Portland’s Pink Martini plays SLO’s Performing Arts Center [24] BY
GLEN STARKEY
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We are excited to welcome John B. Cotter, M.D., to ADV Vision! With over 4 decades of trusted experience, Dr. Cotter, a highly skilled Glaucoma, Cornea and General Ophthalmolgy specialist, is now partnering with ADV Vision’s Dr. Adam Abroms—a cutting-edge ophthalmologist known for delivering innovative eye care.
Together, they provide world-class services across California’s Central Coast, including LASIK, cataract surgery, lens implants, glaucoma treatment, and general eye care. If you’ve been a patient of Dr. Cotter, or are seeking exceptional eye care, we invite you to schedule your appointment today! We are also accepting new patients!
ongtime Pink Martini singer China Forbes has songs in more than 30 languages as part of the band’s repertoire. But, for her, it comes naturally—and it helps that she’s part of a talented ensemble of musicians with experience playing Latin, traditional pop, jazz, classical, and more all over the world. The band’s mission is to represent a “beautiful, more inclusive America,” pianist Thomas Lauderdale said, and they’re bringing that energy to SLO on their 30th Anniversary Tour. Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey speaks with Forbes about the show, the group, and her vocal stylings [24]
Also this week, read about an Arroyo Grande landowner’s battle to get a well permit [8]; the Melodrama’s Holiday Extravaganza [20]; and FirestoneWalker’s latest collaboration [28]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover courtesy photo by Chris Hornbecker cover design by Alex Zuniga
PINK AND FABULOUS
Pink Martini comes back to San Luis Obispo on its 30th Anniversary Tour,
Dr. Adam Abroms
Dr. John B. Cotter
Luxury Condos
Court rules in favor of steelhead in lawsuit over Arroyo Grande Creek flows
Four environmental groups can claim victory in their lawsuit against San Luis Obispo County over claims of insufficient flows from Lopez Dam into Arroyo Grande Creek for steelhead trout.
On Dec. 3, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granted a preliminary injunction requiring SLO County to alter operations at Lopez Dam to better protect threatened SouthCentral California Coast (SCCC) steelhead trout, according to Ben Pitterle, Los Padres ForestWatch director of advocacy and field operations.
Los Padres ForestWatch, California Coastkeeper Alliance, San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, and The Ecological Rights Foundation sued on Aug. 13, alleging that several federally endangered and threatened species in the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed were in jeopardy due to dam mismanagement and degraded habitat.
Specifically, the lawsuit mentioned SCCC steelhead trout, the California reg-legged frog, the tidewater goby, and the Bell’s vireo.
“The county has long known that it needs to change its Lopez Dam operations to better protect steelhead in Arroyo Grande Creek,” the groups’ lawyer, Christopher Sproul, said via email.
When steelhead mature, they leave their freshwater homes and journey out to the ocean before coming back to streams to lay eggs. Unlike other fish species, they don’t die after one breeding trip and tend to make several journeys throughout their lifetime, according to previous New Times reporting.
The lawsuit claims that the county failed to release enough water from Lopez Dam to create healthy steelhead habitat in Arroyo Grande Creek.
“This victory means the county will finally have to take long-overdue action to provide additional flows and other immediate relief for steelhead, while also giving serious consideration to important long-term actions, such as enabling steelhead to migrate past Lopez Dam to their historic spawning grounds in the upper watershed,” Sproul said.
According to the preliminary
SLO County supervisors target coastal zone for potential brick-and-mortar cannabis dispensaries
injunction, the county needs to propose a plan for releasing sufficient flows from Lopez Dam into the lower Arroyo Grande Creek area, monitor those new plans and their impacts on steelhead passage conditions, and develop a habitat conservation plan.
“The county is disappointed in the decision,” SLO County Public Works Public Information Officer Shelly Cone told New Times via email. “While the county shares the goal of protection of endangered and protected species within the Arroyo Grande Creek and watershed, it is disappointing that the individuals who filed this lawsuit chose to use the judicial system as a means of hijacking the regulatory process the county was already going through with the various resource agencies at the expense of the South County community.”
In previous reporting, Mark Capelli, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries recovery coordinator for SCCC steelhead,
told New Times that the county was working on a habitat conservation plan for Arroyo Grande Creek and that the plan would provide a framework for people and agencies to complete projects while conserving at-risk plant and animal species.
“The California Department of Parks and Recreation does annual monitoring in the Lower Arroyo Grande Creek [as well],” he said.
