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ur second annual Pet Issue and photo contest brings you winners in five different categories, including Best Dressed and Farmhouse, and these pet pics are guaranteed to make your day. From lizards and fish to horses, sheep, dogs, and cats, they’re cute, curious, and funny.
Entrants donated almost $2,000 to C.A.R.E.4Paws, a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income and unhoused residents take care of their animals [12] Plus, we’ve got stories about a dog that helps trauma victims through the court system [13], Cal Poly students who learn by doing through community vet clinics [16], and the rights of those who’ve lost or found pets [18]
Also this week, read about the conclusion of Nate Abate’s sexual assault trial [4]; what Park Cinemas in Paso is doing to diversify its business [32]; and Junction Tapas and Wine Bar [40]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover courtesy photo by Gina Killingsworth cover design by Alex Zuniga
SLO jury convicts Atascadero barber
Nate Abate on three counts of sexual assault
It took a San Luis Obispo County court official roughly 10 minutes to finish reading the jury’s verdict on the multiple rape allegations against Atascadero barber Nathan Abate.
They found the Cardinal Barbershop owner guilty on three counts of sexual assault on two separate victims that occurred between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 21, 2012. The jury deadlocked on a possible fourth count—an allegation of forcible rape of a third victim—with nine of the 12 voting for guilt.
After two weeks of witness testimony from survivors, medical professionals, and law enforcement, the jury found five aggravating factors that intensified the three charges of forcible rape, rape of an intoxicated victim, and oral copulation of a minor.
Jurors determined that the victims were particularly vulnerable; Abate induced a minor to participate in the crime; he carried out the crimes with “planning, professionalism, and sophistication”; he violated a position of trust when committing the crimes; and he engaged in violent conduct that made him a danger to society.
SLO County Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told New Times that the five factors will help the court determine the appropriate sentence for Abate.
“Generally, when the factors in aggravation outweigh any factors in mitigation [evidence presented to the court that can result in a lesser sentence], a court can sentence a defendant to the ‘upper term,’ which is the longest period of incarceration allowed for that particular offense,” he said.
Abate, 36, is in SLO County Jail custody until his sentencing hearing on Nov. 12. His attorney Scott Taylor requested that presiding Judge Michael Frye not remand him after the verdict announcement on Oct. 18.
“These incidents happened more than a decade ago, ... he has strong ties to the community, ... his family is directly behind me,” Taylor said.
Prosecuting attorney Kimberly Dittrich of the District Attorney’s Office objected saying Abate’s conviction of at least two violent felonies made it inappropriate not to arrest him.
Abate and Julian Contreras—the former owner of the now-defunct Kin Coffee—came under fire in April 2022 when whistleblower “Ashley Doe” accused the pair on Instagram of assaulting her and her friend roughly a decade ago. Since her social media post, allegations streamed in from approximately 40 women who said they were also
abused. The men were in their 20s when they allegedly picked on young women or children, supplied them with drugs and alcohol, isolated them, and forced them to perform sex acts with Abate alone or with both at once.
SLO County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Abate in January 2023 while Contreras fled to Mexico and remains at large.
In his closing statements capping off the 18-day trial, Taylor asked the jury to not conflate the two conspirators.
“Nathan Abate is not Julian Contreras,” he said. “He is not here to answer for Julian Contreras. They are both different people.”
Abate attorney Taylor also alleged that Ashley Doe tried to interfere by being the middleman on Instagram, directing potential survivors to reach out to her after which she’d give them the contact information of law enforcement.
“She tainted this case from the beginning ... by not letting the police do their jobs,” he said. “You saw my behavior towards Ashley versus all the other victims. There’s one thing that makes me mad and upset and that’s when you’re messing with my client’s court rights.”
The sexual assault case isn’t the barber’s first brush with a felony accusation. The trial revealed that in 2013, he pleaded down a felony charge of penetrating a person younger than 16 years old with a foreign object to a misdemeanor false imprisonment. Abate received a sentence of one day in jail.
A court records search document showed that the records of the 2013 case have been destroyed in line with Government Code 68152. The code authorizes the trial court clerk to destroy records if a notice of destruction is provided and there is no request and order for transfer of the records.
Now, Abate’s wife, Brandi Lee, is trying to raise money to support herself and her children. She announced via Cardinal Barbershop email on Oct. 22 that the business shut down. Lee also requested recipients to donate to her GoFundMe page and write letters of recommendation for Abate that could be presented during his sentencing. As of Oct. 23, the GoFundMe page showed Lee had raised $1,605.
SLO County resident Gabby Everett Castaniero posted screenshots of the email on a Facebook community page, adding that Abate allegedly assaulted her when she was a minor 16 years ago.
“I wasn’t one on the stand but know at least six other women he did this to. Thirty-plus women have come forward with their stories including myself. Please do not support this establishment or building at all cost,” Everett Castaniero said her post. “You are supporting a pediophile [sic] if you do.”
Lee received mass criticism on Facebook for her continued support of Abate. Commenter Britny Jolene Schroeder said she wrote to the barbershop email Lee included at the end of her announcement for people to connect with Abate in jail, drawing attention to the sign-off in Lee’s reply.
“You are in fact all supporting Nathan,” a screenshot of the sign-off read, “because he is now in jail, which is 100 percent funded by tax dollars.” ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Harbor District Commission’s 2nd District seat answered some of the hottest questions about the port’s future at a
Retired
fisherman Richard Scangarello said he spent the better half of the last 25 years working with other fishermen in the harbor and developing relationships.
With so much uncertainty in the port right now, he said that he’s what the harbor needs: someone who has spent years establishing trust and respect with local fishermen.
“You need to be able to have dialogue with everybody that you’re dealing with, and that again is trust,” he said during an Oct. 16 candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters.
Katie Lichtig, a retired city executive who spent time working as San Luis Obispo’s city manager, is running against him.
Lichtig said her years of experience working with various government organizations will help guide her, and, if elected, she will focus her responsibilities on balance and compromise.
“My view of the world is that we need to be listeners, we need to be able to analyze, we need to be able to figure out creative solutions to balancing the budget, and we need to work with staff to manage and set expectations for them so that they can then turn that into action,” she said during the forum.
Lichtig said it’s important to have the majority of the board support one opinion because “policies are not made by individuals; they’re actually made by a majority of the commission.”
The two differed on how the port should handle offshore wind, a topic that’s dogged port commissioners in recent months.
Current commissioners and Port San Luis Harbor staff have sat through heated district meetings after voting 3-2 in August to collaborate with Clean Energy Terminals (CET) on studies about whether Port San Luis can be a potential site to support offshore wind development.
Scangarello said he is completely against offshore wind farms, and using the port to aid that development off the coast of Morro Bay would take away Avila Beach’s historic value.
“They say it’s perfect and it won’t affect anything, but it’s a panacea,” he said. “Nothing’s perfect.”
Lichtig said she’s not taking a position on offshore wind farms yet, but she recommends that the commission look at all the facts to ensure that they have enough information to make a decision.
“I happen to believe that public policy should be based on data and facts, and so I believe that we should evaluate the feasibility study. Make sure it’s rigorous, make sure its thorough, and make sure that all of those issues are studied thoroughly,” she said.
Lichtig said that Port San Luis has been an industrialized port since its beginning by bringing over oil and “other industrialized items, including items that were helpful to the creation of Diablo Canyon.”
“I think it’s a misnomer to say that we shouldn’t industrialize the port,” she said. “I’m not saying that we should do yes or no at this point.”
Leaning on her experience managing city budgets, Lichtig said that it’s important to balance the port’s budget so that it can be sustained over the long haul.
Scangarello agreed with Lichtig and said that having a balanced budget will help sustain the critical life of the port.
“You’ve got to be able to talk to the people at the port,” he said. “I know everybody, they have an open line of communication with me, and I’ve been supported by the union and by the fishermen association.”
—Samantha Herrera
Paso Robles road repairs tax measure could impact public safety
Paso Robles voters will decide in November whether the city’s existing halfcent local sales tax will remain in place. The tax initially passed in 2012 to repair deteriorating roads.
Measure I-24 is a continuation of previous measure E-12, which is set to expire on March 31, 2025. E-12 has spent $78 million to improve city roads since then 2012, using a tax that adds 10 cents to each taxable purchase of $20. If passed, I-24 is estimated to generate $6.5 million per year and has no expiration date.
Residents have expressed concerns about the measure not having oversight or an expiration date. Others have argued that if the measure doesn’t pass, road repair costs will take funding away from public safety.
Charles Brown, public information officer for the city’s Professional Firefighters Association and Police Officer Association, said that if the half-cent tax ends, road maintenance will have to continue and the money to pay for it has to come from somewhere. That somewhere could be Measure J-20, another active sales tax that provides revenue for city essential services, including fire and police. The 1-cent tax on every dollar helps support 15 firefighters and 27 police officers, Brown said.
Currently both public safety and road repair taxes are allocated to the city’s general fund. Brown said that if I-24 is not passed, funding for road repairs would still come from the general fund despite the loss of revenue.
“Police and fire are now in danger, right? The funding for the personnel is now in danger because we’re already committed to road repair and maintenance projects, and so we are going to continue doing it,” Brown said. “But where does the funding come from? It’s going to come from a general fund, which is being funded in part by J-20. And so we’re now, from the public safety perspective, looking at it like we will lose positions.”
Currently the Fire Department is looking to hire an additional team of five people due to rising call volumes. But Brown said if any revenue is lost, that won’t happen.
“If I-24 doesn’t pass, most likely we will not be able to afford to implement a squad to reduce our response times. So we anticipate response times are going to increase,” he said. “And think about you having an emergency and all three of our fire engines are busy, and we don’t have that fourth unit to respond. It’s going to take longer for one of those agents to get there.”
At a Paso Robles City Council candidate forum hosted by the Templeton and Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 26, candidates discussed whether they support I-24.
Linda George, running to represent the 1st District, was not in favor of the measure and suggested instead prioritizing roads over other projects.
“I was opposed to not having a sunset clause,” George said. “So my question is, can we lay back some projects and try to prioritize our worst roads?”
Third District candidate Jeff Carr shared concerns about the revenue going into the general fund and worried it may not be used how the measure claims it will.
“You know the city needs the revenue, but here they put up something with no plan really. They tell people ‘it’s for roads,’ and
that’s what we need it to be for. We need the money for roads, but they don’t have any plan for it,” he said.
Carr’s opponent, incumbent City Councilmember Steve Gregory, said that all $78 million generated from E-12 has been used for roads thanks to the city’s oversight committee for E-12, which will continue if I-24 is passed, according to the city’s website.
Public Information Officer Brown said this is a common misconception of those opposed to I-24.
“The money raised by E-12 has been responsibly used, and the oversight committee ensured that,” Brown said. “So, when people are opposing I-24, they’re not recognizing the two things—the fact that there is oversight, and secondly, if it doesn’t pass, the impact on public safety is going to be great.”
To learn more about I-24, visit prcity. com/1221/Measure-I-24.
—Libbey Hanson
Pismo
Beach council
candidates debate longterm plans for the city
Pismo Beach residents will pick between three candidates running for two open seats on the Pismo Beach City Council on Nov. 5: two incumbents and one newcomer.
Scott Newton, who’s been a council member for the past four years, said his platform has always revolved around putting residents first and making sure the quality of life in the city is constantly improving.
“It needs to be the top priority in all decisions that the city makes,” he said during an Oct. 10 forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. “I’m proud that during my term … we completed the largest paving project in the city’s history, broke ground on the new police and fire station, we built both Chumash and Palisades park[s], opened the new Morris stairs beach access, and approved new pickleball and tennis courts.”
Running for her third term, Marcia Guthrie said she’s worked and will continue to work to maintain a sound and responsive government that creates policies to protect the city’s quality of life.
She listed accomplishments including rebuilding the Pismo Beach Pier, renovating the Pier Plaza, reconstructing the Bell Street Bridge, and paving city streets.
“Priorities going forward, I want to finish our general plan, local coastal plan, which serves as a community voice and roadmap for future City Council; I want to complete the fire and safety center, and the James Way beautification,” she said. “I’d also like to discuss solutions for our residential and commercial properties that are experiencing rough erosion and are in need of sea walls.”
New candidate Gianni Scangarello said he appreciates all the work the previous council has done for the city, but now it’s time to focus on the business community and the locals, something he’s prepared to do.
“The city is growing leaps and bounds, and we need to work on our housing,” he said. “We need to focus on our water, we need to focus on the things that are for us in the community.”
One of the biggest topics of the night was the candidates’ long-term plans for the city.
Claiming that Pismo was the city that all other cities around envy, Newton said something like that doesn’t happen without hard work, and it’s important to maintain that work.
“It’s very important that we continue that path to safety,” he said. “Without safety, you have nothing. Funding out infrastructure and just providing for residents and having a very responsive and active government.”
Scangarello said it would be important to tighten up some city ordinances and work on better parking options for downtown.
“We’re seeing some panhandling and things that are happening in the tourist destinations, also we have parking issues that we have worked with the city with, and I was part of the parking committee that went over the hybrid plan,” he said.
Focusing her long-term goals on downtown, Guthrie said she would like to see a study done on outdoor dining downtown as well as a more pedestrianfriendly Price Street.
“I would like to see parking on the perimeters, so it has more walkability. I would like to see more affordable housing downtown, just basically little tweaks to … maybe take the cars out of the mix and make it walkable,” she said.
—Samantha Herrera
Templeton school board candidates talk about district budgets, gas stations
Amid budget cuts and looming gas station builds, four candidates are vying for three seats on the Templeton Unified School District board to ensure students have access to the best education possible.
“When our schools thrive, our community will thrive, and it’s the responsibility of all of us to keep lifting our schools up and lifting up public education,” candidate Matt Alison said.
Incumbents Ted Dubost and Cheryl Parks are running for reelection. Dubost started serving on the board in 2016, and Parks was appointed in March 2024 to replace previous board member Mendi Swan, who resigned earlier that month. Challengers Jason Tesarz and Alison were also considered for that appointment against Parks last March. Alison ran for election in 2022 unsuccessfully.
The Templeton Unified School District (TUSD) board consists of five members, including Janel Armet and Jennifer Grinager, who are serving their four-year terms until 2026. Board member Nelson Yamagata, whose term also ends this November, is not running for reelection.
A Templeton resident since 1997, Parks said her 25 years of experience working for the district have prepared her for the school board, and she wants more time to make a difference after serving only seven months.
“I am pretty proud of our school system here,” she said.
Providing resources for students to succeed in technical and professional careers, responsible district budgeting, and addressing the impact of potential gas stations near schools are issues she said matter to her.
Parks said she sees Measure D—which asks school district voters to approve a $52.3 million school bond to renovate district classrooms and update its science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) facilities—as a vote of the voice of the people.
“[This measure] allows the people to decide if they want to support spending more money on schools—it shouldn’t be
the trustees to decide what to do, and [the] public needs to weigh in,” she said, “But we need to look at addressing [classrooms]; hopefully people will see that and support one way or the other.”
Another issue is the potential gas station proposed to be built near Templeton High School, a project that the district has openly disapproved of. According to a letter the district submitted to the SLO County Planning Commission, it argued that the gas station would increase traffic and provide students with easier access to substances like alcohol and tobacco, something Parks is especially concerned about.
“We need to protect our students, and can find a more appropriate use of property,” she said.
Alison said he has lived in Templeton for 17 years and has attended nearly every school board meeting within the past four.
“I’m committed to advocate for our students in our schools and our families, and advocate for public education. I think public education is the most important thing that we can support, lift up, build up, and ultimately, it’ll help our community,” he said.
Like Parks, Alison said he finds the potential gas station to be problematic.
“While I am not opposed to a new gas station coming into Templeton, I just don’t think that location is really the best place for it,” he said. “I think just the proximity to the schools … I’m not, not in favor of it as it’s presented right now.”
Alison said he strongly supports Measure D, especially as school districts throughout the state face reduced funding after COVID-19.
