New Times, Aug. 31, 2023

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Editor’s note

About $6,000 built the Temple of the People in Halcyon, which was completed in 1924. Almost 100 years later, the temple is on its sixth guardian-in-chief, has 300 members around the world from several religious denominations, and is still guided by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal speaks with members to dispel myths and rumors, understand more about the Theosophical Society, and learn about its origins [8]

This week, you can also read what’s happening with the sexual assault cases against Nate Abate and Julian Contreras [4], art supporting the Western monarch [22], and Babydudes in Morro Bay [28]

. Camillia Lanham editor

cover photo by Jayson Mellom cover design by Alex Zuniga

HIDDEN AWAY The Temple of the People is a quiet meeting place of the Theosophical Society cradled in Halcyon, near Oceano and Arroyo Grande, as an intentional community that follows the Golden Rule.

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Judge says Cardinal Barbershop owner should face trial for sexual assault

Editor’s Note: This story contains intimate details about sexual assault, which could be triggering to survivors of sexual abuse.

Sporting a dark suit, glasses, and trimmed slicked-back hair on Aug. 29 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Nate Abate looked very different from his January arrest picture where he’s frozen in time with long hair and a full beard.

SLO County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested the 34-year-old owner of Cardinal Barbershop for allegedly raping multiple women across the county.

Abate and Julian Contreras—the former owner of the now-defunct Kin Coffee—came under fire last April when a whistleblower publicly accused the pair on Instagram of assaulting her and her friend roughly a decade ago. Since her social media post, allegations streamed in from approximately 40 women who said they were also abused.

Now, Abate’s facing trial.

During the Aug. 29 preliminary hearing, a SLO police officer and a sheriff’s detective working in the Special Victims Unit narrated the assaults supposedly committed by Abate and Contreras, as reported by five survivors. Three of those women were minors at the time of the alleged crimes.

Abate’s attorney, Scott Taylor, confirmed to presiding Judge Mike Frye that Contreras fled to Mexico. A prior Sheriff’s Office press release mentioned that detectives had an arrest warrant for Contreras and were actively trying to find him.

Abate is currently out on a $500,000 bail bond and pled not guilty.

Prosecuting attorney Kimberly Dittrich from the District Attorney’s Office added two more charges against Abate, bringing the total to five. He now contends with charges of rape by force on the first count, rape by force, oral copulation with a minor, rape of an intoxicated person on the second count, and rape of an intoxicated person on the third count, according to court documents.

Judge Frye held Abate answerable on all counts and added there’s substantial evidence to go to trial. A new arraignment will take place on Sept. 7. It will include Taylor’s motion to dismiss the case based on the argument that the cases exceeded the statute of limitations.

The DA’s Office criminal complaint also stated that evidence of prior sexual acts will be submitted in the case. Dittrich told the court that these records pertained to a past misdemeanor involving Abate and a then-minor.

The preliminary hearing discussed specific crimes alleged to have happened between 2008 and 2012. SLOPD Detective Brent Inglehart said in late March 2022, he spoke with an unidentified woman named Jane Doe 7, who filed a complaint that alleged assault from Abate and Contreras. In April 2022, he made contact with Jane Doe 1 after she became the social media whistleblower of the Abate-Contreras crimes.

Jane Doe 1 told Inglehart she met Abate around

Coalition hosts info sessions on LGBTQ-plus student rights

As students and teachers begin to settle into their routines in the new school year, a new type of educational opportunity is on deck for San Luis Obispo County—and it’s one that Doug Heumann feels is more important than ever.

“Parents need to know what their kids’ rights are; students need to know what their rights are,” Heumann said. “It is important to understand what

2011 when she was 20. They entered a romantic relationship soon after, and their first sexual encounter was consensual, and Jane Doe 1 asked Abate to wear protection.

“At one point during sexual intercourse, he took off the condom, which is called stealthing,” Inglehart said. “She contracted chlamydia from that interaction and believes it was from Abate.”

California law classifies stealthing as a civil offense, and survivors are allowed to sue perpetrators directly in civil court. Inglehart added that Jane Doe 1 went to the doctor for treatment.

By 2012, when she turned 21, Jane Doe 1 was in an on-and-off relationship with him, Inglehart said. She was invited to Contreras’ house and a friend dropped off Jane Doe 1 and another friend there. They smoked marijuana, drank alcohol, and felt inebriated. The two women then went upstairs with Abate and Contreras.

“[Jane Doe 1] recalled being seated on the bed and seeing Mr. Contreras having sexual intercourse with her friend,” Inglehart said. “Her friend was just laying there and not responding to anything.”

He told the courtroom that Jane Doe 1 said Abate pushed her down on the bed and had sex with her. Afterwards, Jane Doe 1 and her friend left.

Abate defense attorney Taylor questioned the absence of a medical report that could prove Jane Doe 1 tested for chlamydia around 2011.

“She was upset with it [stealthing], but didn’t break up with him?” Taylor asked Inglehart.

Taylor stressed a need for corroboration because there weren’t other witnesses in the room when the alleged assaults took place. Taylor asked Inglehart

LGBTQ-plus students can and cannot do.”

Heumann is the director of the Central Coast Coalition for Inclusive Schools (CCC4IS), an organization collaborating with the Gala Pride and Diversity Center, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, and Diversity Coalition to co-sponsor ACLU-led informational sessions on the rights of LGBTQ-plus students.

“The election is coming up in 2024 and there are outside voices from the current boards—both in North County and the state overall—that will want

if he spoke with Jane Doe 1’s friend who was reportedly abused by Contreras. Her friend declined to be identified and didn’t want to be involved in the investigation, Inglehart said. Taylor called it a “case of regret,” arguing that Jane Doe 1 waited for roughly 10 years before formally complaining.

“We just have to take her word for it,” Taylor said. Inglehart also spoke with Jane Doe 4 last year about her interactions with Abate and Contreras in 2013. At the time, she was new to the area, going to college, and started a job. Jane Doe 4 didn’t know a lot of people but shared mutual friends with Abate and Contreras, who sent her friend requests on Facebook and messaged her privately asking to meet. The pair picked her up and took her to a house near downtown SLO. Jane Doe 4 told Inglehart she believed it was Contreras’ house.

They offered her marijuana, which she refused. She said she drank alcohol with them.

“A conversation about niceties turned to them [Contreras and Abate] wanting to have a threesome,” Inglehart said. “[Jane Doe 4] said she felt nervous and wasn’t looking for that.”

“They [Contreras and Abate] both made statements like, ‘How do you know you won’t like it if you don’t try it?’” Inglehart said. “Abate exposed his erect penis in front of her and she engaged in oral sex. Contreras removed her pants and began having penile-vaginal sex with her while she was with Abate.”

Detective James Wyett of the Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detailed accounts of alleged rape of two 14-year-old girls.

In 2009, then 14-year-olds Jane Does 2 and 3 snuck out and had a friend drive them to a Santa Margarita residence believed to be Contreras’ house. Abate and Contreras were in their early 20s and the girls were excited that older men paid attention to them, according to Wyett.

Jane Doe 2 noticed people were drinking and drank tequila and vodka too.

Soon Abate took her to a room and turned on pornography on the TV or laptop. When Jane Doe 2 blacked out and came to, she found him on top of her.

When she tried to squirm away, Abate pinned her arms by her side. Later, she found her friend, got picked up by her mother, and left.

Jane Doe 3 was also allegedly raped by Contreras and Abate after they picked her up near Paso Robles High School where she was a student.

Jane Doe 6 also told Wyett the two men assaulted her. Her account was similar to Jane Doe 2’s, the only difference being the pornography clip showed to her was the recording of Jane Doe 3’s alleged assault.

Defense attorney Taylor argued that Jane Does 2, 3, and 6 were friends at the time and could have influenced each other’s’ stories. Wyett countered that it’s common for sexual abuse survivors to seek mental health support when they’ve undergone trauma. ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

to run on a platform that is counter to students’ rights,” Heumann said. “North SLO County, in particular, has struggled with trans students with people at meetings saying things like, ‘Oh, they don’t exist,’ or, ‘Oh, they are not valid.’”

Members of CCC4IS and Gala attended the Aug. 14 Atascadero Joint Unified School District meeting where they spoke out against alleged Moms for Liberty complaints about the placement of a Pride

HELD ACCOUNTABLE Cardinal Barbershop owner Nate Abate faces five criminal charges ranging from forcible rape to oral copulation with a minor.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

flag in a teacher’s classroom.

“We are holding these info sessions because it is clear that it is time to educate people on these matters as the tides shift in the culture and political climate of California and the country,” Heumann said. “We must do this because of all the vitriol these students are experiencing.”

Nipomo High School and Paso Robles High School will host the free sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, respectively.

CCC4IS encourages those interested in attending to fill out a Google form before Sept. 5 that will pre-register them for the event. In addition, the form can be used to submit questions that may be answered by the ACLU attorneys and those giving the presentations.

According to CCC4IS, the sessions will include information on bullying and harassment protections, names and pronouns, student privacy and expression, accessing restrooms and facilities, dress code policies, student clubs, inclusive curricula, complaint processes, and more.

“Any adult on a school campus needs to be informed and ready to step up to stop acts of LGBTQ-plus discrimination from happening,” Heumann said. “Because when it does happen, seeing people stand by and do nothing is just disheartening.”

Heumann said that while CCC4IS stressed that the ACLU attorneys present will not be disseminating legal advice, the information they will provide is important regardless.

As the county, state, and country push into

the future, Heumann said he’s hopeful that people will continue to educate themselves on the issue of LGBTQ-plus students’ rights and continue to foster a safer, inclusive environment for all.

“The big question a lot of these students are asking themselves is, ‘Does anyone give a crap about what is happening to us?’” he said. “LGBTQ-plus support is important in schools because if you don’t have an adult you know is aware of the rights you have and the issues you face, how will you be willing to report things that happen to you that violate those rights?”

—Adrian Rosas

Morro Bay reduces permit fees for property owners impacted by floods

The winter storms that ravaged Morro Bay put residents like Heather Baker on their heels as the sudden storms led to massive flooding and building damage.

“On Jan. 9, [my family] went about its normal day, [then] our world was unexpectedly turned upside down,” Baker said in a May letter to the Morro Bay City Council. “Our treasured 1934 adobe home flooded with 42 inches of water overflowing from the Morro and Little Morro creeks.”

Baker said that as friends helped her family clean up the damage, her home was flooded again on March 10, leaving the Bakers no choice but to pivot to a full-scale demolition and rebuild rather than renovate.

“Since the March flood, we have been working diligently to plan for a rebuild, meeting with city planning,” Baker wrote.

“Due to the destruction caused by the federally declared natural disaster, we are requesting the city to support a waiver for any building and planning-related fees.”

On Aug. 22, the Morro Bay City Council voted to reduce those fees for building and planning permits by 50 percent for properties damaged by the 2023 winter storms.

The policy change is a welcome one, especially for Baker; however, she told New Times that city policy still leaves a lot to be desired as she and her husband continue to work on the plans for the house.

“I think this was a move in the right direction, but I am disappointed in the scale of it,” she said. “Half of the $30,000 that is required for permitting and planning a new building on our property like this is still $15,000. That is a lot of money for any family.”

Act now!

As of May, Baker said her family intended to build a home of similar size to the the prior one, but elevated so that it would not be victim to similar flooding in the future.

“We are not looking to add onto the house or changing anything that would warrant some of the additional fees we have encountered like sewage and pipework,” Baker said. “We just want to rebuild after how badly the house was damaged by the floods.”

The water damage caused by that flooding is also a financial impact that Baker said isn’t addressed by the fee reduction.

“We lost anything that was fabric or of similar material under the flood line,” she

said. “So not only do we need to rebuild the entire property—since the building was so damaged—but we need to refurnish it as well and replace all of those items.”

Baker told New Times that she received little to no assistance from her home insurance or from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), making any help from the city all the more important.

“Because of our flood insurance, FEMA can’t really offer us any type of assistance outside of small low-interest loans,” she said. “The problem is, even with our flood insurance covering the damages, there is still a large amount of money left over that we will have to pay to have it rebuilt, according to the estimates our contractor gave us.”

She added that these challenges aren’t unique to her family and that many of the families impacted by last winter’s flooding need all the help they can get.

“I truly appreciate the effort of the city, but this is the type of thing where if they can lower it even more—or find ways to work with us to find places where other fees could be lowered or waived—it would have minimal impact on the city overall,” she said.

Most importantly, Baker stressed that she and many families like her are not looking for a total bypass of the system—they are looking for relief.

“We aren’t looking for handouts, but we do want it to be fair,” she said. “Every $1,000 we don’t have to spend makes a difference for families like us.” ∆

—Adrian Rosas

Dr. Sabah Al-Hadad

Dr. Sabah Al-Hadad of San Luis Obispo passed away on the morning of June 13, 2023.

His remarkable life has now ended, but we know with confidence that he has joined his wife (Samira), father (Ahmed), mother (Naima), and siblings (Fasiza, Salah, Ferdose) at what is surely a lively table in heaven, with hugs and laughter and lots of sweet tea.

Sabah was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1934. He had an active childhood playing tennis, soccer, and raising homing pigeons. He swam and fished in the Tigris, the river that gave birth to civilization. At the time, the Kingdom of Iraq was a British colony, and the people of Iraq were struggling for independence. As a young man who had a keen interest in politics and social justice, Sabah participated in clandestine meetings that were instrumental in developing the Ba’ath party, which eventually came to power in 1958. Out of concern for his safety, Sabah’s parents arranged for him to attend Texas Tech University in 1956 in the United States.

Shortly after arriving in Texas, Sabah met a beautiful Lebanese nursing student and his future wife, Samira Atiya. They married and soon thereafter had a daughter, Jenann, in 1960, and a son, Sig in 1966.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Sabah was accepted and graduated from Cal Poly State University at San Luis Obispo with a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering. When Sabah received an offer to join the Iraqi government as the Director of Education and Agriculture he and Samira briefly returned to his homeland. However, they soon decided to return to San Luis Obispo in 1963, where Sabah became a math professor at Cal Poly. Samira began working as a nurse at French Hospital. Both proudly became American Citizens. But they never turned their backs on the countries of their birth.

