Writer, director, actor, producer— Jay Duplass has proven himself capable in every role. He recently released his first new feature film since 2012, which will screen at this year’s SLO International Film Festival. It’s also the first film he’s produced without his brother by his side. Staff Writer Glen Starkey talks to the film festival’s Spotlight Awardwinner about his new film, his approach to his work, and what’s changed over the years in this week’s cover story [20]
Also this week, read about the anti-trans push that happened at a recent Lucia Mar Unified School District meeting and why [4], Parkfield Bluegrass Festival’s headliner [26], and an AI sommelier [32]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover courtesy photo by Michael Strassner cover design by Alex Zuniga
GUERILLA FILMMAKERS
(Left to right) Producer Drew Langer, cinematographer Jonathan Bregel, writer-director Jay Duplass, and camera production assistant Alvan Obichie filmed
The Baltimorons on location in Baltimore.
Residents demand that Lucia Mar schools align with Trump’s trans student executive orders
Abarrage of community members presented the Lucia Mar Unified School District board with a somber choice—snap district policy around transgender students into federal compliance or face the threat of parental rights lawsuits.
But other residents don’t agree with what the group is pushing for.
“I don’t really think what they’re doing helps kids. Just for example, the April 15 meeting, they’re sharing about the new accelerated math program and the new reading screener to help students with learning disabilities,” Lucia Mar parent Virginia Roof told New Times. “That’s what we should be focusing on, not these culture war issues and following Donald Trump’s executive orders or state law.”
Roof is also a representative of the South County Democratic Club of San Luis Obispo County. She told New Times that Lucia Mar’s April 15 meeting saw an influx of people in opposition to trans kids because of a flyer distributed by Arroyo Grande’s Harvest Church.
The flyer, titled “Culture Impact Chronicles,” identified two transgender students at Lucia Mar schools, one of whom is a trans female athlete.
“This is causing psychological trauma to the girls,” the flyer read. “Girls who identify and actually are girls, or boys as boys are not offered the same private spaces, which exposes the district to Title IX and sexual discrimination lawsuits.”
Harvest Church’s flyer called official district policies “immoral and unfair.” Those policies include addressing students by their chosen pronouns; allowing students to access the sports team, restroom, and locker room that conforms to their chosen gender; and needing students’ consent before sharing students’ gender with their parents.
The flyer aligns with a larger countywide call issued by the local Moms for Liberty chapter. A pledge issued by the group demands that school districts align their policies with President Trump’s executive orders like “keeping men out of women’s sports” and “defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.”
Moms for Liberty also wants school district policy to follow the Title IX regulations enacted by Trump in his first term. Title IX changed under President Biden—including explicit protections for transgender students. Reverting to the 2020 rule under Trump’s second term, Title IX will now enforce protections “on the basis of biological sex in schools and on campuses,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Not complying with Moms for Liberty’s demands by April 27 could mean lower than usual attendance for Lucia Mar—which relies on attendance-based revenue—on April 28. Pledge signatories vow to keep their children home from school in defiance.
“This protest will continue, with our children absent from school for one day each month, until the school districts adhere to federal law, respecting
Cal Poly president to testify at congressional antisemitism hearing
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong will testify before Congress on May 7 for the way the university
Title IX and executive orders that safeguard the rights of all our children, sons and daughters alike,” the pledge said.
Harvest Church’s flyer, signed off by ministry
Director Shannon Kessler, urged people to speak out at upcoming Lucia Mar board meetings.
Kessler and Harvest Church—one of the SLO County churches that sent political questionnaires to school board candidates last year—didn’t respond to New Times’ requests for comment.
The South County Democratic Club also called on its supporters to attend future meetings in favor of trans rights.
“Ever since I’ve participated in high school sports, I realized what a privilege it is to be part of a team and represent my school with amazing people,” 10th grader Bibi Shah said at the April 15 meeting. “Some adults in our community are claiming that having trans people attending our school and participating in school activities is causing ‘psychological trauma,’ but I feel just fine knowing that trans athletes are currently able to show school spirit and participate in our sports.”
the community from any attempt to roll back their rights or institutionalize anti-LGBTQ-plus prejudice.”
In contrast, fellow high school athlete Celeste Duyst cried while recounting a visit to the girl’s locker room. She alleged that a “biological male,” already wearing a track uniform, watched her and other girls undressing. Duyst’s comments caught the attention of Fox News, which featured her in the April 20 Fox and Friends segment.
Lucia Mar board members directed concerned community members to speak with state representatives like state Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), and U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara).
“Congressman Carbajal stands with the entire LGBTQ-plus community and has opposed anti-LGBTQ-plus bills in the U.S. House of Representatives, including bills that seek to ban trans athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports,” Carbajal spokesperson Eduardo Carrizosa told New Times. “The congressman will continue to work with House Democrats to defend
addressed “antisemitic, violent protests” on campus, according to the Congressional Committee on Education and Workforce.
Titled “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses,” the hearing will be chaired by Tim Walberg
In an April 16 letter to local school districts, SLO County Superintendent of Schools James Brescia said that the Senate didn’t proceed with a proposed bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, that would have required recognition of sex based only on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth. He added that two Assembly bills—89 and 844—that prioritized students’ sex assigned at birth didn’t pass out of committee. That means the law, Brescia said, currently remains unchanged.
“California’s current law protects gender identity and obligations related to participation in athletics and access to facilities,” he wrote. “The state government provides a significant majority of funding for California schools, and failure to comply with California law may result in the loss of state funding and expose LEAs [local educational agencies] to liability for discrimination or harassment based on both state and federal law.”
(R-Michigan) as an attempt to hold college administrators accountable for allowing “rampant antisemitism on college campuses,” Walberg said on the committee’s website.
—Bulbul Rajagopal
LEGAL THREAT Many community members want the Lucia Mar school board to change the district policy upholding trans students’ rights to align with recent federal orders or face the risk of lawsuits.
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
The hearing also follows executive orders from the Trump administration to take “forceful action” to combat antisemitism.
The presidents of Haverford College and DePaul University will also testify at the May 7 hearing, answering to what the committee called the “mishandling” of campus protests.
“For the past few years, our committee has played a critical role in both uncovering the rampant antisemitism on college campuses and holding administrators accountable,”
Chairman Walberg’s statement read. “This hearing is a continuation of this work so that we can ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI.”
Based on a one-year investigation, the Committee on Education and Workforce released findings on how antisemitism affected college campuses last October.
According to the committee’s report, it concluded that university administrators made concessions to the organizers of illegal encampments, deliberately chose to withhold support for Jewish students, failed to impose discipline among those who engaged in antisemitic conduct, and “considered congressional oversight a nuisance at best and with open hostility at worst.”
All three of the universities also received failing grades from the Anti-Defamation League for not addressing antisemitic tensions on campus amid the Israel-Gaza war, although the Committee on Education and Workforce’s website doesn’t indicate why the colleges were called to testify at the hearing.
According to the Anti-Defamation League report card, from at least April to December 2024 Cal Poly experienced high levels of hostile, anti-Zionist activity from student groups, staff, and faculty. The university also rated below expectations for publicly condemning antisemitic incidents.
Cal Poly’s grade changed to a “D,” earlier this month after President Armstrong announced implementing an antisemitism task force. In an April 14 communication, Armstrong said the task force—its members will be announced in May—will evaluate data collected through a Jewish climate survey this spring to develop a campus action plan focused on Jewish student life, antisemitism education, and cultural awareness.
“As an institution of higher education, it is our responsibility to support free exchange of ideas and engage in civil discourse to foster understanding and promote respectful
dialogue,” the communication read. “These ideals are critical to building the foundations from which diverse perspectives can be heard and considered.”
Armstrong responded to a request for comment with an emailed statement.
“Combatting antisemitism is a high priority for Cal Poly, and I look forward to sharing with committee members the significant steps we’ve taken to maintain a safe and secure environment for our entire community,” he said.
The hearing will stream live on the committee’s YouTube channel on May 7 starting at 7:15 a.m.
—Libbey Hanson
Paso Robles, council member sue one another amid Tribune lawsuit
The Tribune is suing Paso Robles and City Councilmember Chris Bausch; Paso Robles is suing Bausch; and Bausch is suing them both. As of April 21, the three are caught in a cross-complaint crossfire.
In March, The Tribune sued the city of Paso Robles and Bausch over what it said were unfulfilled Public Records Act (PRA) requests amid its search to uncover the truth behind the conflict between Bausch and
said. “And I don’t know if it’s the first time it’s ever happened, but I’d say, at the very least, it’s unusual.”
According to Bausch’s April 18 complaint, The Tribune requested “700 searches” and didn’t give him enough time to turn over documentation.
“The Tribune, who has asked for this many searches; it is certainly their right to do so but [The Tribune] can hardly complain if it takes 70 times as long to do 700 searches as it does to perform 10 searches,” the document states.
former City Manager Ty Lewis. According to courthouse documents, The Tribune filed 19 PRA requests, but Bausch failed to turn over any responding documents except for one from his personal devices.
California’s PRA gives every person the legal right to receive the available public records they request within a reasonable timeframe.
Bausch pushed back with a cross complaint against The Tribune on April 18, claiming he wasn’t given adequate time to respond to its many requests. He also accused the city of not providing him with legal representation and “misquoting” him as unwilling to comply with the PRA requests.
On April 21, the city of Paso Robles filed one against Bausch in response, alleging that he has refused to comply under PRA law despite its best efforts to encourage him to turn over records.
The Tribune’s attorney, Karl Olson, told New Times that a situation like this is unprecedented and that he’s never seen anything like it in his career.
“The city, in their cross complaint, says that they think this is the first time a public agency has filed a cross complaint against one of their own council members,” Olson
Bausch also criticized the city, specifically City Attorney Elizabeth Hull, for prematurely proclaiming he was unwilling to comply with the PRA. In his complaint, Bausch said that he was only requesting a “reasonable amount of time to complete literally thousands of searches” and wouldn’t create documents “that do not exist.”
City Attorney Hull told New Times via email that the city has made “numerous efforts to work with Mr. Bausch to get those documents held on his personal devices.”
According to the city’s April 21 complaint, those efforts included staff conversations as well as offering IT services to search Bausch’s personal and work devices.
“Bausch has provided varied, unsubstantiated, and unlawful reasons for his refusal to comply with the [PRA],” the city’s complaint read.
Olson told New Times that he agrees with the city’s complaint against Bausch and that he found Bausch’s complaint to lack merit.
“The Public Records Act was enacted to give members of the public, including newspapers, a right to access public records,” he said. “What I think he’s kind of trying to do is punish people who are exercising their constitutional rights to access public records and to discourage people from requesting public records, and that’s inappropriate.”
Bausch did not respond to a request for comment. ∆
—Libbey Hanson
NO, YOU The city of Paso Robles and City Councilmember Chris Bausch are separately pushing back on The Tribune’s Public Records Act lawsuit and filing cross complaints against one another.
MaY 2nd & 3rd
FridAY, MAY 2nd, 5:30Pm FIESTA FridAY! featuring a SneAk PeAk with TAmale VendOrs & ATASCADERO CHAMBER’s SiP & SHOP
Sat., May 3rd, 11 am- 7Pm DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO
• Nearly 30 Tamale Vendors!
• Soloist Manuel Enrique
• Famous Dancing Horses
• Aztec Folkloric Dancers
• Voces Tapatias Mariachi Band
• Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest
• Tamale Contest & Tamale Eating Contest!
• Over 100 Vendors!
• Live Music!
Alzheimer’s Association
Astound Business Solutions powered by Digital West
Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa
Bob Cantu’s Pizza and Sports Bar
Butlerz Event Rentals CAPSLO
CASA of San Luis Obispo County
Casa Ramos Art Gallery Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital
Chamber of CommerceAtascadero
CIO Solutions
City of San Luis Obispo
City Wide Central Coast
Coastal Communities Physician Network
Coastal Copy
CoastHills Federal Credit Union
Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
Corrective Care Chiropractic Costco Wholesale
Creative Solutions Counseling and Work Life Wellness
DittyTV
Glenn Burdette
Goodwill Central Coast
Grand Canyon University
Human Interest
Infinity Metal SLO
JB Dewar
JUSTIN Vineyard & Winery
Leticia’s First Class Cleaning, Inc.
Lumina Alliance
Making SLO
Martha Olson-Fernandez
Foundations (MOFF)
MGP Coatings
Miller Event Management, Inc.
Mountaineer IT
Murphy Bank
NAMI SLO County
New Life K9s
New Times
Orangetheory Fitness
San Luis Obispo
Pacifica Hotels
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Paso Robles Safe & Lock
Photon Brothers
Placer Title
Popolo Catering
Polk Insurance Agency
Powersource Chiropractic
Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary
Residence Inn & Springhill Suites San Luis Obispo
San Luis Ambulance Service, Inc.
San Luis Obispo
Blues Baseball
San Luis Obispo County
Integrated Waste Management Authority
SESLOC Credit Union
SLO Food Co-op
SLO for Home
SLO Graze
SLO Piercing
St. Andrew The Apostle Greek
Surfing for Hope Foundation
The Law Offices of Daniel J. Knight, APLC The Management Trust
The Monday Club The Sign Place
The Villages of San Luis Obispo The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Therapy Era
Tri-County Office Furniture, Inc.
UCLA Health
United Staffing Associates United Way of SLO County
ECOSLO Educational Employees
Promotores Collaborative of SLO County housed by
Center for Family Strengthening
Puzzle Effect
Quesadilla Gorilla
Wildflower Women & Sandbox Kids
Williams Cleaning Systems Central Coast Wisdom Center
Smog Check
Arroyo Grande native and resident bookworm Jennifer Littlejohn feels the impact of her visits to her high school library even a decade after graduation.
“I was really good friends with our librarian, Brenda Hoover,” she said. “So many people just loved her, and she made the library feel very welcoming and just like a space that you could go into. I feel like because of that and being in there, my love for reading just grew.”
While she read less often once she left school, Littlejohn credited a streetside free little library for introducing her to Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and Juneau Black’s Shady Hollow. She then exercised her reading muscles at a book club in Santa Maria until inspiration struck to start one of her own in the Five Cities area—Central Coast Book Babes.
“I don’t think any guy has ever messaged to try and join,” Littlejohn said with a laugh. “I don’t know if it’s from the name or what. It’s not like guys can’t come, but if they want to, they can.”
Littlejohn started her book club in April 2024. What began as a circle of three people in the Arroyo Grande Village has now grown to a discussion group of roughly 10 women.
“Because we are a little bit of a smaller group, I feel like it’s really nice to be able to have a little bit more conversation where you actually talk about the book and we can just share our thoughts on it,” she said.
But Central Coast Book Babes is always looking for more participants. The book club’s Instagram page gained followers because Littlejohn channeled the local popularity of her prior personal “bookstagram” page @jennifersbookcart where she reviews her latest reads.
The group usually meets at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday toward the end of every month— buying readers more time to purchase or borrow and read the assigned book. Every other month, they pick a book for everyone to read. The club members discuss the book
at their next meetup. Then, the following month, people bring whatever they’re currently reading.
“That way people can get recommendations and just share other types of books,” said Littlejohn, a romance novel aficionado. “It just is a little easier for people to not always feel like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to read the book, and I haven’t read it.’ It kind of gives you a little bit of a break in between … just finding new books to read.”
Interested participants can visit the book club’s Instagram @centralcoastbookbabes and keep an eye out for monthly posts with the date, time, and book of the month, but the location is kept private for safety reasons. People can RSVP by leaving comments, after which Littlejohn adds them to the monthly group chat revealing the location and giving participants the chance to ask questions. The assigned book for April is How to be Eaten by Maria Adelmann—a reimagination of classic fairy tale characters as modern women in a trauma support group.
Now, Littlejohn is flipping the page to begin a new chapter: starting a second book club. This time, a callback to her own journey moving from Acapulco, Mexico, to the Central Coast when she was 5 years old.
“I am in the role of opening up a different space for BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] with one of the current Central Coast book club members,” she said. “We just want to share BIPOC authors.”
Fast fact
• Give a cat a forever home on May 3 through the Cal Poly Cat Program’s Adopt-a-Kitty event hosted at HumanKind Fair Trade (974 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cats up for adoption are a mix of kittens and adults that were surrendered, trapped, or rescued. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
HOMEGROWN Jennifer Littlejohn’s (second from left) book club, Central Coast Book Babes, meets every month at different cafés in San Luis Obispo County to not only share their love for reading but to support local businesses.
BY ALLAN COOPER
Consequences
The Trump/Musk administration’s actions have set us on a path to destroy our government and rights
Isat down a few minutes ago and brainstormed the likely near-term consequences of the public’s inability to reverse the Trump/Musk administration’s virtual destruction of our government and the cessation of our constitutional rights.
I regret to say that none of this is hyperbole.
The catastrophic implications of our current situation are as follows:
• Without Social Security, tens of millions of our elderly and disabled citizens will end up on our streets. Our homeless situation will be many times worse than it is presently.
• Without Medicaid, tens of millions of our sick, elderly, and infirm citizens will end up in emergency care in our hospitals and the resulting lack of capacity will de facto bar emergency care access to most other Americans. Caregivers along with many former Medicaid recipients will turn up in the streets due to lack of income.
• Without freedom of speech and the right to privacy, millions of Americans will be discontinuing the use of the internet
Response to
‘We are not OK with what’s happening
on Orcutt Road’
As the 3rd District supervisor, I take seriously all concerns raised by constituents. I understand how unsettling it can be when activity near your home raises questions, especially when it involves truck traffic, soil movement, and land use permits. Transparency and community trust are foundational to my work and to the work of our county staff.
and/or the use of social media for fear that they will be deported or worse. Vigilantism will abound when neighbors report on neighbors “bad-mouthing” corruption and/or government dysfunction.
