August 2016 Journal Plus Magazine by SLO Journal

LYNN HES SLER | MELIS SA MAINO | DR. R A J | CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MUSEUM | RUS SELL GRIFFITH

Journal AUGUST 2016

PLUS

MAGA ZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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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

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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 Jan Owens, Kyle Owens, Jim Parsons, Mike Pluneda

MELISSA MAINO

RUSTY BLAIR

ADVERTISING Steve Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. James Brescia, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Will Jones, Deborah Cash, Heather Young, Don Morris, Ruth Starr, Charmaine Coimbra, Sherry Shahan, Gail Pruitt and Jan Marx. Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is a free monthly distributed to over 600 locations throughout the Central Coast and is also available online at slojournal.com Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE. COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VENTANA WILDERNESS SOCIETY

PEOPLE 8 10 12 15 16 18

COMMUNITY

KARA FRENZEL LYNN HESSLER MELISSA MAINO LOREN NICHOLSON

A Tribute

DR. SATISH RAJ RUSSELL GRIFFITH

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 CONDOR RELEASE PROGRAM 22 DINE OUT 24 FOOD / AT THE MARKET

26 28 30 32 34 41 42

GREATEST ATHLETES: Rusty Blair SLO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM VETERANS – CALL TO THE COLORS HISTORY: Cal Poly and Myron Angel OUR SCHOOLS – Dr. James Brescia PALM STREET –

SLO Mayor, Jan Marx

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

BUSINESS

36 EYE ON BUSINESS 37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening

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---- Coming up at the ----

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ---- San Luis Obispo ----

DANCIN' 2016 AUGUST 21 | 2:00 p.m. Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Academy of Dance The Academy of Dance presents, Dancinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2016. The talented students and staff of The Academy are overjoyed to bring you their annual studio show.

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805.756.4849

From the publisher Make sure your smile shines like the sun!

any of you have commented on our expanded Bulletin Board section toward the back of the magazine and I thank you. We receive hundreds of press releases and announcements each month and it became obvious that this was something that needed more space. Even with the added space many releases cannot be published. It does depend on how much paid advertising we receive each month. If you like this magazine please feel free to thank our loyal advertisers for their continued support.

We have another good issue for you this month. There are six profiles on individuals who make a difference in our community, including Melissa Maino’s return to Africa. You will love the photos.

NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS AND EVENIN G HOU RS AVAIL ABLE Call us at

805-541-5800 to schedule an appointment

Susan Stewart updates us on what’s happening at the SLO Children’s Museum, and Gail Pruitt does the same with our local Veterans’ activities. We finish on a sad note. Local historian and past Journal Plus contributor, Loren Nicholson passed away last month. We were honored to have him as part of our team over the last 22 years. Joe Carotenuti writes a wonderful tribute inside. Enjoy the magazine.

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Steve Owens

ANNUAL SIREN

TEST

S AT U R D AY

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2 7

NOON & 12:30 PM ■ The San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System sirens will be tested on Saturday, August 27. Sirens will sound at noon and again at 12:30 pm for three minutes. During the tests, no action is required on the part of the public. ■ Local radio and tv stations will conduct normal programming during the tests. If you hear the sirens at any other time, tune to a local radio or tv station for important emergency information. When at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16. ■

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

S A T U R D AY, A U G U S T 2 7 — I T ’ S O N L Y A T E S T

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kara Frenzel

She’s anything but “sLo Motion” By Sherry Shahan

“What’s the official state dance of California?” This question is usually met with a curious stare, followed by, “California has its own dance?” In 1988, Senator Quentin Kopp of San Francisco sponsored a bill proposing West Coast Swing—some say, to fill an abyss because the golden state was one of the few in the union without a bona fide dance. The bill passed 21 to 9 with only a smattering of smart-alecky remarks. West Coast Swing (WCS) doesn’t require cowboy boots or old Patsy Cline records. Okay, then what is it? Some say it’s a Hollywood adaption of other swing dances—Lindy Hop, Balboa, Jitterbug—because old-time directors, lacking wide-angle lenses, couldn’t capture all that frenetic movement. So they developed a sleeker style that stayed more-or-less in one spot. Another theory cites the influence of Dean Collins, who brought Savoy Style Swing from Harlem to California in 1937. Collins danced his way through three-dozen movies—such as Hellzahoppin’ and Ride ‘em Cowboy—as well as performing live on television. Others say the dance was spawned by drunken sailors out on the town in San Diego “looking for a little sugar.” San Francisco and Los Angeles also lay claim. Like any theory, it’s most likely a dash of this and that. I met with a local West Coast Swing instructor and champion competitor, Kara Frenzel. She showed up in her standard attire: black jazz shorts, knee-high suede dance boots, an airy blouse. “In ballroom there’s a syllabus of steps and patterns,” she explained. “But in West Coast Swing, there’s more opportunity for individual styling. You have freedom to embellish, to play with beats and accents, whatever you hear in the music—a particular instrument, vocals, or lyrics.”

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Kara grew up in Moorpark, California, the eldest sister of three brothers: Brandon, Tyler, and Justin. Today, Brandon (drums) and Justin (bass) play in bands. She studied at Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten Studio, squeezing in as many classes as her family could afford. “Ballet, tap, jazz. Lots of jazz.” She fingered her long blonde hair—the tips tinged pink. Her first attempt at choreography came in the 4th grade. “I was the ring-leader, rallying friends for talent shows, recording videos on VHS tape.” Later, in high school, Kara added classes at Moorpark College: Salsa, lindy, ballroom, and choreography. The 30-year-old smiled at the memory. “College classes were a better deal than those at the studio.” Kara took off for Brigham Young University—Idaho, majoring in business management with an emphasis in marketing. She minored in, what else? Dance. They offered three programs: Folk, contemporary, and ballroom. “I was on the dance team so I got to do all three.” The team toured Canada, a challenge in the sheer number of dances performed. “A typical show had something like 20 routines.” She studied International, Latin, and Standard, plus American Rhythm and Smooth. She taught them, too, as well as running the social Salsa and Lindy programs. Whew! The Idaho campus was a lot stricter than laid-back Southern California. No flip-flops. No tank tops. No shorts. But the experi-

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ence prepared her for what she does today: international dance instructor and competitor, choreographer, fearless promoter, and more.

“I have pictures of myself in yoga poses in unusual places.” Kara paused, smiling. “It’s my little art project, if that make sense.” It does.

After college, Kara moved to the Central Coast to join her mom and brothers. She met Linda Drake (www.lindadrake.com), a professional dancer with over 20 years teaching experience. The two hit it off and Kara began working for her. Over the years, she’s taught waltz, rumba, and other ballroom dances.

See you on the dance floor!

That’s when Kara got serious about West Coast Swing, about sharing her passion for the dance. “I wanted to create a space where dancers could take classes and practice what they learned.” Enter SLO Motion, which just celebrated 6 years devoted entirely to West Coast Swing. Dances take place the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays at SLO Vet’s Hall, 801 Grand, San Luis Obispo. Classes go from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Music plays until 11 pm, everything from R&B and Hip Hop to Lyrical Blues and Contemporary. The music, like the dance, is constantly evolving. “Everyone dances with everyone,” Kara said. “All ages. All levels.” Kara teaches the Intermediate class unless there’s a guest pro in town. “Hundreds of students have cycled through,” she said. “Many of them compete on the WCS circuit. I’m so proud of them.”

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movement.com) to spread the word even further. Kicking off in 2012, this event basically takes an 8-week WCS course and crams it into a weekend at Cal Poly. Kara donates hundreds of hours to put on the annual event. Other pros do the same, arriving from up and down the state to inspire beginners (free) or intermediate (modest fee) in hour-long workshops.

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Talk turns from hard work to perks, such as

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY international travel: Australia, Brazil, France. It’s not unusual to draw a partner in a competition who doesn’t speak English. “As they say, music is a universal language.”

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Beginning, Transitions, and Advanced classes are also offered. “I can’t teach all of them,” Kara explained. “So I’ve started a Teacher Training Program.”

JUST LIKE HOME

As if that isn’t enough for one dance card, Kara began Swing Movement (www.swing-

In Australia one of her dance partners fried up kangaroo steaks. Days later they went to the zoo and fed the kangaroos. Amid the whirlwind that comes from globetrotting, she squeezes in time for passions like cooking, hiking, and yoga.

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artist, conservator, spirit Extraordinaire

lynn Hessler

Providing a “palpable feeling of positive on the planet” By Deborah Cash

ften working out of town on assignments, artist Lynn Hessler occasionally returns to her SLO digs and is amazed at the many ongoing changes in the urban landscape downtown, particularly around her Chorro Street haven. To some, construction and disruption so close to home might prove nerve wracking—to Hessler, the temporary situations present themselves as canvases for creativity and artistic expression. A recent example was a construction wall along the Chinatown project facing the Mission that went from “ugly to pretty” after Hessler and fellow neighbor and creative spirit Annie Gough added a detailed floral mural to the site. “Things regarded as ‘frivolous’ to most are actually important to the human psyche,” Hessler said. “Art brings out the best in us.” Hessler’s worked all over the world pursuing her love of art and her desire to bring art to public places. For more than 20 years, she worked with local artist and muralist Doug Bowman travelling the US and abroad, bidding on jobs, attending conferences and ultimately creating “incredible art projects.” Their biggest competitor, said Hessler, was a company called EverGreene Architectural Arts that eventually purchased the SLO business and Hessler found herself working in the business of art renovation, restoration and conservation. “It was on-the-job training,” she said of her new direction. “At 60, to learn a new trade, that’s really something.” Hessler, who for many years was involved locally with Little Theatre, the Marine Mammal Center, the SLO Downtown Association Design Committee and Downtown Foresters, said she’s now out of town “all the time” repairing and restoring old, damaged art, most of which is incorporated into buildings’ structures. She said she loves her current path, “I’ve met the most incredible people. I’m lucky—this is prestigious work and it’s fun!” Officially designated a Conservator in her industry, her assignments require a significant amount of tedious, Chorro Street, SLO art mural during construction.

laborious and physically demanding work. Hessler says she’s often up on scaffolding and “there’re a lot of awful smells.” But, she adds, “When a project is done and you leave the building, it feels like the building has come alive, it knows what you have done for it.” She’s proud of the work that “helps these old historic buildings be their best self,” and notes that EverGreene is a leader in the world of restoration of art in civic, sacred, theatrical, institutional and commercial properties. (evergreene.com) But Hessler’s heart remains in SLO and she comes home as often as she can. “I always know I can come back here and paint fun things, such as the downtown BoxArt project and the Virgin Mary mini-mural near Paul Kwong’s noodle house Mee Heng Low. She’s designed her own hometown slogan “it’S LOve” and is involved in promoting ‘undercover renegade’ art. Says Hessler, “I think art bombing provides a lot of delight, it’s valid and has a ripple effect on making a community feel good.” Examples would be art that ‘just appears’ or temporary art that is taped up. (Note: You have to look for it—it’s rather random and anonymous by nature.) Art is in Hessler’s blood; her father was an artist and worked as an illustrator and art director including designing album covers for Capitol Records. During high school, Hessler said, her dad hired her to help him with side jobs. “I was making ten dollars an hour way back then and later I was hired by a company to do hand drawn copies of paintings that people bought out of catalogs.” She went to school in Moorpark and Santa Barbara City College; she later started designing her own paintings instead of copying others. “I got royalties!” she said joyfully. “I was selling my designs, it was so easy.” Born in Missouri, Hessler was one of seven children who lived “an adventuresome life” that she recalls fondly and is obvious in her own “free spirit” nature. Roving the country with their artist dad, the family

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Lynn and her six grandchildren.

mom to six plus “one coming,” Hessler said, “I know I’ve won the “life lottery.” Hessler mused, “When I’m president, I will decree one day per week off to go outside and do common sense things, like Family Fridays and all devices will be turned off!” She laments the reduction of arts programs in schools. “When schools cut these programs,” she explained, “what they don’t realize is that this type of education is necessary for the right side of the side of the brain to develop. The brain needs development on both sides to function properly.” She also wishes the “Busy Syndrome” wasn’t so prevalent. “Everyone has a list of things to do all the time. Sometimes doing nothing is the best thing of all—it gives you a chance to

moved to Honolulu, Hawai’i at one point. “We slept on grass mats. I remember my brothers going to school barefoot,” she reminisced. “I had wonderful parents, Bette Jean and Dave Hessler. I miss them so much.” She recalls that her dad was a very funny person and that all the kids adored him. “He was never unhappy or in a bad mood,” she said.

