New Times, Nov. 24, 2022

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

On Dec. 6, the SLO County Board of Supervisors will debate whether to pull recognition from the Oceano Advisory Council, which has been around for 20-plus years. A battle between rival advisory councils, contentious interactions with local residents, and an adversarial relationship with 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton have plagued the council in recent years. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal writes about the past, the role of advisory councils, and the future [10]

Also this week, read about why the city of SLO is taking a nuisance property to court [8] , what the SLO Gallery brings to downtown [26] , and Fried and Loaded near Cal Poly [31] .

Camillia Lanham editor

POLITICAL MORASS More than a year after the SLO County Board of Supervisors voted to allow a second advisory council in Oceano, 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton is asking her colleagues to decertify the first.

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As the project to tackle Highway 101 traffic heading south from San Luis Obispo gets closer to fruition, one Pismo Beach City Council member believes part of the plan is “unacceptable.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Ann Reiss is worried about the height of the median barrier obscuring views of the Pacific coast.

“It’s not going to be raised at all, right? Because it’s too high now,” she said after an update on the project at the Nov. 15 City Council meeting.

Spanning from San Luis Bay Drive to the railroad overpass just south of Price Canyon Road, the project would widen the inside shoulder of Highway 101 into a part-time travel lane from 2 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and realign the southbound lanes to veer around Pismo Rock (an indigenous cultural resource). Plans would also establish a park-and-ride hub with zero-emission charging stations at Price Street and Maddie Road and extend the Shell Beach shared use path to Avila Beach Drive for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project released its final environmental impact report in August.

Concrete barriers separating the north and southbound lanes that are “touched by the project” will gain about 10 inches of height due to federal safety requirements, CalTrans Project Manager Paul Valadao said. He told council members on Nov. 15 that due to vehicles getting taller, the Federal Highway Administration currently mandates that barriers be at least 42 inches tall to prevent them from being “overtopped by errant vehicles.”

“It’s unacceptable now, so I’m not sure how I feel about that,” Reiss responded.

Projects that don’t abide by federal guidelines, Valadao added, can lose government funding.

Expected to cost about $85 million, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) has allocated approximately $20 million to the project’s development phases and is awaiting the results of two applications for Senate Bill 1 funding from the California Transportation Commission. Totaling a little more than $65 million, SLOCOG Transportation Planner Stephen Hanamaikai said they expect to get answers next June. CalTrans and SLOCOG are also working on a coastal development permit application.

When completed, it would be the second stretch of roadway in California with a part-

SLO County to outsource psychiatric health facility

San Luis Obispo County’s only low-incomeserving psychiatric hospital is set to change hands soon.

The SLO County Health Agency is finalizing a contract with an outside vendor to take the reins of its 16-bed psychiatric health facility (PHF), an inpatient unit primarily serving adult patients on Medi-Cal.

A final contract for the transition will go before the SLO County Board of Supervisors at a December meeting.

“Our hope is sometime in the summer [of

time travel lane on the inside shoulder of a highway. In April 2018, Interstate 580 in the Bay Area opened a part-time lane heading east over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Parttime travel lanes are so new to the state that the California Vehicle Code currently “prohibits general purpose travel on the shoulder of state highways,” according to the Five Cities environmental impact report.

“Therefore, the project is being proposed as a pilot project during its initial seven years of operation, after which Caltrans would pursue legislative approval to make the part-time travel lane a permanent feature,” the report states. “If approval is not granted, the part-time travel lane would likely be reverted to one 14-foot-wide full-time shoulder.”

Valadao told New Times that the lanes have been successfully implemented on I-70 in Colorado as well as a few places in the Northeast.

“So we are fully engaged with our federal counterparts,” he said, referring the the Federal Highway Administration. “It’s been really cool to work with them directly.”

A red x or green arrow would let commuters

2023] to transition over to the new vendor providing the services,” Interim Health Agency Director Nick Drews said. “The state has quite a few PHFs that are run privately or by nonprofits and not by a county specifically. It’s become more and more of a trend.”

The decision to outsource the PHF is about a decade in the making, department leaders told New Times. They attribute recent challenges in running an in-house PHF to the local psychiatrist shortage.

“It’s really difficult to find psychiatrists who will come and live here,” County Behavioral Health Director Anne Robin said. “The county

know when the lane is available for use, while a freeway service patrol would ensure the shoulder is clear prior to 2 p.m. Valadao said the patrol is a service that already exists today and is funded by SLOCOG. The lane would have signage similar to an HOV or carpool lane, and rules for use would be enforced by the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement.

The truck travel lane that starts between San Luis Bay and Avila Beach drives will be “recycled” into the project, Valadao said.

“It doesn’t function very well,” Valadao said. “It causes a lot of havoc.”

Caltrans plans to take the existing pavement and use it to build out the part-time travel lane, something that should come as a relief to Pismo Beach City Councilmember Sheila Blake, who voiced her frustration with cars that use the truck travel lane to zoom around traffic.

“Can’t we station someone there with a nail strip so that when someone comes speeding down and they think ‘ah ha ha, I’m going to beat out all these other people’—couldn’t we do something to these people?” she said with a laugh during the Nov. 15 meeting. “No, I guess not.” ∆

—Camillia Lanham

staff who worked within our unit are fabulous. They do a great job. It’s been the psychiatry coverage that’s been challenging.”

Robin added that recruiting psychiatrists for the PHF is especially difficult because the county competes with the California Men’s Colony and Atascadero State Hospital for the same doctors.

“For the psychiatrists who reside in the county, many want to work for those two state entities,” she said.

And while outpatient offices can turn to telemedicine if necessary, inpatient units

GETTING FIXED A joint effort between Caltrans and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments aims to alleviate traffic congestion on southbound Highway 101 between San Luis Bay Drive and Price Canyon Road.

MAP FROM FIVE CITIES MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

require a psychiatrist to be on-site at all times—putting the facility in a constant staffing bind.

“We serve folks in psychiatric crisis who need a very high level of care,” Robin said, “who are coming to us for treatment due to being a danger to themselves or others, or who are unable to provide food, shelter, and clothing due to their mental illness.”

One of the main benefits of using a third-party operator for the PHF is better psychiatric coverage, according to Drews. Most private contractors operate more than one PHF and therefore have more doctors on staff to deploy.

“Having a company with a larger pool to pull from is a benefit, because it’s going to be a lot easier for them to find a psychiatrist than it is for us,” Drews said.

The transition puts the jobs of nearly 30 county employees at risk. Robin and Drews said that the county will work hard to either connect the PHF workers with the new operator or find different roles for them in other county departments.

The PHF is just the latest SLO County facility to turn to the private sector for services. In 2019, the county jail privatized health care following a spree of jail deaths and lawsuits alleging inadequate care.

Earlier this year, the SLO County grand jury investigated the PHF as part of a report that found deficiencies across the county’s mental health care system.

Robin encouraged the community to stay involved in the mental health conversation and hopes that more people will join the field.

“I’m glad that attention is being paid to the need for mental health services, because as we’ve seen, there’s a growing need across the community and across the nation,” Robin said. “We want to encourage people who are interested in mental health to get into the field because we really need to build up our workforce again.”

—Peter Johnson

Proposed RV storage could alter Atascadero’s De Anza trail

Pedestrians strolling along the De Anza trail in Atascadero could expect a change of scenery if a proposal to place an RV storage facility on Atascadero Mutual Water Company’s property near the Salinas River is approved.

During the Nov. 15 Planning Commission meeting, several residents and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council expressed their concern over environmental impacts, safety issues, and how the project would impact the trail’s scenery.

“There is no good reason for a commercial establishment going in next to a historic trail,” Atascadero resident Cleis Slezak wrote in a letter to the city. “Not only would it be an eyesore, but it sets a bad precedent for further development where there should be none.”

Since a failed attempt at constructing a BMX facility in 2007, the site at 6805 Sycamore Road has been left largely untouched—with the exception of the occasional storage yards that have leased the space from the Atascadero Mutual Water Company. The area has been used as an open space for people to play with their dogs and fly model airplanes, according to Atascadero Community Development Director Phil Dunsmore.

While Dunsmore told New Times that the proposed project wouldn’t bring a ton of economic benefits to Atascadero, it does have some benefits. For one, it gives people a place to put their cars, RVs, boats, and more.

“They tend to end up getting stored in undesirable locations in front yards, a lot of side property lines, or somewhere out in the street, blocking something. And so when they have a place to put them, that’s a great thing,” he said. “We might be able to clean up certain areas in the city by having expanded opportunities for private storage.”

If the project does receive a green light, that would mean realigning the De Anza trail, a point of contention for many trail users. In an email to the Planning Commission Gina and Briano Planeta said they drive by the spot in question to take their daughter to and from school.

“On almost every pass, I see people. Sometimes it’s people walking their dogs. Sometimes it’s families walking. Often, it’s a group of folks who get together to fly their RC planes,” the Planetas said.

“Rerouting a historical trail and taking away riverfront open space for RV storage seems like a very poor trade for the community.”

Dunsmore said, however, that realigning the trail wouldn’t have a detrimental effect.

“Today, it’s just a weird pull-off and a barbed wire fence; that barbed wire fence would come down and turn into a nice lower fence,” Dunsmore said. “It’d be a lot more welcoming so the De Anza trail wouldn’t be impacted. It would actually be improved with this project.”

The RV storage yard would house up to 262 vehicles, raising environmental concerns over groundwater contamination from fuel leakage, herbicide use contaminating the river, and endangering habitats.

Several members of the SLO Beaver Brigade, including Audrey Taub, spoke during the public comment period at the Nov. 15 meeting. Taub said she felt that the project didn’t align with Atascadero’s general plan.

“I think the general plan needs to rezone it to open space because water is becoming more apparent how precious of a resource it is and how we need to really design the way we live to contribute to our groundwater deep water basins rather than just keep extracting them,” Taub said.

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council wrote a letter to the commission requesting an archaeological study of the site due to a likelihood of precolonial native settlements in the vicinity. According to Dunsmore, the water company must complete an archeological study in order to earn a stamp of approval from the Planning Commission. The project will come back before the commission at a future date.

—Shwetha Sundarrajan

Funded by President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law, the DOE allocated $6 billion over the next four years to support nuclear plants that are closing or in danger of closing across the country. PG&E, though, received the lone DOE grant in the program’s first year—the feds rejected a second application from a shuttering nuclear plant in Michigan, according to Reuters.

In a statement, PG&E CEO Patti Poppe called the DOE grant a “very positive step forward to extend the operating life of Diablo Canyon Power Plant to ensure electrical reliability for all Californians.”

“While there are key federal and state approvals remaining before us in this multi-year process, we remain focused on continuing to provide reliable, lowcost, carbon-free energy to the people of California, while safely operating one of the top performing plants in the country,” Poppe said.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm added in a statement that nuclear power is the nation’s “largest source of clean electricity” and will “help us meet President Biden’s climate goals.”

“With these historic investments in clean energy, we can protect these facilities and the communities they serve,” Granholm said.

The DOE’s nuclear grant program was a key piece of the state’s recently hatched plan to buoy Diablo Canyon and extend its operating life to 2030. Citing fears about future blackouts and power shortages, state lawmakers signed off on sending PG&E a $1.4 billion loan, in hopes that DOE subsidies would eventually backfill it.

PG&E is currently in the process of working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to try to relicense the plant’s two reactors, which expire in 2024 and 2025. Regulators and Diablo watchdogs say the plant has extensive deferred maintenance to address. PG&E has said it plans to use the grant funds to complete whatever work is necessary to keep the plant running.

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) applauded the recent developments in a statement—framing the hopeful Diablo extension as a stopgap until offshore wind farms are developed off the coast of Morro Bay.

“In the face of record heat waves and a deepening climate crisis, there is too much at stake for us to move backward in the fight to fully transition California away from polluting fossil fuels,” Carbajal said. “In the pursuit of that goal, our Central Coast community and I have understood the need to explore and support the safe and temporary extension of the lifespan of Diablo Canyon Power Plant.”

—Peter Johnson

Paso Robles Youth Commission is back in action

as a way to get youth involved in the community.

“We were following the goals established by the City Council to work to include young adults and have representation for young adults in our community and find a pathway for them to get involved in local government,” Plescia said. “We have a recreation services strategic plan, and the goals and objectives include inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. And we felt that expanding the Youth Commission would help us work [toward] achieving these goals.”

In previous years, the Youth Commission only accepted high school students in the Paso Robles school district, but this year, it’s accepting applicants from those ages 14 to 21 who live in the 93446 ZIP code. The changes allow for students attending Cuesta College or Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School to weigh in on issues pertinent to teens in Paso Robles.

One thing that Plescia wants the Youth Commission to address is reviving the after-school teen center in Centennial Park.

“In order for it to really meet the needs of youth in our community, we want to hear from the youth in our community,” Plescia said.

The work doesn’t just stop with issues that impact teens. Plescia said that the Youth Commission will also weigh in on key issues that affect teens in the entire community, including climate change, water conservation, and new cannabis ordinances.

Teenage use of illegal substances is one thing that Paso High freshman Elijah Duran said he wanted to address as part of his application to be on the Youth Commission.

“The reason I am applying to be appointed to this advisory body is to be actively engaged with the Paso Robles Youth Commission and give a viewpoint from a young Latino adult,” Duran wrote in the application.

Sixteen people applied to be interviewed for the Youth Commission on Nov. 17, but Plescia said that only nine will be selected. The City Council selects applicants based on a variety of factors, from availability to attend meetings to relevant experience. For incoming Paso High junior Kalani Gaviola, she participates in extracurricular activities so she can impact a greater good.

“They all boil down to a desire to make the world a bit better, or more educated, or even more fair for all of us here, and I figure starting with Paso Robles, the community I’ve grown up in, is the best possible start I could ask for,” Gaviola wrote on her application.

While the selected applicants have already been notified, that doesn’t mean there won’t be more openings in the future. Three Youth Commissioners’ terms expire on June 30, 2023.

California’s plan to keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant operating past 2025 got more good news on Nov. 21. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it would award a $1.1 billion grant to PG&E to help it relicense the SLO County-based nuclear plant.

After two years of inactivity due to the pandemic, the Paso Robles Youth Commission is back, ready to enable teenagers and young adults to make a difference in the community.

Started in 1999, the commission started as a way to build a bridge between City Council and the youth of Paso Robles. City Recreation Services Manager Lynda Plescia said it began

“Members of the Youth Commission benefit by working with staff and seeing how their voice makes a difference and how they can contribute to the evolution of their community and how it can meet the needs of youth as well as everyone in the community,” Plescia said. “What a valuable lesson to learn when you’re a young adult, [when] you may not think that your voice has much of an impact.” ∆

—Shwetha Sundarrajan

U.S. Department of Energy gives $1.1 billion grant to Diablo Canyon

Prado predicament

to live on the site and help with the work.

