April 09 Journal Plus

CURT RANKIN | THE BROOKS FAMILY | ART AT THE OCTAGON BARN | VETS MUSEUM

Journal PLUS APRIL 2009

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

CENTRAL COAST

WILDLIFE

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Bob Wacker of R.E. Wacker Associates

Our sincere congratulations to B W, President of R.E. Wacker Associates, for being named the 2008 Citizen of the Year by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. Bob plays a key role in numerous local nonprofits and organizations, and we are honored to have him as part of our financial team and as a member of our community.

AWA R DE D

2008

Citizen of the Year

BY T HE

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

R.E.Wacker Associates Fee-Only Financial Advisors 805.541.1308 First Bank of San Luis Obispo is a Division of Pacific Capital Bank, N.A.

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CONTENTS

Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

16 ART AT THE OCTAGON BARN 6

14

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bahman Safari COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson ADVERTISING Jan Owens, Tom Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Hilary Grant, Sandy Baer, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Frank Rowan, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Gordon Fuglie, Jan Howell Marx, Chuck Graham, Vicki Leon, Colette Joyce, Andrea Dawson, Judith Hildinger and Phyllis Benson Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 5460609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix. net. Our website is www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

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

Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE.

PAT HARRIS

PEOPLE 6 8 10 12 14

PAT HARRIS CURT RANKIN THE BROOKS FAMILY AMAYA ANNA BOYD-BUCY

COMMUNITY 16 18 20 23 24 26 28

ART AT THE OCTAGON BARN SLO GENEALOGY VETERANS MUSEUM FOOD / AT THE MARKET DAY TRIP – CENTRAL COAST WILDLIFE

ANNA BOYD-BUCY

AROUND TOWN 29 30 32 33 34 41

OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker TEMPLETON FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSPICE CORNER CROSSWORD PUZZLE VETS VOICE ALMANAC The Month of April

BUSINESS

35 39 40 42

DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening PALM STREET – SLO Councilwoman, Marx EYE ON BUSINESS THE BULLETIN BOARD

TRAVEL ON A BUDGET – BALI ART SCENE

Cover Photo by Chuck Graham

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From the publisher

w

e have plenty of wildlife to enjoy on the Central Coast. When Chuck Graham asked us to do a story on the variety of wildlife, we were more than happy to create the space this month. One of my personal favorites is watching the turkeys pass by our house each day. This week we enjoyed male turkeys strutting around trying to impress the ladies. The photo below was taken during one of those sessions.

We have five profiles on people who make a difference.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) honors Curt Rankin this month. Sandy Baer interviews the shy Brooks brothers and Hilary Grant profiles two new nonprofit Executive Directors, Pat Harris and Anna BoydBucy. We finish with 10-year-old, Amaya, who excels in most anything she attempts. You’ll enjoy them all.

Finally, there has been several changes at the Vets Museum since we last visited. Colette Joyce spent some time with several members and updates us on the changes and tells us how we can help.

Enjoy the magazine,

Steve Owens

PEOPLE

Pat harris new executive director keeps vocal arts ensemble singing

By Hilary Grant “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

--- Victor Hugo

Perhaps no one appreciates the spirit of this quote quite as much as musicians themselves – each in his or her own way, artists able to bring to life the extraordinary power that lyrics, melodies and symphonies can evoke.

That way of thinking is especially true for members of the Vocal Arts Ensemble, a group of dedicated SLO County singers whose mission for more than three decades is simply this: to bring beautiful, live choral music to the Central Coast – and the world.

Now, with new Executive Director Pat Harris working alongside VAE founder and director Gary Lamprecht, this unique choir continues to be an integral part of the area’s strong community arts scene, despite challenging times in the economy.

“These are gloomy and difficult days,” concedes Harris. “But music, like the arts, really is part of what keeps us alive. Some of the most beautiful music, in fact, was written and performed during wars, depressions and civil unrest.

“Maybe that’s because music is an outlet for people… it can bring comfort, give voice to anger or grief, or bring joy and celebration.”

With anywhere from 50 to 65 VAE members preparing for, and singing in, various concerts throughout the year, Harris says that the group – ages range from the 20s to 70s – is made up of a variety of occupations. There are professional musicians, as well as bakers, nurses, winemakers, teachers and laborers. The annual operating budget is about $200,000 per year, with most of those revenues coming from the group, concerts and private donations.

Pat with her daughter, Maya

“Some of our members have chosen to live in SLO, partly, I believe, because of the opportunity to sing in a world-class choir,” says Harris.

(Indeed, the Ensemble has performed around the globe, including venues in Wales, Italy, Ireland, and most recently, throughout Uruguay.) And because the organization is largely self-supporting – each member pays quarterly dues of $40, and participates in the group with no compensation – the VAE, is able to maintain its high standards on a small budget.

“So many VAE members think of this group as their family,” says Harris. “As for me, I feel truly privileged to be working with them, especially since I can’t sing! I’m in awe of their talent.”

As an executive director of a non-profit, Harris says that multi-tasking is a given.

The Vocal Arts Ensemble

“Phones ringing, emails to answer, lots of meetings with lots of different types of people.” While the work can be sporadic, usually coming in intense bursts that coincide with specific events, Harris is busiest before the every-other-year California International Choral Festival & Competition (coming this June to Cal Poly), as well as the regular VAE concerts. The latter shows most often take place in Cambria, SLO, North County and the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.

Although new at the position, the VAE and Harris aren’t strangers: she was introduced to the Ensemble three years ago after being hired as Executive Director for the first Choral event.

“Gary Lamprecht and the board had this crazy idea then,” remembers Harris. “They were determined to create this amazing event – the only one of its kind in the United States – and I was really excited to be part of it from the very beginning.” It also helped, adds Harris, that like so many in SLO County, she had crossed musical paths with

The Harris Family

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PEOPLE Gary Lamprecht: now-grown daughter Maya was in his choirs at Laguna Middle School and SLO High School.

Despite their differences, Harris says that she and Lamprecht work well together.

“We’re like the right and left halves of one brain,” explains Harris. “He has these remarkable, creative ideas that he just continually throws out there, and I get to let him know whether they are in any way practical and possible to execute.

“It’s not conflict, but actually very complementary.”

Married for 27 years to clinical social worker Dan Conroy, heroes include “people who go off to wild places and do good things for humanity.” Citing Florence Nightingale and Albert Schweitzer, Harris says that “I still have great admiration for people who sacrifice what we think of as a ‘normal’ life.

“Even as a child, I liked the idea of doing work that mattered.”

Harris is also the owner of Exceptional Events, which plans special events, parties and fundraisers, for both individuals and businesses. She has also created a speakers’ series at Cal Poly, worked as an events consultant for the SLO Botanical Garden, and was a SLO County Woman of Distinction. Right now, Harris is gearing up for an April 24 VAE concert in Paso Robles, another concert the next day at the SLO Mission, and a third concert at the Cambria Community Church.

A SLO resident almost as long as the year VAE was founded, in 1977, Harris was born in New York City. After receiving her BA from the University of the State of New York, where she majored in liberal studies, Harris “kept moving until I settled in Southern California. I came to SLO on vacation and loved it.” Soon after a new divorcee, “I packed the “The human voice is an instrument that commands emotion more kids and the cat and moved up here – with no job and no place to live. fully, I think, than any instrument in an orchestra,” says Harris. “It can express so much. And then, when more than one voice comes “Then I found a job and a house on Buchon Street, and that was it. It’s home.” together, the effect is magnified.

While her parents (mom Mil is a retired medical office manager, and dad Jay, who recently passed away, was national sales manager for Rubbermaid) weren’t classical music fans, Harris says they loved popular songs of the day. “I grew up with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and all of the pop singers of the ’40s and ’50s as background music.

“As a child, I also sang in a school choir – but whatever voice I had then disappeared as I got older.”

“Music is important for so many reasons, not the least of which is that it is beautiful… and everyone needs and deserves some beauty in their lives.”

Tickets to Vocal Arts Ensemble concerts range from $15 to $30. To find out more about the VAE, including upcoming concerts, visit www.vocalarts.org, or call (805) 541-6797. Information about the 2nd California International Choral Festival & Competition is at www.californiachoral.org.

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curt rankin helping others...one child at a time

By Andrea Dawson

T

here are obviously many people who look after and care for the children of a community – parents, friends, teachers and caregivers. However, it is sometimes the least expected ones that can make a significant positive impact on a child’s life and future.

One man who has proven this to be true is Curt Rankin.

Curt will be retiring from the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office in April after 22 years of service. Throughout this time, his focus has been on improving the lives of children, most recently those who have been abused or neglected.

Having a human connection with these children makes his work even more worthwhile. “You get more personal satisfaction out of this job than any other assignment,” says Curt. He regards the children he represents as people, not just clients. Curt’s dedication to helping these kids, as well as their families, is very admirable.

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Before he began his career as a deputy district attorney, Curt served in the Marines and the Air Force. “My entire adult life is a product of the Vietnam War,” remarks Curt. “It motivated me to do something with my life.” He jokes that his poor performance in calculus paid for his trip to the war.

In 1987, Curt started work with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office after responding to a newspaper ad.

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In his various assignments with the DA’s office, Curt has always been concerned with the children’s welfare. He has worked with both abused and neglected children and juvenile delinquents.

“It is interesting to see these very appealing, sweet kids you want to succeed, but sometimes you can tell that they aren’t destined for great things,” says Curt. He expresses how difficult it is when you

PEOPLE are trying to get through to a child and tell him/her something that will help promote success in life, but your advice does not make an impression. “You want to show them that they have the power to make their life and that so much of it is about self-confidence.” Even though this is hard to accomplish, Curt continues to fight for these children, who sometimes do not even want to fight for themselves.

The first time Curt meets a child it is at their caregiver’s home (usually a relative) where the child is most comfortable. He is aware that this is a daunting experience, so by dressing casually, usually in blue jeans, he hopes that the child will be less intimidated and more relaxed when talking to him.

The question the children ask Curt most often is, “When do I go back to mommy and daddy?” In cases where the children are being adopted, they want to know when the adoption will be final and when their lives will be like other children’s lives.

Curt brings up an amusing moment when he met a bright eight-year-old girl for the first time. “As we spoke, she mentioned something about this cute boy, and I responded that cute boys are important. She smiled and I thought we were having a moment.

So, feeling bold, as I was leaving I turned and went down to one knee so we were on the same eye level and I said, ‘You always be careful to pick boys who respect girls, okay?’

After a short pause she said, ‘Why are your eyebrow hairs different colors?’”

“It is a wonderful moment when it all works out well for the child.” Curt appreciates the moment when a child gets their life back – actually getting a better life than they had before.

Curt would like to thank CASA for the work they do for the children of San Luis Obispo County. “It is a wonderful organization that serves children,” which is the same thing he has been committed to for many years. He hopes to retain a relationship with CASA after retiring from the District Attorney’s Office.

Being a part of the process is important to him. Curt makes it apparent that he is not the only one bettering the futures of these children. He attributes the work of Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County (CASA), and the contributions of social workers to the children’s future successes.

“As a society, we need to value children more. Kids do not grow up on autopilot; they need a lot of support and direction from their parents,” said Curt.

SLO CASA’s Executive Director Teresa Tardiff recalls a time she observed the special connection Curt builds with the children he represents. “The juvenile courtroom is a unique setting,” says Tardiff. “One of the images from the courtroom that will stay with me as a tender representation of the daily drama there is of attorney Gerry Carrasco leaning his ear close to his client, a young father, who is holding his toddler girl on the opposite side above his hip, and she in turn is holding the hand of her attorney, Curt Rankin.”

Upon his retirement in April, Curt is eager to spend time with his wife, Cindy, in their lovely Paso Robles home. Visiting his son Jess and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, as well as his younger daughter Kate, will be top priorities.

Curt is also looking forward to taking his touring motorcycle on many adventures, especially around the Sierras.

CASA will be honoring Curt at its annual Spring Fling Luncheon on April 23rd at the Madonna Inn, thanking him for all the work he has done for the children of San Luis Obispo County.

Working with children of all ages – from infants to nineteen – Curt has learned the power of active listening and communication. He says that when a child talks to him or leaves him a message, they tend to call him “my lawyer.” Most of the time when they speak to him, it is in a very understated and small voice.

Curt has spent a number of years working with San Luis Obispo County Judge Garrett.

“Curt has always been good with the children that he represents,” says Judge Garret.

“His face just lights up when he talks about the kids. There is no doubt that he wants what is the absolute best for each child. His gentle approach will be missed.”

Curt recognizes that, if possible, reuniting a child with his or her parents is the best outcome, and this tends to occur most of the time. “The goal is to have every child back with their parents, in their home, because that is where they are comfortable and in their natural state,” explains Curt.

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PEOPLE

The Brooks Family

The Brooks Family

woodcrafting since 1954

By Sandy Baer Brooks Woodcraft is no exception, with the recent opening of an antique store adjacent to their original store. Brothers Chad and Lyle Brooks run both operations with Chad’s accumulation from 15 years of yard and estate sales along with other more obscure sources for antiques, curios, collectibles and yard art. “Chad has a real eye for the unusual and unique.” As always, they still maintain their unfinished furniture inventory as well as doing top-quality custom finishing and refurbishing.

“Man has become the tools of their tools.” ---Henry David Thoreau An institution on Santa Barbara Street, approaching Broad from Railroad Square across from what is now Pacific Coast Home & Garden, is Brooks Woodcraft. As all along this major thoroughfare, “times are a changin’,” and even with the economic downturn, businesses are swapping spaces, spiffing up exteriors and interiors, expanding and diversifying.

