K ATELYN K ANEY | K YLE DUFF Y | THE STEYNBERGS | L AR A LEHMER | THE WAGNONS
Journal PLUS AUGUST 2013
MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST
SLO HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL,
LESLIE O’CONNOR
Larry D. Smyth Owner/Broker
805-543-2172 San Luis Obispo
www.farrellsmyth.com
www.ZinVineyard.com
805-904-6616 Arroyo Grande
Seven Units in SLO
Jennifer Hamilton
Linda Aiello-Madison
Relocation Director
Broker-Associate
Ken Arritt
Broker-Associate
Vineyard, home, & 3.76 acres with fully insulated 4900+ square foot steel shop with living quarters. Dry farming Zinfandel grapes. Deep rooted vines are over ten years old. Electric gate + alarm system with cameras. Steel shop could be car collector’s dream. $1,275,000
Seven Units close to Cal Poly and Downtown San Luis Obispo. A mix of Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom units with excellent rental history. Ample parking and some units have washers and dryers. $1,150,000
Four Units in SLO
www.2684JohnsonAve.com
Broker-Associate
Theresa Carroll
REALTOR®
Mary Rosenthal
Four units in Downtown San Luis Obispo—Rebuilt about 15 years ago, very nice Classic Downtown styling. Each unit with its own washer and dryer. Front unit includes a two bedroom unit and two big Studio units. The back unit is a free standing two bedroom bungalow. Priced at $1,050,000 SLO Pine Creek Condo
An investor’s dream! Lovely home close to town and shopping. Mature landscaping on large corner lot with sprinkler system. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Nice flow, tile flooring from kitchen to rec room and on to the 200sqft sunroom, two wood burning fireplaces and hardwood floors in bedrooms. $639,000 Beautiful Morro Bay Views
REALTOR®
Patricia Garrison REALTOR®
Janet Shaner REALTOR®
REALTOR®
REALTOR®
REALTOR®
REALTOR®
Chris Stanley
Jerry Collins
Paddy Doron
REALTOR®
Deane Naylor
Twila Arritt
Broker-Associate
Pamela Bliss
Annette Mullen
Popular Pine Creek! Very close to Cal Poly. Two bedroom/two bath with 2 car carport. Upper deck & small fenced yard. Indoor laundry. Great storage, vaulted ceilings, newer parquet wood floor in kitchen. Come take a look! $355,000
Vicky Hall REALTOR®
Have it all in beautiful Morro Bay! Build your dream home and capture the wonderful sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. This buildable upslope lot backs natures ranchland for privacy. Super desirable neighborhood with custom homes and located on level street. Start your plans to build your dream home and live the coastal cool life! $254,900
Conveniently located in the heart of SLO & the Village of Arroyo Grande 21 Santa Rosa Street, Suite 100, SLO, CA 93405 110 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Christine Williams REALTOR®
Marion Trombetta REALTOR®
Simone Viola REALTOR®
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CONTENTS
Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST
The People, Community, and Business of Our Beautiful Central Coast ADDRESS
654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401
12 AROUND THE WORLD WITH KYLE DUFFY
PHONE 805.546.0609 E-MAIL slojournal@fix.net WEBSITE www.slojournal.com
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain COPY EDITOR Susan Stewart PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson, Kyle Owens
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KATELYN KANEY
DOUG & JULIE WAGNON
ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Marilyn Darnell, Will Jones, Patricia Bennett, Bob Huttle, Rebecca Leduc, Carolyn Ballou, Gordon Fuglie, and Kathy Smith. Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is a free monthly distributed to over 600 locations throughout the Central Coast and is also available online at slojournal.com Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE. Cover photo provided by Will Jones
PEOPLE 8 10 12 14 16 18
LESLIE O’CONNOR KATELYN KANEY KYLE DUFFY LARA LEHMER PETER AND ESTELLE STEYNBERG DOUG AND JULIE WAGNON
HOME & OUTDOOR 20 22 24 26
SLO ART CENTER EVENT POINT REYES FOOD / AT THE MARKET
COMMUNITY
28 30 32 34 36 42
OUR SCHOOLS–Dr. Julian Crocker JACK HOUSE DOCENTS HISTORY: San Luis Obispo, 1814 part 2 HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE PALM STREET–SLO Councilwoman Smith COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
BUSINESS
37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 41 VETS VOICE 46 EYE ON BUSINESS
SLO ART SCENE Jim Ringley
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or the seventh straight year Jan and I attended the Jack’s Helping Hand (JHH) fundraiser at the Santa Margarita Ranch last month.
We Believe in SLO. Thanks for Believing in Us.
Ron Penir
Ben Lerner
Bill Mott
Rick Kirk
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Partner & Loan Officer 805-441-9486 blerner@commercemtg.com
Partner & Loan Officer 805-234-5081 bmott@commercemtg.com
Loan Officer 805-459-4101 rkirk@commeremtg.com
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This sold-out BBQ fundraiser event for special needs children brought in the highest number of donations ever received. Over $200,000 was raised for the program. The event included a traditional barbecue buffet, live music, a silent and live auction with seasoned auctioneer Jim Settle and the good company of others who share the passion for assisting special needs children in SLO. It’s the most well organized and efficiently run event that we attend. A special plaque and tribute was given to Deanna Teixeira (pictured above with Paul and Bridget Ready), wife of SLO County Board of Supervisor, Paul, who suddenly passed away last month. Paul was a previous boardmember of Jack’s Helping Hand and instrumental in making the program a reality. This month completes our nineteenth year in business. We started this venture with a philosophy of sending out the good news happening here, and most everyone welcomes us into their homes. We couldn’t do this without the support of our advertising partners. Several of these businesses have been with us for the entire nineteen years. Most are family-run businesses like this one. The partnership goes both ways ... they support us and our readers support them. Please continue this as we begin our nineteenth year. Plenty of good reading again this month. Enjoy the magazine.
Commerce Mortgage proudly supports Homes for Our Troops, a foundation building specially adapted homes for our severely injured veterans at no cost to the veteran. Visit www.commercemtg.com/homesforourtroops for more information. HUD Approved FHA Full Eagle Lender. NMLS ID #1839. Lending available in Colorado, Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act #4150083, California Dept. of Real Estate Broker #01218426, and Nevada Mortgage Lending Division #3580. *non retail mortgage banker category as reported by CoreLogic®, a worldwide provider of real estate, mortgage, consumer and special ized business data and analytics
Steve Owens
COMING UP AT THE
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dancin' 2013 August 11 • 2 p.m. Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo and The Academy of Dance
Special Message from Cal Poly Arts
WWW.PACSLO.ORG | 805-756-4TIX (4849)
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MEET
PEOPLE
leslie O’connor principal san luis obispo high school By Will Jones
The leader has to be practical and a realist yet must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist. —Eric Hoffer Despite living in the United States for twenty-five years, a slight Irish brogue still colors the speech of Leslie O’Connor, who has just completed his second year as Principal of San Luis Obispo High School. The third oldest of nine children growing up in the Northern Ireland town of Greysteel, near Derry, Leslie knew early in his life that he wanted to leave Ireland and move to America. Irish students test as eleven-years-old to determine high school placement. Leslie, a talented soccer player, knew that the academic school in his town didn’t have a team, but he didn’t want to intentionally underachieve on the test in order to attend the school that did. Instead, he aced the test, enrolled in the academic school and started a soccer team that was a full blown varsity program by the time he graduated, an indication of the kind of talent, intelligence and determination Leslie has brought to all of his life’s endeavors. After graduation Leslie attended the University of Liverpool where he studied history and economics and qualified for the national soccer team. A coach from the United States watched him play and recommended him to the head coach of Cal State Bakersfield, which at the time had experienced very little success. “Their record was 0-891, with the tie coming when the lights failed at Fullerton.” When the coach called and offered him a scholarship, Leslie accepted immediately, knowing nothing about Bakersfield, but realizing it was his opportunity to get to America. He arrived in July of 1988 and promptly broke his leg on his fourth day in the country. “I called my mom to let her know I got here safely and told her we had a game. I called the next day and told her I broke my leg. I was wearing a cast from my toe to my thigh.” Over the next
O’Connor on the Soccer field A U G U S T
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three seasons he went on to complete his degree and enter the teaching credential program while helping to lead his team to a conference championship and the national playoffs, earning multiple conference and regional awards for his ability as a center midfielder. An offer to teach part time at Bakersfield High School starting in 1992 soon became a full time job. While teaching, Leslie played semi-professional soccer for three years, traveling the western United States with expenses paid. He also coached the boys and girls soccer teams at BHS, winning a total of fourteen Division I CIF championships. “Bakersfield was really good. I went from making $400 a month working on the gardening crew as a student athlete to my first contract for $29,000. My two roommates and I were going to Marie Calendar’s for brunch, thinking ‘this is the best thing ever.’” Leslie’s wife, Elizabeth, herself a recruited transplant from Chicago, taught English at Bakersfield. They met and eventually married in 2004. When they were expecting their first child in 2007, Leslie realized it was time to leave coaching and look for other opportunities in education. He accepted a district office position, overseeing all of the categorical programs, including Title I, English Learners, Migrant Education, and others. In 2010 he became the Assistant Principal for Adult Education. “Coaching and teaching are similar in that you’re trying to figure out ways to reach kids. Providing good feedback is important for improvement in both areas, just as it is in working with teachers as an administrator.” The O’Connors had a goal of leaving Bakersfield by the time their daughter Riley, who will soon be six, was ready for first grade. The addition of son Owen, who will be four in July, increased their motivation. Leslie and Elizabeth had dreamed of someday owning a home on the Central Coast, maybe in Cambria. When the Assistant Principal position at San Luis Obispo High School was posted, Leslie immediately applied. He impressed two interview panels and was eventually offered the open Principal position which he accepted without hesitation. Fulfilling another dream, Leslie and his family now live close enough to SLOHS that he can ride his bicycle to school.
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The biggest challenges Leslie has confronted are reducing the work force as a result of budget cuts and supporting students who struggle to succeed for a variety of reasons. “The change in the budget means that we have to become better at evaluating what’s important to us. We have to try to get more out of less. A positive can come out of a negative. The hardest thing, without question, is having to let good teachers go.” He feels that good communication and collaboration with San Luis Obispo’s vibrant artistic, educational and business communities will help advance the school’s mission of educating all students successfully.
The O’Connor family on a recent trip to London
Leslie quickly listed “the genuinely nice and polite students, the very talented work force and the amount of parent support” as the defining characteristics of SLOHS. Given his success as a teacher and a coach, he has brought a level of confidence to his role that has made it possible for him to make difficult decisions and initiate changes that he felt would improve the school. Signature changes include creating an all sport Tiger Athletic Booster Organization that has raised over $100,000; replacing the annual Open House with Tiger Fest, an outdoor event that highlights all of the school’s programs; and increasing academic support from the Black and Gold Boosters.
Recognizing the difficulty of the job, Leslie appreciates the work of past Principals and acknowledges the personal qualities and skills he needs to keep in mind in order to succeed: being positive and optimistic; maintaining a broad perspective of the school’s needs; trusting his judgment and delegating responsibility; finding the right personnel to fill key leadership and teaching positions. At the end of the day, sometimes an extremely long day, Leslie feels blessed. He gets to ride his bicycle home to his family, “Who I’d like to see more often,” knowing he has given his best to the school and recognizing that “I probably have one of the 10 best educational jobs in the country. Who wouldn’t want to live in San Luis Obispo and be the Principal of San Luis Obispo High School?” As his immediate predecessor, and the first of two successive short, balding, left-handed Irishmen to hold the job, I know exactly how he feels.
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katelyn kaney
...taking “Triumph from tragedy” to new heights By Susan Stewart
R
emember Pollyanna’s “Glad” game? Remember when she received a pair of crutches instead of a doll in the family’s Christmas charity basket? Her response was not self-pity but rather, “We can be glad we don’t have to use them!” Well, Katelyn Kaney is not exactly the impossibly optimistic Pollyanna, but she certainly knows how to turn adversity into positive action. At just 24, when both her parents died within months of each other, Katelyn found herself running the family business, and “… doing things I never, ever dreamed I’d do,” she said.
Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, Katelyn is one of Mike and Jayne Kaney’s four children—Kim, Katelyn, Michael, and Kourtney, in that order. Mike and Jayne were high school sweethearts who built their family and their business, Kaney Foods, together. In the mid-’80s, they sold Kaney Foods in order to take over Cattaneo Bros. in 1988, whose stellar reputation for fine meats, world-class jerky, and distinctive sausage had been operating since 1947. This is the legacy that Katelyn inherited when first her father, and then her mother succumbed to cancer in 2008. Their deaths were closely followed by the passing of Katelyn’s grandparents as well, deepening the pain and doubling the loss.
“I guess I grieved in an active way,” said Katelyn, looking back on that terrible year. “I dove headfirst into the business that meant so much to me … I couldn’t imagine it failing.” A Cal Poly graduate (2005) with a degree in Ag Business and a concentration in Marketing and Sales, Katelyn wrote her senior project on the family business, expanding into “the valley” to acquire new accounts and measure the effect they would have on its manufacturing capacity. But acquiring new accounts was easy compared to the daunting task of taking over a company whose operating process was a mystery. “We’d always done things a certain way and my Dad kept it all in his head,” said Katelyn, “I don’t know how he did it.” “I had to learn to trust myself,” she continued. “To make my own decisions; to learn that change is okay.” Describing the business as a “manufacturing and wholesaler/retailer of meat products and snacks,” Katelyn has added her own product to the line—namely something called The Fuel Kit. During her parents’ long battles with cancer (Mike had leukemia; Jayne had melanoma), Katelyn studied like mad to find out how to prevent the spread of their illness. She learned a great deal about the ways in
which food fuels our bodies and affects our health. After her parents passed, she discovered Team in Training, an athletic fundraising group that trains to run marathons and gives back to the cancer research community. “It was pain with a purpose,” she says. “I felt like in some small way I was making a difference for the next family who might be struck with the illness.” In 2011, Katelyn found Cross-Fit, a whole community of people invested in well-being, in living healthy and making the most of every moment. At Cross-Fit, she learned how important eating whole foods is, and how valuable the right ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats is to our bodies. “These macro-nutrients are essential to nutritional health, well-being, and for providing our bodies with calories for energy,” she explained. “We need these nutrients to fuel our every movement, so that every time we eat a meal, it’s not just a meal, it’s a nutritional tune-up.” In order to provide a near-perfect complement of protein, carbs, and high quality fats, Katelyn’s Fuel Kits include Cattaneo Bros. Original Extra-Thin Cut Beef Jerky and a combination of dried fruits like organic cranberries and fresh nuts like almonds. The kits come in various sizes and include handy storage bottles and more.
