New Times, Aug. 8, 2024

Page 1


Editor’s note

School is about to be back in session for the 2024-25 school year, which means summer is almost over—sad. But it also means a new school year for all of those students, new learning, new friends, new experiences—rad! For this year’s annual Education Today issue, Staff Writer Samantha Herrera talks to Lucia Mar school district about new career tech programs it’s offering to high school students and adults [7]. In addition, Staff Writer Libbey Hanson writes about a teen wellness program that aims to improve student mental health in San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties [8]

Also this week, read about San Luis Harbor District’s discussion on becoming an offshore wind port [4]; a local sculptor who’s inspired by cats [28]; and a new spot in Paso Robles from Il Cortile’s creators [34].

Avoid Unneeded knee SUrgery!

Camillia Lanham editor

Falconer, Dennis Flately, Edward Barnett, John Jiminenz, Bernadette

is

every Thursday

your enjoyment and distributed to more than 100,000

in San Luis Obispo

is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The contents of New Times are copyrighted by New Times and may not be reproduced without specific written permission from the publishers. We welcome contributions and suggestions. Accompany any submissions with a self-addressed stamped envelope. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited

Port San Luis votes to move forward with offshore wind port study

Tensions ran high between community members and Port San Luis Harbor District commissioners over offshore wind during a July 23 board meeting.

During the meeting, commissioners discussed collaborating with Clean Energy Terminals (CET) on studies, ranging from six to 12 months, about whether Port San Luis can be a potential site to support offshore wind development.

“Multiple offshore wind planning reports identified Port San Luis as a high-potential site to host an operations and maintenance port,” the July 23 staff report states.

Wind projects off the coast of Morro Bay will need landside support from a local port to help with construction. A lack of existing offshore wind ports on the West Coast gives SLO County the opportunity to become a hub for offshore wind and clean tech innovation, according to the staff report.

Brian Sabina, a representative for CET, told commissioners that one of the company’s main goals is combating climate change. Nuclear, solar, wind, and geothermal energy are the technologies needed to address the challenges ahead of us, he added.

“What you quickly realize is that you can’t have offshore wind without ports, and we just don’t have the port infrastructure to make that happen,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons we started Terminals is because we realize there’s a big opportunity for communities across the country to benefit from what is a multi-billiondollar new maritime and energy industry happening off the coast.”

48106, as part of the Alternative Press Project. Subscriptions to New Times are $156 per year. Because a product or service is advertised in New Times does not necessarily mean we endorse its use.

We hope readers will use their own good judgment in choosing products most beneficial to their well-being. Our

establishing diversity and small business goals for the project.

“Addressing environmental justice concerns, seeking to ensure that individuals from historically overburdened and disadvantaged communities are able to benefit economically and progress the project in a way that protects the environmental, cultural, and recreational resources of the surrounding communities, including tribal and cultural resources,” staff said. “They also committed to a rigorous, thoughtful, and transparent environmental review process compliant with all state and federal requirements.”

project they don’t even know can be built.

“If it’s built, it’s going to take a huge bunch of machines that are fossil fuel dependent; each one is going to take hundreds and hundreds of gear oil gallons that have to be replaced every six months,” he said. “How does that make any sense to get us off of fossil fuels? It really doesn’t.”

With several community members focusing primarily on offshore wind, Harbor Commissioner Drew Brandy told those in attendance that the “public has to understand that we do not say yes or no on wind power.”

“The Harbor District cannot say yes or no on

Harbor staff said during the meeting that this is the beginning staging of developing information and CET has included several commitments in its proposal to the harbor.

“This includes engaging and supporting stakeholders through a project labor agreement and community benefits agreement to engage with local communities as part of the project development. [This] includes Avila Beach residents, local advisory groups, surf riders, other local ocean users and local tribal governments, which have a long historic association with the lands and tidelands,” staff said. “It worked with agencies and organizations including the Harbor District, PG&E, San Luis Obispo County, and local municipalities to avoid where possible, and otherwise minimize potential traffic impacts.”

Staff said CET also proposes to partner with local economic and workforce development entities to support local job creation and maximize economic benefits, including specifically contracting with local and tribal businesses wherever possible, hiring local and tribal employees wherever possible, and

Templeton purchases new fire engine with $1 million grant

A new Type 1 fire engine is headed Templeton’s way after receiving $1 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Monterey) to

Sabina said they understand that fishing is an important part of the Central Coast and that lots of people make their livelihood in that industry, so they want to build the support now because they believe both can coexist.

“We know one of the reasons we’ve made a lot of these commitments, one of the reasons we did that is because we know it’s going to lead to a better project,” he said. “It’s going to lead to a stronger project if we engage with all of you who are here today. We hope to build a long-term relationship with many of the stakeholders who are here today so that we can build those values.”

Before public comment, Harbor District board President Bob Vessely reminded everyone that commissioners were just voting on whether to have CET conduct a study, they weren’t voting to approve turning the port into an offshore wind port.

More than 20 county residents spoke out against offshore wind, including Ted Key from Cambria, who said the harbor wants everyone to accept a

replace the district’s more than 20-year-old engine. “It’s going to be a valuable asset that benefits the community for years and years,” Templeton Community Services District (CSD) General Manager Jeff Briltz said.

wind power or suggest anything else for power,” he said. “We are here to talk about this study, about what might happen in the harbor, whether we like it or not. That is what the issue is tonight, not wind power. We have about as much control over that as anybody else does. Each one of you has as much power as I do.”

Brandy added that Port San Luis was put there more than 120 years ago to serve industrial purposes, and commissioners were continuing the port’s history by listening to the proposal.

“All three of these piers were planted here for industrial purposes. The middle pier was an oil pier supplied to Pacific Fleeting Oil, the biggest industrial offshore oil supplier in the world at that particular time,” he said. “We have a history here, that’s all we’re doing, following the history of Port San Luis.”

After about an hour of public comment, the Harbor District passed the study proposal 3-2. ∆

—Samantha Herrera

The Templeton CSD board of directors approved the engine’s purchase at its Aug. 1 meeting. The CSD will pay $1 million up front and be reimbursed by the federal government once the engine arrives

POTENTIAL PORT HUB Clean Energy Terminals will begin a study around Port San Luis to determine whether its pier and other infrastructure could host operations and maintenance for proposed offshore wind farms.
FILE PHOTO BY CAMILLIA LANHAM

within the next two to three years.

Briltz said the grant will cover up to 75 percent of costs for the new engine. The district anticipates the entire purchase of the engine and all accompanying tools to be about $1.3 million.

This engine is the result of a years-long effort. The Templeton CSD has applied for federal funding for three years to replace its current engine—a 2002 Type 1 engine bought from Paso Robles nine years ago, Briltz said.

While the engine works fine most of the time, he said, the district has had to replace the transmission, and the truck has had numerous issues with plumbing and valves.

“There’s some higher costs associated with maintaining the engine that go up over time,” he explained.

However, the district’s primary concern was not the cost of maintaining the vehicle but ensuring public safety. The $1 million grant not only secures a new, more reliable engine, but leaves the district with a backup engine if needed.

“[Fire engines] need tire changes and oil changes, and when that happens, it can’t respond to a call,” Briltz explained. “So, when the new engine needs that kind of downtime, we will have that current engine available. But right now, we don’t have a second so we’re really, really concerned about these instances when the engines are down for repair.”

Right now, if the district’s only Type 1 engine is down for maintenance, the Fire Department must use its other Type 3

engine, which is intended for wildfires.

According to Briltz, these types of trucks do not provide all the tools needed for urban responses.

“It’s a wildland fire engine,” he said. “So, while it has water and a pump and many of the same Type 1 engine carries, it’s not designed to do the same job particularly for things like structure fires; it’s not nearly as well equipped.”

Briltz said that while the department does its best to schedule maintenance and borrow trucks from other local agencies, emergencies are unpredictable.

Supplying the right tools for the truck adds about $250,000 to the engine’s initial $1 million cost. Those tools includes an air filtering system for firefighters entering burning structures, hoses, nozzles, and Jaws of Life saws.

“The fire engine is like a large, rolling toolbox,” Briltz said. “So having all these tools is what makes it effective.”

According to Briltz, the district ordered the engine the week of Aug. 1, and it is expected to arrive within 28 to 31 months.

“I think that engine is going to come and serve the community for a really long time,” he said.

—Libbey Hanson

Grover Beach residents will vote on wastewater rates in the general election

Come November, Grover Beach voters will get the chance to lower their wastewater rates with Measure G-24.

The citizens ballot initiative from Grover H2O proposes repealing water and wastewater rate increases from December 2023 that aimed to help the city fund its portion of the Central Coast Blue project. While the Grover Beach City Council voted to opt out of Central Coast Blue in April and revert water rates to what they were before the increase, it didn’t do the same for wastewater rates.

“So, what’s confusing is when people talk about their water bill, they actually mean their water and their sewer bill because they’re both on the same bill,” Grover H2O member and former city Mayor Debbie Peterson told New Times. “I think what the city did was because they had to, because

START YOUR ENGINE Templeton recently purchased a new Type 1 fire engine thanks to a federal grant, replacing the district’s current 22-year-old engine.
Back to front: Justin Coalwell, Jeff Buckingham, Dave White, Nick Newbrough, Ryan Blevins, Mike Casey, Ayren Green, Erika Marshall, and Chris Robles

they pulled out of the Central Coast Blue project. However, they did not reduce the sewer increases, they only reduced the water increases.”

The October 2023 study that recommended increasing wastewater rates by almost 20 percent to help meet future obligations, revenue requirements, debt coverage requirements, and other financial planning criteria, also recommended the city do the same with wastewater rates. In December 2023, when the Grover Beach City Council decided to increase water rates by 19.5 percent, it also voted to add $5 or a 6.5 percent increase to each bimonthly wastewater bill starting on Jan. 1, 2024.

Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson told New Times that a yes on Measure G-24 would lower sewer rates back to the 2021 levels, which would reduce the funding available for maintenance, operation, capital improvements, and reserves for the city’s sewer system.

“Cities rely on rates for funding major improvement and repair projects, and thus the reduction of both water and sewer rates could affect the city’s ability to obtain such funding,” he said.

An argument against Measure G-24 that’s posted on the city’s website states that the city has aging water and sewer systems that are up to 60 years old, and this measure risks the community’s public health, safety, and forward progress.

“For many years Grover Beach has

maintained the lowest water and sewer rates in the county. This reckless measure reverts rates to levels that cannot possibly fund the necessary repairs to fix current system deficiencies, ensure safe water and sewer systems for the future, and completion of planned street repairs,” the argument reads.

“Our city has evolved into a vibrant, actionoriented community with a clear sense of purpose and pride. Thriving neighborhoods and businesses are a testament to our recent investments in street and infrastructure improvements. Let’s continue to go forward, not backward to a time of underfunded utilities, horrible roads, and other unmet community needs.”

The argument in favor of Measure G-24, also posted on the city’s website, claims that the city has failed to notify customers of price hikes, implemented early increases without authority, has often issued excessive bills, misinformed the public, and violated election law.

“A yes vote on this initiative returns water and sewer rates to where they were before the Dec. 11, 2023, vote by the City Council to double the rates over five years,” the argument states.

SLO County seeks fix for a century of mismatched zoning in Cayucos

For nearly 100 years, a residential home in Cayucos has sat on a piece of land that is

technically zoned as professional. Now SLO County is requesting approval to amend the land use to reflect what’s actually there.

The California Coastal Commission approved the amendment at its Aug. 7 meeting.

Central Coast District Manager Kevin Kahn said he expected it to be approved since the land had already been used as residential for more than 90 years.

“The site in question is also located within an existing developed area in the center of town, does not implicate any sensitive coastal resources such as wetlands, streams, or beaches, and thus is not expected to lead to any adverse coastal resource impacts,” the staff report read.

While the commission’s review was a simple matter, Kahn told New Times he hasn’t seen many requests like this before.

“This type of application is rare,” Kahn said.

While the historical error didn’t spawn any legal issues over the last century, Kahn said if the zoning hadn’t been addressed eventually, he was concerned there would be pressure in the future to convert the land for its intended use.

More typical land amendments the commission has reviewed have had larger standards for development, Kahn explained, such as allowing residential usage in an already established

professional zoning, or entirely rezoning larger sites for specific projects.

The .13-acre piece of land is located on the Central Business District border on Ocean Avenue, where a single-family residence has stood and remained occupied since 1932.

Within those 92 years, the rezoning issue only came to fruition when the current owners, who have lived on the property since 1984, wished to expand the residence by 600 to 800 square feet and were unable to do so under local zoning law.

“The proposed amendment aims to correct this historical mismatch, ensuring that the property’s land use category designation accurately reflects its long-standing residential use and allows for future home additions,” SLO County Deptartment of Planning and Development Executive Assistant Katie Martin told New Times by email.

According to Martin, the house was built before the current land use designations were set, and this is not the only time a similar amendment has been addressed.

“The [professional] land use category designation was applied later as part of broader community planning efforts that envisioned the area serving professional office uses,” she wrote. ∆

—Libbey Hanson

New enhancements

High school students in the Lucia Mar school district can expect some fun new classes this upcoming school year

The Lucia Mar Unified School District is starting some exciting new programs that will be available to both students and parents this upcoming school year.

With school starting Aug. 17, Marketing and Communications Director Amy Jacobs told New Times that both Arroyo Grande High School and Lopez High School will begin a cosmetology program for their students.

“We have an entire salon set up at Arroyo Grande High School, and we make appointments for the public to come and get their hair done by students,” she said. “If the kids go through our cosmetology program, they can be able to get a license when they graduate.”

Lucia Mar has also expanded the classes to allow for adults within the community to sign up and prepare for their licensing examinations for free Monday to Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

But community members interested need to show that they have some prerequisites under their belt first.

