We talk lactation consultants [5], float pods [6], and ketamine-assisted therapy [8] in our annual issue
BY NEW TIMES STAFF
Editor’s note
or this year’s issue of Health and Wellness, our writers dive into what’s out there to help folks relax a little and set the stage for healing and growth. Anxious new moms can find help with breastfeeding, reaching a theta state of relaxation can be achieved in a specialized pool of water, and those trying to heal from trauma and cope with anxiety may find relief within the bounds of a psychotherapist’s office. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal speaks with a couple of lactation consultants about how they ease anxieties and raise awareness [5], Staff Writer Libbey Hanson immerses herself in a flotation pod at Central Coast Floats [6], and Staff Writer Emma Montalbano talks with a counselor about how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can combine with ketamine-assisted therapy to help clients pursue deep healing [8]
Also this week, read about Architect Lawrence Scarpa’s art show in SLO [26] ; and what City Farm SLO’s up to [34]
Camillia Lanham editor
SLOPD and Cal Poly are cracking down over St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Following a disastrous St. Patrick’s Day weekend last year that resulted in at least 156 citations and 12 arrests, San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly are adding stronger restrictions to help deter weekend partying and destruction.
Cal Poy representatives attended the Feb. 4 SLO City Council meeting to talk about new initiatives the university will enact during the holiday weekend to help keep decorum in surrounding neighborhoods.
“We’re all aware that the event last year negatively impacted our local neighborhoods, and the university also experienced significant vandalism and property damage,” Cal Poly’s Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Cynthia Vizcanio Villa said. “Law enforcement will be highly visible and take a zero-tolerance approach. Our Cal Poly Police Department is closely coordinating with the San Luis Obispo police to maximize enforcement on and off campus.”
From March 14 to 17, Cal Poly Police will increase the number of on-duty officers, she said.
Along with normal patrol, six teams of officers will roam through campus with double staffing in the dispatch office to help “deter disruptive behavior and hold individuals accountable.”
Cal Poly students can say goodbye to overnight guests that weekend as the university is only allowing students living in on-campus housing to be in the dorm buildings from March 13 to 18. All entrances and exits will be monitored by staff, and students must carry their ID cards to be allowed in.
For those looking to sneak around this new guideline, Villa said students found violating these policies will be referred to Cal Poly’s Dean of Students Office for disciplinary review.
“We’re also working closely with our fraternity and sorority life leadership to get them to help us to discourage parties and promote responsible behavior that ensures all students, especially fraternity and sorority life students, are aware of those additional enforcement measures that are planned throughout the weekend,” Villa said.
Cal Poly is also partnering with representatives from university housing, public safety risk management, the student affairs office, and the SLO Police Department.
SLO Police Deputy Chief Fred Mickel said that the department is also updating its March Safety
California sees smallest crop of wine grapes in 20 years
In 2024, California grew the lightest crop of wine grapes in two decades, down nearly 1 million tons from 2023.
Director of Grape Brokerage for Turrentine Brokerage Audra Cooper said the industry hadn’t seen numbers this low since 2004.
“The fact that the 2024 California wine grape crop was 2.844 million tons is nothing short of shocking,” she said in the brokerage’s annual Grape Crush Report. “The 2024 crop was generally light, and overall demand was lackluster.”
The report released on Feb. 10—based off numbers from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Grape Crush Report—attributed the downturn to unprecedented economic pressures, changing consumer preferences, and an emerging generation seeking alternative beverages.
Central Coast Grape Broker Eddie Urman told New Times that while the entire state saw light crops, the Central Coast saw specific declines in cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc—Paso Robles produced 95,000 tons of cabernet in 2023 but produced 55,000 in 2024.
Enhancement Zone Response Plan in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. He told the council that citizens can expect to see increased fines for noise citations.
“Your first offense is $350. However, during the safety enhancement zone it’s doubled,” he said. “Then it’ll go up to $1,000 if we come back. We can’t go above $1,000 so we can just give you repeat $1,000 tickets.”
To get the message out there, the SLO Police Department will be using social media through
Mickel said. “We’re going to have our motor units out there, our bike units, we’re going to have the fire medics and rescue units out there that are going to be staged, because safety.”
Cal Poly and SLO police said these steps are necessary after the damage from last year.
According to previous New Times reporting, SLOPD began receiving disturbance calls as early as 3:30 a.m. over the 2024 weekend as 6,000 to 7,000 people took to the streets to party.
Muir Hall at Cal Poly, a freshman dorm,
“organic and paid posts” statewide asking adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to not come to SLO during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Officers from surrounding agencies will come and help increase police presence in San Luis Obispo throughout the weekend.
“They’re going to boost up our foot patrols,”
“It’s a pretty large reduction, 40,000 tons less than last year,” Urman said. “2023 was a record year, so that’s something that has to be accounted for, but 2024 has proved to be near record light, at least for us on the Central Coast.”
According to the report, the local sauvignon blanc crop only reached 18,176 tons—a 32 percent decrease from 2023. In total, 340,865 tons of grapes were crushed on the Central Coast, 30 percent less than the 526,670 tons of 2023.
Urman told New Times such a decline was due to climate—the Central Coast initially had a wet start during the El Niño storms, then extreme heat in the summer and fall.
“2024 was a good rainfall year. We had what we thought would be a good setup for a large yield,” he told New Times. “However, once we really started to be able to count clusters, we realized our cluster count was lower and our overall cluster weights were also lower than average.”
According to Urman, chilly Central Coast conditions in early 2024 frosted the fruit, reducing the crop size. Once 100-degree days hit in July, the crop was reduced even more.
“So, it wasn’t one single event, in my opinion, that
experienced damages so severe that university officials temporarily closed the building and evacuated around 300 student residents to repair and restore fire suppression and alarm systems, according to a March 16, 2024, letter from Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong. ∆
—Samantha Herrera
caused the light crop in the Central Coast,” he said.
The conditions were the opposite in 2023, he said, adding that while the Central Coast received rain, the summer season also remained fairly cool and allowed crops to flourish.
Due to light crops, Urman said many wineries in Paso Robles had to look elsewhere for wine grapes, calling the phenomenon “replacement demands.”
“They were just realizing they were coming in so short, they needed to go buy [elsewhere],” he said.
Urman said it’s hard to predict what the next year will bring because each year’s crop results from a series of events.
“There are year-to-year variations. And when you come off of a large crop, oftentimes you can see a lighter crop the following year,” Urman said. “Farming, you don’t get the same yield every single year. It’s just not how it works.”
—Libbey Hanson
SLO
is putting part of Higuera on a ‘road diet’ to improve safety
San Luis Obispo city officials are determined to slim down a portion of the Higuera Street corridor
NO PARTIES ALLOWED 6,000 to 7,000 people took to the streets to celebrate “St. Fratty’s Day” last year on March 16. They spent the morning drinking “BORG” or blackout rage gallon—a plastic gallon of water, liquor, and flavoring.
KARS NOW
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in a bid to boost public safety.
“On this street, Higuera, we’ve had five fatal collisions since 2019 and four involving victims who were walking or bicycling,” SLO Active Transport Manager Adam Fukushima told the City Council at its Feb. 4 meeting.
The City Council study session provided feedback on the Higuera Complete Streets Project, which stemmed from an active transportation plan approved in 2021. The project goal is to reduce vehicle miles traveled—in turn, cutting the rate of greenhouse gas emissions—and encourage more people to be less car-dependent.
Council members directed staff to continue working on the project that comes with a “road diet” from Bridge Street to Margarita Avenue, narrowing the traffic lanes and creating more width for buffers and sidewalks.
The study session arrived on the heels of the city rolling out a Vision Zero Action Plan to achieve zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. SLO City Council will consider community input on the plan on March 18.
The proposed road diet will widen the stretch between Bridge Street and Fontana to add protected bike lanes, increase buffer space between vehicle traffic and sidewalks, and add a continuous center turn lane.
Over the past five years, the corridor between Bridge and Fontana has had 49 crashes, according to staff. The road diet aims to reduce crashes by 19 to 47 percent, lower speeding, and further separate high-speed vehicle traffic and pedestrians and/or bikes.
The city staff report claimed that the project could increase the average delay by 3 to 5 seconds per vehicle for drivers exiting the Chumash Village senior community driveway during peak commute hours. The report added that the reduction from two traffic lanes in each direction to one in each direction could make it easier for some drivers to judge gaps in traffic.
Many Chumash Village residents informed city staff in public outreach sessions that the lane trim could lead to traffic congestion.
Chumash Village resident Gene Nelson told council members he wants the city to stay off the diet altogether.
“On my way to this meeting, in the dark, in the rain, I observed a bicyclist doing the safe thing while heading south in the project area. He was on the sidewalk, bicycling slowly, with his bright headlight,” Nelson said. “That safe approach is already mandated on southbound Madonna Road between Madonna Inn and Laguna Lake. This is much safer than the proposed lane reductions between Bridge Street and Margarita.”
Mayor Erica Stewart sympathized with the senior community.
regional funding commitments. The City Council also approved $1.1 million as part of the 2023-25 financial plan to fund the remaining preconstruction activities and contribute toward project construction.
While the city hopes to start construction toward the end of the year, the ultimate deadline for grant forfeiture is February 2026, when it must get allocation approval from Caltrans.
“I don’t want to delay this project any further. I don’t want to jeopardize any of our other projects,” Councilmember Emily Francis said. “Let’s not let this die.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
County appeals court’s decision to release more water from Lopez Dam
San Luis Obispo County pushed back on a judge’s decision requiring Lopez Dam to release more water into Arroyo Grande Creek for steelhead trout and other threatened species.
“We think that the court ordered water releases will not only significantly impact the South County’s water supply, which includes our ability to combat fire, but will also likely have negative impacts on the steelhead trout and other species, especially during prolonged periods of drought,” 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding told New Times.
On Jan. 31, the county appealed the court’s Nov. 27, 2024, ruling in a lawsuit filed against San Luis Obispo County over claims of insufficient flows from Lopez Dam into Arroyo Grande Creek for steelhead trout. The court-ordered releases would result in Lopez Lake completely running out of water during seasons of drought, according to the county.
On Aug. 13, 2024, San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, Los Padres ForestWatch, California Coastkeeper Alliance, and the Ecological Rights Foundation filed their lawsuit against the county alleging that several endangered and threatened species in the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed are in jeopardy because of the way the county manages Lopez Dam. These include the South-Central California Coast steelhead trout and the California red-legged frog.
Paulding said he hopes all parties can enter into a settlement agreement instead of going through a “lengthy and expensive trial” so the county can focus on completing its Habitat Conservation Plan for the species in question.
Atascadero approves $37 million for new public safety facilities
Atascadero Public Safety facilities are set to receive a makeover after the City Council approved a $37 million project to build a new fire station and renovate existing fire and police stations.
At its meeting on Feb. 12, City Clerk Lara Christensen told the City Council that this project had been a long time coming and was possible thanks to Atascadero voters passing Measure D-20 in 2020, a 1 percent sales tax to fund public safety, infrastructure, city staffing, among other priorities.
“Part of placing Measure D-20 on the ballot was because we needed to find some funding solutions to addressing some of the deficiencies we have in our public safety facilities,” Christensen said.
Administrative Services Director Jeri Rangel said about $29 million for the project was proposed to be funded by bonds, and Measure D-20 would cover the debt servicing from that bond.
Rangel said the city had tucked away about $1.5 million in Measure D-20 funds per year since the sales tax measure was passed. She said the city had also applied for two congressional grants that would provide additional funding for the project.
“So, we have been putting those funds away in the building maintenance fund to pay for some of the soft costs and some of those things that you don’t want to fund over a 30-year period,” Rangel said.
The City Council voted unanimously to award the contract to LDA Partners and F&H Construction, which will design and construct the new building and renovations at an estimated cost of $31 million.
City Manager Jim Lewis told the council members to congratulate themselves.
“This is leadership from you. Thank you. Congratulations to our public safety on your new homecoming,” he told the council. “You made a promise, and you kept it.”
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“I don’t see a win if we include the Chumash Village in this project. I think it should be north of Chumash Village,” she said. “We’re not going to add the amount of guests or homes in that area, and I do think that we have to be aware of the fact that there’s only one way in or out.”
The Higuera Complete Streets project partially runs on funding that’s timebound.
The Caltrans Active Transportation Program granted almost $7 million, and $2.2 million came from SLO Council of Government’s
“Let us go through the proper process here. We’re going to expedite it, we’ll do everything we can,” he said. “Let’s use that as the process to address any potential issues to endangered species, not ligation.”
According to SLO County Public Works Department Public Information Specialist Shelly Cone, the county is preparing the final necessary studies to submit a complete Habitat Conservation Plan application to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
“The county anticipated having all of the final studies completed for submission within two years,” Cone said.
—Samantha Herrera
City Clerk Christensen said Atascadero’s Fire Station No. 1, constructed in 1952, was no longer considered operationally or structurally sufficient. The current 5,400-square-foot building will be demolished and rebuilt into a two-story, 16,556-square-foot facility with expanded administrative spaces and living facilities. Fire Station No. 2, built in 1982, is slated for renovation and expansion by 850 square feet to rebuild living quarters, provide a standalone lobby and public restrooms, as well as a separate fitness area for responders.
“It really just goes back to making sure that our fire personnel are safe and comfortable again,” Christensen said.
The current police station’s interior will be modernized, with upgraded locker rooms and a new detached dispatch facility. Christensen said that both fire and police stations will remain operational during construction periods, estimated to start in early 2026. Fire Station No. 1 is proposed to operate at the nearby California Military Department armory site, while Fire Station No. 2 and the police station will remain in operation at their current locations. ∆ —Libbey Hanson
Mothers know best Health & Wellness 2025
SLO County doulas highlight the supportive power of lactation education
BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL
In the bustle of running two coffee shops for eight years and becoming a mom, Central Coast Lactation founder Aryel Sawdey found one adage to be untrue.
“When I had my kids, I realized, oh, there’s not really this village that everybody talks about or these women that are relatable to me,” Sawdey said. “I felt like everyone that was talking to me about breastfeeding hadn’t breastfed in the past 20 years, and they just kept on telling me, ‘Oh, nope, it shouldn’t hurt.’”
With the pandemic-induced shutdown, advice from a friend, and a desire to help other moms, Sawdey enrolled in an online program and amassed 177 hours of breastfeeding education. She passed a lactation specialist certification exam before opening Central Coast Lactation four years ago in Paso Robles. Sawdey, who’s also a doula, eventually wants to crack the highest ranking for lactation professionals— becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
She told New Times that she entered the profession to increase awareness around an issue with scant information available.
“With my first child, I had a horrible time breastfeeding, and it was one of those cry every night things, and I just tried to suck it up,” she said. “When I approach moms now, … I want to meet moms in these like, deep, dark holes we find ourselves in the first few months of having a baby.”
One of Sawdey’s clients, Samantha Rosson, gave birth to her baby last summer at Sierra Vista Medical Center. While the hospital ensured that a staff lactation consultant checked in on her periodically, Rosson said she wanted more postpartum breastfeeding care as a first-time mom.
“Having a lactation consultant on call can mean the difference between continuing breastfeeding and giving up,” Rosson said. “On night five with my baby, I thought I
wasn’t making enough milk for him, and I gave him a little bit of formula.
The next day, I let Aryel know and she encouraged me and validated how overwhelming breastfeeding can be at times.”
The new mom attended French Hospital’s breastfeeding classes before her baby was born. She opted for Sawdey’s services to make sure she was on the right track during the initial weeks with her baby at home. Rosson credited Sawdey for putting her mind and body at ease.
“When I first started pumping, Aryel assured me that pumping output is no indication of actual milk supply,” she said. “I was concerned when I started pumping that I had low supply, but she said that the body is not used to pumping and that the baby is much more efficient at extracting milk than a machine.”
Rosson told New Times that she hasn’t had to supplement her baby with formula ever since she continued to pursue breastfeeding and learned more about latching techniques and different positions.
In fact, Sawdey’s Instagram profile, @centralcoastlactation, is packed with information.
“Did you know? You should never dilute breastmilk with water,” one post said.
“Why you should ditch your nursing pillow,” said another.
A third Instagram square advertised her as a guest speaker for the SLO Moms Social Club, which meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 9 a.m. in Vibe Health Lounge.
“It’s just like such an interesting field, because it is something where I’m trying to work myself out of the job,” Sawdey said. “My biggest goal is I want to not be needed by these mothers.”
Serving clients all over San Luis Obispo County, Sawdey offers her expertise as a birth doula with post-birth lactation support, in-home and virtual lactation support, phone consultations and troubleshooting, prenatal chats, and night nanny care. Find her intake forms at centralcoastlactation.com/services.
Breastfeeding also doesn’t have to be a distant memory for moms if Sawdey is involved. She immortalizes breastmilk, so to speak, in jewelry. She offers pieces as parting gifts to her clients, but silver breastmilk rings, mother-and-child heartshaped breastmilk pendants, and goldplated sterling silver breastmilk earrings are available for purchase on her website.
