BY PETER JOHNSON
Cannabis shock
Community division, accusations imperil York Mountain medical marijuana project
Plans for 3 acres of outdoor medical cannabis cultivation and seven greenhouses on agricultural land in North County are in limbo after SLO County supervisors delayed a decision on the project at a Feb. 26 appeal hearing. The appeal hearing—the first of its kind for a cannabis project in SLO County— lasted four hours and showcased a community at odds. Residents from across the county came to weigh in, at times emotionally, on the grows proposed 7 miles west of Paso Robles, on York Mountain Road.
“This is the most divisive project I think that’s come before this board,” said SLO County 1st District Supervisor John Peschong, who represents the area. York Mountain residents Frank Ricigliano and Sue Sullivan own the 77acre parcel where the project is planned. They declined to comment for this story.
The site is positioned less than a mile off Highway 46, and SLO County issued a minor use permit to applicants Laura Gardner and Jim McAllister for the project in September 2018. The following month, Templeton area resident Ian McPhee appealed that decision. Opponents, which include the project’s direct neighbors, voiced concerns about the operation’s odor, water, and security impacts, as well as its overall compatibility with the York Mountain community.
BY AIDAN MCGLOIN
“We moved to that area in 1995 for the peace, quiet, and serenity that it would offer,” said Mary Bang, who owns the property and home nearest to the site. “Since 1995, we have not seen any commercial-sized agricultural producing crop on that property.”
The project’s nine proposed buildings— which include greenhouses, a nursery, offices, and processing facilities—would be located 400 feet from the Bangs’ property line. The outdoor cultivation is 650 feet away and atop a hill. Both distances exceed the county’s setback rules for cannabis grows, but that didn’t quell all concerns.
“I have two small children. They both have asthma,” said Kristy Popowich, the Bangs’ daughter. “I do not believe there have been any studies to show what something like this does to somebody who already has respiratory issues. I’m very concerned.”
Supporters, on the other hand, argued that the project’s water, biological, archaeological, and traffic studies showed there’d be minimal impacts to the environment. Odor, they said, would be addressed via odor filtration systems in the greenhouses, as well as ongoing participation in an odor-monitoring program.
“This project meets all of the requirements,” said Jamie Jones, the applicants’ representative at the hearing.
In her presentation, Jones also accused
Cultural expansion
The Five Cities Diversity Coalition is expanding to serve the entire county and recently renamed itself Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo Its purpose is to promote positive human understanding and behavior through charitable, scientific, and educational efforts at the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and all other aspects of identity. The coalition aims to increase cultural understanding through working with mayors, schools, law enforcement, citizens, and minority groups.
Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo President Rudy Xavier believes the way to grow cultural understanding is by providing education and resources to all ages.
“Not only do we have to educate the young, we have to change the opinions of the older group,” Xavier said.
The coalition has partnered with the Lucia Mar Unified School District to bring in guest speakers. Last year, the coalition brought in two speakers who presented at Paulding and Judkins middle schools—Holocaust survivor Henry Oster, who spoke in March 2018, and Sudanese Civil War refugee Alepho Deng, who spoke in February 2018. During the assembly with Deng, Xavier went to the front of the room to take a photo of the middle school students.
“They were absolutely fascinated,” Xavier said. “He really, seriously, made an impression on them.”
the appellant and the Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG), whose board voted to oppose the project, of using deceptive tactics to sway the Board of Supervisors against it.
A Google Earth photo submitted by the appellant and TAAG aimed to demonstrate that the cannabis site would be visible from Highway 46. Jones contended that the photo had been manipulated using a Google tool that denudes the landscape of nearby trees and shrubbery.
“There were clearly special efforts by manipulation, and we just think that’s unfair,” Jones told the board.
While the appellant’s attorney and TAAG representatives denied the allegation, 3rd District Supervisor Adam Hill and 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton weren’t convinced.
“I do believe the pictures were meant to deceive,” Compton said.
Hill added, “I don’t think we want to start a precedent of making a decision based on manipulated information or false information.”
That wasn’t the only accusation made at the hearing. One community member alleged that after he attended a TAAG meeting about the project, he found out his name had been included in a statement sent to the supervisors against it.
“Later on, I got word that my name and my email was submitted with opposition to the board without my permission,” Bob Stewart said. “I’m 100 percent in support of this project, so whoever submitted my name and email, I don’t like it.”
Members of TAAG and the community
in opposition expressed their own grievances with the process around the project. They described a rushed and scattered review, where new revisions to the project weren’t shared in detail with the community. While TAAG initially recommended approval of the project in October 2018, as concerns mounted and the appeal was filed, the group reversed its position.