Students must turn 18 before they complete of the program; possess a high school diploma or equivalent or be concurrently enrolled in Lucia Mar Adult Education’s high school diploma program; have a valid form of identification and a Social Security card; and be able to speak, read, and write in English at a 10th-grade reading level.

More information can be found at luciamarschools.org/apps/pages/thesalon.

Jacobs said that along with learning how to cut and dye hair, students will also learn how to give manicures, pedicures, and facials and do waxing.

“Tell me now, isn’t that amazing?” she said.

A salon isn’t the only new building at Arroyo Grande High School, as the school recently opened a new culinary arts building.

“This will be the first year kids get to go through that building all year long,” Jacobs said.

“It’s a real kitchen, like a restaurant kitchen, so the students are getting real-life experience.

Lucia Mar’s Executive Director of Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations Andy Stenson told New Times that the culinary facility will have 12 student stations which will come equipped with an oven and prep table where

students will work in pairs. The facility also has three fridges and one freezer, two ovens and warming cabinets, charbroilers, and an outdoor eating area with shade sails.

Stenson said the center is 3,500 square feet and cost $4.8 million to build. To help fund this project, the district applied for and won a $1.7 million grant through the state, and the district paid $3 million of the remaining cost.

Jacobs said the last thing parents can expect to see this school year is an expansion of the transitional kindergarten (TK) program, as it will be available at all Lucia Mar elementary schools.

“Transitional kindergarten is a program for kids who are not old enough for kindergarten, so the goal is to have any child who’s 4 years old to be in school by 2026,” she said. “It’s super exciting and great for parents who are probably paying for preschool somewhere.”

This increased TK availability is a result of the Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010, which was designed for students who were born between September and December, which is past the kindergarten enrollment cutoff, so that all children would enter

LUCIA MAR continued page 8

kindergarten by the age of 5, according to the California Department of Education. It resulted in more than 120,000 children having access to an additional year of learning.

Due to promising results, in 2021, the California Legislature passed requirements that any school district operating a kindergarten also has to provide a transitional kindergarten program for all students who turn 4 years old by Sept. 1.

Since transitional kindergarten uses a modified curriculum that is age- and developmentally appropriate, Jacobs said the district is working on new classrooms and

playgrounds that will fit the needs of those young students.

“You can’t put a TK child in a fifth-grade classroom; their needs are different,” she said.

“It’s a good thing for parents, too, that they can send their kids to public education for free. It’s a huge benefit.” ∆

Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

Back to School Specials on

Combating stigma

CAPSLO’s Teen Wellness Program is increasing efforts in high schools to address student mental health

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, student anxiety, depression, and substance abuse levels have grown increasingly more prevalent and severe, according to Emma Fay, program coordinator for Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo’s (CAPSLO) Teen Wellness Program.

“We’re kind of in this crisis and critical moment where we need to recognize that your mental health matters, that the conditions are common and they’re treatable,” she said. “But they’re only treatable if people are talking about it.”

That’s where a $966,395 grant from the California Community Schools Partnership Program will come into play. The funding will be used to fill gaps in mental health awareness within San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties’ high schools. Efforts will include hiring student ambassadors and community educators through funding that will be dispersed over a 27-month period that started in July.

For more than 25 years, the Teen Wellness Program has provided students with sex education and mobile reproductive health clinics. The program has evolved over that quarter of a century as well. It’s now more youth-led and student-focused with additional resources for mindfulness, mental health, and healthy relationships, Fay said.

Help out

CAPSLO is hiring 50 student ambassadors for both SLO and Santa Barbara counties for its Teen Wellness Program. Applicants must be 13 to 18 years old and have an eagerness to address the mental health crisis. Ambassadors will dedicate three hours per week to the program.

To apply, visit forms.gle/rjs2Y63dqechTNC29.

The members of the Teen Wellness Program know there’s a mental health crisis among students, but they also know there’s an underlying stigma around finding and asking for help. If the program can start supporting students from an earlier age and educate them about mental health and wellness, future generations will be more comfortable speaking about mental health and asking for help.

Currently, nearly every high school within SLO and northern Santa Barbara counties has a wellness center run by school staff that is supported by the Teen Wellness Program. While these have proven to be successful resources for students, the program intends to make the centers better with more partnerships throughout the community.

“Mental health is such a big and complex issue. It’s going to take partnership; I don’t

NEW DO Community members can schedule appointments to receive makeovers at the Arroyo Grande High School Cosmetology center for low prices.

think schools can do it on their own. I don’t think a community-based organization can do it on their own,” she said. “Everyone has a responsibility to play. We all collectively have to come together.”

With the new funding, the Teen Wellness Center is recruiting a team of student ambassadors ranging in ages from 13 to 18. The students will be paid to dedicate three hours a week to the program and report prominent issues they see among their peers.

Fay said the ambassadors don’t need to have leadership experience, per se, but they do need to have an eagerness to contribute.

“Someone who’s kind of empathetic, compassionate, and wants to bring their ideas to the space,” she said.

The upcoming group of ambassadors will be the organization’s largest yet, as previous years had only one ambassador, Jessica Navarette of northern Santa Barbara County.

“I wanted to be an ambassador because I saw how badly mental health was neglected in the Lompoc area and the Santa Maria area because I went to school in all of those places,” she said.

Navarette said she struggles with mental health as well and noticed her own declining alongside her peers’.

“I noticed how bad [my mental health was] being neglected, and I noticed that the youth get really misunderstood and ignored most times,” she said. “And a lot of communal therapists and mental health services that are out there in the community are really understaffed.”

The Teen Wellness Program resonated with Navarette because the mental health services it provides are easily accessible, where students are every day.

After graduating high school last year, Navarette was promoted to lead ambassador and will work with the incoming ambassadors.

“I hope [the program] keeps going strong, and I hope it can lead to every school having it, because a lot of kids are struggling these days. It deserves attention,” she said.

Funding will also provide new community educators for parents and community members so students can get help outside of school as well.

According to Navarette, many parents don’t see therapy as an option for mental health.

“They hear the word ‘therapy,’ and they associate it with being extremely mentally ill,” she said.

These educators will hold workshops for English- and Spanish-speaking parents to help provide accurate information, guide conversation, and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

Program Coordinator Fay said they do not view these parents as unsupportive of their children, however.

conversation are not new to the program. In the past, they have provided workshops for parents to ask questions about their children questioning their identity or sexuality.

The program hopes parents will approach mental health with the same curiosity.

“We can imagine maybe something similar going on with mental health and learning, parents requesting how they help their child with stress or anxiety or what those things are,” Lawrence said. In addition to in-person workshops, the program will also provide methods of digital storytelling for teachers to use in the classroom, providing guided conversations around mental health that can be used for years to come. They also hope to incorporate theater, art, photography, and dance as ways of processing anxiety, depression, and other mental hardships.

Although they are addressing a crisis, Program Coordinator Fay said that is not the only thing the program wants to focus on.

“I think there’s just a disconnect between parents caring deeply about their own people, but they may have grown up with messages around ‘we just don’t talk about mental health,’ or ‘only people who are crazy get mental health services.’ These are lingering pieces of stigma that now impact their ability to parent and their ability to support their

Teen Wellness Program Manager Jenna Lawrence said these sensitive topics of

“It’s so easy to get caught in a crisis, but I think we also have to create an equal amount of space for the vision of, well, what does it look like to thrive? What does it look like to have a mentally healthy community?” she said. “We can talk about the problem, but what does it really look like to heal and to hold each other with respect and to reduce stigma around mental health and to create many avenues of coping for people of all ages?” ∆

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

UNDERLYING ANXIETY Students work to identify the pressures of everyday life with help from CAPSLO’s Teen Wellness Program.

Seas the day

ECOSLO is hosting its 19th annual coastal cleanup on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, aiming to pick up trash along the Central Coast before fall and winter rains sweep it into the ocean.

ECOSLO Executive Director Kendra Paulding said the organization is anticipating 750 volunteers this year between its 30 sites countywide after having 500 volunteers show up at last year’s cleanup. The 30 cleanup sites range from various parks, creeks, and coasts from San Simeon to Nipomo.

Between the 500 volunteers in 2023, 10,000 pounds of trash was collected before it entered the ocean, Paulding said. The most common pieces of trash they found were cigarette butts, plastic, and food wrappers.

“Just doing our part is important, and obviously the volunteers love it,” she said. Paulding said the event is open to businesses and volunteers of any age, and in the past the cleanup has been a family event.

“This is something that is great for the kids,” Paulding said. “We get a ton of kids that come out, and everyone really enjoys bringing their families.”

The SLO County Creeks to Coast Clean Up Project has since evolved as ECOSLO teamed up with Central Coast Partners for Water Quality for this year’s event, another local SLO County

organization dedicated to improving stormwater systems.

“We’re trying to make it bigger and better every year,” Paulding said.

The Creeks to Coast Cleanup is ECOSLO’s largest event that’s held not only locally, but statewide through the California Coastal Commission and internationally with the Ocean Conservancy.

Through these various partnerships and volunteer efforts, the goal is to cover more sites and collect more trash every year.

ECOSLO’s services also expand into other areas of the county, including county parks and green business consulting. Within county parks, volunteers can participate in various nature projects like tree planting, while the green business service provides free technical assistance for small- to mediumsized businesses to be more environmentally sustainable.

The nonprofit originally started more than 50 years ago after major pollution affected SLO county creeks, killing large amounts of fish and ruining the established ecosystem. ECOSLO’s efforts to save and preserve the creeks helped it establish itself as an environmental organization, and it became a nonprofit in 1972 after founding SLO County’s first recycling center in 1971.

“So, it was just a really big deal,” Paulding said. “Throughout the years, we’ve done so many things.”

Paulding stressed how rewarding it is to give back to the community and encouraged Central Coast residents to show up on Sept. 21.

To register to volunteer for the coastal cleanup visit ecoslo.org/creeks-to-coast.

Fast facts

• The Woods Humane Society will double donations made in August up to $10,000 thanks to a donation from the Marianne and Stacy Cocks Fund, a fund through the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. According to Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux, the county is currently experiencing an animal welfare crisis. Through the donation match, the shelter hopes to increase its adoption numbers to 3,000 this calendar year, up from 2,852 the previous year, according to Woods. To get your donation doubled, donate online at woodshumane.org or in person at Woods

Now offering studio, one, and 2-bedroom homes! Conveniently located in Atascadero, this beautiful brand-new community for Seniors 62+ will provide an amazing place to call home. Elegant unit designs specifically for seniors. Energy efficient appliances, 9-foot ceilings, central heating and air conditioning, ceiling fans in living room and bedrooms. Granite countertops, spacious closets, hook ups for internet and cable services. Onsite laundry facilities!

• The Cal Poly Girls Build Academy is partnering with Habitat for Humanity SLO County to build and donate four playhouses to various residents throughout the county. The construction will begin on Aug. 2, and recipients will receive the playhouses one week later. According to the press release, Habitat SLO provided the academy with the blueprints for the playhouses. The Girls Build Academy has designed the playhouses to make them unique for each organization or family that will be receiving one. “The Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Academy is a week-long academy hosted to introduce construction-related activities to 19 high school-aged girls so they can learn more about the careers available within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, while learning skills to build individual and team projects,” according to Cal Poly. ∆

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

Humane Society SLO at 875 Oklahoma Ave., or Woods Humane Society North County at 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero.

SLO County’s housing crisis impacts jobs and medical services

In April, I took my mother to French Hospital Medical Center. After filling out her intake forms, I was told by staff that a bed would be available for her within the hour. The emergency room was at full capacity. Making matters worse, patients were informed that Sierra Vista, the nearest hospital in town, was also at full capacity, but they wouldn’t have beds available for several hours. While I waited in the ER waiting room, a young woman arrived, complaining of severe pain in her lower back, which she described as pain similar to giving birth without an epidural. Because no beds were available for an hour and staff were overwhelmed at triage, staff had her lie on her back on a towel in the waiting room as she cried in pain for hours.

Once Mom was moved to an available

A public safety issue Culture of safety

Diablo contributes resources, money, jobs, and electricity to our community

As a South County resident and business owner who is interested in public safety, our local economy, water resiliency, and state electrical power capacity, I recently visited Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) for the first time. I was impressed by their adherence to a culture of safety. My experience as a professional pilot has taught me that safety largely involves methodical compliance to a good process and training to have the capacity to respond to a variety of situations. From my first encounter with PG&E staff at the meeting location where we were given a safety briefing that included confirming who has and has not had CPR training, to compliance with the proper use of personal protective equipment, it is clear they are imbued with a safety-forward culture. The plant’s security protocols were visible and formidable, with escalating measures as we approached critical areas of plant operations. I was struck by such details as background checks a week prior to our tour date and guard towers with armed personnel tactically located to provide a clear line of sight to approaches to sensitive areas.

The facility itself is extensive, with its own fire department, control room simulator, environmental team, professional divers, a shooting range, and threat simulator utilized by both PG&E security personnel and our own SLO County Sheriff’s Office for training. I heard people on the shooting range both at the time of our entrance in the

bed, we struggled to find a nurse or a doctor to speak to. A young doctor working the afternoon ER shift was hurriedly buzzing from room to room, with a nurse assistant trailing him. Both men were trying to catch their breath. I asked the nurse, “What’s going on?” He told me of the perfect storm. Not enough doctors were available for patients to receive basic or preventative care. There was a doctor and nursing shortage at all nearby hospitals. Then, the nurse told me with whispered exasperation, “And many of us are unable to live here. Too expensive.”