“I just taught myself how to do it, and moms really only need about a tablespoon of breast milk to give me,” she said. “The process is really … skimming the fat off the top and dehydrating it and then mixing it with resin to make a keepsake they could have forever.”
State law also recognizes the value of breastfeeding. The California Department of Public Health released a breastfeeding initiative in 2022 that was funded by Title V Maternal and Child Block Grant. One of the goals of the initiative is to make breastfeeding the community norm in the state from six months through at least the first year of an infant’s life. It also aims to ensure hospitals and health care clinics implement infant feeding policies and that lactation accommodation is a reality for all working moms and their employers.
“They’re really encouraging for women to breastfeed,” 15-year doula Teresa Gibson told New Times. “Insurance will pay for a breast pump for [mothers]. … I work with a lot of women that are with Medi-Cal, but even my clients that are not necessarily with MediCal and that are paying me out of pocket, they all, through their insurance companies, get that free breast pump.”
Gibson is a SLO County doula who signed on with a referral program and nonprofit called SLO Doula Connection. She moved from Los Angeles to the Central Coast four years ago and has worked with roughly 40 moms. She currently has five clients who are at different stages of their pregnancies. Visit slodoulaconnection.com/teresa-gibson to connect with her.
“I would rather them take a lactation class over a childbirth education class,” Gibson said. “I can easily teach them what they’re going to go through [during] birth, but for the lactation part of it, you have your baby, and you’re home with that baby within a day, and it can be scary.”
Breastfeeding classes and lactation support would have helped Gibson decades ago when she gave birth to her children, she added. She resorted to reading books and calling national organization La Leche League to figure out why one of her babies wasn’t latching on.
“I did have homebirths, so I wasn’t in a hospital getting those services, so we had to really work it out,” Gibson said. “I had friends that were breastfeeding and different things like that. So that’s how I learned. But the beginning was hard.” ▲
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE Longtime doula Teresa Gibson said that her clients—whether or not they’re on Medi-Cal—all get free breast pumps through their insurance.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO DOULA CONNECTION
ALWAYS EDUCATING Central Coast Lactation’s Aryel
Sawdey harnessed her own experience with breastfeeding to impart awareness to other moms she meets during her work as a certified lactation consultant.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARYEL SAWDEY
Oh, buoy!
Central Coast Floats offers flotation therapy to naturally alleviate anxiety,
BY LIBBEY HANSON
Entering a white pod, I stepped into a foot of water. Blue and purple hues glowed, and crystal bowl-like music filled the enclosure as I sat down and nearly floated above the water line. I peacefully lay for an hour, letting the anxieties and worries of the world slowly drift away.
Central Coast Floats co-owner Kelsey Elston described the flotation therapy experience as “magic,” when the human brain can slip into the theta state and anxiety, depression, and PTSD are naturally alleviated.
As an anxious person myself, I’d have to agree with her. For that hour in the pod, floating in 10 inches of water and buoyed by 1,100 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt
also offers flotation therapy, located at 9005 Lake View Drive. Learn more at livingwellgalleryandspa.com/floating.
(wild, I know), I felt rejuvenated in a way that I never had, as if the worried voices in my head quieted down.
These are the results Elston said she had hoped for when opening the only flotation therapy facility in San Luis Obispo with her brother Matt five and a half years ago.
Starting her flotation practice was a lifestyle change, she said, inspired by her brother’s passion for floating and inspiration to open a wellness center in SLO.
“I was in a different job, a different life, and ready to just be more involved with healing people, helping people,” she said. “So, I quit my job, and I moved to Sacramento, worked at a float center there to get some experience, and started my floating practice, and it just totally changed my life.”
Elston said she immediately felt the benefits of floating and described it as a form of “deep healing.”
“I’m a water baby, so being in the tank for the first time and experiencing it, I just knew how much this could help people learn about the benefits mentally, physically, emotionally,” she said. A few benefits include alleviating chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression, she said. According to Elston, when floating the brain goes into the theta state, a sort of subconscious reprogramming.
“I just knew this is … the next level. It’s like the future of holistic healing,” she said.
The process, I learned, is simple. I arrived at Central Coast Floats, was given a pair of flip-flops, and escorted to the private floating room that has the pod and showering space. Central Coast Floats provides body wash and shampoo, as well as ear plugs and a head flotation pillow. Once rinsed off, I simply slunk into the pod and lay back for an hour of relaxation.
What’s cool is the pod has controls inside for lighting and music volume, with options for leaving the blue- and purple-hued lights on or sitting in complete darkness. I tried both and really enjoyed the darkness for a portion of the float.
I also left the music on out of fear I would freak out in total darkness and silence (the staff ensured me it’s something you work up to).
I had no sense of time or place, and it was surprisingly refreshing. It was one of the only spaces where I felt solely concerned about myself and no other outside factors. When my time was up, the lights of the pod turned on and drum music started playing. I showered off and went on my meditative way.
Central Coast Floats provides its customers with other amenities too,
including a cold plunge and infrared sauna experience called “fire and ice.”
While the float pod helps one to relax, Elston said the 45-minute cold plunge and sauna session helps to rejuvenate and energize.
According to Elston, the temperature change helps to elevate endorphins in the body by increasing blood flow and decreasing stress. It also helps to release a natural amount of endorphins every plunge.
“For people that are going through a hard time with depression or low mood or motivation, things like that, just kind of zaps you and wakes you right up, and it’s crazy afterwards because you don’t feel jittery. You feel steady, calm, energized,” she said.
Central Coast Floats offers single visits or monthly memberships that feature discounts on additional fire and ice and float sessions.
“I would just like the community to know that we’re here and that we’re a place of healing, and that the intention is very simple,” Elston said. “It’s to just help people feel better and to leave the float feeling better than when they came in.” ▲
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY Flotation pods have 10 inches of water full of 1,100
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Transformative therapy
Central Coast centers offer combined ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and EMDR to speed up recovery
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Some patients experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns can unlock deep healing with a combination of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Several local clinics and therapists offer either EMDR and/or KAP therapies, including Ami Grace in San Luis Obispo, a holistic psychotherapist, who offers both together “depending on treatment goals,” according to her website, amigrace.com.
The Family Counseling and Trauma Healing Center in Solvang offers these services to eligible patients, hoping to foster profound emotional processing and resilience. According to Beverly Taylor, the center’s founder and certified trauma specialist, KAP incorporates low doses of ketamine during psychotherapy sessions, while EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help patients reframe distressing memories, reduce emotional distress, and promote adaptive healing.
“I’ve never had it not happen, where they get to the other side and then they can take the positive cognition and put it over the disturbing initial memory and they get a
Learn more
To read more about eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, visit the EMDR international association’s website at emdria.org.
For more information on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, head to ketamineresearchfoundation.org.
Psychology Today ’s website offers search function for local therapists—including EMDR and ketamine-assisted therapies—at psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ca.
different perspective of it,” Taylor said.
During a typical EMDR session, a patient will hold pulsers that go back and forth while they describe their struggles and tell their stories. Taylor explained that EMDR is effective even without ketamine because it helps the body enter a “theta state of relaxation.”
“EMDR creates that state where their whole system calms down,” Taylor said. “It’s a deep, restful state, and they can look at and address hard issues without having to go into them and re-experience them or be retraumatized. They have just enough distance from it to be able to observe it.”
When combined with KAP, Taylor noted that patients are better able to fully let go and immerse themselves in the healing experience. She added that ketamine helps patients’ egos take a step back during the therapy session.
“We all have a protector self, and when we’re doing traditional therapy, sometimes that part kind of stops us from being able to go deeper,” Taylor said. “It tells us, ‘Oh, we’re being silly,’ or ‘Oh, I shouldn’t do this in front of somebody.’ The ketamine helps that kind of step aside.”
Before a client can undergo KAP treatments, they must first be thoroughly
screened to determine their eligibility. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Samantha Lau performs these screenings to help Taylor determine if off-label ketamine treatment is the right fit for certain patients.
According to Lau, some factors that might exclude someone from being able to participate in KAP treatments include
SAFE SPACE Trauma specialist Beverly Taylor, of Solvang-based Family Counseling and Trauma Healing Center, said that she has seen clients “get better” much faster using a combination of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and ketamineassisted psychotherapy.
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untreated hypertension, a history of psychosis, schizophrenia diagnosis, and active addictions to other drugs. Another key component to understanding if KAP would work well for someone is to determine how they view the treatment.
“I dig into their psychiatric history to get to know if they are ready for this kind of work,” Lau explained. “It’s deep work, and, you know, wanting a magic cure is not a good sign.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ketamine to be used as an anesthetic in 1970, and since then, several studies have shown that it might also be effective in different doses for treating certain mental health conditions. One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that depressed patients showed a significant improvement in symptoms after the use of ketamine over two test days.
“When you really look at the evidence, there are studies that are very compelling, but there’s not an FDA-approved study,” Lau said. “It didn’t go through the FDA research process.”
Despite the many studies suggesting the benefits of using ketamine to treat conditions like depression, the FDA does not consider the drug “safe and effective for such uses.”
In a warning issued to patients and health care providers about the potential risks associated with ketamine products, the FDA wrote that safety concerns associated with its use include “abuse and misuse, psychiatric
events, increases in blood pressure, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and lower-urinary-tract and bladder symptoms.”
In October 2023, famous Friends actor Matthew Perry died from a ketamine overdose, sparking heated debates over the safety of the drug to treat mental health conditions.
Taylor said she recognized why events like this might make some patients wary of using ketamine for their treatments, but she emphasized that, unlike Perry, patients will be on extremely low doses and will be monitored during their sessions.
“If it feels scary for somebody in too big of a way, we’re not going to do it,” Taylor told New Times. “They’re not going to be a good candidate because they’re going to go into it feeling scared.”
Before the center started offering KAP, Taylor tried the treatment herself, noting that she wouldn’t urge patients to do anything she hadn’t done herself. During her treatment, which happened soon after the death of someone close to her, she explored the complex feelings of loss.
“I just felt way more in balance, like my system wasn’t trying to set the feelings aside or shove it off,” Taylor said. “I was just able to feel it, move it through, and have a lot of peace around it.” ▲
One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that depressed patients showed a significant improvement in symptoms after the use of ketamine over two test days.
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@ newtimesslo.com.
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BY SAMANTHA HERRERA
Anew grooming place opened in San Luis Obispo, and its owner, Hannah Martin, wants to get dogs looking snazzy.
Pristine Paws SLO opened its doors in December 2024. Martin provides dogs with grooming services but also focuses on giving educational advice to pet parents on how to care for pups between washes.
“In this area, we just get so many stickers,” Martin said. “We like to go to the beach and hike so keeping up on brushing and then doing regular maintenance on your dog [is important].”
One of the most important rituals to incorporate in your dog’s regular maintenance, she said, is taking them to the groomer. It’s necessary to find a place where your dog feels comfortable and trusts the groomer because an at-home bath won’t be as thorough as it will be by a professional, Martin said.
Promote!
While in middle school, Martin said, she got bit in the face by her friend’s dog and developed a fear soon after. But she didn’t want that fear to define her.
“It was a pretty significant moment in my life,” she said. “I didn’t want to be scared so I went and volunteered at a grooming salon. Ever since then, it’s kind of been something I’ve wanted to do.”
Martin has spent the last 15 years grooming dogs on the Central Coast, mostly in Nipomo, through a mobile dog grooming unit. She gained loyal clients who have followed her through her journey of opening a brick-andmortar space.
For some dogs to fully relax during their spa visit, they need isolation. That’s exactly what Pristine Paws SLO offers, as each groomer has their own pet cubicle.
“It’s so each dog is in their own little space where they’re not going to be seeing much of other dogs and getting themselves anxious,” Martin said. “We’re happy to meet every pet; we don’t shy away from aggression. We like to work with what we can work with and to make everyone as comfortable as possible.”
Martin’s love for dogs comes from an experience that scared her, ironically enough.
While Martin is currently offering classic salon treatments like a cut and wash, community members should keep their eyes out as Pristine Paws SLO could soon be offering a selection of fun fur dyes. The salon is located at 1344 Madonna Road and is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. by appointment only.
Fast fact
• Volunteer to become a docent at Hearst San Simeon State Park and learn how to share details about the life and history of the northern elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas rookery in San Simeon. California State Parks, supported by Friends of the Elephant Seal, will be offering a spring 2025 training class to prepare new docents to meet the public as informal educators and wildlife interpreters. According to State Parks, Piedras Blancas is the largest mainland rookery for elephant seals, which visit the beach twice annually: once to give birth and breed, and again to molt and grow a new coat. The rest of the year they migrate long distances, diving deep to avoid predators and find food. The application deadline is March 2. Visit bttr.im/ mfapo to apply. Interviews will be held in person in San Simeon during the first two weeks of March. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.
PICTURE PERFECT Opening a brick-and-mortar in December 2024, Hannah Martin has been grooming dogs around the Central Coast for about 15 years. She now operates out of 1344 Madonna Road and gets dogs looking sharp!
PHOTO FROM HANNAH MARTIN
BY GAIL JOHNSON
‘Learning process’
Humans and the environment are guinea pigs as the state pursues its renewable energy goals
State Sen. John Laird, in his “Energy questions” opinion in the Feb. 6 issue, tried to “mansplain” the energy conundrum we are facing. In a gross oversimplification, he implied that because of climate change, we must choose a volatile energy storage solution and risk another catastrophic battery energy storage system (BESS) event similar to the Moss Landing fire.
California citizens are one BESS disaster past our patience. We will no longer accept weak legislation like SB 38. (Neither Vistra nor PG&E complied with the safety plans? Is this a surprise? Our legislators took their eyes off the ball.) SB 38 was not a solution. It was a patch on an industry that needs major surgery. We lost faith in the Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation long ago. Our trust in our elected representatives and the Public Utilities Commission is in a death spiral. We are furious! We will not be soothed by simple palliatives spouted after each disaster: We’re investigating the cause, we’re adding new security and safety measures, we’ve learned from this event, our experts have not detected a risk, we’re going to “redouble our effort,” and reassurances that “it will never happen again.” The public has been misled by corporate promises and government apologists, and now they have gone one step too far.
After all of the BESS failures in California and around the world, what have we learned from the Moss Landing tragedy that we didn’t already know?
Lithium-ion batteries are dangerous. Lithium-ion batteries get more dangerous as they age.
You cannot put out a lithium-ion battery fire. They must burn themselves out.
Lithium-ion fires release toxic gases and heavy metals into the air, the soil, our water, and the lungs of living beings.
New battery technology, however defined, has not been tested by time and cannot be assumed to be safe.
While we gain more knowledge after each BESS tragedy, humans, wildlife and the environment are victims of the “learning process.” Is a disaster larger than Moss Landing looming on the horizon? Statistically, the answer is yes.
It will take years to synthesize all the information we are gaining from the Moss Landing disaster and form new guidelines and ordinances to protect the health and safety of our communities and the environment. In the meantime, we must not permit these “time bombs” near populated or environmentally sensitive areas. New standards must be set to govern the BESS facilities already operating. Older facilities must be decommissioned. There can be no compromise between our safety and BESS risk.
The demand for electricity will only increase due to our insatiable appetite for digital information and super-sized technology (like AI), and by the push to reduce emissions by replacing our fossilfueled vehicles and appliances with those that operate with renewable energy. (Hello! We rarely hear a call for conservation of resources.) Climate advocates are in favor of renewables and green energy. Fine! But the pressure to get to carbon net-zero by 2045, no matter what it takes, has resulted in a chaotic and random collection of proposals to fill the gaps, while “green energy” developers clamor for any subsidy, grant, or tax break available. PG&E and Vistra are making plenty of money. They don’t have to
be “wooed” to create and store energy that we are being forced to buy.
Mr. Laird seems to insist that BESS facilities are the answer to the climate crisis. It’s not that simple. You can’t equate a BESS disaster at Moss Landing with the fires in LA which were, arguably, caused by climate change. You can’t play with fire in one camp to prevent it in another. You can’t put BESS projects where people and fragile environments might be harmed. Period!
If our goal is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to an increasingly demanding public, then energy storage is integral to the solution. This is an undeniable fact. California already produces more electricity than we use. At present, lithiumion battery storage is a cost-effective and powerful tool, and until a better and safer BESS technology is developed and timetested, we’ll be stuck with it. The battery energy storage solution in the immediate future, unfortunately, is lithium-ion BESS technology.
While we’re fighting against the industry and imploring our legislators for sensible solutions for siting and regulating BESS facilities, we could instead be building them where they are safe, logical, economical, and welcome. Until everyone is satisfied with the safety, profitability, and sustainability of green energy, the climate crisis will continue while we are at war with each other over every new proposal.
Speak up!
