May 2013 Journal Plus Magazine

S T E V E MCGR AT H | SIS T ER T HERES A | A S SIS TA NCE L E AGUE | DA N O’CONNOR | CA S A’S 20 T H

Journal MAY 2013

PLUS

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

DR. PETER NELSON

Larry D. Smyth Owner/Broker

805-543-2172 San Luis Obispo

www.farrellsmyth.com

www.ZinVineyard.com

805-904-6616 Arroyo Grande

www.2684JonsonAve.com

Jennifer Hamilton

Linda Aiello-Madison

Relocation Director

Broker-Associate

Ken Arritt

Broker-Associate

Gentleman’s Ranch 3.76 acres with vineyard and fully insulated 4900+ square foot steel shop with living quarters.

Dry farming Zinfandel grapes. Electric gate + alarm system with cameras. Great opportunity for a car collector, or nicely located for potential tasting room. $1,275,000 SLO Downtown Bungalow

An investor’s dream! Lovely home close to town and shopping with Hardiplank siding, mature landscaping on large corner lot with sprinkler system. 4 bedrooms (1 w/o closet) and 2 bathrooms. Nice flow, tile flooring from kitchen to rec room and on to the 200sqft sunroom, two wood burning fireplaces and hardwood floors in bedrooms. $649,000

Deane Naylor

Twila Arritt

REALTOR®

Mary Rosenthal

Broker-Associate

Zoned Office-SFR, 2 bedroom with fireplace, hardwood floors. Located on the creek and adjacent to SLO’s serene Japanese gardens - and just around the corner from the SLO Downtown experience. $499,000

Detached PUD has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths plus a 2 car garage. Next door to property is a great common area ready for a garden. Located in desirable Nipomo Village. Move-in ready! $299,000

Theresa Carroll

www.9910AtascaderoAve.com

Arroyo Grande: 55+ Complex

REALTOR®

Vicky Hall REALTOR®

Janet Shaner REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

Chris Stanley

Jerry Collins

Patricia Garrison

REALTOR®

www.501VillageCourt.com

Broker-Associate

Pamela Bliss

Annette Mullen

Sweet Westside Atascadero Cottage. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Bonus Room with Wood Burning Stove off 2nd Bedroom. Living room, Wood Floors, Desirable Floor Plan. Newer Dual Pane Windows and French Doors. Large Countr y Kitchen. Excellent Condition. Beautiful fenced backyard. $275,000

55+ Senior Complex. Located within walking distance to theatre, restaurant, grocer y, pharmacy, coffee shop and many other stores.

Awesome Clubhouse (with full kitchen). 2 bedroom, 2 bath End unit contains granite counter tops, storage, patio and fireplace. $263,900

Conveniently located in the heart of SLO & the Village of Arroyo Grande 21 Santa Rosa Street, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 110 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Marion Trombetta REALTOR®

Christine Williams REALTOR®

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN LUIS OBISPO de TOLOSA’s

DRIVE-THRU BBQ DINNER

The Kiwanis BBQ Crew

Friday, May 10, 2013 SLO Veterans Building on Grand Ave, SLO Tickets: $50 Each dinner feeds up to six people and includes: BBQ Choice grade beef Tri-Tip, Beans, Salsa, Salad & SLO Sourdough garlic bread All packaged in a beautiful re-usable tote bag

For ticket information contact: Lynn Cooper: 805 544-9242 or Charles Braun: 805 541-9400 Give the cook the night off, pick up a mouth-watering BBQ dinner and help support the Kiwanis programs that benefit the youth of SLO!

3 past scholarship winners

CONTENTS

Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

8 SLO – STUTTGART EXCHANGE

PHONE 805.546.0609 E-MAIL slojournal@fix.net WEBSITE www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain COPY EDITOR Susan Stewart PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson

10

14

STEVE MCGRATH

SISTER THERESA

ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Ruth Starr, Will Jones, Marilyn Darnell, Leslie Jones, Gordon Fuglie, and Jan Marx.

Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is a free monthly distributed to over 600 locations throughout the Central Coast and is also available online at slojournal.com Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission.

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

PEOPLE 8 10 12 14 16

SLO HIGH’S GERMAN SCHOOL COMMITTEE STEVE MCGRATH DAN O’CONNOR SISTER THERESA DR. PETER NELSON

HOME & OUTDOOR 19 20 22 24 26 28 29

THE DEACON’S DESK LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY

30 32 34 36 42

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE CASA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE PALM STREET–SLO Mayor—Jan Marx COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 46 EYE ON BUSINESS

BRASS OAK DRIVING SOCIETY FOOD / AT THE MARKET SLO ART SCENE Gail Lapins OUR SCHOOLS–Dr. Julian Crocker LINCOLN STREET MARKET & DELI

M A Y

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Journal PLUS

A proud tradition of serving our community for over 26 years

SAN LUIS OBISPO – This dramatic 3 bedroom,

2 bath, Spanish inspired home features hand scraped hardwood and slate flooring, copper sinks, and a built-in 230 gallon saltwater tank.

The kitchen has slate stone back-splash, concrete counters and commercial grade stainless appliances. Arched doors, Spanish tiles and small intricate details bring out the flair of this home, and outside is a tropical oasis with large greenery, covered patio and deck with built-in spa. $659,000 #3116

SAN LUIS OBISPO – If you think you have

Must See to Appreciate SAN LUIS OBISPO – Large home located in

cul-de-sac with views in all directions. Large rooms with several areas suited for wine cellar, home office, storage, etc. Close to parks, adjacent to city open space, with numerous hiking trails. Nice area for vegetable garden and fruit trees. Central vac, RV garage with hook ups, boat storage, skylights, large private deck for barbecues. $795,000 #3062

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Wow! This clean single-level home has new windows, paint, wood floors, carpet and appliances. With 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 1325+ square feet of living space, it features a nice open floor plan with windows bringing in lots of natural light. $529,900 #3070

ATASCADERO – Move In Ready! 3 bedroom, 2 bath home situated on rolling 1.5 acres. Single level home is approximately 1463 sq. ft. The inside of this home is immaculate, and features a beautiful fireplace for those cozy winter days. The kitchen is clean and bright with white cabinets and appliances. Dual pane windows, with 3 car garage. Acreage for horses. $478,000 #3109

been inside this property before, check it out now! Completely remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 bath front unit with so many upgrades!

New hardwood floors, fireplace, granite counters, stainless appliances, fixtures, cabinets, etc.... you have to see it to believe it!! Come see this house... Oh, and don’t forget the STUDIO in the back. The studio is approximately 450 sq ft with a full kitchen and full bath. $629,000 #3124

SAN LUIS OBISPO – 4 bedroom home in

Wonderful Ranch Home ARROYO GRANDE – Situated on just over 1 acre offering the convenience of close proximity to Arroyo Grande Village and Branch Elementary School. The property features a single level 3 bedroom main home plus a separate 1 bedroom guest suite above the large barn/workshop. Fenced garden area and corrals perfect for 4H projects or hobby farm. The main home features a kitchen open to dining, separate family and formal living areas. Spacious dining nook and separate dining room. Newer roof, new septic system, new exterior paint and new windows. The covered porch offers wonderful views of the peaks and ridge above the valley. Completely fenced with ample parking space plus RV parking. $539,000 #3125

desirable Monterey Heights location near Cal Poly. Hardwood floors, stained glass doors, large view windows and plantation shutters.

Spacious living room and dining room each open to view decks. Fireplaces featured in living room and 4th bedroom. $655,000 #3117

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Extraordinary Upgrades

Galore! This is the largest and nicest unit in Paseo Bella Montana. Quiet too. It’s like staying in a 4 Seasons Hotel Suite – Remodeled and upgraded master bath, bamboo and new carpet; too many upgrades to mention, a list is available at showings or from agent. This IS A MUST SEE!! $399,900 #3121

For more information on these and other Real Estate Group of SLO listings call us at

805.541.2888

962 Mill Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • www.RealEstateGroup.com

From the publisher Purchase Units

Refinance Units

Total Units

We Believe in SLO. Thanks for Believing in Us.

Ron Penir

Ben Lerner

Bill Mott

Rick Kirk

Regional Manager 805-709-3426 rpenir@commercemtg.com

Partner & Loan Officer 805-441-9486 blerner@commercemtg.com

Partner & Loan Officer 805-234-5081 bmott@commercemtg.com

Loan Officer 805-459-4101 rkirk@commeremtg.com

CA DRE# 01115178 NMLS# 325495

CA DRE# 01435168 NMLS# 395723

CA DRE# 01359516 NMLS# 341086

CA DRE# 481245 NMLS# 375012

Dave Wilson

Tim Robinson

Landon Spitler

Kevin Cunningham

Loan Officer 805-550-6933 dwilson@commercemtg.com

Loan Officer 805-548-8186 trobinson@commercemtg.com

Loan Officer 805-471-0243 lspitler@commercemtg.com

Loan Officer 805-458-5178 kcunningham@commercemtg.com

CA DRE# 01907878 NMLS# 633244

CA DRE# 01913449 NMLS# 633249

CA DRE# 1411227 NMLS# 308160

CA DRE# 01089803 NMLS# 343856

San Luis Obispo County’s #1 Provider of Home Financing in 2012

L

ast month, Theresa Slobodnik’s superb re-telling of Robin Hood was brought to life at the PAC, and Jan and I were among the truly lucky audience members. Now I am not usually a ballet kind of guy, but Robin Hood is one of my favorite childhood stories and I was hooked from the first leafy leap through the final bow (and arrow).

They were all there: the merry band of good-hearted thieves, the beautiful Maid Marion, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham … in living color and breathtaking detail. When I left the theater, I wanted to make sure that everyone who’s never seen a Ballet Theater performance to put the next one on their calendar. You’ll never forget it.

Our cover story this month features Dr. Peter Nelson.

Dr. Nelson completes more in one day than most of us do in a week. He works hard, plays hard and still makes time to help others. His life story is amazing. Joe Carotenuti sat down in his dental chair recently and writes his story.

I recently joined the Advisory Board for the Assistance League of SLO County. This organization has a program called Operation School Bell. They work with the school districts and have clothed more that 1400 of our needy children throughout the county this year. Their major fundraiser is this month; a good one for you to attend and support. You can read all about it inside.

We have several great profiles on individuals that make a difference on the Central Coast, a story on CASA’s 20th anniversary, and the SLO High School exchange program with Stuttgart, Germany celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Choose more financial options.

Choose more personal service.

Plenty of great reading again this month.

733 Marsh Street, Suite 200, San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 548-8180

www.commercemtg.com Commerce Mortgage proudly supports Homes for Our Troops, a foundation building specially adapted homes for our severely injured veterans at no cost to the veteran. Visit www.commercemtg.com/homesforourtroops for more information.

HUD Approved FHA Full Eagle Lender. NMLS ID #1839. Lending available in Colorado, Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act #4150083, California Dept. of Real Estate Broker #01218426, and Nevada Mortgage Lending Division #3580. *non retail mortgage banker category as reported by CoreLogic®, a worldwide provider of real estate, mortgage, consumer and special ized business data and analytics

Steve Owens

COMING UP AT THE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOMS & MBHS Bands Spring Concert 5/1 • 7 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by LOMS & MBHS

Symphony Classics 5/4 • 8 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

LOMS & MBHS Spring Choral Concert 5/21 • 7 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by LOMS & MBHS

Isabelle Demers 5/23 • 7:30 p.m.

Presented by SLO Symphony

Christopher Cohan Center

Trojan Women 2.0 5/9 - 5/11 • 5/16 - 5/18 8 p.m.

Titanium CP Spring Dance Concert 5/23 - 5/24 • 8 p.m.

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre Presented by CP Theatre and Dance Dept.

Anjelah Johnson 5/10 • 7:30 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre Presented by CP Theatre and Dance Dept.

Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble 5/24 • 8 p.m.

Presented by Cal Poly Arts and Otter Productions

Old Mission Church

Pirates of Penzance 5/11 • 8 p.m.

John Prine 5/24 • 8 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by CP Music Dept.

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Arts and Otter Productions

Youth Symphony Season Finale 5/12 • 3 p.m.

SLOHS & Laguna Middle Band & Choir Concert 5/29 • 7 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by SLO Symphony

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by SLOHS & Laguna Middle School

No Big Deal 5/16 • 7 p.m.

Voices 5/30 - 6/1 • 8 p.m.

Cal Poly Rec Center Presented by New Rock 107.3 and ASI, Inc.

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre Presented by Variable Velocity

Beethoven "Missa Solemnis" 5/18 • 8 p.m.

Cal Poly Jazz Night 5/31 • 8 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cuesta Master Chorale

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by CP Music Dept.

WWW.PACSLO.ORG | 805-756-4TIX

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PEOPLE

cultivating a global family for 65 years

slo High’s german school committee

By Susan Stewart between the two high schools … enriching the students’ and families’ lives by building cultural bridges in their respective communities.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the German School Committee student exchange program on their 50th Anniversary, and for fostering friendships between students from culturally diverse backgrounds.”

This year marks the 65th anniversary of this respected program, with students recalling what many say was the best year of their lives.

GSC Committee: (L-R) Peter Bachofer, conductor of Ebelu Orchestra and his wife Carol; Gary Lamprecht and his wife Pat; Warren Sinsheimer and his wife Carol; and Stuttgart’s Barbara Mehner.

I

n 1948, San Luis Obispo High School’s Dean of Girls, Ethel Cooley, planted the first seeds for what would soon become the second oldest international student exchange program in the nation. The post-World War II good will project, called the German School Committee, was originally affiliated with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), 1947 Nobel Peace Prize winners, who suggested that SLO High adopt a sister school in another country. Members of the AFSC contacted Eberhard-Ludwigs Gymnasium (high school) in Stuttgart, Germany—a partially bombed-out building that then housed 500 boys from three different schools which had been totally destroyed during the war. According to a written history provided by today’s GSC, “there were few windows left in the building… and there was no electricity and no heat.”