“I know it’s a big ask for our local citizens, but there’s a lot of need in our schools right now, just because of the age of some of the buildings and some of the facilities … it really will make a big difference for our schools, which really can make a big difference for our entire community.”
Tesarz and incumbent Dubost did not reply to New Times’ requests for comment before publication.
Current board member Yamagata, who is not running for reelection, said he felt it was time to move on after serving on the board for three terms. He also said he feels hopeful about the future board’s success.
“I’m leaving behind four other board members who I think are very smart, very competent, and really thorough in their work,” he said. “And I think we’re going to be in good hands either way—whatever three get elected.” ∆
—Libbey Hanson
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BY SAMANTHA HERRERA
Cubby for one
Hoping to lead the way to cellphone-free campuses, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy (SLOCA) cut the ribbon on cubby boxes for its new Phone Hotel with the hopes of teaching students mindfulness.
“It’s a big box that we made fancy with a neon sign to make it look like an actual hotel because students don’t like dropping their phones off,” SLOCA Director of Marketing and Merchandising Betsi Ashby said. “We’re still trying to make it playful and not make it seem like it’s a punishment, because that’s not the way we see it.”
SLOCA prides itself on being a cellphonefree school and keeping the focus on learning and strengthening in-person conversation skills. In the cellphone hotel, each student has their name assigned to a cubby space in the front office where they put their phones during class times and can pick them up at break, lunch, and after school.
“It’s a bit of an honor system. It’s kind of monitored by the front desk but we really rely on our students, first and foremost, to turn in and check it in themselves and check it out,” Ashby said. “But since we have it labeled per student, it’s pretty easy to see which cellphones are still checked out when they shouldn’t be, like when everyone’s in class.”
Ashby said teachers have noticed high levels of engagement and participation throughout instruction time, and since the hotel’s opening there haven’t been any sneaky attempts to look at phones in the middle of class.
“Teachers are never competing with phones,” she said. “I notice when students have a free period or during lunch, that they actually hang out, talk, are playful, etc. It’s really refreshing to see, especially since in almost any other setting with a group of teens, you see them all on their phones, barely interacting.”
Other California schools could soon follow suit. On Sept. 23, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act that is requiring every school district, charter school, and county office of education to develop a policy limiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026.
“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues—but we have the power to intervene,” Newsom said in a statement.
“This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school.”
According to Newsom’s office and a recent Pew Research Center survey, 72 percent of high school and 33 percent of middle school teachers report cellphone distractions as a major problem, with reports of 97 percent of students using their phones during school day for a median of 43 minutes.
The new law would still allow students to use their phones in case of emergencies or in response to perceived danger—or when OK’d by a teacher, administrator, doctor, or the student’s individualized education plan.
“The development of the policies will involved significant stakeholder participation to ensure they are responsive to the unique needs and desires of the local students, parents, and educators,” Newsom said in the statement.
Fast fact
• CoastHills Credit Union is holding a grand reopening celebration for its Atascadero branch on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 200 guests will be treated to free tacos from Buenos Diaz Mexican Grill and will receive a CoastHills mug. KJUG will provide music, and credit union and Atascadero Chamber of Commerce officials will hold a ribboncutting ceremony at noon. The branch reopened in September—it had been closed for repairs for a year after winter storms damaged the building. CoastHills, a not-forprofit credit union, serves more than 76,000 member-owners. Founded on Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1958, CoastHills now operates 12 Central Coast branches and a locally staffed call center. For more information, visit coasthills.coop. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BETSI ASHBY
BY PAAVO OGREN
Good governance
Oceano should vote for a pair of candidates who work together
Linda Austin and Shirley Gibson are the best votes for good government in Oceano and should be reelected to the Oceano Community Services District board of directors. One is a Republican and the other a Democrat. If only our Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress could work together as well as Austin and Gibson, then certainly our nation would be much better as a result.
Austin and Gibson have acted together far longer than others on the ballot seeking election to the board. They have been steadfast in their commitment to representing Oceano’s interests and needs on water and sanitation issues, which are the primary purposes of the district and represent 98 percent of the district budget after excluding fire and emergency medical services.
Both Austin and Gibson have successfully
Vote for a new generation of leaders in Grover Beach
Generation Build proudly endorses Kassi Dee for mayor of Grover Beach. Kassi offers a voice for a new generation of leadership on the Central Coast, and her commitment to our community is unwavering. As a smallbusiness owner, she understands firsthand the challenges that her generation faces, particularly regarding the affordability and housing crises that affect us all.
Kassi Dee is a passionate advocate for economic development, ensuring that Grover Beach continues its recent trajectory of intentional and impactful growth. Her focus on creating critical housing opportunities will help provide the stability that our community needs. We need a leader who will prioritize infill development, harnessing our existing
served on regional and countywide governmental boards including the county’s Zone 3 Advisory Committee (Lopez Lake/ water), the Water Resources Advisory Committee, the State Water Advisory Committee, and the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District. With Austin and Gibson’s leadership, Oceano has maintained water resource reliability that rivals all other communities in San Luis Obispo County, including the big cities like San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Plus, Austin and Gibson have ensured that Oceano did not spend limited financial resources on Central Coast Blue, which have cost Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Arroyo Grande millions although the project appears to be floundering. Wastewater upgrades at the sanitation district and timelines coordinated with the California
spaces to create more housing options.
Beyond her focus on development, Kassi embodies the principles of decency and honesty. She believes in fostering a culture of transparency and engagement, encouraging constituents to participate in community affairs and voicing their concerns. Kassi understands that the strength of Grover Beach lies in its people, and she is dedicated to building bridges between the council and the community.
As Grover Beach continues to move forward, we need a leader who not only has a vision for the future but also the integrity to see it through. Kassi Dee is that leader. She is committed to creating a thriving, inclusive community where everyone can afford to live and flourish. With her at the helm, we can look forward to a Grover Beach that embraces progress while holding fast to the values we cherish.
We believe Kassi Dee is the one for the job,
Coastal Commission for long-term resource management have been accomplished.
The current problems with bantering about Oceano politics is that it has lost a focus on the benefits accomplished for Oceano by Austin and Gibson, which directly relate to the district’s primary purposes and priorities.
In contrast, Charles Varni, the current board president is focused on raising donations for a track at Oceano Elementary School. Certainly, promoting recreation for youth is important, but a quick look at the Oceano budget shows that Varni convinced the board to another year of spending money on “parks and recreation” with “zero” revenues. All governmental entities need to do better at controlling costs and living within their means, and this is especially true for Oceano.
The district’s expenditure of its funds to pursue fundraising for the school district is not good government. Simply said, the district has no parks, provides no recreational services, and yet Varni pushes forward spending district money for the school district so he can point to the wonderful things he is working on. Considering his
and we urge you to support her candidacy for mayor. Together, let’s build a brighter future for Grover Beach.
The Generation Build board South County
Vote for experience in San Luis Obispo
Jan Marx remains the clear choice for San Luis Obispo City Council. Her deep understanding and extensive experience in local government are more essential now than ever as our city navigates ongoing financial challenges. She has built a strong network that connects key organizations with our community. Jan’s credibility spans
efforts, Varni should be running for a seat on the Lucia Mar Unified School District board. More importantly, Varni showed he pursues his own priorities over the good of the district and the community in his opposition to the fire tax. Varni supporters on the Oceano board have recently blamed retired Five Cities Fire Chief Steve Lieberman for cost increases at the Five Cities Fire Authority, which is yet another finger-pointing attempt to distract from Varni’s opposition to the fire vote although a majority of community voters consistently showed their support. Those votes were, however, shy of the two-thirds yes votes required by state law.
Hopefully, the majority of voters that showed support for fire will again show up to vote for good government, and not Varni. ∆
Paavo Ogren retired from being the Oceano Community Services District’s general manager in 2019 and served a short stint as interim general manager earlier this year. Send a response for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.
across the political spectrum, and her principled approach continues to drive efforts for a better future. She has earned our trust and is more than capable of getting the job done.
Jan’s impressive track record includes securing water from Nacimiento, championing our city’s first inclusionary housing ordinance, and overseeing the acquisition of land for the 40 Prado homeless shelter. She consistently leads with civility, never seeking the spotlight but always getting results. In these challenging times, her steady hand and proven leadership are exactly what our city needs. We can count on her to continue delivering great things for San Luis Obispo. Amy Kardel San Luis Obispo
HODIN
Russell Hodin
BY JOHN DONEGAN
Who threatens democracy?
Ashrill refrain from the reliably hyperbolic Democrats is that Donald Trump and the Republicans are a “threat to democracy” and that Democrats are fighting to save it. Let’s examine who really threatens democracy and what rights are under threat.
The right to vote? The Democrats are working hard to eliminate left-leaning minor party candidates from the ballot. They have filed litigation to knock Jill Stein of the Green Party and Cornell West off of the ballots in several states and were engaged in litigation to eliminate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before his withdrawal. They obviously fear that many Democrats, resentful over the “bait and switch” installation of Kamala Harris instead of the candidate they voted for, will make protest votes for third-party candidates.
And, of course, the Democrats filed unsuccessful suits to knock Trump off of the ballot, charging him with supposed “insurrection.”
The right to vote for the candidate of your choice is the bedrock principle of democracy. What could be more anti-democratic than limiting opposition candidates to only those you wish to run against? We used to mock the meaningless, predetermined one-party votes in the old Soviet Union, but now the Democrats are adopting them.
We saw democratic principles cynically manipulated during the Democratic nomination process. The party powers must have long realized that Biden was too feeble for another term, despite their public
assurances otherwise, but delayed forcing him out until after the primaries. This allowed them to install their own choice without the messy “democracy” thing in which competing candidates state their case and the voters choose between them.
This direct installation allowed Harris to escape having to explain and justify her positions to other Democrats.
Be honest. If Harris is as popular a candidate as you claim, why did less than 5 percent of you Democrats support her in 2020, when she ran last in a field of six candidates? She wouldn’t be the candidate if you had been allowed to choose.
Free speech? It was only a few decades ago that the Democratic Party championed free expression and were uncompromising supporters of the First Amendment. The idea that they would attack someone like Elon Musk for being a crazed “free speech absolutist” would have been laughable. But his belief that even offensive statements by the American president shouldn’t be censored really got Democratic hackles up. Can you imagine 1968 Democrats demanding that the media censor the provocative pronouncements of Richard Nixon or Spiro Agnew? Today, they find it preferable to only acknowledge an enshrined principle when it is politically useful to them.
The liberal attack on free speech has been underway for a couple of decades now, starting with college “speech codes,” and the prohibition of “hate speech,” a subjective term
which is impossible to objectively define and usually just means whatever those in power really hate. The preposterous premise behind speech codes, “trigger warnings,” safe spaces, and the like, is that exposure to opposing ideas can actually hurt you.
The media once could be relied upon to fiercely guard their freedom of expression and ability to print or broadcast whatever they deemed newsworthy. Sadly, we recently heard an admission by Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook that he allowed the Biden administration to dictate content on Facebook, an act which would have horrified earlier publishers. Previously, we saw factual accounts on Hunter Biden’s laptop suppressed as supposed “Russian disinformation” and the possible origins of the COVID virus misrepresented to divert attention from the fact that the National Institutes of Health had funded the research which may have caused the epidemic.
Can you imagine The Washington Post ignoring Watergate because Nixon had insisted that it was all just a Soviet plot?
Constitutional protections? The Democrats, frustrated by a Supreme Court that is currently refusing to rubber-stamp all of their progressive agenda, are proposing to “pack” the court with additional justices to out-vote the current majority. Their favored philosophy of a “living Constitution,” which can be flexibly interpreted as needed to achieve a political goal, makes the control of the justices especially attractive.
A distinguishing characteristic of any dictatorship is ruling by executive decree. Recently, despite a Constitution that requires
that law be made by the legislative branch, we have seen the use of executive orders to make policy. Biden ignored Congress’ sole right to direct spending by attempting to spend nearly $500 billion in forgiving student loans, and Obama attempted to rewrite our immigration laws to legalize the “Dreamers.” Both efforts were struck down as unconstitutional by a Supreme Court which, at least for the moment, remains independent.
If you Democrats want to see what the true threat to our democracy looks like, try looking in the mirror. ∆
John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who hopes that victorious Democrats will sentence him to a re-education camp with wireless internet. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.
How should the Paso school district address increasing racism in the classroom?
65% Inclusivity training is part of the solution, but more should be done.
20% Let parents handle it at home.
12% The best solution is inclusivity training for students and staff.
3% I don’t know.
Injustice?
Nathan Abate has been convicted of three counts of sexual assault.
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), that makes Abate a 7 in 1,000 statistic. Out of every 1,000 instances of rape, only 13 cases are referred to a prosecutor, and only seven result in a felony conviction. Is it any wonder most rape victims don’t bother reporting their assault?
Judging from the way Abate’s defense attorney, Scott Taylor, mistreated the witnesses against his client, why would a victim want to retraumatize themselves?
Taylor alleged that “Ashley Doe”—who accused Abate and his co-conspirator, Julian Contreras (who fled to Mexico and remains at large), of forcible rape—“unleashed a social media mob” and recruited other alleged victims to corroborate her accusation. The case against Abate and Contreras stemmed from a 2022 Instagram post in which “Ashley” accused the two of assaulting her and a friend a decade earlier. Soon, similar allegations from approximately 40 other women streamed in.
“She tainted this case from the beginning,” Taylor argued, “by not letting the police do their jobs. You saw my behavior towards Ashley versus all the other victims. There’s one thing that makes me mad and upset and that’s when you’re messing with my client’s court rights.”
Interesting perspective, Scotty-boy. You
know what makes me mad and upset? When men abuse women and get away with it.
Another victim, “Lauren Doe,” alleged Abate assaulted her when she was 14 after she snuck off to a party without her mother’s permission. Taylor attacked the victim by claiming she falsely accused his client to stay out of trouble: “The easiest thing in the world to lie about: I was sexually assaulted.”
Wow. The accused are entitled to a vigorous defense, but the way we treat victims is disgusting. Abate is finally in jail, and will be sentenced on Nov. 12.
His newish wife, Brandi Lee started a GoFundMe campaign and states they’re both “faithful Christians.” Congrats. She noted the crimes he’s found guilty of occurred 16 years ago when he was 20 (her math’s a little off). Does that forgive it? On social media in response to a post from Gabby Everett Castaniero, who claims Abate assaulted her 16 years ago when she was underage and believes Abate has brainwashed his new wife, Lee wrote, “You are insulting us and his entire family.”
Being a victim of sexual assault is the crime that keeps on giving. When are we going to start believing women?
I hope Abate found Christ and will be inspired to speak the truth during sentencing—although judging from his wife’s commentary, that seems unlikely.
On a less tragic note, I’m feeling a very Shakespearean “plague o’ both your houses”-vibe about the upcoming Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) races and the face-off between the Capulets and the Montagues, er, sorry, I mean Save Oceano and OCSD President Charles Varni. These two factions seem unable to play nice in the little Oceano sandbox. Should these toddlers be making adult decisions?
Save Oceano, which is endorsing OCSD board member Shirley Gibson for the presidency, wants you to know that Varni is “NO BUENO!” They’ve erected signs saying so everywhere they can, and saveoceano. com makes clear that Varni’s behavior has been “chaotic and destructive.” They claim he violated the Brown Act, ran off two general managers and two law firms, isn’t respected by staff, and has called members of the public “dogs and thugs.”
Varni claims Save Oceano’s attacks against him qualify them as “hate group.” I’m not sure he understands the definition. In an email he wrote to residents he said, “The website clearly expresses a demonization of me which is mythological in scale and a ridiculous characterization, except is very serious and hateful. It is the work of Adam Verdin. He owns a restaurant in Oceano (Old Juan’s), a public relations agency, is Vice-Chair of South County Chamber of Commerce, owns the largest
hanger [sic] at the airport, and has plans to develop Oceano. He is also positioning himself to challenge [District 4 SLO County Supervisor] Jimmy Paulding in 2026. In fact, my election is a proxy for his upcoming battle with Paulding.”
