November 2009 Journal Plus

R ANDY DET TMER | K RISTIN URIAS | SEEDS OF HOPE | FIRST POLICE CHIEF

Journal NOVEMBER 2009

PLUS

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

TIM WILLIAMS

DE I S IN TR

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CONTENTS

32 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

SEEDS OF HOPE

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

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain

RANDY DETTMER

COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson ADVERTISING Jan 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, Dan and Lee Anna O’Daniel, Shelley Matson, Julian Varela, Andrew Carter, Susan Hoffman, Ruth Starr, Tara Boucher, Jeanne Harris, Daniel Corpuz, Janet Jeffrey, and Phyllis Benson Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 5460609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix. net. Our website is www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

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

Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE. Home and Outdoor section is in association with Jack Dugan and Cover photo by Tom Meinhold

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PEOPLE 8 10 12 14 16

TIM WILLIAMS JOSH HEPTIG RANDY DETTMER DALE CHIHULY KRISTIN URIAS

HOME & OUTDOOR 18 PULSE 20 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 22 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 23 KITCHEN IDEAS 24 TREKKING WITH CHARLEY THE DOG 26 ABBIE THE DOG 27 NUTRITION

KRISTIN URIAS

COMMUNITY

28 30 32 34 36 37 38 40 41 42 47

ALZHEIMER’S SERIES – Part 3 of 3 HEATHER MENDEL’S NEW BOOK SEEDS OF HOPE P.L.A.Y. INC. ART SCENE OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: SLO’s First Police Chief HOSPICE CORNER SUDOKU PUZZLE VETS VOICE ALMANAC The Month of November

BUSINESS 43 48 49 50

DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening PALM STREET – SLO Councilman-Ashbaugh EYE ON BUSINESS THE BULLETIN BOARD

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From the publisher

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ur cover story this month features local entrepreneur, Tim Williams.

In these trying times most of us have a difficult time maintaining a business, keeping up with the family and friends and still have time to give back to our community. Tim is one of those individuals who can do it all. Susan Stewart caught up with him recently. You’ll enjoy his story. Susan also writes part three of our series on Alzheimer’s Disease. We feature early onset of the disease’s several phases.

We received so many comments on our George the Cat story we thought we’d give equal time to the dogs. We have two dog related stories inside, including one on a hiking trek with Andrew Carter and the other on a special dog in Morro Bay.

Hilary Grant writes about a local organization called Seeds of Hope.

The organization’s primary task is creating clean drinking water in African villages. They are having a fundraiser this month and it’s a fun way to help support their cause.

Finally, we feature a program in Santa Maria, called P.L.A.Y., in which the public and private sectors join together to benefit the community. During these tough economic times, this program makes complete sense, and I’m certain you will see more of these joint programs develop in the future.

Enjoy the magazine,

Steve Owens

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tim williams what a difference a decade makes

By Susan Stewart

T

im Williams spent most of the year 1999 in a blur, where hot pasta, hot wires, red wine and black boxes held sway. At 6 a.m., he was already up and working, providing Internet services for his first few customers in the dark, out of a closet-sized office in San Luis Obispo. At 4:00 p.m., he jumped into a black-and-white waiter’s uniform and sped down the 101 to his full-time job at Massimos, an Italian restaurant in Arroyo Grande. At 11 p.m., Williams turned out the lights at the restaurant, locked the door behind him, and drove back to the tiny office where he worked until 2 a.m. After just a few hours sleep, he got up, took a quick shower and did it all over again – seven days a week for an entire year. Even his cats were beginning to forget what he looked like.

Ten years later, Digital West Networks Inc., the company he founded, is considered the “go-to” place for business Internet services in this county and beyond. Williams himself has become the “go-to” guy in the non-profit world, for everything from 211 Hotline to the Flying Samaritans. And at just the other side of 40, that’s going some.

Born the first of two children to Patty and Lindy Williams in Modesto, California, Williams attended high school in Ventura. A reluctant student, Williams dropped out of college to spend a year in construction. “That year taught me I didn’t really want to swing a hammer for the next 40 years,” he said.

He graduated from Cal Poly in 1996 with a degree in Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations, a fitting specialty for a self-proclaimed people person.

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“Somewhere around sixth grade, something snapped,” Williams explained. “I suddenly became conscious of other people and realized that to be a good human is to be a good listener.”

But Williams didn’t become a PR person. Instead, he was hired straight out of college by Kinko’s where he learned the value of great teamwork and excellent customer service. Surmising that what made this small city so great were its people, Williams also became involved in the Chamber of Commerce, City and County government, and the many non-profits thriving here.

In the late 1990s, the Internet was taking off and Williams immersed himself in this new technology, recognizing its nearly limitless potential. He went to work for Fixnet, witnessing a 400% growth in the company during his two years there.

“That’s when I saw the need for bigger, better, more sustainable Internet service providers for businesses,” he recalls.

He began rolling out basic services as Digital West Networks Inc. in early 1999, and by 2001 he’d added four new staff members and moved out of his friend’s closet and into a brand new data center on Sacramento Way. The company has grown an average of 60% every year since, serving most of the major businesses in the county and prompting past Chamber Board President Jeff Buckingham to comment, “All roads lead to Digital West.”

PEOPLE Tim with his Uncle Denny

In just ten short years, Tim Williams has become a valued and well-known presence in San Luis Obispo – as a pilot for the Flying Samaritans, as a 4-year Chamber of Commerce board member, a member of SLO CATA (County Air Transportation Alliance) and the SLO Pilot’s Association board. He’s on the committee to honor our Police and Fire personnel; part of the Economic Vitality Corporation; and a member of Softec, a technical advisory group. His company hosts websites for more than 100 local non-profits free of charge and he gives generously to the American Cancer Society and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. In fact, Williams even shaved his head bald to support a friend whose cancer treatments had caused him to lose his hair. No wonder he was named this year’s Rotarian of the Year!

“Tim sees business and community together,” said Buckingham, “and takes a long-term view when making decisions. There are countless stories about how he goes beyond the call of duty to satisfy both customer and community needs.”

The Flying Sams

By the time this article goes to print, his company will have added another building to its growing facilities. And with more and more customers requesting an East Coast presence, he hopes to be established somewhere along the Atlantic by 2010.

Williams nearly comes right out of his chair when describing the innovations he is currently working on, something he calls metrofiber. In the very near future, he will be working with several cities on developing new capabilities that will change the face of data storage and communications – again.

Now a homeowner with two cats (“They fit my lifestyle,” he grins) and a girlfriend April, Williams is still a busy guy, but with a bit more balance than he had in 1999. A thriving business, a generous spirit, and a true gift for working with people have made Tim Williams a pretty recognizable face in our community. Just ask the cats. They’ll tell you he’s hardly ever home.

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PEOPLE

Josh Heptig golf Course superintendent for slo county

By Ruth Starr

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lagrant use of harmful chemicals that can endanger people and wildlife is commonly believed to be used on our nation’s golf courses. “Not so,” says Josh Heptig, the new Golf Course Superintendent for San Luis Obispo County. “Here in San Luis County, we use environmentally friendly applications on our golf courses.”

Josh, his wife, Christiane Schroeter and their 17-month-old daughter moved to San Luis Obispo 18 months ago. They came here by way of Indiana and Arkansas, as Christiane was finishing her education in those states. Josh worked at various golf courses during that time.

He also passed the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) exams to be a pro golfer, but never went on a PGA Tour. Instead, he elected to work at golf courses, a career he greatly enjoys. Christiane, a professor in marketing, was offered a position at Cal Poly and at the same time, the superintendent of the San Luis Obispo County golf courses retired. Josh applied for the job where he joined efforts to create environmentally friendly courses.

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A friend introduced Josh Heptig to golf at the young age of 17. His parents lived next to a golf course where he began working in the Pro Shop. Josh found that he was playing golf every chance he had and soon became consumed with the game. At one point, Heptig worked his way up to being a scratch handicapper. A scratch handicapper is indicative of a highly skilled player who has a zero handicap.

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PEOPLE As a young adult, Josh was fortunate to work the 2001 U.S. Open Golf Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the time he was a turf intern where he learned the various applications of how to maintain greens and fairways. That background helped to further his career in the golf industry.

Heptig feels that golf courses are stewards of the environment. He is consciously aware of how the treatments they use will be compatible with the environment. In general, superintendents of golf courses are trying to use less fertilizers and inputs of water. Many are upgrading irrigation systems with new technologies. Locally, both Dairy Creek and Morro Bay golf courses use recycled water from the men’s colony.

When the water runs through the creek, it provides places for the wildlife. Plants create a buffer for any material that could run into the water that would not be healthy for the environment. Dairy Creek was designed to be a model of an environmentally friendly golf course. The grasses that were planted use little fertilizer and are low on water usage.

In Scotland and Ireland, where much golf is played, they have a different kind

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of environment that doesn’t require pesticides. Although Josh is determined to find better systems here in our County to treat courses, he must also address our local climate which requires different applications due to our weather, specifically our humidity.

Although Josh could have competed as a topflight golfer, his choice to work as an advocate of golf courses has been our good fortune.

Beautiful and

Comfortable

Golf courses pay a fee to the Audubon Society to have Audubon certification. They must send in a checklist of wild life, plant life, how much acreage they are using and what property is maintained. They also must reveal their mowing techniques and pesticide usage. There are stringent rules about how to get this certification. The courses can then be called a Certified Audubon Sanctuary.

The Audubon Society comes out and inspects the course every two years as the certification has to be renewed. There are signs in the Counties pro shops signifying that they have achieved the Audubon certification. Before coming to this area, Josh has set up other golf courses with Audubon certifications. He has a degree in Golf Course Management from Kansas State University.

All three golf courses in SLO County – Dairy Creek, Morro Bay, and Chalk Mountain – encourage wildlife to have habitats on the course.

On Dairy Creek, there are many jack rabbits that are running around early in the morning before the golfers begin playing. There is a flock of 60 wild turkeys that hang out. They have installed raptor posts that look like telephone poles that have a perch area where the raptors can sit. There are nesting bird areas and owl boxes that are like bird houses.

There is a diversity of wildlife that finds its own food sources there. Josh says that during spring there are 12 different species of waterfowl. Some of these include: mallards, geese, egrets, whooping cranes, and blue heron.

When Dairy Creek golf course was built, the builders had to re-create wildlife habitats, as some were altered. No one is allowed to go into the creek areas, as the habitats have to remain intact. There were different grasses planted when the golf course was built.

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PEOPLE

randy dettmer – Life is a journey, not a destination

By Sandy Baer “No house should ever be built on a hill, or on anything. It should be of the hill. Hill and house should live together, each the happier for the other.”

---Frank Lloyd Wright Wright’s words come to mind when approaching the home, decks and associated buildings local architect Randy Dettmer, AIA, NCARB, designed and built for his family, wife Kip, son Todd, now 25 and daughter Jacke, now 22. Nestled on two acres on the side of San Luis Mountain overlooking downtown, south to the Edna Valley, the largely glass and wood home also affords views of Cal Poly. “When we decided to design and build our own home in 1986, Kip said. ‘I want a home near downtown with acreage!’” Dettmer says. “I said ‘What?’ but we found this 2-acre parcel and it was for us.”

Dettmer Architecture, founded in 1977, is housed in a building once a “play house” for Todd and Jacke while his former office is now his winery. Dettmer has a half-acre planted in syrah and chardonnay grapes up the hill from his home. “We have 310 vines in all that yield about 30 cases annually,” he says.

“I didn’t realize how hard it is to be a farmer. There is pruning, spraying and leaf pulling. When it comes time to do the harvest, we have friends join us to pick and crush the grapes,” Dettmer says. Otherwise, he and Kip do bottling, corking and labeling themselves as well as vineyard maintenance.

Born in Long Beach in 1949, Dettmer is the oldest of three children.

His dad was a metallurgic engineer who traveled the world, moving his family until Dettmer graduated from Lafayette’s Alcalanes High School in 1967. By then he had lived in California, Oregon, North Ontario, Canada, New Jersey, Kentucky and Cleveland.

“At the time it wasn’t much fun, changing schools and making new friends, and I was tickled to death to move back to California. In hindsight, I see how fortunate I was to experience so many places,” Dettmer says. Dettmer continued to travel the world. After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly in 1973, he and a friend sailed a 21’ sloop from Morro Bay to the tip of Baja in two and one-half months.

“We stopped at every little nook and cranny. I learned how simple your existence could be. Things that became important to us were

The Dettmer Family

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Randy and Kip

necessities of existence,” Dettmer says. After visiting his parents who were then living in Guadalajara City, Dettmer returned to San Luis Obispo. “I got my first real job working for the County Department of General Services, Architecture Division.”

“One day I was working at the SLO Airport and I saw a sign ‘Intro Flights $5.’ I’ve always been fascinated with things that move – boats, airplanes and trains. I signed up and I loved flying. I’ve been passionate about flying ever since.”

Dettmer enrolled in an accelerated program and within three months he had his pilot’s license. He has since received his instrument rating, commercial and multi-engine ratings and he is a Certified Flight Instructor. He first co-owned a single engine Piper Comanche with three partners, but today he owns and flies a seven-seat twin-engine Aero Commander.

He volunteers with the Santa Monica-based chapter of Angel Flight, providing free air transportation for people in need of health care services far from their homes. From 1999 to 2003, he co-piloted a vintage airliner, a 1952 Martin 404, a “Flying Museum,” to air shows across the country.

Dettmer combines his architecture business with his fervor for flying, working with commercial and residential clients throughout the Western states. He received his architecture license in 1983 from the California State Board and is currently licensed in Washington, Idaho, Colorado and Hawaii as well as California.

Bill Thoma, who has worked with Dettmer since the mid 1980s says, “Since Randy came from a background as a contractor before he became an architect, and I from the field as an electrician to become an electrical engineer, we both have a practical philosophy about how to approach designing projects that are practical and buildable.”

Winemaker Randy

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PEOPLE Thoma continues, “He has found a way to build a successful practice working for clients that own facilities all around the Western states because he can fly to their locations.

With his ability to be at a client site quickly and efficiently, bringing his expertise as well as that of his consulting team, he brings a very high value to his clients. He is a person who takes lemons and makes lemonade when there is a challenge or roadblock. He is very adept at negotiating a solution that is not only constructible but is cost-effective.”

Dettmer sits on the Air Pollution Control District, is past president and current Board member of the AIA-Central Coast Chapter, and serves as the Legislative Director. He serves on the Economic Development Committee of the SLO Chamber of Commerce as well as being a past Board member. He was an alternate on the Airport Land Use Commission, and in the past he has served as a member and past president of the city’s Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Commission and the Construction Appeals Board as well as the SLO Symphony Board.

