New Times, Feb. 20, 2025

Protesters on the Central Coast joined demonstrations across the country [4]

BY LIBBEY HANSON

Editor’s note

Four protests across San Luis Obispo County joined a national day of demonstrations against the current presidential administration on Feb. 17 amid executive orders and Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency’s” impact on government grants, jobs, and more. Slogans like “Smells like fascism” and “Presidents are not kings” graced hundreds of signs on Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo. Staff Writer Libbey Hanson spoke with protesters about why they were there and what they wanted to raise awareness about [4] Also this week, read about the difference between Nipomo’s battery energy storage facility and the one that caught fire in Moss Landing [8]; Daisy Patton’s view of history at Cuesta College [26]; and what the Greasy Wiener has in store for you [34]

Camillia Lanham editor

cover photo by Libbey Hanson cover design by Alex Zuniga

SIGNS

THE TIMES

Hundreds of people held up signs along Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo on Feb. 17 as part of a national

About 1,500 protest in SLO County against Trump administration

Hundreds gathered in San Luis Obispo at the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Calle Joaquin on Feb. 17, protesting the Trump administration amid slews of White House executive orders issued since taking office.

“Smells like fascism,” one protest sign read. “Presidents are not kings,” and “Make dystopia fiction again,” others said.

Passing cars honked their horns in unison as protesters chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Trump and Musk have got to go!”

“I’ve never been so happy to hear so many car horns in my life,” one 19-year-old protester told another.

Retired engineer and Arroyo Grande resident Andy Unruh organized the protest on Los Osos Valley Road, part of a larger national “Not My President” protest effort. Unruh’s was one of four protests held in the county that day, with others in Downtown SLO, Grover Beach, and Paso Robles.

Unruh told New Times he had never organized a protest before and was initially hoping for 100 attendees. But by noon on that President’s Day, he estimated at least 500 had showed up, lining each side of the street.

He was there to fight for young people’s rights to democracy, Unruh said.

“Not because democracy is always so awesome, but because it gives young people a chance to choose their own government, rather than have some government that somebody else thinks is right for them shoved down their throat,” he said.

Unruh said he could easily hide from the whole thing and remain unaffected, but he couldn’t sit by and watch the wealthy run the country, taking specific issue with Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, which claims that it intends to cut federal spending and improve government use of technology.

“I see what’s happening in my country, and I don’t like it. I am a patriot, and so I want to make my country strong, and I want to make my country happy,” he said. “And I don’t think the way to make the country happy is to concentrate all the power and all the voice and all the wealth into the hands of .01 percent of the population.”

SLO resident Pete Evans agreed. His two chihuahuas, Tani and Cooper, were lying on a dog bed atop a utility box.

Evans said he felt infuriated by the results of the election, and he didn’t know “what the hell kind of country we have.”

“Republicans kill everything that isn’t white and male,” he said.

An active voter since 1964, he said he had never seen an administration worse the current one, amid issues of climate change, women’s and gay rights,

San Luis Coastal saves counselors from deficit-closing layoffs

San Luis Coastal Unified School District’s parents and teachers convinced its board of trustees to save school counselors from the staffing reduction chopping block, but a budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year remains.

“Counselors are at the forefront of caring for our students when they are in the most need,” Cal Poly sociology professor and Hawthorne Elementary School mom Martine Lappe told board

deportations, and firing federal employees.

“We’ve got it coming,” he said. “And MAGA will eat it too.”

According to SLO County Democratic Party Chair Tom Fulks, 1,500 people showed up between all four SLO County protests on Feb. 17. While the party didn’t organize the protests, it did help by sending out communications and helping protesters make signs.

Fulks said the SLO County Democratic Party hopes to continue fighting for the cause against the Trump administration, but also noted that SLO isn’t necessarily MAGA country.

“ Fifty-seven percent of the voters of San Luis Obispo County rejected Trump. … He got beaten in 2020 by Biden by 11 points,” he said. “In spite of some of the more strenuous people who drive their pickups around, and their neck veins bulging, they want it to give the appearance with their big flags and trucks that this is Trump country. It’s not.”

Besides physical picketing, Fulks said residents can resist by doing something as simple as donating clothing.

“That’s a form of protest in itself,” he said.

Fulks said he also recommends supporting local government officials by attending public meetings and writing postcards to elected officials.

“It’s not all confrontation, it’s not all demonstration, it’s proving to the community that our party is a part of the people,” he said.

New Times contacted the Republican Party of SLO for comment but did not receive a response before publication. ∆

—Libbey Hanson

members at the Feb. 18 meeting. “They are already providing resources, providing classroom teachers in meaningful ways that we heard in the last board meeting. They are already bearing the brunt of many, many statewide and federal policies that are affecting families and students alike.”

Lappe, like many other district parents, advocated to save the transitional kindergarten program when staff proposed nixing it to close a total structural deficit of almost $8 million.

The district zeroed in on the TK program in the face of increased costs, expired COVID-19 funds, plateaued enrollment, and hiring more

employees using one-time funds. Most notably, staff underscored that retaining TK was tough since PG&E reduced unitary taxes paid on Diablo Canyon Power Plant assets.

But while parental pushback highlighted the benefit of a one-year pathway between preschool and kindergarten, district staff recommended laying off around half of its nine elementary school counselors and two part-time middle school counselors to bridge the budget gap.

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Pinkerton, who oversees district business services, told the board

DUMP TRUMP Five hundred people gathered on Los Osos Valley Road Feb. 17, protesting the Trump administration and Elon Musk, as part of the “Not My President” national effort.

PHOTO BY LIBBEY HANSON

at the staff reduction proposal meeting on Feb. 4 that staff applies personnel costs to the district’s revenue stream.

“So, how much money are we spending on people compared to the money that we’re taking in,” he said. “For us, we’re at 87.8 percent [of revenues]. Healthy is below 85 percent.”

Feedback from parents and teachers streamed in during both February meetings. Rita Rodriguez, a district elementary school teacher, said the prospect of losing counselors terrified her and made her think of students in her class who were in difficult situations.

“One of my students, his mother has a chronic health condition, so she’s in the hospital,” she said. “This little boy is not sure where he’s going to live when his mother passes away. So, I was able to contact our counselor this morning and she was able to bring him in for a session.”

The district proposed cutting four fulltime counselors and one part-time counselor from its elementary schools. The remaining five elementary school counselors would be distributed across schools depending on school need and size. Laying off these counselors alone would save the district $486,195.

While proposed resolution before the board on Feb. 18 focused on reducing the number of counselors, staff selected around 60 other positions to scale back. Fourteen elementary and seven secondary school teachers; teachers on special assignment like elementary athletics; summer athletic stipends; student support specialist teachers; district department staff; secretarial staff; and principals and counselors on special assignment will be affected.

The total proposed reduction amount for the 2025-26 school year stands at $5.8 million—an amount Assistant Superintendent Pinkerton previously acknowledged still doesn’t meet the $6.3 million deficit.

The school board voted 4-3 to reject the resolution to discontinue some of the counseling staff.

“I’m moved by the stories I heard tonight and I’m thinking about the future, and I can’t help but think about what we’re going to be facing for the next three years … with the devastation that we’re hearing from Washington, D.C., about public education,” board member Chis Ungar said. “I can’t help but think about our children of undocumented parents who are living in fear right now. … I’m not going to support this.”

Board members Robert Banfield, Mark Buchman, and Brian Clausen joined Ungar in rejecting the proposal. New board member Erica Baltodano and board members Marilyn Rodger and Ellen Sheffer supported the resolution, saying they didn’t want to “kick the can further down the road.”

The board voted 7-0 to approve a second resolution to terminate some classified positions. Twelve instructional aides, an English language instructional aide, a physical education aide, a counseling aide, a before/after school aide, an office clerk, a human resources technician, an executive assistant at the superintendent’s office, and a payroll specialist will be laid off.

The school district will search for other funding options in the meantime.

Superintendent Eric Prater announced to the board that Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) agreed to carry a bill on the district’s behalf to advocate for universal

transitional kindergarten funding for basic aid districts like San Luis Coastal.

Prater added that the district was in touch with PG&E Vice President of State and Local Government Relations Chris Patterson, too. He requested a $10 million contribution to the district’s education foundation to tide them over until staff finds a more permanent funding solution down the road.

“This bridge funding contribution would allow us to preserve some of the programs and staff that we know are critical to the support of our children,” the staff report read.

“[PG&E] agreed to consider bridge funding in the 2025-26 school year but will need more time to explore that option.”

—Bulbul

Rajagopal

Recent strong storms prompt riverbed rescues, sewage spills

An atmospheric river dumped more than 4 inches of rain in some areas of San Luis Obispo County on Feb. 13 causing a sewage spill in Avila Beach and prompting the rescue of nine from the flooded Salinas Riverbed in Paso Robles.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning effective Thursday, Feb. 13, and warned of potential 60-mile-per hour wind gusts. According to SLO County Public Works, that day SLO saw more than 3 inches of rain in 24 hours, and areas like Atascadero, Paso Robles, and Arroyo Grande received around 2.5 inches. The Hearst Castle area saw nearly 6 inches.

Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Battalion Chief Jay Enns told New Times that at around noon on Feb. 13, the riverbed was dry. By 3 p.m. it was raging, and by 4:45 p.m. they had received a call that five individuals needed rescuing.

But upon arrival, Emergency Services used drones and a helicopter that located four more stranded.

“So, once we got all those people back across, we sent our boat further upriver, and they located four more individuals, and so we brought them across safely and had it all wrapped up within about an hour of the initial call.”

No one was injured, Enns said.

“I would just reiterate that it’s really important for the public in any situation, not just this one, but in any situation where there’s evacuation warning issued that they should pay attention to that and get their stuff and leave,” he said.

On another side of the county, Water Resource Recovery Facility Supervisor

Patrick McGrath said that on a typical day, the SLO County Wastewater Facility gets about 3 million gallons of municipal wastewater from SLO, Cal Poly, and the airport.

But on Feb. 13, the facility had 20 million gallons of waterflow, causing sewage to spill into the San Luis Obispo Creek and into Avila Beach waters.

Initially, it was estimated 50,000 gallons of materials had spilled, but by the next day, the treatment plant reported it was 7,800 gallons.

With the facility in its fifth and final year of a major upgrade, McGrath said unfortunately it was the perfect condition for an overflow.

“The plant is designed and engineered to handle flows in excess. I mean, it’s atypical. But these are flows that we are familiar with. We just had kind of a unique circumstance,” he said. “We’re still in active construction. So active construction coupled with … these significantly inflated flows, coupled with

what we’re now looking at as a partial power failure just created the conditions for an accidental release.”

County Environmental Health closed the beaches impacted by the spill. While McGrath said beach closures are typically three days, he cautioned beachgoers to avoid getting in any water for a few days after a major storm, regardless of if there was a sewage spill or not.

“It’s because anything that’s in the creek, the mud, animal feces, anything that’s in there, it’s wildlife habitat that all gets flushed out to the ocean,” he said. “And believe it or not, these flows of that creek can exceed a flow rate of 300 million gallons per day.”

The city takes full responsibility for the spill, he said, something that hasn’t happened at this site in a decade.

Once the treatment plant finishes construction, it will have features like flood walls and other programming to handle higher capacities of water in case of major storms.

“This is not a common occurrence for the city of San Luis Obispo water resource recovery facility, and we don’t expect this to happen again,” he said.

—Libbey Hanson

Federal funding freeze could delay storm relief, reduce transit for SLO

The city of San Luis Obispo stands to feel the effects of the Trump administration’s executive order that temporarily froze federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs.

City Finance Director Emily Jackson told the SLO City Council at its Feb. 18 meeting that the biggest concern about the funding pause is the local ability to receive reimbursement for the 2023 winter storms. SLO is meant to get at least $730,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“At this point, we’ve got about over $700,000 that’s been fully obligated by FEMA,” Jackson said. “Our best understanding is that that’s with the state now to cut us some checks. But we haven’t seen those checks come rolling in yet, and my guess is that’s because the state doesn’t have the money from the feds.”

The Federal Office of Management and Budget issued the freeze on Jan. 27—a week after President Donald Trump’s inauguration— through memorandum M-25-13.

“The use of federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” the memorandum said.

Instead, according to the memorandum, federal financial help should be provided to advance the administration’s priorities, remove the burden of inflation, “unleashing American energy” and manufacturing, “ending ‘wokeness’ and the weaponization of the government,” promote government efficiency, and “Make America Healthy Again.”

The executive order would have become effective on Jan. 28 but temporary restraining orders from two separate U.S. District judges blocked it until future review and action from the courts occur.

The temporary stay on federal grant money was intended to give the Trump administration

more time to review agency programs and determine the best use of the funding that’s consistent with the president’s priorities.

“The memorandum would have been available on the Whitehouse’s website at whitehouse.gov/omb/information-foragencies/memoranda but, like many federal webpages, it is no longer available,” the SLO City Council staff report said.

The city noted that while the impact of the executive order on city services is unclear, staff conducted an analysis of funding from federal sources to understand how future federal action would play out.

SLO expended roughly $15.7 million on storm response, so far. But the estimated total cost of repairing storm damage and safeguarding against future natural disasters remains at $48.4 million.

Jackson noted that all the repair projects have been reviewed by the city’s contacts at FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. FEMA’s formal review body is determining eligibility.

“We’re still suffering a little bit from delayed permitting from U.S Army Corps of Engineers,” she said. “We have a small handful of projects that we’re still waiting for emergency permits on.”

While disaster relief funds have been fully obligated across the country, Jackson said that the possibility of refilling relief coffers is now unknown.