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think and solve problems and come up with ideas. But people are so about ‘what are you doing?’ and we never get that down time.” “If I ever get tired of traveling,” she said, “I’d like to teach communal art to kids, especially those with severe handicaps. When you teach someone, particularly persons with physical limitations, how to manipulate paint and materials and they create something, it brings them such joy and a feeling of accomplishment.” She said she’d also like to “overload on animals” when she’s home on a more permanent basis. “I used to have 40 chickens, a duck and cats!” And if she actually won the Lottery? “I’d still go to work,” she laughs in earnest.

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After living in southern California, Hessler ended up moving to Atascadero with her own family and teaching art classes for the City at local schools while raising her five children Brooke, Shawnie, Sam, Hayley Mae and Hannah. “They are all beautiful grown people now,” she said. “They were happy healthy kids who’ve all done great; we’re a mutual admiration society.” Now a grand-

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Melissa Maino

sLO native’s return to africa By Will Jones

t 6:00 AM on the morning of April 18, 2016, in the parking lot of the Sedia Lodge in Maun, Botswana, my wife, Melinda, and I, and our friends Melissa Maino, and Kevin and Samantha Duffy (pictured right), climbed aboard a canopied, open-sided Land Rover for a day long game drive in the Moremi Game Preserve. Our driver and guide, Sammie, a fifty-two year old Botswanan native wearing an Indiana Jones hat, gently chided one of us for showing up a couple of minutes late. “Each minute means one less animal we see as the morning grows hotter.”

April is winter in Botswana. We hugged ourselves against the cold of the African dawn as we first sped down a two-lane blacktop on the outskirts of town, and then, after about twenty kilometers, rattled down a washboard road for another twenty, the theory being, I guess, that the faster you drive on washboard the less you feel the impact. My old bones would disagree. The sky lightened pink and orange to the east as the sun gradually pushed back the night to reveal yet another clear blue sky. We passed though the buffalo fence, the barrier between the domestic animals of the tame world and the wild animals of the Moremi and the boundless expanse of the Okavango Delta. It was like the transition from black and white to color in “The Wizard of Oz.” We weren’t in the known world anymore. Within minutes we were face-to-face with a very large Cape buffalo. Hemingway said that Cape buffalo look at you like you owe them money. He was right. And for Melissa this first encounter with a wild animal was extra special. She was back in Africa after an absence of twenty-three years, seeing it again through new eyes. And for those of us traveling with her on this trip of a lifetime, it was an opportunity to learn more about Melissa, her family, and their link between San Luis Obispo and Africa.

Ted Maino with President Ronald Reagan

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When Melissa talks about her family history, the conversation includes reference to names like Alex Madonna and Warren Sinsheimer, Ronald Reagan and George Schultz. She’s not showing off, just recounting what it’s like to be a fourth generation San Luis Obispo native whose family arrived here from Domadosola in northern Italy and started the still extant Maino Construction Company in 1881. “Times were tough in Italy. Immigrants were searching for a better life. They were attracted by the climate, as were many Swiss Italians who settled here,” Melissa said. Melissa’s grandfather married a Hazard, whose family owned a ranch in what is now known as Hazard Canyon. “It was her father who planted all the eucalyptus trees out there, the ones that were supposed to be so valuable for all kinds of purposes, but ended up being a con run by an Australian who sold them up and down the coast.” Ted Maino, Melissa’s father, was born in 1913, attended local schools and then went Santa Clara University. “My dad and his cousins, Runston and Vernon, the sons of my Uncle Charlie, were wild kids around town in those days. They had a beach house in Avila, one of the first.” The Maino Building in downtown San Luis Obispo and the Maino Open Space trails on San Luis Mountain are named after Uncle

Melissa in Africa, 1986

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would be there. They met and three days later my dad sent her a set of house plans in the mail. She came back and they got married.” Living in San Luis Obispo was like magic for Melissa, who was born in 1950. “I could walk into any store, just show them what I wanted and they would put it on the family account. When I was ten I’d ride my bike all the way to Baywood and back. We’d hike all over the hills alone, things kids can’t do today.” When I asked her which old SLO landmark she missed the most, Melissa said Nuss Pool, where everyone went to swim and compete under the tutelage of legendary teacher and coach, Phil Prijatel.

Charlie. “ He had a car dealership, he raced motorcycles, and,” Melissa said with a laugh and an eye roll, “he once jumped off the Mill Street railroad bridge with an umbrella. He was something. I loved him.” After graduating from Santa Clara, Melissa’s father returned to San Luis Obispo. As the family story goes, he was hands-on building the old gym at San Luis Obispo High School when he was spotted Melissa’s mother, Rosemary Wilson, who was in 9th grade. “She would walk by and think he was really cute, but she was way too young for him.” Rosemary went away to Scripps for college. “Ted got married and had a son, she got married and her husband was shot down and killed over Germany. My dad’s wife divorced him when he went into the Navy. After the war my mother was back here visiting her mother and ran into Alex Madonna downtown. He invited her to dinner and told her Ted Maino

Melissa went to San Jose State after graduating from SLOHS in 1968. She had spent a year in Switzerland while in high school, and like there, at SJS she enjoyed being anonymous. She participated in the lifestyle of the youth culture of those days and went on an odyssey of jobs and locations that took her through the ’70s and brought her back to SLO. One day her father, who had started Swift Air while handing Maino Construction over to Melissa’s brother, received a call from a friend who had been asked by the Reagan administration to serve as ambassador to either Botswana or Swaziland. “My dad wasn’t a big deal in the Republican Party, but when Don Butts turned down the offer because he had a young family, he recommended my dad. He met with President Reagan and George Schultz and took the job. He chose Botswana because my mother had been there before.” Melissa decided to go to Botswana with her parents in November 1982. “My mom wanted one kid with her for Christmas. I was going to stay for Christmas and ended up staying in Africa for eleven years.”

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PEOPLE on game drives and safaris, and even returned to the states briefly to work in Midland, Texas, for Hunter’s Africa. “When I was a little girl, four or five, I ‘ran away’ several times. I wasn’t running from something, I was always ‘going somewhere.’ That was the story of my life for a long time.” In the end, a persistent problem with alcohol abuse led Melissa to return home and seek help. After beginning her recovery she returned to Africa to settle her life there and has been back in San Luis Obispo, sober, since 1993. She has worked primarily as a paralegal and as an office administrator for San Luis Tile and Marble. Melissa served on the board of directors of Middlehouse, a men’s sober living home in SLO, for fifteen years.

As she did in California, Melissa worked a variety of jobs in a variety of places, from the American library in Gabarone, the capital of Botswana, to teaching in tiny Maun, to working in a restaurant in Knysna, South Africa, where she eventually published a magazine, Arts and Crafts, from 1989 to 1993. Along the way she spent time

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Over the years, Melissa talked about returning to Africa for a visit, and friends would say, “Let us know when you’re going and we’ll go with you.” The desire to return finally arrived, and three couples said “yes.” Melissa developed a travel plan and made all the arrangements. We flew from Los Angeles to Cape Town for a memorable two-and-a-half week adventure that took us east to Port Elizabeth along the famed Garden Route, and included a visit to Knysna, where Melissa once lived; northwest by plane to Johannesburg, where we rented a car and then spent over a week circling Botswana; a day trip into Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls; and then a return flight to LA from Johannesburg. One couple, Jason and Shelley Wheeler, expecting a baby by the time we left the states, remained in South Africa for the second half of the trip and had their own adventure, meeting us for the flight home. The best part of the trip, in addition to the history (a visit to Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years), the wild animals of Moremi, the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River, the amazingly friendly people, and the overwhelming spectacle of Victoria Falls at its mightiest, was getting to see everything twice; through our own eyes and through the eyes of our friend. Just as San Luis Obispo has changed immeasurably over the years, from a population of 2243 in 1880 around the time the Maino family arrived, to over 45000 in 2016, so had Melissa’s Africa changed. More people, more tourism, more development, asphalt where there was only dirt, a ban on hunting in Botswana. And Melissa equally enjoyed witnessing our excitement about being in Africa, as in the way we delighted like children when we spotted an elephant or a giraffe. Speaking of change, Melissa said, “Along with the gift of being sixty-five, the surprise in my journey is that I’m not the lone wolf I once was. I had no idea life was about people. I was fearful of traveling with a group. But traveling with you guys was a great pleasure. Life is about people. That’s my biggest life lesson. I’m so grateful to ‘get’ that now.”

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loren Nicholson a Remembrance By Joe Carotenuti

fter years of visiting the city (our twin daughters finally graduated from Cal Poly), we finally decided to make San Luis Obispo our new home. One of the ways we settled into our new environment was to gather free reading material (in addition to a library card) and that’s when I first met Loren Nicholson.

At the time, he was the by-line to a variety of magazine articles that were informative, well-written and spoke to the fabric of the central coast. Indeed, I would remove them from the magazine and still have a “red” folder to collect the writings of my literary heroes. Loren certainly accounts for a major portion of items. It was a very sad day when I realized he was no longer supplying articles. Many years later, when I compiled a table of contents for three binders of his articles, I donated a few to his collection that he had forgotten (understandably) to include. As a “newby” to the community, little did I realize Loren would become more than a local writer to me. From his military and newspaper days to San Luis Obispo, Loren, like Myron Angel, was “born to write.” I kept bumping into his work through research in the County Historical Society (now History Center). For Loren, history meant sharing what he knew … leading to his contributing and editing the informative La Vista magazine. It’s still an essential resource for local history. About the same time, I was introduced to Rails Across the Ranchos. A vital volume for local history buffs, it demonstrates Loren’s belief in the power of individuals to cause change. Loren could tell you not only what happened but the major characters in the human drama that unfolded as the trains not only entered the community, but profoundly changed its character. Loren’s bibliography is most extensive and includes a half dozen books, innumerable magazine articles and writings requiring a considerable amount of time to compile. His Rails Across the Ranchos will remain next to Angel’s seminal History of San Luis Obispo County as the most informative volume of local history. Understandably, for Loren, few experiences delighted him more than riding the rails. Not satisfied with non-fiction, Loren told me once he had a “yen” to write fiction. The result—Carrillo’s Defiant Daughters—combines imagination and history to produce a dimension to historical personages rarely attainable through documents. Eventually, when I was asked to join an organization, the Order of Minor Historians, I was anxious to attend my first meeting. Loren was also a member! For me, he was THE local celebrity for anyone interested in history. Loren, of course, didn’t know (nor probably care) about his fame. He was more interested in what others knew about local history and in any conversation, he most often was the listener. Nonetheless, he wasn’t satisfied with a passive role but would not hesitate to nudge others to remember the past that might otherwise enter eternal rest along with its holder.

It was then that I began thinking about attempting to imitate him through research and writing. Soon after, in one of the most remarkable events in my life, my articles also began appearing in his adopted magazine, now called Journal Plus. If that weren’t enough, years later, Loren and I were published in the magazine at the same time—most noticeably when Loren wrote the multi-part series on the evolution of the county airport, one of his last contributions. I might add that while researching I have gone down many historical paths only to find Loren patiently waiting for me along the way. It seems he has written about most everything! Whenever I write, there are a few people in the room—invisible except in my mind—who valiantly attempt to keep my writing on track and as accurate as possible. Loren is one of the few, and will continue to do so. For Loren, encouragement was always a trait for those willing to listen and follow. I did not have the privilege of attending his classes during his long career at Cal Poly, but I am sure he not only trained future journalists but emphasized the why of their calling. Beyond the facts, there are the people and it is people who make history, who respond—for better or worse—to any situation. Loren knew (indeed, felt) the compassion of a human towards others was always part of any story. His spending his last years caring for a severely ill spouse gives testimony that for Loren, people came first. He simply relished in telling their story. His public life has enriched the lives of many beyond measure; his articles and books remain a legacy for us and those yet to come, but his gentle spirit has now passed into the eternal winds of time to join the best of humankind to inspire and comfort. A Resolution presented by the City aptly acknowledged his “unparalleled and invaluable historical contributions for the immeasurable benefit of the present and future generations.” For Loren Nicholson had an innate sense of compassion for his fellow travelers in a world both kind and unforgiving, but never static. To Loren, others were a reflection of himself, a mirror whose image he could craft and create through simple words. The generosity that lived in his being often escaped in the expression of his face and the sound of his voice. Even as I write this—in grief and gratitude—I sense Loren would be embarrassed by the praise he so generously gave. Finally, and in the end, Loren’s legacy of goodness will be my finest memory. jacarotenuti@sbcglobal.net A U G U S T

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PEOPLE

dr. satish Raj a caring doc By Ruth Starr

ever participating in sports as a child, Dr. Satish Raj discovered running later in life. It’s a sport that fills his need for exercise and helps him to stay in good physical shape. Raj soon realized that he was not only enjoying running, but it was a sport where he excelled. Winning two half marathons in his age category, Raj is motivated to keep on going.

