New Times, Aug. 10, 2023

Editor’s note

With school starting, it’s time for New Times ’ annual Education Today issue. One of the most pressing issues in education is a teacher shortage. But there’s a program on the Central Coast that’s aiming to do something about it. The Ticket 2 Teach program is all about learning on the job and helping potential educators make their way toward the certifications they need to teach in local schools. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal writes about it [7]. Also in this issue, you can find out what’s happening with Georgia Brown Elementary in Paso [8] and the ongoing impact of learning loss from COVID-19 [10]

This week, you can also read about Arroyo Grande’s attempts to create guidance for safe parking sites [4], the emotions that dance can speak to [30], and Bella Luna’s award-winning wine [36].

Camillia Lanham editor

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Arroyo Grande City Council counters recommendation to pause safe parking ordinance adoption

The Arroyo Grande City Council recently resisted city sta ’s recommendation to suspend e orts to adopt a safe parking ordinance. at recommendation stemmed from being unable to receive commitment from its preferred social service provider, 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC), to support potential sites in the city should the ordinance be adopted and enacted.

“What’s the harm in passing what we’ve done?”

Mayor Caren Ray Russom asked Planning Manager Andrew Perez at the Aug. 8 meeting. “We know that nobody can ful ll that permit but maybe tomorrow we can. Why wouldn’t we validate sta ’s work and all the public hearings that we’ve had?”

According to Perez, city sta remained hesitant to

pursue the adoption of an ordinance that “couldn’t be ful lled.” ey preferred to have an agreement with 5CHC with whom the city has a long-term partnership.

Arroyo Grande sta drafted the safe parking ordinance in February for a study session hoping that the City Council would one day include it in the city plan. City sta was inspired by talks with faithbased leaders in 2020 to ease rising homelessness through a temporary site set up at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Since that study session, the City Council’s deliberation on the ordinance focused on a series of future complexities that ranged from site security to the appeals process of permits.

But 5CHC Executive Director Janna Nichols politely warned the Arroyo Grande City Council in March about adopting the ordinance too hastily. She continued to stress the need to detail out exactly what a local safe parking program would entail.

“Safe parking is a tool to secure those who are experiencing homelessness in a continuum of services,” she told New Times on Aug. 9. “We need to be clear before we open the program on what those services are and who we are serving. In the priority list of all the things we are working on, where does it t?”

Nichols is also thinking beyond the cityscape.

San Simeon CSD appoints interim general manager, sets deadline for permanent replacement

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the San Simeon Community Services District (CSD) extended its acting General Manager Patrick Faverty into an interim role after his initial appointment on June 23.

Faverty will be sworn into the interim role for the next 90 days as the CSD begins its search for a permanent general manager—a goal they aim to reach by Nov. 2.

is appointment comes after the CSD parted ways with former General Manager Charles Grace and his company Grace Environmental Services following a lawsuit he settled with the SLO County DA’s o ce in June.

“In the context of the last general manager, something like this unprecedented,” San Simeon resident Henry Krzciuk said. “To take oath immediately upon being appointed like this is something that Grace never did in any o cial capacity over the last seven years.”

Faverty’s interim general manager appointment was born out of necessity, as the initial contract he signed with the CSD expired at the end of July, according to a sta report.

“[Faverty’s] contract expired on July 31 and needs

to be reinstated and extended for 90 days to allow the CSD to complete the hiring process,” the sta report read. “[He] also needs to assume the role of interim general manager and be sworn in during this transition period to allow him to adequately perform his duties.”

e appointment of Faverty as interim general manager is just one part of nding sta to ll positions as the CSD voted to separate the roles of general manger and operations manager back in May, meaning it will have to nd someone to t alongside Faverty.

e CSD did meet with prospective service providers at the July 26 special closed session meeting, where Krzciuk believes the board may have taken the next steps in narrowing down their options.

“My understanding of what took place at that [July 26] meeting was the board discussing with two prospective groups on assuming the role formerly handled by Grace Environmental Services,” he said. “If that is the case, then that would mean an operations manager contract would most likely be in the works as well.”

New Times was unable to access meeting recordings before press time and reached out to CSD board members and district o ce sta , but didn’t receive a response.

With Faverty at the very least providing some much-needed short-term stability, Krzciuk said he’s

“Our interest is we don’t do something in South County that can’t be replicated elsewhere,” she said. “How can we help you collectively do this as opposed to city by city?”

Nichols told New Times that while the group appreciates the city’s e orts to have local safe parking programs to alleviate homelessness, the nonpro t has time constraints. 5CHC has been running the Cabins for Change program in Grover Beach since last December. Program managers are now working on opening a second Cabins for Change project at the South 4th Street property 5CHC leased from Grover Beach last year.

Arroyo Grande City Councilmember Jim Guthrie echoed the need to have widespread safe parking programs, similar to the New Beginnings safe parking program in the city of Santa Barbara.

“ ey have a whole bunch of 10 or 12 sites around town and one person oversees them all on any given night,” Guthrie said at the Aug. 8 meeting. “It could very well be that somebody other than 5Cities can provide this.”

A member of the public also recommended thinking about service provision beyond 5CHC. During the public comment period, she wondered if the ordinance could lay out a list of responsibilities required from a social service provider, and then be passed. is way, any provider group that can meet those requirements could then commit to Arroyo Grande’s future safe parking sites knowing what’s expected of it.

“Would having it passed lead to a service provider be coming, because it would be a clear set of requirements, responsibilities, and abilities already laid out?” the commenter asked.

at’s exactly what the City Council decided to do. e council voted to return at a future date to discuss the ordinance again, this time with a checklist of what the city is looking for from a service provider. ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

hopeful for the small coastal town he calls home.

“It’s extremely signi cant for our small town that these interviews and appointments are taking place,” Krzciuk said. “I’m optimistic that we will be able to hold a meeting soon to o cially move onto the next steps and more positive directions—like these—will be given.”

—Adrian Rosas

OCSD budget approval for Parks and Recreation Committee gets heated

e Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) earmarked almost $20,000 from its general fund reserve to create a Parks and Recreation Committee.

In a contentious 3-2 vote on July 26, with board members Linda Austin and Shirley Gibson dissenting, the OCSD approved the budget for the committee.

Board member Charles Varni told New Times on Aug. 9that such a committee would make the community services district eligible to apply for state and federal grants. Grant money, in turn, could help the unincorporated town improve its longfailing infrastructure.

“It will help build out 350 feet of missing sidewalk on Highway 1,” Varni said. “It would give Oceano, for the first time in its history, a complete sidewalk to the beach.”

MORE ROOM 5Cities Homeless Coalition is now working on opening a second Cabins for Change program in Grover Beach—one of the reasons why it couldn’t currently give resources to support individual safe parking sites in Arroyo Grande.

PHOTO TAKEN FROM 5CITIES HOMELESS COALITION WEBSITE

According to the staff report, the proposed Parks and Rec Committee can also plan “activity management and community ownership” of the new Oceano Plaza that’s slated for construction this summer. The project—part of the Caltrans Clean California program—is estimated to be an area that triangulates between Highway 1, Beach Street, and 17th Street.

But the approval was overcast with criticism about allocating the $19,500 for the committee. The main concern voiced by board members Austin and Gibson, and some community members during the public comment period, was that the expense detracts from the OCSD’s ability to pay for its emergency fire and medical services contract that’s valued at $1.15 million.

Austin expressed her disapproval at the June 28 preliminary budget approval meeting.

“Shirley and I were at the LAFCO [Local Agency Formation Commission] meeting, and they said, ‘Why are you funding parks and recreation when you’re still trying to fund your fire service?’” Austin said at the June 28 meeting. “I don’t think any funding out of our savings will make us look good with LAFCO, and I think the community really needs to speak up.”

She maintained her stance at the July 26 meeting, too. Varni told New Times that the OCSD has already paid for the first installment of the fire services contract.

“There’s absolutely no link between the $19,500 allocation to parks and rec, and fire services in Oceano,” he said. “It’s a big lie being promoted by certain directors [board

members] and staff of the OCSD.”

The OCSD received a letter from local business owner Adam Verdin who questioned the need to use OCSD funds for the Parks and Rec Committee.

“Allowing the use of OCSD funds and resources for such quixotic adventurism would be unconscionable without adequate due diligence,” Verdin wrote in his letter.

He added that $19,500 makes up a quarter of the available “financial reserves of the district.” Varni confirmed the proportion with a caveat: The budget allocation makes up a fourth of the general fund reserve alone.

“What Adam Verdin left out is there’s $1.25 million in reserve money in the water budget; $900,000 in the garbage budget reserves; and hundreds of thousands of dollars in reserves in the sewage budget,” Varni said.

In his letter, Verdin requested a “dollar by dollar” line-item budget breakdown of the proposed $19,500. Varni told New Times that the OCSD doesn’t plan on providing that document.

“Any expenditure of the $19,500 budget has to be brought back to the board and be approved,” Varni said.

Verdin also took issue with the Oceano Plaza being located at the end of Pier Avenue. He believes construction of the proposed plaza would block access to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). But OCSD President Allene Villa told New Times on Aug. 8 that the Oceano Plaza will contribute to the quality of the local beachfront, which Oceano is sorely lacking.

“This is environmental justice, equity, and access issue,” she said. “Closing that off and making that a nice beach street

will make us more of a traditional beach community just like every other community in California. Why do we have to sacrifice to the ODSVRA?”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Morro Bay Garbage Service proposes 38 percent rate increase

The Morro Bay Garbage Service and City Council will move forward with the next steps of a proposed rate increase following information presented at the Aug. 8 meeting.

But some residents are concerned the rate increase for garbage pickup will prove to be too costly for the people it serves.

“Please do not approve higher rates for our garbage collection,” Morro Bay resident Patti Anderson said. “Everything has gone up and this will just add to the hardship of those who are struggling.”

Morro Bay Garbage Service (MBGS) provides solid waste, recycling, organic material collection, processing, and disposal services for some Morro Bay residents.

According to the staff report, the proposed increase stems from concerns over a loss of revenue based on the initial agreement the provider had with the city.

“The initial rate application submitted in December [2022] showed a $956,532 shortfall projection in revenue needed to provide the residential and commercial … services between the city and MBGS,” the staff report read. “To cover this shortfall, MBGS

originally proposed a 30.62 percent increase.”

Since that initial proposal, the MBGS has settled on a more specific increase of 20 percent beginning in October with an additional 18 percent increase after six months, leading to 38 percent total increase.

Because the increase is so significant, the MBGS and City Council will have to provide informational pamphlets to residents in the affected area before the decision goes to public hearing.

“The next step to the rate increase process is the preparation of Proposition 218 notice for mail out to property owners and account holders in the city,” the staff report read.

“MBGS customers and property owners will have the opportunity to submit a written protest to the city clerk before the close of the public hearing, which will be held at the City Council’s Oct. 10 meeting.” Ultimately, if 50 percent of affected residents submit that written protest, the increase can not be adopted and the process would have to begin again. In addition, this change in the proposed rate—as well as concerns over why the revenue loss wasn’t anticipated in the initial agreement but included in the city’s budget—has already led some residents like Anderson and Betty Winholtz to express their concerns.

“Why is the increase in proposed fees already in the city’s budget?” Winholtz said via public comment. “Did the city know ahead of time that the garbage company was going to propose this increase so soon?” ∆

—Adrian Rosas

Teach the future

The Ticket 2 Teach program aims to support aspiring preschool teachers with mentors and resources, and ease local teacher shortage

The Central Coast is addressing its early childhood teacher shortage by equipping aspiring educators through an apprenticeship program with the goal of employing them in the local workforce.

While teacher shortage is a national problem, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are facing a serious demand for preschool teachers. But through state grant funding and support from county o cials, SLO County has found proven success from its Ticket 2 Teach program.

A collaborative e ort among the SLO County O ce of Education, its nonpro t economic development initiative called SLO Partners, Cuesta College, and the Community Action Partnership of SLO County (CAPSLO), Ticket 2 Teach enrolled 25 new prospective teachers. ey will receive mentorship, career and educational support from experienced teachers, and the chance to “earn while they learn.”

Nineteen-year-old Ethan Glover is a child care assistant and an apprentice in the Ticket 2 Teach program. He joined last year and works with kids between 18 months and 5 years old in Cuesta’s Children’s Center.

“ ere’s a lot of unique situations when you’re in the classroom as a child care worker,” Glover said. “Having people who have been in that environment for 20 or 30 years, being able to ask them those questions—like when children are engaged in rough play, and you don’t know how to cater to that. Having all those di erent and educated opinions helps.”

For Glover, mentorship is the most valuable aspect of the Ticket 2 Teach program. e biggest lesson he learned was to ask more questions.

“In my rst few weeks, I just wanted to gure it out on my own,” he recalled. “ at did not work well. It’s hard to do it on your own.”

rough Ticket 2 Teach and the Children’s Center, Glover’s days look like equipping kids with the “learn through play” approach. is means that the child care assistants and other teachers try to help the children learn through di erent kinds of play forms rather than from a piece of paper.

“We want to teach them how to help teach themselves,” he said. “It’s helping them improve their social and motor skills and get them ready for kindergarten.”

Glover is also compensated for the hours he spends at the Children’s Center. Ticket 2 Teach o ers stipends to its apprentices and connects them with industry experts who can later assist them with getting employed. While Glover said he feels con dent that Ticket 2 Teach will help his career even after he graduates from Cuesta, he highlighted something he said contributes to the teacher shortage crisis.

“I know nationally and just on a global scale, teachers are very much underpaid and that keeps people away from the eld,” he said.

SLO County Superintendent of Schools

James Brescia told New Times he’s spent years researching the phenomenon, and it’s not a recent problem.

“Teacher shortages have waxed and waned since the 1960s as a result of economic expansion-recession cycles, changes in workforce demographics, and uctuations

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

in school-aged populations throughout the state,” Brescia wrote in a 2017 research brief he co-authored with James Gentilucci of the Veritas Research and Evaluation Group.

But Brescia and Gentilucci called the current long-running teacher shortage notably di erent from those of the past. It’s a result of the con uence of California’s volatile economic state, widespread retirement in the baby boomer generation, the millennial generation maturing and entering the workforce, and the steep costs associated with getting established in the teaching profession.

“So, for us, putting dollars into funding local individuals to nish their schooling, get their training, and then hire them in our agencies is a form of apprenticeship,” Brescia said. “We call it a ‘grow your own’ program.”

Brescia and the SLO County O ce of Education identi ed the need to grow their own, meaning recruiting from one’s own community, in an educator recruitment and retention brief published last year. But the Ticket 2 Teach program has been in motion for longer.

