August 2009 Journal Plus Magazine by SLO Journal

DANA NELSON | SUZANNE LEEDALE | MASTER GARDENERS | FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA

Journal PLUS AUGUST 2009

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

A NEW TRAIL IN OUR FUTURE AVILA TO MONTANA DE ORO

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The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Home & CENTRAL COAST

OUTDOOR

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CONTENTS

26 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bahman Safari COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs HOME AND OUTDOOR SECTION EDITOR Jessica Ford PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson ADVERTISING Jan Owens, Tom Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Hilary Grant, Sandy Baer, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Frank Rowan, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Gordon Fuglie, Allen Settle Loren Nicholson, Dan and Lee Anna O’Daniel, Shelley Matson, Julian Varela, Heather Hellman, Judy Zimmerman, R.W. Battles 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 5460609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix. net. Our website is 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. Home and Outdoor section is in association with Jack Dugan and Cover photo by Kara Blakeslee

MASTER GARDENERS

SUZANNE LEEDALE

PETER DOYLE

PEOPLE

COMMUNITY

8 DANA NELSON 10 SUZANNE LEEDALE 12 PETER DOYLE 14 JOHN HUTCHINGS 16 MATT LYSOBEY

HOME & OUTDOOR

18 LOCAL GOLF 19 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 22 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 23 KITCHEN IDEAS 24 PULSE – Personal Responsibility 26 MASTER GARDENERS 28 NUTRITION – Fats 29 CARMEL – Weekend Getaway 30 AVILA TO MONTANA DE ORO TRAIL

32 HEART AWARE 34 EARLY YEARS – Fairs – Part 3 36 ART SCENE 37 OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker 38 HISTORY: FATHER SERRA – Part 2 40 HOSPICE CORNER 41 CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 VETS VOICE 47 ALMANAC The Month of August

BUSINESS

43 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 48 PALM STREET – SLO Councilman, Carter 50 THE BULLETIN BOARD

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his month we feature five people with varied backgrounds who make a difference on the Central Coast. We start out with long-time Pharmacist, Dana Nelson. After reading his profile, you’ll understand why local pharmacies are alive and well. We move on to Susan Leedale, Peter Doyle, John Hutchings and finish with Matthew Lysobey. These talented five people do a great service for this community.

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Last month I attended the ground breaking of the newest Master Gardeners’ garden located on Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo. These specialists will turn a field of dirt and weeds into a beautiful paradise. If you get a chance, drive by the field so you can watch the transformation firsthand. Jessica Ford writes about the organization inside. Our cover story is written by Ralph Battles. He updates us on the progress of the Avila Beach to Montana de Oro hiking trail. This trail will offer one of the most picturesque hikes on Earth. Kara Blakeslee gave us some of the shots that you will soon enjoy. One of our favorite longtime writers, Cecil Smith, passed away last month at 92. After 30 years of writing an entertainment column for the L.A. Times, Cecil moved to San Luis and began writing a column about his celebrity experiences in our magazine. He was one of those rare individuals in our business who never missed a deadline. Cecil’s work was always error free and he was the first to call me if his column was edited. He could do it all, even at 90, and will certainly be missed. Maggie Cox needed some time off to spend with her ill mother-in-law, who passed away last month as well. Maggie’s Eye On Business column is not in this issue, but will return next month. Enjoy the magazine,

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pharmacist dana nelson Essential medicines and expertise for slo county By Hilary Grant

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. --- Vincent T. Lombardi If a dictionary ever needed a visual definition of what turning a business into the very best it can be might look like – combined with a commitment to family and community – it couldn’t get much better than a portrait of Dana Nelson. Owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Dana Nelson’s HeathPlus Pharmacy, with wife and partner Caty Asper a constant by his side, Nelson is the passionate, hands-on mover behind the business, one that provides essential, and often state-of-the-art, medical services unlike any other pharmacy in SLO County.

Dana with his family at the Louvre

Indeed, behind a simple and unassuming façade is a space that takes up 7,000 square feet, and a place where Nelson’s 35 employees routinely do a good deal more than fill regular prescriptions. Always locally owned, the pharmacy first opened its doors in 1924 as the Anderson Pharmacy, in downtown SLO’s historic Anderson Hotel. Re-named Hurley’s Pharmacy after John Hurley bought the business, several decades passed, and then Hurley handed over the reins to second owner Richard Wilson. Nelson and Asper purchased the pharmacy in 1987 and changed its name again; John’s widow, Gina Hurley, still resides in SLO. The unique-to-the-area services that HealthPlus provides include sterile and non-sterile compounding, including the making of bioidentical hormones, pediatric formulations, capsules and lozenges; interfacing with Hospice Partners of the Central Coast and Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, and fitting hundreds of patients with simple braces, vascular supports and post-mastectomy products. In addition, clients can consult on-site with medical professionals whose expertise and knowledge are from a variety of perspectives – including, but not limited to, an acupuncturist adept in Chinese herbs, a naturopath familiar with hormone issues, a physician, a nurse practitioner and a diabetic educator. Given these sorts of choices, it’s perhaps also not surprising that HealthPlus regularly ships medicine to patients in other states, as well as internationally.

Dana and Caty on their wedding day

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“My biggest challenge is communicating to the community everything we do offer here,” says Nelson. “I would say that at least once a

PEOPLE Caty Asper

include heading up the not-for-profit, Los Angeles-based California Family Health Council, which, in 2007, honored Nelson with its Family Planning Champion Award and the California Pharmacists Association Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. Other memberships are in the Central Coast Health Care Alliance, the California Pharmacists Association and the Pharmacy Access Partnership. In addition, Nelson has taught at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, and was the recipient of the first ever Spirit of Innovation award, presented by the San Luis Obispo County Community Health Foundation. Given Nelson’s determination and enthusiasm for bringing community and medicine together, it may surprise some to know that he never intended to become a pharmacist.

month, someone who has lived in SLO his whole life comes in, looks around and says, ‘This is my first time inside – and I had no idea you do all of this!’” Nelson adds that “from the beginning, my goal has been to not run a drugstore. I’ve never stocked teddy bears, motor oil or greeting cards. Instead, my vision was that we would be a real clinical pharmacy, offering the best pharmaceutical care possible to this County.” (Indeed, Nelson says that the closest business similar to his is several hundred miles north in San Jose.) On top of keeping HealthPlus running smoothly, Nelson has also committed himself, in a very do-the-walk way, to all matters pharmaceutical in the SLO community and beyond. These activities include mentoring the Cal Poly Pharmacy Club, as well as promoting athletic activity by supporting Poly’s sailing club (Nelson owns two, one-of-a-kind wooden boats) and two bicycle clubs (SLO Nexus and Rock Solid), providing locals with flu shot clinics (about 5,000 doses every year), and recycling contributed post-mastectomy products to women without health insurance. Helping out area groups that work overseas, Nelson routinely donates medicine, supplies and braces to developing countries. He’s also the chairperson of a few medicalrelated boards. Currently, these positions

A native of Tulare (home of World Ag Expo, the largest farm equipment show in the world, the town is about 60 miles from Fresno), and the place where Nelson also grew up, he worked in his dad’s furniture store. But most of all, Nelson excelled in music, playing first trumpet in many marching band competitions. In fact, Nelson was so good that he was awarded a music scholarship to his college alma mater, the University of the Pacific, where he had every intention of becoming a professional musician. “I studied music there for a year and then became influenced by a close family member,” remembers Nelson. “He had just become a pharmacist, and after that, I changed my major. I realized that I loved the idea of acquiring the knowledge of how drugs worked, what they can do, what they can’t do.

Settled in their new home, Nelson became a pharmacist at Morro Bay Rexall. In 1981 his first child, son Alexander, was born, and Nelson and Asper pulled up their just-planted roots for the West Indies. There for one year, Nelson worked with the non-profit group Project HOPE, teaching pharmaceutical skills to eager students. (Short for Health Opportunities for People Everywhere, the 51-year-old organization educates health professionals and community health workers around the world, as well as fighting diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.) “It was a happy time,” says Nelson. “I had the leisure to bond with my family, and professionally, it was immensely satisfying to help develop pharmaceutical care in the poorest parts of the Caribbean.” After that sojourn, Nelson returned to his former employer in Morro Bay. When that Rexall closed in 1985, he became a Hurley’s pharmacist, and bought the business now known as HealthPlus on January 1, 1987, the same month that Nelson’s second child, daughter Natasha, was born. “SLO is a great place to live,” says Nelson. “My dream now is to make this pharmacy a wellness community – which will ensure that everyone on the Central Coast receives the health care they need and deserve. “In this way, I hope to become a model, not just for this area, but for the nation… and the world.”

“From there, I knew I wanted to apply this knowledge to everyday circumstances, making the lives of people and the communities they serve better.” After graduate school, Nelson worked for Pharmasea-McGaw, a major medical manufacturing company, then located in Irwindale. Later, he was a pharmaceutical researcher with the James Olds Biological Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology (better known as Caltech) in Pasadena, where he met spouse Caty. After the untimely death of Olds, the laboratory closed, and the couple decided a move was in order – to the Central Coast. “I knew the area because as a kid I spent a lot of time with my uncle here,” says Nelson. “He had a small cabin in Cayucos, and our family used to drive over from Tulare. I did a lot of surfing!” A U G U S T

2009

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PEOPLE from private to president...Slo Credit Union’s

suzanne leedale By Susan Stewart

hen Suzanne Leedale graduated from high school in her native Ohio, she had no idea that her six-year stint in the U.S. Army would one day lead to the top position at a California credit union. But a statewide announcement recruiting for the CEO position at SLO Credit Union (SLOCU) attracted her attention, and she applied for it. “I saw San Luis for the very first time at the interview,” she recalls. She accepted the position in November of 2007 and made the move the day after Christmas. Born and raised in Springfield Ohio, Leedale cut her financial teeth in the army’s Finance Corps where she processed payroll, issued travel payments, and made sure that deployed soldiers’ requests for needed funds were met. Upon leaving the army, she went to work for a credit union in Fairbanks, Alaska where she worked her way up the

A U G U S T

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ranks from financial service rep to branch manager and later, IT manager. Leedale earned her degree in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University’s campus in Fairbanks, Alaska while working at the credit union. In 2004, she and her son (now 11 and a student at Bishop Peak Elementary) moved to Chico, California, where Leedale worked with another credit union for the next three years. “The credit union industry offers a specialized curriculum that really hones your skills in credit union management,” she said. “So I enrolled and completed that in Chico.” It was from there that she was invited to take the top position at the SLOCU, a 56-year-old financial institution with a stellar reputation in a beautiful small city on the Central Coast of California. The decision to accept was an easy one. By now Leedale had become convinced of the value

PEOPLE Private Leedale in 1992

of her job with lots of exercise. “I don’t belong to a gym,” she says, preferring the more solitary disciplines of pilates and running to the restriction of organized classes. She is also a member of Mount Carmel Lutheran Church. As she looks to the future, Leedale says that the vision for SLO Credit Union hasn’t changed from the one that created it over half a century ago. “Our biggest challenge will be to grow our membership without losing the personal

attention we are so good at,” she said. “As a service-only, not-for-profit enterprise, you can always expect good service.” Suzanne Leedale was one among few female soldiers at the time she joined the army. Today, she is one of few female CEOs of a financial institution. Thanks to her, and women like her, those numbers have been growing steadily, making the likelihood of going “from private to president” a more common occurrence in a more balanced future.

of credit unions and San Luis Obispo’s held special appeal. “Most financial institutions are owned by stockholders, who own a part of the institution and intend to make money from their investment,” she explained. “A credit union doesn’t operate that way. Instead it’s owned by members and controlled through a board of directors elected by the membership. That means that rather than paying profits to stockholders, credit unions can use earnings to assist members in the form of lower loan rates, higher dividends and better services.” Joining her at the helm is Fran Edwards, President of SLOCU’s Board of Directors. Leedale and Edwards are one of the few female teams holding top positions in a local company of this stature. She is proud of the work they do to serve its growing membership. “Fran is so dedicated. And she asks really intelligent questions,” said Leedale. “So we don’t get just one perspective … which makes for much better rule-making.” Running any type of financial institution in the current economic climate has its challenges, but Leedale is ready. “We’ve heard so many heart-wrenching stories as this crisis deepens,” she said. “We’re small, and we’ve always prided ourselves on giving highly personal service. That hasn’t changed. As we work with members who are struggling, we hear the words “thank you” often. Our members are as personally involved with us as we are with them.” Leedale spends her off time deep in the pages of great books. She relieves the stress

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PEOPLE

peter doyle artist/woodwooker By Heather Hellman

t St. Anthony’s Retreat Center in Three Rivers, California, the expansive wood mural of the surrounding mountains and a mosaic tile river that winds its way to the crucified Jesus is both solemnly spiritual as it is artistically stunning. The mural measures 40 feet long and 12 feet high, a puzzle of more than a dozen different types of wood. The ambo and lectern at the center are made from a 2000-year-old fallen Sequoia, a tree just starting life as Jesus was leaving the earth. Each piece of wood, precisely placed, has a purpose and a meaning according to its creator, Peter Doyle, an artist/woodworker/ cabinet maker from San Luis Obispo.

“Working with the fallen Sequoia wood to create the ambo and lectern at St. Anthony’s was thrilling,” says Doyle. “I kept thinking that this tree was on the earth at the same time as Jesus, and it gave me chills. I still have some of the wood for more projects at the center.” At his regular “day job,” as Peter calls it, he designs and creates custom cabinetry and furniture for local and national clients. Although modest about his “day job,” the work is equally beautiful and prized. His cabinetry and furniture can be created in any style to fit a homeowner’s needs. Peter’s jewelry chest creations are in various art galleries and have been featured in a Smithsonian art show of American artists. He was recently contacted by a representative for the Obama family wanting information for a potential project. “I’m on pins and needles about the Obama request,” says Peter, “But, I’m sure they will get back to me in their own time.”