Born in India, Raj studied for the first years of his life in the coastal town of Madras, India. He was raised in a loving home mainly by his grandparents. His father chose to move to America to pursue a “better life” for the family. His mother came to the United States three years after. However, Raj and his older sister, Sashi, chose to stay in India. In the fifth grade of Catholic school the children were required to read and write in English. This was expected even before learning their native tongue, Tamil—one of the top twenty languages spoken in the world. Eventually Raj and his sister arrived in the U.S. to Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1975. Sashi, several years older than Satish, then returned to India where she finished college and elected to remain in that country. Raj chose to finish junior and senior high school in Bowling Green. Raj chose The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study for his graduate degree in molecular biology. The next step was medical school at Case Western University, in Cleveland, Ohio. He further trained in Cleveland, Ohio, choosing family practice as his specialty. Discovering early on that he wished to focus on under-served people, Raj decided to work in a rural town in central Ohio, where he remained for ten years. While there he met Diane who was also studying for her masters degree in nutrition at Case Western. They married, and have three children. The oldest, Audrey, is studying to be a history teacher at Cal Poly, James, attends San Luis Obispo high school, and John, attends the SLO Classical Academy. Since Diane was raised in the SLO area, they made the decision to move here in 2005. Following their move, Raj was still compelled to work with underserved people. He continues to follow that dream by working at the Community Health Centers—a center that provides essential healthcare services to folks who might not otherwise have access to primary and preventive healthcare. There is much he loves about his job. He is amazed with all the stories he hears from the people who come to see him. He admires their resilience. Discovering his patients’ strength encourages and energizes him. The Health Center staff has the same desire to treat the under-served population, creating a cohesive atmosphere of healing. Raj has participated in local races such as the City to the Sea, and the SLO half marathons. He and Diane enjoy playing tennis when time permits. Proudly, Raj says Diane likes to garden and works with A U G U S T

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Casa as an advocate. Casa trains people to help foster children when their lives can be very difficult. As an Advocate, she shares their struggles with them and works to make their lives better. In his spare time, he can always be found with a book in his hand, often reading books on how people change internally. Raj is continually inspired at what he finds in his medical practice. He works hard to listen carefully to patients in order to be better able to help them with their medical problems. “Listening to people,” states Dr. Raj, “…is giving out love. When people are listened to, it gives them a feeling of respect.” He finds it challenging to connect with people on a personal level. He is passionate and loves what he is doing, but it’s the people who make every day interesting for him. One of the most thought provoking parts of his job is the growing number of mental health needs. When a family member has a mental health problem, it changes the dynamics of the entire family system. Mental well-being plays a big role in everyone’s lives. A person’s mental health gives him a good understanding of what is going on for them. Change, according to Raj, starts on the inside—in one’s heart. He is always searching for how to be a better person, how to look at life in a different way. It is very difficult for him when he has to deal with a client who is terminally ill. How the patient deals with their fate can have a profound effect on Raj. While some of the people are scared and angry, others have come to terms with their illness and look forward to the next transition in their lives. Involved at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Raj family finds that community to be an important and healing part of their lives. The church is involved in First Fruit Farms that grows organic fresh vegetables. The food is then given to the food bank, the women’s shelter, and other groups who need food. Dr. Raj leads a very balanced life with his medical practice, his family, church, running, and time spent on always seeking better ways in life. Community Health Centers is fortunate to have him as their lead doctor.

PEOPLE

russell griffith Back to School By Ruth Starr

in leading development and fundraising programs. His dedication helped to establish a scholarship fund for youth from low-income families to pursue extracurricular activities in athletics, academics, and the arts; raising over $20,000 in 2014. Additionally, as the former President of the San Luis Obispo Civic Ballet and the San Luis Obispo Swim Club, Russ oversaw all fundraising efforts, all while managing the budgets and maintaining strong relationships with the artistic and athletic leadership. Under his leadership, the Civic Ballet received a $25,000 grant in 2010. After graduating from Weber State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, Russ began his professional life in the NFL, playing punter with the Seattle Seahawks for one year. He and his wife Amy, who recently retired from her career as a Flight Attendant, have gone on to pursue second careers. Amy currently is the Executive Director of Hospitality for Sextant Winery with locations in Paso Robles and Edna Valley in SLO. In September of 2015 Russ retired from the SLOPD and took on the role of Director of Student Life/Dean of Students at Mission Prep High School. It has been a welcoming change for him to utilize his skills in this new environment, drawing upon his vast experience as a detective and police officer. Russ has the ability to see red flags in students who may be experiencing difficulties, and help steer them in a better direction. He encourages them to stay involved with school, family and friends, as well as actively participating in extra curricular activities.

he transition from active duty police officer, to working with high schoolers, has been both natural and challenging for San Luis Obispo man Russell Griffith who grew up in Magna, Utah. For seven years Russ was a peace officer with the Los Angeles Police Department working in a variety of special units, including the often-intense job as an undercover narcotics detective. Following a move to San Luis Obispo in 1994, Russ began working with the City of SLO Police Department. He held that position for twenty-two years—having a tremendous range of professional experiences as a police officer and detective. During his tenure, Russ was involved in many leadership and training endeavors, and in a variety of law enforcement positions, including serving as the elected president of the San Luis Obispo Police Officer Association and mediating contracts with the city on behalf of his fellow officers. Russ also holds leadership positions on boards of local non-profit organizations, where he has become passionate about, and successful A U G U S T

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Russ firmly believes that developing relationships with students and communicating with them is key to building their trust. He spends time in classrooms and gives talks to the students on what life was like as a police officer, in addition to how they can make healthy choices in their lives. Sometimes students will seek him out directly to discuss their problems. Russ is also in charge of the discipline and behavioral problems in classrooms at Mission Prep. He is charged with enforcing school policy regarding behavioral issues. His experience has shown that students do well when there is structure and adhering to principles. “It’s about being transparent with them and developing good relationships. We give students 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances to do the right thing. If they don’t succeed at first, they may have the opportunity to succeed later,” explains Russ. Russ is also active in providing drug education at Mission Prep. He recently arranged for local filmmaker Jody Belsher to speak and show her film “The Other Side of Cannabis.” The documentary presents the dangers of marijuana to adolescent, teenage and young adult brains. Russ arranged for the entire student class, as well as parents, to see the presentation. He believes that drug education is a vital component of the educational process. When Russ was a student at Utah State University, he met his wife Amy. They were both eighteen years old. They married when they were twenty-two and have recently celebrated thirty years of mar-

PEOPLE

riage. They have three children that make Russ very proud. Following graduation from SLO High School, each one received a scholarship to their chosen college. Kiley, 24, graduated from Marymont Manhattan College in New York City with a double major in dance and international studies. She now works in Human Resources at the Blackstone Group in New York. Teagan, 20, currently swims on, and is captain of the division one Colorado State University Swim Team. She is pursuing her bachelors degree in Communication and Business. Blake, 18, will be going to LaSalle University in Philadelphia this Fall. He will be a division one diver. Blake was a high school All American Diver. Russ feels that his children do their best when they actively participate in activities that they enjoy doing. He attributes his successful marriage to their mutual support for one another and developing the same philosophies in life. His new role with students is a unique opportunity to give them the positive guidance that he gave to his own children. From the station to the classroom has been not only rewarding for Russ, but it has also given him new meaning and relevance as he approaches an empty nest.

Rendezvous 2016 An Evening of Casual Elegance

at the San Luis Obispo Country Club

Saturday, September 17t h, 2016 at 5 pm Premier Wines â&#x2013;Ş Gourmet Dining â&#x2013;Ş Live and Silent Auctions Famous Cake Auction

For tickets, go to slocasa.org or (805) 541-6542 $100 per person; tables of 8 available

All proceeds benefit abused and neglected children in San Luis Obispo County A U G U S T

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HOME/OUTDOOR

condor release program

condors over cambria By Charmaine Coimbra photos courtesy of the Ventana Wilderness Society

ou were walking along Cambria’s Main St., and the shadow of an enormous bird crossed your path. You looked up, blinked, and thought, “No, it can’t be.” And if you thought it was a California condor because it was much bigger than the more common turkey vulture and it had the telltale large white triangle markings under its wings, it was probably condor 716, aka Orville. Orville, the brother of Wilbur, condor 696, are two of the “Magnificent 7,” the seven juvenile male condors recently released near San Simeon. Orville’s GPS tracking device showed him soaring about 1000 feet over Main St. in Cambria. And whether it was Orville or another member of the seven, Cambria residents have sighted a juvenile male condor perched in the pines, and others have photographed a juvenile condor viewing the landscape from a barren tree branch in the San Simeon area. The seven condors have taken to the North Coast, and have even attracted other condors to come visit and nest. Five more birds are scheduled for release near San Simeon this June, and another five to seven condors are set for a 2017 release. This is wonderful news for the recovery of the California condor population—a population that came much too close to extinction in the wild by the 1980s. The California condor is North America’s largest flying land bird with a wingspan of 9.5 feet. San Luis Obispo County is a historic habitat for the bird. And with this recent release, Joe Burnett, a biologist and coordinator for the Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor program, said that between

San Simeon pen with biologists, Amy List and Jane Sheffer carrying a kennel. A U G U S T

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the topography of the county, the open spaces, and the elephant seal population, these condors, along with others slated for release later this year, may be the chit that brings them full health as a species. Unlike our more adorable and endangered sea otter, vultures have a public relations issue. Admiring vultures is an acquired appreciation. Their bald heads with massive beaks that can tear through a thick hide, and their food source—dead animals—is an unlikely point of polite conversation. It’s an image issue. Even if condors are a social and intelligent species, Leviticus 11:13, warned the Israelites “… you shall detest among the birds; they are abhorrent, not to be eaten: the eagle and the vulture and the buzzard.” Even Charles Darwin claimed, “These are disgusting birds with bald scarlet heads that are formed to revel in putridity.” Besides their lack of cuddle charisma, and like the California condor, vultures around the world are both threatened and endangered. Some populations, like the Gyps vulture in South Asia crashed in the mid1990s. In a 2012 TED talk, Munir Virani, Ph.D, a noted research biologist, explained the importance of vultures to our ecosystems: “So why are vultures important? First of all, they provide vital ecological services. They clean up. They’re our natural garbage collectors. They clean up carcasses right to the bone. They help to kill all the bacteria. They help absorb anthrax that would otherwise spread and cause huge livestock losses and diseases in other animals. Recent studies have shown that in areas where there are no vultures, carcasses take up to

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• Unsure what that bird is soaring over Main Street? From “All About Birds”: The immense size of California Condors is hard to judge from far away, making it surprisingly easy to mistake them for other raptors. Look for the very heavy, stable flight style with almost no flapping. When condors do flap, it’s usually a single, deep wingbeat with the wingtips almost meeting on the downstroke. Turkey Vultures hold their wings above the horizontal and are much less stable in flight, constantly teetering or rocking as they soar. Threats to condors include, lead poisoning from ingested ammunition, micro-trash (from foraging for food along the highway that they feed to their chicks), and DDE still found in the California sea lion. • Learn more at mycondor.org, ventanaws.org, and allaboutbirds.org/ guide/California_Condor/id

three to four times to decompose, and this has huge ramifications for the spread of diseases.” So, when a gray whale washed up along the Big Sur coastline in 2012, it was California condors to the clean-up. They fed on the carcass for three months. Now with about 23,000 northern elephant seals hauling out along the Piedras Blancas region of SLO County, researchers revel in the potential food source for the Magnificent 7 and other visiting condors. The carcasses that condors scavenge, remain a part of the threat in keeping the current population healthy. A portion of the California sea lion population still have DDE (the breakdown product of DDT) accumulations in their blubber. Consequently, condors consume the exact contaminant that further ushered in their population demise decades ago. Elephant seals, as far as most researchers know, are considerably lower in DDE than sea lions. Lead poisoning is another issue for condors. When a condor feeds on a carcass brought down by lead bullets, they begin their feed at the bullet’s point of entry. Lead bullets shatter at the impact point and become an unfortunate pepper for the scavenging condor. Because San Luis Obispo County has responsible hunting and huge ranches, researchers believe this is an essential factor in bringing about a healthy wild California condor population. Now when visiting Cambria and the North Coast portion of SLO County, and the shadow of what looks like an unusually large bird crosses your path, look up, it may be Orville, Wilbur or any of the California condors in the condor recovery program.