In 2019, the SLO County O ce of Education received a $500,000 award from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s O ce. ose funds are now exhausted, and Ticket 2 Teach runs on contributions braided together from the

SLO County O ce of Education and the Board of Supervisors.

Brescia added that Ticket 2 Teach meets aspiring preschool teachers where they are. ey can apply as early as in high school, and even working professionals looking to upskill themselves are welcome to try out.

“ e program coordinator will assess your training,” he said. “ e majority of people takes a year or two to get their certi cation.”

Depending on their interests and training level, apprentices are matched with o ces like CAPSLO, First 5 SLO County, Quality Counts, and the Child Development Training Consortium. Success with Ticket 2 Teach looked like increasing the local workforce by injecting it with certi ed teachers trained by the program. For SLO County, the goal is to get high school and college students interested in Ticket 2 Teach, fund the program, and give those students a viable career path.

“ e individuals are staying in the community and taking employment in our agencies, whether it’s for us, or CAPSLO, state preschool, the migrant education program,” he said.

Similar initiatives cropped up in neighboring counties too. Last year, the Santa Barbara County O ce of Education also received a $500,000 grant through the California Apprenticeship Initiative for 25 people transitioning from three employee levels: child care assistants to associate teachers, associate teachers to teachers, and teachers to site supervisors. According to KEYT reporting, the initiative came about after the pandemic underscored the importance of having high quality and accessible child care.

Brescia said that e orts like those of Santa Barbara and SLO counties are all part of a statewide network through which o cials are trying to achieve sustainable workforces for teachers.

“We’ve been sharing our information with other counties and there are roundtables across the state with workforce groups,” Brescia said. “ ere are other successful models. Marin County has one, there’s limited success in Santa Clara County, and LA has had some success. We’re all sharing best practices.” ∆

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

‘LEARN THROUGH PLAY’ Ethan Glover, a Cuesta College child care assistant and Ticket 2 Teach apprentice, engages a young student in the “learn through play” approach that improves kids’ motor and social skills before they head to kindergarten.

COURTESY PHOTO BY MICHAEL GARRETT

Return to limbo

Georgia Brown Elementary’s status remains unclear as Paso’s school board seeks answers in the face of public response and state rulings

Georgia Brown Elementary School’s long-awaited renovations halted before they could begin after an anomalous geological feature was discovered under the campus in May—pushing students and teachers back toward uncertainty.

Paso Robles Joint Uni ed School District Superintendent Curt Dubost told New Times that the school’s state of limbo is likely to continue far into the future.

“ e full-scale renovations we had initially planned are almost entirely out of the picture due to the state’s ruling,” Dubost said. “We [were] planning very limited touch-ups to the campus because [at this time] we expect it to be used in some capacity as a school at the very least.”

But he also made it clear that the board wouldn’t be taking any sort of immediate vote regarding campus renovations— because it couldn’t.

“We have no plan at this time to move forward with anything from what we know,” Dubost said. “ e only thing the [the district and board] can do is provide direction on what the next steps are now that the information has been put out and the public has voiced their concern.”

After nally deciding the fate of Georgia Brown Elementary School last year, the Paso Robles school district discovered the anomaly under the school that’s put its planned renovation in jeopardy. e geologic feature could be seismic—there’s about a 50 percent chance of it, district o cials said.

e Division of the State Architect will require a deeper investigation to nd out for sure before any shovels can hit the ground.

e discovery occurred as part of preconstruction activities, and it will continue to delay the district’s plans to renovate Georgia Brown and turn it into a smaller neighborhood school to later house Glen Speck Elementary.

After taking public opinion on the matter on Aug. 7, the district’s school board voted unanimously on Aug. 8 to bring back several topics for a proper vote at its next meeting, hoping for more clarity for themselves and the community.

“Can we do anything and should our students be there right now?” board President Nathan Williams asked at the meeting. “If we can do things, to what extent can we do them?”

ese potential actions include establishing more studies on the capacity of other campuses to house the students from Georgia Brown, demographic studies on students who would be a ected by the closure of the campus, and establishing a third-party study to see what the next steps might look like.

Board members unanimously voted to seek immediate clari cation and details from the state about whether the school could be occupied by students this upcoming year, as classes start in mid-August.

“If we can’t even do modi cations, that’s a whole new risk liability,” Williams said at the meeting. “We need to know what we can or cannot do, and we need to get that

information immediately.”

Fellow board members agreed with his concerns over the vagueness of the state ruling, calling into question whether or not the school was even safe for occupancy—and if it wasn’t, why it wouldn’t tell the district that.

“[ e state] is trying to force the board to decide because they cannot morally admit the building is safe,” board member Kenney Enney said at the meeting. “I don’t think it’s fair to tell the community, ‘You have to go back to the building,’ because at that point you are e ectively being boxed in.”

Superintendent Dubost assured the board and the public that he had been told by the Division of the State Architect that the campus was still safe for occupancy.

“We have had heated discussions with the state, and they said it was safe for this year but wouldn’t guarantee beyond it,” he said at the meeting.

He added that district sta had been in direct contact with state Sen. John Laird’s o ce to see if there was any appeal process they could make to counter the report about the anomaly, but they were informed that there was none.

“I have turned over every stone that I could to try and get more information,” Dubost told the board. “All of these decisions are not ours to make, they are the state’s.”

Regardless of who the decision-makers end up being, board members did acknowledge on Aug. 7 and 8that the importance of the campus and the program it housed was undeniable.

e campus has long served as the host of the district’s Dual Immersion Program, which aims to provide a fully bilingual learning environment for students.

Public comment from myriad concerned

Stay in the know

parents and residents at both echoed a concern and long-standing feeling in the community that the school had been ignored for far too long.

“I’ve been through the whole system; it is very, very important that we continue this program, and even more important that you keep the program there,” Paso resident Fransisco Ramirez said via public comment on Aug. 8. “Let’s gure out what we can do because this program has a real impact.”

As it journeys on to the next steps of an increasingly long process, the board intends to take every perspective into account.

“ at’s why we created the initial [Aug. 7] forum for those who want to speak to be heard and for us to show that we are all listening,” Williams told New Times. “[We] want to show that we are being as diligent, responsible, and open as we can with this process … [and have] slowed things down so we can be as careful with this new reality as possible.”

Board member Jim Cogan told New Times that the issue has become far more complicated than anyone in the district initially anticipated. He’s hopeful that the board can show that it’s giving the process as much thought and energy as possible.

“ is is a very di cult situation, as everyone wants to o er an easy answer, In every scenario, people are going to be concerned, or at least upset with the result,” Cogan said. “It is incumbent on us to ensure any solution we come to is done in the open—no decision should be made behind closed doors.”

Ultimately, the district is grappling with one question: How can it make sure its campuses are bene ting those who matter the most?

“My guiding light—and what I imagine is the rest of the board’s guiding lighting—is what is best for our students long-term,” Cogan said. “Whatever transition we go through is going to be disruptive, so is the best solution so that ve years from now students will be in the best learning environment they can be in?” ∆

Reach Sta Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas at arosas@newtimesslo.com.

WORST CASE SCENARIO The status of Georgia Brown Elementary is back in limbo after a public forum and heated discussion have led the board to seek more information from the state on the safety of the campus.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF PASO ROBLES JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Learning lost

Although students in the San Luis Coastal Uni ed School District are still behind compared to before the pandemic, the district is positive it’s moving in the right direction.

“We’re on a path of growth in the single digits,” said said the districts’s new assistant superintendent of education, Lisa Yamashita. “As a district, we’ve increased [testing scores] when we rst came back from COVID in 2021 to 2023, we’re showing progress. But we’ve yet to match the pre-COVID scores in all schools and all student populations.”

Smarter Balanced assessment scores for English language arts (ELA) and math for the 2022-23 school year aren’t yet nal or public, but Yamashita said the initial numbers show improvement over the 2021-22 school year.

e tests are taken by students in grades three through eight and 11.

“Preliminary student performance data suggests that we are moving back to pre-COVID achievement levels,” she said.

“ e past three years have been di cult for students—especially in the areas of attendance and mental health. is, of course, impacts achievement.”

According the the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, in 2021-22 about 64 percent of San Luis Coastal students tested at or above grade level for ELA, with about 55.6 percent testing at or above grade level for math. Before the pandemic, during the 2018-19 school year, 70 percent of students tested at or above grade level for ELA with 64 percent of students doing the same for math.

San Luis Coastal is faring better than the state, the county, and the majority of other local school districts, but it still has a ways to go before students reach pre-pandemic levels of learning. is is similar to school districts across the nation, all of which are still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on students.

A study released by the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research in May looked at data from 7,800 communities in 40 states and Washington, D.C. It found that the average U.S. public school student in grades three through eight lost the equivalent of half a year of learning in math and a quarter of a year in reading.

“ e educational impacts of the pandemic were not only historically large, but were disproportionately visited on communities with many low-income and minority students,” study co-author and Stanford education professor Sean Reardon said in a press release. “Our research shows that schools were far from the only cause of decreased learning—the pandemic a ected children through many ways—but they are the institution best suited to remedy the unequal impacts of the pandemic.”

Researchers also looked at data from the decade prior to the pandemic to see how students bounced back after learning loss due to disruption in their schooling. Evidence showed that a ected students

recovered 20 to 30 percent of the lost ground in the rst year, but didn’t make any further strides in the next three to four years.

Co-author omas Kane, the faculty director at Harvard’s Center for Education Policy Research, said in the hardest hit communities, schools would need to teach 150 percent of a typical year’s worth of material for three years in row to catch students up.

“ at is simply not going to happen without a major increase in instructional time,” Kane said in the release. “Any district that lost more than a year of learning should be required to revisit their recovery plans and add instructional time—summer school, extended school year, tutoring, etc.—so that students are made whole.”

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony urmond said that the state is working proactively to provide additional resources to help students beyond 2024, when federal relief funding expires. However, it still has a lot to make up. e percentage of California students meeting or exceeding standards on the 2022 Smarter Balanced assessment decreased by 4 percentage points for ELA and 7 percentage points for math when compared to students who took the tests in 2018-19, according to a press release.

“ e road to recovery is long and our students will need sustained support over many years,” urmond said in the release.

“ e [California Department of Education] will continue to work with schools so they identify the right tools and resources to address academic, behavioral, and mental health needs.”

Testing data shows that Shandon Joint Uni ed School District has the lowest performing students in the county, with only 14.1 percent of students testing at or above grade level for ELA and 8.7 percent for math during the 2021-22 school year. In 2018-19, 32 percent of Shandon students were at grade level for ELA and 25 percent for math.

San Luis Coastal students have higher achievement scores than the majority of the

county’s school districts, coming in behind students in Cayucos and Pleasant Valley as well as the Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, which was the highest performing in the county for 2021-22, with 83.3 percent of students at or above grade level for ELA and 85.7 percent for math.

As the school year begins, San Luis Coastal’s Yamashita said the district is focused on academic achievement, safety, and wellness. is includes having fulltime counselors at all elementary schools; increased professional development for teachers, school counselors, and support sta ; and additional support teachers and instructional aides for reading and math intervention.

“We are, this year, continuing to focus on setting expectations at the beginning of the school year … being really explicitly clear about expectations of students as they arrive at school,” she said. “Because, again, students have missed some learning time, it’s important to set those expectations to create a good learning environment where learning can happen.”

Yamashita said the increase in support sta and counselors at the schools should help address disruptive behaviors in classrooms and help students with socialemotional learning, so teachers can focus more on teaching than intervention and students can learn how to manage emotions such as anger and free up their brains to focus on learning instead. Over the past two years, she added, student behavior has been a challenge for teachers and students as they rediscover “their executive functioning, relearn appropriate social discourse, and adjust to a regular routine.”

“It is just going to take students time to relearn how to act in social settings and classrooms, as opposed to working at home from a computer when there’s only one or two people around,” she said. “ ere’s very di erent expectations.” ∆

Reach Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@newtimesslo.com.

School districts work to make up the education deficit left over from COVID-19

MAKING UP TIME Students are making gains to return to pre-pandemic levels of learning, but they still have a long way to go.

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BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Pass, set, hit!

The United States Youth Volleyball League has been on the Central Coast for 20 years, Executive Director Veronica Sanchez said.

“We’ve been in Santa Maria for quite a few years, at least 15 years,” Sanchez said. “There was a person, who has since passed away, [that was] a volleyball player who had kids in the area, and he had reached out for starting a league in Santa Maria.”

The United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) has served communities across the nation since 1997 and sees 10,000 to 15,000 kids in its 250 programs. The coed recreational leagues for children ages 5 to 15 recently opened up its registration for Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, and San Luis Obispo, she said

“Our programs are instructional because you don’t need to have any previous experience,” Sanchez said. “Our programs are made up of kids who have never played, who come back season after season, and who know how to play but want more practice and community-based sports programs.”

The program runs from September to November, but dates vary depending on the location. Upon signing up, kids are divided into teams based on age, and all have practice once a week and game days on Saturdays. With registration, kids receive a team shirt and will earn a medal at the end of the season; coaches get a red shirt, whistle, and a curriculum that will help support their coaching abilities.

“One of the things we really focus on is structure, learning the fundamentals correctly so that the kids are learning to get along with others and teamwork through positive reinforcement and feedback,” Sanchez said.

Having an atmosphere that’s fun and a place where they can learn at the same time is important, Sanchez said, because volleyball is not an easy sport to learn.

“We keep it positive so kids can meet new friends, and it’s very family-oriented. It’s a fun place to go for a couple of days a week to coach, learn volleyball, play games, and all that fun stuff,” she said.

The Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, and SLO leagues are large enough to allow the kids to scrimmage against one another, but there are game days where the teams will play against other sites on the Central Coast, she said. Coaches and players are carefully divided and selected so the teams are balanced with beginner and advanced players.

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“We put a lot of intention in how we teach volleyball and that makes a huge difference,” Sanchez said. “We want to teach the skills correctly, and I know for a fact we have so many people who are phenomenal and talented.”

USYVL programs are all volunteer-based, and families only need to pay a registration fee to participate. Coaches are all volunteers who are either parents or high schoolers who have participated in the program in the past; however, in order to be assigned to a team, all coaches have to go through an interview and training process, she said.

Monday-Saturday 10 am - 5:45 pm · Sunday 12 pm - 4:45 pm

“It’s a program for the whole family. We want mom and dad, aunts or uncles, or neighbors coaching the kids. We reach

out to local high schools to get high school volunteers,” Sanchez said. “A lot of kids who have older siblings come out and get volunteer hours. We have a lot of high school volunteers that come out and do a good job.”