• Without freedom of speech and the right to privacy, very few Americans will dare to travel outside of our country for fear that they may not be allowed to return. Worse yet, they may, without the protection of habeas corpus, be incarcerated.
• Because of the massive layoffs within our federal government, thousands of scientists and medical doctors will either end up being unemployed (adding to our homeless population) or will be lured into taking job offers beyond our borders resulting in a national “brain drain” and the corresponding decline in economic competitiveness.
• Because of the massive layoffs within our federal government and the accompanying deregulation or lack of oversight of our industries, weather forecasting, food safety, air and water quality, air traffic control, preparation/assistance related to catastrophic
That said, it is important to separate speculation from facts.
A recent letter submitted by a homeowner questioned a valid agricultural grading permit (“We are not OK with what’s happening on Orcutt Road,” April 10).
This permit has been issued to the same landowner since 2010. The site is not operating as a commercial landfill. Our Environmental Planning and Planning and Building teams have conducted site inspections and held multiple conversations with both the reporting party and the
weather events, and law-abiding police protection will all decline or come to an end.
• The current debunking of the climate and health sciences will lead to the increasing proliferation of freakish, life-threatening weather events and deadly worldwide pandemics.
• The current unbridled and chaotic results of an autocratic government (e.g., on-again, off-again tariffs) will result in an economic depression for our nation and for the world as a whole.
• Our government’s retreat from international affairs will lead to the proliferation of nuclear armaments and increasing militarization of countries around the world. Another world war will likely be the result.
to us. A poor economy will lead to massive unemployment and, again, a steep rise in our homeless population
• Mass deportation of our front-line service professionals along with punishing tariffs will reduce our agricultural output and put farmers out of business, thereby increasing hunger both here and abroad. This will also result in an increase in the costs and slow down the rate of construction, thereby putting more housing out of reach to the general public.
Speak up!
Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.
• Freedom of the press will cease to exist, resulting in an increase in the passivity, gullibility, and ignorance of the American public.
• The imminent decline in public education will also result in an increase in the passivity, gullibility, and ignorance of the American public and a rapid decline in our quality of life.
• Economic isolationism resulting in stagflation will reduce our quality of life by limiting the goods and services available
property owner. These inspections have no current violations, nor did they find evidence of toxic materials being deposited on the land. Rather, excess soil from a nearby construction site is being used to rebuild soil on this property. Proper removal and import of soil is a highly regulated process.
The current activities are legal and under the scope of current county regulations. I agree that monitoring and enforcement must be consistent and thorough. That’s why our team remains committed to carefully reviewing any future permit applications
• The wealth of our nation (or what’s left of it) will be usurped by oligarchs and, like Russia, our government will be transformed into a criminal organization equipped with its own military and supported by legions of espionage/ surveillance “apparatchiks.”
The only positive spin on all of this is that, in spite of robust efforts by the Republican party to undermine voter participation as well as overturn election results, the Democrats might still win back the House and/or the Senate come November 2026. ∆
Allan Cooper writes to New Times from San Luis Obispo. Send a response for publication by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.
LETTERS
associated with this property.
Community feedback has always played a vital role in how we shape local policy. I encourage residents to continue reaching out, asking questions, and participating in public processes. I remain committed to ensuring that every action taken by my office and our county departments meet the standards of accountability and care that our communities deserve.
Dawn Ortiz-Legg 3rd District supervisor SLO County
HODIN
Russell Hodin
BY GIANNA PATCHEN AND ANDREW CHRISTIE
Pushing back
Welcome to the debut of Down to Earth! Once a month, the San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Sierra Club will highlight what’s being done to protect the Central Coast and beyond.
When Andrew Christie retired from the Sierra Club, he also retired from his New Times contributions, and many of you asked about it. So, we’re co-authoring this column. We think this is particularly timely given the national administration’s threats to people and the planet.
Because the Sierra Club’s mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet—including 640 million acres of national parks, wilderness, and federal public lands across America—we sued Elon Musk and DOGE for unlawfully firing employees of the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and 14 other agencies; slashing funding; and violating contracts.
On March 5, alongside the Japanese American Citizens League, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, and the Union of Concerned Scientists, we filed the 110-page lawsuit Japanese American Citizens League v. Musk, which states the problem plainly:
“Defendant Elon Musk is not, legally, the president of the United States, nor is he a federal elected official of any kind.
And Mr. Musk is not a Senate-confirmed officer of the United States. But he and his so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE)—not, in fact, a federal executive department—are lawlessly and unconstitutionally wielding sweeping power
across the executive branch.
As Mr. Musk and DOGE lawlessly seize power over large swaths of federal spending, decimate the federal workforce, and dismantle federal agencies, they are severely harming, and threatening further imminent harm, to everyday Americans.”
Further, “Mr. Musk is exercising the authority of a principal officer of the United States without Senate confirmation—and, indeed, exercising authority even in excess of a principal officer. These actions are ultra vires, violate the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers, and, as to Mr. Musk, also violate the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.”
The Sierra Club is demanding an end to the attacks on public lands, communities, and the environmental and public health programs that protect us all. It’s time to stop the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration.
We are not alone. On March 13, 21 state attorneys general sued the Trump administration, demanding a halt to its “policies to dismantle” the Department of Education. On the same day, the Washington, D.C., District Court blew the whistle on Trump’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for mass firings at the Departments of Defense, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and Treasury and Veterans Administration. The court ordered the immediate rehiring of fired
employees, citing clear evidence that OPM has no authority to order these firings. The court noted that the Trump administration’s attempt to hide this was “a sham in order to avoid statutory requirements.”
As with all litigation, we may win or lose. Either way, will these cases wind up at the Supreme Court? Probably. Is it chock full of Trump appointees? Yes. Do they always bow to his wishes? Nope!
On top of that, Sierra Club supporters are calling and writing to Congress members demanding an end to the systematic undermining of democracy, public lands, public health, and support systems. Local voices are imperative to pressure our representatives to stand strong against policies that threaten our communities. These issues hit home as we see our neighbors and public lands in SLO County targeted. But the fight isn’t over.
The Sierra Club is supporting local organizations’ litigation, San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, et al. v. County of San Luis Obispo, to compel SLO County to protect endangered steelhead in Arroyo Grande Creek, identified as critical habitat. After 25 years of the county’s noncompliance with the Endangered Species Act, a federal district court ordered the release of additional water from Lopez Dam. The court’s order came through a preliminary injunction, something courts only do when immediate intervention is required.
The court based its requirements on the county’s proposals, not environmentalists’ dream scenario. The county’s data shows that the small, temporary additional water flows ordered by the court do not threaten communities’ water supply.
Since sufficient community water supply and ecosystem resilience are not mutually exclusive, the Sierra Club hopes an eventual settlement agreement between the county and environmental groups will serve as an example of intersectional solutions that prioritize people and the planet together. While national advocacy is necessarily on the defense, we must also look toward local efforts to keep the momentum for intersectional environmental justice. 2025 has swiftly proven we all must remain vigilant in the local and global fights to protect our planet’s current and future generations. ∆
Gianna Patchen is chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send comments in response to letters@newtimesslo.com.
How should Pismo Beach deal with its squirrel problem?
33% Shoot them, shoot them all.
30% Let them live! They’re not causing that much harm.
27% Round them all up and use a
Litigation nation,
Well, they’ll sue you when you’re trying to be so good. They’ll sue you just like they said they would. They’ll sue you when you’re tryin’ to go home, and they’ll sue you when you’re there all alone. Feels like the whole county’s in a feud! Everybody must get sued! (Apologies, Bob Dylan!)
Let me see if I have this right. The Tribune is suing Paso Robles and City Councilmember Chris Bausch over unfulfilled Public Records Act (PRA) requests to learn more about the acrimony between Bausch and former City Manager Ty Lewis
Then, Bausch filed a cross complaint against The Tribune arguing that the news outlet had requested too many public records (Is that a thing?). Bausch also accused Paso of not providing him with legal representation and “misquoting” him when it came to complying with those requests.
Then, Paso filed a cross complaint against Bausch, alleging he refused to comply with legal PRA requests. Oh, my!
According to attorney Karl Olson, who’s representing The Tribune, this legal clusterfuck (Let’s just call it what it is, eh?) is unprecedented.
“The city, in their cross complaint, says that they think this is the first time a public agency has filed a cross complaint against one of their own council members,” Olson said. “And I don’t know if it’s the first time it’s ever happened, but I’d say, at the very least, it’s unusual.”
Court records prove The Tribune filed 19 PRA requests for email and text exchanges and two audio recordings between Bausch
and Lewis, and Bausch only turned over one. In his cross complaint, Bausch claims that The Tribune asked for “700 searches” and didn’t give him sufficient time to comply.
Meanwhile, Paso City Attorney Elizabeth Hull said the city made “numerous efforts to work with Mr. Bausch to get those documents held on his personal devices,” including offering IT services to help him locate the requested exchanges. Hence, Paso’s cross complaint.
Everyone might want to slow their lawsuit roll, but it seems clear the biggest villain and crybaby in this little courtroom drama is Bausch. Transparency, sir! It’s required of elected officials.
Speaking of courtroom dramas, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong will testify before Congress on May 7. According to the Committee on Education and Workforce, the university failed to address “antisemitic, violent protests” on campus.
The hearing—“Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses” chaired by Tim Walberg (R-Michigan)—aims to hold administrators accountable for allowing “rampant antisemitism on college campuses.” The hearing also aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order to take “forceful action” to combat antisemitism. Man, free speech can be a real bitch, amirite? Anti-Zionist and Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses in the face of the ongoing Gaza war were meant to highlight the asymmetrical nature of the conflict between the Israeli military and Hamas-led
Palestinian militant groups, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Can’t you condemn collateral Palestinian civilian deaths without being called an antisemite? Can’t you argue that Israel’s policies regarding Gaza have created an apartheid state without being accused of antisemitism?
These are astonishingly complex and highly controversial issues that people should be able to disagree about without labeling legitimate criticism of Israeli policies as rampant hatred of all Jewish people, but unfortunately like many issues targeted by the Trump administration, multifaceted issues are reduced to black and white.
For his part, Armstrong is trying to appear like he’s doing something. (It’s what he does best! Worst?) He announced an antisemitism task force that will collect data and develop an “action plan” for antisemitism education and cultural awareness at Cal Poly. I wonder if the university has an antiarabism task force?
Cal Poly already hid its DEI office in the University Personnel division following Trump’s anti-DEI executive order. Cal Poly’s no Harvard, which is suing Trump over his extortion.
Speaking of Trump and DEI and being a total dickhead about any and all vulnerable populations, should transgender students be able to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identities? Should
transwomen be able to compete in women’s athletics?
Once again, these are complicated questions that we as a community have been struggling to navigate and answer over the past several years, and we’ve made progress and gained a more complete understanding of the issues surrounding this complicated topic, but now thanks to Trump’s culture war against DEI programs, we seem to be moving backward.
At the April 15 Lucia Mar Unified School District board meeting, people showed up to argue in favor of and against trans rights. Why? Was there something on the agenda about it? That would be a negatory, good buddy. They were there thanks to a flyer purportedly distributed by Arroyo Grande’s Harvest Church and signed off by Shannon Kessler, director of culture impact, complaining that a trans female track athlete used the women’s locker room, which traumatized student Celeste Duyst, who wept during public comment as she recounted the “biological male” being in her presence in the locker room.
Current California state law allows students to use the facilities that align with their gender identity, in direct conflict with Trump’s executive order. Duyest later turned up on Fox and Friends Weekend of course—to recount her story. Trump’s culture war rages on. ∆
The Shredder ain’t gonna goosestep. Tell it your side at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
VENDORS WITH VINTAGE
More than 75 vendors are coming together to sell an array of antique goods at the Three Speckled Hens Vintage Market and Antique show at the Paso Robles Event Center. The biannual event—scheduled for Friday, April 25, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—will have breakfast and lunch options at the Coop Cafe as well as food trucks. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit my805tix.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
CRUISING CAR SHOW PAINTING
PARTY Enjoy an afternoon of art and community at this painting event. Get tickets and more info at the link. May 3 , 2 p.m. $60. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studio & Gallery, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.
DEATHTRAP From By The Sea Productions. Visit site for more info. May 2-18 bytheseaproductions.org/. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
DRIFTWOOD ASSEMBLAGES BY
ALAN COHEN See Cohen’s driftwood assemblage sculptures at Gallery at Marina Square. This architect transforms beach-found objects into birds, sea creatures, and more. Through April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER JACK
MCNEAL McNeal’s sea-inspired photography highlights his lifelong passion for exploration and the sea, from his wanderings from Highland Park to the Central Coast and beyond. April 30 - May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery
at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FEATURED SCULPTURE ARTIST JARI
DE HAM Gallery at Marina Square features Jari de Ham’s Chinese brush paintings and sculptures. Since 2002, this artist has mastered painting birds, flowers, calligraphy, and more. April 30 - May 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART PAINTINGS BY SANDRA
SANDERS A California native, Sanders captures seascapes and landscapes in vibrant acrylics. On display in the lower gallery. Through April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY NANCY JENSEN Jensen celebrates Central Coast joys through vibrant watercolors of vineyards, wildflowers, and coastal scenes. Through April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FRESH! NEW WORK IN FINE CRAFT
A call to artists. The deadline to apply is April 25. Enter for consideration in a juried, fine craft show featuring 3-D handwork by artisans from SLO and neighboring counties. Through April 25 (805) 704-6298. centralcoastartistscollective.org/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHER KERRY
DRAGER Morro Bay photographer Kerry Drager’s work will be on display.
An accomplished author and educator, Drager captures inspiring sights with vivid light in camera. April 29 - May 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
INTO THE WOODS Enjoy this Tony Awardwinning musical that reimagines the fairy tales you know and love. Get tickets and more info about the dates ranging from mid-April to early May. Through May 4, 7 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
OPENING RECEPTION OF “SWERVE” A SOLO SHOW BY KARL PETRUNAK Join for an opening reception of “Swerve,” a solo show by Lompoc-based artist Karl Petrunak. April 26 , 5-6 p.m. Free. (805) 305–9292. leftfieldgallery.com. Left Field Gallery, 1036 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.
SPRING FRAME DECORATING
WORKSHOP Decorate a wooden picture frame using a selection of spring-themed charms, including flowers, butterflies, and more. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 26 11 a.m.-noon & 2-3 p.m. $20. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery. com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
TIMKET: ETHIOPIA 2020 Experience Timket, an Ethiopian tradition, through the eyes of photographer Michael J. Costa. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through April 27 Free. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos, (559) 799-9632.
UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560.
coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
3 ARTISTS RETROSPECTIVE REVEAL Susan Lyon, Maryanne Nucci, and Kathy Madonna invite you to visit their Retrospective Show including original photographs, charcoals, watercolors, etchings, linocuts, and mono prints. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/susanart. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
THE ARTS AROUND US: THE BEAUTY OF ORCHIDS A fun and informative talk about orchids with works of art from Ed Lysek. April 27, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/ the-arts-around-us-natures-inspirationthe-beauty-of-orchids/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
CHAKRA BALANCING AND FUSED GLASS MOBILE WORKSHOP Local healerAnnette Jones will share her knowledge of chakra systems. Each participant will receive a chakra clearing and set of oils, and can create a mobile. May 3 , 12-2:30 p.m. $250. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
FIRST SATURDAY: ART AND WINE On the first Saturday of each month, attend for the venue’s exhibit openings, with live music, art, and wine available for purchase. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free (wine $10). (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
A FOCUS ON FLOWERS Park Street Gallery is pleased to present A Focus on
Flowers. This special group exhibition features gorgeous floral paintings. See the exhibit during upcoming receptions (April 5 and May 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.), or daily (except Tuesdays) during the show’s run. Through May 31 Free. (805) 286-4430. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, parkstreetgallery. com.
FUSED GLASS PLATE OR BOWL Create an 8’‘x 8’‘ fused glass plate or bowl using a variety of colored glass, frit, and specialty glass. This class is geared towards all skill levels. April 30, 5-7 p.m. $125. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio. com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
SILVERSMITHING WORKSHOPS APRIL AND MAY Learn to silversmith during workshops hosted at Golden State Goods. Two different levels, Basics and Stone Setting, will support all participants. All materials will be provided. April 27, 5-8 p.m. and May 4 $95-$110. (805) 464-2564. goldenstategoods.com/workshops. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW PASO
ROBLES Enjoy an evening of laughter at Dracaena Wines. The show will be hosted by Mark Christopher Lawrence and feature Matt Kirshen, PK, Roni Shanell, and headliner Shaun Latham. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 8-9:45 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles, (805) 270-3327.
SPRING ART FAIR SATURDAY The Spring Art Fair at Sculpterra Winery will feature local artists, as well as live music and food trucks. April 26 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 226-8881. sculpterra. com. Sculpterra Winery, 5015 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.
THREE SPECKLED HENS ANTIQUES
SHOW Head to this biannual event where more than 75 vendors will be selling one-of-a-kind antique and vintage items. Food and drink will also be for sale. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 -26 $18. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER IMPROV SHOW Enjoy an evening of laughter with the Top Grade Comedy Theater ensemble. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 7-8 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (530) 748-6612.
WRITERS WANTED Novelists, screenwriters, poets and short story writers welcome. This group meets in Atascadero twice a month, on Thursday nights (email jeffisretired@yahoo.com for specifics). Hone your skills for publication and/or personal development. First Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Unnamed Atascadero location, Contact host for details, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge. com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATRE’S IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA Head to The Bunker to enjoy four shows for the price of one at the Central Coast Comedy Theater’s Improv Extravaganza. April 25 6-8 p.m. $10. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA COLLEGE’S ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBIT A showcase to highlight students’ ceramics, drawings, digital art, photography, and other media. Registration to submit works runs through April 4. Through May 16 cuesta. edu. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805)
PHOTO
All Of San Luis Obispo County!