Do we have a conundrum? I don’t think so. If we can find a place to dump hazardous waste near Highway 46, we can find suitable sites for BESS facilities. There are miles of remote and desolate areas in California. “Solar-plus-storage” projects are being developed on federal land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. BLM controls hundreds of thousands of acres that are suitable for BESS and other storage technologies, to which the
public would probably agree. This is a crisis of determination, not a lack of possibilities. As Moss Landing has shown, one major BESS catastrophe can affect many square miles and several cities or counties. Airborne toxins don’t know boundaries. Once the soil testing samples gathered around the Moss Landing fire are analyzed, and the data regarding negative consequences in Monterey County is assessed, we’ll know the range and extent of the damage. Statewide siting standards and reasonable development goals will ultimately need to be set. In the meantime, cities and counties need to protect their populations by passing temporary moratoriums like Morro Bay did. Dawn Addis’ Assembly Bill 303 must be passed so that individual jurisdictions can set their own standards immediately. We all need to write our representatives, starting with Gov. Gavin Newsom, to say that “enough is enough!” Ultimately, we should be building a macro grid, placing energy storage near the source of energy production, limiting profit, and considering a centralized government-run energy system and administration. But that’s a battle for another day.
To our friends in Moss Landing: Sen. Laird has implied that you have already been forgotten. He also seems to believe it’s still possible that a BESS could be permitted in Morro Bay. Believe me, as we fight for our lives, we fight for yours. You have not been forgotten. Your new county supervisor, Glenn Church, said that the Vistra BESS fire was a “Three-Mile Island” level event for the BESS industry. He was correct. And now you have the power of famed attorneys advocating for you. We wish you the very best for a complete recovery. ∆
Gail Johnson writes to New Times from Morro Bay. Send comments for publication by emailing them to letters@newtimesslo.com.
HODIN
Russell Hodin
BY JOHN DONEGAN
Trump’s chumps
Democrats appear to be utterly oblivious to the fact that they are being played for chumps by the Trump/Musk tag team. Like a couple of frightful lucha libre wrestlers, the team has waded into the federal bureaucracy to grapple with voracious swamp creatures desperately guarding their feeding trough. The Democrats, seemingly unaware about just how this drama is playing out in the public eye, are instinctively charging into the trap.
As you are probably aware, Donald Trump appointed liberal nemesis Elon Musk to head up the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Musk has unleashed a squad of tech bros to scour the federal budget for waste and fraud. Democrats have argued that neither Trump nor Musk have any right to peek into the books to examine specific expenditures, and a temporary injunction is in effect as I write this.
Their first target was the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the federal agency tasked with disbursing international aid, where they found some eye-popping expenditures. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described these expenditures as including $1.5 million to advance DEI in the Serbian workplace; $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland; $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia, and $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.
Not surprisingly, Democrats circled the wagons to mount a defense, insisting that these expenditures were “taken out of context,” and represent just a small portion of their budget. Per the publication Factcheck, only the $1.5 million to a Serbian LGBTQ advocacy organization was made by USAID, and the others were actually made by the State Department, perhaps missing the larger point about government waste. Factcheck went on to defend the Irish DEI event as not being a “musical,” but a “musical event,” and clarified that the Peruvian comic book featured a gay, not trans, character. AP glowingly described the Colombian trans opera as intended to “raise awareness and increase trans representation.”
The defense ignored the most fundamental question: Why the hell are we using U.S. taxpayer money to fund musical events, comic books, and workplace programs in other countries?
Democrats are fools for even trying to defend these disbursements. If Democrats were smart, they would feign surprise and outrage and join in the indignant chorus demanding changes and the head of whoever approved these expenditures. But the louder Democrats howl in opposition, the more that they draw public attention to their waste of public funds and reinforce their image as reckless, wasteful spenders.
Perhaps recognizing that most voters are unlikely to see these sorts of expenditures as a good use of public funds, Democrats have turned to attacking Musk and the audit that uncovered the expenditures. They have depicted Musk as an unhinged, drugaddled foreigner who is being recklessly allowed to root around in government’s most
confidential data with his band of teenage hackers, where they will exploit their access to empty the assets of the U.S. Treasury and taxpayers into their own pockets. They insist that neither Trump nor his DOGE auditors have the right to access this data, curiously insisting that only bureaucratic staffers, and not their boss and the boss’s chosen auditors, have a right to access.
In trying to scare the public, Democrats overlook the fact that Musk has only “read only” access, and not the right to order disbursements. They also ignore the fact the confidential data available is the same sort as most people routinely divulge to numerous and random minions every time they apply for a credit card, loan, rental application, medical care, etc. Perhaps this really isn’t the end of democracy after all.
The cacophony of Democratic protests are bound to get louder, as Trump has announced that he also wants to look into military spending and spending by the Department of Education. These are institutions which already have a reputation for waste. Recall $500 hammers and the like? There is no way the Democrats can protest without looking bad.
The reliably hyperbolic Democrats are crying that Trump is “trying to tear down the government,” perhaps overestimating how fond taxpayers are of our government and how much they trust it. Especially with tax time approaching, a little bureaucratic asskicking appeals to a lot of people. Those who feed off the government may not be happy with it, but those of us who pay for it aren’t. Government will survive a diet.
The Democratic theatrics may play well in the insular echo chambers of the left but are unlikely to convince others that an outside examination of federal spending is a bad idea. The more that the Democrats insist that the actual spending records are somehow sacrosanct and immune from review, the more it reinforces the belief that Democrats are hiding something and that an audit is needed. Nothing cleanses like sunlight.
Every squawk coming out the Democrats reinforces their image as impulsive, irresponsible spendthrifts who just cannot be trusted with money. ∆
John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who agrees that with a billion here and a billion there, pretty soon we’re talking real money. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.
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Intolerance
Hey, SLO Town, y’all ready for another “road diet”? That’s the euphemistic term the city uses to swallow up a traffic lane and create a protected bicycle corridor, this one proposed for South Higuera. The project will cost $10.3 million, but the city has $9.1 million grants. Taxpayers like you only have to pony up a little more than a million!
Is that steam coming out of your ears? Have you had it up to here? (I’m holding my gear up as high as I can.) You’re not alone. The protected lanes that have gone in around the city have been divisive to say the least. This new prosed one is no different.
At the last City Council meeting, Kathy Godfrey got up to say no: “I’m here in opposition to the road diet on South Higuera. I support and represent working families who are weary of road congestion here in San Luis Obispo.”
Gene Nelson, a Chumash Village resident, also said no to road diets, arguing that bicyclists should just ride real slow on the sidewalk with a bright headlamp on and stay off the street entirely. Harumph!
For people who don’t ride bikes, protected lanes seem like a waste of money, remove precious parking, and make it harder to see those spandex-clad health nuts and traffic scofflaws who don’t follow traffic rules anyway, jerks! Plus, have you noticed there are more cars on the roads than bicyclists?
Hm? Why are we spending all this money for so few cyclists? (You’re heard, haters.)
Likewise, some bicyclists believe the protected lanes make them even more invisible to traffic. Every intersection and driveway is an opportunity to get hit. Cars turning right across a protected lane often don’t see or even look for riders. Does anyone like protected bike lanes?
Here’s the thing. Lots of people won’t ride a bicycle because they think it’s too dangerous, and it is. Those white “ghost bikes” around town are memorials to riders who’ve been killed on our streets. Drive, ride, or walk down South Higuera and you’ll probably spot one or two. Since 2019, Higuera has been the site of five fatal collisions, where four victims were walking or cycling. From Bridge Street to Fontana, there’ve been 49 collisions in five years! That’s the city’s highest collisions concentration.
The entire idea behind protected lanes is to encourage more people to get on bikes, and regardless of your opinion about their safety, a 13-year study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that dedicated bikes lanes had 44 percent fewer deaths and 50 percent fewer injuries. Forbes reported that protected lanes increased safety, saved money, and
protected the environment.
The truth is cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians—none of them mix well! Add in the slower people-powered bicycles and the slew of fast electric bike riders “sharing” the road, and the situation is worse. In a perfect world, people would respect one another and take extra care in being safe while driving, riding, or walking. Instead, there’s animosity and hostility. If you’re in a car, cyclists are annoying and entitled. If you’re on a bike, vehicle drivers are rude and reckless. If you’re on foot, it feels like you’re invisible.
Are you mad about the proposed new corridor? I get it, but if it leads to fewer deaths, accidents, and injuries, can you tolerate it?
In more intolerant news, Cal Poly students’ favorite co-opted holiday is coming up, where they arise before dawn, dress in green, and start pounding whatever alcohol they’ve amassed—BORGs, anyone? They wander onto the streets surrounding Cal Poly and party on, Wayne and Garth, with open containers and underage drinking. They annoy neighbors, maybe climb a phone pole, smash a windshield or two, collapse a garage roof, or head to campus to cause thousands of dollars in property damage to dorms. Sláinte! St. Fratty’s Day is only a month away!
Last year’s “celebration” involved about 7,000 people, and though the police presence was large, officers worked the
edges of the street party to contain it. Exactly 189 citations were issued and 12 people arrested. Fines were doubled, so violations cost up to $1,000.
Meanwhile at Cal Poly, students were encouraged to rat each other out for bad behavior, and 117 student conduct reports were submitted to the university’s conduct office. Of course, many of the problems were driven by out-of-towners. Don’t worry, SLO Police Department is telling them not to come in paid social media posts targeting 18to 26-year-olds from all over the state!
“We’re all aware that the event last year negatively impacted our local neighborhoods, and the university also experienced significant vandalism and property damage,” Cynthia Vizcanio Villa, Cal Poly’s senior vice president for administration and finance said. “Law enforcement will be highly visible and take a zero-tolerance approach.”
In other words, kiddos, don’t expect the city or the university to put up with your shenanigans again! They won’t tolerate it, dig? For those who slept through math class, zero-tolerance means total intolerance. But wait! Could this approach lead to another 2004 Mardi Gras riot situation? Please stand by. ∆
The Shredder is going to sit quietly under its desk and rest. Feed it something to shred at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AQUARIUS 2025 WATERMEDIA
EXHIBIT Central Coast Watercolor
Society presents its annual juried exhibit at Art Center Morro Bay, featuring excellence in all forms of watermedia by California artists. Juror Keiko Tanabe will give awards at the reception on Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. See website for info and frequent updates. Feb. 20 - March 31 ccwsart.com/aquarius-2025-prospectus.
Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL
MAN OF MYSTERY Look forward to a shagadelic night of outrageous costumes, audience participation, and more during this screening of the classic Mike Myers comedy. Proceeds benefit
The Rock Community Radio. Wine and beer available. Visit website for tickets and more info. Feb. 17 5 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
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.
THE COLOR OF LIGHT: AN ALL MEDIA PAINTING GROUP EXHIBITION This group show showcases how its featured painters capture the interplay of color and light through various fine art painting media. Through Feb. 27 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.
com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FIREFLIES Enjoy this production, written by Matthew Barber and directed by Anita Schwaber. Visit site to get your tickets and learn more about the show. Feb. 21 - March 9, 7 p.m. $29. St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2368, stpetersmorrobay.org/.
FOR THE BIRDS Held in conjunction with the Morro Bay Bird Festival. This group exhibit features artworks depicting various avian subjects from the show’s pool of artists. Through Feb. 17 artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW MORRO
BAY Enjoy a night of comedy with actor, comedian, and host Aisha Alfa, who currently resides in Los Angeles. Dave Yates, Chris Lewis, Justin Foster, and the the headliner Ronn Vigh will also be performing. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 22 , 7-8:45 p.m. $29. my805tix.com. Taco Temple (Morro Bay), 2680 N. Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-4965.
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.
VALENTINE’S SPECIAL PAINT YOUR PARTNER Coastal Wine and Paint Party is calling all couples to join for an afternoon of “painting, sipping, and roasting your significant other.” No painting experience is necessary.
Feb. 15 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
DIEGO IN PRINT An exhibition of works by Diego Huerta open Friday and Saturday afternoons. Fridays, Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. through April 6 (805) 440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
A MOVIE NIGHT ON UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Watch The Best of Enemies , a true story of overcoming prejudice through unexpected friendship. Refreshments will be available and a thoughtful discussion will follow the film. Feb. 21 6-9 p.m. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org.
Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW PASO ROBLES For ages 21 and over. Lineups are subject to change, but always include five headliners. Feb. 21 8 p.m. my805tix. com/. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles, (805) 270-3327.
SWEETHART DANCE Celebrate love and dance during this fundraiser for the Homeless Animal Rescue Team. There will be live music from Los Osos-based band, Zongo All-Stars, and dessert treats from local Cambria establishments. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 15 7 p.m. $50. Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-5010.
VALENTINE “PAINT YOUR DATE” NIGHT AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Enjoy a fun and creative evening with your special someone. Feb. 14 5-8 p.m. $45. (805)
THESE SPOKEN WINGS
The Morro Coast Audubon Society will hold its next virtual community program over Zoom on Monday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Bill Haas will discuss statistics related to tricolored blackbirds local to the area and beyond the Central Coast, based on the results of a statewide survey. To find out more about the program and the Audubon Society, based in SLO County since 1966, visit morrocoastaudubon.org.
—Caleb Wiseblood
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER
IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. my805tix. com/e/improv-comedy-1-10. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN: NORTH
AMERICAN TOUR This Tony and Grammy Award-winner takes a groundbreaking look — from multiple points of view - at our complex, interconnected, social media-filled lives. Feb. 13 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20242025season/dear-evan-hansen. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
ESTEBAN CABEZA DE BACA: REMEMBERING THE FUTURE Ranging from 2015 to 2024, the eleven paintings in the gallery explore issues of belonging and identity, activism, and joy and celebration. Feb. 22 -June 22 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad
St., San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO PUBLIC
MARKET Central Coast Comedy invites you to get in the holiday-of-love mood with a serenade by Dead on A-rhyme-al, the musical improv team. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Feb. 14 6:15-8 p.m. $13. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
LUCAS ZELNICK LIVE New York born comedian Lucas Zelnick will share his wit with crowds at this all ages event. Visit link for tickets and more info. Feb. 13 , 7 p.m. $24. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5468600, fremontslo.com.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET On a Tuesday night, shortly before Christmas 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. This was their only performance together, and a cultural flashpoint that caught rock ‘n’ roll at the moment of creation.
Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through March 9 $30-$55. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN
Sit back nestled under the stars in the Sycamore Secret Garden and enjoy the special screening of 50 First Dates
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit site for more information and to RSVP for a spot. Feb. 21 , 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.
THE REBOOT SPEAKEASY PRESENTS
LOVE AND OTHER BLUNDERS Head to the cozy venue of The Bunker to enjoy a curated showcase of true personal stories about the glorious, flawed ways we love as well as an open mic portion to share your own 99-second story. Feb. 21 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 439-0355. facebook. com/the.reboot4u. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
THIS IS ONLY A TEST Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility commemorates its 20th anniversary with this photography exhibition. While
lampooning SLO County’s annual PG&E calendar, the featured landscapes capture various angles of the region’s emergency sirens. Through Feb. 14 a4nr. org. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
TULIP SUNSET ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Host will personally lead you in creating an expressive sunset scene with tulips. Feb. 22 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY OLIVER Directed by Shannon Lowrie and Nataly Plotner, collaborating with Music Director Dakota Simpson. Visit the link to purchase tickets and get more info. Feb. 21 7 p.m. and Feb. 22 7 p.m. $17. my805tix.com. The Studio of Performing Arts, 805 Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 709-5293.
CENTRAL COAST PRINTMAKER SHOW Stop by to check out a diverse collection of original artwork through the month of February. The Central Coast Printmakers’ Show reception is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 from 2-4p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 12-6 p.m. through Feb. 27 Free. (805) 489-9444. centralcoastprintmakersofCa.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. CHARACTERS AND RELATIONSHIPS: IMPROVISATIONAL THEATER CLASS
Learn to access emotion in the moment, build characters and relationships on emotional perspectives, and use patterns of emotional behaviors to drive scenes forward. Sundays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through April 13 $80. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.
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.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
NEW PERSPECTIVES AT GALLERY LOS
OLIVOS Gallery Los Olivos is excited to welcome eight new members, with a featured show, “New Perspectives.”
Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 28 GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, (805) 688-7517.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO 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.
EMBODIED YOGA ON THE CENTRAL
COAST Join this outdoor program for a nourishing and grounding yoga practice. This class is breath-centered. Feb. 17 11 a.m. my805tix.com/. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.
LOVING/KINDNESS MEDITATION AND SOUND JOURNEY Visit site to purchase a ticket and learn more about the meditation practice. Feb. 18 , 6-7:30 p.m. $18. (805) 270-5523. my805tix.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos.
MANDALA RHYTHMS CIRCLE Join this sacred circle for a journey of drumming, rhythm-making, improvisation, and vocal expression. Register and get more details at the link. Feb. 23 12-2 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.
MEDITATE WITH DAWN Semi-private class to restore your energy and calm the mind to balance your day with guided meditation, pranayama (breath-work) and chakra connection on the beach. Feb. 15 , 10-11:15 a.m. my805tix.com/.
Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos. PALI KAI OUTRIGGER RACING CANOE CLUB Join, train, and race with these Sunday morning demonstrations. Enjoy getting in a canoe and on the water. These sessions are a great way to make new friends and stay in shape. Sundays, 9-11 a.m. through March 1 Three practices for free. palikai.org/joinus/. Coleman Park (Morro Bay), 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay, (805) 772-6278.
SHAMANIC MORNING RITUALS FOR VITALITY Be guided into intentional movement, laughter, earthing practices, and gratitude rituals while connecting with nature and the sacred Morro Bay rock. Feb. 14 8:30 a.m. my805tix. com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.
A SINGLES NIGHT DANCE PARTY ON VALENTINES DAY The Siren invites you this Valentine’s Day to dance and let loose, whether you come alone, with friends, or are looking for someone new. There will be an all-vinyl DJ set by náboh, with hip hop, R&B, disco, house, and funk music. Feb. 14 8-11 p.m. Free. (805) 2251312. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay.
TRANSMUTE ANGER TO INSPIRATION THROUGH KRIYA YOGA Aurora Sacred Events invites you to join this yoga class, led by Dawn Feuerberg, if you are “ready to renew, uproot habit patterns, and feel aligned in your life.” Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 18 5:30-7 p.m. $43. my805tix.com. 9th Limb Yoga, 845 Napa Ave., Morro Bay, (415) 852-1787.
YOGA’SSAGE A collaboration of gentle restorative yoga and massage with intention for relaxation and nervous system regulation. No yoga experience needed. Feb. 23 4:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
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. BASICS OF SILVERSMITHING WORKSHOPS Learn the basics of silversmithing at Golden State Goods.
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
Edna Contemporary Art Gallery in San Luis Obispo presents a solo showcase of works by Cambria-based artist Margaret Biggs through Wednesday, March. 5. The exhibition debuted in early February and highlights a collection of Biggs’ oil paintings. Visit ednacontemporary.com for more info on the exhibit and other programs hosted by the gallery.
You’ll make 6 to 8 Sterling Silver Ring Stackers. All tools and materials provided. Max of 4 students admitted. Feb. 23 5-8 p.m. $95. (805) 464-2564. goldenstategoods.com/workshops. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN’S HEART LAB Take part in this haunted experience in the world of Dr. Frankenstein’s monsters and the depths of his forsaken laboratory. Visit link for tickets and more information. Fridays, Saturdays, 6-10 p.m. through Feb. 16 $18. (805) 774-2868. app.hauntpay. com/events/Valentines2025. The Haunt, 5805 El Camino Real, 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.
MINDFUL MASTERY: MASTER YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS This workshop is designed for anyone looking to break free from limiting behaviors and develop a stronger, more focused mind. Visit site for more tickets and more info. Feb. 19 6-8 p.m. $35. (805) 242-1649. anc.apm.
activecommunities.com. Paso Robles, Various locations, Paso Robles.
SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING
Bring your favorite rock, gem, crystal, fossil, etc., to show the rest of the club. Third Monday of every month, 7 p.m. slrockhounds.org/. Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St., Templeton.
SANTA MARGARITA’S SWEETHEART
STROLL Embark on Santa Margarita’s annual Sweetheart Stroll with loved ones. There will be live music, vintage sellers, and more. Feb. 15 , 4-8 p.m. Free. The Giddy Up, 22380 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, (805) 500-6092, instagram. com/giddyuphut/.
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. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC Bars and Bounce is a great way to have fun
and workout, by building full-body strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary at this clinic for ages 5-17.
Feb. 15 , 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
BATTLETECH SUNDAYS AT CAPTAIN NEMO GAMES AND COMICS Join this group of miniature gamers for a fun evening of free-to-play mech warrior battle games. The event takes place in the separate Game Hall. Visit site for more information. Feb. 16 , 5-8 p.m. and Feb. 23 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/do/ battletech-sundays-at-captain-nemogames-and-comics. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
BREWS AND BRAWLS BeatDown Promotions and SLO Craft Beer Festival invite you to this “electrifying night of mixed martial arts action and unlimited beers.” Get tickets and more information at the link. Feb. 21 , 5 p.m. $45. my805tix. com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FINANCIAL LITERACY MIXER WITH
JOLYN Jolyn, a licensed insurance professional, will educate you on the practical side of how to become wealthy and “guide you through a series of esoteric exercises that will align your soul with the money you deserve.” RSVP now at the link. Feb. 18 5-7 p.m. Free. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera 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.
FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE
PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in
Santa Barbara County and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 12-18. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Feb. 15 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: BUDDY BANQUET Drop your kids off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, a movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off. No experience is necessary at this clinic for ages 4-13. Feb. 15 , 5-9:30 p.m. $50-$70. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. MCAS ZOOM COMMUNITY PROGRAM: THE TRIENNIAL TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD SURVEY, EDITION 2025 Bill Haas, SLO County Coordinator for the TCBL Survey, will present a brief history of the Triennial Tricolored Blackbird Survey and the birds’ status. Feb. 17, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1991. morrocoastaudubon. org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. (805) 545-5874. slocm. org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.
SCHOOL’S OUT GYMNASTICS DAY CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 23
SLO Tribute to Jerry Jeff Walker and Nanci Griffith
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Humdinger Brewing, SLO Ernie Watts: Bill Cunliffe Duo
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Embodied Yoga on the Central Coast
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Aurora Sacred Events in Morro Bay
Thursday Night Improv
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
The Bunker SLO
Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO That’s So Drag Brunch
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Brewing Company, SLO
Austin Powers, International Man Of Mystery
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay
Juke Boiler Room: House, Techno, D&B, Synth
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Kreuzberg Califrornia, SLO
Transmute Anger to Inspiration Thru Kriya Yoga
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Aurora Sacred Events @9th Limb Yoga, Morro Bay
Brews & Brawls
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO
Duo SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Adelaida Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles
Loving-Kindness Meditation & Sound Journey
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Central Coast Body Therapy Center, Los Osos
Max Minardi
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
CongregationHouse, SLO
The Iron Maidens
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez
Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO
SLOFunny Comedy Show Paso Robles
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Dracaena Wines, Paso Robles
Von’s Island, Exporter, Tiny Plastic Everything, & More!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 The Bunker SLO
Luicidal (OG Suicidal Tendencies Members)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Humdinger Brewing, SLO
Age Of Love: Euphoric & World House Music
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Kreuzberg California, SLO
CAMP Bring your children, ages 4-13, to burn off energy at gymnastics camp while school is out. No experience is necessary, and extended care and customizable schedule are available. Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$99. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK
SALE Around 10,000 books for all ages will be on sale. $1.50 an inch (reduced to $5 a bag all-day Saturday). Feb. 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Feb. 21-22 9 a.m.-5 p.m. slofol.org. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH AT
LIBERTINE BREWING CO. Head
downtown to enjoy an afternoon of high energy and stunning costumes. See drag performances by Nala Diamond, Juicy CW, Miss Gender, Cleo Van Scarlet, and Viola Tile. Food and drinks will be available throughout the show, including bottomless mimosas, breakfast burritos, and frozen espresso martinis. This is an event for ages 18 and over. Feb. 16 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $22. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
TREAT YO’ SELF WAVEMAKER MEETUP
Hosted by Women Making Waves. All tickets are a direct support to the Next Wave Mentorship Program. Feb. 22 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Ranch Market, 851 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo.
TRIVIA WEDNESDAY Visit the site for tickets and more info on this night of trivia and fun. Feb. 19 7-9 p.m. $13. End of the Line Cafe, 1150 Laurel Ln., San Luis Obispo, 543-3685.
WEALTH, WOMEN, AND WOO Learn how to release your money fears and blocks and achieve a prosperous mindset, and live an abundant life with ease and flow. Feb. 22 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com/. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADVENTURES WITH NATURE:
OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join State Park
Docent Dan to learn about Oceano’s beavers and enjoy a walk around Oceano Lagoon. Space is limited, so it is advised to RSVP at the number provided to secure a spot. Feb. 15 , 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-
MAKING WAVES
Gallery Los Olivos presents New Perspectives, a group exhibition highlighting artworks by eight of the gallery’s newest members, through Friday, Feb. 28. Goleta-based painter Ann Wirtz (whose piece, Evening Waves, is pictured) is among the featured artists in the exhibit, which opened in early February. Visit gallerylosolivos.com for more info.
—C.W.
6:15 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.
FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFE Bring your broken stuff to the Grover Beach Community Center. Free repairs for bikes, small appliances, clothing, computers, tablets, smart phones, and outdoor gear and apparel. With almost 40 volunteers available. Feb. 22 , 1-4:30 p.m. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
LITTLE RANGER PROGRAM: ANIMAL HABITATS Join Interpreter Sarah to learn about the different places that animals call home. An RSVP is required to this event, for ages 3 to 6. Feb. 16 , 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.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
RESTORE YOUR WELL-BEING WITH JIN SHIN JYUTSU Learn how to harmonize your energy and enjoy greater resilience and well-being. Register with Pismo Recreation. Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through March 18 $150 for 6; or $30 drop-in. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach/org/recreation. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade
FOOD & DRINK continued page 24
SLOFunny Comedy Show with AiSha Alfa, Dave Yates, & More!
FEBRUARY 22
Temple, Morro Bay
GROCERIES
FREE MONEY APPLY
February 26, 2025, 4 - 6:00 p.m. at Meadow Park Community Center (2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401)
VALENTINE AT ARTSOCIAL 805
Grab your besties for a night of cookie decorating, rom-coms, and sipping on fabulous drinks. Led by Lauren of Three Little Crumbs. Feb. 13 6-8 p.m. $55. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
HEARTS AMONG THE VINES Bring your significant other and enjoy this intimate gathering that PIUS says is designed “to delight wine enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.” Indulge in a champagne pour, four curated wine and food pairing stations, and the unveiling of two coveted library wines, the exquisite 2018 and 2019 PIUS Cabernet. Feb. 15 , 12-3 p.m. $55. PIUS Estates, 1550 West Highway 46, 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.
VINO VALENTINE Sip, shop, listen to live music, and enjoy stunning vineyard views from a hilltop tasting room and event venue. There will be a POE POM Makers Market with more than 10 local artisans, and a live set by Ken Warrick. Feb. 15 , 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 467-2046. Four Sisters Ranch Vineyard and Winery, 2995 Pleasant Rd., San Miguel.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA
A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter
Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
SLO CRAFT BEER FEST Celebrate the makers of craft beverages and raise a toast to their unique and wonderful creations. Breweries from around the country will be featured with selected cider, spirits, and kombucha. For more info, visit site. Feb. 22 , 1-5 p.m. Starts at $92. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna 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.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY INGREDIENT PROFILE FORUM Topic: Vinegar (history, production, value, import / export, culinary, holistic, and cleaning). RSVP required. Feb. 15 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (805) 619-7351. slolibrary.org/ index.php/about/locations/nipomolibrary. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo.
LA CASITA DRAG BRUNCH SATURDAY
It’s almost here... It’s almost here...
Diablo Canyon
INDEPENDENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
Public Meeting:
When: Wednesday Morning, February 19th 9:00 a.m.
Receive PG&E’s Response to DCISC 34th Annual Report on the Safety of Diablo Canyon Operations - July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024; informational presentations by PG&E including an update on the State of the Plant concerning organizational changes, significant past and future plant activities, power history, significant equipment issues (including rod drop event) and other station activities since the DCISC’s October 2024 public meeting; the scope, schedule, and status of preparations for refueling outage 1R25, including the implementation of major projects and inspections (including surveillance Capsule B removal); and results of the 2024 Operating Plan and key elements of the 2025 Operating Plan.
Wednesday Afternoon, February 19th 1: 30 p.m
Committee Technical Consultant reports on fact-finding visits to DCPP on November 13-14 and December 11-12, 2024, and on January 21-22, 2025 and approval of reports on those visits.
Wednesday Evening, February 19th 5:00 p.m.
Informational presentations by PG&E including how changes to the seismic hazard evaluations (such as from the PG&E Updated Seismic Assessment or from recent comments by the Independent Peer Review Panel) are incorporated into and affect overall plant Seismic Probabilistic Risk Assessment calculations; and an update by the Committee on the DCISC’s review of seismic safety and scope and plans for performing an expert review of recent seismic hazard concerns including the selection of consultants and approval of consulting agreements.
Thursday Morning, February 20th 9:00 a.m.
DCISC business session, including acceptance of Minutes of October 9-10, 2024 public meeting, review of the Open Items List, discussion of the status of governmental agency interactions and responses to SB846 directives, administrative matters including ratification of Amendment No. 5 to Consulting Agreement with Dr. Mark Kirk, and concerning public outreach, financial and future funding matters; informational presentations by PG&E including an update on the status of NRC Performance Indicators, Licensee Event Reports, NRC Inspection Reports and Notices of Violation, issues raised by NRC Resident Inspectors, open compliance issues, the status of the NRC Cross-Cutting Issues Matrix, current and future License Amendment Requests and other significant regulatory issues; and, recent and future changes to Diablo Canyon’s procedures and programs based on the use of risk-informed license amendments including to Technical Specification completion times, surveillance frequencies, mode
(DCISC)
change evaluations, categorization of systems, structures and components and in-service inspections.
Thursday Afternoon, Februry 20th 1:30 p.m.
Informational presentations by PG&E including an update on the status of Performance Improvement Programs, and on the transition to extended operations including license renewal; and wrap-up discussion by Committee members and confirmation of future site visits, study sessions and public meetings.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble: “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rodgers, “Give Me the Simple Life” by Rube Bloom and Stevie Wonder’s “As.”
Jazz Combos: a mix of jazz standards and original student arrangements. University Jazz Band: arrangements by Michael Mossman, Thad Jones, Ellen Rowe, Steven Feifke and others.
You may also participate in this public meeting in realtime by accessing a Zoom webinar meeting via this weblink: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81615488109 or the meeting Zoom ID: 816 1548 8109 or by calling telephone numbers provided for that purpose. Instructions on how to access, view and participate in remote meetings are also provided on the meeting agenda, available by visiting the Committee’s home page at http://www.dcisc.org
Please plan to attend!
For further information call 1-800-439-4688 or visit the Committee’s website at www.dcisc.org
A copy of the meeting agenda packet may be reviewed at the Cal Poly Library’s Special Collections and Archives Department and the agenda packet and informational presentations are available on the DCISC’s website. Each session of a public meeting of the DCISC is livestreamed and on the internet during the meeting by visiting www.slo-span.org.
WATCH THE SESSIONS LIVE, OR SUBSEQUENTLY IN ARCHIVE, INDEXED TO THE MEETING’S AGENDA, BY FOLLOWING THE LINK ON THE COMMITTEE’S WEBSITE TO WWW.SLO-SPAN.ORG, OR AFTER THE MEETING ON GOVERNMENT ACCESS TELEVISION, CHANNEL 21.
Arts
Sibling artists
Zoya Lopata Dixon and Sam Lopata temporarily display abstract art in Atascadero
Sibling visual artists Zoya Lopata Dixon and Sam Lopata have placed two of their largescale abstract pieces in the empty storefront at 6090 El Camino Real, suite A, in downtown Atascadero.
ENTROPY and CONSTANTS each measure 36-by-72 inches.
The goal of this program is to brighten up vacant commercial spaces, and artists will rotate in and out every month or so until the space is rented.
“This was such a win-win, for both us as artists and for Z Villages Real Estate,” Lopata Dixon announced. “We get to use this empty space and have an art popup, and Z Villages gets to bring attention to a downtown vacancy. I am so truly grateful for this opportunity, and I hope it can lead to a longer working relationship and more opportunities.”
ENTROPY and CONSTANTS were created with Lopata’s graffiti handwriting and the abstract sand stacks that have become the signature style of Lopata Dixon. Interestingly, though they grew up less than 2 miles apart in Chicago, the siblings didn’t meet until 2021, after the passing of their father, Daniel.
Native American painter
Esteban Cabeza de Baca will give an artist talk Feb. 22 in the SLO Museum of Art
To celebrate the opening of his new exhibition, Memories of the Future, at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA), Native American painter Esteban Cabeza de Baca will talk about his work on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the museum.
The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested at eventbrite.com.
According to SLOMA, “In his work, Cabeza de Baca employs a broad range of painterly techniques, entwining layers of graffiti, landscape, and preColumbian pictographs in ways that confound Cartesian singlepoint perspective. His influences range from petroglyphs, from which many of his motifs derive, to Jackson Pollock, who, the artist notes, was in turn influenced by Navajo sand painting. ‘I want to excavate the impact of colonial acts like that,’ he notes. ‘To go farther with the drip than Pollock did and collide the infinite with the everyday.’”
