May 09 Journal Plus

REESE DAVIES | EOC | SLO HIGH SCHOOL PLAZA | PASO ROBLES FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Journal PLUS M AY 2 0 0 9

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

HIKING BISHOP’S PEAK

We Are Proud to Support: Alzheimer’s Association Big Brothers Big Sisters

Heart Association

Cal Poly Women’s Water Polo Team

CASA of San Luis Obispo County Children’s Health Initiative

Central Coast Funds for Children

Cuesta College Foundation

the City of San Luis Obispo Beach

Leukemia & Lymphoma Money Camp

Oceano

Paso Robles High

Quota REC Foundation of Paso Robles

San Luis Obispo Art Center

San Luis Obispo Downtown Association San Luis Obispo Little Theatre

San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony

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San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo High School San Luis Obispo Symphony

San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble/International Choral SCORE

Senior Volunteer Services

Straight Down Fall Classic

Vineyard Valley Theatre Company — People Helping People Center of San Luis Obispo County

International —

Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo Cal Ripken Youth Baseball

San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association

Recovery & Prevention Center

Paso

Paso Robles Rotary Club

San Luis Obispo International Film Festival

Festival

School

School Safe & Sober

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Child Abuse Prevention Council

Elementary

Paso Robles Chamber of

Robles Pioneer Day Committee

Daybreak

Monday Club of

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Paso Robles Art Association

Cuesta College Re-Entry Program

Laguna Middle

Society

Nonprofit Support Center

Commerce

Hospice

Hospice of San Luis Obispo

Housing Authority of

San Luis Obispo

Festival Mozaic

Foundation for the Performing Arts Center

Kiwanis Club of Greater Pismo School

Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo

Family Care Network

Partners of the Central Coast County

Cal Poly

Camp Fire USA— Central Coast Council

Center for Restorative Justice

Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County

Boys & Girls

Cal Poly Foundation

City of San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation

Community Counseling Center

American

Boy Scouts of America Los Padres Council California Mid State Fair

Club of North San Luis Obispo County Wheelchair Foundation

American Cancer Society

Sexual Assault

Transitions Mental Health Association Wellness Community

Women’s Shelter Program

Women’s Community

YMCA of San Luis Obispo County

4/16/09 3:38 PM

I

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Since then, my husband and I, in our retirement, have had the pleasure of his advice and guidance in our financial matters. We know we can trust Al to give us the best possible plans for our money. With his expertise, knowledge of the money market, and loyalty, he makes great things happen for his clients.

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CONTENTS

14 RAISING CLYDESDALES

Journal PLUS

6

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

12

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, John Ashbaugh, Robert Kennedy, Leslie Jones, Heather Hellman, Loren Nicholson, Ruth Starr 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.

DAVE JUHNKE

ERIC DANDURAND

PEOPLE 6 8 10 12

AROUND TOWN 29 30 32 33 34 41

DAVE JUHNKE MARY POLLOCK REESE DAVIES ERIC DANDURAND

COMMUNITY 14 16 18 20 22 23 24 26 28

COVELL’S CLYDESDALES

OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: LAZARE LANDEKER Part 1 HOSPICE CORNER CROSSWORD PUZZLE VETS VOICE ALMANAC The Month of May

BUSINESS

EOC SLO HIGH SCHOOL PLAZA HIKER CAT PALM STREET – SLO Councilman, Ashbaugh

35 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 40 EYE ON BUSINESS 42 THE BULLETIN BOARD

FOOD / AT THE MARKET HISTORY: KARL HAEUSER PASO’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS ART SCENE

Cover Photo by Tom Meinhold

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2009

Journal PLUS

For thousands of industrial workers, it wasn’t their boss who was

From the publisher

working them to death....

w

e recently received several requests to do more animal profiles, so this month we did two. Our first profile is on Clydesdales. The Covell family raises them on their ranch in Cambria. The second tells us about George the Cat. George likes to escort people hiking up Bishop’s Peak. You’ll enjoy both stories.

This month we also profile two individuals that continuously make a difference on the Central Coast. The first, is one of my good friends, local banker Reese Davies. He received the Volunteer-of-the-Year award Reese Davies from Transitions–Mental Health last month. Our second profile features attorney, Dave Juhnke. Dave has a long list of outstanding community service as well.

We finish with Maggie Cox’s Eye on Business column honoring Elias and Ruth Nimeh. Elias is the Executive Director of the Senior Nutrition Program and Ruth volunteers. Maggie gives us a heads-up on a special upcoming fundraiser that they are working on.

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 at HendlerLaw understand the pain, frustration and anger that patients and their families are suffering.

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, call The Hendler Law Firm today. It’s time to see justice done.

1-800-4-HENDLER (1-800-443-6353)

Enjoy the magazine,

or visit our resource web site

www.Mesothelioma-Advice.Org Help. Advice. Justice.

“You’re not alone.” ™

Steve Owens

Scott M. Hendler, HendlerLaw, P.C., 816 Congress Avenue, Suite 1670 Austin, Texas 78701. No attorney’s fees unless you recover. Court costs and litigation expenses are paid from your share of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you will not be responsible for any court costs or litigation expenses.

Cases handled with co counsel in the State of filing.

Copyright ©1995 by The Hendler Law Firm, P.C. All rights reserved.

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12/18/08 3:07:09 PM

PEOPLE

dave juhnke keeping community close to his heart

By Heather Hellman

L

iving in Los Angeles, it is hard to feel a sense of community. The city is impersonal, and community knowledge often comes from the six o’clock news. People spend more time commuting alone than they do with their families. Neighbors are known more for the car they drive than for their civic involvement.

Dave Juhnke, Managing Partner at Sinsheimer Juhnke Lebens & McIvor, LLP, is the product of that environment. Although he was born and raised in Los Angeles, he never embraced the “big city� way of life. Fortunately for Dave and our community, life conspired to bring him to San Luis Obispo nearly 25 years ago.

Dave was born in Hollywood, California. His parents raised him to value family and community, and to have empathy for those who are less fortunate. Dave’s grandmother and parents dedicated their lives to public education: Dave’s mother was a teacher and middle school counselor; his father was a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

The importance of public education was emphasized in his home, and both of Dave’s sisters became teachers.

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Dave was born and raised a Bruin, as both his father and mother graduated from UCLA. Dave broke that tradition by attending Stanford, where he was drawn to the energy and intellectual engagement

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Journal PLUS

Dave and Sharon at the Chamber Installation Dinner

which characterized “the Farm.� “I really loved history, and was fascinated by the prospect of working on solutions to problems such as nuclear proliferation, apartheid, and the cold war.�

Dave majored in political science and became involved in Stanford’s Arms Control and Disarmament Program. Although intellectually challenged, Dave realized that he needed to make a living. His parents often accused Dave of wanting to debate every issue, and jokingly told him that if he weren’t careful he might turn into a lawyer. Dave realized that a legal career would enable him to help others while staying involved in community issues. So he became the “black sheep� in a family of educators and applied to law school.

Dave returned to his Bruin roots by attending UCLA Law School, a fortuitous choice as it resulted in him meeting Sharon, a fellow Stanford grad who was working on a graduate degree in archaeology.

Dave graduated from law school in 1980 and began working for a small litigation firm. Sharon received her Masters in archaeology and worked as a museum educator at the Getty and Southwest Museums.

Dave and Sharon married in 1981.

In 1985, Dave’s firm merged with Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg & Tunney. The firm had a large political practice, and represented high profile entertainment and sports clients. Dave enjoyed the people and easy access to sports and concert tickets, but the big firm environment was not for him. Although he was a year away from making partner, big city life was taking a toll on Dave and Sharon. Their house and car were vandalized, and they were becoming weary of the long commutes. So they decided to make a change.

Dave’s mom had attended Atascadero High School, and his family maintained a close relationship with long-time Atascadero teacher, Ruth Doser, affectionately known as “Coach� to students and as “Auntie Ruth� to Dave and his sisters. After several visits when the hills were green and the oak trees were beautiful, Dave and Sharon fell in love with SLO County. They moved in 1986, and Dave joined the SLO law firm of Sinsheimer, Schiebelhut & Baggett.

Dave and Sharon bought a house on acreage in Atascadero, and embraced country life. Their days included bottle-feeding baby goats, while nights brought unexpected visits from wild pigs. Dave became a partner in the law firm in 1989, and the following year twin sons Chris and Drew were born. Although the trip over the grade would not qualify as a commute in LA, Dave wanted to live closer to work so he could attend school events and coach sports teams for his sons. In 1992, the family moved to the City of San Luis Obispo.

In the late 1980s, a chance encounter with the director of the local Red Cross started more than two decades of community

4/14/09 10:59:05 AM

PEOPLE Dave and Amber in 1987

service for Dave. He took a position on the Red Cross Board, and soon after was appointed to the County’s Assessment Appeals Board. In 1995 Dave became a member of SLO Leadership Class IV, which strengthened his connection to the community. “Some of my best friends came out of my leadership class, and we are still close 15 years later.”

Over the past 20 years, Dave has been involved in and has chaired the boards of several community organizations, including the SLO Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, the Literacy Council, and the Red

Dave and his sons, April 1990

Cross. He helped establish the Friends of Prado Day Center, and currently serves on the boards of the Economic Vitality Corporation, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, and the Air Transportation Alliance. He is a member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

“Community is like extended family,” says Dave. “Whether it is representing a client or assisting a homeless family, I get great satisfaction from helping others. I really love this town, and want to give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

Dave and his sons at the recent NCAA Tournament

Without question, the highlight of Dave’s volunteer efforts were the years he spent coaching his sons in youth sports. Dave and his sons forged a strong bond from playing and watching sports, which continues even though Chris and Drew are now freshmen at Stanford. Dave and his sons annually attend the NCAA Basketball Tournament together, and recently traveled to Portland for the 2009 edition of March Madness. “I have great memories of attending events with my dad when I was growing up, and being able to continue that tradition with my own sons is one of my greatest joys.”

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PEOPLE

Mary pollock golfing is her game

By Ruth Starr

“

H

ey guys, let’s go quickly before the course opens and we can play golf!” Mary Pollock was only 10 years old, urging her friends onto the University Golf Course where her brothers were caddies. Her brothers had given her some extra clubs they had for her to golf.

Many people involved in women’s golf around the Central Coast, as well as other parts of California, know Mary Pollock. Now in her 70s, she has been a dynamic and driving force in establishing golf clubs and team play for women. She established a golf club 12 years ago, established team play 12 years ago, and has participated in team play for 19 years.

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2009

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PEOPLE Her only formal education in golf was when she went to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Being a Physical Education major, Mary took a required golf class. She used the battered clubs that her brothers had thrown away. After graduation she taught Physical Education, Science, and Business. Mary taught for 13 years, was an administrator for 16 years and then back to the classroom until she retired. She spent 35 years in education.

She didn’t play much golf during the time she was teaching and working in the school district. But – when Mary retired, golf was beckoning!

She got out an old set of Patty Berg clubs and found a golf course. Someone kindly remarked to her that the clubs were too old and she might be embarrassed to play with them.

It didn’t take long for her to get fixed up with new clubs, and she was on her way.

Mary then moved up to Cayucos and began her golf career. She was unable to join the Morro Bay Women’s Golf Club because they had already reached their capacity of 200 members. Undaunted, she quickly found another club and joined the Chalk Mountain course in Atascadero.

She was happy when she heard that Dairy Creek Golf Course was about to open, as she would have a course nearby to play. They needed funding before they could open the club, so she donated money as a charter member to help get things going and offered to be vice president of the Dairy Creek Club.

As a board member, she helped establish a legal club. In the early days of Dairy Creek the club served both men and women. Then Mary helped establish the Dairy Creek Women’s Group by organizing the women’s division. She became an invaluable member helping to set policies and run tournaments in the coming years.

Pollock was in a group of women that became officers, and they formulated bylaws and procedures so they could operate as a club. They became associated with Western American Golf Association, so they could participate in tournaments and have team play. That would give them the opportunities to go to tournaments in Southern California.

Pollock became a voice for women’s golf and is known and respected for her helpfulness, ability to communicate with other clubs, helping to administer invitationals at any club and knowledge of rules and policies of USGA (United States Golf Association) and WPLGA (Women’s Public Links Golf Association – Southern CA.) She served as

President of the women’s club at Dairy Creek for four one-year terms.

Publinks, the women’s golf organization in Southern California, asked all of their clubs – comprised of over 100 clubs – to nominate an outstanding member. Each club then nominates one of its members and sends in documentation on why they nominated that particular woman. There is a committee that looks at the documentation and chooses one woman to honor. This year, Mary Pollock was chosen out of all the applicants. Feeling touched by this kindness, Pollock was moved to tears over the esteemed honor.

Golf wasn’t her only passion as a kid. Fast pitch, AAA softball, was her main sport from the time she was 12 to age 45. She was selected to the All-Star state and regional tournaments. In addition to being the catcher, Mary also pitched. After softball, she would follow her brothers onto the golf driving range and use the same swing she used in softball to drive golf balls.

Another one of Pollock’s early passions was to ride horses. She bought property in

southern California where she could keep horses and then developed it into a breeding ranch. At one time she had 32 horses on the ranch. Her own riding horse lived to be 33 years old. Her mother, who also resided on the ranch, would go out and cut grass with scissors to feed the old horse, because it couldn’t chew anymore. As the years went by it became unprofitable to do breeding, so she sold her part of the business and concentrated on golf.

In addition to all her activities, Pollock is very active in her church – St. Josephs in Cayucos. She started a gift shop to sell religious articles with the profits being used to buy books and establish a Catholic library.

She now resides in San Luis Obispo where she volunteers as the Recreation Chairperson for Chumash Village Mobile Home Park. She also directs other volunteers to run bingo, bunco, rummage sales, craft shows, and other events.

Whether driving a golf ball or being a driving force, Mary Pollock leads a very active and full life. Her influence in women’s golf is a legacy that she continues to nurture.

Sinsheimer Juhnke Lebens & McIvor, LLP is pleased to announce that

NANCY W.VENSKO Has Joined Us as an Of Counsel Attorney Specializing in Biotechnology In the Intellectual Property Department Ms. Vensko was formerly with Amylin Pharmaceuticals, In-House Counsel Knobbe, Martens, Olsen & Bear, LLP, San Luis Obispo, Partner University of California at Santa Barbara, B.A. San Francisco State University, Teaching Credential University of California at Berkeley, post-B.A. Zoology Stanford University, M.S. Cancer Biology California Western School of Law, J.D.

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PEOPLE reese davies 10

transitions–mental health volunteer of the year

By Sandy Baer “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”

---George Bernard Shaw An unassuming, soft-spoken man, Reese Davies, epitomizes “local boy made good,” but in a kind and gentle manner, committed to the community where he grew up with his parents and five female siblings.