Sabah was a born teacher; teaching was in his DNA. Many Al-Hadads were school teachers, in fact, his uncle, a dentist, founded the School of Dentistry in Iraq. At Cal Poly, Sabah became an accomplished professor. Over 34 years he worked 15 summer quarters and authored three math instruction books that were adopted by Cal Poly to use in the math department. He obtained his Doctorate in Education from Arizona State University in 1971. He advised several Cal Poly clubs and provided thousands of hours of mentoring and

free tutoring to students of all ages and majors well into his retirement. Sabah and Samira opened their home to international students, sometimes with their families, working their way through school. They enjoyed diversity and encouraged exposure to a variety of cultures and beliefs. Their home hosted people from all over the world, from the Arab Emirates to Germany, China and more.

Sabah was a man of many talents and interests: He was a polymath –a man knowledgeable in many topics, such as history, geography, language, science, poetry, sociology and philosophy. When his wife became bedridden, he spent hours with her, twice daily, entertaining her with wheelchair walks through the halls of her facility and imaginary stories and fables that put a smile on her face. He planted a flower garden outside her window and tucked her into her bed at the end of a long day.

Sabah was a cheerleader for his childrens’ and grandchildren’s dreams. He reveled in their talents and aspirations and encouraged the pursuit of knowledge in all forms through classrooms, travel, and personal experiences. He would spend hours with his granddaughters, Catie and Maddie, creating art, gardening, looking for ladybugs, and even kicking a soccer ball. He nurtured their interests and education. As first-generation immigrants, he and Samira worked proudly to build a foundation for their American family to thrive.

He is survived by his children and grand children, his son-in-law Bill McLennan and his brother Ibrahim Al-Hadad, his entire Iraqi family and locally his three brothers-in-law and their wives, 21 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

•

Halcyon’s homily

Members of Halcyon’s Temple of the People talk theosophy and misconceptions while preparing for 100-year anniversary

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL Culture

Cool tranquility washes over anyone who enters the Temple of the People. Cradled between Oceano and Arroyo Grande in the town of Halcyon—a Greek word meaning calm—the white building detailed with sky blue and lined with pillars cuts a triangular figure amid agricultural fields and scattered businesses.

On May 7, it provides respite from the sun that’s already shining steadily at 10:30 a.m.

Inside, three rows of dark wooden chairs with deep blue seats face each other. A giant hand-built harp rests in one corner, a piano in another. The room’s apex holds an altar with a second altar at the triangle’s center, the heartbeat of the temple every Sunday morning.

Six elders in white and yellow robes tend to a table bearing two candlesticks, and a metal platter holds vials of liquid. One of them carries an incense burner similar to the swinging Catholic thurible. This is the Feast of Fulfillment, a communion service on the first Sunday of every month. Slowly, temple members trickle into the building, and the congregation swells to a modest 14.

Within the hour, one of the temple acolytes offers a platter of small glass communion cups to each attendee. The liquid within is colorless.

“The Catholics get wine, we get water,” Halcyon resident Karen White whispers while she waits her turn.

It’s blessed, holy water administered under the leadership of Guardian-in-Chief Rick London. The century-old tradition flourishes under the watchful eyes of spiritual masters and past temple leaders commemorated in black-and-white portraits along the walls of a space that nonmembers only recently gained access to.

“This service was closed to the public from the 1970s until now,” London tells New Times at the end of the service.

The Temple of the People sprung up as an offshoot of the Theosophical Society in America when some of its followers moved from Syracuse, New York, to San Luis Obispo County in 1903. Most local members currently live in the homes scattered across Halcyon, upholding the town’s original setup as an intentional theosophical settlement in the early 20th century.

Despite its long-standing existence, the Temple of the People is still shrouded in mystery. While the temple has 300 followers across the world—many of whom tune in through Zoom to attend the services—only 35 members live in SLO County, plus wellwishers like White who are active through its events.

Temple members aren’t shy, though they refrain from proselytizing. Fear of the unknown, according to them, fills the gaps for local outsiders with misconceptions of the temple as being a hotbed for witchcraft and eerie practices.

But members are adamant about consciously following the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

They’re willing to shed light on their community and have but one condition if others want to know more: Just ask with an open mind.

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London’s calling

London is the temple’s sixth guardianin-chief, following a series of leaders who alternated between women and men, with the first being Francia LaDue, who also went by the name of Blue Star.

The excitement in London’s voice was palpable this summer. He was poised to head the annual Temple Convention on Aug. 5 for the first time as guardian-in-chief, which also coincided with the 100-year anniversary of the then still roofless building being consecrated.

It was constructed with the help of notable Los Angeles architect Theodore Eisen after LaDue’s death in 1922 with money she left behind and funds raised by Halcyon residents. It’s called the Blue Star Memorial Temple in honor of LaDue.

“The temple was finally finished in October of 1924, and there was less than a dollar left over of the $6,000 that was raised,” present Guardian-in-Chief London told New Times on July 13. “It would be a miracle now if we could paint it for $6,000!”

London assumed the lead role from fifth Guardian-in-Chief Eleanor Shumway, who retired due to ill health, last December after he stepped down as CEO of United Way of San Luis Obispo County.

London and his family moved to Nipomo from New York in 1993. His son’s interest in the Halcyon Store introduced him to the community through a handful of temple pamphlets. In the summer of 1995—on the 23rd anniversary of his brother’s death— London attended his first service at the temple. Participating in the short Noon Healing Service had a profound impact on him.

“Over the years I’ve held onto a practice of finding a special way of annually remembering my brother’s life,” he wrote in his July temple talk “Recalibrating Compassionately.” “Seems like those first 20 minutes I spent in the Temple of the People had a significant impact on the recalibration of my life.”

London became a regular, gleaning from other members and Shumway. He witnessed highs like bonding with his then preteen son through Temple Builders gatherings—a kids-focused group that’s like Sunday school. Raised Jewish and married to a Catholic at the time, London said that watching his son give a temple talk when he turned 14 made him feel like he was witnessing his son’s bar mitzvah or a confirmation.

“We celebrated Hannamas: Christmas and Hanukkah,” London recalled. “My son would say he’s a Cashew! He’s become Catholic in his adulthood, and I’m grateful he has a spiritual connection to the world.”

But London also witnessed lows. An enigma to most county residents outside of Halcyon, the temple and its members have raised suspicions.

Roughly 15 years ago, London was by Shumway’s side when a rogue rock flew through one of the sacred geometric windows, shattering it. Someone had hurled it at the temple before running away.

“We made a police report, as we always reported vandalism,” London said. “Within a week, Eleanor got a request from Arroyo Grande High School.”

The school was helping a handful of students with troublesome streaks assimilate better socially. When asked to name 10 things that scared them, the nearby temple was a frequent answer.

“The school asked Eleanor if she could show them the temple. The students thought we were doing witchcraft in the basement,” he said.

Shumway accommodated the request. After a tour of the temple basement strewn with decidedly less threatening paraphernalia like heaters, wheelchairs, and portable potties, she explained basic concepts of theosophy and temple teachings to the students.

“Every time I tell this story, I have a sense of wanting to cry,” London said. “One of the boys got up and apologized for throwing the rock.”

Practitioners of theosophy followed the spiritual thinking of Russian mystic Helena Blavatsky. She combined elements of Plato’s philosophy with Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist thought, namely that the purpose

of human life is spiritual emancipation, and that through karma, the human soul undergoes reincarnation upon bodily death. Unfettered by any strict codes of ethics, theosophy values universal brotherhood and social improvement.

In 1898, Theosophical Society members LaDue and William Dower continued Blavatsky’s teachings by forming the Temple of the People as a spiritual practice. Dower, a doctor, established his medical practice in a three-story Victorian home they purchased in 1903 and named it the Halcyon Hotel and Sanatorium.

Confusion over the name is also common. London told New Times that some residents near Halcyon were convinced that the Temple of the People was the same as the Peoples Temple cult led by American preacher Jim Jones between the 1950s and the 1970s. The latter gained international notoriety for orchestrating a mass murdersuicide of 918 people in a remote jungle commune in Jonestown, Guyana.

“People were thinking we were affiliated with them,” London said. “We are so vulnerable to be influenced. We are experts at taking things personally and making assumptions.”

Like temple leaders before him, London has a second name as guardian-in-chief: Yellow Star. The color has deep roots with his family history. London’s mother was a Holocaust survivor, and his father a secondgeneration Lithuanian Jew. Both sides of his family fled anti-Semitic persecution before finally making their way to the U.S.

“All of the Jews at the time had to wear a yellow Star of David. Yellow is a very sacred color in my mind, and it was made to look bad,” he said. “Yellow is a very interesting color, too, because it’s got a negative connotation to the point where cowards are yellow.”

But yellow is dual-natured for London. It’s positive too. He added that the ancient wisdom of theosophy holds colors in high esteem and sees all religion as an outgrowth of theosophical principles.

“I’m not trying to say theosophy is the only way to look at things, but we believe there are more similarities among them all than differences,” London said of religions.

Essentially, London wishes for the world to be more spiritual, and yellow represents a tethering to the inner peace he found in theosophy.

“Jesus talked about all you need is enough faith the size of a mustard seed, and mustard is yellow,” he said.

A UNIQUE TIME Sixth Guardian-in-Chief Rick London currently leads the Temple at an extraordinary period in its history. For the first time, two guardians-in-chief are alive at the same time because his predecessor, Eleanor Shumway, voluntarily retired to take care of her health.

SACRED GEOMETRY The temple’s dimensions hold symbolic value for its members. The roof rises in a pyramidal form to a point in the exact center of the building, meeting above the central altar.

The Legend of the Peace Maker open house art exhibit can be viewed on Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Temple of the People, Temple Street and Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. To learn more, visit templeofthepeople.org.

Homegrown care

Halcyon resident Damian Rollison knew the Temple of the People as his sole faith growing up. Flip through the Images of America book about Halcyon, and Rollison smiles out from one of its pages as a cheerful baby in 1970.

“My parents were married in the temple, and I was their first child,” he said. “I moved away for a little while, but I did grow up here and came back as an adult.”

Fourth Guardian-in-Chief Harold Forgostein conducted his Naming Ceremony (similar to a christening); Rollison actively participated in the Temple Builders group as both a child and teenager; fifth Guardian-in-Chief Shumway married him and his wife at the temple; his own kids took part in Naming Ceremonies; and his mother conducted Temple Builder classes while his kids were around.

“The Halcyon community is very unusual in its ability to hold onto that old-time sense of small community where everyone supports each other, cares about each other,” he said.

As a kid belonging to the Temple Builders group, Rollison recalled lessons that focused on humanity’s inherent connection to nature and the importance of tapping into it.

Temple Builders’ membership waxes and wanes depending on the number of children who attend services. Currently, the program is on pause. A small batch of toddlers do accompany their families to temple services— one of them being London’s grandson—but they’re not old enough to learn the lessons.

The camaraderie Rollison felt with fellow temple kids didn’t always extend beyond the close-knit boundaries of Halcyon. In high school, for example, one classmate scoffed at his address during P.E. class.

“When I said I lived in Halcyon, he said they’re all devil worshippers,” Rollison said. “I was like, ‘I think I would know that, I actually live there,’ and he was unwilling to be convinced otherwise because somebody told him and that was the truth for him.”

He added that he understands why people who aren’t familiar with the temple could think it’s a cult because of the stories from around the world about people performing dangerous acts based on the orders of a charismatic leader.

“Anybody who actually comes to a temple service or comes to study class or meets someone from the town, I don’t think anybody could maintain that misconception for five minutes if they actually got that exposure,” he said.

The Images of America book, penned by Shumway and Halcyon resident White, mirrors Rollison’s sentiment.

“Some people have come to Halcyon expecting a utopia inhabited by saintly beings and have left deeply disappointed,” the introduction reads. “They found a group of ordinary human beings with ordinary strengths and weaknesses, united by a desire to live the Golden Rule.”

The temple’s progressive values appealed to Rollison once he entered adulthood. Take its view on marriage, for example. The biggest distinction in how the temple conducts a wedding ceremony is the removal of the “till death do us part” phrase.

“They have a phrasing instead where the couple promises to stay together until their love shall last,” he said. “That, to me, is an interesting acknowledgement that sometimes people change, and there’s a provision for that.”

Rollison returned to Halcyon after his last marriage ended. He lived all around the country as an adult but missed his hometown’s sense of community. He had studied other religions and even analyzed atheism, but throughout those explorations, theosophy’s aim of finding what unites all

religions rang true for him. As did the temple’s motto: “Creeds disappear, hearts remain.”

Layers of faith

Temple treasurer Marti Fast’s eyes widened when she first stepped foot into the Temple of the People almost 50 years ago. It was the summer of 1975, she was 23 and had made her way to Halcyon after a performance at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano. A lover of architecture, Fast was immediately enthralled.

“I remember my eyes just lifting up to the band of windows,” she said on July 27. “I just thought, ‘Wow!’ It was such a sacred space, but it was so unusual, and it captured me.”

The distinctive temple architecture still piques interest to this day. It’s a site of hallowed mathematics. A wraparound porch hugs the Blue Star Temple with 36 pillars—12 on each of the three sides of the convex equilateral triangle. They represent souls who arrived at spiritual truth that lays hidden within the temple, according to a pamphlet about the temple’s symbology.

The windows that caught Fast’s attention each have eight panes, which represent the union of Heaven and Earth. They’re placed high to symbolize the divine light that comes from above. Notably, the windows are glazed with a special opalescent glass that diffuses the sunlight into a more golden glow.

Fast, Allan Hancock College’s longtime art gallery director and fine arts instructor, felt right at home. So much so that she’s served as the temple treasurer for 25 years and continues to assist with the services.

Raised Episcopalian, Fast quickly found similarities between her faith and the principles of theosophy. She grew up learning about karma and reincarnation from her grandmother and mother.

“Reincarnation is hope in a way and stands for a chance to do things again. As human beings, we grow and learn from our mistakes,” Fast said. “They both helped me practice the Golden Rule as a daily practice.”

The first person who introduced her to the temple was Arroyo Grande High School teacher Frances Campbell. Fast had made the move from her hometown, Santa Maria, and belonged to the founding company of the Great American Melodrama of Oceano. Francie, as she called her, became the “door opener” for Fast. It helped that she was also her first landlady.

“The first time we met, we spoke for three hours about the temple and spirituality,” Fast said. “She was my mentor.”

Fast still considers herself to be Episcopalian as well. One faith informs and supplements the other. The link between the two is acts of service.

“I still have rootedness there [in Episcopalianism] that I don’t think will ever go away,” she said. “But the temple enhances every spiritual thing I have in my life. It validates that past, and no one has to give up the journey that brought them here.”