Through the vetting process, coaches have to demonstrate that they are not only skilled or have some background knowledge, but are comfortable coaching kids, she said.

“At the end of the day, they have to show up, expend energy, and they have to do it. Even with our high school volunteers we interview them to know why they’re doing it and if they are comfortable working with the kids,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she hopes kids sign up for volleyball because it’s a great way to spend time outside during the week, spend time with family, and learn or enhance new skills.

“I love volleyball, I think it’s one of the best sports. It’s a lifelong sport that promotes a healthy lifestyle. You meet a lot of people perhaps you wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise,” she said.

Santa Maria’s program runs from Sept. 14 to Nov. 4 with practices on Thursdays and Saturdays at Maramonte Park—620 Sunrise Drive. Arroyo Grande’s program runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Sept. 12 to Nov. 4 at Elm Street Park, and SLO’s program runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Sept. 13 to Nov. 4 at Johnson Park. Weekday practices run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays run from 10 to 11 a.m. across all programs.

Visit usyvl.org, call (888) 988-7985, or email info@usyvl.org for more information on registration, programs, or locations.

Fast fact

• The Cuesta College Foundation will provide students with more than $1 million in financial support for the 202324 academic year—the most considerable financial support the foundation has ever provided in a single academic year, according to the college. This includes more than $400,000 to support the Cuesta Promise, which offers two years of fee-free education to SLO County high school graduates; $500,000 in scholarships to current students; and more than $100,000 in other awards, scholarships, and financial assistance. For more information about the foundation, visit cuesta.edu/give or call (805) 546-3279. ∆

Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor from New Times sister paper, the Sun, wrote this week’s Strokes. Send story ideas to toconnor@ santamariasun.com

PLAYING AND LEARNING The United States Youth Volleyball League recently opened up registration for Central Coast recreational volleyball programs where kids ages 7 to 15 can play volleyball against kids in their neighborhood and play against teams across the Central Coast.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA SANCHEZ

A deceptive measure

A land-use freeze would harm Morro Bay

Agroup called Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation (CEBP) is gathering signatures to place a measure on the March 2024 ballot to freeze the visitorserving/commercial land use designation for the power plant site and the commercial/ recreational fishing designation for the north Embarcadero (Measure D area) unless changed by a vote of the people. This action is a bad idea that would have harmful consequences for Morro Bay and would not provide the benefits the group claims.

CEBP says that this zoning freeze is needed to stop the development of the industrial battery energy storage system proposed by Vistra Corp. and would lead to wonderful visitor-serving businesses on the power plant land.

Neither of these claims is accurate. Here are some facts:

• Zoning alone cannot stop the battery energy project. California law AB 205 (2021), signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in June 2022, creates an alternative permitting process for

Eat vegan, prevent wildfires

The massive wildfire ravaging the Mojave Desert Preserve doesn’t only pose a danger to Joshua trees. Desert tortoises, black-tailed jackrabbits, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other animals are at risk, too. Thick smoke disorients them, stings their eyes, and makes it hard for them to breathe. Those with babies, as well as animals who are very young or elderly, often succumb to the flames.

Though the cause of this wildfire is still under investigation, we can safeguard against future blazes. Report unattended fires, extinguish campfires and fire pits completely, keep vehicles off dry grass, don’t throw cigarettes from car windows, check weather conditions before burning trash or leaves, and forgo fireworks.

Speak up!

renewable energy, storage, and transmission projects that eliminates the need for local approval. This process, managed by the California Energy Commission, is voluntary for the developer. Vistra will use AB 205: Morro Bay could not stop the project by itself.

• This initiative would reduce community input and local control. The city’s general plan defines the land uses exactly the way the initiative proposes. But if the measure passes, the Morro Bay City Council couldn’t act and all the established processes for involving citizens will be bypassed in discussions

Substances Control prohibits visitor-serving development on the battery site. The department filed restrictive covenants with the county on July 21, 2022, that explicitly forbid uses such as hotels, motels, and other human-related development.

• Neither PG&E nor Vistra is legally obligated to clean up the site and no lawsuit could compel them to do so. PG&E, the first owner of the property, placed deed restrictions to reduce its liability that prohibit human-related uses that might expose people to dangerous contaminants (it is unknown what contaminants are under the plant and stacks). Subsequent owners also reduced their liability by accepting the restrictions as a condition of sale.

CEBP says that this zoning freeze is needed to stop the development of the industrial battery energy storage system proposed by Vistra Corp. and would lead to wonderful visitor-serving businesses on the power plant land. Neither of these claims is accurate.

about the battery energy storage facility and any other land-use proposal for the affected parcels. The city would lose influence on the project and any community benefits.

• California’s Department of Toxic

checks, the truth is that hoards of weapons flood our streets. Recently, noted criminologist James Densley stated on national media that mental health isn’t the dominant problem. In reality, mental health records, if there are any, are private. He knows the motivations behind the shootings need to be studied, but with the shooters always being killed that is difficult.

More difficult than making laws to limit sales is the problem of weapons of war already owned by a public that is frightened and irresponsible. What is needed is a creative solution to get them out of private ownership. Limiting gun sales to those 21 years of age and older doesn’t make any sense. A 21-yearold finger can pull a trigger as quickly as any other age finger.

Even if the restrictions were lifted, there is no plausible visitor-serving use that would justify the large investment needed to clean up the power plant site. No company would pay Vistra for the property, pay $20

criminal counts, including conspiracy to defraud our country in an unprecedented attempt to remain in power.

According to the indictment, Trump deliberately lied about voter fraud, then used those lies to try to pressure local officials to illegally overturn election results and create a fake slate of electors. He then pressured Vice President Mike Pence to toss out the legitimate results and count the fake electoral votes instead.

When all that failed, the Jan. 6 insurrection was Trump’s last desperate attempt to cling to power. Elected officials

million to $30 million to demolish the old plant (Vistra’s estimate), pay more money to remediate the polluted soil, and only then begin to invest in a business.

The initiative would drastically reduce beneficial developments through rigid zoning. The City Council should be able to consider any proposal that could help the city financially.

Facts do matter. Reject the petition to freeze land use. Preserve local control by our elected officials and our options to attract beneficial development for the future. ∆

This was written by Homer Alexander, Jeffrey Bacon, Dawn Beattie, Dave and Cindy Betonte, Ed and Monica Bischof, Casey Cordes, Tim Cowan, Ric Deschler, Bob Fowler, Cherise Hansson, John and Sue Headding, Jamie and Monica Irons, Lee Johnson, Dave and Liz Klinzman, Marlys McPherson, Frank and Lynda Merrill, Jeremiah and Trudy O’Brien, Ron Reisner, Doug Rogers, Glenn Silloway, Susan Stewart, Chuck and Donna Stoll, and Bob and Carol Swain. All are Morro Bay residents except for Bob Fowler (Atascadero) and Susan Stewart (Los Osos) who own businesses in Morro Bay. Send a response for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

and law enforcement officers were attacked, simply for doing their jobs—acting on the will of the people and certifying the election results. It was violent, destructive, and in some cases, fatal.

There can be no more serious crime than a conspiracy to overturn the foundation of our democracy itself: the vote of the American people. Fame, fortune, and former office cannot and should not prevent someone from standing trial and being held accountable for their crimes.

And there’s something else we can do. Studies show that human-caused climate change increases the risk of extreme weather events, including wildfires—and animal agriculture is a leading driver of the climate catastrophe. Eating vegan not only helps prevent wildfires and other disasters, but together we can prevent billions of chickens, pigs, cows, and other animals from suffering painful, terrifying deaths in slaughterhouses every year.

Melissa Rae Sanger The PETA Foundation Norfolk, Virginia

Our freedom is dying, and guns are to blame

With more than 200-plus mass shootings so far this year, this nation’s misinterpretation of the Second Amendment is a death sentence—suicide.

While lawmakers mumble incoherently about faulty mental health and background

Day after day, news media report more and more gun violence. It is beginning to seem commonplace. It is time for the federal government to override state rights, make laws for the entire country, and see that they are enforced without the sale of any assault weapons. Our homeland and freedom are dying—and not slowly.

j. f. langton Templeton

Trump needs to be held accountable

One hundred eighty-seven minutes.

That’s how long Trump knowingly failed to act while his armed supporters stormed our nation’s Capitol. Instead, he watched the violence unfold on cable news, and even sent messages of encouragement by social media, telling the insurrectionists that he “loved” them.

This is one of many disturbing details in the most recent indictment against Trump, where he was charged with four federal

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‘The last best hope’

The month of August regularly serves up earth-shaking, history-making events:

• Two years ago in August, the U.S. finally pulled out of Afghanistan after our longest war.

• On Aug. 6, 1945, our nation dropped the first of two atomic bombs on Japan, soon ending World War II. That’s the event at the center of the new film Oppenheimer— literally and historically earth-shaking.

• In 1965, also on Aug. 6, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark Voting Rights Act into law, correcting 100 years of neglect of our moral duty to those enslaved Americans freed by the Civil War.

• And of course, there is this: On Aug. 1, a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia indicted Donald Trump, charging him with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; obstructing an official proceeding of Congress; and conspiracy to violate the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

So, here again, as in 1965, the issue is voting rights! In the 45-page charging document, Special Prosecutor Jack Smith asserted that Trump “conspire[d] … to injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate one or more persons in the free exercise and enjoyment of a right and privilege secured to them by the Constitution and laws of the United States—that is, the right to vote, and to have one’s vote counted.”

Do Americans have a right to expect that our constitutional right to vote will be upheld? Should those officials entrusted with the sacred task of counting and reporting our ballots be free from political intimidation and the threat of violence?

Is there anyone out there who would actually say “no” to those questions?

In recent SLO County elections, we’ve often seen local Republicans complain that our elections officials are either incompetent or partisan in their roles. Former county ClerkRecorder Tommy Gong left that vital job prior to the 2020 election after sustained (and openly racist) ridicule by local GOP operatives.

With our current chief county elections officer Elaina Cano, all SLO County voters should have confidence that our votes will be counted properly and reported accurately. Throughout county government and in most cities, a spirit of renewed collaboration is in the works.

Many good people on both sides of the political aisle have been working to improve our political atmosphere here in SLO County. We’ve achieved much for which we can be proud in our handling of elections, redistricting, and voting rights.

But the civic pride here in SLO County is endangered, as the national Republican Party falls further and further down a rabbit hole of far-right conspiracy theories. They’re not content simply to follow the questionable lead of their leading candidate for the 2024 nomination; they’re in a full-throated campaign to discredit any election that they do not win. They demonize Democrats and “RINOs” (Republicans in name only).

The Republican Party appears to be uniting behind a demagogue with two impeachments, three indictments charging 78 criminal counts; and several civil cases that ruled him liable for rape, defamation, and fraudulent business dealings. He complains of being the victim of character assassination by the “deep state,” but now even some fellow Republican candidates are suggesting that his central “Big Lie” is just that.

How long before we hear the Trump equivalent of “Et tu, Brute?” as the knives come out … and yet his teeming followers still demand unquestioning loyalty, forming a cult of blind worship to this narcissist who smears and threatens anyone who dares to confront him with the truth.

How do we counter this narrative, as we prepare for a tumultuous election in a mere 15 months? We begin by seeking common ground wherever it can be found with people of either party, and of all ages, races, religious faiths, and gender orientation. We can express confidence and trust in our public officials, both elected and appointed, where they do keep faith with their oaths of office.

I’ve taken that oath on several occasions in SLO City Hall, vowing to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the state of California, and the laws and statutes that govern us. I urge everyone who can honestly take such a vow to run for office or apply for an advisory committee role in your city, or in the county. There are many unfilled positions. You can get more information from your supervisor, your council member, or from the county clerk or your city clerk’s office.

We must all stand firm behind the shared values that frame our Constitution and provide for the primacy of the rule of law. Our civic life is highly vulnerable to those who openly defile them, defraud the public, and poison our civic conversation with vile and sinister accusations against the very people who are responsible for securing our rights.

That’s why the events of August 2023 are so important: The indictment of Donald Trump has set in motion the prosecution and possible conviction of the man most responsible for the toxic and polarized politics of our time.

In August 1974, President Richard M. Nixon resigned from office in disgrace. Maybe by next August, we’ll see a certain former president sentenced for his role in conspiring to launch the Jan. 6 insurrection and to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

One thing is certain: By next August, both parties will have completed their primary elections and caucuses, and they will have named their nominees. We already know the stakes in 2024: Nothing less than the future of our democracy, the security of our planet, and the conditions under which our nation may yet endure. Lincoln warned us in 1862 that “we shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.”

John Ashbaugh taught U.S. History and Global Studies at Hancock College and Cal Poly for more than 20 years. Write a response for publication by emailing it to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

VOTE AT WWW.NEWTIMESSLO.COM

How do you think your water utility costs should be calculated?

73% Proportionally, so if I own a smaller house I should pay less.

15% I don’t live on a property affected by this.

8% Everyone should pay the same no matter the size of their property.

4% Doesn’t matter because the bill will be expensive either way. 26 Votes

• take shorter showers

• turn taps off tightly to prevent drips

• repair leaks promptly

• only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine

• install low-flow shower heads and toilets

• save flushes where you can

• turn off water when washing dishes, brushing teeth, shaving

• reuse greywater to water plants

• water landscaping when it’s cool outside (morning or evening) to avoid evaporation

• use

Wounded Tigre

Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse for the fate of Georgia Brown Elementary School in Paso Robles, a geologic anomaly flipped the school’s future on its cabeza. The ramshackle campus has been the subject of an ongoing debate about that to do with it: shutter it, remodel it, swap its dual immersion language program with Glen Speck Elementary School, let the Earth swallow it whole, preferably without any K-5 students on it?

Maybe the school should change its mascot from a tiger to a bull because I’m sure the students and their parent feel like they’ve been led around by a septum nose ring as plans for the school have swerved in various directions. ¡Vamos, toros!

But first, what the heck is an “anomalous geologic feature”? It’s simply an area that differs from what’s typical or expected. A geologic survey in May discovered the soil anomaly, and estimates say there’s a 50 percent chance it could be seismic, as in … (((Earthquake!)))

Apparently, the Division of the State Architect has assured the district the anomaly doesn’t pose an immediate safety threat, but before they go sinking millions into the campus, maybe they ought to take a little look-see—in this case, that means dig a 30-foot-deep, 3-foot-wide, 150-footlong trench to the tune of about $300,000, which would take a little bite out of the $15.5 million in Measure M money set aside to

spruce up Georgia Brown. I mean, what a waste of money if the shithole falls into a sinkhole?