Many of his works examine agricultural labor and human rights. March to Sacramento, for instance, depicts Delano grape workers and labor organizer Cesar Chavez. His exhibition opens on Friday, Feb. 21, with a reception scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Δ
—Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Paint free or die
Architect Lawrence Scarpa forges his own way
Tucked back into a corner of a parking lot off Monterey Street stands AGD Architecture + Design, Cal Poly architecture graduate Andrew Goodwin’s firm, and connected to it is his retail operation, MYLR Bookstore and Gallery, which you really have to look for to find. It’s worth the search because right now, a collection of small watercolor paintings by famed Modernist architect and artist Lawrence Scarpa is hanging in the gallery.
“This is a really important show for me because Larry is, first, an award-winning architect in the United States; a very powerful leader in LA’s affordable housing movement; and Brooks + Scarpa, his firm, has done wonderful things,” Goodwin said. “Larry is also an artist who’s been practicing since his 20s—probably before then, actually, but in his 20s he was painting in watercolors in Italy while he was on fellowship to pay for his studies, so he’s been doing this his whole practice.”
How did Goodwin and MYLR score this important show?
“When he said in casual conversation, ‘Hey, do you want to show my work? I haven’t really had an opportunity to do it.’ I said, ‘Absolutely,’ because some of the stuff he’s painted in the past is in the Smithsonian Archives and other places that are very well known, but he’s never done a true show like this. It’s a perfect setup because of our architecture and our bookstore—the conversation between architect and art.”
Scarpa’s paintings are fairly small watercolors— ranging from 5.5-by-8.5 inches to 12-by-9, with a few larger works—but instead of the pale pastel of a lot of watercolors, they’re saturated with pigment, making them extremely bright and rich. Many of them are reminiscent of a combination between David Hockney’s brightly colored LA landscapes from the 1990s and Richard Diebenkorn’s city- and landscapes from the ’50s and ’60s. They’re bright and whimsical and geometric. There’s also a deeply charming monochromatic painting of a cow and calf.
“He calls the show Wide Open, and the paintings go between this conversation of his Italian landscapes that he’s done in his travels through Italy, and a conversation he did in California as well, painting things like the Zaca … Fire, the hills above Santa Barbara and whatnot,” Goodwin explained.
Considering Scarpa’s impressive career, he could probably get a show just about anywhere. Why SLO and the MYLR Gallery?
“I actually love it up there,” Scarpa said by phone. “I’ve been there quite a few times and we like being there. I like staying downtown and walking around. It’s a beautiful area, and it’s got a strong design community, a strong arts community. Size doesn’t really matter to me that much. I like to go to places I like. Andrew, too, with his gallery is doing great stuff. The combination of doing books, art, and architecture is really interesting and creative. All of those things combined make it an interesting and unique place.”
Was Scarpa inspired by Hockney and Diebenkorn?
“That’s flattering,” Scarpa said. “First, I love them both. I’ve looked at Hockney and Diebenkorn amongst others. It’s hard not to get that subliminally if not directly, but I did not think about it that way. To some degree, I like to paint
THE ARTIST AT WORK Renowned Los Angeles architect Lawrence Scarpa is exhibiting a collection of his watercolor landscapes in SLO’s MYLR Bookstore and Gallery through February.
See the work
Los Angeles architect and fine artist Lawrence Scarpa is displaying a collection of small watercolor landscapes through Friday, Feb. 28, in MYLR Bookstore and Gallery, located at 1238 Monterey St., inside AGD Architecture + Design. For more info, visit mylrgallery.com or by calling (805) 439-1611, Ext. 111.
what I know is there, not necessarily what I see. I think that’s related as well. It allows you to abstract it a little and see it in a different way.”
It’s also worth noting that his watercolor technique is atypical for the medium.
“So I’ve been told,” he said with a laugh. “I tell people I’ve had zero formal training as a painter. Sometimes that’s a good thing because you do your own kind of style. I have a friend who’s a very good sumi painter, traditional Japanese sumi, and he does these classes, and I sometimes do them with him, and he’s intrigued and appalled all at the same time because I started doing his sumi ink class in ways never seen before.
“My nature is to be a bit more exploratory and try things and be open to other ways of expression.”
Even though he’s had no formal painting classes, his innate talent was enough to help him survive poverty in Italy as a young man. He was in the country on an architecture fellowship, and when it ended, he wasn’t ready to leave. He was also broke. He began selling paintings he’d made in the previous year.
He befriended a restaurant owner named Amedeo who agreed to give him credit in his restaurant until he got a job. When it was time to square up, Amedeo instead commissioned a big painting and hung it in his restaurant.
“I didn’t go back for a while,” Scarpa recalled, “but the next time I went back, he had a boatload of commissions for me from his friends and people who had come into the restaurant. I was doing better making paintings than I was working a job.”
How does he hope people will interact with or react to these small works?
“I do them as a personal expression. I’ve had
shows and exhibits in the past, but I’ve never made a real attempt to put my work in other people’s hands. I think art is better when other people enjoy and have it. I want to do that more and get it out and let other people have it. I hope people enjoy the freedom that’s there.”
Goodwin is certainly happy to have the opportunity to share Scarpa’s work.
“This is a really nice treat for San Luis Obispo, first because we try to cater to locals, but having somebody from LA that wanted to be here is really flattering,” Goodwin said.
“All the paintings are for sale, and he priced them reasonably. He wants people to enjoy his work.”
The bookstore/gallery is an inviting space, at times filled with Cal Poly architecture students, who frequently gather there.
“We like that we’re hidden,” Goodwin smiled. “We used to be right next to Nautical Bean on High Street, so we enjoy being tucked back here.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
AH, TUSCANY! Several of Lawrence Scarpa’s deeply saturated watercolors interpret the Italian landscapes. Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town.
UMBRIA Located in Central Italy, Umbria is a region characterized by hills, mountains, and valleys. Scarpa has three paintings of the region on display at MYLR Bookstore and Gallery.
IMAGES COURTESY OF LAWRENCE SCARPA
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAWRENCE SCARPA
Candy hearts
n his directorial debut, former stuntman Jonathan Eusebio directs this action comedy about mild-mannered real estate agent Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), whose past as a ruthless assassin comes back to haunt him when his estranged crimelord brother, Alvin “Knuckles” Gable (Daniel Wu), sends thugs to learn the whereabouts of Rose Carlisle (Ariana DeBose)—the woman who robbed Knuckles and who Marvin helped escape—and retrieve what she stole. (83 min.)
LOVE
HURTS
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10
Glen If you don’t think about it too hard, this fun little farce is very entertaining. Quan plays Marvin as deeply earnest, a realtor who really wants to put his clients in a house because he understands what owning your own home can mean. He rides his bike to work and wears a helmet. He bakes Valentine’s Day cookies for his clients and co-workers. He’s a corny dork with a heart of gold: a quintessential nice guy. So when confronted at his office by The Raven (Mustafa Shakir), a stone cold killer and poet, Marvin has to revert to his former life as an assassin to protect himself. I’d argue the Bob Odenkirk film Nobody (2021) fulfilled this premise better, but Love Hurts does not deserve the 18 percent critic score it has on Rotten Tomatoes. It features a lot of well-executed fight sequences, there are some genuine laughs, and it’s sort of romantic, especially between The Raven and Marvin’s unhappy administrative assistant, Ashley (Lio Tipton), who falls for The Raven by reading his poetry. Sweet, right? Anna I’ll watch Quan in anything. He
THE WILD ROBOT
What’s it rated? PG
When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Peacock
Based on a sci-fi trilogy of illustrated youth novels, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz (Lupita Nyung’o), a service robot shipwrecked on an island. After encountering local hostile wildlife, Roz accidentally smashes a bird’s nest, but one small egg remains intact, which Roz cares for. When Brightbill (Kit Connor), a runty goose is born, he imprints on Roz, who becomes his reluctant stand-in mother.
Alongside is Fink (Pedro Pascal), a fox whose motives are at first selfish and food driven. He also becomes a reluctant friend to the duo,
won me over with his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Every bit of press I’ve seen him do and every interview leads me to think he’s just a really nice guy, not just someone who can play one. So, while it may be contrived and a bit corny, Love Hurts is fun. It’s not made for critics, and that’s OK. Marvin is the least likely dude to have an assassin backstory. He’s divorced himself of that identity in his new life as a realtor. He seems perfectly happy, but when Rose reaches out, he realizes that he’s been denying his yearning for her all along. Full of fights and with enough laughs to make the 83-minute movie fly by, it’s a good popcorn flick. There’re a few different people all hunting for Marvin and Rose, and sometimes it felt oddly difficult to keep track of who worked for who and what their motivations were, but the good news is that it doesn’t really matter if the good guys win. While Valentine’s Day is a theme, it’s really
for the first time being accepted into a group. When it comes time for Brightbill to learn to fly, the duo isn’t exactly well equipped to teach him, and the other geese are less than willing to accept him as one of their own. However, the leader of the migration, Longneck (Bill Nighy), sees something special in Brightbill and takes him under his wing.
Roz’s time is drawing short, however, and her parent company has been alerted to her location and intends to hunt her down and reset her. It’s a race against time. Incredibly animated and massively touching, The Wild Robot is not to be missed by parents and kids alike. (102 min.)
—Glen
just a tool to drive the storyline. This is romcom meets action flick in a fun way. Glen You have to set aside that fact that Quan looks like he couldn’t punch his way out of a paper bag, and that Marvin and Rose don’t have convincing chemistry, but hey! You get New Zealander Rhys Darby as a shifty accountant, Sean Astin as Marvin’s good-natured realtor boss, and Cam Gigandet, who makes such a great bad guy. Every time I see him in a movie, I loathe him. Fun is the operative descriptor here. Anna There’re enough good actors and fun bits to keep your mind off the fact that there are problems galore. I’m sure that being an action star was fun for Quan, and I hope he continues to get work—he’s a great everyman on-screen. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. (doors at 5 p.m.; $15 at my805tix.com)
Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre
Get ready for a shagadelic good time when the Bay Theatre screens one of the greatest spy spoofs and James Bond satires of all time, the Mike Myers-penned brilliantly funny Jay Roach-directed comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997).
In 1967, dentally challenged British spy Austin Powers (Myers) agrees to be cryogenically frozen, only to be thawed out upon the return of his cryogenically frozen nemesis Dr. Evil (also Myers), and sure enough, in 1997, Dr. Evil
YEAH, BABY! British superspy Austin Powers (Mike Myers) and fellow agent Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley) team up to fight Dr. Evil, in the spy spoof Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, screening at the Bay Theatre as a benefit for Morro Bay community radio station The Rock on Feb. 17.
returns to take over the world. When Austin is thawed and teamed up with Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley), the daughter of Austin’s former lover, Mrs. Kensington (Mimi Rogers), he’s surprised to learn the freewheeling free love ’60s are long gone, and his attitude about casual sex is outdated.
The cast is amazing, and if you’re a James Bond fan, references to the franchise come fast and furious. Highlights include Seth Green’s turn as Dr. Evil’s angry son, Scott; Fabiana Udenio’s portrayal of classic Bond girl, Alotta Fagina; Will Ferrell’s long-suffering henchman, Mustafa; and of course, the busty machinegunning Fembots. Bust out your best ’60s threads for the costume contest. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the concession stand. (89 min.)
PAYBACK Realtor Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan, left) fends off King (Marshawn Lynch), a hired thug sent by Marvin’s crime-lord brother, in the action-comedy Love Hurts , playing in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA
PRIME DIRECTIVE A robot named Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) is stranded on an uninhabited island, where her programming drives her to raise an orphaned gosling, in The Wild Robot, streaming on Peacock.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS
JOIN THE DIABLO CANYON DECOMMISSIONING ENGAGEMENT PANEL.
While PG&E is pursuing the steps to continue operating Diablo Canyon Power Plant until 2030 as directed by the state, PG&E will continue to provide opportunities for community input regarding future decommissioning plans and potential future uses of the Diablo Canyon site.
PG&E is currently in regulatory proceedings for both extended operations and decommissioning.
The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (Panel) was created to foster open and frequent dialogue between members of the local community and PG&E on topics regarding the site’s eventual decommissioning, originally planned to begin in 2025 but now slated to begin in 2030 or later. The Panel will focus on decommissioning related issues and not ongoing continued operations.
There are currently open positions on the Engagement Panel subject for appointment or reappointment consistent with the Panel's Charter. The application period runs until March 4, 2025. pge.com/engagementpanel to apply.
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Dreamy soundscape
Live EDM duo
Elysian Moon creates music to get lost in
Are you ready to enter the “Age of Love” That’s the name of the EDM and house music event coming to SLO’s Kreuzberg California next Friday, Feb. 21 The lineup includes Afro house act Jungle Haüs, euphoric house artist Stompy, and live violin and piano EDM producers Elysian Moon—aka Tyson Leonard (violin) and Grace Jiia (cello and piano).
“We’ve been spending lots of time in the studio over the past few weeks reimagining our gear and composing music,” Jiia explained. “It’s been an incredibly successful year, and we look forward to putting on more special events for the crowd in SLO, with an emphasis on safe, supportive, and fun alternative options for people to experience pinnacle, intimate, and transformative moments with each other through music and space. I believe the scene has been foundational and a unique contribution to the robust music variety that exists in SLO.”
Presented by Sunset Tribe, Age of Love is an all-ages event from 8 p.m. to midnight, with $23.27 tickets available at my805tix. com. Organizers say to expect “an evening where world grooves meet heart-first hypnotic electronic music. Curated by Sunset Tribe, this night features a lineup of artists spinning a fusion of stunning melodics, deep tribal, organic, Afro, and euphoric house music. Connect with cultural rhythms from beautiful places around the globe—Europe, Tulum, Africa, and beyond ... right here in San Luis Obispo. May tonight be the evening that illuminates a new age for you: the age of love.”
Elysian Moon’s Jiia and Leonard found each other at a music festival, when she heard Tyson’s violin music echoing “across the grounds.”
They toured with artist Ayla Nereo, discovering a deep passion for playing music together. Inspired by this connection, they launched Elysian Moon and penned their debut track, “Solstice,” on winter solstice of 2023.
“We share the same musical sensibility,
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.
FREE SATURDAY NIGHT ROCK SHOW
WITH COUNTERFEIT KINGS Head to the Siren for an evening of live music from The Counterfeit Kings. The act has been entertaining the Central Coast for more than 10 years, transporting audiences back to the 90s and 2000s with grunge and modern rock hits. Feb. 22 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
hearing the same lines in our head, and we’re both string players with a background of classical training,” Jiia explained. “I, however, offer a delicate, emotional neoclassical flow to the music, with orchestral style synthesizer sounds, while Tyson brings the fire, a grittier, more energetic, gypsy, and eclectic vibe to the table.”
Where do they fit into the EDM scene?
“EDM is traditionally DJ dominated and currently in a fast social media-driven cycle that’s hard to keep up with while beats per minute are being driven faster and faster,” Jiia said. “We want to pull things back into a deeper groove in a more connected space. Thanks to amazing technology these days, producers like us who create original music are able to play in the EDM world, creating a compelling and heartfelt show with audience reciprocation. We produce and perform our own music, which sets us in a growing category with acts such as Kiasmos, Satori, and Polaroit. Our music is made for the festival stage as much as for the EDM club, beachside resort, or concert hall.”
Alright, readers, are you ready to lose yourself in a wash of sound?
LIVE MUSIC WITH GUITAR WIZ AT LUNADA GARDEN BISTRO “Guitar Wizard”
Billy Foppiano plays a wide range of music, including blues, R&B, classic rock, and more. Fourth Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 900-5444. Lunada Garden Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some 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.
REVEREND HORTON HEAT WITH BLACK JOE LEWIS Head to the Siren to hear the trio live, with special performance by blues, funk and soul artist, Black Joe Lewis. Get tickets to this 21 and over show at the link. Feb. 18 7 p.m. $37. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900
Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
SCRATCH LIVE AT THE SIREN
Performing since 2014 in San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties, Scratch is a cover band that traverses the decades, playing danceable rock, pop, and blues tunes. Hear them live at this free, 21 and over show. Feb. 15 , 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 225-1312. thesirenmorrobay. com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay. TAVANA WITH DEVIN AND THE RELATIVES Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Tavana is a multi-instrumentalist that has been the supporting act for Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves, Xavier Rudd, Jenny Lewis, Julian Marley, and Kaleo. Get tickets to hear him live at the link. Feb. 15 7:30 p.m. $25. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
ULTRA LIVE: FREE COVER BAND DANCE
PARTY Touring up and down the Central
“Music is one of the most potent forms of magic,” Jiia concluded. “Our mission is to create music and experiences that are the foundation for our community’s peak experiences, or as we say, ‘eternal sunsets.’”
Love stinks
Valentine’s Day is Friday, Feb. 14, and whether you’re lucky in love or looking for love in all the wrong places, the place to be is Benny’s Pizza Parlor and Social Club (7:30 p.m.; all ages; free).
“Cheers to the liver for handling what the heart can’t,” said Ali Wenzl of Hot Tina. “Join us on Valentine’s Day to fill the hole in your heart with rock ’n’ roll, pizza, and booze.”