“There was a point at which we were saying Congress was working to refill that fund and start again providing support to public agencies,” she said. “But at this point, given the new federal administration’s actions on federal funding, it’s not really clear to us at this point what the status of that is. But that is something we’re tracking on a daily basis.” SLO’s transit program, which is largely federally funded, could also take a hit. City Manager Whitney McDonald told council members that the city applied for a discretionary grant to buy more battery electric buses. But SLO wasn’t awarded the funding request.

“We won’t plan to move forward with that purchase at this time,” she said. “If something happens in the future with federal funding, the results will require us to come back pretty quickly with a plan for how we will address that in terms of our service delivery. It will reduce our service.”

The city is working on an outreach plan to notify residents about the reduced transit services.

SLO has received significant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act with plans in the works to make more use of those dollars. Federal dollars from the act were going to be used for the city’s transit fleet replacement, a broadband plan, the widening of a portion of Higuera Street, building electrification, and the widening of the Prado Road bridge. In total, the city was anticipating $7.9 million in funding.

Nonprofits like Community Action Partnership of SLO and Transitions-Mental Health Association would also be impacted if the funding freeze goes into effect.

“If some of our nonprofit partners lose federal funding, that will have a real indirect—but we’ll feel it directly— impact to our community and the residents here, especially those who rely on some of the safety-net services that a lot of those programs provide.”

Heavy consequences

Moss Landing fire reports show elevated levels of heavy metals, but officials hope new safety measures will prevent a battery plant fire in SLO County

Unextinguishable fire. Nickel, manganese, and cobalt in the air. Tremors, tight lungs, and itchy skin.

These are a few of the results that have emerged after the recent Moss Landing battery plant fire in Monterey County.

With the fire heightening concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system in Morro Bay and an already completed one in Nipomo, 4th District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding said battery facilities have had different safety requirements since the construction of the plant in Moss Landing, and the Nipomo facility is much safer.

“It’s my understanding that all the tests performed to date have been compliant with current codes,” Paulding told New Times

On Jan. 16, the Vistra-owned Moss Landing battery facility caught fire for the third time since 2021, shutting down Highway 1 and causing mandatory evacuations in the area. The 750-megawatt facility was ablaze for three days.

Weeks later, research scientists at San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories reported detecting unusually high levels of heavy metal nanoparticles in the marsh soils of Elkhorn Slough Reserve, a site that provides habitat for nearly 700 species.

According to the lab, scientists found high levels of nickel, manganese, and cobalt in the marsh soils.

“These heavy metals will chemically transform as they move through the environments and potentially through the food web, affecting local aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,” according to a statement from the lab.

Monterey County residents are feeling the effects as well and created Facebook pages where they can share their post-fire symptoms, including labored breathing, a tight stomach, hand tremors, itchy skin— all side effects of heavy metal exposure, according to the National Institutes of Health.

These are impacts that the residents of Morro Bay and Nipomo don’t want to experience.

Morro Bay weighed in on the proposed 600-megawatt Vistra battery plant with residents passing a ballot measure to block the build and the City Council establishing an urgency ordinance in to block future battery plant applications. But the 100-megawatt Caballero battery facility in Nipomo owned by Alpha Omega Power and Fengate flew under the radar, according to public commenters at a Feb. 4 SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Decades-long Nipomo resident Sherry Fitzgerald told the board she felt the community hadn’t even known about the Caballero battery plant, which was processed in 2020, approved in 2023, and completed this February. If they did, she said they would have opposed it considering what happened with Moss Landing.

Another resident told supervisors she had heard that the Nipomo facility was “way better” than Moss Landing.

“I’m not buying that,” she said.

The most recent Moss Landing fire started after the facility’s safety and fire suppression systems failed. With the facility’s batteries all together in the same enclosure, the fire spread easily and quickly.

Supervisor Paulding said technology has

Decades-long Nipomo resident Sherry Fitzgerald told the board she felt the community hadn’t even known about the Caballero battery plant, which was processed in 2020, approved in 2023, and completed this February. If they did, she said they would have opposed it considering what happened with Moss Landing.

progressed since the Moss Landing facility was built, and that the Caballero facility has better safety measures with its batteries in separate enclosures that are 10 feet apart to prevent fire from spreading.

“The batteries in this project had to undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety,”

Paulding told New Times, explaining that the batteries were heated up to see if they would catch on fire. The batteries did not catch fire, he said.

CTO and co-founder of Alpha Omega Power Guillaume Dufay told New Times via email that the Caballero facility meets all safety standards that make a catastrophic event “near impossible,” including early fire detection and automatic shut-off systems.

“Caballero meets [code] requirements and goes beyond in many areas that our team and Cal Fire found important for public safety,” he said.

As of Feb. 12, Monterey County officials told residents at a press conference that there was no need to worry about lingering

environmental hazards, despite the results of San Jose State’s findings.

Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau Chief Ric Encarnacion said that while fire ash and debris did show elevated metals, initial soil testing reports within a 4-miles radius from the fire did not show any.

“Regarding drinking water, our test samples remain within regulatory standards, and the results are consistent with historical data,” he said. Air quality was also in the clear, according to Air Pollution Control Officer Richard Stedman of the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, who said that the county’s nearby air monitors did not reveal any heavy metals in the air related to the Moss Landing fire.

“We continue to see good air quality around the facility,” Stedman said.

Testing for heavy metal contamination is ongoing. ∆

Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.

UNDER THE RADAR Nipomo’s new 100-megawatt Caballero battery storage facility is supposed to have better safety features than the Moss Landing location, which recently caught on fire.

BY BULBUL

Partnered to persevere

Nonprofit Lumina Alliance welcomed a bilingual therapist this year to serve Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence when they call for help.

Increasing access to therapy and support programs with reduced wait times is one of Lumina’s goals. That milestone moved closer to reality thanks to a $963,000 initiative organized by Must! Charities.

“Right now, they have 145 people on their waitlist. With Spanish speaking [clients], that waitlist alone is six to 12 months.” Must! Charities Community Projects Manager Erika Martin said. “What we want to do is expand the bilingual program.”

Must! unites donors and pools together resources to invest in nonprofits. With donations that range from $10 a month to $100,000 a year, every bit of money stays within in the community.

For 2025, the Templeton-based charity designated $420,000 toward its partnership with Lumina. They will build on this sum over the next three years to reach the almost $1 million mark. Martin added that Must! is also working on five other projects, which the group hopes to announce over the year.

Donations will be directed to improve Lumina’s crisis call center too.

“Their system is extremely outdated,” Martin said. “What we’re doing is we’re helping update the crisis line to a more modernized system. It handles the call volumes that they are receiving. It’s just a continuity of care that people can receive, whether they’re in-person or on the phone.”

A three-year project like the current one with Lumina comes with multiple facets that require frequent communication.

“We also like … to be able to check in with our partners to … ensure that their needs are being met with the investment, but also to ensure that they’re meeting their milestones, that we can help come alongside and give them a hand up,” Martin said.

According to Must!, San Luis Obispo County reflects national trends in the prevalence of domestic violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected that almost 41 percent of county residents will face sexual violence in their lifetime.

Must! mentioned in its press release that in the face of an escalating cost of living, scarce housing, and limited mental health resources, 2023 saw 774 reported incidents of intimate partner violence reported to law enforcement.

This is the second year in a row for a Must! and Lumina collaboration. Last year, the charity invested $478,000 in Lumina for its Paso Robles location.

“We helped them with 39 new clients, including 23 children,” Martin said. “They all lived in transitional housing around the county. But what we did, we converted the Paso Robles emergency shelter to transitional housing to house an additional 21 individuals.”

Visit mustcharities.org to donate and join its trust-based philanthropy model.

“Lumina Alliance is an organization that is serving our community in a multitude of ways,” Martin said. “When we create strong nonprofits, we create a stronger community.”

Visit luminaalliance.org to learn more about the organization. Reach the crisis and information line at (805) 545-8888.

Fast facts

• The SLO Beaver Brigade opened registration for its monthly Watery Walk tours, which will visit a beaver dam complex in SLO County. Participants learn about beaver signs and habitat along the way. The tour is free thanks to the 2023 Whale Tail Grant from the California Coastal Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The first tour for the spring/summer session is scheduled for March 3 to the Salinas River. Sign up and find other dates at slobeaverbrigade.com.

• Environmental Center of SLO (ECOSLO) and SLO County Parks organizing a tree-planting session in Oceano on March 22. The tree-planting is sponsored by PG&E, Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and California ReLeaf. Visit ecoslo.com/ events to sign up. For more information about the session or ECOSLO’s other programs, contact Program Coordinator Grant Helete at (805) 710-8018 or email grant@ecoslo.org. ∆

Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

BY DAVID BROADWATER

Fight for democracy

the 14th Amendment declares that only “Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.”

On the same day President Donald Trump swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, he moved to violate its 14th Amendment by issuing an order to end birthright citizenship of some children born here. Although the 1868 Amendment declares, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside,” his order claims, “citizenship does not automatically extend to persons born in the United States.”

The order states it “shall be implemented consistent with applicable law,” as if it’s not declared in Article 6 that “this Constitution … shall be the supreme law of the land.” In 2022, Trump issued a call for “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution,” regardless of the fact that

Why is life so unaffordable?

Why is living not affordable for so many people? I worked all my life from age 13 to retirement at 72. There have been times in my life when I couldn’t afford the things I needed, and there were times, too, when I had extra—although never extravagantly. How much does a person or a family have to earn to afford to live?

There is a great resource at livingwage. mit.edu that lets anyone take a look at how affordable life is for them based on family composition and where they live. For example, in San Luis Obispo County, California, where I live, a single person needs $55,025 a year before taxes to meet expenses. That’s a retirement income that’s out of reach for a lot of people, let alone if they need assistance. That’s an amount out of reach for most young people starting out, too. A single adult with two children here in San Luis Obispo County needs to earn $59.93 an hour to afford the basics. That’s $124,647 a year. Child care and housing are the biggest components by far. Child care costs on average $26,154 a year for that single parent and housing $27,429. The website breaks down the major costs. For example, medical ($8,309), transportation ($16,625), and taxes ($18,162).

The website also shows typical annual salaries in the same geographic area. A typical wage for a person working as office/ administrative support is $52,170, a health care support worker $37,760, a production worker $48,670, an educator $75,888.

There is a mismatch between wages and costs. The living wage calculator gives everyone a free tool to take a look at where they stand, where they live, anywhere in the country. By the way, minimum wage here in California is $16 an hour, which is less than

Recently, Trump falsely said on national TV that the U.S. is the only country with automatic birthright citizenship, when the fact is that 34 countries grant it. In 2019, he said that Article 2 (executive branch) gives him the power “to do whatever I want as president,” ignoring the powers of the legislative branch (Article 1) and judicial branch (Article 3).

Babies born after Feb. 20 will need documented proof about whether each of their parents is here legally—either temporarily or permanently or as citizens— to be considered as one of those with all the benefits, rights, and responsibilities that citizenship confers. Trump is using the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” to carve out a way to deny citizenship to those rightly deserving it.

Those who think the Trump administration won’t carve out additional

any individual or family needs for life to be affordable. Two adults, both working, with no children would each need to earn $17.89 an hour. It is time to ask why. Why is life not affordable? What has to change? How can this be done?

Linda Rinaldi San Luis Obispo

Who’s the real chump?

In reading John Donegan’s op-ed, I’m wondering who the chump is (“Trump’s chumps,” Feb. 13). Diversity is the condition of having or including people from different ethnicities or social backgrounds. Equity is the state or quality of being just and fair. Inclusion is the act of including or the state of being included. Why these terms are being described as evil is impossible to understand. On another point if “those who feed off the government may not be happy,” Elon should be very unhappy indeed.

Gregory B Ross Arroyo Grande

This is not the way to produce an efficient government

I am certainly willing to entertain the proposition that there is inefficiency in our federal government and that money could be saved by reorganization. But the way Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk are handling this task is at best ham-handed and at worst could result in many catastrophes. Instead of moving incredibly rapidly during the very short period after inauguration, why not take several months to study systematically where improvements could be made. And the person in charge of this effort should hold an official government position and be confirmed by the Senate.

I cannot imagine a private sector entity that would send out a massive email

unconstitutional exceptions stripping them of their rights would be wise to recognize that they may expand beyond the fallacious and paranoid white supremacist Great Replacement conspiracy theory that our country is being invaded by Black and brown people to overcome white social and political dominance, orchestrated by Democrats and/ or Jews.

Trump’s DOJ is already doing it in court to Native Americans, citing the 1866 Civil Rights Act and the 1884 Elk v. Wilkins Supreme Court case, denying citizenship to Native Americans because their allegiance is to their tribes and, therefore, aren’t subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The DOJ is pretending like the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, granting the First Americans born here full citizenship, doesn’t exist.

This isn’t just a Constitutional or legal matter. It’s a moral one. Christians know their Bible says children shouldn’t suffer from the wrongs of their parents (Ezekiel 18): “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father” (expressed in the patriarchal terms of the time). It clarifies that the consequences of sins are suffered only by the “wicked” who commit them, not by their offspring.

It also involves our traditional, collective civic religion of recognizing the dignity and

message to its employees encouraging retirement without first investigating which departments are performing in a satisfactory manner and which need help. I read that all 400 employees of the National Transportation Safety Board were sent such messages, right around the time of three different aircraft incidents that resulted in many deaths. And USAID employees were pulled out of supervising medical trials while their patients had devices implanted in their bodies. And the Centers for Disease Control has been hit with massive layoffs at a time when epidemics and even pandemics have become more likely. There are many more examples of impetuous and

humanity of all who come to life among us, linking all of us in a bond of fellowship and a commitment “to form a more perfect union.”