He sits on Cuesta College’s Architectural Technology Advisory Council and serves as a

commissioner for the California Architect’s Board, administering oral exams twice yearly to prospective architects. He is active with the local Strategic Energy Alliance, a volunteer organization whose mission is to further awareness as well as provide education about alternative energy.

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ranked tennis player in her 70s and encouraged Kip to take up the sport. Randy began playing when he turned 50 and plays at least twice weekly at the Avila Bay Club. “Kip is the fanatic. She plays to win. I play for exercise and fun,” Dettmer says.

Thoma says, “I have been on several volunteer committees with Randy, and he is engaged and studied on the issues. He is constantly looking to improve the overall good of the community and not just for his own benefit.”

As Dettmer says, “It seems normal to me. I’ve always been active in the community.”

Both of his parents were avid downhill skiers and Randy began skiing when he was 13. “Kip was a ski instructor at Sugar Loaf Mountain when she was in college, and I spent my summers there as well, working odd jobs for lift tickets.” Dettmer shares. “My parents met on Sugar Loaf when they were both students at UC-Berkeley.”

“My dad always told me you get out of life what you put into it. I’ve never wanted to be a follower. I have always wanted to lead. I like to be part of the creative process as an active participant.” He and Kip, also a licensed pilot, frequently donate scenic air tours of San Luis Obispo County to community non-profit organizations for fund-raising events such as the Women’s Legacy Fund.

Dettmer still sails occasionally. “In 1986, I had an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Barbados.” He and Kip have sailed the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands. They are both certified scuba divers who have seen the underside of the Channel Islands, the Bahamas, Tahiti and Fiji.

Dettmer’s 89-year-old mother lives in Park City, Utah, and still teaches in the school district’s ESL program. She was a nationally

“I’ve always tried to adhere to another of my dad’s adages,” Dettmer says. “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

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PEOPLE

chihuly at cal poly: an interview with steve lerian

By Natasha Dalton “Few artists can legitimately claim to have transformed an entire medium through their work. Dale Chihuly is one of those rare artists.”

---John Buchanan, Director, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco On November 30, local art lovers are in for a treat: one of the most celebratSteve Lerian ed artists in the world, Dale Chihuly, will make a free appearance at Cal Poly’s Alex & Faye Spanos Theater.

Chihuly is an artist like nobody else. For one thing, he almost single-handedly changed the world’s perception of what glassblowing is. For millennia it was mostly viewed as a beautiful, albeit difficult craft that gave us various vessels needed in the household, mostly vases and wineglasses. Chihuly’s work, through its fluidity and complex, innovative designs, made people realize that glassblowing is a true art form.

I requested the Director of the Cal Poly Arts Program, Steve Lerian, to comment on the upcoming Chihuly talk, and here is what he told me.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Mr. Lerian.

First of all, would you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My career in the arts has spanned more than 30 years. I have a BA in drama from USC and an MFA in directing from Wayne State University in Detroit. I ran my own theatre company, Tahoe Actors Theatre, at Lake Tahoe for 10 years, have done freelance directing and major event meeting planning. I moved to Seattle in 1985, was Managing Director of The Bathhouse Theatre Company for five years and was the founding Executive Director for Kirkland Performance Center from 1993-2008, where I led the capital campaign to build the project, oversaw design and construction, and operated the theatre for ten years. I decided to take the job as Director of Cal Poly Arts last year. In my job here, I am responsible for presenting 40 or more artists and companies in the two theatres (Harmon Hall and the Spanos Theatre) on the Cal Poly campus that are part of the SLO Performing Arts Center.

What are your criteria in choosing guests for the Cal Poly Arts Program?

I believe that for a vibrant university campus it is imperative that we offer a broad range of artists and speakers to stimulate intellectual discourse. I enjoy authors as speakers. My favorite author as a speaker that I have presented was Tom Robbins, author of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and a number of other best-selling novels. He is a personal favorite of mine, and his storytelling abilities in a speaking engagement

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Dale Chihuly

are very entertaining. Of course, presenting Garrison Keillor is always a joy. His ability to connect with the audience is legendary.

gave the community the opportunity to see how the Buddhist culture celebrates art in conjunction with their religion.

The first time my theatre in Kirkland presented the Tibetan Monks and their Sacred Music Sacred Dance performance was a fascinating experience. We did not know what to expect during the monks’ residency.

They built a sand Mandala in our lobby for four days and people came from hundreds of miles away to see the construction and their show. It was a very spiritual experience. We also had protesters picketing the theatre, saying that these artists were preaching their religion in a publicly owned theatre. It was quite a controversy. As it turned out, their performance was on my 50th birthday and they called me up on stage and gave me gifts during the performance. It was an unusual evening to say the least.

How did the Chihuly event come about?

Giving voice to many cultures and points of view is my role as a presenter. In this case, it

How would you characterize his art?

The Chihuly project was initiated by George Jercich, a local glass artist and longtime glassblowing instructor at Cal Poly. He was aware that Mr. Chihuly vacations with family here in San Luis Obispo on a regular basis, and made contact with his representatives to see if he might arrange a speaking engagement connected to one of those visits. When he got a positive response, George contacted me to make the arrangements.

What is the subject of his presentation?

This would be Chihuly’s first appearance at Cal Poly. He will be doing a lecture on his glassblowing projects accompanied by a video presentation and Q & A. Dale Chihuly is the world most recogniz-

able glass artist, due in large part to his special presentations on PBS. His work is seen worldwide and he has massive pieces in many public buildings around the globe. He has a bold style that does not shy away from huge glass pieces. Being from the northwest myself, I have had the opportunity to see many of his works.

Do you have favorites among Chihuly’s works?

My favorites include the two huge chandeliers in Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony, in downtown Seattle.

In addition, I saw a show at the Seattle Art Museum in which Chihuly presented a set that he designed and built out of glass for a major production by the Seattle Opera.

It was an amazing piece, the size of the entire stage.

Go to: http://www.pacslo.org/events/viewevent.php?event=861

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2009

9/23/09 4:11:34 PM Journal

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PEOPLE In the confines of high school athletics, Kristin was given an early tryout for the Tigers’ varsity as a freshman, but made the mature decision to stay on junior varsity.

kristin urias “this girl’s got game”

But as the varsity squad – led that year by the talented former Tiger Ashley Adams – progressed into the CIF playoffs, Kristin’s number was unexpectedly called.

By Daniel Corpuz

N

“Although the team eventually lost to Valencia in the playoffs, I remember the nervousness on her face, playing against those ‘huge girls’ who hit so hard,” said Debbie Urias.

o athlete with the distinction of having a profile written about them is immune to the build-up, the dreaded hype that precedes them until their game is experienced first-hand.

The experience gave the young setter plenty of confidence which she would utilize a year later as a sophomore playing her first year for the Tigers’ varsity.

People always maintain some disbelief before seeing with their own eyes.

Before I had even witnessed San Luis Obispo High School senior volleyball captain, Kristin Urias’ game, I knew she’d had a long history of dedication to the sport.

I knew she’d honed her passion and skills growing up playing at her mother’s camps.

And I knew that she personified leadership and selflessness by pacing the Tigers in assists as a junior in 2008-2009.

But seeing her on the court — her strong 5’ 7” frame crouched low ready to spring into a focused back set perhaps a ferocious spike — put the numbers and accolades to rest with the simple realization: This girl’s got game!

Despite suffering a tough road loss at the hands of the Atascadero Greyhounds, Kristin’s mid-September outing was an eyeopening display of her skills on the court.

Serving midway through the first game, the senior setter/opposite hitter nailed five straight aces to pull her squad back into the game. Reacting to the comeback, you could hear her cheerful superlatives yet see the fiery competitiveness on her face.

Born in Palm Desert, but raised in San Luis Obispo, Kristin quickly made a core group of friends which she’s kept through the present.

“I came to SLO in the second grade,” said Kristin. “I’ve been friends with many of the same people much of my life, like Brianna (Mallory).”

As a precocious third-grader, Kristin, according to her mother Debbie Urias, “Started bumping balls around and already had good control of the ball.”

The natural talent she possessed showed in the early camps her mother ran at local area parks, always ending with a barbeque at Pismo Beach.

“My husband set up the volleyball net before he went to work,” said Debbie Urias. “The girls loved it, as it created a group-within-agroup that they still have to this day.”

Moving forward, in 2006 Kristin garnered MVP recognition at the Five-Cities Volleyball Tournament, and later travelled to Southern California with a club squad that gave young Urias a diverse taste of top-level competition.

“Club volleyball is where I believe Kristin got much of her toughness and experience,” said Debbie Urias. “Win or lose, it was so exciting to see my daughter play against such outstanding talent.”

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Kristin, a soft-spoken young lady at times, spills her emotions out on the court, where 10 years of sacrifice and dedication for the game become quickly evident.

“I’ll get really into it on the court, being in the moment, my team spirit just comes out,” said a blushing Kristin.

Between the court lines, Urias’ actions usually lead first, followed by her words; with her poise and upbeat attitude she is a natural choice for captain.

“I help everyone – especially the younger girls – remain positive during the game,” said a smiling Kristin. “Sometimes its hard to help when we’re down, but I know it’s my job to help them, as well as myself, just shake it off.”

And how does she inspire her teammates in the middle of a tense game?

“I tell them ‘Let’s go!’ and just lift the other girls up,” said Kristin.

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open palm “beach digs” while careening fearlessly onto the hardwood – is an awesome sight.

She is, more or less, the most talented returning player, and one of only three seniors from a squad loaded with underclassmen. But to hear her speak of her teammates sheds a special kind of light on an already luminous player.

“Everyone inspires me in a different way,” said a grinning Kristin.

“Everyone on the team has their own spark.”

Rare is the athlete that dominates by giving on the court, rarer still is one that is humbled by it.

Other intangibles Kristin brings to the team is the hard-earned knowledge of when and where to push her teammates to bring out their best.

“I have to shake things up at times,” said Kristin. “Not be mean or anything, but I gotta get on them, criticize them justly at times, since I’ve learned from the same mistakes.”

For the sake of the stat-aholics during this 2010 campaign, the college-bound leader paces her team with 29 aces, and is second in assists with 131. She is also top-3 in kills and blocks, simply adding to the notion that her all-around play is her biggest asset; she simply fills in wherever her team needs her the most.

But turning away from numbers, seeing Kristin sacrifice her body more than the average N.B.A. point guard – going after the ball with

Kristin is that rare athlete.

And what are the hopes and aspirations beheld by her proud parents?

“We sure hope Kristin goes on to college,” said Debbie Urias. “Not just because of the education, which we want her to get, but because we just love to watch our daughter play.”

And, despite the win/loss outcome of this season – which teeters around the .500 mark at last count – the lasting impression the volleyball virtuoso will leave is contained in her indelible statement.

“I just want to be remembered as the girl who loved to play.”

She is what sports should be about.

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HOME/OUTDOOR PULSE

The New “Attitude Workout”

By Julian J. Varela

A

re you frustrated with the progress of your health and fitness goals? Are you losing weight slower than you had hoped? Before you start blaming your program or your trainer, let’s give some thought to your attitude.

It has been long suspected that a client’s attitude and belief system can make or break any serious attempt to lose unwanted pounds. A relatively recent study on overweight adults, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, gives more weight to the power of positive thinking.

With the goal of determining whether personal beliefs would predict weight change, researchers observed 48 obese men and women on an 8-week, low-calorie

diet. Changes in body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure were significantly different among the subjects. “Less weight reduction was associated with poor self-efficacy and the beliefs that obesity has a physical origin and is not under behavioral control,” the researcher wrote.

when adjusting beliefs, especially self-efficacy. A better outcome could possibly be accomplished if unfavorable beliefs…are recognized, discussed, and adjusted to realistic beliefs, preferably before the actual start of a diet intervention,” (excerpt from IDEA Fitness Journal, 10/2005).

Exercise is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like to have fun.

What the researchers are saying is that if you’re confident that you can follow through with your new diet or exercise regimen, then you have a better chance at success than someone who thinks they may fail. So what can you do to improve your odds of success?

So what does this mean for your weight loss goal? The study and authors had this to say. “These results suggest that the outcome of dietary interventions may be improved

Try a few of the following tips and advice.

• Exercise is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.

• Find an activity you’re passionate about; if you don’t like what you’re doing, you won’t do it.

• Set a realistic goal within a realistic time frame.

• Make an appointment with yourself to exercise and don’t let anything get in the way.

• Train for an event.

• Hire a trainer or coach. He or she will hold you accountable and ensure you’re progressing.

• Follow a well-rounded program and include resistance training, aerobic exercise and flexibility.

• Eat healthfully 80% of the time and have fun 20% of the time.

• Stay away from Debbie Downer and Negative Ned. Individuals who constantly complain or self-sabotage are likely to rub off on us. Find and keep positive people.

Julian J. Varela holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

Julian co-owns Equilibrium Fitness Inc. and Equilibrium Fitness for Women. Julian can be contacted at Julian@eqclubs.com

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S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

Ways to Add Warmth to Your Home’s Living Spaces

By Statepoint Media

T

he most important quality in a home is how comfortable it is for your family and guests.

No matter if you’re decorating your current home or building a new one, there are many major and minor touches that can add warmth to your living spaces: • Think Color and Texture: Give a room a richer, cozier feel simply by selecting an inviting color scheme. Paint should be your first choice when setting the tone, so choose warmer colors like muted browns, rich reds and inviting yellows. Paint the entire room or just emphasize one wall. Add texture by adding visual layers with blankets and

throw pillows on sofas and armchairs. Choose ones that lend splashes of color to your furniture.

Also consider texturizing walls with creative finishes or designs to add visual depth. Rich, flowing drapes also can enhance the effect.

• Home Is Where The Hearth Is: Nothing says warm like a fireplace or wood stove. You can add a new one or retrofit an old fireplace with an energy-efficient insert. A hearth easily becomes the focal point of a living or family room, especially with seating around it. Regardless of decor or heating needs, today’s homeowners have a myriad of choices from such fireplace and stove brands as Lennox, Country Collection, Security and

others. Homeowners even are renovating kitchens – a favorite gathering spot – to include open designs with central hearths. A family portrait above or around the hearth make a house a home.

Such additions even can save you money by zone heating your home to make it more energy efficient.

• Create Intimate Seating Areas: Move sofas and chairs away from walls to create intimate seating spaces. Arrange seating around a sunny window, a fireplace or create a focal point by adding an area rug.