Some members arrived at the temple through journeys that spanned multiple countries. Rita Moiseyeva traveled to Halcyon in 1998 from New Jersey, but she first came to the East Coast in 1994 from Ukraine because of a Russian book that spoke about a theosophical community in the U.S.

“Probably 99 percent of Russian speaking members [of the temple] learned about this community through that book,” Moiseyeva said. “It’s an esoteric novel that in its epilogue mentions that this community was founded in Syracuse, New York, and then they moved to California.”

That book—Two Lives by Russian singer and theosophist writer Concordia Antarova— compelled Moiseyeva and her husband, Sergey Moiseyav, to seek out the Temple of the People as soon as they got to the East Coast. A visit to the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York brought them face to face with its director, and soon the conversation turned to the Temple of the People.

“He just pulled out of his pocket the phone number of the office in Halcyon! It was a miracle, and we had lost hope by then,” Moiseyeva said.

Moiseyav, her husband, called and spoke with then Guardian-in-Chief Shumway who encouraged them to visit in 1998. The family eventually became permanent Halcyon residents in 2000.

“You know, if you put your idea out there, the universe starts working with you,” Moiseyeva said with a laugh.

The biggest gift the temple’s given to her is unity. She felt it most deeply after her husband passed away a few years ago in an accident, and the Halcyon community banded together to uplift her. Just before he passed, her husband was in the middle of a construction project in the family yard. Moiseyeva was at a loss for what to do.

“I was a wreck; I asked Eleanor, ‘What do I do with this now?’” she recalled. “It happened on a Wednesday. That Saturday … all the neighbors came and put everything to order and fixed and cleaned everything.”

Moiseyeva told New Times that she never

felt alone thanks to the Halcyon residents. She’s now the inner guard of the temple and helps London manage the services. Her daughter is also a member.

“I don’t know in what other geographical location would I have made it through,” she said. “It’s absolutely amazing that we are still here because those who came before us made it happen. They preserved it, kept it alive, and it still exists with the same intention.”

Beyond Halcyon

The Halcyon community may be quiet, but it’s not underground.

At the local level, residents advocate for resources from the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD). Temple Guardianin-Chief London serves as Halcyon’s de facto mayor of sorts through interactions with the OCSD and other governing bodies like the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

“When Eleanor let me know I’d be following her, I had been mostly connected with the spiritual side of the temple, not the residential side of the temple,” London said. “I ended up going up and representing her at the local regional water board meetings.”

London started attending these meetings a year before he became guardian-in-chief. The prime reason is to find an alternate source of potable water for residents. The original source—the Halcyon well operating since 1903—has been increasingly contaminated over the years by rising manganese levels.

“Then other chemicals started appearing, mostly from the area becoming more and more populated,” London said. “The Temple of the People owned the Halcyon well, and we were distributing the well water to about 67 homes.”

The temple needed a permit to do that, and keeping that permit active required periodic water testing by the county.

“In the last year or two, we were having to do more and more to filter the water to be compliant,” London said. “It got to the point where we needed to figure out a way to be more proficient in keeping the water potable, and that’s when the water board got very involved.”

A state-funded feasibility study found alternate solutions, but most of them were too costly for Halcyon. An affordable solution was to get water from the OCSD and retain the well water for irrigation. Currently, Halcyon residents fill up water from a reverse osmosis system that’s under lock and key. They pay a small monthly fee for that water connection.

“I’ve filled many a jug there,” London said with a laugh. “I expect us to be receiving [OCSD] water by probably 2025 as a way to bring potable water directly to households.”

The temple also made itself known at the state and federal levels. Thanks to Shumway’s and White’s petitioning efforts, it became a historic district in 2017 after being nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places by the California State Office of Historic Preservation.

In mid-August, a week after London attended the Temple Convention, the current guardian-in-chief expressed satisfaction as he looked forward to the temple’s 100th anniversary.

“People had shared their thoughts on the convention theme: There is no going back,” he told New Times. “You can’t go back to the way things were. But you can always return to the principles, the higher aspects of how we relate to one another.” ∆

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

PAST AND FUTURE A portrait of Helena Blavatsky, one of the founders of the Theosophical Society, rests inside the temple beside the restored harp that was hand-built by early member John Varian.

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.

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Helpful hotline

The California Department of Civil Rights knows that the state is facing a rising problem.

Between 2021 and 2022, the state has seen a rise in reported hate crimes—increasing more than 20 percent overall and reaching their highest levels since 2001.

“The whole spectrum of hate acts is extremely underreported,” Department Director Kevin Kish said. “Of course, people who experience hate crimes often report it to the authorities, but there are many cases of acts that would qualify as hate that people don’t know where to go.”

So when it launched the CA vs. Hate hotline in May of this year, the department also set out to work on ways to make sure everyone who is impacted by hate is aware of the tool they have access to.

Announced on Aug. 23, the new promotional campaign aims to get the word out about the hate hotline to as many groups as possible. The hotline accepts all reports of hate acts and is not limited to receiving messages that rise to the level of a criminal offense.

The hotline is the first of its kind for areas outside of Los Angeles and San Francisco, according to Kish, who said that the whole goal of the program was to bring big-city and statelevel resources to everyone across the state.

“For folks who live in the bigger areas of California, there have been hotlines of this type, but never anything for places like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo,” he said. “We want to use this hotline to offer a place to report hate acts but also understand how the state can assist communities affected by hate in the aftermath.”

The campaign aims to not only get the word out to more than 30 different outlets, but also encourage those groups to know they can safely—and more importantly, anonymously— report hate incidents and crimes to the hotline.

“Not only does the online option for reporting hate acts feature 15 different translation options, but the phone hotline has simultaneous translation options for 200 different languages,” he said. “In addition, you can also report anonymously— we wanted to make sure it was accessible to everyone who might be affected by these types of actions.”

More than anything else, Kish said he hopes people will take advantage of the hotline’s other services—primarily its role as a resource center.

“You won’t be calling the hotline just to report the incident and be done with it,” he said laughing. “We want to use the program to connect the caller with local resources to help handle the aftermath of these acts.”

For your information

To report a nonemergency hate crime or incident to the CA vs. Hate hotline, call (833) 866-4283 Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For reports outside of those times and for more information on the programs offered by the California Department of Civil Rights, visit cavshate.org.

These resources have already made a significant impact on the state’s rate of hate reporting and—just as importantly, according to Kish—have also succeeded in helping state officials understand what instances of hate are happening where. He did note that while the hotline is meant for reporting hate, the department still wants to encourage people to contact the proper authorities for more severe cases.

While Kish acknowledged the hotline won’t necessarily solve every instance of hate, he has seen an increase in the use of it as a resource and connection to the Civil Rights Department’s other resources.

Ultimately the hotline is just one piece of the puzzle for addressing acts of hate on the Central Coast and throughout California as a whole. Kish said he’s hopeful that with more people aware of the program these issues can begin to subside.

“This is a broader attempt to address the rise in hate, no matter where you are in the state or what your background might be,” he said. “Hate affects far more than just the target individual—it affects the community around them as well, and if we can offer the tools to help communities heal and prevent further hate, then we are doing our part to fight this issue.”

Fast fact

• Help support local families affected by the fires in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, this week by contributing to help the Corpuel family in Arroyo Grande. The family owns the Cool Cat Cafe with locations on the island as well as in San Luis Obispo and Pismo. The family’s 120 employees on Maui lost their jobs, the ability to feed their families, and in some cases even their homes and vehicles to the fire. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by the family for anyone who wants to donate.

In addition, those who want to help can also donate directly through Splash Cafe—Cool Cat’s Cafe’s neighbor—where the contributions will be matched dollar for dollar. Visit gofundme.com/f/maui-fire-fund-for-coolcat-captainjacks-staff to find more information and donate electronically. ∆

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

INCREASE AWARENESS

California Department of Civil Rights Director Kevin Kish is hopeful that the new multilingual efforts to tell people about the CA vs. Hate hotline will continue to reduce the frequency of hate crimes and incidents in the state.

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 Studies

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS

BY STEPHEN H. SIEMSEN

Open letter to the secretary of state

There is at least one candidate aspiring to become the U.S. president who is not qualified

Madame Secretary, The following appears on the California secretary of state’s website:

Summary of qualifications and requirements for the office of United States president Republican Party, March 5, 2024, presidential primary election:

I. Qualifications: Every candidate shall be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. U.S. Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5.

The California secretary of state’s “summary” includes the U.S. Constitution’s qualifications to be placed on the ballot for president of the United States (Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5), but fails to include the U.S. Constitution’s disqualifications to be placed on the ballot (Article 14, Section 3), to wit:

No person shall be a senator or representative in Congress, or elector of president and vice president, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United

Democracy and freedom are America’s hallmarks

We all sing “God Bless America” regardless of how we vote; we share that song as Americans who love and care enough for our country; we will sing a song for God to bless everyone.

It’s sad for all Americans to have a man diminish an office we look to to guide our country for prosperity and safety. Washington, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, these men of legacy represent the best of

States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. U.S. Constitution, Article 14, Section 3. There is at least one candidate aspiring to become president of the United States who is not qualified to hold that office due to his participation in an insurrection against the United States Constitution in violation of his sworn oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” By his own admission, he has not read and does not support the Constitution of the United States: “I haven’t read the Constitution, but, from what I’ve been told, most of it is a waste of paper, quite frankly,” Donald John Trump,

who we are as a united country.

And now we have a man whose legacy is unlike the others, he besmirches the presidential office, its tentacles of distrust reach out from there to extend to every political office in America.

It’s sad for the man, he could be a man of esteem, a statesman, perhaps a negotiator in the Ukrainian war. But instead he has been booked, fingerprinted, and mugshot like the guy next to him who committed a robbery.

45th president of the United States, after leaving office.

This individual continues to support insurrection by his unfounded, unsubstantiated, and unproven claims of “election fraud” following the certification of the 2020 election by all 50 secretaries of state of the various states, and after a full and accurate counting of the Electoral College results, certified by the Congress of the United States.

“to give aid and comfort” to supporters and participants of the insurrection and the conspiracy to submit a false slate of electors to the Congress of the United States.

This confirmation of the American people’s rejection of this individual’s reelection followed an attack by insurgents on the Capitol of the United States during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, an attack in which this individual was an active participant through his words prior to the attack and his failure to take action during and after the attack. Through his words and deeds this individual continues

We cannot let the disgrace of the man replace the pride we have for our country, and our unity as Americans.

Together we must remember our democracy and freedoms are who we are, and they will be defended, from any person or country that tries to take them away

Gary J. Freiberg Los Osos

Shutting down Diablo will guarantee our safety

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the sirens surrounding the Diablo Canyon nuclear

Article 14, Section 3, is a self-executing disqualification, and as such does not require a trial or verdict of “guilt” or “innocence,” just as the U.S. Army does not have to prove in a court of law that a blind, armless man does not meet the qualifications for enlistment. In light of the above and in defense of the Constitution of the United States, I petition you, by authority of your office as secretary of state of the state of California, to disqualify Donald John Trump as a candidate for any local, state, or federal office, or to appear on any ballot anywhere within the state of California.

Still sworn to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” I remain, Stephen H. Siemsen. ∆

Stephen H. Siemsen, CW3, U.S. Army (retired), writes to New Times from Orcutt. Send a letter for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

plant wailed. It was only a test, so you could go about your business. But do you have a plan for yourself and your family if the next time you hear sirens it is a warning that a radioactive cloud is drifting downwind from Diablo Canyon?

Don’t assume you can escape. Within a short time, the few roads leading out of San Luis Obispo County will be clogged. We all hope that day will never come. But hope is not enough. A shutdown is a guarantee.

Jane Swanson San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace

HODIN Russell Hodin

Through his words and deeds this individual continues ‘to give aid and comfort’ to supporters and participants of the insurrection.

RacemattersSlo.org/braidingwater

BY JOHN DONEGAN

Oppenheimer legacy

The movie Oppenheimer, the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb during WWII, reportedly left a number of viewers in despair and dreading an impending nuclear doomsday. But, why should it? Observing comfortably from today’s vantage, things are actually rather encouraging.

The movie was, of course, a historical drama, and we already know the ending. The U.S. was in a desperate race against Nazi Germany, and incidentally our then ally, the Soviet Union, to develop the atomic bomb, a weapon so devastating that no adversary could stand against it. If the insane and depraved Hitler had won the race, our future would have been unthinkable, and the horrors of even the Holocaust overshadowed by even greater atrocities. While never used against Hitler, our bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki inflicted such terrible death and damage that Japan was forced to surrender, shortening the war and thereby saving perhaps a million or more lives, Japanese and American.

Not surprisingly, Oppenheimer and many of those participating in the development of the bomb agonized over not just the death and suffering to be inflicted upon the targets, but the future of humanity after the development of such “doomsday” weapons. Following WWII, as we developed vastly more powerful fusion weapons (the H-Bomb), these concerns intensified. Many saw our race as “technologically clever monkeys” who had invented the mechanism of our own extinction.

The good news? We’re still here after nearly 80 years, and plenty of armed conflicts. Despite now having far more devastating and numerous weapons, they have never again been used.

We have had some close calls. Perhaps the closest was during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis blockade, in which the restraint of a Soviet sub captain overrode the insistence of the sub’s political officer on using a nuclear torpedo, averting a likely nuclear exchange. There have been other fraught moments. And the nations possessing nuclear weapons have grown to include Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. South Africa became the only country to build the bomb and later give it up.

There are several takeaways. First, the possession of such weapons by various potential adversaries has discouraged their use, due to likely nuclear retaliation. For decades we lived under a doctrine of “mutual assured destruction” with the Soviets. Any use was essentially a mutual suicide pact. This has made leaders more cautious, and both less given to “adventures,” and more anxious to avoid situations in which an armed conflict between nuclear powers might develop.

Second, in a nuclear war everyone is a “combatant,” not just the soldiers. No longer can leaders pound their chests over national honor and send troops off to a remote war. Now the leaders, their families, and the life they know, are all subject to destruction. This has helped elevate pragmatism over principle

and ideology. This inhibition seems to work on even a murderous thug like Putin.

Third, nuclear weapons are just not all that useful militarily, and bigger is not always better. As the Soviets discovered after testing their 58 megaton “super bomb” in 1961, what can you do with it? Nuclear weapons may destroy far more than you want destroyed. As South Africa discovered, they were of little use against guerrillas and internal unrest. They are useful mainly as a retaliatory “terror weapon” to deter an enemy from attacking you.