WITH ECOLOGISTICS Watch three environmental shorts that showcase powerful, thought-provoking stories that highlight the wonders of nature and the challenges of preserving it. This event is part of the SLO Film Festival. April 29 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 548-0597. slofilmfestival2025.eventive.org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
OCEAN EYES
I HATE HAMLET In Paul Rudnick’s dramatic comedy, when television star Andrew Rally moves back to New York and finds himself cast as Hamlet, nothing seems right. Thursdays-Sundays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through May 18 $20-$37. slorep.org. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB
The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
NOTES FOR TOMORROW Features artworks from around the world, brought together to reflect on a new global reality ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through June 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/notesfor-tomorrow/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO FILM FESTIVAL Visit site for updates, venue info, and full lineup of film screenings and other programs included in this year’s annual fest. April 24 -29 slofilmfest.org/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
WILD ART GALA AND SILENT AUCTION
Wild Art is a benefit for Outside Now and children in nature, featuring a live auction and music from Gypsy All-Stars. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 6-9 p.m. $48. (805) 541-9900. auctria. events/wildart. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARTIST REVEAL PARTY WITH REFRESHMENTS See Nicolette’s creations, including hand-built, multi-glazed textured pottery, platters, crosses, vases, heart necklaces, wall hangers mixed media, textured originals, T-shirts, and more. April 25 , 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 710-3090. facebook.com/ nicolettecoastrealtor/. Natural Toolbox, Suite 127, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Pismo Beach.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. Presented by Coastal Christian School. May 3 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and May 4 2-4 p.m. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ccs-frozen-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
HOUSEPLANT REPOTTING PARTY Spring is the time to repot houseplants.
Four featured artists will showcase their work at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay from May 1 to 30. Photographer Jack McNeal grew up near the ocean, and through adventures including exploring the salt flats and dunes near the San Gabriel River and sailing in Alamitos Bay, he developed his artistic style in conjunction with the sea. His work will be on display in the venue’s upper gallery. To find out more, visit galleryatmarinasquare.com.
Instruction and supplies will be provided and light refreshments will be served. April 27 2-3:30 p.m. $20. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com/event/workshoprepotting-party/. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
LESS MISERABLE A spoof of one of the most beloved musicals of all time. May 2-June 14 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
SHUT UP, SHERLOCK When a genuine whodunit unfolds during a dress rehearsal for a Sherlock Holmes play, a real-life sleuth steps in to untangle the wacky web of quirky characters (and even quirkier actors) to crack the case. Through April 26 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
29TH ANNUAL CRUISIN’ MORRO
BAY CAR SHOW Visit site for info on registration and the show’s lineup of events. Registration is limited. Participants encouraged to secure their spots early. May 2 and May 3 my805tix. com. Downtown Morro Bay, Inquire for address, Morro Bay.
AAUW MORRO BAY GARDEN TOUR
Enjoy four beautiful gardens in during this annual self-paced garden tour. Proceeds benefit the local Morro Bay community (learn more on website). April 27 1-5 p.m. $20. (805) 550-5216. my805tix.com.
AAUW Garden Tour, various gardens, Morro Bay and Los Osos.
CAYUCOS ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE
Don’t miss the Cayucos Antique Street Faire in downtown Cayucos. With free admission and parking. May 4 , 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 751-3737. facebook.com/ CayucosAntiqueStreetFaire/. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-
DO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays,
6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2025:
“OUR POWER, OUR PLANET” Join Greenspace and TrueEarthMarket for an Earth Day celebration in Cambria. The family friendly day will include music, eco vendors, classes, animal ambassadors, and food and beverage. April 27 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 9272866. Greenspacecambria.org. Creekside Reserve, 2264 Center St., Cambria.
GAIA’S GARDEN & APOTHECARY MIXER Enjoy an interactive build-yourown-tea activity to mix your own blend, sip herbal elixirs, and indulge in tasty snacks. RSVP at the link. April 24 , 5-7 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Gaia’s Garden & Apothecary, 875 Main St Ste. C, Morro Bay.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school, with the goal of getting comfortable commanding your own sailboat. There will be a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Register at the link. Through Aug. 3 $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos. THANK OUR FIREFIGHTERS Participate in this event to commemorate and support enjoy the Cambria Fire Department. Donations will help improve the comfort, security and safety of the men and women serving our everyday needs. Refer to the flyer for more info. May 3 4:30 p.m. $175. my805tix.com. The Dairy Barn at Hearst Ranch, San Simeon Road, San Simeon.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
DÍA DEL NIÑO: CHILDREN’S DAY Meet zoo animals and baby chicks, play carnival-style games, explore SLO Symphony instruments, enjoy live entertainment, and learn at science exhibits at Día del Niño. April 26 11 a.m.-3
& LIFESTYLE continued page 17
—A.S.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK MCNEAL
Robles
p.m. Free. (805) 548-0597. San Miguel Park, 1325 K St., San Miguel.
FLEA MARKET AND MAKERS FAIR With vintage treasures, books, collectibles, art, jewelry, crafts, and more for sale by more than 20 vendors.. Expect bargains galore. First Saturday of every month, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. through June 7 Free to the public. Templeton Library, 1173 S. Main St., Templeton, (805) 221-5372, templetonlibrary.org.
GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. (805) 464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED
EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
HOUSEPLANT ARRANGEMENT CLASS
Join Peaceful Plants for a succulent garden class, which includes a choice of houseplant, soil, tools, care instruction, and Hearst Ranch Winery rosé. April 26 2 p.m. $50. my805tix.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people?
Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area.
SHOW Over 75 vendors will sell their vintage and antique items at this bi-annual event. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 12-6 p.m. and April 26 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $18. my805tix. com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, (805) 239-0655.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AWAKEN THE WILD FEMININE:
BELTANE FIRE CEREMONY Celebrate
Beltane, the cross-quarter day between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. Participants will be guided through a fire ceremony of sacred release and awakening. Visit the link for more information. May 4 , 5-8 p.m. $55. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CAT PROGRAM’S ADOPTA-KITTY Join to meet countless kitties in need of loving homes and make sure you find your purrrfect match. May 3 , 10 a.m.-3 p.m. HumanKind Fair Trade, 974 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 594-1220.
CALIFORNIA TREES: A FIELD GUIDE
TO THE NATIVE SPECIES Join Dr. Matt Ritter, Cal Poly botany professor, for a visually rich celebration of the state’s iconic native trees. A conversation and book signing are scheduled after the talk. May 1 , 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. mattritter. net/speaking. San Luis Obispo Vets’ Hall, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5930.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free.
(657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo. org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
FUNDRAISER: SPRING SALE IN THE GARDEN Joint his fundraiser, supported by the Central Coast Women’s League (CCWL), to benefit SLO charities. Decorative art, jewelry, vintage items, clothing, and plants will be for sale. May 3 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 539-9374. Central Coast Women’s League, 1720 San Luis Drive, San Luis Obispo, none.
HYDROLOGY AND LAND USE CHANGE
(LECTURE) Join Jesse Trace, restoration ecologist, for a deep dive into the water cycle, our unique climate, historic landscapes, and the ecosystems of the Central Coast. April 26 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5991. sanluisobispo. librarycalendar.com/event/hydrologyland-use-change-17364. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
NATURE SUNDAY: CELEBRATING
TREES In honor of Arbor Day on April 25, docent Faylla Chapman will lead a tour of the trees in the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and tell their stories. April 27 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
PARTY FOR GOOD Enjoy food, drinks, dancing, handmade Guatemalan items, and music by The Tax Band. The event’s proceeds will go to Friendship Bridge, raising money towards business loans for impoverished Guatemalan women. Get more info at the link. April 25 , 4-6 p.m. Free. (805) 801-4853. houseofbread.com. House of Bread, 1025 Farmhouse Lane, San Luis Obispo.
SCIENCE ON TAP Learn about the many restoration and monitoring projects that the Estuary Program has been involved with over the last 30 years. April 24 , 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER 2025 Head to downtown SLO to get a taste of the local wineries, beverage providers, restaurants, and caterers from around the county. Enjoy live music and discover the unique retailers at the same time. Get tickets and more info at the link. May 4 , 1 p.m. $72. downtownslo.com/events/ sip-n-saunter. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
SLO EARTHFEST 2025 A celebration of “the collective power of our community to build a sustainable future.” There will be live music, a makers market, panel discussions, and onsite restoration projects. April 26 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. SLOEarthFest.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO EARTHFEST EV EXPO Check out new and used EVs, and test drive e-cars and e-bikes. April 26 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 704-1549. driveelectricearthmonth. org/event?eventid=4656. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.
SPRING GYMNASTICS CAMP
Performance Athletics Gymnastics recommends you save your furniture and let the kids get the wiggles out with them at the gymnastics camp for ages 4 to 13 years. No experience is necessary and extended care and customizable scheduling is available. Through April 25, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $45-$380. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ camps. Let the kids get “the wiggles out” with gymnastics. For ages 4 to 13; no experience needed. Extended care and customizable scheduling available. Through April 25, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on what schedule you choose. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
TEACH WELL Teach Well teachers get support and learn strategies for building trusting student relationships. Get more information about the event at the link. May 1 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 7701593. youthwell.org/groups. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARBOR DAY MINDFULNESS HIKE & MINERAL SPRINGS EXPERIENCE
Celebrate Arbor Day with a three-part outdoor experience. The morning will be kicked off with a mindfulness hike through the Sycamore Crest Trail, followed by a dip in the Mineral Springs Waterfall Oasis and fire-roasted pizza. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 25 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $40. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
BRAZILIAN AND LATIN INSPIRED
DANCE FITNESS CLASSES AT THE CLIFFS HOTEL Enjoy a dance fitness class overlooking the ocean. Hosted on The Cliffs Hotel property, the event is available to locals and hotel guests. April 25 11-11:50 a.m. and April 26 11-11:50 a.m. Free. (805) 457-2848. danceclubslo.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Join this Arbor Day celebration and learn about the holiday, help plant a tree, and take home a seedling of your own. Get more information at the link. April 25 , 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. Carrie Van Beveren, 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, arroyogrande. org.
AN EVENING OF TEA AND QI A relaxing evening of tea, seasonal meditation, and creativity. April 26 $40. (619) 807-7006. inariteaart.com. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
LITTLE RANGER PROGRAM: AMAZING POLLINATORS Visit the State Park and explore the amazing benefits of pollinators this spring at this event for ages 2 to 7. April 27, 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
PILIPINO CULTURAL NIGHT Annual event presented by Pilipino Cultural Exchange. April 25 , 7-9 p.m. and April 26 7 p.m. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/pilipino-cultural-night/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE
TOURS A docent-led tour of the
and grounds of the historic
Orcutt Banda
Barrel
Concert: Erin & the Earthquakes Awaken the Wild Feminine: Beltane Fire Ceremony
Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse. org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
28TH ANNUAL NEAL TAYLOR NATURE
CENTER FISH DERBY With $5,000 plus in cash prizes, between prize categories for trout, bass, catfish, and more. Also includes raffles and kids activities. April 26 6 a.m.-noon and April 27 6 a.m.-noon $10-$45. (805) 693-8381. troutderby.org/. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2265 CA-154, Cachuma Lake.
CHUMASH EARTH DAY The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will host its free annual Chumash Earth Day. This family-fun day will include educational booths, arts and crafts, clothing swaps, local food trucks, and a special appearance from Smokey Bear. Get more information at the link. May 3 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. syceo.org/ earthday. Kitiyepumu’ Park, 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS
MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEAUTRING
ROBERT HALL WINERY Join in welcoming Robert Hall Winery for a signature wine dinner event. Enjoy a five-course meal accompanied by hand-selected Robert Hall wines. April 27 5-8:30 p.m. $130. (805) 924-3353. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BRUNCH, BINGO, AND VINO Join this Wine For Paws event, brought to you by MCV Wines and At Her Table. One can expect a blend of gourmet flavors and exquisite wines. This fundraiser will help support Woods Humane Society in their “pawsome quest” to care for animals in need. Get more info at the link. April 27 11 a.m. my805tix.com. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, (805) 712-4647. CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
CLUB SUPSUP PRESENTS: A CULINARY ADVENTURE AT THE TRAILER POND AT ALTA COLINA Experience a unique Club Supsup dinner at The Trailer Pond, featuring fire-cooked Indigenous Mayan cuisine in a relaxed, rustic vineyard setting at Alta Colina. April 30 6-8 p.m. $134. chefcandice.com. The Trailer Pond at Alta Colina, 2825 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, (805) 400-3056.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Enjoy a day of wine tasting at the Tin City Annex. Get tickets and info on participating wineries at the link. May 4 12-5 p.m. $45. my805tix. com. Tin City Annex, Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
PARK STREET SUPPER CLUB Head to Parchetto for Park Street Supper Club, live music, dancing, and a three-course dinner. April 24 , 5-10 p.m. $85. (805) 286-4636. parchettobistro.com/events/.
CHUMASH EARTH DAY
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department hosts its 17th annual Chumash Earth Day event at Kitiyepumu’ Park, located on the Santa Ynez Reservation, on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, familyfriendly event will have educational booths, face painting, clothing swaps, local food trucks, and an appearance from Smokey Bear. Visit syceo.org for more information.
—A.S.
Parchetto Bistro, 1234 Park St, Paso Robles.
SPRING SHOP, SIP, AND STROLL Enjoy the best of Morro Bay with two available dates and locations. Visit site or contact for more info. April 25 , 5-8 p.m. $25; $12.50 for designated driver. (805) 7724467. morrochamber.org/3S. Morro Bay (Multiple Venues), Citywide, Morro Bay.
SPRING WINE WALK Meander around Downtown Paso on a spring evening, stopping in at 18 Downtown wineries for a sip and a bite. Visit the link for tickets
and more information. May 3 , 3-6 p.m. $60. (805) 591-7003. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Downtown Wine District, 809 13th Street, Paso Robles.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BONETTI BREWS: BEER, WINE, SELTZER, AND CIDER Join for an afternoon festival of great drinks, live music, and local flavors. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 26 , 4-8 p.m.
$71. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live
multi-media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-1167.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS All the improv you see will be on the spot from your audience suggestions. First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. (805) 540-8300. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER DOWNTOWN SLO
Local wineries, beverage providers, restaurants, and caterers from around SLO County will serve tastings and small bites at downtown retail locations. Get more information at the link. May 4 , 1-4 p.m. $80-$90. Downtown San Luis Obispo, Corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 549-0355.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
TOMATO FANDANGO AT TIBER CANYON
OLIVE RANCH Growing Grounds Farm’s edible plants meet artisan vendors in a beautiful location. April 26 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 934-2182. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.
TRIVIA NIGHT Reservations are no longer required to play. Reservations are now for teams who want to guarantee a table to play. Tables available first come, first serve. Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
INGREDIENT PROFILE FORUM: OLIVES Learn the history of olives, along with production, value, import, export, processing, and recipe sharing. April 26 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 878-7982. instagram. com/mypassionismyfood?utm_ source=ig_web_button_share_ sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==. Nipomo Library, 918 W Teft, Nipomo.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and nonalcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆
PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA YNEZ BAND OF CHUMASH INDIANS
After forays into television, Jay Duplass returns to filmmaking, his ‘first true love’
Watching a movie is easy. Making one is hard. Just ask Jay Duplass, who with his brother Mark made a name for himself in the mid-2000s and early 2010s with quirky independent lms like e Pu y Chair (2005), Baghead (2008), Cyrus (2010), and Je , Who Lives at Home (2011).
Duplass later turned his attention to writing, directing, and/or producing TV shows such as Togetherness (2015-2016), Animals (2016-2018), Room 104 (2017-2020), and Somebody Somewhere (2022-2023), among others. He also went from being a casual actor to a serious one when he was cast as Josh Pfe erman on the wildly successful TV series Transparent (20142019).
Now, Duplass has just released his rst new feature lm since 2012, e Baltimorons, screening at this year’s SLO International Film Festival. Duplass will also receive this year’s Spotlight Award.
Writer, director, actor, producer—Duplass has proven himself capable in every role, and during a recent phone call, he explained why directing is the most gratifying.
“People usually ask which is the most fun, and that’s a very di erent answer,” he said. “Directing is 100 percent the most satisfying. It’s the hardest one to do by far. You’re parent to a whole group of people. You’re the author of a piece of art. It all ultimately rests on your shoulders. It’s honestly the thing I love the most and it is the most satisfying, but it’s de nitely not the most fun.”
Duplass thinks his brother’s analogy sums it up nicely: “Mark says, ‘If directing a movie is like being a mother who births and raises a baby through adulthood, being an actor is like being the drunk uncle who shows up on
Meet the maker
Writer-director Jay Duplass, this year’s Spotlight Award winner, will screen his new comedy, The Baltimorons followed by a Q-and-A on Sunday, April 27, in the Fremont Theater (5 p.m.; $20 tickets at slofilmfest.org). The film will screen again on Monday, April 28, in the Palm Theatre (1 p.m.; $15 at slofilmfest.org).
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival runs from Thursday, April 24, through Tuesday, April 29, screening more than 100 narrative and documentary features and short films. Visit the festival website for a complete list.
Christmas with Oreos and wins the day.’
“Now that I’ve started acting, I completely agree with that.”
Television vs. film?
Big screen or small, Duplass believes both formats have their place.
“We’re in a great moment in TV right now. at being said, I think it’s very easy for TV to turn into my least favorite word in our industry, which is ‘content.’ I hate that word so much.”
TV is a double-edged sword. e pressure to quickly follow up a great rst season can lead to a mediocre second, but television is a “great business model” thanks in part to streaming, which makes the distribution costs astonishingly low.
“It’s so much harder to make one great lm than to make three or four episodes of television, even though that might be the same amount of running time,” he explained.