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While Peter loves his “day job,” he readily admits that murals are his driving passion. The mural work began more than 20 years ago at St John’s Catholic Church in Encinitas, California. He partnered with another local artist, Peter La Dochy, a master ceramic tile artist, to create a massive marble and wood mural that is 20 feet high. Their first collaboration won an award from the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA). Doyle and La Dochy have since worked together on several other projects. Before installation of a mural begins, Peter goes through several extensive creative steps for his clients. First, he hand sketches each mural, creating the design to the clients’ needs and space specification. He then creates a one-inch scale model of the mural using the exact woods. The model then helps Peter convert each mural piece measurement to full scale and guides in the assembly process. “The murals are created in a space that is highly personal for every individual attending worship,” explained Peter. “They are meant to touch and take them to the place where they commune with God. It’s a humble undertaking.” Locally, Peter’s mural work can be seen at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Pismo Beach. The mural was created using maple, satin wood, sapele pomele and purple heart wood. It exudes a reverent, warm feeling. The alter, ambo and sanctuary chair were all created using walnut and walnut burl for a richness set against the mural grain. Peter’s interest in woodworking started at an early age. A friend of his father had a collection of old wooden model ships that Peter always admired. He started working with wood in earnest when a neighbor helped him build his first skateboard. Together, they would comb dumpsters and pull wood for projects. His neighbor, a maker of beautiful inlaid tables and furniture, would educate him about the types of wood and its characteristics. Peter was hooked. “That neighbor was an artist and a Renaissance Man,” says Doyle. “His furniture work was beautiful. That he gave some kid (me) his time and taught me what he knew about wood, and he knew a lot, was pivotal for me.” In his 20s, Peter decided that he wanted to study architecture. He attended LA City

PEOPLE

College, UCLA Adult education classes and, in 1971, entered Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he studied for four years. After college, Peter started a business manufacturing items made from wood, and he designed and sold the first wood slatted CD holder to The Sharper Image. “I’ve had many exciting things happen for me in this line of work,” explained Peter. “I’ve had a successful manufacturing business, cabinetry business and furniture business. My passion for wood and woodworking is stronger than ever. But I have to say, it is the murals, the artistic work, that I have enjoyed the most.”

St. Anthony’s Retreat Center and Peter’s other mural work is a testament to his passion. To sit in a sanctuary and look at them is like sitting in the National Gallery looking at a beautiful painting. Peter hopes that when people see the murals that they are as inspired as he was in picking the right wood to depict the scene and meaning. All the pieces have to fall into place perfectly. For Peter Doyle and his craft, they certainly have and one would not expect anything less from this artist.

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PEOPLE

john Hutchings

some “ugly” things are positively neat By Natasha Dalton Nature … invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. ---Henry David Thoreau Many of those who grew up in the 60s like the Beatles, and John Hutchings is one of their fans, too. But what matters to him are little beetles – insects that only a few of us know about. “When I was little, I used to wander around looking for things; I think it’s interesting to learn what is outside you,” John explains. Since he was raised in a family with four other boys, it was only natural that they spent a lot of time outdoors, especially when they had a chance to visit their grandparents’ ranch in Riverside. “I think that kids are generally interested in insects,” John, who teachers science to middle-schoolers, insists. “I have beetles and roaches in my classroom, and kids like playing with them.” John’s own childhood interest in insects got reinforced when he took an Introduction to Entomology class at the Cal State in Long Beach. The teacher “was hooked on tiger beetles; he lived them,” John remembers. And he got John hooked as well. “Dealing with insects is like playing a game,” he says. “When you catch a bug, you want to learn about it, so you read a manual to figure out which one you caught. You have to run them through an identification key: ‘Are there four hairs on his legs? If there are, go to #3 on the key. Is there an antenna? If there is, go to # 4 …’ – it’s like solving a puzzle. I get a kick out of trying to identify what I’ve caught. Sometimes you spend days doing that, and it’s a lot of fun.” When John was growing up, his father worked for American Airlines, so the family got to travel for free. “Until I was 29, I could go wherever I wanted to – just like that,” John says. And with the excitement of going places built in him from early on, John soon found a personal reason to travel. “When you read about insects, you want to find out where they live, and once you’ve learned that, you want to go to all those places to find them. It’s an adventure!” John explains.

Interest in specific bugs takes you places, but not necessarily always to the most popular tourist locations. (“Rome is full of museums – and rats and pigeons! – but not tiger beetles!”) To find insects, John goes to Latin America. Whether it’s a salt lake area in the Laguna del Perro in New Mexico, or a jungle in Brazil or Nicaragua, if it has tiger beetles, John wants to go there. “Looking for tiger beetles might sound like an unusual hobby,” he grants, “but what can be more enjoyable than catching bugs 24 hours a day? It’s fascinating!” Tiger beetles are such fast runners that they can capture virtually any non-flying insect, and John, who is 49, claims that chasing them keeps him in shape. “I run after beetles like a 12-year-old, and I bet that in a race I can still outrun any of my students,” he laughs. John remembers his school years in the 60s as being fun. And that’s what school should be, according to him – a fun and exciting place. “I feel bad when kids in their science class are constantly asked to sit and just write things down,” he says. His own lessons are nothing like that because of John’s strong conviction that nobody can ever get interested in science if all they have to do is write papers and draw

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acetate, and make insect collections. The program always had good attendance and everyone had fun. Tiger Beetles

Leaf insect (phyllium) and roach (blaberus)

little illustrations for them. “My thrill is making school interesting for students, so I have them do a lot of exploratory work. They love it!” When the Paso Robles School District ran a summer school for kids who wanted to do some science-related exploratory things, John would take them to a local creek. They would dissect animals and plants, and also go outside with their jars, butterfly nets and ethyl

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Tiger beetles have a very veracious appetite, and they are fun to catch: they can take you to the beaches, volcanoes, wetlands, salt lakes… And if you’re lucky, you even might catch a bug that is new to science – there are lots of tiger beetle varieties in the world. “I used to go to Texas a lot, and one time I found this unusual tiger beetle. I’d never seen anything like it before,” John remembers. Later he found out that it was a pretty rare specie, but it wasn’t new to science. Today John can tell right away if a tiger beetle is new to the United States, although it’s much harder even for him to always know if it’s new to science all together. Last year insect hunting took John to Pantanal, Brazil – probably, the best place for wildlife in the Western Hemisphere. Several years ago he was in Peru, driving a boat on the Amazon, and caught eight species of tiger beetles in one day. “It was one of the happiest days of my life!” he says. Traveling dominates John’s life more than anything else. But you don’t have to travel far to find some great-looking insects: John discovered some very nice species in the Carrisa Plains and at Heritage Ranch. He once caught a very weird looking fly right on the light outside of his house – “a real ugly thing that lives on deer – a little, tiny and very neat thing.” Living is learning. And if up until now when you heard the word “bug” you were thinking: “Yuck!” – you might consider taking another look. Investigating the busy lives of “ugly” little creatures helps us see the beautiful complexity of the big world all around us.

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PEOPLE a champion for our elderly citizens

MatThew lysobey By Sandy Baer

“ “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve…you only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ---Martin Luther King, Jr. The United States Census Bureau recently released data that by the year 2050, the world’s population of people 65 years and older will triple to one in six people. More than double the growth rate for the general population, the senior citizen segment has escalated 23 percent since 2000 to 516 million. As our aging population grows, so does our need for productive and purposeful outlets for people with decades of life experiences. One champion for our elderly citizens serving their communities is Matthew Lysobey, Administrator of Mission View Health Center in San Luis Obispo. “About 18 months ago, I began looking at some residents who were not happy and asked why not?” Lysobey says. “We’ve come a long way with skilled nursing care in the past 20 years, clinically,” Lysobey continues. “But we found there is a hole in long-term care as a profession. What was missing for these residents was the opportunity to serve and have meaning in their lives.” “And in these tough economic times, it’s not just fun and games and feel good. We need the seniors help. And all you need to help is a heart to serve.” Since Lysobey’s assessment, he has initiated several community outreach programs for residents at Mission View Health Center, with plans for more opportunities in the future. “We hired Matthew for this position because of his significant experience and expertise in long-term care,” says Jack Doria, Director of Health Care Operations for Compass-Health, Inc., which owns both Mission View and Vineyard Hills Heath Centers. Lysobey, himself only 42, brings a dozen years of long-term care administration experience to his role. Before joining Mission View’s team, he was the administrator at Vineyard Hills Health Center in Templeton as well as in Washington State. Born on the East Coast in Woburn, Massachusetts, Lysobey grew up in Connecticut before moving to Southern California with his parents and two younger brothers. His father was a physicist with Litton and helped develop laser gyro guidance systems. His mother continues to teach hearing-impaired students in Simi Valley. A 1985 graduate of Thousand Oaks High School, Lysobey thought he wanted to be a doctor. He enlisted in 1986 and served three years as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Infantry, including six months as part of the multi-national forces stationed in the Sinai Desert in 1989, prior to the Camp David Accord. A U G U S T

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PEOPLE “When I returned to California, I decided to go to college so I first enrolled at Moorpark Junior College then at San Diego State,” Lysobey says. “I was a pre-med/English major with full intentions of going to medical school. I was interested in long-term care and talked to some doctors about it but they told me “Doctors aren’t involved in long-term care,” so I decided to postpone medical school.” After receiving his B.A. degree, Lysobey pursued and received a master’s in public health with an emphasis in health care administration. “After one semester, I knew this was the profession for me. But who grows up wanting to be an administrator, a bureaucrat?” Lysobey laughs. But Lysobey is more than just a bureaucrat. As he says, “I honestly believe in what I do.” Toney Van Duren, who has worked at the Center for 17 years, adds, “What Matthew has done since coming here is quite remarkable. We have become so community-based.” One of the first new programs Lysobey began last year was with the Community Action Partnership (formerly EOC) who oversees the Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter. Once a month, residents plan with the help of the Center’s dietician, a dinner to prepare and serve at the Shelter. Shawn Ison, Shelter Manager says, “We love having them and our

Serving San Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

clients love them. Matthew gives the residents a purpose. It’s wonderful for the elderly to see that they can still be involved.” Alma Mazman, 92, is a regular at the Shelter as is Rosemary Julien, 82. As Alma says, “It does my heart good to help feed people who are really in need. Rosemary concurs, “We look forward to helping others and it brings joy to us all. We enjoy one another. And we put out some really good food!” In order to pay for the food purchased for the dinners, Mission View residents weekly use the dining room for a day of glycerin soap making. With assistance from Sally Payne, Activities Director at Mission View, residents pour the glycerin into molds, add scents as well as decorative colors and designs. Others watercolor paper that is used for the wraparound labels bearing their chosen name, “helping hands handmade soap.” Proceeds from sales to residents, families and guests pay for the food for the homeless. “In my heart, I know that this concept is so important,” Payne says. “I go home with joy in my heart every day.” Another innovative partnership Lysobey has formed is with Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. In January, nine residents and two staff graduated from their seven-week training as Hospice volunteers. Steve Willey, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice says, “One afternoon I was listening to Matthew

talk about some very creative programs in place at Mission View and I said out loud, ‘Well, why couldn’t the residents be Hospice volunteers,’ and Matthew responded with ‘When can we start?’ and within two weeks we were underway.” “My favorite field guide is a book written by Roland Bunch called Two Ears of Corn, an examination of techniques for teaching farmers sustainable agriculture,” Lysobey says. “I strongly agree that you have to work from the ground up. That’s why residents lead 25 percent of our activities. For instance, residents Sandy Ennis and Becky Platz coordinate the volunteers and develop a weekly calendar for Hospice visits. We underestimate this population of people. If they have the heart to serve, we will find a way to make it happen,” Lysobey says. When Lysobey is not advocating for the elderly, he enjoys back packing and mountain climbing with his two sons, Sage 15 and Canaan, 11. Four years ago, Lysobey and Sage climbed Mt. Whitney and every year, three generations, including his mother and step father, climb Yosemite’s Half Dome. He coached Five Cities Youth Basketball for five years and maintains a home in Arroyo Grande. Lysobey has a heart and soul to serve. “Anything we can do to increase people’s understanding of long-term care is positive,” he says. He’s doing a lot.

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

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HOME/OUTDOOR A recipient of numerous awards and accolades, this special course will require you to use almost every club in your bag. The design offers a layout where every hole feels unique and natural to its setting. The par 5 18th has the signature feel of a true finishing hole.

swing away

golf courses on the central coast

esidents of the Central Coast consider themselves lucky for a variety of reasons: small-town charm, great weather, beautiful scenery to name just a few. And for any sportsman or woman, great golf is right at the top of the list. With a wide variety of courses offering unique experiences at affordable prices, there is no reason to jet off to Palm Springs or Pebble Beach when a great golf experience is right around the corner.

NORTH COUNTY:

CENTRAL COUNTY:

Chalk Mountain (***, $$$) 10000 El Bordo Road, Atascadero (805) 466-8848

Dairy Creek (****, $$$) 2990 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo (805) 782-8060

The premier aspect of this course is its layout. Rolling hills nestle the player into each hole, and undulating fairways will have even the most experienced player carefully picking his spots. Because of its popularity, the course can become a little worn at times, but the design makes up for any divots or worn areas.

Located across the street from Cuesta Community College, this former dairy farm is home to some of those most interesting golf on the Central Coast. Elevation changes, sloping fairways, and temperamental wind can make it seem extremely difficult, but the course plays fair and rewards good shots. With beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides, its a must play in spring when everything turns green.

