June 2012 Journal Plus

TONY PIAZZA | BET TINA SWIGGER | JOHN NICHOLSON | PK BAND

Journal PLUS JUNE 2012

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

BOTANICAL GARDENS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

MIKE BUSH

Twila Arritt

Broker-Associate

Serving the entire SLO County since 1978

805-543-2172 www.farrellsmyth.com

www.NipomoGreenRealEstate.com

Cindy Newton

Pamela Bliss

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

Quality ranch style 3+ bed, 2 bath home situated on 1 acre in Nipomo. Serene Country setting. Fully equipped 15 x 35 greenhouse. Bonus room could be a great office, den or guest room. Large kitchen, vaulted ceilings and skylights throughout house. For more info call our AG branch 904-6616. $585,000 Country Living at its Finest!

Superb Property! A definite must see! Main home approx. 1105sqft, 2Bed/2Ba home with an approx.

540sqft 1Bed/1Ba detached unit in back. Both have been well cared for. Located on a cul-de-sac in a convenient neighborhood, walking distance to Splash Cafe. $524,900

REALTOR®

Great Paso Robles 4Bedroom, 2.5 Bath plus den/ office, located at end of road. 500sqft covered patio with amazing hillside views. Enjoy wide open spaces on this 1 acre parcel includes 2 car garage and large tool shed. $359,000

Sunny, energy efficient, quiet upstairs flat. Gorgeous views of Bishop’s Peak from the SW deck. Close to Cal Poly, shopping, & hiking. Open, airy floor plan with attached one car garage. All units must be owner occupied. $278,000

www.3290Rockview1.com

www.CedarCreekCondo.com

REALTOR®

Kelly Hannula REALTOR®

Janet Shaner REALTOR®

Larry D. Smyth

Jennifer Hamilton

Owner/Broker

Relocation Director

Stephanie Hamilton

REALTOR®

Mary Rosenthal

REALTOR®

Vicky Hall

Laura Rizzoli

Fantastic SLO Location!

Patricia Garrison

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

www.667Howard.com

Broker-Associate

Theresa Carroll

Annette Mullen

Ridge Point Unit. Kitchen and Living room on top level. Bedrooms and Laundry on Lower Level.

Private decks on each level. Upper level end unit. $259,000

Prime Upstairs 2 bedroom, 2 bath Unit with Vaulted Ceiling, Skylights and Views. Carport and Space. Pool, Nearly across the street from Cal Poly. $240,000

Conveniently located in the heart of SLO & the Village of Arroyo Grande 21 Santa Rosa Street, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 102 E. Branch Street, Suites C & D, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Chris Stanley REALTOR®

Christine Williams REALTOR®

CONTENTS

30 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

INPUT NEEDED ON SLO CITY SIGNS

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

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

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

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TONY PIAZZA

BETTINA SWIGGER

ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Dave Congalton, Will Jones, Dr. Michael Clayton, Bob Huttle, Muara Johnston, Kathy Smith, Gordon Fuglie, and Phyllis Benson Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

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

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

PEOPLE 10 12 14 16

TONY PIAZZA BETTINA SWIGGER/FESTIVAL MOSAIC CAPTAIN JOHN NICHOLSON PK BAND

HOME & OUTDOOR 18 20 22 24 26 28

MIKE BUSH/BOTANICAL GARDENS HEALTH: DR. MICHAEL CLAYTON HUTTLE UP “Hey, Teach” FOOD / AT THE MARKET SLO ART SCENE

COMMUNITY 30 31 32 34 36 46

SLO CITY SIGNS OUR SCHOOLS – Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: Chauncey Hatch Phillips - part 3 HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE PALM STREET – SLO Councilwoman Smith ALMANAC – The Month of June

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 42 THE BULLETIN BOARD 45 EYE ON BUSINESS

SLO MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBIT

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A proud tradition of serving our community for over 26 years

SAN LUIS OBISPO – This fabulously unique San Luis Obispo property features 3 separate buildings: a 3 bedroom, 2 bath main house with vaulted ceilings and large wood-burning fireplace, a separate 1 bedroom guest house with loft/bonus room and all modern finishes, and an additional studio/office building. This nearly 1/4 acre parcel is one of two residences in a flag lot mini-development in one of San Luis Obispo’s most desirable neighborhoods. $799,000 #2986

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Enjoy the SLO Life from this

Feels Like Country Living

Location is everything and this 3400 sf single level home has it all including privacy on 2.5 acres.

Just a couple minutes to downtown SLO but feels like country living. The gourmet kitchen has everything for the cook and the large breakfast area is perfect for the family, but the large dining room will accommodate many more. The back and front yards are fully irrigated and landscaped with Asian, Western, and Mediterranean gardens as well as multiple fruit trees. Great 3 car garage for the toys. The adjacent 3.7 acre parcel is also available. Property is served by a mutual water company. $1,225,000 #2993

GROVER BEACH – Property is moderate income affordability, maximum income for one is 62,500 for two is 71,450. Newly built property with unique design. One bedroom with office, great views from the 360-degree view-roof terrace, granite counters, wood floors, very low HOA fees. $298,690 #2995

wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1734 sq. ft. home that borders City Open Space. Steps away from hillside hiking trails & Meadow Park. Recently updated, this home features solid plank Black Walnut floors, tiled kitchen & bathroom floors, new exterior paint, beautiful front patio area with pavers and outdoor lighting, and large fenced low maintenance backyard & spa. This is one of those move in ready properties... $579,000 # 2998

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Fantastic opportunity to

purchase 2 homes on this R 2 lot! Front home is 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, dual paned windows light and bright kitchen and nice backyard. Back home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. $589,500 #2949

Complete Ground-Up Remodel PASO ROBLES – River View Short Sale! Approx 2,400 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, gourmet kitchen with granite, stainless appliances (there is no oven) and custom cabinets. Wood and carpet flooring help make the home feel warm and inviting. Large front and rear covered patios with ceiling fans and lighting. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and lovely bathroom....When you are here, take in the views and quiet surroundings. $359,000 #2963

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features all new roof, siding, flooring, interior and exterior doors and windows. Nothing left unturned including all new insulation, wiring and plumbing to the street. New modern kitchen and bathrooms, complete with high efficiency appliances, high quality soft close cabinets and concrete countertops. Typical of a Project Restoration home, outdoor living is a primary focus, with an outdoor dining room and fireplace lounge area.

With all new landscape by Fortini Fine Garden Design, this home has a style and quality rarely, if ever, seen in this value range. Not to be missed. $648,000 #2999

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Edna Valley land,

approximately 8 acres that have approved lot line adjustment resulting in 4 lots. Good ag well will service the entire property. This is a rare development opportunity for the area and offers outstanding potential to build 1 home or 4, suitable for vines, olive orchard, etc.

Included are 2 older homes that are currently being leased month to month. First time on the market. $1,400,000 #2991

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

I

am proud to be a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) High School Memorial Scholarship Committee. This year ten $1100 scholarships and one $1300 scholarship were awarded.

The funds generated come from an annual Chicken BBQ in San Luis Obispo each Super Bowl Sunday.

The students fill out an application for the potential scholarship and committee members interview the finalists. It’s amazing what these students have accomplished at such an early age. There is no doubt that the future of this community will be passed on to good hands.

At the MLK award ceremony last month, Jim Vegher received the Community Service Award for more than 20 years of counseling at SLOHS (pictured top left with MLK President, Mary Matakovich).

Farm Supply’s, Jim Brabeck (pictured center) received the Community Service Award for his continued support of the program.

Pat Crawford (bottom left with Matakovich and Boardmember, Cathy Ahearn) also received a special award for his volunteer work above and beyond the call of duty. Pictured below are ten of the eleven Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship winners.

Just a couple minutes to downtown SLO. 3400 sf single level home, 4 bedrooms 3 baths, sitting on a very private 2.5 acres. Great floor plan for entertaining. The back and front yards are fully irrigated and landscaped with Asian, Western, and Mediterranean gardens as well as multiple fruit trees. Great 3 car garage for the toys. Plenty of room for horses.

The adjacent 3.7 acre parcel is also available. Asking $1,225,000. www.3555Sequoia.com

It’s like living in a really nice tree-house. An architecturally pleasing home in Monterey Heights. Great location close to both downtown San Luis and Cal Poly University. Three bedrooms with three baths. Recently updated with bamboo flooring, carpet & paint. Great decks for entertaining with plenty of sunshine. Views of San Luis Mountain. Asking $585,000. www.350SanMiguel.com

Just Listed! Early California Spanish Revival. Three bedrooms 2 baths within five blocks of downtown SLO. Featuring original hardwood floors, new appliances, new windows, and plenty of charm. Property has a huge backyard and also a permitted studio apartment that gets great rent. Asking $675,000. www.1814NipomoSt.com

Johnny Hough Owner / Broker

(805) 801-5063

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

There’s plenty of good reading again this month, including Dave Congalton’s profile on Tony Piazza. Also featured are Festival Mozaic’s Executive Director, Bettina Swigger; and SLO Botanical Gardens Executive Director, Mike Bush—our cover story this month. Enjoy the magazine!

Steve Owens

We’ve gone green.

Now view our printed calendar of events entirely online.

Visit our website today and find your way to the best seats in the house.

W W W . P A C S L O . O R G

UPCOM ING E V EN TS Thursday, May 31, 8 pm Saturday, June 2, 2 & 8 pm InsideOut

Sunday, June 3, 7 pm Martin Short

Saturday, July 7, 8:30 pm Leslie Jordan

Cal Poly Arts

GALA

Wednesday, June 6, 7 pm Arun Gandhi

Thursday, August 9, 8 pm Joe Goode Performance Group

Variable Velocity

Friday, June 1, 8 pm CP Arab Music Ensemble Spring Concert

Cal Poly Music Dept.

Unity of San Luis Obispo

Saturday, June 2, 8 pm CP Wind Bands Spring Concert Winds of Change

Sunday, June 10, 2 & 6 pm DPAC’s Tribute to MJ

Cal Poly Music Dept.

Sunday, June 3, 6 pm Infusion

The Academy of Dance and San Luis Jazz Dancers

Phone | 805.756.2787 Fax | 805.756.6088

WWW.PACSLO.ORG

DPAC

Sunday, June 24, 3 pm Dance Obispo Student Showcase

Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo

Jumpbrush

Saturday, August 11, 6 pm Jumpbrush - Final Performance Jumpbrush

Hospice “Pardners” Hoedown Saturday • August 4, 2012 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Barbecue

Live Western Band

Dancing

No Host Beer & Wine

Door Prizes

with

$85

Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band

per person

At the Dairy Barn on Hearst Ranch

$65.00 per ticket

at the Hearst Ranch Attendance limited to 200 guests – Ticket purchase required prior to event

hosted

by Hospice of the Central Barbeque Western Partners Band ■ Dancing Door Prizes ■ Live ■ Bar ■ Coast Proceeds benefit hospice patients and their families Attendance limited to 350 guests Proceeds benefit patients of Hospice Partners of the Hosted by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast & their families Central Coast

Call 805-782-8608 for Event Tickets SPONSORS

Call for Event Tickets

805-782-8608

Hearst Corp. purchase required Nipomo Rotaryprior Albertsons F. McLintocks Ticket All Seasons Flowers BABE Farms D’zyne Ink Harvey’s Honeyhuts to event ext.Electric 708 Mission Country Disposal New Times Knecht’s Plumbing & Heating Rob Olsen Rancho Grande Motors Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Robert Cruttenden, CPA Rites of Passage Partners of the Central Coast is a non-profit 501(C)3 state licensed, Medicare and Medi-Cal certified Hospice Agency and is SLOHospice Journal Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab R.H. Porter Co. Peterson Beem General Contractor affiliated with Wilshire Health & Community Services, Inc.

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PEOPLE

tony piazza

mystery writer and film buff touched by the stars

By David Congalton

T

ony Piazza is an author whose own life story has gone through multiple chapters: raised in San Francisco as the son of a revered police officer, becoming an eyewitness to movie history during the heyday of ‘70s filmmaking in the Bay Area, later working as a respected biologist and researcher before finally relocating to Santa Maria to pursue his passion for writing and film history. He is, by his own admission, still a “work in progress,” not quite sure where his story will end. But the beginning is easy to pinpoint. It was in the basement of San Francisco General Hospital one morning in early 1968. That’s when Tony Piazza, Jr., age 13, first met Steve McQueen.

There was Tony Piazza, Sr. and Tony Piazza, Jr. The father was a hard-working San Francisco police officer who landed a dream assignment. Starting in the mid-1960s, Tony, Sr. served as an official police liaison to any Hollywood movie project to be shot in town.

So in the spring of 1968, when the cast and crew of Bullitt came to San Francisco, it was only a matter of time before Tony, Jr. would have a chance to meet the iconic Steve McQueen. That moment, the stuff that dreams are made of for any movie fan, happened in the Mission District hospital basement where the action star was filming a chase sequence. Piazza remembers the encounter, set up by his father on the closed set, like it was yesterday.

“I have to admit that I felt somewhat intimidated,” Piazza recalls. “McQueen was down to earth and friendly. In fact, I’m sure he was trying to make me feel comfortable. You could tell that he was thoroughly interested in his fans. Extremely social. He wanted to know my hobbies.

Where I went to school. How old I was. His questioning was intense.”

McQueen was just the first of many stars young Piazza would encounter over the next decade in San Francisco. His father’s ongoing assignment meant more movies, more opportunities, for his son.

Within a few years, Tony, Jr. scored work as a movie extra or “standin” on major films, including Magnum Force, What’s Up, Doc?, The Laughing Policeman, and The Towering Inferno, which reunited him with McQueen, this time as an acting colleague.