“The overall effort was to reflect the voice of the community,” said Larry Fluer, an elected member of TAAG and its cannabis project review committee. “As we listened to these voices, it shifted our focus.”
County supervisors voted unanimously to continue the hearing to March 12. The applicant and appellant agreed to meet in the interim to try to strike a compromise, which may include moving the outdoor grow site farther away from the Bangs’ property, among other tweaks.
While the hearing marked the first cannabis appeal in SLO County, it won’t be the last. Of the county’s 17 approved cannabis projects thus far, seven have been appealed to the board.
Supervisor Bruce Gibson (2nd District) thinks the objections stem from the crop itself, and not the particulars of the project.
“If this were 3 acres of wine grapes and seven greenhouses growing tomatoes with two processing buildings, we wouldn’t be here today,” Gibson said. “The question really boils down to whether we have a problem with cannabis.” ∆
Assistant Editor Peter Johnson can be reached at pjohnson@newtimesslo.com.
Strokes&Plugs
The coalition and the district match speakers like Deng with English curriculum and books such as The Diary of Anne Frank and A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Their collaboration also included the coalition’s sponsorshop of 22 teachers to visit the Museum of Tolerance in LA.
“We’ve been really lucky to have this partnership, and it’s exciting to hear the Diversity Coalition is expanding,” Lucia Mar Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Hillery Dixon said. “I’m hoping that other sites, other school districts, will be able to benefit from the same work because it’s been so powerful for us.”
Preston Allen, a former Cal Poly executive director of university housing and a 26-year Arroyo Grande resident, said the coalition has become an extension of the community since it was founded. W. David Conn started the group in 2011 after a cross was burned outside the home of a black Arroyo Grande family. Allen witnessed the aftermath.
“The community’s response to that was so heartfelt,” Allen said. “We didn’t view it as we live in a racist environment, we view it as a community that we are so not that.”
Most communities’ first response to something like a cross burning is to go inward and generate tension, Allen said, but when Arroyo Grande residents ran into each other at gas stations and grocery stores, they asked one another how they were doing.
Xavier believes the work the coalition does can be expanded, and the time has come for the organization to grow. No stranger to intolerance or trauma, Xavier enjoys being able to turn his life experiences into action.
“From the time I was 3 years old to the time I was 10, I have experienced bullying, which is something we fight against; I experienced racial profiling; I experienced being a refugee; I experienced being kidnapped; I witnessed seven murders. That’s a lot to happen in seven years,” Xavier said. “I have experienced all of these things, so to take the chance to do something about it is amazing.”
Fast fact
The Diversity Coalition raised money to place a sculpture, Arboring Our Roots of Diversity, in front of Arroyo Grande High School soon after. The words “culture,” “community,” “diversity,” “heritage,” “education,” “peace,” “individuality,” and “unity” surround the base.
That tree sculpture’s physical presence and the guest speakers’ presentations raise the bar of awareness for people, Allen said, which is the most an organization can do.
The Diversity Coalition also holds quarterly meetings that play host to speakers like Sudanese refugee Joseph Jok and Cal Poly professor Stephen LloydMoffett, who speaks about the origins of religious tolerance. Transgender activist Jessica Lynn will speak at the next meeting, on May 23.
• CenCal Health recently announced a collaborative new program aimed at providing safe recuperative care to local homeless individuals who are not sick enough to be hospitalized but are too frail to recover from their illness or injury on the streets. The Recuperative Care Program will provide up to 90 days of services for Medi-Cal members who need comprehensive medical services, acccording to a press release. Partners include Dignity Health, Tenet Helathcare, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, and Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria. For more information, visit cencalhealth.org. ∆
New Times Intern Aidan McGloin wrote this week’s Strokes & Plugs. Send tips to strokes@newtimesslo.com.
PLANTING TOLERANCE The Diversity Coalition raised the funds to install this sculpture, Arboring Our Roots of Diversity , outside of Arroyo Grande High School after a cross burning in 2011.
PHOTO BY AIDAN MCGLOIN
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Opinion Rhetoric&Reason
BY ANDREW CHRISTIE
Take the deal
Immediately before and after the Feb. 7 introduction of the Green New Deal resolution by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), let the record show that the opinion pages of The Tribune and New Times — with the exception of my previous column here and The Shredder’s call to “Make America Less Embarrassing Again!” (Feb. 28)— have been an unrelieved series of attacks on the resolution and the reasons for it.
