fleecy curls; one has tight curls, similar to the coat of a poodle. The other pup’s hair is straight and fine. They are all breathtakingly adorable.

In the weeks after their birth, the tiny youngsters’ personalities began to emerge. Charlie, the first born and largest of the group, is a rough-andtumble boy; Lola is independent, while her sisters June-Bug, Marley and Penny are more reserved,

especially Marley and Penny, the two smallest of the litter. Ruby is curious and adventurous, and has no trouble keeping up with her brothers.

Bear is the most cuddly and affectionate of the boys, and Peanut is a bit more aloof, but loves to show off and play rough. As they grow, their differences are becoming more distinct, but all are charming and sweet to their core.

Kris and her family fell in love with each of Ellie’s darling little “doodles,” but at eight weeks old it was time for them to join new families.

The transition has been difficult, with tears at each goodbye. But all of the pups are now settled into their new homes and thriving. And as Kris wished from the very beginning, the puppies were placed with family members and friends, so she will always know them. However, Kris, Russ and the girls decided to keep one.

Izzie, formerly known as Peanut, is the newest blonde in the family. He enjoys romping with his mom, as well as frequent play dates with his brother, Bear, who lives across the street.

Ellie will be spayed this summer, but her venture into motherhood was a glorious success.

The tender care she displayed to her beloved wee ones was a joy to behold and a memorable life experience for all who shared her journey.

Happy Mother’s Day, Ellie. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, two-legged and four-legged alike!

To see more photos of Ellie’s puppies, go to www.dogsbyjean.com.

After the sixty-four-day canine gestation period, Ellie began showing signs of pending labor. Early one morning Kris realized Ellie was panting and circling in her whelping box, where the pups were to be born. Shortly thereafter, at about 6:30 a.m., the first tiny one arrived.

Ellie seemed perplexed by this wet, squirmy, M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

28

COMMUNITY

SLO county art scene gala’s galleries Robert Chapman at SLO Museum of ARt

By Gordon Fuglie

F

GALA Building - photo by Jill Schubert

ormerly located away from town on Los Osos Valley Road, the Gay And Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast (GALA) has been in its beautifully refurbished downtown Palm Street headquarters for about one year. One of the components planned for the facility was the capacity to exhibit art by both gay and non-gay artists. The renovation of the bungalow house included equipping the tasteful reception room with track lights and overhead hanging rails along the walls. Additional display areas are in the coordinator’s office and in the Hatler Library.

Ray Hatler was an area arts patron who built an extensive collection of books and media on gay, lesbian and transgender subjects with a notable attention to the arts, including theatre, film, poetry, music and visual art.

Since 2005, and after the new GALA building opened, Paul La Riviere has organized its visual arts programming. A retired art therapist and Morro Bay resident, he is also a printmaker with experience in etching, woodblock, linocut, lithography and monoprint media, as well as serving as a president of the Central Coast Printmakers.

This Spring La Riviere and GALA will be showing Central Coast artist Fred Gowland.

From his Pacific Ocean view studio house in Summerland (near Santa Barbara), Gowland paints various subjects from his wide travels, including people, places, landscapes, animals

and faces. He works in both oils and watercolor, and his work is remarkable for its robust brushwork and an expressionist sensibility.

Gowland’s exhibit runs through June 7.

La Riviere feels that art exhibitions are a key component of GALA’s mission to reflect the rich social life of the gay, lesbian and transgender community in San Luis Obispo County. “Our exhibitions – whether one person or multi-artist shows – are an important part of the Alliance’s efforts to ensure a healthy and vibrant network of groups, events, business resources, and educational services that happen here. With our showing of area artists, we demonstrate our aim to be an integral part of the cultural growth of the greater San Luis Obispo community,” he explains. (GALA located at 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, 805-541-4252, www.ccgala.org.)

Across town, the San Luis Obispo Art Center has acquired a new name, after requesting visitors complete a survey about the future of the Center. The “votes are in,” and as a result, The SLOAC is now the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA). According to Executive Director, Karen Kile, its programs and activities will remain largely unchanged for the time being, emphasizing city and county artists and the work of its six mediabased affiliate groups (sculpture, watercolor, oil/pastel/acrylic, craft, photography and printmaking), as well as movies, lectures, art

NEW TO TOWN?

Get your free welcome packet!

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

Call your hostess or email centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

Liz Hiatt Owner

•

SLO: Mary Bettencourt: 545-0731

549-7755

•

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

•

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

•

North County: Sandy Hexberg: 238-1529

centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

Robert Chapman’s “Lane Change”

classes and community events. SLOMA is not to be confused, however, with the new Central California Museum of Art (CCMA, see Journal Plus, March 2010, p. 28, and www.centcalmuseart.org), a SLO-county based institution that has a mission to present professional and scholarly exhibitions of important mid-state artists at venues throughout the heartland of the Golden State and the Central Coast.

From April 29 to May 31, SLOMA will feature recent work by rural north county painter Robert Chapman. Entitled Perfect Stranger, the exhibition includes large abstract canvases notable for their technique of short “flicks” of color application that are akin to tongues of flame or the “shards” of a kaleidoscope. Chapman’s images create a swarming dynamism that causes the viewer to constantly dart his/her glances across the picture plane, seeking wholeness within the pattern of the composition. A transplanted New Yorker who once managed the studio of the Dutch-American master Willem de Kooning (1904 – 1997), he and his artist wife Brooke live east of San Miguel on a ranch with two studios, a xeriscape garden, and horses. For further information on Robert Chapman, see www.chapmanstudios.net.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, 805-543-8562, www.sloartcenter.org.

COMMUNITY

Our Schools: skills for the future

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

I

think it is time for a break from school district budget woes. So this month’s article will be about skills and attributes that our students will need to be successful and thriving in a world of rapid change. Recently, the Lucia Mar Unified School District held a community meeting called the 21st Century Learning Skills Forum during which local participants considered this topic with advice from business and educational leaders. The information received from that meeting, and others to be held, will be used as the district develops a strategic plan with a mission, vision and values for the future of the district. The Board of Trustees and the Superintendent in Lucia Mar are to be complimented for not getting so overwhelmed by the current budget problems that they fail to attend to important issues like this one.

29

workplace, both now and in the future. However, this cluster of skills also includes the ability to select the right tools to use and not be distracted just by the appeal of new technology for its own sake.

Again, the ability to be selective in the use of technology may be as important as mastery of the technology.

Attitude is Still Important. Although attitude may be

considered a “soft” skill, it still will be very important for success in the workplace of the future. Just as now, the future will present challenges and disappointments to our future adults. How a person reacts to such adversity is essential to being able to learn from adversity and continue to grow. Several speakers at the Forum stressed that having a positive attitude and being willing to be accountable for one’s actions are attitudes still needed in the future.