Katelyn hanging jerky A U G U S T
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When the Fuel Kits were launched, her work took on a brand new purpose: “All this time, my family had been making healthy food to feed our active lifestyles,” she said. “Now I
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Believing it’s important for people—especially kids—to know about locally grown food and locally manufactured goods, Katelyn wants to have the Cattaneo Bros. plant open for public touring in the near future. Ambitious goals for this young CEO, and right in line with the way her parents raised her, and the way she has dealt with their loss. There’s a printed quotation that Katelyn keeps posted nearby at all times. The quotation both explains and inspires her drive to keep her parents’ business—and her own life—happy and thriving. Written by Kenji Miyazawa, it is a variation on the theme that out of adversity great things can come. It says: “We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.”
Family Hawaii vacation: Hawaiians on each end (L-R) brother Michael, sister Kourtney, grandmother Barbara, brother-in-law Zach, sister Kim, nephew Mitchell, and Katelyn.
could see it served a greater purpose.” And it fit in perfectly with the healthy, fitness-focused life she had led as a girl. In high school and college, sports such as softball, volleyball, and soccer played a large role in Katelyn’s life. She also started working early, with stints as a waitress at Madonna Inn, as a clerk at Old Country Deli, and as an intern at a catering company in Costa Mesa on her résumé. She describes her childhood as “very normal, balanced, disciplined … with rules, opportunities, love, and support.” Katelyn has always been involved in 4-H as well. “All these things helped shape my life,” she says, and today, she is still active in 4-H, serving as a lamb leader since 2006. A consummate dreamer (as well as a highly competent do-er!), Katelyn is already looking to the future for the company she now helms. She will soon be launching a new “grass fed” line of meat products, inspired by her involvement in Cross-Fit. Look for the new line this month at the Mid-State Fair. She’ll also have a booth at the Cross-Fit games in Carson, California, and is planning a launch party in San Luis Obispo as well.
Katelyn showing off her booth at Sunset Magazine’s Celebration Weekend A U G U S T
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around the world in 365 days...twice
kyle duffy By Will Jones
W
hat’s on your bucket list? Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal? Climbing to the top of an Egyptian pyramid? Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines? Visiting the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, or the Mayan ruins of Central America? If so, you might want to consult with San Luis Obispo resident, Kyle Duffy, who at sixteen, and soon to be a junior at Mission College Prep, has already had these experiences and visited seventy-two countries on five continents. Kyle was born in 1997 in San Diego where his father, Kevin, was attending law school. Kevin and his wife, Samantha (Sam), were already experienced world travelers who hoped to share their passion with their son when the time was right. Kyle remembers early trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean, but it wasn’t until the Duffy family returned to San Luis Obispo and Kyle was ten that his global adventures began. In 2006, Kevin, an assistant district attorney for Santa Barbara County working out of Santa Maria, received permission to take a year off from work to pursue his and Sam’s dream of traveling around the world. A year of planning followed and the Duffys began their trip in June of 2007. “My parents asked me if I wanted to do it and I said yes, and I remember getting our clothes and measly rations of stuff together and thinking ‘How am I going to live off of this?’” Kyle’s first shock occurred when they reached Hong Kong, the first stop on their trip. “I was looking at all the high rise hotels thinking we were going to stay in one of them and we go to some dumpy place with cats in the hallways and I thought ‘Why am I doing this?’ I knew we had to economize but I didn’t realize it would be so low budget. I learned fast, though.” In a trip that eventually took them to Europe and South America, the Duffys spent several months in South and Southeast Asia, including four months in India and Nepal. “India was the biggest challenge. I was a blond with blue eyes and in a lot of places we were the only
The Duffy family in Phenon Penh
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white family. I was like a celebrity, getting touched all the time, surrounded by people. That was hard. And seeing all the poverty was something I hadn’t experienced before.” The Duffys mixed travel with service work. Kyle took meals to Cambodians in Thailand prisons, and in Goa, India, he tutored an Indian boy, Hanesh, at an orphanage for young AIDS victims. Sadly, Kyle learned later from the nuns at the home that Hanesh had died from his disease. “At that age I didn’t think I was doing anything important, just helping another kid.” Kyle’s first extreme physical challenge was on the trek to the Annapurna base camp. “I was sun sick after the first day, up barfing all night. The next day I had three choices: stay there, go down, or go up. I decided to go up, ten straight hours. I didn’t want to let my parents down. I wanted to look back and say I was able to power through it. It has given me strength to face other difficult challenges. My dad was very proud of me.” In fact, as Kevin has explained to me, Kyle became Kevin’s hero that day. Home schooled on the trip by Sam, Kyle’s return to Old Mission was difficult at first, but he adjusted quickly. He played soccer, got into rock climbing and was conscious of the change that had occurred in him. “I had developed a global awareness and a great sense of gratitude about my life and what we have.” He enjoyed school, particularly Mr. Palaszewski’s history classes in 6th and 7th grade. “I like the teachers at Mission. It’s a small school so you get to know almost everyone.”
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that would help me so much in life. We had our tough times, but it made our relationship stronger and better.” Other challenges on the second trip included carrying a heavy backpack. On the first trip all he carried was toilet paper. But visiting places like Egypt and climbing to the top of a pyramid made all of the inconveniences worth it. “That was awesome. It’s impossible to appreciate how big they are and the human effort that went into building them without being there.” Kyle’s gratitude for life in America continued to grow on his second trip. “I’m so fortunate. I could have been born anywhere. There are seven billion people on the planet and so many of them live in such difficult conditions. Children go to work at six and have no opportunity for a better life.” Kyle hopes to attend Georgetown University and become an international lawyer for a large corporation. His goal is to work hard, retire early and open an animal shelter, possibly in a foreign country. “I love animals, especially dogs.” Although the Duffys immediately started talking about another round-the-world trip, it came as a surprise when Kevin’s boss agreed to give him another leave during a holiday party conversation in 2010. Eighteen months of intensive planning followed, and the Duffys once again departed for another adventure, this time flying to Europe first, but eventually spending many months in Southeast Asia, particularly on the islands and beaches of Bali and Thailand where Kyle earned his diving certification. “Leaving my friends was hard, especially at this age where everything’s changing so much. Maybe I’d come back and they’d have different friendships. Also it was a harder transition, skipping a year of high school, and actually having online commitments for completing schoolwork.” Kyle took online courses in English and math, and during his freshman year he took Advanced Placement World History and higher level math and Spanish classes instead of electives.
“While traveling the way we travel is not recommended for everyone, you have to see the world. It totally changes you. It’s an experience everyone should have.” If he could live in one foreign country it would be Italy. “I like everything about Italy. The people are great, the food is delicious, the architecture and art is beautiful.” In January I shared a 16th birthday lunch with Kyle at a café in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Over three weeks I learned to travel what I call the “Duffy way.” Thanks to Kyle and his parents I had one of the great adventures of my life, and by the end of the trip, Kyle was one of my heroes, too. It was a nice reversal for me. Having once taught sixteenyear-olds, I was now happy to learn from one.
As a teenager Kyle was even more affected by the poverty he saw almost everywhere he traveled. “There is poverty on such a large scale that it’s hard to think of what I could do to make an impact on it.” Traveling with his parents as a teenager was also a challenge. “When you get in an argument with your parents when you’re at home, you can call a friend, go in your room, go downtown. When you’re staying in a small hotel room in a developing country and you can’t go out by yourself, you have to stay there and deal with it. It was hard, but I realized I was having an experience that most people never have, one
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Lara Lehmer
a voice for the child through casa By Patricia Bennett
D
escribing San Luis Obispo’s Lara Lehmer —accomplished in both the arts and sciences, with a broad range of intellectual interests—as a modern day Renaissance woman, is not an exaggeration; and for those familiar with her volunteer work since 2007 as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), thinking of her as a humanitarian is not hyperbole. But given the opportunity to talk with Lehmer, one senses she would modestly downplay either characterization. When asked about the CASA program of San Luis Obispo County, her enthusiasm draws you in as she encourages anyone who cares about children to become a CASA Volunteer. “It’s fun, it’s rewarding and it isn’t something that requires a particular background or special skill. There’s a mandatory training class that provides a lot of information and
guidance, [continuing educational opportunities throughout the year], and the CASA staff is fantastic. There’s a lot of support. A lot of support,” she emphasizes. “As a CASA, you’re having an impact on children’s lives—children who really need that positive impact through positive role models and positive experiences. It’s about taking them to a comfortable place, where they can exhale, they can relax.” When asked about her life before she became involved with the CASA program, she says, “I was a full-time homemaker. I went to college, then to medical school and completed my degree. I
“As a CASA, you’re having an impact on children’s lives— children who really need that positive impact through positive role models and positive experiences. It’s about taking them to a comfortable place, where they can exhale, they can relax.” had four children and decided, because my husband is also a physician, I would stay home and raise my four kids. It was just my calling.” A musician, Lehmer has played the bass since the sixth grade. In 1976, she began playing bass for the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Today, she also regularly plays bass for the Symphony of the Vines, Cuesta Master Chorale, Opera San Luis Obispo, and other local groups.
805 Aerovista #103, San Luis Obispo
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Then there’s Lehmer’s interest in gardening. “I’ve been with the San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners a few years now and I’m currently their president. I love to garden and I love plants. In addition to my administrative duties, I work the help-line and I love to answer
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questions from the public. It’s not like I know everything,” she says with a laugh, “if I don’t know the answer off the top of my head, I get to research the answers and call them back. Or they bring in samples of plants, bugs, whatever. It’s fun.” When it’s suggested she’s a busy woman, she responds with another easy laugh, “It is a wonderful blessing to have the freedom to spend time on what is important to me—I don’t take that for granted.” Lehmer first learned about CASA while playing in a tennis league. “One day my tennis partner said, ‘I’m going to visit my CASA kids.’ I asked, ‘What’s that?’ and she told me about
the program. It sounded interesting, so I found out more about what they do, decided to take their training class, and became a CASA Volunteer. That was May 2007 and I can’t think of a single reason why I would stop. “The phrase is: ‘We’re the eyes and ears of the Court and a voice for the child.’ I always explain to my kids that I’m there for them. If there are things they want me to know or things they want me to help with—that’s why I’m there. I’m not a disciplinarian or therapist. I’m there to make sure things are going well for them, whether it involves their foster home, school or medical issues. What I do as a CASA is provide that thread of continuity that can get lost when you’re in a System where there’s a lot of turnover. “In one case, I noticed there hadn’t been any follow up with the child’s therapist and I learned the therapist had moved on. So I called the Social Worker and that office was able to follow through. I don’t have to call to make the appointments—I just have to ask the right questions of the right people and they take it from there. I just help to make sure it happens. “Another time I might be talking to a child and realize, ‘Hey, he has an interest in, say, soccer, but doesn’t have the [resources] for that kind of enrichment experience. CASA often steps in and helps with things like that.” According to Teresa Tardiff, Executive Director of the CASA program in San Luis Obispo County, “Lara is a great CASA because she always comes through and is there for the child—she does what she says she’ll do. She’s very good at gathering the necessary information and articulating it. She’s consistent and caring and able to keep important boundaries so she can say the things that need to be said to the Court and to the parties, and still maintain that close, caring relationship with the child.”
Mindful at all times of the need for confidentiality, Lehmer shares the general details of one case in which a decision had been made to place the child in a situation that she felt was wrong. “I spoke with my supervisor and we agreed that CASA would oppose the placement. Everybody seemed shocked at first, but as it turned out, a couple months later everyone was in agreement with us because they’d gotten more information, and realized it wouldn’t have been such a good thing. “Everybody tries their best, but it helps to have that additional set of eyes, that extra understanding of the child’s situation, and to be able to say, “Wait a minute. I don’t think that’s such a good idea. A CASA has the advantage of having just one case and the ability to get to know that case really, really well.” A child becomes a candidate for the CASA program when something—or someone— brings that child to the attention of Child Welfare Services. For example, a teacher makes a phone call and says a child has a bruise or has said something that raises a red flag, or the child is continually hungry or without adequate clothing. Child Welfare Services then sends a social worker to investigate. If the risk to the child of remaining in the home rises to a certain level, a report is submitted and a petition is filed with the Court. If the Court feels that intervention is necessary, based upon certain criteria set by law, the child is removed from the home—the legal term is “detained”—and a case plan is drafted establishing steps that must be met by the parents before the child will be returned to them. When the child is “detained,” a Court Order is issued appointing a CASA.
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nurses, postal carriers, custodians, lawyers, dentists, stay-at-home moms [to name just a few], and bring a variety of skills and expertise that help them navigate the System. Right now, we’d like to recruit more men.” Roughly 500 children are in the dependency court system in SLO County each year. “Currently, CASA has only enough volunteers to advocate for about 145,” Tardiff says. “We try to prioritize based on need. Our goal is for every child to find a permanent home, a forever home—which may mean returning to their parents’ newly safe home, guardianship with a family member, or adoption.” “Having a CASA makes these kids feel like somebody’s on their side and somebody cares,” Lehmer says. “And that’s huge. Everyone needs someone like that in their lives—whether or not you’re in the foster care system. Someone who’s really interested in what you’re doing and wants to listen to what you have to say. That in itself is a very valuable thing. “The child I’m assigned to right now,” Lehmer confides, “is a pure delight. When I pick him up at school, he grabs my hand and says, ‘I’m so glad you’re here. I really like being with you.’ That’s the best part for me. When we meet, truthfully, it’s one of the highlights of my week.”