“I want to share space with people who have similar motivations in life,” Sievers said. “I don’t like the word ‘hoarder.’ I want to protect the present. A lot of people don’t understand what I’m doing. They think I’m an eccentric crazy person.”

property.

Sievers didn’t deny the activities that allegedly occurred on his land, but he said he’s lacked support to address them. He said his efforts to get the police to stop the criminal activity and the courts to authorize evictions have been “stymied.”

“It’s been pretty clear for some time that it’s just beyond his capacity at this stage to remediate,” Dietrick said. “There have been periods of time when he’s made a decent dent. But it’s never been sustained. And at this point we just don’t think it’s sustainable.”

Long-simmering concerns about a “dangerous” property located next door to the 40 Prado Homeless Center in San Luis Obispo have now spilled into court.

The city of SLO filed a lawsuit in September against local landowner William Sievers—asking a judge to appoint a receiver to take over his 2.2acre lot and address a “never-ending litany of health and safety concerns” there.

Two creekside fires, more than 100 calls for police response, and dozens of documented code violations at the property since 2020 forced the city’s hand, officials said.

“We really have gone above and beyond to try to avoid doing this,” SLO City Attorney Christine Dietrick told New Times. “Taking control of someone’s property is a significant step and one we take very, very seriously. This property is beyond his capacity to manage.”

Sievers—who leases the land to tenants and also uses it to store large quantities of industrial materials, like old cars and machine parts—told New Times that he entrusted his space to the wrong people and now is in the process of cleaning it up.

He said that he recently evicted various tenants and squatters, who he labeled as “liars and thieves,” after a long court battle.

“I’ve been too patient and tolerant, or lenient, with people and then they take advantage of that,” said Sievers, who resides on O’Connor Way. “I’ve lost so many tens of thousands of dollars. They’ve stolen most everything of value.”

Sievers said that his father purchased the Prado Road lot in the early 1980s, and he’s used it over the years as a “campus” for his industrial projects. He likes to fix up and repurpose recycled items, and has invited people who are down on their luck

The property abuts San Luis Creek and shares a fence line with the 40 Prado Homeless Center. It’s been on the city’s police and code enforcement radar since at least 2017.

According to the city’s lawsuit, the lot is so cluttered with materials that it’s blocking access for emergency vehicles, which became a real issue when two fires broke out on the property in 2020 and 2021.

Both fires were “difficult to access and suppress” for firefighters due to the “large amounts of debris, junk, and inoperable vehicles on the property,” the lawsuit stated.

“That’s a really top-tier concerning priority,” Dietrick said.

Criminal activity is also rampant, according to SLO officials. Between January 2020 and September 2022, police responded to the property 111 times on reports of theft, fighting, trespassing, drug use, weapon discharges, and other complaints.

The unsafe behaviors are spilling over and affecting operations at the neighboring 40 Prado Homeless Center, according to Jack Lahey, director of homeless services at the CAPSLOowned shelter.

Lahey told New Times that neighbor-to-neighbor relations with Sievers’ property took a turn for the worse during the pandemic.

“A lot of the issues we deal with are spillover from that property—issues with people getting into fights, drug activity, drug dealing across the properties,” Lahey said. “A lot of chaos over there spills into our parking lot. There was a time when people cut a hole in the fence and blocked our driveway to offload stuff from his property.”

While Lahey believes that Sievers has “good intentions,” he thinks he’s overwhelmed and said he’s supportive of the city’s lawsuit to improve safety at the

“The cops said they’re scared to go there at night. How do you think I feel then?” Sievers said. “They’ve never really helped at all. I need some assistance.”

An ex-parte hearing on the city’s request for a receiver is scheduled for Dec. 14. Dietrick said that receivership is the best way forward for the property and the community after years of trying to work with Sievers to clean up the site.

If the court agrees, a receiver could take out loans against the property to carry out the work necessary to fix the violations. The city and receiver would submit a work plan to the court that, among other things, would have to “address the relocation of any tenants.”

To Sievers, that route sounds prohibitively expensive, especially when he feels like he’s finally making progress.

“I am really worried about it because they have expensive attorneys,” he said. “It’s going to run up huge bills. I’m broke.” ∆

Assistant Editor Peter Johnson can be reached at pjohnson@newtimesslo.com.

LOTS OF STUFF The city of San Luis Obispo is suing a local landowner over the condition of his property next door to the 40 Prado Homeless Center. Accumulated materials and items are scattered throughout the 2.2 acres.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SLO

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Setting precedent

Twenty-six years after setting up advisory councils, the SLO County Board of Supervisors is about to discuss withdrawing recognition of one that has existed since the beginning.

Following years of belligerent interactions with its critics and bouts of infighting, the Oceano Advisory Council (OAC) is in jeopardy. On Dec. 6, supervisors will debate deauthorizing the council after 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton brought up the idea following a community-driven petition she received opposing the OAC’s approach to a vacation rental ordinance.

“Supervisor Compton has said in the past that the OAC has overreached its sphere of responsibility. We don’t think the OAC represents her,” council Vice Chair April Dury said. “No advisory council was created to represent a supervisor. You represent your community, and you only give your recommendation [to the supervisors]. No advisory council has government ability to make actual decisions.”

The county adopted a policy on Dec. 10, 1996, to authorize advisory councils in 11 unincorporated areas. These regions were Avila Valley, Cayucos, South County, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Creston, North Coast, Los Osos, San Miguel, Templeton, and Oceano.

Advisory councils advise county decision makers on planning matters and make recommendations on proposed plans, ordinances, and developments based on the wishes of the community. Advisory councils don’t make actual policy decisions.

“Advisory councils were created but they were not created for supervisors to pick the people that are on advisory councils, like the Planning Commission or the Airport Land Use Commission, who get to make actual decisions in the government,” Dury said.

She added that she’s not in favor of advisory councils being exempt from the Brown Act, which dictates that meetings of public bodies must be “open and public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.”

“I think, personally, that that was a mistake on the county’s side, in that advisory councils now and not at any time had any requirement to turn over documents and abide by the Brown Act in any way,” she said.

Advisory councils in the region are counseled by a county-issued handbook from 2013, which recommends that advisory councils follow the Brown Act. Dury thinks it needs to be updated. Because advisory councils work on land use projects within the boundaries of the communities they represent, the handbook states that they’re supposed

to work with the county Planning Department. That department appoints a liaison to each council. But Dury said that the OAC lost contact with its liaison at the end of 2021.

“As our liaison, they have certain requirements to help us,” she said. “They’re supposed to be a resource for general questions—haven’t seen them for a year. They’re supposed to attend our community meetings—haven’t seen them.”

Mark LaRue, the county’s deputy director of planning, told New Times that of the county’s 14 advisory councils, the OAC, the Vitality Advisory Council of Oceano (VACO), and the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council don’t have liaisons.

“These vacancies are due to recent staff departures, and a new liaison will be assigned as soon as new staff is trained,” he said. “Planning management is available to attend any [advisory council] meeting on an interim basis if requested in advance by the [council] chairperson.”

He added that the handbook from 2013 is still relevant and applicable, but changes are expected.

“The handbook may be updated in 2023 for future training,” LaRue said. “Training has historically been provided annually but was suspended due to the COVID pandemic. The last training took place in July 2019, and new [advisory council] training is tentatively scheduled for February/March 2023.”

However, a representative of Oceano’s new advisory council, VACO, thinks that not having a current liaison shouldn’t be a problem. Adam Verdin, a VACO member and co-owner of Old Juan’s Cantina, told New Times that the county typically sends a liaison to answer questions a council may have when they deliberate on a project using a referral sheet with community input and a staff report. The council then writes up its thoughts on the project, and the referral sheet will contain contact information for county staff.

“I can see where it might be helpful, where maybe an advisory council may be doing something they’re not supposed to be doing,” he said. “I don’t know how to put this more gently, but do you really need a liaison to not cuss people out?”

Verdin was referring to Dury’s inflammatory social media posts and allegations from others that she insulted tourists and vacation rental owners.

Dury maintained that she spoke in the capacity of an individual resident of Oceano and not as a top member on the advisory council.

VACO was formed in 2021, which some believe was an attempt to replace the more left-leaning OAC, according to previous New Times reporting.

Dury added that Supervisor Compton unfairly favors VACO and that she hasn’t attended any recent OAC meetings despite the council repeatedly sending her the agenda and invitations to sit in.

Compton didn’t respond to New Times’ multiple requests for comment .

Verdin said that VACO invited her to its community events, which she attended. He added that the OAC inserts itself into the political framework of SLO County, which is part of the problem.

“They’re like a political action committee, like writing letters to Coastal Commission about OHV [off-highway vehicle driving]. It’s tied to their mission, to ban OHV [driving],” he said. “They’re passionate about it; there’s nothing wrong with their viewpoint. But to me, and I think a lot of community members, this is not the purpose of an advisory council, to bolster your personal views.”

A move to decertify an advisory council would be unprecedented in SLO County’s advisory council history. The closest attempt was in 2011 when Compton’s predecessor Paul Teixeira wanted to merge all of the advisory councils in the 4th District into one group, with members appointed by him. Teixeira retracted his proposal following mass community outcry.

The OAC is preparing documents to argue against decertification, Chair Charles Varni said during the Nov. 17 OAC meeting. At that meeting, council member Bonnie Ernst said that three members of VACO donated to Compton’s primary election campaign to retain her supervisorial seat.

According to campaign finance documents for the primary, spanning 2021 and 2022, Verdin donated $1,750; VACO Chair and Oceano Community Services District Director Linda Austin gave $1,200; and VACO member and Rock and Roll Diner owner Marios Pouyioukkas contributed $125 to Compton’s campaign. In total, the trio supplied $3,070 to Compton. At the Nov. 8 supervisors’ meeting, VACO received $4,350 from District 4 Community Project Funds to bankroll their holiday community events and regular operational costs.

“VACO seems to have received funding proportional to what three of its members donated to Supervisor Compton’s campaign in 2022. Since none of us in this council donated anything to her campaign, we received nothing,” Ernst said at the Nov. 17 meeting. “Is that how the county really wants their advisory councils to be funded? If this happens to us now, could it happen to Los Osos and Avila?” ∆

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

With the Oceano Advisory Council’s future in question, the role of an advisory body is hotly debated in the town

MONEY MATTERS Donations from three members of the Vitality Advisory Council of Oceano to 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton’s primary campaign are similar to the amount of funding the group received for holiday events, according to the Oceano Advisory Council’s Bonnie Ernst.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Let's Feed SLO County. Together.

AVILA BEACH, PISMO

BEACH,

The annual SLO County Turkey Trot raises awareness about hunger in the community and funds that provide holiday meals and nutrition to those in need. Join us for check-in at 8:00 am on Thanksgiving morning for a 2-mile walk on scenic trails in Avila Beach or Pismo Beach or complete the walk virtually on your own time.

SCANTO REGISTER

DEATH NOTICES

For Obituary info call (805) 347-1968 or email obituaries@newtimesslo.com

ALEXANDER, RITA RAE, 76, of Paso Robles passed away 10/27/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses ANDREWS, MARYANN REBECCA, 80, of Santa Margarita passed away 10/29/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

BALLIN, HUMBERTO, 67, of Templeton passed away 11/16/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

BONDIETTI, ELIZABETH ROSE, 91, of Lompoc passed away 11/10/2022 arrange ments with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

BOWE, ROBERT, 96, of Cambria passed away 11/7/2022 arrangements with Blue Sky Cremation Service

CASTRO, ROSA MARIA, of San Luis Obispo passed away 10/31/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

CORNELIUS, DORIS, 95, of Santa Maria passed away 11/15/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

COSTA, HAZEL MAXINE, 103, of Santa Maria passed away 11/9/2022 arrangements with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

CRIZER, THOMAS HARLAN, 66, of Baywood Park- Los Osos passed away 11/3/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

DAVIS, GAIL ANN, 82, of Santa Maria passed away 11/15/2022 arrangements with Magner-Maloney Funeral Home & Crematory

DAVIS, MARK JAMES, 64, of San Luis Obispo passed away 11/11/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

DOOLITTLE, JACK ROBERT, 78, of Paso Robles passed away 10/30/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

DRAKE, MARCUS, 50, of Nipomo passed away 11/13/2022 arrangements with MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel

ESKELIN, KAREN ELIZABETH, 80, of Baywood-Los Osos passed away 11/15/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

FULEP, MARIA, 83, of Atascadero passed away 10/25/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

GAHAGAN, RICHARD “RICH”, 75, of Santa Maria passed away 11/9/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

GAINES, JUDY, 82, of Paso Robles passed away 11/11/2022 arrangements with Blue Sky Cremation Service

GATSON, MELVIN DAVID, 74, of Lompoc, passed away 11/3/2022 arrangements with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

GREEN, MARTHA LEE, 96, of Santa Maria passed away 11/15/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

HAMILTON, BARRY, 65, of Santa Maria passed away 11/10/2022 arrangements with Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel

JENSON, HAROLD, 98, of Paso Robles passed away 10/31/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

JOHANSON, JERRY RAY, 85, of San Luis Obispo passed away 11/9/2022 arrangements with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

JONES, JAMES LOREN, 78, of Santa Maria passed away 11/16/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

LACEY, DONNA LEE, 80, of Paso Robles passed away 10/28/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

LIVELY, LELA, 98, of Templton passed away 11/7/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

MORGAN, LINDA, 73, of San Luis Obispo passed away 11/12/2022 arrangements with Blue Sky Cremation Service

PEASNALL, DARLENE, 81, of Atascadero passed away 11/17/2022 arrangements with Chapel of the Roses

PERRY, JOHN, 69, of Atascadero passed away 11/13/2022 arrangements with Blue Sky Cremation Service

PLACENCIA, JOSE LUIS, 78, of Lompoc passed away 11/16/2022 arrangements with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

PUPPE, GORDON GEORGE, 82, of Lompoc passed away 10/21/2022 arrangements with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

RICHARDSON, FREDERICK JAMES, 92, of Nipomo passed away 11/8/2022 arrange ments with Los Osos Valley Mortuary & Memorial Park

SAN LUIS, PETERSON CRUZ, 51, of Santa Maria passed away 11/16/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

SCHAFER, FREDRICK, 72, of Paso Robles passed away 11/14/2022 arrangements with Blue Sky Cremation Service

SIGNORELLI, CHRISTOPHER M., 55, of Lompoc passed away 11/7/2022 arrangements with Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

STOUT, LESLIE ALLEN, 53, of Santa Maria passed away 11/12/2022 arrangements with Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens

In Memory of Christine Allen

Richard Lasiewski, D.O.

Erik Justesen and Ermina Karim

CUESTA DRAMA PRESENTS TONY AWARD-WINNING

Directed by bree Valle A play by Simon Stephens Based on the novel by Mark Haddon

sponsored by Joan Sargen and New Times SLO

A second chance Strokes&Plugs

Nestled among Cal Poly’s agricultural warehouses is a modest looking building with an inconspicuous keypad-encrypted door.