However, for the residents of the largely low-income, predominantly Spanishspeaking neighborhood around Georgia Brown, I’m sensing they’re feeling a tad unheard, ignored, and disrespected. This is a community, not a name on a building. The students and parents not only appreciate but embrace and live the school’s motto of “Bilingual, Biliterate, Bicultural.” Now, will this community go bye-bye?

Judging from recent public comments at an Aug. 7 “listening session” held by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Really? You’re listening?—parents of the school’s students are very eager to keep it open. But after the meeting, many said that despite the opportunity to speak, they still didn’t feel heard.

These are some of the same folks who, in January 2021, complained after an 11-person committee suggested closing the school due to budget concerns. The parents’ complaint triggered an ongoing U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights investigation into the committee, arguing the district allegedly discriminated against the Spanish-speaking community by not having diversity on the committee or disseminating

information in Spanish. ¡Ay, caramba! Maybe this listening session is mostly a ruse: “Don’t civil rights investigate us, Department of Education! Look, we listened!” For now, the fate of Georgia Brown remains in limbo, kicked down the road like a soccer ball at recess.

Speaking of limbo, that’s also the fate of a safe parking program in Arroyo Grande, where city staff advised its City Council to suspend adoption of an ordinance because they couldn’t get social service provider 5 Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) to administer safe parking sites in the city.

As SLO County continues its glacial effort to end its disastrous safe parking site at Oklahoma Avenue, should anyone be surprised that agencies like 5CHC aren’t lining up to be the next flagellants to come under the lash of a flailing and ill-defined program with no clearly set goals or mechanisms to achieve those goals? That’s a rhetorical question, and the answer is “no.”

Way back in March, 5CHC Executive Director Janna Nichols asked the Arroyo Grande City Council what a safe parking program would even look like: “What is that proposed plan that would come before you? I caution between jumping too far ahead versus what you need to do to put the legs in place.”

Judging from a lack of a service provider coming forward to manage AG’s proposed program, this sucker’s still legless, but that didn’t stop

Mayor Caren Ray Russom from arguing to charge onward. Huzzah!

“What’s the harm in passing what we’ve done?” she asked Planning Manager Andrew Perez. “We know that nobody can fulfill that permit but maybe tomorrow we can. Why wouldn’t we validate staff’s work and all the public hearings that we’ve had?”

Um, maybe because staff is the one telling you to pump the brakes? If this program blows up in Arroyo Grande’s face like Oklahoma Avenue blew up in the county’s, I sure wouldn’t want to be the social service provider holding the bag.

For her part, Nichols explained that 5CHC has been busy running the successful Cabins for Change in Grover Beach, with plans to open another temporary tiny-home location.

“Safe parking is a tool to secure those who are experiencing homelessness in a continuum of services,” Nichols told New Times. “We need to be clear before we open the program on what those services are and who we are serving. In the priority list of all the things we are working on, where does it fit?”

Meanwhile, SLO Town’s Railroad Square Safe Parking Program is transitioning to a rotating model, meaning every month it will change locations. What could go wrong? ∆

The Shredder wants everyone to get along. Tell it how to make that happen at shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

SAILOR LORE

The Morro Bay Maritime Museum, in collaboration with Maritime Museum San Diego, is bringing the Pacific Heritage Tour to Morro Bay Friday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 20. The public is invited to step aboard a full-scale replica of Juan Rodriguez’s legendary ship, the San Salvador, from the Morro Bay pier, at 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Visit my805tix. com for tickets and more details.

—Caleb Wiseblood

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART EXPLORATIONS A children’s class series for ages 6-12. In this series, students learn about a new artist each week and recreate a masterpiece from history. This class incorporates both drawing and painting. Thursdays, 11 a.m.1 p.m. through Aug. 10 $40. 559-250-3081.

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

ASSEMBLAGES OF STEVE DAYTON

Steve divides his time between creating assemblages and abstract painting on wood panels. The assemblages are made by taking small hand built familiar objects and motifs and placing them in box frames to create absurd scenes that include absurd and humorous titles. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. Event lasts up to 2 hours. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Jewett’s work is also on display at Nautical Bean in Laguna shopping center during February. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-799-

9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FIBER ART BY GAY MCNEAL McNeal possesses an appreciation of the multifaceted role that fiber has played in the art and material cultures of many ethnic societies, and her creative high comes from the actual process of trying out the multitude of techniques, both old and new. Through Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY VIRGINIA MACK Virginia, along with her late husband John, also an artist, have spent endless hours exploring the back roads of San Luis Obispo County seeking those bits of landscape and the birds that are visually stimulating or interesting. Virginia works primarily in watercolors. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

FREE CALLIGRAPHY DEMONSTRATION WITH MARY LOU JOHNSON Art Center Morro Bay is happy to present a free demonstration with calligrapher and teacher, Mary Lou Johnson. She began hand lettering in the 1980s and joined the LA Society for Calligraphy in the ‘90s. Aug. 14 , 3-5 p.m. Free admission. 805772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

LANDSCAPE INTO ART BY DONALD ARCHER Archer’s exhibit, Landscape into Art, is on display through the end of August. Mondays-Sundays. through Aug. 31 Cambria Library, 1043 Main 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.

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.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR GAY

MCNEAL, VIRGINIA MACK, AND STEVE DAYTON Come meet the artists, have a snack, and bring some beautiful art home. Aug. 12 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca. com.

SECOND SATURDAYS Come by and see the Featured Artists Shows, find gifts for

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.

your loved ones, surprises for yourself, and meet the artists featured in the incredible gallery. Second Saturday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY JAMBOREE LOS

OSOS Enjoy a lineup of live comedians. Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 10 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Central Coast Pizza, 1050 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.

SUMMER ART FOR KIDS SERIES Ages 6-12. Schedule changes during Fourth of July week (to Wed, Thur, Fri). Each week offers three creative sessions with an experienced art teacher using a wide variety of art techniques Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m. through Aug. 10 $120 per week. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

TOM GOULD: CONNECTIONS Seeking original art of all types, large and small, to exhibit concurrently with next featured artist: Tom Gould. Submit up to four pieces online June 28 through July 2. Fridays-Sundays, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 27 Free. 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

AUGUST LIVE FIGURE DRAWING CLASS

These are uninstructed sessions. The model will be either minimally clothed or nude. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. All levels of artists welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Chairs and tables provided. Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m. $20. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark. org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

DATE NIGHT Couples or friends, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy creative night out. Have fun and get messy as we walk you through the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Create a unique piece of pottery, then choose your glaze. Fridays, noon through Aug. 25 $144. 805460-6803. thepotteryatascadero.com/ datenight. The Pottery, 5983 Entrada Ave., Atascadero.

DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY:

OPEN DAILY Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, 310-621-7543.

FROM PASTURES TO PAPER: PASTEL COW PAINTING CLASS Enjoy sipping fine wines and create your own “moo-tiful” masterpiece using pastels with the guidance and direction of talented Studios on the Park artists. Wine and materials are included in the cost. All levels of experience welcome. Aug. 12 6-9 p.m. $30. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

LARRY LE BRANE’S “THE SPARK TO CREATIVITY” ARTIST TALK Join Studios on the Park for Larry Le Brane’s presentation, “The Spark to Creativity,” when he’ll share his creative inspiration behind his eclectic art. He’ll share stories, photos, and humor describing how he originally began making sculpture with fused glass, offbeat materials, and found objects. Aug. 11 5-7 p.m. Free admission. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

OUR CENTRAL COAST Four art associations (Atascadero Art Association, Cambria Center for the Arts, Morro Bay Art Association, and Paso Robles Art Association) come together to showcase their visions of Central Coast living. The show has been curated by Jordan Hockett. Through Aug. 27 Free. 805-2389800. studiosonthepark.org/events/ourcentral-coast/. Studios on the Park, 1130

Pine St., Paso Robles.

PRESENTATION WITH AUTHOR JILL THAYER Join us for a presentation by author Jill Thayer on her book, Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment . She will present her book about her favorite trails on the Central Coast against the backdrop of art in the venue’s current exhibition, “Our Central Coast”. Aug. 13 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY JAMBOREE The SLOFunny Comedy Series is a monthly comedy show that takes place at various locations in SLO County. Aug. 11 , 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Tooth and Nail Winery, 3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles, 805369-6100.

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

SUMMER COMEDY NIGHT AT CASS

Visit site for tickets and more info on this special comedy event. Aug. 11 7:30-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Cass Winery and Vineyard, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles.

WATERCOLOR AND GOLD LEAF CLASS

Join artist Spencer Collins to create a beautiful floral design using watercolor and gold leaf. Aug. 13 12-2 p.m. $45. 805238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARITIME MUSEUM SAN DIEGO

South T Pier

2023 New Times Music AwardsMusic Entry Period

ENTER BY 5PM MONDAY, AUGUST 14!

SLO & N. Santa Barbara Counties

Songwriters at Play: Roy Zimmerman

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 SLO Wine and Beer Co., SLO

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree Los Osos

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 Central Coast Pizza, Los Osos

Summer Comedy Night at Cass

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Cass Winery, Paso Robles

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree at Tooth & Nail

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Tooth & Nail Winery, Paso Robles

Lompoc Police Car Show FRI & SAT, AUGUST 11 & 12 Downtown Lompoc and Ryon Memorial Park

SMCT: Cabaret

FRI, SAT, SUN, AUGUST 11–27

Santa Maria Civic Theatre, Santa Maria

Painting the Maroon Bells with Drew Davis

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Drew Davis Fine Art, San Luis Obispo

Women Making Waves: Community Hike at the Pismo Preserve

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach

Templeton Mercantile: Makers Marketplace

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 Templeton Mercantile

Grupo Diligencia & DJ Kazanova

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Resonance Presents: BEYOND

SAT & SUN, AUGUST 12 & 13

Mission San Luis Obispo and Community Church of Atascadero

The Boys of Summer: The Music of the Eagles SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 Blast 825, The Stockyard, Orcutt

Summer Concert Series

THURSDAYS, AUG. 17, 24, 31

SEPT. 7, 14, 21, 28

Buttercup Bakery,

WHEN DEEP CALLS TO DEEP JOURNEYS OF THE SOUL FOR A CULTURE IN CRISIS

The challenges of our times are demanding more than just political reforms. They are compelling us towards journeys of the soul that will ask not only for great courage, but new understandings of power and inclusive leadership, new mythologies of collective heroism, more diverse communities and organizational models that are more sustainable ecosystems than hierarchical power pyramids. We invite you to engage with contemporary issues and the latest in depth psychological thinking and practices, join interactive learning sessions on the cutting edge of practice and theory, and explore all that Pacifica Graduate Institute has to offer for your personal and professional journey.

like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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.

CENTRAL COAST DAHLIA SOCIETY

2023 DAHLIA SHOW A free exhibit of exhibition quality dahlia blooms on display by the Central Coast Dahlia Society. Aug. 12 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Aug. 13 , 1-4 p.m. Free admission. centralcoastdahlias.org. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-242-6065.

CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE

FESTIVAL All performances take place in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Filipponi Ranch. Don’t forget to bring your picnic, standard height lawn chair, and warm layers for the chilly evenings. Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 6-8 p.m. through Aug. 13 $25. centralcoastshakespeare.org/. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CLOSING RECEPTION FOR ONCE

MORE, WITH FEELING: GARET ZOOK

Last chance to see Garet Zook’s Once More, With Feeling. Join us for a closing reception and artist talk. The talk will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 17, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-5463202. cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. COMEDY HOUSE PARTY Celebrating seven years of improv comedy on the Central Coast with a best of the best show, full of comedy followed by house music. Features local performers of live stand up and improv comedy, followed by a dance party. Aug. 10 6-9 p.m. $10 presale, $15 at door. 805-8588255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/ shows. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.

COMEDY NIGHT Professional comedy show featuring local and touring comics. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-540-8300. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, bangthedrumbrewery.com.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Looking for a fun date night? Head to Anam Cre Pottery Studio and play with clay. Couples will learn how to throw a pot on the wheel and make a cheeseboard. Fridays, Saturdays, 6-8 p.m. $140. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

FAMILY POTTERY CLASS A familyoriented class time. Any age or level welcome. Choice of sculpting, painting. or throwing on the wheel. Children must be accompanied by participating parent. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 $35. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. ongoing, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: PLAYOFFS

FINALE Full of high energy, fast-paced comedy. Aug. 11 , 6-8 p.m. $10. 805-8588255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/ shows. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT

ART CLASS This class is for students who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels. Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTERMEDIATE WHEEL SERIES: SOUL POTTER Scott Semple will be teaching this intermediate, world view ceramics course, emphasizing wheel throwing with personal style. Clay sold separate at $30. Book online in advance. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 30 $240. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH

Spread the word!

SPENCER COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

KIDS POTTERY CLASSES Enjoy making animal sculptures, bowls, plates, etc. Please arrive on time, not early, as venue uses the transition time between classes to sanitize. Designed to sign up on a weekly basis. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

$40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257.

Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

LISA SOLOMON Solomon’s mixed media works revolve thematically around discovering her heritage, the notion of domesticity, craft, feminism, and the pursuit of art as science/research. Through Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/lisasolomon/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ODDFELLOWS OPEN MIC Bring your music, improv, standup, magic, and dance talents. Each act gets five minutes. Audience votes for favorite. Third Saturday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-234-0456. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING: GARET

ZOOK Garet Zook’s contemporary sculptures utilize resin castings, molded foam, and natural stone along with abandoned and forgotten objects, unearthing hidden treasures and revealing layers of profound significance, challenging traditional notions of value and inviting viewers to engage in dialogue about the nature of existence. MondaysFridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-546-3202. cuesta.edu/student/

campuslife/artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel. com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PRE-MADE POTTERY PIECE

Paint a pre-made pottery piece. Choose from a variety of different pieces including mugs, bowls, jars, dragons, cats, etc. Priced by size, accompanied with an additional $10 firing fee per piece. Book your appointment online. Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free appointment; prices vary based on pieces chosen. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINTING THE MAROON BELLS WITH DREW DAVIS Are you looking for a chance to expand your painting skills and create a stunning masterpiece that you can be proud of? Look no further. Aug. 13 , 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate, and glaze. Clay and firing included with admission. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS AT SLOMA

Intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using our unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by our exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/secondsaturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 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.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

SLO DRAWZ: OPEN FIGURE DRAWING

GROUP Improve your drawing skills while also building a community of supportive creatives with live models. This is not a guided class, please bring

Dr. Susan Rowland PGI Core Faculty C.G. Jung Award Recipiant

Dr. Leonie H. Mattison PGI President/CEO

Dr. Thema Bryant APA President

Roland Palencia Documentarian, Filmmaker

Dr. Emily Lord-Kambitsch PGI Myth Co-Chair

Dick Russel, Author James Hillman, Soul in the World Jemma Elliot PGI Counseling Co-Chair

Dr. Bayome Akomolafe Psychologist, Philosopher, Author

Dr. Dylan Hoffman PGI Core Faculty Jungian & Archetypal

your own materials. To sign up, email chantellegoldthwaite@gmail.com. Every other Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 31 $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805-747-4200. instagram.com/slodrawz/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLODRAWZ FIGURE DRAWING GROUP

Doesn’t include guided instructions. Students are encouraged to bring whatever media they desire. Features a different nude model each session. All skill levels welcome. Second Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 11 $20 ($3 tip recommended). 559-250-3081. spencerpoulterart.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

STONES IN HIS POCKETS Presented by the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre. Aug. 11-27 SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440, slorep.org/.