The Trib dutifully reprinted a column from the National Review by noted serious person George Will trashing the Green New Deal. Will has previously touted the prime climate denier myth that the world has not warmed since 1998 and dismissed the news that sea levels are rising as an absurd notion. Conservative pundit Jay Ambrose was given space in which to downplay and dismiss last October’s report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that we have a 12year deadline to avoid the worst effects of global warming.
In these pages, local opponents have seized the occasion to unload on renewable energy and the idea that there is a scientific consensus that human activity is driving climate change (“Green unicorns,” Feb. 14, and “Green dreamin’,” Feb. 21).
For readers who would assume from the opinions on view in our local media that articulate advocates capable of making the case for a Green New Deal simply can’t be found, let me recommend David Roberts at Vox (“Green New Deal critics are missing the bigger picture”), Adam Rogers at Wired (“The Green New Deal shows how grand climate politics can be”), Bill McKibben in The New Yorker (“Dianne Feinstein says no to the Green New Deal”), and Justin Talbot Zorn, Ben Beachy, and Rhiana Gunn-Wright in The Guardian (“A Green New Deal is fiscally responsible”).
Meanwhile, here are some corrections to recent assertions made in this space by local commentators. In Germany, the percentage of clean energy generated surpassed coal power last year, and the country is on track to shut down all 84 of its coal-fired power plants. If that’s not impressive enough, check out the most recent figures on clean energy generation as a percentage of total energy consumed by Denmark (53.7 percent), Portugal (54.1 percent), Sweden (64.9 percent), Iceland (95.3 percent), and Norway (104.7 percent). Those who continue to argue that we can’t do it over here because “it’s not working over there” are making an argument that, increasingly, isn’t working.
Those still claiming that there is no scientific consensus on human activity as the primary cause of climate change should scan the list of nearly 200 scientific organizations worldwide that have concluded that climate change has been caused by humans; the latest study from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and this conclusion from the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC, the work of hundreds of scientists assessing thousands of scientific papers: “Human influence on the climate system is clear” (Al Fonzi’s inevitable opinion to the contrary notwithstanding).
That’s why the Green New Deal does not need defending, just context.
Here’s the context: This is an emergency. It has become an emergency because, for the last 30 years, those with a psychological need to deny it or a vested interest in pretending it wasn’t happening—or that it was happening but it was no big deal, and/or it’s the result of causes that have nothing to do with anything we do—have blunted and forestalled the kind of actions that could have been taken incrementally over decades to gradually pull us back from the brink. Now, incrementalism won’t work anymore.
Nobody gets to wave a dismissive hand or clutch their pearls and profess shock at a proposal that matches the scale of the problem now facing us. The Green New Deal is not about dreams and unicorns; it’s a rope ladder dropped into a deepening pit. Those disputing the depth of the pit or
The blame game
Looks like we’re still playing the “Is he or isn’t he an illegal alien?” game when it comes to Carlo Alberto Fuentes Flores, 42, accused of raping and murdering Paso Robles resident Nancy Woodrum, 62. You’d be forgiven for asking, “Who gives a shit? Is he guilty or not? Isn’t that what really matters?”
Normally the answers would be, “No one should,” “That’s for a judge and jury to decide,” and “Yes, that’s all that matters.” The problem is we live in U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s America where legal status has turned into a political cudgel.
Could a tweet from Trump bias a jury pool on the other side of the country? I’m sure he’d like to think so! It certainly appears that defense attorneys for Flores believe a presidential tweet has the power to impede their ability to offer effective counsel to Flores, who did some painting work at Woodrum’s home and was able to lead investigators to her buried body. Seems like those facts would have more bearing on his potential guilt than his legal status.
In any case, Flores’ attorneys have requested a gag order because “there is a reasonable risk that the inflammatory nature of the facts in this case combined with the potential for extensive press coverage and poisonous social media commentary necessitate these protective orders.”
The legal filing states, “The present political climate has become toxic for Mexican nationals,” and goes on to quote Trump calling Mexicans “rapists and murderers.” Another filing by the defense attorneys’ expert witness, Bryan Edelman, “co-founder of Trial Innovations Inc., a national full-service jury research firm,” goes into even more detail about Trump’s past anti-Mexican sentiments, and Edelman even quotes a full paragraph from yours truly (The Shredder, “Vexed and Loving It,” Jan. 31), followed by a page or so of social media comments from the community.
I don’t know about those local social media commenters, but I feel an overwhelming flood of power going straight to my head! I can taint a potential jury pool? Who knew? I’ve got the power!!!