As I review these skill areas for the future, I am struck by how much importance is placed on process skills (the how and why questions) as compared to content skills (the what questions). For schools, I think this means that we have to teach students to think at the higher levels of understanding such as analysis, synthesis and judgment. We will need to move our instruction and assessments beyond mastery of the core competencies in subjects to a more complex use and understanding of these competencies.

In reviewing what experts advise, as well as hearing from the community members at the Lucia Mar meeting, here are five areas of skills that schools need to address in response to the demands of the world that our students will inhabit.

Global and Cultural Awareness Skills. With our global

economy and international networking, students will need an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. This also includes mastery of a language, or languages, other than English. Currently, Spanish is the predominate language taught in our schools, but proficiency with Asian languages will also be highly desirable in the future. An interesting fact is that there are more people in China who speak English than in the United States! Knowledge and understanding of different cultural norms, expectations and traditions will be needed in order to compete successfully and form partnerships in the global marketplace.

Collaboration and Team Skills. Even now, much of the work of the world is done in small groups or teams. This is projected to continue and increase, so the ability to work with others is very important. Employees who cannot work productively with others will not be successful. Effective communication skills are at the heart of successful collaboration efforts. For schools, this implies moving beyond some of the basic competencies in the language arts area to a higher level of mastery and use of writing, speaking and listening skills.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills. Since the

access to information and knowledge is now almost universal, it is the ability to define what information is needed, knowing what is useful and what is not, and how to search for needed information that will be primary skills for success. The point of these skills is to encourage schools and students to go beyond simple mastery of technical skills to a deeper level of understanding and the appropriate use of these skills to solve real problems.

Information and Technology Skills. The need for these skills should be obvious in the rapidly changing technological

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

30

COMMUNITY

history

lot petitions

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

L

eo Tolstoy, succinctly provides an answer.

In a day’s strenuous journey to acquire as much land as he can encompass by walking, the story’s “hero” dies at the end of his pursuit. Thus, Tolstoy answer: “enough for a grave!”

STAY IN THE HOME YOU LOVE – Safely & Independently

Original site plan for St. Stephens Church - 1870

In many ways, the “conquest” of California anticipates Tolstoy’s answer. The Spaniards were not interested in adding more territory to their Iberian Empire. The unexplored waste to the north of New Spain (Mexico) along the Pacific rim – Alta – was unneeded except to provide for fortifications (presidios) to fend off Russians. They, in turn, were traders with little interest in territorial expansion.

If a few Franciscan friars volunteered to seek souls for another kingdom, then beyond a few presidios, any land could be used for spiritual settlements.

• A full line of products to enhance independence - Roll in showers - Barrier free bathrooms - Bathroom remodels - Stairlift and porch lifts

- Ramps - Ceiling track lifts - Grab bars and toilet lifts

• Provide solutions so that clients can remain independent in their own home • Home modifications

We Have Your Home Access Solutions!

Call Us For A Free Catalog FREE Home Access and Safety Evaluation with mention of this ad

(805) 772-8210

(800) 464-1973

Providing Solutions for Independent Living Since 1986.

The County’s Premier Home Access Provider 358 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay, CA 93442 Locally Owned and Operated Since 1986 www.mobilitymasters.com Contractors LIC# 872368 M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

For the religious warriors, useful land bordered on rivers or streams to provide for the thirst of both man and beast or nurture crops and supply trees for shelters or fires.

All land belonged to a Crown in constant need of filling its treasury.

Expending precious resources on virtually worthless ground may have been necessary…but regretful. However, once the royal standard was planted in 1769, Spain began a rudimentary process of colonization that in another 80 years (breathtaking speed for the times) led to statehood and the County of San Luis Obispo. As for the land in the hazy borders of its principal settlement and County seat, ownership was problematic.

Here’s the story. While Spain awarded few grants of land to individuals, the new nation of Mexico (1821) was much more lavish in giving what were primarily mission lands – held in trust for the natives – to the resident families. A relatively small group of Californios owned tens of thousands of acres in the future State. Locally, a few rancheros belonged to a slim list of families who looked upon their grants as important to the raising of cattle.

A war with Mexico brought the Yankee government. Initially, all land in the 31st State belonged to the federal government. Yet, it wasn’t the land that created perhaps one of the largest migrations in history – it was what it could yield. The pioneers came not to till the soil or graze cattle but to pan through streams in search of the elusive el dorado and then dig for wealth often non-existent within the dirt.

Only as the fever of gold receded did the ownership of land (other than claims) become more important. While the federal Land Commission continued to address rancho ownership and the state legislature seemingly viewed a few places as official communities, what of other settlements? True, a few found wealth in enormous estates, but most of the newcomers needed smaller farms and a few, just enough for a dwelling, a few trees and garden.

By statehood, the area surrounding the fifth mission had grown in influence since 1772 when Padre Serra had sung the first Mass. A few

COMMUNITY ranchos surrounded the designated center of the county but there was little to commend the settlement. San Luis Obispo was a place to rest along the trail but rarely a destination.

Eventually, a few pioneers – many with families – planted roots as merchants or by providing services to their agrarian neighbors. To do so, the legal title to land was fundamental.

When the newly incorporated Town of San Luis Obispo (1856) continued the slow transformation from a Mission pueblo to an American settlement, an essential question revolved around who owned the land. The problem would remain partially answered for many years as various legislation from Sacramento as well as the local buying and selling of property continued to in part answer and in part plague attempts to resolve a fundamental issue of stability.

True, William Rich Hutton surveyed and mapped the community in 1850. To date, the map has not been found but was used until the federal survey of 1867 determined the official boundaries of the Town.

While there were elected officials, no record of meetings has been discovered before 1870. However, petitions for ownership were made to a legally constituted body before that date. In an extraordinary tribute to the past, protected in the City vaults for 150 years are over 300 such petitions.

All have been catalogued and provide a rare glimpse into our municipal ancestors who owned much of the small community. Even more dramatic additions are those requests accompanied by a map. Most

31

often a sketch on flimsy paper, some of these identify neighbor’s property, streets (often an indication of a future thoroughfare), structures on some and even a grave on one. An odd assortment of lots from six neat rectangles of one-half acre each in a block to triangular shaped parcels encompassing what might eventually be a street would challenge a surveyor’s skill to establish some boundaries.

To obtain a deed, a petitioner provided a rudimentary metes and bounds description with possibly some reference to a lot and block number. Often, a description was made using a transitory marker such as a neighbor’s fence, tree or wall. Taken as a whole, any petition made before the federal map was available would help approximate Hutton’s work using the Mission as the center of the settlement.

