Despite one resident’s protests, the Cambria Christmas Market nabs a 15-year permit to keep its holiday cheer going into the future [8]
BY LIBBEY HANSON
Editor’s note
San Luis Obispo County recently awarded the Cambria Christmas Market a 15-year operating permit, despite one resident’s protests that it violates noise, light, and air pollution codes. She accused the event organizer of a litany of things, including cutting down trees without a permit. The market denies any wrongdoing and county staff agreed. Staff Writer Libbey Hanson writes about the market, the meeting where the permit was approved, and the opposition [8]
Also this week, read about the seniors in Arroyo Grande who really don’t want a cell tower near their community [9]; the SLO NightWriters [24]; and a coffee shop that doubles as a place to play with cats [30].
Camillia Lanham editor
cover file photo by Jayson Mellom cover design by Alex Zuniga
LIGHTS, PARKING, VISITORS The impacts of the Cambria Christmas Market depend on who you are. For one resident, the event brings more negatives than positives.
Luxury Condos
SLO County supervisors prohibit using county equipment during public comment
For members of the public attending the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meetings, displaying video and audio presentations using county equipment during the public comment period is now a thing of the past.
The supervisors’ 3-2 vote—with 1st District Supervisor John Peschong and 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold dissenting—stemmed from controversial opposition to them passing a resolution on July 9 that declared June as Pride Month. At that meeting, Arroyo Grande resident and former Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate Gaea Powell played a video of Tenet Media’s coverage of San Francisco Pride, which showed naked people in public spaces.
“The events of the July 9 meeting manifested a threat to the orderly conduct of our meetings and certainly manifested an offense to the community standards upon which this local government is sworn to serve,” 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson said at the Aug. 13 meeting.
County Counsel Rita Neal said at the meeting that First Amendment law that governs freedom of speech is highly nuanced and ad hoc decisions are difficult to make. Obscene speech also isn’t protected by the First Amendment.
“What’s been happening around the state is that public meetings are getting more disruptive,” Neal said. “There’s an effort trying to balance people’s right to speak and attend board meetings and participate, and also keep people safe and letting other people know you can’t be disruptive in a public meeting.”
rules now stress that personal, slanderous, and threatening attacks against an individual or that are not related to county business will not be tolerated. The board chair can order the removal of any disruptive people from the meeting. Gibson added that the key benefit to the restructured rules is that they are content and viewpoint neutral.
While Peschong called Powell’s presentation
information on that overhead screen,” Peschong said. “I don’t want to cut out them and infringe on their First Amendment rights.”
SLO County resident Holly Sletteland, who is associated with the Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, also objected to the ban on using county equipment for presentations. The rule doesn’t apply to the appeals process for applicants and appellants.
The updated procedural rules approved by the supervisors also specify that each speaker’s public comment is limited to three minutes per agenda item. They aren’t allowed to yield any remaining time to other speakers or speak a second time on behalf of someone else on a single item. The
Arroyo Grande council changes public comment on non-agenda items to one minute
Arroyo Grande is the latest city in San Luis Obispo County to change the structure of its public comment period after concerns that the time allowed per person takes attention away from important business items.
During the Aug. 13 City Council meeting, council members discussed the possibility of moving public comment for items not on the agenda to the end of the meeting. They ultimately decided to keep that slot at the beginning of the meeting and reduce speaker time from three minutes per person to one.
Mayor Caren Ray Russom said the conversation started after she spoke with Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno.
pornographic material that should have been shut down, he said that he favored not changing the rules based on feedback from public commenters Mike Brown of the Coalition of Labor Agriculture and Business, San Miguel resident Darcia Stebbens, and Templeton resident Murray Powell.
“Each one of them … has come to the podium and they’ve used the overhead projector, and they haven’t shown any offensible, negative, nasty
“She didn’t understand why they had public comment at the beginning of the agenda and not the end because why would you take walk-ins over reservations, and that struck me very strongly,” Russom said on Aug. 13. “We have people who pay a lot of money to come through our process; we have consultants that sit here, and that costs money; we have our own consultants that sit here and cost us money. So that just makes conceptual sense.”
Councilmember Jim Guthrie disagreed with Russom, saying that he sees public comment as a way for the community to engage with the council instead of just sending emails to city staff.
Guthrie suggested the council could limit public comment to one minute per person for items not on the agenda to make the meetings move more efficiently.
“That’s plenty of time for someone to make their
“I have presented photographs at the meetings this way in the past and have greatly benefited from seeing photographs presented by others,” Sletteland wrote in an Aug. 11 letter. “You know the old saying—a picture is worth a thousand words sometimes. Granted, this can be abused and obviously has been, but we’ll lose a lot by not allowing it at all.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
specific statement, and then if there are specifics related to that, then they could cover those in some sort of written document so that the general public would be able to get their concerns out here without having to wait and sit through an entire meeting,” he said.
City Manager Matthew Downing said other cities have adopted new public comment policies, including Atascadero, which allows public comment for items not on the agenda after the council gets through the consent agenda.
“Our neighbor Grover Beach just changed it to be the end of the meeting; the Lucia Mar School District has public comment at the end of the meeting, and they’ve had that for a couple of years,” Downing said. “Another option, other agencies will limit public comment from three minutes down to
UPHOLDING RIGHTS First District Supervisor John Peschong was one of two votes against banning public commentors from using county equipment to display presentations, claiming it infringes on the rights of all those who have displayed information without being disruptive.
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
two minutes. The Coastal Commission even limits it down to a minute.”
Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson told New Times that the Grover Beach City Council adopted the change in during its July 22 meeting. Comment about items not on the agenda will now to be heard at the end of the meeting after the consent agenda, public hearing, and business items are considered.
“This change enables public comments on items on the meeting agenda to be heard first before other items,” he said.
Arroyo Grande residents present at the Aug. 13 meeting weren’t happy with the new proposal. One Arroyo Grande community member told the council during public comment that she worked at Caltrans for more than 30 years, sat through many public comment periods, and while reducing the time period seems wise, it’s important to remember that it’s empowering for people to directly address the council with their concerns.
“I would like to see that be early in the meeting so that it’s predictable for people to be able to come in from no matter what they are doing,” she said. “I think it’s just really important, just from a community engagement and public standpoint, that people have the ability to do that. I’d be concerned that ... moving it late or even in a way that’s kind of unpredictable might have unintended consequences of discouraging people from coming forward.”
Resident Shannon Kessler said that moving public comment time for items not on the agenda could make it harder for parents of young children to be able to attend.
“Caren, our kids went to school together, and now they’re grown, but remember when they were in school and we had homework to help them do and how we had to get them to bed, and some people have their younger kids that they might need babysitting for,” she said. “I appreciate the professionals coming in, … but they’re doing it as part of their business, and I think our citizens are grabbing that little bit of time they have in the early evening.”
After hearing from the public, the council voted unanimously to keep public comment for items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting but to limit the time from three minutes to one minute per person.
—Samantha Herrera
Paso schools suspend fewer students with new intervention system
The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District reported a decrease in student suspensions after using a new system for discipline, but school board members questioned whether the results showed better student behavior.
According to Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) Director of Student Services Thomas Harrington, through its new multi-tiered system of support, fewer students are being suspended, decreasing from 428 suspensions in the 2018-19 school year to 217 in 2023-24.
“Research shows suspension does not change behavior,” he told the school board at its Aug. 6 meeting.
Efforts to decrease student suspension are statewide after SB 274 passed in 2023, prohibiting California schools from suspending students based on “willful defiance,” including attendance and talking
back to teachers, with the intention of reducing school dropout rates. Paso schools started using the new system during the 2023-24 school year.
Harrington said the district is under orders from the state to reduce its suspension numbers, causing board members to challenge whether reduced suspension numbers accurately represent student behavior, or if the district is simply issuing fewer suspensions.
School board member Kenney Enney said the new system just intends to avoid suspensions.
“My thesis is the less you punish the more likely the behavior is going to increase,” he said.
Enney referred to a staff report from February 2024 citing a 6 percent increase in negative student behavior, despite suspension numbers being cut in half.
“In my opinion, we are not helping the problem with suspensions,” Enney said. “I’m challenging you to convince me otherwise.”
Board member Sondra Williams said the data doesn’t match up with what she’s heard from staff.
“If we were in a room of teachers, would they agree with our data?” she asked Harrington. “If our intervention is good and our numbers are going down, the staff should feel that, and I haven’t experienced that kind of feedback.”
Echoing Williams’ concern about teacher burnout when it comes to addressing student discipline and reporting, board member Dorian Baker said she wanted teachers to know that the board knows it’s an issue.
“The system is trying to play with numbers more than trying to help with the actual problem,” she said.
Harrington said the district hopes its tiered intervention system will help address student behavior but added that the district doesn’t have the data to support that yet. He said that the end of the 2024-25 school year, the district will have more data that can help answer any remaining questions.
According to the staff report, there are three tiers to the system: Tier one is a universal system for all students including resources of school-wide assemblies, ribbon weeks, and classroom lessons for signs of suicide among grades seven through 12. Tier two is targeted support needed by about 15 percent of students including alternative learning environments and student reflection. Tier three, needed by 5 percent of students, provides school-based community service and loss of privileges.
Rather than suspending students for various levels of behavior, administrators determine which tier of resources each student needs for discipline and future success.
In addition to the intervention tiers, Paso schools started recommending citations for cases of fighting and drugs within the past 18 months, Harrington said.
While the district itself can’t issue citations, administrators refer students to student resource officers who determine whether legal action should be taken. Harrington called it “an effective deterrent” for bad behavior.
—Libbey Hanson
Lucia Mar school district fixes its bus shortage in time for school year
After about a week of uncertainty, the Lucia Mar Unified School District now has enough bus space to fit every student at Mesa
Middle School who needs to be picked up and dropped off.
Dozens of parents had received word that their students didn’t get bus pass applications approved, but Lucia Mar Marketing and Communications Director Amy Jacobs told New Times that that’s no longer the case, and all Mesa Middle School students who applied by the deadline have received seats.
“We have less than 30 secondary students on the waitlist at this time,” she said of buses heading to other schools in the district.
Similar to school districts across the rest of the state, Jacobs said, Lucia Mar is experiencing a driver shortage. To help entice potential new drivers, the district’s offering a hiring bonus and a free training period.
“We need to add additional drivers to be able to transport all the students who would like busing,” she said. “We are seeing school districts across the state canceling their busing altogether, and we have worked hard to keep it because we know how important it is to our families.”
To help ensure its bus system keeps moving forward, Jacobs said the district is partnering with its before- and after-school programs so students can arrive to campus earlier and stay on campus later. That way, drivers can make a second round of pickups.
Parent Desirae Felix said she understands the issues the school district is facing but doesn’t think busing students to school earlier or having some stay later is the best option.
“My daughter last year would be on campus for a good 35 minutes before school even started, just waiting around because that was the only bus,” she said. “I finally pulled her from the bus, and we made a carpool system in the morning, but she still had an afternoon pass for after school because it’s a good 17-minute drive from my house.”
Felix said a good way to help eliminate some of these issues is if the school district was more proactive about bus pass applications earlier in the summer, rather than waiting until the month school starts.
“At the end of the school year, they at least need to start with a survey, and based on those survey results begin letting parents know where they stand,” she said. “They should have some data that could guide their decision-making and at least make parents aware a few months ahead, not the week before.”
—Samantha Herrera
Paso Robles will clean up riverbed with help from camping ordinance amendment
Paso Robles plans to step up enforcement and cite illegal public campers thanks to a recent federal Supreme Court ruling and an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In June, the federal court overturned the 2019 Martin v. Boise ruling that prevented local governments from criminalizing homelessness. Local governments can now impose criminal charges on public campers, even if they don’t have enough beds for unsheltered residents. Newsom’s state order that followed the federal decision asks agencies to address encampments “with urgency and dignity.”
Paso City Manager Ty Lewis asked City Council members at the Aug. 6 meeting to approve an ordinance amending the city’s
municipal code on public camping and protection of local waterways, saying that the recent ruling removed barriers for Paso law enforcement as it continuously clears out encampments and tries to clean the Salinas River corridor.
While the city is dealing with the issue through its recently established Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness by using community organizations and professionals for better resources for mental health, substance addiction, and affordable housing, Lewis said there are some residents who still refuse help. This is when enforcement is required.
Lewis said the city can’t arrest its way out of the problem, however, and Paso intends to help unsheltered residents under the strategic plan. He also said that by allowing enforcement, he believed the federal and local court and criminal systems will be better aligned.
“We want to provide our community and our emergency services with the most options to be able to enforce, as well as use the opposite of the spectrum to connect,” he said. “I think the city is in a good position as we move forward when we look to better address the challenges we have.”
Councilmember Chris Bausch asked when enforcement would begin in the riverbed, and Lewis said the cleanups had never ceased.
“We have never stopped removing camps,” Lewis said.
“Evidence in my eyes says otherwise,” Bausch said, referring to defecation he had seen in the riverbed. “Hopefully we can do a better job.”
Councilmember Sharon Roden asked what the process of a cleanup looks like.
“We can’t just go in and throw people in the back of a truck and all of their stuff go to the trash pile,” she said. “What’s the actual reality of cleaning out and the efforts, and why do we have to continue this process over and over?”
Lewis said it’s like a game of “Whack-AMole” in the sense that unsheltered residents move to new camping spots down the road when one gets cleaned out.
“Hopefully, that alignment occurs with the courts and with the justice system because we can move camps and we can cite people, but if the courts don’t hold anyone accountable for it, it’s a toothless tiger when it comes to our abilities,” Lewis said.
Lewis said there is not one fix-all solution, and the issue requires a variety of approaches. However, enforcement would provide the “balance” that law enforcement has needed to address the current issues and provide the city with a more “assertive posture.”
Despite the ability to enforce and clear out encampments, Lewis said the city is still required to provide a three-day notice of eviction under the Constitution because all residents, sheltered and unsheltered, have a right to their property and time to remove personal effects.
Although a solution for homelessness is far off, Lewis said enforcement is a step in the right direction.
“I can’t underscore enough how good of a thing this is for municipalities,” he said.
The council passed the amendment unanimously.
“It’s a good first step of many that need to come,” Bausch said. ∆
—Libbey Hanson
Christmas in July
The Cambria Christmas Market
a permit for 15 years, but an appellant wants the event to scale back
Christmas spirit arrived early this summer season as the SLO County Board of Supervisors approved a permit for the Cambria Christmas Market to run for the next 15 years—despite a resident appeal calling the popular market unsustainable for the town.
Claudia Worthen, cofounder of Beautify Cambria and 38-year Cambria resident, appealed the permit approved by the SLO County Planning Commission in February—arguing that the market violates various codes, including noise, light, and air pollution—to the Board of Supervisors on July 9.
Worthen told the board that the growth of the market throughout the past years has “[eroded] the magic and sacredness of the holiday time of year.”
The board unanimously denied the appeal, and 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson said the market, hosted by Cambria Pines Lodge, serves as a “significant benefit to the business community of Cambria.”