The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence declares, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [people] are created equal, … endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The Preamble to the Constitution states that, “We the people of the United States” created it to “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity” (children).

Trump has declared a war of “retribution” on the “enemy from within” who he says is more dangerous than any foreign entity, making scapegoats of any who criticize any of his policies or actions. This is the ideology of the monarchy we rebelled against in 1776 and the fascism we fought in WWII. Whether or not we preserve our democratic republic depends on our willingness to fight for it, as Ben Franklin said after the Constitutional Convention approved the Constitution in 1787. ∆

David Broadwater writes from Atascadero. Send comments in response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

thoughtless actions on the part of the Trump administration, such as our withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Instead of pillorying government operations, how about investigating our health care system, much of which is privatized (of course, the VA is not a good example of socialized medicine at work). We spend twice as much per capita as any other country, yet we fall short on many objective measures such as infant mortality and life expectancy. Since Mr. Donegan is retired and presumably has expertise and time, perhaps he would like to offer his services in this cause.

Jay Devore Los Osos

BY JOHN B. ASHBAUGH

Bless this BESS

On Thursday, Jan. 16—just as exhausted firefighters were finally getting a handle on the great Los Angeles firestorm—another fire broke out in Monterey County. That fire, however, was very different: It was confined to just a few acres on an industrial site. It didn’t ignite in heavy brush and trees, nor was it driven by hurricane-force winds like those that had cascaded down the canyons of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains in LA.

The Monterey County fire didn’t kill anyone, nor did it destroy any homes. It was bad enough, however. In 48 hours, flames destroyed Vistra’s Moss Landing 300-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS). Together with a PG&E battery storage facility nearby, the Moss Landing site held what had been until then, the world’s largest commercial electric battery energy storage site.

Built in 2018, Vistra’s 300-megawatt project was a key part of the network of “green energy” facilities vital to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable solar and wind energy. The goal is to minimize catastrophic climate change that is already blasting our planet with the extremes of record heat and cold, severe droughts and deluges, rising sea levels and devastating wildfires like those in Los Angeles.

Damages from the fire extended well beyond Vistra’s Moss Landing site. Within a few hours of being notified, authorities evacuated 1,200 residents from a 12-squaremile area around the plant. Caltrans closed Highway 1 through Moss Landing for four days. The fire smoldered, discharging toxic gas. Residents in the area complain of respiratory problems. San Jose State University scientists have found evidence of heavy metals in Elkhorn Slough near the plant.

But the Moss Landing fire may have inflicted even more damage to the worthy goal of reducing our fossil-fuel dependence to combat climate change.

State Sen. John Laird has acknowledged the consequences of the disastrous Moss Landing fire (“Energy questions,” Feb. 6), but he also sets out a reasonable path for how to learn from the collective mistakes that led to that fire. Laird had already responded to a smaller fire in 2022 at the adjacent Elkhorn BESS owned by PG&E, when an array of Tesla batteries ignited as a result of the collapse of improperly installed vent shields. Laird’s Senate Bill 38 required upgraded safety plans and coordination with local authorities. Implementing these rigorous safety plans, together with improved structural design and newer battery technology, will significantly reduce the risk of BESS fires like those in Moss Landing. Long before the Moss Landing fire, however, opposition had been smoldering in Morro Bay to Vistra’s proposal to build a “new, improved” BESS facility with lithiumion batteries adjacent to the derelict Morro Bay power plant. In November 2024, Morro Bay voters strongly endorsed Measure A-24, essentially killing any chance of local approval of Vistra’s BESS proposal. Anticipating its passage, Vistra had already moved to exercise a “circuit breaker” in state law enabling it to get permits exclusively from the state Public Utilities Commission.

In the wake of the Moss Landing fire, residents throughout the Central Coast are lining up to fight the development of any new BESS in their communities. Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) authored new legislation designed to establish even tougher regulations and safety setbacks on BESS facilities. The bill would also return BESS regulation to local agencies, repealing the “circuit breaker” that allows Vistra to bypass the city.

Both Laird and Addis are making efforts to reconcile angry voters with the state’s plans for a “green energy” network. In spite of those efforts, however, Vistra’s Morro Bay BESS project is essentially dead in the water—or, more accurately, going down in flames. The SLO County Board of Supervisors is also piling on, with proposed ordinance changes to expand noticing standards from 300 feet to 1,000 feet for new battery storage projects.

There’s a smaller BESS facility in Nipomo, adjacent to PG&E’s Mesa substation. The 100-megawatt Caballero battery energy storage project was approved by the county Planning Commission in 2023.

There was no opposition to that project at that time—but there is now: Some of the opposition is led by Andy Caldwell of Santa Maria, host of a right-wing radio program who tried to unseat Salud Carbajal for Congress in 2020.

Local green energy advocates and elected officials must act quickly to respond to legitimate local concerns about the siting of new battery storage. Whether it’s Vistra or other BESS developers, we need more of the newer, safer battery technology and storage system architecture that responds to local concerns and meets high standards.

The 7-year-old Moss Landing facility was an “accident waiting to happen.” We’re learning from that accident, and we need to use that experience to upgrade older, riskier battery storage systems rapidly. We shouldn’t wait.

But we should strenuously reject any attempt to derail our state’s conversion to renewable, sustainable, green energy. The longer we delay our transition, the more we amplify misleading claims about “exploding” BESS facilities, the more likely we’ll see climate-related droughts, floods, hurricanes, and more firestorms like the conflagration in LA. ∆

John Ashbaugh is more worried about being seen driving his Tesla 3. He claims that he bought it before we all learned how crazy Elon Musk is. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

DICKtators

About 1,500 people took to SLO County’s streets on Feb. 17 as part of the nationwide “Not My President” demonstration against wispy-haired orangemakeup-wearing President Donald J. Trump and his puppeteer bestie, the world’s richest autistic man and involuntary Sieg Heil-saluting unelected head of the made-up Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk

My fellow citizens, we are now living in a kakistocracy and plutocracy engaged in kleptocracy. (Go ahead. Google it. I’ll wait.)

How are Trump’s flurry of executive orders going to affect us? Not in good ways! Under Trump’s orders, the Department of Education, which he frankly wants to eliminate, just announced that all schools must end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or be stripped of federal funding. They have two weeks to comply. This will mean the end of programs that help our kids.

Trump rescinded $384 million of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding that was supposed to be invested in California over the next five years. Creating infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles is essential to meet our state’s Advanced Clean Cars II goals of all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold be zero-emission by 2035. Trump doesn’t believe in global warming and thinks science is for losers. He doesn’t care about our environment.

Trump simply hates California because

we’re too “woke.”

We’re certainly “woke” to the fact that he’s a con artist and that Musk isn’t rooting out fraud; he’s dismantling the organizations that hold him and his businesses accountable. Can we secede already? Sheesh!

The most recent numbers available, from 2022, listed California as the nation’s biggest donor state, meaning our residents and businesses pay more in taxes to the federal government than the federal government spends in our state. We paid $692 billion in taxes but received only $609 billion in federal funding, a difference of $83 billion.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like a refund.

Protests in the street are fine, but the judicial branch needs to check these two corrupt, power mad maniacs. The Trump administration is already defying court orders. Will the Supreme Court, which Trump packed with conservative judges his last term, draw the line in the sand, or will it be complicit in destroying American democracy? America is burning.

Speaking of burning, what’s an ecowarrior to do? On the one hand, we want clean, emissions-free energy, so a battery energy storage system (BESS) powered by solar energy sounds great. Go green! On the other hand, how about those fires, Moss Landing? Go black smoke? Vistra Corp’s most recent fire was the third at the Monterey County facility since 2021!

Is it any wonder Morro Bay residents are saying ixnay to Vistra’s proposed BESS and Nipomo residents are saying, “We have a BESS in Nipomo? Huh?”

Um, yeah, Nipomo. Apparently y’all were too busy visiting the Luffa Farm, the Santa Maria Raceway, the Dana Adobe & Cultural Center, the Swapmeet & Fleamarket, and Jocko’s Steakhouse to notice the 100-megawatt Caballero Battery Storage Project that “secretly” snuck into your community while you weren’t looking.

Guess you missed the public comment opportunity at the June 22, 2023, SLO County Planning Commission meeting when the plant was approved. Now there’s public outcry, but the project was approved, built, and is ready to begin operation, and SLO County could surely face a lawsuit if Nipomo’s BESS isn’t allowed to flip the “on” switch.

brilliant “alternative programming” designed to keep students and their out-of-town guests from partying in the street.

“A significant element is Morning On the Green—A Mustang Music Festival, a planned concert and celebration Saturday, March 15, at the lower sports complex,” Cal Poly Public Safety Executive Director Anthony J. Knight wrote in a memo to faculty and staff. “Set to run 4 to 9 a.m., this event is intended to give students a safe place to celebrate on campus and outside of the nearby neighborhoods, where large, early morning gatherings have caused considerable problems for residents in recent years.”

Rest easy, Hathaway Avenue dwellers. Cal Poly is hosting a 4 a.m. concert! How could this plan not work?!? I mean, if you’re a hardpartying college kid who can’t wait to dress in green, grab your blackout rage gallon (BORG) of booze, and join your friends in the street, but then you hear about a free 4 a.m. concert supervised by law enforcement, well duh! Of course you’re going to the concert, right?

Speak

Anyway, Alpha Omega Power co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Guillaume Dufay told New Times via email that a catastrophic event at his Nipomo facility is “near impossible,” and 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding said BESS technology is way better today than when the Moss Landing plant was built, so nothing to worry about, Nipomo. Not. One. Thing.

You know who else has nothing to worry about? The residential neighborhoods around Cal Poly during the St. Fratty’s Day weekend! Why? Because of Cal Poly’s

“Students can enjoy music, food, and fun, all at a lower risk of harming themselves or violating campus and city laws,” Knight continued. “Free tickets are available to Cal Poly students, who may bring up to two guests apiece.”

Did you hear that? “Music, food, and fun!” Um, can I bring my BORG? ∆

The Shredder is drunk on gear oil. Intervene at shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

SHAKESPEARE, NOT STIRRED

e cast of the Paci c Conservatory eatre’s (PCPA) new production of Much Ado About Nothing features Michael Gould (left) as Claudio, and George Walker (right) as Benedick. is local iteration of William Shakespeare’s classic opened in mid-February at Santa Maria’s Marian eatre, where performances are scheduled to run through Sunday, March 2. Visit pcpa.org for tickets and more info.

—Caleb

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-2025prospectus. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.

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.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES

Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California.

Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY

LAURA MURPHY Murphy is a Central Coast artist who creates abstract, non-representational art using acrylic and inks on canvas. Through Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART PAINTINGS, POETRY, AND SMALL WORKS BY GEORGE ASDEL

Asdel has been creating small works featuring his poetry and art for many years here on the Central Coast. Through Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FIREFLIES Enjoy this By The Sea 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/.

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 O ering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BUTTERFLY GLASS SHARD CLASS

Inspired by the “paint-by-number” technique, create a clear sun catcher or slump into a single layer plate. Perfect for the detailed student. March 1 , 2-4 p.m. $60. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero. DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY: ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, (310) 621-7543.

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.

DOLORES: A MOVIE NIGHT

CELEBRATING ACTIVISM AND JUSTICE Discover the powerful story of activist Dolores Huerta in this inspiring documentary that highlights her fight for workers’ rights, gender equality, and social justice. Refreshments will be included and a discussion will follow the film. Feb. 28 6-9 p.m. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.

FIRST SATURDAY: WINE, ART, AND MUSIC Studios on the Park celebrates First Saturdays, a fun tradition of art, wine, and live music-filled evenings at the start of each month. Enjoy meeting artists and seeing rotating exhibitions

while enjoying live music and wine from one of the venue’s winery partners.

First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free; $10 for wine. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PLATE PAINTING

AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Please join ArtSocial805 on the first Saturday of each month to paint a personalized “Birthday Plate,” for someone special or for yourself. The workshop is $35, which covers the plate, glaze, and firing. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., 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.

RECLAIMING FIRST SATURDAY GALLERY WALKS WITH LYON, MADONNA, NUCCI Enjoy the work of printmakers Susan Lyon, Kathryn Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. The next show will showcase Diego Huerte, a screen printer. Every fourth Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 1 Free. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/ collections/cottontail-creek-farm-store/ products/susan-lyon-art. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles. 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.

STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops o ered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-9800.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge o ers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ADAM CAROLLA LIVE With a longstanding career in comedy, radio, writing, and film, Adam Carolla will hit the stage to share a set of stand-up comedy. This is an all ages event. Feb. 28 7 p.m. $29. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

CLUE: THE MUSICAL An interactive evening where every note could be your last clue, and every suspect has a secret to hide. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8-10 p.m. and March 2 2-4 p.m. through March

8 $19 students; $30 general admission. (805) 756-1465. theatredance.calpoly. edu/clue-musical-winter-2025. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY

BALLET PRESENTS STAR DUST: FROM BACH TO BOWIE Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, this NY-based awardwinning dance company known for multicultural mix of classical and contemporary dancers presents their blockbuster hit Star Dust, a tribute to the musical legends that captivates and inspires. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Feb. 25 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20242025-season/complexionsstardust. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

DAISY PATTON: BEFORE THESE

WITNESSES

Check out Massachusettsbased artist Daisy Patton and her work, which includes large scale, mixed media paintings with found photographs layered with vibrant colors and floral patterns. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 14 Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, 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.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix. com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

THE MEMOIRS OF BEATRICE MILLER A radio theater broadcast event. Set in 1940 at the World Famous Breckschnider’s Department Store, Beatrice Miller learns Aunt Ruth’s eccentric and unconventional technique of letting go. Feb. 28 - March 1 my805tix. com. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

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) 7862440, slorep.org/.

MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN Sit back nestled under the stars in the Sycamore Secret Garden and enjoy a special screening of 50 First

Wiseblood

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR,

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.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL

COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo. com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, 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.

SLO COMEDY FESTIVAL Visit website for the full festival lineup and tickets. How to sum up the fest briefly? “It’s gonna be nuts!” Feb. 27- March 2 my805tix. com. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

THURSDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT THE BUNKER A class showcase. Come enjoy an evening of learning and discovery as intro and advanced improv classes wow you with their shiny new improv chops. Feb. 20 6:15 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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., Feb. 22 7 p.m., Feb. 28 7 p.m., March 1 7 p.m. and March 2 , 2 p.m. $17. my805tix.com. The Studio of Performing Arts, 805 Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 709-5293.

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.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH KEIKO TANABE Juror of Aquarius 2025 and award-winning artist Keiko Tanabe will run a three-day watercolor workshop for artists of all levels. Presented by Central Coast Watercolor Society. More details provided on website. Feb. 24-26 , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $390 for non-members. ccwsart.com/aquarius-2025-prospectus.

Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church, 1235 N Thompson Rd., Arroyo Grande, (805) 219-0133.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

MOON OVER BUFFALO As described by Orcutt Community Theater, “this madcap comedy centers on two fading stage actors who may have one last shot at stardom if they can just keep their act, and relationship, together.” Feb. 21 , 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23 1:30

p.m., Feb. 28 , 7:30 p.m., March 1 , 7:30 p.m. and March 2 1:30 p.m. $15-$20. my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING In Shakespeare’s cherished comedy, love, wit, and mischief entwine. The results are hilarious and heart-aching in this timeless battle-of-the-sexes. Through March 2 pcpa.org. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.

SANCTUARY CITY In this powerful coming-of-age story, two teens forge a deep bond amid the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging, and love. Feb. 27- March 16 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREATHING INTO BALANCE:

RECLAIMING PEACE AND HARMONY

Features an evening of breathwork, reflection, and self-care in a warm, supportive women’s circle space designed to help you recharge and reclaim harmony. Feb. 27, 5:30-7 p.m. Donation; 50 percent goes to Woods Humane Society. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Health With Integrity, 80 North Ocean, Cayucos.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-

DO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.

MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE

Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.

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 Hosted by Aurora Sacred Events. Visit site for reservations and more info. Feb. 20 1011:15 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. Feb. 28 8:30-9:45 a.m. my805tix.com. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.

STRETCH, BREATHE, AND BALANCE

Ideal for seniors, and open to everyone. Instructor Randal Bodlak takes you through specific moves to promote mobility, internal strength, and stability. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (805) 528-4880. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

TAI CHI AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION

Small group classes with 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the Year. Call for time and days. Learn the Shaolin Water Style and 5 Animals Qi Gong. Beginners welcomed. Mondays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call for price details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members $8-$10. (805) 772-7466. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

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

AAUW MARDI GRAS 2025 Support women and girls in the North County at this event. Your ticket buys you wine, Cajun food, and rocking live music. Costumes are encouraged. March 1 , 5:30-9:30 p.m. $80. (805) 703-3950.

appliances, clothing, outdoor gear, laptops, phones, bikes, and more. For additional info on the local nonprofit and its free services, visit repaircafe5cities.org.

Pain- Start Enjoying Life

atascaderoaauw.org/. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

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. 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.

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.

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS

A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

STARRY NIGHTS: FREE PUBLIC STARGAZING Look through telescopes provided by Central Coast Astronomy at this all-ages, family friendly event. See website for more details. March 1 , 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-4636. centralcoastastronomy.org/. Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Rd, Santa Margarita.

VINYASA YOGA FLOW The class prioritizes increasing mental acuity and improving body and muscle flexibility. A restorative and gentle yoga focusing on breathing and targeting specific areas of the body. Please call to register in advance. Sundays, 12-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis. com/yoga. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ABALONE DIVERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST Join the History Center of SLO County for their next Carnegie Chat,

PORTRAIT PAIR

Corazón Café in San Luis Obispo is soliciting contributions to its second annual Chingonas show, a collection of portraits of women in any medium—painting, photography, etc. The deadline to submit artworks for consideration is Sunday, Feb. 23 (email submissions to corazoncafeslo@gmail.com). The showcase is slated to open in early March. Last year’s exhibit included pieces by artist Jennifer Grant (left) and artist and Corazón Café co-owner Sara McGrath (right).

Abalone Divers of the Central Coast with Steve Rebuck. This event is in person and on Zoom. Feb. 21 , 5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 543-0638. historycenterslo.org/lecture.

History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey 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. 23 , 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/do/battletechsundays-at-captain-nemo-gamesand-comics. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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 CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet likeminded folks with an interest in magic,

from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DISCOVER THE POWER OF YOUR DNA SPONSORED BY THE SLO COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Join Michelle Leonard, the well-known genealogist from Scotland, as she presents information regarding the fundamentals of DNA, the organization of DNA Results, and all about using DNA in your family research. March 1 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $50. (805) 478-1951. slocgs.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FILM SCREENING: WE WERE HERE – THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF BLACK AFRICANS IN RENAISSANCE EUROPE Followed by a guest lecture by award-winning filmmaker Fred Kuwornu. Attendance is free and open to the public. Held at Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering, Building 8, Room: 123. Feb. 21 5 p.m. No entry fee. calpoly.edu. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., 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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

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.

MELLOW YOGA FOR EVERYONE Stretch into yourself under the beautiful oaks and fresh air of this idyllic country setting. Suitable for all levels, these classes emphasize the gentler side of yoga and adapt to participants’ needs. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for five-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda. com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, 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.

NAMI MONTHLY EDUCATION MEETING:

MOBILE CRISIS SERVICES Learn about the County’s Mobile Crisis Team and their response to persons experiencing a mental health crisis. Guest speaker is Regional Program Manager Joshua Simpson. Feb. 25 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805)

434-7220. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo 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.

PUBLIC TALK: DISCOVER EVER

PRESENT LOVE ACTIVE IN YOUR LIFE

All are welcome to this inspiring talk centered around love. The conversation can also be accessed online. March 2 , 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 543-5853. christianscienceslo.org/talks-events.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1326 Garden St., San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Wednesdays, 10

a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. $25. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., 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 LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer. groups.io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers is a local sports and social club for adults. Stop by for a social hour with food and drink, followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 Free. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4316.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.

org.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

TREAT YO’ SELF WAVEMAKER MEETUP

ALL ALONG THE CLOCK TOWER

The Winston in downtown Solvang is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an immersive showcase event on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests of this reception can explore the boutique hotel, where local vendors will be stationed with special offerings. There will also be live music, and wine and appetizers provided by Brick Barn Wine Estate. Visit thewinstonsolvang.com for more info.

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 Head to End of the Line Cafe for a night of trivia, drinks, and food. Feb. 26 , 7-9 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. 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

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE LESSONS

This beginning dance class teaches the essentials of Argentine Tango. No partner or previous experience is needed. Sponsored by Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 24 $12 per class. (805) 473-5473. arroyogrande.org. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY

Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.

DISCOVER THE MONARCH CLUB: WHERE FOOD AND EVENTS MEET The Monarch Club invites you to explore their versatile event spaces, enjoy food from Adelina’s Bistro, take guided tours, and participate in prize drawings. RSVP now.

Feb. 26 , 5-7 p.m. Free. my805tix.com/. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1645 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

DREAM BIG ANNUAL GALA

FUNDRAISER Help The Boys and Girls Club continue their mission by joining them for an inspiring afternoon, as they celebrate this year’s recipient of the 2025 Betsy Kelton Changemaker Award. Feb. 22 , 2-4 p.m. $100. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/dreambig.html. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Handy volunteers will help fix broken bikes, small appliances, electronics, computers, tablets, smart phones, game consoles, clothing, and outdoor gear and apparel for free. Feb. 22 , 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

HERITAGE SQUARE BARK AND LEARN:

A DAY OF FUN AND LEARNING Central Coast dog parents, join this one-day training event with four unique classes. Limited spots—sign up now. March 1 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $50. (805) 458-7109. emberleash.com/pages/classes.

Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

MEET THE MACHINES Come on out to this free family event where kids can see, learn, and touch all of the machines that help our community. Feb. 22 9 a.m.-noon (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande. org/events. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CELEBRATE THE WINSTON’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY Experience the best of Solvang and join in celebrating five years of exceptional service and community spirit at The Winston’s anniversary event. Feb. 27 5-7 p.m. The Winston, 486 1st Street Solvang, Solvang, (805) 688 2965, thewinstonsolvang.com/.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING

LE VIGNE WINERY Winemaker’s Dinner series features a rotating selection of local Central Coast wineries, each with its own distinct style and flavor profile. Visit website for more info. Feb. 23 , 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 924-3353. cambriapineslodge.com/winemakersdinner-series. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton. CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles. FOOD & DRINK continued page 25

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GABRIEL IGLESIAS

Vote for US!

SCAN TO ACCESS BALLOT

The class of 2025 is almost here, and we’re looking to fill the pages of the Best of San Luis Obispo County yearbook. We need you to help us by voting for the most popular kids in school. Cheer on your favorite coffee shops, bars, restaurants, dentists,

EATS

salons, and more—we’ve got categories for all of them! You don’t even need to talk to an adviser for help with this one. And don’t forget to keep in touch. Vote online at newtimesslo.com. Remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make the cut.

Return this ballot to the New Times office or finish filling one out online by Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m., and keep an eye out for our biggest issue of the year memorializing the winning class of 2025 on May 1.

Vote online (newtimesslo.com), drop your ballot by our office, or mail it to: New Times - Best of SLO County 1010 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City/State/Zip

Phone #

Email

Ballots must be in our office by Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m. to be eligible for inclusion in the poll results. THE RULES: One ballot per person. No more than two ballots may be submitted per envelope or in person at one time. No photocopies can be accepted. To prevent ballot-box stuffing (also known as cheating), all ballots must have at least 25 categories completed and must include the name and address of the voter, for verification purposes only. Ballots without this information will be disqualified. All information is kept in complete confidence. Ballots must be in our office by Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced in our May 1 special publication. All entries become the property of New Times. Remember, vote for your favorite local businesses!

Arts

Entertainment

BEST OF SLO 2025!

BEST OF SLO 2025!

VOTED BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

VOTED BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

Freelance Food Writer Wanted

Are you a passionate food writer with a knack for storytelling? New Times is looking for a freelance food writer to contribute twice a year to our Menus publication. We’re seeking someone who can craft engaging, insightful, and mouthwatering articles featuring our Menus clients. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in food writing

• A strong voice and the ability to bring food stories to life.

• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently. This is a freelance position, with contributions expected twice a year. If you have a passion for food and the words to match, we’d love to hear from you!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Kreuzberg Califrornia SLO

Max Minardi

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

CongregationHouse, SLO

SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY

SLOFunny Comedy Show Paso Robles

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Dracaena Wines, Paso Robles

FEBRUARY 22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Age Of Love: Euphoric & World House Music

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Kreuzberg California, SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Studio of Performing Arts Drama Dept Presents: Oliver FRI-SUN, FEB 21-MAR 2 The Studio of Performing Arts, Grover Beach By The Sea Productions Presents: Fireflies FRI-SUN, FEB 21-MAR 9

FEBRUARY 22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Brews & Brawls

21

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Shasta Ave, Morro Bay

SLOFunny Comedy Show Morro Bay

Taco Temple, Morro Bay

PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY

MEETING All welcome. Get involved and help spread the word about the co-op.

Tell a friend, associate, or neighbor. Meet in the Community Room at Oak Creek Commons near Pat Butler Elementary School. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. pasofoodcooperative. com. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

POP, CLINK, CONNECT: AT HER TABLE

At Her Table’s mission is “to bring awareness, support, and the spirit of celebration to women-owned and coowned businesses in the food, beverage, and lodging industry on the central coast.” Feb. 28 - March 3 4 p.m. $67. athertable.com. Somm’s Kitchen, 849 13th Street, Paso Robles.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria

will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden. com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR

Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/tin-city-walkingtour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-

media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-1167.

OX + ANCHOR: “INDIES & EATS” In support of the SLO International Film Festival, Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is offering evenings of film and fine dining. Movies and dinner are running every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday now through mid-February. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7 p.m. through Feb. 23 hotel-slo.com/events/indies+eats/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

WEDNESDAY PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking caps as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION

MARDI GRAS FISH FRY The St. Patrick’s Italian Catholic Federation is hosting a Mardi Gras Fish Fry dinner. Take-out food will be available. Feb. 28 4-7 p.m. $10$20. St. Patrick’s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, stpatsag.org. ∆

Arts

Complexions

Contemporary Ballet presents Star Dust:

From Bach to Bowie at Cal Poly’s PAC Feb. 25

Cal Poly Arts presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s production of Star Dust: From Bach to Bowie on Tuesday, Feb. 25 (7:30 p.m.; $47 to $71 at calpolyarts.org), in the Performing Arts Center.

“Star Dust is a ballet tribute to the genre-bending innovation of one of the prolific rock stars of our time—David Bowie. This ballet takes an array of his hits and lays a visual imprint, inspired by his unique personas and his restless invention artistically, to create a rock opera style production in his honor. With Bowie’s 40-plus-year career and 25 albums that stretch across musical borders, Star Dust pays homage to the iconic and chameleonic spirit of what can only be described as … Bowie,” according to organizers.

Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson lead the 16-member dance company, whose mission is to “create a dynamic and inclusive performance experience that transcends boundaries, captivates audiences, and inspires a profound appreciation for the limitless possibilities of movement.”

Cambria’s Cruise Control Contemporary shows Joey Belardi’s cartoon images through March 22

If you haven’t had enough Valentine’s Day joy, then head to Cambria’s Cruise Control Contemporary to see Joey Belardi’s show Romeo and Juliet which hangs through March 22. The Laguna Beach painter creates “aerosolized acrylic paintings featuring his traditional single cells of animated reverse-painted cartoon characters atop rich backgrounds,” according to the gallery.

The 11 works on display explore his Italian heritage and adolescent themes with a classic cartoon style inspired by Looney Tunes and the work of animators and comic artists such as Chuck Jones, Charles Schulz, Bill Watterson, Ralph Bakshi, and Ed Benedict.

“Joey was obsessed with drawing from an early age, constantly replicating his favorite characters and inventing his own,” the gallery’s announcement explained. “Cartoons offered him a profound sense of escapism— more than any other medium— allowing him to orchestrate worlds where he had complete creative control, much like a conductor leading a symphony.

“This early fascination shaped his artistic philosophy: to create characters that feel alive, as if you could sit down and have a conversation with them. Joey’s work blends humor, energy, and expressive storytelling, reflecting his lifelong mission to bring joy and laughter to others. Whether through spontaneous sketches or fully realized pieces, his art captures the playful spirit that first drew him to animation, inviting audiences into a world of movement, personality, and boundless imagination.” ∆

—Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Be overwhelmed

Daisy Patton creates hyper colorful embellished artwork from found photographs

Someday you’ll be gone. Dead. But perhaps someone might come across your photograph. Maybe a distant relative, maybe a stranger who bought a box of old things at a secondhand store, and inside, a photo of you. What might this someone think of you?

“I’m really interested in family photographs, especially abandoned family photographs, and the meanings that they represent, both as containers of memory as well as links to history and a past that we may not necessarily know or understand,” multi-disciplinary artist Daisy Patton explained in a Zoom interview. “So often we look at the past as this separate box that’s separate from us.”

In her exhibition, Before ese Witnesses, in Cuesta College’s Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery, Patton has collected old wedding photos and created bright, embellished artworks from them.

“ e work is supposed to be creating this living archive of memory. Questions like, who do we remember and why are really intrinsic to the work. ose are political questions as much as a social questions as much as personal questions,” she said.

Patton’s created many series in this style with various themes, and one series grows out of another. Her Cuesta show is about weddings, but she’s now working on a show about bereavement, which she calls another kind of love—a love mixed with grief. is show, however, delves into wedding photos and all the baggage they entail. Her goal was to avoid a “ u y, nothing show, a kind of a froufrou thing. I’ve been collecting for weddings almost since the beginning of the series, and I was trying really hard to gure out how to make a show about weddings that wouldn’t reinforce stereotypes.”

Weddings, after all, are a beloved ritual where everything is supposed to be just perfect.

“I was interested in the tropes of a formal wedding portrait. And what is it saying? From a personal level, an aesthetic level, a social level, a political level,” she said.

Patton thinks a lot about di erent cultures and family ties. She was born in Los Angeles to a

See the work

Southern white woman and an Iranian father she never met. Her childhood moved between California and Oklahoma and their very di erent cultural landscapes. She currently calls Massachusetts home.

“I always think that I’m going to be like a salmon that returns to the spawning grounds again, and you know, [LA] still holds like a huge place in my heart,” she said. “Unfortunately, having multiple sclerosis, heat is something that’s very challenging for me.”

Despite her disability, she works large, and her approach is extremely time consuming. In fact, her style has been called “maximalism” because the works are so colorful and so festooned with owers, embroidery, French knots—often hundreds of them in a single piece— that there’s a kind of hyper-ornateness.

“If you walk into Persian mosques or old Catholic churches, they’re spiritual spaces. ey’re meant to be overwhelming. ey’re meant to put the people who walk into them into a state of awe,” she said.

defacement of violence—is a way of bringing this person to the present moment that you’re noticing them. ey’re enveloped in these bright, fantastical colors. ey’re surrounded by a pattern and beauti cation and embellishment,” she said.

Time, for Patton, isn’t linear. She noted that Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barbara Walters were all born the same year, 1929, and yet we think of them existing in very distinctly di erent eras.

“ e ways in which we view the past can be through rose-tinted glass of nostalgia, which is tinged with sentimentality. And it’s also sort of distorted. I was just listening to Rage Against the Machine and ‘Killing in the Name Of,’ and it talks about those who control the past control the future, and the people who control the present control the past. I think those things are applicable and important.”

See Before These Witnesses, a collection of wedding-themed large-scale art pieces created by Massachusetts-based multidisciplinary artist Daisy Patton, in the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery at Cuesta College through March 14. You’ll find the gallery in room 7170. More info is available at cuesta.edu or by emailing Gallery Coordinator Timothy Stark at timothy_stark@cuesta.edu. EMBELLISHMENT Untitled (The photographer Arman 12 Suleiman Pasha

Same for her artworks: “ ey’re actually supposed to overwhelm you.”

ey’re also mesmerizing, breathing new life into these castaway photos.

“Beauty is something that is a tool that can bring in audiences to sort of sit and think about what they’re looking at. For me, the idea of painting over photographs is sort of like marks of devotion and care that are on there,” Patton said.

e kneejerk reaction may be to think that she’s defacing these photographs, but she notes, rst, that she’s not working on the original image, which she preserves and archives as “historical documents, really precious relics.”

“I have over 5,000 in my collection,” she noted. She has a background in photography, so she reproduces and enlarges the image to life size and works on this duplicate. She also respects the photos enough to include all the information she has about them in her artworks’ titles—any when, where, or who she can nd. Blown up to life size, they have a monumental quality.

“I want to have this one-to-one connection with the viewer and the [subject of the photo], and painting over them—instead of it being a

Because the photos she curates are old, most likely their subjects are dead, but, Patton notes, “ ey’re also not quite dead, because we’re remembering them by seeing them, and by witnessing them, they in turn are sort of visiting us.”

e idea she’s striving to communicate is that past people are not separate from us.

“We are them, they are us, and the more that we can understand that, the more we can have a more expansive understanding of both ourselves, of them, of humanity, and of time. All of these things, I think, enrich us and let us understand the moment that we’re currently in and what’s to come,” Patton said. At the core, her work is about our shared human experience.

“I have this huge a ection for humanity and people, and all the tiny details about them, and I think that there’s something important about being curious about each other and realizing we have so much in common, that our lives are so intertwined,” she said. “We’re all connected through space and time, and we would take better care of each other if we had that sort of recognition.” ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

BEFORE THESE WITNESSES The colorful work of multi-disciplinary artist Daisy Patton is currently on display at Cuesta College’s Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery through March 14.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAISY PATTON

Event Highlights:

SelectTHISSATURDAY! seatstoday!

Art Gallery Reception featuring “Before These Witnesses” by Daisy Patton, with 100% of print sales benefiting student scholarships!

Complimentary a ppetizers & wine in the Experimental Theater!

A stellar performance by Cuesta College’s acclaimed music faculty with 100% of ticket sales benefiting student scholarships!

Complimentary appetizers & wine in the Experimental Theater! by Cuesta 100% of scholarships! tickets

General & VIP tickets available - reserve yours now!

Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living

We are a diverse, welcoming community that accepts and supports everyone’s spiritual journey.

We teach the Science of Mind and Spirit, an a irmative philosophy free of dogma, and encourage personal development through questioning, contemplation, and direct personal spiritual experience.

We o er Sunday services, meditation, classes, events, concerts, spiritual coaching, and more. If

to

Love at the gates of hell

Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, e Black Phone) directs Zach Dean’s (Deadfall, e Tomorrow War) script about two highly trained snipers—Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya TaylorJoy)—stationed on either side of a vast crevice containing a mysterious evil that must be contained. When the evil emerges, they work together to survive. (127 min.)

THE GORGE

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it

What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it

Where’s it showing? Apple TV+

Glen e lm begins by introducing our two leads, showing us they’ve got personal baggage out the yin-yang. Soon they’re both on-site, and even though they’ve been ordered not to communicate, Drasa and Levi meet-cute by writing messages to one another that they read with binoculars. It doesn’t take long for the so called “hollow men” to emerge from the gorge and try to attack them. Cue ying bullets and exploding monsters. ey soon realize that by working together, they have a better chance of survival. Eventually, we’ll all discover what’s really going on down there. So what we have here is a rom-com wrapped in a sci- horror mystery with a frosting of family drama thanks to Drasa’s dad, Erikas (William Houston), who’s promised to o himself on Valentine’s Day so he can rest next to Drasa’s dead mom. Aw, sweet! We also have Sigourney Weaver as Bartholomew, who it turns out works for a corporation called Darklake. In essence, this lm wants to be all things to all people but instead is a semi-hot mess.

Anna Luckily this lm is straight to streaming, so if you’re an Apple TV subscriber, the only thing you’d be wasting on it is your time. I like both leads—TaylorJoy and Teller both have their charms. But it just wasn’t enough for me to put this lm up too far in the ranks. Granted, this

KINDA PREGNANT

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Amy Schumer is often thought of as a comedian you either dig or you don’t, and luckily, I personally find her pretty dang funny. This new feature-length offering tells the story of Lainey, a woman who’s been a bit obsessed with pregnancy and motherhood since she was a kid. When everyone around her is getting knocked up, Lainey can’t help but let FOMO take over.

In a rom-com cliché, Lainey winds up with a fake baby bump after an afternoon shopping

type of lm has a rough chance with me to start with. Admittedly, some of the banter between the leads comes o as cute, and the two loners do have chemistry, but there’s de nitely some groan-inducing dialogue, and even with the hollow men emerging from the mist, the stakes didn’t feel high enough to engage me. ere’s an evil corporation and a mystery for Levi to piece together, but it all fell pretty at. It also felt like they could have cut this lm way down—at more than two hours, this ick would have bene tted from another run through the editing bay.

Glen Yeah, some of the platitudes Levi utters are beyond corny. Poets, eh? ings get a bit more exciting when the two nd themselves in the gorge scrambling to get out. All manner of creepy human-animal hybrids abound, and how they came to be is a twist that won’t surprise anyone who’s ever seen a sci- movie involving a shadowy corporation. If you don’t have Apple TV, this earnest genre-masher isn’t enough

for maternity clothes with a friend and soaks up the “congrats” and sweet smiles from strangers on the street. She can’t leave it at one afternoon walk though, and soon she befriends a woman named Megan (Brianne Howey) when she attends a prenatal yoga class.

She then meets Megan’s cutie of a brother, Josh (Will Forte), who she instantly connects with, but how do you navigate a big ol’ lie in the form of a big ol’ bump with someone you want to date? It gets messy and then, predictably, gets resolved. If you’re a fan of Schumer and Forte like I am, my guess is you’ll dig this lighthearted romcom topped with a sprinkle of laughs. (97 min.)

—Glen

When she’s mistaken for pregnant and likes the way she’s treated, Lainey (Amy Schumer) goes all in on the ruse, digging herself deeper into trouble, in Kinda Pregnant, streaming on Netflix.

ITO SIR, WITH LOVE

What’s it rated? Not rated When? Monday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m.

to warrant signing up, but if you have a subscription and couple of hours to waste, you might like it. I will say this: Despite the ridiculousness of the story, our leads are trying their damnedest to sell it. at said, maybe if the lm didn’t take itself so damn seriously, it might have been so bad it’s good. Anna e hollow men did have some interesting special e ects that gave them a sort of half tree, half zombie look, and their underworld forest-like setting was creepily scenic. Movies aren’t an easy to make or get made, so even when a lm doesn’t quite get it right, it still represents a lot of work by a lot of people, and e Gorge was an ambitious undertaking for these two leads. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough there for them to make it shine. ∆

Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

BL AST BL AST FROM THE FROM THE

Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre

n honor of Black History Month, the Bay Theatre is screening writer-director James Clavell’s aspirational 1967 film, To Sir, With Love, based on the autobiographical novel by E. R. Braithwaite. The story deals with important issues of class and race and ultimately is a testament to the power of treating adolescents— even badly behaving ones—with care and love, which has the power to change lives.

It’s a compelling story and time capsule of its era, but it’s also very pat and preachy in retrospect. The script has been called sententious, pious, sentimental, and unrealistic— and it is—but Poitier is wonderful, and some of the performances by his students are effective. One of the students, the singer Lulu in her film debut, also sings the theme song, “To Sir with Love,” that became the bestselling U.S. single in

Unable to find engineering work, Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) reluctantly accepts a teaching position. Little does he know, his class consists of students rejected from other schools for behavioral problems. Thackeray makes it his mission to make well-behaved young men and women out of them, with plenty of problems along the way.

IDEALISTIC Sidney Poitier stars as Mark Thackeray, an unemployed engineer who reluctantly accepts a teaching job of a rowdy classroom, in the 1967

1967. (105 min.)

GUN LOVERS Elite snipers Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy)—tasked with guarding opposite sides of a mysterious crevice—find romance among the flying bullets, in The Gorge, streaming on Apple TV+.

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV+ AND SKYDANCE MEDIA

classic To Sir, with Love, screening at the Bay Theatre on Feb. 24.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARK FILM BUYING

KINDA NEEDY

COURTESY PHOTO BY SPENCER PAZER/NETFLIX

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Instant replay

The Counterfeit Kings play the songs you love

Ienjoy hearing new original music as much as anyone, but sometimes familiar feels good, like slipping on your favorite jeans and boots, which is why cover bands are a nightlife essential. Sometimes you want to grab a beer and hear the tunes you know.