California Condor Facts: • In 1982 only 22 California condors remained in the world. • The Ventana Wilderness Society released condors in Big Sur in 1997. • In California, there are 150 wild condors, with about 20 breeding pairs.

Your Happy Place.

• 86 of those condors nest in Central California • California condor release sites: Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, Big Sur, Pinnacles National Park, San Simeon. • Other release sites include Arizona and Baja California. • In total, there are 250 California condors in the wild. • Condors can cover 150 mile a day in flight. A U G U S T

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HOME/OUTDOOR

Dining out

mistura

a marvelous melange By Susan Stewart

his summer, Chef Nicola Allegretta represented the country of Peru at the prestigious Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. There, he showcased many of the outstanding dishes he has created for Mistura, a restaurant featuring the unique flavors and diverse dishes of Peru. How did an Italian chef come to represent a South American country as distinctive as Peru? Perhaps it has something to do with his wife, Jackeline Allegretta, who hails from Peru’s lively capital city, Lima. Opened just shy of two years ago at The River Oaks Golf Course in Paso Robles, Mistura

The Bar at Mistura.

is now a destination eatery for adventurous diners looking for a true “experience.” The menu is long and impressive changing to suit the seasons and reflect the creative talents of Nicola, who also co-owns with Jackeline the popular Mama’s Meatball in San Luis Obispo, as well Haute Catering. With influences from around the world, Peruvian cuisine is bold and flavorful, and Mistura’s menu offers a plethora of choices—from delicate ceviches to hearty soups and stews; from bright, colorful salads to fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks, great steaks, and all manner of fresh seafood. There are several housemade pastas such as tender raviolis stuffed with mushrooms or lobster; and organic, free-range chicken dishes braised or shredded and uniquely flavored with Peruvian spices. Sides include fried wedges of Golden Yuca, Peruvian beans, and Andean potatoes. And desserts feature the exotic Pisco liquer, guanabana fruit, and lucuma gelato.

Juan Carlos with the perfect pour.

Marco, Jordan, Nicola and Kevin

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Effervescent with enthusiasm, Chef Nicola and his staff of superb servers are glad to suggest the perfect wine for each course from their extensive list. On the evening I ate at Mistura, he also surprised us with the winning dish of the evening: an appetizer made with paiche, a 600-pound fish

The View from Mistura

from the Amazon. For this dish, Nicola paired medallions of barbecued paiche with fried plantains and a zingy cilantro pesto. “We prepare our food in small batches,” said Nicola, “and sometimes we run out. But we are proud to say we are out, because it means that so many people liked it!” For the classic Italian dishes served at Mama’s Meatball, Nicola had to look no further than his mother’s own time-honored recipes. But for the complex cuisine of Peru, he worked with Peru’s best known chefs, and studied the rich and multi-cultural legacy of a cuisine heavily influenced by its PreColumbian and Incan heritage, as well as more modern contributions from Spain, Italy, China, and Japan. Juan Carlos, our waiter, gave us wonderful service, Jim Wilmore provided soothing background music, and the kitchen crew posed happily for a photograph. Nicola was quick to praise them all: Head Chef Marco Sturken, Sous chef Kevin Slane, and Chef Garde Manger Jordan Howard. General Manager, Stephanie Stiles, made sure the evening was a standout, and it was. “The best thing about working with Nicola is his infectious passion for life,” said Stiles, who has worked with the Chef for many years. “You can see it in every dish … in the unrelenting way he strives for excellence … in his relationships with friends and family.” Unfamiliar yet satisfying, unexpected yet delicious, Mistura will surprise you … it’s a marvelous mix.

2815 Loganberry Lane, Avila Beach

$1,125,000

Beautiful views from this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath former model home in Kingfisher Canyon. Situated on a large corner lot, this Del Mar floor plan offers single-level living on the main floor. The entry level consists of the living room, kitchen, master suite and laundry. Lower level features two bedrooms, one full bath and a den. Recently remodeled with hardwood floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms, all new interior paint, custom shades, updated landscaping and high-end appliances. Move right in and enjoy this peaceful setting in the San Luis Bay Estates. View the complete virtual tour at: http://www.tourfactory.com/1542802 Erin Mott Broker/Owner BRE# 01448769 ph: 805.234.1946 erin@mpsrealty.com

HOME/OUTDOOR

at the market

Summer tomato flatbread with charred peppers, zucchini and chevre By Sarah Hedger

IMAGINE

YOU COULDN’T

READ YOUR PRESCRIPTION LABEL. 46 percent of adults are unable to read their medication directions. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Literacy for Life is empowering adults in our community by helping them learn to read and write. This means more opportunities for education, employment, and a better quality of life.

Find out how you can help. Visit LiteracyforLifeSLO.org to donate or volunteer.

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ugust marks late Summer at the market and is when we usually feel the abundance of all Summer has produced. ‘So many tomatoes!’ and ‘so much squash!’ is commonly heard among home gardeners (as well as local farmers). Also in season and at their prime on the Central Coast, are stonefruits, being peaches, apricots, nectarines, and plums, as well as tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, and chillies. So much grows this time of year as the first season’s apples make an appearance, as well as dry-grown melons and summer berries. Heaps to choose from!

This month’s recipe, Summer Tomato Flatbread with Charred Peppers, Zucchini, and Chevre, is easier than it sounds and goes together easily and in little time. The flatbread can even be put together in advance, which makes for even easier preparation. It is unique in that it is made without normal wheat flour, using coconut flour and tapioca starch instead. This shifts the macronutrient breakdown from a traditional, refined carbohydrate flatbread, to that of a more even balance of healthy proteins, fats, and fiber. Thus it may make you feel better after you’ve eaten it! Coconut flour is a great flour to incorporate, especially for gluten-free baking. While you can’t use it as a one-to-one replacement because it absorbs A LOT of liquid, you can supplement it in with lighter flours, such as tapioca, and it has a slight sweetness, while not being too nutty, such as almond flour. The flatbread is also nice as it has no yeast leavening, only an egg, making it more like a thin pizza crust flatbread, than a heavier, thicker foccacia-type flatbread. Preparing seasonal veggies at their prime is a real joy as it takes very little preparation to make them taste amazing. I always think about how to let the ingredients’ flavors shine the most, while making sure other ingredients don’t overtake them, or, more importantly, the cooking technique, doesn’t take them beyond the point of their bright flavors being able to shine. I always think the best chefs are the ones who know how to use the freshest, seasonal ingredients,

Summer tomato flatbread with charred peppers, zucchini and chevre Makes enough for 4 small servings or 2 hungry ones For the Flatbread: 1 cup tapioca starch/flour ⅓ cup coconut flour 1 tsp salt ½ cup olive oil ½ cup warm water 1 egg, whisked Preheat oven to 450 degrees F and place baking sheet in oven to preheat.

and make them taste even better than they are found in nature, usually with little preparation! It takes more skill to do less it seems sometimes! That said, charred peppers are a real favorite of mine at the moment. They are easy and taste amazing. They are best done over a good barbecue flame however on a gas stove top works perfectly. I often either hold them with tongs over the open flame or set the whole pepper directly over the flame, listening to it char, and rotating after one side is nearly black. This charring gives the pepper an amazing, subtle smokey flavor, while slightly cooking the pepper, and letting the real essence of the pepper still come through. It is seasonal brilliance! Most recipes call for putting the pepper in a bag or plastic wrap or the like, however, just letting the pepper rest on its own, then slightly scraping some of the black off before slicing is all it needs. Easy! Sure you can buy a jar of roasted peppers for a few hundred times more than a simple pepper, then you have a jar and some weird juice that you don’t really know what it is or why it’s there ... just buy a fresh pepper at the market and it’s perfect! Fresh is always better. Enjoy this summer flatbread as it can be finished on the bbq for a perfect vegetarian summer evening picnic, or in the oven. Enjoy!

We are working on the September issue NOW!

Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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In a large bowl, place tapioca starch, coconut flour and salt. Whisk till no lumps, adding olive oil and warm water while mixing with fork, then egg. Dough should be sticky but hold together. Lightly dust a work surface with a sprinkling of more tapioca starch and turn dough out onto it. Lightly knead for a minute, then roll out between parchment paper until about ½ cm thickness. Remove top paper and transfer dough crust to hot baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until beginning to golden and remove from oven.. For the Tomato, charred Pepper and zucchini: 1 large red bell pepper, charred over gas flame until black all over, then sliced 2 T olive oil 1 zucchini, cut into small moons 1 red onion, cut into slivers 1 large cup of heirloom cherry tomatoes 1 tsp dried oregano pinch of salt pinch of crushed red dried chillies 1 cup good quality chevre, broken into chunks Place large skillet over medium high heat. Add red onion, cooking until soft. Add zucchini, cooking for anther 2 minutes, then tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add oregano, salt, and chillies. Gently mash mixture, breaking up tomatoes to release their juices. Spread mixture over flatbread, topping with chevre. Place in oven under broiler for 5 minutes, until chevre is slightly charred. Remove from oven and drizzle with a little more olive oil.

COMMUNITY

the greatest athletes on the central coast By Dr. Don Morris

Editor’s note: The reader response to the question “Who are the Greatest Athletes in the history of the Central Coast?” has been overwhelming. More than 100 nominations have been received from readers from Ventura to Salinas and almost all the high schools and various sports were represented. (Many of the nominations were about central coast men and women athletes who have gone on to compete professionally in sports like Olympic events, football, baseball, track and field, golf, boxing, ultimate fighting, tennis, kick boxing, basketball, rodeo, race-car drivers, etc). So far the following athletes have been featured: Ed Brown, Stephanie Brown Trafton, Chuck Liddell, Loren Roberts, Steve Patterson, Gene Rambo, Robin Ventura, Jordan Hasay, Chuck Estrada, Mike Larrabee, Ron Capps, Jamie Martin, Rusty Kuntz, Randall Cunningham, Jim Lonborg, Kami Craig, John Rudometkin, Ivan Huff, Chelsea Johnson, Michael Louis Bratz, Frank Minini, Scott McClain, Mel Queen, Napoleon Kaufmann, Katie Hicks, Mark Brunell, Gene Romero, Kenny Heitz, Thornton Starr Lee and Pat Rusco. Please send nominations to Dr. Morris at dmmorris@calpoly.edu.

rusty Blair “Batter up!” ... Oops, I mean, “Jump ball!” That’s how quickly the early sporting life of Rusty Blair, (San Luis Obispo H.S.), changed. His entire youth was devoted to baseball, playing hour after hour, seven days a week until he was approached by a member of the SLOHS boy’s basketball staff on the first day of school in 1966. Rusty, a tall, slender, 15-year-old sophomore was asked by coach Pat Crawford, “Who are you? You must be 6’8” tall! Do you play basketball?” Rusty replied, “No, only baseball.” The coach said, “That will change!” Indeed it did, as Rusty played that first season of organized basketball with the JV team, leading them to an undefeated season. His A U G U S T

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skills sets exploded, as he could shoot the sky hook with both hands and was able to successfully implement an assortment of pivot moves. He also showed a soft touch from the outside, and could knock down free-throws. His next two years on the varsity were historical for him, and the team. He scored over 1100 points and garnered 700 rebounds, (25.6ppg and 14.9 rpg his senior season, with highs of 48,42,and 41 points and a high rebounding game of 34). The team was ranked #1 and compiled a 49-5 record. In 1968, Rusty was named CIF and California State Player-of-theYear, and awarded All-American honors. His career point and rebound totals are still SLOHS records. Rusty received interest from 79 Division I universities, including UCLA, USC, Cal, Utah, and #2 nationally ranked Santa Clara, but opted to sign with the University of Oregon, just after his 18th birthday. In less than three years, Rusty, with no previous experience in basketball, went from a baseball fanatic, to the top of the amateur basketball world. Rusty quickly emerged as a scorer for the Ducks, and was moved to the perimeter to incorporate his outside shooting. His inside/ outside play enabled Rusty to frustrate opponents, as the Ducks climbed in the national polls. He scored over 1000 points, and started throughout his Oregon career. He gained national attention

for his performances versus the UCLA Bruins, ranked #1 nationally, reigning national champions and coached by legendary John Wooden. Rusty single handedly shot the Ducks past UCLA in Oregon’s upset win, during his sophomore season. He was dubbed by then, UCLA TV commentator, Dick Enberg, as “The Bruin Killer.” Rusty was drafted by the Memphis Pro’s of the American Basketball Association, (ABA), in 1972. However, before training camp opened, the Memphis franchise folded, forcing Rusty to venture to Europe to begin his professional basketball career. Rusty played 11 seasons in the rugged European FIBA League. He spent seven seasons in Belgium, three in The Netherlands, and one season in Barcelona, Spain, playing for the Iberia Superstars, of the now defunct World Basketball League (WBL). He averaged 27.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, shot 56% FG and 90.2% FT for his 11-year professional career. In 1979 Rusty averaged 38.5 ppg leading his team to the Belgium Championship, and unofficially lead the “world in scoring.” His 62 point game during that season was a Belgium single game scoring record. In 1983 he shot 95% from the free throw line while playing in the Netherlands, (national single season record). His final season as a professional, while playing for Weert, Holland of the Dutch National Professional Basketball League, he led Europe in 3-point FG% and 3 point baskets made, in his only year competing with the newly incorporated 3 point line. This was highlighted by his 11/11 3 point shooting night during a Dutch League game.