Coastal Living

Brooks Woodcraft has been a mainstay since 1964 when Kenneth Brooks first opened his unfinished furniture business. He and wife Celeste moved to San Luis Obispo County from Glendale, where “Kenny” owned and operated a woodworking shop for 20 years. “When dad first bought the Santa Barbara Street property everyone said ‘that’s a bad part of town for a business,’ but he went ahead and now Santa Barbara Street is flourishing, as it did in his time,” Lyle remembers.

Brooks’ father Lawrence, whose family traces his roots to 17th century England, and wife Elsie Pickering, migrated from Tennessee to Kansas and eventually to Southern California where they had their two children, Lois and Kenny. Kenny and Celeste had three children, Lea, Chad and Lyle, all born in Southern California but largely raised in San Luis Obispo.

“Dad did custom work, but now our clients choose the unfinished furniture, and we stain and finish it to their liking,” Lyle says. Dad would sit down with the clients and sketch architectural-type renderings, then build the furniture with the highest quality wood. We still use only solid wood, no particle board.”

“Grandpa Lawrence had the distinction of sporting Badge #1 of the Glendale Fire Department until he retired to Baywood Park in 1960.

Dad took the aptitude test for the Fire Department, but he decided he didn’t want to be a fireman like Grandpa,” Lyle says. “He became a pilot and served in the Korean War, but because he could type, he was assigned a desk job and was never in combat.”

“Post-war, Brooks bought a boxcar to transport farm equipment, hogs and cattle and emigrate from Iowa to Canada,” Lyle says. “Since they only had limited money, they traded a pig for my dad Kenny’s transportation.”

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Celeste was the daughter of Dutch immigrant John Van Der Velde who homesteaded in Canada after immigrating to Iowa. Her parents met while vacationing in Los Angeles and mother Ruth Engels moved to Canada before returning to Los Angeles where the family owned a large orange orchard on what is now Wilshire Boulevard.

After moving to San Luis Obispo and opening Brooks Woodcraft, Kenny continued his passion for flying. “He flew a Piper Cherokee and must have flown friends, families and tourists on at least 250 flights around the Central Coast,” Lyle shares. “He used to reserve Sundays for flying, but once a client complained that he wasn’t open on Sundays or holidays, so dad started opening seven days a week, year round.”

As Lyle says, “We have always been workaholics, ever since we were kids and helped dad at the store. It was always a given that Chad and I would carry on the family business. Both brothers can still be found most hours

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PEOPLE of the day, most days of the week in the chockedfull warehouse, retail outlet or back workroom.

As long-time business neighbor Phil Quaglino, recently retired owner of Quaglino’s Flooring, attests, “Chad and Lyle are very family oriented yet dedicated to their businesses. They literally work night and day.”

Chad lives with his wife Michele and son, Craig, 23 and daughter Melissa, 19 on a small spread on O’Connor Way, near his mother Celeste, who still helps out at the store a couple of days a week. Lyle lives in Arroyo Grande with wife Patty and son Nick, 18, and daughter Natalia, 15. Both 4-H children raise chickens – English Silver Sebrites as well as Quail Deandvers, winning awards at the Mid-State Fair.

Kenneth Brooks

Another Santa Barbara business neighbor, Jack Farris, who after his own retirement decided to reopen in a corner of the Brooks’ warehouse, says, “Kenny was a low-key man, but on the other hand he was very active in the community, especially Lion’s Club fundraisers.”

In 1985, Chad applied to the city to raise from street level and restore a small residence, adding commercial space at street level. With an eye to authenticity, Chad and architect John Pryor conceived a structure “whose exterior materials and architectural details were selected to look like a historic railroad depot,” according to a staff report by Jeff Hook, San Luis Obispo city senior planner, for the Cultural Heritage Committee’s consideration. “It’s definitely an asset for the neighborhood,” Hook comments.

After mitigating issues such as off-street parking, the project finally broke ground in the fall of 2008. As Hook says, “Staff liked the design because it reflects the ‘railroad vernacular’ architectural features of the district.

Located in one of the city’s five designated historic districts, the Railroad District was designated in 1998. Other historic districts are: Mill Street, Old town, Chinatown, and

11

the downtown core. Chad hopes to rent the upstairs apartment and downstairs commercial space within a couple of months.

When entering Brooks Woodcraft, amidst the clutter of years of business, Paco, a blue-front Amazon parrot and a gift from childhood friend Hank Farrar, greets visitors. Lyle says, “Paco joins right in with the client’s conversation and calls for me if I’m in the work room and a client needs help.”

The avian menagerie also includes a scarletheaded parrot, Sammy, the sun conure from Africa as well as a green-cheeked conure. Farrar also added a Pacific parakeet or “pocket parrot.” As Lyle says, “It’s the world’s smallest parrot with the world’s biggest attitude.”

Farrar met the Brooks brothers at the old College Barbershop (where Albertson’s is now) in their younger days. Lyle began raising birds as a young child – cockatiels, canaries, and parakeets, and Farrar had a knack for catching exotic birds in the wild. He has even rescued a parrot 60 feet up in a pine tree in Atascadero. They became fast friends, were in each other’s weddings and to this day socialize and share their love for fowls.

“I go in (to Brooks Woodcraft) as much as I can to help care for the birds,” Farrar says.

Another regular, Uncle Dick Sargent from Los Osos also drops by regularly. “I come here to visit and to eat the birds’ peanuts,” Sargent laughs. Married to Kenny Brooks’ sister Lois, he says, “This family is something special. The smartest thing I ever did was to marry into this family.”

“Chad and Lyle are truly the most amazing human beings I’ve ever known,” Sargent continues. Farrar concurs, “The Brooks brothers are two of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. There’s no one who doesn’t like the Brooks family.”

Certainly, the Brooks family uses their tools and toils to foster their family business as well as a community asset.

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2015 Santa Barbara • San Luis Obispo 805.541.1646 • www.quaglinosflooring.com A P R I L

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PEOPLE

amaya she personifies the joy that we all seek in life

By Natasha Dalton

A

MAYA draws chickens, and her recent show at Joebella Coffee shop in Templeton was quite a success.

Many of those who saw her whimsical art, were showering her with compliments and promising her a bright future. The public on the Central Coast likes art, and it’s not really unusual that people took notice of the work of a talented artist. What was unusual was the artist’s age: on April 1, Amaya is turning 10.

Amaya’s parents, Teri Rose and Jim Dempsey, are amazed at how much time Amaya spends reading. “She has a book open at breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Jim says. Amaya’s favorite book is not your typical children’s literature: it’s a publication of the American Poultry Association called Standard of Perfection, and it describes the appearance of the specific breeds of ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens.

“I had no idea that birds would become such an important part of our life,” says Teri Rose. “I’ve been interested in birds before, but never like that.”

“Like that” refers to raising show birds. It all started when Amaya was three years old. The family went to see a Dinosaur Exhibit in Fresno, and on the way home they picked up three chicks. “I still have one of those chickens,” Amaya says. “She is seven now, which is pretty old for a chicken, but she is still laying eggs.”

Amaya raises bantams (“bantam” means “anything small”), but she has a full-size chicken champion as well. Just a couple of months ago, Amaya participated in the Showmanship category at The Breeders of California Poultry Show in Fresno, and won first place. Showmanship is a juried part of the Show where the birds are judged on how well they match the portraits in Standard of Perfection, while the bird handlers are evaluated based on their knowledge of the breed and their skills in showing off the bird.

“Bantams are great: you can keep more of them in a small area, and they are more personable than the full-size chickens,” Amaya explains. They’re also easier to handle during the Showmanship part of the competition, because the rules require that the bird needs to fit into the palm of the handler’s hand.

Amaya was seven when she began showing her chickens at the competitions. First, it was one chicken, then two, then three, then five …

She started at the Central California Feather Fanciers Club, a local hub for chicken enthusiasts. “Then the shows just exploded!” says Teri Rose. “We found out about a show at Stockton, then a show in Fresno.

We keep asking Amaya if she wants to participate in all these shows – she does.”

A family friend and a breeder, Deborah Kunic, is very impressed with Amaya’s work. “She really listens to what you have to tell her, and A P R I L

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then she runs with it. It’s not like you have to hold her hand,” she says.

“We don’t just throw birds together; we both have show birds, and we’ve had many long conversations about handling them.” Deborah remembers how one day, when Amaya was only 8, she brought in her rooster, which she was getting ready to take to a competition.

And then something awful happened: Deborah’s little dog suddenly yanked out the rooster’s tail! For a moment, Amaya froze, but then she said: “I guess, I’ll have to show him next year.” And that was that.

“She’s like 9 going on 19!” Deborah says. “She will be a pro-breeder by the age of 20. She craves information, and she is very perceptive and very sensitive. I’ve been a community leader and a 4-H leader for a long time, and I can tell: this girl’s got it together.”

For Amaya, raising chickens and drawing them goes hand in hand.

“I’ve just always liked art,” Amaya says. “I started out with dinosaurs.

My Mom and Dad would draw a dinosaur, and I’d color it and try to copy it. Then I went into lizards, and then morphed into chickens. I’d still draw cats, dogs, dinosaurs and lizards, but now I mainly draw chickens and horses. What I am doing is called anthropomorphism, which means that I’m applying human characteristics to animals.”

When Patrice Vogel, editor of Family News, saw Amaya’s cartoons, she immediately offered Amaya a chance to do a monthly strip for her magazine. “I liked this idea,” Amaya says. “I like making up stories, and then telling them using chickens’ characters.”

As if being a breeder and an artist isn’t enough of an accomplishment for anyone, let alone a 10-year-old child, Amaya is also a promising musician, a dancer and an athlete.

She discovered the violin when she was only two. “She was very excited about it,” Teri remembers. “And we thought: ‘shoot, it’s too

PEOPLE

“Cackle Chapel”

bad we cannot play this thing!’” At six, Amaya began taking lessons, and today she is First Chair, First Violin at the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“She is quite an entrepreneur,” says Deborah Kunic. “She puts on her own shows: she’d dance, she’d play violin – and she pays for her poultry supplies with her drawings.”

“I think she takes life as it comes: ok, let’s see what I need to do today,” says Teri. “Sometimes there are some sad things: we raised hundreds

13

“Cornish Went a Courtin’”

of birds, and two or three have died; a hawk got our rooster Amber, and Amaya mourned over that. But then, she goes on with her life.”

“It goes without saying that Amaya is a talented musician and gifted artist,” says Amaya’s violin teacher Julie Beaver. “But for me, the greatest thing about her is that she personifies the joy that we all seek in life.

Whether it’s music, animals, art, or dance, Amaya truly takes joy in all that she does – and it shows. She doesn’t let fear or hyper-perfectionism get in the way of her self-expression. That gives Amaya a special quality that few of us, adult artists and musicians, possess. She’s just joyful.”

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PEOPLE

ANNA BOYD-BUCY: NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BIG BROTHERS – BIG SISTERS

By Hilary Grant

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Anna with her little sister Brandy

Mentor (noun): 1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. 2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter. --- from dictionary.com On paper, the above definition might seem dry and uninteresting.

When the word is paired with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County, though, it becomes this: a proven way to transform children, many emotionally or physically abused, into leading lives of promise, happiness and productivity.

Indeed, nearly 1,200 SLO County kids have received one-to-one mentoring from local caring adults since the not-for-profit organization opened its doors 14 years ago.

An affiliate of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, begun in 1904 in New York City and selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top 10 charities, the Central Coast chapter is tiny but mighty. With only three fulltime employees, the same number of AmeriCorps workers, and a handful of part-time Cal Poly interns, the group currently serves more than 200 kids on an annual operating budget of a little more than $300,000. Most of the funding comes from area individuals and businesses.

New Executive Director Anna Boyd-Bucy says that mentoring isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

One important misconception, she says, is that although volunteer “Bigs” are encouraged to spend two to four hours at least twice a month with their “Littles,” for a minimum of one year, spending money is not required or encouraged.

“Take my Little Sister, Brandy, and myself,” she says. “We enjoy cooking together and last week we made spaghetti.

682 Higuera St. • San Luis Obispo • 541-2896 A P R I L

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“There’s something really magical about turning eggs and flour into noodles, and making our own sauce from whatever I had lying around the kitchen. Throughout the activity, we talked about typical worries of a 12-year-old… boys, friends, teachers, schoolwork.

PEOPLE Mike with little brother Tommy

dents travel once a week to a partner grammar school, and are then paired together for social activities and occasional group activities.

“Whether it’s helping with homework, playing board games, shooting hoops or just talking, the younger students gain confidence,” says Boyd-Bucy. “The older students benefit by building leadership skills, serving as a role model, and recognizing the influence they have in ‘their’ kids’ lives.”

“When I dropped her off she told me she had a great time. To be honest, it was probably the most fun I’ve had in a month.”

That one-to-one focus, continues Boyd-Bucy, gives Littles the kind of special attention they might not get at home. In fact, says BoydBucy, several independent, national studies have concluded that kids who participate in mentoring programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, do better in school and improve their social skills and self-esteem.

“These children also make friends more easily, are less inclined to experiment with drugs or alcohol, and avoid trouble with the law,” she adds. “Yes, mentoring works!”

Boyd-Bucy also says that supporting BBBS is not “just showing kindness, but plain and simple, it’s cost effective.

“If having a mentor makes a child less likely to do drugs, we’ve saved on drug treatment,” she continues. “If a teenage girl is less likely to get pregnant because of us, we’ve saved on health care for her and her baby, not to mention a slew of other services.

“We can spend thousands and thousands of dollars to incarcerate a child, or run them through the juvenile justice system,” adds Boyd-Bucy. “Or, for about $1,000 a year, we can find someone to pay attention.”

New Programs BBBS has also implemented two more, nontraditional matching programs, both to great success, in the last three years.