Most all surviving petitions were granted, but a few are marked “rejected” as there were no improvements noted on the request. Clearly, the attempt was to promote municipal stability and not to encourage mere transitory interest. A “wood fence” was quite often the improvement. Of course, fees were paid depending on the size of the request.

A conditional Certificate of Purchase became permanent if no one contested the grant within six months. A deed could then be authorized for an additional $2.50…recording extra.

The generosity of an individual or group is needed for the lot petitions to be preserved including digitalization to a disc for convenient use by researchers and genealogists.

While Tolstoy had an answer to the question of how much land a person needed, today, we seek to promote our knowledge of who owned what!

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

32

COMMUNITY

hospice corner caring hands in the home – Hospice home health aids

By Sue Cikowski, RN, CHPN

W

hen family members of hospice patients are asked the question who do they remember most from the hospice team that took care of their loved ones, often their answer is the Home Health Aide. This is a natural response because the home health aide (HHA) provides for the most intimate personal needs of the hospice patient.

certified nurse assistant (CNA) level and have passed additional written and competency tests. The hospice HHA has also received extensive orientation to hospice practices. Hospice home health aides distinguish themselves from their peers in other specialties by their emphasis on patient and family goals pertaining to end-of-life care from first admission through death and bereavement.

Compassionate, skilled, respectful, patient and flexible are all adjectives which describe the Hospice Partners’ HHA. The HHAs are valued members of the hospice team, which also includes physicians, registered nurses, medical social workers, spiritual and bereavement counselors, musicians, dietitians, therapists and volunteers. Home health aides have received education beyond the

Each hospice patient has an RN case manager who assesses the patient and makes a plan of care for the HHA to follow. The HHA will often be the team member who spends the most time with the patient and family, two to five hours per week, providing services such as bathing, hand and foot care, back rubs, assistance with shaving, oral care, and grooming. The HHA may assist with

Professional Colon Hydrotherapy A Clean Colon is the First Step in Restoring Health Increases Energy Improves Digestion • Decreases Constipation • •

(805) 550-0125 Ali Hough SLO Integrative Health 1318 Garden Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY dressing, walking and eating, as well as other activities of daily living.

The hospice HHA will also demonstrate personal care techniques to the family or other caregivers, who most likely have not cared for a person at the end of life before.

The HHA is in a position to observe the patient regularly and communicate changes in physical conditions to the RN case manager. It is the HHA who may first notice skin changes, a decrease in appetite, a decrease in the patient’s ability to care for him or herself or the need for increased services. The HHA may relay questions or concerns during a visit from the patient or family to the RN case manager.

Although physical care is a large part of the aide’s visit, the HHA also has an opportunity to observe and relay information to the case manager on how the patient is doing in other ways. For instance, a person who is usually cheerful and outgoing but is now quiet and withdrawn during the visit, may need assessment by the case manager, social worker or chaplain to determine the cause of the change of mood, whether it is due to pain, realization of approaching death, feelings of losing control or family issues. In this way, appropriate care and support may be assured for each patient and family. The hospice home health aide may also provide other care, especially if patients are already bathed and ready for the day. Socialization is a part of the care and may include listening to patients talk about their lives, reading to patients or even going for a walk outdoors.

33

M AY S U D O K U P R E S E N T E D B Y

- . -(#

! " # $% % &'

711 Tank Farm Road, Suite 100

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 544-9242 Cell: (805) 235-0493

www.pacificoakforeclosure.com

! " # $ % # & '

( )

$ # ' ** +

,

The goal at the end of a home health aide visit is to leave patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible, as well as having provided some relief and support to family members and caregivers. It is the hospice home health aide who uniquely brings caring hands to hospice patients and their families.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Sue Cikowski, RN, CHPN, is the acting Director of Patient Care Services at Hospice Partners. For more information, call 782-8608.

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43 M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

34

COMMUNITY

Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan

T

he SLO VA clinic address is 1288 Morro Street not 1238. If any veterans got lost looking for it, I apologize.

You are invited to the Memorial Day Service I have directed for 14 years. It has been held since 1885 at the Wheeler/Smith San Luis Cemetery at Elks Lane and Higuera Street.

It is jointly sponsored by Wheeler Smith and Post 66 of the American Legion. Here is our program for May 31, 2010.

11:00 a.m.: Sea cadets and scouts march to the music of Liberty Bell followed by welcome and opening remarks by Leland Smith of Wheeler/Smith Mortuary & Cemetery.

Short History of Memorial Day in SLO and dedication to servicemen and women serving our nation by me.

Invocation, Flag Presentation, Flag Raising, and Pledge of Allegiance.

Ragged Old Flag Poem by Jack Jones and a reading of GAR General Orders for Memorial Day. Ashokan Farewell, and the reading of the Gettysburg Address along with the History of the American Flag.

Veterans Memorial Remembrance and a medley of service songs to honor all veterans when your service song is played please stand to be honored. Music: Armed Forces Medley, Army.

Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force) Presentation of Elk Medals of Valor, and Wheeler/Smith Medals of Honor to Families

of San Luis Obispo County KIA in Iraq. Presented by Mark Boaz, Exalted Ruler and Donna Donovan Veterans Committee Chair of Elks 322 and Leland Smith of Wheeler/Smith Mortuary and presentation of Gold Star window banners by Commander Paul Brown of Post 66.

There will be plenty of patriotic music throughout.

Presentation and placing of Floral Wreath honoring All Deceased American Veterans by Chaplain Bill Houston and Jack Jones Past National Commander of the Military Order of World Wars accompanied by a Military Honor Guard, doing a Firing Salute followed by Echo Taps) Benediction by Chaplain, William Houston.

Music: God Bless America, Kate Smith Now to other things. Considering our present economy and with many veterans out of work, I have been researching Government jobs in which veterans have priority. The Military news noted the Air Force was hiring for summer jobs.

Possibly some of these might be at Vandenberg.

The web site for veteran government jobs is http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. So give it a try, you have nothing to lose, and it may just get you a job.

If you need more education as a veteran under the new laws and budgets, you can get up to $49,000 for college or further training at approved

schools. Had it not been for PL550 for the Korean conflict, I would have been a grunt laborer.

Thanks to that bill I received an advanced education, and I am a lot better off today in retirement.

Many veterans do not realize the benefits they have available from their time in the service.

I received an email from Howard Bentzinger, a Korean veteran who retired as the Chief of the Right of Way Department in the Cal Trans San Luis Obispo office. He alerted me to added illnesses related to exposure to Agent Orange now recognized by the VA. In the Viet Nam conflict over 100,000 service people were exposed to it. The added illnesses are B cell leukemias, Parkinson and Ischemic heart disease. With those additions the VA recognizes fourteen diseases caused by Agent Orange.