There were other actors along the way. Piazza can easily serve up stories about Paul Newman, Robert Vaughn, Walter Matthau, Clint Eastwood, Roger Moore, Barbara Streisand, Leslie Nielsen, and Fred Astaire. The work was steady, but Piazza really hit his stride on the popular television series Streets of San Francisco, which starred Karl Malden and Michael Douglas. Piazza, who worked on all five seasons of the show, became close to both stars, especially Malden.

“Karl was a great friend. Every chance he’d get between shooting, we would huddle off to the side and share magic trick secrets. He was concerned once when he heard I was going to be involved in a car crash stunt and he took me aside to make sure that I was comfortable with it. Karl Malden was like a second father to me.”

Heady stuff for a young man, but Piazza never fully embraced Hollywood. His work in movies and TV mainly served to finance his true dream of becoming a biologist, that next chapter in his life. Piazza earned a biology degree in 1980 and worked in scientific research at both University of the Pacific and UC San Francisco.

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at a special dinner celebrating the movie in Chino in June.

guys careen off the road and collide into a gas station, setting off a massive explosion.

“Steve McQueen is more popular than ever,” Piazza says. “I’m looking forward to meeting Chad and having the chance to tell him how much his father meant to me.”

But Piazza’s home movie reveals a little known piece of movie trivia. “The crew screwed up,” Piazza says. “Somebody jumped the gun and set off the explosion before the car actually made contact. Fortunately the director was able to save the shot through good editing.”

Among Piazza’s prized possessions is a three-minute home movie he shot along the Guadalupe Parkway, just south of San Francisco, on the final day of shooting for Bullitt.

It’s the end of the car chase where the bad

Information about all three of Piazza’s books and his movie blog are available at his web site: http://www.authortonypiazza.com.

Tony with Leslie Nielsen

Fast forward to 2003. Piazza decided to relocate to the Central Coast with his wife Susan in order to be closer to her family. He continued to work full-time, but sensed that he was ready for something a bit more creative, another new chapter. He wanted to write.

“I always wanted to write. I attempted it as early as age 10,” Piazza admits. “And I’ve always loved mysteries and espionage novels, so when I decided to write, it only made sense to focus on a genre I myself enjoyed reading.”

He joined two local writing groups, SLO Nightwriters and Sisters in Crime, and started typing. The result was two well-received mysteries, Anything Short of Murder and The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, both throwbacks to heroes and adventures of a bygone era.

Piazza also decided to return to his Hollywood roots and began blogging about movies and memories for Turner Classic Movies.

His new book, Bullitt Points, is a nonfiction e-book that recalls his experiences with McQueen back in 1968, featuring a special behind-the-scenes analysis of the classic car chase. Piazza will be sharing a podium with McQueen’s son Chad and other Bullitt fans

Tony with Michael Douglas J U N E

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executive director

bettina swigger

festival mozaic...a priceless and multi-faceted gem

By Susan Stewart

W

hen a man like Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Dale Barltrop looks forward all year to his two weeks at San Luis Obispo County’s Festival Mozaic each summer, you know you have something very special indeed.

“It’s a magical place,” he writes, “where the community’s spirit and appreciation for great music is matched by the region’s stunning offerings. Is it any wonder that we musicians want to spend our summers here?”

Now in its fourth decade (and formerly known as the Mozart Festival), this year’s Festival Mozaic invites us to take a musical journey “In the Footsteps of Giants.”

“Musical geniuses have always been inspired by those who came before them,” says Festival Music Director Scott Yoo. Between July 11 and July 22, in some of the most stunning venues across the county, Yoo and his colleagues will demonstrate the musical lineage—from baroque to classical; classical to contemporary— that inspired the best of the best, then and now. Festival Mozaic’s newest Executive Director Bettina Swigger adds to the excitement.

She won the position two years ago after a national search.

“This has been an incredible move for me,” said Swigger, who first met Scott Yoo in Colorado Springs several years ago. “I knew the bar would be high here,” she continued.

“But the level of artistic excellence I have found at this festival is amazing.”

Swigger was raised with older sister Jocelyn (now a piano professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her father was an English teacher at a local community college and her mother was an artist and photographer. She earned a degree in Comparative Literature from Colorado College, Phi Beta Kappa, with minors in Spanish and music. A viola player from the age of 5, Swigger got her first taste of arts administration through the Albuquerque Youth Symphony where she marketed her string quartet and conducted her first fundraising efforts.

In Colorado Springs, Swigger oversaw all operations of a multidisciplinary summer arts festival for five years. She was “happily ensconced” as the first executive director for the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (a corollary to our own Arts Obispo) when Festival Mozaic came calling.

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“It was hard to leave a community I’d given so much to,” said Swigger. “but I knew the time was right for me to return to the performing arts field, as well as make a move to a beautiful coastal area.”

Swigger’s résumé includes stints on the national Emerging Leaders Council, and as a Peer Consultant for the Colorado Council on the Arts. Locally, she sits on the Music Education Committee with the SLO Symphony, and on the board at Arts Obispo. She is a proud member of Leadership SLO’s Class of XXI. Coming back to this year’s Festival news, Swigger expounded, “The music and musicians [at Festival Mozaic] are on par with that being performed in the world’s greatest concert halls.”

Featured musicians joining the festival this year include new as well as returning favorites. Heading the star-studded list are violin soloist Steven Copes and mezzo soprano Karin Mushegain. Pianist John Novacek, cellist Brian Thornton, oboist Anne Marie Gabriele, Moira Smiley & Voco, duet mandolinists Marshall and Lichtenberg, the Sonus Quartet, and local mandolinist (and violinist) Paul Severtson round out the list of guest artists.

Swigger also draws attention to the Festival’s Notable Encounter Series, Chamber Concert Series, and several venues that are new to the Festival this year.

Held at such locally known places as The Monday Club, the Falkenhagen Home, and the Lido at Dolphin Bay, the Notable Encounters series offers intimate, interactive events focusing on one piece of music in a brunch or dinner setting. Here, you’ll gain a deeper connection, a deeper knowledge of the musicians and the music.

The Festival Orchestra will wow audiences at Shandon’s truly magical Chapel Hill, where we are invited to picnic and sip wine before hearing the music of Handel, Bach, Respighi, and Vivaldi in a concert titled “Baroque Landscape.” Other Festival Orchestra events will be held at the acoustically awesome Missions San Miguel and San Luis Obispo.

Hearst Castle will host the Chamber Series Opening Night, where stellar musicians will fill the evening hilltop sky with the music of romantic masters Brahms and Dvorak, preceded by wine and hors d’oeuvres for a truly sumptuous experience.

New venues this year include Studios on the Park in Paso Robles, See Canyon Fruit Ranch, Lido at Dolphin Bay, Mission San Miguel, and the SLO Botanical Gardens.

The Chapel and audience at sunset

PEOPLE

Festival Director, Scott Yoo

Now in his seventh year as Festival Director, Scott Yoo has an impressive résumé that began at age 3, with the start of his musical studies. By age 12, he was performing difficult solos with the Boston Symphony, and soon began to gather top prizes, honors, and grants. He graduated with honors from Harvard University and formed his own Chamber Orchestra. Since then, he has toured, played, and conducted all over the U.S. and the world, including New York, London, and Seoul. But perhaps his greatest achievement to date is the founding of Me-

dellin Festicámara, a yearly festival held in Colombia and dedicated to training young, underprivileged musicians. Yoo’s formidable musicianship is only enhanced by his ability to engage an audience. He is known for his penchant for stopping mid-bar to explain to listeners a funny or fascinating bit of history about what they are hearing.

One of the best things about Festival Mozaic is the broad range of musical experiences, spectacular places—and prices! You can spend as much as $175 or as little as $23. In fact, this year’s Festival Fringe Series brings such wonderful musicians as acclaimed German mandolinists Caterina Lichtenberg and Mike Marshall to Avila Beach’s idyllic See Canyon Fruit Ranch. Hear the visionary blend of harmony known as Voco (featuring local favorite Inga Swearingen); or the fabulously popular crossover Sonus Quartet in “Classical Musicians Doing Decidedly Un-classical Things”—both to be held at Cuesta College’s Performing Arts Center.

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All for a surprisingly low per-concert cost.

Like a line from a Joni Mitchell song, “He was playing real good for free,” while this year’s Festival Mozaic is not quite free, it is both a feast and a bargain, at any ticket price! This multi-faceted cultural gem is a summer treat for all the senses that no one should miss. The musicians will promise to play “sweet and high” so please, as Mitchell laments in her song, “don’t pass their music by.”

Visit www.festivalmozaic.com or call 877.881.8899 for tickets, details, and information.

Featured musicians Mike Marshall and Katrina Lichtenberg

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PEOPLE Evie and John Nicholson

captain john nicholson Grey Eagle

By Will Jones

“

L

ast night I announced to the American people that the North Vietnamese regime had conducted further deliberate attacks against U.S. naval vessels operating in international waters, and therefore directed air action against gunboats and supporting facilities used in these hostile operations.

This air action has now been carried out with substantial damage to the boats and facilities. Two U.S. aircraft were lost in the action.”

—President Johnson’s Message to Congress, August 5, 1964

Until his A-4 Skylark actually left the flight deck of the USS Constellation, Navy fighter pilot Lieutenant John Nicholson thought it was another drill. He and fellow crew members were on deck watching a “B” movie, “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” when he was ordered to find two other pilots, change to flight gear and report for duty. Their mission was to provide air cover for two American destroyers under attack in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Vietnam. It’s not in the history books, but San Luis Obispo resident John Nicholson was the first Navy pilot in the air on the night of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the official start of America’s war against North Vietnam.

The next day, following direct orders from President Johnson, American planes attacked North Vietnam. In what turned out to be a critically important day for Nicholson, his wingman and friend, Everett Alvarez, nicknamed Alvy by the other pilots, was shot down and became the first American prisoner of war. John would not see Alverez again for eight-and-a-half years.

Nicholson was born in 1930 in Bombay, India, where his father worked for the Goodyear tire and rubber company. He lived there until 1936 when the family moved to South Africa. Worried that he was “going native,” John’s parents shipped him back to the US in 1945.

He arrived in New York on the day an Army B-25 bomber smashed into the Empire State Building. It wouldn’t be the last time John’s major life events coincided with famous historical moments.

John finished high school in Ohio and attended Oberlin College where he studied engineering and met his wife of fifty-nine years, Evie, who studied classical piano in Oberlin’s famous music program.

Evie still entertains family and friends with expert performances of Beethoven and other famous composers. They had four daughters between 1954 and 1959: Paula, twins Jacqueline and Jennifer, and Eve. John and Evie have nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

They were all smiles when talking about their large and close family.

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1976, John taught high school for eighteen years in Sanger, California, and served as Superintendent for the Sanger School District for one year. He helped many students gain admission to the United States Naval Academy, and today they call him to say that the legacy continues: now their children are attending the Academy.

John joined the Navy because he had an interest in flying but also because he saw that men he admired had fought in two wars, WWII and Korea, and he wanted to do his patriotic duty. Also, his father had been General Douglas MacArthur’s chauffeur during WWI. John committed his allegiance to honoring the chain of command, and even though he had no ROTC or Naval Academy background, he advanced to the rank of Captain, and in 1973 became the Commanderin-Chief of the aircraft carrier, USS Ranger, on which he had served as a combat pilot in 1969. Not surprisingly, John Nicholson loves a challenge, a word that to him is synonymous with fun. But not all challenges are fun, especially when the life of a friend is at stake.

As Nicholson approached the Vietnam coastline on August 5th, he remembers looking at the mountains near the Chinese border and thinking they looked just like the calendars hanging in his childhood home: dark green, mist shrouded, mysterious. When his target was abruptly changed from Wallu, near the Chinese border, to the docks of Hon Gai, he re-focused on his mission.

He saw flak after a successful bombing run in the harbor, and then he heard a “may day” call from his friend Alvy, who was hit and had to eject.

Low on fuel, Nicholson came around once to check on Alvarez, but then headed back to the carrier. His last words to Alvy were “You know what to do.” For the next eight-and-a-half years, Nicholson was focused and motivated by his friend’s capture. “That was my challenge. It might not have been fun, but as long as he was a POW, I was not going to quit anything.”

John in the cockpit before a combat mission.

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Deployed in the Vietnam conflict until 1973, Nicholson flew over 100 combat missions, the most memorable a mission that never happened.

It was April 1, 1968, and he was scheduled to attack Hanoi. He was extra keyed up because he had the premonition that he wouldn’t return, as strong a feeling as he’d ever had in his life. At the last moment a voice announced over the intercom that the mission had been cancelled, followed shortly by “April Fools!” Nicholson “lost it,” and he didn’t settle down until the perpetrator of the joke apologized and made it clear that the mission really had been cancelled. Once again, Nicholson’s life inter-

sected with history: President Johnson had just announced that he would not seek reelection and military operations were suspended that day.

Following the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, 591 American POW’s were released during Operation Homecoming. John Nicholson was at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu when Everett Alverez’s plane landed, en route to the US. It was 3:00 AM, and at first John was told he would not be able to see his friend until after a long debriefing, but he persuaded the security personnel to give him thirty minutes alone with Alvy. When he saw Alvarez approach, he

went to give him a bear hug, but Alvy flinched.

“He was nothing but skin and bones,” said Nicholson. “He had suffered horribly during all those years at the Hanoi Hilton.”

After both had recovered from the shock, the first thing Alvarez said was “What did you mean by ‘You know what to do?’ I’ve been thinking about that since 1964.” Nicholson told him it was just the first thing that came to his mind. He wanted Alvy to know someone had heard him. After that they talked nonstop until it was time for Alvy to go. Still friends after all these years, they see each other periodically. Divorced by his first wife while held captive, Alvy married the stewardess he met on the flight from Hawaii to the United States. Nicholson’s comment? “You don’t waste any time, do you Alvy.” You can imagine his response.