The High School Bigs Program started after elementary school administrators asked for help with troubled students, many of whom appeared socially isolated on campus. Here, a group of carefully selected high school stu-

“My mom was a dancer and a kindergarten teacher, and managed to take care of herself and her kids, and invest and save,” says BoydBucy. “I’m also lucky because she exposed me to the power of mentoring – and let me see a lot of ways that people operate in the world.

“This significantly opened up my choices in life.”

“So, through YCEMP, we endeavor to give these students a different view, open their eyes to the value of continuing their education, and encourage them to explore the many possibilities open to those who work hard.”

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister isn’t hard.

Dozens of children – many already witness to, or enmeshed in, domestic violence, drug abuse and neglect – are waiting.

“Our list is growing longer,” says Boyd-Bucy.

“At this time last year, we had 25 kids waiting for a traditional match. Now we have 40.

Most of them are boys, who are longing for a

“This is the hardest part of my job – knowing how many kids we can’t help right this moment.”

Born and raised in the Glendale/Burbank area, Boyd-Bucy is the daughter of a single mother – and perhaps because of that, understands how difficult parenting without support can be.

“Many of these youngsters are from households where education and career are not high priorities,” explains Boyd-Bucy.

Finally, BBBS tries for a match that will be a good fit. With those perimeters in place, the Big and Little are formally introduced at the BBBS office, with a parent or guardian always present. The organization even offers special free or low-coast activities for Bigs and Littles.

positive male role model. We have more kids we can’t even interview to put on the wait list.

Single Mom’s Daughter

Thanks to funding from the SLO Community Foundation, Youth Careers Exploration and Mentoring Program (YCEMP) is a 12-week course designed for young people from age 14 to 24, all of whom are enrolled in continuation schools. Here, young people are introduced to essential employability skills in a special classroom setting, and also visit local businesses, where they spend time with those who run them.

After completing an application (available by downloading online, or calling the office), potential Bigs are next given a criminal, motor vehicle and personal background check.

Fingerprints are also required. Once that process is complete, BBBS conducts a thorough in-person interview. Applicants next must read a training manual and attend one Big training session, conveniently offered twice a month.

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As part of her requirements toward a master’s degree in psychology from Cal Poly (BoydBucy also has a BA in History from Cal State Northridge), Boyd-Bucy did counseling at the Cal Poly Community Counseling Center and for Hospice of SLO County. Eight months after graduation, she landed her first BBBS job – match support and phone counseling.

Discovering extra time on her hands, Boyd-Bucy found ways to streamline paperwork and clean up the database. Next promoted to Program Director, she took on fundraising, including planning events, writing grants and interfacing with potential donors. Boyd-Bucy was named Executive Director only a few months ago.

Two years ago, she and husband Steve, who repairs and sells model trains via the Internet, purchased a home in Los Osos.

“I love the natural beauty of the mountains and the ocean, the nearby hiking at Montana de Oro, and the proximity to so many small local farms,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to drive down Los Osos Valley Road on my commute to work every day.”

Maybe most of all, Boyd-Bucy is grateful for all of the different ways Central Coast residents continue to embrace BBBS and its mission – to help SLO County children reach their fullest, and brightest, potential.

“This kind of work,” she says, “brings out the very best in people.”

Find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County, including the organization’s history, how to become a Big, and upcoming fundraising events, at www.slobigs.org, or call (805) 781-3226.

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san luis obispo painters Presenting “san luis beautiful” art at the octagon barn

By Judith Hildinger

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small group of intrepid artists trek across the sprawling hillside to set up their easels, paints and canvases under the big blue sky. Searching out a clandestine view that calls to them from the rich landscape, these outdoor painters conjure on canvas the magic, beauty and unique character of our beloved San Luis Obispo County. Every brushstroke is filled with their own passion for this special place and all it provides.

You may have heard of them before – the group of painters that honors our local natural environment is San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment (SLOPE ). Karen Foster-Wells and Libby Tolley, two famed Central Coast painters, founded SLOPE in 1993 to harness the power of art in preserving landscapes and unique wildlife habitats. Since then, the SLOPE group has sold hundreds of paintings and raised thousands of dollars to help preserve natural areas throughout San Luis Obispo County.

SLOPE is composed of accomplished artists who convene each January to choose new members and to select a nonprofit conservation group

Serving San

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SLOPE has helped groups and localities as diverse as Friends of the Carrizo Plain, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, the Elfin Forest and the East West Ranch in Cambria. This May, SLOPE is stepping up to celebrate The Land Conservancy’s 25th Anniversary as San Luis Obispo County’s local land trust.

Over the last year, SLOPE members have ventured out into varied scenic spots from ranchlands in the far northern county, to the vistas near the Dana adobe in Nipomo. While painters may go out on their own, the group enjoys the camaraderie and fun that field trips provide, rain or shine.

California native, Eileen Pritchard, has been a member of SLOPE since

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to honor. Prospective members must submit a portfolio, attend a paintout, and either be professionally recognized or show significant artistic promise to join SLOPE. The painters gather throughout the year, painting relevant subjects, and then co-host a benefit with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to conservation of local landscapes.

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COMMUNITY SLOPE artists Roxanne Kucera Sachs, Dotty Hawthorne & Laurel Sherrie paint plein-air on a protected private ranch. Photo by J. Hildinger

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2005 and boasts a long list of other artistic accomplishments. She says her oils and pastels are inspired by the very places The Land Conservancy works to protect. “My sense of awe arises from nature. Painting is my way of using value and color to write the poetry I find outdoors,” said Pritchard.

The Land Conservancy has offered several exclusive field trips for the painters to enter areas that are preserved, but not often open to the public due to their status as privately owned ranchlands or valuable native wildlife preserves. Painters have also had the opportunity to portray well known places such as the Bob Jones Trail, Lemon Grove Loop, the Octagon Barn, and the Dana Adobe.

August Afternoon Blue Oak Grove, by Marguerite Costigan

“Our SLOPE artist partners capture the magic of our natural and human landscapes through an acute cultural lens born out of deep and personal experiences on the land,” remarked Brian Stark, Executive Director of The Land Conservancy. “The paintings tell vivid stories of San Luis Obispo County’s past, present and, hopefully, our future.”

On May 2nd and 3rd, SLOPE and The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County are hosting “San Luis Beautiful – Art at the Octagon Barn” celebrating 25 years of land conservation in the County. The benefit will feature paintings by the following SLOPE members: Rod Aszman, Nancy Becker, Marguerite Costigan, Bruce Everett, Dotty Hawthorne, Anne Laddon, Fayrene Parrish, Eric Peterson, Shirley Pittman, Eileen Pritchard, Roxanne Kucera Sachs, Denise Schryver, Roseanne Seitz, and Laurel Sherrie.

Filipponi Ecological Area, by Rosanne Seitz

The stunning watercolor, oil, pastel, and acrylic paintings will be exhibited in one of the County’s most unique landmarks and a California treasure – San Luis Obispo’s historic Octagon Barn. The Barn has undergone over a decade of incredible restoration efforts by volunteers and Land Conservancy members, and it is now a stabilized structure, complete with a new roof.

Accompanying the lovely artwork will be the elite artists and local conservationists who have joined forces to preserve special places in San Luis Obispo County. Art for sale includes framed originals, prints and cards. Light refreshments, painting demos, Barn tours, live bluegrass on Saturday and classical music by the Youth Symphony members on Sunday will mark a great way to spend the first weekend in May. For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.slopepainters.com or www.LCSLO.org or call 805 544 9096. Support and celebrate 25 years of local land conservation on May 2nd and 3rd at the Barn!

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Preserving the past for all posterity the san luis obispo genealogical society

By Susan Stewart

A

tattered, yellowed bookmark floats to the floor from the age-worn pages of an old bible, circa 1800.

A young woman bends to pick it up and gazes in wonder at the hand-written script of one Jeremiah Burke, her long-lost ancestor and the offspring of a recently revealed secret love affair.

Halfway around the world, a middle-aged woman squints at a microfilm screen within the cold gray walls of an ancient village church in Germany. The ornate script blurs, then jumps into sharp focus, revealing a 1694 marriage record – and another family mystery is finally solved.

On a rare sunny morning in the highlands of Scotland, an entire family of Californians arrives at the heavy wooden door of a 600-year-old farmhouse. When its current owners open the latch, all eight Ingrams are treated to their first glimpse of the cozy home where their ancestors were born and raised.

Michele McCaffrey hears stories like these every day. For 14 years, she’s been the librarian for the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society (SLOCGS), helping people find the missing links to their pasts and build a historical record to leave for future generations.

Formed in 1967, the Society’s aims are threefold: Research, Education, and Preservation. McCaffrey’s job involves all three. Using sophisticated

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web-based programs such as ancestry.com and legacy.com, McCaffrey conducts in-depth research for those who request it, helps teach others how to do the work themselves, and acquires and preserves archival materials for the Society’s library.

Now located in a small, windowed room on the second floor of the San Luis Obispo City/County Library, the SLOCGS Library houses a plethora of genealogical resources, vital statistics records, and several excellent county history books.

Always fascinated by the past, McCaffrey majored in History at UCLA before becoming a secondary school teacher and later a special education assistant. She and her husband, Joe, moved to Paso Robles from Southern California in 1993. McCaffrey joined the SLOCGS almost immediately, and within two years was asked to take the post of librarian.

Inquiries come in via email or snail mail on a nearly daily basis from people across the country, even around the world, who have ancestral connections to SLO County. It’s McCaffrey’s job, among other duties, to receive these and respond. This task takes her on trips to the County Clerk’s office, to the basements of newspaper buildings to peer into microfilm screens and microfiche scanners, and to wander the graveyards and cemeteries photographing headstones.

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2584 Victoria Ave. San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

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Part detective, part librarian, part historian, McCaffrey believes in the value of honoring the past and what it can teach us. In addition to weaving the rich tapestry of our always-fascinating ancestral roots, genealogical research often solves puzzling family mysteries and provides important medical information. For McCaffrey, it’s about honoring those who came before us. “All those people who struggled and worked to pave the way for us,” she says. “I don’t think you can ignore that. This work keeps their memories alive.”

The SLOCGS has come a long way in 40 years. Housed for its first 30 years in Atascadero’s Memorial Building, it moved to the Carnegie Library in Paso Robles in 1997. After the earthquake in 2003, the Society moved to an obscure location in the former Mission Medical Building in SLO until last year, when it found a more permanent home at the City/Country Library.

Michele McCaffrey (L) gets help from staff at the County Clerk’s office

Today, the Society hosts regular monthly meetings, offers several different types of memberships, an array of educational classes, and annual trips to Salt Lake City. Workshops with titles like Googling Grandpa, Finding Living Cousins Online, Using My Canvas, and the Ancestry Publishing Tool are all upcoming and are usually held at the KCBX Training Center in San Luis Obispo. Practiced researchers will show you how to uncover the work already begun on your family so that you don’t waste precious time reinventing the wheel, and will assist you in building your own body of research.

As requests pour in from places like Bountiful, Utah and Alberta, Canada, McCaffrey has come to value well-kept records. It is not unusual to hear her exclaim: “Oh, this is such a wonderful death record!”

– meaning, of course, that the person who wrote it took the time to record parents, siblings, offspring and grandparents. When the record is that detailed and legible, the clues and links to the past are plentiful.

Just imagine, for example, searching for years to no avail for the ancestor who brought your family to America. Who were these people?

Where did they live and why did they leave? And then one day, you open up an email from Michele McCaffrey with an attachment. With one double click of your mouse, you find yourself staring at a census document from 1891 that reveals the name and birth date of one Edmond Alexander Stewart, born in Dumfries, Scotland in 1788. The original immigrant found.

Regular monthly meetings are held the first Saturday of every month (except July, August, and December) from 12:30 - 3 p.m. at 520 Dana Street in San Luis Obispo. Library hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call 783-0383 for more information, or log onto www.kcbx.net/~slogen/ for details and class locations.

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805.922.6657 830 East Chapel St. Santa Maria www.countryoakscarecenter.com A P R I L

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COMMUNITY The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

Capturing the memories of America’s veterans

By Colette Joyce

E

ighty-three year old Wilbern “Bud� Oliver, a U.S. Navy Aviation Gunner’s Mate during WWII, shifted in his chair and gazed through us as he recounted memories of his service in Okinawa from age 18-20. He spoke of common annoyances such as trying to break blocks of freeze-dried K-ration cheese and not being able to shave. “I don’t think we ever changed our clothes – we just went into the ocean.� He then shared details about one of their worst days. While sheltered

behind a collapsed silo, they watched a typhoon snap a concrete ship in two and wash ashore an entire destroyer. Finally, he told about his discharge: the enormous lines of servicemen crowding the San Pedro food lines; surprising his parents upon his return and going to a party that evening where he met Shirley, the girl he married and with whom he eventually raised five children.

copy will be sent to Bud and the other will be forwarded to the Library of Congress. Joanne Cargill, a volunteer for the Veterans History Project, has been conducting these interviews since 2003, and Bud was her 87th interviewee. “They feel a little better after they’ve talked about it. Not only did we get their story and get it to the National Archives, but it helps them. It’s cathartic,� says Cargill.

It was one of those times you wished you had on DVD. Better yet, it was on DVD. One free

Every veteran has a story. But many of them have never fully shared it with anyone – not even their family. Now, local veterans can call the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum at 543.1763 to schedule an interview and have their account recorded.

The Veterans History Project – preserving memories Started by the United States Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project collects and preserves first-hand accounts and stories of wartime service, from veterans nationwide. War industry workers, United Service Organizations (USO) workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others actively involved with war efforts are also invited to share their

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Bud Oliver, 83, gives an account of his WWII service for the Veterans History Project.