For further info, computer geeks can google <publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange>.

Non computer veterans should contact the SLO County Veterans Service office at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 801 Grand Avenue, Telephone 781-5766. While there stop by and see the Central Coast Veterans Museum next door.

Remember to keep in touch at frowan248@att. net or 543-1973. See you next month right here.

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U p New Business News Feat ured Farmer

May 2010

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D o w n t o w n

T M

here’s something about MAY in Downtown SLO…

AY be with the arrival of our area’s incomparable spring weather, people are now out from under their jackets and umbrellas and wanting to walk around, see what’s new and fresh, and enjoy sitting out of doors having a meal or a fro-yo with friends. Where better than Downtown SLO?

M

Public Works week (kids go crazy over the vehicles and heavy duty machinery hauled out for these events!) and the hugely popular Downtown Brown’s Birthday Party on May 27. (We love the young adults who come to visit Brown and say they remember getting hugs from Brown as kids themselves.)

AY be that ‘something’ is due to back-to-backto-back special events and goings-on all over Downtown: Art after Dark, Birth and Baby Fair, Mother’s Day Flower Giveaway at Farmers’ Market and a Mother’s Day Concert at the Jack House, Law Enforcement Night at the market followed by

M

AY be because the Downtown Association is proud of its track record in providing a beautiful, safe, fun and inviting atmosphere through its programs and activities, Downtown continues to be a draw for locals and visitors and appreciated by those who work and own businesses here.

Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director

AY be the abundance of fresh flowers and produce at farmers’ market—along with the smell of yummy barbecue, sounds of music and laughing at every turn and families gathering for a stroll along Higuera for food, fun and festivity—signals it’s time to come out and eat healthy, laugh and play.

M

?

M

AY be because the City of SLO places high value on Downtown and provides many services and careful attention to its city’s center. Downtown remains economically sturdy and environmentally sound and in turn, continues to be a top economic driver for the City.

M

AY be, with so many of the beautiful historic buildings now retrofitted, and

On the Cover: You can't "beet" May in Downtown SLO, lots of events, nice weather, Concerts in the Plaza just around the corner and as always, plenty of fresh produce at Thursday Night Promotions Farmers’ Market.

Photo by Deborah Cash

REIS FAMILY M O RT U A R I E S A&R Always Guarantees The Lowest Prices

& C R E M AT O RY

Over 50 Years of Service to SLO County by the founder and family.

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

805-544-7400 W W W. R E I S FA M I LY M O RT U A RY. N E T FD 949 CR 128 FD 880 FD 1800

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D o w n t o w n

what you have in SLO, including a wonderful Downtown and your memories there. Mais, er, MAY, oui!

S

o, MAY I take this opportunity to thank you for your patronage of, your pride in and your passion for everything we have to offer…around Downtown?

Recently, members--past and present--of the Architectural Review Commission along with Downtown Association representatives conducted a walkabout to assess proposed news rack and trash receptacle styles in keeping with the City's plans for Downtown enhancements. Photo by Deborah Cash

more to come, there’s a renewed sense of history, place, pride and confidence that comes with restoration and investment and further contributes to the look and feel of ‘our special place.’

M

AY be with all the terrific volunteers that turn out to help with our year ‘round events, we find ourselves blessed with people who know their contribution makes a difference to the community—and they have fun while they’re at it!

(By the way, if you’re interested in volunteering at Concerts in the Plaza, signups are now underway.)

M

AY be you’d be surprised at all the changes you’ll find if you haven’t been Downtown for a while. I encourage you to park your car in the garage (or ride a bike or take the bus) and walk around to see for yourself: new retail stores, restaurants, galleries—even though times have been tough, entrepreneurs and new restaurateurs are showing up in surprising numbers, and it seems to be a trend nationally as well.

A

nd MAY be, just MAY be, one of the reasons you moved here—or were born here and aren’t leaving or went to school here and were lucky enough to stay—is that you know it would be hard to replicate elsewhere

Y

?

our comments or suggestions are welcome and appreciated, visit us on Facebook and Twitter (San Luis Obispo Downtown Association). You may also get updates and information by visiting www.downtownslo.com

New B u s i n e s s N e w s & Featured Farmer of the Month Ja Nene Natural Body Products Ashlee Newman (pictured) 950 Chorro Street 546-0900 www.anointyourself.com

Janene Lasswell, owner of Ja Nene Natural Body Products, says she has always had an interest in aromatherapy, extracts, plants, science and alternative medicine. Having previously lived in Hawaii, she found herself in need of a natural product to protect and heal her sun-damaged skin and figured, why not just create her own? Mixing grape seed, hempseed, wheat germ and rosehip oils, pink grapefruit essential oil, and other ingredients, she began using her body oil and noticed that it completely restored her damaged skin and helped protect her skin from harmful UV rays. After testing out the body oil with various family members and friends, Lasswell was convinced that it was a miracle worker and she began to market and sell her product from Three Rivers, California in 2003.

Ashlee Newman, Lasswell’s niece and San Luis native, said she told her Aunt that Downtown was in need of an all-natural body product store. Thus, Lasswell decided to open a second store in Downtown SLO in late 2009.

Ja Nene Natural Body Products offers customers about 70 different organic or all natural body products to suit an array of personal needs such as Time Defy Anti-Aging and Clear Skin systems, body

oils/lotions and shower gels. Other products, such as aromatherapy mists, organic pet shampoo, mosquito repellant, massage oils, Dead Sea bath salts, soaps and shampoos, are also available. Many of the products are organic and all of them use botanicallyderived, non-toxic ingredients. Lasswell has a science degree from Cal Poly, is a member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Association. In February, Lasswell won Creative Entrepreneur of the Year in Tulare County.

While people might think that natural body products such as these would break the bank, Newman said that is not the case.

“We keep the prices very low and affordable so that everyone can have the opportunity to have natural products,” she said.

Newman added that Ja Nene Natural Body Products is a very customer/community oriented business and most people who come in to purchase a product become loyal customers. “We want to know their story and what’s going on in their life. That has a lot to do with the type of product they need,” Newman said, “We also love being part of the Chorro Hill Group because of all the wonderful support we share with the surrounding businesses.”

Ja Nene Natural Body Products is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.anointyourself.com to view and order all of the products.

By: Katie Koschalk

Super Silver San Luis Obispo

the Monterey store in addition to working part-time at the San Luis Obispo location.

“We became successful because of our ring department,“ Homer said. He says that it would be hard to find anyone else locally that offers the selection of rings that Super Silver does.