“The children are all ages, newborns to 19-year-olds,” Tardiff says. “Our amazing volunteers, who range in age from 25 to 80 and make a commitment of 12 to 15 hours each month, come from all walks of life: teachers,
Come see our newly remodeled Mon–Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri–Sat 11am-9:30pm Sunday 11:30am-9pm
Happy Hour: 3–6pm Monday – Friday
11560 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO (805) 542-0400
Now with a beautiful horseshoe bar and banquet room. Upper Crust has been serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine in San Luis Obispo for over 22 years. A U G U S T
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PEOPLE
PETER AND ESTELLE STEYNBERG “SOMETIMES WE CANNOT BELIEVE WE LIVED THAT LIFE...” By Natasha Dalton
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udging by the size of the crowd at Peter Steynberg’s 60th birthday party, he’s become a sort of local celebrity. Still, there might be some who don’t know the Steynbergs’ personal story; they might be surprised to learn what a long road the couple traveled before becoming who they are now: a family making an indisputably important contribution to the cultural and intellectual life of the county. Prior to opening the gallery, Peter Steynberg worked for Douglas Bouman & Associates, where he did faux finishes on properties around the world. Building your own business is often a nerve-wracking experience, but this was nothing compared to the Steynbergs’ experience of building a new life in California. Peter, who has enough stories for a novel, once told me about a boat he and Estelle bought, when they still lived in Africa. It was a traditional fishing vessel, on which some South African architect installed a British Leyland motor—and it was in Greece. So, the family began to vacation in Greece, and their older daughter, Ciara, even learned to speak Greek. “It was fun, but it was very stressful,” Peter said in his typical wry manner, explaining that they ended up constantly pouring money into the boat (which itself required some ingenuity, since South Africa didn’t allow international money transfers). Eventually the couple sold the boat. “The happiest two days in our life were the day we bought it, and the day we sold it,” Peter chuckles, summing up life’s complexities: often, our expectations and reality simply don’t mesh.
In a way, this story is a good metaphor for Peter’s and Estelle’s experience with Temecula: the town where they found themselves upon arriving in California. In South Africa, the couple had a comfortable life: Estelle was a pharmacist; Peter taught at Durbin University and, as a young painter, were already included in the national catalogue of notable artists. But South Africa was a police state, and its practices were appalling. “It was an incredible society,” Estelle says. “We now wonder: how did we live through it? Everything was based on fear, and it was all manufactured by the government. But we knew it, we didn’t believe the media.” So they, and their families, tried to do the right thing: they employed black people and spoke against police brutality—fully aware that activism had a price. Peter’s family’s phones were tapped, and his mother’s life was threatened because of his father’s personal stand (as a Member of Parliament) against racism. “Weird things were happening to us,” Peter remembers. “Even on election days big guys were coming to our house to bump my father around.” And Estelle, she still has a police record for protesting the killing of Biko.
The Steynberg’s arriving at Peter’s surprise Birthday party A U G U S T
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“We didn’t think that things would ever change,” Estelle says. That’s why, in spite of the many-generations-long family history in Africa, the couple wanted to leave. They waited for twenty years for the opportunity, and it finally came in the form of the Safeway company recruiters hiring pharmacists for work in America.
PEOPLE and regular milk. Here there’re millions of choices. It complicates life.” Within the first three months of their arrival, the Steynbergs witnessed a school shooting and a KKK rally; then came the 7.3-magnitude Yucca Valley earthquake, and the Los Angeles riots. Who would blame the couple for being overwhelmed and even feeling ‘buyer’s remorse?’ Remarkably, this didn’t happen—mainly, because they discovered San Luis Obispo. Even though after the lush greenery of their homeland it took them some time to find beauty in California, they fell for San Luis Obispo at first sight, and the move began to make sense again.
Peter photographing African Rock Art for his Master’s Thesis
“We’d never been to America; we knew nothing about America,” Peter says, reflecting on their departure. “But we couldn’t anticipate that the people in power in South Africa would ever give up control” (which actually did happen thanks to people like Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela). Safeway brought them to Temecula, California—and that’s how Estelle ended up celebrating her 40th birthday with Californian pharmaceutical manuals in hand. “It’s really difficult changing countries and uprooting your whole family,” Peter says. As with their Greek adventure, “the fun was stressful.” Because of the South African government’s policy to freeze the assets of all emigrants, the Steynbergs entered the US on a tourist visa, preventing Peter from obtaining a work permit. They were running out of the money they got from the sale of their home in Durbin, but before Estelle could be officially hired, she had to pass the California state exam. “No pressure,” Estelle chuckles. Finding themselves in this position, with two young daughters in-tow, they finally realized what people meant when they talked about culture shock. “They called us aliens, and I felt like an alien,” Peter says. “We speak English, but there’re still so many little differences. Just getting on a freeway was a nightmare to us. I’ve driven in Paris, Athens, and London, but L.A. traffic was scary.” And, of course, choices. “I bought the wrong things all the time,” Peter remembers. “We were used to white bread, brown bread, and whole-wheat bread; skinny milk
Initially, they worried about their daughters’ education, but Ciara, who was 12 when they arrived in the US, turned out to be far ahead of her American peers at school, and picked up an American accent long before her parents did. The younger daughter, Simone, also did well at school, even though at first, she had to be transported to another location, since the school closest to home had no English-speaking students in it. In SLO, things began to look up. Peter got a job with DB&A, which allowed him to travel all over America, and abroad. “It was fantastic,” Peter says. The only problem was, he was away from home for months at a time.
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was a crazy idea, but now everyone agrees that Adnan was right. “We’ve seen lots of galleries open and close,” Peter says. “But the coffee shop pays for the luxury of having an art gallery.” Ever the entrepreneur, Peter is now tweaking his business model into making it more catering- and function-friendly. “There’re so many interesting cultural events going on locally that we’ve opened to,” he enthuses. “Running an art gallery is like farming: If you want to make a million dollars out of it, start with two million,” he chuckles. But he enjoys his business and the friendships it helped him build. One day, he wants to start painting again. “I think I’m the happiest when I paint,” he admits. He had a big show at Cal Poly a decade ago, but the gallery pushed his artistic pursuits to the back burner. “There aren’t enough hours in the day,” Peter says. “You’re only doing well what you’re thinking about. When I’m painting, I cannot do anything else. It’s totally absorbing: I cannot make coffee, and then go draw another line. You have to put your heart there.” But even if the painting has to wait, Peter doesn’t complain. “Look at us,” he says. “We have no regrets. We’ve had a very interesting life, and we’ve been very fortunate. The only regret that we have is that we didn’t come here ten years earlier.”
After eight years of this gypsy lifestyle, Peter opened a gallery. The family bought an art deco building on Monterey Street— which was once a home to the coffee trading company—before knowing that they’d restore not just its interiors, but its heritage, as well. On moving day, Peter and Estelle found two coins with their respective birth years minted on them, and saw it as a good sign. Indeed, the building became more than a business venture: it grew into a charming family residence and a popular cultural landmark. Over the years, the vision for the space transformed from the Zimbabwe Sculpture Showroom to a Fine Art Gallery, where art-, music-, and coffee-lovers intermingle and make new friends. The community embraced the Steynbergs, lavishing them with their support and appreciation. When the economy tanked, it was one of their friends, Jaffa Café’s Adnan Saleh, who suggested to Peter to open a coffee shop. “Peter, I’ll give you money,” he said. “Just do it.” Estelle and other friends thought that it
Bob Leipman and Peter Steynberg A U G U S T
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Huttle up
flying with the spirit meet doug and Julie wagnon By Bob Huttle Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your product or service, and who bring friends with them. —W. Edwards Deming It was just a simple hamburger for me one late afternoon some years ago. But, among the myriad choices locally, I thought it was the best. How odd that a hamburger in a small, somewhat off-the-beaten-path restaurant—a place I’d rarely seen advertised or heard talked about— could be elevated to perfection. But this story is about much more than a hamburger or a restaurant. Rather, it’s about two people who have created a warm and friendly stopping place for many locals who have come to think of it as home. Julie and Doug Wagnon are a remarkable couple. They probably spend more hours together running The Spirit of San Luis Restaurant at our airport than they do at home. And they seem perfectly content doing so. They go to work, but not really. Their enjoyment for what they do is contagious the minute one walks in the front door, as I and many others have done over the past 28 years. Their smiles, laughter, and the sense that they are genuinely delighted to see you never wane. They make sure you don’t have to pay for parking by giving you a windshield pass for your car. They assist their fine waitstaff (Liz and Summer were former students of mine at SLOHS), moving among their customers, making sure all are satisfied, filling water glasses and cleaning tables. These are the owners? Truly, the restaurant is aptly named; if I was in Hawaii, I’d call it the Aloha Spirit. Here, the Spirit of San Luis is evident in everyone. Outside, there’s a patio with a clear view of the airport runway from every table and there’s a story behind this as well. Doug was a pilot, having earned his private license many years ago, who owned two planes and, eventually, the present building, which was originally
the old passenger terminal. When it became available in 1984, Doug was the owner of a liquor store in Cambria, and his friend, George Keenan, owned the pharmacy across the street. Both were also coowners of an airplane, which they had purchased in 1981. As sometimes happens, Fate interceded, and the day Doug and George landed at SLO Airport and viewed the abandoned hulk of the old terminal, a series of serendipitous events was set in motion. Doug had done a bit of sandwich-making and light catering and envisioned a small cafe for travelers. The building needed extensive work and Doug and George contacted their friend, contractor/ construction specialist/pilot Jerry Gray, seeking his expert advice and assistance. Voila! A lease was signed and the faded and forgotten structure was transformed inside and out. A patio emerged where a previous passenger ramp had stood. Floor to ceiling windows were surrounded by wood trim, appealing plants, flying photos and memorabilia, and a new coat of paint, everything under the supervision of Mike Gray, Jerry’s son and project manager.
Doug and Julie (center) with Randy and Barbara Baudendistel at the “Wedding” plane A U G U S T
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Up to now in the story, this entire endeavor was men’s work. But as anyone knows, a woman’s touch would be necessary for continuing success. And Doug, now flying solo as the venture moved forward, found his first woman savior in Barbara Teneck, who was hired as the restaurant’s first kitchen manager. Doug attributes the success of the first year to her and her ability to handle everything, from food orders and recipes, to menus and prep, to ... well, you name it. Doug says, “We depended
on Barbara that first year. We still use her recipes to this day, and have changed very few of them over the years. We sat down and designed the menus, named the dishes, and set everything up. Everyone participated in the process. We developed our business philosophy which hasn’t changed a bit: the essential Three Cs—Customer Service, Consistency, and Cleanliness. We want every customer who walks in our door to have a wonderful experience and we do everything possible to make it right. Eighty percent of our business is local so we better not mess up.” Then, Fate comes again, for the second time, with a second woman, this time for the long haul. One day in 1990, Doug’s lifelong friend, Randy Baudendistel, told bachelor Doug about a lady named Julie, who was also single. She was working at the time in Fresno for Home Federal Bank. Randy thought they might make a good match. Doug called Julie and suggested they go to lunch and she, not knowing that he intended to fly them to Lake Tahoe, accepted. After that first date Julie realized that resisting Doug—a romantic AND a pilot—was futile. Soon Julie transferred from Fresno to Pismo Beach and the courtship was on! In 1994, Julie left the bank and learned the restaurant business. In 1996, she married the pilot—and the building. Not wanting a big wedding, they settled on a small guest list—four to be exact, all who could cram into Doug’s six seat plane, including a pastor, and their two best friends, Randy and Barbara Baudendistel—and flew north. At sunset on Valentine’s Day over the Big Sur coast, Julie and Doug were pronounced wife and husband, with pilot George Keenan at the controls. Today, the Spirit of San Luis continues to be successfully operated by the two most gracious and friendly people you’ll ever meet. And the staff reflects the importance of customer satisfaction through personal attention, efficient service, and delicious food. It’s like family, it’s old school, and it works. Present kitchen manager, Javier, took over for Barbara Teneck, and has been here twenty seven years. In that time, he has become a U.S. citizen and put his three daughters through college, thanks to his hard work and The Spirit.
Beautiful parcel waiting for your custom home. Lot split from 3555 Sequoia Drive and estimated by engineers to be 3.0 acres. Flat and usable with seasonal creek and majestic oaks/trees just outside of SLO city limits in the prestigious Perozzi Ranch Subdivision off of Orcutt Dr. Private entrance/drive off of Tanglewood. Country feeling but just a couple minutes from downtown SLO. $350,000
Located on a cul-de-sac in the Las Lomas neighborhood in south Atascadero. House was built in 2007 and is still like new. Three bedrooms plus a den that could easily be a fourth bedroom. Great floor-plan with an extra bonus room downstairs. Plenty of upgrades throughout and a great backyard for those summer evenings. $435,000
How many local restaurants—or any businesses—can you name that have lasted almost thirty years in our community? There is a reason for this and it’s always the product and the people who make it happen. Doug and Julie have learned the secret to a happy, fulfilled life: find something you are passionate about that doesn’t seem like work, make enough money to live like you want to in a place where you want to be, find that perfect person to share everything with, and surround yourself with people you enjoy. And every day, summon up the spirit to make it all happen. You can reach Bob at rhuttle@charter.net. He welcomes your comments. (If you’re not a vegetarian or vegan, try the beef hamburger. You won’t be sorry).