In the beginning, the exchanges were of books, letters, and gifts of soap and Christmas candy—not students. But by 1953, the first German boy arrived at San Luis Obispo High School and the following year, the first American boy was sent to Germany to attend Eberhard, now affectionately known as Ebelu. The two-way exchange has been occurring continuously since then. In 1998, the Honorable Lois Capps spoke to her colleagues at the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of the GSC’s 50th anniversary. In part, that speech said that this longstanding exchange program builds “… a strong bond

Randall Cruikshanks, the second SLO High student sent to Ebelu in 1957, said he learned the German language so well, he was often mistaken for German. The father of his host family was a Protestant minister who worked with refugees from the war. “He took me around while he set up temporary homes for them,” said Cruikshanks. “There were tens of thousands of them. … I was very moved by the idea that people who had experienced such destruction, such devastation could resurrect themselves so well, could show such tremendous resilience.”

Ed Pearce was a GSC exchange student in 1979/80. In an article he penned for the GSC newsletter, Pearce recalls being overwhelmed at first by how fast people spoke and that “Grammar is a serious business in German.” So his teacher used the lyrics from the wildly popular 1979 movie Rocky Horror Picture Show in the lessons. Pearce said that music was a big part of his experience there, and “not just because Supertramp [now a rock legend] played a concert there that year!” He also played a part in the school musical, Hello Dolly.

Lauren Harper is this year’s SLO High exchange student in Stuttgart.

She describes trips to Berlin and hiking in the Black Forest with other Rotary exchange students. (In 2009, the GSC was included under the umbrella of the Rotary International Youth Exchange in order to comply with US State Department regulations in the wake of 9-11.

The GSC is affiliated with Rotary de Tolosa of San Luis Obispo).

“I am incredibly grateful to the GSC for this eye opening experience,” she says. “I have learned a foreign language, got to know the German culture, traveled to several countries, and have met amazing people from all around the world. And it’s always cool when I meet people who know SLO or have visited because of this exchange program!” Lauren blogs about her time in Ebelu at stuttgartshenanigans.blogspot.com.

Randall Cruikshanks with his German mom in 1970.

Randall Cruikshanks left with Volker Schmid in 1960 M A Y

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FOR SALE 4360 SUNFLOWER WAY, SLO Lauren Harper, the current GSC SLO High ambassador, atop an 800-year-old tower in Rottwell, the oldest town in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg.

This year’s German student, Mara Loos, says she loves being in San Luis Obispo. “Every day I meet someone new, learn a new word, and learn more about the United States, about the culture and people.

No day is boring!” Like her American counterparts in Germany, she felt overwhelmed at first by all the newness. But soon, her American host family, the Acostas, helped her make friends and showed her how to find her classes. “Lucky me to have such a nice and friendly family!” she wrote.

Members and supporters of this long-revered exchange program have spent decades with the GSC. One of them, Ebelu’s Barbara Mehner, was recently honored for her 30 years of GSC service on the occasion of her retirement from 35 years of teaching. “I believe that in today’s global society, more than ever, cultural awareness, understanding, tolerance and friendship are needed. It is important to open our hearts and homes to those from other nations,” she wrote, in her letter of thanks for the tribute bestowed on her by her American GSC friends.

4 Bedroom 3 Bath $705,000

This fall, 15-year-old Josephine Wachter will arrive at SLO High from Ebelu to begin her year in California. She is a singer who looks forward to singing with the SLO High choir and getting involved with SLO High’s theater group. She is still looking for a host family, so if anyone reading this would like to join the long list of wonderful families who have been hosting Ebelu students since 1956, please contact Carol Sinsheimer at carolsinsh@aol.com or call 805.544.7195.

In March of 1966, a GSC Fund was established. And in the late 1990s, funds that support this historic exchange program were invested at the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, ensuring that the program will continue. Requirements to become an exchange student have not changed in 65 years. First, you must be a student at SLO High.

A lengthy application form, an essay that explains why you’d like to be one, and a panel interview by the GSC board members are all required in order to be selected. For more information about the program and how to apply, contact co-chairs Laura Mullen at 805.549.8404 or Amy Kardel at 805.801.3566.

Today, GSC co-chairs Amy Kardel (herself an exchange student from 1984-85) and Laura Mullen (GSC host family 2008-09 and whose son Michael Mullen was the GSC ambassador to Ebelu last year) invite readers to find out more about the GSC and to celebrate this landmark year. As longtime supporter and one of the first GSC host brothers, Warren Sinsheimer, wrote: “No other program unites San Luis High with another school year after year, decade after decade. The continuity between these two schools and hundreds of students, parents, and hosts creates a rich legacy that supports, informs, and inspires every student every year.”

Light, bright, very well maintained home.

Located near Marigold shopping center and French Park.

New gas fireplace. New granite in kitchen.

New forced air heater.

Wine Cooler. Hardwood floors throughout.

Contact: Marianne Fonte Phone: 805 441-1501 M A Y

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PEOPLE

Steve McGrath

Student of the world, manager of port san luis harbor

By Will Jones

S

ometimes it’s about the destination as well as the journey.

Just ask Port San Luis Harbor District Manager, Steve McGrath. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1953, no one has a better appreciation for the history and the beauty of the Central Coast, or the fact that his youthful journeys brought him here, especially as he looks out at the harbor each day from his second floor office near the base of Harford Pier.

One definition of the word ‘romantic’ is “marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized.” Add “youthful rebellion” and you get a good idea of Steve as a young man growing up in England, outside of London, where his family moved in 1955.

His father, a psychiatrist and the physician superintendent of a hospital for the criminally insane, instilled in his children a love of literature, language and learning, but Steve was a reluctant student who “resisted authority.” He attended excellent private schools, including Wellington College, a feeder for Sandpoint Academy, the English West Point, and, in his word, “finished” high school in 1972, making a distinction between finishing and graduating.

After high school Steve worked in a factory, saved one-hundred-and fifty pounds, the equivalent then of about $250, and

began traveling all over Europe and the Middle and Far East. When he ran out of money he worked until he had enough to go back on the road, “. . . helping to run a hostel, picking olives in Crete, washing dishes on the Red Sea. I travelled through Iran and Afghanistan when it was still feasible to do so.” After another stint of work in England he went to India, ran out of money in Germany on the return trip, and made it back to England “thanks to the kindness of strangers.” He eventually married a woman he met on a ferry from Belgium and worked in psychiatric hospitals in England and Scotland, where his daughter, Sara, was born. The family immigrated to Cambria, where his wife’s sister lived, in 1977.

Cambria was Steve’s home for the next eleven years. During that time he worked construction, became a general contractor, and, after his first marriage ended in divorce, met and married his wife Sandi Sigurdson. Daughter Maggie was born in 1986 and son Patrick in 1988. Steve and Sandi met when he was moonlighting as a bartender at the Cambria Pines Lodge and Sandi was the manager. Sandi has gone on to hold two important positions in San Luis Obispo, first as Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, and, currently, as the Director of Leadership SLO. The Sigurdson McGrath family has lived in the

same house on Buchon Street since they moved to San Luis Obispo in 1988.

Steve’s career journey led him to construction waste management (solid waste and recycling management) and to a position as facilities development director for the Employment Opportunity Commission (EOC), now known as the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO).

He became the facilities manager of Port San Luis Harbor District in 2005 and Harbor Manager in 2007.

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Steve, Sandi and granddaughter, Lupe

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE Perhaps fittingly, Steve’s travels eventually led him to the very edge of the country.

The Port San Luis Harbor District stretches from Avila Beach to the Avila Light House, with everything in between. It is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers and travelers on the Central Coast, and it seems to become a bigger draw every year, reaching national fame last summer when photos and videos of whales, seals and porpoise feasting on roiling balls of bait fish in the harbor went viral. Steve and his staff of twenty-five oversee and maintain everything, from cleaning the beaches and piers, to dredging the harbor and cleaning and repairing nearly two hundred boat moorings annually, all of it on a four million dollar budget.

Steve’s vision for the Harbor includes converting the Harbor Terrace from a trailer park and storage area to a campsite with room for 170 tents, tent cabins and RV’s. We toured the area recently, driving up the hill to an impressive elevation high above the harbor. Approval for the conversion and plans are in the works, with a strong possibility that the campsite could be ready for public use in four years. It would be located near the terminal point of the proposed Wild Cherry Canyon trailhead that would connect to Montana de Oro State Park and provide 18 miles of uninterrupted hiking and horseback riding along our spectacular coastline. Other priorities include a comprehensive parking management plan at the harbor that would generate revenue for maintenance of district facilities; and redevelopment of Hartford Pier.

Looking back over his personal and career journey, Steve acknowledges how all of its components helped prepare him for his current life and for the person he is now.

“Overarching everything is the strong influ-

11

A view of Avila and Harford Pier from Harbor Terrace

ence of my parents. One of the boarding schools I attended was run by Jesuits, fierce intellectuals from whom I received a good education despite my best efforts not to do so. From travel I learned how to live by my wits, from not having resources available and getting through. It developed in me a sense of resiliency and tolerance.”

Steve’s three siblings went to university and had academic careers. His brother Patrick is a successful novelist. Steve is an ardent student of American history (he became an American citizen in the ’90s), and is most proud of the degree he received from Cuesta College in 2011. “Cuesta is a great institution and it provided me an opportunity to get an education even though it wasn’t a requirement for my career. It helped me to show through my actions what I promoted in my home: the importance of learning.”

started in the austere days of post-WWII Europe, led through a time when “there was a revolution going on out there, or so it seemed at the time,” and culminated in a loving family and an important position of responsibility and public trust in his community. The journey is far from over, but from the look in his eye and the sound of his voice when he talks about his love of the Central Coast, Steve has reached his permanent destination.

Now fifty-nine and the radiant grandfather of his daughter Sara’s children, Guadalupe and Liam, Steve McGrath can look back over a long, varied and successful life that

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Now with a beautiful horseshoe bar and banquet room. Upper Crust has been serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine in San Luis Obispo for over 22 years.

805 Aerovista #103, San Luis Obispo

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PEOPLE

Dan O’connor

cake decorator extraordinaire

By Ruth Starr

T

he sight of a beautifully decorated cake delights the eyes. Compared to other forms of food preparation, it is actually one of the newer culinary arts.

Decorating cakes can be traced back to the mid-17th Century. This is around the same time, probably not coincidentally, that cake pans made their first appearance in domestic kitchens across Northeastern Europe. It gained widespread popularity as a way to create elaborate desserts that were used as displays during the feasts and banquets of the wealthiest aristocracy.

The history of the art, as we know it today, got its boost in the mid-19th century—the period in which the French began to serve the dessert as a completely separate sweet course at the very end of the meal. In the 1840s, the temperature controlled oven came into being. During this period, most cake decorating consisted of the elaborate and difficult old English method of “over piping.” The cakes would generally be covered in rolled fondant, and borders intricately over piped.

PAUL

BROWN

SLO CITY

Around 1929, classes began in baking and decorating cakes. The decorating classes became a great success. In 1947, the Wilton enterprises of cake decorating was very popular, and by the 1960s, the so-called Wilton Method became a standard method of cake decoration.

A few years after the Wilton Enterprises, Joseph Lambeth published a book that would become a classic of cake decorating. The Lambeth Method of Cake Decoration and Practical Pastries. The book contained real step-by-step instructions and clear, oversized drawings and photographs that showed readers how to decorate cakes.

In the mid-eighties Dan O’Connor and his partner, Lynn Scott were living in Los Angeles. He needed a job and answered an ad for a cake decorator. The ad said that the person would be trained. Since he had a bit of experience decorating cookies for That Cookie Place located in a mall in Los Angeles, he felt he could handle the new job. He was hired at Hansen’s Cakes to work for ten days as an intern to see if he could do the job. They hired him as they felt he had a very good aptitude for decorating. At the time, they were the largest bakery in Los Angeles.

Following the job at Hansen’s, he went to work at Rosebud Cakes with Ellen Katz who is one of the premier cake decorators in L.A. He learned to do cake sculptures and air brush portraits with a wide variety of wedding cakes. A cake sculpture is a three dimensional cake iced as

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A baby cake

PEOPLE

A pet cake

whatever the customer would want such as a car, a horse, a train, a person etc. They are made from a synthetic ceramic and hand painted with acrylics. They are non-edible, but last forever as a keepsake.

Dan is completely self taught in art. He learned his art by doing and went to a lot of museums to study sculptures and paintings. Along the way he eventually picked up everything that the top bakers and cake designers were doing.

Emile’s Swiss Pastries (no longer in business) in L.A. was his next stop. Dan was the chief decorator there for seven years. He spent another seven years perfecting his skills in cake decorating at yet another bakery. It became his life’s work.

His partner, Lynn Scott, was notified that her parents’ house had burned down in Arroyo Grande. When her parents were re-building the house, Dan and Lynn moved to Arroyo Grande to help them.

Given his expertise of cake decorating and creating sculptures that fit on top of a cake, he landed a position at Carlocks Bakery in Los Osos for eight years as a master cake decorator. He did most of the birthday cakes and assisted with wedding cakes.

Dan’s brother purchased SLO-Baked, a bakery in San Luis Obispo.

Dan fit right in. He began doing non-edible sculptures around 2005.

He realized there was a market for customized wedding cake toppers and Dan had the know-how to create them. Ever since he began decorating with these one of a kind toppers, he has been passionate about making them for any occasion. Dan has made everything from people riding a bicycle built for two to a man fishing for his bride, to a woman and her baby pictured as zombies for a Halloween cake. These sculptures are hand molded and baked. He did one of Obama for an election party. He has since branched out to include edible likenesses.

The Obama likeness on the cake can be eaten.

Through his generosity, Dan has donated cakes through SLO-Baked Bakery. He donated a cake with his sculpture work to Woods Humane Society for their benefit dinner where they raise extra money by auctioning off the cake. He gave two cakes to CASA for a few years to help them raise money and to the Franciscans for a fundraiser, in addition to the Children’s Museum. Most of his cakes have auctioned for at least $400. They are very popular. All of the sculptures can be kept as a permanent keepsake, unless, of course they are the edible ones.