United States permanently, coaching boy’s high school basketball/PE instructor/Athletic Director in Oakland, Oregon. He was hired the following year by Cuesta College as the schools’ third men’s head basketball coach. (Rusty just completed his 24th year as head coach).

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Rusty has amassed 455 wins and 319 losses, has won 10 Western State Conference championships, qualified for 17 post season play-off berths, including three “sweet 16” appearances and in 1997, with an over-all record 33-5, (Cuesta record), reached the California State Community Colleges basketball finals. Rusty has been named Coach of the Year seven times, and he has placed 112 of his student/athletes with full scholarships at 4 year universities and colleges throughout the United States and Canada. After 50 years as a basketball player and coach, Rusty’s 1000 games played and 1000 games coached with a .700 winning percentage, places him in elite company worldwide. Although, Rusty at age 65, prepares for his 25th season at Cuesta College, he continues to participate in competitive basketball. As a member of the USA Senior Olympics Team, he has won a gold medal at Portland, Oregon, and silver medals at Melbourne, Australia and Edmonton, Canada.

with him shooting hoops in a local gym, coaching Cuesta College games from the sidelines, then check out the baseball cages; you’ll find him there.

However, Rusty still misses his infatuation with baseball. So, if you don’t catch up

Rusty retired in 1985, having played in over 1000 high school, collegiate and professional basketball games. Rusty briefly returned to the United States and completed his post academic work at Cal Poly, earning his California Teaching Credentials and his Masters Degree in Physical Education, while serving as assistant coach at Cuesta College. In 1988, Rusty returned to Europe, embarking on his coaching career. He served two years as head coach in Weert, Holland and one season with Damme, Belgium. All of his teams qualified for the league play-offs and in 1989 came within one win from reaching the European Finals. Rusty was then recognized as Dutch National Coach of the Year. In 1991, Rusty and his wife, Kaatje, and children, Casey and Kelly, returned to the

805 Aerovista #103, San Luis Obispo

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slo children’s museum “have you played today?” By Susan Stewart

magine a place where loud voices are allowed, where unravelling a roll of tape is encouraged, where no one will ever tell you “don’t touch!,” where races are held that adults always lose. Every child’s fantasy? Sure! But this one’s a real place. And the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum invites you to visit, to explore, to learn, to be naughty or nice … but most of all to play. With three floors and dozens of interactive exhibits, the SLO Children’s Museum is a sensory extravaganza that ignites imaginative play, sparks curiosity, encourages questions, and delights the hearts and minds of children … and adults (like me) who have sadly forgotten how to play. The website tells us that the Museum “first opened its doors in 1990 after the property was donated to the City of San Luis Obispo and the building converted from a transmission shop. The Museum’s first incarnation lasted 14 years but the building had many structural and logistical problems, and the facility often reached capacity on busy days. From 2005-2008 the Museum was closed for reconstruction and over $5

Linnea on the Bike

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Water Table

million was raised to create a world class facility. By June of 2009, all three floors were open and the Museum was officially completed.” Boasting an impressive roster of local community partners, including The Community Foundation and Cal Poly, plus a strong list of donors and supporters and a dedicated Board of Directors, more than 50,000 guests visit the Museum each year. Executive Director Michelle Jenkins has been with the museum since 2008, serving first as Development Director, where she helped to raise the money needed for renovation. She has been E.D. since 2010. Possessing a dynamic blend of genuine, childlike enthusiasm plus strong non-profit “can-do,” Jenkins recently led me on a brief tour of current exhibits and described two new ones slated to be completed by September. Insert your hand inside the holes in a wall marked “Curious?” and all manner of fuzzy, slick, rocky, and prickly objects dare you to guess what you are touching. Stop by the Giant Light Peg Wall and create your own vibrant, pulsing design, sponsored by Rotary of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Peer into a microscope for an up close and personal glimpse of monarch butterflies and coral. Put on some headphones and join the Quota-sponsored “Hearing Race” where kids always beat the grown-ups! Make your very own robot at The Robot Lab, build Kinetic sand mountains that control topography at the Augmented Reality Sandbox. Climb aboard a real police motorcycle (donated by former Police Chief Deb Linden), learn to dance with a quartet of talented child dancers on video, see (or create) a puppet show, experience an earthquake, or treat a broken arm at the Medical Office (recently sponsored by Central Coast Pediatrics). There’s a Dino Dig, a climbing tower, a reading nook, a Fire Department, a Shadow Wall, a Post Office, a child-sized café, and a Gumbyesque but original stop-action LEGO video made by a local Mission High School student.

Opening later this season are two new exhibits: Secrets of the Kelp Forest (funded by The Hind Foundation) that requires us to put on flippers before entering a dark sea cave where all manner of kelp plants dangle overhead, bubble tubes mimic the undersea world, and shark’s teeth are imbedded in the stones below. And, The Western Town, complete with store, stable and water trough— lovingly and accurately created by Howard Wood with the support of the San Luis Obispo History Center to authentically depict our town as it was when cowboys ruled. Murals by Brian Lawler and art by Marcie Hawthorne adorn the walls and enhance the visuals at every turn on every level of the building. “We have so many talented donors and collaborators,” said Jenkins, pointing out the myriad local scenes and references to local fixtures throughout. “It really lends to the strong sense of place you find here.” A San Luis Trolley will soon feature a video that mimics a ride through the city. A Science Lab, a Sand Pendulum, and a Mist Garden are also in the works. The latter is a great way to cool off in the hot summer months and, by the way, needs a sponsor, says Jenkins. Passing an intriguing door marked The Thinkery, Jenkins expounds with pride on the Museum’s own pre-school for 2 ½ to

Kelp Forest

5-year-olds. Directed by inspiring teacher, Karen Ames, The Thinkery is growing fast and accepting registrants for Fall. “Creativity, collaboration, and a chance to meet people who are excited by what we’re up to here,” are the things Jenkins loves most about a job she was obviously made for. “I work with so many amazing organizations like the Central Coast Aquarium, both the local children’s museums, the Library, SLOFD, the City and the Chamber,” she adds. And then there are the staff and volunteers who show up every day to “play.” Sheryl Flores is the Museum’s Director of Operations and Guest Services. Donna Hall manages the Art Center. Shelley Concannon is a dedicated volunteer and past board president who will be honored at the fundraiser this Fall. Ann Robinson, Mike Patrick, Alison Alltucker, Linda Rawlings, Ashala Lawler, Missy ReitnerCameron, Anne Fortini and many more were instrumental in recreating the Museum. With a stated goal to reach as many children as possible, the Children’s Museum offers ample opportunities to underserved and lowincome populations. In addition to school programs, field trips, and scholarships, the Museum also offers “Moonlight Hours” every third Thursday evening from 5 – 8 p.m. when guests can play for free. It’s impossible to name a most popular exhibit or even choose a favorite. Highly subjective, intensely diverse, and fantastically fun, one truly must visit, and linger a while, to appreciate this City treasure. Located in the heart of downtown at 1010 Nipomo at Monterey, the Children’s Museum is host to whole new generation of families, each one discovering what fun it is explore without boundaries, to play without rules.

Climber

Visit www.slocm.org for more information; call 544-KIDS or email info@slocm.org. A U G U S T

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honoring our veterans

call to the colors

telling the stories of military veterans so that all generations may more fully understand the costs of peace and realities of war By Gail Pruitt Spotlight: Sandra McGregor, Museum Secretary & Librarian Extraordinaire Sandra McGregor, the Museum’s secretary and librarian, was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. After her high school graduation, she became an English major at Long Beach State College, now California State University at Long Beach. In the years that she attended LBSC, she worked in the college library. Having taken several years of college German she applied for the California State Colleges International Program for an adventure. She spent the year after her college graduation studying German literature and history at the Free University of Berlin when the city was divided by The Wall. She lived in the British Sector and went to school in the American Sector, very near the American base. During the two-month semester break, she and a friend traveled through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. After that exciting year was over, Sandra returned to Long Beach State to complete the requirements for her teaching credential. She student-taught a German class and an English class. Sandra was hired by the Long Beach Unified School District and taught at David Starr Jordan High School for the next twenty-eight years. For the first eight of those years, she taught the usual literature and writing classes; however, in 1970 the district diversified the curriculum to include such courses as creative writing and film as literature. She took summer film classes at the renowned USC Cine-ma Department in 1971, and her life changed forever. She became “hooked” on the study of film, and earned her masters degree in Cinema in 1974. It was at USC that she met her husband Russ and through him that she met many influential people in the film industry. His position as Dean/Director of the USC School of Cinema/Television (now the School of Cinematic Arts) took them to cinema-related conferences in such interesting locations as Edinburgh, Paris, Copenhagen, Stockholm and New Delhi. They taught a film class in Karlsruhe, Germany, to teachers in the U.S. Dependents School in Europe. Sandra and her husband had owned property on the Central Coast since 1988 and decided it was the perfect spot for their retirement. In 1994 she retired from teaching, and they moved permanently to San Luis Obispo. After her husband passed away in 2007, Sandra donated his many books about World War II and the Civil War to the CCVMM and innocently mentioned her years working in the Long Beach State Library. The rest is history. She created a library for the Museum which now contains approximately 3,500 non-fiction books about conflicts in which the United States has been involved from World War I through the present. It also has books about military strategy and tactics and about military equipment. The library also has a collection of video tapes, DVDs, and audio books. The Museum’s website, vetmuseum.org, has a partial list of the library’s holdings, and can be searched by title, author, and subject. In 2010, Sandra became the secretary of the Board of Directors. Sandra is delighted at how much she has learned about history and what wonderful friends she has made at the Museum. She marvels at how much the historic displays teach and at how much the Museum has changed in the past nine years. Sandra wholeheartedly concurs with the CCVMM Board president, Jack Jones, who says, “We’re in the business of remembering.” Editors note: We call her Sandy. She is everyone’s “right hand.” Her “to do” list is continually overfilled. Her desk is heaped with books for shelving, letters for writing, schedules for organizing, files for filing, emails for emailing. Yet she makes time to insure each volunteer’s birthday is celebrated with cake and candles and singing. Best of all, she personally composes then beautifully prints a birthday card for each of us. Every year! At Christmas time she invites us all to her home for an afternoon celebration and again each July for a relaxed summer evening together. We love her. And we couldn’t do what we do without her. Introducing a New Exhibit: The Medal of Honor interactive kiosk The Museum Board of Directors is very pleased to announce a special new exhibit. On behalf of the Museum, the Board recently authorized the purchase and installation of an interactive Medal of Honor kiosk to be placed next to the already-existing Medal of Honor display. The Museum applied for and was given a grant from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to pay for half of the cost of the kiosk with the Museum paying the other half. “The kiosk contains a complete Medal of Honor database selectable by name, service or war … (plus) more than 100 five-to-eight minute short stories told by the recipients themselves using interview footage, action file footage, narration and music to enhance the overall content and impact.” History of the Medal of Honor “The Medal of Honor was born in 1862, but it was the act of 9 July 1918 that defined the future of the award, while further eliminated the Certificate of Merit while establishing the new “Pyramid of Honor” A U G U S T