“In lm, the plane’s got to take o , the plane’s
got to do a bunch of tricks in the air, and the plane’s got to land, and you’ve got to believe that ending, you know? It’s a much more challenging piece of art to make from the perspective of the writer/director.”
Despite the degree of di culty, movies remain his “ rst true love.”
“ at’s what I grew up watching, that’s what made me fall in love with this form. I went to movie theaters as a kid and felt less alone in the world. I love it the most.”
As an actor, two lm roles he accepted—in Beatriz at Dinner (2017) opposite Salma Hayek, John Lithgow, Connie Britton, and Chloë Sevigny, and his leading man turn in Outside In (2017) with Edie Falco—probably wouldn’t have happened without his role in Transparent.
“Transparent really opened up those doors to me,” he said. “I think all the major roles that I’ve taken were paved by that experience. Prior to Transparent, my acting was pretty much just me being friends with writers, directors, showrunners, and coming on set
and helping … honestly like subbing in when someone would fall out of something. ‘Get Jay, he’s comfortable on set and he’s not going to annoy you,’ you know what I mean?
“Transparent was the rst time I took myself seriously as an actor.”
An actor’s director at experience also changed the way he directs actors.
“I think it’s made me less precious in a weird way. I used to be worried about how I would speak to actors. I grew up in a generation where actors and directors were both terri ed of one another. It’s broken down those barriers. I’m much more straightforward with my actors now.
“I’ll say, ‘Look. We’ve got 40 minutes and the sun goes down. I hate to say it, but that’s just what it is, so we’ve got two or three takes. Sorry, but that’s where we’re at.’ Whereas before as a director, you might be like, ‘OK, guys, I have a brand-new great idea! We’re
LOVE FINDS A WAY In The Baltimorons, Jay Duplass’ first new film in 14 years, Didi (Liz Larsen) falls for her emergency dental patient, Cliff (Michael Strassner), on Christmas Eve in Baltimore.
SHINE ON Writer-director-producer Jay Duplass found success with his brother Mark as an independent filmmaker before gaining acting fame in Transparent (2014-2019). Now he’s returned to feature filmmaking with The Baltimorons, winning the SLO Film Fest’s Spotlight Award.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
going to do it all in a oner!’ I just don’t feel the need to pull any more tricks. Of course, that requires hiring actors who are reasonable people who are down to make a piece of art by any means necessary.”
Duplass also has a great story about that he calls a “happy accident” during the making of Cyrus with Jonah Hill, John C. Reilly, and Marisa Tomei, which Duplass attributes to giving actors the space to be “in the moment.” Hill adlibbed a line that absolutely killed and t perfectly.
“First and foremost, it starts with the idea that anything could happen here,” Duplass explained. “ at’s a feeling I’m trying to cultivate because I think the audience can tell. ey know when something’s fully controlled, and they know when something is loose and real life is happening.”
e actors have their lines, but Duplass encourages what he calls “goal-based improvisation.”
“ ey know what they’re supposed to accomplish. ey can do whatever they need to do in the moment to make that happen. at keeps them on their toes, keeps the other actors on their toes. ey’re not locked into a pre-decided outcome or rhythm. It just makes everything come alive so much more on set, and then, every once in a while, you’ll
have someone super bold and brilliant, like Jonah, who says, ‘Don’t fuck my mom,’ and that ends up in the trailer.
“I mean Searchlight [Pictures] made T-shirts that said, ‘Don’t fuck my mom.’ It was an improvised line! It’s also the kind of line that if I had written that in the script, it would have appeared as a very arch, broad comedy line that I think a lot of actors would look at and be, ‘I can’t say that,’ but Jonah was able to spring that on everybody. Luckily, we had two cameras going. e look on John [C. Reilly’s] face when Jonah said that was priceless!”
The Baltimorons
Duplass has created that kind of spontaneous magic again with e Baltimorons, a funny, tender Christmas Eve love story about two semi-dysfunctional people—Cli (Michael Strassner) and Didi (Liz Larsen)—who nd each other. Essentially, making the lm was Duplass’ “now or never” moment.
“Prior to e Baltimorons, the last original lm that I wrote and directed [with his brother Mark] was Je , Who Lives at Home, a movie that we shot in 2011. For me, all I ever wanted to do was be the Coen Brothers
ARTIFACTS
Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie to receive King Vidor Award on April 28 in the Palm Theatre
Costume designer Bob Mackie (pictured left) has dressed many of the world’s most famous entertainers, including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Pink, Tina Turner, and Zendaya. He’s also the subject of the star-studded documentary film Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion (unrated; 2024, 105 min.), which chronicles his extraordinary six-decade career. On Monday, April 28, the documentary
interesting because you have a lot more time to be creative, more time to do the thing as opposed to talk about the thing
“ ere’s a lot of talking about things in the studio world and justifying the decisions you’re making, rethinking them—and that’s not bad, but what’s actually more useful to an artist trying to make something great is being on set and having more time to gure it out for themselves within the circumstances that are being presented as opposed to a lot of intellectualism that’s oating around the room.”
Even e Baltimorons script grew organically out of “ guring it out.”
“I’d been hanging out with Michael Strassner, the lead of the lm, and getting to know him and getting to know his life story, all the things he’s been through, which essentially is the origin story of e Baltimorons.”
Duplass mixed Strassner’s story with things happening in actress Liz Larsen’s life.
2.0 with my brother, and for a while we were doing that, but then my brother got super famous and really into producing.”
Mark took over the day-to-day reins of the brothers’ production company, Duplass Brothers Productions. Jay wanted to make a new lm, but he’d always collaborated with Mark.
“After the pandemic and during the [writers’] strike, I turned 50 at that time, and I just had a bit of a midlife crisis. I was like, ‘If I don’t start making movies now, it’s never going to happen.’ It had been 13 or 14 years at that point. I knew that making independent lms is extra tough right now, and I’d never done it without my brother. I just knew I needed to go back to my roots and make a tiny little movie with people who desperately wanted and needed to be there.”
“I sort of married those two things together and essentially backed these two people and their lives into the movie and shot it two weeks after the strike ended. Literally pounced on Baltimore right after the strikes ended and right before Christmas, and somehow got this thing shot on the ground in freaking cold COVID-infested weather.” eir guerilla lmmaking shoot was facilitated thanks to a Baltimore-based location manager Strassner knew with access to great locations around the city.
“So, I sort of Sean Bakered this movie,” Duplass said, nodding to Sean Baker, the Academy Award-winning writer-director of Anora who lmed his movie on the y in New York City locations such as South Brooklyn, Brighton Beach, and Coney Island. Both Strassner and Larsen are largely unknowns but terri c in their roles. He plays a scru y recovering alcoholic, and she’s a brittle divorcee.
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
e lm is a perfect example of what independent lmmaking can accomplish, and what never would have come out of the studio system.
“When you’re making independent lms like e Baltimorons, really small-time, handmade, independent lmmaking, it’s
will screen at 4 p.m. in the Palm Theatre, followed by Mackie receiving the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking. Mackie joins the ranks of fellow King Vidor Award winners Josh Brolin, Heather Graham, Pam Grier, Peter Bogdanovich, Jeff Bridges, Ann-Margret, Morgan Freeman, Eva Marie Saint, Peter Fonda, and others.
After the screening and award ceremony, Hotel San Luis Obispo will host a reception and Q-and-A with Mackie and Design Director Joe McFate.
“Bob Mackie is a true icon in the entertainment world, and we’re thrilled to not only honor his legacy, but also to spend time with him and celebrate his extraordinary contributions to art, fashion, and film. His visionary designs have not only defined
“I’ve been calling them the two movie stars you’ve never heard of because they really are just freaking phenomenal. What made me want to cast them is that they were anonymous in that Sean Baker way. I think it lends to the believability. It really feels like you’re watching real life.
“ ey were so imbued with their own stories that it was very easy to bring it forth in tough circumstances.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
eras but have also inspired generations of creatives across the globe,” SLOIFF Executive Director Skye McLennan said.
SLO County Libraries presents Día del Niño (Children’s Day Festival)
April 26 in San Miguel Park
County of SLO Public Libraries presents Día del Niño (Children’s Day Festival) on Saturday, April 26, in San Miguel Park (all ages; free, 11 to 3 p.m.). The day begins with the 10 a.m. Sagebrush Parade (Desfile Artemisa) down Mission Street until 10:45, when the festivities move to the park with a variety of fun and educational activities.
Kids can participate in giant obstaclecourse races, kick giant soccer darts, and
help create a community mural painting. There are also three fun STEM activities presented by Cal Poly, a display by the Atascadero Zoo, carnival games, and more. Activities include a fossil dig, instrument making, a scavenger hunt, a doughnut dangle challenge, and a piñata with up to five hitters.
Performances will include Baile Folklorico Flor de Luna at 1:15 p.m.; Paso a Pasito at 1:30 p.m.; and a performance by students from the Lillian Larsen Middle School Music at 1:45 p.m. The event is designed for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, grade schoolers, and tweens. Learn more on the website, sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com. ∆ —Glen Starkey
BIG ACTING BREAK Jay Duplass (left), who starred as Josh Pfefferman in creator Joey Soloway’s Amazon Prime hit TV series Transparent with Gaby Hoffman (center) and Jeffrey Tambor (right), credits the show with making him into a more serious actor.
COURTESY PHOTO BY JENNIFER CLASEN/AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
APRIL 24–29, 2025
Enjoy over one hundred movies, special events, Q&A’s and panel discussions in-person at the Fremont Theater, Palm Theatre and Downtown Center Cinemas. Festival Passes, Special Event tickets, individual screening tickets and our full Festival Guide are available online at SloFilmFest.org.
Printed program guides are also available to pick up in locations around the county or at the Festival Box Office in downtown SLO.
Please check SloFilmFest.org for updates & announcements.
T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 4
OPENING NIGHT
A Sundance Audience Award Winner, DJ AHMET is a heartwarming celebration of music’s ability to unite and liberate, regardless of age. At 15, Ahmet, a shepherd with big dreams, enlists the help of his brother Naim to pursue his passion for music and impress Aya, a dancer preparing to dazzle at the village festival. With a cast of lovable characters, infectious humor and a catchy soundtrack, the film explores Ahmet’s journey as he navigates his father’s expectations, a conservative community, and his first taste of love.
FREMONT
THEATER
5PM Pre-Reception Bites and Drinks
7PM Ceremony and Film
Film Only: $25 General / $22 Student + Palmie Members
Film + Reception: $40 General / $37 Student + Palmie Members
S AT UR DAY, A P R
I L 2 6
MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE
F R I DAY, A P R I L 2 5
SURF NITE IN SLO
Since its inception in 2006, Surf Nite in SLO has continued to serve as one of those rare events fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd that attends each year. It is with great excitement that for our 31st festival we will be returning to the big screen at the Fremont Theater to celebrate surfing on the big screen. With drinks in the lobby, live music from Riff Tide, and mingling with other local surfers, join us for what’s been coined the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” for surf and film lovers! This year, we’re shaking it up a bit and excited to present three short films, CREATURES OF HABIT, MAKING WAVES: THE LAKEY PETERSON STORY, and NØ WAY.
FREMONT THEATER
5:30PM Doors Open and Live Music 7PM Films Begin $25 General / $22 Student + Palmie
Remember back in the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s when MTV actually played music videos? For the fourth year in a row, music videos have a home at our festival. We are elated to once again be able to experience and celebrate the eclectic mix of creative music videos in person, Enjoy a live acoustic set before the film with Tipsy Trio (Hilary Brooke, Reese Galido, Forrestt Williams) of the long time local favorites: The Tipsy Gypsies. After the screening, stay for our juried Music Video Awards along with a conversation with all of our attending Music Video Filmmakers!
PALM THEATRE
5PM Live Music and Film Screening | $20 General / $17 Student + Palmie
COMMUNITY OF SKATE
Skate films have been a fundamental part of independent filmmaking since its early origins and have often been the launchpad to cultural art movements and social change. This year, we are excited to honor this community and its contributions to film with multiple films that celebrate the culture, community and impact of skateboarding.
Join us for a meet and greet with our special guests before the event at Ceremony Skate Shop, then head over to the Fremont Theater for live music from JOONE, a showcase of custom skateboard designs and live-screen printing by the SLO High School Advanced Graphic Design class. Stay after the screening for a discussion moderated by Dan Parks of Unearthed Skateboarding and Loose Bearings Artwork with pro skaters Leandre Sanders, Haden Mckenna, Chico Brenes and Skate Director Aaron Meza.
CEREMONY SKATE SHOP 4PM Meet + Greet
FREMONT THEATER 6PM Doors open + Live music from Joone | 7PM Intro and Films | 8:45PM Conversation
$25 General / $22 Palmie Member / $15 Student
S UN DAY, A P R I L 2 7
R.A.C.E MATTERS PRESENTS: CULTURE, STRENGTH, AND STORIES THAT MATTER…. UNITED WE THRIVE
Enjoy a series of short films programmed by R.A.C.E. Matters SLO!
PALM THEATRE
2PM Pay what you can. Proceeds go to supporting R.A.C.E. Matters.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD—JAY DUPLASS
We are thrilled to present this year’s Spotlight Award to indie-film director, writer, actor and producer, JAY DUPLASS. The Spotlight Award was created in 2012 to honor a talented and successful film industry professional who continues to be a leader in a variety of fields in the motion picture industry.
For the first time in 14 years, Jay has returned to his roots of writing and directing films with THE BALTIMORONS, which we are privileged to showcase alongside a conversation with Jay. Tickets include the conversation and film screening.
FREMONT THEATER
5PM Award + Conversation | 5:30PM Film Screening
CENTRAL COAST FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE
THERE ’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Just a short drive to nearby major cities, the Central Coast boasts incredible scenic filming locations and some of the most amazing talent. Join us as we spend the day showcasing films from our Central Coast Filmmakers and celebrate the outstanding artists in this community.
CAL POLY SHORT CUTS
SHORT CUTS features 8 short films created by Cal Poly students under the mentorship of Randi Barros, screenwriter, editor, and ISLA Lecturer, and James Werner, artist and Associate Professor of Art & Design. Engage with emotionally charged stories exploring love, loss, discovery, and unexpected moments of connection. See tomorrow’s filmmakers at work today.
FREMONT THEATER
7PM | $10 General / $5 Students
CLOSING NIGHT—COASTAL
KING VIDOR TRIBUTE: A CONVERSATION WITH BOB MACKIE
Join us for our most highly anticipated evening as we celebrate an exclusive and intimate conversation at Hotel San Luis Obispo with our 2025 King Vidor Recipient, legendary costume designer, Bob Mackie.
Enjoy a champagne reception to kick off the festivities, followed by an in depth conversation with Bob Mackie.
PALM THEATRE
4PM Screening of Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion
HOTEL SLO
7PM Conversation with Bob Mackie
$40 Film + Conversation
$15 Film Only | $30 Conversation Only
Our 2025 festival will wrap up with an award ceremony for both our juried awards and audience award voted on throughout the festival, alongside a showing of Daryl Hannah’s newest documentary following Neil Young’s solo tour, Coastal. We are privileged to welcome both Daryl Hannah and Neil Young to the Central Coast for an audience-driven Q&A after the film.
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Love is in the air
Jay Duplass ( e Pu y Chair; Cyrus; Je , Who Lives at Home) directs this screenplay cowritten with Michael Strassner about Cli (played by Strassner), a six-months-sober former improv comedian whose Christmas Eve cracked tooth leads him to Dr. Didi Dahl, D.D.S. (Liz Larsen) and a May/December romance as they explore Baltimore over one night. (100 min.)
Glen Cli is struggling to nd his footing. He just earned his six-month Alcoholics Anonymous chip, but his life feels o track. He’s got a girlfriend (Olivia Luccardi) who loves him but doesn’t really support him. He loves improv comedy, but it triggers his alcoholism, so his girlfriend laid down the law: No alcohol and no comedy. Basically, no fun. He’s a lost soul who, thanks to a dental emergency, meets another lost soul, Didi, whose husband left her for a younger woman. It’s Christmas Eve, and the thought of facing her children and ex with his new woman at a family gathering is unenticing. When Cli discovers his car has been towed outside of Didi’s o ce, she o ers him a ride to the impound lot, setting in motion a 24-hour adventure as the pair gets to know each other and discover that though they’re each broken, they just might t together. It’s very sweet, very melancholic, and very naturalistic. You feel like you’re witnessing real life.
Anna I absolutely love stories like this. Something about mis ts nding their match gives me all the good feels. Cli ’s just trying to keep himself out of a rut so deep that he drinks again, and Didi is so stuck in her own rut that she isn’t even looking for the sunlight anymore. e messiness of imperfection is played so well by Strassner and Larsen in this “slice of life” lm. e two don’t feel like a t, but somehow, they’re just what each other needs in that weird window of time that they nd each other. At one point, the two end up at a comedy show, and Cli is peer-pressured back onstage. In what
GOLD & GREED: THE HUNT FOR FENN’S TREASURE
What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Forrest Fenn is seen by some as a dangerous trickster and by others as a dream-maker. After hiding a cache of jewels and gold somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, Fenn penned a poem with clues to its location. This treasure captured the attention of many and soon had people trekking across the country and around the world trying to find it. This three-
THE BALTIMORONS
What’s
rst seems to be a humiliating attempt by his improv peers to knock Cli down, the two nd a way to play with each other when Didi joins him onstage. It’s so sweet, but these two can’t seem to stop getting in their own way. Glen I didn’t recognize any of these actors, which I think helps add to the realism. I looked at Strassner’s and Larsen’s IMDb pages, and they’ve each done a lot of supporting actor work, but here they are front and center, and they both turn in amazing and natural performances.
Strassner is scru y but loveable, and Larsen projects a protective hardened exterior that begins to crack under Cli ’s charm—they’re
part series explores the people who so deeply believed they would be the ones to find the treasure as well as Fenn himself—and the dire consequences for some treasure hunters.