• Contemporary Can Be Cozy, Too: When most people think warm ambience, traditional and

S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

country furnishings leap to mind. Modern and contemporary can be warm, as well. Uplighting plants can lend drama, while downlighting paintings and family photos can warm a room with many points of light. There are even modern hearth products, such as the aptly-titled “X-Fires,” that look like wall-mounted plasma TV screens and are ventless, requiring little to install. They can be added to major gathering places, as well as bedrooms and baths.

• Entice the Senses: Soften a room, add a golden hue and spice the air with scented candles. Cinnamon and vanilla are two of the more comforting scents. Position candles near mirrors to reflect light and warmth.

• New shades or blinds can also warm up a home. There are literally thousands of designs and colors to choose from.

“Literally warming up your home can add money to your pocket. If you make an energy-efficient improvement during 2009 or 2010, such as

adding a 75 percent efficient wood or pellet stove, fireplace or insert, you can receive a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500,” said Melissa Barnaby, Retail Product Manager, Lennox Hearth Products. For more information on what enhancements qualify, visit www.lennox.com.

Whether you are enhancing your home on a budget, committing to a major redesign, or building a new home, there are many creative ways to add literal and figurative warmth to your living spaces.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

new mexican pork and green chile stew

at the market

FOR THE STEW:

By Sarah Hedger

H

appy November!

November is gratitude awareness month, and we really do have so much to be grateful for. Fall brings crisp air and shorter days, the former often received better than the latter. Fall also brings a plethora of apples, winter squashes, greens, and the much awaited pumpkin to local farmers’ markets. With the cooler, crisp air comes a change in what we crave to eat as well. Stews and soups begin to warm our homes from the inside out as well as the warming aromas we get from baking with apples, pumpkins, cinnamon and spice.

I was recently “craving” Fall smells and started looking for a candle that would satiate our home and satisfy this craving.

Before I could find a candle to get the job done, I managed to make applesauce and some Maple-Apple Pear Butter that filled our home with much more than amazing aromas alone. If you haven’t been bitten by the Fall bug yet, I encourage you to get out and find something that fills your home with the aromas of Fall. A good place to start is something as simple as cooking some lovely local organic apples in apple cider for applesauce.

November’s recipe will without question warm you and your home from the inside out as well as anyone who comes remotely close to enjoying this stew. Its brilliance is across the board – from being presented and served in a beautiful roasted heirloom pumpkin, to the warming smell of cumin, garlic, and roasted peppers. This recipe includes pork. If you happen to not eat pork or meat altogether, it is easily adaptable by substituting potatoes and using a vegetable broth to create a hearty, healthy, warming meal. The soup includes some incredibly nutritious ingredients such as garlic, cilantro, and chiles which are high N O V E M B E R

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in antioxidants, pumpkin which is high in beta carotene and Vitamin C, and beer.

The alcohol of the beer is actually cooked out. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with some additional broth (non-alcoholic beer will work and add the depth of flavor required as well). Back to the pumpkin as it is a food that is easily overlooked for its carving capacity and good looks. Recent research found pumpkin helps regenerate pancreatic cells, as well as helping those with Type 1 diabetes reduce and eliminate the need for supplemental insulin. Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and have significant amounts of fiber, protein, zinc, magnesium, and is said to lower cholesterol. If these benefits are irrelevant to you because you are in perfect health, congratulations! You get to enjoy pumpkins for their amazing aroma and flavor alone!

Don’t be discouraged by the long list of ingredients as they are mostly spices and the recipe is well worth it. It is served with some fresh bread such as the Garlic and Cheddar or Jalapeno and Jack from our local, amazing fresh bread source, the House of Bread. Homemade cornbread would also fit the bill. Enjoy and Happy Gratitude Awareness Month.

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3 large pasilla/poblano peppers 2 T. + 1 T. olive oil 1 large onion, cut into ½- inch dice 3 large garlic cloves, minced 1 T. each cumin and oregano 1-2 tsp. chile powder (look for chipotle or ancho chile powder) 1 tsp. coriander 2 large heirloom tomatoes 1 cup lager-style beer 4 cups low-salt chicken broth 2 lbs. natural pork shoulder or butt, chopped into 1 inch pieces, rubbed with 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup green onions, finely minced 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. kosher salt, more to taste and freshly ground black pepper 5 lb. edible-type pumpkin ½ cup Queso Fresco (cheese), crumbled 3-4 T. chopped fresh cilantro and green onions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blacken pasilla peppers either over direct flame, bbq, or broiler. Place blackened pepper in paper bag, wrap thoroughly and let cool for 10 minutes. Peel off blackened skin, core, and seed them. Cut into ¼ inch dice and set aside. In a large dutch oven or stew pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chile powder, oregano, and coriander. Cook for 5-10 minutes until onion is translucent and spices are aromatic. Add tomatoes, stir, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes (it’s good if you get a little sticking on the bottom as this adds flavor and releases into the stew later). Add beer and boil for 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Meanwhile in large cast iron pan, brown pork in hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side (might need to do this in 2 batches so there isn’t any crowding).

Remove pork from cast iron to stew pot as it finishes browning. Add cilantro and green onions to stew and with final addition of pork, bring stew to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hrs. Add apple cider vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Rinse pumpkin, cut top out, remove innards, place in oven on strong cookie sheet and roast for 1 hr. Remove from oven and carefully ladle stew into pumpkin. Return to oven and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, ladle stew (with chunks of the roasted pumpkin scraped out with stew) into bowls. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and queso fresco. Serves 4 in a hearty way.

Each serving contains: 350 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of (good) fat, 20 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber

HOME/OUTDOOR

Kitchen Ideas

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DESIGNING A KITCHEN FOR entertaining

By Don & Lee Anna O’Daniel and Lisha Perrini

W

hether it’s a small, intimate dinner, a large cocktail soiree or a bustling indoor/outdoor family event, one thing is universal: THE PARTY ALWAYS SEEMS TO END UP IN THE KITCHEN. It is, after all, natural for people to seek proximity to food for both social and biological reasons.

But how does one design a kitchen that is ideal for the purpose of entertaining? A plan wherein the cook(s) and server(s) can work easily, the hosts can choose the nature of their interaction with guests, and partygoers can be encouraged to move in a desired flow.

Can any size kitchen be made to work for parties? Here are a few pointers: The first consideration is the type of entertaining that you do most often. Are your events small, intimate dinner parties, large business functions, or occasional family gatherings at holidays? The practical requirements will vary for each. The next constraint is the actual size of your kitchen space. Also, take a look at adjacent areas – can that space be scavenged to enlarge the kitchen, or serve as an adjunct area for entertaining, such as a conversion to a scullery or clean-up center, or a buffet/serving area/breakfast nook?

Serving San Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

The following elements are the pivotal concerns of a kitchen designed for entertaining: • Traffic flow – an uninterrupted area in which the cook(s) work, a clear pathway for guests to circulate around food being served, and easy access to designated seating.

• Multiple work areas – a large home might have space for a secondary (prep) kitchen, often intended for caterers’ use. But even if there are space constraints, which are often the case, we can incorporate concepts such as a separate prep sink, a baking center, and a stovetop zone with its own water source for cooking. In a small kitchen these work areas often overlap or serve double duty at different stages of the party.

• Attention to food storage – how much space is needed to keep prepared food at proper temperature? Which items must be refrigerated, and on what size platters or trays?

• Beverage service – how do we keep the beverages hot or cold and where can we make them easily available for guests to serve themselves?

• Suitable materials/maintenance – for example, if you plan to have a lot of childrens’ parties, you might do well to avoid white

cabinets. If you’d like to serve lots of wines at large cocktail parties, a limestone countertop might not be a good choice.

• Equipment – this goes back to the type of entertaining, and ranges from the most practical (convection ovens) to the sublime (an outdoor pizza oven). From ice machines and wine chillers to built-in coffee or espresso machines, there are many wonderful, innovative products and appliances that can make entertaining easier.

• Enlisting use of outdoor space – whether your yard contains a simple grill or hibachi and some lawn chairs, or a multi-level deck and swimming pool that can accommodate a complete outdoor kitchen, almost everyone can create some type of outdoor entertaining area. We on the Central Coast are blessed with a lovely climate that is hospitable almost all year round, and an outdoor cooking/dining area can be attractively integrated with beautiful landscaping while also easing some of the pressure on limited indoor space.

By Lisha Perrini, Certified Kitchen Designer with San Luis Kitchen Co., celebrating their 25th anniversary as the longest continuously running kitchen design showroom in San Luis Obispo.

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HOME/OUTDOOR I’m a hiking dog

trekking with the carters

By Charley Brown, Beagle

H

i. My name is Charley Brown. I’m a beagle. I love to go on walks off leash. I went on a hike this summer in the Sierras. It was lots of fun. I thought you’d like to know about it.

My owner is Andrew Carter. He’s a city councilman. He’s supposed to be important, but I don’t think so. If he were important, then why do we have a leash law in San Luis Obispo?

My other owner is William Johnston-Carter.

He goes away to school. I only get to see him on vacations. I miss him so much that whenever he comes home I lick him on his face. That way, he won’t forget me.

In August, we went on a six-day hike in Sierra National Forest. That’s between Kings Canyon National Park and Yosemite. We didn’t go in the national parks because they don’t allow dogs on the trails. How silly is that? I’m glad dogs can walk the trails in the national forest.

We were in the John Muir Wilderness. John Muir lived long ago. He had a long beard and a funny hat. People say he talked with a funny accent. I wouldn’t know. I think all humans talk with a funny accent.

John Muir liked the outdoors almost as much as I. That’s why they named a wilderness area after him. I wish they’d name something after me, maybe Charley Brown Mud Puddle.

We started our hike from Florence Lake. It’s a long drive from San Luis Obispo. Past Paso Robles, past Kettleman City, past Fresno, past Sierra Summit. The last bit is a bumpy, curvy one-lane road.

When we got on the trail and I got off leash, I took off! So many wonderful things to smell. I didn’t know what most of them were, but I had to follow. Up and down, round and round, from one side of the trail to the other. Some of the smells were so fine and so fresh, I just had to howl, “A-roooo!”

I thought I might catch something, but I never did. The animals take off, and the birds fly away. No fair!

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French Canyon Trail Charley and Andrew

Andrew and William got upset with me for not staying with them on the trail. They kept calling me. I’m sorry, but the best smells weren’t on the trail. They hike their way, I hike mine.

We stopped to camp that night at the John Muir Ranch. I was tired, but not too tired to go around begging. There were lots of hikers stopped at the ranch. They were hiking the John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney.

Hutchinson Meadow

On the other side of the San Joaquin River from the ranch is a hot springs. Andrew and William crossed the river to get to it. I couldn’t go because the river was too deep and too fast. They tied me up while they were gone. That made me mad.

The next day, we hiked along the river and up Piute Creek. Most of the way was flat, but there were steep sections around waterfalls. That was tiring, and it was hot. Do you know how hot it gets when your coat is mostly brown and black?

There were lots of rocks, too. By the end of the day, my paws hurt.

Licking them didn’t seem to help.

On the third day, Andrew put leather booties on my feet. I’d never worn booties before. I didn’t like the way they felt. They made me walk funny, but my paws didn’t hurt as much.

That day, we climbed over Pine Creek Pass and camped at Lower Pine Lake. Andrew and William went swimming in the lake. The water was cold. They screamed. You can’t get me to go swimming in anything. I don’t even like my baths.

On the fourth day, we turned around and headed back to Florence Lake.

Andrew had planned an eight-day hike over three more passes. This had been the easy part, and he was worried I wouldn’t be able to make it. My paws really hurt, and I was really tired. I had stopped running ahead of William and Andrew. In fact, I was beginning to drag behind.

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On the fifth day, I decided I couldn’t stand the booties any more. I started to chew them off. I’d get one off, but Andrew would put it back on, so I’d chew it off again. Finally, he gave up and took them all off. I felt like a new dog! I ran ahead again and started chasing smells again. Oh boy!

That night we stayed up late and watched the stars. There were even shooting stars.

On the sixth day, we made it back to Florence Lake. Time to go home!

I slept the whole way. In fact, I slept most of the next two days. I was tired, but I had fun. When can we go again?

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HOME/OUTDOOR

The dog next door Abbie: The Three-Legged Wonder Dog

By Jeanne Harris

A

bbie is a beautiful, fun-loving golden retriever. She loves to play at the beach, chase balls and sticks, and dig for ground squirrels. In most ways, she’s like any other golden retriever – always ready for a good time. But Abbie is unlike most other dogs. She has only three legs.

It happened on a gorgeous, sunlit morning; the kind of event one never anticipates, but that changes life forever. Chris Barrett and 5-year-old Abbie were walking along a quiet street above Morro Bay golf course. Suddenly, Abbie spied a herd of deer and, in a streak, ran after them, ignoring Chris’s calls to return. Out of nowhere, a small truck appeared and Abbie was directly in its path. She was hit. In that moment, life would never be the same for Abbie and Chris. A year of pain, treatments, surgeries, and adaptation would lead the two of them on an unanticipated, yet inspiring journey.

Miraculously, Abbie had no internal injuries, but both legs on her right side were critically injured. The back leg was nearly severed. The front was essentially mangled; all that was left was a mess of skin and bones. The vet patched her up as best he could. The day after the accident, Abbie was released from the vet hospital with casts on both right legs. Chris had to figure out how to care for her injured girl, who needed constant care and frequent medication. She enlisted friends to stay with Abbie while she was at work. In the meantime, a group of fellow dog-walkers Chris knew casually from her daily walks on the beach, heard the news of the tragic accident and took up a collection to help with mounting medical bills. Chris was touched by their kindness and grateful for the assistance.

Abbie’s legs were in casts for six months. During that time, she figured out how to get around by hopping on both of her left legs. Think about that… She balanced herself, propelled herself, and stopped herself using just one side of her body; a truly amazing example of adapting to one’s circumstances and limitations. But that was tiring for her and since she wasn’t able to move around freely, she grew bored and seemingly depressed. Chris began a routine of taking her to a local park ear-

ly in the morning. She would carry her to the middle of the grass and lay her on a blanket. There, Abbie would watch the park maintenance workers, sniff the morning air, listen to the birds tweeting and smile a sweet, appreciative smile while Chris sat close and read the newspaper.