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providing for lesser awards (The Distinguished Service Cross, The Distinguished Service Medal, and the Silver Star). A key difference between the levels of awards was spelled out, ‘That the President is authorized to present, in the name of the Congress, a medal of honor only to each person who, while an officer or enlisted man of the Army, shall hereafter, in action involving actual conflict with an enemy, distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” The lesser awards were authorized for presentation by the President, “BUT NOT IN THE NAME OF CONGRESS. 1862 To Present “The Navy medal was the first to be struck, followed quickly by the Army version of this award. There are three different types of Medals of Honor today...The original star shape established in 1861 which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, designed in 1963 and adopted in 1965.” From the Congressional Medal Of Honor Society website

coming soon A second interactive video station where you will be able to watch interviews with veterans DISCUSSING THEIR MILITARY EXPERIENCES. These interviews were conducted and recorded right here in the Museum for inclusion in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.

four local businesses become newest museum sponsors The Museum Board of Directors would like to extent a special acknowledgement and “Thank You” to four local businesses for recently joining our Museum sponsorship program. The Veterans Museum Sponsorship Program asks business to donate $100 a year to the Museum. In return each business is advertised in this publication, on the Museum’s website and Facebook page, and inside the Museum. The business also receives a window decal to show their support of veterans and copies of this quarterly publication. More importantly, business owners have the personal satisfaction of supporting the Museum to fulfill its mission of honoring veterans. And we are extremely appreciative of their support. Sheriff’s family day at the ranch in September: Museum staff will be there San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation is hosting its annual Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch on September 10, 2016. Watch local media for the time. Each year the Museum has two tables staffed by volunteers. On the tables are interesting artifacts and information plus a fully restored military jeep. book signing event in the works The Museum and American Legion Post 66 plan to host a book signing event tentatively scheduled

for December. The book, about a member of a well-known San Luis Obispo family, is set to be released soon. Watch this column in October for more information about the event date, time, location, etc.

meet the museum board of Directors, Staff Members, Docents, Student Docents, Junior Docents & Student Intern You might be surprised by the number of people who volunteer their time and talents to operate the Museum. Some work behind the scenes on Tuesday and Thursday and other days as well. The docents volunteer Wednesday through Saturday taking visitors on tours through the Museum. Each one is a volunteer. Impressive, isn’t it?

The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum is located at 801 Grand Ave. San Luis Obispo. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 3pm. Admission is free. Donations appreciated. For more information go to www.vetmuseum.org

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history

The story continues.

Cal poly: an angel enterprise Part 2

By Joe Carotenuti

reams are signposts for the future. They are not the destination but guides along the way. Fortunately, dreams also have the ability to change, mutate, realign along the path to fruition. Thus, when Myron Angel was handed a defeat to create an educational institution for the training of teachers, the strength of his dream (and character) dictated finding another route, but never turning back. In many ways, his determined quest would be the same followed by so many students at the polytechnic school for generations to come. To recap: Starting with a dream to establish a state normal school, he first sought funding through the legislative process. Faced with a bevy of other established and planned normal schools, the institution’s purpose was widened to encompass other practical skills. Based on a painful personal reminiscence, Angel knew the hands needed to be able to function along with the brain to make a living. “Learn by doing” was born but then faced a governor’s veto.

Defeat was not a popular word. Angel continued with what he termed the “campaign of 1898.” The war for education required a plank in the political party platforms so Angel attended the Republican Convention and secured the necessary notice. He continued to write articles for the local Breeze with one entitled “It’s Necessity and Scope—Let It Be The Cornell of the Pacific.” At the time, Cornell’s emphasis on “practical” in the context of a liberal arts education was a relatively novel concept. Time—nor Angel—remained still and once again, the senate approved a bill to establish the school. This time, it didn’t even make it to the Governor’s desk. It seems the local assemblyman, James K. Burnett, had earned the ire of his peers who rejected the measure. In the maze of political retribution, one source blamed the rejection on Burnett’s opposition to a plan to pay a bounty on coyote scalps! If the “campaign” had suffered a setback, for Angel, it was simply another bump in the road as there was to be a new “Campaign of 1899” to once again convince the politicos. To Angel, there was “no open opposition” but there were enemies “who hid themselves behind economic principles and prejudices against all innovations of progress.” Any enemy of progress was no friend of his and had no place legislating for the community. A new year, a new decade and a new century propelled a vision into a reality. First, Warren M. Johns was elected to replace the errant Burnett on a Republican ticket that supported the school. Johns proved an adroit politician and eventual school trustee. Within two months of convening, “An Act to establish the California Polytechnic School” was passed by an almost unanimous vote of both the Senate and Assembly. A petition signed by nearly 1000 residents (in a county numbering about 16,500) helped persuade the new governor, Henry T. Gage (1899-1903) to sign the measure on March 8, 1901. Progress was coming. Indeed, closely following his signature, the final gap in the Southern Pacific Railroad to the south would be closed and the central coast finally connected to the transcontinental rail system. Undoubtedly seen as a benefit of progress, President William McKinley would visit in early May. His successor, President Theodore Roosevelt, visiting two years later, congratulated the community on its vision to afford an education “for the tiller of the soil to make his a learned profession.” Cal Poly 1900

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A Retirement Facil COMMUNITY

Even though the prospect of moving m future, you owe it to yourself to learn h carefree living in your own home for man

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While now a law, funding of $50,000 was available after the start of the following year for purchases and construction. Myron Angel’s vision had become a reality but he was never to be involved in contributing to its future. He had composed the symphony but was never to conduct its music. While nominated for the required Board of Trustees, he was not appointed but most likely appreciated the rest. His health declining, Angel died on June 27, 1911. He was 84. The architect chosen for the new institution was William H. Weeks who also designed the Free Library building (today’s History Center) and the San Luis Obispo High School. Today’s massive educational enterprise still proclaims its founding motto of “Learn by Doing” in an increasingly more complex (and expensive) advanced education. Dedicated to what today are deemed “practical arts,” the first classes begun in October 1903 more closely resembled an advanced high school/ community college course of study. Little did those first 20 students consider themselves the academic ancestors of the tens of thousands who have walked the halls and sprawling campus—originally 281 acres. Locally, Myron Angel certainly is a major figure in the community’s development. His personal joy in being instrumental in the founding of the school was captured in 1908 when he wrote The History of the Polytechnic School at San Luis Obispo. Filled with the near daily struggles to bring the school from vision to reality, his pride in knowing it was not a futile battle includes ample appreciation for all those who joined in his “campaigns.” A sign of character is gratitude for those who have befriended us … let alone a community, education and the myriad legions of students who have brought their education to all parts of the globe. Hopefully, both the university and the city will recognize their common hero with appropriate appreciation. Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com

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our schools the community needs you! By James J. Brescia, Ed.D. County Superintendent of Schools

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others.” —Mahatma Gandhi Are you called to serve the local community in what can be very rewarding but is often called “the toughest volunteer job in America?” If your answer is yes, read on and consider making a difference for future generations. There are over 1,100 school districts in California, each with a locally elected board of trustees. While school boards have many responsibilities, their fundamental role is the same—to govern the districts. Governance is about the “big picture,” such as setting the direction for the district, allocating resources, monitoring performance, ensuring accountability, and working directly with the superintendent. Effective school boards make decisions based upon the core mission of promoting learning and success for all of the students they serve. Elected officials provide a vital link between the community and the school district they represent. Successful trustees not only rep-

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resent their constituents but serve as advocates for their students and schools. There is a definite line between governing and managing the daily activities of a district. While boards are ultimately accountable and responsible, they employ a superintendent to manage the day-to-day operations. This year all of our school districts located in San Luis Obispo County will hold elections for school district trustees. San Antonio School District Trustee, James L. Howard was asked why he serves on a board that receives a minimal stipend and must make difficult and often contentious decisions. Q: What motivated you to serve? “I serve because I want input into the future—and our future is the children. To see them develop, grow and achieve makes serving on the board worth the while. The pay is priceless.” Similarly, Chris Ungar, the California School Boards Association President, and local trustee for San Luis Coastal Unified School District serves because he can make a difference. He says, “I believe in community service, and making sure all kids get the education they need and the future they deserve is my calling.” San Luis Obispo County resident Tammy Gunther is the CSBA vice president and has successfully served as a trustee for the Atascadero Unified School District. Ms. Gunther is another example of many who consider public service for the greater good. You might ask, “Why do we have school boards?” A defining factor in our democracy is citizen oversight of local government. Involvement of the citizenry is present in our cities, counties, states, regions and nation. We have local advisory groups, community service districts, police boards, road commissions, fire authorities, river districts, library associations, airport authorities, and countless other local government boards, all governed by civilians. It is a statement about our democracy that we entrust the governance of our schools to citizens elected by their local communities to oversee both school districts and county offices of education. There are nearly 100,000 citizens serving local communities throughout the nation as school board members. School trustees make up the largest category of publicly elected officials in the United States. These community members provide accountability, oversight, and governance for the professionals who manage the day-to-day operations of our school districts and county offices of education. California public schools serve more than six million students. Busy citizens might think public service is a waste of precious resources, mainly time. However, similar to many activities, the more we become involved, the more efficient and effective the organization can become. Schools represent a large portion of tax dollars, promote an educated citizenry and serve the greater good. Locally elected boards can learn not only which questions to ask, but when to make decisions for instructional improvement that benefit our entire community. Citizen leaders are sometimes elected because of some need to react immediately. However, a planned or strategic consideration of elected service is in the best interest of our students, and may save time or taxpayer money in the long run. If you are interested in serving as a school trustee, please contact the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education at 805-782-7201 for additional information. “I always told anyone who would listen that I was available for more public service.” —Shirley Temple

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AUGUST CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: 1930s

ACROSS

1. Designer ____ Mizrahi 6. Urge Spot to attack 9. Nanjing nanny 13. *”The Divorcee” Oscar winner Shearer 14. “Much ____ About Nothing” 15. Grease and ____ 16. Weak-____, or scared 17. Read-only memory 18. Downy duck 19. *Salt March leader 21. *1936 Olympics location 23. Bond movie “Live and Let ____” 24. Musical finale 25. Like sashimi 28. Cocoyam 30. Trying experience 35. Dutch cheese 37. Burst of wind 39. *”King of the ____ Blues,” Robert

Johnson 40. In neutral 41. Piece of writing 43. Very dark black 44. Check-out person 46. Chalupa alternative 47. Follows ding 48. From ____ ____, or from this point 50. Pal 52. Lilliputian 53. Candle top 55. Roman road 57. *Mr. Porsche’s creation 60. *”____ is the Night” by Fitzgerald 63. Boatload 64. Put down 66. Dostoyevsky’s novel, with “The ____” 68. Cupid’s ammo 69. Swimmer’s distance 70. Bundle of axons 71. “M*A*S*H” ____ hall 72. Exclamation of surprise

73. *Johnny ____ and His Orchestra DOWN 1. Pen juice 2. *”Over the Rainbow” or “Stormy Weather” 3. Square footage 4. To change, as in U.S. Constitution 5. Tiger’s attendant 6. Delhi draping dress 7. Bachelor’s last words 8. Hamburger and fries 9. Pomegranate seed 10. Calf-length skirt 11. End of grace 12. H in British HMS 15. Actor Depardieu 20. Trimable fence 22. a.k.a. Tokyo 24. Tsarist Russia’s elite cavalryman 25. *The Third one 26. Discombobulate 27. Australian horse 29. *____ Bowl

31. Proof of home ownership 32. Tennis-affected joint 33. Be sorry for one’s wickedness 34. *Great Depression photographer 36. Insignificant 38. RPM indicator 42. AOL’s “____ Got Mail” 45. Genuflect in submission 49. Zippo 51. Ore extracting 54. Yo-Yo’s instrument 56. Venomous slitherer 57. Like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard 58. Makes mistakes 59. They’re large on prima donnas 60. Blundre, e.g. 61. *De Valera’s name for Ireland 62. Republican Karl 63. Tucker of “Modern Family” 65. Pleasurable interjection 67. One less than jack

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EYE ON BUSINESS simple lessons pack a punch By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

ohn Bates (pictured) is an internationally recognized expert in leadership communication. He’s a student of human interaction and the role biology plays in how we communicate. And while John is an academic who can talk about brain activity, the fact that he also survived crippling personal challenges that helped him go on to build a successful communication consultancy adds a very human element to his training. John has worked with executives from prestigious firms including Johnson & Johnson Innovation Labs, NASA, Accenture, IBM, Second Genome and Boston Scientific, the TedX presenter was most recently a featured speaker at the 8th Annual Andre, Morris & Buttery Business Symposium held at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.