The decision included the condition that the event’s organizer, Pacific Cambria LLC, submit a report to the county Planning Commission biennially for compliance review.
Appellant Worthen said she knew her appeal would be denied.
“It was totally expected. I just like to let them know what I think and what things violate the code,” she told New Times
At the July 9 meeting, Worthen argued that the market is too large for the small community, and in the past years it’s created heavy traffic, as well as light and noise pollution, especially for residents near the market itself.
Dave Watson, a planner with Pacific Cambria LLC, addressed some of Worthen’s concerns that day, saying that the event has never violated any noise ordinances, as the company monitors sound levels each year to remain in compliance.
Worthen also accused Pacific Cambria of cutting down trees in the area without a permit, an occurrence she said she heard about from a neighbor.
Watson said the organization has never
removed any trees without a permit and has only trimmed branches to protect the buildings.
“We are trying to be respectful neighbors,” he said, adding that the company realizes the event may be an inconvenience for some residents.
In addition, Pacific Cambria hired a professional traffic company to help assist with directing traffic. The market also coordinates with the county to schedule shuttles from various areas in Cambria, including Moonstone Beach.
Despite the board’s denial of her appeal, Worthen said she intends to keep fighting and is taking matters to the California Coastal Commission.
“I am feeling more confident about going to the Coastal Commission,” she told New Times. “This is kind of a wheel that just won’t stop. They might be able to slow it down a little bit.”
Under the approved permit, the market is scheduled to run every Wednesday through Sunday each week between Black Friday and New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 p.m., adding an additional week to the schedule, as previous years ran between Black Friday to Christmas Eve. The market caps attendance at 3,000 visitors per evening.
Thousands of daily visitors have Worthen concerned about Cambria’s water supply and road conditions, issues she believes the Coastal Commission may address.
“One hundred twenty thousand people coming through in six weeks,” she said. “I mean, it’s impossible for that not to impact our water supply and our air and the wear and tear on the roads, and all the things that go along with that.”
While the market will provide portapotties, Worthen said she does not believe local water levels will stay the same.
“If I have a chance to use a toilet, I will use a toilet,” she said. “They have them so anybody can walk into the [Cambria Pines Lodge] and go use the toilet. The vendors are
going to use the toilet. The extra help that they hire over the holiday season is going to use the toilets. The normal people who work, they’re going to use the toilet.”
Worthen doesn’t want the Cambria Christmas Market to come to an end, she said. She wants it to scale back down to what it was when it started in 2012.
“I just want people to know that what’s going on is wrong,” she said. “The Christmas Market should never have been allowed to bloom into what it is.”
Supervisor Gibson told New Times that county staff analyzed each of Worthen’s grievances and found that the Planning Commission made the right decision in approving the market in February. However, he said, the biennial review is important for the residents of Cambria and attendees of the market.
“Those were really technical changes just to be sure that we had a very tight set of conditions so that if we have to make a decision 10 or 12 years from now, and nobody who is involved in this was around, we’ve got a real clear set of rules for them to look at to
decide whether this thing’s operating as it should,” Gibson said.
A few of the approved technical changes included striking Pacific Cambria’s responsibility for bike accommodations to avoid promoting nighttime bike use, providing direction for traffic, and establishing a shuttle route along Moonstone Beach Drive.
Cambria Christmas Market Event Coordinator Mike Arnold told New Times the market was “thrilled to have received a 15-year permit.”
“Which enables us to continue enhancing the Cambria Christmas Market and providing a magical experience for our guests,” he wrote via email.
“The market has become a cherished tradition for countless families, and we are excited to carry that tradition forward, creating memories for many more years to come.”
Tickets for the market are currently available to purchase online, and prices increase by $10 at the door. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
HOLLY JOLLY Millions of lights guide attendees through the Cambria Christmas Market, an event permitted for another 15 years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Making a stand
Sunrise Terrace residents fight against a cellphone tower proposed next to their homes due to health concerns and lower property values
Retired senior Ethel Landers has lived at Sunrise Terrace in Arroyo Grande for the past few years. She takes pride in the community she shares with her neighbors in the mobile home park for those 55 and older.
“We have lovely facilities, a big hall where we have parties; we’ve got a fabulous pool that’s heated year-round; we have a full gym, we have tennis courts, pickleball courts, a dog park,” she told New Times. “It’s just the perfect place to retire, and our home values stay up because of it.”
However, this past year hasn’t been stressfree for Landers and her neighbors, who learned about a new Verizon cellphone tower that could potentially take shape about 100 feet away from their community.
“We didn’t get any notices in the mail about this; one person got a phone call in the office,” she said. “If that message would have been ignored, the one phone call we got, we would have been up a creek.”
The message informed Sunrise Terrace residents about the cellular provider’s proposal to install a new 5G “stealth wireless communications facility” in the shape of a 55-foot-tall fake water tower located at 789 Valley Road in Arroyo Grande.
Sunrise Terrace board of directors
President Tony Kobliska told New Times that residents weren’t happy with the proposed location being so close to their community for reasons including poor planning, stress, a loss of property value, and the potential exposure to radiation.
“This would not only be a possible physical hazard, but it could be a mental health hazard where people are absolutely worried coming in and out [of the park],” he said. “We’re in our senior part of our lives, and we have people that are end of life, and we have health care providers here and something like that could really affect them mentally. I’m just really concerned about that, and I think there’s enough stress on seniors as it is, and to have this on top of it is something that I just don’t want to tolerate.”
Before retiring to Sunrise Terrace, Kobliska worked for AT&T for 40 years. He said he
spent the latter part of his career maintaining the company’s cellphone towers in the 13 Western states.
“I’ve had a lot of experience with these kinds of issues, and I think Verizon just kind of thought that they could just come walk right in and take that and nobody would question them,” he said. “But we have, and now they actually have to go back to the drawing table and do their due diligence and find an alternative location.”
During the Feb. 6 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission meeting, the staff report stated that the location was selected with several considerations in mind, including technical requirements as defined by radio frequency engineers, topography, radio frequency propagation, elevation, height, access, aesthetics, feasibility of colocation and alternative sites, and amenability of the property owner regarding the negotiation of ground space, according to the staff report.
Kobliska said making it a water tower design is ridiculous because there’s no way anybody is going to “mistake that cell tower for a water tower sitting in the middle of a vacant lot with no water anywhere around there.”
“We have to look at it going in and out of our gate because that is the only entrance and exit gate we have,” he said. “It would be right next to our homes, and the park would be looking at this water tower every day, when right now we have a very nice view of the mountains and the hillsides and the fields, and all of a sudden now we’re going to have this unsightly cell tower.”
Landers said she’s read studies from the National Board of Realtors that claim living within half a mile of a cellphone tower can drop your home value by 20 percent.
“I’m 74, and I’m really depending on the value of my home supporting me in case I need to go into a care facility,” she said.
On average, the potential external cost of a wireless tower is approximately $4,132 per residential property, according to a 2018 statistic from the Journal of Real Estate Finance & Economics that the National Board of Realtors posted on its website.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commissioners agreed with the residents and denied the proposed tower, finding that the project was inconsistent with telecommunication requirements and the city’s general plan.
“Specifically, the location of the proposed facility regarding unreasonable interference with views, incompatibility with surrounding architecture, failure to demonstrate the infeasibility of colocation, and the lack of substantial landscaping to obscure the facility,” a staff report from the following Planning Commission meeting stated.
But the battle isn’t over. Verizon appealed the decision. At a July 23 Arroyo Grande City Council meeting, City Attorney Isaac Rosen told mobile home park residents that the city is currently in a tolling agreement with Verizon meant to provide a good faith time by which Verizon could evaluate a potential alternative site.
“At this time, I know city staff is working diligently with Verizon to follow up on the status of that application,” he said.
Landers and her neighbors are urging the City Council to take into account the exposure to radiation that her community could face.
“We know how dangerous these things are, and as senior citizens, we’re a vulnerable population. We are much more likely to have an adverse effect to radio frequency than say a 30-year-old strong man,” she said. “We’ve read that fire departments across the U.S. are pulling out of having cell towers on their stations because the firemen were getting sick.”
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) opposes using fire stations as bases for cell towers due to a lack of researched studies on the health effects of exposure to low-intensity radiation and the effects of radiofrequency radiation on the central nervous system and the immune system.
“Furthermore, most studies that are the basis of this position are at least five years old and generally look at the safety of the phone itself. IAFF members are concerned about the effects of living directly under these antenna base stations for a considerable
stationary period of time and on a daily basis,” the IAFF stated on its website.
The IAFF claims that internationally acknowledged radiation research shows that transmissions from digital cellular antennas and phones have critical effects on people and animals, such as an increased cell growth of brain cancer cells, changes in sleep patterns, headaches caused by radiation exposure, etc.
In a Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Exposure Report that Verizon presented to the Planning Commission, the cellular company claims that the proposed site at 789 Valley Road in Arroyo Grande is far enough away from any buildings that the exposure levels are below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threshold, which is 0.08 watts per kilogram averaged over the whole body.
“Verizon takes very seriously the health and safety of our employees and customers, and of all residents in the communities we serve,” Corporate Communications Representative Lauren Peterson told New Times via email. “All Verizon facilities, including the small cells that Verizon is deploying to provide 5G service, are required to comply with the FCC safety standards.”
Landers said she doesn’t oppose adding more cellphone towers, but she doesn’t agree with adding them to residential areas when Arroyo Grande is chock-full of farms and ranches that would serve as better sites and allow property owners to make some extra money.
“I think the city needs to update their cell tower citing agreements because no one should have these things moving over their homes,” she said. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.
Smog Check
COMPLETE TESTING & REPAIR
Kinds of kindness
In an increasingly polarizing world, the simple but powerful quality of being kind can be elusive. So much so, that one San Luis Obispo County resident stepped in as a kindness coach.
“After [President Donald] Trump got elected, and the news started getting really negative, and there was a lot of conflict and … I just wanted to remind people about all the goodness there was,” Clare Kindness owner Clare Kennedy said.
“So, I had a kindness blog, and then that turned into a podcast where I went around business leaders in San Luis and talked to them about how they were being successful in their business by making kindness their trademark.”
Kennedy said that she felt sad watching the rapid succession of news about hate crimes, “that people were dehumanizing other people from where they were born, or what they looked like, or who they loved.” She added she wanted to remind people that goodness still persisted in the world.
Kennedy developed signature talks about the power of kindness in the workplace. She debuted motivational speeches at Laguna Middle School when it reopened for students to attend in-person classes after the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We have a lot of cool people here doing really neat things to solve problems, whether bringing showers to unhoused people, or the Diversity Coalition of SLO working to share stories and build bridges to connect people, and just remind people that we’re wired for goodness and there’s so much good in the world,” she said.
Often, workplaces in SLO approach Kennedy for her kindness workshops to tackle the expensive problem of employee retention. Kennedy mentioned that the best people stay on if employers can transform the office space into a more empathetic setting.
“There’s also gossip and problems with communication,” she added. “Kindness is clarity, so just being assertive in your communication, and not aggressive or passive, but … asserting your needs to your employer or an employer asserting their needs to their employee.”
While Kennedy drew inspiration from Oregon-based kindness consultant Linda Cohen, who works with large companies, she prefers to engage with small business owners and nonprofits. Kennedy helps people with a plethora of tasks like onboarding employees correctly, demonstrating how to celebrate diverse holidays, how to market to a variety of people, and how to incorporate philanthropy and activism in their businesses.
She dreams of writing a New York Times bestselling book about kindness and wants to have a Netflix show about kind leaders in business. As short-term goals, Kennedy wants to build a kindness directory on her website, clarekindness.com, and even give awards to local business owners for being kindness leaders. Visit her website to book her for events and to listen to her kindness podcast.
“I want to share with people that if you’re a nice person, it’s different than being kind. So, if you look up nice in the dictionary, it means you’re pleasant and inoffensive. But I don’t want to aim to be nice,” Kennedy said. “I want to aim to be kind, because sometimes I offend people, but if I want to speak out on human rights abuses and I want to get political, I’m fine doing that.”
Fast facts
• Spokes will host a workshop for nonprofits led by instructor Alisa Chatinsky about organizational assessment, succession planning, and everything in between. It will take place on Aug. 29 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at 3533 Empleo St., SLO. Visit spokesfornonprofits.org to learn more about the organization, which provides resources for nonprofits, and to sign up.
• Downtown SLO will host the first Cider, Beer, & Spirits Stroll on Sep. 29 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The walking tour of downtown SLO retailers and boutiques serving beverages doubles as a fundraising event for nonprofit Friends of Downtown SLO. Purchase tickets at my805tix.com/e/fallfest. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.
DAILY PRACTICE Kindness coach Clare Kennedy may conduct her motivational speeches as a side hustle, but she works hard to make her full-time job at computer software company Tapestry Solutions an inclusive space too.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARE KENNEDY
We are united
The Harris/Walz ticket is the way forward
John Donegan claims that Kamala Harris is not qualified to be president of the U.S., and she is also a bad choice (“The Democratic Convention,” Aug. 1). He implies that that her nomination was forced on the members of the Democratic Party (“join or else”), and also that she was a “DEI” hire by Joe Biden. Currently, polls show Harris to be at least even with Donald Trump. So how can an unqualified, DEI hire be a such a strong contender against a powerful ex-president after only being a candidate for two weeks? Could it be that many fear what the reign of an emboldened Donald Trump would look like and are looking for someone, anyone else? Could it be that Trump/Vance keeps telling us how bad life is while the stock market is near a record high, unemployment is near record lows, and inflation is abating? Could it be that many know that the oft-repeated “immigrant crime wave” is a lie? Could it be that Trump still hasn’t admitted that he lost
We need to prioritize teen health
The New Times article on CAPSLO’s wonderful Teen Wellness Program (“Prioritizing teen health,” Aug. 8) is very timely as the surgeon general has issued an advisory alert stating that “the defining public health crisis of our time … concerns the mental health and well-being, … especially among our young people.”
In addition to CAPSLO’s programs, another very important component of mental health is physical activity. According to federal health guidelines, “youth ages 6 to 17 need ... moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.”
Participation in youth sports is linked with “lower rates of depression and anxiety, along
a fair election in 2020—as determined by the courts? Could it be that Trump was convicted of multiple felonies by a jury? Could it be that both Trump and Vance constantly call their opponents childish names or insult women and minorities? Could it be that Trump and Vance say they stand for “freedom” while restricting what women can do with their own bodies, what books people can read, and what religion people can or cannot follow?
And even if Harris was, in fact a “DEI” hire by Joe Biden, does that alone make her unqualified? Is there truly only one person in the whole nation who is actually qualified to be president or vice president? If there is more than one, couldn’t one of those candidates be Black or even half-Black? Apparently, John doesn’t think so. Didn’t Trump pick Vance at least in part because he thought Vance would somehow increase the chances of Trump’s reelection?