Fourth, the existence of nuclear weapons probably prevented an all-out conventional war between ourselves and the Soviets, which would have taken hundreds of thousands or more lives and destroyed much of Europe. With many small tactical nuclear weapons in place, the chance of it turning into a worldwide nuclear exchange discouraged adventurism.

Fifth, treaties and agreements to disarm offer little protection. Consider North Korea, and Bill Clinton’s “Agreed Framework” agreement, which allowed us to give them a lot of aid, in return for a promptly breached promise to give up their nuclear program. Russia’s agreement to guarantee the sovereignty of Ukraine in exchange for surrendering their nuclear weapons is another example. It would be impossible to ensure that everyone has actually given up all of their nukes, and a country that retained only a few would effectively rule the others. We may no longer live with a “hair trigger” threat of instant nuclear annihilation, but are not out of the woods just yet. We have threats like North Korea, and an Iranian bomb in the near future. Nuclear armed Pakistan and India have had armed conflicts, and Saudi Arabia is widely rumored to have purchased weapons from Pakistan for protection against Iran. Hopefully, those countries will stay sufficiently sane to observe the mad, suicidal calculus that has protected us for 74 years.

Still, the existence of the bomb has probably saved far more lives than it has taken. Thank you, Oppenheimer! ∆

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who didn’t study enough physics in school to develop his own nuclear arsenal and smite his detractors. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

This Week’s Online Poll

Where would you rather see a rotating safe parking site in SLO?

64% Parking lots used by city departments after offices close for the day.

27% Empty spots in underused retail parking lots.

6% Wide commercial streets with little through traffic.

3% Residential neighborhoods with wide streets and low traffic.

Something to the outcry

What happens when SLO County law enforcement is about to arrest you for sexual assault allegations made by dozens of women that date back over several years?

In the case of Kin Coffee owner Julian Contreras and Cardinal Barbershop owner Nate Abate, you escape to Mexico or get arrested and face public trial.

The rumors are true according to Abate’s lawyer, Scott Taylor, that Contreras is in Mexico very much not facing the repercussions of his alleged actions. Abate, meanwhile, gussied up for a court appearance where the law enforcement officers detail the allegations against him and his friend. Encounters that victims say happened when they were as young as 14, while Abate and Contreras were in their early 20s.

The judge in the pre-trial hearing ruled that there was enough evidence to take the case to trial. So Abate is looking at a long road ahead with a very public airing of his past and the alleged sleaze he perpetrated with alcohol, minors, and a lack of consent. Contreras on the other hand is facing nothing but freedom.

That’s some bullshit, right there. If we’ve learned anything in society’s recent past, I hope, it’s that when more than 40 women make allegations about your behavior, there’s something to it.

Just like there’s something to this movement to push back against “parents’

rights” organizations like Moms for Liberty and their culture war against trans kids and anything that has to do with Pride, the Pride flag, or LGBTQ-plus issues. In response to all the squeaky wheels out there plying their off-base, insipid opinions to school boards around the county, the Central Coast Coalition for Inclusive Schools aims to educate students about their rights.

As coalition director Doug Heumann says it: “North SLO County, in particular, has struggled with trans students with people at meetings saying things like, ‘Oh they don’t exist,’ or, ‘Oh, they aren’t valid.’”

Moms for Liberty supported Kenney Enney’s run to be re-take his seat on the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District board after he was ousted for saying terrible things about trans students online.

“You can’t be something you’re not, just because you say so and have surgery. ... And bullying of others into saying you are something that you are not violates their rights. LGBTQ is not one big happy, harmonious group,” Enney wrote in a Facebook post. “Although not reported, many within the LGBQ community reject what is transpiring in our schools, because of the ‘T,’ ... which is an attempt to recruit and convert children.”

What a prick. What was one of the first issues he squeaked about after taking back his seat? Pride flags in classrooms. Something that continues to take up valuable time at North County school board meetings

thanks to Moms for Liberty’s push to extirpate them from the universe.

The organization might actually be exactly what someone from the Gala Pride and Diversity Center called it earlier this year: a hate group.

The group claims it’s being unfairly targeted. It’s not.

Don’t let these moms’ pleas of victimhood fool you. They are perpetrators on a culture war path and are willing to at least try to do what it takes to complete their mission.

Moms recently started a SLO Library Committee, and it’s begging for members!

“Are you fed up with the books that are being allowed into our children’s schools?” Moms website asks. “We need your help!”

The committee had its first meeting and is compiling a list of books “known to be a problem to check against our school library lists.” Gosh. I wonder what the topics of those books are.

a stampede over bathrooms and find resolutions to an issue she stated was “pretty rampant” in North County. You know, like litter boxes for furries to use on campus.

She didn’t say it was litter boxes she was scared of at the SLO Tea Party meeting she tried to recruit stampeders from, but we all know she was thinking it.

Instead, she lamented locker room use by the “wrong” sex.

New Times found out about her speech and reached out to her. She refused to speak about it, surprise, surprise!

Gala Pride and Diversity Center and their supporters weren’t afraid to speak about it, and pushed back at the June school board meeting. Grinager responded by saying, “Moms for Liberty is not a hate group,” and adding that she worked with individuals with HIV and AIDS. Some of them were transgender, she said, and she made sacrifices to be with them in the hospital.

So she can’t possibly be anti-trans!

Speak up!

During the first week of the school year, alleged Moms for Liberty complaints about a Pride flag sticker in an Atascadero Unified School District classroom turned into uproar.

Moms for Liberty SLO chapter co-founder and Templeton School District board member Jennifer Grinager took umbrage to her little band of mommies being labeled a hate group after she attempted to organize

“To say this is a community I hate is hurtful to my heart,” Grinager said. “No one ever spoke to us about ending LGBTQ-plus protection.”

It seems like that’s all Moms for Liberty aims to do. And the Coalition for Inclusive Schools is fighting back with knowledge. We could all use more of that. ∆

The Shredder has a pocket full of rights. Everyone gets one! Send more to shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

RAYS THE ROOF

Sunwork Central Coast will host a volunteer solar installer training webinar on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants who complete the free webinar will be eligible to be a part of installing residential solar systems in their community. For more info on the volunteer training program, call (805) 229-1250 or visit sunwork.org.

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AI THEATRE GALA Presented by Exit

Pursued by a Bear. ChatGPT creates the script from audience suggestions for the cast to perform. Sept. 9 5 p.m. Free admission. Brightside Pizza, 1236 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: FALL JURIED

EXHIBIT The Cambria Center for the Arts invites community artists to participate in the Fall Juried Art Exhibit featuring juror Frank Eber. Submissions take place online Sept. 1 through 5. Exhibit runs Sept. 8 through Nov. 5. FridaysSundays. through Sept. 5 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

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.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

GROUP SHOW: WILD AUTUMN A group photography show with Alice Cahill, Michael Johnston, Jessica Weiss, Lynda Roeller, and Liz Linzmeier. These wonderful photograpers will be showcasing their amazing photographs of the wild animals, horses, seals, otters, whales, birds, and autumn mood scenes that our visitors love. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 29 Free. 805-772-1068.

—Caleb Wiseblood

galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

LIFESPAN OF A FACT Presented by By the Sea Productions. A staged reading. Sept. 1-3 my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

MORRO BAY ART IN THE PARK Morro Bay Art in the Park is the second oldest art show in the state of California. This event was established in 1955 and is in its 68th annual year. 100 fine artists from all over California attend this event Sept. 2 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 4 10 a.m.-4 p.m. morrobayartinthepark.com. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.

MOSAIC DRIFTWOOD Choose from Joan’s vast selection of beautiful, local driftwood. Add your colorful choice of baubles, beads, shells, and other glass pieces. Preregistration required. Sept. 3 10 a.m.-noon $50. 805-286-5993.

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

PAINT ON WINE GLASSES Joan will guide you through the process of painting two wine glasses during this fun and easy event that’s perfect for all skill levels. Sept. 2 1-2:30 p.m. $35. 805-2865993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

SEA GLASS HAMMERED METAL

JEWELRY Great for all skill levels. Create a gorgeous sea glass necklace and two pierced earrings. Everything is provided to complete the projects including metal, local sea glass, jewelry findings, and use of tools. Preregistration required. Sept. 2 10 a.m.-noon $50. 805-286-5993.

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

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ART GALLERY OPENING Showcasing artwork of Susan Lyon, Kathy Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. First Saturday of every month, 4-7 p.m. Free. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 849 13th Street, Paso Robles, 805-440-7152.

CLAY MUSHROOM MAKING

WORKSHOP Come create two small decorative mushroom sculptures using house made paper clay. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. through Sept. 15 $96. 805-4606803. thepotteryatascadero.com/ workshops. The Pottery, 5983 Entrada Ave., Atascadero.

COMEDY NIGHT Joey Medina is known as one of the freshest and funniest comedians around and for starring in “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy” with Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, and Alex Reymundo. Sept. 2 7-10 p.m. $25 advance; $30 at the door. 805221-7121. Paso Lounge, 1144 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles, pasolounge.com.

EVENING OF COMEDY FROM HEMINGWAY’S STEAKHOUSE GA tickets are theater seating. VIP tickets get preferred table seating and food and drink service at the table. First Saturday of every month, 8-10 p.m. through Dec. 6 $38-$55. 805-369-1017. Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles, ehsteaks.com.

FIRST SATURDAY: WINE, MUSIC, AND

ART The grand opening of a new wood art exhibition, A Cut Above. Enjoy wine poured by Tablas Creek and the musical stylings of John Zamora. Sept. 2 , 6-9 p.m. Free; $10 wine. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SUSHI SET Create your own fused glass rectangular sushi plate. All materials included Sept. 6 6-8 p.m. $200.

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.

805-464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

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 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.

CCCT HOUSE TEAM: CENTRAL TOAST (IMPROV COMEDY SHOW) Team will use your audience suggestions to curate an insanely funny show, all on the spot. Sept. 7 6-8 p.m. $10. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-9463, slowineandbeerco.com.

CENART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21

HOMETOWN REALTY An exhibit of pastel paintings by Bobbye West Thompson, member of the Central Coast Pastel Society (3CPS). Meet the artist during a free reception on July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-235-4877. slocountyarts.org. Century 21 Hometown Realty, 599 Higuera St, Ste A, 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.

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

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME After completely selling out two previous runs of this production, and winning 11 national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Cuesta Drama returns for one final remount. Directed by bree valle. Sept. 1 7:30-9 p.m., Sept. 2 ,

2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 3 2-4 & 7:309:30 p.m., Sept. 8 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 9

2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sept. 10, 2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25. 805-546-3198. cuesta. universitytickets.com/. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

GO FIGURE: ARTIST RECEPTION

Celebrating the human form and all things figurative. This open show features work from local artists around the county. Sept. 1 5-7 p.m. Free. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central,

1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV SHOW: LONG FORM IMPROV AND GENRES A riveting evening of live, curated improv theater featuring long form and genre-bending improv styles. Aug. 31 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.

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.

JOHN BARRETT John Barrett was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952 and grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. He began pursuing his career as an artist in the late 1960s influenced by his greatgrandfather, a painter. Sept. 1 - Nov. 27 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/john-barrett/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ODDFELLOWS COMEDY NIGHT The SLO Oddfellows present an evening of hilarious live comedy the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy professional comedians seen on Comedy Central, Hulu, Netflix, and in clubs like The Punchline, Comedy Store, The Improv, and The Ice House. Food and drink available for purchase. First Saturday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $15. 805-878-2038. my805tix.com. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel.com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELYSSA EDWARDS

PHOTO CONTEST

Flannel 101 - Get Your Flannel On (90s Tribute Band)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

International Champions of Musical Whistling and Musical Saw

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Old Santa Rosa Chapel, Cambria

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree @ Tooth & Nail

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Tooth & Nail Winery, Paso Robles

Women Making Waves: Community Hike at the Pismo Preserve

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Camp Arroyo Grande

Unity in the Community: Bobby Santa Cruz Superband SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 South Bay Community Center, Los Osos

Live Music, Trivia, Karaoke, and more!

FOR DETAILS Templeton Mercantile, Club Car Bar

10th Annual Brew at the ZooTake Two SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Charles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero

Colonel Angus (AC/DC & Rock Cover Band)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SLO County Jazz Federation: The Pat Kelley Trio SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree with Headliner Chris Bennett

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Rib Line by the Beach, Grover Beach

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce: Shop, Sip & Stroll

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 & 28 Embarcadero & Downtown, Morro Bay

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree with Headliner Chris Bennett

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Central Coast Pizza, Los Osos

Women Making Waves: Shake It Off Dance Party

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

SLO Wine & Beer, San Luis Obispo

New Moon Sunset Show: Two Dog Night w/ DJ B. Tru

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 A Satellite of Love, San Luis Obispo

Banda Toro with DJs Kazanova & Excalibur

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Symphony of the Vines: Arctic Chill

Mo Betta Summer Jazz Series Concert SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Bliss Cafe, San Luis Obispo Laugh Therapy Stand Up Comedy WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez 2023 New Times Music Awards Presentation and Showcase FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 SLO Brew Rock, San Luis Obispo SLO Symphony: Pops By The Sea SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Avila Beach Golf Resort Mid-State Wedding and Event Expo SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Hunter Ranch, Paso Robles San Luis Obispo Oktoberfest SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO PET

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.

SCAB PICKER: MOLLY SEGAL Los Angeles-based painter Molly Segal’s surreal largescale watercolors explore a world with finite resources, both natural and emotional, where we find ourselves grappling with insatiable needs and limited provisions. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 13 Free. 805-5463202. cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

STAND-UP COMEDY CLASS This class covers the basics of crafting jokes, putting a set together, and includes performance training. Sept. 5 , 6-8 p.m. $225. Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, Suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-858-8255, centralcoastcomedytheater.com.

WEEKEND TEAPOT WORKSHOP Come make a teapot and teacup set with teacher, Jenn Hope, who will be guiding students over the course of three sessions. Sept. 2 , 3:30-5:30 p.m. $225. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

30TH ANNUAL AFS 5K FUN RUN A family-friendly fun run. Proceeds provide scholarships for Coast Union High School students planning to study in another country through AFS, a foreign exchange student program. Event at high school in Cambria. Sept. 2 7-9:30 a.m. $25. 805801-1132. davidlbisso.com/5kfunrun.html.

Coast Union High School, 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Rd., Cambria.

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.