Hunter Ranch (****, $$$$) 4041 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles (805) 237-7444 One of the better public courses in all of California, located in the heart of wine country, gives a great feel for the area. This well-maintained course requires the golfer to be accurate, rather than powerful, with their shots and cautious on the speedy greens. The more you play the course, the more you fall in love with it. The Links at Vista Del Hombre (**, $$) 5151 Jardine Road, Paso Robles (805) 227-4567 A straightforward challenge for the golfer on a budget. The course, as the name implies, is designed in the tradition of Scottish links style courses, gentle sloping fairways and pothole bunkers included. Paso Robles Golf Club (***, $$) 1600 Country Club Drive, Paso Robles (805) 238-4722 A former country club turned public course that provides an enjoyable atmosphere for golf. Sturdy oak trees line a number of attractive holes while the course provides many opportunities to take aim and try to go low. Birdies abound on this fun course. A U G U S T

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Morro Bay Golf Course (***, $$$) 201 State Park Road, Morro Bay (805) 782-8060 Known as the “poor man’s Pebble Beach,” Morro Bay, with its spectacular views and charming setting, is one of the best values in the area. Majestic tee shots, especially no. 13, will have you hooked, and while not as difficult as other courses in the area, the ins and outs of the course will offer sneaky surprises for first timers and the inexperienced. (Putters beware! EVERYTHING breaks toward the ocean.)

SOUTH COUNTY: Avila Beach Golf Resort (****, $$$$) 6464 Ana Bay Drive, Avila Beach (805) 595-4000 The two sides of this well-maintained course seem like completely different golf courses, shady oaks and swooping valleys make up the front nine while the back nine is right on the coast that lets you play through and around a tidal estuary. Frequent blind shots and carrying water put experience on the course at a premium. Cypress Ridge (****, $$$$) 780 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande (805) 474-7979

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Black Lake (***, $$$$) 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo (805) 343-1214 A 27-hole golf resort, the Lakes, Canyon, and Oak courses all offer distinct challenges and unique feels. The Oaks course requires accuracy while the original 18 of the Lakes and Canyons offers more open spaces and easier access to the greens. Monarch Dunes (****, $$$$) 1606 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo (805) (805) 343-9459 The newest course on the Central Coast, Monarch Dunes can strike a polarizing figure. Residential homes and unreceptive greens can detract from the experience, but when a golfer is playing well, there are not many courses that can compare. Each hole is tucked away and feels separate from the course. The dunes and eucalyptus trees frame captivating views that will make the golfer forget about even the cruelest of fates, four putts included.

Executive Courses: Laguna Lake (*, $) 11175 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo (805) 781-7309 Sea Pines (*, $) 1945 Solano Street, Los Osos (805) 528-5252 San Luis Obispo County also offers a few opportunities for the novice and beginning golfers to get out and gain valuable course experience. Executive courses are nine holes and cater to iron and approach shots. Sometimes called pitch and putts, these courses can be played for under $20.

Difficulty: **** a true test *** challenging ** relaxed * great practice

Price

WEEKEND RATE W/O CART $ 0 to 19 $$ 20 to 39 $$$ 40-59 $$$$ 60 to 80

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Hunter Douglas Window Fashions

OneSource Home Solutions 3982 Short St., Ste. 100 San Luis Obispo (805) 548-0110

By Jessica Ford

Until the end of the month, Hunter Douglas and OneSource Home Solutions are sponsoring a Summer Window Fashions Sale that provides customers with a rebate of $40 up to $100 per window on specific products.

Hunter Douglas is the leading manufacturer of custom-made window fashions in North America.

With plenty of choices in shades and shutters, you can find something for any style of home. With Hunter Douglas’ energy efficient options, you can reduce a room’s heat loss by as much as 50 percent. Choosing energy efficient window fashions can lower your overall heating and cooling costs. Hunter Douglas also has products that provide UV protection, which can reduce the sun’s rays that fade carpets and discolor upholstery. Many Hunter Douglas window fashions are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Qual-

neSource Home Solutions houses the largest showroom of Hunter Douglas window fashions in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. This Hunter Douglas gallery dealer is known for its free in-home consultations, completing its own installation, lifetime limited warranties, energy efficient products, and the Right Choice Promise™. The Right Choice Promise™ provides customers with the option for a onetime replacement of their window fashions if they are not completely satisfied after 21 days for a nominal fee. This takes out any fear factor when making design choices in your home.

ity Certified® as well, allowing you to choose products that are environmentally safe for use in your home. Hunter Douglas and OneSource Home Solutions specialize in “smart home” technology, allowing you to adjust your window shades with a remote control operating system from multiple locations in your home. With the remote control system, you can raise or lower your shades individually or group certain shades together to operate as one unit. To see all that Hunter Douglas has to offer, and to take advantage of the Summer Window Fashions Sale, visit the OneSource Home Solutions gallery in San Luis Obispo.

We Know How it is.

We’re Idler’s. And we’re local. We shop at the same stores, read the same papers and visit the same dog parks as you. So if we can beat the box store prices, why shop anywhere else? We’re pleased to announce two additions to our family. Check out Idler’s Sleep Source in Paso Robles, offering Tempur-Pedic® mattresses. And visit our newest Kitchen & Cabinet Design Center in SLO.

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ORGANIC QUINOA WITH FRESH SUMMER VEGGIES, BASIL, PISTACHIOS AND FETA

at the market

By Sarah Hedger

appy Summer! In the foodie world, few things top fresh, local, organic produce. Fortunately we have endless options here on the Central Coast at the peak of summer. I recently saw an ad stating the average food travels 2,000 miles. This disturbed me a bit because it’s as if we have become too dependent on a detached (from the source) food model. I started noticing where the ingredients I was buying came from (it is usually stated somewhere on the labeling). The most disturbing attribute about this exercise is that some foods don’t state where they come from. They only state where they are packaged and distributed. So, along the lines of disconnecting with the real source of food and where it was grown, our food model has lost transparency. This brings the most concern as how are we to know where, or how, or who grew our food if there is no transparency? Fortunately, these questions and concerns are instantly resolved when you buy from a local farmer. It brings the power back to the consumer to ask the farmer how he grows their produce. Does he use pesticides and if so, which ones? Where is his farm located? Are they certified organic? (This means their farm must exist in soil that has not used fertilizers or pesticides for a minimum of three years.) There is no better place to bring natural, organic nourishment into your life than through the foods you choose to purchase. That said, the August recipe is an epic culinary adventure! It is a perfect vehicle and a beautiful showcase for the amazing summer produce we have to choose from. The stellar base for this recipe is the resurging Quinoa. Some people will call it a grain, but the truth in the matter is that it is a pseudocereal, which is a broad (non-grass) leaf plant similar to Amaranth and Buckwheat. A U G U S T

FOR THE QUINOA:: 1 cup organic Quinoa, thoroughly rinsed in a sieve 2 cups water (the better the water tastes, the better the food you cook with it tastes)! Pinch of salt 1 fresh, organic tomato, cut into ½ inch pieces ¼ thinly sliced onion (very thinly sliced here… try sweet Vidalia or a local purple variety) 1 organic green onion, finely sliced 1 organic red bell pepper or any small, local peppers you can find, finely chopped 2 small, fresh (preferably organic) zucchini 1 organic cucumber, halved laterally and thinly sliced 1 fresh corn on the cob, shucked, with kernels sliced off Handful of green olives, sliced into quarters ½ cup fresh pistachios ½ cup organic fresh basil, finely chopped 1 cup fresh organic spinach 2-4 ounces feta cheese (best to buy it whole and crumble it on your own), crumbled Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

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FOR THE DRESSING: 2-4 fresh garlic cloves 1 tsp sea salt ¼ cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well or sherry wine vinegar) ¼ cup organic olive oil ½ tsp fresh ground pepper It originated in the Andean region of South America over 6,000 years ago. It has one of the highest, most complete protein contents ranging upward of 18 percent. Quinoa is reemerging as a sought after ingredient for its slightly nutty flavor, fluffy texture, and whole food nourishment. It is important to give Quinoa a good rinse before it is cooked as its natural saponins that work well to keep its predators away with its soapy flavor, can also deter those who don’t adequately give it a good rinse. I will reemphasize the importance of using organic ingredients as these have not come in contact with harmful chemicals. Granted, everything at one time was originally grown “organically,” now it just needs to be relabeled as such. Feel free to substitute other summer produce in for what is listed in the recipe as well as other cheeses aside from feta. Explore the many varieties of artisan cheeses coming on the market. Sheep and goat’s milk cheese will complement the flavors of this salad best. And, last but not least, enjoy the taste of summer!

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In a medium saucepan, combine (rinsed) quinoa with water and salt. Bring to boil, cover with lid and reduce to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Take each fresh garlic clove and hit it with the flat area of the knife (this takes some oomf, so hit it good)! Remove skins from each clove. You should have a mound of fresh garlic on the cutting board. Add salt to garlic. Start chopping the garlic and it will become juicy. Mash it with the flat of the knife until you have your own fresh garlic paste. Place garlic paste in large salad bowl and add vinegar, olive oil, and pepper. Whisk well. Toss tomatoes and onions into the vinaigrette and macerate a bit with the back of a spoon. Add veggies, olives, pistachios, basil, spinach, and feta. Add quinoa, toss thoroughly, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the taste of Summer! Serves 4. Less than 350 calories per serving, 10 grams of (good) fat, 8 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber

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Kitchen Ideas

the original recycled glass surface By Jessica Ford, Don & Lee Anna O’Daniel

re you looking for a unique, exciting, fun, and “green” counter top for your kitchen, bath, or bar top? Well, here is your answer! Think pieces of amber, green, and gold beer bottles; shards of cobalt blue SKYY Vodka bottles; broken up crackly windshields — all mixed in a binder and made into sheets of 1 ¼” thick material — perfect for that show-stopping counter top you have been seeking. Vetrazzo has been turning recycled glass into eco-friendly surfaces since 1996. The recycled glass in these surfaces makes up about 85 percent of the total material; the remaining 15 percent is a combination of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials. Most of the glass comes from curbside recycling programs, giving each surface its own story. Vetrazzo tracks the history of the glass, and its customers are provided with a Certificate of Transformation that informs them of where the glass used in their surfaces came from. Vetrazzo provides a unique product because each surface is unique; no one will ever have anything exactly like it. Vetrazzo surfaces are smooth and can be used anywhere natural stone would be. Vetrazzo surfaces, a more “green” choice than granite, compares to the stone in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and maintenance. Almost 60 percent

of all granite has to be shipped internationally, which comes at a high energy cost. Vetrazzo manufactures its product in Henry Ford’s old assembly plant in Richmond, California, thereby offering a smaller carbon footprint than most other surfacing options. Vetrazzo surfaces are most commonly used as countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, fireplace surrounds and tub decks. Vetrazzo can even be used outdoors in most climates. The surfaces are less porous than marble and concrete, and equivalent to some granite, making it an easy-to-maintain surface that can be cleaned with soap and water. Some wear on the surface can even enhance

its character, like aged butcher block, marble and concrete. To view samples of the surfaces and see the varied color palette available, visit the San Luis Kitchen Co. showroom. Don and Lee Anna O’Daniel have owned and operated San Luis Kitchen Company for the last 25 years. Both are architecture graduates from Cal Poly.

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PULSE

personal responsibility and the healthcare revolution

By Julian J. Varela

ow that the excitement of the Obama’s new puppy has subsided, a survey by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, confirms that Americans’ No. 1 concern is healthcare. Insurance rates are so high that many can’t even afford basic medical coverage, and the failure of Medicare and Social Security are leaving even more with insufficient means of taking care of their health. The costs associated with some diseases, many of which are preventable, are so astounding that it will leave most of us in awe. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that, in addition to the human toll of diabetes, the financial cost of diabetes increased from $132 billion in 2002 to $174 billion in 2007. Like smoking and lung cancer, obesity and diabetes are intertwined. In a study by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), researchers found that lifestyle interventions, such as a modi-

fied diet and weight loss, sharply reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes – in some cases, by as much as 71 percent. This number is similar to the 70 percent odds of preventing lung cancer through smoking cessation. A host of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness, are associated with diabetes. The good news here is that type-2 diabetes, which represents over 90 percent of the diabetic population, can be effectively managed through diet, weight-loss and exercise.

The International, Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association (IHRSA), a national health and fitness trade organization, is urging the federal government to create a coordinated central system of leadership promoting physical activity and increasing funding for research on the correlation between exercise and the prevention of chronic disease. The federal and state governments should create sound policies that encourage physical activity at home and at work, including the creation of tax incentives and the removal of financial barriers. The platform also recognized the unique power of the workplace to promote access to wellness and exercise programs. It’s a win-win situation; employees gain from the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, while employees reap the financial

It won’t be the same without you.

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the U.S. Nearly one million Americans will die from heart disease this year. In San Luis Obispo County you can receive the only comprehensive cardiac care at French Hospital Medical Center. The leading heart care specialists, ER physicians, skilled nurses and technologists are available at our Chest Pain Evaluation Center. Get a free online assessment of your risk of heart disease with HeartAware. This free, seven-minute survey allows you to take action and to reduce your level of risk. Just log onto www.FrenchMedicalCenter.org and click on “HeartAware.”

Text the word “HEART” to 87715 on your mobile phone and enter to win one offour three-month memberships to Kennedy Club Fitness!

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1911 Johnson Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-5353

FrenchMedicalCenter.org

HOME/OUTDOOR rewards of a more productive, healthier, and happier workforce. The platform also calls on the medical community to adopt and implement preventative care standards that promote regular physical activity. Every physical examination by medical professionals should include a discussion of physical activity, exercise and balanced diet. This type of encouragement could help educate the public about the importance of exercise, particularly in the prevention and treatment of certain chronic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Similarly, insurance providers can offer access to wellness and prevention programs that include weight-loss support and fitness programs, as well as incentives to encourage participation. We will still need the support and funding of the government to provide this. For our youth, the educational community has a role to play by prioritizing the health of the minds and bodies of all students, and by ensuring that children receive adequate highquality physical education instruction on a regular basis. Beyond active participation, youth should be exposed to the components and science behind physical activity, exercise and nutrition in the classroom. Placing importance on the above topics should help to encourage our youth to make health a priority and help create a young generation of future active and healthy adults.