John also seems to be hung up about how the Democrats chose their candidate before the
with a reduced risk of suicide and substance abuse,” according to family medicine physician Soroosh Amanat. “Plus, more time playing sports means less time on social media, which has been proven to have a negative effect on the well-being of kids and adolescents.”
Scripps reported that, “Sports get kids up and moving, which benefits their cardiovascular health, burns calories, raises metabolism, and improves strength and mobility. … Playing youth sports also supports long-term exercise habits. Adolescents who play sports are eight times more likely to be physically active at age 24 than those who do not play.”
It’s too bad that the city of SLO doesn’t agree. In a recent decision, the city took away the only playing field that served
convention. Was Trump’s nomination before the RNC convention started ever in question?
And why does John care? He is obviously an “R.” Doesn’t each party set their own rules about how they nominate candidates? Maybe he should file a complaint with the DNC. I’m certain they will take his concerns into account just as much as the RNC did mine when I wrote to them complaining about Trump’s coronation before their convention ever started.
And John talks about the riots during the 1968 Democratic Convention like he almost expects the same during this year’s get-together. Obviously, John doesn’t understand how united Democrats are this year. They know the stakes of this election. They know that they don’t want to be led by a narcissistic old man that knows little more than how to hurl insults and thinly veiled threats against anyone who would try to contradict or stop him.
The Harris/Walz team talks about the future, not the past. They talk about policies, not revenge. They make us proud to be Americans again, while Trump tells us that we are a second-rate country that is completely broken and only he can fix it. Harris helps us look to the future with hope, not wallow in how someone has “wronged”
tens of thousands of residents in the very densely populated Old Town neighborhood. Besides being available for everyone, existing organized teams also needed that extra playing field for practices. Little ones have some wonderful neighborhood “Tot Lots,” but the more expansive areas for our older kids to play soccer, baseball, football, etc., keep getting compromised. It was the only public field within walking distance for the entire neighborhood. Now, with more room for dogs at Laguna Lake Park than our teens have in their own neighborhood, taking away what little playing field the kids had left is unconscionable.
us and it’s now our turn to get even. She reminds us that politics and government are not a “zero sum” game, and that we can live better without blaming, attacking, or marginalizing others verbally, physically, or economically.
So, that is why a person that you call an “unqualified” and a “DEI” hire stands a good chance of beating your chosen candidate! ∆
Charles Linquist wrote to New Times from Arroyo Grande. Write an opinion piece of your own and email it to letters@newtimesslo.com.
That field served the needs of all age groups to play sports—both organized and free play. Entire segments of our population, who would benefit most from being outside, running and team playing, are being totally neglected. Under the disguise of “improving” the park, the city that touts its commitment to walking and biking, decided to take away the neighborhood’s only playing field. Instead of using its parking lot for any additional uses, the city just subdivided the kids’ only playing field. The cars, and not our teens, remain well taken care of. Peg Pinard San Luis Obispo
HODIN
Russell Hodin
Who needs a hug?
Getting suspended from school used to be cool, man. It was a sign of badassery to get kicked out for a couple of days because you were naughty, but thanks to SB 274, schools are now prohibited from suspending students based on simple “willful defiance” including poor attendance and talking back to teachers. Sheesh! Thanks, California. You just made it harder for kids to earn their tough-guy stripes. I get it. It’s not going to punish perpetually truant students to tell them they’re being suspended for not coming to class. “Oh, boohoo. I will so miss Algebra, not!” Surely, kids don’t learn anything from being sent home to play videogames and watch TV all day, or worse, hang out with the dropouts and smoke pot and shoplift, but how else are you supposed to correct a bad behavior if you can’t threaten to kick students out of school? Well, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) has a plan, and not just any plan. It’s got three tiers! Tier one includes resources for all students like school-wide assemblies, ribbon weeks, and classroom lessons for signs of suicide. “It will get better. There’s life after high school.” Tier two is for the 15 percent of really jerky students including alternative learning environments and student reflection. “Think about what you’ve done. Shame!” Tier three for the 5 percent of true assholes includes community service and loss of privileges. “Wear this orange vest and pick up trash,
punk.”
Maybe it’s working. Since implementing Operation Tiers not Tears (Yeah, I just made that up), the PRJUSD has seen fewer students suspended, from 428 suspensions in the 2018-19 school year to 217 in 2023-24. Of course, not everyone believes the new system works. PRJUSD board member and formerly ousted and then reinstated board member and perpetual grump Kenney Enney said, “My thesis is the less you punish the more likely the behavior is going to increase.” He didn’t say bring back corporal punishment, but I bet he’d consider it. Good luck and Godspeed, Paso!
Speaking of grumpy booties, you’re a mean one, Ms. Grinch. Yeah, I’m talkin’ ’bout you, Claudia Worthen, cofounder of Beautify Cambria and 38-year Cambria resident who appealed the permit approved by the SLO County Planning Commission that gave a 15-year operating extension to the Cambria Christmas Market. Worthen claims the market’s growth—read popularity and success—has “[eroded] the magic and sacredness of the holiday time of year.”
Bah humbug! Somebody’s heart is two sizes too small.
The seasonal market hosted by Cambria Pines Lodge and run by Pacific Cambria LLC operates from Black Friday (the day
after Thanksgiving) through Dec. 31, and non-Christmas-haters freakin’ love it! Tons of vendors and products, a massive light display, Christmas carols, Santa, train rides, live music, a biergarten—what’s not to love?
Well, Worthen’s got a list. She accuses the market of noise, light, and air pollution code violations. And the traffic? Don’t get her started! Plus, she accused Pacific Cambria LLC of cutting down trees without a permit, which she knows is true because a neighbor told her.
According to Dave Watson, a planner with Pacific Cambria LLC, the company is NOT guilty of all charges. The company monitors sound levels to assure it complies with the law. They’ve never removed a tree without a permit, only trimmed branches to protect buildings. They’ve hired a professional traffic company to direct traffic, and they’ve coordinated with the county to schedule shuttles from various areas in Cambria, including Moonstone Beach. They’ve also limited ticket sales to the market to 3,000 per day.
Yeah, but what about Cambria’s notoriously precarious water supply, eh? All these market attendees are going to use toilets even though the market brings in porta-potties.
“One hundred twenty thousand people coming through in six weeks,” Worthen exclaimed. “I mean, it’s impossible for that not to impact our water supply and our air and the wear and tear on the roads, and all
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the things that go along with that. If I have a chance to use a toilet, I will use a toilet. They have them so anybody can walk into the [Cambria Pines Lodge] and go use the toilet. The vendors are going to use the toilet. The extra help that they hire over the holiday season is going to use the toilets. The normal people who work, they’re going to use the toilet.”
I admit, given the choice between a portapotty and an actual bathroom, I’d go for the bathroom. I’d also go get dinner somewhere in Cambria, visit some local shops and an art gallery or two, maybe get a drink from Mozzi’s Saloon. Cambria thrives on tourism, and tourists use bathrooms. Is this really your best argument, Claudia who prefers bathrooms over porta-potties?
Unsurprisingly, the SLO County Board of Supervisors summarily and unanimously denied Worthen’s appeal, but she ain’t done yet, baby, not by a long shot. Next up, she plans to bring her Festivus-like Airing of Grievances to the California Coastal Commission. Somebody’s got a bee in her bonnet. After you’re done saving Cambria from Christmas, might I draw your attention to the fact that Spirit Halloween opened in SLO’s Madonna Plaza Shopping Center in August. August! ∆
The Shredder wants some damn cheer shoved in everyone’s faces. Do something about it at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
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OCTOBER 24, 2024
“PUPPY AND DUCK” HANNA GROSSMAN
“ADONIS” ERICA RAMIREZ
“STORMY” ANGELA HENDERSON
Hot Dates
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BRUSHSTROKES 2024 The Painters
Group SLO’s annual juried California-wide exhibition, Brushstrokes 2024, shows at Art Center Morro Bay daily. and features a great variety of paintings in all painting media. Frank Eber is the show’s Juror. Through Sept. 16, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
DEATH TRAP A washed up playwright receives a script from a former student and decides to claim it as his own ... “But what to do with the student?” Aug. 16 -Sept. 1 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.
DRAWING/PAINTING GROUP CCA holds still life drawing/painting sessions in the Green Room at Cambria Center for the Arts. You will need to bring your own supplies, including an easel if you choose to paint. Fourth Thursday of every month, 1-3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $10. 805-927-8190. cambriacenterforthearts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria. FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
JEWELRY BY MARJORIE ZLOTOWITZ “Ever since we humans figured out how to string stones and bones, we’ve adorned ourselves with things we find aesthetically pleasing.”
This artist loves the colors, shapes, and textures of natural stones, various metals, and vintage beads. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
CINDERELLA Presented by Wine Country Theatre. Aug. 16 -Sept. 1 my805tix.com. Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles. DAILY POTTERY Walk in, pick your pottery project, and paint away. Something for all ages. Prices vary depending on what you choose and includes; paint, glaze, firing, and studio time. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Varies. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY: OPEN DAILY 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.
SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improvgames. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. 530-748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness,
5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SIP N’ SKETCH Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of our’s) and paint or sketch a themed live-model or still life under the guidance of Studios resident artists. See website for the specific theme of the month. Your first glass of wine is included in price. Third Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $20. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops offered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, 805-238-9800.
TAKE A SPIN: TWO-HOUR WHEEL CLASS
These two hour blocks provide an opportunity to learn the basics of wheel throwing. Instructors will center your clay for you, so you will have the opportunity to make two items. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon $72. 805-203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/wheelclasses. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
WESTERN ART EXHIBIT Featuring the meticulously handcrafted mosaic and painted cow and coyote skulls of guest artist Ernie Bentley, along with original paintings, unique jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, and so much more. Through Aug. 31 Free. 805-2864430. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, parkstreetgallery.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge. com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. ADULT BEGINNING WHEEL POTTERY SERIES This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes and more. $180 includes clay and firing. By signing up for a four-
RETURN OF THE MAC
The 11th annual Mac and Cheese Fest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Attendees of the local festival can look forward to macaroni and cheese selections from more than 25 participants, including chefs, restaurants, and caterers. The event also includes samples of wines, beers, and spirits, and is open to ages 21 and over. For tickets and more info, visit my805tix.com.
week session, you are committing to a series of classes. Book online. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 27 $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolor-based course, but one that branches out into other media. Third Wednesday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST
An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey
St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV COMEDY PLAYOFFS Watch these spunky teams in a fun-filled comedy competition. Aug. 22-25 my805tix.com/. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
LEARN HOW TO PAINT IN OIL WITH FRANK EBER Learn value, color mixing, edges, underpainting, principles of design, and composition. Start painting immediately while learning the foundations of oil painting. Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through Sept. 17 $295 for six classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering
Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
MARC MARON LIVE AT THE FREMONT THEATER All ages welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. Aug. 23, 8 p.m. fremontslo.com/ events/marc-maron-all-in-tour/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600.
MARIA MOLTENI: CELESTIAL ANTIPHONY Celestial Antiphony creates a cycle of beats on the fingers and illustrates a childhood shortcut for praying the Rosary when beads have gone missing. The artist has returned to the modular, rhythmic orb-based practice of prayer, which transcends boundaries of faith and constructs of time. Through Nov. 11 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/mariamolteni/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
MARIE SCHOEFF: ARTIST TALK A closing reception and artist talk for Marie Schoeff’s solo exhibition Between Ordinary. Reception starts at 4:30 p.m., followed by an artist talk at 6 p.m. in the Miossi Gallery in room 7170 on Cuesta’s San Luis Obispo campus. Aug. 15 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-546-3202. cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL!) Enjoy five hilarious musical satires in one. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Sept. 15 $20-$37. 805-786-2440. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, slorep.org/. OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive oil paintings with a focus on color accuracy, mark making, and the interconnection of each element. Learn techniques to bring your painting skills to the next level. This class is great for intermediate or advanced painters. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. through Sept. 17 $295 for six classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel.com/ event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching
—Caleb Wiseblood
FILE PHOTO BY CHERISH WHYTE
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.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
WHOSE WATERS? This Gray Wing exhibition will build upon the photojournalistic work of Southern California artist Gabriella Angotti-Jones whose I Just Wanna Surf book highlights Black female and non-binary surfers and other unseen or outright ignored communities that ride the waves off the Golden State. Through Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ surf-show/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARTISAN MARKET A great opportunity to meet and support more than a dozen local artists in Cypress Ridge and the surrounding community. Artisans will showcase their original creations. Featuring painters, jewelry designers, fabric art, and more. Free parking. Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 805-7200582. designsbytinalouise.com. FItForever Gym (Outdoor Lakeside Garden Patio), 1080 Cypress Ridge Parkway, 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.
GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES: THIRD
GUNSMOKIN’ Through Sept. 7 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
IMPROV OVERVIEW If you’ve ever wanted to try improv, here’s your chance. Improvisation is live, unscripted theater where players make up scenes. In this one-hour overview, you’ll learn a few of the basics while playing fun games in a safe and supportive environment. Register online in advance. Aug. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. 805-556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.
OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Discover
Oceano is proud to present the Oceano Seabreeze Market. Featuring handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local Makers, artisans, and curators. Enjoy shopping, food, drinks, music, and an afternoon of fun at the historic Oceano Depot. Aug. 17 12-5 p.m. Free. 805-779-1414. DiscoverOceanoCa.com. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
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.
CENTRAL COAST WOMEN RAISING EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE Unleash your inner strength. Join this Women’s Circle for “Nurturing Resilience: Thrive Through Life’s Challenges.” Experience breath work, essential oils, coaching, dance, and meditation with certified coach Tami Charvet. Build connections and grow. RSVP required. Aug. 24 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 donation suggested. 805-235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body Health Coaching (Central Coast Women Raising), 375 Pico Morro Bay, Morro Bay. CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-7722840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.
DAISY HILL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Have some fun with crossword and word search puzzles too. Any questions? Contact Mary Welsh at 626-422-1431 or email welsma2020@ earthlink.net Aug. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 626-422-1431. There will be four Monday meetings. Aug. 19 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 626422-1431. Daisy Hill Estates Clubhouse, 1595 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos. MELGES: THE WIZARD OF ZENDA Visit site for more info and tickets to this documentary screening. Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. MORRO BAY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2004 REUNION It’s time to set your course (and mark your calendar) for an epic 20year reunion. Starts with a dance party at the Siren. Visit site for full lineup of events. Aug. 16-18 my805tix.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:301:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay. OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT A community of movers and shakers who come together to express themselves through dance and movement. Inspired by a variety of conscious movement modalities, Open Flow is led by Silvia Suarez and Matt Garrity, embodiment teachers who share a passion for integration through movement exploration. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $10 (general), $5 (ages 55 and older). SilviaAthaSomatics.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278.