BREATHE AND STRETCH Designed for adults 18 and over, these sessions involve a hybrid of yoga and active isolated

stretching, as well as tried and true breathing techniques, to leave you feeling more flexible, functional, and relaxed. No shoes, please. Sundays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. and Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m. through Oct. 17 $75. 415-516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

BREATHE BALANCE AND STRETCH Be prepared to get down to the floor and up again. Breath practice is sustained throughout the session, which is filled with accessible movements that will create and enhance flexibility and balance. Shoe-less environment. Please bring a mat. Every other Monday, 9-9:45 a.m. $10. 415-516-5214. 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. 805-2357978. 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.

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.

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

IN MEMORY

SLO Overdose Awareness Day will be commemorated at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event and learn more about overdose and how to prevent it and remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose. Visit sloendoverdose.org for more info. Mitchell Park is located at 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo. —C.W.

Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

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

TAI CHI 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.

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. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. 805-464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.

LABOR DAY PICNIC AND CELEBRATION

Honor the American tradition of hard work and the historic gains of the labor movement. Join the SLO County Democratic Party for a fun-filled, familyfriendly picnic celebrating working people. Sept. 4 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $30; kids eat free. slocdp.org/LABORDAY. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS

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

REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY

Saturday, September 2nd kickoff 2023

Kickoff: 3PM | Gates Open: 1:30PM

BLOCK PARTY FUNDRAISER

All donations support medical care and feed for the horses for the year. Come for the love of the horses and contribute to supporting our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused, abandoned, and neglected horses. Sept. 10 11 a.m.-noon $50. 805-237-3751. redwingshorsesanctuary. org. Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Union Road, Paso Robles.

SHERECOVERS SHARING CIRCLE

SheRecovers Foundation is a non-profit organization with a community of more than 325,000 women in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders, other mental health issues, and/or life challenges. It’s mission is to inspire hope and reduce stigma. Facilitated by Monica Galli, Certified Recovery Coach. First Thursday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. sherecovers.org/sharing-circles/.

Dharma Yoga Loft, 1329 Spring Street, Paso Robles, 805-434-1924.

SISTER CIRCLE A wonderful opportunity for women to come together and share their experiences, knowledge, and support for one another. These gatherings are typically held once a month and are open to women of all ages 18 and over and backgrounds. Sept. 7, 6-7:30 p.m. $11. 805-835-3979. tiffanyklemz.com/events.

The Green Omen Apothecary and Tea Lounge, 6280 Palma 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. 805-2373988. 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. 805242-2421. 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

BECOME A SENIOR PEER COUNSELOR

Are you a senior interested in helping other seniors? This group is in need of counselors to provide support for older adults who are experiencing a variety of issues like grief, loneliness, and caregiver issues. Free training is online and offered at your own pace. First Monday of every month. through Dec. 4 Free. 805-5477025. wilshirecommunityservices.org.

Online, See website, 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.

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.

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK

Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Tuesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free with $5 Garden Entry. 805-541-1400. slobg.org/ calendar. Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free with $5 Garden Entry. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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 LEATHERWORK

Make a stamped leather belt during this one-hour online class and full seven-hour day at the shop. Sept. 6 6-7 p.m. and Sept. 9 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $50; plus $48 materials fee. 628-888-4012. cuesta.edu/ communityprograms/ranch-education/ index.html. Cuesta College Ranch Education Program, 3535 Education Drive, 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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM LACEY

* Free Tailgate Aprons to first arriving fans VISIT

ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

Buttercup Bakery Summer Concert Series

Thursdays

Presented by: BUTTERCUP BAKERY & CAFE, MORRO BAY

Oct. 14 $35. slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A prorecovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgmentfree support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other.

First 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.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardener Program of SLO County extends an invitation to the public. Bring your lunch, tour the garden, ask questions, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the venue’s Demonstration Garden. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free. 805-781-5939. ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/.

Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, 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.

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

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ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

Unity

Sunday, September 3 · 2–6pm

South Bay Community Center, Los Osos

Presented by: CELEBRATE LOS OSOS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MY805 TIX. COM

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sloskiers.org. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. 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.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA

LUNCH AT FIRST SIGHT

The Santa Maria Masonic Lodge will host a tri-tip sandwich lunch fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the lunch will benefit Paws for Purple Hearts and Nomad Pet Rescue. Meals are $15 each and must be reserved in advance of the event. Visit the fundraiser’s Eventbrite page for more info. The Santa Maria Masonic Lodge is located at 700 Lakeview Road, Santa Maria.

preserved and protected. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND 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.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 805-460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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.

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.

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 OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY A free event for our community to come together to learn more about overdose, how to prevent it, and to remember the lives who have been lost to overdose. Aug. 31 5-7 p.m. Free. sloendoverdose.org/. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., 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, 8:30-9:30 a.m. through Nov. 25 $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen. org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, 877-468-3861.

SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers is a non-profit sports and social club for adults ages 21 and older. First Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. through Dec. 6 Meetings free; yearly membership $65. 805-528-3194.

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.

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.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

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

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. MondaysFridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through May 31 Varies. 805-824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket. com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

SUNDAY BRUNCH IN THE GARDEN AT THE LODGE Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch spread, fun lawn games, and live music in the serene and picturesque garden area at Cambria Pines Lodge. Each guest (ages 21 and over) will receive one free mimosa with the purchase of an entrée. Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 29 Please see event menu for pricing. 805-927-4200. cambriapineslodge. com/events/onsite. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CAMP, PAINT, AND SIP Please join Art Social 805 at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles where you will paint the featured image while enjoying a glass of liquid inspiration from the featured winery. Ticket purchase includes all painting materials, instruction from a professional artist, and your first glass of wine. Sept. 2 3-5 p.m. $50. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, 3800 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix. com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.

PAINT AND SIP Enjoy a Paris-themed paint with a chosen glass of liquid inspiration. Aug. 31 , 6-8 p.m. $48. 805-464-2939. Unhinged Beer and Wine Bar, 5816 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

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

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com.

Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-242-1167.

NAACP SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FIFTH

ANNUAL BARBECUE AND POTLUCK Join NAACP SLO County for their fifth annual barbecue and potluck. Sept. 2 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. 805-619-5354. naacpslocty. org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO

What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.com.

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. 805-4392529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

WILD WEST FEST Features line dancing, a mechanical bull, and amazing food and drinks. Sept. 2 12-6 p.m. Free. 805-215-3669. slopublicmarket.com/events/wild-west-fest. San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. 805-295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

—C.W.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONDRA ROBINSON

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

TRI-TIP SANDWICH LUNCH

FUNDRAISER Don’t miss this special presale tri-tip sandwich lunch, conveniently available for pick-up at the Santa Maria Masonic Lodge, during this heartwarming fundraiser supporting Paws for Purple Hearts and Nomad Pet Rescue. Pre-sold meals only. Sept. 9 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $15. 310606-1324. Masonic Family Center, 700 Lakeview Rd., Santa Maria.

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANAM CARA QUARTET OPENING FOR NEVER COME DOWN Come see the Anam Cara Quartet and welcome Never Come Down to the Siren stage. Sept. 6 7-11 p.m. $15. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

BUTTERCUP CONCERT SERIES:

MURDER HORNETS Visit site for tickets and more info on the event and concert series. Sept. 7 5-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Buttercup Bakery and Cafe, 430 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, ‭805-226-6678‭.

FAMILY FUN FAIR ON GRANDPARENTS

DAY Kids play games to win tickets for bounce houses, face painting, prizes, or a hot dog meal. Live music by Route 66 from 2 to 4 p.m. Food available for purchase. Raffle tickets available onsite. Sept. 10 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-591-0563. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

FOREVER GREEN’S HOMETOWN GIG

Come join Forever Green at Niffy’s Merrimaker in their lovely beer garden. Enjoy some refreshing drinks at this magical bayside location. Sept. 2 , 3-6 p.m. niffysmerrimaker.com/calendar-ofevents. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos, 805-534-1007.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF MUSICAL WHISTLING AND MUSICAL

SAW Presented by Cambria Concerts Unplugged. Sept. 10, 2:30-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Old Santa Rosa Chapel, 2353 Main St., Cambria.

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 Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos.

MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY

BAND CONCERT Under the baton of conductor Brenda Hascall, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a series of free concerts including pops, classical, and jazz music on the south T-Pier in Morro Bay. Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; donations accepted. 916-337-9046. Morro Bay S. T Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

MY BUDDY: THE OTHER SIDE OF OZ

An exciting new cabaret-style jazz show featuring singer, pianist, storyteller Kiki Ebsen. Sept. 10 2-4 p.m. $25. 213-8649232. cambriaarts.org/theatre-season/. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

REGGAE NIGHT Featuring Reverb Iration Sound System and DJs LilMan, Kid Dub, and Roommate. Sept. 9 7 p.m.-midnight Free. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos, 805-534-1007.

CYNTHIA FORD Songwriters at Play

host Steve Key presents an evening of live music featuring Cynthia Ford, a powerhouse vocalist. Sept. 5 6-9 p.m. Free. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay. com/events. 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.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY: BOBBY

SANTA CRUZ SUPERBAND Features dancing, live music, barbecue, beer, wine, raffle, and a silent auction. Proceeds to benefit Celebrate Los Osos and South Bay Community Center.

Sept. 3 , 2-6 p.m. Free. 805-528-4169. southbaycommunitycenter.com. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

AL MARTINEZ WITH AXESTATIC: COLONY CONCERT SERIES IN ATASCADERO Rocker Al Martinez takes the stage with Axestatic. Bring your friends and dance the night away to your favorites from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000’s.

Part of the Colony Concert Series in Atascadero. Sept. 2 5-7 p.m. 805-4606252. colonymarketanddeli.com. Colony Market and Deli, 6040 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and is easy to listen to.

Sept. 2 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett. com/. Bethel Road Distillery, 1266 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, 805-434-0319. Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and is easy to listen to. Sept. 9 , 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. HammerSky Vineyards, 7725 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, 805-239-0930.

AN EVENING OF POWERFUL AND HAUNTING FOLK WITH MAMA’S BROKE

Mama’s Broke is a powerful folk duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy. Sept. 2 , 8-10 p.m. $20-$25. 805-235-2874. eventbrite.com. Bristols Cider House, 3220 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

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.

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.

YACHTLEY CREW Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and is easy to listen to. Sept. 10-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Edna Valley Vineyard, 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-5855.

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.

KABAKA PYRAMID AND THE BEBBLE

ROCKERS Doors open at 7 p.m. With special guest Jemere Morgan. For ages 21 and over. Sept. 7, 7:45 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843, slobrew.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT LIQUID GRAVITY Check social media and calendar for weekly updates. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. and Fridays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

THE PAT KELLEY TRIO Visit site for tickets and more info on the concert. Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

SHREK RAVE For ages 18 and over. Sept. 9 9 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-5468600, fremontslo.com.

SONGWRITERS AT PLAY FEATURES

TAYLOR C. LEWIS, HOLLY ANN LEWIS

Songwriters at Play host Steve Key will share the stage with Oklahoma native Taylor C. Lewis, and California resident Holly Ann Lewis. The three singersongwriters will swap songs and stories Nashville-style. Breanna Rosas joins us for a guest set. Sept. 6 6-8 p.m. Free. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/ events. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, San Luis Obispo.

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

ANAM CARA AT BIG VARIETY NIGHT

The Anam Cara Quartet (Angela Wood, Tracy Morgan, Bruce Willard, David Foster Evans) will bring the “Celtic Soul and Rock n’ Roll” to Ted Waterhouse’s Big Variety Night at Puffer’s of Pismo. Sept. 3 , 5-8 p.m. $5. 805-710-3309. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, puffersofpismo.com.

B & THE HIVE LIVE Part of the Lighthouse’s live music series. Sept. 9, 2-5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPY HOURS: LIVE

MUSIC Enjoy Friday Night Happy Hour at Avila Bay Athletic Club. Sept. 1 6-8 p.m. Free. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, 805-595-7600.

POPS BY THE SEA

The San Luis Obispo Symphony announces the return of Pops-by-the-Sea at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Featuring guest artists The Damon Castillo Band. Sept. 2 , 2-7 p.m. $15-$80. 805-356-1438. slosymphony.org. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach.

TALENT DREAMS INAUGURAL

JAMBOREE Visit site for more info on the program. Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. my805tix. com. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande, 805-249-9517. ∆

Arts

ARTIFACTS

New Times Media Group holds inaugural Pet Photo Contest

The entry period for the New Times Media Group’s inaugural Pet Photo Contest opened in late August and will close on Monday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. Photos from the contest will be included in the pet-centric issues of both New Times and the Sun on Thursday, Oct. 19.

The Pet Photo Contest is sponsored by Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, an Arroyo Grande-based supplier with multiple locations in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The entry fee is $5 per photo with a $1 processing fee, and all proceeds from the contest will benefit Woods Humane Society and the Santa Barbara Humane Society.

To enter the contest, find the photo submission tab on newtimesslo.com.

Morro Bay Art Association hosts free ceramics demo

Prolific ceramicist and teacher Jack Mettier will lead a ceramics demonstration at Art Center Morro Bay on Monday, Sept. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission to the demo, hosted by the Morro Bay Art Association, is free and open to the public.

Mettier has 35 years of experience in teaching ceramics, art, and jewelry classes. He previously taught at Paso Robles High School, where he also served as the chair of the school’s visual and performing arts department. Mettier has also taught courses at Taft College, where he was the college’s art gallery director and chair of its fine arts department.

Throughout his career as a teacher and artist, Mettier has experimented with making functional and representational pieces and glazes from various materials. To find out more about Mettier’s upcoming demo at Art Center Morro Bay, call (805) 7722504 or visit artcentermorrobay.org.

Art Center Morro Bay is located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

Community Foundation of SLO County sponsors free concert in Santa Maria

The Riptide Big Band will perform at the upcoming Wear

That Hat dance concert at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The band will be accompanied by vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting during the event, hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club.

Admission to the concert is free, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. For more info on the event, call (775) 813-5186 or visit riptidebb.com. The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is located at 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. ∆

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Butterfly beauty

Through the Eyes of a Monarch showcases the beauty of well-traveled Western monarch butterfly

Everyone views a journey di erently. Whether in how they take it—by land, air, or sea—or who they take it with— friends, family, or by themselves, no one entirely experiences the same thing when they travel.

So what happens when a call goes out to describe the journey of the Western monarch butter y through art?

According to Central Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA) Executive Director Kristin Howland, you get rough the Eyes of a Monarch.