Sproul said while exact deadlines for the county to implement changes are being worked out and will come as part of another order from the court, he anticipates some of the measures will take effect almost immediately.
“[That] includes measures to provide additional flows during the upcoming rainy season to ensure steelhead have an adequate opportunity to migrate and spawn this year,” he said. “Other measures take effect over the next two years.” ∆
—Samantha Herrera
piece by piece,” she said during the Nov. 12 meeting.
SLO County’s unincorporated coastal towns are more likely to see retail cannabis dispensaries before its inland areas do thanks to what 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding called the historical “go slow approach in SLO County.”
Currently, the county allows for cannabis cultivation and delivery. But that could change after a November Board of Supervisors meeting, where the board opted 3-2 to direct staff to develop a way to revise the coastal zone land use ordinance to allow for storefront retail dispensaries in the coastal zone.
According to 3rd District Supervisor Dawn OrtizLegg, the county needs to be delicate with this first step toward establishing brick-and-mortar cannabis stores.
“We don’t need to go balls-out like Santa Barbara [County] did or something, but we want to bite it
Allowing storefronts could potentially generate more money for existing cannabis operators in the county and for the county’s general fund, she said. However, Ortiz-Legg added, SLO County needs to be cautious about how it uses resources to develop the ordinance.
Last December, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to look at how the county could amend its land use codes to allow for storefront dispensaries. Staff looked at six local jurisdictions that already regulate and allow for brick-and-mortar cannabis shops, including Morro Bay, Grover Beach, and Santa Barbara and Monterey counties.
Both Ortiz-Legg and 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson pointed to Morro Bay and Grover Beach as cities that the county should try to model its ordinance from. Gibson said Morro Bay has two dispensaries, one on Morro Bay Boulevard and one on Quintana Road, and neither has a record of complaints from residents.
“These regulations are put in place to address potential or perceived or hypothetical problems,”
he said. “I have heard nothing in the community conversation about incidents or concerns regarding the operation of those storefronts, which would suggest maybe that Morro Bay is regulating them correctly, or maybe that cannabis storefront dispensaries don’t pose the kind of public safety or law enforcement threat that some think they do.”
When Paulding asked about the legality of making land use changes only in the coastal areas of the county, Brian Stack from the County Counsel’s Office said the county likes its land use ordinances to be consistent across the whole county.
“You’d have to justify why you were picking, say the coastal zone over the inland zone,” County Counsel Rita Neal added. “Certainly, you could say, ‘We’re going to try it.’”
Gibson said he was thinking the county could cast it as a pilot project in areas with visitor-serving uses.
Shawn Bean, who owns cannabis delivery dispensary The Source Central Coast, spoke during public comment and questioned whether the county could do that.
PROTECTING TROUT On Dec. 3, a U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granted a preliminary injunction requiring SLO County to alter operations at Lopez Dam to better protect threatened South-Central California Coast steelhead trout.
“I’d love to hear some valid reasons as to why we would go coastal and not inland,” Bean said. “It’s been my experience that that’s usually used for ecological purposes, not to keep dispensaries out of certain people’s districts that don’t want them.”
Those districts include Paulding’s.
“The inland communities and specific communities that I represent, like Nipomo, … I’ve had some folks express explicit opposition to the idea,” Paulding said.
Fifth District Supervisor Debbie Arnold said that North County communities have voiced opposition to storefront dispensaries since medical cannabis was legalized in California. Fellow North County Supervisor John Peschong said that a recent court ruling questioned whether cannabis is actually legal in California.
On Oct. 29, an appellate court issued a ruling on a case out of Santa Barbara County, saying that while it’s reasonable to assume cannabis is legal in California, federal law still says that cannabis is illegal.
“No matter how much California voters and the Legislature might try, cannabis cultivation and transportation are illegal in California as long as it remains illegal under federal law,” the ruling states.
Deputy County Counsel Stack said the county viewed the ruling as narrow, adding that the case was about an easement dispute over whether a cannabis cultivation operation could use an easement on someone else’s property for transport and access.
The ordinance would allow for the “permitting of voluntary activity in compliance with state,” he said. “You’re not requiring someone to violate federal law.”
—Camillia Lanham
Templeton CSD appoints board member after another nixed election
Templeton Community Services District (CSD) was a candidate short this election year, so it appointed a new board member and filled the district board’s open seat.