Silver enthusiasts need look no further than At first glance, some people might think that the Super Silver, a jewelry retailer located at jewelry on display is out of their price range, 850 Higuera Street offering a dazzling array but the prices are designed to be affordable for of silver jewelry from around the globe. most people and the store offers many sales Turquoise encrusted necklaces, countless rows throughout the year. “We give customers an of dazzling silver rings, and an assortment of exceptionally good deal. We keep our prices polished silver earrings, nearly 30,000 pieces at a really low level,” Homer said, adding that he enjoys dealing in all, line the walls and shine through the display cases. with silver because “it’s pretty, it’s nice, and it’s not expensive.”

While visiting Hearst Castle, owner Angie Shortt decided to Super Silver jewelry comes from all around the world, explore San Luis Obispo on a whim. On her first day in town, including Italy, the Baltic Sea region, Bali, Thailand and she found a vacancy on Higuera Street and immediately many other silver producing locations. And although silver is knew that she had found a new location for her store. at the base of every piece, many of the items are enhanced Owning six other stores in locations including Monterey, with semiprecious stones such as amber and turquoise.

Santa Cruz and Olympia, Washington, Shortt was excited to open a store in Downtown San Luis Obispo because, she Super Silver hours: open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; 8 p.m. on said, “of its great atmosphere and clean environment.”

Thursday and Saturday.

Super Silver is unique in its range and volume of silver, particularly By: Katie Koschalk its ring selection. George Homer, sales associate, has been in the jewelry industry for about 10 years and is currently managing

Angie Shortt, Owner 850 Higuera Street 784-0462

Thursday Night Promotions Featured Farmer of the Month Gary Billington

Every night is “date night” at Thursday Night Promotions Farmers' Market, that is if you visit produce vendor Gary Billington at his booth on mid Higuera Street Thursdays between 6 and 9 PM. Gary Billington (aka ‘the date guy’) of Lower Farms says he can help you choose from a wide array of “phoenix dactylifera” fruit with names like Deglet Noor, Medjool and Empress. Gary’s been selling dates for more than 15 years at the Thursday Farmers’ Market and can give you lots of interesting and helpful information about dates. For example, did you know dates are virtually fat-, cholesterol- and sodium-free?

They are low in calories and provide a great source of vitamins and

minerals—particularly potassium— and are a great addition to any diet or nutrition plan.

These fruits—one of man’s oldest cultivated crops—originated in the Middle East and are available year ‘round. Gary loves to talk about his product with customers—many think dates are dried fruit, for example, but he tells them they are fresh fruit and should be stored in sealed containers or they will dry out. In which case you simply put them in a bowl of water and they plump back up!

Gary invites market goers to ‘save the date’ and visit him any Thursday, particularly this month when he is ‘the featured farmer,’ to try his delicious monocotyledons. To find Gary, visit the Downtown Association information booth for a produce vendor map or call Joey Chavez at 680-3042.

By: Joey Chavez

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

40

BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective Our New City Attorney Submitted By SLO City Councilman, Allen Settle, Written By Christine Dietrick

T

he city council not only hired a new city manager but also a new city attorney. Christine Dietrick was the assistant and considered most qualified to take over as the new legal leader in the city government. It is worthwhile to know who this person is and what she does for the city and the community. The following is about Christine in her own words.

You know what’s so great about Palm Street Perspective? There’s so much of it and it changes in the most continually fascinating ways. And in a way, that’s what I love about being the City Attorney. My first boss in municipal law told me that city attorneys must be “experts in generalism.” At that point in my career I didn’t exactly understand what he meant, but it sounded a little like “jack of all trades and master of none,” which was decidedly not what I had gone to law school to achieve! At the time, I found his statement a little bit disappointing, if not downright troublesome, but it has always stuck with me. As a new lawyer, I had this sense that “the answer” was out there and someday, with some hard work and gray hair and years of experience, I would magically know it. Ten years have now flown by, and as my career has become focused solely on the practice of municipal law, I now truly appreciate that nugget of wisdom from my first boss. It all comes down to providing accessible legal advice in a context of multiple, varying perspectives.

I often have an attorney in private practice say to me, “I don’t know how you can do it; having only one client would drive me crazy.”

They are correct that I do only have one client. The City. What I think they may fail to recognize is that my client has many moving parts and perspectives, and it is exactly that diversity which makes municipal practice dynamic, intellectually challenging and exciting. My “boss” is the City Council. The City ultimately acts only through its Council and its Council consists of five people, often with very different backgrounds, personalities, political perspectives and goals, who have committed to come together to make M A Y

201 0

the decisions of greatest importance to our community. I am appointed by the majority will of that body, those five individuals acting as an entity, and I serve “at the pleasure of the Council.” That phrase has always made me smile because “the pleasure of the Council” is, of course, subject to change every two years, with the changing perspective of the electorate and the election of either 2/5 or 3/5 of my boss. So, as a City Attorney, it is imperative that I am able to balance perspectives, remain focused on the big picture, and stay true to my role – to ensure that the City is always acting, in all that it does, in a way that is both ethical and consistent with the law. What’s exciting about that to me is the concept that my client’s decisions are equally driven by considerations of ethics and transparency on the one hand and the legality of the decision on the other. Advising the City on both aspects is part of my every day job.

I’ve always considered the highest and best use of a lawyer to be considered advisor, rather than hired gun. The role of City Attorney appeals to me perhaps because it is uniquely suited to the former and uniquely not to the latter.

So, what does my office do? In a nut shell, our job is to evaluate a large amount of information across a broad spectrum of legal practice areas and produce sound legal advice that assists the Council to implement its unified actions, which emerge from the multiple perspectives of its individual members.

The City acts in hundreds of ways, big and small, every single day through City staff executing Council’s direction to get things done for the community. Our office is, first and foremost, the legal advisor to the City Council. We review every ordinance, resolution, contract and direction of Council to ensure that the Council’s desired action is legally implemented and that Council and its staff are always vigilant of our obligation to do the public’s business in public, providing all members of the community with input into the actions that will affect them, and ensuring that those decisions are made free from financial conflicts of interest. We

Journal PLUS

review, oversee the settlement or litigation of, and in some cases directly defend claims and suits against the City. We are responsible for advising Council, Advisory Bodies and staff on conflicts of interest, ensuring timely and complete responses to public records requests, advising on compliance with public meeting noticing requirements, and providing legal guidance to the City’s election official, the City Clerk. We are also the City Prosecutor, which means we are responsible for prosecuting violations of the City’s Municipal Code, ranging from illegal tree removals, to Fire and Building Code violations, to barking dogs and camping in RVs on City streets.