QUARTER ART EXHIBIT The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo at Trilogy is now displaying its 2024 Third Quarter Exhibit of original works of art from 17 Trilogy artist residents. The art displayed includes a wide range of techniques and styles as well as stunning photography. Aug. 17 1-3 p.m. and Aug. 24 1-3 p.m. Free. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, 805-343-7500.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
MAPS TO THE FARMS
More than 15 farms and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public in conjunction with the sixth annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Saturday, Aug. 24. Attendees can register in advance for various farm tours, occurring between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at my805tix. com. For more info on this year’s Farm Day festivities, visit santabarbaracountyfarmday.com.
—C.W.
SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS Join the Morro Bay National Estuary Program for an afternoon to learn about local science, monitoring, and restoration projects. This event will have various speakers from the Estuary Program and Silvio Favoreto from Cuesta College, all speaking about eelgrass monitoring, restoration, and research. Aug. 17 1-3 p.m. Free. mbnep.org. The Schoolhouse, 2180 Palisades Drive, Los Osos, 805-528-4169.
SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. 805-709-2227. inner-workings. com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos. TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. 805-7727486. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Explore excerpts of the Bible and enjoy some fun puzzles too. Aug. 19 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 626-422-1431.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18
Davis
7 & 8
Davis Fine A , SLO Baroque Bliss, by Symphony of the Vines
8 Mission San Miguel Arcangel
Home, Paso Robles
Tribute to Motley Crew, Def Leppard, Poison
Brewery, Orcu
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Selena the Show in the 805
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 TBA, Orcu
La Dominante Banda El Cerrito & Equipo Elite
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc
& Spa,
Vision Board Making Pa y
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, SLO
City Ballroom, Lompoc
Swimmers, Peopling, & Noah Kwid
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 The Bunker SLO
Craig Nu ycombe “It’s Just A Lifetime” Screening and Conce
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Cambria Center For The A s
Wine & Paint Pa y SATURDAYS, AUGUST 17 & 31
Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria
Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia
WEDNESDAYS, AUGUST 21 & 28 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO
Tribute to Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Humdinger Brewing, SLO
SUNDAY,
THURS-SUN, AUGUST 22-25
at the Pier:
Spritzer Mixer
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 Inn at the Pier, Pismo Beach
Orcu
Cayucos Backyard Show featuring Ynana Rose
AUGUST 18
Private Residence, Cayucos
Your Jack, Chris Beland, Luke Francis & Max Maclaury
Improv Comedy Playoff s
Bunker SLO
Hot Dates
Daisy Hill Estates Clubhouse, 1595 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.
ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts. com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body 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.
GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. 805-464-2838. oracleatascaderoca. com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED
EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
MONDAY MORNING YA’DA YOGA WITH GINA JENKINS AT AWAKENING WAYS
CSL Sessions are tailored to address both physical and emotional challenges of participants. Experience inner peace and physical vitality in a welcoming community setting. See the website for details. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $20. 805-391-4465. awakeningways.org/whats-happening/. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 9350 El Camino Real, No. 101, Atascadero.
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. 805441-2164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING
Bring your favorite rock, gem, crystal, fossil, etc., to show the rest of the club. Third Monday of every month, 7 p.m. slrockhounds.org/. Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St., Templeton.
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.
YANG STYLE TAI CHI The course’s instructor won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. 805470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADOPT A KITTEN EVENT Hosted by the Feline Network of the Central Coast. Aug. 17 10 a.m.-4 p.m. PetSmart, 1530 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo.
ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about how unique ADHD is to each individual and the environments around them. Connect with other adults walking a similar road and learn new strategies to ease the struggle. Find out more online. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-242-8182. adhdallies.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Learn aerial skills that build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance. Plus, silks is a great way to learn flipping safely. For ages 7-17; all levels welcome. Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ events. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. MondaysSundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, 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.
BRIDGING THE GAP: JOIN THE
CONVERSATION The community’s support empowers this group to deliver essential services, while fostering healing, growth, and resilience among individuals affected by the justice system. Help forge connections within our broader community, nurturing safer, more inclusive neighborhoods. The group’s mission centers on restoration, healing, and fostering accountability. Aug. 16, 5:30-9 p.m. $75-$150. 805-242-1272. restorativepartners.org/bridging-the-gap/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.
CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. 646-2805800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
GUIDED ENERGETIC MEDITATION Are you energetically sensitive? This reoccurring weekly class will be a guided Introduction to Energetic Meditation Techniques that will assist you to: clear your energy field, improve energy flow and energy boundaries, quiet and focus your mind, and be clearer about “Who You Really Are.” Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. through Nov. 30 $22. 503-929-6416. elohiacupuncture.com/classes/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered from the devastating effects of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT
GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.
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. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346. 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. PLAY GROVE, AN OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM A nature-based and place-based enrichment program. This means we use the environment as our guide as we play, grow, create art, garden, and learn together. Play Grove will allow young children to access this experience alongside enthusiastic playworkers. Aug. 19 -June 7 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Options: 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day. 805-2426301. onecoolearth.org/play-grove.html. Jewish Community Center, 875 Laureate Lane, 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.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, 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 NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@gmail. com. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. 805-801-9112. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.
SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20
of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending.
Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
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.
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OCEANO’S
BEAVERS Join State Park Docent Dan to learn about the beaver. Enjoy an easypaced walk around the Oceano Lagoon as we search for evidence and signs of beaver activity. Meet at the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center. Moderate walk (5 miles; 2 hours). RSVP at 805-474-2664. Aug. 17 10:30 a.m.noon Free. 805-474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
AQUATIC BIRDS OF OSO FLACO LAKE
Join The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for a short hike and explore the dune ecosystem and the aquatic birds of our lakes. Aug. 17 9-11:30 a.m. Free. 805448-8012. Oso Flaco Lake, 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road, 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, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
DOG DAY MOVIE NIGHT: DOG DAY MOVIE NIGHT: 101 DALMATIANS Find out more about this screening at the resort’s Secret Garden on website. Aug. 23 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA
The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its meeting on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, follow on Facebook at Bishop’s Peak EGA or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every
month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 16 Free. egausa.com. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.
FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Handy volunteers fix broken items for free at Oak Park Christian Church in Grover Beach. They repair bikes, clothing, outdoor gear and apparel, jewelry, small appliances, furniture, laptops, and phones. Aug. 17, 1-4:30 p.m. Free. 650-367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH (AUGUST) Guided by the power of a full moon. An evening of celestial connection and soulful movement. Aug. 19 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
GOLF TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY SOUTH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Enjoy a day of golf with local business and community members. With sponsor opportunities to interact on the course and at dinner prepared by Old SLO BBQ. Best ball/scramble format. Infrequent golfers are welcome. Have fun while supporting the South County Chamber. Aug. 22 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $50-$2,500. 805-489-1488. southcountychambers.com. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach. LET’S KICK IT: EMPOWER YOUR MIND AND BODY Hosted by WMW. Theme this month: Hear me Roar. Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-noon my805tix.com/. Avila Beach Pirate Park, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach.
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.
NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY AT SYCAMORE Celebrate National Relaxation Day at Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort and Spa. Enjoy a free day of wellness focused activations designed to set you at ease. Aug. 15 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-595-7302. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila 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. SHAKTI GODDESS RETREAT Hosted by Aurora Adventures. Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 17, 1:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Vibe Health Lounge, Contact for address, Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
DOWNSIZING MADE EASY Hosted by Sea Coast Seniors. Aug. 23 10 a.m. my805tix. com/. Merrill Gardens, 1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing
SIR FIX-A-LOT
The next Five Cities Repair Cafe will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., at Oak Park Christian Church in Grover Beach. The group hosts events several times a year for the public to bring in electronics, toys, bikes, small appliances, and other items in need of repairs. Visit repaircafe5cities.org for more info.
—C.W.
805-343-2455. dunescenter.org. GuadalupeNipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
SIXTH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA
COUNTY FARM DAY Various Santa Barbara County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations open their doors to the public. Visitors experience free behindthe-scenes farm tours, tractor with trailer rides, tastings, giveaways, and kid-friendly activities. Aug. 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805892-8155. SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay. com. Farms throughout Santa Maria Valley, Multiple venues, Santa Maria.
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.
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 Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.
OPOLO WINE DINNER WITH LIVE JAZZ: SUNNY WRIGHT AND JACOB ODELL Come to The Cavalier Resort for a multi-course paired wine dinner featuring Opolo Wines, and live jazz entertainment with the Central Coast’s Sunny Wright on vocals and Jacob Odell on guitar. Aug. 17 6-9 p.m. $125 inclusive. 805927-4688. cavalierresort. com. Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, 9415 Hearst Dr, San Simeon.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 805-460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden. com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
MULTICULTURAL POTLUCKS Held monthly on the farm to connect us to our roots, our family and cultural heritage around eating food, as well as horticultural traditions of how people from around the world grow their food. Aug. 18, 1 p.m. ourglobalfamilyfarm.com. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, 805769-8344.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SUNSET WINE/RAIL EXCURSION: SANTA BARBARA These fully-hosted, docent-led excursions will depart from the SLO Railroad Museum at 11 a.m. taking a motor coach to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Aug. 17 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-1894.
TRIVIA NIGHT Reservations are no longer required to play. Reservations are now for teams who want to guarantee a table to play. Tables available first come, first serve. Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE MACARONI AND CHEESE FESTIVAL
Vote for your favorite as the featured chefs compete for the best mac and cheese. Aug. 24 2-6 p.m. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach, 805-595-4000.
MUSIC
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEACHSIDE LIVE SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES Enjoy free live music by the beach in Cayucos. Showtimes are Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Also featuring live music on holiday weekends, and on select Fridays and Saturdays in the summer. Check out @schoonerscayucos on Instagram for band updates. Sundays, 1-8 p.m. Free. 805-995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com/live.
Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
BRASS MASH AT OLDE ALEHOUSE
The people of Los Osos know how to get down and The Olde Alehouse is one of Brass Mash’s favorite spots. Aug. 17 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Olde Alehouse, 945 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.
CAMBRIA TRIBUTE TO CHRIS STAPLETON AND BRANDI CARLILE Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile. Performers include Cambria’s own Deborah McHenry, Central Coast favorites
Holly Ann Lewis, Cassi Nicholls, J. Gavin, Gary Garrett, and Kelly Moreno, Ventura’s Jayden Secor, and LA-based artists Jesse Loren Strickman, and Pi Jacobs. Aug. 25 2-5 p.m. $25; $20 wine club members. 805-927-9466. songwritersatplay.com/events. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria.
CAYUCOS BACKYARD SHOW FEATURING
YNANA ROSE Central Coast Americana artist Ynana Rose headlines the next Cayucos Backyard Show. Aug. 18 2 p.m. my805tix.com. Backyard Show, Private home, Cayucos.
CRAIG NUTTYCOMBE: IT’S JUST A
LIFETIME SCREENING AND CONCERT
This moving documentary is a delightfully offbeat portrait of the resilient San Luis Obispo artist, as told by two fans who lived with the musician for three weeks. Live performance by Craig and special guests to follow. Aug. 24 7-11 p.m. $30. 805-234-3887. cambriafilmfestival.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
THE DUSTY SOULS: LIVE AT THE SIREN Originating from the small town of Occidental in Northern California, The Dusty Souls bring a taste of the ‘70s rock and roll movement with hints of alternative, psychedelic, and indie nuance. Based in San Luis Obispo, and inspired by artists like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Aug. 24, 2-5 p.m. Free. 707-800-2376. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT Under the direction of composer/conductor Brenda Hascall, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform pops, classical, and jazz music. This concert will premier Brenda Hascall’s newest composition, “Moonlight in Morro Bay,” with vocals to be sung by member Evan Ashley. Aug. 24 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; donations accepted. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay S. T Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
ROBIN’S SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES: SUNNY WRIGHT, GARY DRYSDALE, JAMES GALLARDO, DARRY VANDRUFF The Summer Concert Series takes place in Robin’s gorgeous outdoor dining area with live jazz, blues, and R&B. Aug. 19 5:30-8 p.m. $7 cover. 805-927-5007. robinsrestaurant.com/. Robin’s Restaurant, 4095 Burton Drive, Cambria.
UP IN THE AIR AT CASTORO CELLARS Up in the Air will play it’s unique, eclectic mix of upbeat originals with some familiar favorites at Castoro Cellars. Aug. 24 1-4 p.m. Free. 805238-0725. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, castorocellars.com.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
ALEJANDRO BRITTES LIVE AT THE TOOTH AND NAIL CASTLE Experience the Soul of Argentine Music with a celebrated chamamé maestro, featuring live music, exquisite wines, and culinary delights on the terrace with stunning wine country views. Aug. 23 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-369-6100. toothandnailwine. com/pages/social-club-events. Tooth and Nail Winery, 3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. BARREL ROOM CONCERT: RED OAK COUNTRY Located at the Hilltop Barrel Room Event Center. Aug. 18, 5 p.m. my805tix.com/. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles. EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. Composing and recording in multiple genres, he marches to his own beat. Aug. 18, 1-4 p.m. Sextent Wines, 2324 CA-46, Paso Robles, 866-833-9463. JAZZ AND BLUES AT SENSORIO: SUNNY WRIGHT, ROGER PERRY, KEVIN MCHATTEN Come vibe with the lights and music at Sensorio with live jazz, blues, and R&B. Aug. 22, 7-10 p.m. $45-$75; $22-$37 for children. 805-226-4287. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. JAZZ AT SENSORIO With vocalist Sunny Wright, guitarist Jacob Odell, bassist Dylan Johnson, and drummer Kevin McHatten. Aug. 16 7-10 p.m. $45-$140; $22 for children. 805-226-4287. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. MONTE MILLS LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND In celebration of Club Car Bar’s one year anniversary. Aug. 17 7 p.m. my805tix. com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.
ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS Don’t miss this iconic duo live in concert. Aug. 24 Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3670, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.
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.
TUESDAYS IN THE PARK: FREE WEEKLY CONCERTS BY THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND Atascadero Community Band has been playing free weekly concerts in the bandstand for almost 40 years. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnics and enjoy these free events. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 20 Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
MUSIC continued page 22
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFE
BRASS MASH AND KENTUCKY MONK: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Kentucky Monk (acoustic rock/country/R&B/pop) and Brass Mash (rock/pop). Aug. 23 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO. com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo. DAMON CASTILLO BAND AND MELODY KLEMIN: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Free live music. Family-friendly. Food/drink available. Free bike valet. Aug. 16 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO. com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo. FLAVOR PACKET Flavor Packet stirs up a lyrical and imaginative sound with its contemporary and world beat-influenced jazz music, which makes for a memorable experience. Aug. 16 6-9 p.m. Free. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, krobardistillery.com.