The Rocky Mountains are inhospitable, and more than one life was lost on the treasure hunt. Fenn himself is a character, as are those who sought his fortune. Fenn used his knowledge of the location to tease his audience for years as they continued the search.
Oddballs and dreamers alike, the folks on-screen take us on the wild ride of their individual hunts and the many theories they stumbled upon along the way. The treasure was eventually found, but Fenn created such a stir that some continue looking with the belief that the finder returned the treasure for others to find. (three approximately one-hour episodes)
—Anna
DOPE THIEF
What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2025
perfect for these roles, which makes sense since Strassner—drawing from his own life—co-wrote the screenplay with Duplass. Likewise, Duplass explained that Larsen’s personal history was also incorporated into the screenplay. With its light, jazzy score and cinema verité-style location lming in Baltimore, this is the anti-Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s a love story that feels real and a shared adventure that feels spontaneous. Are they going to make it? You don’t know, but their hopefulness is palpable. Anna I applaud Duplass, Strassner, and Larsen—this is a little lm that manages to make the small things feel big and reminds us that life-changing moments sometimes tumble like rocks down a hill, one right after the other and all in a great big pile. You might as well enjoy the fall. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Apple TV+
Created by Peter Craig (The Town, The Batman, Top Gun: Maverick) based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel of the same name, Dope Thief follows two Philadelphia friends—Ray Driscoll (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny Carvalho (Wagner Moura)—who pose as DEA agents and rob drug dealers to support themselves. Their scam becomes decidedly dangerous when they rob a cook lab that turns out to be part of a major East Coast narcotics operation that’s under surveillance by the real DEA. Soon both law enforcement and a deadly drug cartel are after them.
Gripping and gritty, the series follows these two low-level criminals, humanizing them as we discover their challenging backgrounds, the people they care about, and their ongoing struggles. Yes, they break the law, but the more we look up the drug underworld food chain, the more it ironically feels like they’re the good guys. The focus shifts between Ray and Manny’s world and the law enforcement world, especially undercover agent Mina (Marin Ireland) and her supervisor, Mark Nader (Amir Arison). Ving Rhames co-stars as Bart Driscoll, Ray’s incarcerated father, and Kate Mulgrew co-stars as Theresa Bowers, Ray’s de facto stepmother. The performances are all compelling. A great miniseries! (108 min.) ∆
CHRISTMAS MIRACLE After chipping a tooth on Christmas Eve, Cliff (Michael Strassner) and his emergency dentist, Didi (Liz Larsen), set off on an adventure through Baltimore, in The Baltimorons, screening as part of the SLO International Film Fest.
COURTESY PHOTO BY JESSIE COHEN/DUPLASS BROTHERS PRODUCTIONS
STREET DOGS Ray Driscoll (Brian Tyree Henry, left) and Manny Carvalho (Wagner Moura) pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers, but their scam goes sideways, in Dope Thief, streaming on Apple TV+.
COURTESY PHOTO BY JESSICA KOURKOUNIS/APPLE TV+
Theater in SLO on
Palm Theatre in SLO
Entry Period is April 24–May 12 by 5pm
Carl Sepulveda, 2024
Dan Baum, 2024
Andy Samerasena, 2024
Heather Shultz, 2024
Wayne Angeloty, 2024
Lance Wilson, 2024
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Pickin’ paradise
The Parkfield Bluegrass Festival is just around the corner
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, running Thursday, May 8, through Sunday, May 11, when the tiny rural hamlet of Parkfield sees its population jump from 18 souls to more than a thousand over four days of music and camaraderie.
Parkfield is only a 65-minute drive from San Luis Obispo, just 25 miles northeast of Paso Robles, so it’s an easy day trip, but there’s plenty of space for dry camping as well as a limited number of RV hookups for those who want to immerse themselves in the full Parkfield experience. Ticket info is available at parkfieldbluegrass.org.
This year’s lineup is another humdinger— bluegrass and Americana galore. Bushwick Mountain Boys, Showman & Coole, The Price Sisters, Evie Ladin, Water Tower, Red Dog Ash, Pacific Drive, Blue Birds on a Wire, Honeysuckle Possums, SLO County Stumblers, and Amber Cross are all on the bill. I spoke to Seth Mulder of headliner Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. They have two albums out, Traveling Kind (2020) and In Dreams I Go Back (2022), with another one on the way.
Mulder began playing professionally in 2014 in Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery, where he led the house band. Many members have come and gone through the years. A nearby “bluegrass college that’s about an hour and a half from the Smoky Mountains in Johnson City” is a satellite school of Eastern Tennessee State University and has supplied a stream of talented players.
to bluegrass is kind of how I discovered the mandolin.”
After fiddle lessons between the ages 6 and 12, “I discovered a mandolin in a music store and realized they were tuned similar, and I thought, ‘Aw, I can do this.’ After a bit of research, I found out mandolin was used in bluegrass music. I thought, ‘Let’s check this out and see what it is.’”
Mulder grew up in the country and only had access to dial-up internet, so the only way he could deepen his affinity for bluegrass was by finding CDs he chose solely based on their covers.
“I’d see what looked like a cool bluegrass album. ‘Oh, this cover has bluegrass instruments. Let’s see what it sounds like.’ I was kind of taking a chance on it, which is kind of fun to think about. It makes me think about our CD covers and graphic design when it comes to our merchandise. I know when I was a kid, I bought something based on how cool it looked. I had no idea what it was going to sound like.”
The band plays mostly originals, though Mulder also finds “lost covers”—songs that have largely disappeared.
“I’ve got a record collection at home that I’ll scavenger through, and I’ve found songs that way. Everyone in the band is deep into the roots of bluegrass and country music,” so they’re also on the lookout, Mulder noted. He also mentioned that a lot of records are out of print, but he can sometimes find songs on YouTube that can’t be found elsewhere.
Sound out!
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
“I would say I’m probably an old soul,” Mulder said about his affinity for this oldstyle genre. “I grew up listening to a lot of old-school country music, spent a lot of time around my grandparents. I listened to pretty much whatever country music my grandma had put on the radio, and my grandpa had some records, and I discovered Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe. Listening
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
MIDNIGHT RIDE AT THE SIREN SoCal
Top 40 Cover Band, Midnight Ride is set to bring their high energy to Morro Bay. Hear them live at The Siren. April 26 8-11 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ events/2099811233826130. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some
“‘The Mountains are Calling’—a song that was on our last record— hadn’t been cut since the ’60s, and was on an old 45 rpm record, and the only way you could find it was that 45 or a random YouTube link that someone had uploaded. Same with ‘My, My, My.’ That was a song that someone had cut back in the ’80s, and when I talked to the band [that recorded it], they said they did it once and never played it again. No one knew the song or remembered the song. It’s kind of bringing new life to it. You can make it your own and put your own spin on it.”
That’s exactly what Mulder did. “My,
friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
THE TURKEY BUZZARDS Hear Morro Bay-based band The Turkey Buzzards play a range of americana, country, and folk music. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 24 7-10 p.m. $16. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. UP IN THE AIR AT THE MERRIMAKER BEER GARDEN Up in the Air is set to play their unique blend of upbeat originals along with danceable covers at the Merrimaker Beer Garden. April 27, 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1735. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BARREL ROOM CONCERT: ERIN AND
My, My” was named the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America’s (SPBGMA) 2023 Song of the Year.
You still have a couple of weeks to plan your Parkfield trip and buy tickets to what promises to be a super fun festival.
“If you haven’t seen us before and you’re wondering what to expect, we’re big proponents of high energy music and entertainment,” Mulder concluded. “We have fun. I’m the oldest. Our banjo player is just 19. We have a very youthful approach. It’s going to be high energy, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a good time. If you come to the show, you’re going to hear some harddriving bluegrass music, you’re going to hear some cool songs, and you’re going to leave hopefully with a smile on your face.”
Feel the Pulse
REGGAE REVOLUTIONARIES
Fremont Theater on April 30
April 30 (doors at 7 p.m., show at 8; all ages; $53.53 at prekindle.com), with F.Y.A.H. (Free Your Authentic Heart) opening. Hailing from Britain, Steel Pulse is touring in support of their 12th studio album, Mass Manipulation, which explores topics such as racial injustice and human rights. Launched in Birmingham in 1975, this band of reggae revolutionaries continues their goal of global unification.
THE EARTHQUAKES Head to the Hilltop Barrel Room Event Center to hear live music. Get more information at the link. May 4 4-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.
CHILI COOK OFF WITH LIVE MUSIC BY LONGSTRAW Join local alt-country group Longstraw for an afternoon of chili and music at Sweet Springs’ Chili Cook-Off. A ticket includes a beer and tasting bowl. April 27 3-7:30 p.m. $15. instagram. com/p/DIMoexPyQ_s/?igsh=NTc4MTIwN
jQ2YQ==. Sweet Springs Saloon, 990 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, (805) 439-0969. CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS: “THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE” Cassandra Tarantino conducts the Cuesta Concord Chorus as they present their spring concert, featuring Leonard Bernstein’s “Missa Brevis” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” May 4 3 p.m. $22 General, $5
The Fremont Theater welcomes the return of reggae icons Steel Pulse on Wednesday,
Student w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
DEADSTOCK 3 LIVE Visit the link for tickets and a full lineup description. April 25 -26 $18. my805tix.com. Dark Nectar Coffee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, (805) 835-1988.
FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
JAZZ UNDER THE STARS WITH SUNNY WRIGHT AND CHARLIE SHOEMAKE
Join the legendary Charlie Shoemake on Piano and vocalist Sunny Wright for an evening of jazz at Sensorio Art Exhibit.
Pat Kelley and vocalist Sunny Wright at Sensorio for live music on the green, with fire pit tables, cocktails, dinner options, and more. April 24 6-9 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
MAESTRA: MUSIC FROM WOMEN
Enjoy music from the Atascadero Community Band at the free concert celebrating the creative voices of women composers and arrangers from
around the world. All donations benefit the SLO Youth Symphony. May 4 , 3 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, 6225 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, 805) 466-2051.
MIDNIGHT RIDE ACOUSTIC AT BLAST & BREW SoCal Top 40 cover band Midnight Ride will bring their highenergy performance to Blast and Brew. Hear them live. April 25 6-9 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/1309168303533252. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
MIDNIGHT RIDE AT THE POUR HOUSE Head to The Pour House for an evening of live music from SoCal-based band, Midnight Ride. April 27, 2-5 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/553008630506253. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
LIVE MUSIC continued page 28
Steel Pulse brings their socially conscious sounds to the
STARKEY continued page 28
TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS (Left to right) Anthony Howell, Carter Lester, Seth Mulder, Tyler Griffith, and Mason Wright are Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, headlining this year’s Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, May 8 to 11 .
An Opera in Church Clothing? Verdi’s Circulating Concert Work
Go Verdi on Tour! (Italy, Germany, England, France): Highlights of the Musical and Cultural Impact of Verdi’s
Sunday, April 27, 1:15 pm, Performing Arts Center Pavilion, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo Free admission with concert ticket
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 pm, Indian Hill Clubhouse at San Luis Bay Estates 6375 Firehouse Canyon Road, Avila Beach, Ticketed event; go to slomasterchorale.org for details.
Be magically transported to the Emerald City in our region’s first grand production of The Wizard of Oz! OperaSLO’s thrilling recreation of the famous 1939 movie promises to wow you with all the songs you remember performed by a nationally acclaimed cast, expansive two-story sets, vivid costumes, thrilling dance, large chorus, all accompanied by the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra!
Tons of fun
And the award for “most shows this week” goes to …
Good Medicine, Numbskull, and KCBX present The Coffis Brothers at Castoro Cellars on Friday, April 25 (6 p.m.; all ages; $24.41 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with the Alex Lucero Band opening. “The Coffis Brothers have earned their reputation as modern-day torchbearers of all-American rock ’n’ roll,” their bio explained. “It’s a sound caught halfway between amplified Americana, acoustic folk, roadhouse R&B, and electrifying roots music.”
KCBX and Good Medicine present a new series, Folk Friday, starting this Friday, April 25, with Max MacLaury and The Compromisers, Cate Armstrong, and Two Paper Squares at The Libertine in SLO (6 p.m.; all ages; $14.63 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Organizers say the performers “will be performing their varied tones of folk and folk-inspired music.”
Soulful, gritty Americana singersongwriter Marty O’Reilly plays Club Car Bar on Friday, April 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $18.75 at goodmedicinepresents.com). This guy really pours every emotion into his performances.
Numbskull and Good Medicine present Nashville singer-songwriter Conner Smith at BarrelHouse Brewing on Saturday, April 26 (6 p.m.; all ages; $28.53 general or $98.48 VIP at goodmedicinepresents.com). The 24-year-old parlayed a teenage publishing
OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.
REAPING ASMODEIA Head to Dark Nectar for an evening of live performances from death metal band, Reaping Asmodeia, along with Chewed To Stubs, Foreskinz, and Your Lips Vs. Mine. Visit the link for tickets and more details to this all-ages show. April 27 6 p.m. $14. my805tix.com. Dark Nectar Coffee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, (805) 835-1988.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and
deal into his 2022 debut album Didn’t Go Too Far and its hit songs “Learn from It,” “Take It Slow,” and “I Hate Alabama.” Jonathan Hutcherson opens.
Finally, Numbskull and Good Medicine present Bay Area singer-songwriter Sean Hayes at The Siren on Thursday, May 1 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $28.53 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with Graybill opening. Hayes was born in New York City, raised in North Carolina, and started his music career playing Irish and old-time tunes before developing his “unique style of deeply felt, R&B-inflected folk.”
Free is good
I’m pretty sure the members of Midnight Ride are all Mensa International members because their set list is hundreds of songs
long and spans the 1950s through today and covers all genres of rock, country, disco, funk, R&B, and Latin music. Who can remember 300 songs?!?
They’re playing a free show at The Siren on Saturday, April 26 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 21-and-older), as well as a 1 to 4 p.m. set that day in SLO’s Wolff Vineyards.
“I grew up in Pismo (Harloe/Judkins/AG High alumni) but have been in SoCal for 25 years,” guitarist Shawn Blakey emailed. “[We travel] all over California and Arizona, playing 185 shows a year, and we also come up the Central Coast about five times a year to play a variety of shows.”
He’s not kidding. In addition to The Siren and Wolff Vineyard shows, you can see Midnight Ride on Friday, April 25, in Blast & Brews in Atascadero (6 to 9 p.m.) and Frog & Peach in SLO (9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; 21-and-older).
STEPHEN STYLES WITH BAND Hear Stephen Styles and his band play a night of live country rock at Blast and Brew. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 26 6:30-9:30 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero. SAN LUIS OBISPO
CAL POLY CELLO ENSEMBLE CONCERT: CELLO ROMANZA Cal Poly’s Cello Ensemble will perform a wide range of works, from classical to arrangements of songs by Lada Gaga and Queen. May 3 2 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/special/. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CELLO FEST: “BETWEEN THE NOTES” LECTURE-DEMO Music Department faculty members Aaron Kline, composer, and Megan Chartier, cello, will discuss the composition
and performance process for Kline’s “Sarabande in 7-8.” May 1 11:10 a.m. Free; parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CELLO FEST: EMIKO WONG
JUNIOR RECITAL Title: Tides of Memory. Music major Emiko Wong will perform a junior recital accompanied by Music Department faculty member Janet Joichi. May 2 7 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CELLO FEST: ERIC SUNG
MASTER CLASS Sung is principal cellist for the San Francisco Ballet and will coach Cal Poly students on their performance. May 1 , 7:30 p.m. Free; parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
They’ll also play this Sunday, April 27, in Paso’s The Pour House (2 to 5 p.m.) and then Harry’s Nightclub in Pismo (7 to 11:30 p.m.).
Surf’s up!
The SLO International Film Festival is happening this week, so the Fremont Theater is back to screening movies instead of staging concerts, but you can get the best of both worlds during Surf Nite on Friday, April 25 (doors at
CAL POLY CELLO FEST: MEGAN
CHARTIER FACULTY RECITAL — “IN SEARCH OF LIGHT” Chartier will present a solo recital with works by Max Reger, Rudolf Matz, Ernst Bloch, and Music Department faculty member Aaron Kline. May 4 2 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ special/. Temple Ner Shalom, 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo.
COLBY ACUFF LIVE Idaho-native Colby Acuff is a country singer-songwriter set to deliver a live performance to an audience of SLO locals. Get tickets at the link. April 24 7 p.m. $33. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
CUESTA CHOIR CONCERT FEATURING THE SJSU CHORALIERS Head to the Cuesta Choir concert, conducted by John Knutson and Dr. Jeffrey Benson. The San José State University Choraliers will also be performing. April 24 7:30 p.m. $15. (805) 546-3198.
5:30 p.m.; all ages; $25 at slofilmfest.org/boxoffice), which features music by dance band Riff Tide playing surf, rock, funk, and soul music.
“We are super stoked!” drummer Michael Eddy said. “We’ll be on the big stage with surf videos playing behind us while everyone gets their drinks and socializes from 5:30 to 7 p.m.”
A trio of surf films—Creatures of Habit, Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story, and No Way—follows starting at 7 p.m.
How do you say ‘scat’ singing in French?
The SLO County Jazz Federation is bringing French vocalist Marina Pacowski back to town for a concert with Scott Whitfield and Dave Becker this Saturday, April 26, in SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 plus fees at my805tix.com, $10 plus fees for students).