The City Attorney’s Office also provides legal guidance to City staff members on the numerous actions necessary to implement the City Council’s direction. On any given day that might mean: evaluating the legality of a condition of a development approval or compliance with an environmental mitigation measure; advising public works staff on a contractor’s compliance with the City’s bid requirements; making recommendations to the Police Department on the legality of a proposed provision of a noise ordinance intended to improve neighborhood quality; reviewing an affordable housing agreement to allow a low-income family to complete an affordable housing transaction; advising Human Resources staff on whether a change to the City’s personnel rules requires negotiation with our labor groups; or responding to a motion to return medical marijuana to an acquitted criminal defendant.

So, what don’t we do? Despite many calls to our office requesting guidance on restraining orders and traffic tickets, we don’t do that! That’s the family courts or traffic court. We also don’t prosecute state law misdemeanor or felony crimes; that’s the District Attorney. But we are always happy to steer the public in the right direction to get assistance with those issues.

So, at this point in my career, it seems to me “experts in generalism” turns out to be a pretty accurate assessment of city attorney work. It no longer sounds so much like “jack of all trades, master of none” because I understand that we must work constantly to master at least one trade – providing sound legal advice with perspective. What makes me love my job is that I truly get to learn something new every day about legal concepts, about people, and about perspective, and I serve a Council and a community that always seems to put its diverse, collective perspective to work for the betterment of our community.

BUSINESS

environment, and they continue to invest in leading edge technology, research and training to continue their pursuit of excellence.

eye oN business look Who’s cleaning up in atascadero

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associate

I

’ve been part of the local business community for 27 years. I worked for eight years at the SLO Chamber of Commerce. My husband and I owned a downtown SLO business before we started our branding company 21 years ago. I love feeling plugged into what’s going on, and yet virtually every day I hear about a central coast company that’s completely new to me. Some of these are new firms popping up, and some are established companies that operate in an arena different from mine.

Such is the case with Impact Absorbents, Inc., a company whose story I just have to tell. Impact Absorbents has it all: Small business. Family owned. Six family members are included in the staff count. An 18-year track record of success. And get this: 45,000 square feet of manufacturing and headquarters floor space in Atascadero. Clients throughout the world. Innovative products and a penchant for green – environmental green, that is.

Serving San Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

41

The company was founded by Patricia and Gary Tharp, who developed and now produce an absorbent material named Xsorb. Xsorb is a hot property in the clean up world – whether it’s a case of spilled milk in Costco or an overseas industrial spill. The Tharps figured out a way to manufacture a product that works and can be used to clean up petproblems, pesticide spills, caustics, chlorine, oil – you name it.

They started in their garage, perfected the product, found customers and embarked on a brand extension effort that now includes more than 300 spill and safety products.

Impact Absorbents has built a network of distributors and sales representatives throughout the world.

The folks at Impact Absorbents are fiercely committed to maintaining a family friendly atmosphere and a supportive business. They are proud to pioneer economical products that are safe for both the user and the

With April the month for Earth Day in focus and other environmental awareness celebrations underway, it seems fitting to mention an especially enviro-friendly product produced by the Tharps that qualifies as simply brilliant: a paint solidifier.

Say you have a third of a can of paint left over in your garage. Or, if your garage is like ours, many partially filled cans of unwanted paint. Disposal is a challenge. Liquid can’t be taken to the landfill and haz mat disposal days aren’t always scheduled when you need them. The folks at Impact Absorbents have the answer, an aptly named product called “Xsorb Rock Solid Paint Solidifier,” that turns unwanted paint into a disposable solid. This in turn creates an environmentally friendly option for disposing of latex and acrylic paints – even acceptable in landfills.

According to the directions, you simply add the product to paint and shake or stir. The paint thickens into a disposable solid within minutes. How’s that for a top notch idea right here at home?

Kudos to Impact Absorbents and congrats on a great success story. If you’d like to learn more about Impact Absorbents, check out their Web site at www.xsorb.com.

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

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

42

An afternoon of epicurean delight

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

Come visit our showroom.

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

An Afternoon of Epicurean Delight will be held this year on Sunday, June 6, from 11:30 to 3:30. Some of the most renowned and award winning restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and confectioners in our county serve their delicacies and pour their best. Tickets are $100.00 and may be purchased by credit card directly from the Community Action Partnership office: phone 805.544.2498. Now in its 23rd year, this extraordinary event supports Community Action Partnership Health Services, which provides necessary medical, educational and advocacy services for underserved families, women, men and youth throughout SLO County.

East of Eden at the PAC: Great film/Great Cause

The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, the organization responsible for raising funds to support our magnificent Performing Arts Center, is bringing back the glory days of the silver screen. On Saturday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m., the Foundation will screen John Steinbeck’s classic, East of Eden, starring James Dean, in the Performing Arts Center’s 1,300-seat Harman Hall. Moviegoers are in for a real old fashioned treat, starting with an old classic Bugs Bunny cartoon and an exciting Perils of Pauline movie serial from the 1930s followed by this classic feature film presentation. A brief talk by Jim Dee, owner of the Palm Theater, and Wendy Eidson, Executive Director of the SLO International Film Festival, will precede the feature film presentation. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at www.pacslo.org or by calling the Performing Arts Center’s box office at 756-2787. All proceeds from the event will support the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center.

new director of land conservancy

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

John Kimball

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

The Land Conservancy welcomes Bob Hill as its new Executive Director, following Brian Stark’s recent decision to step down in order to be closer to his family. Over the course of The Land Conservancy’s 25-year history, other former Executive Directors have included John Ashbaugh (1984-1991) and Ray Belknap (1991-2004) but Hill is making organizational history as the youngest person to be appointed Executive Director at the age of 35. Hill has served as Conservation Director under the Board of Trustees since 2004 and has significantly expanded the scope and scale of the land conservation department during that time.

gary sage joins dibuduo & Defendis in slo

DiBuduo & DeFendis has announced that life-long San Luis Obispo resident Gary Sage has joined the firm. Mr. Sage has been in the insurance industry since 1994. He focuses on personal and commercial agriculture insurance with an emphasis on those in farming and ranching, who may also be involved in construction or other business ventures. Prior to joining DiBuduo & DeFendis, Mr. Sage spent 16 years working in insurance agency management.

THE BULLETIN BOARD Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

2087 Santa Barbara Avenue • Historic Railroad District • SLO Same Location for 45 Years • 544-2505

give kids the freedom of summer

SLO Regional Rideshare is giving kids the freedom of summer and cutting parents a break on time and money with the Summer Break Pass.

The $30 transit pass can be used on any bus all summer long, Memorial Day thru Labor Day, for K-12 students. For just $30 kids can travel to the beach, mall, skate park, movie theater, swimming pool and more— no parents necessary. Participating transit operators include: Regional Transit Authority, Paso Express, North County Shuttle, South County Area Transit, SLO Transit, Cayucos Trolley, Avila Beach Trolley, Morro Bay Trolley and SLO Trolley. The Summer Break Pass will be on sale starting Monday, May 3rd at every bus pass outlet and online at www. summerbreakpass.com. Along with the transit pass, purchasers will be provided with transit schedules, a Places to Go Guide and either a hacky sack or a pair of sunglasses.