When the casts were removed, it was clear that even though the bones were healed, they were not strong enough to support Abbie’s weight. It became apparent that she would need surgery. Chris was urged to seek help from a specialized veterinary surgical center in Ventura. A difficult orthopedic surgery was performed on Abbie’s hind leg and successfully restored her ability to walk on it. The front leg would be next. Chris had hoped that the front leg would strengthen over time, but after acupuncture treatments, medications and swim therapy failed to provide results, she decided it was time to amputate it. This was a turning point in Abbie’s recovery.

The amputation surgery was a grueling and difficult procedure, but in the end was exactly what Abbie needed. After recovering for a day or so after the surgery, and as the pain subsided, Chris began to notice a change in Abbie. There was a sparkle in her eye, she wagged her tail, and within a few days she was up on her remaining three paws, first walking, then trotting, wanting to run and play and chase. The pain was gone. Her movement was almost as effortless as before the accident. Abbie was back!

That was nine years ago. Since then, Abbie’s life has been full and happy. She has enjoyed countless walks on the beach, running after sticks and balls and squirrels, and taken many road trips to Yosemite and southern California. She’s lived a long, healthy life, fit for a dog who loves to have fun. She’s 14 years old now and is slowing down.

When she goes for walks, Chris takes along a dog stroller. When Abbie tires out, she hops in the stroller and lounges comfortably, enjoying the scenery through her side window.

Abbie’s experience has much to teach us. Throughout her ordeal, she lived in the moment and found ways to adjust and adapt to extremely challenging circumstances, with patience and grace. She appreciated Chris’s loving care and showed it with generous licks and kisses. Chris learned about compassion and dedication and the powerful human-animal bond, as well as the kindness and generosity of strangers. It was a life-changing experience for both of them; one that taught them about trusting each other and persevering when times were tough. In the end, it’s about the joy of being alive; having fun together, playing, running, and chasing squirrels, even when you’re missing a leg.

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Nutrition

holiday indulgence or gluttony

By Shelley Matson

T

he holiday season is typically a time of gluttony and “no holiday eating binge is risk free.”

Each morsel of food, whether it’s your bowl of cereal for breakfast or a Thanksgiving meal, travels on its own course through the body. An average meal may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to digest, while an ample feast can take 8 to 12 hours.

While people realize that on Thanksgiving day consumption is much more than usual, it is still astonishing that the Calorie Control Council estimates the average American consumes 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat. Can you picture a tsunami of fat coming into the body?

body to work harder. The heart will have an increased workload because it is forced to pump blood quickly to the stomach and intestines for digestion.

A heavy consumption of foods high in fat leads to changes in the bloodstream and blood clots may form. When the body forms an unnecessary blood clot, heart attack and stroke risk increases. Research from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine showed a “fourfold increase in heart attack risks in the two hours after a big meal.”

A A A Your stomach is unlikely to burst this Thanksgiving, but overeating will force your Daniel Dal Porto — Broker

· Stick with foods that require utensils; we eat finger foods faster and with less awareness.

While eating in moderation is easier said then done, saturating yourself with a tidal wave of fat and calories is hard on your body.

Here are some simple strategies to help you through the holiday feasts:

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R E A L

· Keep serving dishes in the kitchen; this way you will not dish up extra mindlessly. · Use smaller serving spoons and plates to help with portion control. · Contribute to dinnertime conversation. The more you talk, the less you will eat. · Most importantly, move your body and sweat it out this holiday season. Activity is key to a healthy lifestyle.

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

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COMMUNITY

Alzheimer’s disease series – part 3 of 3

taking care, so you can take care The courageous caregivers of loved ones

By Susan Stewart

I

magine what it would be like if you were raising a child who, instead of getting smarter and more selfsufficient every day, grew more forgetful, more dependent every day. That’s how one family member described living with and caring for a parent with middle to late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. “You love them with all your heart, so you want to give them the best care possible,” said Linda Lehman, who helped her friend Phyllis care for her mother.

“It’s like having a child to take care of except that kids get better at taking care of themselves. The person with Alzheimer’s doesn’t.”

In this third and final segment of our series on Alzheimer’s Disease, we’ll look at late-stage symptoms and hear from the people who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease. November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a fitting time to pay attention to what some have described as the health crisis of our century. It won’t be easy. Most people find it easier to discuss cancer than they do Alzheimer’s Disease, as Jan Wilson discovered when her husband was diagnosed in 2004.

Lane Wilson worked for the City of San Luis Obispo for 25 years. He developed cancer in 1997 and talked with his wife frankly about what might happen if he did not survive it. They paid off the house and lived debt-free, making the necessary plans one makes when confronted with a life-threatening illness. And together, they beat it. Lane had been cancer-free for several years when he began to show symptoms of Alzheimer’s. He began to lose things and drop words; he couldn’t track a conversation. He began to cover up the holes in his thinking by asking Jan to be his “fashion consultant” when he couldn’t remember what to wear, for example. Eventually, they saw a neurologist in Santa Barbara who explained what was happening and why.

“We could talk about cancer, but not about Alzheimer’s,” said Jan. “It’s so much harder to face because no one wants to admit they’re losing their mind. And there is still so much stigma attached to it.”

Jan, a nurse who worked at Sierra Vista for 42 years, kept Lane at home as long as she could – until one day she fell and broke her shoulder. The pain was agonizing and she shouted for the phone so she could call for help. Lane brought her a harmonica, his wallet, and his walker – everything BUT the phone. That’s when she knew they would both be better

The Wilson Family – Carrie, Lane, Jan and Vikki in 2007

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off if he went to live in a residential care facility. They chose carefully and Lane received the care he needed until he died in 2008.

Similar episodes came up for Linda Lehman and her friend Phyllis while living with and caring for Elbe Osborne. Elbe was nearly 90 when she hurt her knee and needed someone to stay with her. So Linda and Phyllis moved in. That’s when they noticed there was more wrong with Elbe than her knee. One night, Elbe got up at midnight, put on her best dress, and packed a suitcase. She woke up Linda to announce that she was getting married in the morning.

“Phyllis and I knew nothing about Alzheimer’s in the beginning,” said Linda. “So we learned all we could and took Sara Bartlett’s Savvy Caregivers Course at the local Alzheimer’s Association.” Linda says they hadn’t realized how much their emotional connection to Elbe was influencing their care of her. Suddenly the person who used to provide you with comfort your whole life now needs to be told what to do. “I wish I had taken it sooner.”

Linda and Phyllis cared for Elbe right up until a few weeks ago, when they placed her in a residential care facility. Elbe has reached the stage where she needs more one-on-one care than Linda and Phyllis can provide. They had not had a single day off in more than two years and were exhausted. Still the choice was heart-rending. But for these two women (as it was for the Wilson’s), placement was the right thing to do.

As Middle-Stage turns to Late-Stage Alzheimer’s, the person’s memory difficulties worsen and they may lose most awareness of recent experiences, events, and surroundings. They will recollect their personal history imperfectly and forget the names of their spouses and loved ones.

They generally need help with dressing, toileting details, even eating.

Many experience disruption of their normal sleep and waking cycle. Urinary and fecal incontinence increases, and there may be significant personality changes. Suspicions, delusions, hallucinations, and compulsive, repetitive behaviors are not uncommon. Some will wander and get lost.

In the final stages, individuals may lose their capacity for recognizable speech; walking becomes difficult without assistance; and many lost the ability to smile, or hold their heads up. Reflexes become abnormal

The Lane Wilson Family and friends at the 2008 Memory Walk

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COMMUNITY be found online or by phoning (805) 5473830. The website offers prevention advice, brain health classes, and a multitude of ways that we can all be involved in helping to stop this tragic disease. But the most important section is the place where you can donate. Alzheimer’s Disease is still misunderstood and under-funded. But experts report that we are very close to finding the cause and ultimately a cure.

Money is needed to fund the research that will make that happen.

The Wilsons: Vikki, Jan and Carrie

and muscles grow rigid. Swallowing is impaired. “This is not a pretty disease,” said Jan. To a person, everyone we spoke with who has cared for a loved one with Alzheimer’s emphasized the importance of caring for themselves. Number one on their lists was informing themselves and getting support.

Your local Alzheimer’s Association offers a wealth of services—from the What Now? resource book to educational classes and support groups. What Now? is a quick and easy caregivers guide available free when you come in for a personal appointment, or downloadable free from their website.

There, you’ll learn that logic and reason don’t work; that having a place to escape to is essential; that having a backup person who can relieve you is important; and that your sense of humor will save your life!

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In the first part of this series you met Rhonda Spiegel, the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter Executive Director. Her mission is not only to provide and enhance the care and support of all those affected, but also to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease entirely through the advancement of research. Her vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. “I’d like nothing better than to one day wake up and find that my job was no longer necessary,” she said.

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“We had to learn that we were not dealing with Lane,” said Jan. “We were dealing with the disease.”

“Keep an open mind, do the research, get the knowledge,” said Linda. “Greater understanding helps you cope better and better coping makes better caregivers.”

The website, www.alz.org/cacentralcoast provides information about what Alzheimer’s is, and more importantly what it is not. You’ll also find information about what used to be called Early Onset Alzheimer’s, recently changed to Young Onset Alzheimer’s to distinguish it from Early Stage. Early Stage Alzheimer’s includes people of any age who are in the beginning stages of the disease.

Young Onset is rare (accounts for less than 10% of all those who have Alzheimer’s) and affects people ages 35 to 65.

Proceeds from sale may be tax deductible!

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All vehicles offered for sale in San Luis Obispo benefiting Local Goodwill Programs.

Donations support vocational services in SLO County. “Our business is changing lives.”

544-0542 or 1-800-549-5920 GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, SAN LUIS OBISPO 880 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Local news, ways to participate, volunteer opportunities, and a 24/7 helpline can also N O V E M B E R

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COMMUNITY local books

dancing in the footsteps of eve Written by Heather Mendel Story by Susan Hoffman

S

an Luis Obispo resident Heather Mendel’s new book, Dancing in the Footsteps of Eve: Retrieving the Healing Gift of the Sacred Feminine for the Human Family through Myth and Mysticism, (O Books, November 2009) questions whether Eve, first woman, is the disobedient and shameful person we have thought her to be, or is instead a heroine, who with great courage and inner wisdom propelled the human family’s story forward.

Who better to bring Eve into the quantum age, and to write an easily accessible his-

tory of women and comparative religion in relationship to ancient Jewish texts, and the mystical teachings of Kabbalah, than Heather Mendel: wife, mother, grandmother, speech therapist, calligrapher, and teacher.

During the eleven years of living on the Central Coast, she has made quite an impression.

Many in the community have participated in her popular classes on spirituality and mysticism at Congregation Beth David where her husband, Rabbi Norman Mendel, recently retired, and have read her monthly column in The Women’s Press, or heard her speak at Cal Poly and Cuesta College.

At mid-life, when she could be stepping back into retirement herself, she is instead stepping forward into a new role, that of author. She persisted in the uphill battle to get her book into print at this time of contraction for publishers and bookstores alike. “If we follow our dreams,” she suggests to others in mid-life and beyond, “we need not be concerned about the ages or stages of our lives, but the burning feeling of still something needing to be done. It’s very exciting and worthwhile.”

Her face has a glow about it, eyes always full of interest; and with her warm smile, I know that what I heard a woman in one of her groups tell Heather is typical of how many feel: “You make me want to be the best me I can be.”

In her book, she begins with her own life story in the Preface titled “Roots and Wings.” Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Heather was inspired by her maternal great-grandmother Hannah, whose children all fled Eastern Europe and the persecution of Jews at the end of the nineteenth century. Some of the family immigrated to America and others to South Africa. Her parents met and married in Johannesburg in the early 1940s and “…were among the founding families who brought Reform Judaism to South Africa in 1947, a form of Judaism that stressed a concern for social justice and the welfare for all….”

Heather witnessed firsthand the day-to-day cruelty of apartheid, or “apart-hate,” as

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COMMUNITY she says is its correct pronunciation. “I feel certain that Hannah would have understood my physical exodus from South Africa to America.” Heather became a U.S. citizen in 1986. She wondered if her great-grandmother would similarly have understood her interest in feminism and mysticism. Reading about Kabbalah, which means “receiving” and what she describes as “a mystical pathway in Judaism, a way of being,” grew into a lifelong passion. “What would Hannah have thought of a milieu in which it would be possible and meaningful not only for women like me to study the hidden, mystical approaches to our ancient faith but to be able to share these teachings with men and women of differing religious backgrounds?”

Heather was always interested in communication, whether it was by studying theater arts as a child or choosing to major in speech therapy at college. In her calligraphic studio, A Word of Art, she creates illuminated “word paintings” of a spiritual nature. Her re-telling of Eve’s story as an archetypal metaphor, what the mythologist Joseph Campbell called “the hero’s journey,” is not without controversy. “I have always been fascinated by the mysterious, by the unknown, by the unanswered, and long wondered about the cultural and spiritual evolution of the human family,” she says.

Dancing in the Footsteps of Eve is a search for the Sacred Feminine through the Four Worlds of Kabbalah – Intuition, Intellect, Emotion, and Action, where the archetypes of Mystic, Student, Dreamer, and Humanitarian reside in all of us.

“They say we teach what we need to learn. I love facilitating discussion groups on myth, mysticism, and spirituality, and finding ways to help women discover who they are as empowered, courageous human beings.

As men connect with the Eve inside of them, I believe that will heal the fracture within and reconnect with all that they can be too by embracing their own intuitive, connective energies that help build bridges of compassionate understanding and reveal alternative ways of learning about our world.”

Festival. Now the next phase of her book’s journey begins: to share it with readers.

“Eve, for me is far more than one woman in one specific garden at one point in history.

Dancing is a joyful moving experience that liberates us. By dancing in Eve’s footsteps, we can access the mythic truth of the ancient stories on which our culture is built.” In so doing, Heather believes we can all help to create an inclusive and compassionate world.

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Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay will host a presentation and book signing for Heather on January 31, 2010, and on February 10, she will speak at the Morro Bay Friends of the Library 2nd Wednesday Inspirational Author series. For more information about Heather and the schedule of her workshops and bookstore events locally, and also in Northern and Southern California: www. dancinginthefootstepsofeve.com.

And I will light a candle for you.

To shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew.

Like a beacon in the night The flame will burn bright and guide us on our way.

Oh, today I light a candle for you.

- Paul Alexander

Join Hospice Pa rtners of the Central Coast at our San Luis Obispo

L ight Up a Life Celebration Monday, November 30 • 6:00 p. m .