Look, what’s basically happening is Flores’ defense team is trying to keep the press from covering this trial, and neither they nor SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow is willing to actually reveal Flores’ legal status. Why? Because if he’s here illegally, it plays right into Trump’s narrative. If it’s true, though, don’t we—the public paying for the trial— have the right to know?
Of course, the real tragedy here is that Flores’ unknown status has turned the entire conversation away from the fact that a sweet, innocent, lovely woman with family, friends, and a business has been
suggesting we chip out handholds in the wall with a penknife instead have one thing in common: They don’t have a better idea. And the folks who just passed a tax cut for billionaires that will add nearly $2 trillion to the national debt don’t get to squawk about cost. That proud achievement, as Zorn, Beachy and GunnWright observe, “did little more than enrich stateless mega-corporations and the wealthiest investors,” whereas a Green New Deal “would create millions of jobs with family-sustaining wages for workers whose inflation-adjusted pay hasn’t budged since the 1970s … laying the groundwork for a more vibrant and equitable economy that sustains the communities and physical resources on which our society is built.”
And therein lies the genius of the Green New Deal. Beltway pundits, home-grown reactionaries, fossil fuel CEOs, and toocautious politicos don’t like it. Its natural constituency is workers, communities, and people under 30 who can see what’s coming and are able to weigh “how can we afford to?” against “how can we afford not to?” and make the obvious choice.
Seldom has history erected a billboard so high and wide with a large blinking arrow labeled “the right side.” Being on that side would be a good idea. #GreenNewDeal. ∆
Andrew Christie is the director of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Send comments through the editor at clanham@newtimesslo.com
murdered. Thanks to politics, the victim seems to be of little concern, and that’s sickening. Thanks, Trump!
Speaking of sickening, politics, and hypocrisy, both 1st District Supervisor John Peschong and 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold seem to have forgotten they’re small government conservatives !
In Peschong’s case, neighbors of a planned outdoor and greenhouse medical cannabis farm on York Mountain Road are worried about the 3-acre project, located about 400 feet from their houses, which—by the way—is within the county’s setback rules for pot grows. Neighbors appealed the approved project, citing odor, water use, and security concerns. Now Peschong—who happily supports oil extraction and massive wine grape operations—is suddenly an environmentalist.
“There are impacts—visibility, water, neighborhood, air quality, compatibility, road impacts,” Peschong said. “There are too many questions here tonight to move forward … I think both sides here are good people. I believe it needs greater environmental analysis.”
Ha, ha, ha! Yeah, OK Mr. Environmentalist. I wonder if 3 acres of grapes—or oil rigs—would have drawn the same concern?
In Arnold’s case, she requested that
county staff look into making water well drilling more onerous because she too wants to appease this vocal North County contingent. Aside from the regulated Paso Robles Groundwater Basin area, rural county residents have been free to drill water wells on their property, which seems like a very small government, freedom-first policy. But now she’s ready for staff to draw up cumbersome rules that will affect all county residents! Hypocrisy much? Personally, a few more rules on willynilly well drilling might be a fine idea, but that’s a liberal stance. Arnold has her eye on her third term, but moves like this might set up the feared “third-term curse” in District 5! Voters don’t like flipflopping pols who’ll do and say anything to win another chance to wield power. And the Irony of the Week Award goes to eco-warriors from the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity who turned up to protest the Plains All American Pipeline scoping hearings in Santa Barbara and Arroyo Grande at the end of February with signs saying, “No pipelines! No trucks!” and “Plains Pipeline go home!” They also had a giant whale made of … wait for it … plastic! Um, I love your environmental stance and all, but without oil extraction, your inflatable pool toy prop wouldn’t exist. ∆
The Shredder puts the “hip” into hypocrisy. Send ideas and comments to shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Central Coast
• By the Sea Productions
• Cal Poly Arts
• Cal Poly Athletics
• Cambria Film Festival
• CAPSLO: Health & Prevention Division
• CASA of San Luis Obispo County
• Central Coast Aquarium
• Central Coast Follies
• Central Coast Renaissance Festival
• Central Coast Shakespeare Festival
• Central Coast State Parks Association
• Central Coast Writers Conference
• City of Atascadero
• City of San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department
• City to the Sea
• CPAC at Cuesta College
• Dunes Center
• Earth Day Alliance
• Family Care Network
• Festival Mosaic
• Grover Beach Community Foundation
• Los Osos Chamber of Commerce
• Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation (MOFF)
• Morro Bay Harbor Festival
• Orchestra Novo
• Paso Robles Rotary
• PCPA Theater
• RISE SLO
• Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
• SLO Blues Baseball
• SLO Blues Society
• SLO Chamber of Commerce
• SLO Film Festival
• SLO Jazz Festival
• SLO Jewish Film Festival
• SLO Noor Foundation
• SLO Pride
• SLO Reperatory Theater
• Templeton Chamber of Commerce
• United Way
• Wilshire Hospice