One local cover act that’s been delivering the songs crowds gravitate to is The Counterfeit Kings, whose very name invokes replication. For more than a decade, the band—Ty Christensen, David Chock, Scott Robertson, and John Spalding—has been playing music from the 1990s to today.

According to Christensen, they play a “dynamic blend of rock and pop,” delivered with “undeniable stage presence,” delivering “both iconic hits and unexpected gems.”

The band evolved organically, starting when Christensen (vocals) and Robertson (guitar) first began playing together.

“Scott was initially hesitant to take on lead guitar, but quickly proved himself a powerhouse musician, refining his craft with meticulous attention to sound and technique,” Christensen explained. “As the band evolved, we welcomed John Spalding on bass—though originally a guitar and ukulele player, John seamlessly transitioned into the role, bringing fresh energy to the lineup.

“The final piece fell into place when longtime sound engineer David Chock revealed his hidden talent behind the drum kit. With just a few weeks to learn the set list, he stepped in without missing a beat, solidifying the band’s rhythm section.”

Their repertoire is diverse, to say the least. You might hear the Counting Crowes’ “Hanging Around” followed by Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” followed by Radiohead’s “Creep.” Want some Red Hot Chili Peppers? They’ll play “Give It Away.” In the mood for something by The Ataris? How about “Boys of Summer”?

While they specialize in ’90s to modern rock and pop, they step outside the box to play their own versions of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” putting “a rock ’n’ roll spin on unexpected hits, keeping crowds engaged and entertained,” Christensen added.

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY BACK PAGES BAND: FREE AFTERNOON PARTY SHOW This San Luis Obispo-based dance band is set to play an eclectic mix of classic rock, blues, and country music originating from the 1960s to present day. March 1 2-5 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay. com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

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

They also play a few originals, including songs Christensen wrote during his time with a band called Flywire. He notes they also “enjoy introducing fans to underrated rock anthems like ‘White Noise’ by Glorious Sons and ‘Berlin’ by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club—tracks that, while lesser-known, immediately resonate with listeners.”

See The Counterfeit Kings at The Siren on Saturday, Feb. 22 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; free).

Wanted man

Numbskull and Good Medicine present Sam Outlaw at Club Car Bar on Saturday, Feb. 22 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $26.47 presale or $29.56 day of show at goodmedicinepresents. com), with Hannah Aldridge opening.

Born Samuel Morgan in South Dakota and raised primarily in Southern California, his stage name comes from his mother’s maiden name, Outlaw. He was working as an advertising executive in his 20s, dabbling in songwriting as a hobby, when he was offered a tour opening for Justin Townes Earle. The rest, as they say, is history. His debut album, Angeleno, was a hit— produced by Ry and Joachim Cooder.

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. LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.

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. MASON JENNINGS LIVE Head to the Siren to join Minneapolis songwriter Mason Jennings for a night of live music. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 28 7:30-10:30 p.m. $31. thesirenmorrobay. com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some 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.

Aldridge—who grew up in the iconic music area known as Muscle Shoals, Alabama—is touring in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut album Razorwire. She’s got her band with her to breathe “new life into the songs that started her career a decade ago,” organizers noted. “Her music treads a fine line between the genial charm of Americana, and the raw, hypnotic and occasionally electronic stylings of what some might like to call ‘noir indie pop.’”

Ripping strings

The Seven Sisters Folklore Society presents The Lonesome Ace Stringband in the Milking Parlor at the Historic Octagon

Barn Center on Thursday, Feb. 27 (old-time jam at 6 p.m. with concert at 7 p.m.; all ages; $28.52 presale at eventbrite.com or $23.18 for 12 and under; tickets cost more day of show).

PUNK NIGHT FEATURING CARRY THE 9, BUNKER CLUB, AND OUT OF THE RING

Head to the Siren for a night of high energy and punk music from three distinguished bands. Head to the link to get tickets and more info to this show, for ages 21 and over. March 1 7:30-10:30 p.m. $14. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

SAM COOKE TRIBUTE CONCERT

Celebrate the soul music legend, Sam Cooke, and listen to a number of musicians perform a variety of his greatest hits as well as deep cuts from his discography. Visit site to get tickets and more info. March 2 2 p.m. $20-$25. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

TUESDAY BLUES JAM: FREE OPEN JAM

NIGHT Bring your instrument and get ready to play on stage with other talented

musicians of the Central Coast. Rock out to some of your favorite soul, blues, and rock jams hosted by the one and only Ted Waterhouse. Feb. 25 7-10 p.m. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

ULTRA LIVE: FREE COVER BAND DANCE

PARTY Touring up and down the Central 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

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 and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

DYNAMIC DUOS: A FREE CONCERT BY THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND The Atascadero Bible Church is thrilled to present Dynamic Duos, a spectacular celebration of iconic musical pairs, including Rodgers & Hammerstein, Simon & Garfunkel, and Batman & Robin. March 2 , 3-5 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, Atascadero Mall, Atascadero, (805) 466-2051.

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.

LIVE MUSIC continued page 31

FAMILIAR FAVORITES Popular local cover band The Counterfeit Kings brings rock and pop favorites to The Siren on Feb. 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COUNTERFEIT KINGS

OUTLAW COUNTRY Numbskull and Good Medicine present Nashville singer-songwriter Sam Outlaw at Club Car Bar on Feb. 22

PHOTO

STARKEY

THEY’RE ACES The Seven Sister Folklore Society presents the killer Lonesome Ace Stringband in the Milking Parlor at the Historic Octagon Barn Center on Feb. 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

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.

GRAYBILL LIVE AT CLUB CAR BAR

Presented by Good Medicine and Club Car Bar. Feb. 28 8:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

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.

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

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.

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.

BLÜ EGYPTIAN RETURNS TO FROG AND PEACH PUB West Coast jamband Blü Egyptian is set to return to Frog and Peach Pub to deliver a groovy set of blended funk, Latin, reggae, bluegrass, and rock ‘n roll beats. For ages 21 and over. Feb. 28 9-11:55 p.m. Free. bluegyptianband.com. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-4764.

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS BRYNN ALBANESE: CD RELEASE PARTY Visit site for tickets and more info on this upcoming release party. March 1 2-4 p.m. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE WINTER CONCERT The concert will feature world-class guest artists and a dance troupe that sets the music in motion with original choreographies and beautiful costuming. The group will perform selections of Arab art, popular and folk music, and more. March 1 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 7564849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ame/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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.

COMA PHASE TOUR Presented by Central Coast Music Productions and Anomaly House. Visit site for full lineup and tickets.

March 1 , 6 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

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.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE AND SLO WIND ORCHESTRA PRESENT:

SYMPHONIC SPECTACLE Join conductor

Jennifer Martin, the Cuesta Wind Ensemble, and SLO Wind Orchestra as they present their spring joint concert. March 2 3 p.m. $10-$32. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

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.

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.

FANTASTIC NEGRITO LIVE Fantastic

Negrito has over the years blended R&B, blues, and roots music into his personal sound. Hear him perform live at this 18 and over event. March 2 7 p.m. $40. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

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 LIVE MUSIC continued page 33

This masterful band centers on John Showman (fiddle) and Chris Coole (clawhammer banjo) and a rotating cast of upright-bass players that might include founding member Max Malone, Steve Roy, or Lotus Wight.

According to their website, “The band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a string band, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer. Whether singing about climate change, modern love, barbecue techniques, or life’s inevitable existential crises, the band cuts to the core. They can also turn and churn out a tune with so much verve that it will make your heart spin and set the dance floor swirling.”

Blues harp explosion

The Clark Center, KCBX Public Radio, and the SLO Blues Society present Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout on Thursday, Feb. 27 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 to $54 plus fees at clarkcenter.org). Hummel is an incredible blues harpist alone, but these shows gather a bunch of other blues harmonica players and a great backing band to bring the finest blues musicians to you.

“Among this year’s lineup is Curtis Salgado, winner of 11 Blues Music Awards, including Entertainer of the year, and the original inspiration for John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s Blues Brothers,” organizers announced. “Others include R.J. Mischo, Sweet Marta (from Spain), Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling, Rodrigo Mantovani, Wes Starr, Bob Welsh, and, of course, Mark Hummel himself. With talent like this, it’s sure to be a memorable evening that blues lovers won’t want to miss.”

What’s new is old

If you were a local punk fan 20 years ago, you knew New Tomorrow, SLO Town’s biggest punk sensation of the 2000s. Their three albums included Hellohihellohi (2005), It’s All Over But the Shouting (2006), and We’re Counting on the Youth (2009).

They were very active from late 2005 through late 2008, took a hiatus, played a trio of shows in 2014 and 2015, and haven’t played for a decade … until now! Numbskull presents New Tomorrow for their 20th anniversary show on Friday, Feb. 21, in Rod & Hammer Rock (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $12.88 at ticketweb.com), with Watashi Wa and The Pathetics opening.

Also at Rod & Hammer, (((folkYEAH!)))

MARK AND FRIENDS The Clark Center, KCBX Public Radio, and the SLO Blues Society presents Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout on Feb. 27, where Hummel amasses a bunch of great blues harpists.

presents DIIV on Saturday, Feb. 22 (doors at 9 p.m.; all ages; $39.47 presale or $44.74 day of show at eventbrite.com). The Brooklyn dream pop act will mesmerize.

All-female Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella—The Led Zeppelin Experience returns to Rod & Hammer Rock on Thursday, Feb. 27 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-andolder; $27.21 at ticketweb.com).

Hot jazz in your earholes

The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents its monthly shindig this Sunday, Feb. 23, when The Big Sirs of Swing headline a show that will start with an 11 a.m. open jam session followed by opening act Arroyo Grande High School Jazz Band (12:30 p.m.; all ages; $15 general admission, $10 for members, $5 for jammers). Food, drink, and a big wooden dance floor await.

The Big Sirs is a wicked good Gypsy jazz act that plays and sings songs by Django Reinhardt as well as classic jazz and swing standards. The band features amazing local players Daniel Cimo (violin and vocals), Forrestt Williams (lead guitar), Ron Mileur (rhythm guitar), and Alex Morrison (upright bass).

The Arroyo Grande High School Jazz Band is composed of dedicated student musicians who spend their extra time working on pop and jazz music for local performances under the direction of Matt Barcus. Many of the students also perform in other groups at school and in the area.

Techno fever

Sound out!

Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

Repeat this with me in 4/4 time: “boom-tsh, boom-tsh, boom-tsh, boom-tsh.” Who needs a big dose of techno? The Fremont Theater hosts EDM heroes Walker & Royce on Saturday, Feb. 22 (doors at 6:30 p.m.; 18-and-older; $46.32 at prekindle.com), with Leisan opening. Sam Walker and Gavin Royce came to prominence in NYC in 2011 and created their signature single, “Sister,” in 2014, which BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong dubbed an “Essential New Tune.”

Sounds of Groove

The Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert featuring the University Jazz Band, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and four Cal Poly jazz combos comes to the Performing Arts Center

Friday, Feb. 21 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $17 to $22 general and $12 for students and Jazz Fed members at (805) 756-4849).

Titled “Sounds of Groove,” the concert will feature “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rodgers, Rube Bloom’s “Give Me the Simple Life” arranged by Jennifer Barnes, and Stevie Wonder’s R&B and soul classic “As” arranged by Tim Brent, as well as a mix of jazz standards and original student arrangements.

Happy Birthday!

Green Room hosts Gehrig’s Birthday at The Lot (2469 Kerry Ave., Cambria, which looks to me like a residential house) on Sunday, Feb. 23 (noon to 4 p.m.; free), featuring SLO rapper Gehrig Kniffen, who’s got a new nostalgia-driven eight-track album out called 97. Dude’s got some killer rhymes. There’ll be live music, vendors, and barbecue. Attendees should BYOB. ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT The Arroyo Grande High School Jazz Band is the opening act at the next Basin Street Regulars hot jazz concert on Feb. 23 , in the Pismo Beach Vets Hall.

TECHNO BROS Electronic Dance Music kingpins Walker & Royce spin at the Fremont Theater on Feb. 22 PHOTO

more information at the link. Feb. 22 6-10 p.m. $12. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

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.

LET IT BE A TALE: WORDS OF RESISTANCE, WORDS OF LOVE

(POETRY READING AND MUSIC) Join this community poetry reading to honor Refaat Alareer, the Palestinian writer, poet, professor and activist, as well as Ken Habib who will perform beautiful oud (Arabic lute) music. Light refreshments will be provided. Feb. 26 , 7-8:30 p.m. Free. (818) 482-5915. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

LIBERTINE PRESENTS: SKIPPING BREAKFAST WITH THE HUMMINGBIRDS

Join these two bands at this 21 and over show. The night will also be the welcoming party for the SLO Comedy Festival. Feb. 27, 8-11:55 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

LIBERTINE PRESENTS: SOFT PALMS Join Soft Palms, the brainchild of Julia Kugel (The Coathangers, White Woods) and Scott Montoya (formerly of The Growlers). Feb. 25 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

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.

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND AT THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER

Listen as The Lonesome Ace Stringband bridges oldtime, bluegrass, and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original music. Hear them live by getting tickets at the link. Feb. 27 7-9 p.m. $20 - $30. (805) 235-2874. eventbrite.com. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

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.

NORTH BY NORTH LIVE Described as an “indie, alternative rock power duo,” North by North is set to hit the stage with support from Big Sierra and The Dirty Deluxe. Get tickets and more info at the link. Feb. 27 6 p.m. $13. my805tix. com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.