Last month Davies was honored as the first “Volunteer of the Year” by Transitions–Mental Health Association, (T-MHA), an organization he’s

been volunteering with for fifteen years, before and after its merger with San Luis Obispo Mental Health. As a member of the Board of Directors, he has served in a number of capacities and is currently treasurer.

“Reese has been and remains a strong visionary influence in our community, helping non-profits to see the value in collaborating and sharing resources, says Jill Bolster-White, Executive Director of T-MHA. “Reese is also the financial expert…he makes sure our projects align with our values and our mission of helping our clients.”

Davies confirms, “I am a big advocate of consolidation of non-profits.

Transitions was one of the first local non-profits to pool their resources under the same tent and save dollars as well. Of the many non-profit organizations I have been involved with over the years, Transitions is the dearest to my heart.”

“There is so much the general public takes for granted. But when you see or know someone with a mental illness or a physical disability, it really rings your bell. What makes it so rewarding is to see the progress and the end results of projects we take on.”

Davies’ parents, Ted and Vivian, moved to San Luis Obispo in 1940 from Glendale, themselves Midwestern transplants. Davies was born at Mt. View Hospital in San Luis Obispo and has been giving life to our community ever since.

His dad founded “Ted Davies Appliance,” which he sold to one of his repairmen, Bud Idler, whose son still runs the expanded family-owned business. Ironically, Davies later worked at his father’s original commercial site, 995 Higuera Street, where First Bank of SLO is located.

His dad then pursued a career in media and was instrumental in bringing KVEC TV (now KSBY) to San Luis Obispo as well as hosting the “Ted Davies Show.” He was likewise a driving force in establishing KCOY in Santa Maria and KEYT in Santa Barbara.

Davies attended San Luis Obispo public schools and graduated from SLO High School in 1960. “My claim to fame in high school was my attraction to acting. I was in several plays and it was capped off when I received the nod for Best Actor of the year from the Pasadena Play House, under the direction of our drama instructor, Richard Yeo, a fantastic human being. Today, I often reflect on this man and now realize that he had more to do with my life direction than I ever realized,” Davies says.

Reese Davies accepting the Transitions Mental Health Volunteer of the year award

Davies aspired to be an arson investigator and firefighter and worked for the CDF his last summer in high school. After enrolling in college, he spent another summer working for the Santa Barbara Fire Department, based in Lompoc.

After a work-related “terrible case of poison oak,” which prompted a career path change, and his marriage to Eileen Machado, also a SLO native, they returned to San Luis Obispo. “I needed a job, so I first worked for Laurentide Finance in SLO and Santa Maria as a collector in 1964,” Davies recalls.

“When SLO National Bank opened in 1967, they hired me as an officer trainee, and I worked my way up the ranks, eventually serving as branch manager in Los Osos. The guy that got me interested in banking and finance was Jack Handy, but I consider Jim Silva my mentor who helped catapult my banking career.”

Jill Bolster-White, Vicki Mazzei, Reese Davies and Dave Booker at the Transitions Mental Health Award Ceremony

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Subsequently bought by Wells Fargo Bank in 1979, Davies was transferred to SLO as a vice-president and Branch Manager. “But shortly thereafter, I joined Lynn Lyon at the then First Bank of San Luis Obispo as Vice-Presi-

PEOPLE Ted Davies

Reese’s children, Ryan and Ashley

dent, Senior Loan Officer,” Davies recounts.

Last year Davies moved to Founders Bank as their President/CAO.

especially to non-profit organizations.” He is also a longtime member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Davies also has a number of roles in the regional and national community banking world, serving as a Board member of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southwestern Methodist University, and as “Dean for Bankers” for 2009-2010, acting as a buffer between the students and administration. From 19982004, he was on the Board of Directors of the Western Independent Banks (WIB).

As a member of the Cuesta College Foundation Board of Directors, Davies says, “What first attracted me to Cuesta College were its founders. I have taught business classes there and believe it is one of the strongest community schools in the state.”

Davies sums his philosophy as, “I would much rather compete on the delivery of services than price. All banks essentially offer the same types of products and services; the difference is in how those products are delivered.”

Holly Mislavsky, Senior Vice-President and Customer Service Manager for Founders Bank, says, “My styles and ways of dealing with people are definitely modeled after Reese,” Mislavsky continues. “We are all totally influenced by Reese in how much we care and do for the community, each in our own ways as well as a team.”

Davies and Eileen have two children, son Ryan, 30, who lives with his daughter Gabrielle in Los Osos. Daughter Ashley, 25, resides in San Diego. When Davies is not banking or contributing to the community, he and his partner of more than 15 years, Vicki Mazzei, enjoy traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, and their favorite islands of Hawaii, Maui and Oahu.

They frequently donate their accommodations as auction items at local non-profit fundraisers such as Transitions.

Reese and his granddaughter, Gabrielle

The list of Davies community commitments is too long to elaborate on but to name a few, Davies shares, “I’ve been involved with the Boy Scouts of America well over 25 years.” He is currently President-Elect for the Los Padres Council and has served as a member of the Executive Board, treasurer as well pack leader.

Both he and his son Ryan were active Boy Scouts growing up in San Luis Obispo.

David Booker, President and CEO of American Principal Bank and longtime friend and colleague says of Davies, “Reese exemplifies the Boy Scout ‘Law of the Pack:’ The Boy Scout gives good will. Additionally, he lives by the Scouts’ motto ‘Do Your Best.’”

Reese and Vicki

11

Davies served as treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 19841985, and as Dave Garth, the Chamber’s CEO remembers, “Reese is an excellent volunteer.

He is someone really committed to the community and is willing to give his expertise,

Another long time community commitment for Davies is the SLO YMCA. Serving in his third stint as chair of the major gifts program, he shares, “We’ve had a noticeable drop in our fundraising, as all non-profits across the country are experiencing, largely due to the economic downturn.”

“My most recent involvements are with The Wellness Community in the North County, founded by Justin and Debbie Baldwin, both cancer survivors. We provide cancer support to patients undergoing treatment and their families. I’ve also been involved for a year with the Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County, as an advisor. I help them reach their target audiences as well as assist in fundraising,” says Davies.

Davies shares, “On our last trip to San Francisco, I asked Vicki to join me in marriage.

She agreed, but no date is set, even though planning is underway. As Booker sums it: “Reese has lived his life being a giver. He’s just a wonderful man.”

Maybe it is because his life belongs to his community.

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12

PEOPLE the harmonious art of

eric dandurand

By Natasha Dalton

“One can only wonder what kind of genius thought of blowing human breath down a metal tube, forming a bubble inside a molted blob of glass.”

---Dale Chihuly Eric Dandurand’s studio is located in the tiny village of Harmony, but this pastoral setting didn’t prevent Eric from being noticed by some pretty discriminating customers. Many art lovers, including corporate clients like Volvo, The Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and the headquarters of Golfer Magazine have in their collections exquisite glass pieces made by Eric. “Glass is a wondrous medium with infinite potential for those willing to stick with it,” Eric says. For him, it’s not just an “endless source of challenge and reward,” it’s a life-long passion. Europe is a long way from Eric’s native Nevada, but that’s where he ended up going to study this art.

“When I was little, my grandpa would stick me into a casino and hide me under a table,” Eric laughs remembering his childhood in Las Vegas. He was only eighteen when, swept by Vegas’s entrepreneurial atmosphere, he started his own t-shirt business. He took a silk screening class at a local community college, then continued his studies at UNLV, and after getting an art degree, received a scholarship for the international studies program at El Universidad del Pais Vasco in the Basque Country of Northern Spain.

While there, he got the idea to make a steam fountain and thought glass would be the way to do it. By then Eric was 23, and was spending his time traveling around Europe doing street performances (tossing rhythm sticks on fire), and looking for a place to learn glass blowing techniques. Eventually he was able to land an apprenticeship at a small glass studio in Sweden, in an area known for its ceramic industry, just outside of Stockholm.

“I was so excited when they agreed to take me on” Eric says. His first year in Sweden was grueling: “My day would go something like this,” he recalls, “I’d get up dark and early (In Sweden there is little light in the day during winter), before walking about half a mile to the subway. I’d then ride the subway for a half an hour to catch a bus for another half an hour to the drop-off where I’d walk another half an hour to Velamsund Glass Studio. This process would sometimes take three hours one way depending on connections. I did this five days a week for a year. I used the time to my advantage and would draw, write, reflect and people-watch.”

Even though in the beginning all Eric did was watch, clean off blowpipes and shovel glass in the furnace for the artisans, he didn’t mind it: he really wanted to master the art! The tenacity and talent of the young American didn’t go unnoticed. “The masters could be a bit toxic at times, but for the most part they were very helpful,” Eric says. “I gladly worked my butt off for them in exchange for a bus or subway pass, lunch, and use of the shop one day a week with the other apprentice.”

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PEOPLE To Eric, glassblowing is similar to surfing – his other passion. “It’s all about perseverance,” Eric explains. “I respect Kelly Slater (9 times world surfing champ) for his drive and determination,” Eric continues. “Slater’s natural ability is uncanny, but it is through mental determination that he is where he is in the world today. I think there are surfers out there with more natural ability, but it’s his desire that sets Slater apart.”

After four years in Europe, Eric returned to the States. He settled down on the Central Coast, and now has a studio in Harmony, where he makes beautiful vases, paperweights and jewelry.

beautiful.” The “Rolex” of the glass blowing world is making Italian wine goblets – “finely crafted, functional and beautiful” pieces of crystal. They are as gorgeous to look at, as they are hard to make. But Eric doesn’t necessarily see perfecting his skills as an Italian wine goblet-maker as his ultimate goal. “There are some technically skilled musicians out there whose music is horrible; it might be hard to play, but who’d want to listen to it?” Eric questions.

“The same is with art. I totally respect the

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technical aspect of the Italian goblet making, but just priding yourself in making something that is difficult is not a good enough reason for making it, if you ask me.

When you make art, you have to do more than just please yourself.

I like to measure myself by how much the public enjoys my work.”

To learn more, go to www.harmonyglassworks. com; eric@ericdandurand.com or call 927-4248.

In the world of glassblowing, one of Eric’s favorite artists is William Morris. “When I met him, I asked him about his natural skill, and he replied that he is a struggler with glass,” Eric says. “He is not a virtuoso blower, rather a very determined artist who won’t take no for an answer. He works hard, and he perseveres.”

“With glassblowing – it’s all difficult,” Eric says. It’s a craft that takes a physical toll on you, especially if you’re not careful. But “getting people stoked about glass blowing” is something that Eric doesn’t seem to get enough of, and like the artisans at Velamsund Studio in Sweden that once taught him, Eric opens the doors of his studio to both professional artists and amateurs who want to learn the fiery craft. “I am glad to be sharing the magic of glass with them,” he says.

“Art can be about making a statement,” Eric explains, “but above all, it has to be

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PEOPLE

the covell family covell’s california clydesdales in cambria

By Robert D. Kennedy

R

alph Covell’s Clydesdale horse ranch may seem a bit of an oddity for touristy Cambria, but Ralph feels he has found a paradise for his family and his horses.

Clydesdales, his specialty, have been bred as draft horses and originated in Scotland in the mid 1800s. Although they are now used primarily as draft horses, they can also be trained to the saddle. Clydesdales are known for their gentle disposition, and in horse circles as “gentle giants.” Ralph, his wife, Tracy, and his 9-year-old daughter Tara, can identify nearly all of their horses by name and treat them with great affection. Tara has won 4-H recognition in competition with her knowledge and expertise with horses. She will advance to the State Finals in late May. Ralph Covell grew up in Southern California and was influenced by Western films of the “Hopalong Cassidy” era and started riding at the age of 15 with the encouragement of his father, who happened to be a member of the Mounted Police.

After a major involvement as owner of a large roofing company in Southern California with its attendant frustrations, he started his horse ranching career. He bought a ranch in San Diego Valley, stocked it with Clydesdale horses, and devoted full time to their care, feeding, and breeding. He acquired a few of his neighbors’ ranches and continued to expand his operation. He conducted hayrides and parties and won many awards at major horse shows all over the country.

The Covell Family: Ralph, Tracy and daughter Tara

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Because of his proximity to the film industry, Ralph’s horses were called on to perform in several films and TV commercials. Of particular note were his Clydesdales performance as “beasts” in the Stargate series.

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Their gentle nature was an asset when their appearance was changed over with chicken wire and very long “hair” which gave them an “otherworldly” look. A major TV production featuring Covell’s Clydesdales took over the downtown area of Los Angeles during a weekend. A team was hitched to a wagon and pulled a load of Coors beer through the blocked-off streets in a parody and spoof of Budweiser’s commercial.

“Those horses sure paid for their hay that weekend,” said Ralph.

Attending Clydesdale shows is a major function of the Covell Clydesdale Ranch of Cambria. Ralph says their train of vehicles looks like a band of Gypsies as they roll down the highway with their horse trailers, van and trucks with carts and harness. They can haul 15 horses in their semi-truck trailer.

Horses are judged, traded, and sold at the Clydesdale shows, and awards are presented for the various draft events. Two, four, six, and eight horse teams in harness compete in the wagon pulling events and also with the single two-wheeled carts. The Covell family plans to attend and show in the “World Clydesdale Show.” Many of their horses have captured various awards around the show circuit. Their beautiful 1700 acre ranch with its 120 Clydesdales is the largest in the country, which gives the horses lots of room to roam. Rounding them up is a major task. They usually bring in ten horses a day for trimming, inoculating, and shoeing.

There have been many inquiries and lots of interest in the Clydesdale Ranch. Ralph said he might open up the ranch to visitors and offer tours, hayrides, and other activities in conjunction with the general operation of the ranch. “I really enjoyed doing that in the past at my previous ranch,” he enthused, “and I’d like to welcome the public so they can become acquainted with these wonderful Clydesdales and enjoy the beauty of this ranch.”

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Don’t let fear and anxiety get in the way of your dental health.

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the economic opportunity commission a new direction, a new name

By Hilary Grant “It is a denial of justice not to stretch out a helping hand to the fallen; that is the common right of humanity.”

--- Seneca, Roman philosopher and statesmen

A venerable not-for-profit agency – one that has provided a stabilizing safety net to tens of thousands of Central Coast families for nearly half a century – is heading in a new direction this month.

It’s also changing its name.

Giving out hope and support to those living at or near poverty level, the Economic Opportunity Commission of San Luis Obispo County (perhaps best known throughout the County simply as EOC) is now the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County.