Our communities haven’t been developed in a way to promote physical activity. Our favorite T.V. shows include the “Food Network,” or perhaps we should call it the “Butter Network,” and rather than our favorite pastime being a day playing outside, we enjoy sitting on our behinds all day in front of the T.V. or computer eating Cheesy Puffs. In summary, we have become physically and nutritionally irresponsible and now we’re feeling it in our wallets and complaining about it. Being that most of our healthcare

issues are preventable, perhaps we can take personal responsibility for our own health rather than look to our government to remedy diseases brought on by our own laziness. Julian J. Varela holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Julian co-owns Equilibrium Fitness Inc. and Equilibrium Fitness for Women. Julian can be contacted at Julian@ eqclubs.com.

Why come to Donna’s for your furnishings? We can simplify the decorating process, Help you identify your needs and we will do all the legwork so you can save time! We can help you make difficult decisions and give you access to resources only available to retail furniture stores.

decedent fine bedding ensembles. Our staff is committed to creating interior environments with the desires of our clients and with the end results that reflects their goals. Donna’s Interiors, located in Arroyo Grande, Serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties is family owned and operated. We deliver on our own trucks and we are committed to providing the best products at the best prices everyday with great personal service.

Our furniture expertise lies in home and office however, we also offer in home design services for space planning, blinds and wallpaper. We can also help define your home with gorgeous window treatments and

Let’s face it; overall our nation has done a poor job of keeping our citizens healthy.

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environments with the desires of our clients and

We can simplify the decorating Help you 1069 Eastprocess, Grand Avenue identify your needs and Arroyo we will do allCAthe legwork Grande, 93420 Fax: (805) so you can savePhone: time!(805) We489-8533 can help you 489-9134 make WWW.DONNASINTERIORS.COM difficult decisionsMON and -give access resources SAT you 10AM - 6PMto SUN 12 - 5PM A U G U S T

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HOME/OUTDOOR Recent groundbreaking ceremony at the new demonstration garden on Sierra Way in SLO

master gardeners masters of the garden By Jessica Ford

ho can you turn to for help when your garden is being invaded by pests, or you just have a simple question about the fruit tree in your backyard? The Master Gardeners, a volunteer program with chapters in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, can be your go-to source for all things garden.

With a telephone helpline, booths at the farmers’ markets throughout the county, a weekly column in The Tribune and a demonstration garden, the San Luis Obispo chapter of Master Gardeners is expanding its presence on the Central Coast. The Master Gardeners program, officially known as the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, began in the 1970s in the state of Washington. The program is now represented in all 50 states in the country. In 1996, the San Luis Obispo chapter was created. Volunteers in the program go through a certification process in which they are trained in areas of horticulture and plant science. Once

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training is complete, they must commit to 50 hours of volunteer work and an additional 12 education hours during the year to become a certified Master Gardener. Master Gardeners are even re-certified every year in order to ensure that they are update on all information. Nell Wade, Master Gardener volunteer and current president of the San Luis Obispo chapter, began with the Orange County chapter in 2002 and transferred chapters after moving to San Luis Obispo. “Basically, what we are doing is, if you ask us a question we give an answer for you. One of the things we’ve learned as Master Gardeners, is that we don’t have to know the answers — we just have to know

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how to find them,” Wade says. “The more I learn, the more I realize I have so much more to learn.” As president, Wade is acting as the liaison between the Cooperative Extension and the 90 volunteers, and works to get new people involved with the program by putting on public events. “We try to have facets all over the place telling people that gardening is really a good thing,” Wade says.

Gardens from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 20 types of tomatoes and 10 kinds of basil, as well as listen to various speakers. The Master Gardeners are also having a worm seminar on September 19, in which people will receive a complete worm bin (plus worms), bedding, and two hours of instruction on the pros and cons of grazing worms. In the midst of a recession, Wade speaks of the benefits of putting time into creat-

ing your own garden. “It’s amazing how much money you can save by growing your own produce. I use blueberries instead of hedges. I like putting lettuce and carrots instead of marigolds.” For more information on the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, call (805) 781-5939 or (805) 7811429, or email mgsanluisobsipo@ucdavis. edu. You can also visit their Web site, http:// groups.ucanr.org/slomg/.

The group recently had a groundbreaking ceremony for their demonstration garden on Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo. Visitors can take classes there to learn more about gardening specifics. On August 29, the Master Gardeners will be hosting the third-annual Tomato Extravaganza at the San Luis Obispo Botanical

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HOME/OUTDOOR Nutrition

fats are they created equal? By Shelley Matson

irst, macronutrients provide energy and there are three categories: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The next three nutrition articles will focus on the basics of these three vital nutrients. We cannot survive without fat. Almost all foods contain some fat; even the most typical fat-free foods like carrots and bananas contain trace amounts of this nutrient. That is a testament to how important fats are for life. Fat is an important part of cell membranes, and the body requires it as a starting point to make estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D and other essential compounds. The body also requires fat in order to deliver the fat soluble vitamins (vitamins D, E, A, and K). A few other benefits of fat include: protection of vital

organs, homeostasis of body temperature, and healthy skin and nails. So, are all fats created equal? The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. Here is a quick run-down on fats – the healthy, the unhealthy, and the ugly.

shown to raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, the body can synthesize the saturated fat needed. We do not need to eat any of it; however, this is a hard task considering it’s in a variety of foods in small amounts. Try to consume less than 20g a day.

Unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats are the healthiest option. These can improve cholesterol levels, inflammation, reduce cardiovascular risk, and play a number of other beneficial roles. Good sources of unsaturated fats include: olive oil, canola oil, avocado, soy, fish, nuts and seeds.

Saturated fats can also be made through a chemical process called hydrogenation, which results in trans fats. Most trans fat come from commercially baked goods, margarine, processed, fried, and fast foods. Even small amounts of trans fat in the diet can be very harmful, ideally 2 grams a day or zero if possible.

Saturated fats are found in animal products such as fatty meats, butter, and whole milk dairy products. Saturated fats have been

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

3 M o n t h Pa s s : $ 1 0 0 $ 5 o f f Pa i n t b a l l Pa c k a g e www.FranklinHotsprings.com A U G U S T

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805-712-5373 805-712-5372 3 0 0 5 C r e s t o n Ro a d , Pa s o Ro b l e s

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weekend getaway

carmel by-the-sea One square mile of heaven By Judy Zimmerman

he name “Carmel-by-the-Sea” conjures up visions of storybook cottages with fragrant flowers, cozy cafes and beguiling back street bistros. Carmel’s a great walking town, so book your room in the heart of town and begin to explore on foot beneath a canopy of majestic Monterey pines and giant cypresses that rustle in the breeze. You may begin to wonder why most houses in the mile-square village are named, not numbered. Many years ago, Carmel’s founding fathers of bohemians and artists decided to ban home delivery of mail because they thought having numbers on their houses was a sign of being “citified.” The tradition continues today as neighbors gather at the post office to pick up their mail and gossip. For an early morning coffee and a decadent pastry, stop in at Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company on Ocean Avenue to chat with the locals and other visitors. Stroll down past the high-end shops of Ocean Avenue to where it ends at Carmel Beach, an enchanting crescent of silky white sands set off by the sparkling blue waters of the bay. Ringed with bluffs and showpiece homes, it is one of the few beaches where dogs are allowed to run without a leash.

sidewalks and few streetlights) lead to one of Carmel’s wonderful theaters. The Pacific Repertory Theatre has everything from Shakespearean drama to Tony Award winning musicals and plays. In the summer, the intimate Sunset Cultural Center hosts the Carmel Bach Festival, as well as jazz greats and contemporary pop performers. At the Forest Theater, you’ll find films and live productions, often accompanied by picnics in the summer. At the south edge of the village, Carmel Mission Basilica still stands beside Father Serra’s burial spot and hosts regular Catholic masses. On Fridays and Saturdays there are docent tours of Tor House, poet Robinson Jeffers’ stone home. The poet lovingly gathered by hand the stone from nearby Carmel Beach. You’ll need your car again to visit two other special places nearby. The entrance to the winding 17-Mile Drive begins at the bottom of Ocean Avenue. Synonymous with golf and gorgeous scenery, it wanders north through Pebble Beach. For a hike and a close up view of otters and other sea life, Point Lobos is just two miles south of the village on Highway One. A jewel in California’s state park system, it’s great for kids big and small.

When you return from a brisk sunset walk on chilly days, a crackling hearth awaits you at one of many dog-friendly inns and restaurants.

The best place to start is the Visitor Information Center at 800-550-4333, 831-624-2522, carmelcalifornia.org

On the quiet streets that surround Ocean Avenue art studios, galleries and antique stores are tucked away in secluded courtyard gardens. The small Cima Collina art gallery also has a tasting bar of hand crafted local wines.

Other information includes:

Be sure to include a visit to the Carmel Art Association gallery, a cooperative that exhibits and sells affordable pieces by local contemporary artists. In the evening , a walk through the town’s quaint residential neighborhoods (no

Carmel Mission 831-624-3600, carmelmissiononline.org Sunset Cultural Center 831-620-2040, sunsetcenter.org Forest Theater Guild 831-626-1681, foresttheaterguild.org Pacific Repertory Theater 831-622-0100, pacrep.org A U G U S T

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montana de oro to avila beach our new coastal trail is in the works By R.W. Battles

Photos by Kara Blakeslee and R.W. Battles

t’s a cool Saturday morning in July. My wife and I have the day to share with several other couples. We meet in Avila Beach, leave one car, then shuttle our mountain bikes to Los Osos where we eat a sumptuous breakfast. Stuffed but energized, we hop on our bikes, pedal south along Pecho Road, and enter breezy, overcast Montana de Oro State Park. By nine the meal is comfortably settled and we’ve passed the campground, coasting

down to the Coon Creek parking area. Bikes aren’t allowed on the Coon Creek Trail, but no worries for us. Today we get to ride the new Coastal Trail to Wild Cherry Canyon and Avila Beach, a twenty mile epic outing, then enjoy dinner on the pier. Sound farfetched? For those of us who lived on the Central Coast during the construction of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and its attendant tight security, this ride is a huge stretch of the imagination. But thanks to the combined efforts of American Land Conservancy, Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers (CCCMB), and California State Parks, that wonderful hike, mountain bike or horseback ride may just be a few years off. Kara Blakeslee, wife of State Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee and mother of two girls, is the volunteer Project Director for the American Land Conservancy’s efforts to acquire Wild Cherry Canyon. A former land use attorney and current financial planner with the family firm Blakeslee & Blakeslee, she began work on the property acquisition ten years ago. In spite of her hectic schedule, parental and business responsibilities, and state government obligations, she’s managed to bring this acquisition onto the home stretch.

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Wild Cherry Canyon is the last property piece in the puzzle to complete San Luis Obispo County’s length of the California Coastal Trail System. As yet unnamed, the twenty-plus mile-long route will take the hiker or rider over several coastal hill ranges, well behind the nuclear power plant, and at the high point, pass not far from Prefumo/See Canyon Roads. There’s the potential for a backpacker’s camp along the trail, and possible access via See Canyon. For the truly ambitious and fit cyclist, a loop starting at either Los Osos or Avila Beach would make a fifty-five mile outing, almost half on dirt or singletrack. No wonder local conservationists, hikers, equestrians and members of CCCMB are so keen on seeing the trail completed. But tough hurdles remain. In May, 2009, Mrs. Blakeslee appeared at California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board for a hearing on possible grant funding from the Board. Her dynamic presentation and the support she mustered from CCCMB and other proponents swung the tide—the Board will provide $800,000 if American Land Conservancy can raise the balance of $1,400,000 to execute the purchase option ALC has on Wild Cherry Canyon. Mrs. Blakeslee is cautiously optimistic the financing can be obtained before the option runs out at the end of this year. But that’s a large chunk of change. Then if the sale is completed, ALC plans to turn over the management of the trail to State Parks. If Montana de Oro is closed for the coming year, the whole project would be thrown into jeopardy. And according to CCCMB’s dynamic president, Greg Bettencourt, there may be an easement or access issue to resolve with Pacific Gas & Electric before the trail can be opened to the public. What does this mean to you the reader? It’s time to get involved! A good place to begin is at the ALC’s web site, found at www.alcnet. org. There you will learn about the project’s history, view several lovely photos, including those in this article, and find a role to help move the project to conclusion, or pledge your donation on-line.

HOME/OUTDOOR

Frank DuFault Joins Adobe Realty Team

Next, show your support, either in person or by email/letter, at the upcoming SLO County Board of Supervisors hearing later this summer, when funding will be addressed. The hearing date was not announced by press time; check the Board’s web site at www.slocounty.ca.gov for the calendar. Prefer a hands-on activity? Why not attend a CCCMB meeting and find out about their trail days, while keeping current on this project. Check their web site at www.cccmb.org for meetings and trail workdays. CCCMB’s Bettencourt believes if the acquisition of Wild Cherry Canyon is successful, route planning, a CCCMB task, should begin next year, and actual construction as early as 2013—not that far off. Now is the time to see what we can do as a community to get the Coast Trail up and running. Perhaps you and I will meet somewhere in the beautiful chaparral between Los Osos and Avila Beach. Afterwards, maybe grab some dinner, on me.

Broker Frank DuFault has joined Adobe Realty, located for 30 years in the Historic Sauer-Adams Adobe, 964 Chorro Street, across from Mission San Luis Obispo. A long term resident of San Luis Obispo County, Frank arrived here 38 years ago from North Dakota by way of Southern California. He and his wife Jill first lived in Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande and Atascadero before settling in San Luis Obispo giving him an appreciation

and understanding of real estate in all areas of the county. Before zeroing in on real estate sales and service 20 years ago, Frank worked in real estate title insurance and in banking, serving initially as one of the first local loan agents for Great Western and ultimately managing the Pismo Branch. He also has worked in law enforcement and is a veteran of the US Marines. The DuFaults love to entertain and travel and continue to work with several local groups to contribute to the on-going growth and prosperity of San Luis Obispo.