Verdin responded in an email, “I don’t own or lease any hangar at all in Oceano. No, I don’t have plans to develop the Oceano airport. In fact, I have worked to keep it open. Ironically, the only group that once thought development was a good idea was the Oceano Advisory Council under Mr. Varni’s leadership. No, I do not own a public relations/advertising business. That is my wife’s sole and separate, woman-owned business. No, I did not form the Save Oceano Committee, and I do not control it. My connection to it is that I donated $400 and allowed them to place a ‘Varni No Bueno’ sign on the edge of our property. No, the website saveoceano.com is not my work. I did not develop it, my wife’s firm has no connection to it, I do not own the URL, and I do not control the content. No, I have not made a decision to run against Mr. Varni’s sole endorser, Supervisor Paulding, although it’s true that I’m often asked to consider it.”
Sorry, Oceano citizens! You’re caught between a vial of poison and a dagger. ∆
The Shredder says, “Wherefore art thou justice?” Chime in at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Cuteness overload
Love, laziness, and laughter—that’s what pets bring to their owners, who shared some of their favorite images with us
Brighten up your day by flipping through the winners of our second annual pet photo contest. Readers from across the Central Coast submitted more than 400 images of their cats, dogs, lizards, chickens, horses, bunnies, and even fish in this year’s competition. A panel of five judges narrowed them to the top three in each of five categories. First place winners get a little gift bag of pet goodies and a gift card from issue sponsor Lemos Feed and Pet Supply. The Best in Show winner will get a little something extra from Lemos! As part of the contest, entrants donated $2,000 to C.A.R.E.4Paws, a nonprofit that helps low-income families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties take care of their pets. The organization plans to feature the winning cat and dog on one of its mobile clinics. Enjoy the cuteness! —Camillia Lanham
Dogs, First Place & Best of Show, Candace Mase
Dogs, Second Place, Michael V. Messina
Best Dressed, Third Place, Christine Leonard
Farmhouse, Second Place, Diane Dieterich
Courting compassion
Edgar, SLO Superior Court’s certified facility dog, provides comfort to trauma survivors in the legal system
Afriendly furry face under the witness stand stood between sexual assault survivor Susan Jones and extreme panic while she rehashed possibly the worst moment of her life before a courtroom of strangers during cross-examination.
“When I was being questioned by the defense, I just had to make myself strong in that moment,” said Jones, who requested that her name be changed to protect her identity. “I was able to put my hand down and pet Edgar if I needed to take a breath and clear my mind. … I think it would have been worse for me emotionally if he hadn’t been there.”
Jones is one of the many crime victims who San Luis Obispo Superior Court’s certified courthouse facility dog has helped sooth since he started working with the Victim/ Witness Assistance Center in 2020.
Thanks to California Penal Code Section 868.4, a significant part of Edgar’s job is to stay poised under the witness stand with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, child molestation, elder abuse, and dependent adult abuse. His gentle presence, accentuated by nuzzles, licks, and simply being a fluffy comforting weight by the victims’ feet, creates a relatively easier time for those navigating legal labyrinths.
Jones has worked as a dog groomer and boarder in the past. She told New Times that Edgar is mellower than the average pet dog.
“A lot of dogs look to their owners for emotional strength, and Edgar is able to provide that for himself,” she said. “When I found myself getting really stressed out, or my leg would start tapping, or my breathing would get short, Edgar would poke me in the leg or my knee with his nose just to say, ‘Hi, I’m here!’”
Santa Rosa-based service dog provider Canine Companions trained the now 71-pound Edgar for the first two years of his life. Since then, he’s been trained and handled by Victim/Witness Supervisor Jennifer Love and Senior Investigator Tim Murphy of the District Attorney’s Office.
But it took close to a decade for a facility dog to walk through courthouse doors. While the concept of facility dogs is popular in many California counties, Canada, South America, and Europe, according to Murphy, it took a while for the SLO County DA’s Office to set up the program.
Email Edgar
Those interested in receiving help from certified facility dog Edgar can email Jennifer Love at jmlove@co.slo.ca.us or Tim Murphy tmurphy@co.slo.ca.us.
“You don’t just go get this dog,” he said. “We had to apply to meet their [Canine Companions’] standards to see if they would allow us to get a dog from them to be placed in this setting here to work with crime victims.”
Edgar hails from Canine Companions’ site in Oceanside. When a Canine Companions litter is born, the nonprofit names all the puppies in that group with the same letter. Edgar—formally Edgar III— is part of litter “E.”
When Murphy and Love received Edgar, their certification was for six months. Once they became more seasoned handlers, their next certification increased to three years. Successfully obtaining handler certification isn’t for the fainthearted. It involves a fivepage written final, a multiple-choice test, and instructing the facility dog to perform routines and commands in a room packed with distractions.
“You’ve got a classroom full of other people and other dogs,” Love said. “They tell us to have him sit, stay, take him off leash, and yell, ‘Here!’ and he has to successfully come to you.”
The two handlers are always training Edgar. He currently lives with Love and her husband, and his daily activities are continuous learning lessons. Once Edgar clocks out of work at 5 p.m., he still must maintain facility dog standards.
“He’s not eating off my dinner table at the house,” Love said. “There are no treats, there’s no socializing with other dogs we don’t know or dogs with an aggressive temperament because he has no defense mechanism. That’s been bred out of him. He’s docile 24/7.”
According to the DA’s Office website, a highly trained facility dog like Edgar is valued at $50,000. But thanks to donors and volunteers at Canine Companions, Edgar came to SLO at no cost. Further, the SLO County Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation donated $5,000 to help set up the courthouse facility dog program.
Seven-year-old Edgar cuts a curious
and
figure in the courthouse. He’s leashed and monitored by Love or Murphy when he has to report to a courtroom to accompany a witness. He almost always wears a bright blue Canine Companions vest bearing the label of “facility dog,” complete with an official DA’s Office badge.
Edgar is a familiar animal to several businesses and pedestrians outside the courthouse too when he goes on walks around downtown SLO.
“We don’t get ADA access with him, he’s a facility dog as opposed to a service dog,” Murphy said. “Service dogs can go anywhere the person with the disability goes. He can only go into places that allow him to be there with us.”
A full day’s work for Edgar means he doubles as a sponge for people’s emotions. By the time he’s home, the Labrador is wiped out. He gets a release through sleeping, going on walks, and playing with squeaky toys.
Beyond assuming the witness stand, Edgar comforts survivors of trauma in other ways too. When tragedy strikes in a section of the county, Edgar and his handlers have gone to support the affected community after reaching out first. They’ve partnered with law enforcement and behavioral health teams to bring relief to victims of traumatic events in spaces like schools and police departments.
“There are other folks who are super nervous to testify. … He has a cover command where he can lay across someone’s lap, so he acts like a weighted blanket,” Love said. “I’ve had people look at their Apple Watch and say that his presence has made their heart rate drop over 50 beats per minute the minute he walked into the room. That came from a medical professional.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
COURT-GROWN HERO Labrador
golden retriever mix Edgar is the sole face and furry body of the SLO Superior Court’s facility dog program, acting as an emotional sponge for trauma survivors on the witness stand and beyond.
Best Dressed, First Place, Sara Cornish
Cats, First Place, Linda Tanner
Cats, Second Place, Tina Perry
Cats, ird Place, Carly Penson
For the love of dog
Cal Poly animal science students provide veterinary care to pets of homeless individuals
For some Cal Poly animal science students, a parking lot filled with pop-up tents and foldable tables is more than a temporary classroom. It’s a space for them to serve people and their pets.
Students in the Veterinary Community Service Enterprise course gain hands-on learning experience by running Doggy Days clinics three to four times per quarter. These clinics provide free veterinary services to unhoused and low-income communities in San Luis Obispo County.
According to animal science Assistant Professor Laura Backus, who teaches the enterprise course, the clinics aim to meet people where they are and provide access to animal health care that might otherwise be too costly for some individuals.
“It is sort of community service at its core, and they [the students] get to meet a wide variety of people and try to figure out how to meet people’s needs who are coming from many, many different backgrounds,” Backus said.
The clinics occur at various locations around the county each quarter and offer services like vaccinations, physical exams, and nail trims for cats and dogs. Clients are taken care of on a first-come, firstserved basis, so no appointments or prior registration are necessary.
Student manager Carolyn Mount said that locations are sometimes strategically chosen to
align with the schedules of other community outreach organizations. The most recent clinic on Oct. 12 was held in conjunction with Shower the People, an organization that offers free hot showers to homeless individuals.
“Since people are already there getting their showers and cleaning themselves, it’s really convenient for them to then come by with their pets,” Mount said.
The enterprise course requires that students take one of two prerequisites, either the Vet Clinic Enterprise or Technical Veterinary Skills class. These classes ensure that students have basic animal- and needle-handling skills before participating in Doggy Days.
The class itself is made up of about 12 to 18 students each quarter, all with varying levels of experience in the veterinary field. Mount said that this creates an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm during the Doggy Days clinics.
“For some [students], outside of the prereqs that they took, it’s their first time communicating with clients and getting patient history and really getting to interact and see how much everyone cares about their pets,” she said.
Doggone good deeds
The next Doggy Days clinic will be held at Oceano Worship Center on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the final clinic of the quarter scheduled for Nov. 16 at the United Church of Christ during the same hours. For more information on Doggy Days, visit @calpolydoggydays on Instagram.
According to Mount, students perform basic physical exams by checking temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate. After Backus, a licensed veterinarian, checks the animals, students administer vaccinations under her supervision.
“Cal Poly has a really unique program where the pre-vet students get to work hands-on with animals,” Mount said. “We have a lot of large animals on campus, which
is great for large-animal experience, but not as many small-animal opportunities. So, this is one of the few enterprises that help people who want to become small-animal veterinarians get good experience working with dogs and cats.”
Mount explained that in addition to offering her hands-on animal experience, participating in the clinics has taught her how deeply people care for their pets.
“The animals really help them [people without homes] with their health, and it gives them, you know, something to really care about,” she said. “They wake up every morning knowing that they get to take care of their pets.”
Backus noted that many of the clients they serve at the clinics often feed their pets before they feed themselves. She said that one of her favorite parts about the clinics is being able to bond with strangers over a mutual love and appreciation of animals.
“People from all walks of life love their pets,” Backus said, “and so it’s a common ground no matter where somebody is coming from.”
New Times editorial intern Emma Montalbano can be reached at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.
OF CAROLYN MOUNT
Kritter Care NEW
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BY LIBBEY HANSON
Feline fiasco
An online dispute about a lost cat in Atascadero sparked questions about how to address lost and found pets
One lost cat became an overnight sensation on an Atascadero Facebook page, peppering the page’s feed with memes and hundreds of comments about what is now known as the “Atascadero Cat.”
Stemming from a dispute between two group members over the found cat, the incident highlights how social media helps and hinders when it comes to reuniting pet owners with their animals—and raised questions about who has what rights when it comes to lost and found pets.
In mid-September, an Atascadero group member posted that he had found a cat at his doorstep—posts commonly found on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor
“Is this your cat? He’s unaltered and has been coming to my doorstep for the last three weeks every evening consistently,” he posted, including photos of the Siamese cat.
Another group member had messaged him that the cat was hers. However, he did not allow her to see the cat, and he posted private messages between them showing she couldn’t provide any recent photos or veterinary bills to prove ownership of the cat.
Later, he posted that he planned to pay out of pocket to neuter and microchip the cat.
“Great job!” one comment read.
While another said: “Taking someone else’s animal in to get neutered is crazy.”
The cat was eventually taken to San Luis Obispo County Animal Services, but among more than 600 comments and a poll with 633 votes on the Facebook page, group members were polarized about how the situation should be handled.
“Give her back her cat!” one said.
“Thanks for doing what you did! Remember, no good deed goes unpunished!” said another.
New Times contacted the finder of the Atascadero Cat for comment but didn’t receive a reply before the time of publication. So, who has the right to do what with lost and found pets on social media?
SLO County Animal Services Manager Dr. Eric Anderson told New Times that the use of social media to reunite pets and owners is a “double-edged sword.”
“It’s a plus and minus—it allows us and allows the community to get information out in a lot of different ways. But also, because it’s so broad and expansive, sometimes that information gets lost if people aren’t looking in exactly the right spot,” he said.
While Anderson doesn’t discourage posting lost animals on the internet, he said they should be posted on the Animal Services lost and found page first.
“Animal Services is probably the only central and single location for posting lost and found animals within the county of San Luis Obispo,” he said. “So, getting on our website—our lost and found page—is the best place to start. Particularly because if we find those animals, that’s where we go to get the information and try to get them back to their owners as well.”
In the case of the Atascadero Cat, Anderson said he had heard about the dispute and confirmed that taking the cat to Animal Services was the best course of action.
According to updates on the Facebook page, the cat was later posted to Animal Services lost and found page where it was either claimed or legally adopted out after a holding period of six business days.
For an owner to receive their pet back, Anderson said Animal Services requires documentation—typically in the form of microchip registration, vet bills, or recent photos. He added that it wasn’t unwarranted for the man who found the Atascadero Cat to request proof of ownership.
“I think it’s reasonable for a finder of an animal to want to make sure that once they find an animal, and somebody comes forward and says, ‘Hey, it’s mine,’ to kind of go through that same process and make sure that they are, in fact, releasing it to the right owner,” he said. “It’s very seldom that there are problems or people are misrepresenting that. For the most part, people are pretty honest, I think, and reasonable about getting reunited with your pets.”
From a legal perspective, Animal Services is required to be involved with any adoption and new ownership.
“It is important to understand that in California, animals really are considered property, and they’re managed as property from a legal standpoint, and so it’s not a whole lot different than if you’re walking down the street and found a bicycle and [kept] it. You really don’t have the authority to do that,” Anderson said.
If someone were to take in a lost pet and did not adopt it legally, Anderson said the legal owner could, even years later, still get the animal back.
“We’ve seen situations where people have done those steps, providing veterinary care and all sorts of stuff for animals and then the
natural owner comes forward a month or two or a year later and has a right to reclaim that animal,” he said, “It’s really difficult for those finders who put a lot of emotion and maybe even financial resources into caring for those animals.”
Did the person who found the Atascadero Cat have the right to get it altered, despite not being the legal owner?
Anderson said he did.
According to county law, all cats that roam the county at-large are required to be altered, and if someone finds an unaltered animal and wants to pay for the procedure out of pocket, they have the right to do it.
“We have this issue with community cats, where they … tend to contribute significantly to unwanted litters and shelter crowding,” he said.
Anderson also said there are also ongoing efforts to require microchips for cats and dogs over 4 months old to improve pet tracking when lost.
“When it comes to lost pets, really make sure your animals are microchipped. That goes a long way to resolving any of these issues, and it’s a very permanent and clearly identifiable marker. Collars and tags should be on animals too, but those can come off or be taken off,” he said. “And make sure if you found an animal or lost it, get it reported to the Animal Services. It’ll go up on our web page. Go there to look to find your animal and then take advantage of [social media] as well.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
ATASCADERO CAT A lost Siamese cat became a hot topic on an Atascadero Facebook page, prompting questions about how lost and found pets should be handled.
Aquatic/Exotic/Open, First Place, Alan Strasbaugh
Aquatic/Exotic/Open, Second Place, Alisa Aston
Best Dressed, Second Place, George Reyes
Dogs, Third Place, Bethany Mugg
Aquatic/Exotic/Open, Third Place, Kathleen LaGue
Farmhouse, Third Place, Leslie Koenig
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Hot Dates
WHAT DOES THE OX SAY?
Ox and Anchor’s Winemaker Dinner will take place at Hotel SLO on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a unique tasting menu curated by the acclaimed restaurant’s executive chef. Each month, the venue highlights wines from a different Central Coast-based winemaker. Visit oxandanchor.com to find out more.