According to CSD General Manager Jeff Briltz, the board had seven residents show interest in being appointed, all of whom were required to apply by the end of September.
In early October the board selected resident Chelsea Tirone for the job, who the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors later approved. Tirone starts on Dec. 6 and is filling the seat vacated by Geoff English, who decided not to run again. Incumbents Debra Logan and Navid Fardanesh both filed for reelection and will be automatically elected for another fouryear term.
After being one candidate short to hold an actual election, then receiving seven applications for appointment, Briltz said he still holds the same assumption he did earlier in the year: Campaigns are intimidating. “I mean, I think it could be a little bit intimidating. Obviously, if we had one more person who submitted papers during the nomination period this summer, there wouldn’t have even been a campaign,” he said. “But I think for some people, dipping your toe in the water through an appointment process isn’t as intimidating as maybe potentially facing an election or a campaign or something.”
It’s a situation the Templeton CSD board has faced before. It nixed the 2022 election due to another open seat and no one filing papers to run for office.
In hindsight, Briltz said, maybe the district promotes appointments more than elections and inadvertently discourages candidates from running.
“Maybe we’re more aggressive about letting people know there weren’t enough people. So now we need interested parties to raise their hand, and here’s the little process we’re going to go through,” he said. “It’s really simple, right? We just have a little application. … Describe your experience and what makes you interested in that kind of thing, and then come to a meeting and the board makes a recommendation.”
Briltz said it’s possible that residents may not realize there even are elections for the board—after all, it hasn’t appeared on the ballot for four years.
“If you’re newer, maybe the community just didn’t realize how those folks are chosen or maybe thought about it,” Briltz said, adding that CSDs may be a less understood form of government as compared to cities.
To help correct this and potentially inspire residents to run, Briltz said the district has been encouraging residents to join oversight committees since 2023 (applications are now open on the district’s website).
“They don’t meet really very often, like three or four times a year—but the thought was, OK, that’s a way for people to kind of get their toes in the water, learn a little bit about the district, and then maybe down the road, they’ll be more inclined to run,” he said.
Newly appointed board member Tirone said she believes her experience working within mayoral offices and city government will allow her to serve Templeton and maintain and improve the services it values.
When it comes to campaigning and elections, she said it “feels very political.”
“The roles that I played within government were sort of apolitical, and so I see myself more, when I look at my career, as a public servant, more than like a political figure,” she told New Times.
Yet when she heard there was an opening for appointment, she saw it as an opportunity to change the narrative surrounding local elections.
“It caused me to double think my perspective, but I think in general, that also goes to my hope that the board can become a little bit better connected to the residents,” Tirone said. “So that in the future, there is more involvement and participation. And not only does an election seem more appealing and less intimidating, but it also becomes, again, more customary.”
—Libbey Hanson
Cal Poly, Cal Fire partner to bring more trees to disadvantaged California communities
California’s 39 million people don’t have enough shade, something Cal Poly and Cal Fire are partnering to combat. Together, they want to help boost the state’s tree canopy by 10 percent by 2035.
“The idea behind it is that we have hotter and hotter days in California, and we don’t have enough shade, so we call this the heat island effect,” Cal Poly biology sciences professor Jenn Yost said. “It’s where some of the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in California are experiencing the largest burden of climate change and heat-related problems.”
Project plans began after Assembly Bill 2251 passed in June 2022, which aims to promote policies and incentives that advance
improved maintenance of urban forest canopy.
Leading the project with fellow Cal Poly biological sciences professor Matt Ritter, Yost said the collaboration between the university and Cal Fire is called the California Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry (CASP) and will focus on addressing issues of climate change, extreme weather, pollution, and drought in disadvantaged communities.
CASP will use data to measure canopy coverage statewide and identify areas that need improvement, prioritize biodiversity to ensure resilience against disease and environmental stressors, equip cities with goals and actionable strategies to expand the canopy in disadvantaged areas, and engage stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and community impact.
“Trees provide people with all kinds of epic ecosystem services. They provide shade—so the temperature can be 10 degrees cooler if you’re in the shade of a tree versus not,” Yost said. “They do stormwater mitigation, they protect cities from flooding and massive events like that, they provide clean air, they provide habitats for animals.”
Yost said that shady, green, and lush areas are present in wealthier communities, and this project hopes to expand those muchneeded environments to disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“Trees are not just for the rich,” she said. “Some of these areas are concrete jungles, and they are incredibly hot, and those are communities where people walk and use public transportation, and they don’t have any shade on their sidewalks.”