“Pacowski is a brilliant vocalist, scat singer, and pianist,” the Jazz Fed announced. “A French native who has toured extensively in Europe, Pacowski now resides in Los Angeles where she has performed in all the top jazz venues. Los Angeles-based Scott Whitfield is an internationally recognized trombonist, composer, arranger, and vocalist. He was a member of the Nat Adderly Sextet, has 12 recordings as a leader, and more than 100 recordings with other artists.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
DEPARTURE DUO Nina Guo and Edward Kass present music for soprano and double bass, exploring the possibilities for music at its extremes. April 24 , 7:30 p.m. Free; parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
FOLK FRIDAY The first event of the new Folk Friday program at Libertine. This first edition highlights three folk acts including Max MacLaury and The Compromisers, Cateylady, and Two Paper Squares. April 25 , 6:30-10 p.m. $12-$25. (808) 220-0762. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, libertinebrewing.com.
JOSH ROSENBLUM LIVE Hear Central Coast singer, songwriter Josh Rosenblum as he blends hints of jazz, rock, soul, and pop into his live performance. Tickets and more information can be found at
the link. April 25 , 7-9 p.m. $16. my805tix. com. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo. MARINA PACOWSKI AND SCOTT WHITFIELD WITH DAVE BECKER QUARTET The San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation presents jazz vocalist, scat singer and pianist Marina Pacowski, along with LA-based trombonist, composer, and vocalist Scott Whitfield. Get tickets and more details at the link. April 26 7:30-9:30 p.m. $40. my805tix. com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo. MARK KROLL LECTURE-DEMO: THE ART OF MUSICAL ORNAMENTATION The harpsichordist and Boston University professor emeritus will play and talk about examples of musical ornamentation by a wide range of composers and theorists. April 24 11:10 a.m. Free; parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ LIVE MUSIC continued page 30
LIVE MUSIC from page 26
BAND OF BROTHERS Good Medicine, Numbskull, and KCBX present The Coffis Brothers at Castoro Cellars on April 25
SIX SHOWS IN THREE DAYS SoCal cover band Midnight Ride plays six local venues from April 25 through 27
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDNIGHT RIDE
COWABUNGA Local surf, rock, funk, and soul dance band Riff Tide will play Surf Nite on April 26 at the Fremont Theater as part of the SLO International Film Fest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIFF TIDE
EAR PARTY Numbskull and Good Medicine present Bay Area singer-songwriter Sean Hayes in The Siren on May 1
PHOTO COURTESY
special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
MIDNIGHT RIDE AT FROG & PEACH
Head to downtown SLO to hear SoCalbased Top 40 cover band Midnight Ride play live at Frog & Peach. April 25 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Free. facebook.com/ events/3777670882498683. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-4764.
MIDNIGHT RIDE AT WOLFF VINEYARDS
Enjoy an evening of live music from Midnight Ride, the Top 40 cover band, hailing from Southern California. April 26 1-4 p.m. Free. Wolff Vineyards, 6238 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-0448, wolffvineyards.com.
THE RELATIVE MINIMUM LIVE Hear
The Relative Minimum live, along with sets from heavy metal band Meridian Parkway, emocore group Sparce, and punk rock band Bad Year. Get tickets and more info at the link. May 2 6 p.m. $14. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
SAPPHIC FACTORY: QUEER JOY PARTY
Doors open at 8 p.m. For ages 18 and over. A portion of proceeds from each ticket go to the PLUS1 x NOISE FOR NOW Reproductive Health Access Fund. May 2 9 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5468600, fremontslo.com.
SLO MASTER CHORALE: VERDI’S REQUIEM Visit site for more info on the event, as well as two Beyond the Notes programs that dive into Verdi’s works, on April 26 and 27 in SLO. April 27 3 p.m. slomasterchorale.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.
STEEL PULSE Reggae powerhouse Steel
Pulse exemplify musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. All ages welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. April 30, 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
THE SURFACE WALKERS LIVE The Surface Walkers are set to bring the audience into a musical and spiritual experience with live soulful and hypnotic music. Visit the link for more details and tickets. April 26 6:30 p.m. $13. my805tix. com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.
W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL
The Music Department professor emeritus will explore a broad swath of Frédéric Chopin’s works, including dances, a nocturne, and the extraordinary “Preludes, Op. 28.” April 25 , 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
APRIL JAZZ AFTER DARK: A SPECIAL EVENING AT PUFFER’S FEATURING DAVE RUFFNER & HIS ALL STARS Enjoy an intimate night of world-class jazz and New Orleans storytelling featuring Dave Ruffner & His All Stars. April 30 5-8 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach.
BASIN STREET REGULARS PRESENTS
WEST COAST GUMBO WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAVE RUFFNER West Coast
Gumbo is set to hit the stage with special Guest Dave Ruffner. Get tickets and more info to the show at the link. April
27 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. (805) 937-8402. pismojazz.com/. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
BEYOND THE NOTES: ENRICHMENT
THROUGH MUSIC AND COMMUNITY
Dr. Gregory Harwood, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Georgia Southern University, will present “Two for One: An Opera in Church Clothing.” RSVP at the link. April 26 3-5 p.m. my805tix. com. San Luis Bay Estates Lodge, 6375 Firehouse Canyon Road, Avila Beach, (805) 391-7664.
HR ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
MARIACHI LOS GALLEROS Hailed as “the most beloved Mariachi in Mexico,” continues its legacy under Danny Rey, bringing the spirit of Mexican music to audiences worldwide. May 4 , 8-10 p.m. $45-$65; Platinum $75. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/mariachi-losgalleros/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. MIDNIGHT RIDE AT HARRY’S SoCal Top 40 Cover Band, Midnight Ride, is set to bring high-energy to Harry’s Night Club and Bar. April 27, 7-11:30 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/1588740688502419.
Photo by: Andy Samarasena
Through the online grapevine
Miller Family Wine Company named Grower of the Year, launches AI sommelier service
Not long after accepting a coveted award for winemaking innovation at the state’s capital, the Miller Family Wine Company pushed industry boundaries further with a state-of-the-art update.
In January, the Santa Barbara County producer—the umbrella company that includes Bien Nacido Estates, J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, Pandemonium, and other Central Coast staples—was recognized as the 2025 Grower of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) in Sacramento. In February, the company’s website launched its first AI-powered sommelier feature.
“It has been in development for over a year. While working on a redevelopment of our website, we realized there was an opportunity to bring in AI functionality to enhance the customer experience,” Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Nicholas Miller said in an email interview.
Through Instalily, a company that develops customizable AI, the Miller Family Wine Company’s AI sommelier can provide website visitors with quick, personalized recommendations tailored to a patron’s palate, with detailed tasting notes and other resources to enhance the user’s wine shopping experience.
“The AI sommelier allows customers to have 24/7 support and a live channel to ask questions and [receive] recommendations based on preferences, among other factors,” Miller said. “The attraction to AI stems from our belief that AI will reshape business—your two choices are to embrace it or ignore it.”
He compared apprehensive reactions to AI to the cultural zeitgeist during another technology’s emergence eras ago.
“There was initial reluctance to the internet at first, but now we see how vital it is in everyday life,” Miller said. “We feel that, much like the internet, adopting new
In good company
To find out more about the Miller Family Wine Company, or to try the producer’s new AI sommelier online, visit millerfamilywines.com. For more info on the California Association of Winegrape Growers, visit cawg.org.
technologies will benefit long-term success for customers and businesses alike.”
One thing he and his colleagues personally enjoy about using the new AI sommelier feature is simply trying to trick or confound it, he explained.
“We love coming up with new questions and trying to stump the AI somm,” Miller said. “Its answers can be great feedback for us and how we should be looking at our brands and gives insights on how we can continue to improve, … [and] adjust for what consumers are looking for.”
Reflecting on the Miller Family Wine Company’s big win back in January, Miller said that many of his relatives flocked to Sacramento to commemorate the winery being named CAWG’s 2025 Grower of the Year.
“It was important to us to celebrate such a special award with most of the family present. I believe this is the first time in the history of the award that three generations of a family were onstage to receive it,” said Miller, who added that the group ventured to a restaurant in Sacramento for a celebratory dinner after the ceremony, paired with a couple of wines from the family’s vast catalogue: a J. Wilkes pinot blanc and Pandemonium cabernet sauvignon.
Described as the highest honor bestowed by CAWG, the Grower of the Year Award recognizes vintners across California who demonstrate excellence in viticulture, management, leadership, and advocacy, and whose impacts benefit the future of the state’s wine industry, according to the association.
“The Miller family’s enduring commitment to the California winegrape industry is truly remarkable. Their leadership in sustainable farming practices and active industry
advocacy have greatly strengthened the entire winegrape community,” CAWG President Natalie Collins said in a statement. Miller said that he and his family always get excited about finding new ways to “message the importance” of the company’s sustainable farming practices.
“Whether it’s our CCOF [California Certified Organic Farmers] certification or being one of the first vineyards in California to be sustainably certified, we are always looking to how we can push viticulture in California forward, [from] mechanical farming techniques [to] ways to map and look at the vineyard,” he said. “We’ve always wanted to be good stewards of the land.” Δ
Find out whether Sun Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood, from New Times’ sister paper, is real or AI by sending tricky questions to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
VINEYARDS WITH VISION Partly thanks to its use of innovative and sustainable farming practices, the Miller Family Wine Company was recently named 2025 Grower of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers.
GATEWAY GRAPES In 2023, the Miller Family Wine Company commemorated the 50th anniversary of Bien Nacido Estates in Santa Maria with the grand opening of a new tasting room, The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido.
MEET THE MILLERS Nicholas, Stephen, and Marshall Miller (left to right) are among the members of the multigenerational Miller family. J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, Pandemonium, and Bien Nacido Estates are among the local wine brands under the umbrella of the Miller Family Wine Company.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSE WINE MANAGEMENT
CORK VALUES Chardonnay and pinot noir are among the wine varieties bottled by Bien Nacido Estates, which also produces grenache, syrah, viognier, and more.
FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Now Open!
T.S. No.:
2024-02087-CA-REV A.P.N.:082-201-010
Property Address: 11475 DIXON TRAIL, SANTA MARGARITA, CA 93453
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE §
2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.
NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED
注：本文件包含一个信息摘要 참고사항: 본 첨부 문서에 정보 요 약서가 있습니다
NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP
LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ
BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC
VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/25/2012. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Trustor: TERRILL W. MEAD, AN UNMARRIED MAN
Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC
Deed of Trust Recorded 05/01/2012 as Instrument No. 2012023499 in book —-, page—and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, California, Date of Sale: 06/03/2025 at 11:00 AM
Place of Sale: IN THE BREEZEWAY ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY GENERAL SERVICES BLDG. LOCATED AT 1087 SANTA ROSA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 140,127.40
THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE:
All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as: More fully described in said Deed of Trust.
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 11475 DIXON TRAIL, SANTA MARGARITA, CA 93453
A.P.N.: 082-201-010
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.
The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 140,127.40.
Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt.
If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies
paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.
The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www. altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2024-02087-CA-REV. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855)-976-3916, or visit this internet website https://tracker. auction.com/sb1079, using the file number assigned to this case 2024-02087-CA-REV to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003
Sale Information Line: (866) 9608299 https://www.altisource. com/loginpage.aspx Date: April 14, 2025
Trustee Sale Assistant **This address must be used for the required delivery by certified or overnight mail of postponement requests as specified pursuant to Civil Code section 2924f(e). April 24, May 1, & 8, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NEW FILE NO. 2025-0862 OLD FILE NO. 2023-2459
INDIO RENTALS,130 Hermosa Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 11/09/2023. The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the Fictitious Business Name: Annette Marie Blohm (130 Hermosa Drive Pismo Beach CA 93449). Katherine Anne Martin (P.O. Box 276 Arroyo Grande CA 93421). This business was conducted by a Joint Venture Annette Marie Blohm. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04/18/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By awebster, Deputy Clerk. April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025
Nereyda Valdovinos, H091, contains miscellaneous items. April 24, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-0449 (05/20/2024)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: PAYMENT POINT SOLUTIONS 5470 Shooting Star Ln, Avila Beach CA 93424. San Luis Obispo County. JL Merchant Solutions LLC (PO Box 2276 Avila Beach, CA 93424). State of California. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Company, JL Merchant Solutions LLC Joseph P Shepard, Manager. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 02/25/2025. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 03/25/2030. April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-0492 (02/12/2025) New Filing
The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: OAK AND IVY 282 Templeton Cemetery Rd Paso Robles CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. Home Sweet
CITY OF GROVER BEACH
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: General Plan Amendment GPA-25-0001
Address: Citywidee
Applicant: City of Grover Beach
Description: The Planning Commission will receive a presentation on the status of the City’s update to the General Plan Circulation Element. The Circulation Element Update will establish a comprehensive strategy to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity for all modes of travel (vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and trails) while aligning State mandates and regional transportation planning efforts
Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this status update on the Circulation Element is informational in nature and does not constitute a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b); therefore, it is not subject to environmental review at this time. The full Circulation Element update, once drafted and considered for adoption, will be subject to environmental review in compliance with CEQA.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-StaffReports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, April 24, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
FOOTHILL-SANTA ROSA SEWER
PIPELINE REPLACEMENT, SPEC. NO. 2000096
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids by mail for the “Foothill-Santa Rosa Sewer Pipeline Replacement, Specification No. 2000096” at the Public Works Administration Office located at 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 until, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, at 11:00 A.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.orgBid packages under Bids & Proposals. Questions may be addressed to Miguel Barcenas, Deputy Director, through www.bidnetdirect.com April 24, 2025
Notice of Intent to Adopt An Addendum to the Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility Project Final Environmental Impact Report
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Morro Bay, as lead agency, has prepared an Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project listed above pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As stated in CEQA Guidelines Section 15164(c), an addendum does not need to be circulated for public review. However, pursuant to the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program from which the project has received funding, this Addendum is being circulated for public review. Anyone desiring to comment on the Addendum to the Final EIR may do so in writing within the 27-day public review period from April 24, 2025 through 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Any person wishing to comment on this matter must submit such comments, in writing, to the City of Morro Bay, Attn: Damaris Hanson, 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, California 93442 or to dhanson@morrobayca.gov prior to the end of the review period.
Project Title: Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility Project State Clearinghouse #: 2016081027
Project Location: The project area is located in the City of Morro Bay and portions of unincorporated San Luis Obispo County. The project area would remain largely the same as that analyzed in the Final EIR with the exception of several pipeline alignments and injection well locations proposed along Atascadero Road, Embarcadero, Surf Street, Morro Creek, and Willow Camp Creek.
Notice of Public Hearings – May 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: Development Application INT-25-0011
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$908.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
$6,893.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on April 2, 2025, that $908.00 was seized near the intersection of Hillview and Los Reyes in unincorporated Arroyo Grande, CA and $6,893.00 was seized at 6700 Alcantara Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violation of section 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $908.00 and $6,893.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www. courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: April 14, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
The City of Arroyo Grande is inviting qualified firms to submit proposals for project scope including demolition and removal of existing playground equipment, remove and replace existing rubber surface in existing play area, design of new playground equipment with requested elements, purchase and installation of new playground equipment at Parkside Park (484 Bakeman Lane) in Arroyo Grande. This Request for Proposals is posted on the City’s website at http://www.arroyogrande.org/Bids.aspx
Any changes, additions, or deletions to this Request for Proposal will be in the form of written addenda issued by the City. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective proposers must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information during the response period. The City is not responsible for the failure of any prospective proposer to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Request for Proposal.
A nonmandatory pre-bid conference will be held on April 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM on-site. Any questions related to this RFP shall be submitted in writing to the attention of Theresa Wren, Capital Improvement Project Manager, via email at twren@arroyogrande. org. Questions shall be submitted before 2:00 pm on April 18, 2025. No oral questions or inquiries about this RFP shall be accepted.
If your firm is interested and qualified, please submit three (3) hard copies of your proposed package, one (1) Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) file of the proposal on flash drive. Proposals must be clearly marked and delivered no later than 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Late submissions after the deadline or proposals delivered via fax will not be accepted.
Submit and label as follows:
Hearing Item: Hearing on Organization Staffing Per AB 2561 and the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (Government Code Section 3502.3)
Address: 305 Long Branch Ave
Applicant: Peak WiFi, LLC
Description: A request for a Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit to address changes to an approved development project (DA 22-03) to allow an elevator tower to exceed the maximum allowed height for the underlying zone. The project is located in the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission. (APN: 060-213-020)
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, regarding the status of staffing, vacancies, and recruitment to fulfill the requirements of AB 2561 and associated amendments to the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (Government Code Section 3502.3). The Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ on May 5, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the hearing.
Hearing Item: Fee Updates to the Adopted LAFCO Fee Schedule
Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed project modification is consistent with the previously adopted Class 32 Categorical Exemption (Infill Development, §15332). The increase in elevator tower height does not result in any new or more significant environmental impacts, and no substantial changes or new information warrant additional environmental review under CEQA Guidelines §15162.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, regarding updates to the LAFCO Fee Schedule. The hearing will consider amendments to certain fees established in the LAFCO Fee Schedule. Per Government Code Section 66016, the Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ by May 5, 2025, 10 days prior to the hearing on May 15, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the public hearings.