With this conversion, the SLO-based group, founded 44 years ago and for many, recognized most often for its diverse programs benefiting children and the homeless, now joins about 1,100 agencies around the United States to become a national Community Action Partnership (CAP) organization. Based in Washington, D.C., the latter’s mission, according to its web site, is “to strengthen, promote, represent and serve its network agencies so that issues of the poor are effectively heard and addressed.” To that end, all CAP groups also adhere to this promise: improve communities by helping people help themselves.

Leslie McKinley, EOC’s Director of Advancement and Community relations, emphasizes that the CAP transition will impact neither the local group’s ownership nor its management style. In other words, the SLO office will remain completely independent from CAP headquarters – there will be no East Coast “boss” supervising what goes on in San Luis Obispo.

“What coming under the CAP umbrella does do is help us become more recognizable to those in need,” says McKinley, who began her newly created position earlier this year. “For instance, when the public sees a commonly used logo, such as the Red Cross symbol, they know exactly what that agency stands for and what services they provide.

“We wanted that same level of understanding to be present when our clients see our logo.”

With so many social service agencies across the country currently using the identical CAP insignia, McKinley believes that potential clients new to this area, as well as established residents in need of help, will now have an easier time knowing where to look for assistance.

“That’s the kind of recognition we want to provide,” says McKinley.

To that end, the CAP marking – a simple sketch with two hands encircling a red heart – will soon be on all EOC materials, venue signs, vehicles and “anywhere one of our clients might see it.” A new web site, created by local marketing/advertising agency Whizbang, is slated to debut next month and will provide more details.

McKinley adds that there are no plans to alter any current EOC programs, numbering 30 in SLO County alone. Many are well-known, including Head Start, Child Care Resource Connection, the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter facility and the Adult Day Services Program. These outreach activities, and a smattering of others in seven more counties that include Kern, Ventura and Santa Barbara, now assist approximately 43,000 persons every year. The annual $55 million operating budget is also expected to remain the same.

Making the name change was not taken lightly.

According to Elizabeth “Biz” Steinberg, the face of EOC, as well as its longtime CEO and President, she and members of her board were “very influenced” by Netzel Grigsby Associates, a management and consulting

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firm with offices throughout California. The group specializes in working with not-for-profit organizations and institutions.

Beginning two years ago, that company surveyed about 100 people on the Central Coast, asking them what their understanding was of the Economic Opportunity Commission. To Steinberg’s surprise, most replied that the EOC was a government managed institution, completely funded by government money.

In fact, although the EOC does act as the Central Coast administrator for some federal programs, including Head Start, and receives a major portion of its energy program monies from government grants, the organization is a completely public entity. Indeed, other significant funding comes from the United Way, private foundations and many individual donors.

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Executive Director, Biz Steinberg working with children

development programs, energy conservation seminars and low-cost weatherization services.

cutting ceremony. Light refreshments and giveaways are also part of the fun.

The public is invited to glimpse the new changes later this month.

Says Leslie McKinley: “We are still here, and will remain here to serve those in need – right in our own community backyard.�

On Friday, May 15, from 3 - 6 p.m., the newly named Community Action Partners of San Luis Obispo County will host an open house at its office, the former EOC headquarters, at 1030 Southwood Drive, in SLO. Tours of the just-renovated facility are on the agenda, and members of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand for a ribbon

For more information on the Community Action Partnership of SLO County, formerly the EOC of San Luis Obispo County, call (805) 544-4355.

The revamped website address will be www. capslo.org.

“That’s why our new name more truly represents who we are,� says Steinberg, “both to our clients and to the community. “Now, as CAP, we will be a constant reminder to the community that we are partners, and we want, and need, their partnership on every level.�

Steinberg adds that becoming a Community Action Partner agency is in keeping with a unifying trend that she says is sweeping the country. “In the next few years,� she says, “you’ll see this name in every state.�

Becoming part of a national movement wasn’t in the original EOC blueprint.

Initially funded with a grant in 1965 for a single Head Start program, the County then kicked in money to staff the fledging organization. The group only served about 4,000 clients, and was available only in SLO County. By 2000, the nonprofit had much wider coverage, helping the needs of many with activities well beyond child care – including a tattoo removal service, youth

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the san luis obispo Tiger project What’s up with high school students these days

By Susan Stewart

I

can only speak for myself. I’m sure I had classmates who actually thought beyond their own noses and the upcoming “Summer of Love” that lay just on the other side of that sunny June day in 1967 when I graduated from San Luis Obispo High School. But I wasn’t one of them. Back then, my biggest concerns were what that stupid flat grad cap would do to my perfect “flip” hairdo, and the tall blonde boy in the bleachers I had such a crush on. So it always astonishes me to meet today’s high-schoolers: talented, earnest, hard-working, and most of all, forward-thinking.

Last month, I met with three of them – 2009 Class President Erin May, Vice-President Alyssa Slocum, and Secretary Taylor Farney.

They’ll graduate next month, and when they do, they want to leave a lasting legacy – one that future classes can use and enjoy for years to come. A solid stone retaining wall with outdoor bench seating, for example. A series of pretty brick pavers around the gracious old eucalyptus tree that’s been there since I was a senior. Landscaping to replace the muddy ground that gets tracked into classrooms

during the rainy weeks of winter. And lighting to illuminate the trees and buildings for all the kids who will stay on campus long after the school day is done to rehearse for a play, or sing in the chorus, finish that computer project or play night sports games. This is the vision that the Class of 2009 has for Phase II of the Tiger Plaza Project.

Since Spring of 2007, SLO High School has been working on the beautification process that will become Tiger Plaza – a well-used stretch of outdoor campus that winds its way

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*Partnership for the Children / La Clinica de Tolosa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Fed. Tax ID 77-0346861 M A Y

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Students have held all manner of fund-raisers to pay for Phase I, which included cleanup, fencing, and brand new bike racks to encourage more students to ride instead of drive to school. For Phase II, the Class of ’09 has already raised $13,000, but they’ll need $13,000 more to complete it by June. With time running out, Ali Hough’s class of ASB students decided to get the press involved. They want the community to know how much this legacy means to them, and more importantly, what it will mean to future classes.

“We want to be a class remembered for what we gave back,” said Erin May. “Something positive, something lasting,” agreed Alyssa Slocum.

“So a plaque from the Class of 2009 will be placed on the new bench to remember us by,” said Taylor Farney.

Saturday, June 6th • 5pm-9pm Hors d’oeuvres

in front of the main building from the parking lot to the “old” gym. The pastoral views of San Luis Mountain against an almost-always blue sky make this one of the prettiest campuses on the Central Coast. But the ground from which these views are beheld needs help! Your help.

Like many precious, old-fashioned rituals, class gifts have all but vanished from our culture.

These students and their leaders, Class of ’09 parent Nancy Hite and teacher Ali Hough, have revived this important tradition in a big way.

“The best thing about this project is that it reflects our willingness to get involved and the amazing school spirit that makes our class stand out,” said Slocum.

“This is our last chance to make a real difference,” said May. On Saturday, May 9th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Class of 2009 will hold a carwash and bake sale in the high school parking lot. Asking for “donations” only, there is no set price for any of the home-baked goodies or car-washing services these determined students will offer.

They just want to see their community show up in big numbers to support their generous gift to the school they’ve called home for four years.

In a few short weeks, as the students from the Class of 2009 toss their tassled caps in the air, they’ll be celebrating their entrance into the

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4 Bedroom, 3 Bath California Bungalow Near Downtown SLO

Class of 2009 Officers in front of the planned Tiger Plaza sign.

L-R – Erin May, Alyssa Slocum and Taylor Farney,

next phase of their lives. Unlike me, these students won’t be worried about their hairdos, or the boy in the bleachers. Erin May, Alyssa Slocum and Taylor Farney – along with all of their proud fellow classmates – will also be celebrating the next phase of the Tiger Plaza Project, their lasting and generous gift to the future.

Mail donations of any amount made out to SLOHS Tiger Plaza to Principal Will Jones, San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3099. Or e-mail Nancy Hite at nlhite7@gmail.com for more information.

No Feature Overlooked: Unbelievable attention to detail is showcased throughout this striking 4 bedroom, 3 bath California Bungalow home with Arts & Crafts detailing near downtown San Luis Obispo. South American hardwood flooring, Italian hand-blown glass light fixtures, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Knotty Alder Cabinets, soapstone countertops, 16-inch Travertine stone flooring, and a hand-hammered Mexican Copper sink. Total remodel from foundation up completed Oct 2005. See www.233lincolnst.com

Johnny Hough Managing Broker

(805) 801-5063

johnny@realestategroup.com 962 Mill Street, SLO

See more listings at www.realestategroup.com

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COMMUNITY george the cat official greeter of bishop’s peak

By Leslie Jones Photos by Robin & Doug Hendry Illustrations by Debby Veldkamp

I

t’s not unusual to find outdoor enthusiasts hiking San Luis Obispo’s picturesque trails with their dogs in tow. A cat hiking up Bishop’s Peak is an entirely different (and intriguing) story. George the Cat is the official greeter for the hiking entrance up on Highland Drive. And yes, he does hike up at least a portion of the mountain with a select group of visitors. Of course, he believes that they’ve all come just to see him…often times they have.

George, ready for his next hike

When you first meet George, it’s as though he’s known you forever. Cat-like and coy, he stretches, yawns and anticipates the attention you soon will deliver. He’s a beautiful, friendly fellow who has his own chaufferdriven escort service heading back home at the end of each day. Once in the car for the ride home, he sits high on the back seat to look out the windows. He thoroughly enjoys the ride and the views.

He is well-known by the locals, and the stories are plentiful. Bob and Mary Neal have enjoyed his company for years. In 2006 their house was under construction, and they were advised that their cat was on duty watching the remodel. When they informed the construction crew that they didn’t own M A Y

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a cat, they went on to say that he was a moocher whenever lunch time arrived.

Each time the Neals visited the site, there was George. They soon discovered that he was the nearby trail’s official greeter. He will walk up the trail for some distance; however, if hikers have a dog, he’s unwilling to share the trail with them. He’ll hold his own against one dog, but when there’s two or more, he retreats to the Neal’s backyard.

He has a tag on his collar that offers up his name, address and several home phone numbers along with a message that reads “Loves to hike up Bishop’s Peak.” His day is long and fulfilling, beginning when he leaves his home no later than 7 a.m., soon arriving at the Neal’s house awaiting his breakfast treat. For the remainder of the day, he hangs out around their cul-de-sac high up on Highland Drive, or up on the hiking trail.

“It’s a long walk up here,” mentions Bob Neal. “His owners will pick him up after work daily. He waits in our yard. If it’s raining we leave a bag over one of our entry lights to alert the owners that he is inside.

Our home is really his home away from home.”

“Each day, he walks along Patricia Drive, about a block, then heads up a trail to the Neal’s house, probably about a mile,” mentions Robin Hendry, George’s owner. Looking at the map, much of his daily sojourn is through open meadows and canopied trees. Rumor has it that George, in his younger years, was an accomplished hunter. Along with the usual rodents, squirrels and bats have also been brought home to be admired.

There are many stories about George and his encounters with the area’s visitors. “I have to say the most unique is the couple who brought him home one day specifically to tell us that they had become lost on the Felsman Loop trail and George popped out of the brush, meowing. He would jog to them, and then jog ahead, looking back and meowing, waiting for them to catch up. He led them all the way back down the mountain,” explains Robin.

“Another time a woman brought him to our door to tell us that that day was her 50th birthday and she was very depressed about it. She decided to hike up the mountain, and George hiked with her the entire way to the top of the Peak. She wanted to say that was the best birthday present she could ever had hoped for and wanted me to take a picture of her and George – which I did and then emailed it to her,” Robin adds.

George has been the cover of Christmas cards and has a book about him called Harry the Hiking Cat written by a local writer/artist, Debby Veldkamp, who has had many encounters with George while hiking with her family and their dogs. She was amazed at his bravery and genuine love for hiking.

“We met George one year ago, for a 2008 New Year’s day hike. He greeted us and all four dogs just as I’ve written in the story. I’ve always had cats and I recognized a great CAT character in George – so much so that I went home and began to write the story. I interviewed Robin, and several times I went up to the trailhead to sketch and photograph George, who posed and was ‘much obliged.’”

The book is one of those feel-good reads that you want to return to again and again. Harry the Cat is escorting a family and their dogs up a mountain. Saving them from a potential mountain lion attack by jumping on its back, he is called a hero by them all. Debby’s illustrations perfectly reflect George’s charming personality.

There’s a story behind why he’s called Harry in the book instead of George. “Initially, Robin’s husband Doug Hendry asked me not to

name the cat in the story because they didn’t want anything adverse to happen to him,” explains Debby. Disappointed, she obviously respected their wishes.

“Doug then asked if I knew a Harry Veldkamp?” I said, “Yes, of course!

He’s my brother in law.” It turns out Doug has known Harry for some time through their work “When I called Harry and told him about meeting Robin and Doug, and of George’s story, Harry was amazed at the coincidence of interviewing them out of everyone in San Luis Obispo I could have run into. When off the phone, I thought I’ll call the cat HARRY and that was that!”

Whether you meet George initially through the book or at the Bishop’s Peak trailhead, it’s an enchanting story worth further investigating.

With the scenery unusually beautiful this time of the year, along the poppies, lupin and wild mustard in full bloom, it’s a perfect time to head into the great outdoors and hike one of San Luis Obispo’s most awe-inspiring mountains. Don’t forget to greet George along the way – he’ll be awaiting your visit.

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Palm Street Perspective seeing the light, saving energy, and spurring the new economy

By SLO City Council Member, John Ashbaugh

I

’m new to the City Council, having been elected in November 2008. As I campaigned last year, I sensed a seismic shift taking place.

Before this election, the main issue was the same one that had dominated every city election since I moved here in 1977: Growth – how fast, where, and how to control it?

and others are already making small loans (generally about $2530,000) to individual property owners to install solar panels or other energy-efficiency improvements. The loans are repaid through voluntary special assessments, typically extending over 20 years at about 7+% API. Borrowers get the benefit of state and federal rebates and tax incentives, reduced up-front costs, lower utility bills, reduced energy demand, and higher property values.

What a difference a year makes. Landmark retail stores such as Gottschalks and Mervyns closing; jobs disappearing; housing prices plummeting; tax revenues declining just as more people need services than ever before. We’re in the grip of an economic contraction that ranks second only to the Great Depression – so far – and we don’t know when we’ll begin to see the first real glimmers of hope.

One possible benefit of this program is that it encourages owners of rental property to conserve energy. Most dwelling units in SLO are rentals, and the owners have little incentive to install such improvements since they typically pass utility costs to tenants. Why bother with the paperwork, high up-front costs, and pledging personal assets and good credit merely to reduce utility costs for a rental?