Alt-country and Americana band Longstraw will start the party at 7:30 p.m. followed by Hot Tina.
“Our Love is for Losers Party will include drink specials, and we’ll be raffling off prizes worthy of the holiday. Prom attire encouraged,” Wenzl added.
Coast, ULTRA brings audiences back to the 1980s and 1990s, covering bands like INXS, The Police, Oasis, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Modern English, and The Clash. Feb. 21 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BARREL ROOM CONCERT: BLIMP PILOT
BAND Join Cass Winery for its monthly concert series and enjoy live music and drinks. Feb. 16 , 4-6 p.m. Free. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles, casswines.com.
BRASS MASH AT BLAST AND BREW
Known for their electrifying brasspowered mashups of pop, rock, and hip-hop hits, this unique band will have you dancing and singing along from start to finish. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 22 , 6:30-9:30 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Blast
Sounds like heaven
Can a man have a voice like an angel? Yes! Think Simon and Garfunkel or Jeff Buckley or alt-folk singer-songwriter Iron & Wine (née Samuel Ervin Beam), who plays the Fremont Theater on Thursday, Feb. 20 (8 p.m.; all ages; $38 to $78 at prekindle.com), with Anna St. Louis opening.
Beam’s been at it for over a decade, recording seven studio albums filled with emotive and cinematic songs like “Call it Dreaming”: “Say it’s here where our pieces fall in place/ Any rain softly kisses us on the face/ Any wind means we’re running/ We can sleep and see ’em coming/ Where we drift and call it dreaming/ We can weep and call it singing.” Also at the Fremont, see Mexican singer and actress Edith Márquez on Friday, Feb. 14 (8 p.m.; all ages; $49.50 to $124.50 plus fees at prekindle.com). She’s a Latin American favorite.
and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
EASTON EVERETT Enjoy a live performance from Central California singer-songwriter Easton Everett who will hit the stage, blending indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Feb. 22 6-9 p.m. Free. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.
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.
HARP DUO Special guest artists Catherine Litaker and Gracie Sprout perform beautiful music for two harps. Presented by Symphony of the Vines. Feb. 16 , 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com/.
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.
LIVE MUSIC BY LOREN RADIS AT MCPRICE MYERS WINES Taste wine and enjoy music from Loren Radis on the patio. Brut Rosé will also be offered by the glass. Feb. 15 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Feb. 16 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. exploretock.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sunset Tribe Presents Age of Love with live EDM duo Elysian Moon and a lineup of world and euphoric house music artists on Feb. 21 , in SLO’s Kreuzberg California.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELYSIAN MOON
SONGSMITH Amazing alt-folk singersongwriter Iron & Wine (née Samuel Ervin Beam) plays the Fremont Theater on Feb. 20
COURTESY PHOTO BY KIM BLACK
Brunch
Sundays Only - 8 am ‘til 3 pm
Vegan Hash. Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, onions, local mushrooms, garlic, cilantro, harissa, and avocado. Toast or biscuit.
Breakfast Burger. Snake River Farms American Wagyu beef patty, melted provolone, and an egg, with sliced tomato and warm bacon-onion jam, on a home-made hamburger bun.
Avocado Toast. Avocado, heirloom tomato, and poached eggs on home-made sourdough toast.
Ceviche. Mexican sea bass, shrimp, and lobster marinated in Meyer lemon and seasonings. With radishes and corn tortilla chips.
Call for Reservations 805.927.5708 www.raggedpointinn.com
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Ernie Watts is joined by Grammy-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe on Saturday, Feb. 15, for a concert in SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 general $10 students at my805tix.com).
Watts has been featured on more than 500 recordings from the likes of Cannonball Adderley, Marvin Gaye, and Frank Zappa. He was also a member of the Johnny Carson band for 20 years.
Cunliffe won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition and has played with Frank Sinatra, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, and James Moody among many others.
Cunliffe also plays a Jazz Vespers Concerts in SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Feb. 16 (4 p.m.; all ages; free but donations apprteciated).
For the love of animals
Eagles tribute act Hotel California plays on Saturday, Feb. 15 (8 p.m.; all ages; $27.50 to $47.50 plus fees at prekindle.com), delivering classics like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.”
Psychos!
Strap in and hang on because Numbskull and Good Medicine present the godfather of modern psychobilly, Reverend Horton Heat, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in The Siren (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $36.77 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with Black Joe Lewis opening,
The Dallas, Texas-based trio is fronted by James C. Heath, who’s a force of nature. Black Joe Lewis is a blues, funk, and soul artist influenced by Howlin’ Wolf and James Brown.
Aloha
Tavana plays The Siren on Saturday, Feb. 15 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $24.30 at tixr.com), with Devin and the Relatives opening. Tavana has opened for Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves, Xavier Rudd, Jenny Lewis, Julian Marley, and Kaleo to name just a few.
“I perform everything live and use no looping,” Tavana said in press materials. “Everything is played moment to moment. ... It’s hard to explain how fun it is to do this. It’s like having a whole band in your body and mind.”
Dawg and Jerry homage
“The music that my father, David Grisman, and his close friend, Jerry Garcia, made in the early ’90s in the house that I grew up in is not only some of the most timeless acoustic music ever recorded, it also triggers my oldest and fondest musical memories,” explained Sam Grisman in press materials. “What I find most inspiring about this material is the way their camaraderie and their love and joy for the music simply oozes out of each recording.”
The Sam Grisman Project plays Rod & Hammer on Friday, Feb. 14 (doors at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $39.05 at ticketweb.com) to share David and Jerry’s “beloved repertoire.”
Also at Rod & Hammer, check out IMVA when the R&B act headlines Love in the Key of Groove—a evening that also includes performances by Vince Cimo’s Hot Fire and Antonio Barret (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-andolder; free).
Jazz icons
781-0766
The SLO County Jazz Fed has cooked up an amazing concert this week when two-time Grammy-winning saxophonist
Talie’s Trailer Park Revival will play a fundraising concert at Creston’s Stillwater Vineyards on Sunday, Feb. 16, to benefit the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, which rescued wild and domestic animals stranded and injured in the recent LA County fires. Admission is $25 (call (805) 237-9231 for reservations or to donate).
The brand-new band features some familiar Central Coast players: singersongwriter Talie Copen, Burning James, Daryl Van Druff, Dave Kief, and Sarah Blick. According to their bio, you can expect “a blend of heartfelt storytelling and footstomping rhythms that will undoubtedly leave audiences craving more.”
Deep roots
Bluesy roots and Americana singersongwriter Azere Wilson plays a For the Folks concert at Bang the Drum Brewery on Saturday, Feb. 15 (7 p.m.; all ages; $145.64 at eventbrite.com or $15 at the door).
“It’s my first time as a trio with Adrian Libertini on upright bass and Manas Itene on percussion,” Wilson explains. “There are two other solo artists playing, Erisy Watt and Francesca Blanchard. Francesca is amazing, and she sings in French as well as English. I’m not sure where she is originally from, but I’ve met her and she’s a sweetheart on top of her awesome musicianship and artistic prowess. Erisy Watt is new to me, but from what I hear, her voice is like a dreamscape.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
STARKEY from page 30
BREAKNECK Numbskull and Good Medicine present ripping psychobilly trio Reverend Horton Heat on Feb. 18 , in The Siren. PHOTO COURTESY
A FATHER’S SON SLO Brew Live brings The Sam Grisman Project to Rod &
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 Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
VALENTINE’S DAY EVE MOCKTAIL
MIXER Participate in this Valentine’s Day eve mocktail mixer with live poetry by Abigail Robinson and music by Cain Marshall. This event is in conjunction with Downtown Atascadero’s Sip & Shop. Feb. 14 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 464-2564. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AGE OF LOVE: EUPHORIC AND WORLD
HOUSE MUSIC Curated by Sunset Tribe, the night will feature a lineup of artists, creating and spinning a fusion of stunning melodics. Feb. 21 8 p.m.midnight $20. my805tix.com. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 430-0260.
THE ALTONS AND THEE SINSEERS:
CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR Listen to the soul rock band The Altons and East LA group Thee Sinseers live. This is an all ages event. Feb. 21 7 p.m. $30. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
BILL CUNLIFFE LIVE Jazz Vespers
Concerts resumes with Grammy-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe in an afternoon of solo piano artistry. Feb. 16 , 4 p.m. Free (donations appreciated). First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5435451, fpcslo.org.
CAL POLY WINTER JAZZ CONCERT:
SOUNDS OF GROOVE The concert will feature performances by various jazz ensembles, including the University Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jamaal Baptiste; and the Jazz Combos, directed by Dylan Johnson. Feb. 21 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students and Jazz Federation members. (805) 7564849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CRUEL IDOLS/4199 Features a handful of acts who play metal, punk, and more. All ages welcome. Feb. 23 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
DEAD OR ALIVE Hear live performances by six bands, including Bandwidth, TITVN, and Eternal Bloom. Visit the link to get tickets and more info about this 21 and over show. Feb. 22 , 6 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
EASTON EVERETT LIVE Enjoy an evening performance by singersongwriter Easton Everett, who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Feb. 13 7-9 p.m. Free. Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club, 1601 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-3838.
EDITH MARQUEZ Marquez has garnered a large following in Mexico and Latin America, with her romantic ballads and ranchera songs. Join her live at this all-ages performance. Feb. 14 7 p.m. $49. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
ERNIE WATTS-BILL CUNLIFFE DUO The SLO County Jazz Federation is excited to present Grammy-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts in a rare duo outing with pianist Bill Cunliffe. Feb. 15 7:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.
FACULTY CONCERT: A SPECIAL EVENT FOR ARTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Enjoy a night of music and art while benefiting student scholarships. Visit site for tickets and more information to
this event. Feb. 22 6 p.m. $20-$45. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
FOOSER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS SICK
FEESH Fooser, the four-piece pop punk band hailing from SLO, is set to hit the stage with Sick Feesh. Get tickets and more information at the link. Feb. 22 , 6-10 p.m. $12. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
HOTEL CALIFORNIA Eagles tribute band will grace the stage and bring audience members back in time with classic, beloved songs like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” This is an all ages event. Feb. 15 7 p.m. $27. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
IRON AND WINE: 2025 TOUR Iron and Wine is set to perform with support by Anna St. Louis. This is an all ages event. Feb. 20 7 p.m. $38. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
JUKE BOILER ROOM Enjoy a night of high-energy rhythms and deep grooves with Sam Gray, GUSTAVÉ, and PROMI$E, the three dynamic DJs that are set to bring their own unique sound to Kreuzberg Coffee in the heart of downtown. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 20 9:30 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 430-0260.
JUST SOME MO’ JAZZ Check website for details TBA, and for tickets. Feb. 23 1 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
LIBERTINE AND CHANNEL FREQUENCIES PRESENT: TWO HEADED GIRL, PAPER BOATS, AND SPOINGUS
Enjoy a night with East Coast-based band Two Headed Girls. This is a 21 and over show. Feb. 13 8-11:55 p.m. Free. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/index.htm.
LOVE IN THE KEY OF GROOVE An evening of soul and R&B. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 15 7 p.m. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
LUICIDAL (OG SUICIDAL TENDENCIES MEMBERS) Head to Humdinger Brewing for a night of live music from six bands, including Luicidal, Terminally Ill, Hostile Takedown, and local group Suburban Dropout. This is an all-ages show. Feb. 20 6 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
MAX MINARDI LIVE Reminiscent of artists like James Taylor, The Avett Brothers, and John Mayer, Minardi uses clever lyrics and live looping with modern folky guitar work to bring to life tales of his life and time on the road. Feb. 21 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
SAM GRISMAN PROJECT For ages 18 and over. Visit website for tickets and more info on this upcoming concert. Feb. 14 8 p.m. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
SLO TRIBUTE TO JERRY JEFF WALKER
AND NANCI GRIFFITH Performers include The Odd Birds; Katharine Edmonson of Banshee in the Kitchen, accompanied by Tom Walters of the Taproots; Santa Barbara’s Lone Quail; LA’s Katie Ferrara; and Central Coast favorites Ynana Rose, Cassi Nicholls, Bradly Coats, and John Sandoval. Feb. 15 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.
VON’S ISLAND LIVE Head to The Bunker to hear a live set from Von’s Island, along with Tiny Plastic Everything and Flip The Phaze. Visit the link to get tickets and
more info to this all-ages show. Feb. 16 , 6:30-10 p.m. $11. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE From symphonic rock anthems to catchy pop tunes, The American ELO faithfully recreates Electric Light Orchestra’s diverse catalog, including their chart-topping hits like “Evil Woman,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” and more. Feb. 20, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $49-$69. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/evilwoman/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
FOREVER GREEN IN THE SECRET
GARDEN Head to the Secret Garden at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort to listen to Forever Green perform new and old songs. Feb. 16 , 1-4 p.m. Free. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302, sycamoresprings.com/ dining/secret-garden.
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.
LED ZEPAGAIN LIVE Replicating the legendary musical work of Led Zeppelin, this long-standing tribute band is set to hit the stage. Visit the site for tickets and more info. Feb. 22 7:30 p.m. $54. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN An electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. Starring a live band and superb vocalists. Feb. 17, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $49-$69. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/respect/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
RHYTHM INDIA: BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND Experience vibrant costumes, dynamic music, and soulful rhythms, “from the echoing heart beats of royal palaces and sacred temples, to the swaying voices of desert villages and modern stages.” Feb. 23 7-10 p.m. $45$67. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/rhythm-india/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SEASON CONCERT: STYLISTIC IMPRESSIONS
Enjoy an evening of musical moods and emotions with the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit the site for tickets and more info. Feb. 22 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 925-0412. givebutter.com. Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Ln., Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
THE IRON MAIDENS LIVE Maverick
Saloon invites you to come see the all-female tribute band to Iron Maiden, the English heavy metal group. For ages 21 and over. Feb. 16 6 p.m. $28. my805tix. com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, (805) 686-4785. ∆
Flavor
Soil stability
City Farm SLO grows organic produce through regenerative farming, creating healthier soil for a more sustainable future
Standing atop the damp soil of City Farm San Luis Obispo in the rain as birds chirp and Tucker the sheep eyes the fresh head of lettuce in your hand, you’d have no idea that the ground below you is also squirming with life.
Want to tour the farm? City Farm SLO has volunteer opportunities available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1221 Calle Joaquin. Visit its website for more information: cityfarmslo.org/get-involved-1.
Nonprofit City Farm SLO manages 19 acres of the Calle Joaquin Reserve, located just off Highway 101 between SLO Ranch Farms and Marketplace and Los Osos Valley Road. Subleasing 15 acres to local farmers, City Farm SLO maintains 4 acres of the land itself, growing food locals can take home to the refrigerator or see on their plates when out for a meal.
tips! Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com. Plant the seed
As organic food becomes a societal priority, Executive Director Kayla Rutland said City Farm SLO takes it one step further when it comes to the farm’s fresh produce.
While City Farm SLO’s produce is all organic, meaning it doesn’t use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, Rutland said the farm also practices regenerative farming—a method that focuses on the health of the soil rather than just on the extracting of food.
“Our main goal in our farming is to improve the health of the soil and ecosystem over time, so that as we farm, the longer we farm, the healthier our soils become, the healthier our ecosystem above ground becomes,” she said. “We want to make sure that this land can sustain producing food long, long, long into the future, and actually get more productive over time.”
Typically, once farmers extract the produce, the ground is tilled or turned over after each crop. And while Rutland said tilling can be a useful practice, the consequences outweigh the benefits.
“Tilling releases carbon into the atmosphere that was stored in the soil. It also can increase erosion,” she said.
Instead, City Farm SLO lightly overturns its soil with a broad fork, creating small holes for water and air. Then, the farmers lay compost over top.
“Over time, that organic matter breaks down into the native soil, which is a really heavy clay, and over time, our organic matter really increases, which allows the soil to hold water and also nutrients,” she said. “So, we don’t need to water as much. It’s more resilient to drought, and it also is able to hold more nutrients in it.”
According to Rutland, tilling ruins the microorganisms that settled in the soil,
making the soil more unstable.
“The soil is alive with tons of microbiology, since we’re not turning it over, we’re allowing those communities of microbiology to thrive,” she said. “Imagine a city underground. If you till it, you flip that city upside down and destroy it. And so, by not doing that, then the health of the microbes underground can stay more stable, and then they’re more efficiently able to feed the plants.”
And with healthy plants comes healthy people, Rutland said.
City Farm SLO enhances soil stability and teaches kids how stability and hard work can better their lives. With its three educational programs, Rutland said the organization’s overall mission is to empower youth through farm-based education.
The nonprofit offers on-site experiences for students from kindergarten to high school and those with disabilities. Students come to the farm to learn about pollination, plants, and soil science. Along the way, they meet the farm’s animals and help maintain gardens.