Call Frank at

543-2693

964 Chorro Street · SLO

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online help to prevent heart attacks

heartaware By Hilary Grant “Prevention is critical. The sooner you begin comprehensive risk education, the longer and stronger your heart will beat.” --- American Heart Association website Worried that a family history of heart problems might shorten your own life? Or maybe just feeling that overall, the old ticker isn’t ticking the way it should? If the answer to any of these questions is yes – and there’s also no time, budget or inclination to visit a physician – free help has arrived. It’s all in the form of the HeartAware Risk Assessment: a simple, completely confidential online quiz offered by SLO’s French Hospital Medical Center and its sister facility, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. Launched last October at the SLO County American Heart Association Heart Walk, French health educator and registered nurse Denise Gimbel says that more than 1,300 persons have taken the five-minute test so far, with nearly half of that number logging on in its first two months of operation. To get the word out, postcards boasting a fuzzy ostrich were mailed to every SLO County home, and ads appeared on local television stations and radio programs. “My passion is disease prevention, and I hoped that this little test would be an easy, non-threatening way for people to learn about the

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Denise Gimbel meeting with a patient

risk of heart disease,” explains Gimbel. “We’ve been very pleased, and even a little overwhelmed, with the great response we’ve had.” Created by Bryne Health Care, a decade-old health care consulting firm based in Colorado, the quiz was initially made available online, although in another format, about eight years ago. French decided to feature the heart risk assessment program.

Taking the Test Participants – Gimbel asks that they be at least 20 years old and do not already have a diagnosis of heart disease or diabetes – begin by stating their gender, date of birth and ethnicity. (The test is also available in Spanish.) Subsequent mouse clicks bring other questions about height and weight, smoking habits and alcohol consumption,

COMMUNITY as well as blood pressure rate and cholesterol count. (Test-takers can pick “Don’t Know” or “Decline to State” options.) There are family history questions as well, and with every screen, factoids about heart disease are also displayed. Finally, all of the answers are calculated to estimate a 10-year risk rate for heart attack, or death from heart disease.

What Comes Next Once a participant receives his overall score – the bottom range is low to medium, then moves on to high and critical – he can email Gimbel to come in for a one-on-one, 30-minute consultation, which is also free. (Gimbel keeps office hours at both hospitals, Kennedy Club gyms and the SLO YMCA.)

The daily emails and conversations that come out of the HeartAware test, says Gimbel, are all part and parcel of her primary mission these days: preventing heart disease – still the nation’s number one killer. “We’re here to promote healthy habits and wellness activities that will improve the heart health of our community,” she says. “That’s why we wanted to introduce this to the Central Coast.” Take the HeartAware Risk Assessment at www.frenchhospitalmedicalcenter.org, or www.arroyograndehospital.org. Denise Gimbel is also available to come to any place of business and offer the HeartAware program to employees. Call (805) 542-6282, or email denise.gimbel@chw.edu.

“It’s gratifying to meet people who are doing all of the right things in their lifestyle to stay healthy,” says Gimbel. “I’ve seen zip codes from as far away as Big Sur, Fresno and even South Carolina! What is really great, though, is that we’ve also been able to serve people who haven’t seen a doctor for some time, or have not been leading a very healthy lifestyle. These are the clients I really want to meet, and who will get the most out of this program.” If a test-taker is high risk but doesn’t have a personal doctor, Gimbel can also provide names of physicians now accepting referrals from the HeartAware program. For those without insurance, she’ll give out locations of Community Health Care (CHC) clinics.

Success Stories Gimbel can’t divulge any client’s personal information because of state privacy laws, but she does say there are already many success stories. “In one case that comes to mind,” says Gimbel, “a male in his mid-40s came in. He had no family history of heart disease and no previous risk factors were determined.” Nonetheless, after evaluating the man in person, Gimbel determined that he was “a great candidate for further follow-up and a CT scan. “That scan clearly showed significant plaque buildup,” she continues. “Left undiagnosed and untreated, this individual had a high probability of suffering a heart attack.” Gimbel adds that she has met with “many individuals, who told me they knew they should exercise, eat better and lose weight. But after our talk – and once they understood how lifestyle was damaging their heart – said they were much more motivated to make changes.”

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History: part 3 of 3

Crystal Palace entrance to the fair

county fairs, state fairs, world fairs & our fairs

a world of fairs By Loren Nicholson “In these pages will be found...an account of an event entitled the ‘Origin of Expositions.’ It was printed October, 1851 in London, and served as a report of the British Prince Consort to the British and foreign commissioners who financed the exposition. Both jurors and exhibitors attended.” ---Preface – Great Exposition of the Industry of all Nations Our annual California Mid-State Fair closes for another year August 2, and what a 10day celebration we experienced. We showed off our great lifestyle through displays of our viticulture and its products, agriculture, animals, industry, recreation, hobbies and lifestyle. We also enjoyed some of America’s biggest and best musical entertainment, and we ate, ate and ate. Fairs with all of their traditions are truly a great social phenomenon, including their carnival and mix of country music, costume and a history worth exploring. The first International Exposition of 1851 was also the beginning of a planet-wide tradition and the establishment of a worldwide organization that receives letters of inquiry and intention and approves applications from all cities and nations who want to coordinate attributes with those of their fellow man. For exhibitors, worldwide celebrations of human development is a way of promoting goods and services to the widest possible market. On a more modest scale, our annual California Mid-State Fair adds a dimension of knowledge and understanding of our parts. After visiting six state fairs in the middle west in 2008, Garrison Keillor said, “The state fair is a ritual carnival marking the end of summer and gardens and apple orchards and the start of school and higher algebra and the imposition of strict rules. Like gardening, the fair doesn’t change all that much.” At our Mid-State Fair, every manager through its history has emphasized entertainment as the key to large attendance. Because midwesterners may be somewhat “skittish” or conservative in their ways, attending A U G U S T

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a state fair, “is liberation, a plunge into the pool of self indulgence,” Keillor writes. If you are enamored by the notion of viewing your immediate local world through an active short-term “museum of the present,” local fairs can be your thing. This year, San Diego’s fair lasted 21 days with a Music Mania theme that drew regular attendees every day for a week at a time. Orange County’s Fair located in Costa Mesa closes August 9 with the theme “Thinking Big,” a reference to their area’s growth in so many ways. “Purebred and Home Grown” features quality of products and lifestyle in Ventura County. Los Angeles holds its show for one-month starting Sept. 5 as most other California fairs come to an end. Maria Calico, spokesman for the International Association of Fairs, recently addressed the question of worldwide recession. He suggests that if people cannot afford to attend an international exposition in, say Japan or Disneyland, Paris or Florida, they may stay closer to home for a local or regional fair. Some products exhibited and sold realize far greater sales than others, food servers among them. Charles Boghossum, owner of a food stand, travels from fair to fair. Last year, he said, he grossed $2.2 million dollars from selling sandwiches, S’Mores, frog legs and Twinkies. With the new year, he is adding Zucchini Weiners, a hot dog wrapped in a Zucchini, dipped in a batter and deep-fried. He leases space at Southern California Fairs. To boost attendance this year, the Los Angeles County Fair offers attendees a 22-day season pass for $24.95. That is about half the price offered last year. San Diego is making a similar deal. The concessionaires likely to take deep cuts in sales are those with big-ticket items like furniture, hot tubs or power-tools. Prognosticaters of recessions and depressions remind us that movie theaters, miniature golf courses and various other entertainment did well during the depression of the thirties.

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Elaborate displays at the fair

With our own regional fair behind us for another year, let us take a short historical tour of the world’s first official international fair at Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London. Both the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles and the first officially designated world’s fair sought to show the best of humanhood in its time and place. Unfortunately, most of us will never attend an international exposition.

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Transportation display

The U.S. display

An essay about fairs during the mid-nineteenth century informs us that the first international world’s fair was modeled after an exhibition in France that was planned to overcome depressed sales of deHavilland China. A large exhibit of wares was set up in a public building and promoted in surrounding countries. It apparently worked. Exhibits of furnishings and, truly, thousands of precious arts and handcrafted creations from around the world along with the beginnings of mass-produced items making up every walk of life. Missing? All things electrical, all things using gasoline engines, all things requiring atomic and nuclear forms of energy, and thousands of other product developments that make life comfortable.

We don’t hear about them in the main media often, but for the last 158 years, World Fairs have been held in many different countries around the world. California can claim three of them: California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 followed the World’s Columbian Expedition in 1893; Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and connecting Atlantic-Pacific oceans. It also established San Francisco’s readiness to assume an important place only a few years after experiencing the devastation of the 1906 earthquake. San Diego also celebrated that year with its Panama-California Exposition.

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COMMUNITY SLO County art scene

abstract painting

By Gordon Fuglie, SLO Art Center, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections

hen I took the curatorial reigns at the San Luis Obispo Art Center last year, my first task was to install an exhibit of Central Coast artists. Among the pleasant surprises were some paintings of indeterminate subject matter by Morro Bay artist Rena Doud. They were abstract watercolors, that is, not representations of people, places or things one sees in daily life. By contrast, abstract artists often say they “paint from within,” finding ample inspiration in the devising of forms, colors, movement and textures to achieve a vision at a remove from mundane reality. Moreover, working abstractly allows artists to limn visions and ideas that are hard to express literally. For example, if Doud’s The Sexes Poles Apart attempted an explicit imaging of its idea of tension between male and female realms, the results could be unintentionally comic or awkwardly illustrative. By conceiving her composition abstractly, she renders her symbolic figures as polar yet complementary beings – the masculine and feminine. As a result, Doud’s idea is suggestive, inviting our pondering. I see her arrangement of the green and purple patches in the two heads as emotional terrains, whether in harmony or opposition, and therein exists the complex relationship between the sexes. (A very active octogenarian, Doud has a website devoted to her work: www.renadoud.com) August and September heralds two unusual abstract painting exhibits at the San Luis Obispo Art Center featuring Peggy Ferris (Designer Abstractions) and Alex Couwenberg (Morphic Traces). Both artists are part of a revival of abstract painting that took hold in Southern California around 2000, and continues to thrive. The two artists are noteworthy for their novel and deft application of contemporary design in their compositions. Santa Barbara artist Peggy Ferris produces work in two styles: precise abstract forms, known as hard edge, that she develops on a computer into a desired matrix of overlays and then transfers to canvas for painting; and freer, gestural forms inspired by urban cityscapes that are loosely composed on a rectilinear grid. The former are produced by delineating her forms with masking tape; the latter are freely brushed. Ferris’ hard edge work employs a precisely calibrated palette of complimentary colors, evoking the crisp look of hip contemporary A U G U S T

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design while extending the hard edge abstract painting tradition that took root in California in the 1960s. Her gestural work combines a darker, but no less coordinated, color scale with more spontaneously rendered shapes, suggesting vibrant street facades of the modern city. With a nod to her professional origins and a hint of self-parody, Ferris’ exhibition is entitled Designer Abstractions. When the artist finished graduate school in 1982, she put her artistic ambitions on hold, turning to graphic design as a source of steady income, building a successful business on the Central Coast. In 2000 Ferris decided to fulfill her lifelong vocation to be an abstract painter and cut back her design business. The chops she learned as a commercial designer proved to be an invaluable apprenticeship in the use of color, composition and spatial relationships. Similarly, San Bernardino County artist Alex Couwenberg has a design background. Like Ferris, he graduated from Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design and is inspired by hard edge painting, studying at Claremont Graduate School under one of the movement’s founders, Karl Benjamin. Couwenberg’s work is therefore an homage to mid-20th century American art and design, but adding into the mix the aesthetics of custom car paint jobs, surfboard and skateboard decoration. (The artist is an avid surfer and skater.) The shapes and dynamics associated with these activities often inform his compositions. In the past ten years Couwenberg has become one of the leading abstract painters in Southern California, appearing in numerous public and commercial exhibitions in the region and beyond. In a recent issue of the California art magazine, art ltd., Editor George Melrod tagged Couwenberg as “a gleaner of shapes,

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Meadow Lark by Alex Couwenberg

The Sexes Poles Apart by Rena Doud

Koi Pond by Peggy Ferris

savoring their implicit allusions and relationships. He uses his canvasses as Petrie dishes, his forms interacting with each other like microorganisms. Many of his paintings feature TV screen or soap dish shapes, which he layers like theatrical scrims, to reveal previous stages of the works’ creation.” Designer Abstractions and Morphic Traces run from August 7 to September 27. Peggy Ferris and Alex Couwneberg will discuss their work at the Art Center on August 7, at 7 pm.