First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo Marsh & Morro • San Luis Obispo A candle is waiting for you to light in memory of your loved one this holiday season Pa rticipate in our Faces of Love photomontage d u ring the ceremony by sending in a picture of your loved one To receive information, please call (805) 782-8608

In October, Heather was selected to be in the “Success Story Spotlight” at the 2009 Cuesta Writer’s Conference, and a featured speaker at the Central Coast Book and Author N O V E M B E R

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COMMUNITY

helping africa with bike ride for hope

seeds of hope international partnerships

By Hilary Grant

Kirk, Denise and Halleigh Schauer, on far right, in Zambia

D

Saturday & Sunday December 5 & 6 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Crafts, Food, Entertainment All craft items sold are handmade.

Jack House Victorian Christmas Tours Tours $2 · Friday & Saturday December 11 & 12 · 5-8pm Sunday December 13 · 1-4pm

2009

On Saturday, November 14, the non-profit Seeds of Hope International Partnerships, a six-year-old, faith-based group located in Arroyo Grande, is putting on its first Bike Ride for Hope. A family cycling event, designed for both advanced riders and those who want a shorter recreational trip, will kick off at Mission Plaza in SLO, and then continue on to Lake Lopez and back.

Benefiting several communities in Zambia that already work with SOHIP, more fun is waiting immediately after the morning cycling.

For more information, call (805) 781-7300 or visit the Web at www.slocity.org/parksandrecreation N O V E M B E R

espite hardscrabble times for millions of Americans over the last year, we’re still known for this: opening our hearts, and pockets, to those even less fortunate. This month – especially for those who feel a special affinity toward Africa – there’s a new chance to help.

That’s when Mission Plaza will be filled with music, as well as sponsor and food booths that will continue to promote and share SOHIP’s mission – one that primarily revolves around supplying clean water to Southern Africa. Everyone is welcome here.

Hoping to attract a minimum of 150 riders and raise at least $10,000, SOHIP marketing director Erin Reimer says that the Bike

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Ride for Hope is “our first big fundraiser.”

Several SLO County businesses and churches, she adds, have already agreed to let Seeds of Hope put up event posters and flyers, with some radio and television PSAs (public service announcements) slated to air as well.

The group is also at the Thursday night Farmers’ Market in downtown SLO, informing market goers about Seeds of Hope and the bicycling event. “Because we’re a young organization, we haven’t had many chances to raise funds like this,” explains Reimer.

“To be honest, we were originally looking at a summer dinner event, but then decided to switch to bicycles. I used to be a corporate event planner in Las Vegas, so I’m okay with pressure and going big.

“Another reason we chose bike riding,” adds Reimer, “is because it’s the most common mode of transportation in Zambia. Owning a bike there can dramatically change someone’s life.” (Indeed, one of SOHIP’s partners is Zambikes, a group which helps Zambians purchase bikes with micro-financing. That organization will have a booth at the aftercycle festival.)

Seeds of Hope was founded by Kirk Schauer, now the organization’s director and formerly associate pastor at the Santa Maria Vineyard Church.

The group’s primary task is providing clean water to African villages by teaching proper water well drilling, hand pump repair and water purification procedures. Literacy, hygiene and Bible classes, agricultural techniques, and business and vocational skills are also part of what SOHIP calls “holistic community development.”

Prior to inaugurating Seeds of Hope, Schauer had a relationship with Lifewater International, another Central Coast nonprofit that, like SOHIP, is Christian based and helps struggling communities around the world find and keep clean water.

Unlike Lifewater, Schauer’s group is solely in Africa, mostly in Zambia but also in adjacent countries that include Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

It’s a region, says Schauer, where the phrase “living in poverty” can’t begin to adequately express the horrendous conditions of day-today survival.

Here, continues Schauer, one child in six doesn’t reach his fifth birthday; 12.3 million

COMMUNITY children are AIDS orphans, and the average life expectancy is 42 years old. Another sobering and astounding fact is this: 300 million persons – nearly the entire population of the United States – have no access to clean water.

Indeed, according to one web site, Zambia ranks 153rd out of 176 countries in the world in terms of poverty.

“We first went to Zambia on a short term mission,” says Schauer. “Once there, we were moved by the downward spiral of poverty and how many water and sanitation issues played a big role in that. We also found the people eager to learn and very teachable. They were also very excited about even the smallest amount of help we offered.”

Now, thanks to a new three-year contract with UNICEF, Schauer currently resides in Zambia with spouse Denise and young daughter Halleigh.

He’s also proud of the fact that since his first small journey, SOHIP employs about 45 Zambians in three regions of that country, and has brought clean, safe water to more than a quarter million of its citizens.

It’s heartening, too, to learn that a little bit of money goes a long way: $75, for example, purifies and brings clean water into one family’s home, and $500 allows a trained farmer proper agricultural tools and supplies for a full year.

Administrative Officers: Cristi Williams and Erin Reimer

Schauer emphasizes that SOHIP is not about “just drilling a well and then leaving.” Rather, he explains, that the group’s goal, and focus, is “to work with community leaders to help them change their own community. It’s a template that empowers local Africans to address, then conquer, their own challenges.”

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Schauer adds that those who volunteer their time, and contribute funds, need not be Christian. “We’re always amazed at the unique ways people hear about us, and how willing they are to share what they know,” he says. “In fact, people from around the world have trained our Zambian staff.

Africans who benefit from Seeds of Hope, says Schauer, also need not adhere to SOHIP beliefs. He explains that while Zambia has declared itself “a Christian Nation,” many of its citizens remain deeply committed to traditional beliefs of that area, including working with ancestral spirits, shamans and witch doctors.

“We assist anyone who needs help – Christian, Spiritualist, Muslim,” says Schauer.

“God’s love is not conditional on whether or not we love Him in return, nor is the work we do contingent on people converting to Christianity.”

With Bike Ride for Hope, Erin Reimer says that she hopes that participants will do much more than cycle for a good cause.

“We hope that people will also come away from the day knowing why they raised the money, where it’s going, and how it will make a difference,” she says. “You see, we’d like people to be engaged in more than just the event – we want them to become engaged in our work.”

To learn more about the Seeds of Hope Bike Ride for Hope, including sponsorship and participant information, visit cycleofhopeafrica.org. The main SOHIP website is sohip.org, and the phone number is (805) 202-8456.

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COMMUNITY

private and public sectors unite in santa maria

P.L.a.y. inc.

By Tara Boucher

W

ith the recent news of the California State budget woes, the public has learned that select California State Parks are targeted to be shut down. The outdoor, environmental and recreation benefits that draw tourists to these parks also help build and shape the communities in which they exist. What are local governments, community members and organizations on the Central Coast of California doing to protect local parks and recreation programs from budget cuts for years to come? How important are these programs to the successful development of local communities?

The Abel Maldonado Youth Center

A Santa Maria based non-profit has successfully supported and funded recreation and youth programs for over ten years. Demand for local support is high and the non-profit knows how to deliver.

What is the secret to this non-profits success? “P.L.A.Y. Inc.” The People for Leisure and Youth, Inc. (P.L.A.Y. Inc.) was formed with the foresight of local community leaders like Joe Hagerman and Mike Gibson, founding board members. P.L.A.Y. Inc. was created during the last fiscal crisis about ten years ago to insure that the social benefits of recreation and leisure programs would continue to exist and grow regardless of the economy. The P.L.A.Y. Inc. board members idea was to “use leisure to create a positive social impact within the community.” They wanted to create a solution to keep programs operating that benefit children, without increasing fees.

The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center

The board looked for diversified membership, consisting of local community leaders and visionaries to act as the voice of the community. Early on, the mission of P.L.A.Y. Inc. was to supplement and improve the City of Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department programs rather than to replace or overlap them. P.L.A.Y. Inc. analyzed the city’s core recreation services to identify additional needs that needed to be expanded to the next level and beyond.

In the early days of P.L.A.Y., Inc., grant support was the primary source of funding. The Santa Barbara Foundation awarded P.L.A.Y. Inc. a sizeable grant to fund “Connecting Family Through Recreation” program.

With the award of the Santa Barbara Foundation grant, P.L.A.Y. Inc. developed an innovative family outreach project exposing and targeting Hispanic families new to the United States to recreational services.

Sports, arts, cultural and after-school programs were offered.

A few years after the program was determined to be a success, P.L.A.Y. Inc. began its next big project. There was a high need for a centrally based youth center to fulfill the recreation and leisure needs of both Santa Maria’s youth and the community. With support from another Santa Barbara Foundation grant and funding from a housing developer, Bradley Square, the Abel Maldonado Youth Center was born. The Abel Maldonado Youth Center serves boys and girls in grades 7 through 12. The facility is a “drop-in” format, which means teens may enter or leave at any given time during the designated hours and may choose to engage in different activities throughout the duration of their visit. Daily activities and amenities include indoor sports, arcade-type games, a home theater with movies, a computer lab, tutors, a fitness lab and more.

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The mobile recreation trailer

The Folklorico Girls at the Taste of Mexico Fundraiser

Financial support from P.L.A.Y. Inc. also contributed to building a large community pool. The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center offers an Olympic-size competition pool, a recreational pool and water slide.

The next concept involved literally bringing recreation to the community. “Santa Maria At P.L.A.Y. Inc.” was born in the form of a mobile trailer offering free recreation opportunities to community youth. The trailer contains equipment for recreational games and sports and also rotates from school to school. Again, staff was supplied through the partnership with the City of Santa Maria’s Recreation and Park’s Department.

P.L.A.Y. Inc. also launched the Police Activities League (PAL). PAL manages and provides recreation and leisure programs taught by local law enforcement officers and volunteers to the community’s youth.

Through this “Cops & Kids” connection, PAL personnel are role models for youth. They serve as coaches, tutors, mentors, chaperones and program managers for a wide range of recreation and educational development programs.

With grant funding being both limited and competitive at times, P.L.A.Y. Inc. decided to implement a strategic fundraising program for the non-profit’s long-term success. Six years ago, the popular community “Taste of Mexico” fundraising event was born. Held at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center in Santa Maria, the community is invited to sample Santa Maria’s finest Mexican cuisine, beverages and entertainment. There is also a Mexican food competition alongside music and dancing from local Latin entertainers. Rather than conducting multiple fundraising events each

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year, P.L.A.Y. Inc. has kept Taste of Mexico as their premier annual event as it has been sold out most years.

In addition to event fundraising, P.L.A.Y. Inc. has formed strategic business partnerships with several local businesses including: El Dorado Broadcasters, Coca Cola, Heritage Oaks Bank, The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor and Convention Bureau.

P.L.A.Y. Inc. has also provided outreach and support to the environment as seen at local parks in Santa Maria. The City of Santa Maria’s “Tree of Life” program has been “growing” in the Santa Maria Valley since 1993. Supported by the Recreation & Parks Department, this program offers a lifetime gift to individuals, community organizations, deceased loved ones, families and businesses. There is a long list of trees to select, an option to purchase a plaque and a list of local parks to plant the tree. Proceeds go to P.L.A.Y. Inc., and the program has been proven to be very popular with almost 600 trees planted to date.

In June, 2009, the City of Santa Maria opened its newest park, Los Flores Ranch Park, an open space park with over eight miles of trails.

P.L.A.Y. Inc. support contributed to a list of needed amenities. At 1,774 acres, the property lies about eight miles south of Santa Maria in the Solomon Hills.

With new awareness and marketing strategies underway, including the launch of an updated website to maximize social marketing potential, P.L.A.Y. Inc. will continue to support recreation and leisure needs and will be a model to follow for years to come.

Living with Grief and Loss During the Holidays This free workshop is designed to support and guide you through the holiday season while coping with the loss of a loved one.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 18th 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ludwick Community Center 864 Santa Rosa, SLO Informational packets will be provided To register for this free forum call (805) 782-8608

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COMMUNITY SLO County art scene

california native american legacy and contemporary art

By Gordon Fuglie, Adjunct Curator of San Luis Obispo Art Center

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hose who delve into the history of California and the Central Coast – whether as residents or visitors – are often intrigued to discover the rich cultural legacy of the state’s Native Americans. Tragically, in the nineteenth century, hostility from Spanish and Anglo settlers and the new diseases they brought with them decimated the numerous tribes and clans of California. By 1900 the few survivors were housed in reservations and “pure-blooded” Indians were hard to find, as many had inter-married with Mexican-American and Anglo-Americans.

During the 20th century, archaeologists, anthropologists and historians belatedly focused their attention on California’s Native Americans, and began gathering oral evidence from their descendents, discovering the mores and mythic understandings that once sustained indigenous life before the Euro-American conquest. In addition, the sites of tribes and clans were discovered and excavated, an array of artifacts brought to light, and one of the more significant finds was the artistic expressions of California’s first peoples.

San Luis Obispo resident Robert Frear is an explorer and photographer of Central California’s remote natural areas. He also became interested in the culture of the Chumash Indians who lived in clans in an area that stretched from Northern Los Angeles County up to Morro Bay. With the support of a grant from the James Irvine Foundation and the cooperation of the National Forest Service, Frear recently trekked through the San Rafael Wilderness in Santa Barbara County in search of petroglyphs and pictographs (rock drawings and paintings) produced by a Chumash clan that once inhabited this rugged protected area. His photographs attempt to evoke the spiritual power of their sacred ceremonial sites with their nature-based and celestial imagery adorning rock faces and caves. They will be on display at the San Luis Obispo Art Center N O V E M B E R

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through November 20 as part of a three-artist exhibition, We Belong to the Earth: A Tribute to California’s Indigenous Traditions. Exhibiting with Frear are Sheila Pinkel (Los Angeles) and Linda Vallejo (Topanga Canyon).

Sheila Pinkel, Professor of Art - Photography at Pomona College, was commissioned in 2003 by the City of Los Angeles to create a 32-foot wide panoramic photographic mural on Tongva culture for the Sherman Oaks Public Library. The Tongva were indigenous to the greater Los Angeles area, overlapping with the Chumash at important trading settlements at present-day Malibu and Chatsworth. Pinkel spent two years working and researching with the Tongva people to re-create a comprehensive vision of their culture. The multi-faceted mural was also an outgrowth of her interest in astronomy and archaeo-astronomy and shows numerous plants, animals, artifacts and rituals important to Tongva life and religion throughout the lunar year. Pinkel produced a second mural especially for We Belong to the Earth.

Visitors to the Art Center will also be able to view Pinkel’s presentation of the journals of Hugo Reid, a Scottish settler in Spanish California, who was among the first Euro-Americans to observe and record Tongva life.