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stories. To read some of these stories, visit www.loc.gov/vets/.

Although all veteran histories are welcomed, priority is given to WWII veterans and those involved with the WWII war effort. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. This project ensures that valuable pieces of our nation’s history and family histories aren’t lost.

For thousands of industrial workers,

If you know a family member, neighbor or friend who is a veteran, urge them to call the museum now to participate in the Veterans History Project. Because many veterans are living alone or are somewhat isolated due to disabilities, your encouragement could be just the incentive it takes for them to share their story. A visit to the museum might also enhance their emotional well-being and provide them with a social network.

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It was exposure to asbestos. Exposure that years later is causing Mesothelioma. And the worst part is, this tragedy could have been avoided. But the asbestos industry ignored the problem and denied their responsibility.

Now it’s time for patients and their families to fight back and receive compensation for the wrong done to them. The people Alexander Kelley, born and raised in SLO, a SLOHS and Cal Poly graduate, Vietnam Veteran (USAF Captain), and 30-year United Airlines pilot, handcrafted this display case and donated it to the museum. It features his father’s WWI uniform and memorabilia. A member of the museum’s original board of directors, Mr. Kelley passed away September 29, 2008.

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Where history comes alive The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum was established in early 2000 for the purpose of honoring all the veterans, past and present, with an emphasis on the more than 28,000 veterans of our community.

The museum is housed in the lower deck of the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at the corner of Grand Avenue and Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo. The entrance to the museum is behind the brick building, along with plenty of parking. It is open from Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and admission is free.

Joanne Cargill, left, has interviewed 87 veterans for the Veterans History Project. Joy Becker, right, recently volunteered as an interviewer.

World War II-era jitterbug radio tunes float over the speakers as you explore the aisles of military artifacts and memorabilia organized chronologically by war or conflict. The variety of displays is remarkable: uniformed mannequins, personal photographs and letters, military equipment and weaponry, flags, maps and medals, and samples of K-rations and supplies.

The docents, often veterans themselves, are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Docent Don Mueller, age 70, says, “There are significant parts of war history and confrontations that students today simply don’t learn about – many people don’t even know about the Korean Conflict.” But museum director Harry Hoover notes, “The number of visitors has been increasing – 127 people visited the museum on Veteran’s Day last year.”

Serving those who’ve served our country A museum like this doesn’t run itself, though. The county provides the money to maintain the facility and rents other sections of the building to provide funds. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and everything in the museum has been donated. However, expenses for realistic mannequins, lighted display cases, research, and administration add up. Hoover, extremely resourceful, always finds a way to make things happen. He even recruited a man from Walnut Creek to interpret the Japanese wording on donated flags.

Here are some ways you can help: 1) Volunteer. The museum needs docents, veterans project interviewers, and other help. No experience is needed.

2) Donate military memorabilia 3) Make a monetary contribution 4) Buy a commemorative plaque for the Wall of Honor. These 4” x 9” cast bronze plaques can be purchased for $300 each to commemorate the service of a loved one to our country.

Visiting the museum, listening to a veteran’s story, or volunteering are small things we can do to acknowledge the freedoms we enjoy and to honor the sacrifices others have made on our behalf.

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COMMUNITY

SPRING OMELET

WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS, FRESH BASIL, AND CHEVRE FOR THE ROASTED ASPARAGUS: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound of fresh asparagus, ends pinched off from the base Pinch of salt Pinch of fresh ground pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the asparagus on the sheet and massage the olive oil, salt, and pepper into the asparagus. Roast for 15-20 minutes, depending on how crisp you like your veggies.

FOR THE OMELETS: 5-6 eggs, depending on your appetite 2 tablespoons of water Pinch of salt Pinch of fresh ground pepper ½ cup fresh basil, rolled and finely chopped (Chiffonade) 2 ounces Chevre, coarsely crumbled In a bowl, break eggs and lightly whisk until pale yellow in color. Add water, salt, and pepper. Whisk to incorporate.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Lightly spray the skillet with non-stick spray or apply a thin layer of butter. When pan is hot, add half of the egg mixture.

With a spatula, slowly lift up edges of omelet, allowing the uncooked, liquid egg to flow and fill the space under the cooked portion of the egg. When there is no more runny egg to flow into these spaces, let eggs cook for about 30 seconds until firmly set in middle and egg doesn’t look raw or runny. Add a few ounces of roasted asparagus to fill omelet and top with Chevre and basil. Fold omelet in half and turn off heat.

Makes two omelets.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Less than 400 calories per omelet, 12 grams of (good) fat, 20 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber

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at the market

By Sarah Hedger

S

pring has sprung! There are few better times to get outside and enjoy our wondrous spring flowers, green hills, and beautiful weather. Spring welcomes us this time of year with renewed freshness. Along with all the seasonal beauty, it is also a time to welcome the fantastic produce coming into season.

Local farmers who have taken a rest from the farmers’ market circuit during winter months reenter to sell all our area has to offer. Right now, farmers’ markets are filled with the season’s best, from asparagus and artichokes, to fresh herbs and strawberries.

absorbency rate by the human body. The brilliance of the egg’s protein is that it supplies all the essential amino acids for the human body. The key take-away when buying eggs is to remember the quality of the fats (There are high quality fats that greatly benefit our body’s health.) depend solely on the diet of the chicken. Bottom line – choose eggs that say the chicken was fed all-natural food, or a diet high in Omega 3s.

April’s recipe incorporates a handful of my favorite ingredients however; most notable is the roasted asparagus. Spring asparagus has a brilliant freshness and flavor that cannot be purchased in the latter months. The flavor it offers dishes is a balance of sweet and buttery, with fresh grassy notes. When roasted, the sweet and buttery flavors heighten added by some nuttiness while the texture remains crisp and caramelized. I will warn you, once you experience and enjoy roasted asparagus, there is a good chance you might not be able to eat boiled or steamed asparagus again.

So, that is the risk I take by encouraging you to try this technique. This month’s recipe is an omelet of all things, filled with roasted asparagus, fresh basil, and Chevre. Simple, beautiful, and delicious.

While most of us tend to associate omelets with breakfast or brunch, I invite you to try it as a lunch or dinner option. Omelets are simple to prepare and provide good proteins and fats supplying us with much needed nourishment. It may seem like we hear conflicting news about eggs and their respective fats every other day. While I will refrain from offering an opinion on them (It should be obvious by the recipe offered.), I will offer some facts on this wondrous offering from our chicken friends.

The protein from a cooked egg is nearly 91% bio-available, which means an extremely high

This omelet provides brilliant packaging for the real gem inside – roasted asparagus. Asparagus is another superfood that offers greatness in flavor and nutrition to this dish. Asparagus is low in calories, high in fiber, folic acid, and potassium. Chevre is a fresh goat cheese that offers a little creaminess with a little tartness while complementing the asparagus and fresh basil.

I encourage you to use this recipe as a starting point and feel free to mix it up by changing the cheese or the herb selections. If nothing else, try it for dinner. It will bring the enjoyment of breakfast as a great way to close out a Spring day.

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central coast

wildlife

By Chuck Graham

Y

ou don’t have to go far to find wildlife along the rugged central coast. Most places you can drive right up to, or take a leisurely walk to witness the main attractions. Here are six locations that guarantee you’ll observe nature’s splendor in relatively natural settings. All you have to do is get there.

Working your way north to south from the lighthouse at Piedras Blancas to the craggy Channel Islands National Park, offers the diversity critters need to survive in an ever-changing world.

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Piedras Blancas Lighthouse – The northern elephant seal colony just south of the lighthouse is one of the best wildlife spectacles in the entire state due to its easy accessibility just off Highway 1, and for pure drama with 3,000 to 5,000 pound males fighting over females and precious territory, females rearing their young, not to mention the occasional J-walker inch-worming its way across the highway and stopping traffic, mistaking a cow for one of its own! The colony began in late 1990 with just a few individuals and has grown to over 12,000 animals. Elephant

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seals make one of the longest animal migrations in the world traveling from their feeding grounds in the Bering Strait, AK, to colonies at Ano Nuevo State Beach, in Santa Cruz, the Channel Islands National Park and Guadalupe Island, off Mexico. Along the way they break records for the longest and deepest dives for marine mammals. www.elephantseal.org.

Morro Bay Harbor – Like clockwork you can catch close looks at a marine mammal that’s making a comeback along the Central Coast.

The entertaining southern sea otter can be seen from the dirt parking lot on the east side of Morro Rock in the harbor. A handful of these voracious eaters love to hang out in the kelp just off the seawall that surrounds the harbor. Observe them wrapping themselves in the kelp for a nap, opening clams on their bellies, using another clam or a rock as a tool, and constantly preening their ultra thick fur. www.mbnep.org.

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American White Pelicans

Morro Bay Estuary – The back bay of the Morro Bay Estuary is one of the best birding locales in the state, located in the middle of the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds. Over 220 species have been recorded in the estuary. Some of those include burrowing owl, house finch, black oyster catcher, blue and green-winged teals, common merganser, an array of gulls and American white pelican. On foot with a pair of binoculars, or better yet a spotting scope, you can scan from the perimeter of the estuary or on trails in the back bay. Another option is bird watching from a kayak, and those can be rented in the harbor. www.mbnep.org.

Oso Flaco Lake – This is an easy walk through a riparian corridor eventually leading to a boardwalk that travels across Oso Flaco Lake, which means skinny bear in Spanish. The lake received its name when Spanish explorers killed a skinny bear in the 19th century near the lake. Take your time strolling across the boardwalk keeping an eye out for pied grebes, northern shovelers, buffleheads, hawks, American coots, swallows, least bitterns and California least terns.

After the boardwalk, continue on to the beach searching for songbirds. Although elusive, mountain lions have been seen in the vicinity. www.dunescenter.org.

Guadalupe-Nipomo Sand Dunes National Wildlife Refuge – The largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on the West Coast, is also one of the last refuges for the threatened western snowy plover. The vast flotsam of driftwood and kelp scattered across the expanse of shifting sands is ideal habitat for this hardy, year-round shore bird. The refuge opens at dawn, the best time to hike on the largest dunes out to Mussel Rock. During the day, the dunes are virtually void of wildlife, but the evenings are alive with critters. The mornings reveal the tracks of an array of wildlife, everything from mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes to foxes, raccoons and dune beetles. www.dunescenter.org.

Morro Bay Estuary Channel

Snowy Plover in wrack line

Hawk overlooking the Owens residence

Brown Pelican in flight

Anacapa Island – The narrowest island in the Channel Islands National Park is a sea bird, seal and sea lion paradise. Catch the Island Packers boat out of the Channel Islands and Ventura Harbors for the one hour boat ride to the craggy isle. The Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best places in the world for seeing marine mammals, and not seeing whales and dolphins is uncommon. After scaling over 200 stairs to the plateau of Anacapa, you’ll be greeted by large flocks of western gulls and California brown pelicans. Anacapa is the largest rookery in the western U.S. for these seabirds. Other seabirds that come to Anacapa just to nest, breed and raise their chicks are Xantus’s murrelets and pigeon guillemots. From the sheer 300-foottall cliffs you can see huge clusters of California sea lions on rock outcroppings, in the ocean and hauled out in rocky coves. www.islandpackers.com, www.nps.gov/chis/.

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Italian cuisine and other gentle-on-the-wallet menus. Breakfast Balistyle included nasi goreng, a rice-vegie dish made yummier by savory sauces. Other family-friendly amenities: in-room refrigerators, fruit baskets, and lots of outdoors to explore without leaving the grounds.

300 shrines at ARMA resort get daily offerings

The resort organizes day tours, the standout being a sunrise “Golden Hour” where we were introduced to life as it’s lived in Balinese villages. We met duck herders, kids on their way to school, rice harvesters, and any number of shrines to the rice goddess. We explored enchanting Hindu temples, large and small, and marveled over Bali’s canal distribution system, water democracy at its best.

Evenings we were drawn to superb live performances held nightly at ARMA and other locales in Ubud. Accompanied by the exciting percussion music of a gamelan orchestra, and wearing a sensational array of handmade masks and costumes, the Balinese perform dozens of dances – some to honor their deities, others to tell stories to young and old. Performers begin early; girls eight and up do the entrancing legong dance – and boys, the frog dance, an audience favorite.

At ARMA, visitors of any age also get to watch grand masters give dance and music classes to local children. Bolder souls can even take classes in these and other Balinese arts, from cuisine to painting.

The multi-acre, multi-level resort, built by local visionary Agung Rai, boasts some of the most exquisite landscaping on Bali. Amid atmospheric water gardens, antique gates, flower-bedecked shrines, and lush foliage, its handsome buildings blend artfully into their surroundings. Wandering the grounds, we could easily picture couples sealing their vows on a footbridge over the lotus pond, or honeymooners enjoying a private meal in their own flowery nest.

travel

bali priceless paradise

By Vicki Leon and Joyce Wyels Where in the world do two female vagabonds who’ve globetrotted for decades go to find travel magic?

Short answer: the Indonesian isle of Bali. Surfers have long praised this green paradise, but we found it’s an even greater getaway for families, spa-goers, honeymooners, yogamaniacs, 50-plus travelers – and bargain hunters. Visitor choices are astounding: rooms from $20 to sky’s-the-limit; meals for a few bucks; taxi rides that begin at 40 cents.

Not only that, Bali’s dazzling fabrics, high-quality art, handmade kites, and other artifacts represent the best values we’ve encountered abroad since the 1980s.

The surprises began with our flights to southeast Asia. Like most Asian airlines, Malaysia Air still lavishes free food, drink, and courteous attention on passengers. Our tickets included an overnight with meals at Kuala Lumpur – doubly appreciated on those marathon flights.