With a flash of green light, Dana K. Humphreys pulled open the door on a recent November morning, revealing a feline safe haven, Cal Poly’s Cat Program, a nonprofit program aimed to provide feral, stray, surrendered or abandoned cats a sanctuary.

It began in 1992 as a senior project designed to solve the rising population of feral cats on campus. Initially, the project trapped and euthanized feral cats, Humphreys said, but eventually, the program turned toward a more humane approach—the “trap, test, vaccinate, medicate, alter, and release” technique.

As the program grew, so did the services they provided.

“And it just eventually evolved, and it’s now a fullservice cat shelter,” Humphreys said. “We do adoptions. We do rescues ... and it has actually expanded. We actually go out into the community and do trapping.”

Humphreys started volunteering four years ago when she tried to find a home for her neighbor’s cat, Bubba, whose owner had passed away. When the Feline Network couldn’t take in her neighbor’s cat, Humphreys was directed to the cat program at Cal Poly. The shelter is managed through the help of volunteer students, such as third year Daniela Jacobson, and community members who all have one thing in common—a love for cats.

“Even though I did have to wake up early—I’m not a good morning person— it was still super, super rewarding,” Jacobson said. “It was a good way to just get rid of stress from school and life.”

Jacobson started as a volunteer and worked her way up to being a shelter manager, which she says is rewarding despite the extra workload. Her favorite part of the job is helping feral cats socialize with humans.

“We would get feral cats that would come in and they would kind of hang in the corners. [They] tried to hide from people,” Jacobson said. “Someone took a picture of me one day when one of the feral cats was letting me feed it from my hand and everyone was crowding around, because she would hiss and bite you if you even stepped foot near her.”

As shelter manager, Jacobson is in charge of knowing everything about each cat—what kind of medications, diet, and behavioral issues the cat has in order to make sure each feline gets the medical attention it needs. And these services don’t come cheap. A surgery to correct inverted eyelids, for example, can cost up to $4,000, Humphreys said.

“We have a lot of huge expenses for dental work. That could be like $1,000 to

have an extraction,” Humphreys said. “It’s not just running the shelter, you know, the litter and the cat food and that type of thing. It’s a lot of the surgeries and the treatments, the medical treatments that are very expensive.”

Donations aren’t the only thing the shelter needs right now. As students leave for the holidays, Humphreys said the shelter needs more volunteers who can take care of the cats.

“It is kind of left to just a handful of us. We’ll take on anybody and everybody. We’ll find a position for them,” Humphreys said, adding that they’d need at least 15 volunteers to pick up one shift a week, ranging from one to three hours. It’s a way to help give animals another shot.

“Not only has it helped the community, but it’s continuing to provide more chances at a second chance at life for a lot of animals,” Jacobson said.

If you’d like to volunteer at the cat program, head over to the program’s website or email volunteercpcp@gmail.com to sign up.

Fast fact

• Santa Claus will be riding Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train on Dec. 3 and arriving at the SLO Railroad Museum around 12:30 p.m. Admission to the SLO Railroad Museum will be free of charge while Santa’s there, so bring the entire family to 1940 Santa Barbara Ave. in San Luis Obispo. It’s just south of the Amtrak Station. ∆

Reach Shwetha Sundarrajan at shwetha@ newtimesslo.com.

OUT FOR A STROLL Student volunteer Jacob Burgasser gets ready to take one of the shelter cats to a fundraising bake sale.

PHOTO BY SHWETHA SUNDARRAJAN

BY RON FINK

Thanksgiving 2022

Those who didn’t lose their job along with the income that goes with it and businesses that were somehow able to weather the storm should be happy.

letters

This week is Thanksgiving; the day represents a couple of things; one is that we give thanks for having a warm, dry place to sleep and food to eat. We are also thankful for the health and well-being of our families and wish that there hadn’t been as many tragedies over the last 12 months. Maybe next year will be better.

Giving thanks includes “giving” too; as food banks, churches, and social clubs gear up for the holiday season, they could use a helping hand. There are several ways to give: cash, turkeys/hams, canned goods, and even helping when dinner is served at the shelters.

Two years ago, Thanksgiving was unlike any other in my 75 plus years. Normally it’s a time for family gatherings, but the government had other ideas. In early spring of that year a very contagious disease arrived on our shores that transformed what is “normal” into something no one could have ever imagined.

Suppose that someone told you that you would be prohibited from attending Disneyland and that the iconic Pasadena Rose Parade would be canceled, would you have believed them? Probably not. But in 2020, the government ordered all entertainment venues and many other commercial

businesses closed until further notice; they also placed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on almost all of California.

Would you have believed that faraway family members coming to join you for the festivities would have to be quarantined for 14 days before the visit could begin? Once again, your friends and family would have questioned your sanity.

But that and much more is exactly what happened; government overreach had a whole new meaning. The impacts of these decisions will resonate for decades.

But try to think positive. What do we have to be thankful for this year? First, those of us who didn’t catch the bug should be grateful; for the more than 98 percent of those who have caught it and have recovered, you should be doubly grateful. And most of all, it appears that preventive inoculations seemed to blunt the impact of the disease if you did catch it.

After Thanksgiving this year, many will eat turkey or ham sandwiches and leftover pumpkin pie. That is, except for the homeless and those who didn’t or couldn’t cook a big feed. Vagabonds from the homeless population will be fed hearty meals and perhaps receive small gifts of fresh socks or clean clothing. Then they will wander off seeking shelter wherever they can find it.

I wish that the Christmas season that will soon follow will be a game changer for all those who are in need. Even though the homeless are sometimes a nuisance, they are our fellow human beings and deserve some compassion.

There seem to be many more homeless people visible on our streets lately, but it is the invisible poor that are the most forgotten. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, many are working multiple jobs just to provide the bare necessities for their families.

The Central Coast is full of a caring

Please include your name and town. Keep letters to 250 words. Send them to New Times Letters, 1010 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or email to letters@newtimesslo.com. All letters become the property of New Times. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Published letters appear and are archived on the New Times website as well as in print.

communities, but in so many, the median income is barely enough to pay the rent. No matter what the minimum wage is, it is never enough to have any extras. It’s been that way all my adult life; as wages increase so does the cost of living, including the rent. It almost seems like an endless “do loop” to keep people from reaping the benefits of the increased income.

Instead of dwelling on the negatives we suffered this year, think about what may happen in the year to come. Will politicians solve the homeless issue or will they finally put global warming to rest? Probably not, but at least they’ll have something to talk about, because in their world “talking about it” and issuing mandates that don’t seem to work seems to equal a solution. ∆

Ron Fink wrote to New Times from Lompoc. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

HODIN

Russell Hodin

No matter what the minimum wage is, it is never enough to have any extras. It’s been that way all my adult life; as wages increase so does the cost of living, including the rent.

Try to think positive about the many things we have to be thankful for this year

Liberals often wonder how their conservative friends can possibly vote for candidates like Trump and others who they see as deeply flawed. Comedian Bill Maher has offered a helpful insight: It is because conservatives are so repelled by the Democratic agenda that they would vote for practically anybody else instead. There is some truth to that.

After going off on a rant about Georgia senatorial candidate Herschel Walker, Maher offered to translate for the liberal tribe how someone like Walker could have any support. He said Republicans are essentially telling liberals: “Do you see how much we don’t like what you’re selling? All this socialism and identity politics and victimhood and oversensitivity and cancel culture and white self-loathing and forcing complicated ideas about race and sex on kids too young to understand it. Literally anything would be better than that.”

The honest, moderate Democrat will secretly admit in their heart of hearts that, yeah, sometimes their progressive wing, which seems to be running the party these days, has gotten pretty nutty.

To illustrate an example of the Democrat’s unwillingness to say, “This is just too doggone crazy,” to any woke cause, Maher offered pictures of the transgendered elementary school teacher who was allowed to teach small children while wearing a grotesquely oversized breast prosthesis (sort of giant falsies on steroids) just because (s)he felt like it, and could. Obviously, the dutifully liberal school administration felt that they must accommodate her because, well, because she is transgendered and this is what she felt she needed to wear to feel her “authentic” self. Democrats don’t seem to have the word “no” in their vocabularies when it comes to their causes.

The Democrats weren’t always too intimidated to confront their extremists. One of Bill Clinton’s shrewder moves during his 1992 campaign was to publicly criticize Black rapper Sister Souljah, who during the Los Angeles riots, said, “If Black people kill Black people every day, why not have a week and kill white people?” Picking a fight with an extreme member of your constituency reassured a lot of moderates.

Sometimes the Democrats will even abandon one of their causes in the service of advancing a newer, more exciting cause. Consider their insistence that biologically male trans athletes be allowed to compete in women’s sports, and the telling spectacle of swimmer Lia Thomas going from obscure male athlete, to a dominating force as a woman. After fighting for Title IX, they chose to eliminate the opportunity of women to meaningfully compete in most sports, to serve the Orwellian fiction that there is no unfairness in allowing a biological male to compete against women.

It often seems like the Democrats deliberately try to shock and offend moderates and conservatives with nonsensical stunts. For example, what free-associational brainstorm came up with the idea of having drag queens perform readings for young children? What’s the point, other than shock value?

The Democrats are like a young boy who has just learned a new swear word and is determined to use it as much as possible to impress his pals with his naughty antics. Obviously, most of the motivation to support a flawed candidate comes from the pragmatic quest to keep “your side” in power. And both parties do this. To illustrate the Democrats’ willingness to accept a politician “with baggage,” consider the episode of Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, who faced calls to resign when caught appearing in blackface in old photos. Now, one thing that Democrats have repeatedly demonstrated that they won’t tolerate is blackface, so they were forced to look at the next in succession. However, the lieutenant governor, a Democrat, was then facing rape and sexual assault charges, a big no-no, so they were forced to look at the third in succession, the attorney general, also a Democrat. Unfortunately, he also had a “blackface problem” in his history. The party then found that the fourth in succession had a far worse disqualification—he was Republican! So the party’s “high-minded” moral concerns quickly evaporated and yielded to practical concerns, and the party decided that blackface and sexual violence weren’t that big a deal after all, and Northam was suddenly deemed politically “rehabilitated.”

Joe Biden is another example of a problematic candidate who the party pragmatically coalesced behind in order to win. Stuck with a history of endorsing supposedly racist law and order policies, facing allegations of sexual assault, with video of inappropriate nuzzling and pawing of women and girls, the Hunter Biden corruption scandals, and being only occasionally coherent, he was no one’s idea of a viable candidate until the party realized that no one else in the “Democratic clown car” was moderate enough to beat the loathed Trump.

So, when you wonder why we will vote for someone like Trump or other flawed Republicans, take a hard, clear-eyed look at the Democratic alternative, and ask yourself, “What other choice do we have?” ∆

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who spends a lot of time in the voting booth holding his nose. Send a response for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

Nothing gets SLO County more riled up than traffic. Traffic!

Think about any sort of housing development project proposed for anywhere in the county—a county that’s so far behind in creating enough units to shelter its population that it might not ever catch up. We always hear this: “This place is beginning to look like Los Angeles. Too much development, too many people, too much traffic ! I moved up here to get away from LA—not to live in another LA.”

Cue eye roll.

However, if you’re headed south from San Luis Obispo after work, you have a legitimate gripe (not about this 280,000-people strong county being even remotely similar to LA, but about traffic). It’s a bottleneck. And if you’re thinking about using the truck travel lane—that magical third lane on the right side of the freeway that starts around Avila Beach Drive—to illegally pass all the idiots waiting in stop-and-go traffic, keep an eye out for Pismo Beach City Councilmember Sheila Blake

She may be out there with a nail strip trying to stop all the assholes like you “speeding down” and thinking “ah ha ha, I’m going to beat out all these other people.”

She jokingly asked Caltrans if that was a possibility during the Nov. 15 council meeting when the city was updated about the big project to alleviate rush hour traffic.

“Couldn’t we do something to these people?” she asked with a laugh.

Caltrans is doing something to those people. Say goodbye to that lane and hello to something called a part-time travel lane. It’s not going to happen anytime soon, but it’s going to happen eventually. And while most of the thousands of commuters who head south on a daily basis will be ecstatic, City Councilmember Mary Ann Reiss isn’t all that happy about a federal safety requirement the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project (What? Why? The acronym doesn’t even roll off the tongue—FCMTNEP).

Turns out that those concrete barriers that are supposed to protect drivers from oncoming traffic gone wrong aren’t high enough along the Shell Beach straightaway. But Reiss thinks they’re “too high now.” An additional 10 inches would apparently be “unacceptable.”

What about all those drivers who want to stare at the Pacific Ocean instead of the road? How will they live?! They’re going to have to shift their gaze 10 inches, I guess.

Speaking of unacceptable. Oceano is unacceptable. Not the place or its residents, though, only the squeaky wheels clamoring for the most attention.

Those people happen to belong to warring factions—currently on the Oceano Advisory Council (OAC) and the Vitality Advisory Council of

Oceano (VACO). And those people love to share the overly-long, bitter, accusatory email threads and social media posts between each other with New Times. Can you believe so-and-so? What a jerk?

Actually, we can’t believe any of you. And your grammar is terrible. Grow up!

What sort of messed up game of Family Feud are they playing? How much drama should one town of 7,600 people generate? Should they be fighting over whether a pumpkin carving contest is under the purview of an advisory council? Should an advisory council really be writing an ordinance to regulate vacation rentals? No.

Now the OAC is on the chopping block with 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton wielding the butcher knife. And she just might bring the blade down before she hightails it off the dais. I say, do it! Actually, get rid of them both.

What are they doing for the community by conducting a mudslinging contest complete with ideological tirades and personal vendettas?

Looking back through the county’s good ol’ community advisory council handbook, it seems like the county created these councils as a way to give unincorporated communities a more direct way to let the county and their respective representatives know what they need and want from proposed developments and ordinances impacting their regions.

“Community advisory council membership should reflect a broad crosssection of the community,” it states— something that neither does, obviously.

VACO caters to the business community and pro-off-road interests,

while the OAC caters to the opposite. Oceano needs one council that represents everyone, that represents the needs and wants of all the area’s residents and is welcoming to everyone who wants to give their input, that’s interested in compromise.

I’m not sure whether Compton contributed to or just witnessed the decompensation of civil civic engagement in Oceano—she’s had it out for the OAC for quite some time now. But her successor, Jimmy Paulding, is going to have to fix it.

Speaking of successors, when will we know if 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson reigned supreme over challenger Bruce Jones ? Don’t hold your breath. Everyone in the county is full of angst waiting for the results on the Nov. 8 election—and all the Clerk-Recorder’s Office can say is there are almost 28,000 ballots left to count, it doesn’t know how many it will count this week, and everyone gets Thanksgiving off.

So, election day is turning into election month.