from Whiz Kids. Second Thursday of every month, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free admission; donations appreciated.. 805-543-8562. sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
PAPER CRAFTING FOR TEENS Come to the SLO Library for this special paper crafting activity. For grades 6-12. March 7, 4-5 p.m. Free. 805-781-5775. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo. PETE THE CAT STORY TIME Featuring special guest Pete the Cat. March 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-781-5775. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
POTTERY CLASSES AND PAINTING POTS Kids are welcome to come and learn various ways of working with clay, including sculpting, slab building, and throwing onto the pottery wheel. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805-896-6197. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. PYJAMA DRAMA: DRAMA AND IMAGINATIVE PLAY CLASSES Drama and imaginative play develops skills that can last a lifetime like the confidence to be brave, desire to share ideas with others, and the joy of solving problems with friends by your side. Saturdays, 11-11:45 a.m. and Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. $12. 805-7090761. pyjamadrama.com. SLO Movement Arts Center, 2074 Parker St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRTUAL REALITY FOR TEENS Experience virtual reality. For ages 13 to 17. March 14, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. 805-781-5775. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
COUNTY
SOUTH COAST SLO
MINDFUL KINDFUL PEACEFUL (AGES 6-11):
ARROYO GRANDE A social-emotional learning program that provides foundation for greater mental strength, resilience, happiness, and well-being. Preregistration required. Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. through May 30 805-270-5523. mindfulkindfulyouniversity.com/ register-dragonfly-ag. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.
OCEANO DUNES VISITOR CENTER Enjoy exhibits of dune and lagoon plant and animal species. End your visit with a stroll behind the center to the fresh-water lagoon. ongoing, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-474-2667. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave, Oceano.
PLAY EXPLORE CREATE 1 Enjoy various art activities including drawing, painting, building sculptures, and more. Designed for ages 3 to 4. All materials are included. Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m. $20. 805-668-2125. LilA Creative Community, 1147 East Grand Ave. Suite 101, Arroyo Grande, lila. community.
STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE See the cast of dogs perform tricks, high jumps, stunts, comedy, dance routines, and more. All of these performing pups have been rescued from pounds and shelters across the country. March 9, 3-4:30 & 7-8:30 p.m. $20-$35. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SPIRITUAL
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COME TOGETHER Features crafts, activities, a shared meal, and more. Second Wednesday of every month, 5-7 p.m. 805-772-7644. Estero Bay UMC, 3000 Hemlock, Morro Bay.
GUIDED MEDITATION CLASS Come learn to meditate in a relaxed setting. Pay attention to each second and increase your awareness of the inner world. Frequent prompts facilitate the focus. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 805-439-2757. meditationintro.com. Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
HOUSE OF GOD CHURCH SERVICES Join Pastor Joseph and Amanda Anderson every Sunday for prayer, healing, and more. Sundays, 9:30-11 a.m. 805-8887714. House of God Church, 946 Rockaway Ave., Grover Beach.
INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of the month. With Julie Jensen. Come explore your innate gifts that are receiving and giving intuitive information. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. $25. 805489-2423. Halcyon Store Post Office, 936 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande.
MEDIUMSHIP DEVELOPMENT Learn the basics of communicating with spirit in a safe environment with Mike Smith. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. $15. 805-4802432. Halcyon Store Post Office, 936 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande.
REFUGE RECOVERY Refuge Recovery is a nontheistic, Buddhist-inspired approach to treating and recovering from addictions of all kinds. Open to people of all backgrounds and respectful of all recovery paths. Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Free; donations welcome. The Haven (classroom), 621 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, 805-202-3440.
SUNDAY FOR SPIRIT PSYCHIC READINGS
Features an assortment of psychic readers. Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Vaires. 805-489-2432. Halcyon Store Post Office, 936 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande.
YOUTH SERVICES The City Church Central Coast holds youth services for junior high school students. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Free. 805-929-8990. thecitycc.org. Faith Life Community Church, 726 W Tefft St, Nipomo.
VOLUNTEERS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ART CENTER MORRO BAY Seeking volunteers to be docents and/or organize art programs. Mondays-Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
FELINE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL COAST
Seeking volunteers to provide foster homes for foster kittens or cats with special needs. The Feline Network pays for food, litter, and any medications needed. Volunteers also needed to help with humanely trapping and transporting feral cats for spay/neuter. ongoing 805-549-9228. felinenetwork.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO.