Hearing Item: Final Budget for the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Brief Project Description: This Addendum describes the details of several refinements to the specific locations and types of project facilities that have occurred during evolution of the design process, which have resulted in new project impact areas beyond those identified and evaluated in the certified Final EIR for the Original Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility Project (Original Project). This modified project concept is referred to herein as the Modified Project. The overall purpose, objectives, and nature of the Original Project would remain the same under the Modified Project. As with the Original Project, the Modified Project would consist of construction of the Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), which includes an indirect potable reuse (IPR) recycled water system and decommissioning and demolition of the existing Morro Bay-Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). In addition to the WRF, the Original Project includes construction of administration, operations, and maintenance buildings; lift stations and pipelines to convey raw wastewater to the WRF and waste discharges of reverse osmosis concentrate and treated wet weather flows from the WRF to the ocean outfall; and a new distribution system to convey advanced treated recycled water from the WRF to new groundwater injection wells in the Morro Valley Groundwater Basin. Water for the groundwater injection wells would be sourced from the WRF. As envisioned under the Original Project, the Modified Project would include several pipeline segments and injection wells to make up the recycled water distribution and injection network. However, under the Modified Project, locations for four potential recycled water distribution pipeline alignments and eight potential injection well sites have been defined, and a potential recycled water fill station and two new areas for potential non-potable reuse irrigation are proposed. (The City would select a combination of the potential pipeline segments and injection well locations to make up the ultimate recycled water distribution pipeline and injection well network.) In addition, under the Modified Project, a portion of the advanced treated recycled water produced at the WRF may be delivered for non-potable irrigation use at Lila Keiser Park and Morro Bay High School. The Modified Project may also include installation of a recycled water fill station, either at the WRF or Lila Keiser Park, which would make non-potable recycled water available for agricultural, construction, and municipal purposes and would replace the existing non-potable water fill station at the Flippos Well at Lila Keiser Park. Lastly, under the Modified Project, groundwater extracted from the Morro Valley Groundwater Basin would be conveyed to the potable water distribution system and may undergo treatment at the City’s existing Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis treatment facility, be blended with other water supply sources, or be provided directly to the potable water distribution system. A map and detailed description of the Modified Project in comparison to the Original Project are available as part of the Draft Addendum.
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, for the Final Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Work Plan as required by Government Code Section 56831. The hearing will consider the adoption of the final budget and work plan by resolution. The Staff Reports will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ by May 5, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the hearing.
If you have questions, please contact: LAFCO 805-781-5795 or mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov April 24, 2025
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-StaffReports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk
Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Significant Environmental Effects: Similar to the certified Final EIR, the Draft Addendum identified significant and unavoidable impacts associated with cultural resources. The Draft Addendum also identified potentially significant impacts to aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology/soils/seismicity, noise, and transportation and traffic; however, these impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels through the incorporation of the mitigation measures adopted in the certified Final EIR. All other environmental impacts would be less than significant. Potential impacts associated with the Modified Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility Project are consistent with potential impacts characterized and mitigated for in the certified Final EIR for the Original Project. The Draft Addendum did not identify new significant impacts or impacts of substantially greater severity for the Modified Project than previously described in the certified Final EIR for the Original Project.
Hazardous Waste Sites: No hazardous waste sites identified on lists compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 are present in the project area.
27-Day Document Review: The public review and comment period for the Addendum to the Final EIR begins April 24, 2025 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Any person wishing to comment on this matter must submit such comments, in writing, to the contact person listed below prior to the end of the review period.
Document Availability: The Draft Addendum to the Final EIR may be viewed on the project’s website at: https://morrobaywrf.com/documents/ Lead Agency Contact Person: City of Morro Bay, Attn: Damaris Hanson 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, California 93442 April 24, 2025
Deputy District Attorney
April 17, 24, & May 1, 2025
PROPOSAL for PARKSIDE PARK PLAY STRUCTURE PW 2024-09 City of Arroyo Grande Attention: Theresa Wren, CIP Manager 1375 Ash Street Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 April 17 & 24, 2025
Notice of Public Hearings – May 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center 1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Hearing Item: Hearing on Organization Staffing Per AB 2561 and the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (Government Code Section 3502.3)
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, regarding the status of staffing, vacancies, and recruitment to fulfill the requirements of AB 2561 and associated amendments to the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (Government Code Section 3502.3). The Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ on May 5, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the hearing.
Hearing Item: Fee Updates to the Adopted LAFCO Fee Schedule
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, regarding updates to the LAFCO Fee Schedule. The hearing will consider amendments to certain fees established in the LAFCO Fee Schedule. Per Government Code Section 66016, the Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ by May 5, 2025, 10 days prior to the hearing on May 15, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the public hearings.
Hearing Item: Final Budget for the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, for the Final Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Work Plan as required by Government Code Section 56831. The hearing will consider the adoption of the final budget and work plan by resolution. The Staff Reports will be available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/ by May 5, 2025. The meeting information is as shown above. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the hearing.
If you have questions, please contact: LAFCO 805-781-5795 or mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov
April 24, 2025
Robles
Location: Ordinance will apply Citywide
CEQA Determination: This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3)
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a Public Hearing for 1st reading of the ordinance on May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m
SAN LUIS OBISPO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
AVILA BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET
DATE: May 13, 2025
TIME: 1:00 PM
PLACE: District Meeting Room 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, CA 93422
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. The District has prepared a proposed final Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 which is available for inspection, during regular District business hours, at the District office located at 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, California.
2. On May 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the District’s Board of Directors will meet to consider the adoption of the Final Budget.
3. At the time and place specified in this Notice any person may appear to be heard regarding any item in the Budget, including the addition of other items.
4. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time. If you should have questions, please contact the District Office at avilacsd@gmail.com or (805) 595-2664. April 24, 2025
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 685
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atascadero City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 685. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Ordinance amends title 9, planning & zoning, to add extended occupancy hotel/motel to the land use definitions and establishing standards for such uses.
The Ordinance was passed and adopted by the City Council on April 22, 2025, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Dariz, Funk, Newsom, Peek and Mayor Bourbeau.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None
A complete copy of the Ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
DATED: April 22, 2025
S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLISH: April 24, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: Development Application INT-25-001
Address: Citywide
Description: A referral from the Community Development Director to the Planning Commission for policy interpretation of Development Code Section 3.10.030 regarding height exceptions for elevator shafts through use permit approval.
Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this activity is not considered a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) and therefore is not subject to environmental review.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-StaffReports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk
Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, April 24, 2025
The San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• 2025-26 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program Funding
Recommendation: This is a public hearing to solicit comments on the HRC Review Subcommittee grant funding recommendations for the 2025-26 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program. Staff will provide a brief description of the grant including details of the grant process, funding areas and requirements, and then review the subcommittee recommendations.
Report(s) are typically available one week in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/ mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-minutes Please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at (805) 781-7073 for more information, or to request an agenda report. April 24, 2025
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org
CONSENT ITEM:
• The City Council will review a request to abandon a 10-foot-wide public Right-of-Way between 1998 and 2006 San Luis Drive The project is exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Class 1 (Existing Facilities) exemption. Project Address: 1998 and 2006 San Luis Drive; Case #: STAB-0759-2024; Zone: R-1; Applicant: Ben Kulick
For more information, you are invited to contact Gabriel Munoz-Morris of the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7592 or by email at gmunoz@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.
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity. org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendasand-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1158
Notice is hereby given that at its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles will hold a Public Hearing concerning adoption of Ordinance No. 1158, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES AMENDING TITLE 8 (ANIMAL CONTROL) OF THE EL PASO DE ROBLES MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE EXISTING ANIMAL CONTROL
REGULATIONS AND ADOPT BY REFERENCE TITLE 9 (ANIMALS) OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE WITH CERTAIN CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
THERETO AND FINDING THE ACTION NOT SUBJECT TO CEQA
The following is a summary of the Ordinance:
Amending Title 8 of the El Paso de Robles Municipal Code to incorporate by reference Title 9 of the San Luis Obispo County Code to ensure alignment with regional animal control standards and maintain the Division’s jurisdiction for services within the City while tailoring certain provisions to address the specific needs of the City, as set forth in the proposed Ordinance, Exhibit A, including amendments addressing licensing requirements, public safety standards, and enforcement measures.
The above summary is a brief description of the subject matter contained in the text of the Ordinance, which has been prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 36933. This summary does not include or describe every provision of the Ordinance and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the full text of the Ordinance. Copies of the full text of the Ordinance are posted and available in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www.prcity.com
Date: April 24 & May 1, 2025
Melissa Boyer City Clerk
SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BID #332
MEASURE C: HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PROJECT
Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive Bids up to but no later than Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00:00 A.M. for the Hawthorne Elementary Elevator Modernization Project
The Bids shall be received in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District Facilities Office located at 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Questions regarding Bid #332 for the Hawthorne Elementary Elevator Modernization Project may be directed in writing only to the Facilities Analyst II, Kelly Lee, at klee@slcusd.org, and must be submitted no later than Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:00 A.M.
Project documents are available at the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom at www.asapreprographics.com
Kelly Lee
Facilities Analyst II San Luis Coastal Unified School District April 17 & 24, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach City Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose: PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Description: Receive input from the public on proposed Conditional Use Permit for Massage Establishment fee; and approving new Conditional Use Permit for Massage Establishment fee effective on July 5, 2025.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/ agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of May 1, 2025.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item.
Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the City Clerk’s Office, by emailing City Clerk Erica Inderlied at einderlied@pismobeach.org.
The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item 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.
For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The City of Atascadero will receive bids for the “2025 Measure F-14 Pavement Rehabilitation Project” at the Atascadero City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA until May 8, 2025 at 1:30 P.M., when they will be publicly opened.
Proposals received after said time will not be considered. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, bidder’s name, and address.
The Contractor must possess a valid CLASS A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE at the time of award. This project is subject to the payment of Prevailing Wages, therefore the Contractor shall pay all wages and penalties as required by applicable law. Per SB 854 (Stat. 2014, Chapter 28), no contractor or subcontractor may work or be listed on a bid proposal unless registered with the DIR. 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 Atascadero.
Bid packages will be available by April 15, 2025 to download for a fee of $22.00 on the City website, www.atascadero.org or at www.QuestCDN.com using project number eBid #9646523
Questions may be directed to the City of Atascadero at 805-470-3180 or dprice@atascadero.org
Run Dates: April 17, 2025 and April 24, 2025
CITY OF ATASCADERO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
DATE: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers
6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in-person at the time and place indicated above to consider a Conditional Use Permit and Tentative Tract Map for a new 16-unit mixed use condominium project at 4615 El Camino Real on APN 029-262-017. The project is proposed under the State’s density bonus law and is requesting a number of concessions and waivers pursuant to that law. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Categorical Exemption §15332; Class 32: in-fill development projects. (USE24-0088 / SBDV25-0035).
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pc-comments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/agendas
DATED: April 21, 2025 S/ K Gleason, Planning Manager
PUBLISH: April 24, 2025
INVITATION TO BID
Title: Los Osos MS Modernization Phase 1B
Location: 1555 El Morro Avenue
Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402
Bid Due Date: May 9, 2025, at 02:00 PM (PT)
Contact: Larry M Wysong
Phone: 805-466-1038
Fax: 805-466-5176
Architect: 19-6 Architects
Owner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District
Bid Project Status: Open San Luis Coastal Unified School District has selected Wysong Construction Co. as the Lease-Leaseback prime contractor for Los Osos Middle School Modernization Phase 1B. Please note: This project is subject to the “Skilled & Trained Workforce” requirement. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with your firm. Invitation to Bid (Sub bids only)
General Contractor: Wysong Construction Co.
Project Name: Los Osos Middle School Modernizations Ph1B
Project Location: 1555 El Morro Ave, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402
Project Owner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District
Architect: 19-6 Architects
Bid Date & Time: May 9th, 2025 at 02:00 PM (PT) Site Walk Thru: April 21, 2025 at 09:00
Estimate/Budget: $12,347,800.00
Contract Type: Lease-Leaseback (Wysong is the district selected contractor)
SCOPE OF WORK: LOS OSOS MS - PROJECT DESCRIPTION • THE PROPOSED PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE MODERNIZATION OF THE LOS OSOS MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS WITH THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS: OFFICE REMODEL / MODERNIZATION AT EXISTING BUILDING B, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EXTERIOR ENTRY TOWER AT BUILDING B. EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF BUILT-UP ROOFING (BUR) ON ALL MAIN CAMPUS BUILDINGS (BUILDINGS A, B, C, D, E, F & G) AND CONNECTED CANOPIES; EXTERIOR PAINT AND MANSARD ROOF REPLACEMENT; REMOVAL OF EXTERIOR LOUVERS AT WINDOWS. BUILDING SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT INCLUDES REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING HVAC UNITS. THE SITEWORK INCLUDES WATER AND SEWER UTILITY UPGRADES; EXTERIOR STAIR AND RAMP ADA UPGRADE AND PLAY COURT RESTRIPING AND ADDING TEN (10) PICKLE BALL COURTS. SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE:
Contractor and all Subcontractor of any tier must comply with the requirements set forth in Education Codes section 17407.5, including providing an enforceable commitment that the Contractor and all Subcontractors of any tier will use a “Skilled and Trained Workforce” as defined in Education Code section 17407.5 (b)(3). Contractor and all Subcontractors are to carefully review all requirements set for in Education Code section 17407.5 before entering into the Contract for the Project. Subcontractor shall submit Skilled and Trained Workforce Compliance Reooirt with Progress Billings each month. Billings will not be accepted without Reporting. Skilled and Trained Workforce Requirements are for Prime Subcontractors only (1/2 of the 1% of Total Contract).
LOCAL BUSINESS OUTRACH, PREQUALIFICATION & PARTICIPATION:
Any MEP Subcontractor listed by the General Contractor in its proposal’s Designation of Subcontractor form, must be prequalified pursuant to Education Code section 17406(a)(2) (C) and Public Contract Code section 20111.6(b) through (m) prior to submitting a proposal. Am “MEP Subcontractor” is one who will perform work that requires one of the following classes of license: C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16, C-20, C-34, C-36, C-38, C-42, C-43, OR C-46.
BIDS/RFI’S SHALL BE EMAILED TO: Larry M Wysong – larry@wysongconstruction.com
Chelsea L Jordan Criswell – chelsea@wysongconstruction.com
PLANS & SPECS CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
THE PROJECT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BUILDERS EXCHANGE SLOCBE.COM SAN LUIS OBISPO LOCATION: 153 CROSS ST #130, 805-543-7330 AND
ATASCADERO LOCATION: 4851 EL CAMINO REAL, 805-460-9670
ASAP REPORGRAPHICS ONLINE PLANROOM WYSONG CONSTRUCTION CO CONTACTS:
PROJECT ESTIMATOR/MANAGER: Larry M Wysong, 805-466-1038, larry@wysongconstruction.com
PROJECT COORDINATOR: Chelsea L Jordan Criswell, 805-466-1038, chelsea@wysongconstruction.com
April 17 & 24, 2025
NOTICE OF HEARING ON RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY FOR CITY OF PASO ROBLES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2022-1N (OLSEN/SOUTH CHANDLER RANCH – FACILITIES) TO INCUR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS IN AN INCREASED AMOUNT FOR IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 1 AND IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 3 OF THE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at 6:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025, the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of El Paso de Robles (the “City”) will conduct a hearing on Resolution No.25-032 (the “Resolution”), adopted by the City Council on April 1, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, the time and place specified in the Resolution for said hearing. The Resolution declares that it is necessary for City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch – Facilities) (the “Community Facility District”), to (i) increase the authorized bonded indebtedness that is allocated to Improvement Area No. 1 of the Community Facilities District from $20,000,000 to $21,000,000, and (iii) increase the amount of the authorized bonded indebtedness that is allocated to Improvement Area No. 3 of the Community Facilities District from $8,000,000 to $9,000,000.
The Resolution provides in summary as follows:
1. The City Council declares that it is necessary that (i) a bonded indebtedness be incurred by and for Improvement Area No. 1 of the Community Facilities District in an increased principal amount not to exceed $21,000,000, and (ii) that a bonded indebtedness be incurred by and for Improvement Area No. 3 of the Community Facilities District in an increased principal amount not to exceed $9,000,000 for the purpose of financing the design, construction and acquisition of public facilities.
2. The amount of the proposed increased bonded indebtedness shall include all costs and estimated costs incidental to, or connected with, the accomplishment of the purposes for which the proposed bonded indebtedness is to be incurred, including, but not limited to, the estimated costs of construction and acquisition of the public facilities which are proposed to be provided within and for each Improvement Area.
3. The territory within Improvement Area No. 1 and Improvement Area No. 3 of the Community Facilities District is generally shown and described on the boundary map entitled “Boundaries of City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch – Facilities), County of San Luis Obispo, State of California” recorded on July 8, 2022 in Book 6 of Maps of Assessment and Community Facilities Districts at Pages 36-37, and as Document No. 2022-028170, in the Office of the County Recorder in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
4. The aggregate principal amount of the authorized bonded indebtedness to be incurred by Improvement Area No. 1 of the Community Facilities District shall be increased from $20,000,000 to $21,000,000; and the aggregate principal amount of the authorized bonded indebtedness to be incurred by Improvement Area No. 3 of the Community Facilities District shall be increased from $8,000,000 to $9,000,000.
5. Pursuant to Section 53350 of the California Government Code, all parcels of taxable property within each Improvement Area of the Community Facilities District shall be subject to the levy of special taxes to pay the principal of and interest on the aggregate principal amount of the bonds of the Community Facilities District which may be issued and sold to finance or to contribute to the financing of public facilities for each Improvement Area; and all proceedings for purposes of a bond election with respect to the increased bonded indebtedness to be incurred by the Community Facilities District for the purpose of financing public facilities for each Improvement Area shall apply only to the applicable Improvement Area.
6. A public hearing on the proposed increased bonded indebtedness for Improvement Area No. 1 and Improvement Area No. 3 of the Community Facilities District shall be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025 in the City Council Chambers, located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California.
A copy of the Resolution may be reviewed or obtained at the office of the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that at the time and place of said hearing all interested persons, including all persons owning property in the Community Facilities District, for or against the proposed bonded indebtedness, will be heard.
/s / Melissa Boyer City Clerk
April 24, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THAT THE RATE AND METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF SPECIAL TAX FOR IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 1, IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 3 AND IMPROVEMENT AREA NO. 5 OF CITY OF PASO ROBLES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2022-1N (OLSEN/SOUTH CHANDLER RANCH – FACILITIES) BE REVISED
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 1, 2025, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles (the “City”) adopted Resolution No. 25-031, (the “Resolution”) scheduling a public hearing for 6:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025 in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, upon said resolution which initiates proceedings for consideration to revise the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for Improvement Area No. 1, Improvement Area No. 3, and Improvement Area No. 5 of the City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch – Facilities) (the “Community Facilities District”).