CASP will receive help from Cal Poly’s Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute (UFEI), which has curated tools for the past 20 years to help work with trees.
UFEI is using AI remote sensing to pinpoint every tree in every California city to help locate areas that need more tree canopy.
“We also have tools that can tell you all the trees that are school friendly, and we can coordinate the California Big Tree registry tools that tells you every public tree that’s been inventoried in California,” Yost said.
Cal Poly economics, computer science, geography, biology, environmental management, and forestry students will help to tackle small components of CASP, Yost said.
While the outline of CASP’s plan was originally due to state Legislature by June 2025, Yost said the process has taken longer than expected, and the group is now working on a June 2026 deadline.
In the meantime, Yost said they’re working with the city of SLO on a tree campaign to help encourage a goal of planting 10,000 new trees.
“At Cal Poly, we track all those newly planted trees and count them,” she said. “If somebody plants a tree in their backyard, it counts toward that goal.”
To learn more about California’s trees, visit ufei.calpoly.edu.
—Samantha Herrera
Paso Robles Library to receive its first bookmobile
Paso Robles is going to get its first library on wheels, a bookmobile that will help the City Library further achieve its goal to make books more accessible throughout the community.
At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, the council unanimously voted to accept the gift of a new Ford Transit 350 into its fleet, which was purchased and donated by local nonprofits Paso Robles Library Foundation and Friends of the Paso Robles Library. Community Services Director Angelica Fortin said that the new $74,735 vehicle will help the library to overcome recent “logistical difficulties” it’s faced with its strategic plan—a plan designed to improve library outreach, adopt improved technology, and diversify services to meet the needs of all community groups.
Fortin said that the Paso Robles City Library has tried to operate a functioning mobile library for the past couple of years, providing services to places like the Paso Robles Housing Authority, schools, and home delivery for residents who are medically homebound using an SUV that was previously retired from another department’s fleet.
“This has been very challenging,” she said at the Nov. 19 meeting.
Now that the van has been accepted into the city’s fleet, the city will cover the costs of maintenance, fuel, and keeping the vehicle running, which was already included in the city’s 2024-25 fiscal budget according to the staff report.
However, the van still needs some work to make it an operational library such as a mechanical lift for materials and patrons, shelving, and exterior wrapping. Paso Robles Library Foundation said it intends to help pay for the features, according to its letter included in the staff report.
Fortin told New Times that she hopes the new bookmobile will allow the library to further its mission of providing as many resources as possible to the community which is something the library didn’t have capacity to do before the strategic plan was established in 2022.
“Really we’re just looking to make life better, right?” she said. “Give people some really wonderful quality of life experiences and get resources out to the folks that need and want them.”
The strategic plan has also provided the library with a new specialist dedicated to community outreach, who was hired in 2023. Outreach Services Librarian Taylor Worsham told New Times that the new mobile library will provide resources to areas that may not have otherwise received access.
“The bookmobile is a huge part of that— to go to areas of the city that people who live there can’t necessarily make it to the downtown library. So, we’ll be able to come to them now and expand access to collections and to trusted sources of information, and just see us as librarians as friendly faces,” Worsham said. The bookmobile will run like a classic library, Worsham said. Patrons can sign up for a library card right at the vehicle and check out books stocked from the library in both English and Spanish.
While there isn’t an exact time frame of the vehicle’s completion, Worsham said they hope to have the bookmobile fully operational by June so it can be used for the library’s summer reading program.
The Paso Robles Library Foundation is currently accepting donations for the needed bookmobile features. Donate at prlibraryfoundation.com/donate.
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SAMANTHA HERRERA
Water wars
t’s been an almost 24-month battle between the city of Arroyo Grande and future resident Michael Harris over drilling a water well on his 55-acre property.
City staff originally recommended that the Arroyo Grande City Council deny the project, but Harris fought. In mid-November he finally got the green light to drill.
Harris is no stranger to the county. His grandparents lived in Nipomo, he attended Cal Poly from 1981 until 1986, and his children later followed in his footsteps. Eventually, he wanted to move back from Sacramento and settle down on the Central Coast.
“I had been looking for probably a year and a half for properties where I could build a house, and I eventually found this property,” he told New Times on April 3.
“It’s off Noyes Road and they don’t connect to a city street and there are no city services on the property.”
That’s where his problems began.