Only 781 votes separate the Bruces. And that race will determine whether our county board leans conservative or liberal. I guess we can all be thankful this year that we don’t know the outcome of a vote that could ruin enjoying our annual 4,500-calorie consumption day where we celebrate colonialism. Go America. ∆

The Shredder is trotting for turkeys. Send a chopping block to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR

The Vocal Arts Ensemble presents one of its Holiday Traditions concerts at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. Seating reservations are required, and tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com. General admission is $10 for children and students and $30 for adults. Preferred seating ranges between $35 and $45. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is located at 751 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART AND ABOUT MORRO BAY Join us for Art and About Morro Bay, a self-guided art walk that gives the community an opportunity to experience visual, literary, and performing art in galleries and other venues. Visit site for a map of locations. (Events will not occur on major holidays). Fourth Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. Free. 805-544-9251. artsobispo.org/art-and-about. Morro Bay (participating artists), Townwide, Morro Bay.

COSTA GALLERY HOLIDAY SEASON: GIFTY

UNDER FIFTY Costa Gallery will feature Holiday gifts $50 and under by more than 20 regional artists. Explore affordable original art cards, fi ber art, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, prints, and sculpture. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 30 Free admission. 559-799-9632. Browse and buy unique art, fi ne craft, and affordable gifts from more than 20 local artists. Through Dec. 31 559-799-9632. Costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DAVID J ROGERS FINE ART GALLERY: UPCOMING WORKSHOPS Visit website for more info on upcoming workshops at the studio. Dec. 3 805225-5077. davidjrogersart.com. David J Rogers Fine Art Gallery, 407 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

FAMILY PLAYTIME WITH ALCOHOL INKS Looking for an event for the entire family? Come play with alcohol inks. They are basically inks with alcohol in them, so they dry super fast. Enjoy making ornaments, necklaces or magnets, and shaving cream cards. Pre-registration required. Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-noon $25. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY SPANKY ANDERSON: GALLERY

AT MARINA SQUARE Paul “Spanky” Anderson is an acrylic painter who said his “peripheral vision of the Central Coast virtually dictates the color palette and brushstrokes” onto his canvas. Through Nov. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART FUSED DICHROIC GLASS BY LINDA HILL: GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE Linda Hill is a fused glass artist. She creates glass pieces and jewelry creations with unique patterns and shapes. Through Nov. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

LATTE CUP AND SAUCER WORKSHOP WITH NIGHT OWL POTTERY Admission includes all materials and clay, herbal tea, and CBD chocolates. Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. $80. 805-395-9323. plantaeandfungi. com. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffi eld St., Cambria.

METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects. This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

MINI MOSAICS Choose from Joan’s oodles and oodles of supplies to make your very own mosaic masterpiece. Preregistration required. Perfect for beginners. Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-noon Various. 805-2865993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

MOSAIC TRIVET WORKSHOP During this workshop, you will learn how to design and create a mosaic trivet. You will learn how to select materials, lay out a pleasing pattern, and adhere the tiles to the trivet base. You will learn how to properly grout and seal your project. ongoing, 1-4 p.m. $60. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/workshops/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

MOSAICS FOR ALL LEVELS Choose a project to make your heart sing while learning mosaic basics to complete your masterpiece. You have many colors, baubles, and beads to choose from. Preregistration required. Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Various. 805-286-5993.

CreativeMeTime.com.

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.

ROD BAKER’S EIGHTH HOLIDAY GIFT STUDIO GLASS SALE Celebrate seasonal gift-giving with Rod Baker’s affordable and artful glasswork, seasonal snacks, an inspiring sculpture garden, quaint glass studios, and glassblowing demos. Come early for these popular and affordable hand-crafted gifts, home and garden décor, and Holiday cheer by the bay. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. 805-551-6836. Central Coast Glass Blowing and Fusing, 1279 2nd Street, Los Osos, RodBakerGlass.com.

SEA GLASS AND DRIFTWOOD SCENE Create a fun scene using Joan’s huge collection of local sea glass, driftwood and baubles.Joan supplies one piece of tumbled pottery, 10 pieces of small sea glass, driftwood, assorted small rocks, and use of glue and pen for each student. Preregistration required. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon $65. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW PRESENTS

decorate a piece of recycled wood with driftwood, then add succulents or create a beautiful holiday tree or letters. Preregistration required. Nov. 26, 10 a.m.noon Various. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Learn how easy it is to create with succulents. Care instructions are provided so your succulent projects thrive. Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m. Various. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

SUITE SURRENDER Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s. Nov. 25 Dec. 18 my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

WHAT WILL REMAIN WITH FEATURED ARTIST

MARCIE BEGLEITER Begleiter’s work explores hidden systems, secret codes, and fantastic micro-organisms; it’s an intellectual as well as instinctual response to what is happening in ‘nature.’ Materials include watercolor, ink, graphite, ceramics, and photography. Through Dec. 31 cambriaarts.org/gallery-exhibits/. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

GREG

This Thanksgiving, Greg Wilson is bringing laughs to the Central Coast. When he isn’t guest starring on one of your favorite TV shows, Greg can be found headlining shows around the country. Hosted by David Murphy. Featuring Justin Foster, Dave Yates, and Amanda Cohen. Nov. 26, 6:30-8 & 9-10:30 p.m. $25. 805-534-3129. facebook.com/slofunny. Morro Bay Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf St., Morro Bay.

WILSON AND FRIENDS

WINTER GLOW: A GROUP SHOW OF SMALL GIFT SIZED ARTWORKS This exhibit showcases artworks of the Central Coast by Jari de Ham, Virginia Mack, Ji Li, Suzanne Leon, Judy Rath, Atul Pande, Ardella Swanberg, Carole McDonald, and Nancy Jensen. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

SUCCULENTS

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@ newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

ANNUAL UNDER $200 SHOW Each year, the ARTery hangs up a highly anticipated art exhibit featuring local talent. Original art is sold for under $200. Come celebrate local artists and fi nd a gift for a loved one, or yourself. Exhibit runs Nov. 11 through Jan. 11. Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m. 805-464-0533. the1artery.com. The ARTery, 5890 Traffi c Way, Atascadero.

ATELIER

708 HOLIDAY ART STUDIO OPEN

HOUSE Artists Janice Pluma, Kim Snyder, and David Butz invite you to join them for a special Holiday Open House. Start the season with a fun art event. Mingle with other art lovers and see work from the three local artists. Dec. 4, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-423-8939. facebook.com/janice.anja.kim. Atelier 708, 708-D Paso Robles St., Paso Robles.

DEPRISE

ART GALLERY:

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey guided by a member of the fun loving FS crew. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9

Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

BRESCIA

OPEN DAILY Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted

—Caleb Wiseblood

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE

Arab Music Ensemble fall concert

Ken Habib, director Jenna Mitchell, dance director

With special guests!

MORRO BAY HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS Katie Bravante, director

Ishmael, qanun; Fathi Aljarrah, kamanja; Faisal Zedan and Keeth CrowHawk, riqq, daff and darabukka

SPANOS THEATRE, CAL POLY $20 GENERAL $10 STUDENTS pacslo.org, 805-756-4849

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.

HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS California’s premier craftspeople are featured in this invitational exhibition and retail sale devoted to bringing wide public attention to the field of fine craft. A portion of every sale supports Studios on the Park’s efforts to make the creative process available to the public. Nov. 29 Jan. 2 Free. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

OPEN STUDIO Hosting old friends and new friends for holiday cheer. A rare opportunity to purchase hand crafted gifts or sign yourself up, or a loved one, for an instructional winter workshop in this cozy shop. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 805-237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Stromsöe Studios, 3775 Old Creek Road, Templeton.

PAINT AND SIP CLASS Joining forces with the talents of Art Social, the winery will offer classes twice a month for you to sip and get creative on the vineyard. Friday classes held at 7 p.m. Sunday classes held at noon. Dec. 4 my805tix.com. Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.

A SPECIAL SHOWING OF THE POLAR EXPRESS

Join Atascadero Cooperative Preschool for A Special Showing of The Polar Express . Three showings available to choose from. Dec. 3, 9, 9:15 & 9:30 a.m. $10.50 pre-sale; $11.50 at door. 805-466-2427. atascooppreschool.com. Colony Cinemas, 6917 El Camino Real I, Atascadero.

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, 805238-9800.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

42ND CENTRAL COAST CRAFT FAIR A handmade craft show with several local makers and artisans. Cider and cookies available to welcome you as you shop. Features a prize drawing fundraiser for Central Coast Quilts of Valor Foundation, supporting veterans with quilts, and Wreaths Across America. Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Vets’ Hall, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-781-5930.

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.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-896-6197, anamcre.com.

SEASONAL STRETCH

Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet present The Nutcracker, choreographed by Diane Rose Zink, at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m. Tickets to the show are $20 for children and $25 for adults. To find out more about the production, call (805) 489-9444 or visit clarkcenter.org. The Clark Center for the Performing Arts is located at 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. —C.W.

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 805-835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING AND CAL POLY CAROLING After caroling program, there will be homemade Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and more for guests to enjoy. Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Free; open to the public. St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 232 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo.

A CHRISTMAS STORY The holiday classic about young Ralphie Parker and his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun. Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. and Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. through Dec. 17 $20$28. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/shows/a-christmasstory-2022/. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

LIGHTS AND TRADITIONS The Jack House docents present this year’s holiday event. Celebrate the splendor of the holidays with a docent led tour of the Historical Jack House and Gardens. Sunday’s tours include activities for kids. Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 4, 1-4 p.m. Free. slocity.org/jackhouse. The Jack House, 536 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, 781-7308.

LITTLE TREASURES HOLIDAY EXHIBIT Artwork in this exhibit is priced $100 or less. Everything is handcrafted and made with love by local artists. Find that one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. Artist reception is Dec. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. through Jan. 30 Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

Sponsored by Cal Poly’s Music Department, College of Liberal Arts and IRA program. More information: 805-756-2406.

ART EXPLORATION FOR KIDS In this class series, students learn about drawing and acrylic painting. In each class, students will recreate a famous piece of art from history. Thursdays, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 29 $28 per session; $100 for 5 classes; $180 for 10 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTISTIC DELIGHTS AT SLO GALLERY Surround yourself with exceptional works of art Thursdays through Sundays, and during SLO Arts Council’s Art after Dark on the first Friday of each month. Experience art at its finest by Central Coast artists. Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 2 Free. 818-762-6782. slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1019 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo.

COMEDY NIGHT Professional comedy show featuring local and touring comics. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. First Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-5408300. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, bangthedrumbrewery.com.

HANG IT ALL INSTALLATION A non-juried art show for the month of December. Each artist is allowed to hang two pieces. Each piece must be priced at $100 or less. All work must be ready to hang. No early birds or drop offs. Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. 805-541-5888. linnaeascafe.com. Linnaea’s Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo.

HOLIDAY TREASURE STROLL Take a stroll up East Monterey district to enjoy local art exhibits and craft pop-up booths at local businesses. Collect a “treasure” at each stop, and turn tokens in at your last stop to be entered into a giveaway. Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.

MINI MELODIES HOLIDAY SEMESTER Come sing, dance, and play to the music of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza for the first three weeks of December. Grown up participation class for ages 0 to 5. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m. through Dec. 21 $70. minimelodies.com. Changes locations periodically (SLO County), Call or check site for details, County-wide.

THE MONDAY CLUBHOUSE CONSERVANCY FINE ARTS AWARDS APPLICATIONS Open to high school juniors and seniors. Categories: classical music, jazz music, and visual art. Submit online application. Finalists in all categories compete in a live competition at The Monday Club on Feb. 26. Through Jan. 30, 2023 Free. 805-242-1076. themondayclubslo.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-5408300. saintsbarrel.com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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BEGINNING DRAWING FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS This class is designed to teach young students the important basic building blocks of drawing. Students learn about various drawing techniques and materials such as graphite, charcoal, and paint pens. For kids ages 8-13. Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m. through Dec. 29 $28 per session; $100 for 5 classes; $180 for 10 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: LITTLE TREASURES

EXHIBIT Art Central’s annual open call for the holiday exhibition, Little Treasures. The show will run for December and January. All items must be priced at $100 or less. Accepting all forms of media. All details and registration info can be found on website. Nov. 30

INTRO TO IMPROV: FOUNDATIONS OF IMPROV Learn the fun fundamentals of improv, team collaboration, and scene work. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 14 $225. 803-487-4481. centralcoastcomedytheater.com. Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, Suite 200, San Luis Obispo.

JUST ADD WATER Come experience the detailed and expressive work of six accomplished local watercolorists in this upcoming show. Through Nov. 28 805-878-6404. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.

KIDS IMPROV CLASS Do you have an active youngster who loves to act or perform, or just loves to play? In this class, students will develop improv and acting skills, learn fun improv games, and develop teamwork skills. Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. through Dec. 15 $225. 803-487-4401. centralcoastcomedytheater. com. Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, Suite 200, San Luis Obispo.

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

RAYN: FLAMENCO FOR A NEW WORLD Seattlebased Flamenco dancer, Savannah Fuentes, returns to SLO with her latest show. Savannah will be joined by singer/multi-instrumentalist Diego Amador Jr. Dec. 2, 8-9:30 p.m. $12-$40. 206-409-2161. savannahf.com/. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SENIOR CLAY CLASS Offered to the senior community as an outlet to explore the beauty of clay. For ages 60 and over. Caretakers welcome for an additional $20. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre. com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-896-6197.

SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S BOOK AND PUZZLE SALE A used book sale in the SLO Library lobby with lots of children’s books, for a variety of ages and interests, as well as new and gently used puzzles. Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Most books

available for $0.25. 805-709-2495. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANNUAL TRILOGY CLAY BUDDIES POTTERY SALE Features functional ware, yard art, sculptures, and beautiful decor for the home or that one-of-a-kind gift. Holiday decorated baked goods also available. Free and open to the public. Cash or checks preferred. Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 585-943-7880. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo.

ARTWORK BY STEVE ANDREWS On display throughout November and December. Through Dec. 31 Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 805-489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

BE PART OF ART There will be a different art activity each month. Bring the whole family to see the beauty in creating together and how easy it can be to bring art into your home. Last Saturday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. Free. 805-668-2125. lila.community. LilA Creative Community, 1147 East Grand Ave. suite 101, Arroyo Grande.

DIANE ROSE ZINK’S THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Everybody Can Dance and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet. Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 805-489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: A CHRISTMAS

CAROL Visited by the ghosts of Past, Present, and Future, Ebenezer Scrooge must find it in his heart to change or face a bleak and lonely future. No show on Christmas day. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-10 p.m., Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. and Sundays, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 18 $36-$40. 805-489-2499. americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

AN IRISH CHRISTMAS Kerry Irish Productions is back on tour in 2022 with its acclaimed production. Featuring dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Wings, produced by Margaret O’Carroll with musical direction by Jesse Langen. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. $40-$58. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

LOCAVORE HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Sip and shop at this annual holiday craft fair. Local makers and artisans will be selling handmade products just in time for the holidays. Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 805270-4308. timbrewinery.com. Locavore Craft Market, 225 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL The ensemble cast features strong performances by many well-known, local teen thespians, including London Raftery. Presented by AGHS. Dec. 2-10 clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 805-489-9444.