“It’s really fun to work with students who haven’t really done much physical work before, because they get to see the tangible impact, impacts of hard work. And many people aren’t familiar with that. It’s kind of a new thing for a lot of our young people,” she said. “So, it’s really empowering for them to be here on the farm and to do hard work and then see what it produces.”
Rutland said that working hard for your own food influences eating behavior as well, and she has seen it with the kids.
“Every time I laugh so hard because … every time on our field trips we do tasting with our students, and every single kid wants seconds of raw kale, and their parents don’t believe us. I’m like, I swear they want seconds, and they go home, and they ask for it too. So, it definitely influences healthy behaviors to see where food comes from.” ∆
Staff Writer Libbey Hanson is still awwing over Tucker the adorable sheep. Send your best sheep pun to lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
LETTUCE GROW Rows of lettuce line City Farm SLO’s greenhouse, filling the enclosure with the smell of fresh greens.
BAAAAA Curious farm friends of City Farm SLO eye a fresh head of lettuce.
stash of beets contained small nibble marks.
TAKING VISITORS City Farm SLO’s location welcomes guests with rows of vegetables and vibrant orange wildflowers.
PHOTOS BY LIBBEY HANSON
No. 683. The primary provisions of
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atascadero City Council has adopted
This Ordinance approves a zone map change and amendments to the Del Rio Commercial Area Specific Plan
The Ordinance was passed and adopted by the City Council on February 11, 2025, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Dariz, Funk, Newsom, Peek and Mayor Bourbeau.
NOES: None.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
ABSENT: None
WHO:
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
A complete copy of the Ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
WHEN:
DATED: February 11, 2025
S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLISH: February 13, 2025
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
WHAT:
Hearing to consider amendments to the County General Provisions Ordinance to update the cannabis violation correction period and the Inland Land Use Ordinance to update the Shandon Habitat Buffer (County File Number: LRP2024-00011). All Districts. (Planning and Building).
County File No: LRP2024-00011
Date Authorized: N/A
Supervisorial District(s): All Districts Assessor Parcel Numbers: N/A
WHERE:
The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the hearing all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
You may contact Kip Morais, Planner, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, (805) 781-5136. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION:
This project is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The County of San Luis Obispo determines that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; the activity is not subject to CEQA. [Reference: State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption]
**If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing**
DATED: February 5, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/ Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk February 13, 2025
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 683
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atascadero City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 683. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Ordinance approves a zone map change and amendments to the Del Rio Commercial Area Specific Plan / Del Rio Ranch.
The Ordinance was passed and adopted by the City Council on February 11, 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: February 11, 2025
S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLISH: February 13, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
A. Address: 148 North Silver Shoals
Applicant: Patti Watte Project No.: P24-000079
Description: Coastal Development Permit and Architectural Review Permit for a second floor deck addition to an existing deck on the front side of a twostory residence, and Categorical Exemption No. 2025-002. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN 010-142-009.
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(e) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding minor additions to an existing structure.
B. Address: 601 Ocean Blvd Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Project No.: P25-000008
Description: Coastal Development Permit request for after the fact closure of the beach access stairway at Pier Avenue/Ocean Boulevard. The Pier Avenue stairs were closed in October, 2021 due to a lower bluff failure caused by storm activity which damaged the stairway leading to unsafe conditions, and adoption of Categorical Exemption No. 2025-003. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN n/a.
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding actions taken by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment.
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 February 20, 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 planningcommission@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 Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or handdelivered 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, either by joining the virtual meeting using the link provided on the agenda document, or 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 Planning Division Office, by emailing Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Spectrum 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 Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org or 805-773-4658. Brianna Whisenhunt Administrative Secretary February 13, 2025
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 6, 2025 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows:
2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
The City is seeking a highly qualified consulting civil engineering firm to prepare an updated Sewer System Management Plan for the City’s sewer system. All proposals will be compared on the basis of understanding the scope of work to be performed, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and consultation and coordination with the City of Pismo Beach.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.
Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK
February 13 & 20, 2025
CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES - NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY RECIRCULATED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE LANDING PASO ROBLES
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of El Paso de Robles has completed a Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) that is now available for review and comment. The DEIR addresses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed development of The Landing Paso Robles.
PROJECT LOCATION: The project site is located along the west side of Airport Road, north of Dry Creek Road, and west of the Paso Robles Municipal Airport.
The project site is not located on any of the lists of sites enumerated under Section 65962.5 of the Government Code
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Majestic Realty Co. seeks entitlements for the 139.18-acre project site to allow for the construction and operation of The Landing Paso Robles, as part of the redevelopment of the former Paso Robles Boys School site. The project would include a business park and mix of other uses, including warehouses, an industrial park (with maker space type uses), offices, retail uses, a restaurant, a market hall, a hotel with conference center, a winery, and passive park and green spaces with agricultural elements. Off-site infrastructure improvements are also proposed to support the project.
The project is expected to be constructed in two phases. The initial development phase would encompass approximately 50.44 acres of the project site. This phase would be developed with a 310,800-square-foot cold storage warehouse, up to 350 rooms of transient lodging and conference center, 63,000 square feet of industrial park and retail uses, and an 11.60-acre stormwater basin that would serve the entire site. Future development would include development of the remaining 88.74 acres of the project site of up to 1,057,920 square feet of retail, industrial park (including a second 310,800 square foot warehouse), office, and other uses with an emphasis on visitor-serving uses.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT: The project has the potential to result in impacts to the following:
• Aesthetics Resources
• Agricultural Resources
• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Services
• Transportation and Traffic
• Utilities, Service Systems, and Energy
PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: The 45-day public review period for the Recirculated Draft EIR begins on February 13, 2025 and closes on March 30, 2025. Comments on the Recirculated Draft EIR must be submitted in writing and received by the City of Paso Robles prior to the close of the public review period. The City is recirculating the entirety of the Draft EIR for a new public comment period. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5(f)(1), the City is requesting that reviewers submit new comments. Although part of the administrative record, previously submitted comments do not require a written response in the Final EIR, therefore only those comments that are submitted in response to this recirculated Draft EIR will receive a written response in the Final EIR.
Written comments can be submitted to planning@prcity.com or by regular mail to: City of El Paso de Robles, Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
The Recirculated Draft EIR, including technical appendices, is available for public review at: Paso Robles City Library and City Hall 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Download the document from: www.prcity.com/357/CEQA-Documents
February 13, 2025
FACILITIES DISTRICT, INCLUDING CERTAIN ANNEXATION TERRITORY IDENTIFIED AS ANNEXATION NO. 1
The following is a summary of the Ordinance:
• Authorizes the levy of special taxes on taxable properties located in the District, including the Annexation Territory, pursuant to Chapter 2.5 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the California Government Code, commonly known as the “Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982” (the “Act”)
• Authorizes to annually determine, by resolution, the special tax to be levied within the District, including the Annexation Territory, for the current tax year and all future tax years
• The proposed types of services to be funded by CFD No. 2022-2N includes: roadways, signalized intersections, street lights, parks, medians and parkways, open space/ slopes, park, open space/vineyards, basin, storm drains, parking spaces, sidewalks/trails, police and fire services, paramedic services, and community services, including library services, community parks, and special events, civic center maintenance, business and support services, and athletic services, and any other public services authorized by the Act.
Ordinance No. 1155 was adopted by the City Council by the following unanimous vote:
AYES: Gregory, Bausch, Beal, Strong, Hamon The Ordinance will take effect thirty (30) days after adoption, as provided by Government Code 36937.
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 in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www.prcity.com.
Date: February 13, 2025
Melissa Boyer City Clerk
NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1156
Notice is hereby given that at its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles will be considering ORDINANCE NO. 1156? ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CITY OF PASO ROBLES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2022-1N (OLSEN/SOUTH CHANDLER RANCH – FACILITIES) LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES
The following is a summary of the Ordinance:
• Authorizes and levies special taxes within Improvement Area No. 2 of the Community Facilities District pursuant to California Government Code Sections 53328, 53338 and 53340
• Authorizes the levy of special taxes and amount to be levied commencing in Fiscal Year 2025-26, and in each fiscal year thereafter, pursuant to the Amended and Restated RMA for each taxable parcel of real property within Improvement Area No. 2 of the Community Facilities District.
• The proposed types of facilities to be financed by CFD No. 2022-1N include: transportation facilities, park and recreation improvements and facilities, parkway and landscaping improvements, public safety facilities including police and fire buildings and equipment, public library and community center facilities, water, wastewater and storm drain improvements, street improvements and general governmental facilities and all appurtenances and appurtenant work in connection with the foregoing facilities, including the cost of engineering, planning, designing, materials testing, coordination, construction staking, construction management and supervision for such facilities, and to finance the incidental expenses to be incurred.
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 in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www.prcity.com
Date: February 13, 2025
Melissa Boyer City Clerk
DATE: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING inperson at the time and place indicated above to consider the final recommendations for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG funds can be used for public facilities, qualifying public services and economic development activities that benefit low-income persons.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend inperson and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record.
Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Public Works Department. If you have any questions, please call Public Works 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: February 7, 2025
S/ N DeBar, Director, Public Works
PUBLISH: February 13, 2025 & February 20, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board
WHEN Monday, March 3, 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 Brian and Elizabeth Knabenshue for a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map (N-SUB2024-00045 / CO24-0012) to subdivide an existing 5-acre parcel into two parcels of 2.5 and 2.5 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The site is currently developed with an existing primary residence, carport, and accessory structures. Parcel 1 will be served by an existing water utility connection, and Parcel 2 will be served by a community system connection. The project proposes accessing Parcel 2 from Hopkins Street, a County maintained road. The proposed project is within the Residential Suburban land use category and is located at 1720 Vineyard Drive, within the community of Templeton. The site is in the Salinas River sub-area of the North County Planning Area.
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the provisions of CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b) (3) (ED 25-0031).
County File Number: N-SUB2024-00045
Supervisorial District: District 1
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 040-271-053
Date Accepted: 2/4/2025
WHERE
The hearing will be held in the 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 Blake Maule, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-1298.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary Subdivision Review Board February 13, 2025
Description:
NOTICE OF FORMAL BID
Improvements and rehabilitation at Sanitary Sewer Lift Stations #4, 7 and 11. Work generally includes wet well and valve vault improvements, electrical upgrades, pump and motor control panel replacements. Work also includes temporary bypassing as required to maintain operations at the lift stations and associated repair to impacted surrounding surface improvements. City-supplied items include control centers and pumps, to be installed by contractor.
Agency: City of Atascadero
Project Title:
Lift Station #4,7 & 11 Rehabilitation Project No.
C2021W01
Cost Range:
$325,000 – $375,000
Bid Bond: 10%
Performance Bond: 100%
Labor & Material / Payment Bond: 100%
Location:
Multiple Locations
San Luis Obispo County
Plans & Specifications Available:
January 30, 2025
City of Atascadero Website / Quest
CDN
Quest EBidDoc # 9521610, $22 Download Fee
Bid Opening:
February 27, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue
City of Atascadero Department of Public Works 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422 (805)-470-3180
February 6 & 13, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
WHEN Thursday, February 27, 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 Richard Holzer for a Variance (N-DRC2024-00017) to allow grading on slopes in excess of 30% for the construction of a one story, 3,095 square-foot single-family residence, a 1,072 square-foot three-car garage, a 602 square-foot covered porch and a 1,465 square-foot deck. The proposal includes the site disturbance of approximately 0.64 acres (27,963 squarefeet) on a 2.08-acre parcel. The project site is located on Camino Pursima, approximately 4.3 miles northeast of the City of Arroyo Grande (APN 047-024-019). The site is in the Huasna-Lopez Sub Area of the South County planning area.
The Environmental Coordinator finds that the previously adopted Environmental Impact Report (SCH: 2001021060) is adequate for the purposes of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Per State CEQA Guidelines (Sec. 15164(a), Sec.15162) an Addendum to the adopted Environmental Impact Report (ED24172) was prepared as the following conditions apply: 1) only minor technical changes or additions are necessary; 2) no substantial changes have been made or occurred that would require major revisions to the Environmental Impact Report due to either new significant effects or substantial increases in the severity of previously identified significant effects; 3) substantial changes have not occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken; 4) no new information of substantial importance which was not known or could not have been known at the time of the adopted Environmental Impact Report.
County File Number: N-DRC2024-00017
Supervisorial District: District 4
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 047-024-019
Date Accepted: 6/3/2024
WHERE The hearing will be held in the 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 Andy Knighton, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4142.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary Planning Commission February 13, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, March 4, 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 amendments to the Atascadero Municipal Code to establish land use standards for extended stay hotels (ZCH24-0107). This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public resources Code Section 21000 et seq., because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3).)
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed projects. 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: Feb. 10, 2025
S/ P Dunsmore, Community Development Director
PUBLISH: Feb. 13, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission WHEN
Thursday, February 27, 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
A hearing to consider a request by Anthemnet and Verizon Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00028) to allow the construction and operation of a new wireless broadband communications facility consisting of nine (9) panel antennas, two (2) microwave antenna, and associated equipment disguised as a 125-foot-tall faux monopine. The project also includes ground mounted ancillary equipment and hardware located within an approximately 1,650-squarefoot equipment area on a concrete pad surrounded by an 8-foot-tall concrete masonry enclosure. The project will result in the disturbance of approximately 6,610 square feet on an approximately 35-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 955 Hetrick Avenue, approximately 0.25 miles north of the community of Nipomo. The site is in the South County Inland Sub-Area of the South County Planning Area.
Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.
County File Number: N-DRC2023-00028
Supervisorial District: District 4
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 091-301-064
Date Accepted: 6/17/2024
WHERE
The hearing will be held in the 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 +1-805-781- 1298.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary Planning Commission February 13, 2025
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:
$6,807.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on January 14, 2025, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 536 Bakeman Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, sections 11359 and 11360 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $6,807.00.
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: January 27, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney January 30, February 6, & 13, 2025
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
$3,472.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY Notice is hereby given that on January 8, 2025, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near the intersection of Santa Rosa Street and Walnut Street in the City of San Luis Obispo, by the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department, in connection with controlled substance violations, to wit, section 11379 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $3,472.00. 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: January 27, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
January 30, February 6, & 13, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: P24-0071 - TEX 24-11– Sky River RV Inventory Expansion. Request for approval of a time extension of the entitlements associated with Amendment 21-04, Planned Development 00-15, and Conditional Use Permit 00-14, authorizing an expansion of an existing new and used RV inventory sales area onto three adjacent parcels to the west side of Highway 101, 2525 Theatre Drive.
Applicant: Harding Real Property, LLC A CA LLC
Location: 2525 Theatre Drive (APN 009-851-005) and three adjacent parcels to the West (009-851-010, 009-851-011, 009-851-013)
CEQA Determination: The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a class 4 exemption for minor alterations to land.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on February 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber/Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970.
February 13, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Refile of the entitlements for the Destino Hotel Resort, including a Development Plan and Conditional Use Permit for 4 hotel buildings, with a maximum total of 291 hotel rooms, and a 6-lot subdivision map consistent with the previously approved entitlements (PD 08-002, CUP 08-002, and Vesting Tentative Tract Map 2962, P16-0034).
CEQA Determination: No subsequent environmental review is necessary because the refile would not result in any significant environmental impacts not considered in the approved MND. There is no substantial evidence in the record suggesting any of the criteria set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 is met, and accordingly, no subsequent environmental review is necessary.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso Robles, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, in the City Council Chambers.
TThe public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/ youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
February 13, 2025
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers 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:
• Review of the construction of a new dwelling on a Contributing List Property within the Mill Street Historic District (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); Project Address: 1253 Mill Street; Case #: ARCH0005-2025; Zone: R-2-H; Darren Pollard, owner/applicant.
The Cultural Heritage Committee may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action 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 Cultural Heritage Committee at, or prior to, the public hearing.
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/agendasand-minutes. Please call the Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report.
February 13, 2025
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Appeal of the Development Review Committee’s decision on the master sign program for the Bottle Shop. The applicant has requested more building identification signage than allowed by the Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan (SGN24-24, MOD25-02, APL25-01, P24-0093).
Applicant: Paso Robles Operations, LLC
Location: 1102 Railroad Street / APNs: 009-105-005
CEQA Determination: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as a Class 11 exemption for construction or placement of minor accessory structures including on-premise signs pursuance to Section 15311 of the California CEQA Guidelines.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso Robles, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, in the City Council Chambers.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www. prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
February 13, 2025
PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed 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 advisorybodies@slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• Review of General Plan Annual Report; Project Address: Citywide; Case #: GENP-0089-2025; Zone: Citywide; Applicant: City of San Luis Obispo.