Once on Bali, we headed straight for culture-rich Ubud, an emerald of a town set amid mountains and art-producing villages. We’d picked ARMA resort for its museum and spacious grounds – and got much more than that. Our generous villa had its own infinity pool and al fresco pavilion for private dining. Room service? No problem.

We soon saw how the Balinese dote on kids – their own and visiting ones; staffers were eager to help youngsters feed the turtles and giant koi. ARMA has three casual restaurants on-site, where we noshed on A P R I L

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Which brings us to our next find: Spa Village Tembok, a secluded retreat on the quiet north coast of Bali. This gracious place welcomed us with handmaidens who rubbed our feet with volcanic black sand, washed them in rose-petal baths, then gave us neck and shoulder massages. Floating off to our luxurious rooms, we found a tray with ginger tea awaiting. We soon plunged into their huge and varied spa menu, from blissful hair repair treatments to a Balinese-style bridal ritual of body cleansing, massage and floral bath that bestowed a marvelous glow on tired travelers as well as brides to be.

Meals at the Spa Village were exceptional, with top-notch young chefs willing to prepare special dishes. Another surprise: local wines from grapes grown on the island. We quickly grew fond of one called Alexandria White.

This well-run resort has an intriguing mix of traditional and 21stcentury activities. On clear nights, guests may put on iPods equipped with meditative music (courtesy of NASA), then hop aboard float mats for a music-and-starlight-gazing session in the infinity pool.

Adding to the mesmerizing effect: tall palm trees around the pool, their trunks braided with lights, like Roman candles frozen in flight.

Other cultural delights we got to sample included local dancers and a calligraphy guru who gave lessons in that ancient palm-leaf artistry. Spa Village also encourages its guests to pursue physical and spiritual wellness with the help of on-site experts in martial arts and yoga.

Bali has much to offer for yoga enthusiasts. Some practitioners head, as we did, to the southwest coast for a stay at Desa Seni, where activity centers around the pool and the open-air yoga studio. A few years ago, its tradition-minded owners began to preserve architectural traditions around Indonesia by rescuing houses, then reassembling

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Villa Rosa Townhome.

Three bedroom two and a half bath and just shy of 1500 Sq.Ft. Two car garage, new carpet and updated kitchen. Super clean and a central location. Asking $409,000.

Newlywed special, private poolside dining at ARMA resort

Just a short distance to Cal Poly University. Three bedrooms two baths and refinished hardwood floors throughout house. Two car garage with RV parking and a fenced backyard on an oversized lot. The interior has just been repainted and it's ready for a new owner.

See www.505Cuestadr.com for additional information.

Desa Senu recycles traditional teak cottages

Two bedroom one bath upstairs unit at La Canada Townhomes.

Very private and well located.

Attached carport and laundry facilities.

Cheap living in SLO! Asking $280,000.

them in a village format. These idiosyncratic teak cottages won us over with their carved antiques, vivid colors, unusual artifacts, and cleverly hidden amenities like CD players and A/C. The wellbeing philosophy at Desa Seni extends to meals, with great emphasis on fresh seafood, the use of herbs, and vegetarian dishes, the latter from the bounty of their own organic gardens. The lush vegetation serves multiple purposes – as landscape, as shade, and as nourishment.

On the bluffs of Cayucos. The views do not get better than this. Approximately 275 feet of ocean frontage on a 21,000+ square foot lot. A single level three bedroom home with guest quarters.

See www.709lucerne.com for more photos.

Being fish fanatics, we made it a point to dine down the road at the Beach House, a prime sunset-watching spot where surfers, local families, and ravenous visitors like us attack barbecued swordfish, lobster, and other just-caught succulents, washed down with icy Bintang beer.

To experience the other end of the dining spectrum, from Desa Seni we taxied into the upscale beachside town of Seminyak to sample the wares at Anantara Resort, whose ultra-stylish offerings encompass huge handsome suites and a jewel of a spa.

Johnny Hough Managing Broker

At their ocean-view restaurant, we chose from an eclectic menu of Indonesian dishes to dine on delectable pork shortribs and stuffed sea bass. At dinner, the décor changes to magenta and purple silks, the menu to Thai.

(805) 801-5063

johnny@realestategroup.com 962 Mill Street, SLO

By the end of our stay, we were sold on Bali’s stunning natural beauty, its eye-popping art bargains, its thousands of uniquely beguiling lodgings, its millions of friendly Balinese. Our final discovery? This is a relaxed, gentle, safe place – its economy highly dependent on visitors. If you could see the welcoming smiles of the Balinese and their hospitable ways, you’d see what we did – that ole travel magic, alive and well on a peaceful isle.

See more listings at www.realestategroup.com

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art scene

art center update & events

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

I

n my previous column, the San Luis Obispo Art Center was on tenterhooks awaiting the approval by the San Luis Obispo City Council of its architectural plans for a new building on its historic Mission Plaza site. In February, City Council members discussed the design by San Francisco architects Barcelon + Jang (see illustration) late into the night, concluding that an exception to some city guidelines could be made in this case. The Art Center board and staff are excited that this project is another step closer to going ahead.

Meanwhile, we continue our work with our exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and serving the region’s residents and visitors.

In April, we are presenting three thematically linked exhibitions in our ground-floor spaces, the Gray Wing and the First Gallery, featuring contemporary art made by artists who either are enduring and/or overcoming physical and mental disabilities.

The first is Green Light, a traveling juried exhibit featuring outstanding work by 15 emerging artists with disabilities aged 16 - 25 throughout the United States. This is the seventh in a series organized by VSA arts in Washington, DC, and generously supported by The Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The second originates locally, and displays art made by clients from the OPTIONS Family of Services program, Morro Bay. OPTIONS provides a range of outpatient services to individuals with head injuries or other neurological impairments. The Art Center has partnered with OPTIONS, offering two art classes per month to their clients.

The third exhibition marks the first one-person exhibition of 29-yearold Los Angeles artist Shay Bredimus. During his recent graduate studies at the Laguna College of Art and Design, he developed a vigorous, brushy style of drawing with black tattoo ink on Duralar drafting film.

Since then Bredimus has produced a series of monumental dramatic

depictions of human figures on large sheets of film that he tacks to the wall, unframed. The practice of art has been crucial to the young artist who suffered a near fatal brain injury when he was hit by a car at age ten. Though he survived, and, to a large degree, recovered, Bredimus’s ability to comprehend the written word was seriously altered. This led him to channel his creative drive into visual art. For information about these three exhibits, visit www.sloartcenter.org, or call 805-543-8562.

Upstairs in the McMeen Gallery will be a showing of water colors by Vern Swanson, a gifted architect, published artist, and beloved Cal Poly architecture professor. Swanson, who died in 1992, donated his works to the University. They are now preserved and curated by the Daedalus Chapter of Alpha Rho Chi at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Across town, at 1531 Monterey Street, Peter Steynberg presides over the Steynberg Gallery, housed in a 1932 Art Deco building that has become one of SLO’s more active art institutions. Just inside the doors, visitors will find a counter where tea, coffee, pastries and meals may be ordered. Further back are two galleries. Since opening in 1999, Peter has become something of an arts omnivore, presenting not only fine art shows, but an array of cultural events, including live music, literary readings, “open-mic soirees,” lectures, tea tastings, wedding receptions and Pecha Kucha Nights – forums for artists to meet, network, and show their work.

During April, the Steynberg Gallery will display a varied collection of more than 60 paintings by Beverly (Ensing) Young who died in 2008.

Young spent her career as a Rolfer (a massage-like treatment to structurally integrate the body), later taking up painting. Her work began with fiercely imagined feminist imagery, later evolving into the archetypes from her dreams and the psychology of Carl Jung. For information about events at the Gallery, visit www.steynberggallery.com or call 805-547-0278.

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Art lovers have a great opportunity to imagine themselves as Roman plutocrats on their estates (an ideal fantasy for the recession) by joining the Art Center’s tour of “Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples,” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The exhibit features 120 works of sculpture, painting, mosaic and luxury arts from 200 BC to 100 AD. The day trip is scheduled for May 11. For reservations, call 805-543-8562, x 140. (See also www.lacma.org/art/ExhibPompeii.aspx, or www.nga.gov/exhibitions/pompeiiinfo.shtm)

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Our Schools: The impact of cyberbullying on schools

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

B

ullying has been an issue that schools have encountered for a long time. The formal definition of bullying is when one person threatens, humiliates or otherwise intimidates another for enjoyment, or to subjugate the victim to the will of the bully. Until about five years ago, bullying happened primarily in person between the bully and the victim.

Sometimes, bullying occurred by proxy when the bully uses an intermediary, such as friends, or by putting threats into writing.

Schools have long been used to dealing with bullying when it occurs at school and have policies and practices in place to prevent bullying at school.

With the advent of electronic communication devices such as cell phones and computers, bullying has a new venue. Schools are experiencing the effects of a type of bullying that involves the use of digital communication as a means of delivering the threats from the bully to the victim. When bullying occurs using interactive digital technology, such as cell phones, it becomes “cyberbullying,” and it is causing a new set of problems for schools, particularly when it occurs away from school.

The challenge for schools and families is to balance the great learning possibilities of the Internet with some very real dangers such as the use of digital technology to bully.

Types of Cyberbullying. The most obvious type of cyberbullying is for the bully to deliver threats directly to the victim using a computer or a cell phone. These threats can be delivered anonymously, which can embolden a bully who perhaps would not deliver these threats in person. An added feature of cyberbullying is that the victim never knows just who else is participating, thus increasing the anxiety of the victim. Just like bullying on the playground, cyberbullying causes the victim to become distracted, fearful and anxious, all of which interfere with success in school and learning.

A type of cyberbullying that is increasing is the use of social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace as a platform for bullying. Students may legitimately join an online social community, only to find that the personal information shared is now used to intimidate or coerce a member who has suddenly become a victim. The effect of this use of social networking to denigrate or threaten another causes feelings of betrayal and anger for the victim, which again impacts school performance and academic success.

A third type of cyberbullying is online fighting. This can range from a very heated exchange between two students, to the actual filming of real fights, and then sending this video to others electronically. The problem for schools is that the repercussions of the fight, that is now available for viewing by many, often carries over into school and can impact student behavior at school.

What Schools Can Do. All school districts in our county have an Acceptable Use Policy that governs the use of computers and cell phones on campus and on school property.

This policy applies to both staff and students.

An effective policy makes it very clear that cyberbullying is not permitted at school, or

using school equipment to cyberbully and that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against students who violate the policy.

Also, schools have strong filters in place that limit and screen material coming to computers owned by the school district. Schools also have rules regarding the use of cell phones and personal computers while at school.

These rules vary by district from allowing use only during non-class time to a ban on any use while at school.

The greater problem for schools is when cyberbullying happens off-campus, and the effects impact students when they come to school. Responding to this off-campus behavior can easily run into First Amendment issues involving free speech and privacy concerns. Schools have been challenged on their right to take disciplinary action against students whose inappropriate use of digital technology happens off campus. Schools must show a clear connection between the cyberbullying that occurs off campus and its impact on the school’s responsibility to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. If this connection is made, the courts have usually upheld the right of schools to take disciplinary action against students whose cyberbullying behavior took place off campus.

Just Moved to Town?

Call Central Coast Welcome For Welcome Gifts, Maps, Civic Information

Liz Hiatt-Salas Owner

549-7755 centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

• San Luis Obispo/Los Osos Morro Bay/Cambria: Liz Hiatt . . . . . . . . 549-7755 • 5 Cities/Nipomo/ Avila: Renee Preston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549-7755

A FREE SERVICE • North County: Sandy Hexberg . . . . . . 238-1529 TO NEWCOMERS A P R I L

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AROUND TOWN

The Templeton Fire Department

templeton fire dept a century of service

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

T

he lure of a new life, of rolling fields ready to promote crops or cows, the adventure of the unknown called many to the frontier lands of the Southern Pacific Railroad terminus in 1887. Anticipating a growing population, a neat little town was designed space for a park and a school. Templeton was born as both a commercial enterprise and a promise of prosperity at the end of the line. Few considered “infrastructure” as any town’s requirement, but it wasn’t long before the “fire demon” demanded action.

Here’s the story.

A new world blossoms in song as we welcome the season of rebirth, redemption and renewal

Friday, April 24, 2009 · 8 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church Paso Robles Saturday, April 25, 2009 · 8 p.m.

Mission San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo Sunday, April 26, 2009 · 3 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church Cambria A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Tickets: Online at VocalArts.org or call 805-541-6797 A P R I L

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To accommodate anticipated settlers, Templeton (founded by C. H. Phillips in 1886) quickly boasted of two hotels, a school, drug store, meat market, barbershop, five saloons, a weekly newspaper, Presbyterian Church, and daily mail service. There was also a lot of wood. Any progressive community appraised its risk…and insurance premiums… and knew fire was an inevitable visitor. Fear accompanied progress.

Water is any fire department’s first friend. While stouthearted men could run with leather buckets of stream water to suppress a blaze, much relief was expressed when Richard M. Shackelford installed pumps, holding tanks and water lines along Main Street by the end of 1887. Nonetheless, accessible water also needed equipment.

“How much will you give?” queried the Templeton Times toward the $600 needed for fire apparatus to protect the community now “utterly helpless.” The newspaper maintained the subscription list and warned volunteers “sometimes are very slow” to protect those “too niggardly to contribute their fair share.”

To manage the community investment, subscribers established a Board of Directors to oversee a “first class” $200 hose cart, 500 feet of hose and four hydrants. At $11 apiece, residents were encouraged to purchase their own. A few weeks later, on November 12, 1887, Templeton Hose Company #1 was formed with 14 volunteers whose civic successors serve to this day. As Chief Engineer, Charles M. Steinbeck was given a nickel-plated trumpet to announce any fire.