OPEN STUDIO FOR ADULTS Guests can come in and decide what materials they would like to work with and create freely. Share your creative process with others and see how your work will flourish. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. and Wednesdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $40. 805-668-2125. Lila.community. LilA Creative Community, 1147 East Grand Ave. suite 101, Arroyo Grande.

PASSIFLORA MOSAICS WORKSHOPS Check website or call for workshop offerings and more details. Through Dec. 4 805-440-3054. passifloramosaics.com/ workshops/. Passiflora Mosaics, 330 N. 10th St., Grover Beach.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET Will feature more than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights, along with artisan vendors, visits from Santa, a fun train ride, cozy fire pits, live music, delicious food, drinks, and much more. Wednesdays-Sundays, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 23 $15-$25. 800-966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket. com/. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria. CAYUCOS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Come get in the spirit of Christmas with the annual tree lighting. Features the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by fire engines. Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-749-2950. Cayucos, N. Ocean Ave. and D St., Cayucos.

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.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION Come enjoy the lighting of the Morro Bay City Park tree for the holidays. Activities start at 3:30 p.m., tree lighting starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m. morrobay.org. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE The local fishing, leisure, and yachting community take to the water with decorated boats with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. morrobay.org. Embarcadero Morro Bay, 714 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

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.

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. 805528-7111. 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.

TAI CHI CHUN/ QI GONG BASICS Learn the foundation of Qi Gong, the rooting of breathing, and Shaolin Tai Chi. Tuesdays-Thursdays Call for details. 805701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS

MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members $8-$10. 805772-7466. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ATASCADERO HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Join the community at the Sunken Garden and listen to the Atascadero Community Band perform holiday favorites before the annual tree lighting ceremony. Dec. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. seecalifornia.com. Sunken Gardens, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SALE Features more than 20 vendors of handmade rugs, goat milk soaps and lotions, ornaments, hand-carved wooden utensils, knitting, embroidery, and more. Benefit for the Santa Margarita Public Library. Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805-7696418. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I Street, Santa Margarita.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING CEREMONY Features live music, community caroling, Mrs. Claus, and more. Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m. pasoroblesdowntown.org. Downtown City Park, 11th and Spring St., Paso Robles.

JOLLY JAMBOREE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

A USAPA sanctioned pickleball tournament. The top four teams in each group advance to a medal round shootout. Top two teams in each group advance to medal round. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 4, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Starts at $40. 840-800-2008. winby2. fun/jolly-jamboree-2022/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

LIVING SUCCULENT WREATH WORKSHOP

Candice and Heather, owners of Peaceful Plants, will be hosting this workshop. Nov. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. $100. 805-464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., 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. 805-441-2164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

SIP AND SHOP HOLIDAY MARKET Knock out some of that “last minute” shopping list, while enjoying a glass of wine, mulled wine or hot apple cider in-hand as carols fill the air. Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.

LUIS OBISPO

46TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE This beloved Central Coast holiday tradition will feature more than 80 decorated floats, along with marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more, representing all kinds of

SAN

LoriLee Silvaggio’s The Nutcracker Performed Live with OperaSLO Grand Orchestra. Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

organizations. The Downtown SLO Holiday Parade is one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators each year. Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m. Free. downtownslo.com/events/holidays/holidayparade. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, 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.

HOLIDAY PLAZA AND SANTA’S HOUSE OPENING DAY CELEBRATION Watch Santa ride into Mission Plaza on a firetruck, and enjoy a live performance from the SLO County Band. Celebrate the opening of all the fun in the Holiday Plaza: the Classic Carousel, Holiday Tree, amazing light displays, photo ops, and more. Nov. 25, 11:45 a.m. Free. downtownslo.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

HOLIDAY PLAZA LIGHTING CEREMONY The holiday tree in Mission Plaza is a beautiful lit tree standing 25 feet tall, adorned with lights, ornaments and candy canes for all to enjoy throughout the season. Nov. 25, 4:45 p.m. seecalifornia.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE: A NEW DANCER CLASS Have fun dancing to a wide variety of music. No experience necessary. No dress code. Partners welcome (no partner needed). 12 weeks of instruction begins Sept. 15. Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. through Dec. 15 $50 for the entire class. 805-221-5437. squaredancecentralcoast.com. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LIGHT UP A LIFE 2022 A fundraiser to celebrate and honor your loved ones who are no longer present, but certainly not forgotten. For 38 years, Hospice SLO County’s Light Up A Life season has offered special ceremonies at locations throughout SLO County. Nov. 29 Dec. 14 my805tix.com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 781-8220.

LITERACY FOR LIFE TUTOR TRAINING Takes place via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the training but need help with using Zoom, please email assistant@literacyforlifeslo.org. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. literacyforlifeslo.org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH (NANOWRIMO) Join local writers in SLO County and pledge to write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. Writers will meet online and in-person to write together throughout November. Go to the local chapter’s website to view the NaNoWriMo events calendar. Through Nov. 30 Free. nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-california-san-luisobispo. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

NATURE NIGHTS An immersive outdoor holiday light and art exhibition. Features large format light projections, illuminated sculptures, and artistic lighting of garden areas throughout the garden. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thursdays-Sundays, 5, 6 & 7 p.m. through Jan. 8 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 8055411400.

QI GONG FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT Learn and practice qi gong, a Chinese system for physical, mental and spiritual development. This class is conducted outdoors in a beautiful setting, which is the best place to do qi gong, as its inspiration is drawn from nature. Certified instructor: Devin Wallace. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6340 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG ONLINE Qi Gong Online is offered by San Luis Coastal Unified School District. Qi Gong improves balance, posture, tone, and fitness with gentle exercises. Instructor: Gary West. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Dec. 7 $67 semester. 805-5491222. sloadultschool.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SECOND ANNUAL SENIOR SANTA EVENT

Community members are encouraged to adopt a wish list for a senior to help ensure they have a happy holiday. Hosted by the Senior Angels of the Central Coast. Through Jan. 1, 2023 seniorangelsofthecentralcoast. org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO CHESS CLUB All skill levels welcome. Feel free to come by and check it out. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. through Feb. 28 Free. 805-540-0470. Whole Foods Market, 1531 Froom, San Luis Obispo.

SLO TABLE TENNIS The club is open to all skill levels. There are many tables available to play casual and competitive games. Sundays, 4-7 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays, 7-10 p.m. through Jan. 31 Free. 805-5400470. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

55TH ANNUAL SOUTH COUNTY HOLIDAY TOYLAND PARADE Parade immediately followed by “Santa’s workshop.” Visit website for more info. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. southcountychambers.com/. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

ARROYO GRANDE CHRISTMAS PARADE Parade begins at Traffic Way and Branch Street and proceeds up East Branch Street to City Hall. Dec. 4, 5 p.m. visitarroyogrande.org. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.

AVILA BEACH: TURKEY TROT The annual SLO Food Bank Turkey Trot raises awareness about hunger in SLO County and funds that provide critical meals and nutrition to those in need. Create a team and fundraise to amplify your impact. Participate at Avila, Pismo, or virtually. Nov. 24, 9:30 a.m.-noon $25. 805-457-5456. slofoodbank.org. Avila Beach Promenade & Bob Jones Trail, 410 Front Street, Avila Beach.

OLDE TOWN NIPOMO FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARADE The parade will start at the Adobe Plaza and head East on Tefft Street and finish at the Cavalry Chapel. Email malvaroser@gmail.com for more info. Dec. 4, 4:30 p.m. Nipomo (Townwide), Thompson and Tefft, Nipomo.

PICTURES WITH SANTA AT THE CLIFFS Santa will be visiting for photo opportunities in The Cliffs lobby. Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m. 805-773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com/ cliffsmas/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

PISMO BEACH HOLIDAY HARMONY Features fresh snow, bounce houses, live music, crafts, cookie decorating, hot drinks, pics with Santa, and more. Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. seecalifornia.com. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

PISMO BEACH TREE LIGHTING Local officials and dignitaries light the tree in downtown Pismo Beach. Dec. 2, 6 p.m. seecalifornia.com. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

PISMO BEACH: TURKEY TROT The annual SLO Food Bank Turkey Trot raises awareness about hunger in SLO County and funds that provide critical meals and nutrition to those in need. Create a team and fundraise to amplify your impact. This trot goes along the beach at Pismo. Nov. 24, 8:30 a.m.-noon $25. 805-457-5456. slofoodbank.org. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

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. through May 31 Varies. 805824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

THIRD ANNUAL HARMONY CHRISTMAS MARKET Shop and support local businesses for the holidays this year by purchasing gifts from a variety of vendors. There will also be food trucks, including the Harmony Valley Creamery. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Harmony, 2177 Old Creamery Road, Harmony, 805.927.1625.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

AYURVEDIC FALL CLEANSE: TWO-PART SERIES PLUS WINE With Sara Garofalo an Intuitive Health and Life Coach, Healer, Ayurveda Counselor, and Spiritual Mentor/Teacher. Dec. 4, 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Timshel Vineyards, 825 Riverside Ave., suite 1, Paso Robles.

OLIVE OIL CLASS Celebrate the rich history of olive oil by learning more about the process, the nuances, and the value of this incredible elixir. A class for foodies who love to learn. Nov. 27, 11 a.m. $60. my805tix.com.

Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.

PAINT THE TOWN RED DOWNTOWN WINE WALK 23 wineries of Downtown Paso Robles are joining together for this event. Walk to discover new wineries or revisit some of your favorites. Wineries will be offering food and red wine pairings. Nov. 26, 1-5 p.m. $55-$65. downtownpasowine.com/events. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles, 661-609-2998.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

ONX WINES: SWEET TREATS COOKING CLASS The ONX team and Chef Rachel Ponce are teaming up for an amazing baking class. Master how to make an

MUSIC

apple cider donut bundt cake and a pumpkin spice latte tiramisu from scratch. Limited to 14 people. Nov. 30, 6 p.m. $90 per person or $75 per Collective member. 805434-5607. onxwine.com. ONX Wines: Clark House, 1595 Paradise Meadow Lane, Templeton.

SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

THANKSGIVING FEAST AT HOTEL SLO Enjoy all the trimmings to compliment the regular menus at the hotel’s two onsite restaurants, Ox + Anchor, the property’s contemporary steakhouse, and Piadina, which features a fresh California take on Italian cuisine. Nov. 24, 2 p.m. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

THANKSGIVING FEAST AT THE APPLE FARM

Enjoy traditional favorites with apple-inspired twist. Prixfixed menu. Reservations recommended. Nov. 24, 12-4 p.m. $48. 805-544-6100. applefarm.com. Apple Farm, 2015 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAPE COD SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

SPECIAL As part of small business Saturday, Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse is offering a free cup of its award-winning chowder for every purchase over $25. Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $25 minimum. 805-295-6919. capecodeatery.com/. Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse, 1127 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach.

CLIFFSMAS: HOLIDAY BRUNCH AT MARISOL

Enjoy a holiday brunch at Marisol with specialties including lobster benedict, hot chocolate French toast, and much more. Dec. 3, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays. through Dec. 31 805-773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com/cliffsmas/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

DINNER FOR A CAUSE: GIVING TUESDAY

BANQUET 2022 Features dinner, dancing, and many ways to show support. 100 percent of all proceeds benefit the 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Nov. 29, 4:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Golf Course, 25 West Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

PISMO BEACH FARMERS MARKET Features various vendors selling their goods. Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Pismo Beach Farmers Market, Pismo Pier, Pismo Beach, 805. 773.4382.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AGENT ORANGE WITH DISTRICT 9 Dec. 1, 7-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS LIVE Dec. 2, 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

DAMAGE INC. The ultimate Metallica tribute. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

FOREVER GREEN AT CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET AMPHITHEATER Forever Green is an electronic/acoustic, modern/traditional duo. Twin sisters Christi and Cara Brown create indie/folk/pop/rock with notes of Celtic, jazz, and blues. Dec. 1, 5-8:30 p.m. $15. cambriachristmasmarket.com/. Cambria Christmas Market, 2905 Burton Dr, Cambria.

JADE JACKSON LIVE Dec. 4, 7 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay. com/.

LIVE

MUSIC WITH GUITAR WIZ AT LUNADA

GARDEN BISTRO “Guitar Wizard” Billy Foppiano plays a wide range of music, including blues, R&B, classic rock, and more. Fourth Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 805-900-5444. Lunada Garden Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos.

NEXT LIFE LIVE AT THE OLDE ALEHOUSE Imagine if Petty met Beatles, Zeppelin, and Floyd for a jam? This might be what it would sound like. Dec. 4, 1-4 p.m. 805215-9316. nextlifeband.com. The Olde Alehouse, 945 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.

SONGWRITERS AT PLAY HOSTS SONG CONTEST

AT SCHOONERS

Three judges award three prizes. Up to 10 contestants play 2 original songs each. $5 entry fee. Advance signups only, apply at stevekey57@gmail. com. Note: December event moved to Dec. 20. Last Tuesday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. through Feb. 28 Free. 805-204-6821. stevekey.com/events. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

SUSAN RITCHIE BAND Dec. 3, 2:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

TICKET TO WINE

The Santa Maria Wine Trolley’s 2022 season will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 27. In celebration of Thanksgiving weekend festivities, the trolley will be operating on Black Friday, Nov. 25, along with its regularly

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CHARLIE MARKS BAND Charlie Marks is a folk and roots musician based out of Reno, Nevada. Charlie blends together traditional folk and blues music with original songwriting. Nov. 26, 8-10 p.m. $5. raconteurroom.com/calendar/charlie-marks. Raconteur Room, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, 805-464-2584.

EASTON EVERETT LIVE

AT

CAVA

ROBLES

RESORT An artist known for a guitar-woven sound that spreads out across the American music story. Nov. 25, 3-5 p.m. eastoneverett.com/. Cava Robles Resort, 3800

Golden Hill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-242-4700.

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. 805-460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

PASSIONATE PIANO Pianist Torsten Juul-Borre

scheduled Saturday and Sunday services. The trolley stops at five different wine tasting stops scattered throughout the Santa Maria Valley. For tickets or more info, visit santamariavalley.com. —C.W.

includes preludes by Rachmaninov and Chopin’s Fantasy in F minor. Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ARIEL QUARTET Characterized by its youth, brilliant playing, and soulful interpretations, the Ariel Quartet has quickly earned a glowing international reputation. The Quartet was named the recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, granted by Chamber Music America in recognition of artistic achievement and career support. Nov. 30, 7:30-9 p.m. $40-$60. 805756-6556. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, pacslo.org.