Cute Craftsman home close to downtown San Luis Obispo on an R-2 lot. Fenced backyard with mature oak tree. Covered front porch, built in cabinets, and hardwood floors. Numerous upgrades. Service patio attached to kitchen with indoor laundry, extra storage and built in ironing board. One car garage has been converted into a studio. $525,000
Johnny Hough Owner / Broker
(805) 801-5063
johnny@realestategroup.com 962 Mill Street, SLO See more listings at www.realestategroup.com
Doug and Julie with Javier A U G U S T
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Slo art center
shoppers fatigue: the decision aprons etching and assemblage by kathi flood
MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST
By Rebecca Leduc
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he San Luis Obispo Museum of Art presents | Shoppers Fatigue: The Decision Aprons, a series of etchings | | | | and assemblage on cloth aprons, by artist Kathi Flood. The | fiber art aprons will be on view in the Museum’s First Gallery from MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST August 2 to September 1, 2013. | ST L C OA CE T T FAW A EL MICH YACO DANA NELSON AMRDSUZANNE LEEDALE MASTER GARDENERS FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA H U IC E G RUS ORIN S M 09 H 20 O FLO V E T MARC AUGUST 2009 GLIN N QU A AR S AT NB TION A O R AG E NE CT EE G 9 O R 0 TH 20 HE T R IL P T A TA AR ILY AM RA SF CENT E OK H T O BR E OF
Journal l PLUS PLUS a n r u l LUS o J P Aprons explores the challenge of Shoppers Fatigue: TheaDecision n living in an over-stimulating and quickly evolving technological r be overwhelming, u world. Choices can o FE and details are often absorbJ DLI time, the quality of the ing and time consuming. At theILsame CU
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information that we get is highly variable. This series of etchings A NEW TRAIL IN OUR FUTURE AVILA TO MONTANA DE ORO and assemblages on cloth aprons investigates the difficulties Kathi INSIDE Flood sees in making decisions while distracted by multitasking and Home & performing under the influence of media manipulation. Downtown
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As a self-proclaimed “guerrilla sociologist,” Kathi Flood offers colorful, tongue-in-cheek narratives on life in Los Angeles. Her assemblages and installations tell stories of bloated consumerist values,
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political issues, and the struggle to remain expressive in this age of electronic screens. Using etchings, drawings, fibers, text and found objects, she tells humorous, bombastic stories that catalogue the responses to urban life she has observed in those around her. A reception with the artist will take place on Friday, August 2 from 6–9pm in conjunction with Art After Dark. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, dedicated to the education, presentation and preservation of the visual arts on the Central Coast, is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11am – 5pm daily. Closed Tuesdays through July 4. Open daily from July 4 through Labor Day. Free admission, donations appreciated. For more info visit SLOMA.org.
Please start my one year subscription to the Journal Plus. Enclosed is $20. Name __________________________ Address ________________________ City ____________________________ State ________ Zip ______________ Return to: Journal Plus 654 Osos St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-546-0609 A Vacation A U G U S T
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SAN LUIS OBISPO SYMPHONY M I C H A E L N O WA K · M U S I C D I R E C TO R
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point reyes
one of the hardiest lighthouses By Chuck Graham
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he narrow road leading to the Point Reyes National Seashore and its weather-beaten lighthouse was honeycombed with periodic potholes, herds of cattle and sweeping landscapes along one of northern California’s most rugged coastlines. Ninety minutes north of San Francisco, the West Coast’s only National Seashore was also difficult to navigate for seafaring ships. Try to imagine English explorer Sir Francis Drake beaching his ships inside what is now known as Drakes Bay just east of where the lighthouse is today in 1579. The estuary inside Drakes Bay is now known as Drake’s Estero. Drake used the mouth of the estuary to careen his ship and repair its battered hull before continuing on his circumnavigation of the globe, the first venture of its kind. Point Reyes is one of the windiest and foggiest places on the entire Pacific Coast and the United States. Powerful winter storms that often come howling in from the southwest dump volumes of water along the Inverness Ridge and continue across the Central Valley to blanket the Sierra Nevada with snow. In addition, springtime wind speeds can exceed 130 mph. In summer, the temperature differential between the cool Pacific Ocean at around 52 degrees and the warmer inland areas causes dense fog to form along this coast. These hazardous conditions threatened the safety of cargo ships and sailors that pass by the point. In the 1850s, as San Francisco became a major port, Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse at Point Reyes. After strolling through a shady grove of Cyprus trees, I still couldn’t see the lighthouse. It was overcast and the ocean was a dark cobalt blue, swirling currents sweeping down the coast. It wasn’t until I got to the edge of the craggy point that I caught a glimpse of the lighthouse. Three hundred stone steps lead down to the steep point. There were convenient pullouts on the side of the steps for those who needed a rest on the return. Because of persistent weeks of fog and its low hanging ceiling, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was strategically built near the bottom of the point to give sailors and cargo ships a better chance to see its light and navigate along this desolate stretch of coastline. An area 300 feet above sea level was blasted with dynamite creating a level spot to transport materials to and construct the lighthouse. On December 1, 1870, the Point Reyes Light was first shone. Maintaining this remote lighthouse was an adventure all its own, a 24-hour job requiring the lighthouse keeper and his three-man crew to share four 6-hour shifts. Their duties for the keepers included cleaning the lens, polishing the brass, stoking the steam-powered fog signal and making necessary repairs. At the end of each shift, the A U G U S T
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keeper trudged back up the then wooden staircase. Sometimes the winds were so strong that he had to crawl on his hands and knees to keep from being knocked down. The highest wind speed recorded at Point Reyes was 133 m.p.h., and 60 m.p.h. winds are common. The hard work, wind, fog and isolation at Point Reyes made this an undesirable post. Even so, one keeper stayed for about 24 years, a testament to his devotion and love of Point Reyes! The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse served mariners for 105 years before it was replaced. It endured many hardships, including the April 18, 1906 earthquake, during which the Point Reyes Peninsula and the
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lighthouse moved north an amazing 18 feet in less than one minute! However, the only damage to the lighthouse was that the lens slipped off its tracks. The lighthouse keepers quickly effected repairs and by the evening of the eighteenth, the lighthouse was once again in working order. The earthquake occurred at 5:12 am and the lighthouse was scheduled to be shut down for regular daytime maintenance at 5:25 am. Although the earthquake caused much devastation and disruption elsewhere, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was essentially only off-line for thirteen minutes! When the Point Reyes Lighthouse is open for tours, it provides a glimpse into the 19th century when machines were kings. The historic equipment—manufactured in Paris—was installed in 1870, and warned mariners for 105 years until its retirement in 1975. The first-order lens—with 1032 pieces of hand-ground crystal—and the clockworks that drove it are in good condition and look as if they had just arrived. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located on the western-most point of the Point Reyes Headlands. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday through Monday. Here, you can see historic photographs of shipwrecks and lighthousekeepers, and handle items on the touch table, including whale baleen. A display of local birds will introduce you to the birds you might see just off the cliffs. A small bookstore offers books, maps and other educational products. To get to the lighthouse itself, you must walk a half-mile from the parking lot to the Visitor Center, and then down 308 steps. The stairs are open 10 am to 4:30 pm, Thursdays through Mondays. When wind speeds exceed 40 m.p.h., the steps to the lighthouse are closed for visitors’ safety. Seasonally, there are tours of the lantern room and evening lighting programs. On weekends and holidays during whalewatching season, the road to the Lighthouse is closed to private vehicles. Visitors must ride a shuttle bus. Please call the Lighthouse Visitor Center for details at 415-669-1534. A U G U S T
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at the market
all-in-one amazing banana nut bread By Sarah Hedger
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ugust equals great abundance at our local markets on the Central Coast. The likes of corn, eggplant, fennel, garlic, okra, olives, chilies, tomatoes, tomatillos, and summer squash come into full tilt this time of year. In the fruit department, the options are endless with early season apples showing up, as well as blackberries, boysenberries, grapes, melons, and the wrap-up of the stone fruit family being apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, and pluots. We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing supply of options to choose from! While this space usually focuses on a seasonal component, I thought it due time to pay homage to the most amazing—and sometimes overlooked—meal of the day … breakfast! In hindsight, it is interesting when I realized the importance of a good breakfast. It definitely wasn’t in high school as I remember significant swings in energy and always getting a bit sleepy around 10am, when brekkie wore off, and then another low in the afternoon, followed by some pretty intense cravings for sweets, which I tried to ignore. These days my breakfasts consist of a well rounded meal
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the all-in-one amazing banana nut bread FOR THE BREAD: 2 large, extra ripe bananas (or 3 small ones) 2-3 eggs (match the number of eggs to the number of bananas you are using) 1 cup gluten free flour mix (or regular flour) ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda 1 cup almond meal/flour and can carry me strong all the way ‘til lunch time, with no cravings or valleys in my energy levels. The meal of breakfast itself can greatly effect our entire day’s energy (or lack thereof), so getting it right can either set you up for an awesome, energized day, or a day that looks like a Richter scale with energy (and mood) swings, finishing off with something not good late at night on the couch. Remedied by breakfast? There’s a good chance! The next question is, What does a well-balanced breakfast look like? While there are generalizations that can get us started on the right foot (low/no sugar, whole foods such as fruits, minimal caffeine, etc.), it really comes down to each of our energy outputs (mentally and physically) throughout the day. I find adding an egg, or some nuts and seeds, to breakfast provides just enough protein and fat to last a few hours and help my mind be sharp. Carbohydrates can vary depending on whether you prefer sweet or savory breakfasts, be it a hearty/healthy granola or hot cereal; or savory such as toast and potatoes. Given the time of year, a breakfast smoothie can be a great well-rounded option. Simply toss some frozen bananas, berries, flax and chia seeds, a little honey, and plain yogurt into a blender and you are off and running.
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
This month’s recipe, The All-in-One Amazing Banana Nut Bread, comes from a good friend who serves it daily in his lovely café, and it is loaded with all kinds of goodness. In all honesty, I had trouble imagining how it would taste when I first heard about the combination of ingredients, but, it works! Needless to say, I have made the loaf numerous times with delicious outcomes … really delicious outcomes! I recently did a 60-mile mountain bike race and made this loaf with the chocolate option, and eating a slice midway unquestionably helped me finish strong. It is great because it is gluten free (if desired), happens to be dairy free, and is packed with healthy fiber, fats, and protein. Thus, this a delicious, nearly meal-in-one banana bread, combined with some lovely fruit, makes for an outstanding way to start the day. It’s a great way to fuel you, all the way, through your day. Enjoy!
* Note: Because this bread is so moist, the toothpick test does not work and it is better soft than overcooked.
12 ounces mixed dried fruit, nuts, seeds (a good combo is dried figs, dried apricots, raisins and/or currants, poppy seeds, cashews, slivered almonds, etc.) * Chocolate option—Add 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into bite size chunks * Sweet option—Add 2 T honey Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a standard loaf pan with baking/parchment paper. Place bananas in large bowl and mash till smooth with a fork. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt, giving a good stir. Mix in almond meal/flour, coconut, and dried fruit/ nut/seeds, mixing just enough to incorporate all ingredients into a uniform batter. Scrape into prepared pan and sprinkle with a tablespoon of poppy seeds and coconut. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and leave in pan for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Find this recipe and more seasonal inspiration at http://www. seasonalalchemist.com
HOME/OUTDOOR
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slo county art scene cut and paste, observe and render: the art of Jim ringley By Gordon Fuglie
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rt and poetry: such was the world created by the legendary New York School of Poetry in the late 1960s. The literary and the visual overlapped, fused, and fed off each other. Painters and poets shared ideas that cross-fertilized both. Moreover, the New York School of Poetry had staying power, breaking bonds of time and place, influencing future generations of writers and artists who held that compelling art could be inspired by ordinary life and popular culture.
One artist influenced by the New York School of Poetry was James Ringley, since 2001 a resident of San Luis Obispo County. He grew up in Arkansas, attending a Benedictine High School where he learned, among other things, the discipline of silence. Ringley subsequently enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas, majoring in Spanish Literature and minoring in Art. Upon his graduation, he felt certain that poetry was his primary calling, though he remained engaged with art. A move to Colorado in 1986 led him to Naropa University in Boulder, an alternative school founded on Buddhist principles and contemplative practice. Through Naropa’s continuing education program, Ringley studied Buddhism and poetry, encountering Allen Ginsburg (1926 – 1997), one of Naropa’s founders, who astonished the literary world in 1955 with public readings of his poem, “Howl,” and its controversial publication. Ringley was riveted by Ginsberg’s use of an epic, visually evocative, free verse style unfettered by genteel poetic conventions.
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Ringley also read the notorious William Burroughs (1914 – 1997), whose book “Naked Lunch,” used a technique based on cutting up lines of printed texts from other sources, as well as those of poet friends, and rearranging them in a vivid, if unclear, narrative that presented startling new meanings and insights in their re-ordering. (Towards the end of his life, Burroughs
HOME/OUTDOOR adapted these techniques to try his hand at painting.) Ringley marveled at the possibilities in this approach, one that drove the reader to see words in a fresh, creative light, discovering new imagery in them. He liked the way these seemingly discontinuous texts “worked on the mind,” creating a kind of freewheeling verbal movie. As Ringley explored the imagist possibilities of this literary technique, he discovered that his artistic call was shifting to another medium. Concluding that he would never be much of a poet, he found the call to be a visual artist more to his temperament. Just as Burroughs re-configured unrelated texts, Ringley realized he could create a world of surreal associations, a kind of image-playground, in his art. To this end he sought out bland and retro commercial imagery, clipping and pasting them alongside each other as a collage, forcing a new narrative from the recycled images. “Burt’s Bees” is a small collage composed of three sections: a part of “Burt’s Bees” product box, a clipping from an old gardening manual, and a textbook diagram of the human circulatory system. A tidy artist, Ringley selected these elements for their similar graphic appearance, as well as affording him the use of the complementary colors of orange and green. But the zinger of the collage is in the “narrative,” wherein the circulation system becomes the branches of a “tree,” which extends to the middle panel. Here the tree pruner appears to be cutting a branch that—at left—grows a monstrous orange. As we puzzle our way into the image, we are jarred into pondering whether the gigantic orange was the outcome of nutrients from the circulation system. From his experiments with collages, Ringley produces scaled up versions into paintings of 30 x 40 inches. (He has also made lithographic editions from his collages.) Using his method of three separate image strips, he meticulously paints his found imagery on finishgrade plywood. “Red Golfer” borrows two mid-20th century images—a cheery female golfer and a spinning top, and a nondescript photograph of a 1980s car in front of a suburban house. The painting seems to be toying with the role of diagonal forms from one image to the next: the angle of the golfer and her club; the tilting top and its electrical charges; and the pitched roof of the house. Like
the orange in “Burt’s Bees,” the outsized, super-charged top adds an ironic jolt. In addition to his avant-garde collages and paintings, Ringley also does conventional portraiture as a sideline, making carefully rendered pencil drawings of children. He says these commissioned works are unironic, striving to capture the beauty and mystery of a child’s face. I perceive them as beloved memorials of a state of innocence. (See jimringleyportraits.com)
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Whether doing his jarring collaged narratives or patient and faithful drawings, Ringley’s goal is “to make something that is much better than anything else in its field.”