By the next year, the hose cart was housed in a structure, the school donated a warning bell, and the volunteer “boys” responded to an alarm. Undoubtedly, the biggest fire for the times was in 1894 when the original hotel burned to the ground. While it was one structure, a few years later several buildings succumbed to flames. Volunteers brought a measure of comfort to the emerging community, but one traveler a few years later was not impressed. The settlement, he declared, was a

AROUND TOWN “looking like a mummy,” asking for a final kiss.

Almost lost in the mists of time…thanks to the enthusiasm of current Chief Greg O’Sullivan for history…his sacrifice is memorialized with a plaque in front of today’s fire station.

Over the years, volunteers continue to serve their community with their time, efforts and good will. They answer hundreds of calls yearly to help others in need, to stop a blaze from becoming an inferno, to aid someone who is ill or mangled in an automobile accident. While most of Templeton sleeps, these

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volunteers are awakened by calls to service.

They may not know the reason; they don’t know the risk, but – in the best tradition of their community – they respond.

We find heroes in the pages of books or on the fields of battle, but valor attends to those who will risk their lives and well-being for those they know not, who freely step up and stand tall to help their neighbors.

Happy birthday to a century of service!

Fire bucket, photo courtesy of the County Historical Museum

“good point to live for working farmers, but as a town, Templeton is not ‘in it.’” He thought it was too close to Paso Robles.

Friday, September 30, 1898 was the date Templeton burned to the ground. Actually, fire consumed nine “business houses” for a loss of $15,000. There was no hydrant near the buildings. Obviously, depending on the good will of a few was not sufficient. A fire brigade was organized. Steinbeck again was elected chief of the 23 volunteers and training became even more important.

The Board of Trade (organized in 1902) took an active interest in promoting the well-being and development of the community.

Dreading the destructiveness of fire, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, on April 12, 1909, a Fire District was established with Carl W. Peterson, Joseph W. Eddy, and Benjamin Bierer appointed as the Board of Fire Commissioners. Donations including $50 from Charles Templeton Crocker – the town’s namesake – helped buy needed equipment.

The fire department was finally born.

Since then, the saga of man against fire has continued with some notable accomplishments and losses. The Templeton Legion Hall was gutted in 1960 and was spared total destruction by the “stout assistance” of volunteers. The accidental fire was followed by arson which destroyed most of the school offices. A most spectacular blaze was the Templeton Milling Company in 1979 that required additional heroic assistance from neighboring services.

Fighting fires is far from safe, and the ultimate sacrifice was paid by Lester Plum in 1940.

Called to a garage fire, Plum and others were badly burned when gasoline drums exploded.

The 23-year-old volunteer died within a few days. He left a wife and two children, one who could never forget visiting her dad wrapped A P R I L

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AROUND TOWN

E

ven though Hospice Partners receives reimbursement from Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private insurance companies for the hospice care services provided to covered patients; and even though Hospice Partners prides itself on being fiscally responsible, we will always have a need to look to the community for financial support.

fundraising an ongoing need at hospice partners

By Ron McEvoy

We receive reimbursement on a “per diem” rate for hospice services, which includes visits by hospice professional staff, equipment for the patient, medications related to symptom management and any treatments or interventions that assist in symptom management. Also included would be any hospital stay for symptom management.

When all costs for hospice care services are taken into consideration, Medicare, Medi-Cal and private insurances only partially cover those costs. We do not collect any insurance shortfall in reimbursement from patients or families who demonstrate an inability to pay. In addition, we do not turn away patients who have no coverage or method of paying for hospice care services.

Some of the pain medications that our patients receive are very expensive. While we always use generics when possible and try to prevent the use of unnecessary medications, there are some situations that require medications that cost more than the average amount of money set aside for pharmacy costs. We use contributions for these expensive pharmacy situations. We also use contributions for procedures that are “outside the usual costs” for hospice patients, such as radiation therapy for pain management. The spiritual team broadened its scope of care when Hospice Partners used donated funds to establish our hospice therapeutic music program. Its presence definitely provides a tremendous benefit to our patients and their families.

Hospice Partners relies on the generosity of the community for general donations as well as support at fundraising events. The majority of our contributed funds come directly from general donations. We hold two major fundraising events each year. The Dazzling Diamond Ball is held in March, and is a Black Tie event raising money through silent and live auctions of art, wine and jewelry. This year, we chose to forgo the actual Ball and had a “Non-Event” Ball mailing to raise funds. In 2010, the Dazzling Diamond Ball will be coming back in all its elegance.

In August, we hold the Hospice “Pardners” Hoedown at the Dairy Barn on the private Hearst Ranch in San Simeon. It’s a “down home” fun event, with a live country western band, dancing, silent auction and a fantastic barbecue. The Dairy Barn is like no other barn that you have ever seen. It has a fireplace at one end, a stage at the other end, and in between is a long, custom-made saloon bar. Relax on the outside patios and take in the spectacular views. The Hoedown will be held August 1st this year, with the total numbers of tickets limited to 350 and sold on a first-come basis.

A new exciting source of funds will be opening around April 1st. It is the ultimate thrift store, the Hospice Partners Hope Chest. It is located at 445 Higuera Street (at Carmel Street) in San Luis Obispo. Find great prices on gently used clothing, shoes, housewares, furniture, linens, books, dishes, jewelry, etc. Item donations are welcome. For more information, call 545-5955.

All of us here at Hospice Partners genuinely thank the residents of our community for the support that is given to us. Please know that everything you do to help us truly makes a difference both for our hospice patients in their final days and for their families that are caring for them.

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AROUND TOWN This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Ron McEvoy is the Event and Media Coordinator at Hospice Partners. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

Statepoint Media Crossword Theme: Spring’s In The Air ACROSS 1. *You can turn it down in the spring 6. British rule over India prior to 1947 9. *Where many keep their gardening tools 13. Mrs. Flintstone 14. Similar to but smaller than ostrich 15. Plant reproductive structure 16. Bronze, e.g.

17. Greed or sloth, e.g.

18. Reddish brown dye used especially on hair 19. Enthusiastic approval 21. *Spring _______, refers to age 23. Football player in St. Louis 24. “Give me your tired, your ____,...”

25. Structure resembling a bag on animal 28. Crimson rival 30. *______ Spring, from January to August in ‘68 35. United ____ Emirates

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APRIL CROSSWORD · SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

37. Bigger than a sip 39. *Baseball players don’t want to exit Spring Training in this 40. Not in action 41. The fourth or lowest deck 43. Globes and balls, e.g.

44. Less bright then supernovae 46. Morays, pl.

47. EU money 48. Type of warfare 50. There’s no “i” in this group 52. Every American’s uncle?

53. Bruce and Spike, e.g.

55. Once around 57. *Spring _______, refers to time 61. Anthology of articles on related subject 65. A Hindu sage 66. Rascal 68. Unsuitable or inappropriate 69. Young eel 70. Headed by Leon Panetta 71. Bus path 72. ESPN trophy 73. Through-the-lense 74. To give qualities to

DOWN 1. ABC’s “Wife ____” 2. *Done to garden in spring 3. Jazz great Fitzgerald 4. Frenchman’s love 5. *Occurs on May 1 in many countries 6. First R in R&R 7. Friend from Paris 8. Finch seen chiefly in winter in North America 9. Detailed design description 10. Goose cry 11. White-tailed sea eagle 12. University head 15. Bakes, as in eggs in their shells 20. Idealized image of someone, usually a parent 22. Before a skip and a jump?

24. Small pieces of pet food 25. *Patrick, e.g.

26. Intense feeling of love 27. To give birth, as in whale or cow 29. Thrown by angler 31. Medicinal plant 32. First ten leaders of Sikh religion A P R I L

33. Region of complete shadow 34. Heartburn-treating salt 36. *The Fava ____ is a spring favorite in Italy 38. There’s one north and one south 42. A sacred song 45. Oblong cream puff 49. H in HMS 51. *Its odor wafts throughout farmland 54. Authoritative proclamation 56. Low-growing pine 57. Some say the best things in life are this 58. Type of paints used by some artists 59. A requested response 60. Eaten by Little Miss Muffet 61. October birthstone 62. Transmission rate for modems 63. “__ __ no good” 64. Fret 67. Top engineering university

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AROUND TOWN Committee. After WWI, they pledged, “So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.” Donna and her husband, Gary, both members of the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge 322, have personified that pledge.

I will be directing the annual American Legion “Veterans Remembrance” Memorial Day service at the San Luis Cemetery, as I have since 1996. I have also been elected Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge for the 2009/2010 Lodge year and will have the honor of assisting Donna in presenting Elk medals of valor to the families of two soldiers killed in Iraq.

Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan

T

he San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge 322 Veterans Service Committee was judged the best in the California/Hawaii State Elks Association jurisdiction. This is due mainly to the work of Donna Donovan. Donna is the Chair of the Elks Veterans Service

The San Luis Obispo American Legion Post 66 will be co-sponsoring the annual Memorial Day services at the San Luis Cemetery with the Wheeler/Smith Mortuary, at 11:00 a.m. on May 25th, as they have since 1923.

California State Assemblyman Sam Blakleslee is having a “Veterans Recognition Luncheon” on May 22nd, at Mitchell Park. This will be

similar to the one he held last year. Donations are being taken to defray the cost of the luncheon which will be free to veterans and $3.00 to the general public. Any proceeds left over will be given to Ride On to support the Veterans Ride On program started by our good friend Greg Shearer. Ride On takes veterans to the doctor, or other necessary trips including the VA Clinic in Santa Maria to meet the bus for the VA Hospitals in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Checks in support may be sent to the Veterans Recognition Luncheon, Attention Commander Jim Telford, American Legion Post 66, 1661 Mill St., San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

A fellow legionnaire, Lou Verdugo, invited me to the February meeting of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 272. They meet monthly at the clubhouse of the Rancho San Luis Mobile Home Park. I had a very enjoyable time swapping war stories and eating a nice lunch prepared by their ladies. Anyone who was in the Navy, Marines or Coast Guard is eligible to join. They are in need of new young members. If you are interested in joining them, call President Jim Clem at 773-6451. He will happily arrange for you to join them.

Cuesta College is working to develop a stronger veterans’ assistance program by applying for a government grant. As the Adjutant of Post 66, I signed a support letter on behalf of the American Legion for our Commander Jim Telford. Sharon Brazell of Cuesta College, who is working on the program, made the request.

The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 contains some specific benefits for veterans. Veterans with service connected or service aggravated injuries and/or sickness will receive a one-time stimulus payment of $250. For answers to any questions, call your local County Veterans Service office in your area or contact the Service Officer of your veterans’ organization.

As I mentioned last month, it is time to notify me of any Memorial Day programs in your area, so I can pitch them in the May issue of the Journal/Plus. Remember my deadline for the May issue is April 10th, so get the info to me before then. I would like to devote the May Vets Voice to all of the area Memorial Day Services. Every year I hear complaints that the local media do not pitch the Memorial Day Services enough. So lets do it here next month.

Be sure to keep in touch especially this month about your Memorial Day celebrations. Contact me at 543-1973 or frowan248@att.net.

See you right here again in May.

A P R I L

2009

Journal PLUS

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo April 2009

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D o w n t o w n

?

“G

is a chosen path, a lifestyle, with a cross-country route, a dress to un-impress attitude and interestingly, they don’t travel light. With their bedrolls, backpacks, dogs, guitars and other luggage, groups that could be described as disheveled and dirty, loud and obnoxious have staked out benches, grassy areas, sidewalks—often blocking the way and creating a sense of tension and discomfort for those who pass by. And, they’re not easy to Deborah Cash, CMSM, dissuade either, even in the presence of the law.

Executive Director As a rule, they don’t drink, they don’t panhandle aggressively; police say they “know their rights” and come right up to the line but don’t cross it. “We can’t arrest them if they’re not breaking a law,” officers his, in addition to increased police patrol in Downsay, “We can’t even force them to identify themselves.” town to stem the tide of “untidies” that’s washed But still, PD and Downtown Association private security over the commercial district these past few months, has are watching, and when rules are broken, GOTCHA. sent a clear message that our community is not looking the other way when it comes to vandalism, vagrancy nd why the hard line one might ask? Because there’s and behaviors that are even in the least bit criminal. another line to consider and that’s the bottom line for business: if customers stay away, businesses close. rdinarily we witness the comings and goings of street It’s not heartless at all to value the investments, dreams, people with the seasons, and unless there’s an uptick hard work and contributions of business and property in crime, we generally agree it’s not all that bad compared owners who’ve provided a beautiful setting, it’s actuto say, other towns. But this new wave isn’t your typical wanderer. Talking with a few of them, one learns that this OTCHA” is probably not exactly what SLOPD said when catching a graffiti vandal in the act Downtown SLO last month, but that’s exactly what transpired. At approximately 1 AM on March 7, officers witnessed 23-year-old Cody Robert Hubbard of Salinas placing graffiti on the wall of the—gasp—historic Maino building where the Downtown Association has its offices. And, because graffiti “artists” like to see their handiwork in multiple venues, it was easy to attribute numerous other vandalized sites to the perp who was arrested then and there for felony vandalism. Way to go!

T

O

A

On the Cover: Outgoing Board president Doug Shaw munches a juicy rib during the Rib Cook Off in 2007. Thursday Night Farmers’ Market barbecuers will compete for the coveted “best beef, best pork and people’s choice” awards on April 23 when the annual event is dedicated to the memory of Larry Kowalski, former owner of Mo’s Smokehouse Barbecue. Photo by Deborah Cash

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

ally very heartfelt to protect and defend these efforts.