—Caleb Wiseblood
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE CALM WATERS GROUP
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Featuring the artworks of Kerry Drager, Teresa Ferguson, Karen Peterson, Greg Siragusa, and Jessica Weiss. Nov. 1-30 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. 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.
DRAWING/PAINTING GROUP CCA holds
still life drawing/painting sessions in the Green Room at Cambria Center for the Arts. You will need to bring your own supplies, including an easel if you choose to paint. Fourth Thursday of every month, 1-3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $10. (805) 927-8190. cambriacenterforthearts. org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
FINE ART PAINTINGS BY ATUL PANDE
Gallery at Marina Square presents Atul Pande featuring his acrylic paintings, both representational and nonrepresentational. A marvelous exhibition of his talents as a painter. Through Oct. 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 PAINTINGS BY CAROL
ROULLARD Showcases both her abstract acrylic paintings and her microcrystalline photography. Through Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GETTING HIGH ON NATURE: FEATURING KARL DEMPWOLF The Cambria Center for the Arts Gallery presents “Getting High on Nature,” featuring Karl Dempwolf. Opening night includes a reception with music by Tom Bethke, treats, and more. TuesdaysSundays, 12-4 p.m. through Oct. 27 (805) 927-8190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
LARRY LE BRANE’S ART IN LOS OSOS: HARVEST AND HOLIDAY SEASON
Explore Larry Le Brane’s fused glass, sculpture, paintings and drawings at Costa Gallery this fall and winter. Owner Michael J. Costa features diverse work by 20 California artists. They wrap and ship gifts, too. Stop by for seasonal treats and surprises. Nov. 1 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 2 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Nov. 3 12-4 p.m. Free admission. (559) 799-9632. facebook. com/costagallery. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
THE LIGHTHOUSE AT PIEDRAS BLANCAS
A picnic and horror film night at the Piedras Blancas Light Station. An outdoor showing of The Lighthouse directed by Robert Eggers. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sunset prior to showtime at 8 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs/blankets. Reservations required. Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m. Free; suggested donation $5-$10 per person. (805) 927-7361. piedrasblancas. org/movie-night-the-lighthouse.html. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon.
ON GOLDEN POND Immerse yourself in this heartwarming classic by Ernest Thompson. Nov. 1-10 my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
THE OUTSIDER A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy. Through Oct. 27 my805tix.com/. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW FUNDRAISER SCREENING
Get ready to do the Time Warp (again). 97.3 The Rock is thrilled to announce a special screening of the iconic cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as a fundraiser to benefit The Rock Community Radio. Oct. 28 , 5-8 p.m. $15. (805) 769-8458. my805tix.com/e/ rockyhorror. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW AT THE MORRO BAY EAGLES Lineups are subject to change, but always include five headliners. Oct. 26 , 7 p.m. my805tix. com/. Morro Bay Eagles Club, 2988 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-1384.
SMALL WORKS BY CAROLE MCDONALD
Features her small acrylic paintings as well as her knitted and wool scarves and bags. Through Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
2024 RESTORING THE ARTS TO ATASCADERO CAMPAIGN This fundraising campaign, which kicks off with the Brick by Brick Wine Festival on Nov. 9 at the Atascadero Printery, is seeking sponsors. Followed by a gala event on Nov. 10 at Allegretto
Vineyard Resort. Through Nov. 10 atascaderoprintery.org. Allegretto Vineyard Resort, 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles.
20X20X20: THE PAINTINGS OF WB
ECKERT Explore the transformation of unplanned sketches into full-scale paintings. This exhibition showcases works that began as casual, absentminded doodles on an iPad. These initial lines, shapes, and colors, born from an “absentminded” mental state, have been transformed into full-size paintings. Through Oct. 27 Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/20x20x20by-way-of-some-absentmindeddoodles/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB At Harris Stage Lines in Paso Robles, Wine Country Theatre will bring this beloved children’s story to life with a talented cast of both adults and young performers. Fridays-Sundays, 7-9 p.m. through Oct. 27 $15-$30. winecountrytheatre.org. Harris Stage Lines Event Center, 5995 N. River Road, Paso Robles.
ART HOP DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
A-Town Art Hop aims to bring together art, culture, and commerce, creating a lively evening that benefits both local businesses and artists. Nov. 1 , 6-9 p.m. Free. atownarthop.org/. Downtown Atascadero, Entrada Ave., Atascadero.
THE CAT’S MEOW Create the cat you desire using a variety of glass to be glued on top of a pre-cut clear base. A hole can be drilled for hanging. Projects ready for pick-up within the week. Oct. 30 5-7 p.m. $60. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio. com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME FINISH-UP
WORKSHOP Need help finishing your Halloween costume? Join this workshop with an experienced seamstress. Email Rebecca at bluearrowhandmade@gmail. com to sign up. Oct. 26 , 1-4 p.m. $49. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This annual showcase celebrates some talented crafters and their one-of-a-kind creations. There’s something special for everyone on your list, no matter your taste or budget. Your purchase supports local artists and the venue’s mission of making art accessible to the public. Nov. 2- Dec. 29 Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
MAKERS IN MARGARITA ART WALK
A Halloween pre-party, with fun for the whole family. This monthly art walk celebrates creativity and community in SLO County, with a variety of makers and local musicians to enjoy along El Camino Real in downtown Santa Margarita. Oct. 26-7 p.m. Free. instagram.com/ giddyuphut. The Giddy Up, 22380 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, (805) 500-6092.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW For ages 18 and up. Lineups are subject to change, but always include five headliners. Oct. 25 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room, 811 12th St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-6932.
SPOON RIVER: DRAMATIC
PLAYREADING WITH MUSIC In this classic play about small-town America in the WWI era, the dead citizens of Spoon River return from the grave to tell us about significant events in their past lives. This dramatic playreading includes live folk music and popular songs of the day. Oct. 24 1:30-3:30 & 5:45-7:45 p.m. $35-$40. (805) 459-2403. parkcinemas.com/. Park Cinemas, 1100 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARTIST NICK WILKINSON: ARCHIVED WORK ON DISPLAY Multidisciplinary artist Nick Wilkinson’s early works (2015-2018) will be on display through
the end of November. Wilkinson is a graduate of San Diego State University with honors. His paintings and drawings “exist in a world between investmentgrade abstraction and dirty doodles on the back of a notebook.” Through Nov. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1611. mylrbookstore.com. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. THE ARTIST’S WAY: UNBLOCKING CREATIVITY 12 week program (13 meetings) for creatives and anyone who is seeking to “unblock” their creativity, following Julia Cameron’s famous workbook “The Artist’s Way.” Weekly group discussions and check-ins. Opportunities to share creativity and create community. Email for more info. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. through Nov. 26 $195. cuesta.edu. Cuesta College Community Programs, Building 4100 Cuesta College Road, San luis obispo, (805) 540-8282. COLLAGING THE COAST: UNDER THE BOARDWALK WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this workshop, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful coastal image using a variety of hand-painted papers. Nov. 2 12-4 p.m. $40. (805) 478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CREATIVE KIDS EVENT Bring your children, ages 6 to 12, to Art Central for an afternoon of colorful creativity. Kids can try out exciting art supplies and engage with fun and friendly artists. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the venue’s workshops and classes. Oct. 27, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralSLO.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. FORBES ORGAN SERIES: CAMERON CARPENTER PLAYS NOSFERATU Known for his formidable technical prowess and the athletic showmanship of his performance, Cameron Carpenter will be performing his own original score on the Forbes Pipe Organ, for a live-to-picture screening of the 1922 original vampire thriller, Nosferatu , presented by Cal Poly Arts. Oct. 24 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20242025-season/
Hot Dates
cameron-carpenter. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
GINI GRIFFIN: SOLO SHOW OF POTS AND PAINTINGS Showing during the month of October at SLO Provisions. Opening reception: Oct 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Email ginizart@aol.com for more info. Through Oct. 31 SLO Provisions, 1255 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4298.
HALLOWEEN HORROR MOVIE NIGHT
A screening of Scream Oct. 25 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-7302.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB
The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
LEARN MODERN SQUARE DANCING
Sign up now for this new square dance class. Singles and couples welcome. Two hours of square dancing equals about three miles of walking. Learn a new skill now while having fun and meeting new friends. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through Nov. 21 $75 (one time fee per person for all 12 classes). (805) 781-7300. squaredancecentralcoast.com/classes. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
MEMOIRS OF BEATRICE MILLER This KCHP Radio Theater broadcast is geared toward dark comedy fans. Oct. 24-26 my805tix.com/. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
MISERY This Stephen King adaptation follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Oct. 27 $20-$34. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/. MONOPRINTING WITH GELLI PLATE WITH JOYCE BAUERLE Explore monoprinting with acrylic paints, stencils, texture, and other mark making tools to create colorful layered monoprints. Oct. 26 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $80. (805) 468-5357. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
OPENING RECEPTION AND ARTIST TALK FOR JAMIL HELLU: FACE TO FACE
A free reception for Jamil Hellu’s solo exhibition, Face to Face. Enjoy music, refreshments, and art viewing from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by an artist talk from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 , 4:30-7 p.m. Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/2024-2025exhibits/jamil_hellu.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
SILK ART RECEPTION Celebrate the opening of Silk Art, featuring the Silk Artists of California Central Coast (SACCC) during Art After Dark. Nov. 1 , 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/portfolio/silk-art/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
TWO-DAY OIL PAINTING EXPERIENCE WITH DREW DAVIS Visit site for tickets and full description. Oct. 26 and Oct. 27 my805tix.com/. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
MARY POPPINS JR. Your favorite practically perfect nanny takes center stage in this “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt Disney production. Nov. 1 7-10 p.m., Nov.
2 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 3 , 2-5 p.m.
$28.50-$34. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/mary-poppins-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WEREWOLF OF ARROYO GRANDE Enjoy the Melodrama’s Halloween-spirited show. Through Nov. 9 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ANNUAL CAMBRIA SCARECROW
FESTIVAL 200 scarecrows will line the streets of Cambria and San Simeon. The festival is full of photo opportunities and happy discoveries at every turn. Perfect for all ages. Through Oct. 31 Free. cambriascarecrows.com. Cambria (various venues), Citywide, Cambria.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-
DO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
EMBODIED VINYASA YOGA Hosted by Aurora Adventures. Oct. 26 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay. HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE See site for early bird pricing on tickets. Oct. 26 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Benedict, 1401 Quintana Road, Morro Bay.
THE HAUNTED MANOR A thrilling experience designed to send shivers down your spine. Hosted by The Benedict, this event promises an unforgettable blend of horror, suspense, and immersive storytelling. Through Oct. 30 my805tix.com/. The Benedict, 1401 Quintana Road, Morro Bay.
MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE
Connect deeply with other women.
Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.
SALUTE TO SCARECROWS An annual celebration of all things scarecrow. Features live music, a costume contest, food, drinks, and much more. Oct. 26 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
SHAMANIC YOGA AND RITUALS FOR
THE BIZARRE VAMPIRE BALL Put on your best gothic attire and enjoy a night of dancing, drinks, and more. Entertainment by Flip Tease Studio and EPIC Entertainment. Oct. 26 , 5-10 p.m. $15. (805) 460-6098. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita.
CARRIZO COLLOQUIUM Topics include Indigenous/federal co-management of sacred sites, recent geological discoveries, wildflower tourism, and more. With a welcome by Atascadero Mayor/SLO County Supervisor elect Heather Moreno. There will be an optional, free post-conference, docentled hike on Saturday, Oct. 26 as well. Oct. 25 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $5. (805) 5480597. carrizocolloquium.org. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero. CENTRAL COAST WEAVERS’ 17TH ANNUAL SALE AND GUILD SHOWCASE The sale and show includes handwoven clothing, household items, gifts, and a gallery show of fine crafted and handwoven items, including wall displays, clothing, and jewelry. Looms and spinning wheels will be on display as well as ongoing demonstrations of weaving and spinning throughout the show. Nov. 1 1-6 p.m., Nov. 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Nov. 3 , 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 610-5788. centralcoastweavers.org. Strawbale Barn Weaving Studio, 9156 Santa Margarita Rd, Atascadero. HALLOWEEN PARTY AND COSTUME CONTEST Start planning the perfect Halloween costume for this spooky party. Joy Bonner will be there to entertain and to MC the costume contest. Choco’s Mexican Grill will be available for purchase. No cover charge; however a purchase is required. Oct. 31 6-9 p.m. (805) 591-7003. stilsoncellars. com/events/. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles. HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel. PUMPKIN FLORAL DECORATING Peaceful Plants will host this pumpkin floral decorating class. Oct. 25 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. BOOK SIGNING WITH LOCAL AUTHOR JILL THAYER Jill Thayer will be signing copies of Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment . In the book, she shares her favorite trails on the Central Coast with resources on how to find them, a photo essay with inspired quotes, and more. Oct. 26 , 3-5 p.m. Free. (661) 4284611. Peloton Cellars, 470 Front Street, Avila Beach, pelotoncellars.com.
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. THE EXPRESSIVE FIGURE WITH DAVID LIMRITE This four-day workshop will approach mixed media figure drawing and painting as a creative, expressive activity. Find out more and register online. Oct. 24 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 25 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 26 10 a.m.-5
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
CURIOUS ABOUT FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND IN CALIFORNIA: THREE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS SLO Climate Coalition and California Sea Grant are sponsoring three on-line lunchtime webinars during September and October for the San Luis Obispo County public to learn more about floating offshore wind. The first event features national climate expert Dr. Michael Mann. Oct. 30 , 12-1 p.m. Free.
sloclimatecoalition.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FELINE NETWORK: ADOPT A KITTEN
EVENT Come find your perfect kitten. There will be many to choose from. Oct. 26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 549-9228. felinenetwork.org. PetSmart, 1530 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo. org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
HALLOWEEN AT THE FARMERS’
MARKET Kick off the Halloween weekend with a fun-filled evening of costumes, candy, and karaoke. Activities include the beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a costume contest, and more. Oct. 31 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/ halloween-at-the-farmers-market. San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, Broad and Higuera, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
HARVEST FESTIVAL In honor of National Disability Awareness Month, this free family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community and raise awareness about the incredible work being done to support individuals with disabilities. Oct. 26 12-3 p.m. my805tix.com. Achievement House, 3003 Cuesta College Road, San Luis Obispo.
HISTORY PODCAST: DOOR KEY’S 2024 SPOOKTACULAR To celebrate Halloween, all episodes of the history podcast Door Key will have a spooky theme to the history. You can find Door Key anywhere you stream podcasts. Through Oct. 31 Free. doorkey. buzzsprout.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to get involved, give back to your community, and act with purpose? Join this free, in-person training. This work is extremely rewarding and life affirming. Please reach out if you have any questions. Oct. 30 , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6020. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo.
MUMTOBER With more than 20 different varieties of mums growing, along with the usual assortment of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Savor tasty soup while soaking in the beauty of the fall garden. Oct. 26 11:30 a.m. my805tix. com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
PLAY GROVE, AN OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM A nature-based and place-based enrichment program.
This means we use the environment as our guide as we play, grow, create art, garden, and learn together. Play Grove will allow young children to access this experience alongside enthusiastic playworkers. Through June 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Options: 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day. (805) 242-6301. onecoolearth. org/play-grove.html. Jewish Community Center, 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM TOUR This walking tour of the San Luis Cemetery and Mausoleum will be lead by Dr. Dan Krieger, Professor Emeritus of History, Cal Poly. Discover the history of the mausoleum as well as the stories of previous residents of our community. Oct. 26 , 2-4 p.m. $5 donation. (805) 478-1951. slocgs. org/event. San Luis Cemetery, 2890 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO FALL WEDDING EXPO Your one-stop destination for all things wedding and event planning. This expo is the ultimate source of inspiration, expertise, and the latest trends. Nov. 3 12-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
SNEAK PEEK: SLO CLASSICAL ACADEMY (GRADES K-8) SLO Classical Academy is a hybrid classical school— with a twist. If you would like to learn more, come to this event. SLOCA Sneak Peek is for parents and their students. You will have the opportunity to meet staff and tour the campus. Oct. 28 , 4:30-6:30 p.m. sloclassical.org/event/ sneak-peek-preschool-8th/. SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-8700.