Dan finds this kind of art work very rewarding. He has won first place ribbons five separate times at the Mid State Fair in Paso Robles. With a background that spans decades, Dan is well-equipped to create works of culinary art that put him at the top of his field.

Dan can be reached at: LochnessCaketoppers@gmail.com.

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SISTER THERESA HARPIN RESTORATIVE PARTNERS “HEALING ALL THOSE IMPACTED BY CRIME”

By Ruth Starr

S

ister Theresa Harpin is an innovative volunteer leader in our community. Her ideas on service continue to translate into important, life-altering programs for those in need.

Belonging to a women’s religious order for more than forty years, her congregation, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet was founded in LePuy, France in 1636. The congregation and Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet share a common foundation and heritage, with roots in 17th century France.

In 1836, a request came from Bishop Joseph Rosati in St. Louis, Missouri for Sisters to teach the deaf. Eight women were chosen to travel across the ocean and establish a foundation in the United States.

Communication between America and France was difficult and eventually led the congregation to become independent of its French roots. In 1860, Carondelet became the cradle of the congregation, thus known as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

They settled in a suburb of St. Louis, MO. The medium age of the women was about 22.

Most of them never saw their families again.

When Theresa was growing up in San Diego, CA, she went to the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, the girls high school run by Sisters of St. Joseph. She fell in love with their spirit of joy and skills and special care for those around them. She entered the order in 1971.

The house of studies was in Los Angeles and attached to Mt. Saint Mary’s College.

Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Psychology, and Music. Finishing her education she worked in parishes in the Los Angeles area. In 1978 Theresa coordinated the pre-liturgy event for the Papal visit at Dodger stadium. In 1989, the bishop of San Bernardino invited her to start a brand new Catholic Church in Corona, California. At the time, there weren’t any priests available and Theresa had a lot of experience, paving the way for her to be elected for the job. The project was completed in 1994. Theresa was there from 1989 to 1995. The parish was called St. Mary of Magdalene and is still flourishing today.

In 1995 she went on a sabbatical to celebrate her 25 years as a Sister. She studied biblical archeology in the Middle East. When she came home, the Bishop of Monterey, California asked her to come to San Luis Obispo and take over the leadership at the Newman Center at Cal Poly. She loved that position and continued leading until 2003. During that time, Sister Theresa was diagnosed with

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PEOPLE breast cancer and had to take time off to heal.

Happily she is fully recovered from the cancer.

She then decided to shift gears. While continuing to work at The Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo as the Music and Worship Director, she began working in the field of restorative justice. The mission is to create programs for positive changes with a restorative justice approach to crime in SLO County. In 2006, she initiated the first “get on the bus” event at the California Men’s Colony. This program reunites children with their incarcerated fathers. The experience whet her appetite for work that was healing, addressing traumas, restoring relationships and transforming people. The program began with one bus of kids and by 2010 there were 18 buses from all over California. The program is sponsored by the SLO Interfaith community.

do may lead to careers in this field. Theresa began working on the Restorative Partners program one year ago with one adult and now there are more than 100 volunteers. She says the need for more funding and volunteers is always there. Volunteers go to the jail and juvenile home and meet with groups to teach them various subjects and help prepare them in a positive way for their future life in the community, a productive life, devoid of crime. Volunteers are tutors, computer skills teachers, music teachers, sports, book club leaders, arts, yoga and meditation teachers.

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Office space and a permanent meeting space are high on her list of needs. “People who have been in this program when they were incarcerated would like to continue with this program when they are released,” explains Theresa. “They find comfort and support, which could only help them along their way.”

Sister Theresa can be reached at SisterTheresa2restorativepartners.org or her office 805-788-2325 if you are interested in any of these programs or wish to volunteer.

She continued working in that quickly growing field until 2011. However that year there were major budget cuts at the state prison and the program was cut in half. Theresa turned the program over to her co-worker and began conversations with the county regarding needs at the jail and juvenile hall.

At the same time California was dealing with AB109, a bill that required re-aligning people with non-violent, non sexual, non serious crimes. That meant that jails were going to be impacted with increasing numbers of people.

The challenge would be for programming for better re-entry into society. She was invited to partner with the Sheriff’s Department and Probation to create a nonprofit agency that provides programs for both the jail and juvenile hall that would reduce violence, address and provide healing in the facility and prepare people for better re-entry in the community.

Sister Theresa is committed to work for criminal justice. This includes all the stakeholders at the criminal justice departments. This addresses not only offenders, victims and all of their families, but also those that are working in custody and those that have interest in the community, health systems, departments of social services, other non-profit advocates, the business community, as well as faith-based communities.

Choosing to go full time with this work has provided her with an abundance of spiritual gifts in her personal life. With great empathy she says that the need is tremendous right here, where SLO was voted the happiest place in the country. There are many people here who are in great pain—people who can’t provide for the families and are in abject poverty.

There are currently six students doing an internship or senior project from Cal Poly with Sister Theresa. Some of the work the interns M A Y

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cover story

peter c. Nelson, D.D.S.

By Joseph A. Carotenuti “…the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” —Albert Schweitzer

I

t has been said that achievements are what we do for ourselves while what we do for others provides life’s meaning.

History is replete with tales of the former while sustainability of the human spirit results from the latter. In the saga of humanity, both deserve equal acknowledgement. Indeed, virtues may have their own rewards, but it is refreshing to note them in the public square.

Here’s the story.

Known locally as Dr. Peter C. Nelson, dentist, the efficient preservation of dental hygiene is but one aspect of a life dedicated to much more than floss or fillings. Taken as a whole (and far from over), the mosaic of his life presents an intriguing picture of a person much more interesting than the sum of his accomplishments. “Hard work, be frugal, take risks” has guided his life.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, while his Navy father was an intern at John Hopkins Hospital, reassignment a few months later found the family in southern California. Early years near his grandfather introduced him to carpentry and his lifelong delight and talent with working with his hands, including building his own home. With a local church group, he began years of progressively more difficult climbs culminating in challenging many of the world’s most notable peaks. An extended family professionally involved in the health care field promised a future as a doctor. Thus, to the consternation of some, he chose dentistry.

Dentistry, he explains, combines his satisfaction with working with his hands (truly a hands-on profession) and the more immediate solutions that often elude doctors. Lastly, dentistry allows him to interact with people—literally face to face.

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After graduation from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1970, he looked north to establish a practice. Fortunately, he settled in San Luis Obispo. As happens to many, a profession and home life (he is married with two adult children) required most of his attention.

In addition to a busy practice, he dedicated about 25 years to weekly trips to Juvenile Hall, examining teeth, and providing the young people with treatment. All was done at an “extremely reduced” rate.

For many, career/family years pass with their triumphs and failures, but for Nelson both his profession and loved ones share in yet another life—adventures pursued with astonishing vigor.

Service is not confined to his office but reaches throughout much of the world. Inspired by his missionary doctor father-in-law, he has traveled to about 25 outposts in the world. Free dental help has

Dr. Nelson and his wife, Suzanne, performing dental work in a primitive setting.

PEOPLE Dr. Nelson on Mt. Everest

stand life’s realities more than is possible locally. In the process of service, he has also transformed the reality for many desperate for dental care.

Somehow, in between a family, practice and volunteering, Nelson continued to climb a variety of peaks throughout the world. Mt. Rainier (Washington), Mt. Hood (Oregon), Peak Lenin (Russia), and Mexican mountains to name but a few challenges were preludes to the “premier” climb in the world.

included service in Africa, Vietnam, Mexico, Central and South America, various Pacific islands, and the Philippines.

Sometimes going from place-to-place with a local practitioner or covering a practice for a vacationing dentist, he also has established clinics to provide continuing care. Last October, he traveled to Kenya as a volunteer for the World Dental Health Organization. Other sponsoring agencies include Loma Linda University, Catholic Relief Services, Rotary, and Amistad International.

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An unusual celebration occurred atop the 20,320-foot summit of Mt. McKinley (Denali), the highest peak in America. Carefully planned to arrive on the summit on his 40th birthday in June 1985, severe weather delayed the “celebration” by two days. In a fullpage article in the Tribune (June 27, 1985), Nelson is quoted as hoping to scale more peaks. Unexpectedly, one was Mt. Everest.

Extremely hazardous, for every 120 hikers, McKinley claims one life. For Everest in 1990, it was 3.2 to one. Nelson was asked

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Not only are his services voluntarily given, but he also finances his costs. Sometimes accompanied by dental students or local professionals, his wife, Suzanne, has contributed her skills as a dental hygienist. Even his son and daughter have been “assistants.” While language differences can be a barrier, to him “a cavity is a cavity in any language.”

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PEOPLE Speaking with his family about the challenge, they agreed he needed to go or he would spend the rest of his life wondering about the hike.

They had learned his life’s “balance” required periodic adjustments.

Huddling in ice caves, eating chocolate bars reminiscent of war rations, he was suffering from pulmonary edema—with a 25 to 50 percent chance of surviving. Prudence trumped bravado and he returned to a quick recovery at the base camp. Not one to waste time, while waiting for his plane, he spent three days helping in the dental clinic in Katmandu. He returned later to Nepal to offer additional dental assistance.

Typical for his outlook on life, when asked if he was disappointed not reaching the summit, he emphasized that victory was in the attempt.

“What’s really important is that you climb all the mountains in your life with courage and joy.”

The Nelson family

by a team of American climbers to join them to brave the nearly 30,000 foot mountain situated on the borders of Nepal and Tibet.

To the highly experienced climbers, Nelson’s previous climbs spoke well for his ability to survive the assault of the mountain. With temperatures known to drop to minus 35 and winds up to 100 mph, even the most seasoned climbers have died in attempting to reach the summit. “We were required to sign a ‘no-recovery’ agreement before we started,” he explains. If you die climbing, you can be left.

It is estimated that Mt. Everest is the tomb for about 200 climbers.

Five died during his week there.

It is no wonder in 1992, his alma mater named him Alumnus of the Year. One of three criteria asks that one’s life “exemplifies the basic principles of Christianity.” Even his middle name, Christian, recommended him for the honor. Later, for six years, he traveled south to Loma Linda as an Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry.

In his “spare” time, both he and Suzanne enjoy marathon events.

A favorite memory is an event through Berlin a year after the wall was removed that divided the German city. Never reluctant to meet a challenge, they have ridden their motorcycles to the tip of South America via Chili and Argentina and north through Alaska. Combining charity with stamina, a favorite event for both is tandem bike riding in the Century Bike Ride in support of the Best Buddies program for the Special Olympics—a hundred mile route from Carmel to San Simeon. Not all rides are pleasant. A serious accident on the tandem left both with broken bones. A year later, he had severe hip injuries in a skiing accident. Still, he commutes from Squire Canyon (Avila) to his office on a bike.

Talent is contagious in the Nelson household. His son, Scott, is currently a member of the orthopedics department at Loma Linda Medical School. When the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in early 2010, he was in the Dominican Republic establishing an orthopedic program for children. Quickly, he became one of the first to render medical aid to those crushed and broken in the devastated capital. In a touching tribute to the suffering Haitians and selfless volunteers, Together We Move, was written to raise funds. The chapter on Scott is telling by its title: “Some Say He Operated for 90 Straight Hours: Personally I Can Verify Three Straight Days.”

When Nelson arrived in April, he came with a tool kit and helped rebuild the damaged Adventist Hospital. Desperately needed electricity in the operating room required he work with a live current.

Daughter, Heidi, a Phi Beta Kappa undergraduate, earned her MBA at Harvard Business School. She is now a successful investment executive and White House advisor. The mother of two, she is married to the newly-elected senator from Texas, Ted Cruz.

Currently chairing a fundraising effort to substantially remodel Valley View Adventist Academy, Dr. Nelson is sure to point out that what he does provides more than adventure but meaning for his life, and while not mentioned, to many others.

A revealing self-test is placing a mental “A” next to one’s achievements and an “S” next to those in service to others. The growing lists for both “A” and “S” would indeed be long for a remarkable dentist named Peter C. Nelson.

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the kaetzel desk

By Marilyn Darnell

T

he desk bears no markings to tell of where it was crafted, but its history in SLO-Town says it has been in the area for eleven decades or so.

The desk I speak of is known as the Kaetzel Desk. Today it is the workspace of Deacon Chuck Roeder of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Where law books once were opened and read and referred to maintain obedience to the laws of society, today the Holy Book is opened and the complexities of parish life in the 21st century are dealt with spiritually, not to mention the Baby Wipes and hand sanitizer resting upon its grain.

When Pastor Fr. Frank Thome accepted the donated desk from Harold Miossi on July 18, 1995, Mr. Miossi wrote an account of the desk’s owners as far as he knew it to accompany the historic Kaetzel Desk.

The desk is named for Charles P. Kaetzel sonin-law of R.E. Jack of the historic Jack House and Gardens. Charles hailed from Cambria and attended The Leland Stanford Junior University in Palo Alto. He is listed on their Fourth Annual Register of 1894-95 as a student of Economics. He went on to practice law in San Luis Obispo. His father, Philip Kaetzel, was the first wheelwright in Cambria and specialized in light spring wagons and the making of buckets and tubs. Charles’ father-in-law, R.E. Jack, had been Col. WW Hollister’s agent when he came to the Central Coast.

In 1960 Mr. Miossi received the desk by happenstance. As Inheritance Tax Referee, sisters Kay and Marge Kaetzel, daughters of Charles Kaetzel and Gertrude Marie Jack, asked Harold if he knew “some attorneys who would want to buy some of their father’s office books and equipment.” Mr. Kaetzel had just retired at the age of 80. Charles Ogle of Morro Bay purchased some of the pieces and Harold offered to help move what was left into storage at the Jack House carriage house as the sisters planned.

Harold “observed that the roof was in poor repair and the desk should be covered; as an aside [he] mentioned that [he] was renting an office and would need a desk. A week later,

Kay or Marge called … [and said] “Father wants you to have that desk.” He asked the Kaetzel sisters about the history of the desk and “they believed it had come from Judge Venable who had been Mr. Kaetzel’s law partner around the turn of the century.”