Recently, we’ve learned about the various exploits of San Luis Obispo doctor David Levin, whose medical license was suspended. In a lawsuit filed against him, one of his former employees alleged Levin did meth in the office and engaged in sexual misconduct. More patients stepped forward to say they had similar encounters with Levin, with one patient begrudgingly admitting they came back to him because he was one of the only ear, nose, and throat doctors available for an appointment. This is part of an ongoing

problem with health care in SLO County. Because there are few care providers, it can take months or even years to see one. Clearly there is a scarcity of quality providers residing here.

Our housing shortage in SLO County has serious real-world consequences.

Many with valuable skills and resources for residents are unable to secure housing. These are hard-working people with families looking to substantially contribute to our community in ways that will help us remain sustainable for generations to come. But they’re unable to get their foot in the door. Why is that? Housing supply is low, demand is high, and property owners are leveraging these circumstances by charging rent that’s more than 35 percent higher than the national average. And residents currently living in San Luis Obispo County are grappling with unfavorable economic conditions: high inflation, a lethargic job market, and increased fees and taxes.

So when we see elected officials like 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding

showcasing a hyper fixation on killing the Dana Reserve project, a comprehensive and affordable housing project in Nipomo, that should give us all serious pause. It wasn’t enough for him to cast a vote against the project (“Unity must prevail,” May 23). Since then, Paulding has made it abundantly clear in op-eds and newsletters that he is staunchly opposed to a critical opportunity for families and seniors to find a place they can call home—all to appease donors and special interest groups. We still remember a former county supervisor who demonstrated similar tendencies.

Elected officials like Paulding shouldn’t prioritize job security over public safety. It shouldn’t take an act of political courage to support long-term housing solutions that will sustain and likely even improve county resources for our aging population and future generations of homeowners. Perhaps SLO County needs leadership that better represents Paulding’s own millennial generation than Paulding himself. ∆

Aaron Ochs writes from Morro Bay. Respond with an opinion piece of your own by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.

COMMENTARY

morning and again passing the facility in the afternoon when we departed the plant.

The facts related to Diablo Canyon’s energy production are well known, with the plant producing nearly 9 percent of the state’s total electrical supply and 17 percent of the state’s zero-carbon electricity. From a local public safety perspective, Diablo’s benefits to our county are both substantial and positive, with not only monetary contributions to our county emergency services but also training and supply of emergency equipment to our first responders. The training component includes first responders working with their partner agencies at the municipal, county, and state levels. This cross-agency training provides for a more integrated emergency disaster response. Both the training and equipment paid for and supplied by PG&E can be used for any emergency purpose in our county by an authorized agency.

From an economic perspective, the plant contributes a whopping $800 million to $1.1 billion to our county annually, depending on the study you reference. Employing approximately 1,300 people and more during an outage, we are lucky to have this economic driver here at a time when our state has experienced some high-profile departures of large businesses.

From a water security perspective, using the existing desalination plant at DCPP to better serve our community represents a unique opportunity, long-discussed but unrealized. Whatever the fate of Central Coast Blue or its progeny might be, this potential water supply could enhance the water portfolio that serves South San Luis Obispo County. Yes, there are hurdles. The existing planned closure of the plant in 2030 limits the extent

of planning our county and municipalities could conduct with PG&E. And of course, there are engineering and infrastructure enhancements required to make this happen. However, the most important (and likely most expensive) piece of infrastructure is already in place: an operating desalination plant.

I commend the SLO County Board of Supervisors majority for recently voting yes on a resolution to support keeping DCPP

operating for up to another 20 years. I urge the state Legislature and regulatory bodies to increase the operating timeline for DCPP from its current five-year licensure to up to 20 years, providing flexibility in its timeline of operation. I, for one, view Diablo Canyon Power Plant as a valued member of our community, providing clean energy to our state, enhancing our public safety, and as a potential future partner in bolstering our water resiliency. ∆

Adam Verdin writes from South San Luis Obispo County. Respond with an opinion piece of your own by emailing it to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

90-day sprint

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

It remains to be seen whether we will “nobly save” our democracy in the November election, but the odds have improved measurably. Democrats completed their virtual roll call of the Democratic National Convention and officially named Kamala Harris as their nominee for president, acting with dazzling speed and unity after President Joe Biden gracefully withdrew and endorsed Harris on July 21. Then, Harris announced her choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate for vice president.

Throughout the long, tedious months of this marathon of a campaign—at least until Biden’s stunning withdrawal—it looked as though Donald Trump had a clear lead over Biden: Earlier in July, Trump literally dodged an assassin’s bullet in Pennsylvania. The smoothly orchestrated GOP Convention in Milwaukee gave Republicans enough wind at their backs to consider “widening the map.” Pundits talked about how Trump could put states like Wisconsin, Virginia, New Mexico, and even

Minnesota and New York into play. Democrats were sleepless with anxiety (including myself!).

Together, Harris and Walz have effectively turned the tables on the entire race: Even before Walz was announced, several reliable polls showed that Harris was ahead or tied in six of the seven “battleground” states that will decide the Electoral College. Earlier this week, the average of the nation’s polls from 538 showed that Harris was already out ahead of Trump in the popular vote, 45 percent to 43.5 percent, essentially a dead heat. It’s too soon to see any polls that would show how the choice of Walz will affect the all-important “battleground states.”

Of course, it’s only the Electoral College that counts. If Democrats can hold their three “Blue Wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, they could survive losses in the other battleground states of Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada but still end up with 270 Electoral College votes … a bare one vote majority of the country’s 538 electoral votes. And here’s where it gets incredibly complicated: That one vote is gained from the deeply Republican state of Nebraska. For decades, Cornhuskers have awarded their three House of Representatives Electoral College votes by district. Two of those three votes will go to Trump, but the Congressional District surrounding Omaha is expected to go to Harris/Walz as it did for Biden/Harris in 2020 and Obama/Biden in 2008. Nebraska and Maine are the only

two states that don’t use a statewide “winner take all” rule. Expect to see Kamala Harris and Tim Walz shucking corn in beautiful downtown Omaha in the very near future! Harris chose Tim Walz as her running mate with this arithmetic clearly in mind. Walz has it all: He shares Harris’ commitment to progressive policies, but with a Midwestern emphasis on serving and speaking with rural voters. He won’t need anyone to show him how to shuck an ear of corn. He seems to have excellent chemistry with Harris—and with everyone. Walz is the personification of “Minnesota Nice.” He’s likeable. Walz has been described as “everyone’s perfect brother-in-law.” He’s the ideal foil for the “weird” GOP ticket.

Now with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the ticket, Democrats are sporting two fresh faces with ample energy—as well as 130,000 new volunteers and hundreds of millions of dollars in donations, many from first-time donors. With a spring in our step, Democrats are leaning into the remaining 90-day sprint to Nov. 5. As we approach the finish line, a resounding Democratic victory is in sight— but even if it all comes down to that one vote from Omaha, it will echo through the ages.

And speaking of ages—now who’s the oldest presidential candidate in American history? Trump complained about how his campaign had wasted so much money attacking Biden over his age and alleged “cognitive decline.” Now, all that focus on cognitive decline and wandering speeches is focused right back on Trump.

The GOP campaign can’t discuss their faltering, doddering old man Trump anymore. Instead, they’re falling back on

tried-and-true attacks on Harris’s ethnic identity and gender. They’re counting on the widespread fiction that American voters are “not yet ready” for a Black female president— or a president of South Asian descent—let alone all three!

By now, voters are not only ready but eager to restore that proud American tradition observed since 1796—with only one exception in 2021: A peaceful, constitutional transition of power that defines us as a people. Let’s pray for that outcome, regardless of who holds the most Electoral College votes that’ll be ceremoniously carried into the Capitol and counted, state by state (including Omaha’s), on Jan. 6, 2025. ∆

John Ashbaugh never got past elementary calculus in math, but he can count Electoral College votes along with the best of them. Direct any challenges to his arithmetic by writing to editor@newtimesslo.com.

If nuclear energy, offshore wind energy, and solar energy are all bad for San Luis Obispo County’s environment and therefore its residents, and we don’t want battery energy storage anywhere near us, what should we generate and store our electricity with? Coal?

That’s really bad for the environment, too. Hydroelectric dams? Bad for the watershed, bad for the fish.

I guess you could put solar panels on your roof, as long as your neighbor doesn’t complain about the unwanted glare and their interrupted viewshed or file an appeal to the permit you received to put them there in the first place. But putting acres of solar panels in SLO County? That was a battle with environmentalists.

Bicycle power. It’s the only way. We’ll use people power to energize our houses, run our air conditioners, refill our Tesla batteries, and run our internet. We can all commute to work with bicycles that are essentially twowheeled batteries and plug them in when we get back home! But wait. What about at work? Stationary bike desks? Sounds like worker abuse.

And people hate bike lanes, too! What, oh what, are we going to do?

You can’t use uranium here, you can’t build turbines there, you can’t generate energy anywhere!

Ted Key from Cambria recently told the Port San Luis Harbor District that offshore wind is no bueno.

“If it’s built, it’s going to take a huge bunch of machines that are fossil fuel dependent; each one is going to take hundreds and hundreds of gear oil gallons that have to be replaced every six months,” he said during a July 23 meeting. “How does that make any sense to get us off of fossil fuels? It really doesn’t.”

Doesn’t it make more sense than burning coal though, Ted? We have to wean ourselves somehow. We can’t just quit cold turkey in this world built on petroleum. And doesn’t it make more sense than living next to the potential for nuclear annihilation from Diablo Canyon Power Plant, which generates almost a tenth of the state’s power supply. We have to replace that energy with something if we want nuclear to disappear, Ted!

He wasn’t the only one who showed up to the meeting that day to tell the Harbor District commissioners exactly what he thought of the offshore wind farms. Those things are going to suck! The only problem for district commissioners, though, was that they weren’t voting on whether to move forward with putting wind turbines in the water off California’s coast—they were just voting on whether to study what would happen/needs to happen to turn the port into one that supported such a project.

They’re different! Kind of.

Some of the Harbor District commissioners were miffed that the public dared show up to weigh in on the viability of the farms themselves. Commissioner Drew Brandy got a little snappy with the crowd.

“The Harbor District cannot say yes or no on wind power or suggest anything else for power,” he said. “We are here to talk about this study, about what might happen in the harbor, whether we like it or not. That is what the issue is tonight, not wind power. We have about as much control over that as anybody else does. Each one of you has as much power as I do.”

Supporting wind power is different than supporting wind power, you dig?

It really didn’t help that the guy representing the company that would conduct the study spoke with obvious bias about wind power and the project’s potential moving forward. He was excited!

Brian Sabina from Clean Energy Terminals, which will conduct the study, seemed super jazzed about wind power and its ability to transform the local economy, provide jobs, and generate clean energy.

“One of the reasons we started Terminals is because we realize there’s a big opportunity for communities across the country to benefit from what is a multi-billiondollar new maritime and energy industry happening off the coast,” he said during the meeting.

Engaging with stakeholders, Sabina said, is

going to build a better project.

“We hope to build a long-term relationship with many of the stakeholders who are here today so that we can build those values,” he said.

Is he talking about the study of Port San Luis potentially becoming an operations and maintenance port for offshore wind facilities or Port San Luis actually becoming one? His language is a little confusing.

Kind of like this measure in Grover Beach: G-24. The citizen-initiated measure seeks to overturn a December resolution increasing water and wastewater rates in the city. It’s called the “Initiative to Repeal Water and Wastewater Rates.”

What’s confusing is the fact that the Grover Beach City Council already repealed that resolution, kind of. The City Council actually voted to revert its water rates to their old levels after Grover H2O had already turned in the signatures it needed to qualify the petition for the ballot. What the city didn’t do, though, was revert those wastewater rates.

If it was going to do one, it should have done the other to make things less confusing for voters. Now, they have to decipher for themselves what they’re actually voting on—which is repealing the wasterwater rate increase, even though the measure states otherwise. It’s a mess. ∆

The Shredder thinks Grover Beach is a mess. Send thoughts to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

TAKE A LOOK

The Grover Beach Community Library hosts its next outdoor book sale on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held in the library’s parking lot, the sale will include a large selection of books in various categories, including novels and nonfiction books. Only cash will be accepted for purchases. Admission to attend the sale is free. Rain cancels the event. Visit groverbeachlibrary.org for more info.

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AUGUST ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY

Come meet the artists, be inspired, enjoy food, refreshments, a tree filled atrium, and all the businesses in Marina Square. Featuring Virginia Mack, Gay McNeal, and Marjorie Zlotowitz. Aug. 10 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

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

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DEATH TRAP A washed up playwright receives a script from a former student and decides to claim it as his own ... “But what to do with the student?” Aug. 16 - Sept. 1 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

FINE ART TEXTILES BY GAY MCNEAL

This artist appreciates the multifaceted role that textiles have played in the art and material cultures of many societies. Her creative high comes from the process of trying out the multitude of techniques,

both old and new, to create art and quilts. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY VIRGINIA

MACK This artist’s inspiration comes from nature. Her passion is enjoying natural areas wherever she is and responding to each area through her paintings and drawings. She has made hundreds of journeys on the bay in her kayak and developed many pieces inspired by those journeys. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. JEWELRY BY MARJORIE ZLOTOWITZ

“Ever since we humans figured out how to string stones and bones, we’ve adorned ourselves with things we find aesthetically pleasing.” This artist loves the colors, shapes, and textures of natural stones, various metals, and vintage beads. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. KIDS ART CAMP WITH KATHRYN Kids will explore drawing and painting, cartoon creations, and abstract art projects. Students will “dip their toes” into various art mediums, including graphite pencil, watercolor, and paint. This is a perfect opportunity for both beginner and experienced artists to exercise their creativity. Aug. 8 8:30 a.m.-noon $80. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. STROMSOE STUDIOS (OPEN STUDIO BY RESERVATION) Tour this traditional metal smithing studio by appointment, and gain access to an exclusive selection

of hand forged contemporary jewelry, tableware, and heirloom quality art in silver, copper, and pewter. Second Sunday of every month, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 11 Free with RSVP. 805-237-8632. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County, randystromsoe.com.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ADULT DRAWING AND PAINTING WITH DIANE AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Please join ArtSocial 805 at the Creative Campus if you want to learn a new skill or dust off those pencils, paints, and brushes, and get back into art. Mondays, 10-11 a.m. through Aug. 26 $25-$100. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles. ARTSY ADORNMENTS Come and experience a wearable art exhibition. Add unique upcycled clothing and handcrafted jewelry to your wardrobe. Shop a selection of hand-embroidered garments, hand-painted jackets, and silk screened clothing. Complete your look with unique accessories. Through Aug. 30 Free. 805238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/ artsy-adornments/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

CINDERELLA Presented by Wine Country Theatre. Aug. 16 - Sept. 1 my805tix.com. Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles. INKTENSE WORKSHOP WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM AT ARTSOCIAL 805

Receive a demonstration of Inktense pencils and how versatile they can be. After the demonstration, you will be able to experiment using these pencils activated with water on an artist quality greeting card. Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $55. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.