SNEAK PEEK: SLO CLASSICAL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL SLOCA High School is a university-model classical school with a twist. If you would like to learn more, please come to this early-evening event. You will have the opportunity to meet teachers and staff, tour the campus, and more. Oct. 28 4:30-6:30 p.m. sloclassical.org. SLOCA High School, 1111 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-8700.
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. Fourth 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.
VICTORIAN MOURNING TRADITIONS AT THE JACK HOUSE Step back in time and experience the customs and rituals of the Victorian Mourning Traditions at the Jack House. In collaboration with the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, this unique historical experience invites you to explore the fascinating ways people honored their loved ones. Oct. 27, 1-4 p.m. Free; donations
SHORES THAT SOAR
Calm Waters, a new group photography exhibition at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, is scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 1, and run through Saturday, Nov. 30. An artist reception to celebrate the show’s five featured photographers—Kerry Drager, Teresa Ferguson, Jessica Weiss, Gregory Siragusa, and Karen Peterson—will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for more info. —C.W.
welcome. slocity.org/JackHouse. The Jack House, 536 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRTUAL PARENT WORKSHOP:
LGBTQIA+ 101 Having conversations about sexuality and gender identity can be challenging. This event centers on understanding how to have conversations from a place of love and acceptance. Nov. 3 , 5-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1239. youthwell.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230
Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
CENTRAL COAST QUILTERS STITCHIN’ SISTERS AND BROTHERS FIFTH ANNUAL FALL BOUTIQUE Features 100 quilts and many unique and fun handmade items for sale. Proceeds go to making quilts for the community in need.10 percent of funds will go to Woods Humane Society. Oct. 25 , 4-7 p.m. and Oct. 26 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (949) 433-6348. Arroyo Grande’s Community Center, 211 Vernon Street, Arroyo Grande, centralcoastquilter.org.
FALL HARVEST GALA A fundraiser to support the Nipomo Action Committee. All profits go to supporting legal fees
in fighting the development of the Dana Reserve Development. Includes appetizers and dinner, live music, dancing, silent auction, and no-host bar.
Oct. 24 5-9 p.m. $75 single ticket; $135 for two tickets. (805) 722-9232. Cypress Ridge Pavilion, 1050 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande.
FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH Upcoming events include programs in October, November, and December. Visit site for tickets and more info. Nov. 1 my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
LITTLE RANGER: OUR SPOOKY FRIENDS Join Interpreter Sarah for a fun program where guests will explore some of the “spooky” animals you might find in the park. For ages 2 to 6. RSVP is required: 805-474-2664. Oct. 27, 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. parks.ca.gov. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE CLIFFS: HOCUS POCUS Dress in costume to be entered into a raffle and use a Kramer Events
Photo Booth. Bring your own blankets, low back chairs, and your favorite lawn setup for a cozy night under the stars. Oct. 27, 6 p.m. my805tix.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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.
PUMPKINS IN THE PARK Don’t miss the 36th annual Pumpkins in the Park (formerly Pumpkins on the Pier) Halloween celebration. Oct. 26 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach. org. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.
SOUTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CEMETERY TOUR The tour, led by Historical Society President and author Jim Gregory, includes a Civil War Medal of Honor awardee, a fearless woman schoolteacher, an Iwo Jima Marine, pioneers, immigrants, a murder victim— and alleged ghost—and the man who carved his own tombstone. Oct. 27 11 a.m.-noon Free; a $10 donation is suggested but not required. (805) 4898282. southcountyhistory.org/. Arroyo Grande District Cemetery, 895 El Camino Real, Arroyo Grande.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
46 WEST “HALLOWINE” BLOCK PARTY Visit site for tickets and more info on this festive block party. Oct. 26 6-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. Four Lanterns Winery, 2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles, (805) 226-5955.
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. TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. OX + ANCHOR’S WINEMAKER DINNER Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is honored to be part of a diverse and dynamic community dedicated to the craft of winemaking. The event celebrates a prominent Central Coast winemaker each month with a carefully curated tasting menu. Oct. 29, 6-9 p.m. $155. Ox + Anchor, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 234-9968, oxandanchor.com/events/. PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.com.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH PRESENTS: FOOD & DRINK continued page 30
COURTESY PHOTO BY KERRY DRAGER
WHAT’SNEXT
Hot Dates
LOOKING TO BUY:
• Need some extra cash?
• Getting ready to retire or move out-of state?
• Are you burdened by the storage of an inherited coin collection, obsolete jewelry, or collectibles?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, please give us a call!
silver are the new GREEN. Turn it in for $$ and help the environment, too!
DEATH BECOMES THEY/THEM A Halloween-themed show full of spooky performances, delicious food, and bottomless mimosas. Oct. 27 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.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
EAT PIZZA, HELP ANIMALS! Both of Klondike Pizza’s locations (Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria) are raising funds (15 percent of sales and all tips received) for the animals of Greener Pastures Farm Sanctuary. Oct. 28 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 481-5288. Klondike Pizza (Arroyo Grande), 104 Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande, klondikepizza.com.
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.
THE CLIFFNOTES LIVE Niffy’s has ordered another shipment of New Orleans-style rock from The Cliffnotes. Oct. 25 8-10 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1735. niffysmerrimaker.com. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY
BAND CONCERT The Morro Bay White Caps Community Band invites you to an unforgettable “Spooktacular” performance. Taking place in the heart of Morro Bay, the event promises an eerie afternoon filled with spine-tingling tunes and ghostly good fun. Oct. 26 2:30-5 p.m. Free; donations accepted. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, (805) 824-7383.
RIFF TIDE ROCKS THE SIREN Enjoy life surf rock, funk, soul, and more from Riff Tide. Nov. 1 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. (805) 225-1312. debiredmusic.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay.
UP IN THE AIR AT CASTORO CELLARS’ LAZY LOCALS Up in the Air will play its unique blend of upbeat original music along with some familiar favorites during Castoro Cellars’ Lazy Locals. Oct. 27 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 238-0725. castorocellars.com. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
A CONCERT OF MONSTROUS PROPORTIONS WITH THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND
“Frankenstein, zombies, and Jaws oh my!” Enjoy a concert filled with your favorite monstrous characters. Howl at the moon with some spooktacular tunes. A free concert, with donations accepted to benefit AHS music programs. Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, Atascadero Mall, Atascadero, (805) 466-2051.
EASTON EVERETT A singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. His music is easy to listen to, yet full of surprises, while offering a fresh acoustic experience. Oct. 25 , 6-9 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles. AN EVENING WITH: ANDRÉS Visit site
for tickets and more info. Oct. 25 , 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, (805) 400-4542.
KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, (805) 400-4542.
RADIANT RHYTHMS AT SENSORIO
Get ready for an unforgettable Sunday evening at Sensorio featuring the smooth sounds of Libretto. This Radiant Rhythms Jazz Night offers the perfect blend of live music and stunning visuals for a night you won’t want to miss. Oct. 27 6:30-9:30 p.m. Passes start at $30. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/ sensorio-celebrations. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
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/.
TWILIGHT CONCERTS Come and stay awhile after hours and listen to live music by your favorite local bands. Genres range from country music to reggae; bring the whole family for a rockin’ good time. Sundays, 5-8 p.m. through Oct. 27 $5. (805) 239-8904. midnightcellars.com. Midnight Cellars, 2925 Anderson Road, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADAM LEVINE AND METRO Presented by the San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation. Oct. 25 , 7:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
BRASS MASH: FIRST FRIDAY First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. First Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY FACULTY SHOWCASE
RECITAL The recital will feature Cal Poly’s applied music faculty, who are recognized across the region for their expertise in solo and chamber ensemble performance. Tickets at the door. Oct. 25 , 6:30 p.m. $10 general; $5 students. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/special/#faculty. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY MUSTANG FAMILY WEEKEND STUDENT SHOWCASE Instrumentalists and vocalists alike, the student performers are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s major, premier ensembles including Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Symphony, Wind Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. Nov. 1 , 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CANDLELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS Fever’s live, multi-sensory musical experience features themes from popular horror movie soundtracks and other Halloween selections. Oct. 24 , 8:45 p.m. $37. feverup.com/en/san-luis-obispo-ca-us.
La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.
CLUB SOMBRA A night of goth, industrial, darkwave, aggrotech, hellektro, witch house, and more; all spun by DJ Cryptid. Oct. 25 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974. CUESTA CHOIRS CONCERT: “FALL...
Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.
IN LOVE” Enjoy a light-hearted night, with just a few sad songs for balance, featuring Cuesta’s premier vocal ensembles, the Chamber Singers and the vocal jazz group Cuesta Voce. Conducted by John Knutson. Cozy up at the CPAC for a perfect autumn evening. Oct. 24 , 7:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu/. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA JAZZ WITH DEREK BROWN The Cuesta Jazz Ensembles perform with Billboard-charting saxophonist/ innovator Derek Brown, conducted by Ron McCarley. Nov. 2 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta. edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. ETERNAMENTE: A DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS SPECTACULAR An homage to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande blend graceful traditional dance with vibrant storytelling as the spirit of Día de los Muertos is celebrated. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Oct. 30 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FRUITION: LIVE IN CONCERT The West Coast folk/roots/rock band is coming to town in support of its new album. Oct. 25 8 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.
JAZZ WEDNESDAYS Spinning jazz records all night. Bebop, jazz funk, acid jazz, hard bop, nu jazz, jazz house, crossover, Latin jazz, and more. Featuring guest selectors. Music at a polite volume in an acoustically treated space. Vintage sound system, big warm speakers. Plenty of free parking. Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m. through Oct. 30 Free. (805) 439-1544. jansplaceslo.com. Jan’s Place, 1817 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.
LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/index.htm.
MEETCH: MUSIC VIDEO DEBUT Celebrate the music video debut of Meetch’s newest song, with an opening set from MAD. Oct. 24 , 8 p.m. my805tix. com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
MONSTER MASH HALLOWEEN Get your costumes, grab your friends, and enjoy hours of live music and dancing. Oct. 26 7-11 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
PADEREWSKI GALA The SLO Symphony partners with the Paderewski Festival bring famed pianist Janina Fialkowska to San Luis Obispo to perform Paderewski’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Nov. 2 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/ calendar/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. ROBERT ALBERTS QUINTET See the Robert Alberts Quintet at Madonna Inn. Oct. 24 7-10 p.m. Free. pismojazz.com/ schedule-jazzfest/. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SONGS OF THE AMERICAS Featuring jazz singer Inga Swearingen, who’ll lead a musical journey from the vibrant rhythms of Latin America to the serene melodies of Canada. Nov. 3 , 3 p.m. $10$35. (805) 242-6065. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.
MUSIC continued page 31
A SPIRITED EVENING WITH GHOST\MONSTER Visit site for tickets and more info. Oct. 25 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
SYSTEM OF A CLOWN Oct. 26 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BALBOA SWING DANCE LESSONS AND DANCE
FEATURING THE BIG SIRS OF SWING Visit website for more info. Oct. 25 6:30-9:30 p.m. $20. pismojazz.com/schedulejazzfest/. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 773-4832.
BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE An explosive celebration of the iconic music of Jimmy Buffett, featuring all of his greatest hits, that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. A performance that captures the essence of Buffett’s music and the lifestyle it embodies. Oct. 31
7:30-10:30 p.m.
$49.50-$70.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/buffetts-margaritaville/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
DISNEY/PIXAR’S COCO IN CONCERT ON TOUR Enjoy a magical evening with a screening of the complete film Coco , accompanied by the Oscar and Grammy-winning music of Michael Giacchino, performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México, conducted by Esin Aydingoz. Presentation dates in both English and Spanish. Oct. 28 7:30-10:30 p.m. and Oct. 29 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$62. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/coco-inconcert/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
JAZZ JUBILEE CENTRAL COAST The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024. This festival will feature local jazz bands, venues, and swing dancers across the Central Coast. For updates about the festival, check the website Through Oct. 28 Free and ticketed events. pismojazz.com/schedule-jazzfest/. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
JAZZ JUBILEE CENTRAL COAST PRESENTS TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU PLUS CRESCENT KATZ BSR presents two great bands. Oct. 27, 12-5 p.m. $10-$25 for members; General Admission $30. pismojazz.com/schedule-jazzfest/. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. JJCC PRESENTS DAVE RUFFNER JAZZ QUARTET With Dave Ruffner – trombone; Dawn Lambeth – piano; Sam Roche –bass; and Jim Stromberg – drums. A special intimate show in the 40 capacity room. Oct. 24 , 5-8 p.m. $45 for members. pismojazz.com/schedule-jazzfest/. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach.
PACIFIC MAMBO ORCHESTRA With its Grammy Awardwinning Latin big band ensemble, PMO effortlessly blends genre-bending originals and covers as diverse as Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed”, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto, and more. Oct. 26 7:30-10 p.m. $39-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/pacific-mamboorchestra/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
RAY CHANG BAND AT PUFFERS OF PISMO Live at Puffers. Oct. 25 , 7-9 p.m. $5. pismojazz.com/schedule-jazzfest/. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach.
RIPTIDE BIG BAND AT THE RANCHO Riptide Big Band and the Dana Adobe Cultural Center present Riptide Big Band at the Rancho. This event is part of the Jazz Jubilee Central Coast series of musical performances featuring local jazz musicians. Oct. 27, 2-4 p.m. $25; $20. (805) 929-5679. DANA Adobe Cultural Center, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo, danaadobe.org.
RIPTIDE BIG BAND ON THE RANCHO Riptide Big Band and the Dana Adobe Cultural Center present this event as part of the Jazz Jubilee-Central Coast series of musical performances (featuring local jazz musicians from the Central Coast). Proceeds to benefit the Dana Adobe Cultural Center. Oct. 27 2-4 p.m. $20-$25. (805) 929-5679. DANAAdobe.org. DANA Adobe Cultural Center, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND ANNUAL FALL
CONCERT The San Luis Obispo County Band presents its annual Fall Concert, Music for an Autumn Afternoon, as a benefit for Five Cities Homeless Coalition. Come to St. John’s Lutheran Church, at the corner Valley Road and Los Berros in Arroyo Grande, for an enjoyable music experience. Nov. 3 3-5 p.m. Suggested donation $10. (630) 421-2556. slocountyband.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.
SWING DANCE LESSONS AND PERFORMANCES BY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BIG BAND JAZZ GROUPS Free show with donations for the bands (details TBA). Oct. 26 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 773-4832.
TICKET TO RIDE: A LIVE TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES An exciting musical journey through the best of the Beatles, opening with their greatest hits from the their early days through the Sgt. Pepper era with authentic costume changes. Nov. 2 7:30-10:30 p.m. $53.50-$74.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/wcpa-ticket-to-ride/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. ∆
NOVEMBER 8 | FRIDAY | 8PM
NOVEMBER 22 | FRIDAY | 8PM
Arts
Jill Thayer’s upcoming signing highlights her book on local hiking spots
Outdoor destinations in Oceano, San Simeon, and other areas along the Central Coast are among the locales featured in author Jill Thayer’s book, Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment Inspired by the California Central Coast Thayer—a local author, artist, art historian, and professor who teaches at Allan Hancock College and other schools—will be signing copies of her book at Peloton Cellars in Avila Beach on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission to the book signing event is free.
Released in 2023, Thayer’s book is also available for sale locally at the Los Olivos General Store, Hancock’s bookstore, Ron’s Nursery in Arroyo Grande, the Hearst Castle gift shop, the Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, Paso Robles Antiques and Vintage, Terracotta Home and Garden in Cambria, and other outlets, as well as online through Amazon and other retailers.
Described as an examination of Thayer’s favorite hiking trails, the book includes several photographs Thayer took during treks at various destinations over the years, along with journal-style narrative entries and insightful quotes from others that resonate with her.