Mr. Miossi happily took the desk and had it completely refinished.

Over three decades later, Harold Miossi retired and wrote that he once “again asked Kay and Marge if they had any further thoughts on the history of this desk.” They told him, “the desk had first belonged to their grandfather—R.E. Jack, who had an office or offices on the second floor of the Commercial Bank Building (south corner of Higuera and Chorro Streets) for one of his enterprises.

When Mr. Kaetzel began practicing law at the second floor of this building, he moved this desk of his father-in-law down the hall to his corner office: the room had a diagonal corner, matching the entrance to the bank below, and the desk—so long as I remember— was parked parallel to the diagonal corner.

The building still stands.” Harold recorded that the space “is now occupied by Cut Above Hair Salon” and “Mr. Kaetzel continued to practice in that office with this desk until his retirement in 1960.” The Commercial Bank was organized in 1888 with $100,000 according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune on Valentine’s Day 1896.

Deacon Chuck Roeder at the Kaetzel Desk

Kaetzel to Harold Miossi to Deacon Chuck Roeder in these 135 years; few owners for such a long time; proof of its valuable workability and workmanship. Perhaps one day the dots telling where and who crafted it will be connected, too.

The desk was a distant memory until I came across Harold Miossi’s notes recently. As a Jack House volunteer and working on Mr. Jack’s biography, I took delight in connecting many dots to share with you the history of the Kaetzel Desk.

This writer recalls the desk coming to Old Mission when she was on staff. For a time a desk of comparable size accompanied the Kaetzel Desk in the front office. In the 1890s the large desk top invited, as it does today for Deacon Chuck, several stacks of papers and books that find a home at one time with room to work. Today its partners are a multi-line phone, multi-function copier and computer, while its many drawers lend themselves to storage and ready access at the occupant’s fingertips without having to leave their seat.

The dots I’ve connected say the Kaetzel Desk went from R.E. Jack to Charles M A Y

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live oak music festival

local artist jan allenspach

colorfully capturing the true essence of live oak

By Leslie Jones “Live Oak is my community … the live music combined with me being such a huge nature fan is fantastic,” explains Live Oak Music Festival’s featured artist, Jan Allenspach. “I especially love the warm, starry nights with the sounds of live music and dancing where I’m surrounded by likeminded people.”

Art is such a wonderful way to express oneself and for this talented, local artist, this newest achievement colorfully captures her passion for the goodness of humankind along with the celebratory side of life. Her appreciation for nature, her strong sense of community, and the awe and beauty that surround her within this special world known as Live Oak is clearly evident.

With a love for Aboriginal art along with a natural curiosity about petroglyphs, which both possess so much intriguing symbolism, Jan’s Live Oak artwork was largely influenced by a piece with the night sky she saw while visiting family in Australia years ago. It had a type of glowing quality which lingered in her mind.

“If you look carefully at my Live Oak painting, you’ll notice music notes mixed in with the stars, tree roots in the shape of dancing people and various circular shapes in the ground representing the support, sustenance and sense of community so well showcased at Live Oak,” she adds.

ber. “Being chosen as this year’s featured artist is a very honorable culmination of all those years,” she explains. “I’m so proud of this opportunity as well as feeling extremely grateful and humbled. It’s especially exciting that it’s the 25th year celebration.”

Jan has been a much-valued volunteer at Live Oak for the past ten years working backstage as a greeter and ambiance committee mem-

Raised in a conservative town (Peoria, Illinois), Jan learned early on to express her viewpoints through her art. With a strong affinity towards creating protest art in the late 1960s – early 1970s, she has been locally involved with numerous political affiliations including Code Pink and the uprising against seismic testing in our area’s coastal waters.

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“It’s important that I use this creative tool to speak on behalf of issues that are important to me,” Jan explains. “It’s my way of educating others while further helping our planet,” she adds.

She has also used it as a platform for promoting endangered species witnessed firsthand throughout her many travels including the whales in Hawaii and the monkeys in Panama. Living along the north coast area of San Luis Obispo over the years has also inspired her work with her love for local endangered wildlife including pelicans and condors.

Having traveled with her to Costa Rica years ago, her universal adoration for people and animals alike is admirable. Additionally, her passion for life itself is infectious and it shows in her colorful artwork and life’s noble pursuits alike.

As the program manager for the local nonprofit Community Action Partnership’s (CAPSLO) Liberty Tattoo Removal Program for the past eight years, she works with atrisk clients who need and deserve a second chance in life. Her good soul and intentions once again rise to the surface for those who need a voice the very most.

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Jan Allenspach’s artwork for this year’s Live Oak Festival.

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As she works closely with others heading through their own recovery process, she also mentions that art has played a significant role in her own healing during difficult times. “It offers the opportunity for me to figure things out. It’s a process that allows me to work through things emotionally.”

Through artwork, community affiliations and volunteer efforts, Jan exudes the true Live Oak spirit by genuinely promoting the concept of being good to others. She perfectly represents the camaraderie, selflessness and good-heartedness the festival and its participants represent.

When asked how she’ll react that weekend when her artwork is featured on t-shirts, etc., she believes that she’ll be a bit overwhelmed. “I need to remember to pat myself on the back and accept this as a great honor and achievement.”

If You Go For a complete lineup of acts please visit: www.liveoakfest.org/ lineup. A great way to kick off summer, the Live Oak Music Festival is a three-day concert and camping event held every year on Fathers’ Day weekend (June 14 – 16, 2013). Nestled under the oak trees of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, Live Oak features music and activities for the entire family, including children’s programs and activities, an art walk, arts & crafts booths, and a tent where Live Oak merchandise can be purchased.

Tickets for the festival are now available and 100% of festival proceeds benefit KCBX Public Radio, which serves San Luis Obispo, Southern Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties. 2013 Live Oak Music Festival tickets, the up-to-date entertainment line-up, and complete festival information are available at www.liveoakfest.org or by calling 805-781-3030.

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brass oak driving society

By Natasha Dalton “When I put the reins in my hands, that great communication begins between man and horse. I call it the dance of life.”

—Michael Muir Frank Luetz and his team

One day in 1987, after attending a carriage driving competition, organized by their family at the North Shore of Lake San Antonio, Linda and Ron Fairbanks invited a group of drivers to their house in Paso Robles. Everyone enjoyed the competition, and felt that it would be useful to start a group to promote similar events locally. That’s how the club, currently known as the Brass Oak Driving Society, was born, and Linda Fairbanks was elected its first president.

In 1998, Ron and Linda bought a property off Cripple Creek Road in hopes of hosting driving events “to help the sport grow,” and their ranch soon became one of the most popular local training grounds.

Since then their club, which initially had a handful of members, quadrupled in size, and it continues to welcome everyone interested in carriage driving. Brass Oaks Driving Society attracts both amateurs and professionals alike, and several of its members compete nationally and internationally in Combined Driving (CDE)—a sport, included in the World Equestrian Games, which happen every four years.

Carriage driving as a sport has been around for forty years: it was codified by Prince Phillip in 1972, and the first world championships began in 1974. “The standards for the sport are set in Europe, and then they filter west,” Linda Fairbanks explains. In the U.S.A. the rules are enforced by the American Driving Society (ADS). Linda Fairbanks, who is an ADS licensed judge, has been vital to her club by providing consultations and opening her ranch for training and competitions.

Two other club enthusiasts, Frank and Marlies Luetz, became top flight drivers long before they moved to California from their native Diane Kastams and her buggy

Germany. Now they operate a training center in Templeton and, like Fairbanks, are very supportive of fellow drivers.

“Not everyone, myself included, drive at that level,” the club’s current president, Judith Baron, says, “but there’re Americans who fare well against Germans, Dutch, and Australians,” the traditional leaders in the sport. Ann McClure, an accomplished driver, let a friend ride her horse, named Roger, in the World Equestrian Games in Poland. “They had to qualify to represent the United States, and did well,” Ann says.

“It’s very competitive. They were 27th in the world (out of 66).”

As for Baron, it was her love of antiques that ultimately brought her to the sport. “It’s a funny story,” she says, “I misconnected.”

It happened in the mid-1970s, when she worked as an interior designer in San Francisco. One day, having arrived in Iowa for a meeting with a client, who—as it turned out—wasn’t expected from overseas until the following day, she decided to rent a car and drive to the antique auction in Marshalltown. On the way, she noticed a tent with horses around it. “I was attracted by that,” Judith remembers. “I thought, ‘I must see what that is.’”

It was a carriage driving competition, which left Judith captivated by the beauty of the sport. “I didn’t leave the competition thinking, ‘I’m going to do this next year,’ or anything like that,” she says, “but I think that the idea got tucked into my brain.” In 1998, after thirty years of living in San Francisco, she came to Paso Robles to buy a ranch and a horse.

“It’s hard to have a horse in San Francisco,” she says. But even in Paso the process of buying a horse presented her with a challenge: the Arabian mare she wanted came as an odd couple with a Shetland pony. “I had never had a horse, let alone a pony,” Judith says. “I first thought, ‘What in the world will I do with this pony?’” But since the animals’ owner refused to sell one without the other, Judith had no choice but to buy both. A few months later, she began taking lessons in carriage driving, and soon discovered that her pony was “a dream driver.”

Since then, Judith and her pony have been a reliable attraction at the Fourth of July Parade in Templeton, the Pioneer Day Parade in Paso Robles and the Colony Days Parade in Atascadero.

Meanwhile, in 1993, the club began “Pleasure Shows.” It was a big deal back then: The club was still small. In these competitions, each driver had to wear a hat, gloves and a lap robe and was judged based on his or her appearance in relation to their carriage.

From that time on, judged events became a regular occurrence. “The competitions are extremely interesting, yet they’re not something

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HOME/OUTDOOR to bite your nails about,” Judith Baron says. “Our competitions are soft, so that people can come and truly enjoy themselves.”

It’s not unusual for the club to have judges coming all the way from Arizona or even Canada to participate in an event taking place on the outskirts of Templeton or Creston. “That’s the fun part,” Judith adds.

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“People can watch or compete,” Judith Baron explains. “Some of us will be camping there in our trailers. We’re looking forward to it.”

In July the club will be presenting its annual Obstacle Clinic, where participants will have an opportunity to compete at different levels, from preliminary to advanced. During the timed competition, the drivers will be expected to take their carriages though the cones set in certain patterns, without knocking them down. “Even though we compete at a pleasure level, my fifteen-year-old pony is pretty quick,” Judith says. “Come and see us in action!”

To learn more about Oak Brass, call 805 466-7787, or visit www.brassoakdrivingsociety.com; about Access Adventure, see www.access-adventure.org

The club is very active, and annually offers Spook Clinics, Pleasure Days and Brass Oak Driving Society President, Judith Baron Dressage Festivals with CDEs that are similar to triathlons in that they include three different competitions.

In 1998, Michael Muir, the great-grandson of America’s beloved naturalist John Muir, joined the USA team in the first ever World Championship for carriage drivers with disabilities. A horse-lover from an early age, he took the message of his famous ancestor to the next step and started an organization, Access Adventure, that put forests within reach for people with mobility issues. He, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 15, also serves as the director of an organization called Driving for the Disabled. Both groups try to help as many people as possible to get into horse-driven carriages and enjoy the excitement this sport can add to their lives.

In 2001, the year he turned 50, Michael and a team of fellow drivers took a 10-month-long journey across America, covering 3000 miles from California to Washington DC. Their goal was to repeat the trek described in the diaries of Michael’s great-grandmother Muir. Later on, Michael (this time with just one companion) drove a carriage from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, retracing the route taken by John Muir in 1867.

The Brass Oaks Driving Society has its own inspirational figure, Diane Kastama, who became paraplegic after a car accident. She drives with her specially trained dog and has won many medals in various international competitions.

“People like Diane brought tremendous awareness to Paralympics,” Judith Baron says. Judith, who attended a number of the Para-equestrian events during the last World Equestrian Games, was impressed by the skills of its blind and deaf competitors. “Their toughness is something to be admired,” she says.

Still, even less competitive souls can enjoy carriage driving. “It’s a healthy, exciting outdoor sport, which gets you in touch with your horse and other people,” Judith Baron says. The Brass Oak Driving Society eagerly helps its members to learn the sport by offering advice, training opportunities and companionship. “People really should join the club just for fun,” Linda Fairbanks says. “It is a great way to get into driving, and I know those who are looking for people to go with them on drives and to competitions.”

If spending a day outdoors sounds like fun to you, the Brass Oak Driving Society wants you to know that they have at least one driving activity a month, and their events and meetings are open to public.

On May 25-26 the club is putting up a Continuing Drive Event at Twin Rivers Equestrian Center on North River Road in Paso Robles.

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at the market

Millet Quinoa Saute with Pepitas, Toasted Cumin and Spinach

By Sarah Hedger

H

appy May! May is such a good time of year to get out and enjoy the local farmers markets. The produce runs the gamut, with heaps of variety to choose from. Stone fruits such as apricots, plums, pluots, and cherries become available while onions, (fresh) garlic, leeks, and herbs offer savory options. That said, strawberries are still going strong with the likes of rhubarb, cherimoyas, and blueberries—just to name a few! Thus, quite a colorful time of year with the variety of options and no time like the present to get out and enjoy it.

I recently went on an overseas adventure to the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival—something I have wanted to do for some time—as it is said to be one of the best international events by chefs. The theme for the festival was “Earth” and the festival selected key international chefs—not “celebrity/TV” chefs, but chefs who express themselves through their cooking (as opposed to some of the TV personalities), who integrate the earth into their cuisine. The means by which they do this are resourceful, be it actually using the earth—in earth cooking—

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Massimo Spigaroli and his chooks

or in going directly to the source, maximizing freshness and flavor while minimizing food miles. While the festival is 17 days long, the Masterclass weekend I attended is when attendees get to learn from the chefs directly; their philosophies, techniques, and tips, while having the enjoyment of tasting their recipes as the chef prepares them. I had three favorites that really inspired me to both cook more and get even closer to the source. Dan Lepard (UK) was the first favorite and aside from being an award-winning baker, he manages to bring his talented creations to the home cook in a refreshing, approachable (and insanely delicious) way. We tasted his Black Olive Sesame Bread, Babas, and AllAlmond Florentines that inspired us all to get baking. The next favorite was Virgilio Martinez (Peru), an ex-pro skateboarder who spent the last 10 years traveling the world learning different cuisines, and who now forages—with a team of experts—in the Amazon, using its ingredients and natural environment to inspire his menu in Peru. His recipes utilized South American native ingredients including chia seeds, maca root, quinoa, and amaranth to name a few. The final favorite was Sean Brock (South Carolina), who is called “The Son of the South,” specializing in only serving foods indigenous to the south in his restaurants.