John receiving a commendation

While commanding the USS Ranger early

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in 1976, an admiral insisted that Nicholson hold a flight drill during heavy weather. John argued, but the admiral ordered him to put planes in the air. Certain lives would be lost, Captain Nicholson asked the ship’s chaplain to join him in the tower overlooking the deck and pray for the pilots. An approaching jet hit the fantail of the carrier. Miraculously, the cockpit detached and started skidding across the flight deck, prompting the startled chaplain to pronounce, “Lordy, Lordy!” The pilots ejected before hitting the tower. One landed on the deck and received minor injuries, while the other landed in the ocean and was recovered unhurt by a destroyer.

The challenge was no longer fun for John Nicholson. Even though promotion to admiral was possible, he announced his resignation from the Navy, but, true to his character, he commanded the Ranger until the completion of its mission in September.

Most of us observe history from a distance.

John Nicholson, also known as Grey Eagle when he was flying, made history. To learn more about this remarkable man, visit his website at http://www.greyeagle1.com/Navy/ Logbook.html.

50 years and going strong It’s hard to believe 50 years have passed since our parents, Bud and Pearl Thoma, started Thoma Electric Company. As little kids, we watched them work hard and build a business, raise four kids and be good citizens.

A tremendous amount of life can happen in 50 years. We’ve grown older and they have grown wiser. And the lessons they taught about family, hard work and caring for our community have stuck.

The commitment they made 50 years ago to quality in all phases of our business continues today.

MoM and dad, thanks for everything.

We’re doing our best to follow your example.

805.543.3850 | thomaelectric.com

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CA License # 274276

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pk

PEOPLE

“from small things (big things one day come)”*

By Natasha Dalton

O

f all the guys who listen to Taylor Swift, these five are among those few who have the ambition and the drive to try one day to match her fame. A young indie band PK, which just a couple of years ago wasn’t much known outside of its native Templeton, became the talk of the town—and of the county!—when last year it was approached by Rolling Stone Magazine.

As always in life, one lucky break was all that was needed to convince both the fans and the musicians themselves that the band had quite a bit of potential. The nod of approval from the iconic magazine seemed particularly significant because the band didn’t reach out for it on its own. It was a fan who put the band on the magazine’s radar.

The much-publicized competition for a recording contract, launched by Rolling Stone, amplified PK’s popularity among local teenagers to such a degree that this year’s organizers of the Crimson Concert Festival at Paso Robles High School were prepared to move heaven and earth (and the dates of the event!) in order to get PK to play for them. The band often plays at the local schools, while also working on expanding its fan base in bigger cities within a few-hours’ drive. As a result, in places not especially spoiled by the attention of the big stars, like Fresno or Bakersfield, PK—which is often compared to The Strokes, The Killers and The Cure—is becoming a household name not only for local teens, but for their parents, as well.

On PK’s videos you’ll find some familiar pastoral sites: the fountain and Odyssey Restaurant in downtown Paso Robles; the Carnegie Library at the park; morning fog on horse ranches outside of Templeton. But the band’s music has an urban edge to it and a desire to appeal to wider crowds.

The band, which consists of Matt DePauw (Guitar), Travis Hawley (Vocals), Nick Fotinakes (Guitar), Mikel Van Kranenburg (Bass) and Rico Rodriguez (Drums), just released its new EP Lost Boys Sessions. I asked the musicians about their music, their road to success and their plans for the future. Here’s what they told me.

First of all, what does PK mean?

PK...hmm what does it mean? What do you think it means? We enjoy asking people that question when they ask us about the meaning of

(L-R) Matt DePauw, Rico Rodriguez, Travis Hawley, Mikel Van Kranenburg and Nick Fotinakes.

PK. We’ve heard all types of different meanings that people make up; Purple Kool-Aid, Princess Kevin, Punching Kangaroos, but in reality our name is taken from a character of a book called The Power of One. The character Pee Kay is a boxer who goes from the very bottom to overcome an adversary and rise to the top.

OK. How then would you describe the kind of music you play? Who are your listeners?

We consider ourselves a scrappy, high energy, punk-pop quintet with catchy hooks and good looks. We have a wide range of fans from little kids in diapers to all the people rocking out in old folks homes ... but most of our fans range from teens to 20s and 30s.

When and how did you start playing together?

Well, it all began in Travis’ bedroom. He had just got a blue Squire Strat [Stratocaster] for Christmas, so Matt and Travis started writing songs with two guitars. Mikel showed up one day—four strings of fury, along with a drummer from the punk band—he was in. Nick was the most Greek-looking guy we knew, so we decided to let him play with us as well. After years of touring in other bands, our original drummer decided to put down drumsticks to pursue life as a family man. That’s when we saved Rico from gang life in Fresno and he completed the band you see today. The blue Strat that it all started with is now in Mikel’s house, still being used to write for PK.

How did you go from that to becoming one of the most successful local bands around?

Up until about 2010 we just played music for fun. We rarely played shows; we lived normal, boring lives, trying to juggle school and a 9-to-5 workday. We never dreamed that we would ever make a career out of playing music. But we decided to put some work into promoting our Into the Roaring CD release show. We sold over 400 tickets, sold the place out, tore the walls down, lit a trashcan on fire, and decided life would be a lot better if we put our heart and soul into something we actually liked doing.

That was the beginning of the wildest ride you could imagine, and we still haven’t let up. Since then we opened for rock-and-roll Gods Aerosmith; we were chosen by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top sixteen unsigned bands in North America; we started getting noticed by companies like Alternative Press Magazine, Pacsun Clothing, Nylon Magazine and Inked Magazine.

Unlike most other local groups, you offer free downloads on your website. Why? Travis taking a leap of faith J U N E

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We feel it’s more important for us to be spreading the word about PK to as many people as possible, and giving our

PEOPLE music away for free seems to work the best! It’s a different music industry these days and there are so many bands, so the more people you can get to listen to your music the better ... and if you make them fans, they will come to your shows and support the band.

How about touring?

As for touring, the first one we went on was just a small California tour that was all DIY. Since then we have done a few West Coast tours, we’ve had a few dates in California with Angels and Airwaves; we did a West Coast tour with Redbull Record’s band Twin Atlantic, and we went to Texas for SXSW (South by Southwest), where we played with Youngblood Hawk and Shiny Toy Guns.

Currently, we are booking a Southwest tour through California and Arizona.

when our singer Travis climbs onto a speaker stack, or up into the ceiling rafters, or hangs upside down by the lighting rig. We always think there is some kind of apocalypse or a giant robot tearing off the roof when we see a hundred sets of eyes suddenly, simultaneously stare at the ceiling, sporting slacked jaws. It cracks us up every time.

One of the most awesome feelings is when one of our fans tells us that we have somehow changed their life for the better. It is

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great to hear that we have a positive impact on someone’s life. We love to record, we love to write music, and we always bring around a BBQ and an ice chest, so we can cook food in-between live sets, writing and recording.

Because above all else, we love to eat!

To download the new album, go to www. pkband.com. *Bruce Springsteen

What do you like the most about your work?

What’s there not to like about what we do?

We get to travel around with our best friends doing what we love. We call it “The Eternal Slumber Party” and joke around that we have “The Lost Boys” Syndrome. Clearly, our parents made us watch too many Disney movies about dreams that actually do come true.

Our live shows are pretty insanely epic, and we love to see the look on people’s faces

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HOME/OUTDOOR

spend a day in the garden...

slo botanical gardens, that is

By Susan Stewart

M

ore than 20 years ago, a returning Cal Poly student asked her botany professor why San Luis Obispo didn’t have a botanical garden. His response was not an answer but an imperative: “Why don’t you start one?!” he said. And that’s exactly what Eve Vigil did. Her efforts generated a buzz that expanded outward from the university to the general community. With the support of the San Luis Obispo County Parks Department, the first “seeds” for the garden were planted in 1989. Incorporated in 1991, the Friends of San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden began searching for an ideal site.

Chosen for its great location, fertile soils, and zoning designation as a public place, El Chorro Regional Park was selected. A 40-year renewable lease agreement was signed with the County in 1993 for 150 acres.

That agreement was later extended to a total of 99 years. Fast forward 23 years, and see the fruits of the labor (and plants and pavilions and art displays and …) of a small but dedicated staff and their 200 volunteers. Today’s SLO Botanical Gardens—or just, the Garden—is a wonderland of red fuzzy bushes, curving rock pathways, peacock blue blossoms, spectacular succulents, and sunset-orange poppies.

There are children’s gardens, classrooms, a gift shop, an outdoor amphitheater; even an elegant memorial garden where weather-resistant, brushed stainless-steel medallions bearing the names of those who are cherished, hover on reed-like, waist-high pedestals. The latter is a joint project shared by Hospice Partners and the SLO Botanical Gardens.

When the master plan is completed, states the slobg.org website, the Garden will be the only one of its kind in the United States exclusively devoted to the ecosystems and plants of the five Mediterranean climate regions of the world. Executive Director Mike Bush, who came to the Garden a year ago, reeled off those unique global locations like the 40-year expert he is. As he strolled through the Garden one overcast May afternoon, Bush likened a tour of the Garden to his first glimpse of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris when he was a teenager. “This is the ‘real stuff,’” he said.

We’ve all seen pictures of the Mona Lisa in books or online, he explained, and there’s an abundance of ways to see pictures of flowers and

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Mike Bush

plants in books, in films, or online. But that’s a very poor substitute for the real thing, the kinetic experience of being physically present for the human passion in paintings, or the natural splendor in plants.

Bush comes from the “botany side” of the spectrum (versus the business side) in running the Garden. He earned a degree in Botany from the University of South Florida in Tampa, finding his first job in the field right there at the college. Since then, he has worked in top positions around the world, at such impressive places as Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, a simply stunning, billion-dollar array of magnificent architectural structures, placid lakes, waterfront gardens, and a global collection of plants, flowers, and iconic “super-trees” unmatched anywhere. His previous stint was a couple of years at Santa Barbara’s famous Lotusland. Having enjoyed that area very much, Bush began looking for his newest adventure and found this position posted in a Botanical Gardens Association publication. His wife, Jeanne Miller,

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“So it’s a wonderful mix of corporate culture and new ideas that is mutually respectful.”

Mike Bush in the Life Celebration Garden

had spent time in Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande and was already a fan of the Central Coast. After his first year at the Garden, Bush names “the people and the plants—in that order” as the best parts of his job.

“We have a great collection of people who’ve been with this project from the beginning,” said Bush. “They remain focused on helping it to be better and better every day. Our small staff is mostly new with one exception,” he continued.

The Garden offers free tours of course, either self-guided with maps available, or docentled by passionate plant people. But there is a good deal more. Saturdays at the Garden offers fascinating educational programs for adults, while the Children’s Garden program gets kids outside for an up-close look at the flowers many have only seen in vases, and the food that some have only seen on their dinner plates. During the summer, there’s a children’s day camp held for one week in July and one week in August. There is Eve’s Garden Shop, filled to the brim with gardening delights for all ages, novice and experienced gardeners alike. And the beautiful, “green,” donor-built Oak Glen Pavilion hosts a year-round concert series featuring a broad range of world-class musicians in an intimate setting.

On Sunday June 3rd, for example, Blues Hall of Fame-er Hawkeye Herman will appear at the Pavilion, offering up his special brand of acoustic blues, versatile musicianship, and compelling artistry as a blues storyteller. He’ll be joined by special guests Tom Corbett on mandolin, Phil Salazar on fiddle, and Sarah Jane Nelson on vocals. (See www.slobg.org for ticket information and more.) Upcoming concerts will feature award-winning bluegrass musicians Stuart & Beazely in August, and Grammy-winning New Age performers Tingstad & Rumbel in October.

Beginning with the determination of a college student to bring a long-overdue botanical garden to the ideal climate conditions of the Central Coast, Eve Vigil’s dream has come true. What visitors will see and feel and smell and hear during their tour of the Garden is impressive indeed, but it’s only the beginning. A glimpse of the future can be seen in the new Firesafe Demonstration Landscape currently under construction at

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A happy customer at the plant sale

the Garden. Other future plans, according the website, include “50 miles of paved trails; restaurants and cafés featuring Mediterranean climate cuisine; a 3,000-seat amphitheater; demonstration, meditation, and event gardens; an explosion of art; sustainable buildings for education and research; and creative modes of transportation to provide easy access to the inspiring views throughout the Garden’s 500-foot elevation change.”

More words would only take up space better dedicated to photographs, a preview of what visitors to the SLO Botanical Gardens can expect. El Chorro Regional Park is located across the highway from Cuesta College, where Mike Bush, his staff, and 200 volunteers are waiting to show off their Garden.

As Mike says, “You need the wind in your face as the morning mist puts droplets on a matilija poppy,” he said. “I want people to notice that scuff on their shoes and remember what it was like to be here.”

To schedule a school, general tour or for more information, email docents@slobg.org, or call 805.541.1400 x 304.