LIVE FIGURE DRAWING Uninstructed

Live Figure Drawing sessions hosted on the third Thursday of each month. Open to all artists ages 18 and older. Please bring your own art supplies. We will have chairs, tables, and a nude model to sketch. Note: no class in December. Third Thursday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $20. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/ classes-workshops/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

PRINTMAKER TOUR OF THE POCKET

GALLERY ON PINE Open most Saturdays and by appointment. Gallery is showing three local printmakers: Susan Lyon, Kathy Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. 805-440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improvgames. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. 530-748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

STAINED GLASS GRAPE NIGHTLIGHT

Create a grape-inspired night light using glass droplets wrapped with copper foil, and soldering them into place. Copper wire can be added for the curly vines. Night light base and bulb included. Aug. 10 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $80. 805-464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL AGES CARTOONING WORKSHOP WITH KANE LYNCH Join Scholastic cartoonist Kane Lynch for an all ages cartooning event. Whether you’re an accomplished creator or this is your very first time putting pencil to paper, you’ll be able to create a unique comic of your own to take home. Aug. 11 1-2:30 p.m. $25. 805-

801-6188. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

AVA DUVERNAY’S ORIGIN This film screening is a NAACP SLO County Branch fundraiser at the SLO High School Auditorium. Free parking. Tickets can be purchased online. Aug. 10 7-10 p.m. $25 or $30. 805-619-5354. naacpslocty.org. San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Dr., 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.

COLORS OF CONSERVATION ART SHOW The Land Conservancy is thrilled to invite you to this summer’s Colors of Conservation Art Show at the Octagon Barn Center. Come enjoy wine and bites while experiencing the San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment (SLOPE) artists’ work celebrating our conserved lands. Aug. 9, 5-8 p.m. and Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. lcslo.org/events/colorsof-conservation-art-exhibition/. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096.

DATE NIGHT PAINTING WORKSHOP

With Drew Davis. Aug. 10, 5 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV SHOWS Hosted by Central Coast

Comedy Theater. Second Friday of every month my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo. MARIA MOLTENI: CELESTIAL

ANTIPHONY Celestial Antiphony creates a cycle of beats on the fingers and illustrates a childhood shortcut for praying the Rosary when beads have gone missing. The artist has returned to the modular, rhythmic orbbased practice of prayer, which transcends boundaries of faith and constructs of time. Through Nov. 11 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/maria-molteni/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/secondsaturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 805-703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. THINK LIKE A CARTOONIST WITH

RUBIN Come to the library for a

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GROVER BEACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Luxury Condos

hilarious comic adventure inside the mind of RIT’s Cartoonistin-Residence, Leigh Rubin, “sit-down” comedian and creator of the nationally-syndicated cartoon, Rubes Cartoons. Along with his friends, Rubin is the author of “Think Like a Cartoonist.” Aug. 10 2-3 p.m. Free. 805-781-5991. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

WHOSE WATERS? This Gray Wing exhibition will build upon the photojournalistic work of Southern California artist Gabriella Angotti-Jones whose I Just Wanna Surf book highlights Black female and non-binary surfers and other unseen or outright ignored communities that ride the waves off the Golden State. Through Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/surf-show/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARTISAN MARKET A great opportunity to meet and support more than a dozen local artists in Cypress Ridge and the surrounding community. Artisans will showcase their original creations. Featuring painters, jewelry designers, fabric art, and more. Free parking. Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 805-7200582. designsbytinalouise.com. FItForever Gym (Outdoor Lakeside Garden Patio), 1080 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

FOOTLOOSE This iteration of the hit musical is presented by Coastal Performing Arts Foundation’s new branch, Players West. Aug. 8-11 clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 805-489-9444. GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES: THIRD QUARTER ART

EXHIBIT The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo at Trilogy is now displaying its 2024 Third Quarter Exhibit of original works of art from 17 Trilogy artist residents. The art displayed includes a wide range of techniques and styles as well as stunning photography. Aug. 10, 1-3 p.m. and Aug. 17 1-3 p.m. Free. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, 805-343-7500.

GUNSMOKIN’ Through Sept. 7 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

IMPROV MEETUP Have you ever wanted to try improv? Are you an experienced player looking for opportunities to practice? Come play short form games and share smiles on a Saturday in a supportive environment. No experience necessary. Improv is fun and easy and anyone can play. Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREATHE AND STRETCH: BAYSIDE MARTIAL ARTS This class for ages 18 and over is a hybrid of yoga, active isolated, resistance stretching, and more. Breath work is incorporated throughout. You must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again. Please bring a mat and some water to stay hydrated. Sundays, 9-10 a.m. $15 session. 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. 805-235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-DO Uechi-Ryu Karatedo is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us. CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO AT THE CAYUCOS LIBRARY Visit the library and meet some animals from the Charles Paddock Zoo. All ages are welcome to attend. Aug. 8 10-11 a.m. Free. 805-9953312. slolibrary.org. Cayucos Library, 310 B. St., Cayucos. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654. HIKE-IN OPEN

round trip hike to the Piedras Blancas Light Station. Park at the elephant seal viewing area 1.5 miles south of the light station or the vista point 1 mile north. Aug. 14 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; suggested donation $5 per person. 805-927-7361. piedrasblancas.org/hike-in-open-house. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon. LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION CLASS Sitting with a supportive group strengthens one’s meditation practice. Join us for a weekly talk on topics related to meditation and consciousness plus silent and guided meditation. Facilitated by Devin Wallace. Beginners welcome. Email devinwalla@ gmail.com for more information. Sundays, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. By donation. 805-709-2227. inner-workings.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos. MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women, while connecting deeply with yourself. Aug. 11 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.

MORRO BAY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2004 REUNION It’s time to set your course (and mark your calendar) for an epic 20-year reunion. Starts with a dance party at the Siren. Visit site for full lineup of events. Aug. 16-18 my805tix.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312. 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

• www.newtimesslo.com

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. 805434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This onehour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.

KID’S SUMMER CAMPS 2024 Make it the best summer yet with Templeton Tennis Ranch’s summer camps. Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, bocce, and more. Eight weeks to choose from. Camps begin June 10 and start at $90. Sibling discounts available. Learn more online. Aug. 12 , 9-11 a.m. $90-$240. 805-434-9605. ttrtennis.com/tennis/kids-camps/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. KREWE TRUNK SHOW All Krewe eyewear and sunglasses in the house. Bites and giveaways with purchase. Aug. 8 1-7 p.m. 805-460-7575. specsbykyla.com. Specs by Kyla, 5808 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

MAKERS MARKETPLACE An indoor sip and shop event. Aug. 10 10 a.m.-1 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.

TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. 805-237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles. THURSDAY EVENING YA’DA YOGA WITH GINA JENKINS AT AWAKENING WAYS CSL This weekly class focuses on relaxing and promoting sleep. Experience inner peace and physical vitality in a welcoming community setting. See website for details and to sign up. Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. $20. 805-391-4465. awakeningways.org/whats-happening/. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 9350 El Camino Real, No. 101, Atascadero.

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

ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about how unique ADHD is to each individual and the environments around them. Connect with other adults walking a similar road and learn new strategies to ease the struggle. Find out more online. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-242-8182. adhdallies.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. AGING GRACEFULLY WITH PREVENTATIVE CARE “We can’t stop getting older, but we can shift our thinking about it.” Moving from “I can’t do anything about it” to “I have some control over how my mind and body ages.” Series sponsored by Unity Five Cities. Details from chris@peacefulpoint.com. Over Zoom. Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 Love offering. (805) 4897359. unity5cities.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

NEW TIMES AND SUN ANNOUNCE: THE SECOND ANNUAL

PHOTO CONTEST

ENTRY

PERIOD: AUG. 29SEPT. 16, 2024

PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 24, 2024

Hot Dates

BEACH PARTY GYMNASTICS CAMP With gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. Features trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Ages 4-13. Aug. 12-14 $40-$145 depending on which options you choose. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BRIDGING THE GAP: JOIN THE

CONVERSATION The community’s support empowers this group to deliver essential services, while fostering healing, growth, and resilience among individuals affected by the justice system. Help forge connections within our broader community, nurturing safer, more inclusive neighborhoods. The group’s mission centers on restoration, healing, and fostering accountability. Aug. 16 5:30-9 p.m. $75-$150. 805-242-1272. restorativepartners. org/bridging-the-gap/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: DREAM BIG

Want 4.5 child-free hours on a Saturday night? Drop your kiddos off at Kids’ Party Paradise. They’ll have a blast with pizza, a movie, and gymnastics fun. Aug. 10 5-9:30 p.m. $50 for one child; $70 for two siblings. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com/kids-party-paradise. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK

CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail.com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics.com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.

MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. 805-545-5874. slocm.org/ moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided.

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

QIGONG ONLINE Register now for QiGong Online with Gary West, of San Luis Coastal Adult School. Great practice for balance, wellness, mindfulness, and vitality. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:35 a.m. through Dec. 12 $115 per semester. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org. Online, See website, 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. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free networking event where people interested in technology can hang out in an informal environment with a small TEDtalk-like presentation from an interesting speaker. Learn more online. Second Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m. 805-323-6706. meetup.com/softec/. StoryLabs, 102 Cross St, Suite 220, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR 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* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

GROVER BEACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BOOK SALE Includes a big selection of hardback fiction books, plus tons of paperbacks, non-fiction, classics, research, tabletop, and collectibles. Cash only. Rain cancels. Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free to attend. 805-481-4131. groverbeachlibrary.org. Grover Beach Community Library, 240 N 9th St., Grover Beach.

WEARABLE ART

Ojai-based jewelry maker and educator Hallie Katz is the guest artist at Stromsoe Studios’ next Sunday Open Studio on Sunday, Aug. 11. Guests of this Templeton event can look forward to seeing displays of Katz’s sculptural jewelry, alongside works by silversmith Randy Stromsoe. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required to attend by calling (805) 237-8632 or filling out a form on randystromsoe.com. —C.W.

Trouville 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. NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY AT SYCAMORE Celebrate National Relaxation Day at Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort and Spa. Enjoy a free day of wellness focused activations designed to set you at ease. Aug. 15 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-595-7302. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach. POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. THE SLO VENTURA INVITATIONAL Players from San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties are invited to participate in a two-man scramble tournament across two of the most stunning coastal courses (Monarch Dunes Golf Course and Morro Bay Golf Course) in the area. Aug. 10 and Aug. 11 my805tix.com. Monarch Dunes Golf Course, 1606 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, 805-343-9459. SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach. WMW HIGH VIBE HIKE Hosted by Women Making Waves (WMW). Aug. 10, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Preserve, Mattie Road, Pismo Beach.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

LITTLE RANGERS:

OCEAN FUN Calling all “Little Rangers.” Learn about the incredible ocean life found along our coastline. RSVP is required to attend: 805474-2664 or email sarah. holden@parks.ca.gov. For ages 3-7. Aug. 11 , 10-11 a.m. Free. 805-474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS

Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. 805-824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. NORTH SLO COUNTY BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. 805-772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. 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. CORDANT WINERY PAINT AND SIP WORKSHOP Get out of the heat and come relax at Cordant Winery. The creative team from ArtSocial805 will take you through a fun painting on canvas experience. Aug. 10 5-7 p.m. $52. 805400-9107. artsocial805.com. Coardant Winery, 3310 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles. MAKESHIFT MUSE MAKERS MARKET Come experience the magic of local shopping, indulge in delectable wines and food, groove to live music and DJs, and enjoy a variety of fun activities with Makeshift Muse. Aug. 10 12-6 p.m. Free. 805-369-6100. toothandnailwine.com/ pages/social-club-events. Tooth and Nail Winery, 3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. PASO ROBLES ROTARY CLUB WINEMAKERS’ COOKOFF Enjoy outstanding tastings from local wineries and breweries as they pair with gourmet food straight off the grill. Aug. 10 6-9 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA STROMSOE

THE MAC & CHEESE FEST

Hot Dates

my805tix.com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

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

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DISTILLERY TRAIL WEEKEND KICK-OFF

PARTY Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 9, 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Krobar Craft Distillery, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

MULTICULTURAL POTLUCKS Held monthly on the farm to connect us to our roots, our family and cultural heritage around eating food, as well as horticultural traditions of how people from around the world grow their food. Aug. 18 1 p.m. ourglobalfamilyfarm.com. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, 805-769-8344.

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

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

SLO GRANGE HALL PANCAKE

BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice and coffee; all for a low suggested donation price of $10, with proceeds to benefit SLO Grange Hall 639. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. 805-543-0639. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SUNSET WINE/RAIL EXCURSION: SANTA

BARBARA These fully-hosted, docent-led excursions will depart from the SLO Railroad Museum at 11 a.m. taking a motor coach to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Aug. 17 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-1894.

THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH Get ready for an unforgettable Sunday filled with dazzling performances, delicious food, and bottomless mimosas. Aug. 11 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337.

TRIVIA NIGHT Reservations are no longer required to play. Reservations are now for teams who want to guarantee a table to play. Tables available first come, first serve. Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, 805 242-8372.

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

WEDNESDAY PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking caps as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a

little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805-801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEACHSIDE LIVE SUMMER CONCERT

SERIES Enjoy free live music by the beach in Cayucos. Showtimes are Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Also featuring live music on holiday weekends, and on select Fridays and Saturdays in the summer. Check out @schoonerscayucos on Instagram for band updates. Sundays, 1-8 p.m. Free. 805-995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com/live. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

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

DIRTY CELLO: FLESH AND THE DEVIL The Cambria Film Festival presents a special outdoor showing of the film Flesh and the Devil starring Greta Garbo at the lovely Parr Collective at Stolo Vineyards in Cambria. This silent film era classic will feature a soundtrack performed Dirty Cello. Aug. 8, 7-11 p.m. $30. 805-234-3887. cambriafilmfestival. com. Stolo Family Vineyards, 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Rd., Cambria.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to, but also surprises. Composing and recording in multiple genres, he marches to his own beat. Aug. 11 2-4 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria, 805-927-9466.

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

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

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

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

SILENT FILM SCREENING WITH MUSIC

FROM DIRTY CELLO Hosted by the Cambria Film Festival. Aug. 8, 7-11 p.m. my805tix.com. Stolo Vineyards and Winery, 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria.

WILD CHILD LIVE A tribute to Jim Morrison and the Doors. Aug. 11 7 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles is an

American alternative rock band that plays guitar-woven music with songs that are memorable and easy to listen to, but also surprise. Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m. eastoneverett. com. Shale Oak Winery, 3235 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles, 8052394800.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to, but also surprises. Composing and recording in multiple genres, he marches to his own beat. Aug. 9 5-7:30 p.m. Outlaws Bar, Grill, & Casino, 9850 E Front St, Atascadero, 805-466-2000. EXPANSION PARTY Celebrate the venue’s exciting expansion. Mark this milestone and enjoy the new space. With music by Wine Country Troubadours. Aug. 9 6-8 p.m. Free. 661-609-2998. stilsoncellars.com. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles. 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. FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES Join us for the Friday Night Music Series (Fridays through late August, except during the Mid State Fair). Local musicians and food trucks each week at Derby Wine Estates. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 30 Free. 805-238-6300. derbywineestates. com/events/. Derby Wine Estates, 525 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles. JAZZ AT SENSORIO With vocalist Sunny Wright, guitarist Jacob Odell, bassist Dylan Johnson, and drummer Kevin McHatten. Aug. 16 7-10 p.m. $45-$140; $22 for children. 805-2264287. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. MONTE MILLS LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND In celebration of Club Car Bar’s one year anniversary. Aug. 17 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542. RESONANCE PRESENTS: LIFE AND BREATH Join the 30 voices of Resonance for this concert program. Aug. 11 3-4:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles, 805- 238-3702. SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir.com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles. SOME GIRLS LIVE Tribute to The Rolling Stones. Aug. 11 4-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 (Atascadero), 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

TUESDAYS IN THE PARK: FREE WEEKLY CONCERTS BY THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND Atascadero Community Band has been playing free weekly concerts in the bandstand for almost 40 years. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnics and enjoy these free events. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 20 Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero. UP IN THE AIR AT BETHEL ROAD DISTILLERY Up in the Air plays it’s unique, upbeat blend of original music along with some familiar favorites at Bethel Road Distillery. Aug. 10 1-4 p.m. Free. 805-434-0319. Bethel Road Distillery, 1266 N. Bethel Road, Templeton. SAN LUIS OBISPO ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

DAMON CASTILLO BAND AND MELODY KLEMIN: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Free live music. Family-friendly. Food/drink available. Free bike valet. Aug. 16 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO.com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo. DREAMSCAPE ORGANIC SESSIONS With ElysianMoon. Aug. 10, 8 p.m.

Hot Dates

my805tix.com. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-430-0260.

FLAVOR PACKET Flavor Packet stirs up a lyrical and imaginative sound with its contemporary and world beat-influenced jazz music, which makes for a memorable experience. Aug. 16 6-9 p.m. Free. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, krobardistillery.com.

GHOST\MONSTER AND NOACH

TANGERAS: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA

Noach Tangeras (Americana) and ghost\ monster (rock). Free bike valet parking. Aug. 9 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO. com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

JAZZ WEDNESDAYS Spinning jazz records all night. Bebop, jazz funk, acid jazz, hard bop, nu jazz, jazz house, crossover, Latin jazz, and more. Featuring guest selectors. Music at a polite volume in an acoustically treated space. Vintage sound system, big warm speakers. Plenty of free parking. Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m. through Oct. 30 Free. 805-439-1544. jansplaceslo.com. Jan’s Place, 1817 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT KROBAR Enjoy live music at Krobar, which showcases local, talented artists of all music genres. Kick-off your weekend right, grab your favorite seasonal craft cocktail, and vibe to the sounds of the night. Follow on Instagram to find out who is playing. Every other Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 31 Free entry. 833-576-2271. krobardistillery. com/events. Krobar Craft Distillery, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty

side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/index.htm.

LIVE MUSIC WITH GRAYBILL Wines available by the glass and bottle only. Admission is complimentary with a minimum $10 purchase per person. Aug. 11 3:30-5:30 p.m. Complimentary with a minimum $10 purchase/person. 805-9461685. cromavera.com. Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, San Luis Obispo.

THE MEZZACAPPA QUARTET Frequent Weaver presents this show. Aug. 11 3 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

THE ONLY OCEAN AND MORE Anomaly House is proud to present the Alt-Space concert series, featuring some of the most creative and unique acts in independent alternative music. Aug. 10 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: LIFE AND BREATH Additional program on Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paso Robles. Visit site for more info on both shows. Aug. 10 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES AT OAK AND OTTER BREWING CO. Summer music series featuring local artists, including Jaxon Camaero, Spike and the Box, Ben and Danny, Graybill, and Devin Welsh. Check @oakandotterbrewing for up to date info. Aug. 10 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-439-2529. oakandotterbrewing.squarespace.com/ events. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.

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

PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS Two men. Two pianos. Get ready for an electrifying musical extravaganza like no other. A sensational celebration of the legendary Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the extraordinary father and son duo of Terry and Nick Davies. Aug. 15 , 7:30-10 p.m. $45-$65. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/piano-men-generations/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

COLONEL ANGUS LIVE Visit site for tickets and more details on this live concert. Aug. 9 7-11 p.m. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805810-0714. ∆

2024 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES These Saturday afternoon concerts are limited and will sell out, so make your purchase early to secure your spot. Saturdays, 2:30-5 p.m. through Oct. 12 my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. GROVER BEACH SUMMER CONCERTS 2024 Featuring some of best local and regional bands all summer long. Food, craft vendors, and activities for the kids. Free and all ages welcome. Sundays, 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

Arts

Coalesce Bookstore hosts book signing with speech therapist

Kit Roberts Johnson

Central Coast local Kit Roberts

Johnson will be signing copies of her book, Frozen Voices: A Speech Therapist’s Alaskan Memoir, at the Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay on Aug. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Johnson released the memoir in December 2023, more than three decades after she first began work as a speechlanguage pathologist in Alaska in 1976. Frozen Voices recounts her clinical experiences working with Indigenous Alaskans, “who were just finding their voices after being silenced for generations,” according to press materials.

The author originally set out to become a speech therapist to help people with communication disorders and discovered over the span of her career that “we all have been silenced in some way by trauma.”

Johnson’s memoir “explores the theme of the inherent dignity of all life, between men and women, people with and without disabilities, Native Alaskans and colonizers, doctors and patients, and humans and animals,” according to the author’s website.

Central Coast locals may recognize Johnson for her music work, as she has sung and performed as part of the In Time Trio and the Flaming Ukuleles over the years. To find out more about the local author, visit kitrobertsjohnson.com.

Johnson also works as a speaker, available for the public to hire for events to speak on various topics, including following a calling, “the two-edged sword of isolation,” and subjects related to her work as a former speechlanguage pathologist.

Frozen Voices: A Speech Therapist’s Alaskan Memoir is available to order in paperback form and via eKindle from Amazon. The Coalesce Bookstore is located at 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

Studios on the Park’s End of Summer Soiree raises funds for arts programs

Held in conjunction with the Artsy Adornments exhibit, Studios on the Park’s End of Summer Soiree will take place on Aug. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.

While accessing showcases of upcycled clothing and handcrafted fine jewelry on display in Artsy Adornments, guests of the event can look forward to enjoying appetizers, drinks, live music, raffle opportunities, and more.

Studios on the Park founder Anne Laddon described the fundraiser as “a night of art, fun, and fashion” in press materials.

“Your participation helps us to continue to provide art education, exhibitions, and classes that benefit people of all ages,” Laddon stated.

Visit studiosonthepark.org for more info. The gallery is located at 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles. ∆ Caleb Wiseblood

‘Just be you’

Morro Bay artist Kirk Psenner connects with his younger self through sculpture

If you ever wanted to see a 6-foot cat smoking a cigarette, head over to Cruise Control Cambria and check out the eccentric yet expressive and strangely comforting work of Kirk Psenner through Aug. 14.

Morro Bay artist Psenner told New Times he knows his art is a bit di erent, but it’s been a way for him to connect with himself on a deeper level because art is all about personality and has no rules.

“As a young gay kid trying to conform and t in, then as you get older you sit here and say, ‘I don’t want to do that, I don’t have to do that,’” he said. “My rule is that I want everything I make to make me smile, and if people get that, and if they don’t, that’s OK too. You spend your childhood not tting in and then as an adult you’ll learn that not tting in is a great thing. You just be you and then you nd your people.”

Expressing himself through art has given Psenner a “new childhood,” he said, where he’s able to be “honest, and kind, and good.”

Psenner grew up in Fresno before he packed up and took o to LA at 18 where he began a career in real estate. After some years in the metropolitan city, Psenner said he decided it was time to move back to Fresno to be with family after his dad died. From there, his sister pushed him to explore the arts.

“My sister took me to a clay studio, and I took a month of classes and was hooked,” he said. “It’s been an obsession ever since, and I do that pretty much full time now with a little bit of real estate on the side.

“[Pottery] taught me how to have no rules and just be completely free with it.”

After years in Fresno, Psenner knew it was time to move to the Central Coast and decided to settle in Morro Bay where he started to craft in his home studio. Soon his house was overtaken by his statues.

“My whole front yard is a shitshow of ceramics— I’m talking about 6-feet-tall people, fun stu , playful stu , bright and colorful,” he said.

Eccentric statues

View Kirk Psenner’s art at Cruise Control Cambria until Aug. 14 at 1075 Main St. Visit cruisecontrolcambria.com or @kirkclayart on Instagram to view Psenner’s work online.

One of his prized creations standing guard outside his home studio is a close to naked Mexican Ranchero with only a belt and cowboy boots holding owers in front of him and a gun behind him.

“He’s bright red, and you don’t know if this is love or this is trouble,” he said.

At rst Psenner wasn’t sure how his neighbors would feel about these huge statues outside his home, but he’s received a lot of support.

“I’d work with my garage door open and what would happen is people would stop by, and that’s kind of how I started selling my stu ,” he said. “Now the rule is, if the garage door is open, you’re welcome to stop by, and I’ve met the most incredible people that way. I started selling stu at Grow Nursery in Cambria and that’s how [Cruise Control Gallery] found me.”

One of his favorite themes is cats: cats smoking cigars, cats eating, cats in clothes.

“I grew up with dogs all my life, loved them, but then I got my rst cat and became obsessed with them. Now I’m on my second cat, and I’ll probably get more,” he said. “I just like their independent nature, and they’re funny.

Psenner said he initially decided that he would make cats until he got tired of them and then he would hyper- xate on something else. However, that obsession hasn’t died down yet.

“ e response to the cats has been so great, but I keep thinking of new ideas, new positions, new ridiculous smoking cats, cats with their tongues out, carnie cats, portable cats stacked on top of each other,” he said. “I just haven’t run out of ideas, and I have this huge book of ideas of cats that are 6 feet tall and just ridiculous stu .”

Almost every single one of Psenner’s creations has a backstory, which he helps bring to life through the colors he chooses to paint them or by their expressions.

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

Psenner said he really enjoys building a family unit through his art, where there’s the protagonist who has parents and a love interest. Most of these family relations can be viewed at Cruise Control Gallery.

“So at the gallery there’s Vic, who’s an older dude with a cigarette and got paroled from the Men’s Colony to reunite with Hector, who’s his longlost love,” he said. “ en there’s Vic’s mom at the gallery, too, and she’s a rough looking woman who has a neck tattoo that says Vic.” ∆

Reach

Sta Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.
SASSY CATS Kirk Psenner crafted two large kitties donning nothing but a belt and some sass, doing what cats do best—judging.
LET ME FINISH MY SMOKE Kirk Psenner’s trusty bulldog companion enjoys a cigar while on duty defending his house in Morro Bay.
FRIEND OR FOE Located outside of artist Kirk Psenner’s home studio in Morro Bay, a 6-foot-tall Mexican Ranchero holds flowers in front of him and a gun behind him. Find more of his work on display at Cruise Control Gallery in Cambria through Aug. 14.

Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas, featuring Maggie O’Connor DEC

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes: 30th Anniversary Tour

Maryna Krut

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Ira Glass: Seven Things I’ve Learned

Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher: COUNTERPOINT

Vieux Farka Touré

Amanda Mole: Broadway & Beyond

Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Choir! Choir! Choir!