He is a spokesman for heritage varieties of grains, produce, and cuisine of South Carolina’s low country, while seed saving and learning from natives of the land to promote long term sustainability.

This month’s recipe, Millet Quinoa Saute with Pepitas, Toasted Cumin, and Spinach, comes from inspiration of the above chefs to continue fueling my love of cooking. I (finally) figured out how to cook millet and quinoa so it retains its identity—not becoming mushy, but staying nice and light with bite. It is a simple recipe that incorporates a number of ingredients found in Spring, as well as some extraordinarily healthy (gluten free) grains, nuts, and seeds. It is simple to prepare, while being an option for lunch or dinner. The seeds provide a nice toasted flavor while the fresh cilantro adds brightness. Above all, it is simple and delicious.

Enjoy and Happy May! Melbourne Earth Chefs

millet quinoa saute with pepitas, toasted cumin and spinach FOR THE QUINOA AND MILLET 1 cup quinoa 1 cup millet 4 cups water 2 tsp sea (or kosher) salt Rinse quinoa and millet in fine sieve and let drip dry while you preheat a larger saucepan/sauté pan (with lid). Place quinoa and millet in saucepan and sauté until dry and beginning to toast after a few minutes, following your nose and removing from heat once it begins to lightly brown and smell toasted. Add water and salt and bring to boil. Once boiling, turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and leave to sit for another 10 minutes.

Let sit while you prepare the sauté ingredients (this can be made a day ahead). Fluff with a fork prior to adding to sauté below.

FOR THE SAUTE: 1 tsp whole cumin seeds ½ cup pumpkin seeds ½ cup sunflower seeds 2 T olive oil 1 onion, finely minced 1 lb fresh spinach (or swiss chard or arugula), washed and in 1 inch pieces if large leaves 1 tsp sea (or kosher) salt A good pinch of fresh ground pepper ½ cup fresh cilantro (or alternatively fresh parsley), finely minced *Optional: Fresh queso fresco, crumbled into ½ inch pieces Place a large sauté pan over high heat. Once hot, add cumin, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, cooking until they smell lightly toasted. Remove to a plate and set aside. Return pan to heat and add olive oil and onion, seasoning with salt and pepper along the way. Sauté until onion is translucent, then add spinach, continuing to stir while sautéing. Once the greens are mostly wilted, add cooked quinoa and millet and toasted seed mixture. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through and nicely toasted (similar to a fried rice consistency). To serve, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and top with queso fresco.

Serves 4 as an entrée or 6 as a salad/side.

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

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slo county art scene

gail lapins: painting and sculpting the human condition

By Gordon Fuglie

W

hen I moved to SLO County five years ago, one of the things that struck me about the Central Coast art scene was the high number of retirees who had taken up art. While most are content to produce commercial and traditional work, there was also a number who, relatively late in life, were keenly intent on producing work in modernist or contemporary styles, taking up challenging content and exploring new forms. I realized that these artists answered the vocational tug of creation, rather than the complacent dabblings of recreation.

What I find compelling about the late blooming “vocationalists” is their earnest desire to contribute to the art of their time

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and place—while they still have time to do so. After spending years in a day job, even having lucrative careers, the dream delayed now demands a payment in full from these late arrivals. And while their artistic labors can sometimes appear awkward, raw, or plaintively emotional, there is no question that they are “all in.” I also find a certain fearlessness in their work, perhaps because they’ve had enough distance from the official art world, and have developed interests apart from it, achieving a kind of independence.

After all, they are accomplished late middle age adults. As such, I suspect their studio time may be more precious than that of artists who have been making art since graduating from college in their youth.

Cambria’s Gail Lapins is such an artist.

Showing promise in high school, she was awarded an art scholarship for college, but had to forego it to support herself. During her marketing career in Los Angeles in the 1980s, Lapins told me of changing out of her business attire in her car in the corporate garage, donning her “painting clothes” for her night classes at the Otis/Parsons Art Institute. By the end of that decade, she was producing and exhibiting work throughout Southern California. Lapins and her husband moved to the Central Coast in 1991 where she promptly enrolled in the studio art program at Cal Poly, earning her BA in 1994.

Lapins with 8-foot Emergence Lester Rogart& Nicole Pazdan, CSA

Her first works were in drawing and painting. Lapins tends to work large; many of her drawings are at least 24 x 36” inches; her acrylic paintings, 48 x 60.” She employs a figurative narrative approach, rendered in an emotive expressionist style of robust forms and colors. I was struck by her use of diagonals and angularity in her compositions. This builds tension and keeps the viewer’s eyes roving over the picture.

the viewer whom she confronts. Her eyes are empty sockets; her outstretched hands seem to warn our entry into the space of the brooding man. Is she a metaphor of the artistic quest, a guardian of the artist in his timeless effort to bring order out of creative chaos? Such a meaning could be suggested by the drawings of heads of prehistoric aurochs and horses, at upper left. Lapins appropriates these animals from another source; they were originally painted on the walls of limestone caves in France, ca. 20,000 BCE, by humankind’s “first artists.” The artistic journey continues, she seems to suggest.

Time Spanned depicts a seated self-reflective man, his chair tilted back against a wall.

His bent legs intersect with an askew painting (depicted within Lapins’s painting) of inchoate forms. At far right a mysterious female leans into the scene. Her role seems that of a muse, only in this case she is for

In the past decade, Lapins turned her attention almost exclusively to bronze sculpture. In this medium, the complexity of her paintings is abandoned for an elemental rendition of a single “everyman,” a non-gendered, featureless figure whose fluid poses mime existential states. They remind me of the Post War figura-

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tive bronzes of the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti (1901 – 1966), except if they are doing Yoga with quirky structural props. The artist’s angularity from her paintings is even more pronounced in her sculpture, de-classicizing the figures against free-form geometric architectures.

Beyond the Surface displays a languorously leaning/stretching human supported by an irregular order of beams and spheres. The figure simultaneously seems to be diving and ascending—a double journey.

Lapins told me that getting the right patina (a surface finish or sheen that colors a bronze sculpture) is key to her satisfaction with her sculpture. This is an additional process that follows the casting of the work and grinding away the accretions from its manufacture. Lapins showed a number of her sculptures in early 2013 at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. For further information, www.gaillapinssculpture.com and gail@gaillapinsartist.com.

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COMMUNITY

Our Schools

financial literacy and our schools

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

T

raditionally, the subject of personal finance or financial literacy has not been included as part of the standard school curriculum.

There have been some notable attempts like the Junior Achievement program or the former Home Economics courses in middle and high schools. Economics courses in high school today tend to focus on business and economic concepts and policy issues rather than how to use credit wisely and other daily financial decisions. The point of personal financial literacy is to make informed decisions about basic financial matters such as budgeting, saving and investing.

Locally, there is an excellent example of personal financial literacy training at San Luis Obispo High School, called Money Talks for Teens. This is a mini-course of five topics sponsored by the United Way of San Luis Obispo County (www.unitedwayslo.org) and the University of California Cooperative Education Extension. But these efforts are the exception. The assumption has been that the family would model and teach sound personal financial decision-making to the children. In reality, this rarely happens in a systematic manner, if at all.

Recently, the Federal Reserve Banking System under the leadership of Chairman Ben Bernanke has called for a much greater emphasis on personal financial literacy in our

schools. Mr. Bernanke believes that a strong financial education is important to both individuals and to the economic health of the country. He said to a gathering of teachers last August: “Effective financial education is not just about teaching students about financial products or performing financial calculations. It also involved teaching them the essential skills and concepts they will need to make major financial choices.” To assist schools in this task, the Council on Economic Education, working with the Federal Reserve, has released a set of National Standards for Financial Literacy.

These proposed National Standards are organized into six primary areas or topics: Earning income; Buying Gods and Services; Saving; Using Credit; Financial Investing; and Protecting and Insuring. The standards also include “benchmarks” or checkpoints at grades 4, 8 and 12 to assess how well students have learned the topics.

Let’s take a closer look at the Standards for Financial Literacy that is being proposed.

Earning Income The purpose of this topic is for students to understand that one’s income is usually influenced by the amount of education, experience and skills that one has. Sometimes people can choose to work for themselves and others will work for someone else. In either case, one

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can increase one’s income by increasing one’s skills. This generally means move education.

Buying Goods and Services The objective of this topic is to create informed consumers among the students. Collecting information, planning and budgeting are some of the skills needed to be a savvy consumer.

Saving The idea here is to identify saving as putting aside some of one’s income today for a future use. Topics like time, interest rates and inflation are part of this area.

Using Credit The concept here is that credit allows one to buy something now and pay for them later, at a price (i.e. interest). If you are considered a low-risk borrower, you may receive a lower charged interest rate.

Financial Investing Students are to learn that investments are the purchasing of financial assets to increase one’s income now, or wealth in the future. Like the topic of Credit, students will learn that the more risk they are willing to assume, the higher return on their investment is possible.

Protecting and Insuring The purpose here is for students to understand that they can often have the option of protecting themselves in high-risk situation by paying a small amount now for insurance to avoid the possible loss of much great amounts later.

The idea of teaching these standards is that each topic is taught at least at grades 4, 8 and 12. As the students get older, the topics are presented with increased sophistication and complexity.

The main objective of personal financial literacy is to assist student to make informed financial decisions during their lifetime.

Wise financial decisions not only bring reward to the individual, but also contribute to a healthy economic situation for everyone.

The challenge for schools will be to determine where in an already crowded day to fit this very important topic.

Michael Hicks and Becky Reese

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new lincoln street market & deli owners

By Will Jones

M

ichael Hicks and Becky Reese, the new owners and operators of the Lincoln Street Market & Deli, like to say, smiling all the while, that they got it all backwards: they bought a home in San Luis Obispo, had a baby, six-monthold Jackson, bought a business, and are getting married in August.

Regardless of the inverted order, based on their vitality, enthusiasm and experience, success in their new venture seems inevitable.

A San Luis Obispo native, Michael graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1993. Along with classmates Evan Ball, Javier Cadena and Devon Beck, he played in a band called The Pathetics that toured California for the rest of the decade. Michael moved to San Francisco, graduated from San Francisco State with a degree in anthropology, and for ten years worked in the restaurant business and played guitar and bass in a variety of bands.

Becky grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School in 2005. Her father was the principal, and the current San Luis Obispo High School principal, Leslie O’Connor, was her economics teacher. Becky attended San Francisco State and met Michael in 2006 when they were both working at Sports Club LA in the city. She eventually returned to Bakersfield and finished her degree in marketing at CSU Bakersfield in 2010.

Michael and Becky bought a house in the Lincoln Street Market & Deli neighborhood and moved to San Luis Obispo in 2011. Michael opened and managed Eureka Burger at Marsh and Chorro, and Becky managed the steak house at the Madonna Inn while also handling marketing and public relations. Long interested in owning their own business, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase the Lincoln Street Market when previous owner, Linda Derks, decided to sell.

“It was a win-win. She wanted a change and we wanted a change, to do something for ourselves.”

According to Michael, “I’ve been a big fan of this building since I was a kid. When we returned I saw what Linda did with the place, transforming it to a cooler neighborhood spot, similar to what it was like when it opened as Ellsworth’s Market in 1941, when it was a grocery store and a butcher shop. Her focus was sandwiches, but she recreated the neighborhood feel.” The new logo reads “Mom and Pop since 1941.”

Michael and Becky with Jackson

The new Lincoln Street Market & Deli will still offer a wide range of delicious sandwiches, but will also include local wines, grocery store staples like bread, milk and eggs, and fresh local produce. “We really want to be a market for the neighborhood, so we’re hoping to get good feedback from our local customers to help us decide what to carry,” said Michael. “We hope to be a neighborhood hub, and to support local vendors and companies, as well,” Becky added.

Because of their previous experience, Michael and Becky are realistic about the long hours they will be working. They plan to be open seven days a week and will adjust their current 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM hours to meet the needs of their customers. Seven part-time employees are currently working an average of about thirty hours a week. With Jackson on her hip, Becky smiled and said, “We’re busy, we’re excited. It’s literally down the street from our house. We can pop in and out. We love having Jackson here with us. He loves meeting all the new people.

We’re tired but we’re happy.”

Look for a Lincoln Street Market & Deli grand opening in May. In the meantime, stop in for a pulled pork bahn mi or a mission meatball sandwich, and meet the dynamic new owners. Jackson’s smile alone is worth the visit.

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COMMUNITY

operation school bell ...the best kept secret in the nonprofit world

By Susan Stewart “Warm your heart … clothe a child” was the message sent out by Assistance League’s signature program, Operation School Bell®, to request donations from the private sector during the 2011-2012 holiday season. Considered the “crown jewel” of the League’s several philanthropic endeavors in San Luis Obispo County, Operation School Bell® (OSB) has been providing brand new school wardrobes to our county’s needy children since 1996. In 2008, dental hygiene kits were added to the package. This past year, more than 1500 children (K through 8th grades) were treated to new school clothes, giving them a happier, more confident school experience.

From the little boy whose shoes were two sizes too big and who had no socks, to the 7th grader who was ashamed to try out for school plays because her clothes were so shabby; from the middle school brothers who had never worn underwear and didn’t know what size they should ask for, to the 5-year-old who came shopping with his grandmother for new “big boy” t-shirts and jeans for his first day of elementary school—all children are only too keenly aware of how their clothes (or lack thereof) can affect their experiences at school.