Contact David Amini – 805-781-7524 –damini@slocity.org
• Review of a modification to ARCH-0406-2021, a previously approved mixed-use development, including a proposed modification to circulation improvements to install an unsignalized intersection at Tank Farm/Santa Fe (West) Intersection with stop control on the Santa Fe (West) as an interim access improvement in-lieu of the previously required Tank Farm/Santa Fe roundabout. Revised conditions of approval are proposed. An Addendum to the certified Final Environmental Impact Report has been prepared for the proposed modification. No changes are proposed to the previously approved project land use plan. Project Address: 600 Tank Farm Road; Case #: MOD-0753-2024; Zone: Service Commercial with Airport Area Specific Plan overlay (C-S-SP); Applicant: Covelop, Inc.
Contact :Callie Taylor – 805-781-7016 –cltaylor@slocity.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action 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 Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Report(s) are typically available six days 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 call The Community Development Department at (805) 7817170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.
February 13, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: P16-0005 – TEX/Refile 24-13 –Marriott Fairfield Inn
Request for approval of a time extension/refile of the entitlements associated with Planned Development 15005 and Conditional Use Permit 15-020, for a 119 room Marriot Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Applicant: Excel Hotel Group
Location: 2940 Union Road / APN: 025-362-004
CEQA Determination: The project is consistent with the approved environmental document.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on February 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber/Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity. com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970.
February 13, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Applications to make minor changes to the properties at the addresses listed below has been received by the City.
1. 12 Tassajara Dr. DIR-0661-2024; Review of a conforming addition to an existing garage that is nonconforming due to a 3ft setback, where the minimum is 5ft. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); R-1 Zone; Eva and Fidencio Rueda, applicants. (Eva Wynn)
2. 1190 Buchon St. DIR-0812-2024; Review of an addition to an existing single-family residence that is nonconforming due to an 8ft setback, where 10ft is the minimum. This residence is listed on the Contributing Properties List for historic resources. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review; R-2-H Zone; Robert Packer, applicant. (Eva Wynn)
3. Santa Rosa St. (Mill St. to Monterey St.) DIR-0053-2025; Request to perform night work for a maximum of thirty nights from, March 3, 2025 to June 19, 2025 from the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to replace existing sewer lines by open trenching. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review; Public Right of Way; City of SLO, applicant. (Naomi Wilbur)
4. 590 Marsh St. DIR-0101-2025; Request to perform night work on February 27, 2025, from the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to power new apartments. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review; C-D Zone; PG&E, applicant. (Juan Padilla)
5. 920 Rachel Ct. ARCH-0529-2024; Minor Development Review of four new single-unit dwellings and two Accessory Dwelling Units on two hillside parcels. The proposal includes requests for: a reduced side setback along the interior boundary between the parcels; an exception from setback standards to allow additional projection into side setbacks by architectural features (chimneys); an exception from height limits for walls and fences to allow excess height for a retaining wall along the eastern site boundary; and exceptions from design standards for the size and setback of deck amenities provided for the Accessory Dwelling Units (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-2 Zone; Will Ruoff, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)
The Community Development Director will either approve or deny these applications no sooner than February 24, 2025
The Director’s decision may be appealed, and must be filed with the appropriate appeal fee within 10 days of the Director’s action. For more information, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, stop by Monday and Wednesday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or call (805) 781-7170, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. February 13, 2025
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
1. Notice is hereby given that the governing board of the San Miguel Joint Union School District will receive sealed bids for the following project, Bid No. CCES7, Bid Package: Cappy Culver Elementary School Roof Replacement
2. The Project consists of:
Removal of existing roofing and replacement in-kind
3. To bid on this Project, the Bidder is required to possess one or more of the following State of California contractors’ license(s): C-39
The Bidder’s license(s) must remain active and in good standing throughout the term of the Contract.
4. To bid on this Project, the Bidder is required to be registered as a public works contractor with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to the Labor Code.
5. Contract Documents will be available on or after February 6, 2025, for review at the District Facilities Office, 1601 L Street, San Miguel, CA 93451, and may be downloaded from the District’s website, https://www. sanmiguelschools.org/facilities, using the “For Bidders” link. In addition, Contract Documents are available for bidders’ review at the following builders’ exchanges:
A. Builder’s Exchange of San Luis Obispo County (805) 543-7330
B. Central Coast Builder’s Association (831) 758-1624
C. Construction Bidboard (800) 479-5314
D. Dodge Data and Analytics (877) 784-9556
6. Sealed bids will be received until 3:30:00 p.m., March 7, 2025, at the District Facilities Office, 1601 L Street, San Miguel, California 93451 at or after which time the bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. Any bid that is submitted after this time shall be nonresponsive and returned to the bidder. Any claim by a bidder of error in its bid must be made in compliance with section 5100 et seq. of the Public Contract Code.
7. A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit will be held on February 21, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at 11011 Heritage Ranch Loop Road, Paso Robles, California. All participants are required to sign in front of the Main Campus / Office Building. Failure to attend or tardiness will render bid ineligible.
8. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and/or waive any irregularity in any bid received. If the District awards the Contract, the security of unsuccessful bidder(s) shall be returned within sixty (60) days from the time the award is made. Unless otherwise required by law, no bidder may withdraw its bid for ninety (90) days after the date of the bid opening.
February 13 & 20, 2025
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Sections 2.80.010 and 2.80.020 of Chapter 2.80 (“Emergency Organization and Function”) of Title 2, of the County Code are amended as follows:
2.80.010 – Purposes.
The declared purposes of the provisions contained in this chapter are to provide for the preparation and implementation of plans for the protection of persons and property within the county in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this county with all other affected public agencies, corporations, organizations and private persons.
2.80.020 – Definition.
As used in this chapter, “local emergency” means the duly proclaimed existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the territorial limits of the county caused by such conditions as air pollution, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, civil unrest, drought, terrorism (including cyber terrorism), sudden and severe energy shortage/outage, de-energization, electromagnetic pulse attack, plant or animal infestation or disease, the Governor’s warning of an earthquake, or volcanic prediction, earthquake, war, or other conditions, other than conditions resulting from a labor controversy, which conditions are or are likely to be beyond the control or capabilities of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the county and require the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat, or with respect to regulated energy utilities, a sudden and severe energy shortage/outage that requires extraordinary measures beyond the authority vested in the California Public Utilities Commission.
SECTION 2 Sections 2.80.030 through 2.80.140 are amended and renumbered, adding additional sections 2.80.150 through 2.80.170 as follows:
2.80.030 – Emergency services director.
The County Administrative Officer (CAO) shall be the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director (ESD). The ESD may appoint such designees or assistants as are necessary to discharge the duties of the ESD.
2.80.040 – General powers and duties of the emergency services director; required action of the board of supervisors.
(a) The ESD is empowered to do the following or any portion thereof:
(1) Whenever in the ESD’s judgment a local emergency exists, as defined in Section 2.80.020 of this code, request the board of supervisors to proclaim the existence of a local emergency, and the termination thereof, if the board of supervisors is in session, or issue such proclamation if the board of supervisors is not in session.
(2) Control and direct the effort of the emergency organization of this county for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter and in accordance with the County of San Luis Obispo EOP.
(3) Direct cooperation between and coordination of services and staff of the emergency organization of the county and resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise between them.
(b) Whenever a local emergency is proclaimed by the ESD, the board of supervisors shall:
(1) Take action to ratify the proclamation within seven days thereafter or the proclamation will have no further force and effect.
(2) Review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every sixty (60) days or as required by state law until the board terminates the local emergency.
(3) Through the chairperson of the board of supervisors, request the Governor of the State of California to proclaim a state of emergency when, in the opinion of the ESD, locally available resources are inadequate to cope with the emergency.
2.80.050 – Office of emergency services.
There is created the Office of Emergency Services (OES). It is established to ensure coordinated operational area level activities and administer the emergency management program on behalf of the County of San Luis Obispo, operational area (OA) and the ESD. The responsibilities of OES shall include, but not limited to:
(1) Serve as the lead offsite response organization for an emergency at Diablo Canyon;
(2) Ensure that the County is prepared to respond to and recover from emergencies;
(3) Represent the County in dealings with public and private agencies pertaining to emergency planning;
(4) Prepare and maintain the basic emergency plans for the county and submit such plans to the ESD;
(5) Maintain and staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and or the Joint Information Center as needed;
(6) Maintain 24-hour a day availability of an on-call “duty officer”;
(7) Provide emergency management personnel for immediate response if called upon by the county;
(8) Exercise the County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and the EOC in whole or part, at least biannually;
(9) Ensure the timely receipt and dissemination of warning information along with the alert and warning to local agencies and the public within the operational area;
(10) Provide business and incident support to the San Luis Obispo Regional Hazardous Material Team;
(11) Coordinate recovery efforts from natural and or manmade disasters; and (12) Lead and coordinate mitigation efforts for natural and or manmade disaster with county departments, cities, and special districts.
2.80.060 – Director of the office of emergency services.
Under the direction of the CAO, the Director of the OES shall be the day-to-day manager of the OES and shall be responsible for carrying out the responsibilities of the office including but not limited to:
(1) The operations of the EOC and emergency plans;
(2) Represent the county on local, regional, and statewide councils/committees focusing on emergency management, public safety, or other emergency service functions;
(3) Organize, develop and coordinate the county’s participation within the OA by working with county departments, governmental entities, supporting agencies, and volunteer groups;
(4) Establish and maintain communications and liaison with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; and
(5) Coordinate mutual aid for the county and the OA.
The San Luis Obispo County Disaster Planning Advisory Committee is created with membership to be designated by the ESD, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) The ESD or his or her designee, who shall be chairperson;
(2) Members of the staff of the county OES;
(3) Representatives from county departments with responsibilities for emergency esponse as provided for in the county’s emergency plans; and
(4) Representatives of the cities, state agencies, volunteer agencies, utilities, special districts, and other organizations having responsibilities for emergency response as provided for in the county’s emergency plans.
2.80.080 – Disaster Planning Advisory Committee – Powers and duties.
It shall be the duty of the San Luis Obispo County Disaster Planning Advisory Committee to advise the county OES in developing emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and such ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements. The disaster planning advisory committee shall meet upon call of the chairperson, as necessary, to recommend changes or additions to county emergency response plans, review new concepts, develop and monitor disaster exercises, and identify training needs.
2.80.090 – Emergency plan.
The ESD and OES shall be responsible for the development of the county emergency plans. Those emergency plans shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of the county, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency, state of emergency or state of war emergency, as defined in Government Code Section 8558, and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, services and staff of the county’s emergency organization. Such plans shall take effect upon adoption by resolution of the board of supervisors or the ESD.
2.80.100 – Powers in event of emergency.
In the event of a proclamation of local emergency as provided in this chapter, the chairperson of the board of supervisors, or in the event the chairperson is absent from the county or otherwise unavailable, then the ESD is empowered to do the following or any portion thereof:
(1) To make and issue orders and regulations on matters necessary to provide for the protection of life and property; however, such orders and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the board of supervisors. Such orders and regulations, and amendments and revisions thereto, shall be given widespread publicity and notice and may include, but not be limited to the following:
a. Curfew. Order a general curfew within designated boundaries as is deemed necessary to preserve the public order and safety. “Curfew” means a prohibition against any person or persons walking, running, loitering, standing or motoring upon any public alley, street or highway, any public property or any vacant premises, except persons officially designated to duty with reference to the civil emergency and representatives of the news media, physicians, nurses and ambulance operators performing medical services, utility personnel maintaining essential public services, firefighter and law enforcement officers and personnel, OES staff, and those specifically authorized by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff or his duly authorized agent;
b. Business Closing. Order the closing of any business establishment within the curfew area or within any other specified portion of the County of San Luis Obispo, for the period of emergency; such businesses to include, but not limited to, those selling intoxicating liquors, cereal malt beverages, gasoline, or firearms;
c. Alcoholic Beverages. Order that no person within the curfew areas or within any other specified portion of the county shall consume any alcoholic beverage in any public street or place which is publicly owned or in any motor vehicle driven or parked there on;
d. Weapons. Order that no person within the curfew area, or within any other specified portion of the county, shall carry or possess on his or her person any firearm, bomb, firebomb, knife, rock, bottle, club, brick, explosive, or weapon; provided, however, that notwithstanding the above, duly authorized law enforcement officers and members of the National Guard may carry and possess therein during such period, guns, weapons, ammunition, explosives, flammable materials or liquids, or other dangerous weapons;
e. Traffic Control. Designate any public street, thoroughfare or vehicle parking areas within the curfew area or within any other specified portion of the county closed to motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic; and
f. General Authority. Issue such other orders and regulations as are necessary for the protection of life and property; and
g. Restrict agricultural products. Limit and or restrict the movement of agricultural products during a locally declared health emergency.
(2) To obtain vital supplies, equipment, vehicles and such other property and services which, in the chairperson or ESD’s judgment are lacking and needed for the protection of the life and property of San Luis Obispo County and the people therein, and to bind the county for the fair value thereof, and if required immediately, to commandeer the same for public use;
(3) To require emergency services of any county officer or employee; such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by law;
(4) To requisition necessary personnel or material of any county department or agency;
(5) To execute all of the ordinary powers of his or her regular office, all of the special powers conferred upon the ESD by this chapter or by resolution or emergency plan, all powers conferred upon the ESD by any statute or any other lawful authority, and to exercise complete authority over the county, and all police powers vested in the county by the constitution and general laws; and
(6) To order other protective actions, including closure of areas for the purposes defined in Penal Code, Section 409.5.
2.80.110 – Appointment, powers and duties of assistant and deputies.
The ESD shall appoint such assistants and deputies as are necessary to aid the ESD in carrying out his/her powers and duties, and except as is specified in Section 2.80.120
hereof, such assistants and/or deputies shall have such powers and duties as are specified in writing by the ESD.
2.80.120 – Order of succession after director.
The ESD shall designate within the EOP the order of succession to that office, to take effect in the event the ESD is not available to attend meetings or otherwise perform his or her duties during an emergency. In the event the ESD is absent from the county, or is otherwise unavailable during a local emergency, a state of emergency or a state of war emergency, or threat of the same, any and all of the powers granted by this chapter to such the ESD may be exercised by the person or persons so designated and approved, in the order of succession so designated and approved.
2.80.130 – Emergency organization.
All officers and employees of this county, together with those volunteer forces enrolled to aid them during an emergency, and all groups, organizations and persons who may by agreement or operation of law (including persons impressed into service under the provisions of Section 2.80.100(3) of this chapter) be charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in this county during such emergency, shall constitute the emergency organization of this county.
2.80.140 – Authorized emergency vehicles for hazardous materials emergencies. Privately or publicly owned vehicles, while operated in the line of duty by Office of Emergency Services personnel responding to hazardous materials emergencies, but not returning from, emergency calls, are designated as authorized emergency vehicles pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 2416, Subdivision (10).
2.80.150 – Expenditures.
Any expenditures made in connection with the emergency activities, including mutual aid activities, are conclusively deemed to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of this county.
2.80.160 – Punishment for violations.
It is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not to exceed six months or by both such fine and imprisonment, for any person during a state of war emergency, state of emergency or local emergency to do any of the following:
(1) Willfully obstruct, hinder or delay any member of the emergency organization in the enforcement of any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, or in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by virtue of this chapter;
(2) Violate any of the provisions of this chapter, or refuse or willfully neglect to obey any lawful order or regulation promulgated or issued as provided in this chapter;
(3) Wear, carry or display, without authority, any means of identification specified by the emergency agency of the state.
2.80.170 – Appointment of stand-by officers.
(a) As used in this section, the terms “unavailable” and “stand-by officers” shall have the meanings set forth in Government Code Sections 8635 through 8644, inclusive, and in future amendments thereto.
(b) The board of supervisors may examine, investigate, appoint, remove and replace standby officers in accordance with Government Code Sections 8635 through 8644, inclusive, and any future amendments thereto.
(c) Stand-by officers shall have the duties and authority set forth in Government Code Section 8641 and in future amendments thereto.
(d) Should all members of the board of supervisors , including all stand-by officers, be unavailable, temporary members of said board shall be appointed pursuant to Government Code Section 8644, and to future amendments thereto; provided however, that in the event such appointments are made by the board of supervisors’ chairperson of other counties within one hundred fifty miles of this county, then the following shall be the order in which such other counties shall appoint:
(1) Kern County;
(2) Santa Barbara County;
(3) Monterey County;
(4) Kings County.
(e) Annually, the board of supervisors shall review the status of all stand-by appointments, and, if necessary, fill vacancies as set forth hereinabove. Stand-by officers shall be listed and maintained in the San Luis Obispo County Continuity of Operations Plan.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and every section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared unconstitutional or invalid.
SECTION 4 In accordance with Government Code Section 25131, after reading of the title of the ordinance, further reading of the ordinance in full is waived.
SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall be and the same is hereby declared to be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after the date of its passage and shall be published once before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after said passage, with the names of the Supervisors voting for or against the same, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on the 14th day of January, 2025, and passed and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 4th day of February, 2025, by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Supervisors Heather Moreno, Bruce S. Gibson, John Peschong, Jimmy Paulding and Chairperson Dawn Ortiz-Legg
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
DATED: February 5, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