SHANE SMITH AND THE SAINTS LIVE Texas-based band will play live at this all-ages performance. March 1 7 p.m. $26. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey

St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

ZEPPARELLA: THE LED ZEPPELIN

EXPERIENCE Join the all-female American tribute band, Zepparella, as they bring the famous songs of Led Zeppelin to town. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 27 7 p.m. $28. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5431843, slobrew.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BASIN STREET REGULARS Features the Big Sirs of Swing and the Arroyo Grande High School Jazz Band. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 23 11 a.m.-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

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/evil-woman/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

FRANKIE MORENO: BLUE SUEDE TUNES

Hailing from Santa Cruz, Moreno will perform his unique blend of rock ‘n roll and blues. Visit site for tickets and more info. March 2 7 p.m. $45. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

THE GRADUATES: THE SOUND OF SIMON & GARFUNKEL An energetic and heartwarming salute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel. With songs such as “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Sound Of Silence,” and more. March 1 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39.50$64.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/the-graduates/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT

International Guitar Night has pulled together some of the world’s finest and innovative acoustic guitarists and taken them on the road. This year’s line-up includes: Lulo Reinhardt, Alexandra Whittingham, Sönke Meinen, and Niwel Tsumbu. For music enthusiasts, guitar aficionados, and all seeking exceptional live music. Feb. 24 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. $34-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/international-guitar-night/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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.

MARK HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT Since 1991, blues harmonica master Mark Hummel has assembled the finest blues musicians and taken them on the road. This year’s lineup includes Curtis Salgado, Rick Estrin, Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling, Rodrigo Mantovani, Wes Starr, Bob Welsh and, of course, Hummel himself. Feb. 27, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $34-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ blues-harmonica-blowout/. 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.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

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.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CENTRAL COAST JAZZ GUITAR FEST

A weekend of listening and learning. Featuring classes, artists, concerts, exhibitors, jam sessions, and more. Feb. 28 - March 2 my805tix.com. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton.

DAVID WILCOX AT TALES FROM THE TAVERN Enjoy an evening with folk singer and songwriter David Wilcox. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 26 , 7-10 p.m. $36. talesfromthetavern.com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, (805) 686-4785.

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. ∆

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.

Visit pge.com/engagementpanel to apply.

Jenna Mitchell

Flavor

BY LIBBEY HANSON

We’ve got a wiener

The Greasy Wiener caters exactly what it markets— its house-made New Jersey-style hot dogs with loads of toppings

Wieners! Get your greasy wieners! Yep, you read that right. And what, you might ask, makes a hot dog greasy? Cooking it in oil, of course—New Jersey style.

Gourmet food truck The Greasy Wiener offers San Luis Obispo County authentic beef hot dogs, bratwursts, and burgers that creator and owner Adam Dragotta has been cooking up since 2001. He now operates the truck with his wife, Loren, and their three children, whom they called the “Junior Greasy Wieners.”

Growing up in New Jersey, Adam said the East Coast does hot dogs differently than the West Coast. In New Jersey they don’t boil hot dogs, they don’t grill them, they cook those meat sticks in oil.

“We kind of have a little trade secret on how we do it, and one reason why they’re so yummy. So, it’s a little bit different,” he said.

Although you can’t really tell whether a dog’s been cooked in oil when looking at it, Adam said the difference is in the flavor.

Share tasty tips!

Get that dog

The Greasy Wiener food truck caters events and delivers Tuesday through Friday. Find out how to order at: greasy-wiener-menu-2.square.site.

Adam started The Greasy Wiener in Tucson, Arizona, selling his oil-cooked hot dogs from a cart, which he said was quite successful.

Then he went to LA in 2009 during the “food truck boom.” From there, he and Loren moved to SLO County to raise a family—and they took the business one step further by developing their own line of hot dogs and sausages from family recipes.

“The hot dog itself, it’s our own brand. You can’t get it anywhere else,” Loren said. “They’re all beef. They’re made with no hormones, no steroids, no fillers … the meat comes from the shoulder. It’s not mystery meat.”

And artificial casings? No thanks. The Greasy Wiener uses the most quality casing made from sheep, Adam said—a natural sleeve that contributes to that beautiful snap.

“It’s the authentic way all dogs used to get made, and now, like all the grocery stores, all these places, they don’t really do it,” he said.

Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.

“It locks in the flavor and gives it a great snap. It cooks it perfectly, and you can cook it in different ways,” he said. “You can go through a high temperature, or you can go to a low temperature when you’re cooking.”

Oftentimes, higher temperatures cause the casing of the hot dog to rip open.

“The steamed and boiled dog kind of gets rubbery,” he said. “This doesn’t do that. It has a great snap. … I think it’s the best way to do it, personally.”

But a great wiener does not stand alone, so The Greasy Wiener offers topping options to please any palate.

Loren said anything with bacon is best, and that includes their bacon chili cheese dog.

With homemade cheese sauce and chili, the dog is also topped with grilled onions and a pickle spear, Adam said—a New Jersey delicacy.

Another popular item is the Street Dog, he said, inspired by a night out in the city.

“I don’t know if you’re ever down and go to any of the sporting events down in LA. When you come out at night, and those street

vendors are grilling up the hot dogs and bacon right out front, and the smell is just amazing. And you have to have one. That’s what it is,” he said. “So, we wrap ketchup, mayo, mustard, grilled onions, and tomatoes. And we also do like grilled onions on almost all the hot dogs too.”

Right now, The Greasy Wiener operates out of its food truck, caters events, and provides delivery locally in Los Osos.

“If you’re working in SLO and you work in an office, we’ll make runs to drop off, to do office catering and things like that. We bring the truck to them—employee appreciation and stuff like that,” Loren said.

The Greasy Wiener recently began providing food delivery through Grub Hub and Uber Eats, with links available on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

“We’re definitely an event truck. Hopefully, one day we’ll have a storefront. It’s a dream to have a store. It’s always been a dream,” Loren said.

Adam added, “It’s a catchy name. The product comes out really good. It’s tasty. So, it seems to work. It’s been working for a while.” And the Dragottas hope to continue providing quality, affordable grub throughout the county.

“Everything is made with love, and we try to do it the best all the time,” Loren said. “We’re a small business and [that’s] just really, really important to us.” ∆

Staff Writer Libbey Hanson is trying to keep her mind out of the gutter. Send wholesome hot dog toppings to lhanson@ newtimesslo.com.

THAT’S BOMB, DOG The Greasy Wiener is spearheading a new way to eat hot dogs on the West Coast.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GREASY WIENER

NICE BUNS The Greasy Wiener serves burgers and fries in addition to its slew of hot dog options—served New Jersey style.

WIENER ON WHEELS You can grab a greasy dog when you spot this iconic food truck—and rest assured that it’s all made from scratch, no mystery meat allowed.

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2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON SEL SUV

2.0 4cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, seat, alloys, 125k miles. #677464

$13,988

2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND 4WD

3.6 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, rack, tow, nav, pseat, lthr, prem whls, 117k, xlnt servicing. #404942

$15,988

3.6 V6, at, ac,

CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV0011

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Keith LeVoy McClellan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Keith LeVoy McClellan, to PROPOSED NAME: Arthur Keith McClellan.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 12, 2025 9:00 am Dept.: 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: January 07, 2025. /s/: Judge Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2025

CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 25CVP0048

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Sarah Meiling Marr filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Anika Zai-Ming Hibble

PROPOSED NAME: Anika Za-Ming Marr

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: March 26, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM

Dept: P2

Location: In person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446, Civil Court Operations.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times.

Date: January 27, 2025 /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.

Publication Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2556 (01/06/2020) New Filing The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: JOBIE BRIGHAM AS HEALTHY WITH JOBIE 129 Allen St Arroyo Grande CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Jobie Brigham (129 Allen St Arroyo Grande CA 93420). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo

TS No: CA08001243-23-1

APN: 024-252-014

TO No: 230468181-CA-VOI

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

(The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d) (2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 10, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On April 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM, in the breezeway adjacent to the County General Services Building, 1087 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on October 13, 2006 as Instrument No. 2006072671, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, California, executed by OSCAR GREGO, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor(s), in favor of LONG BEACH MORTGAGE COMPANY as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1798 ROSCOE PLACE, CAMBRIA, CA 93428 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $1,290,198.30 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should

be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may visit the Internet Website address www.nationwideposting.com or call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08001243-23-1. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916.939.0772, or visit this internet website www. nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA08001243-23-1 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: January 27, 2025 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08001243-231 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-252-8300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Loan Quema, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.nationwideposting.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Nationwide Posting & Publication AT 916.939.0772 NPP0470584

To: NEW TIMES 02/06/2025, 02/13/2025, 02/20/2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0044

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Matthew John Galbraith filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Matthew John Galbraith PROPOSED NAME: Matthew John Silva Walker. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 20, 2025 9:00 a.m. Dept. 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: January 27, 2025.

/s/: Hon. Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-0378 (01/01/2025)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: TERRAVAS LLC 1246 Messa Rd. Nipomo, California 93444. San Luis Obispo County. Terravas LLC (P.O. Box 3 Nipomo California 93444). State California. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Terravas LLC Laura Coles, Manager. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 02/18/2025 I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mkatz Deputy. Exp. 02/18/2030. February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV0063

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Wrexford Cleland Johnson Jr. filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Wrexford Cleland Johnson Jr. PROPOSED NAME: Wrexford Cleland Greene V. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 13, 2025, 9:00 a.m. Dept. 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: January 21, 2025. /s/: Hon. Craig van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 25CV0443

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Daniel Silva Robles filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Daniel Silva Robles PROPOSED NAME: Daniel Robles Silva Walker. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 19, 2025 9:00 a.m. Dept. 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: January 27, 2025.

/s/: Hon. Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP0073

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Sonja Grace Wieck filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Sonja Grace Wieck PROPOSED NAME: Sonja Grace. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 20, 2025 9:30 a.m. Dept. 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: February 5, 2025. /s/: Hon. Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP0057

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Robert Dexter Smith filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Robert Dexter Smith PROPOSED NAME: Dexter Smith. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: April 2, 2025 9:30 a.m. Dept: P 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: February 14, 2025.

/s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2025

A brief story, fifty-five words or less, with a headline no longer than seven words.

We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.

Entries submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 24, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project: GEN GOVT – SLO – HVAC AND RE-ROOF CONTRACT NO. 320184

Bids will be opened and declared by the County Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid opening date at a public meeting at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Any bid received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo at or after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered. Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents.

The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the County’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/ purchasing-services/services/bid-rfp-opportunities

Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the County. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The County is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid.

All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.

All bidder Requests for Information must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., 5 business days prior to the bid opening date. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. All questions pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website.

The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The County reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website.

The bidder must have either a Class A license or a combination of Class C licenses that make up a majority of the work at the time the Contract is awarded (Public Contract Code section 3300). When the bidder holds a combination of Class C licenses, all work to be performed outside of the bidder’s license specialties, except work that is incidental or supplemental to the licenses of the bidder, shall be performed by licensed Subcontractors in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code).

Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:

• A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

• This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

The County of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. There is no project-specific DBE goal requirement.

Bids must be submitted under sealed cover plainly marked as a bid and identified with the project number, the date and time for receipt of sealed bids, and the name of the bidder.

Bids must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the County in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid.

Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by County to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the County to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish the County with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.

Pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the DIR website, http://www.dir. ca.gov/DLSR/PWD.

Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or County determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The County shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the County.

By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo in their action on the 24th day of September 2024.

February 20, 2025

END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-002

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF AND ADDING CHAPTER 16.70 TO THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND FINDING

THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL

QUALITY ACT

This Ordinance Summary is published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933. On February 11, 2025, the City Council, by a 5-0 vote, adopted an Ordinance amending various provisions of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) and adding Chapter 16.70 relating to wireless telecommunications facilities including general development procedures and standards, design standards, and conditions of approval.

Ordinance No. 2025-002 was adopted by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Council Members Guthrie, Loe, Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom

NOES: None

ABSTAIN: None

A certified copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available for review by contacting the City Clerk at 805-473-5400.

Jessica Matson, City Clerk

Publish one time, The New Times, February 20, 2025 Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• Review of an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a new residential project known as the “Waterman Village”, which proposes to construct 20 low- to very-low income homes and rehabilitate the Rosa Butron Adobe, a Master List Historic Resource located on the site. Project Address: 466 Dana Street; Case #: ARCH-0329-2022, EID-0329-2022.

For more information, contact David Amini, Housing Coordinator, for the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7524 or by email, damini@slocity.org.

• A public hearing to present the status of job vacancies as required by a new state law, Assembly Bill 2561. This hearing, required on an annual basis, will provide information on the number of unfilled positions, efforts to recruit and retain employees, and any obstacles slowing the hiring process. Recognized employee organization representatives will also have the opportunity to speak on workforce concerns. For more information, contact Jeff Andrews, Human Resources Manager, for the City’s Human Resources Department at (805) 781-7018 or by email, jandrews@slocity.org.

• The City Council will consider streamlining energy efficiency and pollution reduction projects at City facilities by using a “design/build” procurement method with a qualified vendor under California Government Code 4217. To approve this action, Council will consider adopting a Resolution that makes findings about the projected cost and energy savings from the proposed efficiency project at City facilities, authorizing a contract with PG&E to participate in the Sustainable Solutions Turnkey program, and authorizing the issuance a Work Order for an Investment Grade Audit. The proposed Resolution states that the efficiency project is exempt from certain City procurement protocols due to its consistency with California Government Code Section 4217, which authorizes public agencies to enter into an energy service contract on terms that its governing body determines are in the best interests of the public agency, if the determination is made at a regularly scheduled public hearing of which public notice is given at least two weeks in advance. For more information, contact Lucia Pohlman, Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst, for the City’s Administration Department at (805) 783-7869 or by email, lpohlman@slocity.org.