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From her studio near the Topanga Canyon wilderness, Linda Vallejo produces paintings, sculpture and mixed media work that reflect her participation in and presentation of inter-tribal indigenous ceremonies, some of which take place in remote locales in California. Her multiple-media work, A Prayer for the Earth Eco Installation, a homage to the spiritual that Native Americans believe resides in California’s natural areas, will be on display at the Art Center. At center of her gallery is a “mandala” depicting various native peoples interceding for the healing of the earth. This large image is framed by symbols of the four elements – air, water, fire and earth.

COMMUNITY

in teacher evaluation. The point is made that using student test scores for teacher evaluation serves to keep the teacher focused on the academic achievement of students.

Our Schools:

A second justification for using student test scores is that they provide an objective measure of a teacher’s effectiveness as compared with the more subjective personal judgment of the principal. This reasoning is that student test scores may actually protect teachers from unfair or prejudicial judgments from school administrators.

use of student test scores to evaluate teachers

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

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he use of student test scores on standardized tests to evaluate teachers has always been controversial. Recently, this issue has reemerged as part of the federal requirements for states to be eligible to apply for additional federal stimulus funding for our schools. This additional funding is part of the program known as “Race To The Top,” and it is being promoted by the US Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan.

The direction from the US Department of Education is there should be no legal prohibition to matching information from student test results on the state’s testing program to individual teacher information that is collected by the state. Currently, this prohibition exists in California law. Proposals to remove this restriction have put the use of student test data to evaluate teachers on the public discussion agenda again.

At stake is California’s ability to compete for an unprecedented amount of money, $5 billion nationwide, as part of the President’s “Race To The Top” incentive program for schools.

Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed leg-

Jack’s Baby Back Ribs

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islation that would remove this legal barrier to connecting student test results to teachers, and thus the controversy begins again.

In reality, this problem only exists at the state level, since local school districts develop and implement their own teacher evaluation system and are free to use some form of measurement of student progress as part of the evaluation system. However, the proposed legislation has inflamed this old controversy. Let’s examine the main arguments on both sides of this issue. As in many controversial issues, it is the extremes that often receive the most attention and often frame the discussion. Hopefully a more moderate approach will be taken on this matter.

Those who favor the use of standardized test scores to evaluate teachers usually connect it to teacher accountability. We know that the teacher is the most important factor determining student achievement. Shouldn’t the results of student achievement, as measured by the state’s standardized testing system, be used as the primary means for determining the effectiveness of individual teachers? We now use student scores on state tests to rank schools using the Academic Performance Index (API), so why not extend this measurement to individual teachers? The analogy is often used that in a business the ultimate measure of success is financial profitability, and the same “bottom line” measurement also should be used

On the other side of the debate are those who believe that using student test scores will put undue emphasis on those subjects that can be assessed on our current standardized tests.

The current standardized tests are made up of short answer and multiple choice questions that are easy to score. The fear is that since this type of measurement is not appropriate to subjects like expository writing, art, or any higher order thinking skills, then these subjects will get shortchanged in the curriculum.

Many of our teachers are already critical of how the current testing program tends to narrow the curriculum (i.e. teach only what is tested) and connecting test scores to teacher evaluation only makes it worse.

A second argument is that using only test scores does not take into account the local classroom situation such as the prior learning of the students, that amount of support for the teacher, the teaching conditions like class size, and the amount of support from parents. This argument is that classrooms are different and using a single measure of effectiveness does not recognize these differences and therefore is unfair to the teacher.

In our county, student progress is an important aspect of the teacher evaluation system, but it is combined with a number of other factors including the context of the individual classroom. Ultimately, it is the professional judgment of the principal that is the most effective means of teacher evaluation.

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Purchase a new floor at a discounted price and Quaglino’s Flooring will donate $25 to the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County.

Offer expires December 31 2009.

2015 Santa Barbara • San Luis Obispo 805.541.1646 • www.quaglinosflooring.com N O V E M B E R

2009

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COMMUNITY

history

protecting the public

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

W

ith the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on September 1, 1772, there was little concern about safety. Certainly, Padre Junipero Serra, the founder, had more important matters to consider than the

William Franklin Cook, San Luis Obispo’s first official Police Chief, 1911

security of Padre Joseph Cavaller, who became the guardian of the new spiritual settlement. The Chumash of the area were friendly and helpful. They undoubtedly remembered the bear hunt earlier in the summer and, for the first time, recognized the ability of the Spaniards to defend against the grizzly…an enemy the natives could not conquer. The military, however, insisted on stationing five soldiers to protect the padre and two natives left to begin what has evolved into the modern city.

If there were infractions of religious requirements, the padres attempted to correct the neophyte (newly baptized). The religious were by government decree what today is known as in loco parentis (in the place of parents). If the infraction was for a more serious issue, the errant native was turned over to the guards. The common punishment for anyone, native or non-native, was the whip, while the most serious errors could result in being exiled to a presidio to work.

Eventually, an alcalde was the chief law officer. An alcalde was a unique role combining judgment and punishment in one person. In the earliest years of California, there were American alcaldes. Indeed, the one for San Luis Obispo, J. Mariano Bonilla, became the first judge of the Court of Sessions, the county predecessor (in part) of the Board of Supervisors.

Even before Statehood, the California Legislature passed “An Act to provide for the incorporation of Towns” on March 27, 1850 providing for the election of three town officers including a “Marshal who shall also be the Collector of all taxes levied by the Board of Trustees.” The outpost on the central coast didn’t benefit from the legislative directives. Only the good will and honesty of the population prevented crimes. Emulating San Francisco, a local Vigilance group N O V E M B E R

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COMMUNITY was formed in desperation and dispensed justice at the end of a rope.

Since the sheriff was the chief county law enforcement officer with constables elected/ appointed for each township, the pragmatic – and few in number – local residents undoubtedly thought another layer of protection – and expense – was unnecessary.

Indeed, early municipal governance relied heavily upon the Marshal to oversee more than criminals. He virtually was the staff along with the clerk. The first mention of a Town Marshal was Jacob J. Schiefferly (1868).

There were no official deputies until 1872.

As for incarceration, “jails” cost money.

Caring for prisoners, especially clothing and feeding, was not a popular expenditure. There is a separate history of County and City jails starting with the first one in a room in the Mission to the County’s “folly” as described by a San Francisco paper to the first City jail…or to some “prison”…built at the rear of the City Hall. It’s still there as part of a business.

Prisoners were expected to contribute to the community. A popular assignment was spreading lime along the banks of the Ar-

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royo de San Luis – today’s beautiful creek.

At the time, it was the community’s main sewage conduit.

Unfortunately, as society progresses so does crime. Leaving the County in six hours or a sentence of “bread and water” are no longer options, and the cost to protect the public is always a major budget item. Recently, we are made aware of the even more expensive toll of “white collar” crimes. Not the positive side of history, crime is certainly an enduring theme.

While the Marshal had many duties assigned by the Board of Town Trustees, none was more important than the collection of various fees, especially from businesses and dog tags. An early ordinance based part of the Marshal’s salary on a percentage of collected fees. This seems to have become a contentious issue as the Trustees are recorded as often calling for audits of the Marshal’s Account Ledger. The earliest retained ledger dates from 1884.

When incorporated as a City in 1876, an ordinance creating a “Police Department” was passed by the Common Council and signed

by Mayor R. M. Preston on November 1, 1877.

Ordinance #31 proposed “to establish and regulate a Police Department” with the Marshal as “ex-officio” Chief of Police. With two policemen, he was required to continue his previous duties as well as keep more records.

The Ordinance mandated a Register of Arrests that included the name of those arrested, the offense, complaint, and witnesses and their place of residence and a description of any property stolen along with the date of the theft and the owner’s name.

The surviving log from 1886 shows various levels of commitment to accuracy. By far, “Drunk” was the most common offense with the arresting officer as the complainant and witness. Given the proliferation of saloons as well as the houses of “ill-fame,” there was little challenge in finding infractions.

The usual fine for a convicted drunk was $5.00 or thirty days in jail. So prevalent was the offense that a stamp was ordered leaving the judge to write in only the date and person’s name. Indeed, there were two additional stamps to indicate if the person paid the fine or went to jail. Most often, the fine was paid directly to the judge. Some convicted defendants were invited to leave town in lieu of jail or a fine. Most chose to go elsewhere.

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A Retirement Facility

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

lights shine for loved ones You Don’t Have to Move Feel Safe and Secure Celebrating light up a life with hospice partners It’s a fact of life that as we get older, Pristine is fully

By Tina McEvoy, too RN, BSN some day-to-day tasks become licensed and insured. much to handle on our own. That All of our workers the year drawsare to carefully Hospice Partners’ Light Up a Life ceremony is unique in that it indoesn’t mean you have tosmove away screened a close, we tend to think cludes a special “Faces of Love” photomontage to memorialize loved from the comfort of yourabout home. and pass a criminal all of those who ones. Participants send in pictures of their loved ones that are digitally Pristine Home Services is aand local background have died how to honor their projectedcheck at the site that the participant will be attending. As the memory.

The Hospice “Light Up a guests arrive at the ceremony, they have opportunity to light a vocompany that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test, giving you peace of an mind Life” ceremony offers a meaningful tive candle that will shine in the night for their loved ones and, at the County residents avoid from they Pristine working way tothe pay high tribute cost to those we when someone end of the ceremony, take theis votive home as a symbol of rememremember and loveto – parents and grandparents, and celebration. Hospice Partners’ Light Up a Life ceremony of moving a retirement facility.brothers and in yourbrance home.

A

sisters, sons and daughters, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. includes music and songs performed by the hospice musicians and helps me withby bathing other It has become a tradition for all Hospices across this country to “She reading of poems the Hospiceand staff and volunteers. The focus of the hold the ceremony in December. This year, Hospice Partners of thepersonal ceremony is the traditional “Reading of and the “Lighting of care. She is so wonderfulNames” to me.

All Coast of our be provided Central willservices be holding can their ceremonies at five locations She should the Hospice Tree.”

Individuals send in names of ones to be read be cloned! …andTree theisprice isloved throughout San Luis Obispo County, including Arroyo Grande, at a particular site.

The Hospice filled with lights that illumidaily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis.

She even did myand winAtascadero, Morro Bay, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. The very reasonable. nate the memories of someone special, is turned on near the end You for onlyis the services R.ceremony.

Watson,Each Sanlight Luis Obispo dows!”

Light Up apay Life ceremony not only for thoseyou who need have been cared of the provides a bright reminder of the warmth for by Hospice organizations, but isservices also for anyone who has lost they brought into our lives while they were with us and of the lasting and we provide those at a price took the to us. askIndividuals me exactly friends or family members and wishes to remember them at this “They memories thattime stay with can send in donations to sponyou can afford. special time of year. the lights onThey the Hospice Tree.on Thetime, donations whatsor I wanted. arrived didwill help Hospice

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2009

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Partners continue on with the end-of-life care that is provided to community residents, and will benefit hospice patients and their families.

NOVEMBER SUDOKU PRESENTED BY

For those who are unfamiliar with Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, we are a non-profit, state licensed, Medicare and Medi-Cal certified Hospice. Our organization was formed to assume the responsibilities of the San Luis Obispo County’s licensed hospice agency when it was privatized in 1998. The Hospice Partners team serves the residents of San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County, including those who are not covered by insurance or do not have the ability to pay for hospice care. We provide end-of-life care to our patients and their families with a team of professionals, including medical directors (physicians), nurses, medical social workers, home health aides, dietitians, hospice musicians, therapists, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors and volunteers. The goal of hospice care is to provide terminally ill patients a means to achieve what they need most as they reach the end of life: freedom from pain; emotional and spiritual support; and the ability to control the direction of their own care. Families are also provided grief counseling by bereavement counselors for at least 13 months afterwards, and are guided to other community resources if needed.

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If you, your family and friends want to join with Hospice Partners in celebrating this year’s Light Up a Life ceremony, please contact us at (805) 782-8608 for information.

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

We’re Here, so You can Get There.

Drive Safely this Holiday Season.

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NOVEMBER SUDOKU ¡ SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 51 N O V E M B E R

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COMMUNITY

VETS VOICE

By Frank Rowan

Temple Herron during WW II and today

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ccording to the Military.com, an internet magazine, Veterans are having trouble cashing their VA College checks because the banks hold up the payment until they clear. That reminded me of my situation in 1953 when I started at Cal Poly under Public Law 550. I was newly married and since my wife Lois’s first husband had been killed in Korea, I had to prove that he was dead, and she and I were legally married in order to get the married veterans higher allowance. We had previously sent the death certificate to the VA.

Three days before the Fall quarter started I received this letter from the VA. “BEFORE WE CAN APPROVE YOUR PL 550 ALLOWANCE YOU MUST FURNISH THE DEATH CERTIFICATE OF YOUR PRESENT WIFE.” I took the letter to Glen Crother who was then the County Veterans Service Officer, a position now held by Michael Piepenburg. Glen said, “Well Frank, if you want to go to college, you will have to kill Lois.” I said sadly, “Darn, and I have really grown fond of her.” Anyway Glen got it cleared up and I started the Fall quarter.

I have a really interesting WWII veteran this month, Temple Herron. He celebrated his 103rd birthday October 8th. Temple and his spouse Leticia reside in the Garden Creek complex in San Luis Obispo and just celebrated 70 years of marriage. I suspect he is the oldest vet in San Luis County if not in California.

Temple joined the Navy in 1924 and was trained as an Aviation Mechanic. Assigned to the USS Saratoga until 1928. When discharged, he got a job at the Detroit Aircraft Corp. which later became Lockheed. When the 1929 stock market crashed, the whole plant was terminated. He had only been out several months and rejoined the Navy in time to keep his rank and ship. In 1929 to 1930, Temple was stationed in Panama maintaining the first PBYs. In 1937, he

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2009

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flew in the South Pacific with the group looking for Amelia Earhart.

The USS Wasp joined the fleet in 1940, and he was assigned as their Chief Aviation mechanic. They made several trips to Malta hauling Spitfires for the RAF, which caused Winston Churchill to quip, “Who says a Wasp can’t sting twice.”

On September 16, 1942, the USS Wasp was supporting the marines at Guadalcanal when a torpedo hit it while refueling planes.

The shock of the torpedo broke the fuel lines and created a massive fire. Within twenty minutes they had to abandon ship. Temple was wearing a new pair of shoes and he kept them on as he went down the rope to the water. Several guys yelled hey Chief you better get those shoes off for swimming. He climbed back up the rope and put his shoes with the others lined up on the deck. He went into the water clad only in his underwear and trousers. There were several lifeboats in the area but they were already overloaded so he continued swimming with his store-bought life vest. He was picked-up by a Destroyer with a cargo net over the side and help from a sailor who pulled him over the rail. Ten of his company of 189 were lost.