Colleen Elizabeth McBride Devoted wife, mother, and friend Colleen Elizabeth McBride, 36, of San Luis Obispo passed away the morning of June 15, 2013 in her home surrounded by family. Colleen, nicknamed Coco by her closest friends and family, endured her cancer with the utmost optimism, ferocity, and devout faith for over three years. Colleen ignited fire and light in everyone she met; her undeniable love for life was infectious; her desire to live each moment of each day, one breath at a time will be forever remembered within the hearts of all who knew her magical spirit. Colleen was born in Metairie, Louisiana on January 22, 1977. Colleen and her family moved to Orange County, California in 1982. As a young girl, Colleen loved outdoor sports, especially baseball. She played baseball competitively for thirteen years and hoped to be the fi rst female to ever play for The Dodgers. In her youth, she dreamed of marrying a “handsome hunk,” becoming a mother and having a baseball stadium named after her called The Collerina. In later years, she became a camp counselor for many children whom she kept in contact with throughout her life. In 1995, she moved to San Luis Obispo in search of herself: peace, love, God, and the perfect vegetable salad! Coco cared deeply for the consciousness of people and wanted to contribute to the greater-good by using her gifts to help others. Coco found her true-north in massage therapy and worked with many talented healers in Th ailand, Hawaii, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. In 2005, Colleen married her handsome hunk, Dan Harris McBride Jr. of San Luis Obispo under the prophecy of the harvest moon at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, California. In 2009, she fulfi lled her childhood dream when their daughter, Scarlet True, was born. Danny and Colleen believe that in order to raise a child or to do anything worthy of acknowledgement, it takes a village. The outpouring of support and encouragement from the community of San Luis Obispo has been an amazing blessing to the entire McBride family. Their hearts are unbelievably grateful to live in such a beautiful, welcoming place among the most gracious and kindest people. Colleen loved live music, yoga, hiking, camping, dancing, VW busses, sunshine, and slumber parties. She loved the simplicity of the day-to-day, guttural laughter, long family-style dinners with friends, the ocean, holding hands, take-your-breath-away hugs, and Jesus. But, she loved her daughter, Scarlet True, more than anything in the universe. Scarlet brought Colleen the greatest happiness she had ever known. In The Fault in Our Stars, John Green writes, “grief doesn’t change you; it reveals you” (286). Six months after Scarlet was born, Coco was diagnosed with cancer. Colleen’s hope never wavered. Her spirit never slowed. Her soul never doubted God would reveal the miracles waiting for her and for all of us at the end of her journey. Colleen trusted the path outlined for her by God with her entire being. But most importantly, for thirty six years, regardless of every celebration and every challenge, Colleen embodied strength, love, faith, and humility. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (New International Version, James 1.12). Colleen is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dan McBride Jr.; precious daughter, Scarlet True; loving mother, Ann Gibson; big-sister, Erika Gibson, nephew, Connor; awesome dog, Stella; many uncles, aunts, cousins on the Gibson side, In-laws; Dan & Michele McBride numerous sisters and brothers in laws, nieces and nephews on the McBride side, and a plethora of friends who will forever miss her sweet, spritely soul. In lieu of flowers, Colleen asked that we try to live in the present, hug each other a little tighter, forgive each other of our faults, and show gratitude for all that is good, true, and beautiful; dance, pray, and practice love. A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at The Holland Ranch 2275 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 from 2pm-6pm. All are welcome (kids too!). Parking is limited so please snuggle-up and carpool! Monetary donations may be made to http://www.youcaring.com/search.aspx?keywords=For+the+LOVE+of+Coco.
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COMMUNITY
Our Schools
a new ballgame for school funding By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools
T
he public schools in our county start the 2013-14 school year later this month under a dramatically changed funding methodology from the state. In fact, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) which was proposed by Governor Brown in January and eventually signed into law in June, is the most significant change in how California’s schools are funded since the landmark Serrano-Priest decision of 1968. The basic intent of the Serrano-Priest decision was to insure a large degree of equal funding for all students in the state and to eliminate significant discrepancies in school funding due to differences in local ability to fund schools. Prior to the Serrano decision, schools were primarily funded from local property taxes. This meant that the more affluent areas of the state with high property valuations could generate more funding for their schools than schools in less affluent areas. In Serrano, the California Supreme Court reaffirmed that public education is a state responsibility and therefore the state had an obligation to insure equal funding for all students. The result was that the state began to exercise strict control of how schools were funding by “equalizing” state funding across the state with more funding going to low-wealth districts and less funding going to high wealth districts. Once a degree of equalization occurred, then all school districts received basically the same per pupil amount regardless of local wealth. In addition to this basic equalization concept, there has been a growth in what is called “categorical funding,” or specialized funding for particular needs. For example, there has been separate funding for instructional materials, for the reduction in class size, for technology, for staff development, for school transportation, etc. Over the years, categorical funding increased to well over 50 separate funding programs. Each of these categorical programs has had its own set of requirements for both how the money can be spent and how to report to the state about how the money was spent. There has developed a fairly significant “compliance” responsibility for the California Department of Education that is charged with monitoring these categorical funds. With both the growth in categorical funding and actions from the state to continue to equalize funding, the school finance system
in California became very complex and also very distant from local decision making at the school district level. Local Governing Boards increasingly complained about their ability to act in the best interests of their local students due to this complexity and state oversight. It was in this context that Governor Brown introduced his plan to address both the complexity and lack of local control issues for school funding. His plan will now eliminate almost all of the former categorically funded programs and add this funding into the general funding for a school district, but without the specific program and compliance requirements that has been the case. This will certainly decrease some of the complexity of the past. However, the Governor’s plan does recognize that three groups of students do require additional resources to address special circumstances. School districts will receive additional funding for students who live in poverty, students who are English-language learners and students who are foster youth. However, unlike the categorical funding for these students in the past, the new funding does not have specific requirements about how to spend the money. One of the results of this new funding method is that local Governing Boards will have greater opportunity and flexibility to allocate funding as they determine in the best interests of the students in their district. It seems that this will indeed be a shift in control from the state to the local school district level. I personally support this move and applaud the Governor for taking this rather bold and controversial step to address weaknesses in the way that our schools are funded. Finally, the issue of how to hold local Governing Boards accountable for this newly granted flexibility with state funding is being discussed. I think most people would agree with increasing local control, but what happens if the academic results for a district’s students are not satisfactory? In the past, the state performed the oversight role, however, this is not the case now. Exactly how this accountability for tax dollars and student results will be established will be a significant policy decision to be made as we begin this new school year.
Reach thousands of potential customers by placing your ad in the Journal Plus. Gary A. Sage License No. 0E02096 100 Cross Street, Suite 203 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 gsage@dibu.com A U G U S T
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SAN LUIS OBISPO – Located in one of the
prime banana belt areas of SLO. This recently updated & remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2254 sq. ft. home includes double pane windows, beechwood cabinetry, granite counters, new appliances, ceramic tile flooring, new paint, wood burning brick fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and outstanding views toward Edna Valley. Huge landscaped front yard, private fenced side, 400 sq. ft. wrap-around deck & rear yard with pergola & room for a spa. Large 2-car garage with built-in storage. Walking distance to Sinsheimer school & park. This is a must see home. Hurry! $764,900 #3134
ARROYO GRANDE – Turn-key 3 bedroom/2 bath home with cathedral ceilings, spacious rooms, indoor laundry and a bonus retreat room off of the master that can be utilized as an office, craft room or nursery! Well kept neighborhood with pool and clubhouse for all! Original owners kept meticulous care. Owners are also interested in selling all furnishings so come check it out before it’s gone! $95,000 #3143
ATASCADERO – Own in the exclusive
Located in the Heart of Downtown SAN LUIS OBISPO – Discover the perfect setting and relax in this beautifully designed rare creek side home! Situated in one of the most sought after neighborhoods close to downtown, this Lincoln Street property has a lot to offer. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, remodeled kitchen with bar and dining area, stainless appliances, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, crown molding, recessed lighting, indoor laundry, custom paint, outdoor shower and single car garage. A true find and a great opportunity to own in the heart of downtown SLO! A few short blocks to just about everything!! $799,000 #3148
Colony at Apple Valley! This single level home expands over 2,200 sq. ft. including 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. With new paint and carpet, this home shows like a model. This property brings in a lot of natural light, especially in the formal living and dining areas. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet with a separate shower and spa tub. Outdoors you will find a decorative stone patio surrounding a custom in-ground pool with a spa.... perfect for entertaining!! $495,000 #3145
NIPOMO – No Space Rent! You own the land! Not a short sale or REO. New paint and carpet throughout this spacious cheery home with cathedral ceilings and a welcoming front porch. Roomy kitchen allows for multiple cooks, and the office area could be converted to a 4th bedroom. Don’t overlook the 1 car garage for the tinkerer or handyperson in the family! Nice sized yard with a blank canvas for you to design your own! Come make your new memories here! $218,000 #3140
Rolling Hills Neighborhood ARROYO GRANDE – Welcome to Horse Country! Beautiful Corbett Canyon only minutes to SLO and Arroyo Grande. This beautiful 5 acre parcel has stunning oaks and existing well ready for your custom home to be constructed. Verde Canyon is very private with only a handful of home sites. Come take a drive and see for yourself. $572,000 #3146
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Rare opportunity in the desirable Rolling Hills neighborhood – close to San Luis Obispo, but on an acre parcel. This single-level home has been freshly painted inside and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a large attached artist studio/bonus room. There is a two car attached garage and indoor laundry room. This is a place to put down roots, have some space, and enjoy the country living! Los Ranchos School District! $709,000 #3147
ATASCADERO – Located on a cul-de-sac in
the very sought after Las Lomas neighborhood in south Atascadero. House was built in 2007 and is still like new. Three bedrooms plus a den that could easily be a fourth bedroom. Great floor-plan with an extra bonus room downstairs. Plenty of upgrades throughout. Just a few minutes to downtown SLO. $435,000 #3144
For more information on these and other Real Estate Group of SLO listings call us at
805.541.2888
962 Mill Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • www.RealEstateGroup.com
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COMMUNITY
volunteers
jack house docents: Distinguished and Creative By Marilyn Darnell
E
ach and every Jack House docent brings his/her distinguished individuality and creativity to enrich the program that is in the middle of its third decade. The men and women that distinguish themselves come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all have a desire to learn about and share the house Mr. R.E. Jack built who is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for his many contributions.
Docents receive training, a personalized name tag and their own handbook detailing the history of the house, family and governing bodies fulfilling the requirements set by the Jack heirs to keep the house as a Victorian living museum.
We are here for you.
Nicole Pazdan, CSA “Placing a loved one is full of complicated choices. You can call on us to help guide and support you through this emotional decision .”
Docents put their own outfit together that features black pants for the gents and long black skirts for the ladies topped with long sleeved white shirt/blouse & black shoes. On special occasions gents often add a black vest, tie and jacket, while the ladies adorn themselves with dressy shawls, jewelry and hats. Planning and executing special events and exhibits get the creative juices flowing for docents especially for Mother’s Day, the Haunted House and their annual Victorian Christmas. The house is presented in a fresh new way every season because each and every docent brings something different to the table all the time.
Marilyn Forselles is passionate about picking out the intricate and lesser known elements of the historic circa 1880 home and family for her guests. As Scheduler she is responsible for pairing docents with dates the house is open; personally working with each one and their availability to lead tours or staff the gift shop.
Maureen Titus brings her energy with young people, spearheading the successful
The Victorian Tea that happens biennially and is set this year for August 11 in the
Bryant Mills brings his unique perspective having grown up in San Luis Obispo, as he leads his tours through the home named for Robert Edgar Jack from Bowdoinham, Maine Lester Rogart& Nicole Pazdan, CSA who was the Mayor of San Luis Obispo back in the late 1800s.
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During the first two weeks of December the halls are decked, festive music rises from the historic square grand piano, while rarely seen family artifacts are displayed. Docent Ursula Campbell lends her gifted European flair with treated live greenery from the Jack House Garden cut by San Luis Obispo employees for that typical Victorian touch. Whether with a single leaf or a branch, Ursula flair is transforming.
While creativity keeps things fresh it is paramount the docents maintain the dignity and integrity of the home and the Jack family that kept the property in their name for nearly 100 years. The home has a friendly, welcoming spirit and so the Haunted House was designed for youngsters that still get that eerie feeling when they see live “ghosts” dressed in a wedding gown or with a mime face wearing a top hat and never saying a word or seeming to move. They turn up their nose when they see a mouse (real looking) on the dining table dressed with sparkling china and silver ready for guests.
• A FREE service - No Cost to you. • Extensive knowledge of Central Coast facilities. • Tour only appropriate facilities. • Over 20 years of experience. • Specializing in Alzheimer’s and Assisted Living placements.