But if we look hard enough, there are flickers of light. This Spring, the stock market is showing signs of life. Housing is stabilizing as buyers hunt for bargains. Mortgage lenders are advertising home loans at the lowest rates in decades.

It may be awhile, however, before the recovery really kicks into gear.

What can the City do to help us get through these tough times, and simultaneously meet the challenge of building a sustainable community that will serve our 21st-century needs?

Here’s one possibility: In January, the Council set a goal to “adopt and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve energy.” A key part of this plan could include a below-market financing program to spur development of energy-saving projects throughout SLO. Under a new state law, AB 811 cities such as Palm Desert, Berkeley

Using AB 811-type programs, building owners see virtually no up-front costs. Utility savings and Federal/state subsidies cover the special assessments, at least over time. The loan is secured by a tax lien, and stays with succeeding owners of the benefited property even when sold. There’s no need to pledge personal assets, or even submit a credit report.

The result: Significantly lower utility bills, enhanced property values, more work for local contractors, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a win for everyone: Property owners, renters, builders, and our environment.

If you’d like more information about the city’s goals, our web site is www. slocity.org; to learn about how AB 811 financing works in Palm Desert, visit www.ab811.org. I welcome your feedback at jashbaug@slocity.org.

Meeting Rooms Available Rooms

1930 Monterey St. M A Y

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Classroom

Hollow Square 70 50

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Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY Gluten-Free Muffins WITH Fresh Strawberries and Crystallized ginger FOR THE MUFFINS: 3 ½ cups Gluten-free baking mix (New Frontiers and Nature’s Touch has many GF mixes) ½ cup ground flax or flax meal or almond flour 4 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 4 ounces canola or safflower oil 1 cup milk (rice milk or almond milk are great substitutes for those sensitive to dairy) 1 cup yogurt or goat yogurt 2 eggs 1 ½- 2 cups fresh (preferably organic) strawberries, quartered or thinly sliced ¼- ½ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger OPTIONAL CINNAMON GLAZE: 3 cups confectioners’ sugar 6 tablespoons water ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Heat oven to 350 degrees and spray standard-sized muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper or foil baking cups.

Mix glaze ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the GF baking mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix well.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, milk, yogurt, eggs, and egg yolk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in fresh strawberries and crystallized ginger.

Fill muffin tins until the batter is higher than each muffin rim by about a ½ inch. If you have an ice scream scoop with a sweeper on it, this works best. Bake until the muffins are golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.

It is okay if the muffin tops melt into each other when baking. Let the muffins cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing them from their tin. When muffins are thoroughly cool (about an hour), re-whisk glaze and drizzle over muffins. Enjoy!!

Less than 350 calories per muffin, 10 grams of (good) fat, 10 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber

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at the market

A

By Sarah Hedger

pril showers bring May flowers! There is little not to enjoy about our area during this time of year. The weather is beautiful, the hills still have a tint of green, and there is an abundance of fresh, local produce to enjoy.

There are many ways to find the plethora of local produce. Aside from our fantastic farmers markets, there are local CSA (community supported agriculture) options popping up in all reaches of the county, enabling consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from the farmer. CSA’s in the past offered shares (often in the form of baskets or boxes of produce) to the public from only one farmer. Recently, CSA’s have improved their service and delivery by incorporating a collection of different farms’ produce often delivered to your doorstep.

This turns out to be a brilliant, local, seasonal sampling!

The CSA programs benefit everyone involved and in many areas of the country there is more demand for this amazing service than there are CSA programs. The subscription type service enables farmers some early season income, which helps cash flow as well as another means to sell direct to their end users. The benefits to the subscribers are endless. They get to enjoy

the freshest, local, seasonal food, with all the flavor and nutritional benefits. Subscribers often receive new varieties of fruits and vegetables, adding new flavors and new ways to enhance their cooking habits. CSA’s also help create a relationship between the farmer and the consumer so everyone (especially kids) can learn more about how food is grown and how to incorporate it into their lives. Cal Poly (www.calpolyorgfarm. com) and Nature’s Touch Harvest and Nursery in Templeton (www.ntnah.com) both service SLO County in its entirety. Other options include SLO Veg (www.SloVeg.com) and Huasna Valley Farm (www.huasnavalleyfarm.com). One resource to find CSA options in your area is the Local Harvest website (www.localharvest.org/csa).

May’s recipe continues the theme of spring with some fantastic, gluten-free muffins with fresh strawberries. It seems more people are becoming sensitive to the fact that they don’t digest wheat products easily or in the best of ways. There are many, simple options to incorporate other, more easily-digestible flours.

The gluten-free baking (pancake/waffle) mix at Trader Joe’s is one such example. It incorporates brown rice flour into a baking mix, resulting in great tasting, gluten-free baked goods! Choosing organic or pesticidefree strawberries is an essential option for anyone’s health. Recent studies show that organically grown fruits and vegetables have a greater ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells in those who consume them because they have their own compounds creating a stronger natural defense against pests and disease. Crystallized ginger is the last notable ingredient in these muffins because aside from its ability to calm gastrointestinal troubles, it may also decrease joint pain from arthritis, lower cholesterol, and alleviate most types of nausea. Enjoy these delicious treats as a breakfast option or anytime!

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COMMUNITY 1987 - Prisoner of war survivor Karl Haeuser and sister next to memorial plaque honoring him and other flight crew members by the City of Pitres.

History

Karl Haeuser 88 days of freedom

By Loren Nicholson

H

ow many times must a warrior silently cry in the darkness?

How many times must he die before a new dawn?

On that summer day in 1945, Karl Haeuser, now 87 and living in Cayucos, flew out of RAF Base 154, Gosfield, near Halstead, England. He was a turret gunner – one of three crewmen – a pilot and two gunners aboard a Douglas A-20 Havoc. The crew’s mission was to fly low (10,000 to 11,500 feet), then search out and destroy German buzz bomb sites, coastal ports, bridges, highways and railroads.

But at this altitude, they knew they could easily become victims of ground “flak.”

I thought Karl tensed as he described events of that summer day over France. “Our plane was hit in the rear fuselage,” he said. “The flak took off all of the empennage, the entire tail section.

Our pilot radioed us from his compartment to fasten our parachutes and jump. He could no longer control the plane. I attached my chute to the harness and moved into position for the first jump of my life. From that point, I lost all control. I whisked out the opening of the tail like a dish rag. So did my gunner partner, Fred Herman. Though trembling almost uncontrollably, I also thought about the plight of our pilot. This plane was not built in a way that allowed him to escape.”

Karl tipped back thoughtfully in his chair at the San Luis Obispo military museum as he described his fall through space. He told of the earth coming up to meet him. Thank God, he struck the ground feet first and found himself rolling in alfalfa and parachute. The German flak crew immediately surrounded him, weapons at-the-ready. Years later, in celebration of his 75th birthday, Karl invited 45 friends to an elegant champagne party at the Paso Robles airport. To entertain his guests, he did a skydive. “It was fun,” he said.

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The contrast between the lonely German occupied alfalfa field where he stood surrounded by Nazi warriors with weapons and his home in the hills of Paso Robles and Geneseo could not be reconciled. Why was he here?

His father, Theophil, so many thousands of miles away, served as minister of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Geneseo and then Trinity Lutheran in Paso Robles. Karl attended schools in Paso Robles through eighth grade before attending Concordia College, a preparatory school for the Lutheran ministery in Oakland, California. He graduated in 1939.

But in the war in 1945, Karl found himself a prisoner of Nazi Germany. It was certainly not a time for remembering his trip to San Francisco to attend the 1939 World’s Fair with its California Cavalcade and Billy Rose’s Aquacade, those giant moments of pleasure in a decade recently revived from depression.

While in the City that year, he applied for a job at Bank of America. It was the beginning of a 45-year association. He started in Oakdale. Within three months, he was transferred to San Luis Obispo and, soon after, Paso Robles. He was a bookkeeper enjoying an income of $70 every month.

“My draft number came up in 1942,” Karl said.

“If possible, I wanted to become a pilot. I went directly to Hancock Field and enlisted in the Army Air Corps.”

Like so many men in training, Karl was shifted from one field to another. In January, 1943, he faced testing and evaluation for pilot training at Santa Ana Air Force Base. Next, he found himself at Thunderbird II east of Arizona engaged in primary flight training.

Here, he attended both flight and ground school. After 88.6 hours training in a PT 17 Stearman trainer, he graduated to “Basic” at Minter Field outside Shafter. Here, he flew a BT Vultee 13. He did about 15 hours, and

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soloed. Then, the word spread. There were too many pilot trainees.

First, he was sent to gunnery school near Las Vegas. Next, they assigned him to armory school at Lowry Field, Denver. There, he learned to fuse, defuse and load all types of bombs. He also learned to handle 20 mm and 37 mm cannons. “I think I learned to use every form of weapon in the air military arsenal,” Karl said. Next, the group went to Florence, South Carolina, for combat training aboard a Douglas A-20 Havoc.

Soon, they were combat-ready. “We traveled by ship to England,” assigned to the 410th BG as replacements in a combat-ready group.

They began daily bombing and strafing flights across the English channel. It was not long before enemy ground flak brought them down.

“It took sometime, but I eventually learned that my fellow gunner (Fred Herman) had also successfully bailed out. Our pilot went down with the plane and was immediately killed.

The headquarters of the Nazi flak team that shot us down was in the little French town of Grand-Couronne. We were stripped naked in a search for hidden weapons and as protection against our escaping. Our Luftwaffe officer spoke excellent English with a superb accent. He had attended Cambridge. His name was Lt. Koch.

From here, Karl and others were transported to Evreux and imprisoned with other recently captured Americans. It didn’t last long. Soon after, Karl was ordered to join a truckload of prisoners headed for Paris. Here, they boarded an “iron-clad freight car” connected to an engine that scarcely operated.

“Our travels by train were almost all aboard 40 and 8s, box cars intended to transport 40 soldiers and 8 horses,” Karl said. “We

COMMUNITY fire again. Russians were close by. Alarmed German officers ordered removal of prisoners from Stalag IV in groups of 1,000 men. Each man was given a 12-pound Red Cross food package. “At night, we huddled in groups of three under make-shift tents made of three blankets. We slept on the ground under any cover available in ice, snow and water, finding some warmth from each other. Our new food package lasted 3-4 days.”

Drinking water came from wells and snow along the way. Karl and fellow prisoners walked without knowledge of destination.

Soon, most men suffered from one or more illnesses including diarrhea, nausea, fleas, starvation and major weight loss. Karl’s weight fell from about 150 to 86 lbs.

Karl Haeuser as a young flyer in training with the U.S. Air Force.

were not fed nor allowed to disembark. The Germans stopped our train in tunnels during the day to avoid discovery and bombardment from American planes.

“The Germans followed the Geneva convention as best they could, but my claustrophobia couldn’t handle it.” Karl said, “In those dark and smelly tunnels, I was stricken in a strange way. I found myself crying. I knew I would die, but I clung to my long held Christian beliefs, and I prayed.”

The train headed in the direction of Metz, Germany, about 200 miles away. It took 8 days! Karl and his companions had eaten all of the food given them by some kindly French women and the guards paid no heed to their condition.

“We arrived at the Dulag camp at Wetzlar.

Thus far, we had escaped serious interrogation, but now, the time had come. They locked us individually in small rooms. One-by-one, we faced an interrogator.” They sought seemingly bits of information about our part in the war.

Sometimes, they spoke ever so quietly. At other times, they became bullies.

It was soon time to move again. “We boarded a train bound for St. Wendel. It was a new camp. American planes dropped leaflets telling Germans how to surrender to Americans.

“We were put on another train taking us to Gross Tychow in Poland. It took four days to reach Stalag Luft IV, a place we actually stayed for a time.

Beginning in January, 1945, Karl and fellow prisoners began to hear artillery and weapons

Only gradually did the men realize they weren’t going anywhere. There was no place to go. They marched in a big circle around Berlin for 88 days. They covered over 500 miles. They passed Hamburg, then Magedeburg, and down to Leipzig. At Bitterfeld-onMulde, the Germans turned the prisoners over to the American 104th Infantry on April 26th, 1945. The war was over. A month later,

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Karl and fellow prisoners boarded American Hull 770, a Kaiser-built troop ship bound for New York City. Their stomachs would not handle regular food for awhile. They were fed small carefully planned meals six times daily.

Karl returned to Bank of America. He married Helen Filipponi, a member of an early San Luis Obispo family. They have three grown children. His rise with the bank took him and his family to Chico and Fresno. After the children left home, Karl accepted a work assignment in Guam for four years. After Guam, he was assigned to the San Jose, Main Branch. He closed his career at Morgan Hill as vice-president/manager. He retired in Cayucos after 45 years.

You can meet Karl at any one of his volunteer posts. Friday mornings he serves as docent at the Military Museum at the Veterans’ Hall in San Luis Obispo. Saturday mornings he can be found at the information desk in the passenger’s waiting room of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. On Tuesdays and Thursdays he drives the senior bus from Cayucos into San Luis Obispo with stops as needed.

Congratulations to Coach Todd Cooper and the SLO City Football Club – 14 age bracket youth soccer team • The team advanced out of the Area playoffs (Teams from Paso Robles, Five Cities, Nipomo, Santa Ynez & Lompoc Make up the region) • Won the Section 10 Playoffs (teams from Salinas to LA to Las Vegas north to Modesto) • Placed 2nd in the AYSO California State Championships • This is the highest ranked team ever from San Luis Obispo in AYSO All-Stars.

Snowy Plover in wrack line

Back row Left to Right: Todd Cooper-Coach, Michael Zakaria, Sawyer Scott, Alex Maier, Drew Park, Jason Brechwald, Trevor James, Garrett Lemons, Rick James-Coach Front row left to right: Chris Toh, Ty Cooper, Travis Caldwell, Thomas Orradre, Mouro Morales, Keiran Hansen, Michael Lambert M A Y

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COMMUNITY

follow the river, paint the dream

festival of the arts in paso robles

By Natasha Dalton Anne Laddon River Painting

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Email: biz.expert@yahoo.com Website: www.bizexpert.org M A Y

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his Memorial Day weekend, the Community of Paso Robles is in for a treat: the whole of the downtown area will become the center of celebration for the Inaugural Festival of the Arts.

The idea of this unique Festival was conceived at a confluence of several projects. On one hand, for the last five years the City and the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD (Resource Conservation District) have been pursuing a dream of restoring the prominent role the Salinas River once played in town. Old-timers still remember that where we now have only sand and dust, there once was a river full of water. To bring the river back to life, the City has been trying for years to buy the property adjacent to it. Finally, these efforts came to fruition: not only the landowners agreed to sell, but the City received a $4 million grant from the state for the purchase and restoration purposes. The strings on the grant however are such that the City has to deliver a 25% match, i.e. it has to raise $1 million, either in cash or “in-kind.”