Psycho killer

TRAP

riter-director M. Night Shyamalan ( e Sixth Sense, Signs, Lady in the Water) helms this psychological thriller about a serial killer called e Butcher, but even serial killers can have kids, and this one, whose actual name is Cooper (Josh Hartnett), takes his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a stadium concert by pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan), only to discover the concert is a trap designed to catch him. Surrounded by 20,000-plus fans and 300 cops, can he nd a way out? (105 min.)

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee

What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee

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

Glen is one requires a massive suspension of disbelief because the premise is downright preposterous. In what world would law enforcement lure a serial killer to a concert attended by thousands of innocent people and trap him inside with them? It’s idiotic. at said, if you can just go with it, Trap is a fun little ride as we watch Cooper—a calculating and clever monster—navigate through a phalanx of police led by FBI pro ler Dr. Josphine Grant (Hayley Mills). e script manages to tie up a few other contrivances along the way, but it never manages to overcome its central implausibility. Still, it arrives at some unexpected places and ramps up the tension along the way. Hartnett delivers a very creepy performance as Cooper, a man with the appearance of normality who can e ortlessly separate his family life from his murderous life … until he can’t. at, too, may strain credulity, but remember the BTK killer? e churchgoing family man was a pillar of his community who tortured and murdered between 10 and 12 victims. People like Cooper are out there.

Anna Cooper is an interesting character. While all appearances indicate he’s an adoring dad whose joy in life seems to be making Riley happy, we quickly realize that he’s got a dirty little secret

SILENT FALLOUT

What’s it rated? Not rated When? Monday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. (reserve a free ticket at eventbrite.com)

Where’s it showing? Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo (2201 Lawson Ave.)

S

LO Mothers for Peace hosts a screening of Silent Fallout on Monday, Aug. 12, and director Hideaki Ito will attend the three-hour event and screen his documentary revealing the untold story of the victims of nuclear testing here in America and around the world. The documentary is narrated by Alec Baldwin. The film opens in 1951 and describes the U.S. testing of nuclear weapons in Nevada before quickly fast-forwarding to present day Salt Lake City, Utah,

on his phone in the form of a camera that shows his current victim locked up in an unknown location. He’s got a knack with people, and when he suspects something is up with all the security at the concert, he talks merch vendor Jamie (Jonathan Langdon) into fessing up on the FBI’s plot. He also sweet talks a few other key bits of info from people throughout the movie, and it’s easy to see why people trust Cooper. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to a lm where we were stuck in a concert that seems like a clear grab at showcasing Shyamalan’s daughter’s music, but Saleka Shyamalan has chops—both singing and acting, and the lm did a nice job of featuring her music while telling Cooper’s story. I de nitely had to suspend a whole lot of disbelief, but once I got OK with the premise being absolutely out there, I had some fun with this one—and in the end I even had some questions answered that I didn’t expect would be resolved.

and former journalist Mary Dickson as she chronicles growing up in the ’50s and ’60s and the unusual illnesses and deaths of her elementary school classmates. Dickson believes the nuclear tests 2,000 miles away—thanks to prevailing winds that carried radiation into her community—were responsible.

During this same period in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Louise Reiss began collecting and studying baby teeth from other mothers in her community and discovered children there had also been exposed to dangerous amounts of radiation, particularly strontium-90. As her study expanded nationwide, her results held. Kids across the country had been exposed. It’s a devastating part of U.S. history. Admission is free; however, Mothers for Peace encourages donations through its website (mothersforpeace.org/donate) or at the event. (76 min.)

—Glen

Mothers for Peace hosts a screening of the documentary Silent Fallout, screening on Aug. 12, at Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo.

Glen I was pleasantly surprised that casting Saleka wasn’t crass nepotism. I was also surprised to nd her so deeply part of the plot. I gured she’d just be singing songs, but in the third act she became a major player. We also eventually meet the rest of Cooper’s family, wife Rachel (Alison Pill) and son Logan (Lochlan Miller). As usual, the director shows up in a cameo. If you watch, stay for the credits. Jamie the merch seller makes a very funny return. I think M. Night is well aware that the story is ridiculous, and this little endcredits wink is his way of saying, “I know it’s dumb, but you had fun, right?”

Anna It’s fun to watch Cooper calculate, and it’s fun to watch those around him attempt to take him down. It’s not one you can think about too closely without rolling your eyes, but it keeps you hooked from start to nish. ∆

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

FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST

What’s it rated? G When? 1992

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, at 1:30 p.m.

My favorite troublemaking fairy is back on the big screen! Crysta (voiced by Samantha Mathis) is fixated on seeing what lies beyond the boundaries of FernGully and tales of the fictional creatures called humans. When she accidentally shrinks Zac (Jonathan Ward), a human working for the lumber company that’s set to destroy Crysta’s home, the two begin a misadventure and a quest to stop Hexxus (Tim Curry)—a blobby, oily monster who feeds off of pollution.

It’s been a while since I’ve watched this film, but it’s one of the few animated flicks that I still watch when I come across it. There’s a lot of talent here—Curry voices an absolutely awful villain, and Robin Williams voices Batty Koda, a

SAVE THE FOREST! Crysta, a curious fairy, goes looking for humans and gets more than she bargained for, in FernGully: The Last Rainforest, screening on Aug. 10 and 11, in the Palm Theatre.

motormouth and mess of a best friend to Crysta and an absolute joy to be around. They both steal the show, each with their own musical numbers as well.

With messages that promote environmental stewardship, interpersonal relationships, and community awareness, this one stands the test of time. Great family fare that avoids being overly preachy. (76 min.)

DEMENTED Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a serial killer known as The Butcher, discovers a concert he’s attending with his daughter is a law enforcement operation designed to apprehend him, in Trap, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.
PHOTO COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX

Music

Semi-crazy

Junior Brown plays BarrelHouse Brewing on Aug. 11

Junior Brown is such a badass. His instrument—the “guit-steel”—is a combination electric guitar and lap steel guitar, and he freaking rips on it. He’s also got one of the most distinctive voices in country music, and his songs are a flat out a hoot. “Highway Patrol” is about a cop whose “hours are long, and my pay is low,” but “if you’re driving too fast, like you shouldn’t do, you can bet your boots, I’m coming after you. If you wanna race, then get on a racetrack, ’cause if you try and run away, I’m gonna bring ya back. I’m here to keep all the speeders driving slow. I’m just a-doin’ my job. I’m The Highway Patrol.”

The man’s music works in the overlaps between outlaw country, Ameripolitan, Western swing, honky-tonk, surf rock, and boogie-woogie.

Dig the lyrics for “Broke Down South of Dallas”: “That wife of mine, a suspicious kind. She says that I’m quite a flirter. But I’ve been a good boy all of the time, and I wouldn’t do nothing to hurt her. She’ll tan my hide for spending the night with Betty Lou or Alice. But I’m sleeping alone in this wreck I own. I broke down South of Dallas.” Genius!

Numbskull and Good Medicine bring Junior Brown to BarrelHouse Brewing this Sunday, Aug. 11 (6 p.m.; all ages; $41.92 at goodmedicinepresents.com). I can’t wait to hear songs like “My Wife Thinks You’re Dead,” “Venom Wearin’ Demin,” “SemiCrazy,” and more.

Numbskull and Good Medicine have a bunch of other good shows this week. Don’t forget Santa Cruz duo Poi Rogers playing for free on Thursday, Aug. 8, in Club Car Bar (7:30 p.m.; all ages; free). Gerard Egan (acoustic and his 1954 Fender triple neck steel guitar) and Carolyn Sills (standup bass) explain their sound resides “somewhere in between the tropical lounges of 1930s Los Angeles and the honky-tonk beer joints of rural 1950s California.”

Break on through to the other side with Wild Child: Dave Brock’s Doors Experience on Sunday, Aug. 11, at The Siren (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $24.93 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Brock’s show recreates a 1960s Doors concert, “recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics, and delivery of the Doors music,” according to his bio.

Canadian indie pop band Alvvays plays on Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Madonna Inn Expo Center (6 p.m.; all ages; $43.98 at goodmedicinepresents.com). They formed in 2011, and their self-titled debut, released in 2014, topped the U.S. college charts. Their second studio album, Antisocialites (2017), won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year, and their most recent record, Blue Rev (2022), rose to No. 2 on the U.K. indie charts. Its single, “Belinda Says,” was nominated for Best Alternative Music Performance at the Grammy Awards. The Beths open.

The Siren

Leave it to The Siren to keep you entertained on the cheap. Free shows include rock and country act Daring Greatly on Friday, Aug. 9 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.), classic rock cover band Back Pages Band on Saturday Aug. 10 (2 to 5 p.m.), and Latin/ jazz/funk supergroup MiniNova (with Kenny Lee Lewis of the Steve Miller Band and Scott Martin of WAR) on Wednesday, Aug. 14 (7:30 to 9 p.m.). All Siren shows are 21-andolder.

You can also see baritone-voiced rising country star Carter Winter with local opener Bitterwater Road on Saturday, Aug. 10 (8 to 10:30 p.m.; $22.03 at tixr.com). Winter has a way with ballads and sings with a raw honesty. He’s been called “country music’s modern traditionalist.”

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Drugdealer with special guest Color Green on Tuesday, Aug. 13 (7 to 10:30 p.m.; $43.82 at eventbrite. com). Drugdealer is fronted by Michael Collins, who has a laid-back soulful singing style he developed on the cusp of giving up.

He recalled a chance encounter with composer Annette Peacock, explaining he’d lost faith in his voice.

“I told her my plight, then I played her a song, and she told me I wasn’t singing high enough for my speaking voice,” he explained on his record label website. “When I returned to LA, I started coming up with new progressions, which I’d modulate up three halfsteps. It forced me to find a new way to sing.”

The results speak for themselves on his newest album, Hiding in Plain Sight (2022).

Punk and country collide in the music of mohawked, wild-eyed Joe Buck Yourself (formerly of Hank III, Assjack, and Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers), playing on Thursday, Aug. 14 (7 to 9:30 p.m.; $15.54 at tixr.com). The one-man band delivers ripping, kinetic songs like “Evil Motherfucker from Tennessee,” “Drug Train,” “Devil is on His Way.” He’s one of a kind.

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Don’t forget ’80s rock stars Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo play on Thursday, Aug. 8 (8 p.m.; $46.10 to $352.80 at ticketmaster. com) with opening act The Vindys. “We Belong,” “Love is a Battlefield,” “Promises in the Dark,” “We Live for Love,” and “Hell is for Children” are handful of Benatar’s massive hits.

More ’80s power pop awaits when Rick Springfield and Richard Marx play acoustic on Sunday, Aug. 11 (8 p.m.; all ages; $25 to $417.38 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com).

Springfield’s hits include “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch.” Marx scored hits with “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard,” “Hold On to the Nights,” “Endless Summer Nights,” and “Satisfied.”

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes play on Thursday, Aug. 15 (8 p.m.; all ages; $25 to $225 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com). Reyes and the Gipsy Kings have topped the World Music charts, selling more than 14 million albums worldwide. Their platinum compilation, The Best of the Gipsy Kings, was on the charts for a full year. Their ninth studio album, Savor Flamenco, won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.

SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock

Kick off the weekend with a disco dance party with DJ Hobeaux on Friday, Aug. 9 (doors at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $10 at the door).

Buckle up for Son of a Gun: A Guns N’ Roses tribute on Saturday, Aug. 10 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $27.21 at ticketweb. com). Frontman Ari Kamin was handpicked by Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler for his solo project.

“Axl Rose will always be the king, but Ari Kamin is one hell of a crown prince,” Adler said in an interview with BraveWords. “They both have that almost unlimited vocal range and a natural ability to connect to the audience.”

Add in lead guitarist Johnny Mayo as a stand-in for Slash, and you’re left with a ripping tribute act of one of hard rock’s most enduring bands. Honky-tonk psychedelic surf rockers The Murder Hornets open.

Reggae fans, get ready for Sammy Johnson on Thursday, Aug. 15 (doors at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $33.39 at ticketweb.com). He blends soulful and jazzy vibes into his sound, and local reggae act True Zion opens.

Fremont Theater

Don’t forget Washington, D.C.-based alt-rock, blues rock, and soul singer-songwriter Citizen Cope plays on Thursday, Aug. 8 (8 p.m.; all ages; $22.25 to $99.50 at prekindle.com).

BROKE DOWN SOUTH OF PASO Numbskull and Good Medicine present guit-steel double-neck guitar master and distinctive country singer Junior Brown on Aug. 11 , at BarrelHouse Brewing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNIOR BROWN
RETRO FUN Santa Cruz duo Poi Rogers plays a free Good Medicine and Numbskull show on Aug. 8 , in Club Car Bar.
COURTESY PHOTO OF BY RR JONES
WINTER IS COMING See Nashville-based and baritone-voiced country rocker Carter Winter on Aug. 10 , in The Siren.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SIREN
EIGHTIES COOL Nederlander Concerts presents ’80s and ’90s hitmakers Rick Springfield and Richard Marx playing acoustic on Aug. 11 , at Vina Robles Amphitheatre.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS

Lubbock, Texas-based country rockers Pecos & The Rooftops play on Saturday, Aug. 10 (8 p.m.; all ages; $36.79 at prekindle. com). Their gritty brand of country delivers narrative songs about broken relationships and broken people in tracks such as “Last Thing I Remember,” “One Drunk Summer,” and “This Damn Song.”

Riley Thomas opens. His bio describes him like this: “Think of it like putting Waylon Jennings, System of a Down, and Led Zeppelin in a saloon blender on high, soaking it in whiskey, and lighting it on fire after the first swig.” He recently released his major label debut single, “I’ll Be Damned.” Colombian psychedelic funk trio Balthvs plays on Sunday, Aug. 11 (8 p.m.; all ages; $31.90 at prekindle.com). Their eclectic style blends elements of Middle Eastern, disco, house, funk, psychedelia, indie rock, surf, and cumbia into their sound. Soul, funk, and electronic act Flamingosis opens.