HOSPICE SLO COUNTY IN-HOME VOLUNTEER TRAINING Training topics include attitudes about dying/death, communication skills, family dynamics, grief, and end-of-life care. Preregistration required. Thursdays, 1:30-6 p.m. through March 21 Free. 805544-2266. hospiceslo.org. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
HOSPICE SLO COUNTY THRESHOLD SINGERS
SEEK NEW VOICES Sing for individuals experiencing life-limiting or end-of life conditions. Third Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-544-2266. hospiceslo. org/services/hospice-slo-county-threshold-singers.
Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. HOSPICE SLO COUNTY VOLUNTEER TRAINING Preregistration required. In-Home Volunteers assist individuals with a life-limiting illness and their families by providing caregiver respite, practical assistance, emotional support, companionship, and comfort. Thursdays, 1-6 p.m. Free. 805-544-2266. hospiceslo. org/workshops. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
CIRCLE GAME
Creative Me Time hosts one of its succulent wreath workshops on March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cuesta College. All materials are provided, including a care instruction sheet. Admission is $70. Call (805) 546-3132 or visit creativemetime. com for more info.
—C.W.
TEMPLETON FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. northcountyfarmersmarkets.com. Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St., Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
FARMERS MARKET Farmers Market in SLO is the largest Farmers Market in California. Thursdays, 6:10-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts over 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 2650 Main St., San Luis Obispo. SLO GUILD TUESDAY FARMERS’ MARKET Tuesdays, 2-5 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. 805-762-4688. facebook.com/ TuesdayFarmersMarketSLOGuildHall/. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARROYO GRANDE FARMERS MARKET Includes produce, artists and musicians. Saturdays, 12-2:25 p.m. Arroyo Grande Farmers Market, Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande. NIPOMO FARMERS MARKET Includes a large variety of locally grown produce. Open year round Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. nipomofarmersmarket.com/. Nipomo Farmers Market, Via Concha Road, Nipomo.
EVENTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ANYTHING BUT ZIN LaZarre Wines, Thomas Hill Organics, and the Santa Maria Brewing Company present a 4-course dinner. March 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $95 (inclusive of tax and tip). 805-226-5888. eventbrite. com. Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro, 1313 Park Street, Paso Robles.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
REFUGE RECOVERY Refuge Recovery is a nontheistic, Buddhist-inspired approach to treating and recovering from addictions of all kinds. Open to people of all backgrounds and respectful of all recovery paths. Saturdays, 7:30-8:45 p.m. Free; donations welcome. SLO County Drug and Alcohol Atascadero, 3500 El Camino Real, Atascadero, 800-838-1381.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
REFUGE RECOVERY SLO Refuge Recovery is a non-theistic, Buddhist-inspired approach to treating and recovering from addictions of all kinds. Open to people of all backgrounds and respectful of all recovery paths. Sundays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; donations welcome. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
THRIVING WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION Explore various supportive and positive practices. Second Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-noon Donations accepted. 805-439-2757. https:RuthCherryPhD.com. Unity Church, 1130 Orcutt, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DRUM MEDICINE JOURNEY With Julie Jensen. Every third Monday, 6:30-8 p.m. $30. 805-489-2432. Halcyon Store Post Office, 936 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande.
VOLUNTEERS OFFER CENTRAL COAST FREE TAX FILING SERVICES Cal Poly volunteers are offering free tax return preparation assistance to taxpayers with annual income less than $54,000. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through March 16 Free. 805-756-2667. cob.calpoly.edu/vita/. Cal Poly Business Building, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
FOOD & DRINK FARMERS MARKETS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BAYWOOD FARMERS MARKET Mondays, 2-4:30 p.m. northcountyfarmersmarkets.com. Baywood Farmers Market, Santa Maria and 2nd St., Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
ATASCADERO FARMERS MARKET Visit site for info on featured music artists and chefs. Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. Free. visitatascadero.com. Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
CAMBRIA FARMERS MARKET Fridays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 805-395-6659. cambriafarmersmarket.com. Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria.
PASO ROBLES FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. northcountyfarmersmarkets.com. Paso Robles Farmers Market, Spring and 11th St., Paso Robles.