“ e theme of this exhibit spoke to me immediately since there are so many ways to interpret the journey as an artist,” she said. “Highlighting the [journey] and plight of the Western monarch butter y through art seemed like a wonderful way to connect not only with the art community but our community [on the Central Coast] as a whole.”

e exhibit will show at e Bunker in San Luis Obispo from Sept. 1 to 30, featuring a variety of artistic interpretations of the butter y’s journey.

“ e art we are planning to have featured is simply beautiful, inspirational, and thoughtprovoking,” Howland said. “I hope that viewers will walk away inspired by the art to make a di erence in the choices they make daily.”

Pieces featured in the gallery include art from people across the Central Coast. Since July of this year, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council has worked alongside a team to jury submissions and prepare for the gallery’s opening event on Sept. 1. In addition to having their works featured at e Bunker, selected artists will also be able to earn a commission should their work be purchased by any visitors.

ose artists can also choose to have a portion of their pro t contribute to either CCSPA or the Western Monarch Trail to help maintain the habitats that the butter ies migrate through.

Bug beginnings

See the opening of Through the Eyes of a Monarch at The Bunker (located at 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo) on Friday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit westernmonarchtrail.com for more information and resources on the butterfly.

Howland said that the Western monarch as been the recent subject of concern for local environmental causes as it continues to be plagued by climate and human impact.

“ e monarch has been in the news quite a bit lately with populations and habitat dwindling for both Eastern and Western monarchs,” she said.

In addition to these recent revelations, Howland says historically the butter y has been subject to challenges beyond its control.

According to Howland, the Western monarch population has declined more than 99 percent since the 1990s. She said the primary cause of this decline was rooted in the climate impact of its coastal migration sites, which have dwindled in tandem with the butter y population.

“Monarchs leave coastal sites in early spring to seek food, reproduce, and escape predators and disease,” she said. “Safe migration paths with plentiful nectar, breeding habitats, and milkweed plants are essential to their survival and success.”

e Central Coast has several spots that are home to the Western monarch butter y, but no spot compares to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove, according to Howland.

“Historically SLO County alone has as many as 55 sites, including one of the largest populations of monarchs at this site in Pismo,” she said. “ e 2022 anksgiving count total for Western monarchs overall reached 335,000—SLO County hosted a minimum of 135,000 of that population.”

She, alongside the artists featured, is hopeful that rough the Eyes of a Monarch, people across the Central Coast will recognize the monarch as a priority.

“Climate change, pesticide use, and loss of habitat are just a few of the many contributing factors to the issues we face in protecting these ecosystems,” Howland said. “[While] we had an increase in [population] numbers last year … there is still a lot of work to do to mitigate the issues not just the monarch is facing but all pollinators are facing.”

rough the Eyes of a Monarchwon’t be the only event celebrating and bringing attention to butter ies’ journey.

e Mariposa Festival—taking place Sept. 14 at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market—will feature a celebration of the Central Coast, Hispanic heritage, and the Western monarch.

“ e monarch butter y is deeply connected to Hispanic folklore culture,” Howland explained. “It is a symbol of dignity and resilience that is said to carry the souls of ancestors visiting from the afterlife.”

CCSPA is also planning its fourth annual Butter y Ball at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo on Oct. 14. Howland said the event will feature live music, dinner, dance performances, and, most importantly, a bounty of information on butter ies.

Showtime!

Fittingly enough, Howland mused, the Pismo Reserve served as the primary source of in uence for many of the pieces submitted, as its towering trees produced the perfect lighting to catch the butter ies throughout the season.

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

e more people can learn about the Western monarch and, the challenges it faces, the more people will understand why it’s important to showcase the beauty in the journey it undertakes every season.

“We hope that telling the story of the monarch through art will allow current and new audiences to have a deeper understanding and in turn connect with the species and the challenges they face,” Howland said. “We can create habitats in our backyards … purchase food and produce from pollinator-friendly farms … not use pesticides and other harmful chemicals … advocate for funding to preserve habitats along the migration path, or raise awareness through art.” ∆

Sta Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas is thinking about how he can make a di erence. Reach him at arosas@newtimesslo.com.

FLOWER POWER The Western monarch butterfly faces challenges from the climate and humanity, and events like Through the Eyes of a Monarchare designed to shine a light on how important habitat protection is.

COURTESY PHOTO BY VICKI MORROW

ART ADVENTURE The Western monarch butterfly’s journey across the California coast will be on display at The Bunker starting Sept. 1 in pieces like Wildfires and the Monarch Butterfly by artist James Dietze

PHOTO

PISMO PROTECTION Through the Eyes of a Monarch features artistic takes on the journey of the Western monarch butterfly—one that often leads them to rest in spots like the Pismo State Beach Monarch Preserve.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION

The

Tween trouble

Sammi Cohen directs this coming-of-age comedy about besties Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia Rodriguez Katz (Samantha Lorraine), who have a falling out over a boy right before their upcoming bat mitzvahs, unraveling their friendship and threatening their parties. (103 min.)

Glen is is a true family a air. Adam Sandler is starring alongside his real-life daughters Sunny and Sadie, and his wife, Jackie Sandler. ere’s an easy chemistry there. And what a warm, funny, uplifting story. I couldn’t help but be brought back to the trials and travails of the tween year, the cusp of teenagerhood, when your body is changing, and every emotion seems ampli ed to the nth degree. Stacy and Lydia have been friends since they were wee ones, and they know everything about each other. Nobody can cut you as deep as a friend, which puts the girls in the perfect position to take their feud from mean to downright nasty and cruel. What’s most confounding— but also on-point for a misguided early crush—is the boy in question, Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Ho man), who isn’t worthy of either of these two young ladies. Laughs abound as they navigate one awkward moment after another.

Anna e Sandler family working together could go two very di erent ways, but luckily they seem to genuinely enjoy being on set together. No tween can roll her eyes more sincerely than at her own parents! Both Sunny and Samantha are great here, and while the storyline focuses on the younger sister, her older counterpart has great deadpan delivery that works well to break up the tween drama moments. e lm absolutely took me back to a time in life when every problem was the worst thing that ever happened, and even a slight betrayal

DEPP V. HEARD

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix

From April to June 2022, the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was in its heyday. With a bit of shame, I admit I followed along, watching hour upon hour of trial footage as the two and their respective witnesses worked to tear each other apart. Now Netflix gives us a three-part summation, showing a sped-up version of the trial as well as the mind-boggling media coverage around it.

Thanks to YouTube, TikTok, and countless other social media sites, the trial quickly divided its followers into two camps. Favor was heavily

SANDLER-RAMA (Left to right) Idina Menzel, Samantha Lorraine, Adam Sandler, Sunny Sandler, and Sadie Sandler

I AM SO NOT INVITING YOU TO MY BAT MITZVAH

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

felt monumental. I can’t get over how sweet and charming and downright funny this lm is. What a great reminder of Adam Sandler’s true talent and knack for creating great ensemble dynamics. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you’d be hard pressed not to fall for his sweet family. is should be in theaters!

Glen I agree. Buying a full-price ticket would have been money well spent, but I’m happy to have a rst-run lm of this caliber included in our Net ix subscription. Part of what made the lm so rich was its bevy of supporting characters. My favorite was Rabbi Rebecca (a hilarious Sarah Sherman), a deeply dorky but incredibly sincere, upbeat, and frank spiritual guide to these young people. e regular bat mitzvah go-to entertainer is DJ Schmuley (Ido Mosseri), who’s also a great source of comedy. And let’s not forget Luis Guzmán as Eli Katz, Lydia’s dad who’s divorcing Lydia’s mom, Gabi

weighted toward Depp, who had legions of fans camped outside of the courtroom hoping to gain a coveted spot inside. Heard was seen as a villain, not a victim, and was met daily with jeers and insults. Watching the testimony clipped together side by side paints the picture of a very dysfunctional relationship and a difficult dissolution of a marriage. While Depp wins the trial, neither party comes out of Depp v. Heard looking like a winner.

If you’re craving a bit of popcorn courtroom theater, this three-part series will feed your need to indulge in other people’s problems for a while. (three approx. 50-min. episodes)

—Anna

IMPLOSION

The ugly, sordid saga of Johnny Depp and Amanda Heard’s defamation trial gets the documentary miniseries treatment, in Depp v. Heard, streaming on Netflix.

(played by Adam’s real-life wife, Jackie). I was also charmed by exchange student Mateo (Dean Scott Vazquez), a real kid-gentleman, unlike showo Andy Goldfarb. I would 100 percent watch this lm again, and if you have kids around 12 to 15, watch it with them. It’s got lessons and laughs to impart. Anna is is de nitely a lm I’ll be recommending to parents with kids anywhere around that age, and you’re right, the characters both in and around the Friedman family take this lm to the next level. ere’re the usual school cliques—the “cool” (aka mean) girls, the dorky but lovable crew, and the jocks, and both Stacy and Lydia are just trying to gure out where they t in now that they’re “adults.” It’s not overly saccharine, and there are plenty of laughout-loud bits that deal with all things tween, or even just being in the orbit of one. It truly is such a relatable, sweet, funny lm. I’m a fan of Sandler, but even if you aren’t, there are plenty of people in this cast to love. I will de nitely watch this one again! ∆

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

HEART OF STONE

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Tom Harper (Wild Rose, The Aeronauts) directs this by-the-numbers spy thriller that’s sadly short on thrills. As I understand it, the idea was that it would begin a Mission: Impossiblestyle franchise with Gal Gadot in the lead, but after this rote, lackluster effort, this may be a one-off.

Gadot is intelligence operator Rachel Stone, a computer expert working with MI6 … or is she something more? The plot also involved a supersecret organization called The Charter, dedicated to keeping world peace and outside the control of any single government. The Charter’s most

powerful tool is The Heart, an artificial intelligence quantum computer network with a global reach, which in the wrong hands would lead to world domination.

The locations are exotic, from the Italian Alps to London to Lisbon to Iceland to the Senegal desert, and Gadot remains a likable and charismatic lead, but we’ve seen these characters and situations before, and there’s not much to recommend this film other than it’s free with your Netflix subscription. Though it’s garnered 33 million viewers, its Rotten Tomatoes audience score is a dismal 53 percent. And the critics? They trashed it with 29 percent. I had to make two attempts before I could get through it. (122 min.) ∆ —Glen

STONED Gal Gadot stars as secret agent Rachel Stone, who must stop hackers from stealing a powerful AI quantum computer network capable of frightening manipulation, in Heart of Stone, streaming on Netflix.

(Adam Sandler’s real-life daughters), star in the coming-of-age comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

BY GLEN STARKEY

Emotional guides

How to describe the Canadian duo Mama’s Broke? Alt-Appalachian? Dark folk-punk? Quebecois blues? If you want to get a taste, I recommend their 2023 NPR Tiny Desk Concert. It’s 16 minutes of remarkable harmony singing and sparkling string work on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo, with chopstick and foot percussion. Mournful, elegiac, and heartachingly beautiful, their music is a lament, a cry in the night, a coyote opera heard across a steep canyon. You’ll feel moments of familiarity mixed with moments of revelation as they pay homage to Americana roots while making art in the present.

Read the dark poetry of “Wrecking Need”: “It’s hard to see so honestly/ But I know you got it bad like me/ That wrecking need// But I’ll come back this way and I’ll marry you someday/ If you promise that you’ll never ask me to put the bottle away/ I’ll come back this way and I’ll marry you someday/ If you promise that you’ll never ask me to put the bottle away// I spit poison at all you bad boys and/ God knows by now I got plenty good reasons/ To keep on holding the wrong side of the knife in my hand.”

Enjoy the powerful and haunting music of Mama’s Broke at Atascadero’s Bristols Cider House this Saturday, Sept. 2 (doors at 6 p.m., show at 8; $20 presale at eventbrite.com or $25 at the door), in a concert brought to you by the Seven Sisters Folklore Society, which “endeavors to foster awareness and appreciation of folklore and traditional arts for the people of California’s Central Coast region.”

A food truck will be on-site to help you eat your pain.

Country two-step

Numbskull and Good Medicine has a couple of country shows cooked up for you starting with Triston Marez at The Siren on Friday, Sept. 1 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15 at goodmedicinepresents.com). The 25-year-old Houston native has a rich, resonant voice, and on his debut EP, That Was All Me, he sings about everything from old flames and new loves to long drunken nights and good friends. Chris LeDoux, Aaron Watson, and Cody Johnson are a few influences.

According to his bio, “As a member of a musical family from Oklahoma known for their bluegrass and fiddle talents, Marez started playing guitar at age 6, and his first live performance was a Buck Owens song in the first grade talent show.”

The Josh Abbott Band on their Country Nights Tour comes to BarrelHouse Brewing next Thursday, Sept. 7 (6 p.m.; all ages; $25 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Founded in Lubbock, Texas, in 2006, the band has gone from regional success story to national touring act. They’ve enjoyed a few nationally charting singles such as, “Oh, Tonight” with Kacey Musgraves, “Touch,” “Hangin’ Around,” “Amnesia,” and, “Wasn’t That Drunk” with Carly Pearce. Jake Jacobson opens.

Mostly free

The Siren has a bunch of free shows lined up this week. On Saturday, Sept. 2, hear the rock, soul, and blues of Lady & the Tramps (2 to 5 p.m.; free), and later that night, The Sinners bring their R&B, rock, and “dirty stories” (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; free). You must be 21 or older for all Siren shows.

On Sunday, Sept. 3, see award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cassi Nicholls & Friends (2 to 5 p.m.; free).

“She disarms audiences with an honest, sincere delivery of her dark and dreamy indie style,” her bio explains.

You’ll have to pony-up a few bucks for this next one, but if you love bluegrass, it will be worth it on Wednesday, Sept. 6, when Never Come Down and opener Anam Cara play (7 to 9:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15 at tixr.com).

Portland act Never Come Down weaves together modern and traditional bluegrass and Americana sounds.

And mark you calendar for next Thursday, Sept. 7, when Marc Ford (of Black Crows) with opener Kareeta plays (7 to 10:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $17 at tixr.com). More on them next week.

Get irie

SLO Brew Rock has a very cool reggae show coming next Thursday, Sept. 7, when Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers perform (7:45 p.m.; 21-and-older; $27 at ticketweb.com). Pyramid is a powerful Jamaican performer who mixes reggae with hip-hop, delivering socially conscious messages with Egyptian Kemetic roots. Rising reggae star Jemere Morgan opens.

Sail away

Back in the “old days” of the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s, what today we call “yacht rock” was known as soft rock. It was smooth, mellow, cleanly recorded, with light, catchy melodies. Nothing edgy about it. This genre wasn’t coined “yacht rock” until 2005 and the release of the online series Yacht

Rock about the fictionalized lives of soft rock stars. At the time, the term was meant as an insult, but like the once pejorative term “queer,” yacht rock has been reclaimed and is now celebrated for its inviting, comfortable sound.