CAL POLY ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE FALL CONCERT

A wide range of art, folk, and popular music from Arab society as well as selected seminal pieces from the historically interconnected areas of Southwest Asia and North Africa. Programs also feature critically acclaimed guest artists Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. $20 general; $10 students. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY CHOIRS: HOLIDAY KALEIDOSCOPE

This marks the sixth annual Holiday Kaleidoscope which has become a Central Coast tradition. The concert brings together all four Cal Poly choral ensembles with local high school and community ensembles. Performance highlights include traditional favorites, new works, sing-alongs with a holiday orchestra, and more. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. $15 and $20 general; $10 students. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT: MADRONE STRING QUARTET AND THE NEW WORLD

The Cal Poly Symphony and the Madrone String Quartet will present a collaborative season opener that features side-by-side performances, captivating chamber music, and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” Dec. 4, 3 p.m. $15 and $20 general; $10 students. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/symph/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

Enjoy a live jazz show with Emily Franklin and many delicious ciders on tap. Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m. 805-721-6878. SLO Cider, 3419 Roberto Ct., Suite C, San Luis Obispo.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS CONCERT SERIES: NIPOMO AND SAN LUIS OBISPO LOCATIONS Get in the spirit by attending a choral music performance by Vocal Arts Ensemble. Enjoy classical holiday tunes and a sing-a-long at various locations in early December. Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m. and Dec. 3, 3-5 p.m. $30-$40 (students $10). 805-541-6797. vocalarts.org. SLO County, Various locations, San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Thursdays-Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-0774, ragtagwineco.com.

LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/index.htm.

THE MOTHER HIPS Dec. 1, 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-5431843, slobrew.com.

PRÓXIMA PARADA Dec. 2, 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

RAKIM Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 18th Letter. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS AT THE CLIFFS Join in on some Christmas caroling at The Cliffs. Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com/cliffsmas/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

CHRISTMAS CHOIR Sing your way into the new year. Bring your choir binders (new members will have binders provided) Some new original tunes and some standard Christmas Songs will be included in this years program. Contact for end date. Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 20 Free. Richard Inman, Private Home TBA, Arroyo Grande, 805-937-4413. ∆

EMILY FRANKEN: LIVE IN THE TASTING ROOM

Artifacts

Laugh Therapy hosts

SLO comedian Bob Powers and other comics

The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez presents its next Laugh Therapy event on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 8 to 10 p.m. The show includes sets from a handful of stand-up comedians, including San Luis Obispo-based comic Bob Powers and headliner Jim Summers, a popular touring comic and former prison guard.

Throughout his comedy career, Summers has opened for Robin Williams, Paul Rodriguez, and other legendary comedians. Before diving into stand-up comedy about 20 years ago, Summers worked as a prison guard for 15 years, at multiple prisons in California. “If you ever wanted an honest glimpse of the world through the eyes of a former prison guard, this is a must-see performer,” according to press materials.

Powers, who will open for the show, is no stranger to local stages across the Central Coast and currently hosts his own ongoing comedy show at the 15 Degrees C Wine Shop, Bar, and Restaurant in Templeton.

Other featured comedians in the show include Santa Barbarabased comedian Courtney Rainwater, a recent competitor in the inaugural Santa Barbara Laugh Festival in early November, and prolific actor, writer, and comic Aldo Juliano, whose credits include writing work on The Jimmy Kimmel Show

Tickets to Laugh Therapy are $20 and available online in advance at my805tix.com. The event is open to ages 21 and over. The Maverick Saloon is located at 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.

The show starts at 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to stop by early to enjoy items from the venue’s “farm to saloon” menu, available for purchase. Local wines will also be available for purchase throughout the event and after the show. The bar will close at midnight.

SLO Guild Hall presents

Rayn: Flamenco for a New World

Seattle-based Flamnco dancer Savannah Fuentes and singer and multi-instrumentalist Diego Amador Jr. are teaming up for Rayn: Flamenco for a New World, a dance showcase at the SLO Guild Hall on Friday, Dec. 2, starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets to the show are available in advance through Eventbrite. Admission is $26 for adults and $20 for students. VIP seating costs $40. Visit savannahf.com for more info on the production and other stops scheduled in Fuentes and Amador’s world tour. The SLO Guild Hall is located at 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. ∆ —Caleb Wiseblood

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Accessible space

SLO Gallery focuses on the details, showcases Central Coast artists

Windows illuminate paintings and photos with afternoon sunlight. Duke Ellington plays softly from a speaker at the front desk, while the cool fall breeze gives way to SLO Gallery’s warmth.

This atmosphere lends to the experience retired architect and gallery owner Roger Cantrell wants visitors to have.

“It’s all about the small things,” he said while putting up cutouts that spell artist Bobbye Thompson’s name. Hand-painted by Cantrell, the 3D white letters stand in contrast to the bronze frames around Thompson’s pastels.

SLO Gallery showcases a collection of art from across California with a specific focus on Central Coast paintings and photography. Cantrell updates the space frequently with new art to give viewers a dynamic experience throughout the year.

Take a stroll

Visit SLO Gallery Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located on 1019 Broad St. in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. For more info on current exhibits visit slogallery.com.

Cantrell got his start in the gallery world when he cofounded the fine art-focused Virga Gallery in Laguna Beach. Finding interest in the art scene in Cambria, he moved north and founded the Cambria Gallery of Art showcasing art from the area known for its artist enclaves.

When a gallery space became available in the heart of San Luis Obispo in April 2021, he moved the Cambria gallery south and renamed it SLO Gallery.

“There is a lot here that comes from places not traditionally known for their art, like Nipomo and Los Osos,” Cantrell said. “And that’s part of what contributes to the variety of the gallery.”

He designed the interior of the gallery, using his skills from his time as an architect and taking advantage of the pandemic quarantine period to fine tune the gallery’s layout.

The Bauers’ watercolors hang alongside Owen Hunt’s and his wife’s Japanese brush work. The couple spent time in Japan studying traditional art before returning to the Central Coast. Hunt said it’s great to be able to contribute their traditional art to a gallery where he can show side by side with his wife, Kyoko.

“We get to have our art together, and in a way it really shows off how the Japanese influence affects both of our work,” Owen said.

Cantrell also contributes his own unique vision to the gallery with photos of car dashboards.

Showtime!

Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.

“There was a natural process to it, some people might even find it inefficient,” he said with a laugh. “[I] would often put a display up, take it down, and repeat till I felt it fit best with the rest of the room.”

Cantrell hopes that the layout inspires patrons to experience the art throughout the gallery in the same way he built it.

“I want the experience of walking through the gallery to be similar to my experience in discovering the artists we display here,” he said. “I don’t have a program to seek it out, it just comes to me.”

Rosemary Bauer is one such artist. She and her husband, Mike, paint plein air style landscape paintings, which are among the many styles on display in the main gallery.

“I appreciate the diversity of artists and styles represented,” Rosemary said. “I love other styles of art and am proud to be with the artists at SLO Gallery.”

The couple is one of multiple husband-andwife duos who contribute art to the gallery.

“I’m a big car guy, but one thing I never see focused on is the interior of these classic cars,” he said. “There is so much subtle detail—especially after going through and editing them with the little things in mind—that never gets seen.”

The art he creates helps give him a sense of understanding about the work that artists put into their pieces that are displayed in the gallery. He said he’s happy the gallery can be an accessible space for them.

“It’s all about just the pleasure of giving a showcase to deserving artists,” Cantrell said. “I have some empathy for them because they are given this talent and they are seeing [it] through.”

Events like Art After Dark and artist demonstrations help bring people into the gallery, and Cantrell said he hopes to host more demos in the future. He said that bringing more people into the gallery also means an opportunity for SLO Gallery to showcase even more artists.

In the end, Cantrell hopes patrons of the gallery will leave with an appreciation for the art the county has to offer. By doing his part to focus on the finer details, he hopes to create an impact that will last long into the future.

“[The finer details] should influence the feeling but not distract from the art, that’s the goal,” he said, adding that in some ways the impact of the gallery goes beyond what he envisioned. “If that’s here, then I’ve done a good job.” ∆

Freelancer Adrian Vincent Rosas finds joy in the small details. Reach him through the editor at clanham@newtimesslo.com.

ALL PART OF THE DESIGN SLO Gallery’s layout was designed by Roger Cantrell to invoke a sense of natural discovery and not draw the visitors toward any one piece specifically.

PHOTO BY ADRIAN ROSAS

DRIVE INTO THE PAST

The main gallery room opens into a wide corridor featuring local photography, including Roger Cantrell’s photos of classic car dashboards—set up to highlight the smaller details of cars that are often known for their exteriors.

EXPERIENCE THE PROCESS Owen Hunt showcases traditional Japanese brush techniques as part of a demonstration that allows gallery visitors to partake in the creative experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO GALLERY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO GALLERY

Skewered

ark Mylod (The Big White, What’s Your Number?) directs this horror-comedy about a young couple—Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult)—who travel to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant under the aegis of chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), whose lavish meal comes with some unexpected surprises. (106 min.)

Glen We’ve both worked in the restaurant industry, and I think we agree that the 2022 TV series The Bear, available on Hulu, is a more accurate depiction of what it’s like behind the scenes, but this black comedy is more interested in skewering capitalism and classism than it is the high-end restaurant biz. Don’t get me wrong: The Menu absolutely mocks the absurd lengths chefs go to cater to the foodie culture, from dishes plated with tweezers to exotic methods of creating foams, emulsions, and gels. Yet what this fi lm is really interested in dissecting are those with too much money for their own good; people who look down on the underclass with derision and disgust; people who think they’re untouchable and above retribution. The evening chef Slowik has in mind will prove those guests wrong.

Anna The molecular gastronomy pretentiousness of this meal and the type of people who seek out this sort of experience is what just completely annoys me. Don’t get me wrong—you’ll fi nd me at any farm-to-table or winemaker’s dinner I have the chance to attend. I don’t even mind a foam now and again. But I’ll just say it: Chef worship is dumb. Being impressed with someone who’s great at their job and has a passion is wonderful; pretending they’re gods is not. However, chef Slowik has decided to play God himself in some weird game of righting wrongs he perceives to have happened.

THE MENU

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, The Palm, Park, Stadium 10

The guests are all pretty unlikeable, except for Margot, who we fi nd out has taken the place of Tyler’s original date. Besides her and Tyler, there’s a group of three douchey fi nance guys, an aging movie star and his assistant desperate to leave her job, an older couple, and a food critic and her “yes” man.

Chef Slowik’s staff is doggedly devoted, ready and willing to help the chef carry out his dastardly plan for the evening. Glen Each guest has done something to offend Slowik, but some of the offenses don’t seem to warrant the punishment he has in mind. In short, he’s a monster, and he’s somehow managed to turn his staff into a cult that will blindly follow him. Sure, some of these characters deserve what they get, but going after an actor because you didn’t like his film, or torturing a longtime client because you don’t think he appreciated your craft? Psychopathic! The story does have a very interesting ending involving Margot, who wasn’t supposed to be at the dinner at all, but she had to muster all her street smarts to prove her worth. Very entertaining indeed.

Anna We recently watched Triangle of Sadness, which followed wealthy elites on a yacht trip gone wrong, and here again we watch as those who have money are left in a place where it’s of no use to them. Fiennes is a superb actor,

slowly learn about Cornelia’s backstory and what led her to America. Her fiancé, Thomas Trafford (Tom Hughes), preceded her, looking for a piece of land to run a cattle operation funded by her father, who also sent along David Melmont (Rafe Spall), who’s “good with figures” and knows how to get things done. He’s also a real slimeball who gets involved with a trio of rogue soldiers out for revenge against the Indian population.

and this role gives him plenty to chew on. Taylor-Joy is also great as Margot, who doesn’t buy into this high-end gastronomy crap and who gets under Slowik’s skin by not touching dish after dish. The pretentiousness depicted in this fi lm drives me up the wall, but Mylod and writers Seth Reiss and Will Tracy cleverly have us rooting for people we don’t even like because they’re the lesser evil. Annoying as the bougie food business may be, this fi lm is both wicked and enthralling. Δ

Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Glen compiles listings. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

of traction in theaters. Like the Joaquin Phoenix vehicle You Were Never Really Here (2017), Clean —directed Paul Solet (Tread, Bullet Head ) who co-wrote the script with its star Adrian Brody—is almost too grim for its own good.

Written and directed by Hugo Blick ( Black Earth Rising ), this gritty Western miniseries follows British woman Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), who has traveled to America for revenge against the man who killed her son. Once arrived, she meets Pawnee Indian scout Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), and they form an unlikely alliance.

Over the course of six episodes, we

The series is beautifully filmed by cinematographer Arnau Valls Colomer, and the acting is superb, especially by the principals—Blunt, Spencer, and Spall—but the supporting cast also shines, in particular Stephen Rea, Ciarán Hinds, and Toby Jones.

The Old West was wild, and as depicted in The English , it was also a testing ground for a person’s character. While somewhat meandering, each tight spot that arrives rachets up tension until the fitting conclusion. (Six 51-min. episodes) —Glen

This dark, violent little gem had a very limited theatrical release in the US and Canada at the beginning of 2022 … and promptly left theaters never to be heard from again until it showed up on Hulu. I can see why it didn’t get a lot

The titular character, Clean (Brody), is a man in need of redemption— redemption he knows he doesn’t deserve. Working as garbageman, he spends his free time repairing broken things, which he sells to Pawn Shop Kurtis (RZA), spending the money on discount paint to “beautify” his crimeinfested neighborhood and to make lunches for Dianda (Chandler DuPont), a young girl who lives nearby with her grandmother, Ethel (Michelle Wilson). We slowly learn of Clean’s ugly past and the tragedy that turned him into the local do-gooder, and when local mobster Michael (Glenn Fleshler) and his son Mikey (Richie Merritt) have a run-in with Dianda, Clean must return to his old violent ways. Atmospheric and well-acted, this is an engrossing revenge tale. (94 min.) Δ —Glen

DINNER IS SERVED Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) travel to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant, but their meal takes an unexpected turn in the horror-comedy The Menu , screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF

PHOTO COURTESY OF FABLE HOUSE

Strictly Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

If you need to escape the family for a few hours or work off that massive holiday meal or stave off the inevitable tryptophan high by staying off the couch until bedtime on Thanksgiving Day, then the Poetry Church series has you covered when indie rock hero Bill Callahan plays the SLO Guild Hall on Thursday, Nov. 24 (6 to 10 p.m.; $16 presale at eventbrite.com).

Billed as “Uncle Bill’s Thanksgiving Parade,” the event will start with several opening acts including Nashville-based folk singer-songwriter Ziona Riley, followed by a simple pig (Eric Douglas Alexander, a wandering mystic poet), Portland art-pop and neo-psyche act !mindparade, Martha’s Vineyard-based classically trained viola player Nina Violet, then Dia (Danielle Birritella’s experimental baroque-pop project), and then SLO expat Carver Cordes (formerly of Dedications, the Shants, Night Jerks, the Khans, and the Levi Valentines), who’s “coming down from Oakland to play some local favorites with my Unboyfriendables bandmate Adam Dietz and special guest Joel Lewis Tolbert ,” he wrote.