John focuses on not just the “what” of communication success, but also the “why.” He offers guidance on how improved communication generates success, fosters creativity and enables us to have some fun in the areas of communication and leadership. His presentation talked about three principles that, when applied to our communication approaches, can improve

results anytime, anywhere and with any audience. John walked his talk, and the easy connection he created with the audience suggests he knows what he’s talking about. I thought it would be useful to share his three tips—each of which he attributed to his colleague thought leaders. First, with a nod to world renowned motivational speaker Les Brown, John reminded audience members that “peoples don’t connect with successes, they connect with messes.” The lesson here was one of using failures, misses, disappointments and other experiences as a means of connecting with others. John’s point was that we can all relate to crushing defeat, and when a speaker shares a glimpse into a toe-stub (or worse) of his or her own, it helps humanize the conversation and make it memorable. Lesson: cut the selfpromotion and get real. The second point came from another award winning trainer, Craig Valentine. John talked about Craig’s suggestion that we “don’t make ourselves special, we make the process special.” Don’t focus on ourselves and our success or qualifications, but on what we learned or a system used that helped create that success, i.e., “as

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I built my business I found four guiding principles indispensable…” and then share what they are. In other words, give listeners the keys to success, not a biographical brag sheet. Another way of saying cut the self-promotion. And lastly, this thought from Nancy Duarte, another recognized leader in communication training: “don’t be the hero, make the audience the hero.” This tip focuses on how to make winning presentations, especially pitches for new business. According to John, when we make presentations, the easy default is to feel that “it’s all about me.” He recommends we rethink that and get to the notion of “it’s all about them.” He points out that it’s the business prospect that is critical to our own success, not the other way around. John suggests our communication should zero in on helping clients, showcasing what we can do to help them, bringing us a third time to the admonishment to cut the self-promotion. I was struck at the symposium, and again now in reviewing my notes and thinking about the presentation, as to how simple John’s counsel is. One could argue that there’s nothing revolutionary in this material, and that’s true, but what was equally striking was how the audience listened to and responded eagerly to John’s presentation. The takeaway for me: he made a powerful point by reminding us of what we may readily know, but often forget to practice. It was a great way to spend 45 minutes. John, who is a co-author of “World Class Speaking Success,” offers an online training course and other information through his company, Executive Speaking Success. www.executivespeakingsuccess.com.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

August 2016

Inside: Downtown Perspec t ive Downtown B usiness Spo tlights

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P e r s p e c t i v e

of a downtown and current trends in the industry. I realize that on paper that may seem pretty boring to many people but trust me, downtown folks love this stuff and the people in the program amplified its positive energy.

his month I want to take a break from the interview series that I have been writing about Downtown SLO personalities. It is not because the series has not been fun to write but simply because I have something that I would like to share about a recent trip to New York City. You see, there are many trips that I have been on that left me with fond memories and arguably changed my life. However, this trip to NYC will be one of the few professional trips that I will reflect on years later and recall how it shaped my life.

o the question on your mind could be, “What was so special about this particular trip?” Lucky for those of you with that obvious Dominic Tartaglia, question, I am happy to explain just why it Executive Director was such an empowering trip. When you take a small city like San Luis Obispo and you place it next to a much larger New York City, it doesn’t really seem like there could be commonalities. Nothing n late June, the International Downtown Association could be farther from the truth! The similarities are hosted a week long program for 26 emerging leaders many and occur on different scales. Both cities are from around the world with an emphasis on more obsessive about public space, host tourists from all effective downtown management. This was to be the around the world, struggle with a balance of locally first cohort of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) owned and commercial entities, are seeking solutions to of which I was privileged to be a part of. The program homelessness and are walkable/bikeable communities. included training about leadership styles and better understanding how to work in teams, Public Private here are many differences as well but those are not Partnerships (P3), urban place-making, financial analysis what changed my perspective during this trip. As

On the Cover: The JD Project will be taking the stage at Concerts in the Plaza on Friday, August 12th; pictured is drummer Dave LaCaro, he'll be joined on stage by band mates Jon Scholl, Dan Ernst & Doug Groshart. You can find the remaining line-up for this year's series at DowntownSLO.com. Photo by Mukta Naran.

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August 5

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part of our ELF training, we were sent out into the streets of various boroughs to study everything from parklets, gentrifying neighborhoods, public parks and the overall downtown economies. The work we did as smaller teams showed me a bright future of colleagues who are as deeply passionate about the places known as downtown. Teamwork is the future of downtowns across the country and that includes the teamwork of our local government, property owners, business owners and people like you.

have known that teamwork is essential for progress for a long time but sitting at a round table in a park that was literally a roadbed just a few short years ago with a team of my cohorts was a glimpse at what we can have in SLO. It took New York years to get where they are through collaborative partnerships but it was worth it. When I see how many of you participated in the Downtown Concept Plan and Mission Plaza Master Plan workshops I know that the best is yet to come. Downtown SLO is excited to announce that this month we are offering yet another opportunity for you to be a part of the team that plans our future.

n August 10th you are invited to join Downtown SLO for the exclusive screening of Urban Century:

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Return to Main Street at the Fremont Theatre. This feature length documentary will start at 7 PM and runs just over an hour. Once it concludes we will be hosting a panel discussion about Downtown SLO. This event will kick off a series of open community conversations that we hope will bring all of our Downtown fans out to share why they love Downtown SLO, what they hope to see in the future and problems they want to address. This is your Downtown SLO, our association is inviting you to come and have some honest discussions about our community center. Not because we are facing a crisis or due to a major problem but because Downtown is growing, our programs are expanding and the needs of the community are changing. The event is free to attend for the public with the proceeds from beverage sales benefitting our programs.

f there was one take away from the ELF program it was this, downtowns belong to the people who use them and are created by the visions of key partnerships over time. I sincerely hope that you will join us at the historic Fremont Theatre to see the film and change the way you look at Downtown. Let it draw you in and become involved with the evolution of one of this countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest Main Streets, our Main Street.

D o w n t o w n

B u s i n e s s

Baltodano & Baltodano LLP

Hernaldo & Erica Flores Baltodano 733 Marsh Street, Suite 110 (805) 322-3412 bbemploymentlaw.com

B T

altodano & Baltodano LLP, an employment law firm, is owned by husband and wife team Hernaldo and Erica Baltodano. The firm recently moved to a larger 2300 square-foot office space at 733 Marsh Street in Downtown SLO to better serve their growing clientele and staff. he firm represents employees in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. Cases are taken on a contingency basis, which ensures access to legal representation regardless of ability to pay. "We are extremely invested in our clients' well-being," Hernaldo says. "It's important to recognize injustice when you see it, and to stand for those whose voices may otherwise go unheard."

S p o t l i g h t

ith a team of highly-trained and wellcredentialed attorneys and a new satellite office in Los Angeles, Hernaldo and Erica represent clients in state and federal courts locally and throughout California. The couple, Photo by: Jayson Mellom Photography who met in law school at UC Berkeley, practiced law in Southern California before settling on the Central Coast. The couple enjoys the pace of life in SLO, where they can own their own practice but also balance home life and their community involvement.

ou can visit Baltodano & Baltodano LLP online at www. bbemploymentlaw.com to learn more about their expertise in employment law as well as their diverse legal team.

Written by: Jackie Steele

Bernards

Gary Lowe, Director of Business Development 847 Monterey Street, Suite 209 (805) 400-6970

ernards, an innovative and multidisciplinary commercial building and construction management company, has opened its fifth and newest office right in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Brothers Doug, Jeff and Greg Bernards founded the company in 1974 and have since gained Bernards national recognition for their projects, sophisticated building capabilities and commitment to sustainable building techniques. The company has been active with projects on the Central Coast since 2012, which influenced the decision to open the Monterey Street office last August.

ernards' project experience includes large scale civic Atascadero City Hall Photo ÂŠ2013 Tim Griffith buildings, like the recent historic restoration of Atascadero City Hall, new construction and modernization of

K-12 schools, higher education facilities, hotels and resorts. With an active commitment to the communities in which we work, Bernards was honored last fall as Builder of the Year by Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles for our team's efforts in current and recent Build projects, something the company hopes to bring to the SLO area, as well.

ernards maintains a local perspective in each community where they have a presence, Habitat for Humanity including the SLO office, by Photo provided by Bernards hiring local staff and local trade contractors. "We maintain a strong commitment to bring the premier local builder and to hiring local talent," says Director of Business Development Gary Lowe. "We also continually seek to procure local building materials, supplies and workers because we're so passionate about investing in our community." Written by: Jackie Steele

For more information on Downtown Association events, programs and activities, or to sign up for our weekly Deliver-E newsletter, visit www.DowntownSLO.com

palm street perspective

Local transportation funding needs local control By SLO Mayor, Jan Marx

id you know that both the State and Federal governments have drastically cut our local transportation funding recently? They have abandoned their long time responsibility of partnering with us to operate, maintain and improve our local transportation system, leaving us high and dry. What can we do? Yell HELP?? Lecture the State for withholding needed funds? Or, roll up our sleeves and help ourselves? In my opinion, we need to take action by establishing a half cent sales tax earmarked just for our local transportation needs. This would make us a “Self Help” County, like 20 other counties in California with 84% of the state’s population. Taxpayers in Self-Help Counties are already seeing the benefit of job creation, more funding for infrastructure and a heightened ability to leverage a larger share of the federal and state grant money. To learn more about Self-Help, visit www.selfhelpslo.org

Why do we need a new, reliable source of transportation funding? Basically, we need to protect our community’s quality of life, infrastructure and economic growth. Over the next decade, SLO County’s tourism, educational institutions and population will continue to grow. Our senior population will almost triple. This means that we will experience more demand on our streets, highways and transit, but we will have less funding to address it, unless we decide to help ourselves. Our roads need fixing now, and will need more fixing in the future. Without this local revenue measure, we will lose job opportunities, experience increased congestion on degraded streets and highways, suffer service cuts on buses and bicycle paths and see increased transportation costs for youth, seniors and people with disabilities.

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Sacramento from taking possession of these locally generated funds; allows SLO County to better compete for State and Federal grants and leverage funds; delivers a Transportation Investment Plan with a list of projects and programs; includes the safeguard of an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee to ensure projects and programs in the Plan are actually funded and/or completed, and has a 9 year sunset clause. Why has our state funding for transportation dried up? The state gas tax was last increased in 1994. The base excise tax of 18 cents per gallon approved by voters in the nineties is worth only eight cents today. But, the fuel efficiency of our vehicle fleet has increased dramatically over the same period and electric cars are becoming more affordable. So, a taxing mechanism based on consumption is no longer feasible. Revenues have dropped so precipitously that the California Transportation Commission recently eliminated $754 million in projects from the state program and had to delay another $755 million in project work. This includes $114 million less in funds to SLO County. So, why hasn’t Sacramento come up with a solution to this entirely predictable and disastrous situation? So far, no credible explanation has been offered by anyone. I personally have written numerous letters and made three trips to Sacramento with elected officials from other counties to urge our State representatives and the Governor’s office to restore our lost funding. But, the gridlock in Sacramento is not budging. There is no bipartisan support for a solution. I will continue to fight hard for restoration of State funding, but I believe we also must take our destiny in our own hands, or our quality of life, infrastructure and economy will suffer the consequences for the foreseeable future. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me about this or any other city issue, jmarx@slocity.org or (805) 781-7120. All the Best, Mayor Jan

As the current President of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), I have supported putting a Self-Help measure on the November 2016 ballot to address our desperate situation. The Board majority has agreed to support a ballot measure for a Transportation Investment Plan based on a 9-year, half-cent sales tax, to fund specific local and regional transportation priorities. To be enacted, it would need to pass by a 2/3 vote. The Plan was shaped by an extensive public outreach program that asked residents to identify their priorities for future transportation programs and projects. This included over 75 meetings with community organizations and leaders representing diverse viewpoints, four focus groups (representing the southern, northern and central portions of the county, plus the north coast) and a statistically valid phone poll. What specifics are proposed? The proposed categories of funding include: Local Control to be programmed by each city (55%), Regional Projects & Programs focused on our highways and major roadways, including funding for Prado and Tank Farm Roads (25%), Bike & Pedestrian Safety and Connectivity (10%) and Public Transportation, specifically for transit fixed-route service and transportation for seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities (10%). The measure generates $25 million new dollars per year to fix our roads and improve transportation, half of which would be paid for by visitors and non-residents to our county; restricts funds for local projects and transportation priorities; prohibits A U G U S T