TINY POTTERS: WISE ONES AND WEE

ONES PAINT For ages 4 to 6. Kids have the option to paint animals and other subjects. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $30. anamcre.com/booking. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

VANESSA WALLACE-GONZALES WallaceGonzales is a Black-Latinx and Santa Barbara-based artist who uses elements of mythology to explore her identity and personal experiences. Through Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/vanessa-wallace-gonzales/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-

3:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB

This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. For more information, follow on Facebook or visit the EGA

website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 18 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

GOLD FEVER AT THE ROUGH AND READY

Boo the villain and cheer the hero at this show full of colorful characters. Through Sept. 9 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

THE BOOK OF WILL By Lauren Gunderson. William Shakespeare is dead. Bad Hamlet knock-offs and children’s acting troupes litter the stages of Elizabethan London. And the King’s Men are running out of time. Rooted in real events. Aug. 17 7 p.m.,

DRIVE MY CAR

The 19th annual Lompoc Police Car Show and Cruise Night will be held at Civic Center Plaza in Lompoc, with Cruise Night on Friday, Aug. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., and the car show on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes, and more. Vehicle registration ranges between $20 and $40. Proceeds benefit the Lompoc Police Association Youth Sports Program and the Lompoc Police Foundation. Visit my805tix.com for more info. —C.W.

Aug. 18, 7 p.m., Aug. 19 7 p.m. and Aug. 20 1:30 p.m. Starting at $25. 805-922-8313. pcpa.org/events/the-book-of-will. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

CABARET Presented by SMCT. Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 11-27 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805-528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. 805-235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Mask Required. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

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.

FREE BALBOA LESSON AND BALLROOM

DANCE Learn the basics of balboa and then dance the waltz, cha cha, east coast swing, hustle, country two-step, foxtrot, tango, nightclub two-step, and bolero to a diverse mix of pre-recorded music. Aug. 11 , 6-8 p.m. Free. 805-709-2477. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morro-bay.ca.us/345/ Community-Center.

MONARCH GROVE ELEMENTARY

SUMMER CAMP Features STEAM projects, sports, cooking, and a field trip. Through Aug. 11, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Los Osos YMCA, 348 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.

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. MondaysSaturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

THE PACIFIC HERITAGE TOUR 2023

Enjoy an exhilarating journey aboard San Salvador, making a rare tour stop in Morro Bay. Step aboard the galleon and explore this captivating dockside exhibit: a fullscale replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s legendary ship, the first European vessel to grace the West Coast. Aug. 11-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Morro Bay S. T Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, 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. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos.

SUMMER SCIENCE STORY TIME WITH THE ESTUARY PROGRAM Join staff from the Estuary Program and SLO Beaver Brigade to learn all about these fascinating animals with books, games, and some fun beaver crafts. Designed for elementary-age kids, but all ages are welcome. Aug. 12 10-11 a.m. Free. mbnep.org. Morro Bay National Estuary Program, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 805-772-3834.

TAI CHI AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION

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

TAI CHI CHUN CERTIFICATION With the 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the year. Ongoing courses. ongoing Call for price. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

TAI CHI CHUN/ QI GONG BASICS Learn the foundation of Qi Gong, the rooting of breathing, and Shaolin Tai Chi. TuesdaysThursdays Call for details. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 24

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

FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome. Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. 805701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

2023 SUNSET ON SOUTH BEACH ANNUAL

GALA AND AUCTION Step into the neonsoaked streets of South Beach in the ‘80s. Don (Johnson) your best white or brightly colored attire for a night benefiting the Cancer Support Community CA Central Coast to raise funds to help those in SLO County impacted by cancer. Aug. 19 5-10 p.m. $200. 805-238-4411. auctria. events/2023Sunset. Rava Wines + Events, 6785 Creston Rd., Paso Robles.

MAKERS MARKETPLACE Vendors will be on the patio and in the saloon. Aug. 12 , 10 a.m.-1 p.m. my805tix.com. Templeton Mercantile Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

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.

TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. 805-237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles.

TOPS SUPPORT GROUP: WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE A self-help support group focusing on weight loss and maintenance. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. 805-242-2421. tops.org. Santa Margarita Senior Center, 2210 H St., Santa Margarita.

YANG STYLE TAI CHI The course’s instructor won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial

artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. 805-470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Learn aerial skills that build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance. Ages 7-17; no experience necessary. Aug. 12 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805-5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com/events.

Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

AGILITY (PARKOUR) CLINIC In a world where the “cool” kids seem to rule, agility (aka parkour) offers a path to social confidence. No experience is necessary, so come transform from timid to triumphant and flip with flair. Aug. 12 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/events.

Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BANG MUAY THAI EXPERIENCE WITH DUANE Sleeping Tiger Fitness and Martial Arts is thrilled to announce a not-to-be-missed opportunity for martial arts enthusiasts.

Aug. 12 , 12-2 p.m. $100 members; $150 non-members. 805-748-9182. Sleeping Tiger Fitness, 3595 Sueldo St., San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER

THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

DM PRO TENNIS ACADEMY Classes offered for all ages. Training and assistance are provided to support any goal, from the development of basic skills to top competition. Consultation with instructors is available. Multilingual instruction in English, Spanish, and Italian are available.

BIRD IS THE WORD

Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay will host a joint reception for its three featured artists for the month of August on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery is currently showcasing paintings by Virginia Mack (whose work is pictured), fiber and textile art by Gay McNeal, and assemblages by Steve Dayton. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for more info. The gallery is located at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, Morro Bay.

—C.W.

events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering from the pain of depression. We do not criticize but do share our journey, feelings, and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed.

Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL For ages 18 and over. Come see what pickleball is all about. Participants will learn the basics of the game including the rules, basic skills and strategy, types of equipment, and game safety. Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. through Aug. 26 $35. slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT

GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

LOTERÍA NIGHTS Enjoy a game of La Lotería Mexicana, a bingo-style game with colorful and beautifully-drawn cards. With drink specials and prizes for the winners. RSVP encouraged. Thursdays, 6 p.m. Free. drinkramblingspirits. com. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE

MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

THE MONDAY CLUB SLO LIVING HISTORY

TOURS Enter the iconic doors of the historic, Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse. Docents will take you back to the 1920s and ‘30s, while viewing the beautiful architecture, murals, and gardens. Aug. 14 , 1-4 p.m. TheMondayClubSLO. org. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-0594.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/ events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25. 805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Hosted by the San Luis Coastal Adult School. Gentle but powerful exercises for mind and body with instructor Gary West. Enhance your well being, improve your balance, and practice mindfulness. 19 weeks. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Dec. 13 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB

MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GETTOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen. org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE

MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. through Nov. 25 $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, 877-468-3861.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6340 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES (GRADES 2-4) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session.

Mondays, Wednesdays, 3:30-4:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES (GRADES 5-7) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session.

Mondays, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES (GRADES 8-12) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE Vitalant will take over the event center to host. In the U.S., someone needs blood every two seconds, and every blood donation can save up to three lives. Sign up. Aug. 17, 12-4:30 p.m. Free. 805-215-3669. slopublicmarket.com. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10, 10-11 & 11 a.m.noon through Aug. 16 Ranges from $55–$105. slocity.org. Islay Hill Park, 1151 Tank Farm Rd., San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/

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.

REGISTER FOR QI-GONG FITNESS ONLINE

Gentle but powerful movement for balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Hosted by San Luis Coastal Adult School, with instructor Gary West. Over Zoom. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Aug. 18 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd. org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss

SUMMER SPORTS CAMP Community youth are invited to start and end their summer participating in a full day sports camp with Parks and Recreation. Participants will learn and play a variety of different traditional and non–traditional sports throughout the three–week camp. Limited registration available. Through Aug. 16 $120 (Week 1 and 2), $70 (Week 3). slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SUPER REC SATURDAYS Offers the public a full day of recreational swim on Super Saturdays,

172 Station Way, Arroyo Grande ArroyoGrandeChiropractic.com

Se Habla Español

COURTESY IMAGE BY VIRGINIA MACK

Our mission is to EMPOWER, EQUIP, and INSPIRE mature homeowners and their families with information needed to make “knowledgedriven” – as opposed to crisis-driven –decisions as they grow older.

Hot Dates

with an obstacle course, diving boards, activities, and music. All ages are welcome to enjoy. Every other Saturday, 12-6 p.m. through Aug. 13 Adults: $4.75; Youth/ Seniors: $4.25. 805-781-7288. slocity.org.

SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo.

TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free networking event where people interested in technology can hang out in an informal environment with a small TEDtalk-like presentation from an interesting speaker. Learn more online.

Second Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m. 805-323-6706. meetup.com/softec/.

StoryLabs, 102 Cross St, Suite 220, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR DE SRAM: A WORLD BICYCLE

RELIEF FUNDRAISER During this annual event, host will be serving beer, wine, cider, and tacos with delicious housemade tortillas and guac. There will also be a silent auction and tours. All proceeds benefit WBR. Aug. 19, 3-7 p.m. Varies (see website). 805-215-0196. powerofbicycles. org. SRAM, 4720 Allene Way, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

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

SEA COAST SENIORS

Proper Planning Prevents Disaster

Wednesday, August 16th 10:00 –11:30am

RSVP call or text (805) 710-2415 to save your seat!

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AQUATIC BIRDS OF OSO FLACO LAKE

Join The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for a short hike as we explore dune ecosystem and the aquatic birds of our lakes. Aug. 12 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805-724-9709. sblandtrust.org. Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, Oso Flaco Lake Rd., Nipomo.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. 805-835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

Hosted by: Nancy Puder & Associates #00677873 There

WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone.

Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399.

5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

WMW COMMUNITY HIKE Hosted by Women Making Waves (WMW). Aug. 12 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Preserve, Mattie Road, Pismo Beach.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

2023 LOMPOC POLICE CAR SHOW

Visit site for tickets and more info on this two-day fundraiser car show and cruise. Aug. 11 , 5 p.m. and Aug. 12 , 3 p.m. my805tix.com. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. 805772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade 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. 805-824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay

Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

PAINT AND SIP Includes all materials needed to create your one of a kind masterpiece, plus a glass of liquid inspiration. Aug. 11 5:30-7:30 p.m. $55. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. Top Dog Coffee Bar, 857 Main St., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. 805-772-2128. chabliscruises. com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 805-4606042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

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

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multimedia trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-242-1167.

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

SEA OTTER SAVVY TRIVIA NIGHT

FUNDRAISER Test your sea otter savvy while supporting sea otter conservation. Join us for Sea Otter Trivia Night at the Oak and Otter Brewhouse. Food and beverage sales all day will benefit Sea Otter Savvy. Sea-ottery seafood specials offered on the day. Aug. 17 6-8 p.m. $5 each to play trivia. seaottersavvy.org. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-2529. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

WEDNESDAY PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking caps as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805-4392529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Tours will give you a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and their families, while helping keep our jewel of the Central Coast preserved and protected. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS

DISASTER Come hear what local experts have to say about plans to put in place before the crisis happens. Never a sales pitch. RSVP to save a seat. Text or call 805710-2415. Aug. 16 10-11:30 a.m. Free. 805710-2415. NancyPuder.com. Hilton Garden Inn, 601 James Way, Pismo Beach.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND

CENTRAL COAST CIDER FESTIVAL Visit site for more info on the festival as well as tickets to the event. Aug. 12 , 4 p.m. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 16 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Templeton Mercantile Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

ONX WINES VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING Enjoy a private tour and tasting at the ONX Estate. The tour begins at the Tractor Shed with a portfolio tasting. From there your host will drive you around the vineyard in an off-road vehicle, allowing you to taste the wine right where it’s grown. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 29 $45 per person. 805-434-5607. onxwine.com/estate. ONX

Estate Vineyard, 1200 Paseo Excelsus, Templeton.

PAINT AND SIP

Please join Art Social 805 at Unhinged, where you will enjoy a Paris-themed paint while enjoying a chosen glass of liquid courage. Aug. 10, 6-8 p.m. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com.

Unhinged Beer and Wine Bar, 5816 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria

A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. 805-235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

BUTTERCUP CONCERT SERIES: THE

CLIFFNOTES Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 17, 5 p.m. my805tix.com. Buttercup Bakery and Cafe, 430 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, 805-226-6678.

FLAVOR PACKET Guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and and an indie attitude. Aug. 20 1-4 p.m. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, 805-2380725, castorocellars.com.

FREE KARAOKE PARTY Free party at the Siren. No singing experience necessary. Aug. 16, 7:30-11 p.m. Free. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures,

Hot Dates

animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. 805-305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.

LIVE MUSIC WITH GUITAR WIZ AT LUNADA GARDEN BISTRO “Guitar Wizard”

Billy Foppiano plays a wide range of music, including blues, R&B, classic rock, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 805-900-5444. Lunada Garden

JOLON STATION BAND VARIETY SHOW

Come join Jolon Station Band every Thursday night in downtown Atascadero for a night of comedy, musical guests, prize wheels, and more. Thursdays, 8-10 p.m. $5 at the door. Raconteur Room, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, 805-464-2584.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: BEYOND

“To infinity and beyond.” Aug. 13 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Community Church of Atascadero, 5850 Rosario Ave., Atascadero, 805-466-9108.

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.