She chose quotes from various artists, naturalists, and philosophers, and other notable figures, including Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Soren Kierkegaard, and E.B. White.
“The quotes, I feel, bring context to my imagery,” Thayer told New Times in 2023. “The process of compiling the photographs, quotations, and narrative was cathartic, introspective, and fulfilling. … I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be able to share the beauty of our region.”
The book also includes a forward written by Kaila Dettman, executive director of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. One of Thayer’s hopes for the book—which took her about two years to write and compile before it was published in April 2023—is to showcase local trails in a way that inspires others to explore these spaces for themselves while promoting initiatives that support land conservation and environmental sustainability.
“The beauty of our region is the result of care and advocacy in land conservation and sustainability of the environment,” Thayer said in press materials.
“These sacred spaces bring peace and clarity. They resonate in the mind and speak to the soul.”
To find out more about Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment Inspired by the California Central Coast and more of Thayer’s works, visit studios. jillthayer.com. Peloton Cellars is located 470 Front St., Avila Beach. Call the venue at (805) 627-1080 for additional details. ∆ Caleb Wiseblood
BY SAMANTHA HERRERA
Multi-faceted theater
Park Cinemas in Paso Robles upgraded its theater to allow plays and other community events to help keep the business alive
Hailed as one of the last movie theaters in North County, Park Cinemas is trying a new approach to keep the business alive: hosting community events.
Co-owner Jennifer Roush Kloth took over the business from her father, John, in 2016. She said that similar to other movie theaters around the county, the Paso Robles theater fell on hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her family almost lost the business.
“You can’t sit there and pay bills for two years and not have an income,” she said.
While theaters used to be a big business, the rise of streaming services led to a slow decline. In 2002, the average annual number of tickets sold per person in the U.S. was 4.2, which dropped to 3.5 by 2019. Today, though, sales are climbing again but remain low by historical standards.
Kloth and her sister, Catherine, had to gure out a way to keep their small family-owned theater going. ey decided to apply for federal funding in the latter half of the pandemic and quali ed for it, allowing the pair to explore how to best serve the Paso Robles community.
e question was: How could they attract people to the movies when people can access so much from the comfort of their own homes?
rst date, it could be your rst kiss, it could be anything. e place you hang out with your friends after a game or whatever that looks like,” she said. “And oftentimes, it’s the rst time kids get to be alone without their parents.”
New business direction For Spoon River Anthology ticket information and prices or to learn more about how to put on a community event at Park Cinemas in Paso Robles, visit parkcinemas.com or swing by 1100 Park St.
“I ask people all the time: ‘When’s the last time you actually watched a movie?’ And I mean truly watched it,” Kloth said. “When you’re at home, you’re working with your kids, you have your phone on, you’re making dinner, you’re doing this or the other, and it’s very rare that someone will actually sit through a movie at home.”
e movie theater is an experience; it’s not necessarily just about watching the movie, she said.
“When you’re a kid, you know, it could be your
Adding to this experience, the sisters decided, was the best way forward. So the pair spent the pandemic funding to open up the theater to the community, allowing di erent groups to rent out the space for events. It’s a winwin situation for everyone involved, Kloth said. Recently, the theater added reclining chairs that go all the way back, allowing people to lie down, and a new liquor license enabling Park Cinemas to serve beer and wine. And now the movie house is ready to host its rst community fundraising event: Spoon River Anthology
Hosted by the American Association of University Women’s Atascadero chapter, the play takes place around World War I, producer Linda Baker said.
“It’s a series of monologues,” she said. “Each character has returned from the dead to talk about their life in this small town of Spoon River.”
It’s a small town with big secrets, and the audience will hear all about the plague of in delity, secrecy, and violence that once ran through this now ghost town from the very ghosts who used to live there and just can’t seem to get past it.
To help set the mood, the Paso Robles History Museum and the Historical Society are showing a vintage slideshow to accompany the ghostly actors.
“It’s spoken word, music, and a slideshow,” Baker said. “ ere’s four of us involved, and that turned out to be really interesting, because we each brought something important to it, and I think it wound up being a bit of entertainment for a small amount of money.”
is new business direction is just the beginning for Park Cinemas. Kloth said they look forward to hosting private events, like birthday parties or anniversaries, running conferences, and providing meeting rooms.
“It’s just a di erent way of running a movie theater,” she said. “We can do workshops because
we have nine screens, and I can put a slideshow on each screen from a computer.”
Moviegoers are allowed to bring pillows and blankets, and the theater is also o ering free football Sundays for residents to come in, grab a beer, relax in a cozy seat, and watch their favorite team with their friends or family. But don’t worry, Park will still be playing movies.
“We understand right now with the writers strike and all that kind of stu , it’s been really hard. We know the movies aren’t the best, but with the fall and winter season nally starting to get a few good ones,” Kloth said. “But when you bring in events like this, it changes the game.”
Reach Sta Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.
AND SCENE Charles Charm (left) and Michael Swan (right) practice their monologues for Spoon River, which will be at Park Cinemas for one night only.
CAN’T FORGET Brenda Nicovich (left), Tina Salter (middle), and Michael Swan (right) come back as the dead residents of the small town of Spoon Riverto tell stories of what caused the town to eventually crumble. The play is put on by the American Association of University Women’s Atascadero chapter.
SAY CHEESE (left to right)Jeff Davis, Heather Branton, Tina Salter, Michael Swan, Brenda Nicovich, and Charles Charm pose in their Spoon River costumes as part of a dress rehearsal for the play, which will be at Park Cinemas in Paso Robles on Oct. 24.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNETTE RODRIGUEZ
Sat, OCT 26; 7:30pm
Mon, OCT 28; 7:30pm Tues, OCT 29; 7:30pm Fri, NOV 15; 7:30pm
Don’t fence him in
cutlass ct30 hss
This guitar features an HSS pickup configuration with 5-way switching, vintage style tremolo, and an oversized 4+2 headstock. Guitar donated by:
Need not be present to win Buy one raffle ticket for $10, 3 for $25, or 15 for $100, and support the local music scene!
The guitar will be raffled at the New Times Music Awards Friday, November 22
SLO Brew Rock
Marc Marriott directs this independent lm scripted by Dave Boyle and Ayako Fujitani about Japanese corporate turnaround artist Hideki Sakai (Arata Iura), an expert in xing money-hemorrhaging businesses any way possible. When he’s tasked with turning around a Montana cattle ranch owned by Peg (Robin Weigert), he thinks he has the answer in wagyu beef, but cultural di erences soon prove to be more than challenging. (118 min.)
TOKYO COWBOY
What’s it rated? PG
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Opens
Oct. 25 at the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo
Glen Hideki thinks he has all the answers. When he shows up in Montana to make an insolvent ranch pro table, he approaches it in the only way he knows how: his way. e classic sh out-of-water tale is all about a man who won’t listen and learn from the people he’s there to help. He’s like a colonist who thinks he’s going to save the savages from themselves. With the help of ranch hand Javier (Goya Robles), however, he begins to see the beauty of the ranch and realizes it’s more important to save what’s here rather than reinvent it in his image. e problem is his boss, Keiko (cowriter Fujitani), thinks he’s not working fast enough, and she’s ready to sell the land to developers. To complicate matters, Keiko is also his ancée, and she’s none too happy about Hideki turning soft. When he cancels his ight home to Japan, she heads to Montana herself to deliver her ultimatum. is is the sort of tender, emotional story that Hollywood simply can’t make anymore. Score one for independent lmmaking! Anna is lm is also an ode to the beauty of Montana. e scenery is a rich, captivating landscape. Fish out of water is right, but Hideki soon nds ways to endear himself to the locals—he learns to drink beer despite not being a drinker, he switches out his salaryman suit for rodeo gear after
MEGALOPOLIS
What’s it rated? R
When? 2024
Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre
Auteur Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-inthe-making fable-like passion project has finally arrived with a resounding clunk, but does it deserve being panned? I mean, this is the director of The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now and The Conversation we’re talking about. He’s a certified genius. The only important question for you to answer is, “What kind of movie lover am I?”
Megalopolis is a sprawling, epic story that combines Greek mythology, Roman history, American excess, political demagoguery, wealth disparity, nepotism, hedonism, optimism, and
VISIONARY
Architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) dreams of building a utopian city and enlists muse Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel) to help him, in Megalopolis screening in the Bay Theatre of Morro Bay.
a wardrobe mishap, and he starts to listen to the locals whose livelihoods are at stake. e relationship between Keiko and Hideki is a complicated one. Playing both boss and partner is a tricky situation, and Keiko can sense that Hideki’s mission has shifted from when he left home. is lm is a testament to the idea that you can have the best laid plans, but to truly succeed, you must be able to bend.
Glen Hideki learns perhaps the most important lesson of all, which is to ask Keiko what she wants. When you think you know everything already, it’s hard to realize how to make your relationship work. e couple’s long engagement is stuck in a rut, and the stunning, expansive Montana landscape opens their eyes to what’s important. is sweet, deeply disarming story of personal growth won Best Narrative Feature at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival this year, not to mention awards at the Tallgrass, Boston, Sedona, and St. Louis International Film Festivals. Iura—in his
more. Set in New Rome, which looks a lot like New York City, the story follows visionary architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), who’s invented Megalon, a revolutionary building material from which he hopes to construct a utopian city that will fairly provide comfort to all, not just the ruling class. Mayor Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) represents the status quo. Their power struggle is at the center of the story.
The visuals are stunning, the acting is potent, but the story is convoluted. If you’re the kind of filmgoer who doesn’t like to leave the theater confused, this may not be the film for you. If you like a challenging film, see this on the big screen. was enthralled. (138 min.)
—Glen
MONSTERS:
THE LYLE AND ERIC MENENDEZ STORY
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024
U.S. lm debut (he’s appeared in dozens of Japanese lms and TV series)—shines as Hideki, delivering a warm performance. In one scene, he attends a quinceañera and breaks down in tears as the 15-yearold’s father toasts his now adult daughter’s birthday. e speech isn’t translated, but like this lm and Irua’s performance, you don’t need to understand all the words to be stirred. It’s a beautiful lm in every way. Anna e lm has a unique beauty, a slow simmer of sweetness that doesn’t slather on the sap but instead presents true authenticity. My favorite element is Hideki and Javier’s budding friendship. e two come from very di erent worlds but share the same values—and values are what allow humans to relate. Tender, earnest, and subtle, Tokyo Cowboy is worth seeking out. ∆
Senior Sta Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Netflix
The Menendez brothers are all over the news again, in part thanks to the new season of Monsters which tells the murderous tale of how the two brothers wound up in prison for killing their parents. This deep dive into the brothers’ tale brings allegations of sexual abuse, cover-ups, and a deadly plot that wound up capturing the nation. The case was sensationalized and scandalous, and the nation couldn’t keep its eyes off the two affluent, handsome young men who savagely murdered
FAMILY PORTRAIT
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story explores the famous case of parricide, starring (left to right) Nicholas Chavez, Chloë Sevigny, Javier Bardem, and Cooper Koch, streaming on Netflix.
their parents and failed to grieve gracefully. This story doesn’t hold back on the messiness of the moment, but what you choose to believe is the truth is still very much up to you. Who was the monster? Eric and Lyle or their father, Jose? Are all three truly terrible, and if not, who is getting painted in the wrong light? Even their mother seems rotten to the core.
True crime fans are given the chance to relive the madness around this story and the media circus that followed it. While it seems their names have made their way back into the news, this Ryan Murphy version of their tale leaves us with more questions than answers. In the end, tragedy reigns over the lives of the Menendez family. (nine 36- to 65-min. episodes) ∆ —Anna
STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND Arata Iura stars as Hideki Sakai, a Japanese businessman hired to either quickly turn around a financially ailing Montana cattle ranch or liquidate it, but instead he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, in Tokyo Cowboy, screening at SLO’s Palm Theatre.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SALARYMAN FILM AND PURDIE DISTRIBUTION
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Deep-fried fun!
Celebrate Southern Culture
Idon’t know if it’s still in their rider—the list of things a band requires a venue or promotor to supply them—but Southern Culture on the Skids (SCOTS) used to require a bucket of fried chicken. Not for eating, mind you. It was a prop, and during their show, they’d throw pieces into the audience. It was all part of their campy double-wide, deep-fried, down South, North Carolina vibe.
You’ll hear everything from to psychobilly to swamp, surf, Southern, and roots rock from this trio of hard-charging, fun loving musicians who’ve been around for nearly 40 years, releasing albums such as Too Much Pork For Just One Fork, Dirt Track Date, Plastic Seat Sweat, Liquored Up and Lacquered Down, and many more.
This Thursday, Oct. 24, Numbskull and Good Medicine present SCOTS in The Siren (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $24.41 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
Mope the night away when Numbskull and Good Medicine host The Cure vs. The Smiths vs. Depeche Mode DJ night at SLO’s Libertine on Saturday, Oct. 26 (9 p.m.; 21-and-older; $10 at goodmedicinepresents.com). “Oh, I miss the kiss of treachery, the shameless kiss of vanity.” “Girlfriend in a coma, know, I know, it’s serious.” “I heard it from my friends about the things you said.” Sniffle.
The Siren
In addition to the SCOTS show, The Siren also has a bunch more fun lined up, including The Molly Ringwald Project ’80s Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $32.80 at tixr.com). Dress up and get ready to get down to your favorite ’80s hits. On Saturday, Oct. 26, see Roddy Radiation (of The Specials) with his band The Skabilly Rebels and opening act The Haywoods (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $24.71 at tixr.com). Expect ska punk from Roddy and rockabilly from The Haywoods.
Get spooky when Burning Witches plays on Sunday, Oct. 27 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $21.66 at tixr.com), with Graveshadow opening. Hailing from Switzerland, Burning Witches is a self-described “all-chick metal band” that will melt your face off. They’re touring in support of their new album, The Dark Tower. Cover act Tommy Peacock & the Feathers plays on Thursday, Oct. 31 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free), delivering hits from all decades. UB40, Johnny Cash, Billy Idol, the Rolling Stones, George Michael, Tom Petty, and more.
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
War has so many classic songs. “Spill the Wine,” “The World Is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” “Cisco Kid,” “Low Rider,” “Summer,” “All Day Music,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
See this iconic R&B, funk, Latin, and rock act on their The World is a Ghetto 50th Anniversary Tour when they return to Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Saturday, Oct. 26 (8 p.m.; all ages; $25 to $477 at ticketmaster. com). El Chicano opens.
Fremont Theater
Lots happening at SLO’s prettiest venue starting with comedian Nurse Blake on his Shock Advised Tour this Thursday, Oct. 24 (7 p.m.; 16-and-older; $41.20 to $61.50 at prekindle.com).
Mexican hip-hop act La Santa Grifa on their Que Siga La Mata Dando Tour 2024 hits the stage on Friday, Oct. 25 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; 44.50 at prekindle.com) with Dharius opening. If you dig “raw and authentic storytelling, blending street rap with emotional depth,” this is your scene. Legendary metal band W.A.S.P. plays a show on their Album One Alive World Tour ’24 on Saturday, Oct. 26 (8 p.m.; all ages; $34.50 to $79.50 at prekindle.com). Formed in 1982 by Blackie Lawless, they’re known for their theatrical live shows.
Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band plays on Thursday, Oct. 31 (8 p.m.; all ages; $25 at prekindle.com). Frontman Benjamin Tod Flippo is joined by his wife, Ashley Mae (vocals, fiddle), and Jeff Loops (bass), to deliver heartfelt Americana, folk, and country.
SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock
Usually, too many chefs in the kitchen is a recipe for disaster, but not with Americana quintet Fruition. Yes, three of their five
members are songwriters, but instead of pulling their sound in too many directions, the band works seamlessly to create harmony-rich, collaborative, song-driven folk and roots sounds.