Hence, for your listening pleasure, Vina Robles Amphitheatre hosts Yächtley Crëw on Saturday, Sept. 2 (7:30 p.m.; $50 to $65 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com). Some of the tracks that seem to turn up regularly in their setlist are “Reelin’ in the Years” by Steely Dan, “Maneater” by Hall & Oats, “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder, “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft, “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross, “Brandy” by Looking Glass, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmers, “Come Sail Away” by Styx, and of course “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.

Traffic Records proprietor and opening act DJ Manuel Barba will be spinning a set of yacht rock tunes.

Balkan beats

For the Folks will host another concert at Bang the Drum next Thursday, Sept. 7, when they present live electronic act Balkan Bump with Vince Cimo opening (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $20 presale at eventbrite.com or $25 day of show).

Balkan Bump is orchestrated by trumpet player, producer, and ethnomusicologist Will Magid, and his band fuses “heavy electronic production with global music influences including traditional Balkan brass melodies, Middle Eastern sounds, and American hip-hop.” They’ve played everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo to Lightning In A Bottle.

More music …

The free Concerts in the Plaza series features BeerGrass-playing foot-stompin’ party band the Mother Corn Shuckers headlining on Friday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., with amazing singer-songwriter Dulcie Taylor opening the show at 5 p.m.

The San Luis Obispo Symphony with special guest the Damon Castillo Band plays Pops-by-the-Sea this Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Avila Beach Golf Resort (4 p.m.; all ages; $25 general lawn seating, $15 for 13- to 17-year-olds; under 13 free, with limited table seating for $80 per seat on tables up to 10, at my805tix.com). Hear popular and patriotic works by Dudley Buck, John Williams, Leroy Anderson, Michael W. Smith, John Philip Sousa, and more. The second half welcomes local singer-songwriter Damon Castillo.

New Orleans-flavored boogie blues band

The Cliffnotes return to Paso’s Halter Ranch Vineyards this Sunday, Sept. 3 (noon to 3 p.m.; free). Great music and you can check out the narrow-gauge railroad on the property. As bandleader Cliff Stepp notes, the event will be “free, fun, and packed full of the boogie blues that made The Cliffnotes semi-famous!”

Progressive rock fusion trio the Travis Larson Band kicks off its fall U.S. tour in support of their eighth studio album, The New Exhibit, with a warm-up show at Frog and Peach this Tuesday, Sept. 5 (8:30 p.m.). “We last played North America in 2019 on a sold-out tour of clubs and theaters with The Aristocrats,” Larson explained. “This will be our first time back on a nationwide tour since the pandemic and our first new music in seven years. We look forward to seeing everybody!” ∆

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

ASH AND DUST Haunting Canadian folk duo Mama’s Broke plays a Seven Sisters Folklore Society show at Atascadero’s Bristols Cider House on Sept. 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAMA’S BROKE

STRAIGHT OUTTA HOUSTON Numbskull and Good Medicine present Triston Marez at The Siren on Sept. 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISTON MAREZ

BOOGIE BLUES BOPPERS The Cliffnotes— (left to right) Liz Douglas, Joey Five ’n’ Dimes, Daniel “Grasshopper” Ruben, Valerie Johnson, Al B Blue (seated), and Cliff “Crawdaddy” Stepp—return to Paso’s Halter Ranch Vineyards on Sept. 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLIFFNOTES

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Served with love

Relocated from Brooklyn to Morro Bay, Babydudes whips up creative classics in the name of love

Hiding a workplace romance and wanting to dish out creative food with a loved one gave birth to Babydudes.

Chef-owners Hannah Jacobs and Tali Petschek’s love story began in Brooklyn, New York, where they shared a commissary kitchen. Jacobs worked for a catering company that owned the kitchen, and Petschek cooked for another caterer that rented out the space.

Soon after they began to discreetly date, Petschek called Jacobs “baby” at work.

“I very quickly tried to cover it up by calling her ‘dude,’” Petschek told New Times on Aug. 22. “This was also very early into dating each other, so we weren’t at the pet name level yet, and I was very embarrassed. She picked up on all of it, and she started teasing me and that’s when we started calling each other ‘Babydude.’”

Friend and fellow chef Chakriya Un of Cambodian food pop-up Kreung encouraged them to name their own pop-up Babydudes, and the couple did just that. They juggled their day jobs and opened the Brooklynbased spot in 2017. Post-pandemic, Jacobs and Petschek traveled west, bringing Babydudes with them and cementing it in Morro Bay as a funky pink and blue brickand-mortar restaurant in 2021.

“We’re trying to do something outside the [food] industry because the industry is broken,” said Petschek, who uses nonbinary pronouns they/them.

Jacobs added that the way that they cook aims to fill the cracks in the industry.

“How do we think about sustainability in food, costs, how do we understand going out?” she said. “What can we expect of

Counter chats

Walk up to the Babydudes counter at 307 Morro Bay Boulevard in Morro Bay to place your order. It’s open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Follow Babydudes on Instagram @babydudes.

diners and people who work in the industry? All of this needs to be thought about and re-understood. Everybody needs to come together and create a new contract about how we exist in that space.”

Sustainable sourcing is one way Jacobs and Petschek prepare the food that comes out of Babydudes. It’s one of the reasons they moved to California. From Tuesday through Thursday, the duo ventures out to farmers’ markets and ranches around San Luis Obispo County to gather produce and meat. Only dairy from Straus Family Creamery in Marin County arrives by truck.

For Petschek, opening the Morro Bay store gave them an opportunity they didn’t have in Brooklyn: making bread.

“In Brooklyn, we sourced our bread from a very dear friend,” they said. “Not being able to buy her bread, and Hannah worked in a bakery for a brief moment, really inspired us to bake our own bread.”

Their favorite bread is focaccia, and it’s a heavy-hitter on Babydudes’ sandwich menu. Filled with airy bubbles and a pleasantly chewy texture, the focaccia makes for a delicious bite. It shines on the roast beef and peppers sandwich, which can be tweaked by adding pickled cucumbers and tomatoes in place of the marinated peppers.

Babydudes’ offerings are imaginative riffs on humble staples like sandwiches, tartines (open-faced sandwiches), soft serve, cookies, and other sweet treats. My favorite, so far, is the chocolate soft serve that’s laced with tahini. Add the chocolate magic shell for a fun eating experience.

“I really like cooking simple food and making them really awesome,” Petschek said.

Individual dishes change often— like the seasonal charred broccoli sandwich and the blink-and-you-missit fried chicken sandwich. In spite of the creative flow to keep switching things up, Jacobs told New Times that Babydudes’ cheesecake and gluten-free corndog with gochugaru mayo are now staples for Morro Bay.

“What I do understand is that if you do put something in a fryer if it’s gluten-free, it’ll be pretty good,” she said. “Cornstarch and rice flour fry up really beautifully. Chickpea flour fries up beautifully but if you bake it and because there’s no gluten, it can be stodgy.”

Jacobs and Petschek may be far from Babydudes’ Brooklyn roots, but they still tap into its origins as a popup from time to time. It’s another way for the two of them to enjoy each other’s company, according to them. Most recently, Babydudes hosted its first Lamb Party and have another scheduled for Sep. 10. The event highlighted the art of whole animal cookery.

With an entire lamb sourced from Outlaw Valley Ranch in Santa Maria, a

roasting box, the internet, and prior cooking stints at their disposal, Petschek and Jacobs prepared a social pop-up event similar to a block party.

Petschek used the skills they picked up from working for an Oakland-based butcher shop called Marin Sun Farms. After extrapolating from a YouTube video on butterflying a whole lamb, the pair assembled a wooden box called the La Caja China inside a metal roasting box and placed the lamb inside it. Then, they built a coal fire on top and waited out the hours-long process. Jacobs recalled to New Times that she was worried she built the fire too strong, but a friend arrived to save the day.

“Her name is Ramona, she’s awesome. She also happens to be 6 years old, and we were excited to show her the lamb,” Jacobs said. “When I opened the box, I was all, ‘It’s a little early but it’s ready to flip!’ So, if it weren’t for Ramona, we probably would have overcooked the lamb.”

Once cooked, Petschek and Jacobs served that lamb Brazilian steakhouse style, meaning they walked around Babydudes’ outdoor seating area and offered people different cuts of lamb. Patrons also got to pair the lamb with a plethora of sides and sauces served as a buffet. The next iteration of the Lamb Party will have more limited portion sizes. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite or through the link in Babydudes’ Instagram bio. Over time, Babydudes wants to launch more pop-up events with different culinary themes.

Share tasty tips!

and maybe it’s around for a couple of months,” Jacobs said.

She already has some ideas running through her mind for ever-changing plate options. There could be sous vide chicken finished on a flat top and paired with root vegetables and a salad one week, and spaghetti and meatballs the next.

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

In the future, Babydudes hopes to receive its wine and beer license. It’ll help Petschek and Jacobs—the only staff currently—to bring their original concept to life. That idea consists of more rotating dishes, constant bar snacks, and a dinner service with the option of indoor seating.

“We can have a plate that rotates weekly

“It’ll be a gathering place for a bite to eat, the food is simple-ish, hearty, and will fill your nutritional needs,” Jacobs said. “There’s not going to be a lot of options but will hit all the things you might need.” ∆

spend the rest

Staff Writer

off with tahini-filled chocolate soft serve. Send magic shell respite to brajagopal@newtimesslo.com

Bulbul Rajagopal will

of summer cooling

QUIRKY OUTDOORS Originally based in Brooklyn, Babydudes relocated to Morro Bay in 2021 because the availability of farmers’ market produce and ranchaccessible meat appealed to chef-owners Hannah Jacobs and Tali Petschek.

PHOTOS BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

MAINSTAY Babydudes’ airy corndog with gochugaru mayo is a fixture on its frequently changing menu. Jacobs and Petschek chose it as an easy yet inspired alternative for gluten-free customers.

ICE CREAM SURPRISE Babydudes offers vanilla and tahinichocolate soft serves. Get one or both, and add the chocolate magic shell for a crunchy bite.

WHO: County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning & Building

WHAT: A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant Decommissioning Project is complete and available for public review and comment (State Clearinghouse #2021100559, Development Plan/Coastal Development Permit/ Conditional Use Permit #DRC2021-00092 [ED21-174]). The DEIR addresses the environmental impacts associated with decommissioning of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), including Phase 1 decommissioning activities and Phase 2, which includes soil remediation, final status surveys, and site restoration.

HOW

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WHO CAN USE

Lipo Laser is perfect for ALL body types when combined with appropriate levels of exercise and a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle. 172

CALL

Served

– 9:30pm

The Proposed Project involves three different sites: (1) the DCPP site, (2) the Pismo Beach Railyard (PBR), and (3) the Betteravia Industrial Park Santa Maria Valley Railyard facility site (SMVR-SB). The Osburn Yard in the City of Santa Maria (SMVR-SM) is no longer under consideration and is not part of the Proposed Project. The DCPP site is on the coast of San Luis Obispo County, California, approximately 7 miles northwest of Avila Beach. The DCPP facility comprises a 750-acre highsecurity zone surrounded by an approximately 12,000acre area of land owned by either PG&E or Eureka Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of PG&E. The rail sites would be used to transfer decommissioning waste from trucks to rail cars, where the waste would then be transported by rail to out-of-state disposal facilities (Clive, Utah and/or Andrews, Texas). The PBR site is currently used by PG&E for equipment and material storage and transportation needs in support of DCPP operations. The site is located at 800 Price Canyon Road in the City of Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County, approximately 13 miles southeast of the DCPP site. This site would be used as a contingency for the transfer of non-radioactive and non-hazardous decommissioning waste. The SMVR-SB site is in the County of Santa Barbara (2820 W. Betteravia Road). PG&E proposes to retain the existing Eastern and Western Breakwaters and Intake Structure as well as other facilities for potential future use by others. The structures that would remain onsite related to the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation and Greater than Class C (GTCC) storage facility (which would be built as part of the Proposed Project) would continue to be managed by PG&E within a designated owner-controlled area until an off-site interim storage facility or permanent repository is available. Identification of an off-site repository for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel and GTCC waste is a concern both for DCPP and for nuclear power facilities across the nation and awaits resolution by the federal government.

WHERE: The DEIR is available for review or downloading on the County’s Planning Department website at: www.slocounty.ca.gov/DCPPDecom Hard copies of the DEIR, and all DEIR references, are available for review at the County Department of Planning & Building, 976 Osos Street, Rm 200, San Luis Obispo at the permit center from 8:30 a.m. - noon or 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Hard copies of the DEIR are also available for review at the San Luis Obispo County, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe Public Libraries. Electronic copies (USB) are available at all other San Luis Obispo County libraries: Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos, Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Oceano, Shell Beach, Creston, Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Miguel, and Santa Margarita (for hours see SLOLIBRARY.org); and at the Santa Maria and Guadalupe Branch Libraries (for hours see https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/ departments/library and https://www.countyofsb. org/309/Library-Services).

HOW TO COMMENT OR GET MORE INFORMATION:

Anyone interested in commenting on the DEIR should email your comments or questions to: diablo@co.slo.ca.us or submit a written statement directed to Susan Strachan of the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning & Building at 976 Osos St., Rm 300, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., September 25, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

The DEIR focuses on the following issues: Aesthetics; Air Quality; Biological Resources; Climate Change and SeaLevel Rise; Commercial Fishing; Cultural Resources; Energy; Environmental Justice; Geology, Soils, and Coastal Processes; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hazardous and Radiological Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise; Public Services and Utilities; Recreation and Public Access; State Tide and Submerged Lands Possessing Significant Environmental Values; Transportation; Terrorism; Tribal Cultural Resources; and Wildfire.

In compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines Section 15087(c) (6), the DCPP site is identified in the GeoTracker (https:// geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/) database (as described under Government Code Section 65962.5 and known as the “Cortese List”); although there are no open cases related to potential water quality impacts since 1990. A review of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) EnviroStor website (https:// dtsc.ca.gov/your-envirostor/) indicates a violation occurred in 2021 related to filing of manifests and was resolved.

PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION

A study session before the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission is scheduled for September 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo.