MAKESHIFT MUSE See the Mission Plaza come to life with creatives. Shop from more than 40 businesses with live music. Aug. 12 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. 805540-1768. themakeshiftmuse.com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

MUSICAL IMPROV SHOW An entirely improvised, live comedy show using audience suggestions. Grab a cool glass of craft beer or wine at the bar. Aug. 17 6-8 p.m. $10. 805-858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, San Luis Obispo.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: BEYOND “To infinity and beyond.” Aug. 12 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 781-8220.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUES

The Flower City Ballroom in Lompoc presents blues guitarist Chris Durante, live in concert, on Friday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.

Admission to the show is $15 at the door or $10 in advance.

Tickets to the concert in advance are available at my805tix. com. For more info on the show, call (805) 586-3295 or visit fcballroom.com. The Flower City Ballroom is located at 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. —C.W.

Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos. OPEN MIC NIGHT Come join us each Wednesday for Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. 805-995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

AT HARMONY CELLARS Start your weekend in Harmony with live music, food truck fare, and wine on the patio. Reservations required. Seating provided. Fridays, 5:15-7:15 p.m. through Sept. 8 $12$20. 805-927-1625. harmonycellars.com. Harmony Cellars, 3255 Harmony Valley Rd., P.O. Box 2502, Harmony.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 19 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Four Lanterns Winery, 2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles, 805-226-5955.

FOREVER GREEN LIVE AT PEAR VALLEY

Come join Forever Green for some summertime live music entertainment and world class wines. Aug. 20, 1-4 p.m. caraandchristibrown.com/forever-green. Pear Valley Winery, 4900 Union Road, Paso Robles, 805-475-3389.

FOREVER GREEN LIVE AT STILL WATERS

Part of the “Wine Wednesday” summer music series. Free for wine club members. All tickets include first glass of wine and live music entry. Aug. 16 6-8 p.m. $25 for non-members. stillwatersvineyards.com.

Still Waters Vineyards, 2750 Old Grove Lane, Paso Robles, 805-237-9231.

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. 805460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

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

RYAN DELMORE LIVE All ages welcome. Aug. 10 6-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Templeton Mercantile Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

SŌLEFFECT AT CAL COAST BEER CO. Enjoy upbeat originals and covers. Aug. 12 6-9 p.m. California Coast Beer Company, 1346 Railroad St., Paso Robles, 805-3692347, calcoastbeer.com/.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOBBY OROZA LIVE For ages 18 and over. Aug. 11, 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-5431843, slobrew.com.

BROOKS BURGERS: SLO PUBLIC MARKET SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH THE SKYLITES Have fun on the outdoor patio with great food, drinks, and The SkyLites at Brooks Burgers. Aug. 12 2-5 p.m. Brooks Burgers, 134 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-3092.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 17 noon eastoneverett.com/. Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 17 6-9 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-595-4764.

EASTON EVERETT SOLO Enjoy some indie-acoustic, live music. Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Big Sky Cafe, 1121 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (805)545-5401.

AN EVENING WITH PATTI SMITH TRIO All ages welcome. Aug. 10 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

GUITAR BAZAAR Come to the Guitar Bazaar–a new kind of swap meet to buy and sell used guitars, amps, and pedals. Josh Collins, guitarist for Próxima Parada, will perform. Win a new $550 Michael Kelly Hybrid Guitar at the event with your admission. Aug. 12 $12.25. 805-203-5564. guitarbazaar.info. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND The San Luis Obispo County Band performs a variety of music for the enjoyment of Farmer’s Market patrons. At the corner of Higuera and Nipomo during the third Thursdays of July, August, and September. Aug. 17, 6-8:45 p.m. Free admission. 630-421-2556. San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, Broad and Higuera, San Luis Obispo.

SONGWRITERS AT PLAY PRESENTS

ROY ZIMMERMAN Presented by Songwriters at Play. Aug. 10 7 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-9463.

SUNDAY MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Sundays, 4-7 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-4390774, ragtagwineco.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

DANTE MARSH AND THE VIBESETTERS

A high energy pop/soul band based out of San Luis Obispo. Aug. 12 2-5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

FLAMENCO DANCE WITH LA GITANE

Learn the art of Flamenco dance. Express your truest self in this ancient art form through its mysterious rhythms and songs that represent the purest emotions we possess as a people. Aug. 10, 6-7 p.m. $20. 805-595-7600. Avila Bay Athletic Club, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach.

KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, 805-925-3500.

KARAOKE SATURDAYS Take advantage of karaoke every Saturday. Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

CHRIS DUARTE LIVE Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 18 7 p.m. my805tix. com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

GRUPO DILIGENCIA AND DJ KAZANOVA

Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 12 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. RED HOT TRIBUTE With The Faithful, a tribute to Pearl Jam. Aug. 19, 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. ∆

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLOWER CITY BALLROOM

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

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

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

If you are ready to live your best life, come check us out!

Arts

ARTIFACTS

American Pickers series seeks California-based antique collectors

The producers of American Pickers an ongoing documentary series on the History Channel, are currently seeking California residents who collect valuable antiques and other unique items. The show is shot in different states throughout the year and will center on California during the month of September.

The series does not highlight flea markets, museums, or other businesses, but focuses on individuals with private antique collections of their own. California-based collectors who are interested in appearing on the show can call (646) 493-2184 or send their name, phone number, locations, and a description of their collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com.

As “the Pickers” travel from coast to coast, the group is on “a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics” and hopes “to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way,” according to press materials. The show is hosted by Danielle Colby (pictured, left), Mike Wolfe (right), and Robbie Wolfe.

Visit history.com/shows/ american-pickers to find out more about American Pickers

Art Center Morro Bay holds free calligraphy demonstration

Prolific calligrapher and teacher Mary Lou Johnson will lead a free calligraphy demonstration at Art Center Morro Bay on Monday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. Johnson began hand lettering during the 1980s, according to press materials, and joined the Los Angeles Society for Calligraphy during the 1990s.

Throughout her career, Johnson has created lettering for wedding invitations, wine labels, and local business brands, including the lettering for the Morro Bay Harvest Festival. She has also taught workshops for Cuesta College, Art Central San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Adult Education, and other organizations based in San Luis Obispo County.

Attendees of Johnson’s interactive demonstration at Art Center Morro Bay will have the opportunity to try hand lettering while using different brushes and pens. No prior calligraphy experience is required, as the demo is described as an introduction to calligraphy and hand lettering.

Admission to the upcoming calligraphy demo, presented by the Morro Bay Art Association, at Art Center Morro Bay is free. To find out more about the event and other future programs hosted by the local gallery, call (805) 772-2504 or visit artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay is located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay, and is open daily, from noon to 4 p.m. ∆

Wiseblood

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Moving medium

SLO-based choreographer Lisa Deyo speaks the many languages of dance

Lisa Deyo may be a dancer and choreographer in her day-to-day, but she’s an etymologist in spirit—a wordsmith of the wondrous languages of dance.

“I look at all the genres of dance—jazz, ballet, musical theater, contemporary—as di erent words I’ve been able to learn over the years,” Deyo said. “So when I’m creating a dance number I want to be able to use all of the words instead of just one set of words.”

e Deyo Dances director is putting this unique take on dance to work in the company’s Aug. 19 and 20 productions—showcasing Deyo’s knack for variety and moving choreography.

“ e show itself is made up of four di erent pieces: If, I am Minerva, Red Shoes 3.0, and As it Seems,” she said. “Each of the pieces is completely unrelated to each other with the only commonality being my choreography.”

e pieces are all performed by Deyo and her dance company, with dancers ranging from beginner level to more experienced—all united in bringing her creative vision to life.

According to Deyo, the rst piece in the performance is an interpretation of a process that takes every second of the day. If—short for intermolecular forces—features erratic dancing and skittering movements that are meant to replicate the movement of molecules in an atom.

“To put it simply for those who are trying to visualize, it’s a bunch of people behaving and moving like molecules,” she said with a laugh.

“ ere’s also this secondary focus on what happens when molecules start to bond and create something new and lively that is represented by a burst of motion.”

Red Shoes 3.0 is based on Deyo’s daughter and a pair of red shoes she used to wear as a child that she said often captivated people and energized them.

“ e original Red Shoes piece was something I came up with after I was commissioned by a woman to make a dance number,” she said. “I decided that the joy and excitement my daughter’s shoes made was a great point of inspiration, and so far each performance of it since has resonated with the audience.”

Come to the show

Catch Deyo Dances performance on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. or Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. at Studio @-Ryan’s American Dance (located at 279 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo). Tickets can be purchased at deyodances.eventbrite.com.

As It Seems aims to capture the essence of popular ’90s musical hits and combine them with an insightful look into the past.

“ e music for this piece is cool because it’s based on these big band versions of ’90s popular songs like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ ‘Black Hole Sun,’ and ‘Wonderwall,’ she said. “I love the dichotomy of blending those two very di erent styles to bring the audience into something they are familiar with but might be hearing in a di erent way than they normally would.”

Deyo said that she intended the performance to showcase the impact of duets, as they allow the very emotive dancers to fully convey a story to the audience in a way only two people could do together.

“ e duet in this piece is what inspires me the most,” she said. “Something about exploring that duality of a relationship between two people— whether that be a man and woman, or man and man, or woman and woman, or whatever. You get to see who is supporting who both in dance and in emotion and how that dynamic switches just like actual relationships.”

Deyo said that As It Seems was also her opportunity to delve into the Las Vegas-like energy the music conveys to explore traditional perceptions of the dazzling past.

“Imagine a casino, everything has a similar color scheme and look to it, and that’s how all these performers are dressed—I want them to re ect that feeling of being in a Vegas casino,” she said. “It’s costumed exactly as you would picture it in your head: the girl wearing a glittery dress and the man in a suave-style suit.”

at isn’t to say that all of her pieces are meant to convey a sense of glitz and glam—alongside some appreciation for pop hits—in fact, one of the main focuses of the overall show is a new piece titled I am Minerva.

e piece is an insight into the grief and emotion Deyo experienced when her mother passed away—something she found herself bonding over with some of the dancers who perform alongside her, including Solina Lindahl.

she’s

their own unique experience and reaction that re ects at us.”

Ultimately there is something for everyone and, according to Lindahl, that’s by Deyo’s design.

Showtime!

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

“I am Minerva is cathartic for Lisa and it hits home for me at the point of my life that I’m in,” Lindahl said. “As a dancer, you not only get to experience the emotion of the moment through your body movements but also convey that to the audience, who then has

“Every piece in this overall performance is super varied and scratches that itch for variety that Lisa and a lot of us performers have,” Lindahl said with a laugh. “Everyone brings something di erent, and each audience member is going to receive it di erently—that’s what makes dance so great.”

Sta Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas is singing the chorus of Black Hole Sun. Reach him at arosas@ newtimesslo.com.

DYNAMIC DUO Dancers Ryan Beck and Nellie Salisbury showcase the duo dynamics that show coordinator Lisa Deyo intends to highlight in the upcoming Deyo Dances performances.

SUAVE STYLE Lisa Deyo has danced all over the world, but

taking the stage in her hometown of San Luis Obispo with her latest dance sets.

MUSICAL MOVEMENT As it Seems is just one of four aspects of the upcoming Deyo Dances premiere utilizing big band takes on ’90s pop hits.

Arrangements by Cynthia Reifler Flores

Gray (left) and Camillia Lanham (right)

Mega dumb fun!

Ben Wheatley (Free Fire, Sightseers, Kill List) directs this sequel to 2018’s The Meg, about the research scientists exploring the Marianas Trench who encounter the prehistoric Megalodon, a massive 75-foot shark. This time around, the researchers return to further study the strange hidden world, where they uncover new threats as well as a secret rare earth minerals mining operation. (116 min.)

Glen The action begins 65 million years ago with a fun CGI depiction of the prehistoric food chain, introducing us to a new creature that can best be described as a hybrid of land-and-sea seals, pack-hunting wolves, and toothy catfish-alligators all feasting on a beached whale. Soon a T-Rex arrives to show the, let’s call them “killer amphibians,” who’s really in charge … until a megalodon snatches the T-Rex from the shore. Mm. B-movie magic, and this is not a spoiler. If you’ve seen the trailer, you’ve seen this opening scene. In fact, the trailer reveals a bunch of the outlandish moments in this ridiculous follow-up to its ridiculous predecessor. Prepare yourself for Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) riding a jet ski and harpooning megalodons with homemade exploding spears. Prepare yourself for a giant squid. Prepare yourself for three tourist-eating megalodons and a bunch of marauding killer amphibians. It’s bigger, dumber, and more ridiculous than the original, which—if you’re going to see it, let’s face it—is exactly what you’re paying for.

MEG 2: THE TRENCH

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee

What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10, Sunset Drive-In

Anna Right, there are no worries here about the filmmakers taking the Meg franchise in a different direction. They stick with the ridiculous and amp it up even more. I like these campy, over-the-top monster flicks like the Piranha series and Godzilla vs. Kong. There’s just something deliciously summery about these movies that brings delight. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to groan over here—but there’s no delusion by those

involved about what they’re doing. Meg 2: The Trench is like the deep-fried butter stand at the fair—there is no rhyme or reason to why it exists, but there is always a line and no matter how much you deny it, you know you’ll be right back in line and handing over cash next time it comes around. Statham is always great, and he has great panache in these brash hero roles. Between his roles in the Fast & Furious, Transporter, and Meg franchises, he’s solidified himself in the role of swaggering badass who has comedy chops to boot. Glen It’s not just giant sharks and squids that endanger this team of scientists—there’s someone in their own organization who’s out to sabotage their operation, which they realize when they discover a mining facility at the bottom of the trench and a henchman named Montes (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) who’s trying to kill them. Much of the original cast has returned, including Shuya Sophia Cai as Meiying, the daughter of one

of the first film’s researchers. She was just 10 in the first film and is now 15. Also back from round one is Page Kennedy as hapless DJ, who in the last five years has been honing his fighting skills, which come in handy when their facility is attacked. Cliff Curtis is back as Mac. I do miss Rainn Wilson as Morris, but since he was eaten in the first, oh well. Ignore the groan-inducing dialogue and embrace the absurd CGI mayhem. Eat some popcorn. Turn off your brain. Live a little. Anna I love that they brought back the same young actress as Meiying. She did great here! I’m not sure if I missed what happened between the first film and the second, but her mother is now gone and Jonas is her protector along with her uncle, Jing Wu (Juiming Zhang). Sometimes you just have to let go of knowing how we got where we are. It’s all so silly, and I’m here for it! More homemade harpoons and big-toothed sea monsters, please! ∆

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

What’s it rated? R

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Apple TV-plus

Now 62 and in the depths of his Parkinson’s disease, which was diagnosed at age 29, Michael J. Fox has been living with the reality of both his fame and his disease for most of his life. This documentary, written by Fox and directed by Davis Guggenheim, chronicles his early life and jump into fame at a young age, his years spent as one of the world’s biggest stars and teen heartthrob, and the aftereffects of his diagnosis as well as the years of struggle

ON THE RUN Special ops mercenary Tom Harris (Gerald Butler, left) and his Afghan American translator Mohammad “Mo” Doud (Navid Negahban) must evade Iranian and Pakistani security forces, in Kandahar, on streaming platforms and at Redbox.

as his body slowly becomes less steady and reliable.