After those openers comes the opener, Texas songwriter Jerry David DeCicca , formerly of The Black Swans, who’s released four solo records. He lives in Bulverde “with his partner, his dog, three cats, and five toads,” and he “owns and operates a vocational rehabilitation agency that serves the Hill Country and surrounding areas.”

Finally, the headliner! Bill Callahan, who used to perform under the name Smog, is touring in support of his eighth solo record, REALITY, another lo-fi gem filled with intimate songs bristling with inner turmoil. Melancholic, musically

spare, and deeply personal, “his painfully intimate songs ping-pong wildly through a scrapbook of childhood recollections, failed relationships, bizarre fetishes, and dashed hopes,” his bio explains.

His deep, elastic, rumbling voice is extraordinarily emotive, and the lyrics never fail to surprise. This should be a terrific evening of artistry.

“There’s also a charity aspect in that a free meal will be provided to folks in need in the dining hall,” Cordes noted. “Also, a portion of the proceeds will go to Lumina Alliance and Transitions-Mental Health Association.”

The Siren

Obviously with Cal Poly and Cuesta on break and Thanksgiving afoot, things are somewhat slow out there for live music, but Morro Bay’s The Siren has a full slate.

Kareeta with opener Casual Coalition plays on Friday, Nov. 25 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). “Kareeta rose from the swamps and Southern Delta heat during the uncertain spring of 2020,” according to press materials. “Emerging

as a fully formed amalgamation of the music that shaped its core, the band assembled in California and recorded their debut LP in Oakland with producer and musician Greg Loiacono (Mother Hips, Green Leaf Rustlers) at the controls.”

On Sunday, Nov. 27, check out The Siren Sunday Jazz hosted by Tracy Morgan (4:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). Come to watch and listen or come to join in and play. Expect to hear funk, soul, jazz fusion, and more.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, come down for the Tuesday Blues Jam hosted by Ted Waterhouse (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). This is a popular showcase, and if you want to join in, get there early to sign up because it fills up fast.

Coming up at The Siren next Thursday, Dec. 1, Numbskull and Good Medicine host Agent Orange (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20 at goodmedicinepresents.com or $22 day of show), with openers Freewill and Carry The 9. Agent Orange formed in 1979, scoring their first hit with “Bloodstains” in 1980 off their self-released debut 7-inch EP. Famed LA DJ Rodney Bingenheimer

put a demo version of the song on his 1980 compilation album Rodney on the ROQ, and the power punk trio was on the musical map. They put on a great live show, and original singer-guitarist Mike Palm still fronts the band.

Fremont Theater

Deorro plays the Fremont on Monday, Nov. 28 (8 p.m.; all ages; $45.90 with fees at seetickets.us) with special guests Ookay and Redtape. Los Angeles-born and bred Mexican American producer and DJ Deorro (aka Erick Orrosquieta) has scored a bunch of dance hits such as “Yee,” “Freak,” “Five Hours,” and “Bailar.” Expect to be on your feet at this show.

STARKEY continued page 30

REALITY Drag City recording artist Bill Callahan presents “Uncle Callahan’s Thanksgiving Parade” at the SLO Guild Hall on Nov. 24

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANLY BANKS CALLAHAN

SWAMP COUNTRY Kareeta plays The Siren on Nov. 25 , touring in support of their self-titled debut.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREETA

PUNK-O-RAMA Old skool punk act Agent Orange plays a Numbskull and Good Medicine show at The Siren on Dec. 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF AGENT ORANGE

Music Strictly Starkey

SLO Brew Rock

California folk rockers The Mother Hips plays next Thursday, Dec. 1 (7 p.m.; all ages; $25 at ticketweb.com) at SLO Brew Rock. Formed at Chico State about 30 years ago, they caught the interest of super producer Rick Rubin before they’d even finished college, signing to his American Recordings label.

“In the decades to come, the group would go on to release 10 critically acclaimed studio albums and cement themselves as architects of a new breed of California rock and soul, one equally informed by the breezy harmonies of the Beach Boys, the funky roots of The Band, and the psychedelic Americana of Buffalo Springfield,” their bio accurately describes.

New record store in Paso

Paso Robles now has something it hasn’t had for a while—a bona fide record store. Manuel Barba, owner of Traffic Records in Atascadero, recently opened Traffic Records Paso Robles at 610 109th St., and this Saturday, Nov. 26, they’re hosting a grand opening.

unwrapped toy, large or small, and get a raffle ticket.

Barba decided to expand to a second location because he simply had more inventory than he could fit in his Atascadero location at 5850 Traffic Way.

“We have tens of thousands of records, and we really needed another store to showcase them, and I think Paso is ready for it,” he noted.

Sound out!

Friday, Nov. 25, is also annual Record Store Day, so Barba’s having a similar event the day before his Paso grand opening at his Atascadero location.

“This event will take place in the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Barba explained. “Tacos and burritos will be onsite and provided by Taqueria Don Jose while beer and seltzer will be poured onsite by Ancient Owl Beer Garden.”

This is also a fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club of America. Bring an

“The day will also see used records on sale, as well as a blowout of our backstock LPS, 45s, DVDs, CDs, tapes, movies, and more,” he said.

Don’t miss it, audiophiles and vinyl lovers! ∆

Contact Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Fried and true

It’s hard to find a good french fry, and while slicing, soaking, and double-frying potatoes seems like a straightforward process, most people are hesitant to go all out when that urge to snack calls.

That’s where Fried and Loaded comes in. Open starting in late October, the eatery on San Luis Obispo’s Santa Rosa Street dishes out piping hot french fries and tater tots topped with chicken, steak, sausage gravy, shrimp, and/or Beyond meat. Owner Shay Zepeda told New Times that he wants the joint to be a fun hangout space for the county’s teenagers and college students.

“I felt like we were lacking that niche for the college kids. I want this place specifically for our Cal Poly, Cuesta, and even our high school students,” he said. “I want something fun and different.”

Zepeda has deep roots with SLO County’s community. Raised on the North Coast, the Los Osos resident’s dad went to Morro Bay High School and his grandfather worked at the local prison. During his high school years, Zepeda worked at Sonic Drive-In in Bakersfield. Memories from that job inspired him to create Fried and Loaded.

“They had the classic cars on Fridays. I enjoyed that vibe of community and hanging out with your friends,” he said. “It’s just good, clean, safe fun. That’s what I want to bring here, something that’s not on every corner.”

Zepeda added that he took time to assess the standard of his food. French fries and tater tots are simple, but the sparse ingredients and the cooking technique that go into making them leave little room to hide errors.

“When you do taste these fried foods or fair foods, you do taste the quality. It’s not just another fast food place. You’re gonna

Load up

get a nice, big plate,” he said.

He’s right. For $13, I ordered the honey garlic steak fries, which is already a customer favorite. I added grilled onions and jalapeños for 50 cents each. Zepeda brought out crispy fries loaded with steak (teres major, to be specific, from the chuck section), bacon, and cheddar. It was spicy, garlicky, fresh, and hot. Perfect for the cold weather.

Zepeda said that anything with the honey garlic sauce on it is a hit with customers. It’s also drizzled on the steak and shrimp fries.

“It’s something special. It’s sweet but there’s a nice little kick. There’s cayenne pepper in it, so there’s a little sizzle,” he said.

Other bestsellers include the buffalo chicken with house ranch. All of Fried and Loaded’s toppings can be put on a choice of fries, tater tots, or a mix of the two. Less than a month old on Nov. 15, the fry spot already has regulars.

“I had a guy that’s been here every day that we’ve been open. The Cal Poly football team has also been here three or four times,” Zepeda said.

But fries and tater tots aren’t Fried and Loaded’s only offerings. Hungry customers can cool off with rolled ice cream, too. From the store’s cold bar, they get front-row views of Zepeda chopping, spackling, and rolling six signature flavors like banana split, strawberry cheesecake, and espresso Oreo chip.

“We’ve been wanting to reinvent it as

continued page 32

FLAVOR

Fried and Loaded, SLO’s new late-night restaurant specializing in french fries and tots, is located at 13 Santa Rosa St. It’s open from noon to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from noon to 12:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRIED AND LOADED

HEARTY PLATE For $16 and $13, respectively, the honey garlic steak fries are meaty, garlicky, and cooked fresh to order.

NEW ON THE BLOCK The newest spot at 13 Santa Rosa St., Fried and Loaded, offers $5 rolled ice cream on Tuesdays to complement its neighbor, Taqueria San Miguel’s affordable tacos.

well. My manager, my chef, and I have been trying to figure out how to offer a deep-fried rolled ice cream,” he said. “That’s hopefully gonna be coming out in the next couple of weeks.”

Cal Poly, Cuesta College, and local high school students get 15 percent off during daily happy hours from 2 to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, the rolled ice creams are $5 each to complement the $1.50 tacos available next door from Taqueria San Miguel. Fried and Loaded also has a loyalty program. If you sign up for free, every dollar spent accumulates one point. After 50 points, you get $5 off your total order.

Late-night snackers can rejoice because on Fridays and Saturdays, Fried and Loaded is open until 12:30 a.m. Otherwise, they’re open from noon to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

“Even after 9 p.m., there’s not too much open in our area,” Zepeda said. “Being baseball-throwing distance from all the student housing is nice, and keeps them going down that extra block.”

The interior is matte black with streaks and pops of neon oranges, pinks, and greens. Disco lights illuminate the space, and a sleek TouchTunes jukebox is the finishing touch that make it feel like a roller-skating rink from the ’80s. Zepeda’s parents, who own and operate Gilligan’s Sandwich Shop in

Morro Bay, helped him build the layout and paint the floors. Zepeda already has more ambitious plans for his business.

“I plan on even doing a karaoke night at some point. I can see it being a great spot for kids’ sports teams so they can dine out with a personal server,” he said. “I tried to make the bathroom as fun as possible too. It’s covered in chalkboard paint!” ∆

at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal is ready to surf n’ turf with some steak and shrimp fries. Ride the wave

LABOR OF LOVE Fried and Loaded owner Shay Zepeda built the store’s ice cream bar himself, where he makes rolled creations like the peanut butter chocolate overload.

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Legal Notices

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2340

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (10/01/2022)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as WE THE PEOPLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, 2950 Broad Street #1059, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Tyler Gross Stu art, (2950 Broad Street #1059, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by An Indi vidual, /s/ Tyler G. Stuart, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-06-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk N. Balseiro, Deputy. Exp. 10-06-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2351

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (09/28/2022)

New Filing

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2465

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (06/01/2006)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as SHELL BEACH FLO RAL DESIGN, 260 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Amanda Rounds, (1710 Little Ct, Ar royo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An Individual, /s/ Amanda Rounds. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-21-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Bautista, Deputy. Exp. 10-2127.

November 10, 17, 24, & Decem ber 1, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2472 (10/24/2022)

New Filing

MARKETPLACE

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2165

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (09/19/2022)

New Filing

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court

CASE NAME: MILAGROS GUTIER REZ

CASE NUMBER: 22JD00183-001

1. To: Rosa Gutierrez and anyone claiming to be a parent of Milagros Gutierrez born on 06/28/2022 at Roadway- W. Stowell Rd & Hanson Way, Santa Maria, California

2. A hearing will be held on Janu ary 18, 2023 at 1:00pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calen dar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court.

The remote hearing will be confi dential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidenti ality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.

3. At the hearing the court will con sider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.

4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.

5. You have the right to be pres ent at the hearing, to present evi dence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will ap point an attorney for you.

6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.

7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.

Date: October 25, 2022 /s/ Paula Smith, Deputy Clerk November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022.

The following person is doing business as, KAIROS CLEANING, 246 Nellie Ln. Apt. C, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. Roquelys Y Rodriguez De Aguilar, (246 Nellie Ln. Apt. C, Nipomo, CA 93444), Rafael Enrique Agui lar Nava (246 Nellie Ln. Apt. C, Nipomo, CA 93444). This busi ness is conducted by A General Partnership/s/ Roquelys Y Rodri guez De Aguilar. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 09-19-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk G. Ugalde, Deputy. Exp. 09-19-27. September 29, October 6, 13, 20, & November 3, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2247

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as, CENTERWELL HOME HEALTH, 805 Aerovista Place Ste 204, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Gentiva Certified Health care Corp., (3350 Riverwood Parkway Ste 1400, Atlanta, GA 30339). This business is con ducted by A DE Corporation, Gentiva Certified Healthcare Corp. /s/ Joseph M. Ruschell, VP, ASSC, General Counsel and Cor porate Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 09-28-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Stiletto, Deputy. Exp. 09-28-27. October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2313

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (10/03/2022)

New Filing

The following person is do ing business as PACIFIC EDGE PAINTING, 1191 Fair Oaks Av enue #E, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Juan Sanchez Hernandez, (1191 Fair Oaks Avenue #E, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This busi ness is conducted by An Individu al, /s/ Juan Sanchez Hernandez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-03-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk G. Ugalde, Deputy. Exp. 10-03-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

The following person is doing business as RESINATORS, 9020 San Rafael Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. San Luis Obispo County. Cerise M Anderson, (9020 San Rafael Road, Atascadero, CA 93422). This business is conduct ed by An Individual, /s/ Cerise M Anderson. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-07-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk S. King, Deputy. Exp. 10-07-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2416

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (04/13/2009)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as WHITE FLAG PEST CONTROL, 1125 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. White Flag Pest Control Inc, (1125 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation, White Flag Pest Control Inc, /s/ Michael R Munger, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-17-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Stiletto, Deputy. Exp. 10-17-27. November 10, 17, 24, & Decem ber 1, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2421 TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as SECRET HAIR AF FAIR, 1075 Court St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Griselda Macias, (351 S Frontage Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Griselda Macias. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-17-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 10-17-27. November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2431 (03/01/2022)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as WANDER THE CEN TRAL COAST, JM REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS, 310 W Cherry Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Wander the Central Coast LLC, (310 W Cherry Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company, Wander the Central Coast LLC, /s/ Jesse C Martinez, Managing Mmeber. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-18-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk S. King, Deputy. Exp. 10-18-27.

November 17, 24, & December 1, 8, 2022

The following person is doing business as NESHA EAST PHOT GRAPHY, 325 Oak Hill Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obis po County. Dawnesha M East, (325 Oak Hill Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business is con ducted by An Individual, /s/ Tra cie Jane Walser. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-24-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Webster, Deputy. Exp. 11-24-27.