DAILY HAPPY HOUR AT THE NAUTICAL COWBOY Enjoy happy hour specials at this Central Coast steak and seafood house. ongoing, 4-6 p.m. 805-461-5100. the-carlton.com/dining/the-nautical-cowboy. The Nautical Cowboy, 6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero. MCPRICE MYERS WINEMAKER DINNER Enjoy the first winemaker dinner on the estate with a 5-course meal by Chef Peter Haller, paired with wines and conversation from McPrice Myers. March 7, 7-10 p.m. Visit site for details. 805-237-1245. facebook. com/events/379115389581387/. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. SAN LUIS OBISPO
GEEKS WHO DRINK PUB QUIZ 8 rounds of audio, visual, and live hosted trivia with prizes. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805-868-7133. 7SistersBrewing. com. 7Sisters Brewing Company, 181 Tank Farm Rd. Suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
POP-UP DINNER: AN EVENING IN NORTHERN ITALY Part of a curated dinner series featuring multiple courses and paired seasonal libations. March 8, 6:30 p.m. $95. my805tix.com. Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe, 1804 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.
TASTE OF SLO: WALKING FOOD TOUR Visit five different destinations in downtown SLO per tour. All food and drinks are included. Mondays, Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. through Sept. 5 $85. 320-420-9853. tasteofslowalkingfoodtour.com. Downtown SLO, Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. ∆
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2019 AT 9:00 AM.
ALL 5 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Consent Agenda – Item Nos. 1-21 & Resolution (Res.) No. 2019-051 thru 2019-055, approved.
2. Public Comment Period - matters not on the agenda: L. Casalinuovo; D. Senser; E. Greening; T. Mahoney; S. Jenkins; G. Grewal; B. DiFatta & L. Owen: speak. No action taken.
3. FY2019-20 County & State Budget update, rec’d & filed.
4. Infrastructure & Facilities 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, approved.
5. Res. 2019-056, amending the General Plan, Land Use Ordinance (LUO), Title 22 of the County Code & approve the environmental determination; Ordinance No. 3381, amending Title 22 of the County Code, LUO, Ch. 22.94.070 re: the North County Planning Area & Nacimiento Sub-Area Standards.
6. Closed Session. Anticipated Litigation: No of potential cases: 2. Significant exposure to litigation: No of potential cases: 2. Existing litigation: Application Filed by PG&E for Retirement of Diablo Canyon Power Plant A, 16-08-006; Application filed by PG&E in the 2018 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (U 39 E) A: 1812-008; In re PG&E Corporation (19-19-30088); In re PG&E Company (19-1930089). Conference w/ Labor Negotiator, T. Douglas-Schatz, re: SLOGAU; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA. Report out.
7. Presentations: Resolutions commending staff in recognition of 30 and 35 years of service, M. Jacobsen –Res 2019-057, L. Niesen – Res. 2019-058 & J. Rempe – Res. 2019-059, adopted.
8. Update on the participation in SB450, the Voter’s Choice Act, for elections beginning in 2020, rec’d w/ direction given to staff.
9. Presentation re: feasibility of completing comprehensive hydrogeologic studies of fractured rock areas & information on ordinances that manage groundwater extractions & authorities w/in the Sustainable Groundwater Mgmt Act, rec’d w/ direction given to staff.
10. Appeal of I. McPhee to modify the decision of the Planning Department Hearing Officer’s approval of the Minor Use Permit to eastablish indoor & outdoor cannabis cultivation on a portion of a 77 acre site, located at 6480 York Mountain Rd in Templeton, cont’d to 03/12/19. Meeting Adjourned.
Tommy Gong, County Clerk-Recorder and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk
March 7, 2019
ORDINANCE NO. 3381
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 22 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE, THE LAND USE ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 22.94.070 RELATING TO THE NORTH COUNTY PLANNING AREA AND THE NACIMIENTO SUB-AREA STANDARDS
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 22.94.070 of the Land Use Ordinance, Title 22 of the San Luis Obispo County Code, is hereby amended as follows: 22.94.070 – Nacimiento Sub-Area Standards
A. Finished floor elevations. Within the Lake Nacimiento watershed, the first floor of a building used for habitation shall not be constructed below the 825-foot elevation, except that habitable structures destroyed in the 2016 Chimney Fire may be reconstructed upon prior authorization by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency and issuance of a construction permit. Reconstruction shall be limited to the footprint and height of the destroyed structure.
SECTION 2. This project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3).
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portion of this ordinance. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on and after 30 days from the date of its passage hereof. Before the expiration of 15 days after the adoption of this ordinance, it shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, together with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance.