THE GREEN LIVE AT THE FREMONT THEATER The Green performing live at the Fremont Theater. All ages welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 8 p.m. $32. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600. JAZZ VESPERS CONCERT Jazz Vespers Concerts returns to the historic sanctuary at SLO First Presbyterian Church; welcoming the Bruce Forman-Dave Becker Duo. Internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Bruce Forman will join forces with the exceptional Dave Becker on sax and flute. Aug. 18, 4-5:30 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. 805-543-5451. fpcslo.org. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. JAZZ WEDNESDAYS Spinning jazz records all night. Bebop, jazz funk, acid jazz, hard bop, nu jazz, jazz house, crossover, Latin jazz, and more. Featuring guest selectors. Music at a polite volume in an acoustically treated space. Vintage sound system, big warm speakers. Plenty of free parking. Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m. through Oct. 30 Free. 805-439-1544. jansplaceslo.com. Jan’s Place, 1817 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
MEZZANINE SWIMMERS AND PEOPLING Mezzanine Swimmers is the solo project of Mike Green, who is now based in Detroit after living 14 years in NYC. Aug. 21 6:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. SLO TRIBUTE TO CHRIS STAPLETON AND BRANDI CARLILE Songwriters at Play celebrates the music of Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile. Performers include Central Coast favorites Cassi Nicholls, J. Gavin, Gary Garrett, Holly Ann Lewis, Deborah McHenry, and Kelly Moreno; Ventura’s Jayden Secor; and LA-based artists Jesse Loren Strickman, and Pi Jacobs. Aug. 24, 7-10 p.m. $20. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/events. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo. SLOPICKERS A four-piece bluegrass string band based out of San Luis Obispo. Aug. 17 4 p.m. my805tix.com/. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo. SUMMER MUSIC SERIES AT OAK AND OTTER BREWING CO. Summer music series featuring local artists, including Jaxon Camaero, Spike and the Box, Ben and Danny, Graybill, and Devin Welsh. Check @oakandotterbrewing for up to date info. Aug. 24 2-5 p.m. Free. 805439-2529. oakandotterbrewing.squarespace.com/events. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. THE SURFACE ROCKERS A science fiction rock musical. Aug. 17 5:15 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
YOUR JACK, CHRIS BELAND, LUKE FRANCIS, AND MAX MACLAURY Presented by the Bunker. Aug. 18 6 p.m. my805tix. com/. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 2024 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES These Saturday afternoon concerts are limited and will sell out, so make your purchase early to secure your spot. Saturdays, 2:30-5 p.m. through Oct. 12 my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
GROVER BEACH SUMMER CONCERTS 2024 Featuring some of best local and regional bands all summer long. Food, craft vendors, and activities for the kids. Free and all ages welcome. Sundays, 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
HYPERION 2.0: A CYBERPUNK DANCE PARTY All ages welcome. With DJs Frank the Tank, Jahselektah, and Cryptid. This show will also feature a hardware-based live techno performance by Gabe Miller. Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Free. my805tix.com/. Fuego in Grover Beach, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 710-6477. PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS Two men. Two pianos. Get ready for an electrifying musical extravaganza like no other. A sensational celebration of the legendary Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the extraordinary father and son duo of Terry and Nick Davies. Aug. 15 7:30-10 p.m. $45-$65. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/piano-men-generations/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. STONE SOUP MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival brings together a variety of music styles on two different stages: Park Stage in Ramona Garden Park and Street Stage on Ramona Ave.
PCPA - SEASON 60
Various Dates and Times
CROWDED HOUSE GRAVITY STAIRS TOUR
Saturday, September 28 • 8:00pm
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Paso Robles
Santa Maria and Solvang WALKER HAYES
LIVE IN CONCERT
Thurs, October 3 • 7:30-10:30 pm
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Paso Robles
Friday, October 4 • 8:00pm
Vina Robles Amphitheatre Paso Robles
Arts
Three authors discuss their books during fundraiser in Arroyo Grande
Proceeds from an upcoming author event and wine reception at Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande will go toward local scholarships for women. On Sunday, Aug. 18, Chapter VN of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Association) will host An Evening with Authors at the winery, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The reception’s keynote speaker is local author Wendelin Van Draanen. Mystery novelist Tony Piazza and prolific cartoonist and author Leigh Rubin will also discuss their works during the event. Books from all three authors will be available for sale as well.
Admission to the fundraiser ranges between $50 (pre-sale) and $60 (at the door). Entry to the reception includes wine tastings, appetizers, and more. There will also be live music and silent auction. For more info on the fundraiser, email chaptervneventinfo@gmail.com.
Talley Vineyards is located at 3031 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande.
Festival Mozaic christens Allan Hancock College’s new concert piano
Two Festival Mozaic musicians recently helped Allan Hancock College ring in its newest addition to Boyd Concert Hall. Earlier this summer, the college purchased a new concert piano, valued at $175,000, with funds from the estate of late piano instructor Patricia “Patty” Boyd.
In late July, pianist Susan Grace played the Steinway D concert piano during a Festival Mozaic Midday Mini-Concert, which marked the piano’s debut at Boyd Concert Hall. Grace was accompanied by cellist Alexander Hersh during the performance, which featured selections from Debussy, Webern, and other composers, according to press materials.
The concert hall is located inside Hancock’s Fine Arts Complex (building F), and its new piano addition will be featured in upcoming musical productions. The instrument will also be available for students and teachers to use as part of some of Hancock’s music programs.
A prolific music teacher, Boyd passed away in 2012. According to previous New Times reporting, the late piano instructor prepared a will that gave the bulk of her assets to the Hancock Music Department before her passing.
“Thanks to funding left by Ms. Boyd, we are thrilled to bring this truly remarkable instrument to our campus, where it will be used by students and faculty for years to come,” Allan Hancock College Foundation Executive Director of College Advancement Jon Hooten said in press materials.
∆
Caleb Wiseblood
BY SAMANTHA HERRERA
Like-minded community
SLO NightWriters turns writing into an opportunity to connect and brainstorm with other SLO County residents
The art of writing and the pastime of reading are often seen as solitary activities, but SLO NightWriters changes that narrative with social gatherings, networking events, and workshops.
“Writing is such generally solitary pursuit, it can be very discouraging, it takes a long time, and it’s just really nice to have that community to learn from one another,” the organization’s president, Leanne Phillips, told New Times.
Celebrating 35 years of supporting writers and helping them improve their work, SLO NightWriters has some exciting new events coming up to help celebrate its anniversary while hoping to boost membership, Phillips said.
“Our board of directors for the organization has been on the board longer than usual because of the pandemic, so they really worked hard to keep the organization going during the pandemic and did a great job with that. Now we’re starting to kind of come out of that and to grow a little bit more,” she said. “We’re doing more events this year; we had a summer social last month where we’re doing a two half-day workshops each year now, and we were able to sponsor the Central Coast Writers Conference this year.”
Phillips said the half-day workshops consist of published authors volunteering their time and speaking with the group on subjects such as establishing a platform, creating a social media presence, and how to successfully write a memoir.
“Our next one is Sept. 14 and it’s going to be more like hands-on, how to get published,” she said. “We have an editor coming, her name is A.M. Larks and she’s coming in from LA. We’re also going to—what I’m most excited about—we’re having a presentation and workshop on critique groups.”
These upcoming critique workshops are supposed to remain healthy and motivational verses being discouraging or damaging to authors, Phillips said.
“We’re also going to talk about being aware of race, gender, you know all these things, to be sensitive to those things,” she said. “We’re also going to do a National Novel Writing Month that happens once a year in November.”
The National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 and focuses on one straightforward challenge: write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. And Phillips said the group is preparing for that as a whole.
Showtime!
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
“We’re doing a write-in support on Nov. 9 that will be open to the public, not just members, and we’ll have snacks and some motivational speakers and things
Pen, paper, chatter
To find out more information on the SLO NightWriters, visit its website at slonightwriters.org.
like that, just because it’s an exhausting thing to try and do 50,000 words in a month,” she said. Founded in 1989 by a group of women, Phillips, who’s been president of SLO NightWriters since January, said herself and others on the board are trying their best to continue the principles of the founders.
“We had one member who has passed away now, her name was Susan, who was so active in teaching classes and helping local writers learn how to write,” she said. “We had another woman who was really helpful with volunteering her time to help edit people so they can try to have better chances of getting published. It’s really just community and to motivate one another, to learn from one another, to support one another, and it makes something that can be really lonely and isolating and discouraging a lot more fun.”
SLO NightWriters currently has about 150 members, and Phillips said anyone can become a member.
“We have one member who isn’t even a writer; she just joined because she wanted to support her sister who is a writer,” she said. “There isn’t anything required to join SLO NightWriters except just a desire to write and participate.”
Membership dues are $50 a year, but Phillips said the group does offer half-price dues for anyone who has an economic limitation or for students. Those who need half-price membership fees aren’t required to show proof; it’s based on an honor system.
Residents who are interested in building a community of local writers can attend workshops every second Tuesday of the month.
“We almost always have a speaker, and sometimes we host other special events,” Phillips said. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.
PHOTO FROM ADOBE STOCK
GUEST SPEAKER The SLO NightWriters hosts workshop meetings every second Tuesday of the month featuring guest speakers like Donnee Patrese, left, and Marcus Harris, right, who spoke about navigating the world of self-publishing and marketing a self-published book.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEANNE PHILLIPS
Comedy of errors
oug Liman (Swingers, e Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow) directs this crime comedy about two hapless robbers—Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey A eck, who co-wrote the script with Chuck MacLean)—who nd themselves on the run with Rory’s therapist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), after their heist doesn’t go as planned. (101 min.)
THE INSTIGATORS
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee
What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee
Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus
Glen e old “mismatched buddy lm” formula is on display, with Damon playing a depressed former Marine and divorcee who owes so much money in alimony and child support that he can’t look his son in the eye. A eck is a wisecracking ex-con who was put away for a crime he didn’t commit. Together, they’re hired by Boston crime kingpin Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg), who wants them to accompany one of his minions, Scalvo (Jack Harlow), on a job to steal thousands in bribe money from Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman) during his reelection victory party. Pretty much everything they’re told to expect is wrong, the job goes sideways, and they’re suddenly on the run. It’s a fun premise with some laughs and a bit of heart. If I saw it in the theater, I’d be satis ed paying matinee prices.
Anna e lm hasn’t gotten great reviews on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes, but I agree with you—it’s worth throwing some matinee money at. e good news is that if you have an Apple TV Plus subscription, you don’t even have to do that! I nd both Damon and A eck to have a knack for humor along with their serious acting chops, and they bounce o each other well here. Rory is stoic and serious, and Cobby is a drunken motormouth. While the two don’t know each other from Adam when the lm starts, they’re soon in a whirlwind run from both
the police pursuing them and Mr. Besegai’s minions, who are also in hot pursuit to try and squash any evidence of their boss’s plan. Maybe I was just in the mood for this type of buddy ick, but I actually had a pretty good time watching these two blunder through their adventure.
Glen e cast is solid, including Alfred Molina as Besegai’s right-hand man, Richie Dechico. And let’s not forget Ving Rhames as the Mayor’s muscle, Frank Toomey, and Toby Jones as the Mayor’s sleazy attorney, Alan Flynn. Our two knucklehead main protagonists have people coming after them from all sides, but their secret weapon is Rory’s therapist, Dr. Rivera played by Hong Chau, who’s got great comic timing and is hilarious as the pair’s “hostage” who never stops trying to help Rory work through his mental anguish. We like Rory and Cobby, even if they don’t really like each other, because they’re both sympathetic characters. We want Rory to reunite with his son. We want Cobby to get his act together. It sounds ridiculous, but his time as Dr. Rivera’s
IT’S JUST A LIFETIME: A PORTRAIT OF CRAIG
NUTTYCOMBE
TWhat’s it rated? Unrated
When? Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. ($33.98 at my805tix.com)
Where’s it showing? The Cambria Center for the Arts (1350 Main St.)
im Ursuliak and Carman Cookson-Hills co-direct this documentary about retired handyman, local musician, and irascible character Craig Nuttycombe, who in late 1967 formed the duo Lambert & Nuttycombe with Denis Lambert, recording their A&M Records debut, At Home (1970), in Sausalito. They were going to be the West Coast’s answer to Simon & Garfunkel,
LAND OF BAD
What’s it rated? R When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Netflix
William Eubank (The Signal, Underwater ) co-wrote and directs this action thriller about drone pilot Capt. Eddie Grimm
“Reaper” (Russell Crowe), supporting a Delta Force team sent to rescue a CIA spy held by Abu Sayyaf terrorists. After a brutal firefight with the terrorists, Sgt. JJ Kinney (callsign “Playboy”) (Liam Hemsworth) appears to be the only surviving member of the Delta Force. What follows is
with their sparkling harmonies and hooky folk sounds. Shortly after a second record, As You Will (1973), they went their separate ways due to Lambert’s drug addiction.
Now decades later, this deeply charming portrait of Nuttycombe, who recorded his A&M Records solo debut, It’s Just a Lifetime, in 1978 before taking a long hiatus from music, offers an intimate view into the artist’s life post fame. He’s continued to make music on a smaller scale, and he’s made a beautiful, artsy
an action-packed but also somewhat overly complicated and disjointed tale of heroism and neglect. Reaper’s supporting crew on Nellis Air Force Base are more interested in March Madness games than in extracting Playboy and the CIA spy in a mission gone wrong. Released in theaters in February, the film bombed, making only $6.5 million. It never came to SLO County as far as I can remember. It clearly wants to be a Black Hawk Down-style gritty rescue flick, and it has its moments with some well-staged action and a solid cast, but it’s a tad too didactic in its criticism of the American military and modern warfare. Still, Crowe stands out as the determined Reaper, who wants to see the mission through. If you’re an action fan, it’s worth a look. (113 min.) ∆ —Glen
kidnapper is probably the best thing that could have happened to him. Breezy and fun, e Instigators is not going to win any awards, but if you’re in the mood for a lark, you could do worse.
Anna Dr. Rivera de nitely rounds out the trio, and it’s pretty funny to see her therapizing Rory as they drive through their high speed chase. She’s annoyed by Cobby but also drawn to him—there’s something charming about his incessant chatter and quippy jokes. Her addition to the duo brings a whole new dynamic to the team. Perlman pulls o corrupt politician in a big way—his giant head and sinister stance give him big Batman villain vibes. It may be a simple buddies-on-the-run lm, but it has heart and humor, and I don’t really need anything more from it than that. A eck and Damon are surrounded by a cast of characters that add to the fun. It may be u , but it hits the spot. It’s worth a watch. ∆
Senior Sta Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
life on the Central Coast, living in a trailer park with a dog, … always a dog.
The documentary came to be when the filmmakers lived with Nuttycombe for three weeks, documenting his memories and musings. After
REAP THE WHIRLWIND U.S. Air Force drone pilot Capt. Eddie Grimm “Reaper” (Russell Crowe) works to protect a Delta Force team under attack, in Land of Bad, screening on Netflix.
the screening, Nuttycombe will be joined by Bob Liepman (cello), and his former Café Musique bandmates Brynn Albanese (violin) and Duane Inglish (accordion) in concert. (87 min.)
—Glen
HOT PURSUIT Hapless robbers Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) go on the run with Rory’s therapist after a heist, in The Instigators , streaming on Apple TV Plus.
PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV PLUS
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM URSULIAK AND CARMAN COOKSON-HILLS MUSIC AND LIFE It’s Just a Lifetime: A Portrait of Craig Nuttycombe screens at the Cambria Film Festival on Aug. 24.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH ENTICKNAP/THE AVENUE
The SLO County Early Warning System sirens which are located throughout the Emergency Planning Zone will be tested on Saturday, August 24.
Sirens will sound at 12:00 pm and again at 12:30 pm for three minutes. During the tests, no action is required on the part of the public.
Local radio and television stations will conduct normal programming during the tests.
If you hear the sirens at any other time, tune to a local radio or television station for important emergency information. When at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16.
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Smith and James
Two potent singersongwriters share the bill at Fremont Theater
If you like big-voiced singer-songwriters whose music might be described as Americana but who venture far and wide from being categorized as single genre, the Fremont Theater and Good Vibez have a double-bill for you. The White Buffalo and Shawn James share the marquee on Wednesday, Aug. 21, as part of their Tale of Two Guns Tour (8 p.m.; all ages; $35 at prekindle.com).
You might already be familiar with The White Buffalo, featuring frontman Jake Smith, as they’ve played the area frequently. Smith is a towering man with a soulful voice who follows his own path musically. His eighth studio album, Year of the Dark Horse (2022), is an amazing collection of songs.
“You think we’re a country band? A folk band? Americana? Rock? What the fuck are you gonna say now?!” Jake asked in press materials. “With this album, I wanted something outside of what I’ve ever done. I wanted to open up. Do something dangerous. I’m hard to put into a singular genre as it is, but now I really wanted to take away any kind of preconception or pigeon-holing.”
Shawn James thinks similarly. In his selfpenned bio, he writes, “I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up and relay what I’m about from an hour-long conversation so they could write my ‘bio,’ but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt soulful music and hardworking, real, down-to-earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.”
He says he plays “a wide range of music from folk to blues, R&B, gospel to rock, metal, and a lotta things in between. The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart, and a lotta soul.”
older; $25.93 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
The New Orleans hard rock act calls their sound “blackened death metal.” Portland’s extreme metal band Vitriol, that’s into “punishment, cruelty, and death” and who “worships violence,” opens, along with Thantifaxath.
The Siren
Don’t forget country punk hero Joe Buck Yourself (formerly of Hank III, Assjack, and Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers) plays on Thursday, Aug. 15 (7 to 9:30 p.m.; $15.54 at tir.com). The one-man band is loosely controlled chaos.
Get ready to party like it’s 1999 when The Siren throws a ’90s/2000s DJ dance party called Y2K Rewind on Friday, Aug. 16 (7:30 to 11 p.m.; 21-and-older; $13.38 at tixr.com). Chad Fortin will be spinning everything from Nirvana to Destiny’s Child, Snoop Dogg, Backstreet Boys, TLC, Eminem, Britney Spears—you name it.
Hawaiian reggae band The Green plays on Thursday, Aug. 22 (8 p.m.; all ages; $32 at prekindle.com) in the historic Fremont Theater. Blending dub-heavy roots reggae, lovers rock, and pop with Hawaiian musical and lyrical references, The Green has become one of Oahu’s favorite music exports. They formed in 2009 and released five studio albums, as well as five EPs, acoustic, or live albums, most recently Live at Blue Note Hawaii (2023). Grammy winning pop superstar Bruno Mars selected them to open his five sold-out shows in Hawaii.
Numbskull and Good Medicine
One of Numbskull and Good Medicine’s four big shows this week is Canadian indie pop band Alvvays on Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Madonna Inn Expo Center (6 p.m.; all ages; $43.98 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
The band recently announced a remastered vinyl-only reissue of their self-titled debut album to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. The reissued vinyl will feature remastered audio, the bonus track “Underneath Us,” and also be available on cerulean blue vinyl with
a hand drawn poster by Canadian musician and animator Chad VanGaalen. The Beths open.
Maybe you didn’t know it, but you need some satanic bluegrass music from Kansas City, Missouri, and you’ll get it when Pentagram String Band plays on Friday, Aug. 16, in Club Car Bar (8 p.m.; all ages; $15.66 at goodmedicinepresents.com). They take traditional bluegrass sounds and layer in some gothic folk, punk, and thrash metal, with lyrics “involving cannibalism and murder,” and themes of “Satan, misery, and the joys of death,” their bio reads.
7 Summers: A Morgan Wallen Tribute Band plays on Friday, Aug. 16, at BarrelHouse Brewing (doors at 6 p.m.; all ages; $29.56 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
7
Summers celebrates the music of Tennesseebased country pop star Morgan Wallen. “Our mission is simple: to bring you the very best of Morgan Wallen’s music, paying homage to the undeniable charisma and raw emotion that make his songs resonate with so many,” the band explained in press materials.
If you’re ready for some sonic darkness, head down to The Siren for Goatwhore on Wednesday, Aug. 21, in (7 p.m.; 21-and-
There’s no shortage of Led Zeppelin tribute acts, but if you love The Zep, you can’t get enough, and Legend Zeppelin delivers an authentic experience: “From the unmistakable primal screams of August Young, to the majestic, incendiary and inspired guitar work of Joshua Cuevas, to the extraordinarily mesmerizing rhythm section of Cody Tarbell and Alexis Angel, this band proves why they are more than just a ‘tribute,’” according to their bio. See them on Saturday, Aug. 17 (8 to 10 p.m.; 21-andolder; $24,71 on tixr.com).
Rod & Hammer Rock
Reggae fans don’t forget Sammy Johnson plays on Thursday, Aug. 15 (doors at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $33.39 at ticketweb.com). He blends soulful and jazzy vibes into his sound, and local reggae act True Zion opens.
High Step Society’s bio says it best: They’re “a dance party from another dimension; a high-flying, beat-dropping, big band rocket ship with an ear to the past, and both feet on the gas. This dynamic band is bringing jazz back to the party, where it belongs.”
High Step Society plays on Friday, Aug.
STRAIGHT SHOOTERS The White Buffalo (left) and Shawn James (right) share the bill on Aug. 21 , in the Fremont Theater.
PHOTO (LEFT) COURTESY OF THE WHITE BUFFALO; (RIGHT) COURTESY OF GOOD VIBEZ
IRIE Hawaiian reggae band The Green plays on Aug. 22 , in the Fremont Theater.
PRONOUNCED ‘ALWAYS’ Canadian indie pop band Alvvays plays on Aug. 15 , in the Madonna Inn Expo Center.
COURTESY PHOTO BY ELEANOR PETRY
STARKEY continued page 29
The Clark Center
16 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20.79 at ticketweb.com), and Vince Cimo opens.
Catch some beach vibes when Landon McNamara and Cisco Adler stop at Rod & Hammer Rock as part of their California Coast Tour this Saturday, Aug. 17 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $27.21 at ticketweb. com). McNamara, a singer-songwriter from Hawaii’s North Shore, hit it big with his laidback yet spiritual “If You Only Knew,” with strains of acoustic reggae and Hawaiian soul.
“The only promised thing to us all is death. And at the end of our life, when you’re taking that last breath, would you be satisfied with how you spent your time?” asked McNamara in press materials. “I wanna motivate people to realize life isn’t about money, or shiny things, or social status. It’s about experiences; creating beautiful memories; family; friends; finding out who you truly are and living that existence to the fullest. Above all, it’s about love.”
Adler was raised on the beaches of Malibu and Maui and is a multi-platinum, Grammynominated singer-songwriter with billions of streams to his credit. He’s often referred to as a modern-day Jimmy Buffett.
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
There are still tickets for the incomparable flamenco act the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes on Thursday, Aug. 15 (8 p.m.; all ages; $25 to $225 at vinaroblesamphitheatre. com). Hailing from France, these worldwide charttoppers have a Catalan heritage. Their parents were gitanos (Spanish Romani) who fled Spain following the Spanish Civil War. They specialize in rumba flamenco, performing in Spanish and Catalan.
It’s tribute time at the Clark Center, starting with Piano Men: Generations on Thursday, Aug. 15 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $49.50 to $70.50 at clarkcenter.org). The music of Billy Joel and Elton John is brought to life by the virtuoso father-and-son piano duo of Terry and Nick Davies. Hear hits like “Only the Good Die Young,” “Circle of Life,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and more.
Toby: A Tribute to Toby Keith comes to the Clark Center on Sunday, Aug. 18 (7 p.m.; all ages; $49.50 to $70.50 at clarkcenter.com) starring Hollywood Yates This tribute to the ultimate country bad boy features huge hits like “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “I Love This Bar.” Keith died in February of stomach cancer.
More music …
On Friday, Aug. 16, bi-costal singersongwriter Melody Klemin opens the next Concerts in the Plaza show at 5 p.m. She splits her time and talents between the Central Coast and the greater Washington, D.C., area. She’s followed at 6 p.m. by local jazz-informed R&B act the Damon Castillo Band (all ages; free). Castillo is known for his radio-friendly singles like “No One Like You,” “My Kind of Jam,” and “Headed for a Breakdown.” Only three more concerts after this one.
Sound out! Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
The band’s music has gone Hollywood. Their rendition of “Hotel California” was included in The Big Lebowski and the HBO series Entourage. The 2010 film Toy Story 3 featured a Gipsy Kings version of the Randy Newman-penned theme, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” And The Gipsy Kings were featured in a Big Lebowski spinoff The Jesus Rolls
Jazz Vespers Concerts returns to SLO’s historic First Presbyterian Church this Sunday, Aug. 18 (4 p.m.; all ages; free though donations welcome) with the Bruce Forman-Dave Becker Duo. Forman is a world-class guitarist who’s a regular at the Monterey Jazz Festival and has played on soundtracks like the Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby. Becker is an amazing woodwind soloist and arranger who has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, The Manhattan Transfer, and The Temptations, among many others. ∆
Contact Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
THE WHITE BUFFALO + SHAWN JAMES wednesday, August 21
2024 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FEATURING
Central Coast bands, BBQ, and beer on our outdoor patio from 12-4pm
AUGUST
8/17 Earls of Tuesday
8/18 Cocktail Shorty
8/24 Jill Knight
8/25 Billy and the Tingle
8/31 Blue Birds on a Wire
SEPTEMBER
9/01 Noach Tangeras 9/02 Jill Knight
9/07 Spankey Paul 9/08 Billy and the Tingle
Call for Reservations 805-927-4502 www.raggedpointinn.com
GET READY TO PARTY Jazzy big beat dropping septet, High Step Society, plays a SLO Brew
Live show at Rod & Hammer Rock on Aug. 16
Flavor
Meow fix
The Caffeinated Cat Café in Grover Beach is set to be a coffee-fueled feline adoption and fostering space
Arroyo Grande resident Jaime Pierce’s visits to cat cafes in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and San Francisco sparked a desire within the cat lover to open something similar in San Luis Obispo County.
“A cat cafe is a cozy experience where you can come in and buy a cup of coffee or a tea and shop some great gifts for cat lovers, pick up a few items,” Pierce said. “Then you get to go into our cat lounge where you get to just hang out with adoptable cats that have been rescued locally.”
Cat cafes originated in Taiwan, with the first one debuting in Taipei in 1998. It became popular with Japanese tourists especially, which contributed to the emergence of such spaces in Japan in the early 2000s. In the United States, the first cat cafe opened in Oakland in 2014, according to Pierce.
Poised to open in late September at 1601 West Grand Ave. in Grover Beach, Pierce’s The Caffeinated Cat Café became a reality through community effort. On top of her own investment, Pierce started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the cafe. It aimed to collect $15,000. But 168 backers made the final amount soar to $16,513.
Share tasty tips!
The Caffeinated Cat Café also plans to give back to the community. Cats that will eventually populate the cat lounge will come from the Feline Network of the Central Coast and the Cal Poly Cat Program.
Waiting game
The Caffeinated Cat Café is scheduled to open at the end of September at 1601 West Grand Ave., suite A, in Grover Beach. Keep up with the café at thecaffeinatedcatcafe.com. Email hello@thecaffeinatedcatcafe.com with inquiries.
Pierce said. “So, I already foster for both organizations, so we’re very familiar with each other and how things work.”
In fact, Pierce has fostered between 25 and 30 cats over the past couple of years. She’s now fostering three cats and looks after four others as her pets.
“There are so many cats that there’s just not enough foster homes for them to be able to be housed and then adopted,” she said. “My hope is that I can take 10, 12 cats, maybe, at a time, and I can allow the rescues to be able to intake even more cats that way.”
While The Caffeinated Cat Café is yet to be completed, Pierce told New Times that the space will have a coffee cart. “Like a smaller scale coffee bar,” staff will serve specialty drinks like lattes from the cart. The cafe will also partner with a local bakery and dish out their baked goods. Then there’s a cat-centric gift shop and, of course, the cat lounge.
Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.
“As we adopt out cats, they will provide more cats to come live on-site with us,”
“It’s going to be a very cozy atmosphere, kind of like a home environment where it’s lots of cozy furniture and furniture for cats, too,” Pierce said. “You’ll walk into the cat room there, and the cats are all enclosed, so they cannot come out to our coffee area. But you can take your coffee into
the cat area if you’d like.”
Interested in adopting a cat while strolling through the lounge? It’ll cost around $100, and the full rate will go back to the respective rescue program the cat came from. Visitors can also choose to foster the cafe cats.
Eventually, Pierce hopes to open the cafe with roughly eight employees. She’s willing to train them in the art of coffee-making but all applicants must have an inherent love for cats.
“Cats, I believe they’re so good for our mental health. … You can just kind of hang out with them, and … they don’t need much from you,” she said. “I always have a cat on my lap. It does really, you know, relaxes me and makes me feel better every day. So I can’t imagine not having cats around.” ∆
Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal wants to check out the cat lounge with a mocha in hand. Send catnip to brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
SEASONED CARE The Caffeinated Cat Café owner Jaime Pierce has a long history of fostering cats and can be seen here enjoying her time with her first pair of foster cats Lin and Reggie.
MORE THAN CATS AND COFFEE The Caffeinated Cat Café visitors can also scour a catcentric gift shop that offers keychains, tote bags, and T-shirts.
2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.
NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED
注：本文件包含一个信息摘要
참고사항: 본 첨부 문서에 정보 요
약서가 있습니다
NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO
TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKAL-
AKIP
LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ
BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC
VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI
LIỆU NÀY
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/16/2008. UNLESS YOU
TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Trustor: Ronald L. Codding Jr. and Stephanie C. Codding, husband and wife, as joint tenants
Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC
Deed of Trust Recorded 04/25/2008 as Instrument No. 2008021327 in book —-, page—and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, California, Date of Sale: 10/01/2024 at 11:00 AM
Place of Sale: IN THE BREEZEWAY ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY GENERAL SERVICES BLDG. LOCATED AT 1087 SANTA ROSA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 141,973.66
THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S
CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK
DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK
DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL
SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE:
All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as:
More fully described in said Deed of Trust.
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 122 MESA GRANDE DRIVE , SHANDON, CA 93461
A.P.N.: 017-292-009
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.
The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 141,973.66.
Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.