Fox’s perspective on his young stardom and the sliceof-life look we get into those years remind us what a true sensation he was, especially in the Back to the Future years. We also watch as he struggles to function. He’s walking still but with a marked handicap and is prone to falling, and watching his health degrade is difficult.

Ultimately touching and undeniably saddening, Still offers us a look at what goes on behind the limelight and lets us see that even stars share human struggles. (95 min.)

—Anna

KANDAHAR

What’s it rated? R

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Redbox and streaming platforms

In their third collaboration, Ric Roman Waugh ( Angel Has Fallen, Greenland ) directs Gerald Butler once again, this time as Tom Harris, a freelance special operator working for the CIA. He’s a world-weary mercenary with a young daughter he doesn’t see enough and a wife demanding he sign divorce papers. We first meet him as he’s working undercover as a communications tech, but he’s really

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, director Davis Guggenheim mixes film clips and reenactments, over which Fox narrates what it’s been like to spend 30 years with Parkinson’s disease, streaming on Apple TV-plus.

inserting malware into an Iranian nuclear facility. That successful op leads his CIA handler Roman Chalmers (Travis Fimmel) to send him on another mission, this time in Afghanistan, but his cover is immediately blown, and soon he and his Afghan American translator, Mohammad “Mo” Doud (Navid Negahban), are in a race to an extraction point with Iranian security forces in pursuit, as well as Pakistani agent Kahil Nassir (Ali Fazal), a relentless and resourceful antagonist.

If, at this point, you’re thinking, “This sounds a lot like Guy Richie’s The Covenant ,” you’d be right. Richie’s film is much better, but hey, if you’re an action junkie and you need to feed your habit, Kandahar is a serviceable flick with engaging performances and effective direction, it’s just not as masterful as The Covenant which remains one of this year’s best. (119 min.) ∆

STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX MOVIE

BAD SHARK! Once again, Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) must save vacationers from prehistoric apex predators, in Meg 2: The Trench, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV+ STILL HERE In

PHOTO COURTESY OF OPEN ROAD FILMS

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Rockabilly revivalist

Chris Isaak remains a smooth operator

Way back in my nightclub managing days, Chris Isaak played D.K.’s West Indies Bar a couple times, and it was glorious. His crew would hang tiki lights around the club, and Isaak wore these custom-made suits with outrageously colorful floral designs. It was a spectacle, and of course the ladies went crazy for the tall, handsome, smooth-as-silk crooner from Stockton.

At the time, he was just three records— Silvertone (1985), his titular sophomore album (1987), and Heart Shaped World (1989)—into his now 13-record career, and he was just beginning to get some acting gigs such as Married to the Mob (1988) and Silence of the Lambs (1991). MTV was still a thing, and in 1991 his video for “Wicked Games” was named Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The platinum-selling artist had hits with tracks like “Blue Hotel,” “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing,” “Lie to Me,” “Can’t Do a Thing,” “Blue Spanish Sky,” and many more, and judging from his recent setlists, he doesn’t shy away from playing his most well-known songs in concert.

This Saturday, Aug. 12, Chris Isaak plays Vina Robles Amphitheatre (7:30 p.m.; $45 to $89.50 at vinaroblesamphitheatre. com). The Grammy-nominated performer still has a haunting voice, and he’s been the mastermind behind a number of film soundtracks, from Eyes Wide Shut and True Romance to Wild at Heart and Blue Velvet He was also recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance by the Americana Honors. Oh, and the lifelong bachelor is still single. Let’s see who can draw that sword from that stone.

Also this week at Vina Robles, check out Los Lonely Boys on Friday, Aug. 11 (7:30 p.m.; $40 to $59.50 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com). This family music trio features brothers Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza, who’ve been playing and touring together since their teens growing

up in San Angelo, Texas. This is a second-generation sibling band as their father, Enrique “Ringo” Garza Sr., played conjunto music with his brothers in a band called Falcones.

Sound out!

Their father moved them to Nashville, where he thought they’d have a better chance at success, but ironically, real success came after they returned to Texas and were discovered by Willie Nelson, who showcased them at Farm Aid.

Their first single, “Heaven,” connected the “Texican rockers” to new fans as it shot

to No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2005, it won a Grammy Award. They’ve been going strong ever since except for a break between 2019 and 2022 to grow their families. Who knows. Maybe a third-generation sibling band will emerge.

Fremont Theater

I waxed poetic last week about the Patti Smith Trio this Thursday, Aug. 10 (8 p.m.; all ages; $55 at seetickets.us). Looks like tickets are

still available for this NYC proto-punk icon. Also this week at the Fremont, get your rap fix when MC Magic, Baby Bash, and Lil Rob play on Saturday, Aug. 12 (8 p.m.; all ages; $48.50 at seetickets.us). MC Magic, née Marco Cardenas in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, raps in English and Spanish and is founder of NastyBoy Records. His family moved to Phoenix when he was 5, and by 13, he learned to program a drum machine and began DJing. His breakthrough album was 2006’s Magic City, that hit No. 1 on the Heat Seekers chart. His most recent is 2014’s Million Dollar Mexican.

Chris Isaak plays the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Aug. 12

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS

BAND OF BROTHERS Los Lonely Boys plays the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Aug. 11 .

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS

FEEL THE MAGIC Mexican American rapper MC Magic plays the Fremont Theater on Aug. 12 .

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD VIBEZ

Numbskull and Good Medicine

If you were hoping to see Sunny Sweeney or the Dustbowl Revival this week, both those shows have been canceled but will be rescheduled later. I’ll keep you posted. The Numbskull and Good Medicine show that’s definitely on is The Young Dubliners at The Siren on Saturday, Aug. 12 (8 p.m.; 21-andolder; $20 at goodmedicinepresents.com).

Formed by frontman Keith Roberts in Santa Monica in 1988, for 35 years they’ve been one of the world’s best loved Celtic rock bands. They tour all around the world, but a few years ago Roberts moved his family to the Central Coast, so this is sort of homebase now. Like all bands, they had to hunker down and weather the pandemic, but now they’re back in full swing, playing a bunch of West Coast dates this month before traveling east across the country and then back again.

“We want to be the band who reminds the world how important a good gig can be to our sanity after what we’ve all been through,” Roberts said in press materials.

They’re also currently crowd-funding for a new album.

“The business has changed so much over our lifetime that it no longer makes sense for us to take money from a label and then owe it all back,” Roberts explained.

Sound out!

“Making all our supporters co producers is a far more rewarding way to make a record and allows us to maintain control all the way.”

Also at The Siren …

Get your hardcore and punk rock tribute on when Babes Against the Machine and Dad Religion play on Friday, Aug. 11 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $17 at tixr.com).

The four seasoned members of Babes “share a passion for the unbridled fiery intensity of Rage Against The Machine’s inyour-face music and the powerful universal

messages spread throughout their lyrics,” press materials explain. “Empowered and unstoppable—Babes Against The Machine delivers the instantly recognizable tunes, driving rhythms, and authentic hard rockmetal-funk style of Rage Against The Machine wrapped up in a mesmerizing stage show that keeps both casual viewers and the most hardcore RATM fans dancing and singing along all night long.”

Dad Religion is a punk cover band that’s just an out and out blast. They’re having as much fun rocking out as you will listening to them put the pedal to the metal on everything from Bad Religion to Green Day to NOFX.

Louisville, Kentucky-based country and western singer-songwriter and guitarist Kyle Eldridge is known for his mix of Joe Maphis and Merle Travis picking and Western jazz stylings. According to his bio, he “got his start playing in the Southern United States,

where he met upright bassist Dakota Collins, who brought him to Nashville, Tennessee. There, they began playing honky-tonks on the famous Broadway strip, and soon after, Kyle recorded his debut EP in Los Angeles, California, at Deke Dickerson’s studio.”

With his ripping double-neck guitar playing, he’s been called the “heir apparent” by Larry Collins of The Collins Kids. See Kyle Eldridge’s Rockabilly Review next Thursday, Aug. 17 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15 at tixr.com).

SLO Brew Rock

The club near the airport only has one show this week, but it’s a doozy. SLO Brew Live and (((folkYEAH!))) present Bobby Oroza on Friday, Aug. 11 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20 at ticketweb.com). The soulful Fin was born in Helsinki into a family of musicians and artists and spent years grinding it out as a sideman in the Finnish music scene before breaking out on his own. His debut, This Love (2019), was well received, but his follow-up, Get on the Otherside (2022), has established him as an authentic Finnish soul sensation. Judging by his bio, it sounds like he had a fascinating early life, born to a Finnish father and Bolivian mother.

“During frequent family parties, Bobby’s Bolivian grandfather would pick up a guitar and sing Latin canciones and Cuban classics. Bobby’s mother is a singer and his father a gypsy-style jazz guitarist. All his siblings work in show business and music. As a kid, Bobby was lucky to grow up surrounded by his parents’ record collection, which included early jazz and blues, Motown hits, gospel ensembles, and doo-wop groups like The Drifters and The Clovers. The Soul records were balanced out by Brazilian ones, African ones, his mother’s collection of North and South American folk songs, and Nuyorican Salsa albums. All of these influences show up in Bobby’s music.”

More music …

Soul funk act Dante Marsh and The Vibe Setters headline Concerts in the Plaza this Friday, Aug. 11, in Mission Plaza. The show opens at 5 p.m. with a set by Jineanne Coderre, who’s got a gorgeous voice, followed by the headliner at 6 (free, all ages). ∆

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

CELTIC CLASSICS The Young Dubliners play a Numbskull and Good Medicine Presents show at The Siren on Aug. 12 .

FINNISH SOULMAN SLO Brew Live and (((folkYEAH!))) present Bobby Oroza at SLO Brew Rock

COURTESY PHOTO BY ANA SALMISALO

Small but mighty

Templeton winery Bella Luna wins prestigious blind-tasting competition two years in a row

Winning a prestigious blind winetasting competition is justifiably impressive, but winning twice consecutively is almost inconceivable.

In April, Templeton’s Bella Luna Estate Winery took home top honors at San Diego’s 15th annual Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition for its 2019 Estate Riserva, duplicating its win at last year’s event.

The small boutique winery once again landed the title of Domestic Wine of the Year, besting the country’s top producers, including its formidable neighbors in Paso Robles, recently named the top wine-tasting region in the nation by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023.

On the Winemaker Challenge website, director Rich Cook touted the rare achievement: “I’ve been involved with wine competitions for many years—going back to the late 1980s—and I don’t recall a wine from consecutive vintages winning consecutive Wine of the Year awards from the same competition.

“It’s an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact that the same vineyard source produced two different blends that reached the same high score. Major kudos to [Bella Luna’s team] for bringing the 2019 Bella Luna Estate Riserva from Carly’s Vineyard to life in a different but equally compelling iteration as the 2018 vintage.”

The cabernet sauvignon-sangiovese blends, which were judged blind by noted winemakers, both received 98 points, making Bella Luna co-founder Kevin Healey wonder “what happened to the last two points.”

“But all jokes aside,” he continued, “the entire team felt honored that all our hard work over the years in the vineyard was acknowledged.”

His daughter, General Manager Nichole Healey-Finn, added: “I almost didn’t enter the 2019 Estate Riserva as [it] was a complete change from the 2018 vintage.”

“When we got the results back, we were all floored. I immediately reached out to the director of the competition and told him how humbled and shocked we were to receive this award again,” she said.

Taste for yourself

Bella Luna Estate Winery, located at 1850 Templeton Road, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ins and reserved tastings. Enjoy a flight of five to six wines for $20, which is waived with a two-bottle purchase. For more information, visit bellalunawine.com. Follow the winery on Instagram and Facebook @bellalunawine.

The charming, family-run Bella Luna Estate Winery, set on 10 acres in the Templeton Gap District American Viticultural Area, was founded 25 years ago by Atascadero natives Healey and the late Sherman Smoot, an avid aviator whose plane crashed last year while prepping for the Reno Air Races.

The lifelong friends met playing T-ball in 1953, went on to become quarterback and center of the Atascadero High School football team, then served in the Vietnam War. After following separate career paths, they reunited in 1998, at the age of 50, to start a winery specializing in dry-farmed Italian varietals.

Smoot focused on the business side, while Healey oversaw winemaking and the vineyard, having trained under legendary old-vine zinfandel grower and dry farmer Melvin Casteel.

Healey said he developed a love and respect for how Casteel nurtured his Paso vineyard without the use of water. For the next 20 years, he put his newly acquired skills to use as assistant winemaker to Frank Nerelli of Pesenti Winery, now owned by Turley Wine Cellars.

In 1998, Healey and Smoot planted sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon, then welcomed their first vintage in 2001. Carly’s Vineyard is named for Smoot’s daughter, who also named the winery at age 8 after watching Disney’s Lady and the Tramp eat spaghetti on a moonlit date, according to Healey-Finn.

She added that “we even plan events around the full moon whenever we can, and our kids now call the moon ‘Bella Luna.’”

The labels are designed by Smoot’s wife, Laurie, who has Italian ancestry.

“Her Italian grandparents traveled to Italy frequently and brought back wine on each of their trips,” Healey-Finn said. “Laurie

DOUBLE

remembers her grandpa asking her to go down to the cellar and pick out a wine, and the labels [were] handwritten. So that’s what we went for.”

Healey ultimately passed winemaking reins to Smoot’s stepson Jimmy Zanoli of ZANOLI Wines. Zanoli, in turn, was replaced by current head winemaker Lukas Finn, Healey-Finn’s husband.

Healey-Finn, meanwhile, unceremoniously grew up in Bella Luna’s wine trenches, “pruning, suckering, thinning, or bird netting,” she said.