43

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

“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

give the gift of sound

“So the World May Hear” is the mantra for an international program that gives the priceless gift of sound to the hearing impaired who cannot afford it otherwise. The Advanced Hearing Aid Center in SLO is an official collection site for the Hear Now program, offering to receive donations, process the paperwork, and mail the hearing aids to the Starkey Hearing Foundation, who sponsors the Hear Now program. “All hearing aids regardless of make, model, age or condition can be donated,” said Aaron Marquis of Advanced Hearing Aid Center. “Just drop by our office with your donation, and we’ll take care of everything else,” said Aaron. Advanced Hearing Aid Center is located at 1495 Palm Street in San Luis Obispo. Call 544-EARS (3277) for more information.

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

M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

44

Kiwanis distinguished service award to pete dorn HowaRd J. NiCHolsoN, Mai, sRa, GRi, sREs BRokER/owNER

40 Years of Comprehensive Real Estate Experience •

Cal Poly Graduate • R.E. Broker • Real Estate Appraiser • Appraisal Institute Member • CA Licensed General Building Contractor

THE aGENT YoU sHoUld HaVE woRkiNG FoR YoU Call: (805) 440-4835 e-mail: hnicholson@charter.net

HYOSUNG

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

3566 S. Higuera, SLO

budginas benefit concert for cayucos school

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

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

15% OFF FACIALS

www.kimandcosalon.com

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” M A Y

201 0

Kiwanis Club De Tolosa in SLO has chosen Pete Dorn as their 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

The Kiwanis Governor of California, Roy Talley, presented the award at the Division 24 luncheon. Dorn has been a member of the Club for 27 years and has spent most of his time as the Chairman of the Barbeque Committee. He annually plans, staffs and cooks over 50 BBQ’s a year. Dorn’s other passion is to run marathons raising money toward Lymphoma research. To date, he has completed 30 marathons which has contributed thousands of dollars to find a cure for this terrible disease. He also organizes a fun-run for the Food Bank and the homeless shelter. This Annual event on Thanksgiving Day has grown over the years and is attended by hundreds of participants.

Journal PLUS

Internationally-known pianist Rudolf Budginas will perform a benefit concert using a humorous touch to feature contemporary interpretations of long-ago composers while showcasing his classical music training on Friday, May 14 at the new Cayucos School Auditorium. All proceeds go to the Cayucos School Music and Art Program. General admission tickets are $35 and available through the generosity of the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 756-2787 or www.pacslo.org. Hosted by the Cayucos Educational Foundation and sponsored by local individuals and businesses, the concert will provide a stage for Budginas to illustrate his view connecting the direct musical line from Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody” to Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line.” He creates his own arrangements for piano, bass, percussion and guitar of classic and jazz hits such as “Claire de Lune,” “Moonlight Sonata,” and other pieces ranging from Chopin to Brubeck, using the music to connect and interact with his audiences. Budginas, a Cuesta College music professor, will perform two special performances for students at Cayucos. We thank the Performing Arts Center for selling Admission Tickets online or by phone.

SLO print & copy purchases most advanced press

The world’s most advanced digital printing press is now operating at San Luis Print and Copy. The Xerox iGEN4 110 Digital Press provides offset printing press quality, but is much faster with on-demand capability, is more cost effective and is the most eco-friendly printing press available. It uses non-toxic toner, eliminates solvents and generates no chemicals. The high volume capability of the Xerox iGEN4 also reduces turnaround time from days to just hours. San Luis Print and Copy has been serving clients on the Central Coast since 1989. They produce a wide variety of commercial printing products, including marketing materials, newsletters, booklets, brochures, postcards, letterhead, business cards and business forms. Graphic design and bulk mailing services are also provided, resulting in turn-key project management. For more information, contact Jim Killian at 546-0704.

rsvp volunteer opportunities

Put your life experience to work with RSVP. Join with many other seniors, age 55 and over, who take the time to improve the lives of others.

Opportunities abound and the rewards are immeasurable! Share your skills and talents or develop new ones. Call 805-544-8740 in SLO County or 805-922-9931 in Northern Santa Barbara County to get started.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

45

a&r furniture donates to children’s museums

A&R Furniture has donated $1,000 to the SLO Children’s Museum and $1,000 to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum. The donation to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum allowed the museum to adopt, “Little Mack” which is their new mascot. “Little Mack” is a big, huggable Dalmatian, and he is eager to greet local children at community events. The funds were a portion of the proceeds from the stores’ Customer Appreciation Weekend.

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

flavor of slo – united way fundraiser

Flavor of SLO fundraiser featuring more than 30 restaurants, wineries and breweries will take place on Sunday, May 23rd, from noon to 4 p.m., at Mitchell Park. All proceeds will go to United Way and SLO Alpha. The Flavor of SLO is an event for all ages and will feature live music, activities for children and a raffle and silent auction to win various gifts. Tickets run from $5-$30 and are available at www.flavorslo.com or on the day of the event for a additional $5. For more information call 541-1234.

Score workshop for existing businesses

SCORE Workshop “Running Your Business.” Saturday, May 22, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. For businesses 1 1/2 to 3 years old and those dealing with recession issues. Discuss issues usually occurring in these business situations: Using Financial Reports, Marketing and Customer Focus and Handling Human Resources. Reservations required at www.sloscore. org/workshops or 547-0779. No charge.

red cross youth clubs teach disaster safety

Members of Red Cross Youth Clubs from six High Schools throughout the county came together to help children become “Masters of Disaster.”

Students from Paso Robles, North County Christian, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande and Nipomo High Schools hosted a Safe Kids Day on March 25th. Using the Red Cross “Masters of Disaster” curriculum developed for elementary school students, they shared information on disaster preparedness, basic first aid, how to stay safe in and around the water, and what to do if there is an earthquake, flooding, house fire or other disaster.

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

Canzona women’s ensemble concert

The new women’s ensemble “Canzona” presents “Welcome Spring,” a concert of vocal and choral music, on Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Morro Bay. “Canzona” is made up of twenty women from the community and is directed by Cricket Handler and Jill Anderson. Featured in the concert are songs composed by Poulenc, Schumann, Holst and Ravel, as well as a Russian sacred motet and a Mexican Baroque villancico edited by Craig Russell. Harpist Jennifer Sayre and pianist Janis Johnson will accompany the group. Tickets range from $10-$15. Order by phone at (805) 542-0506 or by mail at 2264 Bushnell, San Luis Obispo, 93401; tickets will also be available at the door.