See Fruition on Friday, Oct. 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $30.30 to $103.94 at ticketweb. com) with Maya De Vitry opening. They’re touring in support of their new album, How To Make Mistakes, and $1 from every ticket sold goes to the Conscious Alliance Charity working to end world hunger.
SLO Blues Society
Chicago style blues comes to SLO Town when guitarist John Primer and blues harp master Bob Corritore team up for a SLO Blues Society show this Saturday, Oct. 26, in SLO’s Oddfellows Hall (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $36.12 at my805tix.com or $40 at the door).
Corritore is the longtime owner and promoter of Phoenix’s famed Rhythm Room, which has hosted just about every blues legend working today. He’s also a record producer who’s worked with Jimmy Vaughn, Ike Turner, Bob Margolin, and many more.
Primer “was born in Camden, Mississippi, and grew up in a shack with no running water,” according to his bio. “He was drawn to the blues from watching his dad and cousin play guitar after working the fields.”
He eventually moved to Chicago, where he
worked for Junior Wells, Muddy Waters, and Magic Slim & the Teardrops. He’s also threetime Grammy nominee.
Blues fans, don’t miss this one!
The Clark Center
Latin big band the Pacific Mambo Orchestra plays the Clark Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $39 to $69 at clarkcenter.org).
This global phenomenon and Grammy Award-winning ensemble “effortlessly blends genre-bending originals and covers as diverse as Stevie Wonder’s ‘Overjoyed,’ Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Night in Tunisia,’ and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto,” according to their bio.
Enjoy a homage to Jimmy Buffett when Buffett’s Margaritaville plays on Thursday, Oct. 31 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $49.50 to $70.50 at clarkcenter.org). “Get ready to be transported to a tropical paradise, where the sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the margaritas are flowing,” organizers said. “This show is an explosive celebration of the iconic music of Jimmy Buffett, featuring all of his greatest hits.”
Cal Poly Arts
Don’t forget that Cameron Carpenter, as part of the Forbes Organ Series, will accompany a screening of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 horror classic Nosferatu on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Performing Arts Center (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $30 to $37 at pacslo.org).
If Día de los Muertos is more to your liking, check out Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30 (7:30 to 9 p.m.; all ages; $40 to $79 at pacslo.org). The Mexican culture celebration includes performances by Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. Expect lively music, incredible dance and costumes, and as organizers noted, “Who knows? La Muerte herself may make an appearance!”
Oktoberfest
Forget Halloween and get your Oktoberfest on this Sunday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. until
GOIN’ DOWN SOUTH Southern Culture on the Skids brings their deepfried double-wide aesthetics to The Siren, on Oct. 24
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS
BUBBLE, BUBBLE, TOIL, AND TROUBLE Swiss “all-chick metal band” Burning Witches plays The Siren on Oct. 27
PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEMAN PROMOTIONS
ALL DAY MUSIC R&B, funk, and Latin act War returns to Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Oct. 26
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS
IS YOUR BOSS V IOL ATING YOUR R IGHTS?
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5:30 p.m. on 2nd Street in Baywood Park when it’s time for Oktoberfest 45
“The highlights are on the Merrimaker Main Stage starting at noon to 5:30 p.m.,” explained organizer Gary J. Freiberg. “We have Strange Cake, the Josh Rosenblum Band, and Soul Kool. All are great bands. I chose them for their diversity, their talent, and they’re all fun dance bands.
“We’re doing a showcase of the brewers, winemakers, and musicians of Oktoberfest 45 at 11 a.m. to noon on the main stage. From 9 to 11 a.m., we have on 2nd Street with Ras Danny on the south end, near the pier, and Familiar Strangers on the north end across from Noi’s.”
Sound out!
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
All that and a whole lot more like polka music, kid, pet, and adult costume contests, a 5K fun run, car show, vendors, and more.
After the street party, hit the Merrimaker for a show by the Albert Sanudo Jr. Band (6 to 8 p.m.).
More music …
The SLO County Jazz Federation will present Adam Levine and Metro on Friday, Oct. 25, in SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 general admission, and $10 for students, at my805.tix.com). In collaboration with Jazz Jubilee Central Coast, the concert “will include some of the finest jazz artists on the Central Coast led by master guitarist, educator, and studio musician Adam Levine,” organizers announced.
Boogie band The Cliffnotes return to Niffy’s Merrimaker this Friday, Oct. 25 (8 to 10 p.m.; free). Get ready to dance to New Orleans sounds mixed with rock, Americana, and R&B. Get in the Halloween spirit when two-time New Times Music Awards winner Ghost\ Monster plays their annual Halloween Ghost\ Monster Mash at Libertine on Friday Oct. 25 (8 p.m. to midnight; 21-and-older; $5 at the door). DJ Promess gets things started from 8 to 10 p.m. spinning spooky tunes, and then ghost/ monster takes the stage. Explained the band, “Essentially, we dress up and play some Halloween themed songs: ‘Halloween’ by the Misfits, ‘Pet Sematary’ by the Ramones, ‘Monster Mash’ by Bobby Pickett, and some spooky vibe songs like ‘People are Strange’ by the Doors, ‘Killing Moon’ by Echo and the Bunnymen, ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson, and some crowd favorites.”
The Famous Jazz Artist Series presents Jazz Goes to College this Sunday, Oct. 27, in Cambria’s The Harmony Café (824 Main St.) when three prominent jazz professors— saxophonist/flautist Ron McCarly from Cuesta College, bassist Dylan Johnson from Cal Poly, and drummer Paul Kreibich from Cal State Fullerton—will be joined by series producers Charlie and Sandi Shoemake (vibes and vocals) (5 to 7p.m.; $25 with a minimum $20 food and beverage purchase, reserved by calling (805) 935-9007 or emailing charlie@talsanmusic.com. ∆
Contact Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
MISSION PLAZA
989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo
Registration at 9:00 a.m.
Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Walk at 10:30 a.m.
Scan to register or visit alz.org/slowalk
Questions? Contact Tamra Mariott at tamariott@alz.org or 805.617.0239.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Flavor
BY CAMILLIA LANHAM
Order an experience
Spanish-style tapas come with Latin American influences at Junction in Paso Robles
Paella made to order is a staple at Junction Tapas and Wine Bar in Paso Robles. Cooked in a saffron stock that’s built from either roasted vegetables or roasted organic chicken bones simmered overnight, the fragrant Spanish dish made with Valencia rice, veggies, and meat is worth the 30 or 40 minutes a diner might wait for it, co-owner/ chef Nick Holguin said.
“You get that intense flavor that you would only get when you cook a paella to order,” Holguin said. “The stock finds its way into a lot of things at the restaurant, and we’ve been doing that since we opened. … That’s really important to us—we try to use as little premade ingredients as possible.”
Heading into its third year just a few blocks from downtown’s City Park near the train station, Junction relies on as many local ingredients as possible for its shareable plates, tapas, Latin-inspired barbecue, and mains, rounding them out with others that need to come straight from the source. This includes importing saffron and Iberico pork from Spain and empanada dough from Argentina.
Holguin said Junction is about 90 percent Spanish influenced, thanks to his wife, who’s from the south of Spain, with Latin inspiration, thanks to his Mexican heritage and his wife’s Cuban heritage, and Mediterranean flavors.
For instance, Junction recently started dishing out empanadas stuffed with ropa vieja, brisket braised for 16 hours with peppers, onions, tomatoes, olive, cumin, paprika, and some other items. The empanadas are another showcase item for Holguin and his wife, Ingrid.
“We always have them; they’re always on the menu,” Holguin said, adding that the dough from Argentina makes the perfect package. “It’s just super flaky. … We bake them, so it’s just got that real nice pastry kind of crunch to it.”
Empanadas and paella will always be on the menu, but like many of the other dishes
Share a plate
Find your way to Junction Tapas and Wine Bar, now serving brunch, lunch, and dinner at 710 Pine St., Paso Robles. Visit @junctionpaso on Instagram to take a gander at what’s in store for your palate. Find an updated fall menu at junctionpaso.com in the coming weeks.
Junction serves, their flavors will rotate based on what’s in season and what’s available.
That seasonal rotation will continue with Junction’s latest venture: Mexico Ancestral, a pop-up that held its opening night on Oct. 8 and will take over the restaurant on nights that Junction is closed. Holguin said the chefs, one from Guerrero and one from Oaxaca, modernize ancient recipes that you can’t get at most Mexican restaurants in the area.
“Some of the food in Mexico is 1,000 years old and it still lives in the places that were not inhabited by Spanish conquest,” Holguin said. “This is a celebration of authentic, ancient food from Mexico.”
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can find Mexico Ancestral serving up dishes
like mole rosa from Taxco—a mole with spices, chocolate, and nuts that gets its color from beets—and chile en nogada—a stuffed poblano pepper served with walnut sauce and pomegranates.
“It’s just so good,” Holguin said.
And similar to Junction’s philosophy, what Mexico Ancestral serves will depend on what’s being harvested. Tomato season is coming to an end, and squash is in season, Holguin said, so look for squash in upcoming specials and expect to see Junction switch to a fall menu soon.
When they opened Junction, Holguin said, he and Ingrid had two things in mind. They wanted to provide experiences by serving food with a story, and they wanted it to be an incubator for creativity, which is how Mexico Ancestral was born. The pop-up aims to tell the story of ancient Mexican cuisine while Junction speaks of Spain and Cuba.
“We always have wanted to sort of support people that have talent, interest, desire, and spirit to create,” he said.
The couple made their foray into that creative spirit while still living in the Bay Area, when Holguin opened a catering business that’s still going strong: The Patio Kitchen, which he said was always Latin-inspired.
big focus, a space for the family to commune, share space, and interact. So having a catering business and restaurant is a natural fit.
“I love cooking. I love food. For me, cooking is really all about—it’s how I make people happy and feel good,” he said.
The plan was always to move to Paso, Holguin said, which they did in 2017, bringing The Patio Kitchen with them to cater in North County, at events such as weddings and wine events. Their goal was to open a restaurant when the time and space were right. In 2022, they got that chance. Now, Junction is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, depending on what day of the week it is. Tortilla española (a Spanish frittata with potatoes and onions) and duo de pulpo (octopus two ways) sidle up next to seafood paella and pollo al mojo de ajo (roasted chicken with a Cuban white mojo sauce and congrí (seasoned rice with black beans and bacon). And all of it is as fresh as humanly possible.
“It’s very difficult to provide everything directly from providers here locally,” Holguin said. “We do try to provide as much produce and products within a 50-mile radius as possible. We’re very considerate and thoughtful of our carbon footprint.”
Share tasty tips!
Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.
Holguin was in technology sales for 20 years before deciding to make the leap to follow his cuisine dreams, thanks to motivation from his wife to “pull the trigger.” Ingrid worked in local government and finance, he said, and as The Patio Kitchen started to take off, she also eventually made the switch.
Both grew up in families where food was a
Junction gets olive oil from Olea Farm in Templeton in refillable metal containers, eggs from M&J’s Farm Fresh Eggs in Templeton, produce from Rocking Chair Farm Markets in Kingsburg and Aviator Acres Farms in San Luis Obispo, and honey from Sierra Honey Farm in Paso Robles. The restaurant serves water in aluminum, rather than plastic, bottles, and showcases beers and wines from the Central Coast— as well as Spain’s famous Estrella Damm beer and Spanish wines. Find a seat at the table by visiting junctionpaso.com. The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner Thursday through Monday from 5 to 9 p.m., and brunch Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ∆
Editor Camillia Lanham eats her octopus two ways, sometimes three. Send food tips to clanham@newtimesslo.com.
WORTH THE WAIT Seafood and other paellas are made to order at Junction Tapas and Wine Bar in Paso Robles, something that ensures the dish tastes as intensely flavorful as it’s meant to taste in Spain, according to co-owner/chef Nick Holguin.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK HOLGUIN
ANCIENT FOOD Mexico Ancestral, a Tuesday and Wednesday pop-up at Junction in Paso, serves up traditional Mexican cuisine that’s hard to find in the area, such as chile en nogada, a stuffed poblano covered in a walnut sauce and pomegranates.
CUBAN FLAIR Pollo al mojo de ajo is roasted chicken smothered in a Cuban white mojo sauce and served with congrí, seasoned rice with black beans and bacon. Bacon, Holguin said, isn’t traditional, but that’s how his wife’s aunt taught him to make it, so that’s how he makes it.
TWO WAYS Junction’s duo de pulpo brings Spain and Mexico together with Galicianstyle octopus sauteed in garlic oil and paprika served with fried potato and a charbroiled tentacle served with a romesco-chile de árbol sauce and cilantro oil.
Classies
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated for the offices designated to be filled at the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Arroyo Grande on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
FOR MAYOR - Vote for one (1):
Caren Ray Russom
Gaea Powell
FOR DISTRICT 2 MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL - Vote for one (1):
Aileen Loe
FOR DISTRICT 3 MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL - Vote for one (1):
Marlea Harmon
Jamie Maraviglia MEASURE TO BE VOTED ON:
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE MEASURE E-24
To provide funding for Arroyo Grande city services, such as: fixing potholes, maintaining city streets, sidewalks, parks, aging infrastructure, and community facilities; providing local fire protection, police, and 9-1-1 emergency services; cleaning up litter/ graffiti, and addressing homelessness; shall City of Arroyo Grande’s ordinance establishing a one-cent sales tax for 10 years be adopted, providing $6,000,000 annually for general government use that can’t be taken by the State, with citizen oversight, independent audits, and all money locally controlled?
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
Publish 1T, The New Times, Thursday, October 24, 2024
Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street City website, www.arroyogrande.org
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1647
(07/30/2024)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as OCEAN VIEW PRESSURE WASHING, OCEAN VIEW PLUMBING, OCEAN VIEW CONSTRUCTION, 217 Fair View Dr, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Oceanview Pros LLC (217 Fair View Dr, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An LLC Oceanview Pros LLC, Melanie Lyn Herdt, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 08-0224. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Paredes, Deputy. Exp. 08-02-29. August 8, 15, 22, 29, October 24 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1741
(06/15/2024)
New Filing The following person is doing business as MAR GARDENING DESIGN & FINE ART, 524 Longbranch Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Michael Rivetti (524 Longbranch Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by An Individual, Michael Rivetti. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 08-16-2024. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 0816-2029. October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1790 (08/21/2024) New Filing The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: QUESADILLA GORILLA, 790 E Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obisop, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. SLOQGL3B LLC (1128 Leila St Visalia, CA 93291). State of California. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Company /S/ SLOQGL3B LLC. Michelle Cortez, Managing Member. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 08-21-24. Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 08-21-29. October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-1836 TRANSACTION BUSINESS DATE (09/19/2014) New Filing The following person is
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$11,000.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on September 26, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near 1144 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo CA, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11351, 11366, 11358(C), 11359(B), 11360(A) (2), 11357(B)(2) and 11359(C) of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $11,000.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: October 11, 2024 DAN DOW District Attorney
October 17, 24, & 31, 2024
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$10,495.70 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. Notice is hereby given that on February 27, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422, by the Atascadero Police Department, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 & 11352 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $10,495.70.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: October 11, 2024 DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney October 17, 24, & 31, 2024
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$11,395.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on October 10, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near 436 Pismo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $11,395.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)).
The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: October 15, 2024 DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney October 17, 24, & 31, 2024
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles City Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: An Amendment to Vesting Tentative Tract Map 3149 is necessary to correct tract boundary and tract legal descriptions to enable recordation of the Final Map for Tract 3149
Applicant: Vinedo II LLC
Location: Planning Area 9 is in the Eastern area of the City of Paso Robles, within the Olsen South Chandler Specific Plan area, north of Meadowlark Road, west of Creston Road, and at the east end of Sherwood Road. (APN 009798-004)
CEQA Determination: The City Council reviewed and certified the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the Olsen South Chandler Specific Plan pursuant to Section 15091 of the State CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations [CCR]) and Section 21081 of the Public Resources Code and further adopted environmental findings, a mitigation monitoring report, and statement of overriding considerations. Vesting Tentative Tract 3149 Amendment will comply with the adopted EIR for the Specific Plan.