B

esides, we also know the groups trade information; our hope is they’ll put the word out among their peeps that SLO Town is NO Town you want to visit. And then we’ll all be able to walk down the sidewalks again and maybe even be a little grateful for a couple of the “regulars” who are hoping for some change but don’t make a big deal out of it.

O

n a happy note, the band lineup for Concerts in the Plaza has been selected. This year, CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA BEGINS ON JUNE 5 and runs through August 28. Playing for the 13-week series are:

June 5: Siko June 12: The JD Project June 19: The Mighty Croon Dogs June 26: Resination July 3: 2nd Annual Double Header: Grüvething & Tres Gatos July 10: Cuesta Ridge July 17: Damon Castillo July 24: Zongo All-Stars July 31: The Shival Experience August 7: Truth About Seafood August 14: Cadillac Angels

D o w n t o w n

?

August 21: Rancho Deluxe August 28: Big Daddy’s Blues Band

T

he FREE concerts begin at 5:30 PM each Friday and end at 7:30 PM. Plan now to spend your Friday evenings with family and friends in Mission Plaza listening to great music and enjoying local beverages served by the Downtown Association. This event is a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds going to fund Private Security in Downtown; with the success of this promotion, we’ll be hearing “GOTCHA” on a regular basis…around Downtown. he Downtown Association recently held elections for the Board of Directors 2009-2010. lected to serve the members of the Association are: Tres Feltman, owner, Hands Gallery Adrian Bray, owner, Noor Jewelry John Huffman, co-owner, BooBoo Records Tom Swem, owner, Real Property Investments ach member will serve a two-year term and will serve on a committee of the Board. Continuing members include Natalie Tartaglia, incoming president, Kathy Collins, Tom Copeland, Stephen Patrick, Javier Cadena, Kathi Olson, Bob Schinkel, Landy Fike, Carl Dudley, Roy Mueller. Departing board members include Doug Shaw, Alex Gough, Ron Meier and Stacey Brown. All board members are owners or managers of Downtown businesses with three members represented non-assessed businesses in media, non profit and banking.

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N e w

B u s i n e s s

N e w s

Brad Haslem

he knew he was where he wanted to be.

Bluebird Salon 722 Marsh Street 593-0234 www.BluebirdSalon.com

Brad started working at Bluebird Salon last July and fell in love with its atmosphere & vibe; it’s upscale without the price and the customers seem more down-to-earth, he says. “It feels like a salon that I would For Brad Haslem of Bluebird Salon, waking own. I would rather be cutting hair and up in San Luis Obispo was like “walking out doing what I love.” A cut with Brad costs of his old black and white world and opening between $25 and $40 while color is the door to a world that was Technicolor,” $40 and highlights are $65. His favorite he says. “It was like when Dorothy opened service is a color and cut because it’s the the door to her house after a crazy tornado most visible change, and you don’t have to be afraid to be ride and discovered a beautiful and vibrant world that she never knew existed!” Brad says that five years of traveling and teaching adventurous—if you mess up, you can just change it back. for the Paul Mitchell line of hair products was “enough,” and There was a time in his life when Brad was actually going to he was ready to get back into a salon. He had heard about San be a doctor. Fortuitously, he said, he decided to skip class one Luis Obispo from a friend who also works at Bluebird Salon, day and stumbled upon a billboard that led him to hair school so he drove all night to arrive in a dark San Luis Obispo at 3 and 13 years later he’s Downtown at Bluebird Salon, working AM where he retired to a hotel room. When he woke up he Monday 11-5, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-3, and ventured Downtown where the birds were chirping and the sun Saturday 10-9. was shining on beautiful and historical downtown and, he says, By Tristan Fuenmeyer

Borracha

Kimberly Walker, Owner 1130 Morro Street 556-4211 www.WineWipes.com For those of us who love red wine but hate how it stains teeth, Kimberly Walker has developed a solution called Wine Wipes. Dubbed “How-did-we-ever-livewithout-this-Product of the Year” for 2008

by Seattle Times writer Paul Gregutt and featured in a variety of other media, Wine Wipes removes wine from teeth to prevent stains and leaves a gentle orange blossom flavoring that complements any red wine and cleans the palate without interfering with the taste.

It began years ago when, tired of red wine stains, Kim began working on a recipe for a solution that would “wipe that wine off her smile” and the smiles of millions of red wine drinkers around the world. Once she had something developed, she

Total Health Chiropractic Daniel Maldonado, D.C. 1075 Court Street, Suite 206 (805) 541-5100 www.TotalHealthSLO.com

Feeling stiff and achy? Want some relief?

Dr. Daniel Maldonado is one of the newest chiropractors in town and is ready to help!

Total Health Chiropractic is located on Court Street right above Peet’s Coffee and Tea. Dr. Maldonado says he had his eye on the location ever since Peet’s opened over a year ago.

started testing her product on wine drinkers and dental professionals. Then she took her solution to a renowned chemical lab that would help her turn her recipe into a product that she could market and sell to wine drinkers around the world.

In 2006, Kim formed Borracha, LLC. (She chose Borracha, which in Spanish means intoxicated woman, because she wanted a name that was untraditional and fun. However, her grandma tells her that the word “borracha” is not typically used in the Spanish language because “women don’t get drunk!”)

Kim realized she had created something special and there was no other product like it around. She decided to open a retail store Downtown because “this is where the action is!” To see what the excitement’s all about, visit Borracha at 1130 Morro Street, M – F, 9 – 6.

By Tristan Fuenmayer that can eventually progress into more serious ailments that need surgery. With his chiropractic care, Dr. Maldonado believes he can help prevent more extreme treatments for those injuries, such as surgery, when they worsen over time.

He also feels that he can bring a refreshing blend of energy and excitement to chiropractics due to his unique philosophy on treatment. He wants to work with athletes and explain to them his treatment style of combining the neck and spine with the rest of the body—a holistic treatment approach unique to his philosophy.

Dr. Maldonado first became excited about chiropractic Dr. Maldonado also prides himself on the amount of onemedicine during his education at Cal Poly as a kinesiology on-one time he spends with his patients in order to get to major. He said he was especially enthusiastic about the variety know them and their ailments. This enables him to give of chiropractic specialties as well as the hands-on approach that them the best care possible by thoroughly explaining his each utilizes, after his advisor suggested he look into the field. processes and answering any questions that may arise.

In order to stand out in the world of chiropractic, Dr. Dr. Maldonado and his wife fell in love with San Luis Obispo Maldonado has chosen to specialize in certain segments of during their education at Cal Poly and say they are excited to the community, focusing, for example, on youth athletes. be continuing their lives in the area.

He feels that many injuries develop in the teenage years

By Marissa Schriver

BUSINESS

39

Palm Street Perspective good things are happening in slo

By SLO City Council Member, Jan Howell Marx

H

ello Friends and Neighbors! For those of you who have been asking, I am happy to report that my second term on City Council is off to a very good start.

I was appointed to represent the city on the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA) Board, the Air Pollution Control District (ACPD) Board and the Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) Board. Serving on these Boards along with the Supervisors and representatives of other cities is giving me a deeper regional perspective on emerging land use, mass transportation, air quality, waste management and financial issues. Our city must be a good team player with our neighbors – to plan the most environmentally sustainable land use, grow the green economy, reduce our carbon footprint, increase efficiencies and take advantage of federal stimulus and other grants – without sacrificing our own priorities and character.

The city is not exempt from the challenges of dealing with the economy, since sales tax and hotel revenues are down. This means Council and staff are thinking about the budget a lot these days. We may have to cut approximately $10.5 million from our General Fund Budget of about $65 million. The question is how to do this without reducing services to residents, laying off staff, dipping into our 20% reserve, or getting trapped into short term decision making, just when long term planning is more important than ever. The good news is that the city’s bond rating has been upgraded to AA, our investments are holding steady, and union representatives have expressed willingness to help close the budget gap.

More good news is that the city has decided to master plan the 90 acres of prime agricultural land between LOVR, Madonna Road and 101, as property in that area develops and comes into the city.

(Organic demonstration farm, anyone?) Also, the community is giving generously to help make great things happen, for instance the recent Hind Foundation’s $100,000 gift to the Railroad Museum, the pending SLO Rotary’s gift of $50,000 (plus $35,000 from the general public) to the Railroad Safety Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail, and the pledge of the Art Center Board to build its new facility with no cost to the city.

Celebrating

50

YEARS

Take Advantage of the Specials During Our 50th Anniversary Sale April 2009 marks the start of the 51st year that Jim Kimball has owned and operated Kimball Motor Co in San Luis Obispo.

To celebrate the completion of 50 years of outstanding sales and service to San Luis Obispo County, Kimball Motor Co is holding a special sale for the month of April 2009. Larger discounts, higher trade in allowances and special financing.

There is also an exciting opportunity for the city to purchase 310 acres of the Froom Ranch from the Madonna family at an excellent price, if we can raise $150,000 locally by June 30, 2010. This will increase the Irish Hills Natural Preserve to over 1,000 acres of rich habitat, including one half mile of Froom Creek inhabited by steelhead trout. If you would like to help add to our greenbelt, send your donation, identified as being for the Froom Creek Project, to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, PO Box 12206, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.

I am always open to ideas for improving our fair city, so please let me know (jmarx@slocity.org).

All the best, Jan

Over 50 Years of Automotive

Excellence

1423 CALLE JOAQUIN · SAN LUIS OBISPO · 543-5752 A P R I L

2009

Journal PLUS

40

BUSINESS

eye oN business encouraging signs of progress at slo county airport

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates traffic light is being installed to make it easier – and far less harrowing – to exit the airport.

Second, an interior loop road is being created so drivers can circle within the airport area without exiting back out on to Broad.

Another nice improvement.

But that’s just the beginning. Beyond roadwork, the airport itself is getting some help.

While original plans to move full steam ahead on enlarging the airport and building a parking structure were scuttled due to the current weak economy, the SLO County Board of Supervisors recognized pressing airport needs and authorized some moves that will help attract new airlines, increase carrying capacity and help make air travel to and from SLO an improved experience.

T

he construction underway on Broad Street near the SLO County Airport may feel like a nuisance, but it actually is a sign of forward motion and encouraging progress for the airport. The performance of the SLO County Airport is one of the key indicators of the overall economic health of our community, and, while things are far from robust, they are moving in the right direction.

Let’s start with the roadwork – what’s going on is a two-pronged improvement. First, a

The hoped for parking structure is off the drawing boards for now, but in its place is a vastly improved lower area parking area.

Lighting will be installed and a means of getting from the lot to the airport – including an elevator – will be improved. And the clumsy parking permit process that now requires paperwork to be filled out and placed on the dashboard, then an envelope dropped in a box in the terminal, will be replaced by modern parking fee collection methods. Not only will this change help the passenger (I can’t be the only person who has boarded a plane, forgetting the drop box and returning to pay fines), but it will enhance revenue collection. Parking fees are the airport’s top revenue source.

There’s movement in terminal improvements, too. The Board of Supervisors authorized staff to pursue design work needed to enlarge the existing terminal. Phase one calls for an addition of 44,000 square feet of terminal space; a second phase would add 20-25,000 more square feet to accommodate annual passenger loads of 250,000 passengers.

And while the last year has been a tough one for keeping airline service, Richard Howell, General Manager of SLO County Airport Services, says things are starting to brighten.

US Airways actually ended the year ahead in passenger count from the prior year, and United Airlines is holding its own.

Howell is encouraged about the possibility of applying for funds from a program overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Small Community Air Service Development Grant is a program that is likely to earmark up to $35M in grants to be used for airports like ours to attract new service.

Howell says the program has been in place for seven years, and a number of communities have successfully used it to cover costs associated with new airline carriers. This year’s program is in the final throes of approval, and SLO County could be in the process to requesting funds as early as this summer.

While this airport update may not completely relieve driver frustration on South Broad Street, I hope it offers some silver lining to the short term delays.

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Journal PLUS

AROUND TOWN

41

taxes are due this month. Our tax advisor says just pay up. Your Uncle Sam needs your money to help you.

APRIL Almanac

runners gather at the Boston Marathon

By Phyllis Benson

this month. Last year over 20,000 runners completed the 26-mile race.

Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: It’s good to be silly at the right moment. --- Horace

running coach Bill Bowerman said, “I

april fool’S day is April 1. The best prank is funny to both prankster and victim.

bmw offers an annual April Foolery ad.

Last year BMW advertised its new Canine Repellent Alloy Protection whereby brakes supposedly created an electric charge that zapped any dog piddling on the wheels.

our mechanic says if he had a buck for

every time an owner griped about dog stains on new wheels, he could retire.

april is National garden month. Our neighborhood is having a Plant Swap with the usual disclaimers that worms and weeds are included free.

tee time: The Masters Tournament is this month. The tournament began 75 years ago in 1934.

golfer bobby jones said golf is played

on a five-inch course, the distance between a golfer’s ears.

think people can handle 150 to 200 miles a week. But something has to give somewhere.

If he’s a student, how’s he going to study? He may be at the age of chasing and courtship, and that’s an important form of sport and recreation, too.”

niversary, the award-winning company has expanded to every continent except Africa and Antarctica.

suzuki: In 1909 Michio Suzuki founded the

visit antelope valley this month.

Suzuki textile loom company. The company expanded to motorized bicycles, added the Suzulight car, and then branched out to motorcycles.

The high desert offers the California Poppy Festival and the Lyrid Meteor Shower. The wildflowers and annual falling star show are top April attractions.

april 12, 1909: Carl Laemmle established

this month wildflowers bloom, birds

nest, and cameras click. Nature fans flock to spring tours.

the Independent Motion Picture Company.