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Our Schools:

where the different items of produce may come from (geography). Also, search for examples of how your own education and training is used in your job. Anytime adults can bridge the gap between academics and the “real world,” it makes education more meaningful for children. Relevance is a very important motivator in any learning situation.

preparing for the start of school By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

tudents will be back in school by the end of this month to begin the 2009-2010 school year. There are some actions that parents can take now to prepare their students to have a successful school experience from the first day of school. Our local schools have had to make significant reductions because of reduced state funding, and it is even more important for parents to increase their attention to helping their children be successful in school. Unfortunately, students will return to more crowded classes than last year and with fewer teachers available to provide extra assistance. Schools will be depending on parents to assume even more responsibility for assisting their children to be successful in school this year. Here are some suggestions for parents and families to do in order to meet this increased responsibility. 1. Be An Example of Reading. Perhaps the most effective step that a parent can take to assist children to be successful in school is to read to them as young children, and to continue to read with them as they grow older. Let children see you reading instead of watching television or checking email. It may be easier to take a passive role and let the computer become the teacher, but a more active role as an adult reader provides greater educational benefits for your children. 2. Be An Example of Life-Long Learning. When our children, of any age, see us reading, using the public library, exploring new ideas, involved in civic affairs, discussing current events, or using the electronic media to research topics, they see a commitment to learning. We know that adult behavior is more contagious for children than what adults tell children. The old adage that “actions speak louder than words” has truth. Never underestimate the value of modeling desired behavior for children and youth. 3. Make Learning Relevant. Take advantage of everyday events to show children that value of education. For example, use the trips to the supermarket to explain unit pricing (math), or have children sound out the names of cereals (reading), or talk about

4. Support Learning Beyond the Classroom. An obvious way to demonstrate your support for education is to encourage the regular completion of assigned homework. This encouragement can range from providing an appropriate place to study and complete assignments to becoming actively engaged in the periodic discussions of the assignments. With a greater number of students in classes this year, teachers will have less time for individuals. Therefore, parent help with homework becomes even more important for student success. 5. Reward Success. Building self-confidence is one of the best gifts a parent can give to a child. We know that rewarding success is one of the most effective means to encourage self-confidence. Words of praise are powerful tools for building self-confidence, which leads to students taking on new challenges and expanding their own learning opportunities. Successes don’t have to be just in schoolwork, but in helping someone else, taking a clear message from someone and giving it to another, or help in programming the remote control. The point is that children want the approval of their parents, and we should never underestimate the power of that approval. 6. Be An Advocate for Effective Schools. Children should see their parents as being interested in what happens in school. This can range from simply asking your child about school, to becoming directly involved by volunteering and participating in the development of school policies and governance. Parents should not be reticent about questioning school practices and policies that do not seem to support the learning for every student. Finally, parents can take an active role in questioning candidates for public office about their viewpoint and ideas for public education. A commitment from parents and other adults to helping children be successful in school is a duty that one generation has to the next. This commitment needs to be renewed as a new school year begins.

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So we once again prepared to leave. Portola gathered the men, including poor Padre Crespi, and headed north.

history

an interview with junipero serra

I have reread my letters of the time, and I was determined not to miss this journey. However, I went by sea since the Captain thought it would be easier. It may have been, but it was longer. We left on April 16 and when we dropped anchor in Monterey at the end of May, the land expedition had already been there a week.

part 2 Edited By Joseph A. Carotenuti Recently found documents included several lengthy interviews with Junipero Serra who was superior of the missions from 1769 to 1784. Editor comments are in italics.

It was truly a joyous occasion and I celebrated Mass under the same tree described by Vizcaino’s chaplain some 175 years before. (Vizcaino had explored and named the bay in 1602) We also had the first burial as a poor sailor died during the sea voyage.

Last time, you were to tell of a miracle at San Diego in 1770.

This was also the founding of the second mission as well?

It was truly a miracle! Recall supplies were at a minimum, illness and deaths continued, and the natives kept away. Portola finally decided we needed to leave no later than March 19. Terrible news! My confreres and I prayed a novena to the expedition’s patron St. Joseph. (A novena is nine days of special prayers.) Crespi and I had already decided we would stay. On the ninth day, in the distance we spied the San Antonio in the distance. Captain Juan Perez – a Mallorcan as I – returned after months away with supplies and more men. We were saved!

Yes. The soldiers built a very rudimentary presidio. The storeroom was also used as a chapel and was dedicated to our patron St. Joseph on June 3. The site was temporary as having soldiers close to the natives did not help our spiritual efforts. The next year, we moved to this spot with a better water source.

A A A Obviously, Portola changed his mind.

Indeed he did, especially after the vessel brought letters from Galvez. The visitor general made it clear he expected us to settle in Monterey. Daniel Dal Porto — Broker

Portola had accomplished his mission and returned to Mexico in August. I was saddened by his departure, as he was a fine soldier as well as a good Christian. I never saw him again. (Upon his return, Portola was appointed governor of Puebla and returned to his home in Spain, dying there in 1784.) Captain Pedro Fages became commandante. He is a valiant military leader but has caused the friars great grief.

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San Luis Obispo

COMMUNITY So, what happened after Monterey was claimed for God and King.

We were allowed to establish more missions. I had begged my Superior for more missionaries with the proviso that all be prepared for many and dire hardships. And – a most glorious day – ten arrived in the summer (1771). They replaced my sick confreres leaving San Diego. There were now personnel for four missions. The Viceroy even provided the names.

That must have been an overwhelming task. Did it happen as you planned?

Almost. First, I traveled to a beautiful valley of oaks with Padres Sijar and Pieras and San Antonio was born on July 14. In the meanwhile, two new missionaries – Angel Somera and Pedro Cambon – founded San Gabriel the following September. I was most anxious for one in between San Diego and Monterey. But it was not to be. Commandant Fages promised our founding San Buenaventura, but he changed his mind as we traveled south a year later. (The eighth mission was Serra’s last… founded in 1882).

Yes, the famous bear hunt. Were you involved in that?

Not quite. While we now had more friars, there were even fewer supplies. Everyone was very hungry. With less food we were unable to baptize and then care for our new wards. Fages remembered the bears from the two overland trips with Portola. He went with Sergeant Carrillo and a few men on a dangerous hunt for los osos. They had to barter with the natives for seeds. The bears left and soon the men were trading their clothes for food. Nonetheless, starvation was kept away for a short time.

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Fortunately, word arrived that two ships had anchored in San Diego with supplies. Fages decided to ride south in the hopes of convincing the captains to sail north. Trying to pack mule the supplies overland was not a satisfactory solution as the poor beasts could hardly move. I went with him as I needed to fulfill my duties as superior…and make my first land trip.

That’s right. You had never traveled Alta by land.

Yes, while I have made seven such trips so far, the first was most wonderful. I was able to see the land and, especially, the natives at various spots. Best of all, we were able to found the mission dedicated to our French bishop confrere, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. (St. Louis, Bishop of Tolouse. Saint names used for California missions were Franciscans.) That was on September 1, 1772. I could only leave padre Joseph Cavaller a few men and supplies. It was more on faith than reason we found the mission. It was almost still born.

How did you pick the spot?

There was little time to explore. Fages was determined to reach San Diego quickly. I actually relied on his suggestions as he had spent time in the valley and Crespi had compiled a list of potential mission sites. It proved a good choice. We have moved the first four missions, but the holy bishop has remained firm.

What happened to San Buenaventura? You must have passed the site it currently occupies.

You are correct. I was promised we would stop on the return trip, but I was obligated instead to make a last trip back to Mexico City. However, I must humbly excuse myself as I must prepare for Mass.

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Email: biz.expert@yahoo.com Website: www.bizexpert.org A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

A Retirement Facility

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

hospice You Don’t Have to Move careFeel Safe and Secure It’s a fact of lifeSpirituality that as we get older, Pristine is fully

some day-to-day tasks become licensed and insured. By Ken Shadle, M. Div, D.too Min much to handle on our own. That All of our workers doesn’t you have away change are carefully eriousmean illness is a timeto ofmove profound a religiousscreened tradition that involves attending religious services and folfor people and their families. Spiritual care, from a broad lowing the traditions of that religious community. Patients and their from the comfort of your home. and pass a criminal spectrum of religious and spiritual traditions, is a core hospice families are encouraged to use their local spiritual leaders whenever Pristine Home Services is a local background check service and available to all patients and their loved ones. possible. However, not everyone is religious. Patients and/or families company that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test,togiving you peaceorofatheistic. mindThey may have no may refer themselves as agnostic During the 1960s, Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British physician who is religious affiliation. Some individuals have had negative religious County residents avoid the high cost when someone from Pristine is working regarded as the founder of the modern Hospice movement, established experiences and/or traumatic life experiences that have left them with of movingHospice to a near retirement ina yourbitter home. St. Christopher’s London. St.facility. Christopher’s organized feelings toward anything religious.

team approach to professional care-giving, and was the first program “She In helps mework, with bathing and other Hospice hospice chaplains make three basic assumptions: 1) to use modern pain management techniques to compassionately care all people possess spiritual nature; 2) theto development care. Shea is so wonderful me. of that spiritual for the dying. The team approach included ministering to the wholepersonal Allphysically, of our emotionally, services can be provided component varies with the individual; 3) expression person and spiritually. She should be cloned! …and the price is of one’s spirituality occurs in a variety of ways. At Hospice Partners, spirituality is seen as daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable. She even did my winAt Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, there are four hospice spirithe human quest for personal meaning and mutually fulfilling relationpay for onlyonthe services youreligious need traditions tualYou counselors/chaplains the team, with varied R.among Watson, Luis Obispo dows!” ships people,San the non-human environment and, for some, God and and experiences. Their taskthose is to assist with the spiritual needs of paand/or a higher power. The value of a person’s life and the relationships we provide services at a price tients and their families. They do not come to preach or try to convert. “Theythat took ask me exactly they the have time formedto over the years is their spirituality. All of life is of can afford. The you hospice chaplains realize that some patients are connected withwhatvalue, every person is of value. Each person has did made some contribution I wanted. They arrived on time,

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2009

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY to society somehow, some way. Over one’s life span, relationships have formed. All of this makes up the spirituality of a person. What is the process? Within five days of a person coming on the hospice program with Hospice Partners, a hospice chaplain will make an initial contact with the patient and/or the family. At any point, patient and family can decline hospice spiritual support. Of course, the hospice chaplains hope that they will have the opportunity to visit and get acquainted with patients and families. They want to hear their stories and help in any way they can.

When the end comes, the Hospice Partners chaplains are sometimes asked to assist with memorial and funeral services for the patient. They look at it as an honor, and this is an extension of the care that is provided to the hospice patient and their family. This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Ken Shadle, M. Div, D. Min, is one of the Hospice Chaplains at Hospice Partners. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

Hospice chaplains bring to the patient and family a variety of services. They love to hear the patient’s stories. Many of the patients have made contributions to our society that has made all of our lives so much fuller, and so we listen. Listening becomes a powerful affirmation of their lives. The hospice chaplains often offer prayers and blessings for patients and families. The chaplains are open to reading religious material whenever it is requested. Many of the patients enjoy poetry and the chaplains are happy to read their favorite poem. Sometimes guided meditation is used to ease the pain and suffering.

AUGUST CROSSWORD · SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 51

Statepoint Media Crossword Theme: Green Living

74. World of the dead

ACROSS 1. *What a garden bed should do to vegetables 6. Ostrich-like bird 9. One thousandth of a kilogram 13. Prefix for “between” 14. Where yoga’s done 15. Space exploration mission 16. Express contempt 17. Anger 18. Cowboy movie 19. *Homemade plant food 21. *Purpose of blue or green bin 23. ___ Lanka 24. Strategic board game 25. Pine covering 28. Withered 30. Non-stick 35. *Most frequent complaint about compost piles

37. Flower holder 39. Donald Duck’s girlfriend 40. Famous song by “The Kinks” 41. Make corrections 43. Cuzco valley empire 44. Bottomless pit 46. Done to a road 47. Not counterfeit 48. Advice on shampoo bottle 50. Fictional city-dwelling crocodile 52. DNA transmitter 53. Gapes wide open 55. Shack or shanty 57. *Cow emission that creates greenhouse gas 61. *Popular homemade cleaning ingredient 65. Kitchen tear-jerker 66. A solution of sodium hydroxide 68. Accepted or habitual practice 69. Shrek and Fiona, e.g. 70. “Game, ___, match!” 71. Provided with clues 72. Stepped 73. Owns

DOWN 1. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 2. The A in A.D. 3. Individual unit 4. Oozes 5. They’re frowned upon in America’s pastime 6. *What most cars do with pollutants 7. Sea in Spain 8. Embryo cradles 9. Between black and white 10. Officer training program 11. Cain’s unfortunate brother 12. Frenchman’s mother 15. Marked by smallpox 20. A strainer 22. New York time 24. Seals again 25. *A renewable energy 26. Acrobat maker 27. A growth on a mucous membrane

29. It’s in multi-level parking garages 31. *Socially responsible type of trade 32. Inside a jacket 33. Ancient Italic language 34. African antelope 36. Tear down 38. One turns green with it? 42. New _____, India 45. American Indian people of Yucatan 49. *With hole in ozone layer, would-be sun-lovers fear it 51. Harem guardian 54. Natives of Wales 56. Electric motor inventor Nikola 57. Type of point or question 58. Short for engineer 59. Beginner 60. *Tilled the garden 61. VA patients 62. Cheap trinket 63. “A Death in the Family” author 64. Cincinnati ballplayers 67. Affirmative response

A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY

VETS VOICE By Frank Rowan

ach month as I write this column, I am amazed by the veteran heroes we have around us. Americans who have gone through scary times because it was asked of them for our freedoms to continue. Dennis Perozzi is one of these local guys. He was born and raised in San Luis Obispo on his dad’s ranch. As almost all young men did during WWII, when he graduated from San Luis High in 1943 he attempted to join the armed services. However, the government would not let him join. They thought that it was more important to feed us, and he was more important to the war effort on the farm than on the battle field. This was the plight of many ranch and farm kids during WWII.

When the North Koreans invaded South Korea, he and numerous ranchers who had been exempt during WWII were drafted. Dennis said the bus that took them to basic was all ranchers’ or farmers’ family members. Since Korea was never a war declared, they allowed farmers and ranchers to enlist. If you didn’t, they drafted you. That is how Dennis Perozzi got to Korea. He endured basic training at Fort Ord in 1951 and shortly thereafter found

himself in Yokohama, Japan. There he was asked to go to Mechanic school. He answered in the affirmative because he liked working on tractors, but he was promptly sent to cooking school. This was a typical military routine. Things turn out a little differently than planned. At Christmas 1951 he helped cook 28 turkeys for dinner. Then in January 1952 he was sent to Pusan, Korea. There he took a three-day trip, by train, to Seoul. After a couple of days in the back of trucks going north, he found himself in Korea north of the 38th parallel. He became an ammo carrier for a seven man 57 MM Recoilless Rifle crew in the Infantry. It was 32 below zero and they stayed on line for 31 days. Perozzi wore seven layers of clothes to keep warm. There was no water except to drink, couldn’t build a fire because the smoke would alert the enemy, and if you lit a cigarette out in the open you could draw mortar fire.