The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:
The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https:// www.altisource.com/loginpage. aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2024-00657CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855)-882-1314, or visit this internet website https:// www.hubzu.com/, using the file number assigned to this case 2024-00657-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003
Sale Information Line: (866) 9608299 https://www.altisource. com/loginpage.aspx Date: July 31, 2024
_______________ Trustee Sale
Assistant WESTERN PROGRESSIVE, LLC MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
August 15, 22, & 29, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 24CV0302
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Gabriel Elisha Canche filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Gabriel Elisha Canche to PROPOSED NAME: Gabriel Elisha Garcia.
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: September 25, 2024. Time: 1:30 PM, Department 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Superior Court, 1050 Monterey Street, RM 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. 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: August 7, 2024.
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 24CVP0209
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Tobin Everett Dietze filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Tobin Everett Dietze, to PROPOSED NAME: Tobin Everett O’Daniels.
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: August 28, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. 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: May 30, 2024.
/s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24-CVP0202
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Catherine Ryan Dell Eva filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Catherine Ryan Dell Eva, to PROPOSED NAME: Catherine Ryan.
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: August 21, 2024. Time: 9:30 am,
Dept. Paso, Room 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street. Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. 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: July 09, 2024. /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CVP0214
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Riley Michelle Chestnut filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Riley Michelle Chestnut, to PROPOSED NAME: Riley Michelle Lahargou.
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: August 28, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. 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: July 17, 2024. /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CVP0201
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Tamra Horton filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Claire Marie Clubb, to PROPOSED NAME: Claire Lake Marie Horton.
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: August 21, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park St. Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. 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: May, 29, 2024. /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024.
Adult Services
The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting proposals to establish a single, direct vendor agreement for their mobile parking payment (MPP) system.
All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www.bidsync.com/ bidsync-app-web/vendor/register/ Login.xhtml). All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before August 28, 2024, when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time.
The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.
Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Donna King, Parking Program Manager at dking@slocity.org or 805-781-7234 with any questions.
For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800990-9339.
August 15, 2024
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES AMENDING CHAPTER 2.24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES REGARDING EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS.
Notice is hereby given that at its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles adopted Ordinance No.1142 N.S.
The following is a full text of the ordinance:
WHEREAS, El Paso de Robles Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 regulates the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this jurisdiction in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons; and
WHEREAS, an “emergency” means the extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the city caused by conditions such as air pollution, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, drought, sudden and severe energy shortage, plant or animal infestation or disease, earthquake, or other conditions beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the city; and
WHEREAS, the City recently updated its Emergency Operations Plan to reflect state and federal changes of incident management organizations, compliance with relevant legal statutes, critical components of the incident management structure, compliance with the California Standardized Emergency Management System, the Nation Incident Management System, the Incident Command System, the National Response Framework, and the National Preparedness Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to update the municipal code to align with the recent update to the city’s Emergency Operations Plan that was adopted by the City Council on April 16, 2024. WHEREAS, City Council approved the first reading of this ordinance by title only on July 16, 2024. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. Chapter 2.24 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 2.24 EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
2.24.010 Purposes.
The purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this jurisdiction in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018
2.24.020 Definition.
As used in this chapter, “emergency” means the extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the territorial limits of the city caused by conditions such as air pollution, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, drought, sudden and severe energy shortage, plant or animal infestation or disease, the governor’s warning of an earthquake or volcanic prediction, or an earthquake, or other conditions, other than conditions resulting from a labor controversy, or cyberterrorism, which are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the city and require the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat, or with respect to regulated energy utilities, a sudden and severe energy shortage that requires extraordinary measures beyond the authority vested in the California Public Utilities Commission. Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, any term not defined in this chapter shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the California Emergency Services Act.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.030 Disaster council—Membership.
The city’s disaster council is hereby created and shall consist of the following:
1. The mayor, who shall be chair.
2. The Emergency Services Director, who shall be vice chair.
3. Such chiefs of emergency services as are provided for in a current emergency plan of this jurisdiction, adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.040 Disaster council—Powers and duties.
It shall be the duty of the disaster council, and it is hereby empowered, to review and develop for city council approval the Emergency Operations Plan and recommend to the city council such ordinances and resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary or desired to implement such plans. The disaster council shall meet upon call of the Emergency Services Director or, in his or her absence from the city or inability to call such meeting, upon call of the Assistant Emergency Services Director.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.050 Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.
There is hereby created the Office of Director of Emergency Services Director. The city manager shall be the Emergency Services Director.
There is hereby created the Office of Assistant Emergency Services Director of Emergency Services, who shall be appointed by the Director.
There is hereby created the Office of Emergency Operations Center Director, who shall be appointed by the Emergency Services Director.
There is hereby created the Office of City Disaster Preparedness Officer. The Fire Chief of the city shall be the City Disaster Preparedness Officer.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.060 Powers and duties of Director and Assistant Director.
A. The Emergency Services Director is hereby empowered to:
1. Request the City Council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a “local emergency” if the City Council is in session, or to issue such proclamation if the City Council is not in session. Whenever a local emergency is proclaimed by the Director, the City Council shall take action to ratify the proclamation within seven days thereafter or the proclamation shall have no further force or effect.
2. Request the governor to proclaim a “state of emergency” when, in the opinion of the Director, the locally available resources are beyond the jurisdiction’s capacity to adequately respond to or recover from the emergency.
3. Control and direct the effort of the emergency organization of this city for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter.
4. Direct cooperation between and coordination of services and staff of the emergency organization of this city; and resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise.
5. Represent this city in all dealings with public or private agencies on matters pertaining to emergencies as defined in this chapter.
6 .In the event of the proclamation of a “local emergency” as provided in this chapter, the proclamation of a “state of emergency” by the governor or the director of the State Office of Emergency Services, or the existence of a “state of war emergency,” the Emergency Services Director is hereby empowered:
a. To make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency;
b. To obtain vital supplies, equipment, and such other properties found lacking and needed for the protection of life and property and to bind the city for the fair value thereof and, if required immediately, to commandeer the same for public use;
c. To require emergency services of any city officer or employee and, in the event of the proclamation of a “state of emergency” in the county in which this city is located or the existence of a “state of war emergency,” to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as deemed necessary in the execution of duties; such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits, and immunities as are provided by state law for registered disaster services workers;
d. To requisition necessary personnel or material of city departments or agencies; and
e. To execute all ordinary power as city manager, all of the special powers conferred by this chapter or by resolution or emergency plan pursuant hereto adopted by the city council, and all powers conferred by any statute, by any agreement approved by the city council, and by any other lawful authority.
7. Nothing herein shall limit or otherwise preclude the disaster council or city council from directly enacting measures or directing enforcement of measures in furtherance of this chapter or as deemed necessary by the city council to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, pursuant to any declared local, state, or federal emergency by any lawful means otherwise available to them, including but not limited to declaration, proclamation, motion, minute order, resolution, or ordinance.
B. The Emergency Services Director shall designate the order of succession to that office, to take effect in the event the director is unavailable to attend meetings and otherwise perform duties during an emergency. Such order of succession shall be specified in the city’s Emergency Operations Plan.
C. The Assistant Emergency Services Director, under the supervision of the Director and with the assistance of the city Disaster Preparedness Officer, shall assist with the development of emergency plans, annexes, operating procedures, and such other rules and regulations necessary to manage the emergency programs of the city; and shall have such other powers and duties as may be assigned by the Emergency Services Director.
D. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Director shall direct and coordinate the activities of all personnel assigned to the EOC; ensure the EOC is fully operational and appropriately staffed during an emergency; provide for the overall management and coordination of emergency response and recovery operations; work closely with other agencies and organizations to ensure a coordinated response to the disaster; provide situational awareness reports to the City Council; and facilitate and then manage the transition into the recovery phase.
E. The Disaster Preparedness Officer shall oversee the effective and efficient management of emergency operations within the city; plan, organize and coordinate citywide emergency management efforts through the preparation and maintenance of the city’s Emergency Plans; liaison with local, county, state, and federal emergency management agencies; assist with planning, organizing, and directing the disaster preparedness activities and operations focused on the development of the city’s emergency management program; ensure the readiness of the city’s Emergency Operations Center; and educate the city management, employees, community partner organizations and the public about disaster preparedness.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.070 Emergency organization.
All officers and employees, together with those volunteer forces enrolled to aid the emergency organization during an emergency, and all groups, organizations, and persons who may by agreement or operation of law, including persons impressed into service under the provisions of Section 2.24.060.A.7.c of this chapter, be charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in this city during such emergency, shall constitute the emergency organization of the city of El Paso de Robles. All above-mentioned members of the emergency organization, without exception, will be considered disaster service workers giving them the protections of “disaster service workers” in accordance with California Civil Code 1714.5, or as that section subsequently may be amended.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.080 Compliance with the California Emergency Services Act.
The disaster council shall comply with the California Emergency Services Act, codified in California Government Code § 8550, et seq.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.090 Emergency Operations Plan.
The Emergency Services Director and City Disaster Preparedness Officer shall be responsible for the development of and updates to the city emergency operations plan. The plan shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of the city, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency, state of emergency, or state of war emergency; and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, services, and staff of the emergency organization. Such plan shall take effect upon adoption by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.110 Expenditures
Any expenditure made in connection with emergency activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City of El Paso de Robles.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
2.24.120 Punishment of violations.
It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not to exceed six months, or both, for any person, during an emergency, to:
A. Willfully obstruct, hinder, or delay any member of the emergency organization in the enforcement of any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, or in the performance of any duty imposed upon him or her by virtue of this chapter.
B. Do any act forbidden by any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, if such act is of such a nature as to give or be likely to give assistance to the enemy or imperil the lives or property of inhabitants of this city, or to prevent, hinder, or delay the defense or protection thereof.
C .Wear, carry, or display, without authority, any means of identification specified by the emergency agency of the state.
D. As used in this chapter, “rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter” means, in addition to any duly adopted ordinance of the city, any duly adopted resolution, proclamation, declaration or order of the city council, the disaster council or the Emergency Services Director in furtherance of their respective emergency powers pursuant to a declared local (city or county), state or federal emergency affecting the city of El Paso de Robles.
E. As used in this chapter, “rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter” shall also include any emergency or public health measure, order or directive applicable in the city and issued by any county of San Luis Obispo, state of California or United States jurisdictional authority authorized to issue or enact such emergency or public health measures, orders or directives, where the city council, disaster council and/or Emergency Services Director has authorized or directed, or is required to authorize or direct, the enforcement of such measures pursuant to their powers under this chapter or their otherwise applicable authority to take actions in furtherance of the health, safety and welfare of the city organization and residents.
F. In addition to misdemeanor prosecution, nothing herein shall preclude enforcement of violations of this chapter by any means otherwise permitted by the Paso Robles Municipal Code or other applicable law, including but not limited to administrative or civil enforcement.
(Ord. No. 1062 N.S., § 7, 10-16-2018)
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on July 16, 2024, for first reading by the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles, and adopted on the 6th day of August, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: Gregory, Strong, Bausch, Roden, Hamon
The Ordinance will take effect thirty (30) days after adoption, as provided by Government Code section 36937.
Date: August 15, 2024
Mary Sponhaltz, Deputy City Clerk
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Arroyo Grande City Council will conduct a public hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024, at 6:00 p.m, or soon thereafter, to consider the following item:
Consideration of Architectural Review 24-006 and Finding That This Action Is Exempt From Review Under The California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant To State Guidelines Section 15301; Repainting Rancho Grande Basketball Court; Location – Rancho Grande Park; Applicants – City of Arroyo Grande, AG Lions Club and the Pick Family. The City Council will consider a donation of time and materials to repaint the basketball court at Rancho Grande Park.
In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that the resurfacing of a basketball court is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) None of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply to the resurfacing of a basketball court because: the location of the project will not result in any significant environmental impacts; there will not be any cumulative environmental impacts as a result of the project; the project does not impact or damage any scenic resources; the project is not located on a hazardous waste site; and the project does not adversely affect any historic resources.
This City Council meeting is being conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. Members of the public that prefer to participate virtually may do so by joining the Zoom meeting option. Members of the public may provide public comment on agenda items during the meeting in-person, by joining the Zoom meeting, or by submitting written public comments to the City Council at publiccomment@ arroyogrande.org. To provide comment during the meeting, members of the public may join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86752345420; Webinar ID: 867 5234 5420 or by phone by calling 1-669-900-6833; or 1-346-248-7799. During the public hearing, public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, pursuant to current meeting procedure.
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the item listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.
Documents related to the project are available in the Community Development Department located at 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. The Agenda and reports are posted online at www.arroyogrande. org 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (805) 473-5420 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed live on the City’s YouTube Channel.
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
Publish 1T, 1/8 page The New Times, Thursday, August 15, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atascadero City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 675. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Ordinance amends the Atascadero Municipal Code, Title 9: Planning and Zoning, approving text amendments to the Planned Development #27 Overlay Zone.
The Ordinance was passed and adopted by the City Council on August 13, 2024, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Bourbeau, Dariz, Funk, Newsom, and Mayor Moreno.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
A complete copy of the Ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
DATED: August 14, 2024
S/ Lare K. Christensen, City Clerk
PUBLISH: August 15, 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Applications to make minor changes to the properties at the addresses listed below have been received by the City.
1. 1768 Jami Lee Ct. HOME-0325-2024; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of one bedroom within an owner-occupied single-family residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-1 Zone, Jason Vanclef, applicant (Mallory Patino)
2. 1167 Islay St. DIR-0058-2024; Request to add two conforming additions to an existing non-conforming residence and one on-site parking space within the front yard setback to fulfill a parking requirement (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-3 Zone; Karen Mason, applicant (Mallory Patino)
3. 1075 Court St., Suite 110 DIR-0409-2024; Request for a table and chairs permit to allow daily temporary placement of tables and chairs in the public right of way on the northern sidewalk of Higuera Street (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-D-H Zone; Starbucks Coffee Company, applicant (Mallory Patino)
4. 1830 San Luis Dr. HOME-0390-2024; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of two bedrooms within an owner-occupied single-family residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-1 Zone, Richard Chapman, applicant (Mallory Patino)
5. 1680 San Luis Dr. HOME-0411-2024; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of two bedrooms within an owner-occupied single-family residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-1 Zone, Kavita Chowdhary, applicant (Mallory Patino)
6. 919 Palm St. DIR-0464-2024; Request for a night work permit to power wash and repaint existing white striping to match existing throughout the entire structure from August 28th through August 29th between the hours of 7pm and 7am (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-D-H Zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant (Rachel Cohen)
7. 842 Palm St. DIR-0474-2024; Request for a night work permit to power wash and repaint existing white striping to match existing throughout the entire structure from August 26th through August 28th between the hours of 7pm and 7am (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-D-H Zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant (Rachel Cohen)
8. 1051 Farmhouse Ln. ARCH-0404-2024; Review of a commercial development consisting of a 12,098 square foot building and 1,725 square foot outdoor patio area for a fitness/health facility; a sign program; removal of and compensatory planting for two (2) trees; and associated site improvements such as access, landscaping, and parking for an undeveloped, vacant lot in the Airport Area. The project includes a 15% parking reduction request to provide 54 spaces, where 63 spaces are required. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines; C-S-SP Zone; Salvo Beach, LLC, applicant (Hannah Hanh)
9. 1629 Garden St. DIR-0382-2024; Request for an exception to the height standard for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to allow a new detached ADU to be constructed at a height of 18 feet (where 16 feet is the standard). The project is categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review; R-2 Zone; Dale Ginder, applicant (Walter Oetzell)
10. 2472 Johnson Av. DIR-0140-2024; Request to reduce the front setback to twelve feet in depth (where 20 feet is the standard front setback depth) to accommodate a singlestory Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), and a request for an exception to ADU design standards to allow a sloped roof form for the ADU that does not match the gabled roof form of the primary dwelling. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review; R-1 Zone; Jacob Carter, applicant (Walter Oetzell)
The Community Development Director will either approve or deny these applications no sooner than August 26th, 2024
The Director’s decision may be appealed, and must be filed with the appropriate appeal fee within 10 days of the Director’s action. For more information, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, stop by Monday and Wednesday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or call (805) 781-7170, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. August 15, 2024
CITY
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADDING SECTION 16.52.270 RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF AB 1397 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16.82 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW 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 August 13, 2024, the City Council voted 5-0 to introduce an Ordinance adding Section 16.52.270 to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) to allow ministerial review of housing projects that are consistent with AB 1397; and amending Chapter 16.82 to specify that the City adopts State density bonus law by reference.