Thinking about the services that could qualify as the “in-kind” input, the City came up with the idea to kick off summer with an exciting event for the whole community.

Meanwhile, a local artist Anne Laddon and her daughter Sasha Irving have been working on their dream project of bringing an open-art studio to downtown Paso Robles. Two years ago Anne was among founding artists of the Torpedo Factory Art Center overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia, and now she wants to recreate the same concept locally. Anne’s new Studio, called Prelude, will have over 20 artists working under the same roof, offering a unique experience and art education to the studio’s visitors. The founding artists, selected on a competitive basis, will represent some of the finest creative talent in California. Besides, The Paso Robles Arts Association, which for the longest time has been in need of a home, will now have its showroom gallery at the Studio. The whole project is unique in that it won’t be just a gallery; it will be a real studio with all its artists working there all the time. During the Festival, the Studio will open to welcome its first visitors.

So, that’s how these three major forces: the City of Paso Robles, the RCD and the Studios on the Park – created an event the whole community could embrace.

The Festival’s theme is the River, and on Memorial Day, the Downtown Park will have dozens of booths representing both art and the City’s River Vision. “We’ll have our first massive unveiling of the project,” explains Megan Williamson, City Assistant Manager. “We’ll have displays to share with the public where we’re right now in this pursuit, and to get people excited about bringing this river back to town.”

“It’s hard to underestimate the local importance of the river,” says Donald Funk, Executive Director and Chief Designer of Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD; “but Salinas is the third largest California watershed, and our local efforts improve the quality of water in the Monterey Bay as well. It’s very significant.”

As for the art component, the organizers are looking as far south as Laguna Beach and as far north as Monterey County. “We’re aiming to create a high-level Art Festival, and to expose the public to the finest visual experience,” Anne Laddon says. “The Festival will start with a Quick Draw Competition,” Sasha Irving explains. “At 9 a.m. the artists will begin painting furiously in the park and several other select locations, and the public will have an opportunity to witness the process of art coming to life. At 11 a.m. brushes will be put down,

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the paintings (framed while still wet) will go on display, and at noon they will go on auction.”

they’ll still see it – through the eyes of the artists. Additionally, over 40 artists will display and sell their other works of art.

Of course, there will be lots of other fun stuff: music, entertainment, kids’ activities…“We’re not just giving out literature,” says Barbara Partridge, the Festival Chair. “Throughout downtown there will be many options for interactive entertainment for the whole family: kids’ and adult art classes, stage performers, Zoo-2-U, as well as shuttles taking people on tours of the river. “We want to give this opportunity to kids to plant native grasses along the riverbank and to feel good about helping their community, “says Megan Williamson. “In the little tour you won’t get the whole trail experience, but you can learn about river restoration, and the vision for its future.”

“The cost of this event is about $50,000, and we’ve been fundraising for months to make it happen,” Barbara Partridge explains. “Kudos to our major financial partners: the Senior Advisory Committee, the Library Foundation and the Rec Foundation (who each donated $10,000) – for stretching their own missions to help us.”

Another highlight of the Festival will be its 58-foot-long public mural project, which will give festivalgoers a chance to participate in a lasting public piece of art. Besides, there will be The Follow the River, Paint the Dream Competition. The artists who were asked to paint the River, will place their paintings at an exhibition for the public to view.

So even if someone can’t make it down to the river on the Festival Day,

Serving San Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

This Festival is truly a community event, highlighting art and the river restoration work that the City and RCD have already accomplished.

It’s free, interactive, it will help raise matching funds for the city project, and stimulate the local economy. “We don’t get any money out of it,” Barbara Partridge says,” but hopefully, our restaurateurs, hoteliers and winemakers will.”

The Festival was created to be relevant to the community, and that’s what it has become: a community celebration.

The Festival website is: http://www.prcity.com/fota/

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

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COMMUNITY

art scene

art center update

By Gordon Fuglie,

SLO Art Center, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections

I

have always been fascinated with the origins of visual arts institutions (galleries, museums, and art centers) and the occurrences, processes and decisions that drove them to start their permanent collections. They arrive at this juncture in a number of ways. More typically, one member of the organization’s governing board may decide to donate his/ her personal collection, and as it happens, this is “an offer too good (or political) to refuse.” And so the first seed of the institution’s permanent collection is sown.

Sometimes visual art institutions find themselves collecting works of art by the “drip process.” Over time, an array of works are accumulated through periodic donations and no one really takes charge of them, or can tell you why they are central to the mission of the institution. So the collection ends up installed in various offices, or more likely, stored in closets or basements. Sooner or later, a few are discovered to have somehow disappeared.

Eventually, a new administrator or attentive board member will call attention to their existence and forces the decision to collect or not collect.

If the institution decides to collect in a purposeful manner, the optimal situation for developing and maintaining permanent collections is one where the board of directors establishes a rational policy for this activity, preceded by staff input. A collection policy means empowering the executive director and the curator to oversee and acquire works of art for the collection. This is followed by various related measures, such as assembling an acquisitions committee to advise on collecting, constructing collection storage facilities (with a climate controlled environment), and, of course, setting aside staff time to research important works entering the collection.

Within the past ten years, the American Association of Museums has been encouraging all collecting institutions (museums of art, history, zoology, botany, automobiles, etc.) to undertake collections planning. Basically, the goal of a collection plan – as distinct from a policy – is to create an intellectual justification for why an institution collects what it collects.

This has become crucial for many institutions as they find themselves with expanding collections that are outgrowing their storage capacity, and wondering why, for example, a local history museum in Provo, Utah, is preserving hundreds of decks of playing cards from out-of-state casinos.

In the course of its evolution, the San Luis Obispo Art Center began thinking about having a permanent collection, and the current board of directors is engaged with making the collection more central to the Art Center’s mission. As the Curator of Exhibitions and Collections (the collections designation was added when I was hired in 2008), I find this is exciting. The board’s interest gives impetus to the crucial task of developing a collection of records that tells the story of significant art produced in the Central Coast region, as well as California.

In May the Art Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary by displaying recent works acquired for its permanent collection. Legacy: Works M A Y

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Carizzo Plains by Tony Hertz

from the Permanent Collection will be on view from April 30 to June 1. Among the works selected will be pieces by Arne Nybak, Dan Piel (both of SLO), Barbara Frith (Santa Maria), Tony Hertz (Shell Beach), and David Settino Scott (San Miguel), among others. The painter Arne Nybak was principal among the original group that founded the Art Center. He was also a key figure in targeting the acquisition of art works for the Art Center. The current Executive Director, Karen Kile, furthered this legacy by bringing in additional works during the past decade. Personally, I have been delighted to secure donations this year from Twila Stofer (SLO) and Chet and Guyla Amyx (Morro Bay, works

by Chet’s father, Leon Amyx, a painter from the California Scene school, who had a major showing at the Long Beach Museum of Art).

While there are other non-profit art collections in San Luis Obispo County, such as the Hearst Castle in San Simeon and at Cal Poly’s Kennedy Library’s Department of Special Collections (focusing on architecture and book arts/fine printing), the Art Center’s is the only collection devoted to important historical and contemporary artists from the Central Coast. Readers of this column who think they have such works in their possession, and are of a mind to donate them where they can be seen and studied for generations, are encouraged to contact me at the Art Center. Who knows, you may have a vital role in adding to the artistic legacy of our region.

Speaking of vital roles, ARTS Space Obispo, an important gallery in the cultural life of downtown, brings an international flavor to their May offerings. Of Two Worlds is an exhibition featuring threedimensional photographs by Anna Landa (pictured below). Landa, who is a senior in the Art and Design Department at Cal Poly, creates autobiographical images in which she is photographed in sharp focus, while according to her, “the surrounding world is a wash of blurs within which I appear stationary.” She says this visual strategy emphasizes her outsider status as an Ukrainian Jewish immigrant trying to assimilate into American culture. Her red jacket that appears as a leitmotif throughout the series is symbolic of the former Soviet Union in which she was born. The three-dimensionality derives from memories of her grandfather’s stereoscopic prints, historically, the earliest use of 3-D. For additional programming at ARTS Space Obispo in May, see their website for details, or call (805) 544-9251. ARTS Space Obispo is located in the SLO Creamery and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Our Schools: TWO COUNTY schools RECEIVE HIGH HONORS FROM STATE

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

S

anta Lucia Middle School in Cambria and Morro Bay High School have been awarded the prestigious California Distinguished School award for 2009.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell (a San Luis Obispo County resident) announced last month that these two schools were included in the 261 middle and high schools across the state to receive the distinction this year. There are about 2,400 middle and high schools in California and only about 11 percent of these schools received this award. This year the recognition program focused on middle and high schools. Next year attention will be on elementary schools in the state.

The California Distinguished School award is part of the school recognition program sponsored by the California Department of Education. The purpose is to recognize schools that are demonstrating promising practices in narrowing the achievement gap that exists among various groups of students.

In our county, the achievement gap exists primarily with our English Language Learners who consistently score lower on measures of academic achievement than their peers. Both of the schools recognized in San Luis Obispo county have made progress in narrowing this achievement gap for their students.

To be considered for the award, a school must first submit an extensive application that specifies how the school provides for the success for all students, not just the academically talented. Superintendent O’Connell stressed that in order for California’s workforce to be competitive in the global economy, all students must have access to a rigorous education and be prepared for additional training and education after high school graduation.

The application also calls for the schools to describe specifically two “signature practices” that address narrowing the achievement gap in the school. These are practices that other schools can follow.

In addition to the application and submission of student achievement data, the schools were also visited by a team of educators who spent a day at the school to validate what the school is doing. The team reviews the documents, visits classrooms and talks with students, staff and parents. After the visit, the team then makes a recommendation whether or not the

school should receive the California Distinguished School award.

Santa Lucia Middle School is located in Cambria and is part of the Coast Unified School District that serves the communities of Cambria, San Simeon, Cayucos (for high school) and the unincorporated areas along the north coast of the county. Santa Lucia is a small school with 162 students in grades 6 to 8 (ages 11-14). The school serves a population that is about 60 percent Hispanic and about 80 percent of the students are considered to be from lower income families. The school has made significant academic progress by raising their Academic Performance Index (API) score by 26 points to 801, which tops the state target of 800. Hispanic students showed a significant growth in academic performance. One of the signature practices at the school is the use of teams to engage all students in the life and

culture of the school. The staff, students and parents at the school all stated to the visiting team that the teams have helped greatly to connect all students to the school, which has led to higher academic performance.

This is the second time that Morro Bay High School has received the designation as a California Distinguished School. The school is part of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and serves about 900 students from Los Osos and Morro Bay. The school’s API score for 2008 was 831, one of the highest in the county. Almost 90 percent of the graduating seniors enroll in college, university or community college after graduation. Similar to Santa Lucia, Morro Bay High School’s focus is on every student. The school actively monitors the academic progress of all students and is able to provide early assistance when needed. The school has targeted the lowest performing students for help and this has resulted in significant academic progress for these students. For example, over 90 percent of the school’s sophomores passed the California High School Exit Exam on the first try.

Our county can be very proud of these two schools and of the examples they provide of focusing on academic success for all students.

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 M A Y

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AROUND TOWN history

lazare landeker’s destiny part 1 of 2

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

F

ew early residents of the Town of San Luis Obispo were as remarkable as Lazare Landeker. Acknowledged as a literate businessman, inventor, elected community leader, landowner, capitalist and a firm believer in spousal enlightenment, he deserved a better end.

Here’s the story.

Born in Monroe (Louisiana) in 1843 of French immigrants, little is known of his early life except for an undated early newspaper article complimenting a group of young men for establishing a Thespian Society – the president: Lazare Landeker. “Such amusements,” noted the brief commentary, “can only uplift the life of the young men and their audiences.” Lazare certainly considered life a continuing, uplifting, – and creative – experience.

The next reference is an appointment certificate (1867) as Justice of the Peace for Ruddell County (Arkansas). While Governor Isaac Murphy signed the commission, it was ordered by Brevet General Ord since the State was still under federal jurisdiction in the aftermath of the Civil War. As a lieutenant, Ord was responsible for the mapping of a small California pueblo – Los Angeles – in 1849. He hired as an associate William Rich Hutton, who shortly thereafter went north to become this county’s appointed surveyor. Fort Ord in Monterey County was named after the distinguished soldier.

Lazare’s legal duties were not long after which he traveled to San Francisco with his brother, William, and by the end of the decade, he was in San Luis Obispo working for the mercantile firm of his maternal uncle Abraham Blockman.

The educated, industrious young man made quite an impression in the small town of about a 1000 residents. Possibly benefiting from his theatrical endeavors as to poise and mannerisms, a gentleman whose

Lazare and Alice Landeker

English and French were enhanced with the inevitable lyrical Southern drawl must have been quite an attraction…especially for young ladies.

Any such attention may have led to an “Agreement” between the 27 year old and a few friends.

Whether done in humor or as a challenge, the three men devised an elaborate scheme in January 1870. One of them would marry a “respectable lady” within six months or pay $166.66 into a fund and the same amount if there was no marriage within twelve months. Finally, the agreement (and penalty) ended after 15 months. The accumulated endowment was to pay for the marriage of whoever DID marry first and the remaining bachelors would pay all but one-third of wedding expenses. Straws were drawn and Lazare won (or lost – depending on his plans for marriage). He married French-born Alice Hirsch (probably in New Orleans) soon thereafter and their first child was born in February 1871.

Certainly, he did not spend his time searching for a spouse. Lazare became a well-known resident. In May of 1870, he was elected the first Noble Grand of a newly chartered Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Chorro Lodge. And shortly thereafter he was elected treasurer of the newly formed King David’s Lodge of the Freemasons.

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2009

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AROUND TOWN In the same month, he was elected a Town Trustee and reelected the following year.

It was a critical juncture for the virtually unknown outpost of San Francisco. The town had been reincorporated a third time in 1868 and was finally poised to becoming a recognized community in the sprawling state necessitating a formal municipal organization.

Good fortune continued to follow the young man. Surveying his growing wealth (and possibly a foreshadowing of the near future), on November 6, 1874, he began an extraordinary journal dedicated “to my beloved wife.” His reason was “for the purpose of giving you detailed information on general business topics.”

Alice Landeker

He clarified his decision stating: “I have always contended that it was as necessary to instruct women as men in all ordinary business matters.” The information was basic but obviously important: always read the entire document, pay in cash, refuse credit, be assured of costs, pay taxes on time, object to any assessments for roads, and be assured title to any property was valid. His aspirations

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for his children (seven born between 1871 and 1878) were for them to become “entirely independent and self-reliant.” It did not matter what trade they sought as long as they were competent. His son could be seamstress and his daughters blacksmiths, but whatever was chosen needed to be mastered.