The Wasp continued to float racked with explosions and fire and finally was dispatched by the USS Lansdowne with three torpedoes.

Bill Pope was my profile last month. He pointed out several errors which I can only blame on: (a) My Senior moments? (b) Poor note taking, (c) Told wrong in the interview. Here are the corrections: 1.

He never flew P-47s in combat, 2. American bombers always flew daylight raids. The British bombed at night. (Actually I knew that, so that was my senior moment.) 3. He flew 70 missions not 78. 4. He did not get promoted to Lt. Colonel until after the war.

There are two Veterans Day events this year that I am involved in.

The first: The American Legion Post 66 will place over 800 flags on veterans graves lead by Past Commander Dan Hinz, at the three cemeteries in San Luis Obispo.

The second event: San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge will have a special dinner for veterans and military service people presently serving our country on November 11th at 6:00 p.m. They will have a guest speaker from the California National Guard at Camp San Luis Obispo. Those in uniform and/or any part thereof will get a reduced price for dinner. Donna Donovan is the Chair of the Elks veterans committee.

That’s it for this month. Please keep in touch via phone 543-1973 or by email, frowan248@att.net. See you in December right here!

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

November 2009

W h a t ’ s

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eriously seeking Santa…typically the idea of ‘anything Christmas’ before Thanksgiving grates my sensitivities. However, in the world of Downtown management, I have come to accept that ‘the holidays’ started months ago, at least behind the scenes. Particularly for retailers, there’s the planning, going to gift shows, ordering—so it makes perfect sense to get a head start. It’s the Christmas Tree displays in September with the music playing “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…” as people are carting out their oscillating fans because the heat wave isn’t letting up, where I bristle.

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combed just right or not at all, kids come to see the ‘real’ Santa, lists in hand and wide-eyed.

T Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director

o looking for people who want to serve as Santas at this juncture is actually behind the curve to some degree, but seriously, last month I just could not force myself to do it. The Downtown Association hosts the county’s only stand-alone, Alpine-styled, continually operating Santa’s House in Mission Plaza every year. The house itself is at once whimsical, magical and awe-some to the little visitors who stream in from Cambria to Santa Maria, Morro Bay to Fresno. Whether dressed in their red knit onesies or their taffeta skirts, with their hair

hey will tell Santa their deepest secrets that perhaps they haven’t even shared with mom or dad. Mostly kids want stuff. But sometimes they spill the beans on more heartfelt matters like, “please help grandma get better,” or “please let daddy move back home.” So, you see, any potential Santa has to be prepared for more than “I want a pony” or “I want my own flat screen TV,” which by the way has its own protocols (Santas don’t promise anything).

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lay this all out because we are looking for Santas to work between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, but applicants should know in advance there’s more to the job than wearing a suit, wig and beard and saying, “ho, ho, ho…” On the one hand, if you love kids and love being adored, that’s a good start. On the other hand, sometimes parents can be a bit of a challenge or some kids will scream in terror at the sight of you. Some kids won’t stop talking; some kids won’t say a word.

Some kids say, “you’re not real, my brother told me,” and some kids have jelly fingers or damp bottoms.

On the Cover: SLO City's Chief Administrative Officer Ken Hampian has been selected as Parade Marshal for this year's Annual Holiday Parade, "Cheers…Around Downtown." Ken, who is retiring at the end of the year, will lead the parade, along with wife Suzi on Friday, December 4 at 7 PM. Ken has been a strong supporter of Downtown over the years and will long be remembered as a friend of the Downtown Association.

Applications for the parade can be obtained by calling 541-0286 or visiting www.DowntownSLO.com. Photo by Deborah Cash

Court Street Presents

Cheers…Around Downtown SLO Downtown Association’s

34th Annual Holiday Parade December 4 7:00 pm

Call 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com for more information

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ou’ll see kids who have apparently comfortable lives and you’ll see those who obviously do not, perhaps one right after the other. It can be emotional. It can be at times tumultuous when extended families try to pack into the house to see the grandbaby’s first visit to Santa and it takes five photo re-shoots to satisfy them all.

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id we mention people bring their pets? How do you feel about asking a parrot what it wants for Christmas? Keeping a German Shepherd out of the candy cane basket? What about a group of grown up ladies who just left a local club and want to gush their guy wishes on you? (Remember, no promises!)

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underneath, boots, gloves and a hat, your choice is to get a little thirsty or, well, make a run for it at shift’s end.

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robably by now I’ve scared off any interested applicants.

But better to know up front than to go through the process of being fingerprinted, background checked, entered on the payroll, etc and realize you’d rather be digging ditches than suffering the sagas of Santahood.

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owever, for those who have done it in the past and said that the drawbacks were minor and that their joy of seeing the excitement of children was all that mattered, their testimonial is that it can be a blast. Because you really ARE Santa and the letters the kids write are to you. How many jobs o be a Santa, you need patience, provide that ‘superhero’ feeling? a sense of humor, flexibility, If you have the, ahem, stomach stability, kindness, a twinkle in your for it (and if you don’t, we’ll eye, the ability to wear a beard and supply one) and want to give wig—unless you sport your own it a try, or you know someone white mane and whiskers. And who would, you or they can by the way, if you’ve never worn pick up an application at our a beard and wig for four hours office at 1108 Garden Street or in a row, you might want to try it online www.DowntownSLO.com. first. And we try to limit “Gone One thing we can assure you to Feed the Reindeer” breaks is there’s never a dull moment to one per shift so while you’re Do you have what it takes to be a Santa? Last year's Santa being Santa…around Downtown. sitting in the toasty house in your gives his full attention to his young visitors' important warm red fur suit, a pillow tummy requests. Photo by Deborah Cash

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N e w s

No Fear Store

Chris and Erin Mazzei, owners 1001 Higuera St. (in the Firestone Plaza) 805-706-0243 www.NoFear.com Shoppers seeking sport action clothing will flip over new business No Fear, a Local specialty clothing outfitter offering FMF Racing, SRH and Metal Milisha, among other favorite brands preferred by those wanting an addition to their wardrobe beyond the ‘skate style’ so popular locally.

San Luis local Chris Mazzei and his wife, Erin, a Cal Poly graduate, took over Cobb Clothing in January of 2008 and carried brands such as Ed Hardy and No Fear. Already carrying No Fear products, the couple said they decided to convert Cobb Clothing to a No Fear store because there wasn’t anything else like it in the area, the closest stores being in Ventura, Bakersfield and Salinas.

“We changed the store because we saw an opportunity to target customers that lead an edgier lifestyle and have a need that wasn’t being met by other stores,” Chris said.

The No Fear store is also unique because it is independently owned by the Mazzeis rather than being part of a larger corporation. They said that they approached No Fear about carrying more of their

FluidBloom Designs

Nikki Caldwell & Sarah Bardsley, owners 1231 Garden St., #4 805-305-0010 or 805-215-0529 www.FluidBloom.com When San Luis Obispo native Nikki Caldwell met Sarah Bardsley at Open Air Flowers, it was, as the old saying goes, “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Caldwell said flowers have been a huge part of both women’s lives: “My great grandfather owned a flower shop and I remember my grandfather always telling stories about the shop and its customers,” Caldwell said. “Sarah’s mom owned a flower shop when she was growing up in Boston.”

With over 20 years of floral experience between the two of them, the young women decided to open their own business out of Caldwell’s Downtown home. In May, FluidBloom Designs was born with the vision of creating unique floral and plant aesthetics that complement each individual’s event and environment.

The business owners expressed that as designers, their constant exploration with floral and plant art leads them to create an

Del Rey Wealth Management Jeff Little, owner 979 Osos St., Ste. A2 (805) 234-3355 www.DelReyWealth.com

Some might consider investments a financial rollercoaster with many ups and downs. Del Rey Wealth Management owner Jeff Little says he strives to accentuate the climb and lessen the dips in his clients’ investment portfolios.

Del Rey is part of BrokersXpress, a Chicagobased wealth management company specializing in financial planning, asset management, risk management and insurance as well as tax and estate planning. Del Rey operates under a philosophy that departs from the usual “Buy and Hold” strategy you’ll find on Wall Street. Instead, Little offers a different concept that promotes the idea of buying what is helping you and selling what is not.

“I have a more hands-on approach with investments so I can see what the current market is doing and build a client’s portfolio

product and the corporation presented them with an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“We talked to No Fear about converting our store from Cobb Clothing to No Fear and they said we could borrow their name while still remaining independently owned,” Chris said.

“Four days after being given the official okay, we received five times the No Fear inventory we were carrying.” Erin said that because their business is independently owned, they can offer things that other corporately owned business can’t. “We can do special orders for customers and offer deals like a free case of energy drinks with a purchase of $100 or more,” she said.

The couple said that they opened the store in Downtown San Luis because of its great location next to Firestone Grill and unique marketing opportunities such as Farmers’ Market and WOW week. These marketing opportunities—coupled with an increase in sales—have enabled the business owners to open a second store in the Pismo Beach Outlets.

“We’re the only independently owned business in the outlets and with business going the way it is, we’re looking into opening a third store in Santa Barbara,” Chris said.

No Fear is open everyday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

By Lindsey Crawford/Reyes Miranda innovative, diverse, fresh and clean product.

FluidBloom Designs specializes in large events such as weddings, creating everything from the bride’s bouquet to large arrangements for the tables.

“Budget weddings have been a large part of business recently,” Caldwell said. “It’s a challenge because you have to be creative with a limited budget. We have to be careful with your flower selection, and we try to use rocks and other natural products that can be collected rather than purchased.”

The duo also works with people on an individual basis, catering to their personal floral and nursery needs.

Caldwell and Bardsley offer their services to customers at a lower cost than competing businesses because of the lower overhead from running the business out of their home.

For more information about FluidBloom Designs, visit www.fluidbloom.com, email www.info@fluidbloom. com or call 805-215-0529 or 805-305-0010.

By Sarah Fruit/Reyes Miranda according to his or her specific needs,” Little said.

A Cal Poly graduate with a B.S. in Economics, with an emphasis in Financial Management, Little began his career in 2004 as a Financial Planning Associate at Blakeslee & Blakeslee. He then moved on to work as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley from 2005-2009 where he found himself wanting to become more independent while connecting with customers on a more personal level.

“I wanted a place where I could offer candid opinions on investment and retirement accounts,” Little said, “It is my hope to grow close with my clients and build long-term relationships.”

Little said that he wanted to be Downtown because he loves working with people in the community.

“Downtown is where everything is going on and it is convenient for many of my clients,” Little said.

For more information about the services of Del Rey Wealth Management, visit www.delreywealth.com or call 805-234-3355 to set up an appointment.

By Lindsey Crawford/Reyes Miranda

The Best Prices on Quality Toys!

San Luis Obispo Celebrates the November Opening of

Tom’s Toys Santa Maria!

Help us celebrate our new Santa Maria store, opening in the Santa Maria Town Center early November!

40% Off

All Thomas Wooden Railway & Ravensburger

30% Off

All Playmobil, Corolle & Small World Toys

682 Higuera St. • San Luis Obispo • 541-2896 With coupon only. Valid at the San Luis Obispo store only. Offer valid through 11/20/2009.

Not valid with any other offer or promotion, discount taken at register.

48

BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective a plan to end homelessness: looking back, looking ahead

By SLO City Councilman, John Ashbaugh

L

ast year in October, the SLO County Board of Supervisors adopted a “10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.” This plan was the result of many long months of deliberations by a large, ad-hoc task force that included over 100 community leaders from throughout the County. Several County agencies were represented on this group, along with staff or elected officials from all seven incorporated cities, State and Federal legislative staff, non-profit organizations that serve the homeless, and several private citizens.

A year has now passed since the plan’s adoption, and it’s a good time to reflect: How many homeless people do we have in this county, anyway? And what are we really doing to end homelessness?

The County’s homeless population is high, and it is growing: Our 2009 Homeless Enumeration Survey, conducted in January, estimates 3,829 homeless persons in the county, of whom 1,372 were children under 18. The number has grown by almost 60% since 2006, and by a whopping 67% in the number of kids.

To the second question, we can say emphatically that much work is being done to implement the 10-year plan – though many key decisions lie just ahead. In September, County Supervisors appointed a 24-person Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC), which includes 8 local elected officials – Supervisor Adam Hill and members from all seven City Councils. HSOC also includes representatives from non-profits, affordable housing developers, the educational community, and law enforcement.

According to the Board resolution that established HSOC, our purpose is “to lead, facilitate, and provide oversight for the implementation of the 10-Year Plan... (to) increase partner participation and service coordination, increase programmatic efficiencies and

enhance accountability of program delivery.” On October 21, HSOC held our first official meeting.

Additionally, progress is being made to replace the existing 49-bed Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter on Orcutt Road. That facility was developed in 1989 by the Economic Opportunity Commission (now known as the Community Action Partnership, or CAP-SLO). The site is remote from most services; it’s far too small to accommodate the needs of our local homeless population; and its physical plant is deteriorating rapidly.

Nearby communities are proving the importance of integrating services with shelters. On September 15, a group of about 20 community leaders visited three such facilities in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Our neighbors to the south provide excellent integrated facilities and programs for their homeless population. Santa Barbara alone provides over 400 beds of emergency and transitional housing in four separate shelters – including two that we didn’t even have time to visit! (Notably, Santa Barbara County adopted its own “10year Plan” in 2007, a full year ahead of ours).

Where would we place a new homeless facility? One potential site is a 1.1-acre County-owned property located near the corner of Prado Road and South Higuera Street – only a short block away from the Prado Day Center and next to the County Department of Social Services. This site is large enough to accommodate, among other facilities, an enlarged shelter, dining and laundry facilities, and other ancillary services to help the homeless get “back on their feet.”

The new shelter would have an enclosed inner courtyard, so that residents will be able to gather there, rather than outside.

Very soon, the Board of Supervisors, City Council, and Airport Land Use Commission will be reviewing the proposed homeless services “campus.” These agencies will regulate its size, occupancy, and design to assure it is suitable for its users and for the neighborhood.

There are some tough choices ahead as we wrestle with increasing homelessness in SLO County. It isn’t enough that we adopted the 10-Year Plan. Forming the Homeless Services Oversight Council is just a step along the way. And when we finally “cut the ribbon” on a new homeless services facility, even that will be just a means to an end: An end to chronic homelessness; a distant vision, but one that we must keep firmly in sight.

How can YOU help? Many community organizations serve the homeless: CAP-SLO, Friends of Prado Day Center, People’s Kitchen, ECHO (North County), or our own Human Relations Commission.