Since October 2022 Harris has spoken with city staff about putting a water well on his property, which is at the intersection of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. On March 20, 2023, Harris said he received an email from Arroyo Grande Associate Planner Patrick Hall confirming that his well application would be on the consent agenda at the next council meeting.
“So, they were clearly going to approve it,” he said.
But that didn’t happen.
On May 1, 2023, Harris received an email from Hall claiming that the city decided it wasn’t in its best interest to have a domestic well at that location, so staff recommended against approval.
“I definitely think there is individual discrimination going on for sure,” Harris told New Times in previous reporting. “I think that’s without question; I mean, there’s plenty of proof.”
According to a Feb. 27, staff report, city staff determined that it was both feasible and practical for Harris to connect to the city’s water supply because his property is adjacent to the city’s Reservoir No. 5, a 1.2 million gallon above-ground storage tank.
The city also said that a residential water service connection couldn’t be made directly to the city-owned water main from the tank. But, the city added, a connection could be made on Harris’ property line.
“The connection from Reservoir No. 5 to Mr. Harris’ property would be approximately 50 feet in length along generally level land, with minimal surface restrictions,” the staff report reads.
Harris said it wasn’t “feasible and practical” for him to connect to city water and having to do so would result in a financial blow. He said his land, which slopes up 30 degrees, houses dozens of protected oak trees and resistant sandstone. Harris said it would cost him around $300,000 to dig a trench to connect his property to city water.
“[They] asked us all this information about
our cause and about why it’s not practical and feasible, and we provided all of that. Now they’re saying we don’t have to consider you,” he told New Times in April.
According to the Feb. 27 staff report, city staff bases what’s practical and feasible on what it would cost the city to reasonably provide a domestic water service connection from the city water line to a private property.
“Staff does not believe practicality and feasibility criteria should be based upon the private property owner’s costs associated with installing domestic water service, nor should it be based solely on the topography of the site,” the staff report stated.
Since 2017, the city has looked at four factors when considering a domestic well application: the distance from existing municipal water infrastructure, any necessary infrastructure improvements, any easements that might be needed to connect to the municipal water supply, and whether the proposed water connection is located outside city limits.
There have only been three domestic well applications since 2017, and the city said none of them considered the applicant’s cost, the staff report stated.
During a May 28, 2024, City Council meeting, Harris again reminded the council that connecting to city water wasn’t feasible for him because much of his property contains oak trees protected by the Arroyo Grande municipal code in the community tree program.
“The report that I paid for from the arborist covers in detail the impacts to the trees, but that’s not only impacts and their impacts to wildlife, but then of course erosion,” he said during the meeting. “I think the environmental impacts are significant,”
Many community members following his case voiced their support for him, including Shannon Kessler, who said she saw it as a personal attack on Harris’ property rights.
“I’m also curious why the prior wells were approved, since from what I saw they were mostly [agricultural] wells, which are more intensive and have more of an effect on the water table than domestic wells,” she said.
The proposed well site also sits outside the adjudicated Santa Maria Groundwater Basin and is located in the Los Robles Aquifer. Staff said there’s no anticipated interference or depletion to the city’s system from the requested well, according to the Feb. 27 staff report.
During the May 28 meeting, City Council decided to approve the well application but with 15 conditions that Harris would have to follow.
Shortly after receiving the conditions, Harris hired legal representation claiming that a number of the permit conditions were unwarranted and should be struck. In a June 19 letter to Arroyo Grande City Attorney Isaac Rosen, Harris’ lawyer, Paul Beard II from Pierson Ferdinand, claimed that seven of the conditions were “unlawful.”
The letter stated that three of the conditions were unique to Harris—that no other similar well permit contained such conditions.
According to a May 28 staff report, condition 6 states that this approval is only valid for the construction of a single-family home. Any additional development would require connection to city water. Condition 7 states that the well application is only valid for the existing parcel, and condition 13 states that with additional development, Harris must return to the City Council for a new hearing and approval to use the well.
“Conditions 6, 7, and 13 create barriers to further residential development that state law affirmatively encourages,” Harris’ attorney’s letter states.
Staff met with Harris and his lawyer multiple times between July and September to negotiate the permit’s conditions, according to a Nov. 12 staff report. They agreed to consolidate conditions 6 and 7; remove 13; remove 9, which required the well to have a backflow device; remove 14, which required the well to comply with applicable state or federal law; and revise 15 to say that the well would be subject to city penalties.