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LOVE at the lighthouse

program, traditional pizza Napoletana and the region’s only authentic Neapolitan wood burning pizza oven. Located in the creek-side space that once housed legendary Vieni Vai Trattoria, Flour House is the vision of Italian-born Alberto Russo and his wife Gessica, the son-in-law and daughter of Chef Giuseppe Silvestre, who founded Vieni Vai in 1982. The property has undergone comprehensive renovations and a total redesign. The modern eatery will feature house-made pasta, an extensive aperitivo program and, most notably, an array of authentic handmade pizzas Napoletana.

assistance league receives $5000 grant Lovers are tying the knot at the Point San Luis Lighthouse for the fourth consecutive year, thanks to the efforts of Deb Foughty and The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers. Since 2013, when the first bride and groom chose to exchange their vows with the sparkling Pacific in the background and the sun-splashed Victorian in the foreground, weddings have brought out the best in an already picture-perfect setting. To date, the Lighthouse has witnessed more than 40 weddings, averaging 12 each year. For more information go to sanluislighthouse.org or by calling 855-533-7843.

new restaurant downtown slo Assistance League Of SLO County has received a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation SLO County (CFSLOCO). This grant will be used toward purchasing new school-appropriate clothing for Kindergarten – 12th grade students in need, living and attending school in the County. The Assistance League was chosen to receive this grant and is among 30 recipients, whose grants total $228,800. To learn more about Assistance League, please visit www.alslocounty.org or call (805) 782-0824.

hospital volunteers needed at sierra vista

Flour House, downtown SLO’s much-anticipated first authentic Neapolitan Italian restaurant, is pleased to announce it has opened its doors on Higuera Street. The new Italian eatery features several firsts for SLO, including an aperitivo mixology

The Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary needs your help. From patient and family support to informational services and clerical duties, additional volunteers are needed throughout the hospital, every day of the week. If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community, this group may be a match for your talent. The volunteer auxiliary is a non-profit organization that collectively gives more than 23,000 hours of service each year to the hospital. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call (805) 5467780 or stop by the main lobby of the hospital to pick up an application.

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THE BULLETIN BOARD jim brabeck honored

Swanson PAC Community Access Fund. This grant will be used toward the Civic Ballet’s 39th annual production of The Nutcracker. “It is because of these types of grants in addition to our community donors that we are able to keep the Civic Ballet of SLO alive, while giving back to the community,” said Artistic Director, Drew Silvaggio. The Civic Ballet was chosen to receive this grant and is among 9 recipients, whose grants total $27,300.

The President of Rotary International recently honored San Luis Obispo Rotarian James Brabeck for his Outstanding Efforts in Service to the Vocational Community of International Youth. Presenting the award Certificate are (L to R) Incoming Monday Rotary Club President Eric Linkugel of PG&E, Awardee Jim Brabeck of Farm Supply Company and out going Rotary President Atty. Jeff Stulberg. The SLO Monday Rotary Club is the oldest Service Club in SLO and incoming President Eric Linkugel will be the 95th President of the Club.

slo civic ballet receives $4000 grant The Civic Ballet Of San Luis Obispo was awarded a $4,000 grant from The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center’s Clifton

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jack’s helping hand recognized by cal poly

SESLOC donated $1,000 to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and its Picnic in the Park program. In Santa Barbara County, 84 percent of children, or more than 34,000 kids, receive free or reduced-priced lunches during the school year. Every $10 toward Picnic in the Park provides meals for three children, so with the $1,000 donation, 300 children will be fed over summer break. In San Luis Obispo County, more than 16,000 children are fed reduced-priced school lunches during the school year. Over summer break, the Food Bank Coalition’s Lovin’ Lunchbox program steps in to help by providing children with breakfast, lunch and snacks. SESLOC Federal Credit Union members donated to Lovin’ Lunchbox at SLO County SESLOC branches, raising $8,878.94 for the program. SESLOC matched the first $2,500 raised. Since 2012, SESLOC’s Feeding Young Bodies and Minds campaign has raised nearly $45,000 in support of the SLO Food Bank’s Children’s Programs.

paulding students donate to bb/bs

Local nonprofit Jack’s Helping Hand (JHH) has recently been recognized in two major capacities by the Cal Poly campus. The nonprofit was selected both as a recipient of the Cal Poly President’s Community Service Award and as the beneficiary of Cal Poly’s Greek Week 2016, in which students raised more than $4,200 for JHH. JHH was presented with Cal Poly President’s Community Service Award for Outstanding Campus/Community Collaboration. This is one of four awards given to highlight achievements in service to the community, selected from written nominations by a panel of faculty, staff and students. President Armstrong personally recognizes award recipients for their efforts.

sesloc teams up with food banks

Students from Paulding Middle School in Arroyo Grande donated $1,779 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County through their physical fitness fundraising challenge called “Burpees for a Cause.” In the past five years, the middle-schoolers have raised over $30,000 to benefit local causes, such as the National MS Society and the Special Olympics of SLO County. They raise money by soliciting sponsors who pledge money based on the number of “burpees,” also known as squat thrusts, completed within a five minute time period.

free senior health care screening

Screening offers health screening for adults throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and blood sugar. Counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 544-2484 ext. 1 for dates, times and locations.

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two locals serving on advanced aircraft carrier Brookdale assisted living honors volunteers

A 2012 Arroyo Grande High School graduate and A.G. native and Paso Robles H.S. graduate are serving with a U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologicallyadvanced aircraft, the EA-18G Growler. Petty Officer 3rd Class Abraham Munoz and Shay Diprima are aviation structural mechanics of 14 Navy electronic attack squadrons based in Whidbey Island, Washington. As aviation structural mechanics, they responsible for fixing and maintaining the hydraulic components and structural repair on naval aircraft. As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Munoz and Diprima said that they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

casa receives $5000 grant

CASA of SLO County has received a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of SLO County (CFSLOCO). This grant will be used toward operating costs of CASA’s Infant/Toddler Program serving abused and neglected infants and toddlers. All of these children are under the court’s jurisdiction and most live in foster care. Visit www. slocasa.org for more information about CASA or call the CASA office at 805-541-6542.

The Brookdale Assisted Living in Paso Robles recently honored Paso High School Advanced Communications Peer Group with a luncheon and plaques for their volunteer service and professionalism with the seniors. Students included Ryan Mahoney, Linda Corona (back row) and Bailee McComas (seated).

pismo rotary donates to womenade

Rotary Club of Pismo Beach-5 Cities donated $920 to SLO County Womenade to support local individuals in need. Womenade is grateful to partner with Rotary in our community. Pictured l-r: Joel Conn, Rotary President; Sandy Richardson, Womenade President; Jacque Wheeler, Womenade; and Steve Curry, Rotary Grants Director.

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slo rotary awards $68,150 in scholarships

Nothing makes us more proud as a club than our investment in the young people of our community. This year, we were happy to be able to award $68,150 to 19 students who are continuing on with their academic or vocational studies and to two recipients of the Billy Watson Memorial Scholarship for music. Thank you to all the members of the community who support our Homes of Distinction Tour and our Spaghetti-Western Fundraiser and to our club members who work so hard on these events. Helping these outstanding young people succeed is why we follow our motto of Service Above Self.

rotary de tolosa honors laura krueger

The Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa has named Foundation Chair Laura Krueger their 2015-2016 Rotarian of the Year. Krueger is a local CPA and principal of Laura Krueger CPA CMA. Rotary de Tolosa’s 2015-2016 President Melinda Thomas selected Krueger (pictured) for spearheading nearly $30,000 in contributions to the Rotary Foundation, a new record for the club. Krueger guided Rotary de Tolosa to be recognized as “Every Rotarian Every Year,” an initiative encouraging all Rotary club members to contribute at least $100 every year to support the Rotary Foundation’s financial goals. For more information on Rotary clubs, please visit Rotary de Tolosa’s website at www.rotarydetolosa.org.

sENIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICES OPPORTUNITIES

Put your life experience to work with SVS. Join with many other seniors, age 50+ and over, who are taking time to help improve the lives of others. SVS can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call SVS at (805) 544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities. The Exploration Station in Grover Beach, Food Bank Coalition of SLO County, Nipomo Food Basket, H.A.R.T Homeless Animal Rescue, Cal State Parks/MB Natural History Museum, Morro Bay Police Department is seeking new Police Volunteers to assist in patrol functions and traffic collision scenes, Camp Roberts Historical Museum. We are also in need of a new Treasurer for their Foundation.

new casa volunteers

BB/Bs honor Karen Colombo

Juvenile Court Judge Linda Hurst recently swore in 8 new CASA volunteer advocates and mentors who will be assigned to an abused, neglected or abandoned child or sibling group or to a young adult leaving foster care in SLO County. CASA provided the new volunteers with 30 hours of initial training; each volunteer completed a thorough screening and background check. Volunteers are recruited from all areas of the County and serve throughout the county. For more information, visit www.slocasa.org. Photo, left to right: Amanda Arenas, Patricia Haines, Pamela Hooker, Michael Coleman, Pamela Jardini, Virginia Mendoza, Judge Linda Hurst, Barbara Putman, Clayton Smith. A U G U S T

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Karen Colombo was recently honored at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County’s annual fundraiser with the “Legacy Award” for her years of service to the local youth mentorship agency. Karen Colombo has served on the Board of Directors for 10 years, including 2 years as Board President during which time overall board participation dramatically increased. Of her years of dedicated service, Patty Carpenter, Development Director said, “It is extremely fitting that Karen was presented the award at “The Big Event,” considering that it is our agency’s most successful fundraiser largely as a result of Karen’s countless hours spent over the past 6 years as Event Chair.”

THE BULLETIN BOARD lompoc man wins ag rotary raffle

Lompoc resident, James Hall, is the winner of the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club’s 2nd annual big Harley-Davidson® Raffle Fundraiser. Arroyo Grande Rotary partnered with several local nonprofit organizations and Santa Maria Harley-Davidson® to raise money for local nonprofits. A Harley-Davidson® Vivid Black 2016 Street Glide Special including CA sales tax and registration fees is the big prize! This raffle allowed Rotary to raise $36,500 for nonprofits.

Gregory TO RELEASE SECOND BOOK ON A.G. HISTORY

Arroyo Grande resident, Jim Gregory is releasing his second history book of Arroyo Grande on August 1st. In it, he writes about 52 Union veterans—51 soldiers and Lauretta Cutter Hoisington, an army nurse. A retired Mission Prep and Arroyo Grande High School history teacher, Jim Gregory is also the author of World War II Arroyo Grande (The History Press, 2016). His second book, due out on August 1st, is Patriot Graves: Discovering a California Town’s Civil War Heritage (CreateSpace Publishing). It’s part of Gregory’s effort, in retirement, to connect his home town, Arroyo Grande, with the great events of American history.

help our local veterans

VA clinic in San Luis is asking for volunteers to serve our Veterans as shuttle drivers. To help pay tribute and express your appreciation for their service, learn about volunteering at your local VA clinic. For more information contact your local VA volunteer representative Mr. Larry Foster at 805-354-6004 or send an email to Lawrence.Foster@va.gov.

botanical garden august event

The SLO Botanical Garden is hosting a Hi Mountain Lookout Condor Recovery at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on Saturday, August 13, 1pm-2pm. Discover the latest update on the endangered California Condor and how a remote, historic firelookout was transformed into a field research site where education, racking, and research provides vital information for the protection and recovery of the California Condor. The Garden is located at 3450 Dairy Creek Rd and the cost is a $5-$10 donation. For more information call 541-1400 ext. 303. (Joseph Brandt photo)

Kiwanis de tolosa awards 5 $1,000 scholarships

Kiwanis Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa awarded five $1,000 scholarships to SLO High School 2016 graduates recently. Pictured, left to right: Isabella Stenvall, Darcy Hummell, Gabriela Pinzon-Betancourt, Joshua Dorman. Not pictured above: Jeremy Jess. Most funds that provide the scholarships come from BBQ’s that the club provides the community, including their largest drive-thru BBQ each May. A U G U S T

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Mortgage Advisor NMLS 343856 805.250.2404

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1212 Marsh Street, Suite 1 | San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | 805.250.2400 | opesadvisors.com Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4150089, CA Bureau of Real Estate 01458652, loans will be made pursuant to the Residential Mortgage Lending Act, CO Registration Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, Idaho MBL8530, Montana Mortgage Lender License #235584, Oregon ML4902, Washington CL1178435, Wyoming #2667 and NMLS 235584. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). © 2016 Opes Advisors, Inc. All rights reserved.

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 568792 805.550.2935

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 345813 805.471.4773