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on November 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chamber/ Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 9344
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting. Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the City Council.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. October 24, 2024
CITY
OF EL PASO DE ROBLES
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Community Development Director of the City of El Paso de Robles will consider adoption of a Draft Mitigated
Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and approval of the following project:
Project Title: Propeller Drive Extension Project
Applicant: City of Paso Robles, Public Works Department
Project Location: Paso Robles Municipal Airport, 4912 Wing Way, Paso Robles, CA
Project Description: The project is a public improvement project that includes extending Propeller Drive approximately 1,115 feet east from its current terminus to connect with Taxiway B of the Paso Robles Municipal Airport (Airport) and construction of a new roadway (Empennage Drive), which will be approximately 660 feet long and connect the new section of Propeller Drive to the CAL FIRE Paso Robles Attack Base at the north end of Taxiway B. The new roadways will be a minimum of 25 feet wide.
The project would fill and realign an intermittent drainage (Drainage 1) and install a new soft bottom culvert within Drainage 2. Drainage 3 will be realigned through natural bottom swales to direct flows to the proposed culvert and eventually reconnect with Drainage 1 on the north side of Propeller Drive.
The extension of Propeller Drive and installation of the culvert are expected to impact all three mapped drainages. The project has been designed to avoid all impacts to mapped wetland features. Once completed, overall vehicle traffic and circulation will be improved.
The Public Review Period for the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration will commence on October 24, 2024 and conclude on November 23, 2024.
FINDING
The City of Paso Robles has reviewed the above project in accordance with the City of Paso Robles’ Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of the California Environmental quality Act and has determined that an Environmental Impact Report need not be prepared because:
The proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because mitigation measures included in the associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and hereby made a part of the Mitigated Negative Declaration have been added to the project.
The Initial Study which provides the basis for this determination is available on the City’s website at https://www.prcity.com/357/CEQA-Documents.
NOTICE
The public is invited to provide written comment on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration. The appropriateness of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration will be considered in light of the comments received.
Questions about and comments on the proposed project and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration may be mailed to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or e-mailed to dnash@prcity.com provided that any comments are received prior to the time of the review period ends. Should you have any questions about this project, please call Darren Nash at (805) 2373970 or send email to dnash@prcity.com
October 24, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to consider amending the countywide Fee Schedule Ordinance. The hearing will be held at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, in San Luis Obispo.
Recommended amendments include increases, decreases, new, and deleted fees. Schedule A Fee amendments would become effective January 1, 2025, and Schedule B Fee amendments would become effective July 1, 2025.
Any person interested in expressing their views regarding the proposed amendments to the Fee Schedule may do so at the hearing. To determine specific placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda and to review the fee schedule amendments, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty. ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
The fee schedule amendments may also be reviewed at the:
Katcho Achadjian Government Center Administrative Office, Room D430 1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 (805) 781-5011
DATED: October 22, 2024
MATTHEW PONTES, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: s/ Niki Martin Deputy Clerk of the Board October 24, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of Paso Robles will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Amendments to Paso Robles Municipal Code Title 21 related to compliance with standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) in relation to California Assembly Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1211 (Rezone 24-01, P24-0074).
Applicant: City Initiated
Location: Citywide
CEQA Determination: Under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17, CEQA does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by section 66313. Therefore, the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements state ADU law.
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the amendments on October 22, 2024. On a vote of 5-0, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council adopt the amendments. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@ prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the City Council. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission or City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Copies of the project staff report will be available for review at the Community Development Department and on the city’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970 or planning@prcity.com. October 24, 2024
Project Address: 1 Grand Avenue, Slack Street right-of-way (approximately from Longview to Henderson), and APN 052-082-028; Case #: ANNX0219-2024, STAB-0038-2024; Zone: Right-of-way,
cltaylor@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
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the
date on the City’s website, under the Public
Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/ mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. October 24, 2024 SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC
CURRENT PROPERTY TAXES DUE
(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 2609)
James W. Hamilton, County Auditor – Controller – Treasurer – Tax Collector, announces that the regular secured property tax bills have been mailed to all property owners at the addresses shown on the tax roll. If you own property in San Luis Obispo County and do not receive a bill by November 15, 2024, contact the Tax Collector’s Office, 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408, or call (805) 781-5831.
Tax amounts and payment information can be found on the Tax Collector’s website (www. slocountytax.org). Please note, electronic check and savings transfer payments are accepted without a processing fee. Payments by credit or debit card require a processing fee.
The first installment of the 2024/25 fiscal year tax bill is due on November 1, 2024 and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 P.M. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. A 10% penalty will be added if the first installment is not paid by that date.
The second installment of the 2024/25 fiscal year tax bill is due on February 1, 2025 and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 P.M. on Thursday, April 10, 2025. A 10% penalty and a $20.00 cost will be added if the second installment is not paid by that date. Both installments may be paid when the first installment is due. The second installment cannot be paid before the first installment.
Payments may be made on the Tax Collector’s website (www. slocountytax.org), by telephone at (805) 781-5831, by mail, or in person at the Tax Collector’s Office, 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408, which is open for business between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays.
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed in San Luis Obispo County, California, on October 24, 2024.
/S/ James W. Hamilton, CPA
San Luis Obispo County Auditor – Controller – Treasurer – Tax Collector
Published in The New Times on October 24 and October 31, 2024.
The San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• REVIEW OF THE DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS: This is a public hearing to solicit public comments and develop a recommendation to Council of the draft funding recommendations for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. City staff will briefly describe the grant program, and the CDBG applications that were received and provide the Human Relations Commission with draft funding recommendations to approve. These funding draft funding recommendations will be disbursed to recipients during the 2025-26 program year.
Report(s) are typically available one week in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at (805) 781-7073 for more information, or to request an agenda report. October 24, 2024
WAIT LIST OPENING SOON for 2-BEDROOM PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER (PBV) UNITS at WILLOW WALK SENIOR APARTMENTS in NIPOMO
HASLO to accept applications for the wait list for 2-bedroom Project-Based Voucher (PBV) assisted units on behalf of Willow
Walk Senior Apartments in the City of Nipomo. Online applications will be accepted from November 12, 2024, 9:00 a.m., through November 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
The Occupancy Standards for the 2-bedroom units are:
• A person 62 years of age and older that needs a Live-in-Aide and demonstrates the required IHHS supports hours necessary for the Reasonable Accommodation; or
• Two individual persons, 62 years of age and older, who are not considered a couple.
If you are a person living with a disability, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP), or with limited computer access, call 805-543-4478 to apply over the phone during the timeframe above.
Persons who are hearing impaired can dial 711 with questions or to apply during the timeframe above.
This property is a non-smoking property reserved for seniors at least 62+ years old. All applicants and members of the household must be 62+ years of age as of November 12, 2024. The waiting list will be generated by date and time of applications submitted through the online portal with preferences given for residents of San Luis Obispo County, veterans, and are generally restricted to applicant households who earn less than 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). Please note that there are occupancy standards for these units; applicants who do not qualify for the occupancy standard will not be added to the waiting list. One application per applicant household; duplicate applications are not allowed and will be rejected. The online portal for applications will be found on our website, www.haslo.org, as of November 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
This application is a two-step process. If eligible for the PBV program, the applicant is referred to Willow Walk Senior Apartments which will have additional screening requirements.
It is the policy of HASLO and Willow Walk Senior Apartments to comply with the Fair Housing Act and all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. It is the policy of this development to consider any and all requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications when they are necessary to provide persons with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their apartment home and/or the community common areas.
HASLO aceptará solicitudes para la lista de espera de 2 habitaciones para unidades asistidas con vales de proyectos (PBV) en nombre de Willow Walk Senior Apartments en la cuidad de Nipomo. Se aceptarán las solicitudes en línea desde el 12 de noviembre de 2024, a las 9:00 a.m., hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2024, a las 4:00 p.m.
Los estándares de ocupación para estas unidades de 2 habitaciones son:
• Una persona de 62 años o más que necesita una ayudante en la vivienda y que demuestra las horas de apoyo requeridas por IHHS necesarias para la adaptación razonable; o • Dos personas individuales, de 62 años y más, que no sean consideradas pareja.
Si usted es una persona que vive con una discapacidad, o con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP), o con acceso limitado a una computadora, llame al 805-543-4478 para presentar su solicitud por teléfono durante las fechas y horas indicadas arriba.
Las personas con problemas de audición pueden marcar el 711 si tienen preguntas o para presentar una solicitud durante el período de tiempo anterior.
Esta propiedad es una propiedad para no fumadores reservada para personas mayores de al menos 62 años. Todos los miembros del hogar deben tener 62 años o más de edad a partir del 12 de noviembre de 2024. La lista de espera se generará por fecha y hora de las solicitudes enviadas a través del portal en línea. Se darán preferencias a los residentes del condado de San Luis Obispo, veteranos y, por lo general, están restringidas a los hogares solicitantes que ganan menos del 30% del ingreso medio del área (AMI). Tenga en cuenta que existen estándares de ocupación para estas unidades; los solicitantes que no califiquen para el estándar de ocupación no serán agregados a la lista de espera. Una solicitud por hogar solicitante; no se permiten solicitudes duplicadas y serán rechazadas. El portal en línea para aplicaciones se encuentra en nuestro sitio web, www.haslo.org, a partir del 12 de noviembre de 2024 a las 9:00 a.m.
Esta aplicación es un proceso de dos pasos. Si es elegible para el programa PBV, el solicitante es referido al propietario, Willow Walk Senior Apartments, quien tendrá requisitos de evaluación adicionales.
Es la política de HASLO y Willow Walk Senior Apartments cumplir con la Ley de Equidad de Vivienda (the Fair Housing Act) y todas las leyes federales, estatales y locales de vivienda. La política de este desarrollo es considerar todas y cada una de las solicitudes de modificaciones o modificaciones razonables cuando sean necesarias para brindar a las personas con discapacidad la misma oportunidad de usar y disfrutar de su apartamento y / o las áreas comunes de la communidad. October 24. 2024
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: Is there any joy or pleasure you deny yourself for no good reason? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Secrets and hidden agendas have been preventing you from getting an accurate picture of what’s actually happening. But you now have the power to uncover them. I hope you will also consider the following bold moves: 1. Seek insights that could be the key to your future sexiness. 2. Change an aspect of your life you’ve always wanted to change but have never been able to. 3. Find out how far you can safely go in exploring the undersides of things. 4. Help your allies in ways that will ultimately inspire them to help you.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): From the early 1910s to the late 1920s, silent films were the only kind of films that were made. The proper technology wasn’t available to pair sounds with images. “Talking pictures,” or “talkies,” finally came into prominence in the 1930s. Sadly, the majority of silent films, some of which were fine works of art, were poorly preserved or only exist now in second- or third-generation copies. I’m meditating on this situation as a metaphor for your life, Taurus. Are there parts of your history that seem lost, erased, or unavailable? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to try to recover them. Remembering and reviving your past can be a potent healing agent.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): An old proverb tells us, “You must run toward the future and catch it. It is not coming to meet you, but is fleeing from you, escaping into the unknown.” This adage isn’t true for you at all right now, Gemini. In fact, the future is dashing toward you from all directions. It is not shy or evasive, but is eager to embrace you and is full of welcoming energy. How should you respond? I recommend you make yourself very grounded. Root yourself firmly in an understanding of who you are and what you want. Show the future clearly which parts of it you really want and which parts are uninteresting to you.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Early in his musical career, Cancerian innovator Harry Partch played traditional instruments and composed a regular string quartet. But by age 29, he was inventing and building novel instruments that had never before been used. Among the materials he used in constructing his Zymo-Xyl, Eucal Blossom, and Chromelodeon were tree branches, light bulbs, and wine bottles. I’m inviting you to enter into a Harry Partch phase of your cycle, Cancerian. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to express your unique genius—whether that’s in your art, your business, your personal life, or any other sphere where you love to express your authentic self.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): Life’s unpredictable flow will bring you interesting new blessings if you revamp your fundamentals. Listen closely, Leo, because this is a subtle turn of events: A whole slew of good fortune will arrive if you joyfully initiate creative shifts in your approaches to talking, walking, exercising, eating, sleeping, meditating, and having fun. These aren’t necessarily earth-shaking transformations. They may be as delicate and nuanced as the following: 1. adding amusing words to your vocabulary; 2. playfully hopping and skipping as you stroll along; 3. sampling new cuisines; 4. keeping a notebook or recorder by your bed to capture your dreams; 5. trying novel ways to open your mind and heart; 6. seeking fresh pleasures that surprise you.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In an old Irish folk tale, the fairies give a queen a crystal cauldron with special properties. If anyone speaks three falsehoods in its presence, it cracks into three fragments. If someone utters three hearty truths while standing near it, the three pieces unite again. According to my metaphorical reading of your current destiny, Virgo, you are now in the vicinity of the broken cauldron. You have expressed one restorative truth and need to proclaim two more. Be gently brave and bold as you provide the healing words.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Let’s review the highlights of the recent months. First, you expanded your perspective, blew your mind, and raised your consciousness. That was fabulous! Next, you wandered around half-dazed and thoroughly enchanted, pleased with your new freedom and spaciousness. That, too, was fantastic! Then, you luxuriously indulged in the sheer enjoyment of your whimsical explorations and experimentations. Again, that was marvelous! Now you’re ready to spend time integrating all the teachings and epiphanies that have surged into your life in recent months. This might be less exciting, but it’s equally important.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As a teenager, I loved the music of Jefferson Airplane. I recall sitting on the couch in my New Jersey home and listening to their albums over and over again. Years later, I was performing onstage at a San Francisco nightclub with my band, World Entertainment War. In the audience was Paul Kantner, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane. After the show, he came backstage and introduced himself. He said he wanted his current band, Jefferson Starship, to cover two of my band’s songs on his future album. Which he did. I suspect you will soon experience a comparable version of my story, Scorpio. Your past will show up bearing a gift for your future. A seed planted long ago will finally blossom.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): My horoscopes are directed toward individuals, not groups. Yet it’s impossible to provide oracles about your personal destiny without considering the collective influences that affect you. Every day, you are impacted by the culture you live in. For instance, you encounter news media that present propaganda as information and regard cynicism as a sign of intellectual vigor. You live on a planet where the climate is rapidly changing, endangering your stability and security. You are not a narrow-minded bigot who doles out hatred toward those who are unlike you, but you may have to deal with such people. I bring this to your attention, Sagittarius, because now is an excellent time to take an inventory of the world’s negative influences—and initiate aggressive measures to protect yourself from them. Even further, I hope you will cultivate and embody positive alternatives.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I suspect you will be extra attractive, appealing, and engaging in the coming weeks. You may also be especially convincing, influential, and inspirational. What do you plan to do with all this potency? How will you wield your flair? Here’s what I hope: You will dispense blessings everywhere you go. You will nurture the collective health and highest good of groups and communities you are part of. PS: In unexpected ways, being unselfish will generate wonderful selfish benefits.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Do you fantasize about being a masterful manager of your world? Have you imagined the joy of being the supreme sovereign of your holy destiny? Do you love the idea of rebelling against anyone who imagines they have the right to tell you what you should do and who you are? If you answered yes to those questions, I have excellent news, Aquarius: You are now primed to take exciting steps to further the goals I described. Here’s a helpful tip: Re-dedicate yourself to the fulfillment of your two deepest desires. Swear an oath to that intention.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): The Liberation Season is here. How can you take maximum advantage of the emancipatory energies? Here are suggestions: 1. Plan adventures to frontier zones. 2. Sing and dance in the wilderness. 3. Experiment with fun and pleasure that are outside your usual repertoire. 4. Investigate what it would mean for you to be on the vanguard of your field. 5. Expand your understandings of sexuality. 6. Venture out on a pilgrimage. 7. Give yourself permission to fantasize extravagantly. 8. Consider engaging in a smart gamble. 8. Ramble, wander, and explore. ∆