The City Council approved the permit with revised conditions. ∆ Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.
DENSE OAK FOREST Michael Harris recently received approval—after a two-year dispute with Arroyo Grande—to build a domestic well on his 55-acre property filled with dozens of protected oak trees.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL HARRIS
Women in harmony
San Luis Obispo County ladies nurturing hopes of being choral singers now have a chance to try their luck.
Canzona Women’s Ensemble, which has been spotlighting women for 15 years, is now holding auditions on Dec. 5 and 7 in SLO and Shell Beach, respectively, for its spring concert called Embracing the Earth.
“You know, there have always been women composers, and we’ve highlighted women from the Renaissance and even earlier than that,” Canzona Artistic Director and CoConductor Cricket Handler said. “But I think now there’s such a huge body of music by women composers to choose from, and it just seems an appropriate thing for us to be doing as an all-female ensemble.”
Even the name “Canzona” has a woman’s touch. It’s the feminine Italian term for “song.” The choir’s other artistic director and co-conductor, Jill Anderson, nominated it as the group’s name. She cofounded the Pacific Repertory Opera—now called Opera SLO, served as its artistic director until 2008, and established the women’s ensemble with Handler in 2009.
“Really, at the beginning, Jill was able to bring many singers to us because of her work with the opera company,” Handler said.
Now in its 16th season, the choir comprising roughly two dozen women between the ages of 20 and 80, treats the county to a fall concert and a spring concert every year. A highlight of the choir is its attempt to feature at least one or more female composers at each of its concerts. According to Canzona’s website, barely 5 percent of classical concerts around the globe included works by a female composer in their 2018 and 2019 seasons.
“Let’s face it, in the world of music, women have been somewhat subjugated,” Handler said. “Nowadays, many women are trained as composers, and so they’re out there working, and we’re trying to do a lot of contemporary female composers, as well as Renaissance and 19th century female composers. … When I was in school, I was not particularly pushed to be a conductor, although there were women conducting women’s and children’s ensembles.”
Some of the group’s beloved composers include Joan Szymko from the Pacific Northwest, 19th century musician Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Cornell’s Elizabeth Alexander, and Kansas City’s Emma Lou Diemer.
For its spring concert, the ensemble roped in a local nonprofit to match the program’s theme.
“We happen to know the woman who is the president of the board of the Land Conservancy,” Handler said. “The theme of nature and embracing the earth is so broad, it really gives us a lot of flexibility for choosing repertoire, and it’s an opportunity to highlight an organization that maybe shares some of our values in the community. Then get new people to know who we are, and also get our audience knowing more about the Land Conservancy and the theme of embracing the earth.”
Auditions are open to women with previous choral experience who are eager to showcase their vocal abilities. Auditions will consist of a prepared solo piece of the singer’s choice, some sight-reading exercises, and vocal range exploration. Once selected, singer dues are $50 for each concert semester. Singers are also responsible for assembling their own concert attire.
The spring concert is slated for March 9 at the United Methodist Church. To schedule an audition or for more information, interested singers can visit the Canzona Women’s Ensemble website at canzonawomen.org/ audition.html.
“Thank goodness we came through COVID. Honestly, all the choirs had to make it through two years of either trying to sing online or come up with these virtual performances where each of us was recording our part in our own home, and then a technician was putting it all together,” Anderson said. “We were very fortunate that our audience stuck with us, and it’s stronger than ever. And our choir has grown too.”
Fast fact
• Paso Robles Plumbing, Heating, and Air is giving back to the community by offering 100 free smoke detectors to senior citizens age 65 and older during free Santa Safety Check appointments. As part of their Santa Safety Check, Paso Robles Plumbing, Heating, and Air will send a technician to inspect current smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, gas lines, and furnaces for safety concerns. Additionally, the company will provide one Kidde smoke detector at no charge to qualifying senior households and replace the batteries in any existing detectors. Senior citizens 65 and older can call the local office at (805) 238-7093 to schedule their safety check and receive a new smoke detector and battery replacements. ∆
Reach Staff Writer bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
STEADY PITCH Canzona Women’s Ensemble successfully survived the rocky years of the COVID19 pandemic and is now looking for new singers for its December concert.
PHOTO COURTESY
BY RICHARD SCHMIDT
Wrong side of ADA
SLO has forgotten about its senior and disabled pedestrians
What sort of city would toss its frail senior and disabled pedestrians under the bus?