Come see our newly remodeled Mon–Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri–Sat 11am-9:30pm Sunday 11:30am-9pm

Happy Hour: 3–6pm Monday – Friday

11560 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO (805) 542-0400

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.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

Healthy Living

clearing up the prostate controversy the most common cancer found in american Men

By Dr. Michael deWitt Clayton, MD, FACS Urology Associates of San Luis Obispo Diplomat American Board of Urology, Fellow American College of Surgeons

A

s many of our patients are aware, there exists controversy concerning the use of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the screening for prostate cancer in men. We have seen many articles within our newspapers and in magazines briefly stating that PSA is a poor screening tool and does not lead to a reduction in mortality from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. It is the most common cancer found in American men. These statistics are compelling reasons to identify men harboring this disease at a time in the course of the disease where therapeutic intervention can alter the outcome of this cancer and impact the disease-specific survival (the probability that a patient will not die of prostate cancer in 5, 10, 15, or 20 years). All of us have a family member, colleague, or acquaintance who has prostate cancer or who has died of the disease. Therefore, with the above-referenced statistics, American men and their families are concerned about early detection and the possibility of successful management of this most common, male malignancy.

On October 7, 2011, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a statement recommending that the PSA test no longer be utilized for the early detection of prostate cancer. The USPSTF said using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer was a “disservice to men.” It further recommends against routinely providing the service to “asymptomatic” men. The task force found fair evidence that screening is ineffective or that the harms outweigh the benefits.

I have been afforded a career of insight into prostate cancer through my research participation in the National Prostate Cancer Project, as a research consultant, and through twenty-six years of clinical management of thousands of prostate cancer patients. Before the advent of PSA testing and the concept of screening men for prostate cancer, and while serving my residency at the University of Illinois/ Cook County Hospitals, fifty percent of men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer had disease outside of the prostate or metastatic spread. These men were destined to die of their disease. If a patient waited until he became “symptomatic” as stated in the USPSTF recommendations, the cancer would have been detected too late for curative intent therapies. Back then, we detected the cancer when the cancer became obvious on Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). DRE is suboptimal to detect early, prostate-confined cancer.

Today, since the application of PSA as a screening tool, the percent of newly detected prostate cancer patients with disease already spread to the lymph nodes or bone has been reduced to around five percent. In the PSA-era, the absolute numbers of men dying of prostate cancer has decreased by fifty percent in multiple international reported studies. However, men with prostate cancer outside of the prostate still die of their disease at similar rates as before PSA testing.

What then is responsible for the dramatic reduction in prostate cancer mortality since the initiation of PSA testing? Since men detected with prostate cancer outside of the prostate are technically incurable, these improvements in survival are greatly due to early detection of the cancer when it is contained within the prostate gland and amendable to curative-intent therapies (Surgery or Radiation Therapy). A second probable factor in better outcomes in the PSA-era are earlier recognition and management of rising PSA values after surgery or radiation, allowing early, additional therapies. Many of these men now survive long enough to die of other co-morbid conditions before prostate cancer takes their lives. In other words, urologists, radiotherapists, and medical oncologists now manage this disease better through early detection with PSA. Although these PSA-era statistics are impressive and demonstrate medical advancements against this most common cancer threat, one has to ask: “At what cost?” By cost I mean both financially and clinically to the individual and our healthcare system. At the initiation of PSA testing thirty years ago, we tested everyone without discrimination to age, risk factors, or cost. Everyone got PSA tested. Now, after twenty-five years of experience, we view the world of PSA testing through a more analytical pair of magnified glasses, allowing us to utilize PSA screening in a more refined and efficient fashion. Why then is there so much criticism of this poor, downtrodden PSA test?

We as Americans suffer from the misconception of easy fixes and absolute guarantees. From Washington DC to TV-infomercials, we are told you can take a pill to lose forty pounds while eating anything you want, erase decades of wrinkles with the new miracle cream, and all will be well if the top 1% would just pay their fair share of taxes. That is why we can carry on reckless spending (which saves no lives) or just send it back for a full return if you didn’t get rich, skinny or more beautiful. The issue isn’t weather PSA testing has application in our desire to lower cancer mortality rates, but more so, how are we using this test.

Your life is more than an infomercial on TV or a statistic in meta analytical study.

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HOME/OUTDOOR Indiscriminate use of PSA testing can lead to unnecessary prostate needle biopsies, creates anxiety, and patients can also experience complications. Critics state that there are even deaths from biopsy complications. I have personally never witnessed this, but there are 300 times more deaths and serious injuries from bike riding than from prostate biopsy. So don’t pull the fire alarm on PSA testing just yet. Instead, dialogue with your urologist and get educated.

I use the following guidelines, derived from exhaustive review of research and clinical studies from multi-national sources, to advise my patients on PSA testing and prostate cancer treatment. I call these rules; “Sensible Guidelines for PSA Screening, Testing, and Prostate Cancer Management:”

ability to screen and detect prostate cancer.

Until then, PSA will serve us well and should continue to be an integral element in prostate cancer detection and management.

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unsuccessful with moments before and cast the lure into the water. I immediately told him the lure was ineffective and that he should go to live bait, as I had done. As he set the hook into a nice dorado, and as I listened painfully to the line streaming from his reel, he looked over his shoulder and stated, “It was not the lure, Dad, it was the application and presentation.” It’s sometimes humbling what a father can learn about his profession while proudly watching his sons out-fish him. Maybe it’s not the test itself, in this case PSA testing, MLS #: 185485 of the but the application and presentation test to the patient that will provide the best results for my patients.

When lecturing on this issue of PSA testing, I often use the example of my fishing with my sons on the beautiful waters of the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico. Once, while fishing an aggressive school of dolphin fish, also known as dorado or mahi had been Erin Mottmahi, | MPS I Realty 805-234-1946 casting a lure without success for fifteen erin@mpsrealty.com | minutes. I placed the pole in the rod holder, grabbed another live bait rod and cast my bait into the school of hungry fish. My son, being smug and a better fisherman than me Mill St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 anyway, took the rod and lure1134 I had been

$1,190,000 | 2500 Sq. Ft. Come See the Virtual Tour! www.1134Mill.com

• Don’t use PSA testing alone, but use PSA in combination with other factors: family history, ethnicity, digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA velocity (change in PSA value over time).

• Older men and those with severe co-morbid conditions should not be routinely screened, as they will most likely die of other causes, not from potential prostate cancer.

• Investigate other causes affecting PSA value: infections, size of prostate (PSA density), history of long-term PSA elevation pattern and negative past biopsies.

• Selective early detection in those individuals at greatest risk for prostate cancer mortality or morbidity and those most likely to benefit from early identification of prostate cancer.

• Continue to redefine prostate cancer risk assessments.

• Selective treatment application.

• Continuous educational discussions among patient, spouse, and family concerning the unique and individual issues defining your disease.

The decision to test or not to test is best discussed between physician and patient and not derived from a 100-word newspaper article or grocery checkout stand magazine. Your life is more than an infomercial on TV or a statistic in meta analytical study. What applies to one man may be quite different from another. We can identify together who should be tested and who is not best suited for PSA testing.

For 25,000 men per year who continue to die from prostate cancer, even “excessive PSA testing” did not offer them a chance at successful management. Hopefully, in the near future, more refined and sensitive tests, such as PSA-3, TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion product, and 3Telsa MRI imaging will enhance our

rare opportunity to own a beautifully remodeled turn-of-the-century home on Historic Mill Street, just AAblocks rare opportunity to own a beautifully remodeled turn-offrom downtown. This four bedroom, three bath home is situated on a large R2 lot with an expansive sun-filled backyard. The home features a completely remodeled top-of-the-line kitchen, updated the-century on MillHardwood Street, just blocks from bathrooms, a formalhome dining room, andHistoric separate living areas. floors, high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and several period-specific upgrades add character throughout the home. Located blocks from fine dining, movie theatres, Mission Plaza, three this home bath tastefully home combines the of downtown.

Thisshopping, four and bedroom, iscomforts situated modern living with the charm of this historic neighborhood. This is a truly unique property in the heart of SLO. on a large R2 lot with an expansive sun-filled backyard. The home features a completely remodeled top-of-the-line kitchen, updated bathrooms, a formal dining room, and separate living areas. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and several period-specific upgrades add character throughout the home. Located blocks from fine dining, movie theatres, shopping, and Mission Plaza, this home tastefully combines the comforts of modern living with the charm of this historic neighborhood. This is a truly unique property in the heart of SLO. See www.1134Mill.com for more photos. $1,160,000 Equal Housing Opportunity | Information Provided by Seller. Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.

CA DRE #01448769

Erin Mott Broker/Owner DRE# 01448769

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ph: 805.234.1946 www.1134Mill.com erin@mpsrealty.com

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HOME/OUTDOOR huttle up

hey, teach!

By Bob Huttle

“Those who can: do. Those who can’t: teach.”

---Anonymous Anonymous was wrong.

Of all the cliches I’ve ever heard, this one might be the most idiotic. If Anonymous (whoever s/he was) wanted to be accurate for all time, the statement should be: “Those who can do: teach.”

It’s June and school districts all over America are declaring it’s summer vacation. Students

and teachers, gasping for the finish line, try to hang on until that glorious school bell rings and singer Alice Cooper screeches over loudspeakers everywhere “School’s out for summer!” In past months we’ve been bludgeoned by media reports of teachers and students behaving badly, academic scandals, standardized test debacles, and good oldfashioned graft and greed nationwide.

But this column is not about all that. Instead, maybe it’s time to return a tarnished profession to the heights it deserves, back to a noble and proud place of distinction and respect.

OK. So I’m somewhat biased, I admit. But thirty-eight years in front of students justifies my stance. I hope you already know this: teachers too often get an unjustified bad rap. For every bad apple, there are acres of “orchards” filled with teachers who “do (it)” every day. You should understand that as more and more baby boomer teachers retire, their ranks must be filled with the younger, more exuberant, and committed teachers of tomorrow. Did you know that in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District alone, thirtynine teachers are retiring this month? I figure they take with them almost 1000 years of experience. Think about that. Estimates suggest that in the next ten years, California will have to replace tens of thousands of aging teachers. Where are these “newbies”

Amy and Val Wright

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

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773-6418

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A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS J U N E

Call your greeter or go to centralcoastwelcome.com •

Los Osos/Morro Bay/Cayucos/Cambria: Aloma Davis: 235-1131

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SLO/South County/Avila: Liz Hiatt: 773-6418

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Gaeby and Amy

going to come from and can they effectively do the job during the next decades?

My recent experience suggests that California education will be in good hands. For example, I know that another Mr. Huttle—my youngest son, Mckay—will carry on, as he gets ready to receive his elementary teaching credential and Masters in Education from Seattle Pacific University (hint: he’s looking for a job right now). In addition, my son-in-law, David Young, is preparing to get his secondary credential and Masters at UCSB. And recently I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring two amazingly gifted and committed young teacher candidates from Cal Poly in my capacity as their university supervisor. Amy Patnode and Gaeby Todesco embody the spirit, passion, dedication, preparation, and love for learning that can impact their students in the years ahead. Hopefully, these young ladies represent the next generation of educators who will keep America at the top of its game.

AMY PATNODE Amy grew up in Minnesota, the daughter of an elementary school teacher mom who inspired Amy early in life to follow her path.

Amy began babysitting and enjoyed being around kids. She came to Cal Poly thinking she would become a grade school teacher but, after taking a university history class, her emphasis changed. She explains: “This class opened my mind in ways I hadn’t considered before.” In addition, Amy observed an eighth grade history teacher back home in Minnesota and was impressed by what she saw in that veteran teacher’s class: “I became totally excited because of this. I loved the enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy of those middle school

HOME/OUTDOOR David Kelley and Gaeby

a bright and productive future.” I second that statement. Amy would like to stay here on the Central Coast and teach for a very long time.

GAEBY TODESCO Gaeby came to Cal Poly from the East Bay area where she fondly remembers her 11th grade U.S. History teacher: “He was an exMarine and very patriotic. When he taught us I could feel his love for America and I was impressed by that. He was ‘old school’; he didn’t use much technology but he knew the subject and his numerous stories and experiences fascinated me. He’s the single mostimportant person who inspired me to become a teacher.” kids, as well as the devotion of that teacher.”

Amy’s preparation for teaching at Cal Poly has been challenging. She had to complete coursework in a number of education areas and the list of requirements that had to be mastered was daunting at times but Amy never succumbed to the pressure. During her time at Laguna Middle School she has co-taught with veteran teacher Val Wright, who has been her guiding light. Amy also attributes her motivation to “the energy and enthusiasm of my students.” She sees kids improving in their work, attitude, and attendance. She began an after-school History Homework Club that has helped struggling students find success in that subject and has also assisted AVID students on her own time.

She admits “I constantly search for the key that unlocks the learning for my students.

When the light comes on—‘I got it’—all the effort is worth it. Yes, the work never ends— it’s exhausting—but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Co-teacher Val Wright sings Amy’s praises: “One of the aspects of teaching that is not easy to measure is the sheer enjoyment of working with adolescents. Amy demonstrates this with her enthusiasm. She has the unique talent to address a group while reassuring the individual. Amy already realizes there is no 9-5 in this journey. She is ready for this great profession.” Cal Poly advisor Dr. Joel Orth says this about Amy: “[She] is the type of incredibly organized, dedicated, bright, and hard-working candidate that makes it a delight [for me] to advise. With this caliber of candidate working [her] way into the California education system, all I can say is ‘watch out’ ... education [in our state] is in for

Cal Poly has presented Gaeby with numerous opportunities to master her “hoop-jumping” skills: “To be accepted into the secondary education credential program I had to take the CBEST and CSET exams (required by the state), submit two letters of recommendation, maintain a 3.0 GPA, be interviewed, complete 45 hours of classroom observations at a variety of schools and grade levels, as well as eleven education courses overall. During my practice teaching, all teacher candidates met on Monday evenings at Cal Poly with Dr. Orth. I had saved $10,000 dollars and spent it all on this part of my education.”