**If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the addresses above by the September 25, 2023, 5:00 p.m. comment period deadline.**

DATED: July 28, 2023

Susan Strachan, Project Manager July 27, August 3, & 31, 2023

Well-Being

2014 KIA FORTE EX SEDAN

am/ fm/cd, alloys, black gray cloth, 121k miles. #055437 $8,988

2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

3.6 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, white, gray cloth, 2pseats, tow, rack. #539175 $10,988

1999 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB SLT 4WD

5.9 Cummins Diesel, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm cass w/cd, silver, cloth, long bed. #511154

2016 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE 4WD

2.4 4cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, white, black lthr, alloys, 110k miles. #780847

2019 NISSAN SENTRA S

1.8 4cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, 92k miles, black, gray cloth. #310607 $12,988

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

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LTD 4WD

5.7 Hemi V8, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, white, black lthr, 47k, nav, mnrf, 2pseats, rack. #611256 $20,988

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO BOARD

OF SUPERVISORS

01. Consent Agenda – Item Nos. 1-35, added Item No. 41 & Resolution (Res) Nos. 2023-212 thru 2023-220, approved as amended.

02. Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: G. Sullivan, B. Jones M.D.; G. Ricker, D. Stebbens, L. Quinlan, M. Brown, G. Grewal speaks. No action taken.

03. Overview of 2022 Annual Agricultural Statistics for SLO County, rec’d & filed.

04. Submittal of Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund FY 2021-22 & FY 2022-23 Annual Report, rec’d & filed w/ direction provided to staff.

05. Closed Session, cancelled.

06. Board Member Comments and Reports on Meetings – Motion to bring back at future date updates to Board of Supervisors Rules of Procedure w/ direction given to staff, & Motion to bring back at a future date revisions to the County Legislative Platform w/ direction provided to staff.

MEETING ADJOURNED

For more details, view the meeting video at: https://www.slocounty. ca.gov/Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/ Clerk-of-the-Board-Services/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetings-andAgendas.aspx

John Nilon, Interim County Administrative Officer & Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

By: Tessa Cornejo, Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

August 31, 2023

PUBLISHED DELINQUENT LIST

(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3371)

I, James W. Hamilton, CPA, San Luis Obispo County AuditorController-Treasurer-Tax Collector, State of California, certify that:

The real properties listed below were declared to be in taxdefault at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2020, by operation of law. The listed real property assessments are only those for which a copy of the latest delinquent reminder letter was returned as undeliverable by the United States Postal Service. The declaration of default was due to non-payment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments and other charges levied in 2019/20 which were a lien on the listed real property. The name of the assessee, the assessment number, which describes the property, and the total that is due on or before September 30, 2023, is listed.

Tax-defaulted real property may be redeemed by payment of all unpaid taxes and assessments, together with additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or it may be redeemed under an installment plan. On July 1, 2025, if the taxes remain unpaid, or there is not an active Annual Installment Plan of Redemption, the property will become subject to tax sale.

All information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property, including the initiation of an installment plan, will be furnished upon request by the office of James W. Hamilton, CPA, San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, at 1055 Monterey St., Rm. D-290, San Luis Obispo, California, 93408. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (805) 781-5836. Information on prior year tax amounts can also be found on the Tax Collector’s website at: www.slocountytax.org.

ASSESSMENT NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION

The assessment number refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and to the individual parcel number on the map page or in the block.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS

Applications to make minor changes to the properties at the addresses listed below have been received by the City.

1. 1121 Broad St. DIR-0554-2022; A parklet permit application for outdoor dining within the public rightof-way for Big Sky Cafe. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); C-D Zone; Charles Myers, applicant. (Rachel Cohen)

2. 717 Higuera St. DIR-0564-2022; A parklet permit application for outdoor dining within the public right-ofway for Buffalo Pub & Grill. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); C-D-H Zone; Toney Breault, applicant. (Rachel Cohen)

3. 1022 Leff St, Unit B. HOME-0363-2023; A Homestay Permit to allow an owner-occupied Homestay Rental (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-3-H Zone; Jonathan Olcott, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)

4. 1336 Morro St. DIR-0314-2023; Request for an exception from ADU design standards to allow an ADU 1,200 square feet in size, where 1,000 square feet is the standard limit (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-3-H Zone; Stew and Diane Jenkins, applicants. (Walter Oetzell)

5. 1150 Peach St. HOME-0369-2023; A Homestay Permit to allow an owner-occupied Homestay Rental (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-2-H Zone; Laura Gaither, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)

6. 541 High St. DIR-0313-2023; Request for an exception from ADU design standards to allow an ADU 1,200 square feet in size, where 1,000 square feet is the standard limit (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-2 Zone; Kevin and Jamie Magon, applicants. (Walter Oetzell)

The Community Development Director will either approve or deny these applications no sooner than September 11, 2023

The Director’s decision may be appealed, and must be filed with the appropriate appeal fee within 10 days of the Director’s action. For more information, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, stop by Monday and Wednesday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or call (805) 781-7170, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

8 Step Decision-Making Process –

Initial Public Notice:

Date: August 31, 2023

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

Assessee Assessment Redemption Number Amount Stefan Margo E 022-026-037 $12,762.65 Stefan Margo E Tre Etal 022-121-010 $7,659.96 Wengeler Dayna L Heirs Of Etcon 022-212-043 $2,583.29 Wengeler Dayna L Heirs Of Etcon 022-271-047 $2,467.48 Ford Evelyn R Tre 066-125-005 $70,356.85 Ford Evelyn R Tre 066-125-011 $27,731.69 Radigan Ann Heirs Of Etal 082-121-053 $552.27 Radigan Ann Heirs Of Etal 082-121-054 $528.02 Bettencourt John Heirs Of 083-021-055 $3,287.03 Deleon Erick 083-041-035 $470.04 Yosemite Consulting Llc 083-221-031 $350.85 Vangorkum Jean 083-251-002 $542.35 Landx Llc 083-281-031 $530.68 Landx Llc 083-281-032 $530.68 Radigan Ann Heirs Of Etal 084-071-041 $528.02 Vang Richard 084-101-055 $1,049.46 Sikes Thomas C Tre Etal 084-191-001 $519.36 Pease Rose K 084-211-054 $528.02 Ferreira Carl S Tre Etal 084-311-009 $528.02 Hallett Marilyn L Heirs Of 084-321-026 $470.04 Olienyk Margaret K Heirs Of Etcon 084-331-030 $470.04 Gilliland Charles M Heirs Of Etal 084-341-054 $474.60 Rodriguez Maria E 084-441-026 $528.02 Lyons Eddie Heirs Of Etal 084-461-017 $528.02 Hendrickson James R & Joyce M 902-001-031 $386.82 Almanza Daniel J 902-001-681 $386.82 Tearle John M Etal 902-001-861 $386.82 Angelo Steve Tre 902-002-236 $386.82 Burke Robert R Heirs Of Etux 902-002-622 $456.13 Vivier Mercal M Heirs Of 902-002-994 $456.13 Sabedra Patricia L Etal 902-003-149 $456.13

Mcdougall Dana Etcon 902-004-167 $567.60

Reppert John C & Patricia A 902-008-811 $386.82

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

/s/ JAMES W. HAMILTON, CPA

San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax

Collector Executed at San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, on August 31, 2023.

FOR

Free Will Astrology

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): Climate change is dramatically altering the Earth. People born today will experience three times as many floods and droughts as someone born in 1960, as well as seven times more heat waves. In urgent efforts to find a cure, scientists are generating outlandish proposals: planting mechanical trees, creating undersea walls to protect melting glaciers from warm ocean water, dimming the sun with airborne calcium carbonate, and covering Arctic ice with a layer of glass. In this spirit, I encourage you to incite unruly and even unorthodox brainstorms to solve your personal dilemmas. Be wildly inventive and creative.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): “When love is not madness, it is not love,” wrote Spanish author Pedro Calderon de la Barca. In my opinion, that’s naive, melodramatic nonsense! I will forgive him for his ignorance, since he worked as a soldier and celibate priest in the 17th century. The truth is that yes, love should have a touch of madness. But when it has more than a touch, it’s usually a fake kind of love: rooted in misunderstanding, immaturity, selfishness, and lack of emotional intelligence. In accordance with astrological factors, I assign you Tauruses to be dynamic practitioners of genuine togetherness in the coming months: with hints of madness and wildness, yes, but mostly big helpings of mutual respect, smart compassion, tender care, and a knack for dealing maturely with disagreements.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Gemini author Iain S. Thomas writes, “There are two things everyone has. One is The Great Sadness and the other is How Weird I Really Am. But only some of us are brave enough to talk about them.” The coming weeks will be a favorable time to ripen your relationship with these two things, Gemini. You will have the extra gravitas necessary to understand how vital they are to your full humanity. You can also express and discuss them in meaningful ways with the people you trust.

CANCER

This is to give notice that the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services, acting as the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58.4 has conducted an evaluation as required by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management and is implemented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations found at 24 CFR 55.20(b), Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the human environment for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13)), for the Bridge Street Apartments Project, San Luis Obispo, CA.

The proposed project, named the Bridge Street Apartments Project, consists of the construction of a mixed-use development consisting of three new buildings with 94 low-income affordable units, community rooms, and leasing/management offices and one new single-story building with 924 square feet of commercial/office space on a 2.73-acre parcel located at 279 Bridge Street in the city of San Luis Obispo, California. The Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo proposes to use Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to subsidize the identified units for 15 years once the project is built. The project area is in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 06079C1068G, effective date November 16, 2012. The FIRM shows that the project area lies within Zone AO, depth of 2 feet, an area that has a 1-percent or greater probability of flooding every year. The Project is required to comply with City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 17.78.050 (Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction), which identifies standards for development within special flood hazard zones to avoid and minimize risk of flooding to new development.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services at the following address or contact information on or before 5:00 PM, September 15, 2023:

County of San Luis Obispo

Department of Social Services

Devin Drake, Director and Certifying Officer

Attention: Tony Navarro, Program Manager II

Homeless Services Division

P.O. Box 8119 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8119 tnavarro@co.slo.ca.us or (805) 788-9464

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libra poet T. S. Eliot wrote the iconic narrative poem “The Wasteland.” One part of the story takes place in a bar near closing time. Several times, the bartender calls out, “Hurry up, please—it’s time.” He wants the customers to finish their drinks and leave for the night. Now imagine I’m that bartender standing near you. I’m telling you, “Hurry up, please—it’s time.” What I mean is that you are in the climactic phase of your astrological cycle. You need to finish this chapter of your life story so you can move on to the next one. “Hurry up, please—it’s time” means you have a sacred duty to resolve, as best you can, every lingering confusion and mystery.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Addressing a lover, Scorpio poet Margaret Atwood says, “I would like to walk with you through that lucent wavering forest of blue-green leaves with its watery sun and three moons, towards the cave where you must descend, towards your worst fear.” That is a bold declaration. Have you ever summoned such a deep devotion for a loved one? You will have more power and skill than usual to do that in the coming months. Whether you want to or not is a different question. But yes, you will be connected to dynamic magic that will make you a brave and valuable ally.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian theologian N. T. Wright writes, “The great challenge to self-knowledge is blind attachment to our virtues. It is hard to criticize what we think are our virtues. Although the spirit languishes without ideals, idealism can be the greatest danger.” In my view, that statement formulates a central Sagittarian challenge. On the one hand, you need to cultivate high ideals if you want to be exquisitely yourself. On the other hand, you must ensure your high ideals don’t become weapons you use to manipulate and harass others. Author Howard Bloom adds more. “Watch out for the dark side of your own idealism and of your moral sense,” he writes. “Both come from our arsenal of natural instincts. And both easily degenerate into an excuse for attacks on others.” Now is a good time for you to ponder these issues.

(June 21-July 22): A self-fulfilling prophecy happens when the expectations we embrace actually come to pass. We cling so devotedly to a belief about what will occur that we help generate its literal manifestation. This can be unfortunate if the anticipated outcome isn’t good for us. But it can be fortunate if the future we visualize upgrades our well-being. I invite you to ruminate on the negative and positive projections you’re now harboring. Then shed the former and reinforce the latter.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): The holy book of the Zoroastrian religion describes a mythical mountain, Hara Berezaiti. It’s the geographic center of the universe. The sun hides behind it at night. Stars and planets revolve around it. All the world’s waters originate at its peak. Hara Berezaiti is so luminous and holy that no darkness can survive there, nor can the false gods abide. I would love for you to have your own version of Hara Berezaiti, Leo: a shining source of beauty and strength in your inner landscape. I invite you to use your imagination to create this sanctuary within you. Picture yourself having exciting, healing adventures there. Give it a name you love. Call on its invigorating presence when you need a sacred boost.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo journalist Anthony Loyd has spent a lot of time in war zones, so it’s no surprise he has bleak views about human nature. He makes the following assertion: “We think we have freedom of choice, but really most of our actions are puny meanderings in the prison yard built by history and early experience.” I agree that our conditioning and routines prevent us from being fully liberated. But most of us have some capacity for responding to the raw truth of the moment and are not utterly bound by the habits of the past. At our worst, we have 20 percent access to freedom of choice. At our best, we have 70 percent. I believe you will be near the 70 percent levels in the coming weeks, dear Virgo.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn playwright and novelist Rose Franken said, “Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.” That’s interesting, because many traditional astrologers say that Capricorns are the least likely zodiac sign to be silly. Speaking from personal experience, though, I have known members of your tribe to be goofy, nutty, and silly when they feel comfortably in love. An old Capricorn girlfriend of mine delighted in playing and having wicked good fun. Wherever you rank in the annals of wacky Capricorns, I hope you will consider expressing these qualities in the coming weeks. Romance and intimacy will thrive if you do.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As I work on writing new books, I often draw on inspirations that flow through me as I take long hikes. The vigorous exercise shakes loose visions and ideas that are not accessible as I sit in front of my computer. Aquarian novelist Charles Dickens was an adherent of this approach. At night, he liked to walk around London for miles, marveling at the story ideas that welled up in him. I recommend our strategy to you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. As you move your body, key revelations and enriching emotions will well up in you.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): The coming months will be an excellent time to build, discover, and use metaphorical bridges. To get in the mood, brainstorm about every type of bridge you might need. How about a connecting link between your past and future? How about a nexus between a task you must do and a task you love to do? And maybe a conduit between two groups of allies that would then serve you even better than they already do? Your homework is to fantasize about three more exciting junctions, combinations, or couplings. ∆

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny's expanded weekly horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 (fees apply). ©Copyright 2023 Rob Brezsny

www.newtimesslo.com • August 31 - September 7, 2023 • New Times • 35

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