After obtaining dual degrees in enology and viticulture from California State University Fresno, she sent her resume Down Under and ended up working at Wise Wine

TAKE Bella Luna’s 2018 Estate Riserva was cabernet sauvignon-heavy, while its successor favored sangiovese. Judges gave the distinctive blends top honors in both the 2022 and 2023 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.

in Eagle Bay and nearby 3 Oceans Winery in Margaret River, Western Australia.

What was supposed to be a three-month internship lasted seven years after she fell in love with rising Australian winemaker Finn.

In 2018, the married couple returned to the Templeton estate to help expand the family business. Finn landed a job as assistant winemaker at Eberle Winery before fully transitioning to Bella Luna in 2020.

The winery’s award-winning vintages are a collaboration among the entire HealeySmoot clan, although Healey and Healey-

Finn spearheaded the 2019 Estate Riserva.

“I was surprised to hear we had won the Winemaker Challenge again,” Finn said. “I thought they were a bit young to release, but it just shows how high a standard we hold ourselves to.”

Healey-Finn’s goals for the winery are to gradually increase production to 3,000 cases without compromising that family charm and still being able to do all the winemaking themselves, she said.

Her husband added that he is beyond excited “to continue the legacy that Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot started.”

“In my 25 years of making wine … I have

never been involved in such a successful wine project,” he said. “It’s one of the first wines I’ve gone from pruning the vines to bottling the wine.”

Healey, meanwhile, has more modest ambitions: “putting meat and potatoes on the plate and [having] fun with all the hard work.”

The family invites guests to check out their latest tasting lineup via glass, bottle, or flight. Bring your own picnic food or enjoy Paso’s Vivant Fine Cheese and Atascadero’s Alle-Pia

salami, available for purchase.

Stay tuned for the winery’s 2020 Estate Riserva—a potential triple-crown winner? Anything’s possible, the family agreed. “It’s definitely something to look forward to,” Finn added. “This vineyard just keeps getting better and better.” ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte is thrilled to cover the country’s premier wine and emerging spirits region. Contact her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

OCTOBER 22, 1929 – JUNE 15, 2023

James “Jim” Douglas Gray

“Jim” Douglas Gray was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 22, 1929. He was the second of three children to Harry and Marjorie Gray. He had two sisters, Virginia and Mary Ruth. In 1943, with World War II in full swing the Grays moved to Long Beach, California.

In high school Jim was active in sports and later would play many years of tennis up in to his 90s. He joined the ROTC, enlisted in the army, and served five years in the Korean War. After the army he graduated from UCLA and found work as software engineer with North American Rockwell Industries retiring in 1988 after 28 years.

In 1994 Jim and Terri moved to the central coast, built a home in Arroyo Grande, and enjoyed time together, traveling, time with friends and family, and lots of tennis.

Jim’s pride and joy was his family: His beautiful wife, Terri; sons Danny, Jordan, Matthew; his ten grandchildren Crystal, Sarah, Emily, Olivia, Chris, David, Hannah, Kevin, Josh, Jason; and his three great grandchildren, Peter, Vivian, and Lief. And he loved sweet dogs Ginger, Chachi, and Sweetie.

Jim was a good man, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. He made an impact on everyone he met … and he gave great hugs.  Above all he was a kind man. Rest In Peace, Jim. We love you and will miss you so much. •

FLAVOR

JOIN THE PARTY Upcoming events at Bella Luna include a pickup party for wine club members on Oct. 7 and winemaker dinner on Oct. 21 with Atascadero chef Anthony Allesmith of The Prancing Chef and music by Paso Robles duo The Racking Crew.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING “There is something beautiful about being surrounded by people you love when you’re at work,” says Bella Luna General Manager Nichole Healey-Finn, center. Her father, Kevin Healey, right, co-founder of the winery, oversees the vineyard, while her husband, Lukas Finn, left, is head winemaker.

Classies

Keep it Classy—for Free!

Home & Garden

3 slides, dual air, washer-dryer, no pets, very clean $49k. F350

2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LTD

2006 BUICK LUCERNE CXL SEDAN

4.6 V8, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, pseats, lt red, gray lthr, alloys, 97k low miles, exc servicing. #229608 $8,988

2014 KIA FORTE EX SEDAN

2.0 4 cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, alloys, black gray cloth, 121k miles. #055437

2014 CHEVY VOLT HYBRID

1.4 4cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, lt red, lthr, alloys, 121k miles. #153209

2015 BUICK REGAL SEDAN

2.0 4cyl turbo, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, prem snd, dk blue, tan lthr, pseat, mn alloys. #164148

2007 LEXUS ES350

3.5 V6, at, ac, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, 2pseats, lthr, mn Mark Levinson sound. #122458

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS 1 HB 4DR

1.8L, Hybrid, Hatchback, ac, pdl, lthr, am/fm/cd, green ext, gray int. #548404

2007 CHEVY 1500 CREW CAB

5.3 V8, 4cyl, at, ac, pw, cc, tw, am/fm/ cd, lthr. #553509 $14,988

2016 DODGE CHARGER SXT

3.6 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm prem snd, 2pseats, dk blue, white lthr, prem whls. #357335

SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive Statements of Qualifications (“SOQs”) up to but no later than Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 10:00:00 A.M. for a Request for Qualifications to Provide Design-Build Services for Portable and Modular Classrooms

The Statements of Qualifications shall be received in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District Facilities Office located at 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Questions regarding RFQ #316 for Design-Build Services for Portable and Modular Classrooms may be directed in writing only to the Facilities Analyst, Kelly Lee, at klee@slcusd.org, and must be submitted no later than August 9, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

Project documents are available at the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom at www.asapreprographics.com.

Kelly Lee

Facilities Analyst

San Luis Coastal Unified School District August 3 & 10, 2023

RUTH AND IRIS CULVERT

REPLACEMENT

SPEC. NO. 2090742-01

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids by mail for the “Ruth and Iris Culvert Replacement, Spec. No. 2090742-01” at the Public Works Administration Office located at 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 until, THURSDAY, August 31, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., when they will be publicly opened Bids received after said time will not be considered. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, contractor name, address, and specification number.

The Contractor must possess a valid Class A or C34 Contractor’s License at the time of the bid opening. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of San Luis Obispo.

Download FREE at the City’s website: www.SloCity.orgBid packages under Bids & Proposals. Questions may be addressed to Anthony Ramos, Project Manager, at 805-7837875 or aramos@slocity.org.

August 10, 2023

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA

A. Address: 00 Beachcomber Drive (APN 010-144-025)

Applicant: Fred and Tom McNeal

Project No.: P21-000050

Description: Coastal Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Architectural Review Permit, and Vesting Tentative Tract Map 3181 to subdivide a lot for 20 residential dwelling units, two accessory dwelling units, a 1.11-acre blufftop park, and a 0.38-acre open space lot, and Mitigated Negative Declaration. The project is within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission.

Environmental Review

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project requires review and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration.

You have a right to comment on this project and its effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed project. Emailed comments may be submitted to planningcommission@ pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or 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 805773-7005 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 this project are available for public review from the Planning Division Office, by emailing the Community Development Department Administrative Secretary at lchristiansen@ pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter 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 Lindsay Christiansen, Community Development Department Administrative Secretary, at lchristiansen@pismobeach. org or 805-773-4658

Lindsay Christiansen Administrative Secretary

August 10, 2023

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: What story do you tell yourself about your life that’s less than 20 percent true? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): In Stephen King’s novel It a character named Beverly is in love with a man who projects a sense of authority but also listens well. He is strong-minded but receptive; confident but willing to be changed; self-possessed but open to influence. That’s an apt description of the allies I wish for you to attract into your life in the coming months. Whether they are lovers or partners, companions or collaborators, friends or colleagues, you need and deserve the high-quality, emotionally intelligent exchanges they offer.

TAURUS

SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely by joining the Zoom webinar via the details published on the cover of the agenda, 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:

• PROPOSED FINANCING COSTS OF THE ACQUISITION, DESIGN, ENGINEERING, FABRICATION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF A PARKING STRUCTURE IN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO’S CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT AND OTHER PUBLIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE CITY AND THE REFINANCING AND DEFEASANCE OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS

Pursuant to Section 6586.5 of the California Government Code, the City of San Luis Obispo City Council, also acting as the San Luis Obispo Public Financing Authority, will hold a public hearing to consider the financing of costs of the acquisition, design, engineering, fabrication, construction, improvement and installation of a parking structure in the City of San Luis Obispo’s Cultural Arts District and certain other public capital improvements within the City and refinancing and defeasance of certain outstanding obligations and sale of bonds of the San Luis Obispo Public Financing Authority, and to determine the significant public benefits to the City from the proposed financing, including demonstrable savings to the City from the issuance and sale of such bonds, such as savings in effective interest rate costs (in accordance with Section 6586 of the California Government Code).

For more information, contact Emily Jackson, Finance Director for the City’s Finance Department at (805) 781-7125 or by email, ejackson@slocity.org.

Any interested person may attend the public hearing and be heard during public comments or present written comments to the City Clerk prior to the start of the public hearing item. According to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge the San Luis Obispo Public Financing Authority action in court or at an administrative proceeding, 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, either at or prior to the public hearing.

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

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (805) 781-7114. Notification three business days prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.

Teresa Purrington City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo August

10, 2023

(April 20-May 20): Seventy-year-old Taurus-born Eric Bogosian is a prolific playwright and author renowned for his hard-edged satire. The title of one of his books is Pounding Nails in the Floor with My Forehead. But one critic speculates he may be softening as he ages, noting that he “seems more amused than disgusted by the decaying world around him, as if his anger has been tempered by a touch of hope.” The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to cultivate a comparable reshaping, dear Taurus. Can you tenderize what has been tough? Is it possible to find redemption or entertainment in situations that have been challenging? Are you willing to add more levity and geniality to your perspective?

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Decca is a UK-based record label that has produced the work of many major musicians, including Billie Holliday, the Rolling Stones, and Tori Amos. They made a huge mistake in 1962, though. A fledgling group named the Beatles tried to get signed to Decca. An executive at the company declined, saying, “We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out.” Oops. The Beatles eventually became the best-selling and most influential band of all time. I don’t think you’re at risk of making as monumental a misstep, Gemini. But please be alert to the possibility of a key opportunity coming into view. Don’t underestimate it, even if it’s different from what you imagine you want.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): I’m a Cancerian who used to be overly reactive to people’s carelessness. If someone was in a bad mood and flung a rash insult at me, I might take offense too easily. If a friend misunderstood me, even with no malice intended, I may have sulked. Thankfully, over time, I have learned to be more like a honey badger, whose thick skin protects it well against stings and pricks. I bring this up because the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to practice my approach. First step: Understand how people sometimes direct their frustration about life toward undeserving recipients. Second step: Vow to take things less personally. Third step: Give yourself regular compliments. Actually say them aloud.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Now and then, there comes a time when I acquire an uncanny knack for seeing the totality of who you really are. I tune in to everything you do that few others know about or appreciate. I behold the big picture of your best possible future. One of those magic moments has now arrived. And it’s no accident that your energy matches mine. In other words, my power to consecrate you reflects your ability to bless yourself. So give yourself the ultimate gift, please.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the 17th century, Virgo musician Johann Pachelbel composed a piece of music he called the “Canon in D.” It soon went out of style and disappeared into obscurity. But more than 250 years later, a French chamber orchestra rediscovered it, and by the 1980s, it was everywhere. Ever since, “Pachelbel’s Canon” has been used in many pop songs and is a common anthem at weddings and funerals. I’m predicting a comparable revival for you, Virgo. An influence, creation, or person that has been gone for a while will re-emerge as a presence in your life. Be decisive in adopting it for your benefit.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Iain S. Thomas tells us, “There is magic even in gridlock, in loneliness, in too much work, in late nights gone on too long, in shopping carts with broken wheels, in boredom, in tax returns.” He says it’s the same magic that prompted Joan of Arc to believe that God spoke to her and empowered her to lead an army. I wouldn’t agree that it’s the same magic. But I do advise us all to be alert for enchantment and interesting mysteries even in the most mundane affairs. I am a champion of the quest for holiness, delight, and marvels in seemingly unlikely locations. In the coming weeks, Libra, you will have a special talent for finding these revelatory joys.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Rainer Maria Rilke said, “Self-transformation is precisely what life is.” If that’s true, you are in luck. Of all the zodiac signs, you are the most skillful self-transformer. Moreover, you are entering a prolonged phase when your instinct and talent for self-transformation will be even more potent than usual. I plan to observe you closely in the hope of learning your tricks for changing into an ever-better version of yourself. Show us all how it’s done, dear Scorpio!

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Born under the sign of Sagittarius, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was one of history’s most influential composers of classical music. His elegant, lyrical works are still widely played today. He was also a revolutionary innovator who expanded the scope of many musical genres. One composition, “Piano Sonata No. 32,” prefigures elements of ragtime, jazz, and boogie-woogie—70 years before those styles emerged. In this spirit, I invite you to plant a seed for the future. You will soon get glimpses of creative shifts that will someday be possible. And you will have an enhanced ability to instigate the inventive momentum that generates those shifts.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s be honest. Most of us—maybe all of us!—fail to grasp the world objectively. Our perceptions get filtered through our opinions and beliefs and habit minds. The events we think we see are shaped by our expectations about them. Our projections often overrule the possibility of unbiased impartiality. We are serial misinterpreters. But there’s no need to be ashamed! It’s a universal human tendency. Having said all that, however, I believe you will have a special knack, in the coming weeks, for observing reality with more clarity and openmindedness than usual. You will have an unprecedented opportunity to see accurately and gather fresh, raw truths.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is this a phase of your cycle when you’ll be prone to saying things like, “Why do you take me for granted?” and, “I’m feeling cranky,” and, “It’s not what you said, it’s the way you said it”? Or are you in a time when the following expressions are more likely to emerge from your mouth: “I have come to understand you in a totally new and interesting way,” and, “Life has blessed me by removing one of my unnecessary obstacles,” and, “I would love to learn more about the arts of cooperation and collaboration”? Here’s what I think, Aquarius: Which way you go will depend on how clearly you set your intentions. Life will respond in kind to the moods you cultivate and the specific requests you make.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Our bodies are imperfect. They are often less than 100 percent completely healthy. They don’t always do what we wish they would. Yet even when we feel less than our best, our body continually carries out millions of biochemical marvels, mostly below the level of our conscious awareness. As the creation of an evolutionary process that has unfolded for eons, our precious organism is an amazing work of art that we have every right to regard as miraculous. According to my astrological reckoning, the coming weeks are the best time this year to honor and celebrate your body. What does it need to flourish? Ask your intuition to show you. ∆