The City Council must vote again to adopt the Ordinance. That action is scheduled to take place at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 215 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA, and virtually via Zoom webinar. The Zoom webinar link will be provided on the meeting agenda.
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, August 15, 2024
Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande August 15, 2024
CITY OF GROVER BEACH 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 August 26, 2024 in City Hall, Council Chambers, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA to consider the following item:
SUBJECT:
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance to Repeal and Replace Article X (Revenue and Taxation), Chapter 13 (Development Impact Fees) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code and Establish a Development Impact Fee Deferral Program; and Adopt a Resolution to Amend the Master Fee Schedule Development Impact Fee amounts pursuant to the Development Impact Fee Nexus study adopted on June 24, 2024
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 over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org (click on the icon “Government Access Local Channel 20” and then “Channel 20”).
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, August 15, 2024
PUBLISH 1x’s: (on Thurs., August 15, 2024) NEW TIMES
POSTED on Thursday, August 15, 2024
GROVER BEACH CITY HALL
ORDINANCE NO. 1737 (2024 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 10 CHAPTER 36 REGARDING STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES OR IN CERTAIN PLACES (DANA STREET PARKING DISTRICT)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, at its Regular Meeting of July 16, 2024, introduced the above-titled ordinance upon a motion by Council Member Shoresman, second by Vice Mayor Pease, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Francis, Marx, Shoresman, Vice Mayor Pease, and Mayor Stewart NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Ordinance No. 1737 (2024 Series): This is a City Ordinance to amend Municipal Code Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 10.36 (Stopping, Standing and Parking for Certain Purposes or in Certain Places), of the Municipal Code to remove specific exceptions for the Dana Street Residential Parking District and to allow modifications to residential parking district eligibility to be approved via Resolution. The amended ordinance will accomplish the goal of allowing flexibility during and after construction of the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure by authorizing the Public Works Director to address fluctuating conditions and to make modifications to the district as needed and based on community input with the goal of increasing the utilization of parking on Dana Street.
A full and complete copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for inspection as part of the published agenda packet for the August 20, 2024 Council Meeting, or you may call (805) 781-7114 for more information.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo will consider adopting the Ordinance at its Regular Meeting of August 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. 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.
Teresa Purrington City Clerk August 15, 2024
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Draft Ordinance adds Title 5, Chapter 17 to the Atascadero Municipal Code regulating shopping carts.
On August 13, 2024, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Bourbeau, Dariz, Funk, Newsom, and Mayor Moreno.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on September 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.
DATED: August 14, 2024
S/ Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk
PUBLISH: August 15, 2024
Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive bids up to, but not later than 10:00:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 for Bid #327 Sinsheimer Elementary School Phase 1 Modernization Project.
A mandatory pre-bid informational meeting will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 4:00:00 p.m. The meeting will begin in front of the office at the Sinsheimer Elementary School, 2755 August Street, San Luis Obispo, California. Failure to attend will render the bid non-responsive and subject to rejection by the District. Proposals shall be received in the Facilities Office, San Luis Coastal Unified, 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Questions regarding Bid #327 may be directed in writing only to the Facilities Analyst II, Kelly Lee, at klee@slcusd.org, and must be submitted no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024
Project documents are available at the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom at www.asapreprographics.com.
The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or accept or reject any one or more items of a proposal, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the proposals.
Kelly Lee
Facilities Analyst II
San Luis Coastal Unified School District August 15, 22, 2024
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SEALED BIDS will be received at the office of the City Clerk, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, California, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 12, 2024 as determined by www. time.gov for performing work as follows: DIGESTER 1 DEMOLITION PROJECT
A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. for contractors who did not previously attend a Pre-Bid Meeting. Please meet promptly at 550 Frady Lane, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. Bidders that do not attend this mandatory pre-bid meeting, and did not attend the previous prebid meeting, shall be disqualified from bidding on this project.
Before submitting bids, Contractors shall be licensed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Accordingly, the successful Bidder shall possess a Class A, General Engineering, Contractor’s License and a C21, Demolition License at the time this contract is awarded.
Project Plans and Specifications are available at the Engineering Division office located at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449. A non-refundable fee of $55.00 per set will be charged. Electronic Plans and Specifications are available via email at no charge. Questions will be accepted in writing up to 96 hours before bid closing by emailing Daniel Contreras at dcontreras@pismobeach.org. Questions regarding bid procedure or other non-technical questions can be asked by emailing Erin Olsen at eolsen@pismobeach.org or by calling (805) 773-4656.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK
August 15, 2024
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET AND HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF PROPOSED
FINAL BUDGET OF SAN SIMEON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Interim General Manager of the San Simeon Community Services District (“District”) has prepared a proposed final budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The proposed Final Budget is available for inspection at the District office between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., Monday through Thursday. The District office is located at 111 Pico Avenue, San Simeon, California 93452. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the District will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Final Budget at a Special Meeting on August 29, 2024, commencing at 6 P.M., at the Coast Unified School District Board Room, 1350 Main St, Cambria, Ca 93428. Any person may appear at the time of the hearing and be heard regarding any item in the proposed Final Budget, or regarding the addition of other items. Following the hearing. the Board of Directors may adopt the proposed Final Budget as the District’s Final Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. August 15, 22, 2024
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• Review of the installation of a dining corral structure for an outdoor dining area along the Higuera Street frontage of the Sperry Flour Building, a Contributing List Historic Resource in the Downtown Historic District (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); Project Address: 1000 Higuera Street & 1013 Monterey Street; Case #: ARCH-0205-2023; Zone: C-D-H; Sperry Flour LLC; 1023 Monterey Investors LLC; Once Upon a Time L.P., 1035 Monterey Investors, applicants. Contact Information: Walter Oetzell – (805) 781-7593 –woetzell@slocity.org
• Review of a request to enter into a historical property preservation contract (Mills Act) for the Master List property known as the “Snyder House” (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); Project Address: 1406 Morro Street; Case #: HIST-0386-2024; Zone: R-3; Sophia and Fred Kelley, applicants. Contact Information: Walter Oetzell – (805) 781-7593 –woetzell@slocity.org
The Cultural Heritage Committee may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. An action of the Cultural Heritage Committee is typically a recommendation to the City’s Community Development Director, Planning Commission or City Council, and therefore is not final. Please note that any court challenge related to the recommendation on this item may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence received prior to the public hearing. Report(s) are typically available one week in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www. slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendasand-minutes. Please call the Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. August 15, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Amendments to Municipal Code Titles 2 (Administration and Personnel), 3 (Revenue and Finance), 5 (Permits and Regulations), 7 (Health and Sanitation), 8 (Animal Control), 9 (Public Safety), 10 (Vegetation), 11 (Streets and Sidewalks), 12 (Vehicles and Traffic), 14 (Water and Sewers), 19 (Signs), and 22 (Subdivisions). The proposed code changes are in support of significant amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Title 21) recommended by the Planning Commission at their August 13, 2024 meeting. Most of the proposed amendments are to correct code references that will be outdated if Title 21 is amended. More substantive changes are proposed in Titles 10 and 19. In Title 10, the review authority for oak tree removal permits would be changed so the Development Review Committee and Planning Commission could approve some removals. Title 19 would be repealed and replaced with updated standards for billboards (Rezone 23-02, P23-0063).
Applicant: City Initiated
Location: Citywide
CEQA Determination: This application is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment; and Section 15060(c) (3), because the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, since it has no potential for resulting in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Copies of the project staff report will be available for review at the Community Development Department and on the city’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970 or planning@prcity.com. August 15, 2024
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: What do you want but think you’re not supposed to want? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Years ago, when I worked as a postal delivery person in Santa Cruz, California, I mastered my route quickly. The time allotted to complete it was six hours, but I could easily finish in four. Soon I began to goof off two hours a day, six days a week. Many great works of literature and music entertained me during that time. I joined a softball team and was able to play an entire game each Saturday while officially on the job. Was what I did unethical? I don’t think so, since I always did my work thoroughly and precisely. Is there any comparable possibility in your life, Aries? An ethical loophole? A workaround that has full integrity? An escape clause that causes no harm?
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): From an astronomer’s perspective, Uranus is huge. Sixty-three Earths could fit inside of it. It’s also weirdly unique because it rotates sideways compared to the other planets. From an astrologer’s point of view, Uranus symbolizes the talents and gifts we possess that can be beneficial to others. If we fully develop these potentials, they will express our unique genius and be useful to our fellow humans. It so happens that Uranus has been cruising through Taurus since 2018 and will mostly continue there until 2026. I regard these years as your best chance in this lifetime to fulfill the opportunities I described. The coming weeks will be especially pregnant with possibilities.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): Mountaineer Edmund Hillary is renowned as the first person to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. It happened in 1953. Less famous was his companion in the ascent, Gemini mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. Why did Hillary get more acclaim than Norgay, even though they were equal partners in the monumental accomplishment? Was it because one was a white New Zealander and the other a brown Nepalese? In any case, I’m happy to speculate that if there’s a situation in your life that resembles Norgay’s, you will get remediation in the coming months. You will receive more of the credit you deserve. You will garner the acknowledgment and recognition that had previously been unavailable. And it all starts soon.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): As an American, I’m embarrassed by the fact that my fellow citizens and I comprise just 4 percent of the world’s population but generate 20 percent of its garbage. How is that possible? In any case, I vow that during the next five weeks, I will decrease the volume of trash I produce and increase the amount of dross I recycle. I encourage you, my fellow Cancerians, to make a similar promise. In ways that may not be immediately imaginable, attending to these matters will improve your mental health and maybe even inspire you to generate an array of fresh insights about how to live your life with flair and joy.
LEO
good fortune as you become more vividly aware and appreciative of the intimate interconnectedness that underlies all you do.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The official term for the shape of a single piece of M&M candy is “oblate spheroid.” It’s rounded but not perfectly round. It looks like a partially squashed sphere. An Iraqi man named Ibrahim Sadeq decided to try the difficult task of arranging as many M&M’s as possible in a vertical stack. He is now the world’s record holder in that art, with seven M&M’s. I am imagining that sometime soon, Libra, you could achieve a comparable feat in your own domain. What’s challenging but not impossible?
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I’ve heard many people brag about their hangovers. The stories they tell are often entertaining and humorous. One of my best laughs emerged in response to two friends describing the time they jumped on the roof of a parked Mercedes Benz at 3 a.m. and sang songs from Verdi’s opera Falstaff until the cops came and threw them in a jail cell with nothing to eat or drink for 10 hours. In accordance with astrological omens, Scorpio, I ask you to not get a hangover in the coming weeks, even an amusing one. Instead, I encourage you to studiously pursue extreme amounts of pleasurable experiences that have only good side effects.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Most famous musicians demand that their dressing rooms be furnished with specific amenities. Beyoncé needs rose-scented candles. Rihanna expects her preparatory sanctuary to have dark blue or black drapes topped with icy blue chiffon. Eminem insists on a set of 25-pound dumbbells, and the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd wants Super Soaker water guns. Since the coming weeks may be as close to a rock star phase of your cycle as you’ve ever had, I recommend you create a list of your required luxuries. This imaginative exercise will hopefully get you in the mood to ask for exactly what you need everywhere you go.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sleep deprivation is widespread. I see it as a pandemic. According to some studies, over half the people in the world suffer from insomnia, don’t get enough sleep, or have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Most research on this subject doesn’t mention an equally important problem: that many people aren’t dreaming enough. And the fact is that dreaming is key to our psychological well-being. I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because the coming weeks will be a favorable time to enhance your relationship with sleep and dreams. I encourage you to learn all you can and do all you can to make your time in bed deeply rejuvenating.
AQUARIUS
(July 23-Aug. 22): The coming weeks will be a wonderful time to waste time on the internet. If you are properly aligned with cosmic rhythms, you will spend long hours watching silly videos, interacting with friends and strangers on social media, and shopping for products you don’t really need. Just kidding!! Everything I just said was a dirty lie. It was designed to test your power to resist distracting influences and mediocre advice. Here’s my authentic counsel, Leo. The coming weeks will be a fantastic phase to waste as little time as possible as you intensify your focus on the few things that matter to you most.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Scientific research suggests that brushing and flossing your teeth not only boosts the health of your gums, but also protects your heart’s health. Other studies show that if you maintain robust microbiota in your gut, you’re more likely to avoid anxiety and depression as you nurture your mental health. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to focus on big-picture thoughts like these, Virgo. You will be wise to meditate on how each part of your life affects every other part. You will generate
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Only 47 people live on the volcanic Pitcairn Islands, which are located in the middle of nowhere in the South Pacific Ocean. Pollution is virtually nonexistent, which is why the honey made by local bees is the purest on the planet. In accordance with astrological omens, I’d love for you to get honey like that in the coming weeks. I hope you will also seek the best and purest of everything. More than ever, you need to associate with influences that are potent, clear, genuine, raw, vibrant, natural, and full-strength.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Many Indigenous people in North America picked and ate wild cranberries. But farm-grown cranberries available for commercial use didn’t appear until 1816. Here’s how it happened. In Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a farmer discovered a secret about the wild cranberry bog on his land. Whenever big storms dumped sand on the bog, the fruit grew with more lush vigor. He tinkered with this revelation from nature and figured out how to cultivate cranberries. I recommend this as a teaching story, Pisces. Your assignment is to harness the power and wisdom provided by a metaphorical storm or disturbance. Use it to generate a practical innovation in your life. ∆