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friendly ghost Haunted House designed for the youngsters of our community. She has recruited and overseen teen volunteers who lend their talents as “live” ghosts for one-ofa-kind experiences for visitors.
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beautiful tree-lined Garden has been championed by Carol Whitaker. This year will feature delectable delicacies befitting a proper tea by Del Monte Café owner and Chef Debbie Collins. In early 2013 Charter Member Betty Stockton entered retirement, but plans to continue to be connected with the historic home she’s played a role in since the beginning. The men and women who have worn their personalized Jack House Docent name tag extend their hands of gratitude to Betty for her decades of service and devotion. This stalwart spokesperson served tirelessly as Scheduler and Jack House Committee Member. Innovative and energetic President Toni Kincaid brought her years of teaching and 16 years as a docent at the Crocker Art Museum seven years ago to share. She has been a part of the formation of the Friends of the Jack House and was recently elected as a Jack House Committee Member. Toni has provided the fertile ground for docents to plant their unique creative seeds. The circle of support for the docents and the property welcomes Friends of the Jack House this inaugural year of 2013. Friends will add a new and exciting volunteer opportunity to the community to actively support the efforts of the established Jack House bodies, while growing and developing the potential of their own group. These are just a few of the distinguished and creative docents. All Jack House docents want to encourage and welcome new members. They are eager for men and women to come forth and share their talents and desire to bring history alive in their living museum. Between mid December into the spring the home is closed as they socialize and brainstorm new ideas to maintain the history while evolving to be relevant for our day. If you are interested in being a part of or a guest of the historic home of Robert and Nellie Hollister Jack, please call the City of San Luis Obispo Department of Parks and Recreation TODAY at 781-7300 or come by on Sunday when tours begin at 1pm with the last one at 3:30pm. Let a distinguished and creative docent transport you back to the 1800s! Mark your calendar for the Jack House at 536 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo events: August 11: 1pm – 4pm Victorian Tea, $30, tickets on sale now. Tea serving will begin at 1:30pm. Docents will wait on you!
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2013
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history
San luis obispo 1814 Part 2 By Joe Carotenuti
W
hen Padre Antonio Martinez penned his responses to a government questionnaire, he had been stationed at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa for over 15 years. The 36 questions preserved in How the Padres Saw Them (translated by Maynard Geiger, O. F. M.) is the earliest observation of the Chumash natives in this locale. One of the most industrious of the padres, Martinez is credited with installing the reredos (the wood backdrop to the altar painted to look like marble) as well constructing the original belfry for the 1820 bells currently in the Mission garden. For all his efforts, he was unjustly accused by the new Mexican governor and banished into exile in 1830 and died two years later in Spain. His responses were written amid a troubling and difficult time in what was always an extraordinary feat in the earliest history of California. What is characterized as the Mexican War of Independence did not engulf the mission settlements in battlegrounds. However, any supply ships (albeit slow) stopped, dropping anchor in either San Diego or San Francisco or anywhere in between. Soldiers were not paid and provisions generally became a mission’s responsibility. Martinez, born in Spain, was not sympathetic to the rebellion in the south and in one question relates: because of the “Mexican insurrection,” his “holy habit … has hung from my shoulders for five years.” Nonetheless, his responses are based on a substantial amount of time working and observing his charges. When asked about health practices, in a lengthy response, he points to “healers” and while underscoring many of the remedies are “fraudulent,” he characterized many as “good.” During his service, he saw simple curatives made from “plants, bark, roots, and leaves” helping the sick. Ivy was converted into a plaster that “cured” lacerations caused by a bear. Interestingly, healers would not reveal any of their preparations to anyone but a son who carried on the practice. The oft-discussed venereal disease issues Martinez laments as serious as “any other illness” proved fatal. Deaths, he knew, outnumber
births. He concludes that his “little book on medicine is of little help…(and) a cause of plenty of sorrow and distress to me since I am unable to succor” the sick and dying. Questions of time provide the padre an opportunity for some humor (at least to him). The natives have no calendars and simply rest when tired. Quips the padre, “He does nothing in order not to tire himself” and thus avoids needing to rest. As to eating: “He believes he must avoid the need for eating by becoming hungry.” While native use of alcohol has received much attention, Martinez is brief in his relating the natives’ fondness for a mixture of tobacco and lime. Not particularly healthy, he warns, the concoction causes death if drunk to excess. As to an inquiry about customs and traditions, the thirty-five-yearold padre relates the natives preserve only “information that is useful” to them. Martinez is referring to practical information such as hunting techniques. Remembering the past is avoided, as hearing the name of any deceased person “causes a cruel sensation.” Burials (in the villages) are filled with rituals and songs. Beads are given to all and the one who “carries the corpse on his shoulders” also has the obligation “to open the grave.” Martinez does not detail a mission burial as there is a prescribed rite for such. Agricultural practices are communal in nature: “I neither pay the Indians nor do they pay me” as any harvest of crop or beast is for the
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community’s benefit. Martinez is careful to monitor any transactions with anyone outside the mission to assure “these poor people are not defrauded.” He sees communal agricultural practices as progress, for in their pagan state, wars would ensue if anyone even picked fruit from a family’s declared tree. In a juxtaposition of behavior, the natives, when “treated charitably, they themselves despise every natural vice;” yet, a “chastisement” preferred is to “kill anyone who opposes their customs and interests.” Here, it seems the padre is not referring to those involved with the mission. As to musical ability so well documented at the neighboring Mission San Miguel, Martinez has seen some native-made instruments, and some knew how to play them. “In fact,” he concludes, “they are inclined to learn whatever is taught them.” Always an issue from the earliest days of the Spanish presence, the ability to communicate—given the diversity of dialects—did not deter the padres from preparing catechisms in a local dialect nor teaching natives (mostly young males) how to converse in Spanish. However, locally there had been some advancement. “I have taught some of the Christians how to read. They manifest application and are sufficiently bright and diligent.” In his longest answer to any question—the last—regarding clothing, Martinez compares his charges as having “some similarity to that of our father, Adam.” Indeed, when the first Spaniards joined together at San Diego, both horses and cloth were marvels for the natives. For the mission population,
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750 Price Street, Pismo Beach 773-1922
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though prospect of moving m hostility by thethe Mexican and Californios modesty is minimally addressed by material Even administrators culminating in the Mission made “without instructors” and what cloth future, you owe it to yourself to learn h being “sold” to John Wilson, the destruccould be obtained from Mexico. For a most living in your for man tive spiral of events came own swiftlyhome and with helpful native, “I distinguish by giving them carefree little mercy toward either the padres or pants of a soft skin, a jacket of ordinary their charges. cloth, and a cotton shirt…” As war raged in Mexico, a “failure of the ships to arrive” and A prelude to both the Mexican and a lack of “men to weave the cloth,” found American 1814Pristine was indeedisanfully It’s a fact of life that as we getgovernments, older, clothing very old. important year. some day-to-day tasks become too licensed and insu A fascinating read in its entirety, answers Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com muchcrisis to handle on our own. That All of our worker came during an evolving for the missions. Suffering from varying degrees of doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully scre • •
You Don’t Have to Move
Feel Safe and
from the comfort of your home.
and pass a crimin
County residents avoid the high cost
when someone fr
Pristine Home Services is• aHousekeeping local background chec Personal Care that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test, giv • Handyman Yard company Maintenance
Servingof moving All oftoSan Luis facility. Obispo County a retirement in your home.
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Enjoy Affordable Living personal care. S Home Services Specialist All of our services can be provided
She should be cl daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable From housekeeping You to handyman services and plumbing to preparingyou meals.need There is no task too large or pay for only the services dows!” R. Watso too small for Pristineand Homewe Services. All of our services can be provided daily, weekly, or on an as-needed provide those services at a price basis. You pay for only the services you need and we provide those services at a price you can“They afford. took the t you can afford. what I wanted. Pristine Home Services made it possible exactlyforwhat I a Convenient One-call us to stayService comfortable and independent reasonable. I wo in our home. When Mary was diagnosed Our personal care services include a friend. with cancer, is no longer ato threat, the ” C. shopping, daily errands, mealwhich preparapeople at Pristine became a very important tion, transportation part andofnon-medical Before you mak our team. They were trustworthy, care. Our housekeeping services keep reliable and always stood by ourcould side. Weaffect yo our relationship their staff. your kitchen and thetruly restenjoy of your home withand standard o Don and Mary Smith -spotless. We even do windows and to read these tw laundry. Our yard maintenance crews Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every s “What know how to take care of your favorite the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in rose bushes and keep the grass neatly “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.” provided by specialists in plumbing, service provid We invite you to call Pristine rightwork, now so that we can sendrepairs you these two FREE reports by mail. electrical painting, and anyone work i safety rail installation. Call for rateS We invite you t now so that we two FREE repor
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We Bring Assisted Living Home You Whatever you need...give us atocall 805-543-4663 www.pristinehomeservices.net 710 FIERO LANE, UNIT 16 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401
H O U S E K E E P I N G · YA R D M A I N T E N A N C E · H A N D Y M A N S E R V I C E S · P E R S O N A L C A R E A U G U S T
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COMMUNITY
Hospice corner
Hospice Partners Changes Name to wilshire hospice By Tricia Ritchie, ACHCE President/CEO Wilshire Health and Community Services
Dear Community Partner: Today marks a significant time for the agencies and programs in the Wilshire Health and Community Services Family. Beginning July 1, 2013, all Best Care Home Health and Hospice Partners agencies will be re-branded as Wilshire Home Health and Wilshire Hospice. In addition to the name change and an updated logo, Wilshire also has developed a new tag line, “Better Health, Better Life, Better Community.” This step is part of our strategic plan and a natural evolution to clarify who we are, what we believe, and to provide our patients and community partners easier access to the depth of services across our entire organization. It is also an acknowledgement of our history and a sign of the firm commitment we have to our future. From our modest beginnings in 1947, Wilshire has been defined by passion—passion for our work and our mission in each of the communities we serve. Providing compassionate care will remain the hallmark of Wilshire Home Health, Wilshire Hospice, Wilshire Community Services and for every team member in our organization. We’re committed to growing our healthcare and associated services in a way that will benefit the people, health and wellbeing of the communities we currently serve and beyond. Finally, Wilshire has been blessed with the ongoing and generous support of all our trusted community friends and partners
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for many years. All of it has made a tremendous difference, not just for our organization, but for the thousands of people we serve based on their individual need rather than their ability to pay. On behalf of them and of Wilshire, I’d like to offer my thanks. As the needs of the community evolve, Wilshire will continue to innovate and look for opportunities to expand and improve our services in order to best serve those who are most in need. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns or suggestions and thank you again for your valued partnership with our agencies and your continued commitment to the health of our community. Sincerely, Tricia Ritchie, ACHCE President/CEO
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AUGUST CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE FORTIES ACROSS 1. American Mennonite 6. Woolen cap of Scottish origin 9. Mountain lake formed by glaciers 13. Buckwheat dish 14. Back then 15. It sometimes follows nausea 16. Irritate or bother 17. *Betty Grable was known for one and the other 18. Historical period 19. *1940s Bomb type 21. Dissimilar 23. Message in a bottle? 24. *Eastern group 25. Digital audiotape 28. Dry riverbed 30. Knickknack 35. Applications 37. Fusses or stirs 39. Gibson garnish
40. Actress Sorvino 41. *Japanese-Americans from this state were interned, abbr. 43. Ghana money 44. Sinbad the Sailor’s home 46. Past times 47. Aquarium organism 48. Iroquois tribe 50. Understands 52. *Month when Pearl Harbor was attacked 53. Go to and fro 55. One who plays for the University of Utah 57. *Chinese Marxist-Leninist 60. *New Middle Eastern country 63. Hue perception 64. H+, e.g. 66. Be of use 68. News _____ 69. French lake 70. The third canonical hour 71. Polio vaccine developer 72. Shakespearean verb ending
73. Portfolio content DOWN 1. Also known as 2. Supernatural life force 3. Negative contraction 4. Drives away 5. Barn loft 6. Barber’s supply 7. Sensitive subject? 8. Ski bump 9. Serengeti antelope 10. Every which way 11. Usually served brown or white 12. To the ___ degree 15. *Fastening invention 20. Newton or Stern, e.g. 22. “Just kidding!” 24. Science of living organisms 25. *Disney’s unlikely flyer 26. From the East 27. To the point 29. *June 6, 1944 31. Ancient Peruvian
32. *Where Jackie played, Ebbets _____ 33. Elks’ hangout 34. *Widely considered first computer 36. Delhi dress 38. Your majesty 42. Unborn vertebrate 45. Gather on the surface, in chemistry 49. Grass bristle 51. Layers 54. Like a gymnast 56. Roof overhang, pl. 57. “Nana” author 58. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 59. Jerk 60. Mark of a ruler 61. Listening devices 62. Bloodsucking parasites 63. *Murrow covered WWII for it 65. ___meal for breakfast 67. Tennis do-over
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COMMUNITY
palm street perspective
It’s a challenge...the 2013-14 Financial Plan By SLO City Councilman, Kathy Smith
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t’s a challenge. But, I’ve vowed to help SLO people appreciate that seemingly sleep-invoking public issue . . . the 2013-14 Financial Plan. Informally, it’s called the city budget. I’m giving it a shot! And, my approach is to personalize the information. As I present the numbers, they’ll be equated to an equal assessment to the SLO population and the number of households in our community. Those enormous budget numbers will be whittled down to citizen investments. San Luis Obispo has a little more than 45,000 residents and just over 19,000 households. The individual resident/household numbers presented are not technically accurate as there is a disparity in tax dollars paid. People who own homes pay property tax, renters do not. Sales tax is higher for those who spend more. Please keep that disparity in mind while absorbing the dollars presented. For those of you who chose, your thoughts about SLO expenditures were considered by your elected City Council via input through: January community forum, community surveys, advisory body recommendations, letters from groups or individuals or the Council Goal-Setting Workshop. I’m going to bypass the $111.3 million overall budget, moving to the General Fund. The Enterprise Fund of $46.7 million (water, sewer, parking, transit) is one that runs as a business and each area is charged to earn the dollars needed to be self-supporting. The General Fund, derives its resources from multiple taxing units (sales, property, Measure Y, hospitality occupancy, utility users, etc.) and comes in at $55.5 million for 2013-14. The General Fund provides the basic services of government. Those are your dollars and those of businesses/tourists that can compute to an equal investment of $1,233 per resident or $2,921 per household. The top SLO City expenditures go to police and fire services, dubbed Public Safety. The department budgets of $24,343,900 pencil out on an equal scale as $541 per resident or $1,281 per household. When we look at the staffing costs only for these labor-intensive services ($22,962,900 – 134.25 positions) provided 24/7 (8760 hrs. per year), General Fund tax dollars invested in staffing public safety costs $2,621 per hour ($43.68 per minute). That results in citizen funding of approximately 12 minutes per resident or 29 minutes per household. Would never have predicted that outcome . . . how about you? A U G U S T
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Let’s move on to the next highest functional areas of major costs. General Government (administration, finance, legal, city clerk, human resources) operating costs for 2013-14 are $13,459,100 or $299 per resident/$708 per household. An assessment of leisure, cultural & social services (Parks & Recreation, trees, team sports, aquatics, golf and senior, youth & ranger services) operating costs for a year come in at $7,348,100. Equal computations show an investment of $163 per resident or $386 per household. The final functional areas are Community Development (economic development, natural resources, tourism, long-range planning and planning development review, advisory bodies, neighborhood services, construction regulation, building & safety, housing, capitol improvement projects, etc.) and Transportation (street & sidewalk maintenance, flood control, signal & lighting maintenance, transportation planning & engineering, parking services & city bus services). Community Development’s 2013-14 budget is $ 5,928,900 ($132 per resident/$312 per household) and transportation is $3,153,700 ($70 per resident/$166 per household). Bet you’re close to tuning this out about now, eh? Well, let’s switch to the changes voted into the budget by a 3-1 vote of the elected City Council you voted into office (which, by the way costs a grand total of $138,900 in ’13-14/ $4 per resident or $7.31 per household). In SLO City year 2013-14, the changes made to the proposed budget come in at a $278,600, adjustment, or one half of 1% of the annual budget. Actual dollar changes are supported by alterations in the Capitol Improvement Projects. Annual dollars are added to open space purchases ($40,000), bicycle facility improvements ($75,000) and downtown safety programs ($135,900), while accelerated dollars are added to Fire Station #2 remodel ($2,700) and the City Wayfinding Sign program ($25,000). There is actually no change to the amount a resident or household would be investing as the total budget figure for 2013-14 because the General Fund must remain at $55.5 million to be a balanced budget.