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras

Slo High school band fundraiser

The SLOHS Band is having a five kitchen tour and fundraiser, including the Biddle House, to raise funds for travel, uniforms and other band expenses. The event takes place on Saturday, May 8th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Tickets can be purchased online at slotigerband. org or call 550-5387.

Dennis Gisler 800.660.3178 • 805.541.4488 • www.AdvancedPage.com M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

46

COMMUNITY

should look like an 18-year-old model all your life. But I figure I might as well just be what I am.”

m ay Almanac

other famous birthdays this month include songwriter Bob

Seger, actress Brooke Shields, musician Peter Townshend and singer Rita Coolidge.

By Phyllis Benson

may 16 is the San Francisco Bay to Breakers annual race. It’s the

“I tried being reasonable, I didn’t like it.” ---Clint Eastwood

99th year of the race. The Breakers counts over 2 million foot racers since 1912.

law day is May 1. Justice Earl Warren said, “It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive.”

may 1910: Halley’s Comet appeared. An astronomer predicted

deadly comet gas would devastate the earth. Panic ensued until the earth passed safely through the comet tail.

Mark Twain, a Halley’s Comet fan, was born at the comet sighting in 1835 and died during its return in 1910.

enjoy cinco de mayo, a friendly festival of Mexican-American

heritage. Celebrants party with Mexican beer and American tacos.

may 9 is mother’s day. give your mom a hug and a day off the chores. Even better, do the chores for her once a month until next Mother’s Day.

pediatrician Benjamin Spock said the only two things a child

shares willingly are communicable diseases and his mother’s age.

tech note: This year Breakers runners can pay a fee and have their official start time, finish time and overall race results texted to their cell phone.

may is older americans’ month. Bill Cosby says, “Like

everyone else who makes the mistake of getting older, I begin each day with coffee and obituaries.”

may is mental health month. Writer Eckhart Tolle said, “Just as dogs love to chew bones, the mind loves to get its teeth into problems.

That’s why it does crossword puzzles and builds atom bombs.”

May 1980: Mount St. Helens erupted in southwestern

Washington. The stratovolcano, part of the Ring of Fire volcanic zone, uncorked a blast of rock, ash and heat that killed 57 people and devastated over 200 square miles.

may is better sleep month. The best sleep is a well-earned

snooze with no worries of comets, volcanoes and other mayhem.

chase’s calendar lists Etiquette Week from May 10 to 14. Act with courtesy, civility, kindness and manners.

our barber – courtesy is easy for some folks. For others it is a herculean task.

may 1960: An American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the

Soviet Union. Pilot Gary Francis Powers survived and returned to the United States in a 1962 spy swap.

actor clint eastwood was born 80 years ago in San Francisco.

The craggy-faced senior said, “Society has made us believe you

Let our family take care of your family.

JUST LIKE HOME Rehabilitation Therapy

Medicare, Medical, HMOs

Short Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care

Celebrating National Nursing Home Week May 9 - 15, 2010 CARE CENTER M A Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

805.922.6657 830 East Chapel St. Santa Maria www.countryoakscarecenter.com

Gives a BIG thank you to the community for making our 8th Annual Dazzling Diamond Ball such a success!

A special thank you to the following sponsors and donors: Ball Sponsors

Marshalls Jewelers Embassy Suites Hotel Laetitia Vineyard & Winery Mark Padgett Event Design Panacea Event Floral Design Kramer Entertainment & Lighting Bill Gaines Audio West Covina Nursery Bladerunner Day Spa Tom Meinhold Photography Journal Plus Magazine New Times KCOY 12 FOX 11

Table Sponsors

San Luis Ambulance Founders Community Bank Jim & Kristi Jenkins Tevis Insurance Solutions Nic Gaudiuso Compass Health, Inc. David Stewart Burke & Rena Dambly

2 Carat t Donors Union Bank

1 Carat t Donors

Gorelick and Uslaner, CPAs

½ Carat t Donors Donald Dechance

Live Auction Donors

Marshalls Jewelers Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa Walt Shepard Sue Olt Pam & Lee VanLuen

Mendocino Wine Company The Spinnaker Restaurant

Silent Auction Donors

Apple Farm Apropos Art Business Avila Wine & Roasting Company Baileyana Winery Barbara Rosenthal Beadleful Cal Poly Arts Castoro Cellars Claiborne & Churchill Vintners Clifford Chapman & Don Shidler Coogan-Appel Jewelry Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery Dark Star Cellars Designer Watch Shop Diamond Designs EOS Estate Winery Friends of Hospice Partners Garden Street Goldsmiths Hands Gallery Harmony Cellars Winery Hauser Brothers Goldsmiths Impressions in Oil Ira & Marsha Alpert J. Lohr Vineyard & Wines Jackie Bradley Janet & Steve Jeffery Jordan Jewelry Julie Dunn Fine Art Justin Vineyards & Winery Kathleen McCarthy Keith Hamilton Kenneth Volk Vineyards K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers Linne Calodo Cellars Meg Johnson Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

Morica Glassworks Norman Vineyards Ortman Family Vineyards Pan Jewelers Per Bacco Cellars Simone Viola Stephen Ross Wine Cellars Tangent Winery Tim Pacheco Tish Rogers Tracy Taylor Victor Hugo Winery

Auctioneer Jim Glines John Glines Danica Jones

Ball Committee Ted Greenberg Janet Jeffery Ron McEvoy Cindy Osgood Mark Padgett Andi Portney Megan Prendeville Danica Sherman Alexis White

RumRunners™

Chris Biggs Kristin Biggs Mikey Destreemp Jamie Leigh DeVilla Johnny DeVilla Tommy Giddings Jon Hackman Paul Jacobson Robin Kissner Diana Knight Louie Lambe RJ Marusen Tigger Marusen

Michael Miller David Stewart Donny Strand Tara Strand Vickiy Strutt Mike Triplett Becca Truex Jessica Westbrook Kim Wykoff

Ball Volunteers Dave Aikins Dave Barboza Val Barboza Nichole Brandt Mary Brown Lara Choma Susan Ellenbogen Barbara Evanish Marilyn Fidler Carla Floares Tiffany Fowler Lettie Fuller Fletcher Hartshorn Cindy Lowe Sandra McGregor Jerry Moore Emily Myhre Wade Negranti Victor Pickering Wilda Rosene Mary Schultz Kathy Shaddy Erin White Jim Yocum

(

Think a hysterectomy means a scar as long as this sentence?

(

Less pain and scarring with daVinci速 hysterectomy.

The new daVinci technology is available exclusively on the Central Coast at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

For physician referral, call (800) 483-6387 Dr. Elaine Yin

Dr. Kurt Haupt

1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo SierraVistaRegional.com twitter.com/SierraVistaRMC