The Clark Center

Billy Joel and Elton John are arguably the two greatest piano pop music sensations of the 20th century, and you can hear their hits when Entertainment Events and T2 Presents bring Piano Men: Generations to the Clark Center on Thursday, Aug. 15 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $49.50 to $70.50 at clarkcenter.org). The music of these two hitmakers will be brought to life by virtuoso father-and-son duo Terry and Nick Davies. You’ll hear everything from “Only the Good Die Young,” “Circle of Life,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and the iconic “Piano Man.”

More music … Concerts in the Plaza continues to fill your late Friday afternoons with live music. This Friday, Aug. 9, in the Mission Plaza, see Americana singer-songwriter Noach Tangeras at 5 p.m. followed by rock band Ghost/Monster from 6 to 8 p.m. Ghost/ Monster are two-time New Times Music Awards-winners for Best Rock Song and Album of the Year.

North Carolina-based alt-folk singersongwriter Bryan Bielanski brings his “super happy fun time” show to Liquid Gravity Brewing Company this Saturday, Aug. 10 (2 to 6 p.m.). His bio reads, “Imagine Nirvana and the Beatles had a kid together who became an acoustic rock singer-songwriter: that’s Bryan Bielanski! Although he is inspired by some of the rock greats like Tom Petty and REM, he has a distinct musical style and lyrics that make you think deep thoughts and feel like you’re really alive!”

The Frequent Weaver presents a jazz matinee at The Bunker on Sunday, Aug. 11 (3 p.m.; $10 presale at my805tix.com or $15 at the door) with the Lisa Mezzacappa Quartet (featuring Kris Tiner, Cory Wright, and Jordan Glenn). Mezzacappa is a Berkeley-based composer, bassist, improviser, and producer who’s been part of California’s jazz scene for nearly two decades.

The Frequent Weaver also presents Escape-Ism this Wednesday, Aug. 14, in A Satellite of Love (7 p.m.; $10). Fronted by D.C. punk rock legend Ian Svenonius, the “foundsound dream-drama” duo also features bassist Sandi Denton. Local acts Net Worth and Mirror Maggots will open. ∆

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

Park and play

Il Cortile owners open Parchetto, a California bistro that pays homage to Paso’s Downtown City Park

Paso Robles’ Downtown City Park is an inspiration to yet another gastronomic experience.

Located a stroll away from the lush green grounds, Parchetto, or “little park” in Italian, is Il Cortile owners Carole and Santos MacDonal’s latest venture.

“Il Cortile’s been open about 15 years,” Carole, Parchetto’s managing partner and sommelier, said. “[Executive Chef] Santos just likes other vehicles to express himself. This was not really planned but when we found out that the restaurant was available, we kind of looked into it.”

Reservations needed

Visit parchettobistro.com to reserve a table at Parchetto on 1234 Park Street in Paso Robles or call (805) 286-4636. Parchetto is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Parchetto—pronounced “park-ett-o”—is a California bistro with an ever-changing menu that hinges on Santos’ creativity. The July 25 dinner menu was meat forward, featuring pork chops, lamb shanks, Tomahawk steaks, and melt-in-your-mouth New York and filet steaks. Meanwhile, the appetizers that night featured mini oxtail, grilled octopus, seared scallops, tuna tartar, oysters, heirloom tomato crostini burrata, and a peach salad.

“We didn’t want to pin ourselves into a corner with a steakhouse,” Carole said.

“I want to do a lot of meats and fishes and things like that, but I also want to do appetizers that would be a little bit more creative or a little bit different than you would normally get at a steakhouse.”

According to her, the Central Coast’s fresh ingredients shine in a California bistro. While they work with local growers and peruse farmers’ markets for produce, the MacDonals also draw from their own home garden.

“We have a small property where we grow our own olives, and we had our first vintage last year, and we did our own olive oil called Santino Olive Oil. We sold out already, but we have another little area where there’s probably maybe a half an acre planted,” Carole said. “Now we’re heavy into zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, leeks, and peppers.”

Fish is a heavy hitter at Parchetto too. Pan-seared black cod with lobster sauce, striped bass with mashed potatoes and

• Sexual Harassment

• Racial and Age Discrimination

• COVID/Vaccine Related Termination

• Unpaid Overtime Compensation/Bonuses

• Reimbursement forWork-Related Expenses

• Working “Off the Clock” • Denied Meal and Rest Breaks

ON THEME Find the crème de menthe-loaded and chocolate-topped grasshopper among the list of classic cocktails at Parchetto, which managing partner Carole MacDonal says boosts the 1950s style of the restaurant.
NIBBLE AWAY Level up your Parchetto bar experience and prep for the main course with bites from the smaller menu, like this tomato and feta fare.
FAMILIAR FACES Il Cortile owners Carole and Santos MacDonal added another feather to their culinary cap with the opening of their California bistro Parchetto.

grilled asparagus, and salmon with cherry tomato sauce hold their ground on the meaty menu. The seafood options informed Carole’s search for local wines to put on the Parchetto list.

“I’m actually starting very slow, but I wanted to have a wide variety from light to a little bit heavier whites to work with the fish and seafood and some of the vegetable dishes and things like that,” she said.

Over the past six months, Carole came across young wineries to highlight on the wine list, like Cairjn Wine Cellars and Riise Wine from Paso Robles. Parchetto also curated a small selection of European wines from Germany, Austria, Italy, and the French region of Alsace.

Drinks at Parchetto don’t stop flowing with wine. The bar, headed by bar manager Nathan Dorsey, packs a punch with cocktails like the house Parchetto Paloma, a deep purple “black and blue lemon drop,” and a negroni made with Scapegrace Black Gin, among others. Bulk up those cocktails with bites from the bar menu like the moreish and buttery duck confit crostini.

The MacDonals, who also once owned the Latin-inspired La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant, have an impressive eye for detail. Each menu handed to patrons bears one of four different insignia that represents the park. Over the roughly 15 years they’ve spent in Paso Robles, Carole and Santos have related to the downtown park through the gazebo, the library, the kids’ playground, and its ability to host picnics.

“On the bottom of our menus, and when our business cards will be printed as well, there’s a little icon for each of those four images,” Carole said. “So maybe one time you come in and you have a venue, and it has the gazebo on it. Another time, you could have the playground or whatever.”

The Parchetto font is also a callback to the park. When the designers studied the overhead view of the park on Google Earth, they realized it was split into quadrants. They grabbed the quadrants and designed a typeface that reflects those sections in each letter of the “Parchetto” name.

The MacDonals are preparing to add a lunch service by mid-August, and also hope to include brunch on Sundays. With the restaurant also perfecting its dry-aging technique for meats and anticipating the eventual shift to a fall menu, Parchetto is the perfect culinary playground for the MacDonals to work in—and for hungry visitors to savor. Just remember to stay and play long enough for the dessert menu.

“Il Cortile is very authentic Italian. When we had La Cosecha, it was more Latin and South American, Spanish,” Carole said. “This one being just California cuisine, it gives [Santos] a little bit more flexibility in what direction he wants to go into. It isn’t totally defined by a nationality.” ∆

Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal is always ready for dry-aged duck. Quack away at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

Classies

Reach

Keep it

Classy—for Free!

Private parties may run FREE classified ads in the FOR SALE (items under $200) and GARAGE SALE sections for two weeks

Contact us today! (805) 546-8208 or classifieds@newtimesslo.com

CA) Research, collect & analyze data on the mkt conditions, trends, customer pref erences & buying habits. Dvlp & implmt procedures. Forecast & track mktg & sales trends. Analyze research findings. Gather data on com petitors & analyze prices, sales & methods of mktg & distribution. Monitor industry statistics & follow trends. 2 yrs exp is req’d. 40 hrs/ wk, $41,995/yr. Send Resume to Christopher Flores, CEO, Coast to Coast HTM LLC at hr@c2chtm.com

2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LTD

1.8

#253332

$13,988

2016 BMW X1 28I SUV AWD

2.0 4cyl Twin Turbo, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, nav, lthr, 20” prem whls, 2pseats, 64k. #882320

$17,988

2017 FORD EXPEDITION XL 4WD PLATINUM

3.5 Ecoboost V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, tw, am/fm/cd, sony, 2pseats, black, blk lthr, mnrf, rack, tow, 20”prem whls. #A03708

$17,988

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 $18,988

4cyl Supercharged, at, ac, pw, pdl, cc, tw,

Inc, Genuino Dalo, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 07-1724. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 07-17-29. July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1445 (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as BROWN’S BARBER SHOP, 3118 Main Street, Suite C, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. Joel Leidinger (3118 Main Street, Suite C, Morro Bay, CA 93442). This business is conducted by An Individual Joel Leidinger. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 07-05-24. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Steddum, Deputy. Exp. 07-05-29. Publication dates - August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1219 (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as TLC SENIOR CARE, 1007 NICE AVE, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Susan’s Tender Loving Care LLC (1007 Nice Ave Grover Beach, CA 93433). State of California. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company /s/

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24-CVP0202

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Catherine Ryan Dell Eva filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Catherine Ryan Dell Eva, to PROPOSED NAME: Catherine Ryan.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 21, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, Dept. Paso, Room 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street. Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: July 09, 2024. /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024.

ORDER

TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CVP0214

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Riley Michelle Chestnut filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Riley Michelle Chestnut, to PROPOSED NAME: Riley Michelle Lahargou.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 28, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.Paso Robles Branch. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: July 17, 2024. /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CVP0201

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Tamra Horton filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Claire Marie Clubb, to PROPOSED NAME: Claire Lake Marie Horton.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 21, 2024. Time: 9:30 am, P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park St. Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: May, 29, 2024.

/s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024.

SUMMONS on Second Amended Complaint (CITATION JUDICIAL)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO):

Daniel Keith Larson, an individual and as Trustee and Beneficiary of the Estate of Barbara Anne Larson;

Erin Ellen Larson, an individual;

All other persons unknown, claiming any right, title, estate, lien or interest in the real property described in the complaint adverse to plaintiffs’ ownership interest or any cloud on plaintiffs’ right thereof; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive;

Sharon Sims, Successor Trustee of the Gerald Raymond and Barbara Anne Larson Revocable Trust established July 20, 2007 as Doe 1.

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WILLIAM ASHLEY WILSON, an individual; and KATHRYN SAMPLILO WILSON, an individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney

referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. as the person sued under the fictitious name of (specify): ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede

pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. CASE NUMBER: 30-2022-01275167-CU-OR-NJC

The name and address of the court is: Orange Superior Court 1275 Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 North Justice Center

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:

Nicole S. Dunn, Esq, First American Law Group 5 First American Way Santa Ana, CA 92707

714-250-3500

Date: 07/19/2023

By: /s/ David H. Yamasaki, Clerk, R. Baker, Deputy Clerk July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 2024

Adult Services

MARKETPLACE

Awesome Exotic Dancers Girls, Guys, Fantastic Parties or Just For You. Now Hiring 966-0161

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero

DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person and virtually at the time and place indicated above to consider the Closure and Forfeiture of Financial Assurance Mechanism (CPP19-0125) of the Millhollin mine. The mine is located at 11400 Santa Lucia Road on APN 055451-006, APN 055-451-030, and APN 055-451-031

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend in-person and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor or opposition to the above-proposed project. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@ atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at 805-461-5035.

DATED Aug. 5, 2024

S/ L Christensen, City Clerk

PUBLISH: August 8, 2024

NOTICE OF 15-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT FOR THE TITLE 29 AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

WHAT: The Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on September 10, 2024. The annual report includes details regarding the uses of the Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund including the number of housing units constructed or assisted to be constructed, the types of units, income level, location of the housing units and the status of each affordable housing project.

A Draft Copy of the Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 is available online at slohomeless.com for a 15-day public review and comment beginning August 8, 2024. The last day for public comment is August 25, 2024.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Please submit any questions or comments related to the proposed recommendations to SS_HSDInfo@co.slo.ca.us. August 8, 2024

SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• As recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee, the City Council will consider adopting a resolution to approve a Historic Property Preservation Agreement between the City and the owner of The Brecheen House at 1133 Pismo Street, under the terms described in the draft agreement; Consideration of eligibility for historic listing is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the general rule described in CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3), as it is does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

For more information, contact Walter Oetzell, Associate Planner for the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7593 or by email, woetzell@slocity.org.

• The City Council will hold a public hearing to introduce an Ordinance amending Title 6 (Animals) of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (SLOMC) to incorporate the San Luis Obispo County Code Title 9 by reference, which will replace the majority of the SLOMC Title 6 sections. Incorporating Title 9 of the County Code will provide a standardized set of regulations that can be more easily enforced, create continuity throughout the county, while still allowing each City to keep additional regulations that are not contained in Title 9.

For more information, contact Brian Amoroso, Deputy Police Chief for the City’s Police Department at (805) 781-7317 or by email, bamoroso@slocity.org.

• The City Council will hold a public hearing to introduce an Ordinance to propose text amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code to add single-family and multi-family uses, as conditionally allowed with approval of a Minor Use Permit, in the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) Zone. The project is exempt from environmental review under Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.

For more information, contact Hannah Hanh, Associate Planner for the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7432 or by email, hhanh@slocity.org.

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above.

If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

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

August 8, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty. ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.

WHAT:

Hearing to consider an appeal by Patrick McGibney of the Los Osos Sustainability Group (APPL2024-00011) of the Planning Department Hearing Officer’s approval of a request by Shelene Enerle for a Minor Use Permit / Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2023-00026) to allow for a 1,995 square-foot addition and 72 square-foot permeable deck extension to an existing 1,362 square-foot single family residence and 85 square-foot deck. This project is located in the Residential Single Family land use category at 363 Mitchell Drive within the community of Los Osos. The site is in the Estero Planning Area.