November 24, December 1, 8, & 15, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2480

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A) New Filing

The following person is doing business as BOSS BATTLES ARCADE,1240 Los Osos Valley Road, Suite 2, Los Osos, CA 93402. San Luis Obispo County. Boss Battles LLC, (585 Kings Ave., Morro Bay, CA 93442). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company, Boss Battles LLC, /s/ Christian Teran, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-25-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Stiletto, Deputy. Exp. 10-25-27. November 10, 17, 24, & Decem ber 1, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2489

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as SEW COZY CORNER STUDIO, 351 Madeline Rose Ct, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. Amanda K Godinez, (351 Madeline Rose Ct, Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by An In dividual, /s/ Amanda K Godinez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-26-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27. November 10, 17, 24, & Decem ber 1, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2490

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (10/26/2022)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as BVPARK LAND SCAPING, 1299 Sawleaf Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Bvpark LLC, (3400 Cottage Way, Ste G2 #12275, Sacramento, CA 95825). This business is con ducted by A CA Limited Liability Company, Bvpark LLC, /s/ Brett Park, Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-26-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Webster, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27.

November 10, 17, 24, & Decem ber 1, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2494

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as NEVERMORE, 1867 San Luis Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403. San Luis Obispo County. Beatrice A Jan sen, (1867 San Luis Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Beatrice A Jansen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-26-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Webster, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2495

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as QUIET MINDS HYP NOTHERAPY, 530 Camino Mer cado #554 -A, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Tan Del Dobson, (501 Ide St #D, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is con ducted by An Individual /s/ Tan Del Dobson. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-26-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Stiletto, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2496

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as ZUZU, 1840 Fearn Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402. San Luis Obispo County. Shannon E Bennett, (1840 Fearn Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Shannon E Bennett. This state ment was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 1026-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2497

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (02/28/1992)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as S T ELECTRIC, 4150 La Posada, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Steven Robert Thatcher, (4150 La Posada, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Steven Thatcher, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-26-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Bautista, Deputy. Exp. 10-26-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2501 (10/27/2022)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as ITS OK BUY SELL TRADE, 224 S Halcyon Apt 105, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Litzinger Le andro, (224 S Halcyon Apt 105, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An In dividual, /s/ Litzinger Leandro.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-27-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Webster, Deputy. Exp. 10-27-27.

November 24, December 1, 8, & 15, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2502

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (10/27/2022)

New Filing

The following person is do ing business as MOTEL 6 SLO SOUTH, 1625 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. Tam phy LLC, (7850 College Town Rd, Sacramento, CA 95826).

This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company, Tamphy LLC, /s/ Hemantkumar Patel, Treasurer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-27-22.

I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk S. King, Deputy. Exp. 10-27-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2022-2503

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as SR21 SPECIALTIES, 2452 Bayview Heights Dr, Los Osos, CA 93402. San Luis Obis po County. Jeremy Salamacha, (2452 Bayview Heights Dr, Los Osos, CA 93402). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Jeremy Salamacha. This state ment was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-27-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my of fice. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Stiletto, Deputy. Exp. 10-27-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2504

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (07/01/2014)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as MOBILITY MAS TERS, 358 Quintana Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. Tom MacDowell, (2708 Rodman Drive, Los Osos, CA 93402). This business is con ducted by An Individual /s/ Tom MacDowell. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-27-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 10-27-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2508

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (05/15/2019)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as LOPAI CELLARS, 5170 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. Lopai Cellars LLC, (5170 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business is con ducted by A CA Limited Liabil ity Company, Lopai Cellars LLC, /s/ Brian Mario Lopez, Owner/ Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-28-22. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk A. Bautista, Deputy. Exp. 10-28-27. November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022-2510

TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (10/27/2022)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as CAPTURING LIFE, 1655 Dalido Dr Ste. 3052, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. Michele D Chavez-Michel, (1572 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405). This business is conducted by An Individual, /s/ Michele D ChavezMichel. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-28-22. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk S. King, Deputy. Exp. 10-28-27.

November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2022

State Department of Housing and Community Development; approximately $34,922 in funding is anticipated. No more than 20% of the funds may be used for program administration by the County of San Luis Obispo and City. Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of December 1, 2022.

Environmental Review

The grant application is not considered a project and is therefore exempt from environmental review. Specific projects that may have environmental impacts will be reviewed under CEQA and NEPA prior to implementation. You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@ pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting, either by joining the virtual meeting using the link provided on the agenda document, or by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation

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

PLEASE NOTE:

If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.  For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.

WHO: County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN: Monday, December 5, 2022 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT: Hearing to consider a request by Chelsea Neal for a Tentative Parcel Map (N-SUB2022-00020 / CO22-0008) to subdivide an existing 10-acre parcel into two parcels of 5.0 and 5.0 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The site is currently developed with an existing primary residence (mobile home), carport, and agricultural accessory structures. Parcel 1 will be served by an existing water utility connection, and Parcel 2 will be served by an existing well. The project proposes a 24’ wide access easement across Parcel 2 for access for Parcel 1. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located at 2715 Chamisal Lane, approximately 1 mile southeast of the community of Oceano, and 0.5 mile north of the Palo Mesa Village Reserve Line. The site is in the South County Inland sub-area of the South County Planning Area. Also to be considered is the determination that this project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA. (ED22-172)

County File Number: N-SUB2022-00020

Supervisorial District: District 4 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 075-181-026

Date Accepted: 06/30/2022

WHERE: The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

For San Luis Obispo Creek Bank

Repair Project

(City File EID-0481-2022)

The City of San Luis Obispo has completed the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed San Luis Obispo Creek Bank Repair Project. The IS/MND found the following environmental factors to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Mitigation measures required to reduce each of these impacts to a less-than-significant level include: nighttime work requirements; fugitive dust reduction; equipment idling restrictions; naturally-occurring asbestos evaluation; minimization of asbestos-related impacts; worker environmental awareness program (biological resources); project delineation, staging areas, materials storage, and waste management; best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality; invasive species management; pre-construction surveys for special-status plant species; avoidance and minimization measures for Pacific lamprey; steelhead capture and relocation; avoidance and minimization measures for California red-legged frog; avoidance and minimization measures for other special-status amphibians and reptiles; pre-construction survey for special-status birds and other nesting birds; onsite biological monitoring; habitat mitigation and monitoring program; worker environmental awareness program (cultural resources); BMPs for unanticipated discovery of cultural resources; BMPs for discovery of human remains; implementation of geotechnical design features; noise-reducing BMPs; City approval and personnel briefing; and archaeological monitoring. The specific mitigation requirements and monitoring requirements are described in detail in the Draft IS/MND.

The project is located at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Pismo Street (APNs 002-341-007 and 002-341-016). The project site is not included on any of the lists enumerated under Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.

The City of San Luis Obispo proposes to repair drainage control infrastructure along the banks of an approximately 180-linear foot stretch of San Luis Obispo Creek. The Project would include removal of the deteriorated concrete footing and construction of a new concrete footing and soil nail wall over the top of the deteriorating concrete slab bank protection; vegetation thinning and sediment removal as necessary; excavation on the westerly side of the creek to remove sediment buildup and expand creek capacity and resiliency; addition concrete weirs to encourage ponding and enhance fish habitat; and revegetation with native riparian trees and shrubs.

Reference copies of the IS/MND are available on the City’s website at https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/communitydevelopment/documents-online/environmental-review-documents

If you are unable to access the internet, please contact Wyatt BankerHix at wbanker@slocity.org or (805) 783-7859 to arrange for an alternative means to view the study. The required 30-day public review period for the IS/MND will extend from November 28, 2022 to December 28, 2022.

Anyone interested in commenting on the document should submit a written statement to the City of San Luis Obispo, Public Works Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Attention: Wyatt Banker-Hix, Engineer III, or by email at wbanker@slocity.org, by 5:00 p.m., by December 28, 2022.

The item is tentatively scheduled with the City of San Luis Obispo City Council on February 7, 2023 to consider approval of the project and adoption of the IS/MND. Interested persons can access the City Council agenda at https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes to locate the agenda of the public hearing for this project.

November 24, 2022

CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Please note that Zoom participation will not be supported, as this will be an in-person meeting. Meetings can be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at http://youtube.slo.city. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• RESULTS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 2022 AND VICE MAYOR APPOINTMENT FOR 2023

The purpose of the public hearing will be to certify the results of the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election, recognize outgoing Council Members, install incoming Council Members, and appoint a Vice Mayor for 2023.

Additional information regarding the election is available on the City’s website at https://www.slocity.org/ government/municipal-elections or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 or cityclerk@slocity.org

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

Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-citycouncil/agendas-and-minutes.

Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel http://youtube.slo.city.

Teresa Purrington, City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo November 24, 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at (805) 781- 5600.

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only  those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public  hearing.

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Subdivision Review Board November 3, 2022

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, December 22, 2022 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows:

CHAPMAN ESTATE ADA RESTROOM REMODEL AND ADDITION A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on December 8, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. Please meet promptly at the Chapman Estate at 1243 Ocean Boulevard, Shell Beach, CA 93449. Bidders that do not attend this mandatory pre-bid 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 B, General Building, Contractor’s 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 $100.00 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 Chad Stoehr at cstoehr@ 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

November 17 & 24, 2022

Erica Inderlied City Clerk

Rob Brezsny’s Free Will Astrology

Homework: In what process have you gone halfway, and you really should go all the way? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): One of your callings as an Aries is to take risks. You’re inclined to take more leaps of faith than other people, and you’re also more likely to navigate them to your advantage—or at least not get burned. A key reason for your success is your keen intuition about which gambles are relatively smart and which are ill-advised. But even when your chancy ventures bring you exciting new experiences, they may still run you afoul of conventional wisdom, peer pressure, and the way things have always been done. Everything I have described here will be in maximum play for you in the coming weeks.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): Your keynote comes from teacher Caroline Myss. She writes, “Becoming adept at the process of selfinquiry and symbolic insight is a vital spiritual task that leads to the growth of faith in oneself.” Encouraging you to grow your faith in yourself will be one of my prime intentions in the next 12 months. Let’s get started! How can you become more adept at self-inquiry and symbolic insight? One idea is to ask yourself a probing new question every Sunday morning, like “What teachings and healings do I most want to attract into my life during the next seven days?” Spend the subsequent week gathering experiences and revelations that will address that query. Another idea is to remember and study your dreams, since doing so is the number one way to develop symbolic insight. For help, I recommend the work of Gayle Delaney: tinyurl.com/interviewyourdreams

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): The TV science fiction show Legends of Tomorrow features a ragtag team of imperfect but effective superheroes. They travel through time trying to fix aberrations in the timelines caused by various villains. As they experiment and improvise, sometimes resorting to wildly daring gambits, their successes outnumber their stumbles and bumbles. And on occasion, even their apparent mistakes lead to good fortune that unfolds in unexpected ways. One member of the team, Nate, observes, “Sometimes we screw up—for the better.” I foresee you Geminis as having a similar modus operandi in the coming weeks.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): I like how Cancerian poet Stephen Dunn begins his poem, “Before We Leave.” He writes, “Just so it’s clear—no whining on the journey.” I am offering this greeting to you and me, my fellow Cancerians, as we launch the next chapter of our story. In the early stages, our efforts may feel like drudgery, and our progress could seem slow. But as long as we don’t complain excessively and don’t blame others for our own limitations, our labors will become easier and quite productive.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Leo poet Kim Addonizio writes a lot about love and sex. In her book Wild Nights, she says, “I’m thinking of dating trees next. We could just stand around all night together. I’d murmur, they’d rustle, the wind would, like, do its wind thing.” Now might be a favorable time for you, too, to experiment with evergreen romance and arborsexuality and trysts with your favorite plants. When was the last time you hugged an oak or kissed an elm? JUST KIDDING! The coming weeks will indeed be an excellent time to try creative innovations in your approach to intimacy and adoration. But I’d rather see your experiments in togetherness unfold with humans.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In her book Daughters of the Stone Virgo novelist Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa tells the tale of five generations of Afro-Cuban women, her ancestors. “These are the stories of a time lost to flesh and bone,” she writes, “a time that lives only in dreams and memories. Like a primeval wave, these stories have carried me, and deposited me on the morning of today. They are the stories of how I came to be who I am, where I am.” I’d love to see you explore your own history with as much passion and focus, Virgo. In my

astrological opinion, it’s a favorable time for you to commune with the influences that have made you who you are.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with astrological omens, here’s my advice for you in the coming weeks: 1. Know what it takes to please everyone, even if you don’t always choose to please everyone. 2. Know how to be what everyone wants you to be and when they need you to be it, even if you only fulfill that wish when it has selfish value for you. 3. DO NOT give others all you have and thereby neglect to keep enough to give yourself. 4. When others are being closed-minded, help them develop more expansive finesse by sharing your own reasonable views. 5. Start thinking about how, in 2023, you will grow your roots as big and strong as your branches.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even if some people are nervous or intimidated around you, they may be drawn to you nonetheless. When that happens, you probably enjoy the power you feel. But I wonder what would happen if you made a conscious effort to cut back just a bit on the daunting vibes you emanate. I’m not saying they’re bad. I understand they serve as a protective measure, and I appreciate the fact that they may help you get the cooperation you want. As an experiment, though, I invite you to be more reassuring and welcoming to those who might be inclined to fear you. See if it alters their behavior in ways you enjoy and benefit from.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has stellar advice for his fellow Sagittarians to contemplate regularly: “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with the aim; just gotta change the target.” In offering Jay-Z’s advice, I don’t mean to suggest that you always need to change the target you’re aiming at. On many occasions, it’s exactly right. But the act of checking in to evaluate whether it is or isn’t the right target will usually be valuable. And on occasion, you may realize that you should indeed aim at a different target.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You now have extra power to exorcise ghosts and demons that are still lingering from the old days and old ways. You are able to transform the way your history affects you. You have a sixth sense about how to graduate from lessons you have been studying for a long time. In honor of this joyfully tumultuous opportunity, draw inspiration from poet Charles Wright: “Knot by knot I untie myself from the past / And let it rise away from me like a balloon. / What a small thing it becomes. / What a bright tweak at the vanishing point, blue on blue.”

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In accordance with current astrological rhythms, I am handing over your horoscope to essayist Anne Fadiman. She writes, “I have always felt that the action most worth watching is not at the center of things, but where edges meet. I like shorelines, weather fronts, international borders. There are interesting frictions and incongruities in these places, and often, if you stand at the point of tangency, you can see both sides better than if you were in the middle of either one.”

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate to work with 13 psychotherapists. They have helped keep my mental health flourishing. One of them regularly reminded me that if I hoped to get what I wanted, I had to know precisely what I wanted. Once a year, she would give me a giant piece of thick paper and felt-tip markers. “Draw your personal vision of paradise,” she instructed me. “Outline the contours of the welcoming paradise that would make your life eminently delightful and worthwhile.” She would also ask me to finish the sentence that begins with these words: “I am mobilizing all the energy and ingenuity and connections I have at my disposal so as to accomplish the following goal.”

In my astrological opinion, Pisces, now is a perfect time to do these two exercises yourself. ∆