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She has a tremendous work ethic and is always prepared. More importantly, she REALLY cares about her students and wants them all to succeed. Gaeby has a heart of gold and is well on her way to being a master teacher.” Dr. Orth concurs: “Gaeby has been a passionate, hard-working, and positive contributor to [our] credential program. She arrived in my office one year ago with a beaming smile and the passion to become a teacher. She is the type of person who cares deeply about the world, friends and, most of all, her students.[She will become] a transformational teacher.”

I’ve been around teachers most of my life and the knowledge and inspiration I’ve gained from many of them cannot be underestimated.

Think about the ten adults who have positively influenced your life the most. I’m willing to bet that at least five of them were teachers.

It’s summer break, Teach; take some time off—a few weeks at least—before you begin preparing for the next school year. And Amy and Gaeby (and Mckay, too) ... WELCOME. Bob Huttle (Up) can be reached at rhuttle@ charter.net. As always, he seeks your comments and will give you an “A” for your effort. He promises to not correct your grammar or spelling.

Gaeby’s practice teaching began last December at San Luis Obispo High School and she was paired with Dave Kelley for most of her time; she recently also began working with Adam Basch and his AVID students.

Each day, Gaeby gazed into the faces of her 11th grade U.S. History students, intent on having them learn and appreciate the subject as much as she had back in high school. She admits there were highs and lows along the way: “I was surprised and moved when two foreign exchange students presented me with a beautiful scarf as a ‘thank you’ for what I’d done to help them with a very unfamiliar subject. Wow, what a gift. I also have students who come in during lunch just to visit and hang out.” The lows?: “At first, students constantly tested me and tried to take advantage of me. I know that’s normal but I’ve learned to handle this and now it’s better and I’m more relaxed and confident. I respect my students and I think they respect me.”

Cooperating teacher Dave Kelley says: “Sometimes I wonder what the future of education looks like but with Gaeby in it, it looks bright.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

at the market

zucchini salad with fresh mint and chevre

By Sarah Hedger

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une brings the scent of Summer, while the warm, longer days give a sense of freedom and fun. Walk down the aisle at your local market and you are greeted with first season apricots, peaches, berries (of all sorts), summer squash, fennel, artichokes, fresh herbs, and then some. With more markets offering fresh and local eggs, honey, meats, and cheeses, it is a good reminder of the animals behind the scenes, responsible for contributing their own seasonal goodness. Thus, I thought it was time to give some overdue credit, not just to the amazing farmers, but to the wondrous animals (and insects).

Like many locals lately, my dad recently embarked on having a few chickens of his own. When I say my dad, it was his significant other, Kris, as she had been wanting chickens for some time. And, like many men in long-term relationships, looking to please, one weekend when she was away, he not only built a coop, but got some chicks, as a surprise for when she returned. Needless to say, she was ecstatic and now, over six months into it, they are enjoying an abundance of high quality free range eggs. Not long after they got the chicks, my dad heard one trying to use its voice for the first time. A crackling noise of sorts, until, alas, the noise of a rooster emerged. Being sold hens, this was a bit of a surprise for all involved. Eggs aside, they take pleasure in the chickens’ presence on the farm, as they scratch their way around, nibbling on whatever they can find, all while making the orchard look well tended.

The stories are becoming more common as far as what people are venturing to create in their backyards these days. From growing their first garden, to planting fruit trees, to getting their first chickens, or starting their own beehive, resourceful humans are emerging! It is wonderful to hear the stories of people when they enjoy their first produced … anything.

Whether it is their own carrots, or fresh herbs, or honey, or cheese, my hat is off to all of them as it is an impressive step to being even more local and seasonal. I just finished reading Goat Song, written by an acclaimed novelist, about a journey of starting a new life in Vermont and the decision to raise dairy goats. He and his wife start with three goats, and the goal was to create their own artisanal cheeses. The goats inherently begin to connect them back to the seasons and the land.

Making fresh goat cheese, they were able to taste the terroir present in all true time-andplace cuisine. Tasting the season, through the plants in season, the grasses blooming, the author described tasting the fresh cheese

Zucchini salad with fresh mint and chevre

he had just made saying, “it seemed we were eating not a cheese, but a meadow.” The book was a real joy to read as it took the reader straight into the life of a pastoralist. Not that all of us want to be herders, but it is interesting to look at animals and all they offer. That said, this month’s recipe is simple and delicious. Zucchini Salad with Fresh Mint and Chevre is a delightful fresh salad that can be enjoyed on its own or on some crackers as an appetizer. It takes only a few minutes to whip up and will leave your taste buds happy. Summer has arrived.

This salad is a delicious way to use the freshest zucchini you can find. With only a handful of ingredients, the quality of the ingredients (and the freshness) plays an even more important role in what the finished product tastes like. Enjoy!

Serves 4 as small salads or appetizers FOR THE SALAD: 3 medium organic zucchini 1 large bunch fresh mint, finely minced 3-4 T. good quality olive oil 1/2 tsp dried chili pepper flakes or ½ T good chili oil 1 1/2 tsp good sea salt 2 ounces fresh goat cheese, such as Chevre (or one from Happy Acres in Templeton) In a large bowl, grate zucchini. Add mint, olive oil, chili, and salt.

Mix well and let sit for 20-30 minutes for flavors to mix and meld and get happy. When ready to serve, top with crumbled fresh goat cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings/salt as needed. Serve as a salad on its own or on top of toasted bread as bruschetta, or on top of some good crackers. *Feel free to email me at sarah@seasonalalchemist.com if you have any food-related questions and find this recipe (as well as other versions) at www.seasonalalchemist.com

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HOME/OUTDOOR

slo county art scene kabe russell: a well-lit interior

By Gordon Fuglie

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tascadero’s Kabe Russell is one artist whose work is motivated by a coping response. Recently retired as a mental health social worker at Atascadero State Hospital for mentally ill criminals, the photographer is known for his visionary Buddhist-themed images of psychospiritual states of being. Russell works in montage, entailing the assembling, overlaying and overlapping of multiple photographs to make a single work. This process has interested Russell since the 1980s—the pre-digital era, when he used several film negatives and three cumbersome photo enlargers to produce his photographs. The complexity, intensive labor and long hours in the darkroom, however, encouraged his turn to Adobe Photoshop when the computer software was introduced in the 1990s. An early adapter, Russell was liberated by the ease of composing a photomontage on a single computer screen via click-commands of a mouse.

Raised in a Protestant home, Russell’s questing temperament led him to Swiss psychologist Carl Jung’s (1875 – 1961) writings about religion, dreams and universal archetypes in

the 1960s. He eventually adopted a meditation technique based upon Buddhist mindfulness, a disciplined attentiveness to one’s present state of being. A stay against confusion and distraction, the goal of mindfulness is not to let what one knows slip away from consciousness, with the desired outcomes of inner illumination, serenity and compassion.

Russell’s interest in dreams (he maintains a dream journal) and photography led him to Floridian Jerry Uelsmann (b. 1934), a pioneer in the visionary photomontage since the late 1960s. Uelsmann’s observation, “the mind knows more than the eye and camera can see,” reinforced Russell’s views, and in 1985 he enrolled in a workshop conducted

by Uelsmann at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park. He has been doing photomontage ever since.

It was Russell’s stressful day job at Atascadero State Hospital that truly affirmed his meditation path and need to create spiritually suffused photographs. (A near death experience from heart arrhythmia was also a factor.) The hospital treats violent, mentally ill criminals, including sexual predators. (The latter were

Kabe Russell

recently transferred to Coalinga.). Some of the criminals Russell encountered have committed unspeakable acts, including the torture of infants and children. Not surprisingly, most of the inmates suffered violent and abusive childhoods themselves. After a day of administering patient and compassionate treatment to men who are confused, frustrated, furious, prone to outbursts and abrupt mood swings, he understood the necessity of having a spiritual discipline and the creative outlet of making beautiful and redemptive imagery.

Among Russell’s most compelling works are his images of single figures in spiritual states.

For me, they function as icons for prompting mindfulness in the viewer. The simply titled “Prayer Hands” of 2012 is perhaps his best example. Unlike painted Christian icons where the saint, Mary or Jesus faces the viewer to return her gaze, Russell depicts a spiritual adept in a posture of devotion.

She is shown in profile, to best portray her illumination from within. A digitally drawn constellation of glowing, haloed orbs ascends from the region of her heart into her mind, or consciousness. The resulting light suffuses her face, presenting a visage of radiant calm.

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HOME/OUTDOOR monkey mind is the human tendency toward confusion and anxiety when one thought after another, pops up and departs, much as a monkey jumps from tree to tree. Russell strives to master his mental processes and arrest the surge of chaotic thoughts via meditation. In “Prayer Room,” the yellow realm outside the doors is a psychic chaos of swirling forms. The threshold the artist crosses grants him access to a transcendent luminous realm, and the iconography gets ecumenical: Russell is greeted by a traditional Catholic angel, photographed at nearby Mission San Miguel.

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Eschewing dogmatic assertion, Russell’s simplicity and gently generous iconography proceed from the artist’s spiritual practices.

From this source, his photomontages derive their integrity, and their capacity to engage the interior lives of viewers.

Kabe Russell’s work can be seen at Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (www.studiosonthepark.org) and at Olive Tree Fine Arts, 5850 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 461-5600. Kabe may be contacted directly at dadagallery@hotmail.com.

Prayer Hands

Spiritual states are among the most difficult subjects for an artist to register, for the reason that convincing visual prototypes are few and far between. Some Roman Catholic artists tried during the European Counter Reformation when religious art attempted to illustrate a resurgent mother church. But all those wide-eyed weepy saints craning their heads to heaven felt forced, and they leaked a sticky sentimentality. Avoiding the melodramatic, Russell looks to visual metaphors to express spiritual states. I believe this is where Photoshop has an advantage.

That wispy, gossamer skein hovering around the adept’s joined hands limns the gathered spiritual energy before it threads its ascent to higher consciousness, the divine.

By contrast, “Prayer Room” is an autobiographical work in which Russell appears as a robed seeker departing the world of psychic chaos, or “monkey mind,” to enter an inner sanctum of serenity. In the Buddhist tradition,

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750 Price Street, Pismo Beach 773-1922 J U N E

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COMMUNITY

museum of art new exhibit

Robert burridge

sinfully good drawings are on view

By Muara Johnston, Assistant Director SLO Museum of Art

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obert Burridge’s sinfully good drawings are on view in the Museum of Art’s Gray Wing in a new exhibit titled IMPURE THOUGHTS,

June 1 – July 22, 2012. An opening reception to meet Mr. Burridge will take place on June 1, 6 – 9 pm (in conjunction with Art After Dark).

The concept for this large installation of drawings in chalk, ash, pastels and powders stems from Catholic grade school, when Mr. Burridge was taught that impure thoughts were a bad thing and would assure his place in hell. This simplistic view of the world was nonetheless confusing to the young Robert.

How can a thought be a sin? How can you control your thoughts?

This parochial view of eternal damnation stayed with Mr. Burridge until art college where his exposure to the frisky frescoes of Pompeii, erotic Hindu temple art, Ingres and Delacroix paintings of Turkish baths and Assyrian courts exploded into his burning thoughts. Those early salacious images and erotically charged drawings are central to his inspiration for the charcoal drawings found in IMPURE THOUGHTS. The difference between those early masterpieces and his current drawings is that there is nothing really explicit in his new interpretations. It is the overall erogenous feel of the work that excites the viewer.

Intentionally, there are no clear, direct images of human activity. Rather, Mr. Burridge allows the viewer to experience intimacy through the mastery of the medium. The viewer not only looks at the work, but, is engaged by its strong lines, movement and texture.

Mr. Burridge shares, “The sensual process of creating these drawings using the sensory joy of the medium; soft pastel sticks, powered charcoal and pigments and handmade Japanese Kozo paper, were all a part of the romantic and passionate relationship between my work and me. The tactile experience of having the materials J U N E

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the International Society of Acrylic Painters and a Signature Member of both the Philadelphia Water Color Society and the ISAP. His honors include the prestigious Crest Medal for Achievement in the Arts and Franklin Mint awards. His artwork hangs in the permanent collections of international embassies, corporate galleries, art colleges, and entertainment industry offices. He is featured in galleries in Santa Fe, Austin, Cambria and Key West. Mr. Burridge’s studio is located in Arroyo Grande and he teaches classes at

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the Museum of Art and other national and international institutions. His website is www.robertburridge.com.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and exhibiting the visual arts. Located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11 – 5 daily. Closed Tuesdays. Free admission, donations appreciated.

crumble and fall apart as I rubbed them into the creamy paper, not only validated my expression, but assured me that the impure thoughts I was having were a good and healthy thing.”

Robert Burridge is an award-winning Industrial Designer who, after twenty-five years in the corporate design world decided to focus on painting everyday. He is a celebrated, contemporary painter, a contributing author to artists’ magazines and publisher of his own books and instructional DVDs. Mr. Burridge attributes his success to his early education at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia and to his stint as an adjunct professor at Cooper Union School for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York City, where he taught typography and film production.

Mr. Burridge is the Honorary President of

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COMMUNITY

Our Schools: minding the gap

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

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The successful practice at Ocean View is intensive and regular collaboration among all teachers focused on students who are performing below their peers. At Ocean View, almost every staff meeting has some time devoted to checking on the progress of these students.

This belief that everyone is responsible for all of the students is different from the more traditional view that each teacher is only responsible for his or her students. At Ocean View, there is a schoolwide effort to assist lower performing students, no matter who may be their assigned teacher.

Vineyard Elementary School

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iders on the London Underground (subway) are familiar with the warning sign to “MIND THE GAP!” just before boarding the train. The warning refers to the need to pay attention to the space between the platform and the train in order not to trip or catch your foot. As I explained last month, the “gap” in school-talk refers to the gap in achievement between certain groups of students and their peers. Just like the gap in the London Underground, schools need to give close attention to narrowing this discrepancy in student achievement.