Between his personal and business ventures, he found time to be a volunteer fireman and treasurer of the Library Association formed in 1872.

Lazare was productive, curious and meticulous. In a family scrapbook, his clippings and notes testify to the man’s interest in a wide variety of subjects: world news, seasickness, killing gophers, poetry and a “recipe for furniture varnish.” The father included his notes on treating his children’s illnesses.

Possibly the eclectic nature of the clippings were clues to a man on the move?

Next time: Intelligent, considerate, popular and gaining in wealth, Lazare was ready for av major life change. It proved to be a mistake…a fatal one.

Rachel Landeker

Rae Landeker

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AROUND TOWN

hospice care Wherever you live

By Tina McEvoy, RN, BSN

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s you may know, a licensed hospice agency provides support and care for persons in the last phase of an incurable disease or a debilitating illness so that they may live as fully and as comfortable as possible.

The hospice philosophy recognizes dying as part of life and focuses on enhancing the quality of remaining life. The hospice care and support for the family is usually provided by the hospice team in the patient’s home.

But many people are not aware that hospice care is also available to those who do not live in their own home.

There are times when the hospice team will visit patients living in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities, also known as “board and care homes” and “residential care facilities for the elderly.”

Some might wonder what the benefit would be to have hospice care in one of these facilities. Some of the benefits include: • The patient is entitled to access hospice care, no matter where they live.

• Patients can be offered increased and expanded services when hospice and the facilities work together.

• The patients and families have access to greater support during the end-of-life process and the difficult decisions made during this time.

• Hospice staff are experts in pain and symptom management and can work with the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) staff to provide end-oflife care.

• Patients can be spared unnecessary interventions or emergency room visits or hospitalizations when end of life occurs.

• Patients, families and health care providers are able to have more options for continued care when discharged from the hospital.

• Licensed hospices are leaders in helping health care providers meet the needs of terminally ill patients and their families.

Some of the benefits to a hospice agency for having hospice patients in facilities include: • The facilities can provide 24-hour supervision, room and board for patients who have no caregiver, or the caregiver is no longer able to provide the care.

• The facilities can improve the safety of a patient who has been living alone or with limited care.

• SNF staff are experts in providing long term care that complements the hospice team.

When the hospice team and facility staff work together on the patient’s care, the quality of care can be improved, the patient and family needs can be met and each team can be strengthened, educated and supported.

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AROUND TOWN One of the requirements for providing hospice care in a SNF is that there must be a contract in place between the facility and the hospice provider. Hospice Partners works with most of the SNFs in our area to provide hospice services within their facilities. Assisted Living Facilities must obtain special permission (waivers), from their state licensing board, to allow their residents to remain in their facilities through the end of their lives as long as they are on a hospice program.

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SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

In addition to providing hospice care to the patient, the hospice team will also attend to the emotional needs of family members, especially after the patient has died. The hospice bereavement staff will offer counseling for at least thirteen months after the patient’s death, and is available, if needed, beyond that length of time.

Hospice Partners of the Central Coast has worked very hard to be a positive partner with the Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities in our community.

We are grateful that they welcome hospice services into their facilities for the benefit of their patients and residents.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Tina McEvoy, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Care Services at Hospice Partners. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

Statepoint Media Crossword Theme: Gardening 101 ACROSS 1. Woman of refinement 6. Clod or goon 9. Not quite love 13. Type of lizard found in Old World tropics 14. By way of 15. More dire 16. Rebroadcast 17. MoMA contents 18. Republic on Arabian Peninsula 19. Sultry 21. *They live one year 23. ___ Lanka 24. *”____ Beetle,” common pest of gardens 25. Take more than one’s share 28. *____ your garden or lawn to create a clean line 30. Stay clear of 35. Days before Christmas and New Year 37. Panache

39. Queen’s headdress 40. Respiratory rattling 41. “_____ Rathaus,” famous town hall of Berlin 43. Miners’ passage 44. Of short duration 46. Exclamation of relief or disgust 47. Fairytale beginning 48. Host of 2000 Summer Olympics 50. *This garden was a Biblical paradise 52. Applied before feathers 53. Expression of contempt or scorn 55. Be ill 57. *Homemade plant food 61. *Support for climbing plants 65. ‘79 movie promoted with tagline, “In space no one can hear you scream” 66. TV variety show “Hee ___” 68. Capital of Egypt 69. *If you don’t weed, your lawn or garden will become this 70. Inventor of cotton gin 71. Type of stock feed 72. Well-mannered Emily

73. Short for “retired” 74. “If you ___ __” DOWN 1. 4th planet from sun 2. “A Death in the Family” author James 3. “____ it!” -- as in disappointment 4. Collect 5. *Type of fertilizer 6. Elliptical 7. “___” Jordan 8. It describes Michael Douglas’ infamous attraction 9. “In ____ of” 10. “____ la Douce,” starring Shirley MacLaine 11. *Use stakes so tomato plants don’t ____ over or collapse 12. European sea eagles 15. A hereditary ruler 20. Helper 22. Clinton ___ Rodham 24. Found on Robin Hood’s cap 25. *Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, e.g.

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26. Estrogen producer 27. Extremely cold 29. Lump of stuff 31. “Goodbye” to Sophia Loren 32. Had not 33. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 34. *Plant necessity 36. “____ but not heard” 38. Anything that is necessary but lacking 42. Curse 45. You’ll get locked up for doing this 49. “Oui” in English 51. Brother’s daughters 54. Formerly used as anesthetic 56. Camel’s relative 57. “____ David” retreat 58. Butter substitute 59. Not a hit 60. *Garden foe 61. Foolish person 62. Consisting of lime 63. Wraths 64. Guillaume ____, Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire 67. Type of brew 2009

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AROUND TOWN p.m. on May 25th. At this time I don’t know if the Moose Lodge 1401 will have their annual veterans and law enforcement BBQ after the service. However they will present their usual veterans remembrance in the program.

Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan

T

he largest Memorial Day service in the area is at Los Osos Cemetery. Glori Keech is a member of the San Luis Obispo County Band. They have played for the Los Osos service for several years. The Los Osos service has flags, guest speakers, firing salutes and usually the Gold Coast Chorus.

The only other Memorial Day service I know about is the one I have directed since 1996 at the Wheeler/ Smith San Luis Cemetery on Higuera and Elks Lane in San Luis Obispo. It will begin at 11:00 a.m. on May 25th. This service is jointly sponsored by the San Luis Obispo American Legion Post 66 and the Wheeler/Smith Mortuary/Cemetery, San Luis Obispo.

Retired Navy Chaplain Bill Houston will present the invocation and benediction as he has for ten years. Jack Jones, Past National Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars, will furnish the Honor Guard for the laying of the wreath with a firing salute.

Post 66 Commander, Jim Telford, with the assistance of the Navy League Sea Cadets, will raise the American flag over the cemetery.

Abraham Lincoln (Stew Jenkins) will give the Gettysburg Address. Boy Scout Troop 322 will assist the California/Hawaii State Elks Association Vice President, Jesse Jolly in the Elks “Salute to our Flag.” As this year’s Exalted Ruler of BPOE 322, I will present medals of valor to the families of service personnel killed in Iraq. Donna Donovan, who does an outstanding job as Chair of the Elks veterans programs, will assist me.

In the March issue of the Journal/Plus I wrote about Elwyn Righetti, a local hero of WWII. Elwyn was shot down by flak while strafing over Breslau, Germany on his 30th birthday April 17, 1945 and is listed as MIA. Ernie Righetti, Elwyn’s brother, called me with some interesting information about the MIA search to ascertain what really happened to Elwyn. In Elwyn’s last radio contact to his wing man, he said, “I broke my nose on landing. I got nine, it’s been a hell of a lot of fun working with you gang, be seeing you.”

He was never heard from again.

There are several versions from Germans that have been interviewed. One said he saw the plane come down, ran over to it and found Elwyn lying on the ground apparently uninjured. The Breslau police took him and no-one knows what happened after that.

In a nearby town, a storekeeper saw a man matching Righetti’s appearance several weeks after the crash. He seemed bewildered and said I am an American. Interestingly, the plane was never found. The “Katydid,” Elwyn’s P-51 Mustang was the latest model available at that time. There is a possibility that the Russians captured him as they came into the area shortly after the crash. We know they took some of our servicemen to Russia during WWII and Korea in order to learn about our airplanes and plans.

Our service is a veterans remembrance with no speeches or entertainment. Parking is free at the Elks lodge, next to the cemetery. The service is held in front of the mausoleum.

On Saturday, May 23rd, Post 66 will put flags on all veterans graves in the three San Luis Obispo cemeteries. They will be left until 4:00 M A Y

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In the conflicts from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan there are thousands of service people missing in action. Most veterans organizations support the MIA group and fly the black and white MIA flag. At all legion meetings, we have an MIA flag over a vacant chair in remembrance of those missing in action. I have also included that chair in the Post 66 Memorial Day remembrance.

Don Wyatt, who was Commander of Post 136 in Arroyo Grande and later Post 66 in San Luis Obispo, died recently. The Central Coast Leathernecks performed the flag folding and played taps for his service at the Marshall Spoo Chapel in AG. The Leathernecks were formerly from the Marine Corps League. They are now affiliated with the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation and are the ones responsible for that beautiful monument at Atascadero Lake.

It is worth a trip to Atascadero to see it. If you would like to have the Honor Guard for a veterans funeral, call Jim Brenton at 4005340 or e-mail him at <R4remembrance@aol. com>. They are really impressive with their military precision.

The guys who did Wyatt’s service were Tom Torgerson, Tim Haley, Ray Bacon, Nick Guriel, Robert Clark, James Pickens and Jerry Boots. They are veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the Gulf Wars.

Oh yes, thanks to Bob Moon from CSLO for the kind words about this column. See you all next month right here. Keep in touch 5431973 or <frowan248@att.net.>.

Atascadero Veterans Memorial

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo May 2009

Inside:

W h a t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U p New Business News

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R

emember George Costanza’s dad on Seinfeld, played by Jerry Stiller, chanting “serenity now, serenity now, serenity now” when faced with a challenge or upset? I have a feeling that’s going to be the workplace mantra coming up here when state and county-imposed surcharges on parking tickets turbo hike the price of the fine from $17 to $27, just like that. Yes, the state has existing legislation that allows them to collect a five dollar fee and the county is likely to follow suit forcing the City to hand over ten bucks per ticket to those agencies—and, it appears, sooner rather than later.

variety of reactions ranging from the milder “jeez!” to deciding to not come Downtown ever again. (In between is a version where people will yell at the parking service officers—please don’t do this!) We can, of course, use the opportunity to convince people that using parking structures is wise (which it is and we’ve been saying so for quite some time) or try and get visitors to ride the bus or a bike, walk or otherwise leave the car at home. And we’ll continue Deborah Cash, CMSM, to do those things. Our concern is the here and now, the immediacy of this imposition and the outrage Executive Director people will feel over a $27 ticket they got simply because they didn’t get back to their meter on time—they s if that isn’t blood-boiling enough, wait until you hear were probably busy spending money on a meal or shopping. the reason: to build more courts. Yes, because the I must clarify—the City nor the Downtown Association like rationale used says parking tickets COULD end up on this, support this or have a choice; the funds go to neither appeal in the court system and therefore those who ‘broke the agency, and we’re hoping the county won’t impose their law’ (or otherwise they wouldn’t have gotten a ticket, you see) share, or their full share, but we’re thinking that’s not likely. should pay to have a nice facility to protest in. So how many tickets went to court in San Luis last year? Three. Tres. Trois. o, as you’re shaking your head, I’ll go ahead and let So, I think, why not give them 30 clams and call it even? you know about an additional action that will have you (or it least it has us) doing back flips: since the ut I won’t say that because this really isn’t in the least legislation was enacted in 2003, the state now could bit funny. The backlash of it all will be on Downtown— demand payment retroactive to that point plus penalserenity now, serenity now, serenity now. That’s right. ties and interest to the tune of nearly a half million dolFolks’ll see a turquoise envelope containing a hit of nearly lars. Have you been following the budget talks lately?

30 dollars and, we imagine, will not be happy, displaying a

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On the Cover: May brings a full slate of activities to Downtown SLO during Thursday Night Farmers Market. Here, Downtown Brown, whose birthday is celebrated on May 28 (kids of all ages invited for the food, fun and games!) hands out flowers to moms at the market during the annual Mothers Day Flower Giveaway, this year on May 7. Visit www. downtownslo.com for an overview of Downtown events including the upcoming CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA beginning Friday, JUNE 5! Photo by Deborah Cash

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ince, at this writing, it’s not a done deal and the County Board of Supervisors hasn’t heard the item publicly, we’re not sure when the surcharge will be imposed or exactly how much it will be. But this is our best information, and we wanted to warn you, our visitors, guests and workers that the increase is likely to occur and with that, my short piece of advice:

D

ON’T GET A TICKET! Seriously, all of this frustration can be avoided if you take extra precautions to keep your meter fed or, as suggested above, use the parking structures. Some businesses are participating in the Token Program whereby, upon visiting their business and making a purchase (or whatever their criteria is), you can obtain a token for one hour free in the parking structures. Add this to the already “first hour free” and you have two free hours of convenient Downtown parking. If you think you might be longer than 30 minutes, park in a two-hour zone; if you will be longer than two hours, park in a 10-hour zone. At any rate, stay tuned for the outcome of this outrageous, outlandish and…oh yes, serenity now, serenity now, serenity now.

O

n a already-serene note, we are happy to announce the winners of the 2008 Downtown Association Design Committee’s Beautification Awards. In the annual ceremony, nearly two dozen businesses were recognized for their contribution to Downtown in a variety of efforts ranging from new construction to maintenance. We believe Downtown is beautiful not only for its natural attributes but also because of the investment

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and care demonstrated by property and business owners and we congratulate the winners…around Downtown.

Tenant Improvements: Exterior, Remodel: Tartaglia Building–Merit Big Sky Café–Excellence Tenant Improvements: Hospitality, Remodel: Mama’s Meatball–Merit Native Restaurant & Lounge–Excellence Tenant Improvements: Patio, Remodel: Excellence NOVO–Excellence Tenant Improvements: Retail, New: Forden’s–Merit Jim’s Campus Camera–Merit Central Coast Surfboards–Excellence Tenant Improvements: Retail, Remodel: Bluebird Salon–Merit Kwirkworld–Merit Powell’s Sweet Shoppe–Excellence Signage/Awning: Anita’s Pillow Pets: Awning Bloke Men’s Wear Merchandising: Hopskotch Kids Yogurt Creations Picking Daisies Coalition LuLu Luxe Fanny Wrappers Continued next page

GRAND OPENING REIS FAMILY M O RT U A R I E S

& C R E M AT O RY

Serving the San Luis Obispo County Funeral & Cremation Services Pre-Funding with Cost Guaranteed Veterans Discounts / Military Honors

805-544-7400 W W W. R E I S FA M I LY M O RT U A RY. N E T FD 949 CR 128 FD 880 FD 1800

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 to 5:30pm

Now Open 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.