Thanks to Operation School Bell, many more children living in economically strapped households are getting new clothes and shoes that they pick out themselves, giving them a sense of pride, style, and the feeling that they fit in with their schoolmates.

Through the generous donations of businesses and individuals, direct mail campaigns and grants, plus annual fundraisers and a slew of dedicated volunteers, Operation School Bell buys a jacket, shoes, 2 jeans, 2 T-shirts, six pair of socks and underwear, a grade-appropriate book, and dental hygiene products for each child. The program operates in each of the county’s ten school districts and includes 43 elementary and 9 middle schools, plus outreach to outlying districts.

In outlying districts, the ages and sizes of qualifying children are provided by school personnel; and volunteers pack up the clothes from their OSB inventory and deliver it to the schools. There, a makeshift dressing room lets children try things on and make choices.

Picking out clothes at the Operation School Bell office/store.

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Assistance League President, Charlene Ables and Vice President, Gail Stoneburg.

“Transportation is a problem for many of these families,” said League President Charlene Ables. “We’re proud of the extra effort we make in reaching these children.”

For middle school children, the sub program Sue’s Stars lets youngsters loose in department stores like Kohl’s and Old Navy (with supervision) to pick and choose the things they like. “Middle School is a time when children are most critical of themselves and their peers,” Ables explains.

“Statistics and the testimonials of school site staff verify that students’ performances improve when they feel good about their appearance.”

Describing themselves as the “best-kept secret in the nonprofit world,” Assistance League has been operating quietly and effectively since it began locally as a guild in 1991. In 1996, Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County became a chartered member of the national organization, whose good works were first noted by the Los Angeles Times in 1894! The local chapter’s first president, Barbie Butz, began recruiting volunteers by presenting at schools county-wide. Operation School Bell fills a need that no other organization in the county addresses. Current Assistance League president, Charlene Ables, and

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Board of Directors: (back row) Marge Harris, Donna Cummings, Anne Boyd and Helen Robertson. (front row) Gail Stoneburg, Bonnie Long, Charlene Ables and Jan Hutchinson.

Volunteering at Children’s day in the Plaza.

the current V.P. Public Relations, Gail Stoneburg, were both won over by the idea that here was something that made an important, immediate, and lasting difference in a child’s life. And now you can, too.

This month, Assistance League will hold its major fundraiser, An Evening of Magical Wonder, at the Mission Plaza on Saturday May 18th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Be dazzled by magician and mentalist Rich Ferguson, laugh at the antics of comedic juggling act “Something Ridiculous,” be awed by “Suspended Motion” Aerial Art, and get inspired by SLO Symphony violinist Pamela Sheffler. Dinner will be served by Et Voila’s Chef José Dahan, complemented perfectly by local wines. Tickets are $75 each (including live and silent auctions as well!) and all proceeds will benefit Operation School Bell. Email alevents@ charter.net or phone 805-466-3503 to reserve your tickets.

In addition to Operation School Bell, the all-volunteer Assistance League operates two sub-programs, Sue’s Stars and Operation Bookshelf; as well as the Homeless Collaboration. And they also work with Assistance League of Northern Santa Barbara to provide like services to needy children in Santa Maria. “Santa Barbara provides the funding, our chapter provides the volunteers,” Ables explained.

All-volunteer nonprofits are becoming more and more rare, and Assistance League is proud to say that last fiscal year, its all-volunteer members gave 14,105 volunteer service hours to our community.

That’s an IRS of value of $309,463! These dedicated volunteers oversee every detail—from the maintenance of the OSB sites, the ordering of the clothing, and all aspects of event-planning and fundraisers, to the compliance of County, State, IRS and National Assistance League regulations. All to ensure that the mission to make a real difference in the lives of children all over the county is delivered.

To date, the League has made huge strides since its local inception as a chartered member of the national organization. “We now have a full complement of 10 members on our Advisory Council,” said Ables. And they’ve added a pilot program that expands Sue’s Stars to include 6th graders as well as 7th and 8th graders. It was a huge success this past year, as more and more 6th graders are maturing faster and belong more with the middle school shoppers than with the grade school children.

The biggest challenge at this stage in its growth is that while many know about Operation School Bell, not many know about Assistance League.

The goal is to make sure the community recognizes the name Assistance League and understands its many valuable contributions. To view a list of the League’s locally famous advisors, donors, and board members, please visit www.alslocounty.org. The annual report is also viewable there.

Kids clothes are so much fun to shop for! Stripes, colors, fashions, comfy fabrics, and pockets galore make children’s clothes endlessly versatile; and the children who wear them endlessly gifted, spirited, and bright— with talents as diverse as the clothes they wear. Operation School Bell recognizes the basic necessities of life—food, clothing, and shelter. You can help ensure that children have warm, colorful, feel-good clothes to wear, a necessity as vital as good teachers and caring parents.

Meet the caring team at Operation School Bell in the Mission Plaza this month. “Warm your heart and clothe a child” while you enjoy An Evening of Magical Wonder, a gourmet dinner with local wines, and bid on an exquisite black pearl necklace and matching earrings valued at more than $3,600. The weather will be perfect; the cause, irresistible.

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COMMUNITY

casa Court Appointed special advocates Celebrating 20 years advocating for abused children in sLO county

By Kelly Shaw Staff and board photos by Bob Canepa

Eight of the current 14 CASA boardmembers

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hen asked about her early life, J’na Carter says, “To say the least, my life was never easy and I never had a childhood.” She goes on to describe her relationship with her birth mother as being both physically and emotionally abusive: “Because of her drug addiction, she would do things like steal from me, sell my belongings, abuse me. She wouldn’t let me eat in the house because I hadn’t paid for the food. I wasn’t allowed to touch anything she purchased, even blankets.” J’na started working two jobs to support herself at the age of 15 and it wasn’t until she was placed in foster care and introduced to her Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer that J’na found both safety and stability.

J’na and the other children served by CASA of San Luis Obispo County owe a degree of gratitude to a local businesswoman and foster parent named Susan Polk. After becoming a foster parent in 1985, Susan was eager for information and strategies that could help her ensure her foster kids were getting the best support they could while also making sure that they would receive the proper placement.

It was while attending a conference for foster parent education that Susan first heard about CASA, a program focused on advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer advocates for children in the foster care system with the goal of ensuring that each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home.

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The CASA staff

Instantly intrigued, Susan attended every session on the organization she could find for the duration of the conference, believing she had found exactly what she was looking for. After returning from the conference, Susan began researching the possibility of starting a CASA program in San Luis Obispo County and found that the judges and grand jury were all on board, but there was no one willing to do the work. Eager to see a change in the foster care system, Susan decided to take it upon herself to make CASA happen.

Looking for help wherever she could find it, and with limited resources, Susan eventually joined forces with Terri Clarke, a Marriage Family Therapist, Cuesta staff member Carol Mathews, and Mary Harris, a local attorney. With their combined insight, Susan was able to begin the process of developing a budget and forming a Board of Directors with retired social worker Caro Hall as the first program director. CASA made its debut in 1993 boasting 18 trained volunteers to serve as

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my life. She doesn’t miss a holiday or a birthday to this day. She came to my graduation. She’s been there for everything.”

Lori congratulating J’na at her graduation.

Since 1993 more than 2,000 children have had the benefit of a CASA volunteer. Currently 100 volunteers serve 150 children in San Luis Obispo County.

CASA invites the public to join them at an Open House celebratSusan Polk, co-founder ing their 20 year anniversary in and first board president.

San Luis Obispo County. The Open House will be at the CASA office located at 75 Higuera Street, Suite 180 on May 30th from 4-7 pm. advocates for 18 abused and neglected children throughout the county.

Join The Magazine of The Central Coast

It was the foundation laid by Susan and others that led to J’na meeting her CASA, Lori Treder, and ultimately to J’na’s entire life changing for the better. Before Lori, J’na explains that she never felt like she could truly trust any adult: “My mom would put things in my shampoo and conditioner to make my hair fall out. I didn’t feel safe and I was always on guard, because that was my own mother. It was hard to trust anyone else.”

When J’na was introduced to her CASA volunteer that wound was finally able to begin the process of healing. Describing their relationship, J’na says, “With Lori I got that one-on-one time and it really made me feel cared about, because it wasn’t her job. I felt comfortable telling her everything and talking with her. It all felt so natural and comfortable.”

More than 600 high traffic locations for pick-up throughout the Central Coast.

Reach all the SLOcals & beyond!

now online at www.slojournal.com

CE T T FAW A EL MICH CO | A Y D DANA NELSON HUAMR| SUZANNE LEEDALE | MASTER GARDENERS | FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA | RICSE RING MU 09 F L OO V E T S CH 20 MAR LINO AUGUST 2009 | G A RN T QU BA NS A IO N T A O NE R AG E T G C EE 09 T HR EO 20 IL TH OF THE CENTRAL COAST PR AMAGAZINE AT RT |A Y OA S T L C L MI A A R SF CENT OK F THE RO EB INE O

Journal S PLUS U l L a P n Jouarl PLUS n r u E Jo LIF ILD

J’na found solitude and safety in her relationship with Lori. Lori was the first person to take a genuine interest in J’na’s life, advocating for her success in every way she could, particularly for her education. Lori encour- N | TH AZ MAG I NK T RA aged J’na to consider attending college and T OA S R CU LC A R T the two worked together devising a strategy CEN THE OF to get her there. J’na eventually graduated E N A ZI from Fresno State with a degree in Nursing. MAG Concerning J’na’s success Lori says, “I am so proud of J’na. It makes me cry just thinking about what she has done with her life. The day she graduated as an RN was the proudest moment. I would not have missed it for the world, and could not have been more proud of her. It really was one of my greatest days.”

The sentiment is entirely mutual. Of Lori J’na says, “The day I met Lori was the best day of

AL SLO RNATION INTE FILM IVAL T AST FES O LC A R T CEN

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A NEW TRAIL IN OUR FUTURE AVILA TO MONTANA DE ORO

INSIDE

& Downtown OHome UTDOOR CENTRAL COAST

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The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

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For Advertising Information Call 546-0609

www.slojournal.com · 654 Osos Street · San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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COMMUNITY

A Retirement Facility Even though the prospect of moving may be in the distant future, you owe it to yourself to learn how you can enjoy carefree living in your own home for many years to come.

Hospice corner

You Don’t Have to Move Feel Safe and Secure Hospice Dietitians—end of life eating It’s a fact of life that as we get older, Pristine is fully

By day-to-day Nancy Sullivan, tasks R.D. become too some licensed and insured. much to handle on our own. That All of our workers doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully screened from the comfort of your home. and pass a criminal ospice Dietitians, who part of the hospice team, work • Personal Pristine Home Services is• aHousekeeping local background check are Care with patients and their families that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test,not giving youdiets, peace mind to develop but toof help them • Yard company • Handyman Maintenance understand the physical and emotional County residents avoid the high cost when someone from Pristine is working process that comes with End of Life Eating.

Servingof moving All oftoSan Luis Obispo County a retirement facility. in your home.As we age our body begins to make less

H

digestive enzymes and gastric acid. The

“She helps me withthatbathing andusother “wave” flows through as we eat and Enjoy Affordable Living personal care. She is so wonderful to me.

Home Services Specialist swallow begins a slowing down process

All of our services can be provided so that at the …and end of life, thisprice systemis that She should be cloned! the supported life is no longer needed and daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable.

She even did my win- shuts down. The person going through this process From housekeeping You to handyman services and plumbing to preparing meals.

There is no task too large or pay for only the services you need Luis Obispo dows!” R. Watson, does not San feel pain from hunger or thirst. too small for Pristineand Homewe Services.

All of ourthose services can be providedatdaily, weekly, or on an as-needed provide services a price Their body lets them know what it can or basis. You pay for only the services you need and we provide those services at a price you can“They afford. took the time to sometimes ask me exactly cannot digest, by changes in how you can afford. foodsThey taste. The person on naturally what I wanted. arrived time,begins did Pristine Home Services made it possible forwhattoIeat and drink less.

Certain diseases can exactly asked, and the price was Convenient One-call accelerate this process. A person may feel us to stayService comfortable and independent reasonable. Inausea would recommend Pristine or experience vomiting when around in our home.

When Mary was diagnosed Our personal care services include to a friend. ” C. Hall, food aroma,San or if Luis forced Obispo to eat. with cancer, is no longer a threat, the shopping, daily errands, mealwhich preparapeople at Pristine became a very important We oftenany hear these statements: “He’s not tion, transportation part andofnon-medical Before you make decisions that our team. They were trustworthy, eating enough.” “He chokes and coughs when care. Our housekeeping services keep future happiness reliable and always stood by ourcould side. Weaffectheyour eats.” “I’m having trouble figuring out our relationship their staff.

your kitchen and thetruly restenjoy of your home withand what he will eat, and I can’t him to drink standard of living, take thegettime Don and Mary Smith

-enough water.”

“We need help to spotless. We even do windows and to read these two FREE reports: get him to eat so he can get his strength back.” “He’s laundry. Our yard maintenance crews starving to death.”

I will patients and Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every “What senior needs totellknow know how to take care of your favorite families that there is a difference between: the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in a retirement facility. ” Offering, Encouraging, Nudging, Pushing, rose bushes and keep the grass neatly “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” and Shoving when it comes to food and mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical questions ask a but you mealtime.

You neverto stop offering, “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.” allow the.patient to be inyou charge provided by specialists in plumbing, service provider . . before letof what he or she chooses to eat or drink.

At the end of life, 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 in or near your home.” many times the only thing we have control safety rail installation. over is what we choose to eat or drink or not Call for rateS We invite you to call Pristine right eat or drink. Hospice Partners respects every now so thatpatient’s we can youwhat these rightsend to choose they want to do.

Even a patient with dementia can indicate if two FREE reports by mail. they want to eat or not. They will clamp their

We Bring Assisted Living Home You Whatever you need...give us atocall

mouth shut, take very little off a spoon, spit, (805) 543-HOME (4663) and hold food in their mouth. They are telling Call you whatToday they want or don’t want.