Downtown
Around
The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo
Inside:
August 2013
W hat ’s U p Downtown B usiness Spo tlights
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Market Musings (Part 2 of 2)
hen we escort community groups interested in learning how the event works, they typically By Deborah Cash, Executive Director, CMSM remark about our diverse level of attractions. Besides oring over photo albums and boxes of old pictures the ubiquitous and wildly busy barbecue stations, to develop the Thursday Night market’s 30th the entertainment we offer generates a lot of interest. Anniversary photo gallery was a hoot! The younger At that point, I connect visitors to Event Coordinator workers in the office had some great laughs at the Diana Cotta who oversees a well-managed program hair-dos, clothing styles and down-home activities ensuring local musicians are afforded the opportunity like apple pie contests and clogging demonstrations to showcase their talents and each quarter, deals from three decades past. For me, I had a great with a stack of applications for the five coveted Deborah Cash, CMSM, trip down memory lane although seeing photos of spots. Along with the Thursday Night Promotions Executive Director some early market heroes—now departed—had Committee, Diana juries the applications and me reaching for my hanky. I was fortunate to know approves or denies the entries and then fills up the next and work with Norm Eggen, Old Country Deli, and Larry season with those selected. People are often surprised to Kowalski, Mo’s Barbecue, for many years at the market and learn bands pay a fee for a spot on the street but our full often joked they had barbecue sauce for blood. Former lineup proves they appreciate the opportunity for exposure mayor (now deceased) Ron Dunin was also a great market fan and the ability to sell “merch” (merchandise like CDs and and judge at the annual Rib Cook Off; 10 years ago we lost apparel) as well as the valuable media promotion we provide. Christy Sweeny (Louisa’s Place) though her son and his family nother “Oh, we gotta copy THAT,” refers to event were able to step in and continue their weekly participation. mascot, Downtown Brown. Essentially, Brown is on hand We’ve had a wonderful cast of characters over the years to give hugs and high fives to kids of all ages; little children bring their talents, enthusiasm and good energy to the weekly have been known to cry when Brown was hibernating or Downtown event many often refer to as “Thursday Night” or had heat stroke such as can happen to large furry creatures “farmers” that all began in 1983. standing on asphalt in the summer. A highlight however is
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On the Cover: August signals the height of the Thursday night market as out-of-town visitors plan last minute vacations, students return to the area (parents in tow!) and fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers explode on the scene. The event's 30th Anniversary celebration continues with Main Stage Entertainment "Tipsy Gypsies" on August 15. Pictured here, a stand of sunflowers provides a splash of color and is a popular item for seasonal home decorating. Photo by Deborah Cash A u g us t 2
R es i n at io n
Radovich Mediation Group
San Luis Obispo Transit
in Downtown SLO’s Mission Plaza
Plaza
blues rock r & b Sponsored by:
in the
Fridays 5 - 8 PM FREE LIVE MUSIC
Concerts
G u y B u d d B a n d w ith I n ga S w ea r i n g e n
A u g us t 2 3
T h e J D P ro j e ct Ca l i f o r n i a ro o t s ro c k Sponsored by:
Wallace Group
A u g us t 9
re g g ae Sponsored by:
A u g us t 3 0
A u g us t 1 6
N e o n R usse l l
ro c k & b l ue s Sponsored by: Frog &
Peach
S e p te m b e r 6
Damon Castillo Band
B ig D a d dy ’s B l u es B a n d
The San Luis Obispo Collection
San Luis Luggage
ro c k & so u l Sponsored by:
b l ue s , j a zz , o l d sc h o o l r & b Sponsored by:
BIKE VALET SPONSOR:
proudly pouring:
Brought to you by:
2013 For details, contact the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association at (805) 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com No Smoking in Mission Plaza | No Pets | Food & Drink Available | No Outside Alcoholic Beverages
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Brown’s 16th Birthday party every May when Brown invites all his mascot friends and kids for cake and games and hugs. As well, Brown’s the star of children’s literature including “Downtown Brown’s Holiday Adventure,” “Downtown Brown’s Holiday Discovery,” and “Downtown Brown’s Holiday Dream.”* We especially love the stories from local kids who grew up visiting Brown and now bring their own children to the market for a big bear hug!
Thursday Night Promotions Event nd then there’re Coordinator Diana Cotta and assistant Joel McLain prepare for the balloons. Or at another busy summer evening. Photo least there were until the by Deborah Cash HELIUM SHORTAGE! For
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years, a market mainstay has been the ‘dollar balloon’ that enchanted children and offered parents an affordable opportunity to distract kids while standing in long rib lines. “The world is running out of helium,” we’re told by our suppliers--but is it so? Yes and
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no, according to dozens of online reports that debate what’s really going on in the lighter-than-air industry. You can google “helium shortage” for the technical, lay and tonguein-cheek analyses about the status of the “I can talk like Alvin” element; for the time being, we’re relegated to oxygen-filled balloons on a stick. At least they don’t fly away from tiny hands!
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dark hour for the market occurred on March 9, 1989, the story of which could be a “made for TV movie” Thursday Night vendor signage— and which we hope to something for everyone and all never experience the delicious! Photo by Deborah Cash likes of again; although should it happen, we’re ready. During the height of the market along Higuera Street that night, a fire broke out at a party supply store (now the location of MoTav). Fire trucks
Continued on next page *for copies of Downtown Brown's children's stories, call (805) 541-0286
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ltimately, the Thursday Night Promotions farmers market has much to be proud of and thankful for—its success and parted the crowd to respond to the blaze that ultimately gutted reputation are the result of hundreds of thousands of people the two-story business and its neighbor, Delite Bakery. Years later, the community was stunned to learn the fire was allegedly who’ve come from near and far to munch ribs on the curb, hook up with family and friends, listen to music and dance, started by John Orr, a fire captain and arson investigator from Glendale. Orr was ultimately convicted of arson and murder in do a little shopping then load up on produce before heading home. Local tourism groups view the market as a major draw connection with fires set in crowded areas around California and about which he had published a novel “Points of Origin;” and destination and are supportive through marketing and public relations efforts to include this event in their materials Orr is now serving life in prison. Current practice is that each and communications. Many thanks to all of you who’ve been week, dedicated Fire Department crews are on site ready to a part of one of SLO’s most feel-good, long-running success respond to any emergency. stories that happens every Thursday night…around Downtown.
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S p o t l i g h t s a thriving downtown and a strong local presence are the trifecta for a "perfect location" for their concept.
Pluto's
Louis Kimball and Gerry Bugas, Owners (pictured from left to right) 1122 Chorro Street (805) 439-3200 PlutosFreshFood.com
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luto's is an "out of this world" experience when it comes to treating yourself to a delicious and healthy meal. With a core menu offering flavorful, fresh and nutritious food in a casual setting, Pluto's is unique in the food industry when it comes to delivering a quality product in an atmosphere that provides a "neighborhood feeling."
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ugas and Kimball started Pluto's because of the desire to "get quality food quickly." They wanted to find an alternative to fast food and provide an operation where people could find healthy food in a quick-serve format. At Pluto's, the idea is "what you see is what you get." Diners can choose to build their own sandwich or salad or order from a preset menu. In addition, one can then add on pan-sautéed side dishes or garlic fries, select from a variety of desserts and a drink (they have four local beers on tap and wine available, too!) For the little "astronauts," the kids menu is also healthy—and fun—with freshly carved meats, crispy chicken asteroids, fruits and finger food plate, for example.
ith a total of nine locations between Chico and San Luis Obispo, Pluto's has been offering up "Fresh Food for a aving a party where fresh and healthy foods will be greatly Hungry Universe" since 1995. Downtown San Luis Obispo is appreciated? Pluto's Off-Site Catering offers catering to Pluto's newest location and owners Gerry Bugas and Louis Kimball see opportunity for success here that they have realized local businesses, Cal Poly and social events as well! in their other locations. Being a university town, San Luis luto's is open daily 11 AM - 10 PM or visit them online, Obispo's demographic is a perfect match for their product. www.PlutosFreshFood.com. Bugas noted the presence of the college student population,
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Cormant, Inc.
aul Goodison has a 25-year background in IT (Information Technology) and formed Cormant in 2001 along with Paul Friday, who has a background in Telecommunications and Information Systems.
Paul Goodison (pictured) and Paul Friday, Owners 669 Pacific Street, Suite D (805) 747-4178 Cormant.com
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n basic terms, Cormant-CS is an IT asset, infrastructure and connectivity management solution that “brings order out of chaos” to enterprise IT groups. The Cormant-CS DCIM and Beyond™ solution ensures that enterprise data centers can run optimally, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars on wasted staff time, equipment and power. Cormant-CS is often part of a ‘green’ initiative within an organization as data centers are a major consumer of power.
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ormant is a worldwide global business, with companies in the United Kingdom, Australia and the Philippines and distribution partners throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Canada, South East Asia, Hong Kong and China. Founded in Asia in 2001 the owners saw a high level of interest and potential customer base in the United States and believed it was the right time for Cormant to expand its US operations. Locating their global headquarters in Downtown San Luis Obispo, they said, offered easy time-zone access to their office in the Philippines where their 24 x 7 support group is based, as well as being a great place to recruit talented local staff and grow their US presence from.
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ormant counts global banks, insurance companies, universities, airports and governments among its customer base providing them software, training and support services to help customers maximize their use of the solution.
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he Cormant office is open Monday through Friday 8 AM – 6 PM or visit them online, www.Cormant.com.
VET’S VOICE
BECOMING A VETERAN FRIENDLY EMPLOYER By Carolyn Ballou, California Department of Veterans Affairs
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employers (including small employers) make accommodations and comply with the requirements of the ADA. Make assistive technology available to those who need it. The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership provides technical assistance regarding funding of assistive technology. Funding may be available through the State Assistive Technology Act. Before the interview and as part of the new-employee orientation process, thank veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country. Develop Vet-to-Vet peer mentorships in your workplace. Help veteran and veteran-family employees get connected to the state and federal benefits they have earned through military service by referring them to the CalVet web site, www.calvet.ca.gov or to the San Luis Obispo County Veterans Service Office, 801 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408, 805-781-5766. The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Create a page on your web site or intranet that offers information and resources specifically for veterans and their families. For help creating your page, contact pao@calvet.ca.gov.
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long with the many talents and strong work ethic that veterans bring with them, there are significant tax breaks and other incentives available to employers that hire veterans. Many companies are increasing their veteran recruitment efforts and some have even begun to advertise themselves as “veteran friendly.” But there’s more to being a veteran-friendly employer than just your willingness to hire veterans. Following are steps your company can take to ensure job-seeking veterans respond to your recruitment efforts and feel welcome once hired.