The Resolution provides in summary as follows:
1. The City Council of the City (the “City Council”) finds that (a) the public convenience and necessity require the proposed changes, (b) there are not any persons registered to vote within the territory of Improvement Area No. 1, Improvement Area No. 3, and Improvement Area No. 5 of the Community Facilities District; and (c) pursuant to Section 53326 of the Government Code, the vote in the special election on the changes which are proposed by the Resolution, if it is held, shall, therefore, be by the landowners within Improvement Area No. 1, Improvement Area No. 3, and Improvement Area No. 5, as applicable, of the Community Facilities District, with each landowner of record at the close of the public hearing having one vote for each acre or portion of an acre of land that he or she owns within each Improvement Area.
2. The Community Facilities District is “City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch – Facilities).” The territory within each of the Improvement Areas of the Community Facilities District is generally shown and described on the boundary map entitled “Boundaries of City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N (Olsen/ South Chandler Ranch – Facilities), County of San Luis Obispo, State of California” recorded on July 8, 2022 in Book 6 of Maps of Assessment and Community Facilities Districts at Pages 3637, and as Document No. 2022-028170, in the Office of the County Recorder in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
3. It is proposed that the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for Improvement Area No. 1 shall be revised as set forth in Exhibit “A-1” of the Resolution, the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for Improvement Area No. 3 shall be revised as set forth in Exhibit “A-2” of the Resolution, and the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for Improvement Area No. 5 shall be revised as set forth in Exhibit “A-3” of the Resolution.
4. A public hearing regarding the proposed changes identified in Section 3 hereof has been set for 6:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025, in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California.
5. Since no persons are registered to vote within the territory of Improvement Area No. 1, Improvement Area No. 3 and Improvement Area No. 5, pursuant to Section 53326 of the Government Code (“Section 53326”), the vote in the special elections on the changes which are proposed by the Resolution will be by the landowners of the property located within the applicable Improvement Area, with each landowner of record at the close of the public hearing having one vote for each acre or portion of an acre of land that he or she owns within the applicable Improvement Area, and the special elections shall be conducted as mail ballot elections. The special elections shall be conducted by the City Clerk (the “City Clerk”). The special elections shall be held on the earliest date following the conclusion of the public hearing, as may be selected by the City Council, pursuant to Section 53326, or such earlier date as the owners of land within each Improvement Area and the City Clerk agree and concur is acceptable. Pursuant to Section 53326, the special elections may be held earlier than 90 days following the close of the public hearing if the qualified electors waive the time limits for conducting the election set forth in Section 53326 by unanimous written consent and the City Clerk concurs in such earlier election date as shall be consented to by the qualified electors. Pursuant to Section 53326, ballots for the special elections shall be distributed to the qualified electors by the City Clerk by mail with return postage prepaid, or by personal service, and the special elections shall be conducted in conformance with the applicable requirements of Section 53326, 53327 and 53327.5 of the Government Code. The procedures set forth in this section for conducting the special elections, if it is held, may be modified as the City Council may determine to be necessary or desirable by a resolution subsequently adopted by the City Council.
A copy of the Resolution may be reviewed or obtained at the office of the City Clerk at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that at the hearing the testimony of all interested persons or taxpayers for or against the proposed revision of the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for Improvement Area No. 1, Improvement Area No. 3, and Improvement Area No. 5, as provided in the Resolution, will be heard. If 50% or more of the registered voters, or six registered voters, whichever is more, residing within the applicable Improvement Area, or the owners of one-half or more of the area of the land in said territory, file written protests against the proposed revisions to the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for said Improvement Area, the City Council shall not proceed further with proceedings with respect to such matters and such matters shall not be included in a resolution adopted by the City Council for a period of one (1) year from the date of the decision of the City Council on the hearing.
SAID PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL on May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, at which time any person desiring to be heard may appear.
/s/ Melissa Boyer City Clerk April 24, 2025
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS
ZONES 5G-PART OF 4I-AND TULEY ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
PROJECT NO. 24-11
SEALED BIDS will be received by the City Clerk, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until May 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the ZONES 5G-PART OF 4I-AND TULEY ROAD PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION, DPW Project No. 24-11. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows: City Clerk City of El Paso de Robles 1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 Sealed Bid for ZONES 5G-PART OF 4I-AND TULEY ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION, DPW Project No. 24-11
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as ZONES 5G-PART OF 4I-AND TULEY ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION, DPW Project No. 24-11, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, curb ramp upgrades, lowering and raising of utilities, monument perpetuation, dig out repairs, placement of HMA leveling and surface course, key cut tapers and striping. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein.
Project is to be completed within Sixty (60) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 1000 Spring Street, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects.
To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA.
It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.
All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
Date: April 10, 2025 By: Ditas Esperanza P.E. Capital Projects Engineer
Publication Dates: - April 10, 2025 - April 24, 2025
and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/ or as specified herein.
Project is to be completed within One Hundred Twenty (120) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at the Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically. The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of
Pursuant to Labor Code
1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
WHEN Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Cornelius Whitehead (on behalf of Atlas Towers, LLC) for a Development Plan / Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2024-00027) to allow for the construction and operation of a new wireless telecommunications facility consisting of three sectors of two antennas each, totaling 6 panel antennas along with 6 remote radio units (RRUs) mounted below/adjacent to the antennas on a 69-foot faux monopine. Ancillary equipment includes a 48kW diesel generator, equipment cabinets, PG&E transformer located within a 2,500-square foot area lease area surrounded by an 8-foot-tall chain-link fence. The proposed project will result in the disturbance of approximately 4,250-square-feet on a 614-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 400 Monte Cristo Place and is located directly adjacent to the southern boundary of the Cambria URL. The site is in the Coastal Zone of the North Coast Planning Area.
County File Number: C-DRC2024-00027
Supervisorial District: District 2
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 013-181-022
Date Accepted: 1/8/2025
WHERE The hearing will be held in Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, 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.
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 Dominic Dal Porto Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5710.
COASTAL APPEALABLE
If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).
Ysabel Eighmy Secretary
Planning Commission
April 24, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING
PLANNING COMMISSION
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
WHEN Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Aron Kardashian (Buckeye Processing) for an Amendment (AMEND2024-00002) to previously approved Conditional Use Permits (DRC2004-00046 and DRC2016-00040) to expand the project area of an existing recycling sorting and recovery facility to include a 3.25-acre outdoor storage yard on the adjacent property to the south and to authorize grading of approximately 4.75 acres. The additional storage area will be used for equipment storage; other uses and operational components of the existing facility and use permit will remain unchanged. The project will result in disturbance of approximately 4.75 acres on an approximately 5-acre parcel. The project site is located at 6625 Benton Road, approximately 2 miles north of the City of Paso Robles. The project is located within the Salinas River Sub-Area of the North County Planning Area.
Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the General Rule or Common-Sense Exemption.
County File Number: AMEND2024-00002
Supervisorial District: District 1
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 027-311-004, -321-026
Date Accepted: 3/26/2025
WHERE
The hearing will be held in Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, 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.
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 Mason Denning, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-1298.
Ysabel Eighmy Secretary Planning Commission April 24, 2025
INVITATION TO BID (SUB BIDS ONLY)
INVITATION TO BID (SUB BIDS ONLY)
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MAINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED
PROJECT NAME: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SAN LUIS OBISPO
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: Look in the mirror and praise yourself. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Aries filmmaker Akira Kurosawa devoted meticulous attention to weather conditions. He would postpone shooting a particular scene for days, waiting for the influx of the exact right blend of wind, clouds, or precipitation to create the ideal ambiance. I recommend you adopt his patient sense of timing in the coming weeks, Aries. While you typically prefer direct action, now is a favorable phase to coordinate your desire to get what you need with life’s changing conditions. What advantages might you gain by waiting for the ripest moments to arrive?
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): You can’t see or hold the wind, though you can feel its force and observe its effects. It scatters some seeds far and wide, dispersing them to grow in unexpected places. When harnessed by turbines, the wind is a renewable energy source. It can be utilized to pump water and fuel telecommunications equipment. Winds influence daily weather by transporting water and heat. I have summarized wind’s qualities because I see this upcoming phase of your cycle as being wind-like, Taurus. You won’t necessarily have to be obvious to spread your influence. You will be able to work behind the scenes in potent ways. Who knows where your seeds will land and germinate? There will be surprises.
GEMINI
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What’s the oldest living organism on Earth? It’s a bristlecone pine tree nicknamed “Methuselah.” Almost 4,800 years old, it resides somewhere in California’s White Mountains, though its precise location is kept secret to protect it. In the spirit of shielding and nurturing valuable things, I urge you to consider maintaining similar safeguards in the coming weeks. Like Methuselah, your precious processes and creations might thrive best when allowed to grow free from undue attention. You may benefit from maintaining privacy and silence about certain matters as they develop.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I love to gaze out my office window at Gallinas Creek during high tide. At certain interludes, the water is perfectly still. It almost perfectly reflects the sky in every detail, with all its clouds, birds, and hues of blue. My conscious mind knows the difference between the real sky and reflected sky, but my eyes can’t discern. That’s a helpful metaphor for all of us all the time, and especially for you in the coming weeks. It will be crucial for you to maintain an acute awareness of what’s genuine and what’s illusory.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978) revolutionized her field. She didn’t study other cultures from a distance with a detached perspective. Instead, she learned their languages and immersed herself in their daily lives. So she earned the intimate understanding to conclude, “What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.” This is a crucial principle for you right now. You must directly observe people’s actions rather than simply believing what they say about themselves—or what others say about them. You must look beyond surface declarations to understand the deeper rhythms and patterns. For best results, be a devoted participant, not an uninvolved judge.
CAPRICORN
BUILDING 52 SPACE RECAPTURE
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MAINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED
PROJECT LOCATION: BLDG. 52, E-WING - CAL POLY STATE UNIVERSITY, SLO, CA 93407
PROJECT NAME: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SAN LUIS OBISPO BUILDING 52 SPACE RECAPTURE
PROJECT OWNER: TRUSTEES OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
ARCHITECT: HARRIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
PROJECT LOCATION: BLDG. 52, E-WING - CAL POLY STATE UNIVERSITY, SLO, CA 93407
BID DATE & TIME: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
PROJECT OWNER: TRUSTEES OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
PRE-BID SITE REVIEW: N/A
(May 21-June 20): The Earth’s first big ecological crisis happened 2.5 billion years ago. Ancient bacteria became a successful life form. They proliferated. The only problem was, they produced an abundance of oxygen, which was toxic to all the other existing life forms at that time. And yet that bump in evolution was ultimately essential in the rise of complex organisms that thrive on oxygen, like us. We wouldn’t be here today without bacteria’s initially problematic intervention. Nothing as monumentally major or epic will occur for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. But I do suspect that what may initially seem disruptive could ultimately generate positive outcomes. I hope you prime yourself to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. For best results, set aside your fixed beliefs about what’s necessary for maximum progress.
CANCER
ESTIMATE/BUDGET: $600,000
ARCHITECT: HARRIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
BID DATE & TIME: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
PRE-BID SITE REVIEW: N/A
ESTIMATE/BUDGET: $600,000
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: 2 MONTHS
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: 2 MONTHS START DATE: JUNE 23, 2025 COMPLETION: AUGUST 31, 2025 (CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERTIME AND WEEKEND WORK ANTICIPATED TO MEET PROJECT SCHEDULE)
SCOPE OF WORK:
Work consists of demolition and abatement, installation of new flooring and topset base, installation of new chair railing, supply and installation of new white boards, supply and installation of projector and projector screen supports, installation of University supplied projector screens, acoustical wall and ceiling tile repairs.
SCOPE OF WORK:
START DATE: JUNE 23, 2025 COMPLETION: AUGUST 31, 2025 (CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERTIME AND WEEKEND WORK ANTICIPATED TO MEET PROJECT SCHEDULE)
The University will be performing the following trades: Electrical and Communications, Audio and Visual installations, Fire Alarm, Painting, Purchase of all Furnishings – Projector ScreensProjectors – Speakers.
Work consists of demolition and abatement, installation of new flooring and topset base, installation of new chair railing, supply and installation of new white boards, supply and installation of projector and projector screen supports, installation of University supplied projector screens, acoustical wall and ceiling tile repairs.
BIDS SHALL BE EMAILED TO: sonnys@mainoslo.com
BID REQUIREMENTS:
1. Subcontractors must be bondable and may be required to provide Payment and Performance Bonds.
The University will be performing the following trades: Electrical and Communications, Audio and Visual installations, Fire Alarm, Painting, Purchase of all Furnishings – Projector ScreensProjectors – Speakers
2. Bid Bond is not required.
3. Safety Record is of the utmost importance. Subcontractors with an aggregate EMR Rate of 1.5 over the past three years may be disqualified.
BIDS SHALL BE EMAILED TO: sonnys@mainoslo.com
4. Prevailing Wage
BID REQUIREMENTS:
TO VIEW PLANS/SPEC:
Plans and specs may be downloaded from ASAP Reprographics at www.asapplanroom.com
1. Subcontractors must be bondable and may be required to provide Payment and Performance Bonds.
Plans and specs may also be viewed at the following Builders Exchanges:
- SLO County Builders Exchange – www.slocbe.com
2. Bid Bond is not required.
- Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association – www.smvca.org
- Central California Builders Exchange – www.cencalbx.com
3. Safety Record is of the utmost importance. Subcontractors with an aggregate EMR Rate of 1.5 over the past three years may be disqualified.
4. Prevailing Wage
Maino Construction Company, Incorporated is an equal opportunity Contractor. It is the responsibility of each Subcontractor to view all pertinent information and documents prior to submitting a proposal.
TO VIEW PLANS/SPEC:
(June 21-July 22): From the 17th through the 19th centuries, Paris was famous for its salons. There, artists, writers, and big thinkers assembled to exchange ideas and inspire each other. The salons were often orchestrated by illustrious, educated women in their private homes. They were hotbeds of networking and cultural innovation. Listening and learning were key elements. Now would be an excellent time for you to organize, host, or encourage similar gatherings, Cancerian. You have extra power to facilitate the stellar socializing that generates zesty connections and spreads invigorating influences.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) was one of the bravest Americans who ever lived. After escaping enslavement, she heroically returned to other Southern plantations many times to help free enslaved people. To accomplish her miraculous rescues, she relied in part on her dreams and visions—what she called divine guidance—to navigate through challenging situations. I suspect you will soon have access to similar assets: extraordinary courage and help from unusual or even supernatural sources. Use these gifts wisely, Leo!
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The nations of planet Earth launched 263 space flights in 2024 and are on track for more than 300 in 2025. Most of the satellites and spacecraft are devoted to scientific research. A relatively small proportion is dedicated to communication, navigation, and military uses. I would love for you to have an equally high level of exploratory and experimental energy in the coming weeks, Virgo. You will align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you spend more time than usual investigating the frontiers. It’s time to expand and extend yourself!
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn mystic Alan Watts wrote The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are He proposed that each of us is far more glorious than our separate, isolated egos. It’s difficult to come to this understanding, however, since our culture conspires to hide it from us. That’s the bad news. The good news, Capricorn, is that you will have an unprecedented chance to partly shatter this taboo in the coming weeks. I have high hopes that you will discover deep truths about yourself that have previously been unavailable.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Beginning in 1946, Bedouins exploring caves near the Dead Sea discovered an immense trove of ancient documents written on parchment. These manuscripts provided many new revelations into early Christianity, Biblical texts, and the history and culture of Judaism. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you may experience a metaphorical equivalent of this breakthrough and unveiling. To prepare, meditate on these questions: 1. What mysterious parts of your life story would you like to have illuminated? 2. About which aspects of your past would you like to receive new truths? 3. Is there anything missing in your understanding of who you really are?
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): White light enters a glass prism and is translated on the other side into a rainbow of colors. That’s because each color rides its own wavelength, even while seamlessly blended in the white light, and then gets bent differently by the prism. The magic of the prism is that it reveals the hidden spectrum within, the latent diversity contained within the apparently monolithic beam of white light. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I predict that you will be like a prism, bringing out vibrancy in situations or relationships that may seem nondescript or mundane at first glance. Your ability to discern and appreciate multiple perspectives will enable you to create an intriguing kind of harmony. You will have the power to notice and reveal beauty that has been veiled or unnoticed. ∆
Kyle Amundsen
After attending Art Center College of Design Kyle pursued a career in design and advertising that lead him to work at John Moran Auctioneers for 15 years. It was here he became fascinated with American & California Impressionist art, fine jewelry and diamonds. For the last 15 years Kyle has owned a company in Pasadena brokering estate jewelry, fine art, buying and selling diamonds & cutting diamonds.
Hana Goble Hana attended Gemological Institute of America after graduating from UC Riverside and has been passionate about antique jewelry for over a decade. Her deep interest in the history and craftsmanship of fine jewelry led her to work as a traveling buyer for a prominent estate jeweler, specializing in old-cut diamonds and signed pieces. She especially enjoys researching hallmarks and uncovering the history behind jewelry she encounters.
Michael Merritt
Mike is the owner of this company and host of the event. He has 36 years of experience in buying and selling new and vintage jewelry, wrist watches, pocket watches, currency and silver. Mike personally takes almost every call for the appointments and will be happy to answer all of your questions about the process and about what items are purchased.
Alan Bedwell Alan grew up working in the family jewelry business in London. That store is still located in the prestigious Gray Antique Market today. It was here that Alan learned the trade of fine English and American silver, signed European vintage jewelry and Swiss watches. For the last 18 years Alan has been living in New York City and owns a business curating special pieces for stores all across the country.