The specific groups of students whose achievement is lagging are students living in poverty and students who are not yet proficient in English. The performance of students in these two groups can be as much as 40 percentage points below their peers. The specifics of the gap for our county are outlined in the Annual Education Report available at www.slocoe.org.

“Minding the gap” at Vineyard starts with having high expectations for all students. This is the well-known, but oft-forgotten, “Pygmalion Effect,” that recognizes the power of simply expecting high performance regardless of family circumstances or language barriers. Vineyard doesn’t accept that some students will not make progress and makes it clear to students and parents that the school staff is prepared to assist all students to succeed. Vineyard also relies on the frequent use of assessment data from students and a team approach among the teaching staff similar to the other two schools.

One of the most effective tools for the Vineyard staff is the use of curriculum calendars. These calendars provide timelines for instruction and are connected to the California state standards. This calendar helps staff and students insure that they are on target to meet or exceed the state’s expectations.

Congratulations to these three California Distinguished Schools for showing us how to “mind the gap!”

Narrowing this gap is the highest priority for all schools and we certainly need to “mind” it. Fortunately, we have some excellent examples of schools in our county that are making progress in closing the achievement gap. Recently, three of our local elementary schools were selected by the California Department of Education as California Distinguished Schools and one of the main reasons that they were selected is that they are making substantial progress in narrowing the achievement gap. The three schools are Sinsheimer Elementary School in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, Ocean View Elementary School in the Lucia Mar Unified School District and Vineyard Elementary School in the Templeton Unified School District. Here are some examples of the signature practices that these schools employ to “mind the gap” with their students.

Sinsheimer Elementary School One of the most successful practices at Sinsheimer is to have a schoolwide early intervention program focused on reading for all students.

The school employs two half-time reading intervention specialists who provide individual and small group instruction to students who are identified very early as in need of help. Also, the staff has had intensive training in a structured literacy program which emphasizes attention to students experiencing reading difficulty very early in their school career. The school then marshals its resources to assist these students even if it means that some other aspects of the curriculum may get less attention. At Sinsheimer, every student has a reading “scorecard” that shows progress in reading proficiency during the year.

Ocean View Elementary School At first glance, one might question why Ocean View needed to “mind the gap.” Although the school has traditionally been a high performing school, the staff examined their student data closely and determined that there was an achievement gap at Ocean View just like other schools.

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COMMUNITY

history – Part 3

Chauncey hatch phillips

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

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y 1880, Chauncey Hatch Phillips’ life journey had led to working in San Francisco and then to San Luis Obispo as a principal in the first County bank.

Additionally, he held public office, promoted the first railway, and finally embarked on a long career as a land developer.

The new decade presented even greater opportunities for the 43-year-old Phillips.

By its end, the enterprising—and amazingly energetic—easterner had crowned his career bringing thousands to the central coast. Farmers, ranchers, dairyman and tradesmen—most with families—were moving westward. The most courageous yearned for the other shore (and share) of America. While much was endured, the promise of prosperity and independence fueled the commitment for a new

life. For Chauncey, the task was to facilitate the pursuit of dreams.

His story continues.

Undoubtedly still selling the Morro y Cayucos Rancho subdivision, Phillips had time to serve as chairman of a committee to petition Congress to build a breakwater at Avila. A safer harbor would encourage more shipping and passengers to the thinly populated area. Meanwhile, his reputation grew as he continued as a land broker to sell the Steele Brothers holdings of 45,000 acres within a year. Reportedly, his entrepreneurship garnered $30,000 in profits. Another sale in September 1882 involved his purchasing 1900 acres for $8000 and selling the parcel three months later for double the amount.

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Additionally, he purchased 548 acres of the Rancho San Miguelito (Avila) only to sell the land within twelve months. All this was done in the same year he also served as President of the County Board of Education.

It is no wonder Myron Angel, in publishing History of San Luis Obispo County (1893), found Phillips a ready source of information.

Angel included a sketch and biography of him and was sure to acknowledge his contributions and “his earnest and important assistance” in compiling the influential local history text.

Dividing ranchos into smaller parcels was fostered by expansion of the narrow-gauge railway from Port Harford to Los Alamos.

Sales were promoted by free rail rides and food to lot auctions. However, to be successful and impress possible residents, potential buyers needed some comforts. It took an embarrassing episode to result in the grandest hotel ever built in the city. Completing an excursion from Los Alamos to San Luis Obispo, the tired and hungry throng of visitors found little hospitality, small hotels, one restaurant and not even a park to enjoy a picnic meal. If San Luis Obispo was to benefit from the train service, service was expected in return.

Headed by J. P. Andrews, stockholders (including Phillips) invested in the largest (and most opulent) building ever erected along the central coast at the time. Begun early in 1884 and opening in July of the following year, the $115,000 Andrews Hotel enjoyed a brief history. Eight months later it burned

COMMUNITY to the ground. Nonetheless, the community had made an important commitment to provide for its guests. Other hotels (and the menace of fire) followed as the growing interest in the central coast required an increase in comfort and commerce.

Phillips had never ceased being a believer in the railroad as the solution for the progress of the State as well as local communities. The iron giant had long since spread its rails—and influence—throughout much of America. Now, California was a much easier destination to reach but still needed interior connections. When the Southern Pacific filed incorporation papers in San Francisco in 1886 for a ten million dollar expansion as the Southern Pacific Branch Railway, the message was clear: the rails were heading south. Phillips had already formed a syndicate to buy land ahead of the railroad’s arrival. It became his greatest promotion.

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Not only affordable farms and ranches beckoned, but a new community was envisioned and surveyed to create both a terminus for the railroad and a guardian for future expansion. Templeton, whose “climate is excelled no where (sic) in the State,” was born amid great expectations for the future.

Years of sustained effort had lured the railroad into the heart of the county. Now the task was to convince the capitalists in San Francisco to keep heading south. Phillips was instrumental in this quest…as well as capitalizing on other opportunities.

The image of the railroad finally reaching the heart of the central coast must have been an extraordinary vision as progress moved along the iron ribbons. That there was potential to finally reach San Luis Obispo (not to occur until 1894) and then the ultimate connection with rails from the south (not to occur until 1901) proved a galvanizing endeavor in the history of the county. To Phillips—and increasingly more residents—the odor of engine smoke was the sweet smell of growth and, inevitably, wealth only slightly promised by the accomplishments of the narrow-gauge. A train’s bell signaled not only the arrival of goods and passengers but prosperity.

In another remarkable 50-page brochure, Phillips “whose name is a synonym for energy and business capacity” with evangelical zeal provides a blueprint for opportunity. Topography, climate, soil, rainfall, schools, churches, costs of labor and material invite potential settlers to join in a “noble experiment.”

The “noble experiment” was the subdivision of about 64,000 acres in the heart of the county by the West Coast Land Company. George C. Perkins, former Governor (1880-1883) and then Senator (1893-1915), along with locals Isaac Goldtree and R. E. Jack supplied a half-million dollars in capital. As the secretary and manager or “projector” for the group, Phillips promoted and supervised the daring experiment to match settlers with success. Large chunks of land as well as much smaller parcels nourished by the advent of the railroad awaited those enterprising enough to invest in the future.

The Paso Robles Ranch comprised 232 parcels from 12 to over 600 acres as well as “villa lots” of 5 to 12 acres. Any purchase required one-third in cash with the remainder due in four yearly installments at 6% interest. Near the “Sulphur Springs,” generally larger pieces from 50 to nearly 700 acres were available. Eleven thousand acres of Eureka Rancho, 12,000-acre Huer-Huero property and the 18,000-acre Santa Ysabel Rancho offered a comprehensive array of land choices.

Reach thousands of potential customers by placing your ad in the Journal Plus.

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Avoid the High Cost of Moving to COMMUNITY A Retirement Facility

availability of both a volunteer hospice, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice Even though the prospect of movingSLO) may in thecertified distant andbe medically hospice options care. But simply options is only future, you owe it to yourself to learnforhow you canhaving enjoy half the solution. The resources have to carefree living in your own home for many years to come. be coordinated in a way that serves the community. To facilitate this, Best Care

By Kris Kington, Executive Director, Hospice SLO Home Health, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, and Hospice SLO all work collaboratively to not only provide care and It’s a fact of life that as we get older, Pristine is fully support, but also advocate for individuals some County day-to-day tasksof become toohospice carelicensed and insured. an Luis Obispo palliative and services with progressive or life threatening illnesses residents aremuch unique from most otheron our available. remain one of aAll handful of workers to handle own. We That of our at each stage of their journey. areas in the U.S. because of the range communities that continues to have the doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully screened The term “continuum of care” describes the from the comfort of your home. and pass a criminal delivery of health care over a period of time.

In patients with a disease, it is a reference to • Pristine Home Services is• a local background check phases of illness—from diagnosis to the company that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test,all giving you peace of mind • • end of life. Our healthcare system is complex County residents avoid the high cost when someone from Pristine iseven working and difficult to navigate, during times of good health.

When individuals and their of moving to a retirement facility. in your home. families are faced with a progressive or life illness the pathother can become pot“She helps methreatening with bathing and tortuous. During the course personal care.holed, Shejarring is soand wonderful to me.

All of our services can be provided a life threatening She should beof cloned! …andillness, the there pricemay is be acute phases when more extensive care and services daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable.

She even did my winare needed followed by periods of calm when From housekeeping You to handyman services and plumbing to preparingyou meals.need There is no task too large or pay for only the services San Luis Obispo dows!” R. Watson, far less outside support is necessary.

Hospice corner

working together to serve the community

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Personal Care Yard Maintenance

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Housekeeping Handyman

Serving All of San Luis Obispo County

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too small for Pristineand Homewe Services.

All of our those services can be providedatdaily, weekly, or on an as-needed provide services a price basis. You pay for only the services you need and we provide those services at a price you can“They afford. took the So how do to these three work togethtime ask meagencies exactly

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Pristine Home Services made it possible exactlyforwhatwith I asked, and the price was Since 1977 Hospice SLO, as a volunteer hospice us to stay comfortable and independent reasonable. Iorganization, would recommend Pristine has been working alongside in our home.

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

C. Hall, San Luis Obispo providers to help address the worry, with cancer, is no longer ato threat, the ” medical shopping, daily errands, mealwhich preparadecision making pressure, need for fampeople at Pristine became a very important tion, transportation part andofnon-medical Before you make any decisions that ily support and respite that accompanies our team. They were trustworthy, medical conditions that threaten to shorten care. Our housekeeping services keep reliable and always stood by ourcould side. Weaffect your future happiness a patient’s life. By providing non medical services our relationship their staff. your kitchen and thetruly restenjoy of your home withand standard of living, theintime such as take volunteers the home and

-Don and Mary Smith spotless. We even do windows and bereavement support, Hospice SLO works

Convenient One-call Service

to read these two FREE reports: in cooperation with the patient’s primary laundry.

Our yard maintenance crews Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every care provider, caregiver, “What senior needs to health knowagencies and know how to take care of your favorite care facilities to offer resources with a focus the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in a retirement facility.” rose bushes and keep the grass neatly on emotional and spiritual support for the “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” patient, family andto friends. mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical questions ask aHospice SLO can “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.” serve as a safety net for patients who may not provided by specialists in plumbing, service provider . . for . before you let hospice yet qualify medically certified We invite you to call Pristine right now so that we can send you these two FREE reports by mail. electrical work, painting, repairs and services or near who may not require them. As a anyone work in or your home.” volunteer hospice, it does not charge patients safety rail installation.

Call for rateS We invite you to Medicare call Pristine or bill or other right insurances for services that can be provided for longer periods now so that we can send you these of time, and are available regardless of a clitwo FREE reports by mail. ent’s treatment choice or prognosis.

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

(805) 543-HOME (4663) When a patient wishes to continue to seek curative medical treatment options but needs Call Today medical support for pain relief and symptom

805-543-4663 www.pristinehomeservices.net 710 FIERO LANE, UNIT 16 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401 HOUSEKEEPING · YARD MAINTEN ANCE · HANDYMAN SERVICES · PERSON AL C ARE J U N E

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management, BestCare Home Health and Hospice SLO work collaboratively to provide the nursing palliative care services in the home as well as volunteer support such as respite care and emotional support for the

COMMUNITY

family. Counseling for the patient and family members to assist in adjusting to illness or physical changes and limitations can also be provided through this partnership.

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JUNE CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

When a patient requires more home medical support than is available through home health services and is appropriate for medically certified hospice care, their volunteer(s) through Hospice SLO will continue to provide services as Hospice Partners staff and volunteers join the care team. The Hospice SLO volunteers who are familiar with the patient and family serve to provide valuable communication between the family and care team and provide ongoing support to the patient and their family.

In a situation where a patient “graduates” from hospice services and no longer needs the medically certified hospice level of care, Hospice SLO volunteers can continue to provide in-home volunteer support to the patient and family, again providing support and assistance during the transition and aiding in communication. The patient will continue to qualify for the services provided by Hospice SLO throughout the process. By working together, the three agencies are able to evaluate the client and family needs and establish a fluid plan to provide support as needs arise and shift. In all circumstances, the focus of care becomes one of adding quality of life to a patient’s day.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: POP MUSIC ACROSS 1. Gain access to, 2 words 6. *1965’s “Get ___ My Cloud” 9. Benedict XVI, e.g.

13. African antelope 14. Equal to 10 liters 15. Was furious 16. “Happy Endings” actor Adam _____ 17. CSI evidence 18. Stand on end 19. Chews out 21. *Famous for her “Umbrella” 23. Likewise 24. “...partridge in a ____ tree...”