For more information about how to become a veteran-friendly employer, visit the America’s Heroes at Work web site at www. americasheroesatwork.gov
Educate yourself about the jobs and responsibilities common in military ranks so you can better understand the talents and experience of veterans and transitioning service members you hire. Some in the military plan, others do, and still others oversee the doing. Some are trained to be leaders, all are trained to be team members. Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to translate military occupational classification codes and military titles into civilian equivalents so you can better evaluate a veteran job seeker’s qualifications. Assign someone who is familiar with veteran and wounded warrior culture to help veteran applicants with your employment process. Make sure your Employee Assistance Program staff is prepared to deal with the full spectrum of behavioral health issues that affect some veterans. Keep track of changing veterans benefits and resources by partnering with local veterans service organizations, County Veterans Service Offices and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Understand your responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Facts about the ADA’s reasonable accommodation can be found in a variety of sources, including ADA’s National Network of Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers. There are several sources for financial assistance and tax incentives to help
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& C R E M AT O RY
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youth achieve their potential through increased self-confidence. Showing each child that a positive adult wants to spend time with them and help them succeed is vital to their success. The positive impact on each child is evident through their smiles,” said United Way of SLO County CEO, Rick London. For more information, contact KidSpree Coordinator, Rachel Cementina at (805) 541-1234 or kidspree@unitedwayslo.org.
rsvp volunteer opportunities
Put your life experience to work with RSVP. Join with many other seniors, age 55 and over, who are taking time to improve the lives of others. RSVP can match your talents and interests with community needs. If you think this describes you, please call 544-8740 to apply. Current help needed includes: a clerical receptionist in SLO, tutoring services, volunteer positions for physicians, dentists, nurses and more. The South County Historical Society has many volunteer opportunities.
2nd annual music festival
united way’s kidspree
Local children were helped during KidSpree, an annual event that provides new school clothing to children and youth in SLO County. With the community’s aid, young people can be ready to go back to school this fall with confidence and self-esteem, and more prepared to succeed. United Way of SLO County, in partnership with Kohl’s, has set this year’s event at both the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Kohl’s stores. “Caring KidSpree volunteers are helping
The Cantinas Ranch Foundation will embark on its second annual Cantinas Music Festival at the Paso Robles Event Center on August 24th, featuring three-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith and Grammy nominated vocalist Francesca Battistelli. General Admission tickets for the highly anticipated event are available for $35 at www.CantinasMusicFestival.com. Cantinas Ranch Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) entity whose mission is to encourage talented Christian teen and college-level artists to promote healthy family values and interaction. The show will kick off at 12 p.m. with its popular Village Festival featuring an array of options in interactive fun for the entire family. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to experience live entertainment from various community vendors as they meet local artists and enjoy arts and crafts, photo booths, food concessions and more. Opening the main stage show is American Idol finalist Jason Castro with headlining acts taking the main stage at 6 p.m. National hip hop dance crew, The Groovaloos, will close the show.
San Luis Obispo’s Best Kept Secret Power Carts Senior Discount (55) • 10 Play C ards • Tournaments Welcome • •
Tee Times on our website: lagunalakegolfcourse.org or call 805-781-7309
11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO YOUR CENTRAL COAST MORTGAGE CONSULTANT
Donna Lewis, Principal (805) 783-4000 donna@ccmortgageconsultants.com NMLS #245945
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Homeowners Specialist
Insuring what you value most
SHAWN MINTON SHAWN MINTON Multiple Line LineBroker Broker•·Lic# Lic#OF43815 OF43815 Multiple
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San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 office 805.546.8113 office 805.546.8113
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$80,000 raised for hospital programs/services
Laughter filled the air at the beautiful Loriana Ranch during the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH) Foundation’s 6th annual Comedy Night. The evening’s headliner was hilarious, Phil Paulisol from the world-famous Hollywood Improv. There were several amazing live auction items including: VIP 49ers season passes, Golfing at the Olympic Club, Napa wine getaway in a private jet, and much more. The event themed, “Give, Laugh, Love” raised more than $80,000 for programs, services and capital needs of AGCH, including advanced technologies for the emergency department, patient monitoring and emergency response equipment. The success of the event would not have been possible without the generosity of the Loriana Ranch, the 20 volunteers, 15 local restaurants and wineries and the support from the more than 175 guests who came out to enjoy the evening.
Cuesta students win at national competition
Cuesta College student Simon Rowe is now the 2013 welding champion in the nation, and Michael Mullen is ranked second in automotive services technology. The two career technical education students, both residents of San Luis Obispo, competed in the 49th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), held in Kansas City June 24-28. The NLSC is a showcase of career and technical education students from around the country. Additionally, the college’s welding fabrication team, consisting of students Jon Ellery, Patrick Hickey and Ryan May, placed 8th out of 23 in the nation.
morro bay summer street faire
Come join in the fun at the Morro Bay Summer Street Faire on Sunday, August 4th, from 9am to 5pm. There will be lots of booths, stores, handcrafted and commercial goods, arts and crafts, food, treasures and entertainment. For more information call the Merchants Association at 867-5763.
widowed persons association
Frank
The Widowed Persons Association of California is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping widowed people overcome their grief and learn to live and laugh again. The SLO Chapter #18 maintains a very busy social calendar. Every month the groups get together at various restaurants for a Sunday Brunch, a lunch social, a dinner out and Tuesday evenings bring happy hours. Business meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10am, at the Laguna Mobile Estates Club House. To join or for more information call 904-3345 or write to P.O. Box 414, Pismo Beach, Ca. 93448.
free senior healthcare screening
Screening for adults and seniors is available throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and blood sugar. Counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 544-2484 ext. 1 for dates, times and locations.
C rossword S O L U T I O N S 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
Frank
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rendezvous at the country club for casa
This year, Rendezvous celebrates CASA’s 20th anniversary of serving abused children in SLO County. Join guest host Dave Hovde for gourmet dining, top local wines, the Fabulous Cake Auction and an exciting evening of casual elegance at the SLO Country Club. The event takes place on September 7th, from 5pm to 10pm. Tickets are $100 per person. Call 541-6542 or visit www.slocasa.org to purchase tickets or for more information. Deadline to purchase tickets is August 28th.
literacy council needs volunteers
The Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer tutors. Our 2-part, Tutor Training Workshop will take place on Saturday August 17th and Saturday August 24th, at the Literacy Council’s office, 995 Palm Street, SLO County Library, from 9am to 3:30pm. A $25 enrollment fee is required at your first session. For more information or to sign up, please call 541-4219 or visit our website at www.sloliteracy.org.
aLPHA PREGNANCY & PARENTING RECEIVES GRANT growing grounds farm earns cal poly award
Transitions-Mental Health Association’s (TMHA) Growing Grounds Farm in SLO has been honored at Cal Poly’s 27th President’s Community Service Awards recognizing Outstanding Community Partners. The Community Service Awards are presented to students, faculty, staff, interdisciplinary teams, clubs, and community partners for their spirit of civic engagement and contributions in SLO County. The award for Outstanding Community Partner goes to an organization in San Luis Obispo that has provided Cal Poly students with an opportunity to make a positive impact through volunteering and community service. Cal Poly President Jeff Armstrong personally presented the award to Craig Wilson, Program Manager of Growing Grounds Farm at the SLO Performing Arts Center.
D ressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 39 Years
Alan “Himself” A U G U S T
alan’s draperies 544-9405 alansdrapery@gmail.com 2013
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ALPHA Pregnancy & Parenting Support has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation’s Community Resource Center Initiative. This grant will help to provide direct services to assist up to 500 low-income pregnant and/ or parenting families in SLO County. Funds will provide postpartum depression therapy, car seats, gas vouchers and prenatal vitamins. ALPHA Pregnancy & Parenting Support is a nonprofit organization providing support, practical assistance during pregnancy through a child’s first year, and education on pregnancy and early parenting throughout San Luis Obispo County. If you would like to learn more about ALPHA or Postpartum Depression Support Services, please call 805-541-3367 or visit www.sloalpha.org.
Marie Moore, PhD
Licensed Psychologist #PSY11506
Counseling
528-3782 Helping with lifestyle, health and family problems for seniors, both retired and still employed
THE BULLETIN BOARD
sierra vista receives quality achievement award
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center has received the Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The award recognizes Sierra Vista’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted guidelines. This marks the third year that Sierra Vista has been recognized with a quality achievement award for stroke care.
“puttin’ on the dog” fundraiser
The Five Cities Dog Park Association will be hosting our 4th annual “Puttin’ on the Dog” event on Saturday, August 17th, from 10am to 2pm. Save the date today for this family-friendly event, our major fundraiser for Elm Street Dog Park. Enjoy free contests for you and your dog to enter, dog-related demonstrations, a barbecue lunch, raffle, food vendors, and many pet-related vendors and services. We are still seeking sponsors, vendors, and raffle prizes for this year’s event. For details, go to www.fivecitiesdogpark.org. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with this year’s event should contact POD CoChairs Jerry Bunin (jbunin@charter.net, 805.550.5334).
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Peachy Canyon Winery celebrates 25 years
Peachy Canyon winery celebrated their 25th anniversary last month in a big way. Owners Doug and Nancy Beckett (pictured above), invited 100+ of their friends and treated them to a party they will not soon forget. The guests enjoyed fresh pizza which was made on-site, Mexican cuisine and tasty delights from Thomas Hill Organics. The band, Burning James and the Funky Flames, played throughout the evening and fun was had by all. Peachy Canyon’s finest wines were served including their famous Zinfandels and an incredible Rosé.
united way’s ‘stuff the bus’
August 2nd–9th all three Office Max locations in SLO County will be accepting new school supply donations. School will be back in session soon, and many local students and teachers are in need of the supplies necessary to begin the year successfully. Businesses, groups, and individuals are invited to help provide the tools they need to succeed by joining United Way of SLO County, Golden 1 Credit Union, Office Max, KSBY, and the SLO County Office of Education to help ‘Stuff the Bus.’ Volunteers will be on hand to accept and sort donations on Saturday & Sunday from 12:00–4:00 PM, and Monday through Friday from 4:00–7:00 PM.
Pacific Oak Foreclosure Services INC
LYNN R. COOPER PRESIDENT
252 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo (805) 541-TIRE
1212 Marsh Street • Suite 1 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TEL (805) 544-9242 • CELL (805) 235-0493 FAX (805) 543-7838 EMAIL lynn@pacificoakforeclosure.com www.pacificoakforclosure.com
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Bob Gayle Reverse Mortgage Consultant 805/772-3658 NMLS License 582948 CA DRE Broker License 00466813
NMLS License 98161 CA DRE Corporation License 01820779 Borrower must maintain property as primary residence and remain current on property taxes and insurance. Security One Lending, 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92108.
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COMMUNITY
eye on Business
slo tank farm road moves to the future By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates
B
efore the late Peter Andre, founder of law firm Andre, Morris and Buttery passed away, he told me about being a young boy on horseback watching the SLO Tank Farm fire of 1926. He vividly recalled thick black smoke and flames visible from his vantage point miles from the site. The scene was a dramatic one that left a lasting impression on Peter. A lightning strike had caught the wooden roof of one of the crude oil tanks on fire, touching off an inferno that raged for five days and destroyed the entire facility. The tank farm was rebuilt following the fire and oil storage operations continued until the 80s. The facility housed oil from the Central Valley and Santa Maria area in tanks before it was sent to Avila Beach for oceangoing shipping. Oil from these operations fueled the Pacific Fleet during World War II. The story of the fire is one I share with new employees, in part because it’s a big piece of SLO history and also because I’ve worked with the oil companies for the last 20 years. I love seeing the interest from young Poly grads who have no idea about the site history and no recognition of why a road has the curious name “Tank Farm.” To many people, this area is simply a main cross-town corridor, the route taken to the airport or Trader Joe’s or Orcutt road. The property beyond the road is beautiful. Its southern side is mostly masked from view, but is a rich repository of wildlife and plants. The northern portion is a blend of grassy wetlands and mostly open areas. Flying over the area offers a view of former berms and some structural remnants.
The proposal is big and far-reaching and has much to offer. It addresses the last large piece of open land in San Luis Obispo. It considers job development and circulation and open space preservation. In my opinion the future Tank Farm plan is central to our community’s
For nearly 25 years, the 332-acre site has been under evaluation and monitoring to determine how best to address the underground crude oil left behind by the fire and years of operations. A team of representatives from government agencies and the oil industry have come to consensus on the recommended path forward, and a draft environmental impact report outlining remediation and restoration recommendations is now making its way through review processes. In addition, Chevron is offering a phased, 20-25 year plan for the long-term use of the property. A U G U S T
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economic health. There is far more to the plan than I can cover in this column, but as a chunk of history as well as a key piece of our future, this is a topic I hope people will pursue.
Most of the land cannot be developed because it is either sensitive habitat or located in the airport safety zone. The proposal is offering 250 acres of open space, cycling and walking trails, up to 803,000 square feet of commercial space and a 15-acre site for City use that could include sports fields. Portions of Tank Farm Road will be improved as part of the plan that anticipates annexation into city limits.
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The City of San Luis Obispo’s website, www. slocity.org, has information about the review process and key dates (EIR comments due by August 5; additional public participation opportunities follow). Chevron’s project website is www.slotankfarm.com. And if you’re interested in learning more about San Luis Obispo’s history, including the Tank Farm fire, check out the walking tour videos produced by the History Center of SLO County—they are terrific. www.historycenterslo.org.
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AnnuAl EmErgEncy AlErt tEsts Saturday · auguSt 24 reverSe 911 — 9 am – noon Siren teSt — noon & 12:30 pm
On Saturday, August 24, the San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System sirens and the Reverse 911 system will be activated for an annual test. The Reverse 911 system will be activated for residents and businesses within the Emergency Planning Zone between the hours of 9 am and noon. Following the Reverse 911 test, the Early Warning System sirens will sound at noon and again at 12:30 and will last for 3-5 minutes. During these tests, no action is required on the part of the public. Local radio and television stations will broadcast normal programming throughout the tests. However, if you hear the sirens at any other time go indoors and tune to your
local radio or television stations for important emergency information and instructions. When at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16.
S A T U R D A Y, A U G U S T 2 4 — I T ’ S O N L Y A T E S T. Sponsored by the County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services a n d P a c i f i c G a s a n d E l e c t r i c C o m p a n y. P a i d f o r b y P a c i f i c G a s a n d E l e c t r i c C o m p a n y.
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