TO 3:30 PM RECEIVING HOURS: 10:30 AM 545-5955 LL CA FOR MORE INFORMATION

445 Higuera St (AT CARMEL) San Luis Obispo

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Continued from previous page

Maintenance: San Luis Style Interiors Couch Potato Ambiance !Romp Marsh Street Parking Structure Hometown Plaza Green Award: SLO Bike Valet at Farmers’ Market San Luis Rides

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Public Art: Bee Bee Works His Magic Artist Banners, Gini Griffin, artist Festival Mozaic Banners Executive Director’s Award: Downtown Trolley Chairman’s Award: San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Mayor’s Award: Kevin Main Jewelry (pictured right)

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Surroundings Home Décor Dena Hedges, Owner 751 Marsh Street 439-1340

Stepping through the doors into Dena Hedges’ showroom floor you are immediately aware of her passion for furniture staging. The walls of her showroom are covered with decorative mirrors and the floor is full of furniture that any person would want to have in their home.

Surroundings is located in The Forum building on the corner of Marsh and Garden streets. Dena said that she chose the location because she thinks that The Forum building is the prettiest building Downtown. This is her first showroom and with it she is specializing in handpicked, high quality pieces that fit every style and every budget.

Masonic Hall Association 859 Marsh Street Ph: 545-5681

Nearly all of us have passed by the door to the Mason’s Lodge; but few have even noticed it. But the door is rarely lit, and the same goes for the entryway it opens to.

So what goes on inside a building that is rarely lit and that people rarely walk in or out of? And how would you find out if you don’t know anyone who goes in or out? If you’re like me, you’d do a Google search and find information about the mason’s on abovetopsecret.com, Wikipedia, or the local Masonic Temple’s website. This is where you’d learn that the brotherhood of the freemasons has been around since King Solomon’s reign. They were known as experts in their trade and shared secret knowledge within the brotherhood of masons who were recognized by secret handshakes and words.

During the 18th century, the brotherhood expanded to include brothers who were builders of character rather than buildings. The brotherhood became a philanthropic group and in 1717, made the decision to become a union. The brotherhood grew rapidly and today the Masonic Lodge is a philanthropic group that supports the community around them. To become a member of the lodge, all you have to do is ask and meet four other Masons, be a man over the age of 18, must believe in a supreme being, live an ethical and moral life and have a strong interest in the Fraternity and desire to participate in its charities and its activities.

A century and a half later in 1870, the Freemasons formed a Masonic Lodge in California. In 1889 the Masonic Hall Association (MHA) was formed to handle the business end of the Mason’s Lodge. Finally in 1913, local San Luis Obispo masons

Dena is a certified professional stager, officially titled Accredited Staging Professional, and says staging is her passion. She began her career designing store window fronts and has now moved to a space where she can show her own designs. Dena says she knows “how to make a house look good” and she offers styles that are unique and different, and at affordable prices. She goes to trade shows to personally hand pick all accessories within the showroom in order to cater to her clientele and make the shopping fun. Dena is originally from San Francisco and relocated to San Luis Obispo with her family.

Surroundings Home Décor is open Monday–Saturday 10:30am–5:30pm and Sundays 12–5pm. By Marissa Schriver built lodge #209 that currently stands at 859 Marsh St. The building is 4 stories tall, with a basement underneath. The building houses offices, records, bedrooms and meeting rooms that have the same feel as they did in 1913.

For the last 96 years, the Mason’s Lodge and the MHA have focused on giving back to the community. Today, members of the Lodge search for people and organizations in need in addition to being sought out by those in need.

Examples of their philanthropic activity can be seen at Hawthorne Elementary where the Lodge has provided financial support for a school that they feel is sometimes overlooked. In addition to providing financial support, the lodge provides long-term hotel rooms for out-of town workers assigned to long-term projects in the area. For example, the Lodge housed the railroad workers in 1886, and recently the Diablo Canyon reactor technicians during the reactor’s installation.

The Lodge also likes to honor public safety officers for their service and holds yearly dinners to present various awards.

To fund the Lodge’s activities, the MHA receives income from its many investments and also the $82 annual membership fee paid by the 180 members. One of the investments the MHA manages is the retail/office space they lease to Founders Community Bank and Central Coast Surfboards. This income covers the costs of running the building, which enables the Lodge to make the use of its facilities so affordable that even non-profits are able to hold events in one of their rooms. ( Note: A Banquet Room is available for rentals.)

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Lodge, again, you must ask first. The Lodge does not hold regular office hours but can be reached at (805) 545-5681. By Tristan Fuenmayer

Spring

into action this month in San Luis Obispo at the

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Every Thursday 6-9pm on Higuera St. between Osos & Nipomo For details call (805) 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com

Mother’s Day Flower Giveaway

Sponsored by

Main Stage Entertainment

lectroAmbient e ck! edged ro

May 7th

www.myspace.com/tropoganda

May 7, 2009

7-8:30pm

Intersection of Nipomo and Higuera

ƪ Ƥ ͙͔​͔ moms at the market!

Corner of Chorro & Higuera

Sponsored By:

Law Enforcement Night May 14th Sponsored by Sponsored by

Learn how to take down the bad guys from the pros.

Visit agencies from around the County.

Come join Downtown Brown and all his pals for lots of fun and games!

Find the Party on Chorro St.

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BUSINESS

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eye oN business ruth and elias nimeh: heroes among us

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

– donating meals and services, volunteering on downtown events, participating and working tirelessly on any number of projects.

Elias and Ruth Nimeh

R

uth and Elias Nimeh are the kind of people who make “business people” a proud moniker.

I met them years ago when they owned Tortilla Flats Restaurant in Downtown San Luis Obispo, but it’s how they took their business smarts and made them count for our community that is the real story.

Let’s start at the beginning. The Nimehs bought Tortilla Flats in 1982 and ran it successfully for over 20 years. They sold their restaurant in 2003. The community got to know and love the Nimehs during their time at “The Flats,” counting on them for all kinds of help

And if that wasn’t enough, this dynamic couple stepped up to even more. Ruth’s love of history led to a Master’s degree in the subject. She had always been interested in the idea of the law from a historical perspective, and in 1991 decided it was time to pursue her longtime dream. She enrolled in law school, drove three nights a week to Santa Barbara to attend classes for four years – and continued to operate the restaurant with Elias. Ruth received her law degree and now works part time as a legal assistant to the Family Law Facilitator, a position with the Superior Court that helps self-represented litigants in family law procedures.

As for Elias, after the restaurant was sold, he retired – sort of. In 2006 when he heard about an executive director position available with the Senior Nutrition Program, he jumped feet first into what he says is the most satisfying job he’s ever had. So much for retirement.

Today, Elias heads a program that serves 600 meals every day to seniors throughout SLO County. Many of his clients enjoy meals delivered at their homes (often the only contact

Eco-Friendly floor products on sale.

2015 Santa Barbara • San Luis Obispo 805.541.1646 • www.quaglinosflooring.com M A Y

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some homebound seniors have in a day), and others come to serving centers sprinkled throughout the county. Elias has story upon story of clients who tell him how the social contact matters almost more than the food.

Imagine your own grandma or aged parent in a town where most of their friends have passed away and there is no family nearby.

What a gift to know your loved one is not isolated, not lonely and not lacking for a nutritious meal. That’s the power of the Senior Nutrition provides.

Elias personally supervises food purchases and menus, oversees kitchen operations, coordinates fundraising and programs, and at every step, cares personally for the people he serves.

He and Ruth get choked up talking about the people they have met and fed through the program. Theirs is truly a labor of love.

Ruth is still right there with Elias, volunteering with the program, working on marketing Senior Nutrition, raising funds and inspiring volunteers (on top of her work at the County).

In early May the Senior Nutrition Program is hosting its second annual major fundraising dinner and auction at the Madonna Inn. Ruth is working like mad on the event, and while this column comes too late to generate direct support for it, there are other ways to step up to support Senior Nutrition.

Here’s where it all ties together. The Senior Nutrition Program is one of the many agencies that purchases food at low cost from the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. Tuesday, June 2nd is Hunger Awareness Day in SLO County. There will be donation sites all over the county where volunteers will welcome your contributions. You can donate a dollar or more and know you are helping the fabulous people like Ruth and Elias Nimeh care for our neighbors in SLO County. If you’d like more information, try Senior Nutrition at www.goldenmeals.org, or the Food Bank at www.slofoodbank.org. And join me in thanking Elias and Ruth Nimeh.

AROUND TOWN

41

May 16 is armed forces day. In 1949

Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to honor men and women serving in the military. This day replaced separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.

MAY Almanac

By Phyllis Benson

2009 is the 200th anniversary of Abraham

“Despite the gardener’s best intentions, Nature will improvise.” ---Michael P. Garafalo

May 1 is Primero de Mayo, the Mexican

May flowers bring National Asthma and

May 1 is Law Day. Art Buchwald said, “It

May offers cinco de mayo as a festival

national holiday equivalent to Labor Day. Our neighbor celebrates with a long siesta.

is an honorable calling that you have chosen.

Some of you will soon be defending poor, helpless insurance companies who are constantly being sued by greedy, vicious widows and orphans trying to collect on their policies.

Others will work tirelessly to protect frightened, beleaguered oil companies from being attacked by depraved consumer groups.”

May 2, 1859: Jerome K. Jerome was born.

The Jeromians, a society of his followers, plan a year-long 150th birthday party.

Humorist Jerome said, “It is so pleasant to come across people more stupid than ourselves. We love them at once for being so.”

FOLK SINGER Pete Seeger was born May 3,

1919. He said, “I have sung in hobo jungles, and I have sung for the Rockefellers, and I am proud that I have never refused to sing for anybody.”

May is Older americans month.

Gospel singer Cora Harvey Armstrong said, “Inside every older woman is a young girl wondering what the hell happened.”

Allergy Month. That’s no surprise to sneezing and sniffling pollen sufferers.

for Mexican-American fellowship. Schools celebrate Mexican heritage while restaurants bring out tequila and tacos.

May 10 is Mother’s day. Comedienne Phyllis Diller said, “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.”

May 1949: The country of Siam officially

changed its name to Thailand. Our cat fancier says somehow Thaimese Cat does not have the same poetic ring.

1909: The Siberian Husky was brought

to Alaska. These small, sturdy dogs came from Siberia where they pulled sleds and herded reindeer. They excel at sled-dog racing. The small Siberians are appealing due to their good nature, speed, endurance and love of running.

Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent. Four new penny designs are released this year to mark the events.

the new lincoln penny designs honor four stages of Abraham Lincoln’s life from childhood to presidency.

1909: A commemorative Lincoln postage stamp cost two cents.

on May 11 postage increases from 42

cents to 44 cents. Our barber says invest in the Forever stamp. It goes up in value about 4 percent every year.

bugatti holds its centennial this year. The

car company is offering the special limited edition Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire model with an 8 liter, 1,000 horsepower engine. In US dollars, the price starts around $1.8 million.

1959: The Kingston Trio topped music charts.

They launched pop and folk music popularity with tunes like Tom Dooley and MTA. Ask an adult for a verse of Tom Dooley and they dredge their memory for the lyrics and tune.

Music lovers are celebrating the 200th

siberians are popular with fence builders

birthday of Mendelssohn, the German composer. Ask any kid if he knows Mendelssohn music and he will look baffled and search his iPod for a hint.

dog motto: If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.

some work while others play. We weed, plant and trim while dogs roll in grass and the cat stalks flowers. Take a day for May play.

who make a living keeping the furry escape artists at home.

Let our family take care of your family.

JUST LIKE HOME Rehabilitation Therapy

Medicare, Medical, HMOs

Short Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care

Celebrating National Nursing Home Week May 10 - 16, 2009 CARE CENTER

805.922.6657 830 East Chapel St. Santa Maria www.countryoakscarecenter.com M A Y

2009

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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two directors added to prado day center board

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

Friends of Prado Day Center announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Allison Farquhar and Anneka Scranton. The appointments fill a vacancy created as Nancy Sugarman, a board member since 2007, stepped down to ready for a move out-of-state. Friends of Prado Day Center is a unique collaboration comprised of several diverse community organizations with the common goal of helping the homeless. The organization’s mission is to provide support funding for the operations of Prado Day Center, the only daytime service center for the homeless and hungry in San Luis Obispo County.

slo high senior places 3rd in poetry state final

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras

Last January, the National Endowment for the Arts released a report titled “Reading on the Rise” which showed that Americans are reading more fiction for the first time since 1982. Poetry didn’t fare so well, though, reaching its lowest readership in 16 years. Locally, however, poetry is thriving, as 7 high schools from Paso Robles to Nipomo, encompassing 71 classrooms and over 1,600 high school students, recently participated in the ARTS Obispo sponsored Poetry Out Loud recitation competition. San Luis Obispo High School Student Sean Peters won the local contest and placed 3rd Place in California State Competition. For more information contact Sara Heinrichs, Arts in Education Coordinator, ARTS Obispo sara@ artsobispo.org or (805) 544-9251.

CENTRAL COAST CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT Dennis Gisler 800.660.3178 • 805.541.4488 • www.AdvancedPage.com Let me help you review & compare your local insurance needs...

& FINANCIAL SERVICES • LIFE • AUTO • HOME • RENTAL • MORTGAGE/PROTECTION

Shawn Minton SMinton@Minton-Insurance.com 1042 Pacific Street, Suite E, SLO

805.546.8113 Lic #0F43815

Marc Brazil 459-5376

Bill Coryell 459-0318 Offering Excellence in:

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

• Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Design Services

FREE Consultation 541-3377

M A Y

2009

Journal PLUS

The Central Coast Children’s Choir (CCCC) will perform their Spring Concert, Here’s to Song, at Grace Church in San Luis Obispo, Saturday, May 9th at 3 p.m. Experience the magic of hearing 110 local boys and girls’ voices raised in celebration of music. Singers ages 6-18 will perform songs from a challenging program that will include percussive ethnic songs, wistful ballads, and evocative listening experiences.

There will be musical selections from the American culture, including ragtime, an early revival song, a Kentucky folk song, jazz and gospel spirituals. Tickets are $8 for general seating and $12 for premium seats. Seniors and students under twelve may purchase general tickets for $6. The concert is recommended for children over the age of four.