Donations are ALWAYS welcome, not only of money but your time.

Please support programs and facilities designed to eliminate the scourge of chronic homelessness.

The proposed new homeless shelter design N O V E M B E R

2009

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eye oN business slo county economic information: help is on the way

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associate

J

ust about this time last year we were all caught up in the crazy roller coaster of an economic downturn.

Little did we know that the ride would keep on going. Formerly “recession proof ” San Luis Obispo got broadsided along with the rest of the country and much of the world. I think I can speak for all of us and say it’s been beyond tough.

One of the best friends we have in making our way out of the mess is the UCSB Economic Forecast Project. We can count on the project to give us real information, reliable data and a good sense of what to expect and how to plan in the next year. It’s been a year of change in all of our worlds, and the same is true for the Economic Forecast Project. Lots of changes, but as a member of the board helping steer the project, I feel confident that our changes add up to something great. Our board has been working for months to make sure of it.

The annual SLO County Outlook presentation is now just a few days away, coming up on November 6th. The program is packed with expert speakers who will offer perspective and up-to-date information. The state and national forecast will be presented by Chris Thornberg, a principal with Beacon Economics, who also serves on the Controller’s Council of Economic Advisors. He was described by the Sacramento Bee earlier this year as having been “right about just about everything since the recession began.”

Beacon’s Brad Kemp will focus on the year ahead for San Luis Obispo County. He is a well recognized expert in local community forecasting and has made presentations to numerous California counties in 2009.

John Myers, Sacramento Bureau Chief for KQED Public Radio, is returning for a third appearance at the annual event. His insightful “California Report” offers an up-close-and-personal look at the

political wrangling in the state capital and how it affects the lives of local residents. Myers spent several years as a KSBY reporter in San Luis Obispo before moving to the Sacramento assignment. He offers a local perspective on State policies.

We’ve added a Q&A session between the speakers and three of our best business leaders and big thinkers: Anita Robinson, CEO, Mission Community Bank; Tom Jones, community and government affairs director for PG&E; and Chip Visci, former Tribune publisher who now serves as an associate vice president in charge of strategic communication at Cal Poly.

And because we know that a lot of the news will be hard to hear, we’ve planned for a little levity with the help of Bob Wacker of RE Wacker Associates, who will be our master of ceremonies. Bob is funny and smart and brings just the right touch to events like the UCSB Economic Forecast Seminar.

The fun starts Friday, November 6th at 7:30 a.m. at Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo. Additional information is available through the SLO Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.slochamber.org.

We’ve got great speakers and high hopes for a shot in the arm to get us all on the right track for another year. If you miss the event, you’ll still be able to follow up. I’ll share information next month.

Welcome to a new location: Connie Framberger and team at Framberger Employee Benefits and Insurance Services are settling into new offices in a historic bungalow at 1920 Broad Street, adjacent to downtown SLO. They made the move just in time to celebrate Connie’s 30th year as a go-to insurance professional. Happy anniversary and happy new location.

Meeting Rooms Available Rooms

Theater

San Luis

72

California Monterey Executive

1930 Monterey St.

150 120 25

Classroom 75 50 32 16

U Shaped

Hollow Square 70 50

60 40

40

32

18

14

Available Items: High-Speed Wireless Internet, Overhead, TV/VCR/DVD, PA Systems, Tables, Flag, Podium, Ice Water, LCD Projector, Food Service, Handicapped Facilities.

N O V E M B E R

2009

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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2ND ANNUAL TURKEY FESTIVAL Real Estate

Lynn R. Cooper Broker Associate Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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

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

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras

Dennis Gisler 800.660.3178 • 805.541.4488 • www.AdvancedPage.com

The 2nd Annual Turkey Festival at Lopez Lake will be held on November 15th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include: local handcrafted arts and craft vendors, food vendors, kids Carnival, Tiny Mile Turkey Trot and 5K Turkey Trek, Turkey Calling contest, free nature boat cruises and free hayrides. $4.00 per car entrance fee for this special event.

Applications for Tiny Mile Turkey Trot and 5K Turkey Trek can be downloaded from www.slocountyparks.org Sponsored by: Friends of Lopez Lake, a non-profit, volunteer organization.

HONOR FOR TOASTMASTERS The SLO Noontime Toastmasters Club earned the Distinguished Club award for the 2008-09 membership year. Since 1924, the organization has taught public speaking and leadership skills to people from all backgrounds. The Club meets on the first four Tuesdays of each month at noon, at First American Title, 899 Pacific Street in SLO. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Tawnee Hosick at (805) 405-5197.

MORRO BAY ART AND CRAFT SHOW The Morro Bay Art Association will open it’s Membership Art and Craft Show on Friday November 6th, thru December 13th. Come see the beautiful artwork and do your Christmas shopping as well. 12 noon to 4 p.m. daily. 835 Main St., M.B., 772-2504.

CITY OF SLO SUPPORTS LA CLINICA DENTAL CLINIC

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

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

For Over 32 Years

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

Marc Brazil 459-5376

RizzolisAutomotive.com

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

N O V E M B E R

2009

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Partnership for the Children (PTC) of SLO County recently received a $6,000 Grants-in-Aid award from the City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission in support of their non-profit children’s dental clinic, La Clinica de Tolosa. The grant award will be used to help cover the costs of providing dental care to under-served children who reside in the City of San Luis Obispo. La Clinica de Tolosa provides a full range of dental care for under-served children throughout SLO County and is located at 717 Walnut Drive in Paso Robles. Find more information online at www.clinicadetolosa.org, or call 805-238-5334.

french hospital receives consumer choice award French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is pleased to announce it recently received the 2008/2009 Consumer Choice Award in the SLO County market area from the National Research Corporation (NRC) for the third consecutive year. The award identifies hospitals with over 200,000 households representing over 400,000 healthcare consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study, only 250 healthcare facilities were chosen for the award.

Exterior & Interior Plastering

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

Terry Evans, President

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

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

THE BULLETIN BOARD

51

LOCAL JOURNEYMAN OF THE YEAR Justin Malone of Thoma Electric has been named “Apprentice of the Year” by the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 639. Malone completed his five-year apprenticeship at Thoma Electric to become a journeyman. To become a journeyman, Malone completed classroom requirements, earned superior on-the-job evaluations from his supervisors and received peer recommendations. Malone has been employed with Thoma Electric for nearly four years. Malone is the third consecutive Thoma Electric employee to receive the “Apprentice of the Year Award.” Tim Friend received the award in 2008, and Dan Miller received the award in 2007. Both are journeymen with Thoma Electric.

3RD ANNUAL POURING WINES FOR CANINES AND FELINES The third “Pouring Wines for Canines and Felines” fundraiser will be happening at Ron’s Nursery 1207 S. 13th St, Grover Beach on Wednesday November 11th from 5 to 8 p.m. benefiting animal non-profits Feline Network and Befriended Felines and a small donation to North County Humane. Come enjoy wine, music, and food donated from the Quarterdeck. Win raffle prizes throughout the night: $2 per ticket or $10 for 6 tickets. New Times and Ron’s Nursery are jointly sponsoring “Pouring Wines for Canines & Felines.” Attendees will enjoy three pours for $10 with 50% of the proceeds going to the non-profits. Ron’s Nursery will be decorated for the holidays and a percentage of their purchase will also benefit the non-profits. For more information call 489-4747.

Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

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

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

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

Specializing in:

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

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

Farris Jack Jack Farris

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

SUDOKU 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

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 cell: 805.748.5819 Lic #0F43815

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 N O V E M B E R

2009

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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CCFC Children’s christmas fashion show

Part of the Community Personalized Phone and Internet Service for Business

Central Coast Funds for Children’s (CCFC) is hosting a luncheon and children’s fashion show on November 18th at the SLO Country Club. We will be ushering in the holiday season with an elegant afternoon luncheon, designer tabletop trees, and a children’s fashion show. In addition, we will be raffling the tabletop trees. At least one of these special trees will be perfect for your home. As always, all funds raised will be donated to children with needs in San Luis Obispo County. Seating is limited.

For more information please contact Ann Whitehead at 543-4862 (eawhitey@aol. com) or Jeanette Meek at 544-1742 (landjmeek@sbcglobal.net).

(805) 549-7800 WWW.CALLAMERICACOM.COM

HYOSUNG

CAM_3.75X1.75.indd 2

9/10/07 1:11:02 PM

The Rattler Clean, Green & Mean!

FREE SENIOR HEALTH SCREENING

The Buddy Starts at $1,999 3566 S. Higuera, SLO

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

Free Senior Health Screening for seniors (50+) is available throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and diabetes. Take-home screening test kits for colo-rectal cancer available for $5. Nutritional counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 788-0827 for dates, times and locations.

13th annual slo kennel club all-breed show

Real Property Investments

Commercial & Investment Real Estate

Robert Petterson GRI Tom Swem GRI, CCIM Sandra Foxford

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

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” N O V E M B E R

2009

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SLO Kennel Club presents their Thirteenth Annual All-Breed Confirmation Show, Obedience Trial, and Rally at the CA MidState Fairgrounds in Paso Robles on Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th. About 150 different breeds will be eligible to compete for Best in Show. Admission is Free! SLOKC is donating a portion of the entry fee for each dog entered in the show to “Heeling Touch,” a dog training program that focuses on obedience and socialization. This training facilitates the adoption of dogs involved in the program. Funds are spent for Spay/neuter and immunizations for these dogs. For more information about SLOKC: Julie Dodson, 805-473-1560.

literacy council needs volunteers The Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer tutors. Our free, 2-part, Tutor Training Workshop will take place on Saturday December 5th and Saturday December 12th, at the Literacy Council’s office, 1264 Higuera Street, Suite 102, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call 541-4219 or visit our website at www.sloliteracy.org.

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

John Kimball

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

THE BULLETIN BOARD

53

youth career exploration and mentoring program Big Brothers Big Sisters recently launched the fall session of the Youth Career Exploration and Mentoring Program (YCEMP). Funding for the program was provided through “Pathways to Adulthood,” an initiative of the SLO County Community Foundation and the United Way Community Impact Fund. YCEMP is a 13-week program which gives young adults from Pacific Beach High School and Family Partnership School the opportunity to learn essential employability skills and interact with local business leaders in professions that do not require a 4-year college degree. For more information on volunteering or contributing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, call 781-3226, or log onto www.slobigs.org.

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

Sierra Vista receives award Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center has been selected for the 2009 Best of San Luis Obispo Award in the Hospitals category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

new president and major project in slo rotary Members of the Rotary Club of SLO, largest in the tri-Counties, have selected its Board of Directors for 2009-2010 and named Julie Aguilar, President. The Rotary Club is noted as a tremendous supporter of City projects, including, among dozens of others, the Laguna Lake Pavilion and Mitchell Park Bandstand. President Aguilar announced this year’s main project will be development of the Community Food Garden Project in Meadow Park. This project will be a collaborative effort with all three SLO Rotary Clubs. Last year, Bob Hather led the cause to help develop inexpensive well-drilling equipment for 3rd World countries with the help of Cal Poly students and the previous year, President Roxanne Carr pledged $50,000 for the Railroad Safety Bicycle Trail.

Club members continue their ongoing support of scholarships to deserving students, generally more than $30,000 per year and actively support More information may be obtained about this Rotary club and its International affiliations online at www.slorotary.org or by contacting Secretary Gail Hoffman at 805-541-1196.

San Luis Obispo’s Best Kept Secret Power Carts Senior Discount (55) • 10 Play C ards • Tournaments Welcome • •

Tee Times on our website: lagunalakegolfcourse.org or call 805-781-7309

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS meets in San Luis Obispo County on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, please call 704-2043.

REIS FAMILY &

M O RT U A R I E S

C R E M AT O R Y

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$50 off your next service with this ad 544-5325 / 528-4693 / www.finnplumbing.com N O V E M B E R

2009

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54

COMMUNITY

football fills November. The neighbor

NOVEMBER Almanac

By Phyllis Benson

bought a big screen TV for game season. He says it is great except now he needs a bigger house to fit the TV, recliner and grandkids crowding the carpet stadium.

footballs bounce funny, say the kids. Their

“There are four unbroken rules when it comes to Thanksgiving: there must be turkey and dressing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.” ---John Hadamuscin

solution is tying it in a sweatshirt. It does not bounce far and they grab a sleeve to drag it in bounds. The coach sees future stars.

former coach, john madden said, “If national authors day is November 1.

Author John Maddox said, “Only two classes of books are of universal appeal. The very best and the very worst.”

daylight savings time ends November

november brings winter storms. The local

boat shop says batten down the hatches. Even better, dock the boat.

our handyman makes house visits to

you see a defense team with dirt and mud on their backs they’ve had a bad day.”

thanksgiving day is November 26. The

small fry table smashes peas in potatoes and tells turkey jokes. Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? The outside.

1. Turn those clocks and other timekeepers back one hour.

caulk foundations and roof tiles. His wife is the spotter, calling out directions for spots he missed. He says it sounds like home.

J.K. rowling, creator of Harry Potter,

veterans day is November 11.

yard turkey for dinner. Who had the most feathers? The turkey plucker.

cat week is here. Writer Stephen Baker

sesame street debuted Nov. 10, 1969.

wrote, “It’s a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up.”

will rogers was born Nov. 4, 1879. His folksy humor and trick roping made the Oklahoma cowboy famous and wealthy.

four generations ago Rogers said,

“Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.”

1889: On November 2, North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to statehood.

dakota joke A true Dakotan knows cow pies are not made of beef.

milestone: In November 1909, construction began for the Pearl Harbor naval base.

N O V E M B E R

2009

says most beds sleep up to six cats. Ten cats without the owner.

cats are heat-seekers. This time of

old-timers remember prepping the back-

The fictional New York neighborhood offered young children education wrapped in entertainment.

year they are purring, friendly and snuggling with the dog. The dog is wise to this and takes his time settling down, knowing his nap is a cat nap.

puppeteer Jim Henson created the Sesame

shelters are full of cats and dogs in au-

harvest is nearly done. From home gardens to farm orchards, crops are in for the season.

tumn. Choose a buddy for rainy day naps and winter movies.

our latest shelter dog came with

40 pounds of extra fat. Sam Two brought the gift of joy, waddling when his legs were weight-bowed and tossing a toy for play when he was too tired to stand. He is growing younger with exercise and healthy food.

There is a lesson here, but we ignore it.

Journal PLUS

Street character Muppets. He said, “The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children.”

we are ready for wine-tasting, apple-toting and pie-baking. Grab a jacket and take a last look at autumn beauty.

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

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