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. February 20, 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., the Pismo Beach City Council will hold a meeting in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, during which it will consider the following:

BUSINESS AGENDA:

Address: Citywide

Description: Agenda item to consider public input on the introduction of two ordinances:

1. An ordinance adopting by reference Title 9: Animals of the San Luis Obispo County Code, and reserving certain local code provisions in Title 6: Animals of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code. A copy of San Luis Obispo County Code Title 9 is on file in the office of the Pismo Beach City Clerk, and the same is open for public inspection;

2. An ordinance making omnibus revisions to various chapters of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code, including Chapter 1.24, relating to Admin Code Enforcement, Chapter 3.06, relating to Claims, Chapter 3.08, relating to Purchasing, Chapter 5.16, relating to Cardroom licensing, Chapter 5.22, relating to Vacation Rental Noticing, Chapter 5.24, relating to False Alarms, Chapter 5.28, relating Solicitors and Peddlers, Chapter 5.40, relating to Taxicabs, Chapter 10.08, relating to Parking, Chapter 12.16, relating to Logo Use for Special Events, Chapter 12.32, relating to Encroachments, and Chapter 12.36, relating to Pavement Cuts.

Details about ways to participate in this meeting 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 27, 2025.

You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the meeting or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@pismobeach. org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or 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 by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation.

Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the City Clerk’s Office, by emailing City Clerk Erica Inderlied at einderlied@pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.

PLEASE NOTE:

If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the meeting.

For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.

Erica Inderlied

City Clerk

February 20, 2025

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, on March 10, 2025 in City Hall, Council Chambers, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA to consider the following item:

SUBJECT:

Second Reading and Adoption of an Amendment to Ordinance No. 24-08 to update Municipal Code Article IX (Development Code) Chapter 2 (Zones and Allowable Land Uses), Section 3.10.062 (edge conditions), Section 4.10.015 (Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)), Chapter 8.170 (Urban Subdivision Lots), and Chapter 9 (Definitions) to ensure compliance with recent changes to State ADU law; and adopt an amendment to Resolution 24-50 to incorporate the proposed revisions to the Development Code to the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may be heard on the item described in this notice by calling (805) 321-6639 during the meeting or submit written comments to the City Clerk prior to the meeting by mail to: City Clerk’s Office, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to gbadmin@groverbeach.org, or by appearing in person at the City Council meeting. If you require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact: the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and copy of the staff report on the above item will be posted on the City website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of City Council meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as on the Internet at www.slo-span-org

If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing (Govt. Code Sec 65009).

WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK

Dated: Thursday, February 20, 2025

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:

Project No.: Development Application CHG-25-0001

Address: 197 West Grand Avenue

Applicant: GB Encore, LLC

Description: A request to modify architectural elements of the 16 residential units within an approved mixed use development project (DA23-00050) in compliance with Development Code Section 6.30.070 “Changes to an Approved Development”. The proposed changes include building material and colors, as well as enhanced wall plane articulation to improve the visual delineation of each individual residential unit. The project is located in the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission. (APNs 060-203-003 and 060-203-006)

Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the changes are consistent with the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2024090149) for the approved mixed-use development (DA23-00050), and no additional environmental analysis is required. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, the proposed architectural modifications, which include material and color changes and enhanced wall plane articulation are considered minor alterations that do not result in new significant environmental impacts beyond those analyzed in the original environmental determination.

Where You Come In: Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org

The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-StaffReports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).

If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009). /s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission Dated: Thursday, March 5, 2025

CITY OF ATASCADERO

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL

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

CITY OF ATASCADERO NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

DATE: Tuesday, March 11, 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 in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider Amendments to Title 9 of the Municipal Code to establish land use standards for extended stay hotels (ZCH24-0107). This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code § 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) 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)

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 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: February 18, 2025

S/ L Christensen, City Clerk

PUBLISH: February 20, 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:

$9,700.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on February 11, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 420 Pacific Avenue, Paso Robles, CA by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11378 and 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $9,700.00.

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: February 18, 2025 DAN DOW District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney

February 20, 27, & March 6, 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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Morro Bay City Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, MARCH 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following matter. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (2021-22) and Government Code Section 54953, this public hearing is anticipated to be conducted in a hybrid format with both an in-person meeting at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, located at 209 Surf Street in the City of Morro Bay, as well as through virtual public participation provided telephonically through Zoom. Staff reports, plans, and other information related to this case is available for public review at the Community Development Department, 955 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay, CA and also on the city’s website at www.morrobayca.gov/archive.aspx three (3) business days prior to the hearing.

Ways to participate, watch, and submit public comment for this meeting are provided on the agenda. Written comments are also accepted by the City Council via email at planningcommission@morrobayca.gov or by mail prior to the meeting to the Community Development Department, c/o City Hall at 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, California, 93442. All agenda correspondence received by 10:00 AM on the meeting day will be posted on the city website.

Case No: Conditional Use Permit (CUP21-09), Coastal Development Permit (CDP21-029)

Site Location: 541 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA

Proposal: Request for Planning Commission approval of four (4) multi-unit residential housing units with attached garages. The property is located in the Residential HighDensity zoning district and is not within the California Coastal Commission appeals jurisdiction.

CEQA: Addendum under Section 15164(e), to assess the proposed project’s consistency with the General Plan EIR and identify reasons for the City’s conclusion that changes associated with the proposed project and its environmental effects do not meet the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental environmental document.

Staff Recommendation: Recommendation to Planning Commission for approval with attached conditions.

Staff Contact: Kim Fowler, Planning Manager, 805-7726577, kfowler@morrobayca.gov

Airlin Singewald Community Development Director

February 20, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing WHEN Friday, March 7, 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 request by the Cambria Community Services District for a Minor Use Permit/ Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2024-00038) to allow for the removal and replacement of two water storage tanks. Replacement tanks will maintain the same capacity (Tank 1: 212,000-gallons measuring 39 feet in diameter and Tank 2: 125,000-gallons measuring 30 feet in diameter). Replacement tanks will be increased in height from 24 feet to 26 feet as measured from existing finished grade. Replacement tanks will be a matte tan finish, and the existing retaining wall and chain link fence will be repaired and replaced. No lighting is proposed, and no trees will be removed as a result of this project. Site disturbance is limited to previously disturbed areas with 293 cubic yards of cut and 16 cubic yards of fill on an approximately 0.33-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Residential Single-Family land use category and is located at 1975 Stuart Street in the community of Cambria. The site is located within the North Coast Planning Area.

The County of San Luis Obispo, as a Responsible Agency, has reviewed the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration previously prepared by the Cambria Community Services District as the Lead Agency (2011), SCH No. 2011071060, and Addendum thereto. The Environmental Coordinator finds that the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (ED05-027) is adequate for the purposes of compliance with CEQA. No new mitigation measures are required. Mitigation and avoidance measures have been carried forward to address the previously identified significant impacts and are included as conditions of approval.

County File Number: C-DRC2024-00038

Supervisorial District: District 2

WHERE

Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

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 Dane Mueller, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5600.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this

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 13, 2025 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows:

INSPECTION OF THE PISMO PIER, CYPRESS STREET BRIDGE, AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

The City of Pismo Beach seeks the services of a qualified firm or a joint venture of firms to conduct an underwater and above-water inspection of the entire Pismo Pier structure in accordance with the American Society of Civil Engineers Manual 130: Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment, and the U.S. Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria 4-150-07: Maintenance of Waterfront Facilities. The City also seeks to have the Consultant conduct inspections of the Cypress Street Bridge, Dolliver Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Shore Cliff Pedestrian Bridge in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the Caltrans Bridge Element Inspection Manual.

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.

All proposals will be compared based on understanding of the scope of work, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and consultation and coordination with the City of Pismo Beach. 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 20 & 27, 2025

Weddings

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: If you

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): The Hindu holiday of Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to overcoming ignorance and darkness in celebrants’ own lives and in the world. This year it falls on Feb. 26. Even if you’re not Hindu, I recommend you observe your own personal version of it. To do so would be in accordance with astrological omens. They suggest that the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to be introspective, study your life and history, and initiate changes that will dispel any emotional or spiritual blindness you might be suffering from. PS: Remember that not all darkness is bad! But some is unhealthy and demoralizing, and that’s the kind you should banish and transmute.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): The blue whale is the most massive animal that has ever lived. You could swim through its arteries. Its heart is 5 feet high and weighs 400 pounds. And yet, when diving, its pulse slows to four to eight times per minute. I propose we choose the blue whale to be your spirit creature in the coming weeks. May this magnificent beast inspire you to cultivate slow, potent rhythms that serve you better than hyperactivity. Let’s assume you will accomplish all you need by maintaining a steady, measured pace—by focusing on projects that require depth and diligence rather than speed. Your natural persistence will enable you to tackle tasks that might overwhelm those who lack your patience.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Over 10,000 years ago, someone walked for a mile through what’s now White Sands National Park in New Mexico. We know they did because they left footprints that were fossilized. Scientists believe it was probably a woman who mostly carried a child and sometimes let the child walk under its own power. Like those ancient footprints, your actions in the coming weeks may carry lasting significance—more than may be immediately apparent. I encourage you to proceed as if you are making a more substantial impact and having a bigger influence than you imagine.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): What’s the oldest known recipe? What ancient food product did our ancestors write down instructions about how to make? It was beer! The 4,000-year-old Sumerian text included a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer. It tells how to use the right ingredients and employ careful fermentation to concoct a beverage that lowers inhibitions and brings people together in convivial celebration. In that spirit, Cancerian, I encourage you to meditate on the elements you can call on to create merrymaking and connection. Now is a good time to approach this holy task with extra focus and purposefulness.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): In November 1963, the captain of a sardine boat sailing near Iceland noticed a column of dark smoke rising out of the water. Was it another boat on fire? No, it was the beginning of a volcanic eruption. A few days later, steady explosions had created a new island, Surtsey, which still exists today. I suspect you will have a metaphorically comparable power in the coming weeks, Leo: an ability to generate a new creation out of fervent energies rising out of the hot depths. Be alert! And be ready to harness and make constructive use of the primal force.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was a 10th century Danish king. He united the tribes of Denmark into a single kingdom. His nickname originated in the fact that he had a prominent dead tooth that turned bluish-gray. More than 10 centuries later, engineers who created a new shortrange wireless technology decided to call their invention “bluetooth.” Why? Because they imagined it would serve a variety of electronic devices, just as the king once blended the many tribes. In the spirit of these bluetooth phenomena, I’m urging you Virgos to be a uniter in the coming weeks and months. You will have an enhanced capacity to bridge different worlds and link disparate groups. PS: An aspect that

could be construed as an imperfection, like Harald’s tooth, could conceal or signify a strength.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote, “Freedom is a heavy load, a great and strange burden for the spirit to undertake.” I know from experience there’s truth in that idea. But I’m happy to tell you that in 2025, freedom will be less heavy and less burdensome than maybe ever before in your life. In fact, I suspect liberation will be relatively smooth and straightforward for you. It won’t be rife with complications and demands but will be mostly fun and pleasurable. Having said that, I do foresee a brief phase when working on freedom will be a bit more arduous: the next few weeks. The good news is that your emancipatory efforts will set the stage for more ease during the rest of 2025.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Always and forever, the world is a delicate balance of seemingly opposing forces that are in fact interwoven and complementary: light and shadow, determination and surrender, ascent and descent, fullness and emptiness, progress and integration, yes and no. The apparent polarities need and feed each other. In the coming weeks, I invite you to meditate on these themes. Are there areas of your life where you have been overly focused on one side of the scale while neglecting the other? If so, consider the possibility of recalibrating. Whether you are balancing emotion with logic, rest with work, or connection with independence, take time to adjust. If you honor both halves of each whole, you will generate fertile harmonies.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The ancient stands of cedar trees on Japan’s Yakushima Island have a special power. They create weather patterns for themselves, generating rain clouds from the water vapor they release through their leaves. This ingenious stroke of self-nurturing provides them with the exact rainfall they require. I propose that we make these cedar trees your power symbol in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time for you to dream up and implement more of the conditions you need to flourish.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals colloquially known as water bears or moss piglets. Their resilience is legendary. They can thrive anywhere, from mountaintops to the deep sea, from Antarctica to tropical rainforests. They can withstand extreme temperatures, live a long time without water, and even survive in outer space. I propose we make the tardigrade your power creature for the coming weeks, dear Capricorn. Your flexibility and fluidity will be at a peak. You will be hardy, supple, and durable. It will be a favorable time to leave your comfort zone and test your mettle in new environments. Seemingly improbable challenges may be well within your range of adaptability.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the coming days, playing games could be good practice for life. Breezy exchanges and fun activities could stimulate clues and insights that will be useful in making important decisions. What appears to be ordinary entertainment or social engagement may provide you with profound lessons about strategy and timing. How you manage cooperation and competition in those lighter moments could yield useful guidance about more serious matters.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Have you been struggling to summon the motivation to start anew in some area of your life? I predict that sometime in the coming weeks, you will find all the motivation you need. Have you been wishing you could shed the weight of the past and glide into a fresh project with unburdened mind and heart? I believe that destiny will soon conspire to assist you in this noble hope. Are you finally ready to exorcise a pesky ghost and dash jubilantly toward the horizon, eager to embrace your future? I think you are. ∆