25. *Madonna’s controversial garment 28. Viking writing symbol 30. Interstellar cloud 35. “A River ____ Through It” 37. Cause of Titanic’s demise 39. Like a mad dog

40. “Do ____ others as you would do...”

41. Tennessee footballer 43. *Aguilera and Carey can hit a high one 44. Yuletides 46. Winter Olympic event 47. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” author 48. Army’s offensive, pl.

50. Remote Automated Weather Station 52. Used at start of new hole 53. Unstressed-stressed pattern in poetry 55. Pig’s home 57. *If she “were a boy...”

61. Road less traveled 64. In the midst 65. ___ and feather 67. EU money, pl.

69. American poet James Whitcomb _____ 70. Geological period 71. Narrow mountain ridge 72. Benevolent and Protective Order of ____ 73. *The ___ Hot Chili Peppers 74. *She wakes up “in the morning feeling like P. Diddy”

DOWN 1. As opposed to Gross Domestic Product 2. Unfledged hawk 3. Bath powder 4. Administer 5. *”You belong with” her?

6. Betting probability 7. *Belieber, e.g.

8. Bell-bottoms bottom 9. Between larva and adult 10. Sign of something to come 11. Philadelphia’s Ivy League member 12. Cocoyam 15. Hitler, e.g.

20. “No ____ about it” 22. 007 creator 24. Throw out of kilter 25. *He’d “catch a grenade for ya” 26. A sentence that goes too long 27. Poker stakes 29. First man on the moon 31. *E Street ____ 32. Lusitania’s destroyer

33. Gracefully slender 34. *She “could have had it all rolling in the deep” 36. Worn from walking 38. *She “was born this way” 42. Gossipy 45. Scrooge-like 49. Cul de ___ 51. Mean characteristic 54. Approximately 1.094 yards 56. *James Blunt: “_____ Beautiful” 57. *____naked Ladies, band 58. Short for Emilia 59. Nutrition of an embryo 60. Dollar bills 61. Half of Brangelina 62. Greek god of war 63. Shakespearean “does” 66. “We ___ Marshall” 68. *”Under the boardwalk, down by the ___”

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palm street perspective public outreach

By SLO City Councilwoman, Kathy Smith

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his business of Democracy and public service has its pluses and minuses!

A citizen’s right to information and participation is without question a significant strength in San Luis Obispo and this United States of America. Our greatest minuses are the limited segments of Council business allowed in open session discussion (20% of budgeted costs) and minimized face-to-face interaction.

As the one seated Council Member who will NOT be on the ballot this November, my words can be direct. While televised Council meetings have (I’m told) increased the actual number of people who watch deliberations, the individuals present to express their views are miniscule. That is, of course, unless it’s a focused issue concerning a neighborhood (vis a vis) bike path or home business permit.

Televised sessions scare off individuals from sharing their private thoughts. It’s intimidating to stand at the Council Chambers podium knowing that your neighbors are assessing your ideas and public speaking skills.

And yet, those important civic thoughts are vital to the decision-making of five people who’ve pledged to represent you.

We’re about to enter the campaign season for Mayor/Council elections. Like others, I’ll be expressing my support of candidates by

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sharing some dollars and, more importantly, knocking on doors of voters. Our system of government depends on our involvement.

I continue to envision elected Council Members as the central core of our government.

And yet, it’s the responsibility of residents to reinforce that tenet of Democracy by informing themselves about the issues and positions of elected officials to maintain the integrity of a free society. The danger is to sit back and watch as authority is handed to professional paid staff who may not live in our city, yet have a vested financial interest in outcomes.

At this time, a new era of disclosure is occurring and is building trust as some new programs are being taken “on the road” to key constituent organizations before Council hears staff recommendations and takes action.

As a for instance, 11 such presentations on the possibility of Measure Y being placed on the 2012 November ballot have been launched by top administrative leaders. Staff has traveled to a myriad of sites to receive public input, and Council members are often able to be present to hear the word-for-word thoughts of constituents.

Groups included in such immersion of public outreach include Downtown Association, SLO Property Owners, Sierra Club, Land Conservancy, Chamber of Commerce and

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Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. Others are some City Advisory Bodies such as Planning, Architectural Review, Cultural Heritage and Parks & Recreation.

Topics opened to public scrutiny include Alcohol Outlet Regulations (particularly in our Downtown) and the focused Land Use and Circulation Element Update which will affect the growth of our quality of life for the next 25 years. In addition, staff has resumed monthly Neighborhood Services meetings that bring together students, residents and leadership from SLO City Police and the Community Development Department.

Outreach efforts are labor and time-intensive for City Council Members and City Staff, but reflect the dedication to seeking maximum public input from individuals “in their own words” as an integral part of decision-making.

Reflecting on the “Lessons from San Luis Obispo” in Dan Beuttner’s book THRIVE, our designation as the “healthiest and happiest city in North America” was strongly centered on “citizen empowerment.” The mission plaza controversy sent a lasting message that individuals can have a voice in government.

And, while it may sometimes seem difficult to believe, that is what every elected SLO City Council Member should seek . . . your ideas, in your words, meshed with those of many others.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p Meet Our Interns

June 2012

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where large-scale development was threatening the historic fabric of the community well known for its geisha houses. It was quite the experience!

ast month I was invited to participate in a panel to review another California downtown’s application to become a Main Street program.

I consider this an honor and a responsibility; as a Certified Main Street Manager serving nearly 17 in my current position, I’m gratified— and obligated—to lend my experience and training to the process of bringing another downtown community into the fold.

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o what do we look for when evaluating communities for certification? Probably number one and number two for me, though they’re both of equal importance, are identifying what the community is trying to achieve (historic preservation, commercial revitalization, revamping Deborah Cash, CMSM, its image, overcoming obstacles) and witnessing he good news is that downtowns across the Executive Director country continue to strive for excellence a demonstrated passion to do so. Sometimes using the tried-and-true Main Street Four communities have an ‘idea’ of what they’d like to Point Program® of revitalization; the other news is the be: more attractive to tourists, for example, or an emphasis criteria’s tough and it’s not an easy club to join. on mixed-use and local-friendly. It might take a time or two before they bring it in to focus and refine their vision. he SLO Downtown Association became a National Main

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Street program in 1980 and doubled that affiliation at the state level in 1986. Considered a ‘veteran’ community, we were proud to earn the National Trust’s Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) in 2000. As a result, we have been looked to by communities around the country—and beyond—for insight about implementing the Main Street approach. I have personally coached a number of downtown organizations on the basics. One memorable stint was consulting for a town outside of Tokyo, Kagurazaka, Japan

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his certainly happened when I put together the first application for the GAMSA. What I didn’t understand on the initial try was that the recognition centered mainly on REvitalization. But—I extrapolated from our consolation letter—we didn’t really have anything ‘bad’ to ‘come back’ from. Outside of being a bit frumpy from a period during the 50s and 60s when a lot of our history was stucco-ed over and the trees weren’t planted

On the Cover: They're back! This year's Concerts in the Plaza, sponsored by SUNSET HONDA, kicks off June 1 with a 14-week run featuring some of the area's finest musical talent performing in Mission Plaza every Friday night from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. A full listing of bands is provided in our full page ad and information is also available on our website www.downtownslo.com. This free event is a great way to start the weekend with family and friends or wind up the week after work with plenty of time left to enjoy dinner and a night out in Downtown SLO! Photo by Deborah Cash

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yet and Mission Plaza was a yet gleam in Ken Schwartz’s eye, we didn’t suffer any wholesale losses of historic registered properties and weren’t burdened with blight.

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t wasn’t until the third time around that City planner Jeff Hook helped me with the application and suggested a ‘fresh’ approach—we were award-worthy because our City was visionary enough to develop policies supportive of Downtown and therefore that was as compelling as clawing your way back from disrepair. It worked!

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hy is this relevant? Why does the coveted “Main Street” status matter? After all, many communities have perfectly nice downtowns and aren’t officially designated. he number one reason is that our country and our economy depend heavily on small businesses.

Downtown Maintenance, Beautification and Lighting…

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…Keeping Downtown Beautiful!

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And small businesses are typically clustered in commercial districts. And commercial districts are successful if people live, work, visit and shop there. The Four Point® approach is specifically designed—and tested!—to provide a formula for achieving this success, the points being Promotions (think Concerts in the Plaza starting this month), Economic Restructuring (think the recent Downtown Enhancement and Lighting project celebrating its kickoff on June 6), Design (think public art, Downtown Foresters, Beautification Awards) and Organization (think 750-plus members, solid work plan, Board of Directors and six committees).

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o, as I undertake my role as a ‘gatekeeper’ of sorts, I’ll be looking for the same passion and focus that have resulted in success for us…around Downtown.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED! The Downtown Association will be hosting a GRAND CELEBRATION of the completion of the Downtown Maintenance, Beautification and Lighting Program. Join City staff, Downtown Association members, vendors, sponsors and all who made the program possible as we officially ‘christen’ one of Downtown’s most visible beautification projects.

WHEN:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6

WHERE:

HIGUERA STREET AT DOWNTOWN CENTRE BETWEEN GAP AND EXPRESS

7:30 PM

WHAT:

REFRESHMENTS, MUSIC, SHORT PROGRAM GRAND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 8 PM

Your MEASURE Y Tax Dollars at work!

www.DowntownSLO.com 541-0286

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But that’s just the beginning. Our commitment to providing a superior level of personal service means that you will have a smooth and positive mortgage experience.

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his month we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight our Cal Poly Intern Program and introduce this quarter’s student workers.

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he Intern program has been implemented at the Downtown Association since the late 1980s.

Students from a variety of majors such as Journalism, Business, Political Science, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration and Graphic Communications spend a quarter or two working hands-on with events, communications, public relations, surveys and graphic design projects. They also learn about office procedures and working with the public, public Krisha Agatep is a third year student at Cal Poly studying Graphic Communication with a concentration in Digital Reproduction Technology.

Originally from Fairfield, CA, Krisha moved to San Luis Obispo for its year-round perfect weather, amazing beaches, and happy SLO people. Krisha has always had a passion for photography and now works as a staff photographer for the Mustang Daily. She is also an active member in her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, and loves giving back to the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo community through AOII. In her spare time, Krisha enjoys shopping, trying new food in restaurants around San Luis Obispo, and making memories with new and old friends. Krisha is very excited to join the Downtown Association staff and is learning new things every day she comes into the office. Although she is sad to see her time in San Luis Obispo come to an end, she is very excited to take her experiences as a college student and as a Downtown Association intern and apply them to what she hopes will be a long and prosperous career. Upon graduation in June 2013, Krisha plans to pursue a career in the graphic communication industry either in graphic design or web design.

My name is Kelsey Beall. I am a fourth year Business Marketing MajorSpanish minor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I will graduate from school in June and I am hoping to pursue a career in event planning and event promotions. At Cal Poly, I am also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta National Sorority, where I have taken on leadership roles such as Social Chair and Education Director. I also currently work for the Communications department at Cal Poly where I videotape communications classes for students to use a reference. I am a member of the Modern Languages Club, which helps me work towards Spanish fluency. I am originally from Long Beach, CA and lived there my entire life until I came to college. My family still lives there and I enjoy making trips to Long Beach when I have time to visit family and friends. While in San Luis Obispo, in my free time, I like to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, biking, and traveling around the Central Coast. Some of my hobbies include swimming, skiing, running and traveling.

agencies and other community organizations.

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ach quarter, two to four interns join our team and work whatever schedule their major requires for credit (sometimes as much as 400 hours!) or for experience.

Their time may be split between Promotions and Thursday Night Promotions Farmers’ Market as well as in the office. Former interns say the experience they gained helped them obtain jobs, do well in their jobs and even inspired them to direct their career choices toward the type of work they undertook here. We are thankful for their talent, enthusiasm and hard work!

Hello! My name is Jennifer Nicole Behrens and was I born in Honolulu, Hawaii. I moved to California at age 5 and to SLO at age 18 to attend Cal Poly. After spending a wonderful five years studying nutritional science, I got married and branched out to the world of small business. My husband and I own and operate a small pizza business in San Luis Obispo, which keeps me on my toes seven days a week.

In my free time, I enjoy my time on the Central Coast at the beach, hiking with my dogs and enjoying our amazing weather year ‘round. I have run in four marathons, climbed Half Dome last year, and hope to get another chance this coming summer. I enjoy both skiing and snowboarding, love love love the state of Hawaii and enjoy road trips.

Growing up, I have always been the go-to person for events and event planning. I have found over the years that I am not only good at planning and promoting events but that I really enjoy doing it. In the near future I am hoping that one day I will find a positive place to share my talent.

note: Jennifer is an independent intern and not affiliated with the Cal Poly program.

Lisa Osorio is a third year Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration undergraduate at Cal Poly. She is pursuing a concentration in Community Service Management and hopes to work eventually in this area for a city program or the Girl Scout Council upon graduation in 2013. In the past two years, Lisa has dedicated her time to Cal Poly’s Student Life and Leadership orientation program Week of Welcome. This has given her a chance to interact with incoming students and help them acclimate to life on the Central Coast. Lisa also works for Cal Poly University Housing Administration where she assists future and current on-campus residents.

Originally from San Diego, Lisa worked at Sea World for five years. She is able to bring her knowledge and experience in working with large publics to her position with the Downtown Association. Farmers’ Market is one of Lisa’s favorite SLO time activities that she enjoys along with concerts at SLO Brew, dining at Creekside Brewery and walking along the creek near the Mission.