He fought off 280 lawsuits to stay in business. One-hundred years later, the company is known as Universal Pictures.

earth day slogan: Nature never goes out of style.

send a birthday wish to Williams’ Book

Store in San Pedro. Opening in 1909, the 100year-old bookstore has outlasted two world wars and chain book store competitors to become the oldest independent continuously operating new bookseller in Los Angeles.

bookmark: Books are medicine for the soul.

april is for easter eggs. The neighborhood kids are making natural dyes by cooking eggs with blueberries, cranberries, spinach and beets. The dogs are waiting for leftovers. We are standing by with shampoo, towels and garden hoses. April is eggsactly in time for spring break.

golf writer Horace G. Hutchinson said

if profanity had an influence on the ball, golf would be played far better than it is.

wedgwood in 1759 opened its first bone china factory in England. This year during its 250th anniversary, Wedgwood filed for bankruptcy.

charles darwin, born 200 years ago, was

the grandson of Josiah Wedgwood, founder of the company. Wedgwood funded Darwin’s natural history ventures.

our historian says discovery is often the

The no. 1 local pharmacy solving healthcare and insurance problems.

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story of families paying relatives to leave home.

1884: A small family woodworking shop in Louisville, Kentucky began making baseball bats. The Louisville Slugger soon became world famous.

1909: Snyder’s of Hanover began producing Olde Tyme Pretzels. On its 100th an-

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A P R I L

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2009

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

42

mid-state fair quilt challenge

Real Estate

LynnBroker R. Cooper Associate Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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

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

Applications are now being accepted for the California Mid-State Fair Sew Fun Quilt Challenge. Celebrating a jungle theme, “Take a Ride on the Wild Side,” this year’s Fair will run July 22 - August 2. “The heart and soul of a county fair can be found in the competitive exhibit programs,” stated fair CEO Vivian Robertson. “From the quilts to the cut flowers, from the junior livestock to the scarecrows, there is a ribbon waiting to be won by every member of our community.” The quilt challenge information is available online at www.midstatefair.com or at the Paso Robles Event Center Administration Office.

2009 Orchid show

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras

The 14th Annual Central Coast Orchid Show & Sale sponsored by the Five Cities Orchid Society, will be held Saturday, April 4 from 9-5 and Sunday, April 5, from 10-5 at the South County Regional Center, 800 West Branch, Arroyo Grande. General Admission is $5.00 and includes a door prize ticket: Children 12 and under are free. The American Orchid Society will judge the plants being exhibited. Vendors will offer a large variety of orchids, carnivorous plants, books, orchid supplies, etc. for sale. Orchid culture, re-potting demonstrations, plant doctors and show tours will provide valuable information to orchid enthusiasts. A weekend raffle will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Please call (805) 929-5749 or (805) 481-3991 for preview tickets and information.

bob gayle appointed by wells fargo Dennis Gisler 800.660.3178 • 805.541.4488 • www.AdvancedPage.com

Bob Gayle has joined Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and the nation’s leading retail originator of reverse mortgages, as a reverse mortgage consultant. In this role, Gayle will work exclusively with senior homeowners seeking a reverse mortgage, a home financing program that allows homeowners to utilize the equity in their home to supplement their retirement income. Gayle will be based in Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s San Luis Obispo office, and will serve customers statewide.

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A P R I L

2009

Journal PLUS

Two business owners who work in the asbestos abatement field have been found guilty of purposefully endangering the health and the lives of their customers. By incompletely removing asbestos and purchasing false safety reports about removals, two upstate New York contractors left customers living in homes that remained seriously contaminated. The pair received justice in the United States federal court system with prison sentences and fines for their “environmental crimes.” One was ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to customers he’d bilked and endangered. Another had to pay more than $100,000 in compensation to victims. Asbestos exposure has been proven to lead – often many years later – to cases of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a deadly and current incurable disease. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, be sure to learn about your legal rights. If you want to learn more, a good source of information is www.mesothelioma-advice.org. And remember, you’re not alone. Scott Hendler is a nationally recognized mesothelioma lawyer and represents individuals and their families in California and throughout the United States against the Asbestos industry. He can be contacted at help@hendlerlaw.com or toll free at 800-443-6353.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

43

a dog’s day, formerly “dog Days” Come and join the Santa Lucia Open Dog Obedience Group (SLODOG) to enjoy a day of celebration for you and your dog. Admission is free and a fun way to turn your regular walk with the dog into a socially interactive day for you, your dog, and your family. A Dog’s Day will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santa Rosa Park in SLO. Bring your dog on a leash and participate in loads of fun activities. A Dog’s Day is an annual celebration of responsible dog ownership. Main events include demonstrations of Agility and Canine Musical Freestyle (dancing with your dog), and a 4-H dog show. You can get some exercise by trying out an agility course, running Flyball or walking a Rally-Obedience course. There will be a SLODOG raffle, a photographer, pet supply vendors, and information booths. For general information, email dogdays@slodog.org or call Diane at (805) 434-3717.

Visit our website at www.slodog.org.

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freda murphy honored for 25,000 hours of seRVICE Freda Murphy, a long-time volunteer at French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) reached 25,000 hours of service to the hospital and was recently recognized for her ardent commitment. Her dedication to her work shows in her readiness and positive attitude during her twice weekly, six-hour shifts. “I’m usually here by a quarter to six,” says Murphy. “It’s all fun, helping and working with people.” Since beginning her service in January 1981, Murphy has served as President of the French Hospital Volunteers Guild, was voted Volunteer of the Year and continues to enthusiastically carry out her various duties, including delivering mail, flowers, food and packages and filing charts. During her 28 years at the hospital, Murphy says she has gained more respect for medical professionals and a greater understanding of how a hospital operates.

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

Farris Jack Jack Farris

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

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A P R I L

2009

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Part of the Community Personalized Phone and Internet Service for Business

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A $1.75 million expansion that added six beds to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center is completed.

The NICU expanded from 16 licensed beds to 22 beds. “As our community continues to grow, Sierra Vista has identified a need for additional bed space for our critically ill newborns,” said Dr. Steven Van Scoy, the Unit’s medical director. “The expansion enables us to continue to deliver the high quality care our community has become accustomed to.” The Sierra Vista NICU is the only unit of its kind in San Luis Obispo County. Sierra Vista also houses the only dedicated Pediatric Unit in the County. About 1250 babies are born at Sierra Vista each year. The NICU admits an average of 280 babies a year from Lompoc to King City.

slo nazarene celebrates 80th anniversary

REAL PROPERTY INVESTMENTS Commercial Investment Real Estate

Robert Petterson GRI Sales and Leasing 570 Marsh St • SLO cell: 805.801.1188 • office: 805.544.4422 Robert@rpislo.com • www.rpislo.com

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

Alan “Himself” A P R I L

2009

alan’s draperies 544-9405 Journal PLUS

A special church homecoming weekend will be held the weekend of April 18-19 at the Church of the Nazarene in SLO, marking the 80th anniversary of the church. Former members and pastors will gather with the current congregation at the corner of Johnson and Southwood for a celebration, “Honoring the Past – Focusing on the Future.” The original church was located at 955 Pacific Street in a building known as “The Little Brown Church,” since torn down. As the church grew from 15 charter members organized by Rev. Olive Crane, members relocated to the corner of Walnut and Santa Rosa streets, across the street from the current Police Department. In 1966, the current Johnson Avenue Sanctuary was built with the majority of the work done by members and friends of the congregation, and in 1992 the Outreach Center Building was constructed. Call 543-3192 for more information or visit the website at www.slonaz.org.

Morro bay aauw 23rd annual garden tour The Morro Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women is holding its 23rd annual garden tour event. This year it is titled “Gardens by the Sea” and features eight Estero Bay gardens spanning the bay from Cayucos to Los Osos. The tour is self- guided and begins at noon on Sunday, April 26. It ends at 5 p.m. and one $10.00 ticket is good for visiting all eight gardens. The proceeds from ticket sales are used to support local educational and community based programs. Tickets may be purchased at any Miner’s Hardware location, Volumes of Pleasure Bookstore in Los Osos, Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, Pacific Coast Home and Garden (SLO) and from any AAUW member of the Morro Bay Branch. For more information you may call (805) 235-5779.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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

45

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

9th annual monday club architectural tour

The Monday Club proudly presents its 9th annual Architectural Tour.

Tickets are $20, go on sale April 2nd and can be purchased at SLO Chamber of Commerce or phone: 543-9807. Tickets will also be available at the door on date of tour, April 26th. Tour is from 1-5 p.m. The tour begins at the Monday Club, 1815 Monterey Street. Free parking plus free shuttle service to all sites. All proceeds are for local graduating high school senior scholarships. Every year Monday Club awards 6 scholarships. There is an exciting array of Victorian homes on tour this year including the Crocker House, Hankenson House, Tucker House, Shipsey House and the Garden Street Inn. Spend an enjoyable Sunday afternoon learning some old “secrets.” Then after the tour, enjoy delightful goodies while touring the historical Monday Club building designed by Julia Morgan.

slo symphony concert

The most famous four-note opening in the history of music will be featured in the closing concert of the SLO Symphony’s “Classics” series at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 2nd, at 8 p.m. Beethoven’s immortal Symphony No. 5 in C minor, one of the most well-known, and most often-played compositions in all of Western European classical music, will be the centerpiece of this season’s closing concert that also features music by Giovanni Gabrieli and Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Also on the program for this exciting season finale at the Cohan Center will be a performance of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto featuring the amazing young violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. More detailed information about the musical program and the guest artist is available at www.slosymphony.com. Tickets range in price from $12.50-$65 and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office at (805) 756-2787 or online at www.pacslo.org.

senior dancing

If you are a senior and like to dance, we have something for you. We like to meet singles and couples for friendship and dancing. Come to Madonna Inn, in SLO at 7 p.m. every Friday. Look to the left of the band stand and you’ll see a sign on table “Senior Dance Group.” No fees, no dues, just fun.

For more info: dg17@juno.com or 489-5481.

community partners in caring

The Lompoc Community Center in Santa Maria and Lompoc offers many services free of charge to any senior (62+) in need in Northern Santa Barbara County and Southern SLO County. Service includes escorted transportation in personal volunteer vehicles and providing contractors for minor home repairs and yard work. We are always looking for more volunteers to do these services. For more information call 805.925.8000 or 805.737.1976 or email: ashley@partnersincaring.org.

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

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

Call for Tee Time

781-7309

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

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

541-2716

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

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

Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

Call 546-0609 for Advertising Information A P R I L

2009

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

46

big brothers/sisters golf tournament

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Back Hoe & Tractor Work • Specimen Olive Trees

united way announces innovation award

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41 Years of Service Dennis Landscape 441-8121

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Donald Franklin Owner/Operator

805-466-6407 A P R I L

2009

Big Brothers Big Sisters and Delta Sigma Pi present their Invitational Golf Tournament “Experience the Power of Mentoring.” Sponsored by PG&E, the tournament will be held on Saturday, April 25th, at the Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo. One-hundred percent of event proceeds will go directly to agency services, helping BBBS provide one-on-one mentoring for children throughout the county. Golfers will be treated to lunch, a variety of on-course games, and an auction and appetizers following the tournament. The cost per foursome is $500 before April 3rd and $600 per foursome after April 3rd. For more information visit their website at www.slobigs.org or www.slodeltasig.com/BBBS.

Serving SLO County Licensed • Bonded • Insured Journal PLUS

United Way of SLO County is announcing the return of the Innovation Award. Last awarded in 2005, the Innovation Award recognizes a local notfor-profit organization for creative approaches and programs that provide value to the SLO County community in the areas of education, income and health. The award recipient exhibits three inventive characteristics through its program offering and service delivery – lasting change, practical collaboration and internal transformation. One cash award in the amount of $5,000 will be given. A description of the award criteria and a nomination form are now available online at www.unitedwayslo.org. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. The award will be announced on or around June 1, and the recipient will be presented with the award at the United Way Annual Recognition Event on June 18. For more information, contact Charlene Rosales at (805) 541-1234 ext. 14 or crosales@unitedwayslo.org.

EOc appoints grace macIntosh Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) of SLO County, Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Grace McIntosh to the position of Program Deputy Director. As Program Deputy Director, McIntosh is responsible for providing leadership to all department and division directors to ensure that EOC’s core service areas and projects are aligned with the agency’s vision and that they are in accordance with community needs and growth opportunities. For the past three years, she has served as the Executive Director of the American Red Cross, SLO County chapter. Prior to moving to the Central Coast, McIntosh worked as the Deputy Director at the Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County, a multi-service organization that provides services to children, adults, and seniors.

$94,000 in grants from Morro bay estuary The Morro Bay National Estuary Program works to protect and restore the Morro Bay Estuary and watershed. As part of this work, the Estuary Program awards grants to organizations and agencies who implement projects that improve the health of the estuary. Over $94,000 was awarded to local projects recently. The Central Coast Natural History Association, The Morro Coast Audubon Society, The City of Morro Bay’s Harbor Department and Dr. Lars Tomanek of Cal Poly received funding.

For more information about any of these projects, contact the Estuary Program at 805-772-3834.

G N I N E P O GRAND

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 to 5:30pm

Store Opens Tuesday, April 14th Proceeds Benefit Hospice patients and their families on the Central Coast. Accepting donations of clothing, shoes, housewares, furniture, linens, books, dishes, jewelry, etc. – NO TVs or computers.

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445 Higuera St (AT CARMEL) San Luis Obispo

BlackHorse Espresso & Bakery wants to help out during these tough economic times. What better way than saving BIG on our small coffee? From now until April 20, 2009 pay just 50¢ for 8 ounces of San Luis Obispo’s best cup of coffee.

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