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

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Some patients want to eat but have problems swallowing. We work with the family and patient with guidelines to adjust the food and fluid textures so the patient can eat and drink without choking.

COMMUNITY

As Hospice Dietitians, our role is to: listen to patients and their families; develop individualized dietary guidelines; and explain the process of End of Life Eating. Dieticians work as Hospice team members to help meet the patient and family goals and lifestyle; by providing information on tube feedings, food texture changes, use of digestive enzymes and assessment of food, and medication interactions.

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Our most important interaction is to help the patient and family understand the emotions that surround food and eating. Working with the patient and family by offering individualized dietary guidelines that best meet the needs of the patient is our goal. Hospice Partners believes our Dietitians are an important part of the Hospice team. In order to become a Registered Dietitian, a person must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree, complete a one-year internship, and pass a Dietetic registration exam. To maintain this registration requires continuing education classes and exams.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored

by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.

Nancy Sullivan, R.D. is a Dietitian at Hospice Partners. For more information call (805) 782-8608.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HISTORY 101 ACROSS 1. Debra Messing’s NBC show 6. Distress call 9. Pack down 13. *Coat used by army starting in Korean War 14. It can be electric 15. Of the kidneys 16. E.T., e.g.

17. *Progressive or Victorian one 18. O. Henry’s specialty 19. *a.k.a. “Father of U.S. Constitution” 21. *Underground Railroad conductor 23. Presidential election mo.

24. Arizona city 25. Auction call 28. Poet ____ Angelou 30. *George W. Bush is the ______ son of George H.W. Bush 35. Keats’ works, e.g.

37. Magnifying glass

39. Eastwood’s _____ Harry 40. Hippocrates’ promise 41. Monument to Buddha 43. Steam engine fuel 44. Of them 46. Prayer leader in mosque 47. Upper hand 48. “The Green ______” 50. Any thing 52. Ever, to a poet 53. Chapter 11 issue 55. Cranberry habitat 57. *Site of first shot of Civil War 60. New Hebrides 64. Something unusual, perhaps worthy of collecting 65. Exclamation of surprise 67. Back of mandible 68. Comprehend 69. Waste of time, in text lingo 70. Sheep-like 71. Not working 72. Clinton ___ Rodham 73. Dog-_____ book

DOWN 1. Unsubscriber’s focus 2. ____ fide, in bad faith 3. Desert-like 4. Coil of yarn 5. Type of horse-drawn carriage 6. Espied 7. “___ the fields we go” 8. List of candidates 9. *FDR was only president elected to more than two 10. Dwarf buffalo 11. *Father of American Education, Horace ____ 12. Layer 15. Like risquÈ entertainment 20. Stretched circles 22. “It’s no ___!”

24. Free from slavery 25. *Lincoln’s assassin 26. *Known for potatoes, it achieved statehood in 1890 27. Block 29. Supposed giant Himalayan M A Y

31. Vegas cube 32. Wear away 33. “All the world’s a _____” 34. *Tippecanoe’s running mate 36. Leg bone 38. Quarrel or argument 42. Single-cell protozoan 45. Grass valued for hay for cattle 49. Driver’s aid 51. *Non-interference doctrine creator, 1823 54. *1954 Board of Education opponent 56. Tropical fruit 57. Voiceless consonant 58. Europe/Asia mountain divide 59. ____ en scene 60. *15th Amendment subject

61. Gulf V.I.P. 62. Ditty 63. CPO in auto industry 64. Computer-generated imagery, acr.

66. Garden cultivator

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palm street perspective dear friends and neighbors

By SLO City Mayor, Jan Marx

C

ampaign signs are popping up like spring flowers on lawns all over town, sure signs it must be election time.

For the fourth year in a row, San Luis Obispo residents will have a chance to decide our city’s future by ballot. This time around, you will be asked who should serve out the remaining term of a City Council member who stepped down. Ballots will appear in your mailbox shortly after May 20 and must be received by mail or in person at City Hall no later than 5pm June 18, 2013. The results should be announced no later than July 16.

So, how to decide who would do the best job? I recommend considering the candidate’s character, track record, available time and time management skills, as well as ability to deal with the difficult planning and budgetary challenges the City will face in the next two years. I believe that the City needs a Council Member with integrity, maturity, excellent judgment, high energy, intelligence, a strong work ethic and respect for the rights of others. Council needs a fair-minded person who makes ethical, reasoned personal and professional decisions,

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is emotionally well balanced, volunteers within the community, and has a positive vision for the future of the City.

In my opinion, Council also needs someone with a proven track record of service to the City, especially on Advisory Boards like the Planning Commission. During the next two years, the City is completing a focused update of the Land Use and Circulation Element. This means that whomever you elect will have a vote, perhaps the deciding vote, on the document which will guide the next 20 years of San Luis Obispo’s development. Will the candidate vote to uphold our Community Vision with its careful balance of environmental, economic and social interests, which has been key to maintaining our amazing quality of life? Will the candidate keep building our greenbelt, or vote for San Luis Obispo to sprawl out like so many cities to the south?

The City will also face multiple financial issues in the next two years.

The economy is recovering, but still somewhat fragile and hard to predict. In my opinion, we need a fifth Council Member with budget, cost containment and personnel experience, who will work hard to keep the City on the path to financial sustainability. You may want to ask how a candidate would respond to pressure to have the City take unprecedented financial risks or go deeply into debt so as to favor specific developers or accommodate rapid growth.

As you consider the candidates, I hope you will ask them the hard questions. I hope too that you will keep in mind that hard-to-define, but fundamental, quality called “good character.” Who do I believe is the best person for the job? I will not state that here. But, if you would like to talk about it, or any other community issue, please do not hesitate to contact me, at 541-2716, or jan@janmarx.com.

Wishing you and yours all the best, Mayor Jan

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

May 2013

W hat ’s U p Downtown B usiness Spo tlights

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Then, on top of that, we raise other income to provide additional services such as our private security, Downtown Foresters, public art and decoration, etc. So you may have seen evidence of our programs but since we are really more of a “behind the scenes getting things done” type of organization, the awareness level tends to reflect that.

eading toward summer, MAY I take this opportunity to kick back a little from my usual column and use the space to illustrate, through photos, what/who we are and what we do? That theme seems to be common in feedback from our Strategic Plan discussions: “People aren’t familiar with your programs,” or “Just what IS the Downtown Association, anyway?”

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D o w n t o w n

Deborah Cash, CMSM,

any people know us for one reason or Executive Director another such as Concerts or our Thursday Night market or, recently, from publicity around us requesting dedicated police presence in Downtown to deal with problem behaviors such as aggressive panhandling, violence, drug/alcohol infractions, etc.

H

erewith, a snapshot collage of Who We Are and What We Do:

“W

hat we are” is a Business Improvement District (BID), which essentially means there’s an invisible line around a geographic area of the city within which all business are assessed a fee to pay for our services. “Who we are” is a non-profit business league with a Board of Directors, six committees and about 650 members. The mission of the organization is to ensure the funds generated by our members are used to create/ maintain an economically vibrant business environment.

Barbecue Bunnies

Evan Aldape, Private Security

On the Cover: Little tykes love high fives & hugs from mascot Downtown Brown. Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate Brown's Birthday on May 28 — lots of fun & games, treats & Brown's mascot friends too! Photo by Deborah Cash

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Clockwise from top left: "World Famous" Thursday Market, Concerts Crowds, The REAL Santa, Promotions Committee, Honoring Veterans, Foresters Workday, Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting Sponsors. Photos by Deborah Cash

INTEGRITY. DEDICATION. EXPERIENCE. “Our city is at an important crossroads on a variety of issues crucial to its character.

Our path forward for a vibrant and safe downtown, for prudent management of the budget, and for growth and protection of our environment requires measured, balanced leadership. I know I can provide that leadership, and I want to be of service to this city that I love.”

-John Spatafore

Find out more at JohnSpatafore.com Paid for by Committee to Elect John Spatafore to City Council. ID# (Pending)

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D o w n t o w n

B u s i n e s s

S p o t l i g h t s

Diversified Project Services International, Inc.

Robert Chambers, President, Jeff Zambo, Senior Vice President 569 Higuera Street, Suite A San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-250-2891 www.dpsiinc.com

D

iversified Project Services International, Inc. (DPSI) is a leader in engineering, surveying, planning, permitting, inspection, energy management and construction management.

With over 90 full-time professionals in three offices, they serve public agencies, clients in the energy industry, as well as wineries, agriculture, residential and commercial land development.

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PSI is located in Downtown San Luis Obispo adjacent to Mission Community Bank. They are in the process of expanding to additional office space just a few doors down at 545 Higuera Street. The thing that sets DPSI apart from others in their industry is the selection of their team and the technology they use. They carefully select a team of professionals to offer clients the very best skills in the industry. They use only the latest technology efficiently optimizing costs for clients.

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PSI is committed to providing customers with responsive, cost-effective solutions by experienced quality-minded professionals.

Pictured: Robert Chambers (left), President Jeff Zambo, Senior Vice President

They recognize the need for aggressive and proactive cost and schedule management, quality control, regulatory compliance, safety, logistics, and contractor management to successfully complete demanding projects.

D

PSI is excited to be a part of this great community. Their principals include Central Coast natives and their staff includes graduates of Cal Poly’s Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, and Business Departments. The selection of San Luis Obispo for the third DPSI location was a natural choice as Robert Chambers and Jeff Zambo were both born and raised on the Central Coast and say, “We look forward to providing employment opportunities and continuing our involvement with the community.”

Ignite Payments, Cal Coast Office Richard Holton, Owner/Agent, John Hajewski, Business Development 948 Santa Rosa Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-544-0862 www.ignitepaymentscalcoast.com

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gnite Payments, Cal Coast Office has been serving businesses for over 15 years as a merchant credit card services agent office. We are mostly family run (though everyone feels like family), and some of us have been residents here on the Central Coast for over 20 years. We recently had the opportunity to revamp our brand name, plug in some revolutionary rates and services, and move our office into the Downtown Association area, and we jumped at the chance.

We look forward to offering SLO county merchants our unique services. We focus on providing not

just processing services, but also consulting and advertising for locally owned businesses. We provide terminals, installation, support, paper, Mobile Pay (smartphone acceptance), Internet/ ECommerce connectivity, POS systems and more.

I

gnite Payments, Cal Coast Office stands out from the competition because we provide transparent, wholesale-based pricing, transaction based ads (revolutionary), ShopKeep POS (Elegant and cost-effective IPad based POS system. WiFi, Full inventory features, CRM, loyalty, and more) and Card-Linked Loyalty Programs (Automatically exclusively through their First Data platform).

Spring Thursday Night Farmers’ Market i nto a c ti o n thi s m onth in Dow ntow n SLO at

every Thursday 6 - 9 pm on Higuera Street between Osos & Nipomo for details call (805) 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com

Mothers’ Day Flower Giveaway

May 9th

Law Enforcement Night

Sponsored by:

May 16th Visit law enforcement agencies from throughout the Central Coast Event streets throughout Farmers’ Market

A special flower given to mothers during Farmers’ Market!

Corner of Chorro & Higuera

Public Works Night

Downtown Brown’s “Super Hero”

Birthday Party

May 23rd

“Because of Public Works...”

Come Downtown to Farmers’ Market to meet the men & women who help keep your city running! Chorro Street.

Super Brown

May 30th

Fly on down to celebrate with Downtown Brown and all his pals!

Chorro Street

Sponsored by:

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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4th annual wine, wave and beyond surf classic

The 4th Annual Wine Waves & Beyond Central Coast Longboard Surf Classic will be held in Pismo Beach from May 30 through June 2. Once again, this classic California event will evoke the vivid and timeless culture of surfing, and the enchanting world of wine and handcrafted locally brewed beers. Proceeds from Wine Waves & Beyond are donated to the Association of Amputee Surfers (Amp Surf ) an organization that strives to promote, inspire, educate, and rehabilitate those with disabilities, especially veterans, through adaptive surfing and other fun and safe outdoor activities. Over the past three years, Wine Waves & Beyond has raised over $45,000 for Amp Surf. Surf Movie Night at the Fremont Theatre, SLO Thursday, May 30, 6:30 p.m. • $10. Barrel-to-Barrel at The Cliffs Resort, Pismo Beach, Friday, May 31, 5:00-8:00 p.m. • $45. Winemakers’ Dinner at The Cliffs Resort, Pismo Beach, Saturday, June 1 6:30pm • $75. Surf Contest on the Pismo Pier, Sunday, June 2, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Volkswagen Display, Sunday from 11-5 p.m. “805 Classic,” BBQ, & Live Music on the Beach in front of SeaVenture, Sunday – 12-5 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.winewavesandbeyond.com.

annual slosteps 5K walk

Join us for a fun, family-friendly, healthy event! SLOsteps is a community 5k walk to benefit Congregation Beth David and CAPSLO Homeless Services. This year the event will be held on Sunday May 19th from 11 am - 2 pm. All participants will be provided with lunch and an event t-shirt. The walk will begin at Laguna Lake Park promptly at 11 am. The fee to participate is $36 for ages 18 and older, $18 for ages 6 - 18; and children 5 and under are free.

hearst cancer center to host kids support group

French Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Hearst Cancer Resource Center has teamed up with Jack’s Helping Hand and Coastal Integrative Cancer Care to provide a special support group offering for children and teenagers who have a loved one battling cancer.

The support group is designed to allow children and teens to

freely express their needs, fears and concerns when a loved one is going through cancer treatment or finishing treatment. A licensed marriage and family therapist facilitates the support group which meets the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at FHMC’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center, 1941 Johnson Avenue, Suite 201A, San Luis Obispo. The program is offered to children between the ages of seven and 18. Play Therapy will be offered for children less than 10 years of age, while structured support will be provided for older children and teen participants. To make a reservation for a child or teenager to attend this new support group, please call FHMC’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234.

central coast wine classic grants announced

The Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation is pleased to announce the grantees for funds from the 2013 Twenty-Ninth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic, to be held from July 11th through 14th, in Avila Beach, Shell Beach and San Simeon on the Central Coast. From net proceeds from the Wine Classic, specific projects are funded for 501(c)3 nonprofit corporations in SLO and Santa Barbara counties whose missions are in the Healing, Performing or Studio Arts. Over the past nine years the event has conferred grants $2,101,055! to 103 such nonprofits. Grants for 2013 will be conferred in early October.