Artwork by: Lynn Hessler

presents

2012

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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

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2012

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

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Journal PLUS

family-friendly music at live oak music festival

The Live Oak Music Festival offers a fabulous Father’s Day weekend (June 15-17) that’s fun for the entire family! With everything from an “open family jam” to sushi rolling classes, this year’s Live Oak Festival is sure to please. Nestled under the oaks of the Santa Ynez Valley, the 24th annual threeday concert and camping event, headlined by the Indigo Girls, features 20 musical acts in all genres, as well as non-stop activities for kids and parents alike. New for 2012, parents will be happy to visit the HawaiianThe Indigo Girls will perform at the Live Oak Music Festival themed “baby spa” and relax on the deck as they watch their children play in the new Little Acorns Toddler Oasis, a fenced 30x30 area catering to Live Oak’s youngest guests. Back by popular demand, Juggling & Unicycling dynamo Mark Wilder. For something completely different, check out the Sushi-Making Workshops in the Children’s Camp on Saturday and Sunday! For teens only, there are dance-concerts at Stage Too both Friday & Saturday evenings. “With musical acts ranging from folk, blues, and bluegrass to zydeco, Latin jazz and even Chinese classical music, as well as non-stop activities for kids (parents can participate too!), there really is something for everyone,” said Frank Lanzone, general manager for KCBX Public Radio and festival manager. Adult full-festival passes for the three-day extravaganza are $122. Children’s full-festival passes are $77 for teens and $37 for children 4-12 years old. Children under four years old are free. Day passes are also available for $42 for adults and teens and $17 for children 4-12. Live Oak Music Festival tickets, the up-to-date entertainment lineup, and complete festival information are available now at www.liveoakfest.org or by calling 805-781-3030. All festival proceeds support KCBX Central Coast Public Radio.

Sierra Vista Volunteers Honored

Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center volunteer Donnie Jensen was named “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” and volunteer Amanda Johnson was honored as “Sweetheart Volunteer of the Year” at the hospital’s 38th Annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon. The event recognized the hospital’s 114 volunteers, including 30 college students, for their years of dedicated service. Last year Sierra Vista volunteers contributed 23,450 hours to the hospital in a variety of services. In addition, they donated $23,050 to local scholarships and non-profit organizations.

art show for alzheimer’s

Twenty artists from around San Luis Obispo County will join the Alzheimer’s Association from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 16 at the Paso Robles Event Center for Art Cares, an art show and sale with a barbecue and wine tasting that will raise funds for the California Central Coast Chapter of the Association. The artists, whose works vary from oil paintings to photography to glass and more, will show and sell their work and donate 40 percent of their sales to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Tickets are $25 and wine tasting is available for $10. The ticket price includes a barbecue dinner and entertainment by local favorite Julie & the BadDogs. Tickets can be purchased by calling 805.226.7431. For more information, visit alz.org/cacentralcoast.

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Pacific Oak Foreclosure Services INC

LYNN R. COOPER PRESIDENT

Bootsie Merango will perform at the Morro Bay Music Festival

944 Mill Street • Suite 230 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TEL (805) 544-9242 • CELL (805) 235-0493 FAX (805) 543-7838 EMAIL lynn@pacificoakforeclosure.com www.pacificoakforclosure.com

the 5th annual morro bay music festival

The Morro Bay Harbor Festival Association is pleased to announce that the 5th Annual Morro Bay Music Festival will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2012 and will feature the musical talents of four outstanding local bands. Hours of the free event are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will take place along the waterfront at 714 Embarcadero— right across the street from Rose’s Landing.

free adult wellness & prevention 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.

Frank

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

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

view rare solar event

Rare Astronomy Event: Solar-Venus Transit! This is your last chance in your lifetime to see the rare alignment of Venus as it glides across the face of the sun. Join the Central Coast Astronomical Society as you peek through their special solar telescopes. First 200 will take home a personal solar viewer. All ages welcome! June 5, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. at Paso Robles Park at Farmer’s Market. This event is free and we’re giving NASA’s Astronomy Guidebooks. Info: Sandra at 748-1109 and www.CentralCoastAstronomy.org

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Frank

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third annual swap-o-rama-Rama

slo Night-time kiwanis raise funds for youth

The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Kiwanis Club recently held a BBQ fundraiser which included a bagged dinner for six. More than 350 bagged dinners were served. The event generated several thousand dollars which will go toward our local youth programs and scholarships. Pictured above are the Kiwanians and friends who helped make the BBQ a success.

law school scholarship available

The San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association is offering up to $750 in scholarship awards to current law students or students accepted for enrollment in law school with a demonstrated connection to San Luis Obispo County. Applications may be accessed online at http://www.wlaslo.org/scholarships. Completed applications must be postmarked by July 1, 2012. For additional information please contact Stacy Millich at (805) 546-3270.

french hospital is one of nation’s top hospitals

French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), a Dignity Health member along with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Marian Regional Medical Center has been named one of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals®

by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information solutions to improve the cost and quality of health care. French Hospital has also received the elite title of Everest Award Winner—those hospitals among the 100 Top Hospitals® that delivered the greatest rate of improvement over five years. “There is no greater honor bestowed on a hospital than to be recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100. And, the Everest Award says that French is one of the best of the best,” said FHMC President and CEO Alan Iftiniuk. “This honor is the result of a passionate and strongly committed team of caregivers, physicians, support staff and professional managers. I could not be any more proud of our sustained efforts to continuously improve the level of care at French Hospital Medical Center.”

D ressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 39 Years

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

Alan “Himself” J U N E

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On June 2, attendees of the third annual Swap-O-Rama-Rama will find thousands of pounds of clothing on tables throughout the C.L. Smith School Pavilion, just waiting for someone to breathe new life into them. Swap-O-Rama-Rama (SORR) is an internationally known event that strives to encourage community recycling of unwanted clothing through artistic reuse. This year’s event will include more than 10 doit-yourself workshops, including alterations, embellishments, pillows, kids’ activities, and much more. Local artists will lead the workshops.

Proceeds will benefit PEAK (Promoting Extracurricular Activities for Kids), an organization whose sole mission is to enable Pacheco and C.L. Smith Elementary students to participate in extracurricular activities. PEAK, a 100% volunteer-run organization, uses all proceeds to pay for activity tuition, equipment/supplies, and operating expenses.

For more information, visit www.peakslo.org. Admission is $5 for pre-sale tickets or $10 at the door. To purchase pre-sale tickets, email your name and number of tickets to sloswaporama@gmail.com or call 805-242-6484. Each participant must bring to the event a bag of clean, unwanted clothing to donate to the swap. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at C.L. Smith, 1375 Balboa Street, SLO. Unused clothing at the end of the event will be donated to Goodwill.

atascadero chamber 16th annual park bbqs

The Atacadero Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their 16th Annual Tuesday in the Park BBQs, featuring delicious sirloin and chicken, followed by a free “Big Band” concert. Beginning each Tuesday from June 19th through August 28th, various non-profits will host the BBQ from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are available from any member of the organization that’s hosting a BBQ or call the Chamber at 466-2044.

slo film festival summer filmmaking camps

The SLO International Film Festival (SLOIFF) is expanding their summer filmmaking workshops to budding filmmakers of all ages. From July 9 through August 3, two-week, weekend and oneday workshops will be guided by professional filmmakers, giving participants a hands-on learning experience as they create short films from initial concept to finished film. For information about all workshops and to register, go to slofilmfest.org, or call (805) 546-FILM.

central coast children’s classic

The Friends of the Atascadero Library, in partnership with Tom and Peggy O’Malley’s Portola Inn, will present the second annual Central Coast Children’s Classic on Saturday, June 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This will be a day filled with active and educational entertainment for families with children between the ages of 3 and 10. Tickets are available at the Atascadero Library or online at www.

AtascaderoFriendsOfTheLibrary.org. The cost is $15 for children and $25 for adults (including a box lunch). For more information, visit the Friends of the Library web site or call (805)462-9221.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

eye on Business lopez high thinks big

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

D

avid Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy advertising, is often referred to as the Father of Advertising. His work dates back to the early 1950s but is still considered legend in marketing circles. Dove’s “1/4 cleansing cream,” “Schweppervescence,” describing Schweppes’ tonic water bubbles, and the eye-patched, white-shirted “Hathaway Man” are familiar brand icons. A lesser known, but equally fabulous campaign was Ogilvy’s 1960 classic for Rolls Royce: “At 60 miles an hour, the loudest noise in this new Rolls Royce comes from the electric clock.”

Okay, 60 mph and electric clocks may be funny today, but the cleverness of the idea still stands. The same is true with the American Express card slogan, “Don’t leave home without it,” penned by Ogilvy in 1975 and still in circulation nearly four decades (and a lot of theology changes) later. Credit David Ogilvy with great ideas and amazing staying power.

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as Lopez High School. The objective was to create marketing messages that could help build enrollment. The kids took the challenge and ran with it.

The student-group videos told powerful stories of students who connected at Lopez, people who hated the size or structure of conventional high schools and who found small class sizes, close teacher connections and a different approach to learning the right fit. For their assignment, they produced videos and made brochures, designed t-shirts and postcards and a comic-book style flyer. The students storyboarded, shot and edited; then added music and graphics to the videos. They worked in groups, learning how to collaborate, dividing up responsibilities, covering each other’s backs and supporting each other while each team member spoke during the public presentations.

Lopez High principal Christine Granados and teacher Kyla Huckerby showed me a living, breathing example of the Lopez High commitment to students. The school website says “academic achievement, technology as a tool for learning, character building, and career exploration are all part of the Lopez High School. Students come to Lopez for a variety of reasons, but they leave with a healthy respect for themselves, the staff, and the community.”

I’d say they also leave with a job-readiness that is admirable and will serve them well. Congratulations to the graduating seniors of Lopez High, and to the staff who helped them find success. I suspect these kids will make a great new group of elevator-riding assets.

Because he was so well-regarded as a big thinker, when Ogilvy commented on the importance of employees in an organization by noting that a company’s assets “go down the elevator every night,” that too, became an idea that stuck. It’s a thought that may even be truer in 2012 than when it was first voiced years ago. Every business today is utterly reliant on its employees for success and achievement. All the sophisticated equipment and online “stuff;” products and services and hot new ideas will not make a bit of bottom-line difference if the people power isn’t strong.

The challenge to find and keep good employees is a hurdle every company manages. And good employees start with good training, good education, good mentoring or some combination of the three that breeds success and job readiness. I grew up in a traditional format school and made my way through college and into the job market with the idea that “this is how it’s done.” But I recently experienced a different approach to learning that was quite an eye opener.

I had the opportunity to judge student-produced videos at Lopez High School, and I’ll admit I went out to the school on the Mesa with one point of view. I came back with a far different one. Lopez is an alternative school for students who would otherwise attend Nipomo or Arroyo Grande High Schools. In my day, “continuation schools” like Lopez were populated by troubled students and kids on the edge. A lot has changed since I was a student and boy, was I impressed by what I saw.

The students in the small class I observed were challenged to work in groups, with an advisor available, but with emphasis on selfdirection. The challenge: produce a short video and supporting marketing materials that would help potential students—and their parents—understand the real heart and soul of the place known

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COMMUNITY this year Shelby has a limited edition 50th anniversary Cobras starting at $69,995. The price includes the fiberglass shell, leather interior, and wire wheels. Engine, transmission, and other drivetrain go-parts are not included.

JUNE Almanac

our mechanic recalls an old car sales joke, “If you want wheels,

that costs extra.”

By Phyllis Benson

flag day is June 14. Fly the red, white and blue in spring sunshine.

“Everyone smiles in the same language.” —George Carlin

june means weddings. Last year the average wedding cost was $27,000 without the honeymoon.

june is National Rose Month. Rose enthusiasts work hard with pruning, fertilizing, spraying, and nurturing their bushes. wisconsin rose hobbyist Bill Radler realized that growing roses would be more fun if it entailed less work. He developed a heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, winter-hardy rose and sent it to a California rose grower. The rose became the popular Knock Out hybrid. june is National Dairy Month. ice cream and frozen desserts topped $25 billion in sales last year.

Ice cream makers develop flavors like carrot cake, pistachio brittle, and bourbon caramel, but they are blips. Vanilla is number one on the ice cream chart.

national Fishing Week is June 2 to 10. Good things come to those

who bait.

the honeymoon is no longer a getaway. With Smartphones, iPads and internet gadgets, the travelling couple is 24/7 with family, friends, and newlywed sales pitches. in 1962, our barber paid $100 for his bride’s ring. Betrothed couples now spend $5,000 on engagement and wedding ring sets. Modest or lavish, our jeweler says it is an investment of the heart. june 17 is Father’s Day. bill cosby said, “I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time.” the summer solstice is June 20. june 1962: Pitcher Sandy Koufax threw his first no-hitter, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the New York Mets.

koufax retired at the age of 30 due to arthritis in his pitching arm.

He said, “I’ve got a lot of years to live after baseball and I would like to live them with the complete use of my body.”

quip: If today were a fish I’d throw it back.

1922: The American Library Association established the Newbery Medal, an annual award encouraging creative writing for children’s books.

1942: The Battle of Midway Island began June 4 and ended June 7.

The World War II battle between the United States Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy ended Japan’s dominance in the Pacific war.

1962: Race car driver Carroll Shelby teamed with Ford to produce

quake day: On June 28, 1992, two strong earthquakes hit southern California. The quakes, at Landers and Big Bear, injured over 400 people, caused $92 million dollars damage, and rattled as far away as Idaho.

t-shirt: I may be a seismologist but it is not my fault. set up the lounge chairs and relax. Chores will find you soon enough.

the Shelby Cobra, a high performance sports car to rival the Corvette.

The costly Cobra was a racing success and financial failure.

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