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 26th day of February, 2019 the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Supervisors John Peschong, Bruce S. Gibson, Adam Hill, Lynn Compton and Chairperson Debbie Arnold
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
ATTEST:
TOMMY GONG
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, to consider the following item: Adoption of a Resolution to amend the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for annexation of the Fiero Lane-Clarion Court area, and extend the timeframe of the MOA and Interim Water and Sewer Service Outside Users Agreement by one year. Address of Application: 850 Fiero Ln. (ANNX-1166-2015).
For more information, you are invited to contact Shawna Scott of the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7176, or by email, sscott@slocity.org.
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Reports for this meeting will be available for review in the City Clerk’s Office and online at www.slocity. org on March 13, 2019. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7100 for more information.
The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on www.slocity.org.
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo March 7, 2019
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
WHO: County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT: Hearing to consider a request by John Swift for a third time extension (EXT2018-00041) of previously approved Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit (DRC2012-00117) to: a) construct a new 2,340-square-foot single-family residence with a 280-square-foot attached garage; b) grade to widen, extend, and pave an existing 1,700-foot driveway; c) install two 8,000 gallon water tanks, associated utilities, and a stormwater detention system; and d) convert an existing single-family residence to farm support quarters. The proposed project would result in the disturbance of approximately 1.3 acres on a 148-acre parcel in the Agriculture land use category.
The proposed project is located at 3698 Clark Valley Road, approximately one mile south of Los Osos Valley Road and two miles southeast of the Los Osos urban reserve line. The site is in the Estero Planning Area.
The project was modified through a Substantial Conformance process which allowed the relocation of the proposed driveway. This revision was found to be an alternate low slope, non-paved driveway route which will eliminate several biological impacts. The new proposed driveway has been reviewed on site with Cal Fire. The alternate driveway would not result in any potentially significant impacts to biological resources and would be less impactful on the environment when compared to the approved driveway.
County File Number: EXT2018-00041
Supervisorial District: District 2
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 067-161-014
Date Accepted: N/A
WHERE: The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids for the “ANHOLM BIKEWAY PHASE 1A – FOOTHILL CROSSING, Spec. No. 91619” at the Public Works Administration Office located at 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 until, THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019, at 2:00
P.M., when they will be publicly opened.
Bids received after said time will not be considered. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, contractor name, address, and specification number.
The Contractor must possess a valid Class A Contractor’s License at the time of the bid opening. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/ cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of San Luis Obispo.
Download FREE at the City’s website: www.SloCity.org - Bid packages under Bids & Proposals. Bid packages may be obtained at the Public Works Department for a non-refundable fee of $15.00 in person, $25.00 if mailed. City Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards may be obtained for a non-refundable fee of $16.00 in person, $21.00 if mailed. Questions may be addressed to Luke Schwartz, Project Manager, at 805-781-7190 or lschwartz@ slocity.org.
March 7, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach City Council will hold two public hearings at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach California in the Council Chamber for the following purposes:
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Description: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach, California adopting new water and wastewater fees for fiscal years 2019 through 2023, effective on June 5, 2019. Introduce ordinances to repeal the current water and wastewater fees. Repeal ordinances O-2013-007 and O-2013-008 effective as of June 5, 2019.
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Description: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach, California adopting water fee penalties during Councildeclared water shortage stages two through four in fiscal years 2019 through 2023, effective as of June 5, 2019.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. An opportunity will be presented at the hearing for verbal comments. Written comments are also welcomed at the hearing or prior to the hearing. Written comments prepared prior to the hearing may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by mail or hand-delivery at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, by fax at (805) 773-7006, or by email at citycouncil@pismobeach.org.
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review at the City Clerk’s Office, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained at City Hall or by visiting www. pismobeach.org. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
Debbie Arnold
Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo State of California
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County of San Luis Obispo State of California
BY:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning. org. You may also contact Jillian Ferguson, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at (805) 781-5600.
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public
2019
If you challenge the action taken on these items in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Further information on the above items may be obtained from or viewed at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, or by telephone at (805) 773-4657, or by emailing Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org.
Erica Inderlied City Clerk
March 7, 2019
Alexies Garcia Gijon (159 Kent St., Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Jonathan Alexies Garcia Gijon. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-13-19. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Tommy Gong, County Clerk. S. Levy, Deputy. Exp. 02-13-24. February 21, 28, March 7, & 14, 2019
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2019-0430
TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (01/01/2001) New Filing The following person is doing business as, COLORFUL ATTRACTIONS, 2412 Green Place, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Gerardo Martinez (2412 Green Place, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Gerardo Martinez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-13-19. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Tommy Gong, County Clerk. S. Levy, Deputy. Exp. 02-13-24. February 21, 28, March 7, & 14, 2019
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