County File Number: APPL2024-00011

Assessor Parcel Number: 074-082-018

Supervisorial District: 2 Date Accepted: April 5, 2024

WHERE:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

You may contact Andy Knighton, Project Manager, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, aknighton@ co.slo.ca.us (805) 781-4142. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at http://www.slocounty .ca.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION:

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the General Rule or Common Sense Exemption.

COASTAL APPEALABLE:

County action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. Appeals must be filed in writing as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043.

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

DATED: August 6, 2024

MATTHEW P. PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By /s/Sandy Currens Deputy Clerk August 8, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www. slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.

WHAT:

Hearing to consider an appeal (APPL2024-00004) by Daniel Perez of the Planning Commission’s approval of a request by John Mussell for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00006) to construct 72 multi-family residential apartment units on a single parcel totaling 2.57 acres as a planned development in accordance with State Density Bonus Law. Of the 72 apartment units, 71 will be deed restricted and one unit a manager’s unit. The proposed project is within the Commercial Retail and Office Professional land use categories and is located at 170 Magenta Lane, in the community of Nipomo Central Business District and within the West Tefft Corridor Design Plan area. The site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning area. County File Number: APPL2024-00004

Assessor Parcel Number: 092-572-025

Supervisorial District: 4 Date Accepted: August 18, 2023

WHERE:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

You may contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, lsutherland@ co.slo.ca.us (805) 788-9470. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION:

Also to be considered at the hearing is the determination that this project is Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 21159.2.

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

DATED: August 6, 2024

MATTHEW P. PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By

Deputy Clerk August 8, 2024

Notice Requesting Proposals / Qualifications for Laboratory Testing Services

The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting sealed proposals for laboratory testing services associated with the compliance of drinking water, stormwater, NPDES permit, and recycled water.

All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www.bidsync. com/bidsync-app-web/vendor/register/Login. xhtml). All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before September 9, 2024 when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time.

The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

An optional pre-proposal conference will be held to answer any questions that the prospective proposers may have regarding the City’s request for proposals. The pre-proposal conference call will take place at the following time: August 27, 2024 at 2 pm via Teams

Participants may contact Matt Anderson, Laboratory Manager by email at [manderso@slocity.org] to join the conference virtually through Microsoft Teams. A request to join the conference virtually should be sent to Matt Anderson, no later than 5:00 pm on August 23, 2024.

Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www. BidSync.com. Please contact Matt Anderson with any questions.

For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339.

City of SLO Legal Ad August 8, 2024

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF AN INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR 197 WEST GRAND AVENUE MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT

(City File: DA-23-00050)

An Initial Study and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the 197 W. Grand Avenue Mixed Use Development Project is complete and available for public review and comment. The document addresses the environmental impacts that may be associated with activities related to the implementation of the project. The IS/MND will be available for public review/comment beginning on Friday, August 8, 2024. All files can be downloaded from the City of Grover Beach Environmental Review (CEQA) webpage at the following web address https://www.grover.org/374/Environmental-Resources.

The proposed project is located at 197 West Grand Avenue in the City of Grover Beach and consists of demolition of the existing 10 structures at the project site, construction of a mixed-use development including 2,500 square feet (sf) of commercial/restaurant space and 23 dwelling units comprised of 16, three-story townhouse units, and seven (7) condominium units located above the proposed commercial/restaurant space. The project will result in development of the entire lot with associated on- and off-site improvements, and utilities. The project site is located within the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission.

In accordance with Sections 15072(a) and (b) of the CEQA Guidelines, this public notice is posted to officially notify the public, public agencies, and responsible and trustee agencies that the required 20-day public review/ comment period will commence on Friday, August 8, 2024, and conclude on Monday, September 2, 2024. Any written comments (via email or letter) on the IS/ND must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024. Written comments may be emailed to kbell@ groverbeach.org or mailed to: Community Development Department, 154 S 8th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433, Attention: Kyle Bell, Senior Planner

The Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to review the IS/MND and proposed project at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Meetings can be viewed on Channel 20 and are live streamed on the City’s website and on www.slo-span.org.

For more information on the proposed project, its environmental effects, City environmental procedures and deadlines, please contact: Project Planner: Kyle Bell, at kbell@slocity.org or (805) 724-2136. August 8, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.

WHAT:

Hearing to consider a request by the County of San Luis Obispo to amend the County Inland and Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinances and the Local Coastal Plan to update the Flood Hazard Area Standards and associated definitions per a standard review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following FEMA-initiated updates to the County’s flood hazard maps. Countywide. Exempt from CEQA. County File Number: LRP2024-00003 Assessor Parcel Numbers: Countywide Supervisorial District: All Districts Date Accepted: N/A

WHERE:

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

You may contact Kylie Fonzi, Project Manager, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, smonk@co.slo.ca.us, (805) 781-5600. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION:

These projects are covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that these projects may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA. [Reference: State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption].

COASTAL APPEALABLE:

County action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. Appeals must be filed in writing as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043.

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

DATED: August 6, 2024

MATTHEW P. PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By /s/Sandy Currens Deputy Clerk

August 8, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT Hearing to consider a request by David E. Crye for a General Plan Amendment application (LRP2023-00002) to change the land use category from Commercial Service (CS) to Residential Multi-Family (RMF) on a site totaling 0.68 acres (APNs 064-095-015 and 064-095-020). The project site is located at 249 Ash Ave. and 273 Birch Ave., approximately 200 feet northwest of Cayucos Drive and Ash Ave., in the community of Cayucos. The site is in the Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone.

Also to be considered is the environmental determination that the project is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

County File Number: LRP2023-00002

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 064-095-015, 020

Date Accepted: 3/15/2024

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Commission

August 8, 2024

WHO

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at WHAT

A request by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing for a second one-year time extension (N-EXT2024-00017) to a previously approved Vesting Tentative Tract Map and concurrent Conditional Use Permit (SUB2021-00002) to subdivide an existing 4.69-acre parcel into a Residential Planned Development including: 15 residential parcels. The project is within the Residential Single-Family land use category and is located at 1051 Winner Way in the community of San Miguel. The site is located in the Salinas River Subarea of the North County Planning Area.

County File Number: N-EXT2024-00017

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 021-362-0001

Date Accepted 6/20/2024

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Commission August 8, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Richard Mittry for a third time extension (N-EXT2024-00021) to the previously approved Conditional Use Permit (DRC2019-00264) and Lot Line Adjustment (SUB2020-00005 / COAL 19-0115) for development of a storage and warehousing facility. The proposed project is within the Commercial Service / Business Park land use category and is located at 1350, 1340, 1330, and 1320 Professional Parkway, in the northeast quadrant of the Guadalupe Road (CA Highway 1) and Via Entrada intersection, in Woodlands Village. The site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area.

County File Number: N-EXT2024-00021

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 091-508-008 (+ 3 more)

Date Accepted: 7/10/2024

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Dominic Dal Porto, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5710.

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Commission August 8, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at

WHAT

Hearing to consider a request by Verizon Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00055) to allow for the construction and operation of a new wireless communications facility consisting of three (3) sectors of three (3) antennas each, totaling nine (9) panel antennas along with six (6) remote radio units (RRUs), located within a fifty-foot (50’) faux water tower The proposed project will result in the disturbance of approximately 2,444-squarefeet on a 2.5-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Agricultural land use category and is located at 1118 N Dana Foothill Road, approximately 1.6-miles north of the Community of Nipomo. The site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that the project is exempt under CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).

A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.

County File Number: N-DRC2023-00055

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 090-041-083

Date Accepted: 7/15/2024

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org You may also contact Dominic Dal Porto, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5710.

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Commission

August 8, 2024

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Can you boost your willpower just by deciding you want to? Try it. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): Legend tells us that the first person to drink tea was Chinese Emperor Shennong in 2737 BCE. As he lounged outdoors, tree leaves fell into his cup of water and accidentally created an infusion. Good for him that he was willing to sample that accidental offering. It took many centuries, but eventually tea drinking spread throughout the world. And yet the first tea bag, an icon of convenience, didn’t become available until 1904. I don’t expect you will have to wait anywhere near that long to move from your promising new discoveries to the highly practical use of those discoveries. In fact, it could happen quickly. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to ripen your novel ideas, stellar insights, and breakthrough innovations.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): I hope that in the coming months, Taurus, you will be refining your skills with joy and vigor. I hope you will devote yourself to becoming even more masterful at activities you already do well. I hope you will attend lovingly to details and regard discipline as a high art—as if doing so is the most important gift you can give to life. To inspire you in these noble quests, I offer you a quote by stage magician Harry Blackstone Jr.: “Practice until it becomes boring, then practice until it becomes beautiful.”

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Wohlweh is a German word that means “good pain” or “pleasurable pain.” It might refer to the feeling you have while scratching a mosquito bite or rubbing your eyes when they’re itchy from allergies. But my favorite use of the word occurs when describing a deep-tissue massage that may be a bit harrowing even as it soothes you and provides healing. That’s a great metaphor for the kind of wohlweh I expect for you in the coming days. Here’s a tip: The less you resist the strenuous “therapy,” the better you will feel.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): I earn my living as a writer now, but for many years I had to work at odd jobs to keep from starving. One of the most challenging was tapping the sap of Vermont maple trees during the frigid weather of February. Few trees produce more than 3 gallons of sap per day, and it takes 40 to 50 gallons to create a single gallon of maple syrup. It was hard work that required a great deal of patience. According to my analysis, you Cancerians are in a metaphorically comparable situation these days. To get the good results you want, you may have to generate a lot of raw material— and that could take a while. Still, I believe that in the end, you will think the strenuous effort has been well worth it.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): I love the fact that Antarctica doesn’t belong to anyone. Thirty nations have research stations there, but none of them control what happens. Antarctica has no government! It has a few laws that almost everyone obeys, like a ban on the introduction of non-indigenous plants and animals. But mostly, it’s untouched and untamed. Much of its geology is uncharted. Inspired by this singular land, I’d love for you to enjoy a phase of wild sovereignty and autonomy in the coming weeks. What can you do to express yourself with maximum freedom, answering primarily to the sacred laws of your own ardent nature?

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Babylonia was an ancient empire located in what’s now Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Among its citizens, there was a common belief that insomnia was the result of intrusive visitations by ancestral spirits. Their urge to communicate made it hard for their descendants to sleep. One supposed cure was to take dead relatives’ skulls into bed, lick them, and hold them close. I don’t recommend this practice to you, Virgo. But I do advise you to consult with the spirits of deceased family members in the coming weeks. I suspect they have a lot to tell you. At the very least, I hope you will explore how you might benefit from studying and pondering your ancestors’ lives.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran tennis player Naomi Osaka is one of the highest-paid women athletes ever. She is also a staunch political activist. That blend of qualities is uncommon. Why do I bring this to your attention? Because now is an excellent time to synergize your pragmatic devotion to financial success with idealistic work on behalf of noble causes. Doing both of these activities with extra intensity will place you in alignment with cosmic rhythms—even more so if you can manage to coordinate them.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio actor Sally Field told a story about an agent who worked for her early in her career. In those formative years, all her roles were on TV. But she aspired to expand her repertoire. “You aren’t good enough for movies,” the agent told her. She fired him, and soon she was starring in films. Let’s make this a teaching story for you, Scorpio. In the coming months, you will be wise to surround yourself with influences that support and encourage you. If anyone persistently underestimates you, they should not play a prominent role in your life’s beautiful drama.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): One Sagittarius I know is building a giant sculpture of a humpback whale. Another Sagittarius is adding a woodshop studio onto her house so she can fulfill her dream of crafting and selling fine furniture. Of my other Sagittarius acquaintances, one is writing an epic narrative poem in Greek, another is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Northern California to the Columbia River in northern Oregon, and another has embarked on a long-postponed pilgrimage to Nigeria, the place of her ancestors’ origin. Yes, many Sagittarians I know are thinking expansively, daring spicy challenges, and attempting fun feats. Are you contemplating comparable adventures? Now is an excellent time for them.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When I opened my fortune cookie, I found a message that read, “If you would just shut up, you could hear God’s voice.” In response, I laughed, then got very quiet. I ruminated on how, yes, I express myself a lot. I’m constantly and enthusiastically riffing on ideas that are exciting to me. So I took the fortune cookie oracle to heart. I stopped talking and writing for two days. I retreated into a quiescent stillness and listened to other humans, animals, and the natural world. Forty-five hours into the experiment, I did indeed hear God’s voice. She said, “Thanks for making space to hear me. I love you and want you to thrive.” She expounded further, providing me with three interesting clues that have proved to be helpful in practical ways. In accordance with your astrological omens, Capricorn, I invite you to do what I did.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Scientists at the University of California devised a cheap and fast method for unboiling an egg. Their effort wasn’t frivolous. They were working with principles that could be valuable in treating certain cancers. Now I’m inviting you to experiment with metaphorical equivalents of unboiling eggs, Aquarius. You are in a phase when you will have extra power to undo results you’re bored with or unsatisfied with. Your key words of power will be reversal, unfastening, unlocking, and disentangling.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Every week, I imbibe all the honey from an eight-ounce jar, mostly in my cups of hot tea. To create that treat for me, bees made a million visits to flowers, collecting nectar. I am very grateful. The work that I do has similarities to what the bees do. I’m constantly gathering oracular ideas, meditating on the astrological signs, and contemplating what inspirational messages my readers need to hear. This horoscope may not be the result of a million thoughts, but the number is large. What’s the equivalent in your life, Pisces? What creative gathering and processing do you do? Now is a good time to revise, refine, and deepen your relationship with it. ∆

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.