Please contact CCCC at 541-5323 or 464-0443 for ticket reservations.

More information may be found on the non-profit’s website www. centralcoastchildrenschoir.org.

PG & E supports local disaster preparedness A $25,000 grant will facilitate coordination between county non-profits. When a major disaster strikes San Luis Obispo County area nonprofits and faith-based organizations will be ready to work together on behalf of county residents. For the second year, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is helping to increase community preparedness through its funding of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

VOAD is a countywide consortium of organizations whose mission is to foster more effective services to people affected by disasters. Over forty member organizations are working closely with each other and government first responders to ensure help is provided to all those in need during and after a disaster.

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eoc’s afternoon of epicurean delights Each year, on the first Sunday in June, the tranquil grounds of the historic Chapman House by the Sea in Shell Beach, are transformed into an elegant garden party. Guests are invited to stroll through the lovely gardens, marvel at the panoramic views and lounge poolside while tasting a wide array of delicious foods and beverages. Guests also enjoy a variety of live music provided by local musicians, as well as an opportunity to bid on silent auction items featuring local art, hand-crafted jewelry, premium and reserve wines, and much more.

An Afternoon of Epicurean Delight will be held this year on Sunday, June 7, from 11:30 to 3:30. Tickets may be purchased by credit card directly from the EOC office: phone 805.544.2498. Now in its 22nd year, this extraordinary event supports Economic Opportunity Commission Health Services, which provides necessary medical, educational and advocacy services for underserved families, women, men and youth throughout SLO County.

Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

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

After 30 years, I was having too much fun to retire.

Come see me in my new location at the Brooks Woodcraft buildings.

Specializing in:

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

french hospital hosts free tooth fairy clinic French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) in conjunction with the Children’s Health Initiative of SLO County, First 5 and Community Health Centers (CHCCC) of the Central Coast invites families to an evening of oral health education and preventive dental treatment.

The “Tooth Fairy Clinic” will be held at FHMC on Thursday May 7, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The evening begins with a free dinner and education session about how to keep young mouths healthy. Following the meal children will be evaluated for treatment and receive a dental exam as well as dental fluoride varnish treatments, courtesy CHCCC. Children, preschool aged (3 to 7 year olds) with no or limited access to dental health care are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by May 4, 2009 at 805-540-5177.

“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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

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

www.sloseniorservices.com 805 627-1760

•

slosenior@gmail.com

Reverse Mortgages For Senior Homeowners Bob Gayle

Reverse Mortgage Consultant 805-772-3658 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. #64315 4/09-4/10 M A Y

2009

Journal PLUS

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Part of the Community Personalized Phone and Internet Service for Business

(805) 549-7800 WWW.CALLAMERICACOM.COM

9/10/07 1:11:02 PM Adler Belmont dye InsurAnce servIces

CAM_3.75X1.75.indd 2

new nurse leader for pediatrics and Nicu 805.540.3900

AdlerBelmontDye.com

License #0G09892

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’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” M A Y

2009

Journal PLUS

Donna Lee Loper, RN has been named Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit & Pediatrics at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. A SLO native whose family continues to live here, returns home to assume leadership of the Pediatric Unit. Loper brings more than 35 years of experience to our community in both clinical care and academic medicine. She spent the past two years at North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield where she most recently was the Clinical Practice Manager for Women’s and Children’s Services and a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Prior to that she was at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa for five years, the last year as Director, Maternal Child Health Services/NICU Nurse Specialist. A graduate of San Luis Obispo High School, Loper went on to earn a nursing degree at Cuesta College and then completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Sonoma State University. She also holds a Masters of Science in Perinatal Nursing from UC San Francisco.

historic avila beach fire engine restoration CAL FIRE / San Luis Obispo County Fire, the Avila Foundation, and the Avila Community Services District are partnering in preserving the 1942 Avila Beach fire engine affectionately known as “Grandpa.” The engine was recently rediscovered at the old UNOCAL tank farm in Avila Beach, where it was placed in storage several years ago. Thanks to grants given by the Avila Foundation and the Avila Beach Community Services District, and donated labor from Avila Valley Station, the restoration has begun. Continued support from the Avila CSD, Avila Foundation, and donations from the public will allow this important piece of Avila Beach history to be preserved. Donations for the preservation project will be accepted at the Avila Beach Farmers Market as well as the Avila Foundation located in the Avila Beach CSD Offices.

paso robles hosts festival of the arts The US-LT RCD, City of Paso Robles and the Paso Studios in the Park, Inc. are partnering to conduct an all-day event, “Festival of the Arts: Follow the River, Paint the Dream” scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd at the Downtown City Park. All events are free to the public. Many local and California artists will be there. The focus of the art is the Salinas River.

This event will also highlight the RCD/City Restoration and River Trail Project along the Salinas River. For more information call 434-0396.

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

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

ccfc annual supporters luncheon Last month the Central Coast Funds for Children (CCFC) sponsored their annual supporters luncheon at the SLO Country Club. Twentyfour non-profit organizations were given grants from CCFC and each one spoke to the group on how the funds were spent. This heartwarming event showed how much dedication these organizations have meeting the needs of the children in SLO County. Recipients of funds included: ACTS, ALPHA, Assistance League, Atascadero Community Link, Big Brothers/Sisters, Camp Fire, Community Counseling, Equine Alliance, Boys/Girls Club, Morro Bay Community Foundation, Oak Park Soccer, SARP, CASA Camp Hapitok, Sober Grad Night, SLO Art Center, SLO-CAP, Child Development Center, SLO Symphony, Youth Coalition, Transitions Mental Health, United Service Alliance, Women’s Shelter and YOPAC. More than $75,000 was raised by CCFC last year.

6th annual miracle miles for kids 10k walk/run On May 30th, the Family Care Network will host its 6th annual Miracle Miles for Kids 10K Walk/Run, a benefit for foster and highneeds children. The 10K (6.2 miles) race course runs along the water’s edge from Morro Rock to the Cayucos Pier, one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in California. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the post-race celebration runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All are welcome to participate in one or both portions of this exciting event. For more information and to register, go to www.FCNI.org.

Rideshare’s 3rd annual commuter bike challenge SLO Regional Rideshare encourages businesses/organizations to start a Chain Reaction by participating in the “Commuter Bike Challenge” during Bike Month in May. The Commuter Bike Challenge is an exciting way to encourage more people to shift from driving to cycling – which keeps our roadways clear, our air clean and best of all, saves money. After all, commuting by bike is free. Businesses and organizations can sign up for the challenge at www.rideshare.org/chainreaction.

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

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

Service for All Your Cars Personal Service. Exceptional Car Care.

For a full line of cars serviced by Rizzoli’s, please visit RizzolisAutomotive.com.

Concert fundraiser for Humane Society The Hoot Road Show Summer Concerts on the Lawn featuring Lonesome Radio, Peter Morin and Friends, at Stacked Stone Cellars in Paso Robles, will be held on Saturday, May 16th, at 5 p.m. Tickets ($10 or $20 with dinner) are now on sale at the winery or by calling 546-2857. For more information, go to www.cambriahoot.com or www.stackedstone.com.

781-7309

For Over 32 Years

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742 M A Y

2009

RizzolisAutomotive.com

Journal PLUS

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slo youth symphony finale

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

John Kimball

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

Specimen Olive Trees • Back Hoe & Tractor Work •

Over 125 young and talented musicians from all over the Central Coast will take the stage at the Christopher Cohan Center in SLO for the Youth Symphony Season Finale Concert on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

The concert will feature the four ensembles which make up the Youth Symphony – Preparatory Strings, Symphonic Winds, Academy String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra – along with young strings students from around the County who will join the Youth Symphony on stage for the annual “String Celebration” celebrating ensemble playing at its best under the direction of conductor Carol Kersten. Tickets for the concert are $8 each, general admission. Youth Symphony Concerts are an excellent opportunity for parents to bring young children and introduce them to classical music in a friendly, inviting atmosphere where the musicians are peers. Tickets are available on-line at pacslo. org or by calling 756-2787.

ymca summer fun camps

41 Years of Service Dennis Landscape 441-8121

Lic# A C27 682054

Summer Camp sign-ups at the SLO County YMCA have begun. There are three ways to register: mail-in, walk-in, or fax-in. Registrations forms are available on the YMCA website, at the main fitness facility, and at all program locations. The Y will offer summer camps in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Five Cities. The complete summer guide is posted on the YMCA’s website, www.sloymca.org under Youth and Family Programs, or a program guide can be mailed to you. Visit or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

Exterior & Interior Plastering

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

Terry Evans, President

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

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

HARVEY’S HONEY HUTS “Exceptional Portable Sanitation” FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jennifer & Harvey Smith

www.honeyhuts.com 800.222.4887 805.927.8554

Professional Painting Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial

Donald Franklin Owner/Operator

805-466-6407 M A Y

2009

Serving SLO County Licensed • Bonded • Insured Journal PLUS

two cal poly alumni sell fresh, healthy soup Two Cal Poly alumni aren’t letting the slow economy stall their dream of bringing a new brand of soups to market. SLO residents Sarah Hedger and Zeph Wadsworth are selling their new soups under the brand name Te Papa Organics. “Our soups are fresh, all natural, and include local produce, so they taste amazing,” said Hedger. “We believe there’s a market for healthy wholesome food in any economy.”

Several local stores are already selling the Te Papa Organics soups.

You can get more information at www.tepapaorganics.com.

historical society’s spring event On Saturday, May 29th join the SLO County Historical Society in the official opening of a stellar spring exhibit. Yaco’s Chocolate Soup: Picturing SLO’s Downtown Revival will surely stir up memories from those who knew and loved the restaurant. Artist Richard Yaco will also be on hand to share stories of his Chocolate Soup portraits. The event will run from 5:30-9 p.m. Come learn about the ever-changing face of downtown San Luis Obispo, and stay to view amazing local art. This intimate evening extravaganza will be filled with music, food, wine, and plenty of chocolate. Tickets are available now for $45 per guest.

Call the Historical Society at 543-0638, and purchase yours before they are sold out. Yaco’s Chocolate Soup: Picturing the SLO Downtown Revival is the culmination of Cal Poly student Trevor Walker’s Senior Project. For more information, please call 543-0638. Visit the Society online at www.slochs.org.

Big Annual

Spring Sale Wed. May 6 - Sat. May 23

This is only a small protion of our sale - See the 4-page Circular in your mailbox or newspaper for all sale items

Irrigation

Garden

$IG 7ATER 4IMER ........................$12 off $RIP 4UBING v X ......................$3 off Flexogen Hose with FREE Nozzle....$2999

Gardenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Planting Mix 2 cu. ft....$2 off Black Forest Compost 3 cu. ft........................$3 off $R %ARTH 4OMATO 6EGETABLE Fertilizer 12 lbs....$3 off Dr. Earth All Purpose Fertilizer 12 lbs............$3 off John & Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soil Optimizer 3 lbs...............$7 off John & Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soil Optimizer LBS ............$20 off Bayer Rose & Flower Food 1 qt.......................$3 off Bayer Weed Killer 32 oz................................$1799

$6 off mail-in rebate when you purchase both Bayer products.

Jumbo Garden Packs...............Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Worry Free $OG #AT 2EPELLENT 2 lbs...................$3 off Sluggo LBS ......................................................$7 off

Horse

Pests

Safe Choice LB BAG ......................... 3 off Continuex Wormer.......................$ OFF Muck Bucket 70 qt..............................$ OFF Muck Bucket Cart ........................$ OFF

WIN

Enter to win a planted Earth Box growing system kit.

See store for details.

Rodent Gassers by Giant Destroyer PKG ...$ 99 7 ( 9 4RAP wasps, hornets, yellow jackets..........$3 off Maxide Home Pest Insect Killer 1 gal...........$ OFF Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ant Stakes PKG ...............................$ 99

$

Pet

Jeans

Canidae Dog Food - Grain Free All Life Stages or Salmon 30 lb. bag.........$ OFF CanidaeSnapBits...Buy1Get1Free Frontline & Advantage.........$ OFF Automatic Pet Waterer........$10 off

Wrangler Q-Baby & Cash Jeans OFF Wrangler 13MWZ Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeans OFF

v INSEAM OR LONGER EXTRA

FREE CLINICS

Home Decor, Jewelry, Accessories 20% Off

Free Educational Clinics and Events Please RSVP 805.543.3751 or email at events@farmsupplyco.com

Sat. May 9th

Sat. May 16th

10am-2pm

Arroyo Grande

Pet Day

Canidae, Doggie-Do-Good and more.

10am

Paso Robles

Irrigation Trouble Shooting

Jim of Farm Supply. Looking for leaks.

10am

San Luis Obispo

Water Conservation

Bob from the City of SLO. Practices for around your home.

10am-2pm

Santa Maria

Horse Day

Nutrena, Classic Equine and special discounts on clothing.

Organic Gardening

Gisele from Kelloggs and Jan from Soil Soup.

Water Conservation

Joe of Farm Supply. Landscape water conservation.

Tomato & General Garden Tips

Steve from Garden Compass. Receive coupon and info for new products from John & Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Succulent Gardening

Robin from Succulent Gardens. How to grow and care for.

10am

San Luis Obispo

2pm

Sat. May 23rd

10am 2pm

San Luis Obispo

.OT ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES 3EE STORE FOR COMPLETE PRICING AND PRODUCT INFORMATION s WWW FARMSUPPLYCOMPANY COM . "ROADWAY 3ANTA -ARIA s 0ASO 2OBLES 3T 0ASO 2OBLES s 4ANK &ARM 2D 3AN ,UIS /BISPO s %L #AMINO 2EAL !RROYO 'RANDE

By now you’ve heard that Sierra Vista is no longer performing open heart surgery.

But, that doesn’t mean we will no longer be taking care of your heart.

Our cardiac program will continue to offer diagnostic evaluations, cardiac catheterizations, CT angiography and medical treatment of cardiac conditions like congestive heart failure. And we’ll still deliver successful heart healthy programs that have more people assessing their risk factors and doing what they can to keep them low.

Sierra Vista will continue to expand the core services we have been known for during the last 50 years, like neurosurgery, orthopedics, stroke, trauma, high-risk pregnancy, neonatal intensive care and pediatrics.

MEET SIERRA VISTA’S CARDIAC CATH TEAM: (L - R) Kathy Koch, Carol Gonzalez, Kerry Daly, Dr. Ken Stevens, Tiffany Chavez, Valerie Moreau, Robin Danks, Ron Williams

Proud to be the only hospital in San Luis Obispo County honored by the American Heart Association with GOLD and SILVER Performance Achievements Awards

TLC from head to toe.

For a physician referral call (800) 483-6387 www.SierraVistaRegional.com