The Wine Classic Foundation Board has chosen the following beneficiaries: Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara; Heaven Can Wait Equine Sanctuary in San Miguel; Los Osos Middle School PTSA Music Supporters; Meathead Movers Wrestling Club; SLO Child Abuse Prevention Council; Sansum Clinic Cancer Center in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Botanical Garden; Symphony of the Vines from Atascadero; Women’s Shelter Program of SLO County and Woods Humane Society. The Annual Fund-A-Need Auction Lot Proceeds will benefit the MUST! Charities in Templeton. Over the Twenty-Nine Year History of the Central Coast Wine Classic, it has been recognized by its sponsor Wine Spectator as one of the “Top Ten” charity wine auctions in America. The full Schedule of Activities may be seen by visiting the Wine Classic website, www. centralcoastwineclassic.org.

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

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

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO YOUR CENTRAL COAST MORTGAGE CONSULTANT

Donna Lewis, Principal (805) 783-4000 donna@ccmortgageconsultants.com NMLS #245945

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Homeowners Specialist

Insuring what you value most

SHAWN MINTON SHAWN MINTON Multiple Line LineBroker Broker•·Lic# Lic#OF43815 OF43815 Multiple

1042 Pacific Street, Suite E

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 office 805.546.8113 office 805.546.8113

www.minton-insurance.com www.minton-insurance.com AU TO • HOME LIFE ••COmmErCiAL HEALTH Au tO • HOmE • LifE ••HEALtH

27th annual california festival of beers

For the 27th consecutive year, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County presents the California Festival of Beers at Madonna Meadows.

During Memorial Day weekend, guests can taste over 200 beers from more than six dozen breweries from around the world. A special “Arts and Drafts” Connoisseur Tasting event on Friday, May 24th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will precede the Grand Tasting event on Saturday May 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. As one of the largest and oldest regional beer festivals in California, the participation grows each year as a major fundraiser for Hospice SLO, a nonprofit organization serving the local community. Tickets and more information are available at www.californiafestivalofbeers.com.

Information about Hospice of San Luis Obispo County can be found at www.hospiceslo.org.

slo concours event seeks volunteers

Get a back stage pass and a front seat spot in this year’s San Luis Obispo Concours event by volunteering at one of five events between June 7-9, 2013. The annual event is a benefit for Hospice SLO and relies on volunteers to make the event fun and successful. Volunteers will be assisting with VIP events, preparing the Concours green for showcase vehicles and serving as guest and vendor liaisons. All ages and abilities are welcome and volunteers will receive complimentary access to the event in which they serve. Read more about San Luis Obispo Concours at www.sanluisobispoconcours.com or Hospice SLO at www.hospiceslo.org. Sign up to volunteer by contacting Kara Barbieri at karabarbieri@hospiceslo.org.

francesca nemko’s latest book

Transitions: My First 75 Years...and the Story Continues, the third book from Francesca Nemko, of poetic observations, mostly about my life, with some detours here and there. Available from the author, 805-786-4325, francescanemkojazzpoet@ sbcglobal.net. Cost $15, which includes tax and postage if applicable.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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Art in the park at Dinosaur caves

The 10th annual Art in the Park @ Dinosaur Caves, Shell Beach, is an outdoor arts & crafts festival featuring over 100+ vendors.

Browse artisans from across California featuring: glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, paintings, garden art, home décor, photography, natural beauty products, and so much more. The event is held on the 1st Sunday of each month (May-November) from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be live music, massage, plants & flowers, kids Frank activities, art demos, bounce house, gourmet food section, bbq, coffee and pastries. For more information contact: Shannon Len (805)7048128 or go to www.artintheparkshellbeach.com.

12th annual parkfield bluegrass festival

On May 9-12th, in the picturesque Monterey County hamlet of Parkfield, CA, the Bluegrass Music Society of the Central Coast (BMSCC) proudly presents the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival. Parkfield, known as the “Earthquake Capital of the World,” springs to life every Mother’s Day Weekend with the best little bluegrass festival anywhere.

Bluegrass music fans take over this small country village once a year for four days of concerts, workshops, children’s activities, camping and round the clock music jams! Attendees are welcome to come for the weekend with their RV’s or tents. One day admissions are also available and the Festival offers a great day trip outing from Paso Robles or SLO. For advance tickets and other details, please refer to the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival’s website at www.parkfieldbluegrass. com Tickets are also available over the phone at 800-838-3006. Check out the Festival on Facebook as well. For BMSCC information see www.bmscc.org or call (805) 725-3060. We’ll see you at Parkfield!

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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TWO YOUNG PIANISTS TO POLAND

As part of the Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles’ Cultural Exchange to Poland, two young Central Coast pianists will travel there in June to participate in workshops, master classes, chamber music, and concerts at Paderewski’s historic manor house in Kąśna Dolna. For eight days they will join two students each from the Music School in Tarnów and two from the city of Khmilnyk in the Ukraine. Other concerts in the Małopolska region, including in the royal city of Kraków are also planned. Daniel Ha (13), a resident of Arroyo Grande, (pictured lower left) is a veteran of the Paderewski Youth Piano Competition in Paso Robles. Jack Raventos (13), a resident of Orcutt, is an accomplished musician who plays both piano and violin. At age 12 he has already won multiple awards and accolades, including First Place in the Paso Robles Paderewski Youth Piano Competition, Junior Division in 2012. Jack has also been featured as a youth performer in both violin and piano for the Santa Maria Philharmonic Youth Showcase. He is a past Regional winner of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers Honors State Competition 2011 and regional winner of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers Bartok & Contemporary Music Festival in 2012.

5th annual flavor of slo fundraiser

For the fifth year running, a team of Cal Poly students is pairing up with local nonprofit United Way of SLO County to present Flavor of SLO, a promotional fundraising event featuring tastings from local restaurants, wineries and breweries. The event will take place on Sunday, May 5, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Jack House and Gardens in SLO. Flavor of SLO will feature live music, a raffle and a silent auction. Tickets are $45 for General Admission and $30 for students. Tickets are available at www.flavorofslo.com or the day of the event for $55 for General Admission and $40 for students.

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Alan “Himself” M A Y

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Foundation for the pac fundraiser

The Foundation for the PAC grossed nearly $50,000 from its successful benefit held recently. The two-part event included a luncheon honoring Jim Jamieson, Founding Executive Director of the Foundation, and the Foundation’s partners the City of SLO and Cal Poly. Mayor Marx represented the City, and President Armstrong represented Cal Poly. The luncheon was followed by the West-coast debut concert of New York’s electrifying, conductor-less Salomé Chamber Ensemble. Photo left to right: Sandy Dunn (event chair), John Dunn, Mayor Jan Marx, Perry Jamieson, Jim Jamieson, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, and Sharon Armstrong

slo physician earns cuesta track award

The SLO physician who coached local running phenom Jordan Hasay as a teen and helped many other Cuesta College runners reach their potential received Cuesta College’s track and field second annual Community Support Award. Dr. Armando Siqueiros received the honor from Brian Locher, Cuesta College track and cross country coach, at the SLO Town Track Classic, held earlier this year. The award recognizes individuals who have had a profound impact on the local running community. Siqueiros joins another local running legend Joe Rubio, who received the inaugural Community Support Award in 2012.

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THE BULLETIN BOARD national train day—May 11th

Several fun family activities have been planned for the Central Coast on National Train Day on May 11th. The Central Coast Railroad Festival is promoting three Family Rail Excursions which will start in Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is hosting a preview event at its historic Freight House which is located just south of the SLO Amtrak Station. Railroad exhibits and live music are also being planned at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station. National Train Day is sponsored nationally by Amtrak.

Local railroad organizations sponsor NTD events in their respective cities. The Central Coast Railroad Festival celebrates rail’s history, future and fun throughout San Luis Obispo County. The 5th Annual Festival will take place October 10-14, 2013. The Festival also sponsors Wine Rail Excursions and special Santa Barbara Excursions monthly as well as concerts and other activities year round. Further information on the Festival, including photos and schedules from past years, and an email notification sign up, can be found at www.ccrrf.com or by calling the Festival office at 805-773-4173. Further information on the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum can be found at: www.slorrm.com/

“Bowl for Kids’ sake” fundraiser

Medical Web Marketing firm, Etna Interactive, presented Big Brothers Big Sisters with $4,100 in employee-raised funds for the annual “Bowl For Kids’ Sake” event held recently. Each year, Etna Interactive employees participate in various events, raising funds and awareness for community organizations. One of Etna’s teams, The Alley Cats, broke the all-time record for most money raised with a total of $3,400!

Free senior health care screening

Community Action Partnership, Adult Wellness & Prevention Screening for adults and seniors is available throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and blood sugar. Counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 544-2484 ext. 1 for dates, times and locations.

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cuesta college celebrates 50th with 5K race

Cuesta College is planning a 5K race on May 11 to celebrate the school’s golden anniversary with activities for all ages. “We’re excited about the race because it’s an opportunity for us to be part of the 50-year celebration and have a day to showcase physical education and kinesiology,” said Jani Johnson, race director and Cuesta’s kinesiology, health sciences and athletics division chair.

The run will benefit Cuesta College’s kinesiology and recreation departments and its children’s center and is sponsored by the Cuesta College Employee Wellness Committee and Cuesta College Children’s Center. A group of Angela Neary’s recreation administration students will plan, organize and implement the race as part of a REC 204 class project. Cherie Moore’s nutrition class is also involved. The 5K is open to runners 10 and older and the $30 fee includes a T-shirt. Register at active.com by May 8. Race day registration will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. for $40 followed by the race at 8:30 a.m. The flat fast race course will begin at the Cuesta Track on the San Luis Obispo campus and continue through the old campus and back down Hollister Road. A Cougar Kids Fun Run and Diaper Dash for various age groups will start at 9:15 a.m. The $5 entrance fee will go toward the Cuesta College Children’s Center.

Register at active.com until May 8 or pay $10 at the race. Tickets for a drawing and children’s T-shirts will be sold separately. All children who enter the Kids Fun Run will receive a ticket towards drawing prizes. A free play Kids Zone will be available during the 5K race, prior to the Cougar Kids Fun Run and supervised by qualified Cuesta College Children’s Center staff and Early Childhood Education students. Other activities include a tribute to the late Dr. Grace Mitchell, the college’s third president, a major supporter of Cuesta’s employee wellness program. Call Jani Johnson at 546-3100, ext 2715 for more information.

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COMMUNITY

eye on Business

my dad, the business teacher

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

I

was mulling over a topic for this month’s column and thought about several: uptick in new home starts.

Employee motivation in a new economy. The changing face of retail in San Luis Obispo.

I think I’ll save those for future pieces and opt instead to write about my Dad, Jim Henderson, and how his life of quiet example taught me an awful lot about the principles of good business.

I’ve written about Dad previously, sharing stories of his WWII service and the friendships that took hold during that life changing event. Seventy years later and he’s still in touch with some of his buddies. We celebrated Dad’s 90th birthday recently and preparing his party photo video got me thinking a lot about him. Devoted family guy, tireless volunteer, patriot, friend … and one powerful business mentor.

My Dad worked in the lumber industry. He started out in sales—an on-the-road salesman with a big territory in Northern California.

He retired 40 years later as a lumber company exec. As a child, I didn’t really know much about what he did, but I knew he left very early every morning to go to an office and he returned home every night after 6. I knew he loved trees (he promoted forest protection long before sustainability was a common word). Our family summer vacations to Seattle always included stops at lumber mills along the coast. I still love the smell of sawdust and I get nostalgic when I see logging trucks.

it-is, you-do-the-right-thing kind of integrity.

He is a man of principle and those principles are not for sale; not for money or prestige or power or approval.

Being a “hard worker” was a sought-after compliment as we were growing up. We heard it said about others and we wanted it said about us. My Dad and Mom both put tremendous importance on working hard, working honorably and working beyond what was expected.

Teamwork. We didn’t take team building classes. We grew up surrounded by living examples that nobody accomplishes things alone. We learned how important it is to share the glory—and the pain.

Fairness. No playing favorites or cutting corners. Easy to say but tough to do.

Respect. My Dad recognized the contribution of every employee and acknowledged them all. He didn’t always agree with coworkers, subordinates or superiors, but he always accommodated differing opinions in a respectful way. Nice guy, yes, but demanding, too.

When I think about my Dad and the true grit for which I’m most grateful, it’s his absolute and unwavering resilience. So many ups and

I suppose what Dad did doesn’t matter as much as how he did it—that’s where the education comes in. He taught each of his five kids about the core values that shaped his approach to business. They’re ideas that can get blurred in today’s moving-too-fast business world, even here on the Central Coast. When I look back on the life of a man who continues to have a positive and powerful influence on people around him, I think there’s some life lessons worth sharing. They boil down to few words but huge ideas. Here we go.

Dad is rooted in integrity. I mean the immovable, unflappable, doesn’t-matter-how-hardM A Y

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Jim Henderson taking a surprise birthday phone call from a WWII buddy

downs in 90 years of living. Wins and losses; joy and crushing pain; darkness and light.

Through it all he’s stood up again and again and again, because the most important bone in Dad’s body is the one that says simply, “You just don’t give up.” He never has. He has weathered all kinds of fierce storms and yet I can’t recall him ever feeling sorry for himself. What I do recall is having fun; lots of laughing, lots of support and much spoken gratitude for the blessings in his life.

And I think that’s the best lesson of all. As we somewhat wearily make our way and embrace new business realities, it’s important to keep the simple things in mind. While smarts count and shrewd business calls for decisiveness and vision and risk taking, it also requires a firm dose of compassion and decency. You just don’t win at all costs. My Dad believes that success without honor is abject failure. Thanks, Dad. And happy birthday.

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