One experience he had at the top of Old Baldy after our troops took the hill included diving into a bunker that had a dead Chinese soldier inside. They were afraid to move him out because the Chinese often booby trapped their casualties. After that Perozzi was put into reserve while they rebuilt their company. Later during the Summer of 1952 he joined in the battle of Pork Chop Hill. His company lost an additional 32 men in one night. Perozzi was one of the lucky ones and never got hit. After several more engagements, he was sent home in 1952. Perozzi returned to the ranch in beautiful San Luis Obispo, in December 1952, with an Honorable Discharge. He and his wife,

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2009

Dennis Perozzi, Rancher and Legionnaire today

Perozzi’s outfit lost 125 men out of 185 in one battle at Old Baldy. Perozzi was never in heavy combat because the recoilless rifle squad fired at the enemy from 1400 yards. It sounds pretty heavy combat to me.

Just Moved to Town?

Liz Hiatt-Salas

Dennis Perozzi at Mt. Baldy, North Korea in 1952

Journal PLUS

Pauline, who he met after returning, are still there together enjoying the SLO life. Since I was one of the Korean veterans who never had to risk my life over there, I say to Dennis Perozzi as I do to all combat veterans, “THANK YOU.” Before I close I apologize for my absence last month. I had a little left side chest pain and left arm numbness that took me to the emergency ward. I have three stents which were placed five years ago for a similar instance. They kept me overnight and did a nuclear stress test which showed my “hearteries” are wide open, and my pain was not heart related. How about letting me know about any plans for Veterans’ Day in your area, so I can spread the word in the October and November issues. Keep in touch 805-543-1973 or frowan248@att.net. See you in September again right here.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

August 2009

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D o w n t o w n

he ads are coming out for “Back to School,” s well, there’s been talk about removal of but in this office we’re going to drag the Downtown trees; we’ve heard and read summer out as long as possible—including that some fear wholesale removal, some a special add-on Concert on September 4 to support the removal of ‘messy’ trees; the idea give the community a great start for a long that Downtown will lose its charm if the trees holiday weekend. Then, while we’d like to bury come down has also been expressed. For the our heads in the sand for a few weeks, we’ll record, the Downtown Association has worked instead take some deep breaths, some extra closely with the City over the past several years vitamins and jump right in with a full slate of to support the City’s Urban Forest Management Deborah Cash, CMSM, Plan, meaning that we know the value of our activities over the final months of the year. But Executive Director that’s still a ways off, so for right now, we’ll just trees and support the removal only of those enjoy how well things are going Downtown. identified by the plan as unhealthy or unsafe, in Retrofit construction continues, but with each project increments with replacement trees filling the vacated comes a new look, a new feel, and new energy that you tree wells. Further, the Downtown Association’s Design can’t miss. The entire block of Higuera (along the top Committee formed the Downtown Foresters in 2007 side), for now, sits in regal glory after months (years!) of to assist the beleaguered City arborist in maintaining siege as property owners poured fortunes into upgrades, Downtown trees. On a recent Saturday morning, the remodels, even completely rebuilding their structures. It’s group tended to trees in Lot 2 off Broad Street and amazing to see an older property completely restored you may see us occasionally up on ladders, dragging or refurbished and not at all taking away from the branches, cleaning tree wells and generally looking ‘character’ as could have happened—au contraire. like we’re having fun (we are) playing in the trees. So whatever the word is on the street, we’re not exactly sure but we do know this: we’re stumping for the trees!

On the Cover: When Mark and Doug show up, it’s officially Concerts in the Plaza. Attendees for more than a dozen years to Concerts, Mark Martinez and Doug Davidson, shown with Downtown Association intern Chelsea Buttress, have been first in line for a ‘cold one’ at the annual summer event becoming a Concert icon. With still about a month to go, we expect they’ll continue the tradition. Photo by Deborah Cash

Presents

Concerts i n the plaza

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Details: Contact San Luis Obispo Downtown Association (805) 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

nother cause we’re excited to become involved in is a new event planned in November to honor a group of honorable citizens in our community: VETERANS. With the assistance of grant funding from the City of San Luis Obispo and the Promotional Coordinating Committee, the Downtown Association will host the first annual Veterans Celebration at Farmers Market on Thursday, November 12. We are still in the planning stages of what we think will be a great celebration showcasing branches of the military and veterans’ groups with military music, displays, activities and programs. We are looking for “a few good men and women” who would like to be part of the process to join us in developing what we believe could be an important annual tradition acknowledging the more than 25,000 veterans in San Luis County. Please give us a call if you want to help out or have some ideas you’d like to share.

am happy to announce the promotion of staffer Freya Wilkerson, whose position as current promotions assistant now includes social networking coordinator. Freya is a Cal Poly graduate and has worked for the Downtown Association for more than a year. She will be developing a program for members, “Social Networking, How Tweet It Is” and will be in charge of maintaining all the networking sites for the

D o w n t o w n

Association. Currently, as promotions assistant, Freya is Volunteer Coordinator for Concerts in the Plaza. Her friendly but business-like manner keeps the ‘machine’ of twenty or so people running smoothly each Friday and serving the thousands of people who purchase beverages at the event. Join me in congratulating Freya and be sure to check out her work on FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter and … whatever else is out there!

’d also like to add a note about an event coming to San Luis that isn’t hosted by the Downtown Association but is one we think will really WOW the town on Wednesday, September 2, 6:30 PM. The San Francisco Mime Troupe, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will make a special stop on its touring schedule to entertain locals “just for fun” in this free performance at Emerson Park (Nipomo and Pacific streets near Downtown). Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy one of the world’s premiere mime shows, for FREE! Visit www.sfmt.org for more information.

or now, we hope your summer goes on and on and you are able to enjoy all it has to offer…around Downtown.

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location because it is “picture perfect” and offers Thomas a place to house his Russell Thomas & Christy Rivera, catering business, Two Cooks Catering. co owners ivera and Thomas characterize 1074 Higuera Street their restaurant as a healthy 805-788-0755 alternative at a good price and are www.TheHoneymoonCafe.com committed to using local, organic products as key ingredients in their ooking for a new, healthy place menu items. Three times a week to eat? Check out new Downtown they purchase fresh ingredients business Honeymoon Café located on Higuera Street from Farmers Markets in the San Luis Obispo area in the County Government Building. This is the second and they’ve partnered with local business Utopia location of the popular Pismo Beach Honeymoon Bakery which provides freshly baked breads. The Café that opened 25 years ago and has been owned restaurant offers daily specials, and customer favorites by Rivera for the past three years. With the restaurant’s include the BLAT, Cayenne Chicken Sandwich and popularity and success, the decision was made to any of the restaurant’s burritos. Honeymoon Café is expand to SLO, and Rivera, along with co owner open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM-4:00 PM. Russell Thomas, worked fast to meet their deadline of opening within a month. They said they chose the new By Kyle Schnurr

Honeymoon Café

EcoBambino

Ariana Spaulding, owner 762 Higuera Street, Suite 217 805-540-7222 www.ShopEcoBambino.com

coBambino is the ideal store for parents looking for safe, natural toys for their children to play with. Ariana Spaulding, a mother herself, said she wanted to open a store that carries eco-friendly, nontoxic products so parents no longer have to worry about the health and safety of products they use or provide for their little ones. EcoBambino is unique because it is the only store in San Luis Obispo that focuses on natural products for children, particularly avoiding items containing

Blue Tea Company

David and John Reyes, co owners 793 Higuera St., Suite 11 805-786-4332 www.BlueTeaCo.com

lue Tea is described on the website as “a delicious beverage blend made from the flavorful blue heart wood of a medicinally benevolent tree which grows deep in the Peten Region of Mexico and three well-known, specially selected flowers.” Brothers David and John Reyes have developed this product that they say, due to its bioflavinoids and antioxidants, has significant health benefits including inhibition of the formation of fatty cells and a decrease in the amount of free radicals in the cardiovascular system

new plastics that produce off-gas or toxins. Spaulding was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and says she is looking forward to being in the Downtown area and becoming more involved in the community. or now, EcoBambino is primarily an online operation, but you can make an appointment with Spaulding to come in or to arrange pick up of merchandise. She will even bring your order out to your car for you because she knows how much work it can be to get children in and out of the car. Spaulding said she hopes to open a bigger, more interactive store in the future. By Lindsey Crawford

which are related to the development of cancer and other maladies.

he Reyes opened their business 10 years ago in Los Angeles and recently moved to the area that they say they absolutely love. They want to become involved in the community and spread the word about their health-promoting product that they claim soothes, calms and refreshes and can depress violent tendencies as well. “We are desperate to save lives,” David remarked, as the tea has been found in more than 60 studies to enhance the immune system and protect the body from diseases. For now, the tea is available on line or at Thursday Night Farmers’ Market or your call to their office will be returned as soon as possible. By Lindsey Crawford

COMMUNITY

smile week is here. Our dentist says

AUGUST Almanac

smile and show off those teeth. If you do not know how, ask a child for a grin. It’s contagious.

hawaii celebrates its fiftieth year of statehood this month. In August 1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth star on the United States flag.

By Phyllis Benson “ How pleasant to sit on the beach, On the beach, on the sand, in the sun, With ocean galore within reach, And nothing at all to be done!” ---Ogden Nash

august is catfish month. Catfish are about as lazy as fishermen this summer.

summer is baseball. Player Rocky 79 A.D. Mount Vesuvius erupted. The

volcano destroyed Pompeii and other Roman cities. Its volcanic ash drifted hundreds of miles.

morro rock and its sister volcanoes are

good neighbors. They offer clouds of soaring birds, not sifting ash.

august 1st is Sea Serpent Day. This day honors sea serpents real and imagined.

california has its share of sea serpent tales ranging from the Lake Elsinore creature and Bolinas mystery sea body to the Malibu oarfish and Stinson Beach sea serpent sighting.

1779: Francis Scott Key was born on August 1. Poet, lawyer and district attorney, Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner national anthem at age 35.

august 1874: Herbert Hoover was born.

Hoover, U.S. President during the Great Depression, said, “Prosperity cannot be restored by raids upon the public Treasury.”

august 1789: Congress created the U.S. War Dept.

hughes tool celebrates its 100th birthday

this month. In 1909 Howard R. Hughes, Sr. patented a rock boring drill. When Howard Hughes, Jr., took over, he steered the growing Texas company into California ventures including aircraft building, electronics, moviemaking, radio and the airline business.

plane crazy: Aviation buffs visit Air-

Venture in Oshkosh and walk 5 miles of experimental aircraft, warbirds, homebuilts and 2,000 other aircraft.

herb day encourages using herbs in place

of salt. It is a heart-healthy trend. Farmers markets offer fresh herbs and herb plants for novices.

rosemary is amazing. It grows as a

Bridges said, “You know when you’ve got it made? When you get your name in the crossword puzzles.”

august marks hay fever season. Sum-

mer plants and weeds toss pollen into the air and it settles in eyes, noses and throats. We buy antihistamines in bulk for man and beast. The vet put our sneezing, eye-weeping retriever on the same meds as the family.

coastal hedge, bush, topiary or kitchen plant. The more the herb is pinched for kitchen seasoning, the better the sturdy evergreen grows.

august birthdays include: Ogden

perseids are summer show-offs. The

father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.”

meteor showers return August 12. Best viewing is after midnight with up to 60 meteors streaking over the sky per hour.

sundials decorate gardens. Our neighbor says the only problem is trudging out to check the time.

Nash, Andy Rooney, Loni Anderson, Erin Mott and Kathy Lee Gifford.

rooney recalls, “Simple walks with my

napping month is here. The cat is the

expert though the dogs can flop and doze in two seconds. Reserve an August afternoon for nap practice.

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august 1969: The Woodstock Music and

Art Fair in rural New York featured 3 days of famous musicians and bands playing for over 450,000 concert-goers.

art appreciation month offers open

galleries, art in parks and children chalking flowers on sidewalks. The real art is appreciating a squiggle or square without question.

August 19: Aviation Day is on Orville Wright’s birthday.

2015 Santa Barbara, SLO 805.541.1646 www.quaglinosflooring.com A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective the state budget mess By SLO City Councilman, Andrew Carter

s I write this, the State of California does not have a budget even though the fiscal year began ten days ago. The situation is grim. The state controller is issuing IOUs to state “vendors,” including citizens owed tax refunds. The governor is threatening pay cuts and furlough days for state employees which could lead to reductions in pay of 20 percent. The state’s bond rating is now the worst in the nation. That means higher borrowing costs for years to come. The state budget gap of $26 billion is growing $25 million a day. The impasse is so deep the Democratic Assembly Leader is currently refusing to meet with the governor and other legislative leaders to solve the budget mess. Compare this to the situation in San Luis Obispo. On June 16th, city council passed the city budget two weeks before the start of the fiscal year. We’d been following a timetable laid out last September which included 14 public hearings and a preliminary budget available for public inspection on May 28th. We closed a budget gap of $11 million and managed to do it with no grandstanding and only minor disagreement on any of the actions taken.

NO TRESPASSING Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Alive!

We benefited from a process that began with citizen input through a survey conducted in December utility bills and a community-wide budget forum held in mid-January. Council then met to develop budget goals. Next, city staff developed work programs based on those goals. Then council approved the work programs, and staff developed a preliminary budget. Finally, council met over three days to go through the preliminary budget program by program. The entire process took place in open meetings. No smoke-filled rooms (or tents). No backroom deals. No threats. No finger pointing. I was proud to participate in the city process. My fellow council members would say the same. But I don’t think any of us deserve special credit. If anyone deserves credit, it’s our city staff, ably led by City Manager Ken Hampian and City Finance Director Bill Statler. In fact, all city employees deserve our thanks because all were willing to accept a “zero year.” That means city employees will go twenty-four months between cost-of-living increases. Here’s the truth. We were just “doing our jobs.” For council members, our primary obligation is the fiduciary responsibility we have to the citizens of San Luis Obispo. Passing a balanced budget in a timely manner is the most fundamental aspect of that responsibility. There are 478 cities in California, 58 counties, 1000 school districts, and 2300 special districts. Year-in year-out, most of these bodies pass balanced budgets on time. That’s true even though most depend to some extent on state funding, the school districts almost completely. The governing boards of these bodies are doing their jobs as well. Why can’t the state do the same? The answer is both simple and complex. On the simple side is the fact that many state legislators would rather play politics than balance the budget. On the complex side is that our state government system encourages that game playing and makes the budget balancing process more complex. We the people have created that system.

Don’t walk or play around the tracks. It’s illegal and it can be deadly!

WWW.SLOCITY.ORG A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

Item 1, the two-thirds majority: California is one of only three states with a constitution requiring a two-thirds majority in the legislature to pass a budget. We’re one of sixteen states requiring a two-thirds majority to raise taxes. We’re the only state requiring both. We want to control our politicians, but this hands the minority party an easy veto, which leads to gridlock. Item 2, the aftermath of Prop 13: We all like the fact that property taxes can only go up 2 percent per year, but the downstream impact of Proposition 13 has been immense. First is that the state, over time, has taken control of property taxes from local authorities – cities, counties, and school boards. That means less accountability. It also means local authorities are more beholden to the state for their financial well-being. Second, the state has become more dependent on volatile sources of income – sales tax and income tax, particularly the capital gains tax. That’s led to boom or bust state budgets – plenty of money in good times, little money in bad times.

BUSINESS Item 3, ballot box budgeting: Through Prop 13 and other measures, we’ve done a great job limiting how much politicians can raise our taxes. At the same time, through countless initiatives, we’ve mandated minimum spending levels for key programs. Trouble is there’s little money left over for other important programs during the bust portion of the economic cycle, even services the state legally must provide, and little opportunity to reduce all programs to make ends meet, even big ticket items. We’ve established minimum funding levels for schools, after-school programs, “First 5” programs, mental health programs, prisons (through our “three strikes” law), you name it. We’ve also passed countless bond measures with required annual interest payments for state water, parks, high speed rail, stem cell research, etc.

Community Programs Enrich yourself through Cuesta’s Emeritus classes Cuesta’s program for adults 50 and older offers dozens of FREE classes in your neighborhood. No tests. No grades. New friends. Call (805) 546-3121 and find out about these short-term classes in art, writing, music and film appreciation, exercise, great literature, photography, genealogy, and field trips of the Central Coast. Become an Emeritus student and learn about opportunities for student discounts at area arts events and concerts. INFoRmatIoN? (805) 546-3132 or www.communityprograms.net [click on Emeritus College]

Item 4, term limits: Unwilling to toss out individual “bums,” we decided to limit how long any one person can serve in Sacramento. But that means most legislators aren’t there long enough to learn the intricacies of the state budget and many are more focused on getting their next job than doing the one they have now. Term limits have also handed greater power to the lobbyists, special interests, and statewide party leaders who have the money to fund that next campaign. Item 5, gerrymandered districts: The politicians did this themselves, creating safe districts that are either always Republican or always Democrat. That means the party primary becomes the controlling election, not the general election, and party primaries tend to be controlled by more partisan voters. That means ideologues of the right and left tend to get elected, instead of centrists who might be more willing to compromise. There you have it, a short explanation for the mess in Sacramento. We the people have addressed Item 5. Last year with Proposition 11, we set up an independent commission to draw district boundaries in the future. In 2010, we’ll have the opportunity to vote on open primaries which might lead to more centrists getting elected. But we still need to address Items 1 through 4. I’ll propose the radical notion that we need to make it easier for the politicians to do their jobs, even if that might make it easier for them to do what we don’t like. If they don’t do what we like, then we need to take responsibility and vote them out. The autopilot constraints we’ve created over time just aren’t working. A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

sierra vista Medical center in the news

Real Estate

LynnBroker R. Cooper Associate Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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

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

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras

Dennis Gisler 800.660.3178 • 805.541.4488 • www.AdvancedPage.com

Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center recently made a donation to the Children’s Health Initiative. Rather than receive a gift for National Hospital Week, employee leadership voted to forgo gifts in 2009 and instead requested the funds be put toward a donation to the Children’s Health Initiative. On hand for the donation (pictured l-r) were Kena Burke, executive director of the Children’s Health Initiative, Dr. Julian Crocker, Children’s Health Initiative Board Member, Christie Gonder, Sierra Vista’s Chief Nursing Officer, and Donna Loper, clinical director of NICU and Pediatrics at Sierra Vista. The Medical Center’s achievements in the area of heart care has been recognized with two 2009 Gold Performance Achievement Awards from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Program. Sierra Vista earned its awards for the treatment of both Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure. The awards recognize Sierra Vista’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of cardiac care that effectively improves treatment of patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease. Candy Markwith, Sierra Vista Medical Center’s CEO was recently named United Way Board President.

idler’s expands

MIKE BAUMGARTEN PLUMBING INC. Servicing SLO City

pristine home service receives national award

Commercial Residential • Remodels • Additions • Repairs • •

Member of the SLO Green Build Association

Lic # 831119 (C36)

20% Off Tues. & Thurs. 544-0884

Marc Brazil 459-5376

Bill Coryell 459-0318 Offering Excellence in:

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

• Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Design Services

FREE Consultation 541-3377

A U G U S T

2009

Idler’s Sleep Source is now open in Paso Robles on Theatre Drive in the building that formerly housed Home Town Sleep Center. A grand opening celebration is planned for sometime in August. Through its involvement with a national association, Idler’s will have millions of dollars in buying power and will be able to offer such well-known brands as Tempur-Pedic, Serta and Simmons. Idler’s plans to open an additional Sleep Source store in SLO soon.

Journal PLUS

For the second consecutive year, Pristine Home Services has been selected for the 2009 Best of SLO Award in the Home Health Service category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties. For more information call Pristine Home Service at 543-4663.

Exterior & Interior Plastering

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

Terry Evans, President

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

cathi@sloplastering.com · terry@sloplastering.com CA LIC#759246

THE BULLETIN BOARD

rotary de tolosa names tim williams top rotarian The Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa has named their 2008-2009 Rotarian of the Year. Tim Williams, founder and CEO of Digital West Networks, was chosen as this year’s outstanding Rotarian. Rotary de Tolosa 2008-2009 President Mark Furia selected Williams for his “unwavering commitment to serve his community and his quiet humility in the face of great accomplishment.” Furia explains that Williams has served in the demanding role of club treasurer for the past year and contributes time, money and energy in many areas of Rotary. Williams is also the President of 211 SLO Hotline, recently served on the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also volunteers and supports a multitude of other organizations, including Flying Samaritans and French Hospital Medical Center.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

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

After 30 years, I was having too much fun to retire. Come see me in my new location at the Brooks Woodcraft buildings. Specializing in:

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

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

Farris Jack Jack Farris

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

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

www.sloseniorservices.com 805 627-1760 • slosenior@gmail.com

Professional Painting Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial

Donald Franklin Owner/Operator

805-466-6407

Serving SLO County Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Reverse Mortgages For Senior Homeowners Bob Gayle

2009

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

bucket buster drummers help others

Part of the Community Personalized Phone and Internet Service for Business

CAM_3.75X1.75.indd 2

Bucket Busters is a drumming group directed by Steve Hilstein, owner of Drum School 101. They perform drumming routines on buckets, trash cans, and water bottles at charitable events throughout the Central Coast. They are also for hire and collect donations that go toward scholarships for kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity to take music lessons. They will perform at the Big Brothers/Sisters Talent show and Stone Soup Music Faire in August. More WWW.CALLAMERICACOM.COM than 34 scholarships have been awarded since April. To have Bucket Busters 9/10/07 1:11:02 PM perform at a community event, fundraiser or private function, call 543-0377.

(805) 549-7800

Buddy Starts at $1,999 Great Colors! 2 Year Warranties Vintage Style–Modern Technology!

2007 Scooter of the Year

HYOSUNG 3566 S. Higuera, SLO

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

big brothers/sisters receive national award Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has named Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County’s Board of Directors 2009 Board of the Year. The board is the number one leader among the national organization’s small-market agency boards of directors. The award each year is granted to one small agency Board, which demonstrates excellence in sustained growth in children served. A national leadership council panel of past winners of Board of the Year made the selection from nearly 400 agencies across America.

french hospital honored by heart association

Real Property Investments

Commercial & Investment Real Estate

Robert Petterson GRI Tom Swem GRI, CCIM Sandra Foxford

570 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo (805) 544-4422 www.rpislo.com

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

FHMC recently held a ribbon cutting for two walking paths and a Fitness Zone at the Hospital. At the event FHMC was honored by the American Heart Association for its efforts as the lead sponsor of AHA Start! Program. Start! promotes physical activity through workplace walking programs helping employees reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke to lead longer, stronger, healthier lives. The FHMC Start! Walking Paths and Fitness Zone are open to the public. For more information on the walking paths or the Fitness Zone, visit www. frenchmedicalcenter.org.

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

John Kimball

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

THE BULLETIN BOARD

We specialize in customer satisfaction with immediate and friendly service. Featuring Toyo, Michelin, Bridgestone and Remington brand tires with the largest inventory on the Central Coast. The Tire Store also features complete brake and computerized alignment service.

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

casa graduates 50th class Juvenile Court Judge Ginger Garrett recently swore in CASA’s (Court Appointed Special Advocates) 50th class of volunteer advocates since 1993. Volunteers were recruited from all areas of SLO County and will work with children throughout the county. The new volunteers received 30 hours of training and will be assigned a child or sibling group under the juvenile court’s jurisdiction due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.

distance learning classes at allan hancock college Allan Hancock College is offering 161 Internet credit classes during its fall semester beginning Aug. 24. Other distance learning classes are offered via video, DVD, live video streaming or a combination of Internet and on-site instruction (hybrid classes). Most distance learning classes require completion of an orientation. For orientation details, see the distance learning section of the fall credit class schedule, online at www. hancockcollege.edu and available at all college locations. Online registration is June 29 through Aug. 10. In-person registration is Aug. 18 and 19. Call 922-6966 ext. 3248 for registration details.

San Luis Obispo’s Best Kept Secret 10 PLAY CARD- can be used any day of the week including weekends and holidays.

CARD = Adults $77.50 • Jr (18 & under) & Seniors (62+) $62.50

Call for Tee Time 781-7309

new board president for estrella warbird museum

ts Tournamen Welcome!

Estrella Warbirds Museum is pleased to announce the election of Peter D. Visel as President of the Board of Directors. Peter served in the U.S. Army Medical Command, Europe from 1971 – 1977. Having raised 5 children, Peter and his wife Candy enjoy life in the Paso Robles area. The museum is located by the Paso Robles Airport at 4251-A Dry Creek Road, is open Fri/Sat from 10 – 4 or Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m. For more information go to the website at: www.ewarbirds.org.

11175 Los Osos Valley Rd. • San Luis Obispo, CA

free health screening EOC Sr. Health Screening for seniors (50+) offers free testing for: blood pressure, weight, total cholesterol, anemia and blood sugar. Take-home screening tests for colo-rectal cancer available for $5. Nutritional counseling and referrals throughout SLO County. Please call 788-0827 for details.

Law Offices of Jan Howell Marx A Client-Centered Practice Business Mediation Environmental Law Elder Law Real Estate Wills & Trusts Free Advance Health Care Directive

541-2716

P.O. Box 1445, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 E-mail: janmarx@stanfordalumni.org www.janmarx.com

Service for All Your Cars

Specimen Olive Trees • Back Hoe & Tractor Work •

41 Years of Service Dennis Landscape 441-8121

Personal Service. Exceptional Car Care. For a full line of cars serviced by Rizzoli’s, please visit RizzolisAutomotive.com.

For Over 32 Years

Lic# A C27 682054

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

A U G U S T

2009

RizzolisAutomotive.com

Journal PLUS

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Accepting new patients!

Highly sought after Bowden Ranch parcel with plans for a 3128 Sq. Ft. 3 bedroom with den home, plus a 392 Sq. Ft. detached guest house and over 400 Sq.Ft. of deck. A 15,000+ Sq.Ft. lot at the top of Lizzie Court. Fantastic westerly views of the mountains and downtown SLO next to multi-million dollar homes. Asking $495,000. www.lizzielot.com

Ferrini Heights! Enjoy the views of San Luis Obispo from this single level three bedroom two bath home in one of the most coveted neighborhoods in town. Hardwood floors throughout and an attached sunroom. Asking $599,000. www.173highlanddr.com

Offering CareCredit payment options. Single level home in San Luis Obispo. Bathroom and Kitchen have recently been remodeled with upgraded lighting, beautiful tile, appliances and vanity. French doors take you to the private back yard with mature landscaping and a detached tool shed. Conveniently located very close to shopping and schools. Asking $409,000. www.1880vicente.com

Johnny Hough Owner / Broker

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

A U G U S T

2009

Journal PLUS

(805) 801-5063

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

SATURDAY AUGUST 22

NOON & AGAIN AT 12:30 PM The San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System sirens will be tested on Saturday, August 22. The sirens will sound twice – at noon and again about 30 minutes later – and will last 3 to 5 minutes. This is a test and does not require any action on your part. During the tests, local radio and television stations will be conducting normal programming. However, if you hear the sirens at any other time go indoors and tune to your local stations for important emergency information and instructions. When at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16. Saturday, August 22 – it’s only a test.

Sponsored by the County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Paid for by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

When Every Second Counts Trauma & Emergency Services Is it really an emergency? From a simple earache to a catastrophic injury, Sierra Vista’s emergency room and trauma specialists are ready to treat you 24/7. Exceptional people. Exceptional facilities. Exceptional service.

(800) 483-6387

Call today to receive a free First-Aid Kit. Quantities Limited.

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