Unfortunately, that’s the sort of city San Luis Obispo has become.
What follows is an account of a citizen’s raising safety and disability concerns with our city and how the city responded.
There’s no better illustration of our city’s uncaring for its most vulnerable adults than the story of the mid-block pedestrian crossing on Ramona Drive linking The Village, SLO’s largest senior residence, with neighborhood shopping across the street.
Mid-block pedestrian crossings are notoriously dangerous. Some three decades ago, SLO installed the safest mid-block Village crossing possible—a well-marked raised crossing with flashing lights. The raised crossing was a speed table that forced vehicles to slow at the point of crossing. Curb extensions (bulb-outs) on both ends shortened the space pedestrians were in traffic lanes. And since the crossing was at sidewalk level, not vehicular level, pedestrians were not only more visible to drivers but could cross without negotiating curbs or sloping curb ramps, which are fall hazards for seniors, and in rainy weather could avoid puddles and slippery gutter slosh—another fall hazard.
This was an action by a smart and caring city (financed in part by a Village resident’s donation) and served safely for decades, until a year ago when, as part of the Anholm bikeway, it was removed, with no prior public disclosure or discussion.
Today that safe crossing is history. The
raised sidewalk-level crossing is gone, replaced by a vehicular-level crossing that makes pedestrians less visible to drivers. The bulb-out on the Village end is gone, replaced by a curb ramp that lowers the entire sidewalk into a concrete ditch at gutter level, so the sidewalk floods and fills with mud and debris even in small storms, making a treacherous mess for wobbly pedestrians and a nuisance for all. A wiggle in the traffic lanes diverts vehicles over the former bulb-out’s location, next to the curb, to within inches of a waiting pedestrian’s toes—vehicles including semis and buses, thus a senior’s slip and fall on the muddy pathway could literally land them “under the bus.”
Instead of the crossing being atop a vehicle-slowing speed table, as before, there are two new speed humps several hundred feet in either direction, the effect of which seems to be to encourage vehicles to speed up at the crossing, in haste to get to the next hump.
There is no longer an ADA-compliant crossing that avoids mud and puddles. I’ve watched folks with walkers figure out their own makeshift solutions. One fellow stepped off the curb some distance from the muddy ramp—that is, he stepped over the curb as he would have to do if there were no ramp at all. He also couldn’t activate the crossing lights because their push button was across the flooded and muddy section of sidewalk. A lady with a walker did similar maneuvers up and over a curb on the opposite side of Ramona to avoid puddles.
Although both sets of SLO City Councilapproved Anholm bikeway plans showed the decades-old raised crossing remaining, about a year ago it became clear to me from observing early construction that wasn’t happening. So I asked questions at City Hall and confirmed the intent to remove the raised crossing.
Since this was contrary to councilapproved plans, as well as an obvious affront to the Americans With Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law, I decided to approach then City Manager Derek Johnson asking for the raised crossing be kept. So on June 26 of last year I sent Johnson and Public Works Director Matt Horn a 12-page illustrated letter detailing the merits of the raised crossing and the problems with the city’s planned changes.
“I am confident,” I wrote, “that after reading this letter thoughtfully, the city will realize removing the raised crossing is a mistaken move, and that keeping and enhancing it is not only the right thing to do for pedestrian safety and to preserve the robust existing level of ADA accommodations but also the only decent thing to do.”
Ironically, my letter arrived the day the raised crossing was removed.
I also requested a brief meeting with Johnson to plead for common decency toward our neighborhood’s large elderly and disabled population, and to state that I came in good will, not hostility. I thought this would lead to a quiet resolution rather than necessitate a public fuss. My records show a dozen attempts to set up that meeting. It never took place; Johnson couldn’t be bothered.
Last fall, however, my request was punted to then Assistant City Manager Whitney McDonald (now the city manager), who convened a meeting of myself, herself, Horn, and a city engineer. The meeting was cordial but worthless since it rehashed points already hashed out, which city staff had already made clear they wouldn’t budge on.
Throughout the winter I sent emails with photos of ADA problems created by bikeway “improvements” to McDonald and Horn, and asked for fixes. No response. In February
What are you thankful for this year?
48% Family and friends, and the holidays that bring us together.
38% The end of election season!
14% The new year just ahead.
0% Black Friday deals everywhere!
2024 I asked McDonald and Horn if the city had any intention of fixing the Village crossing. No response. In May I repeated that question: “Does the city intend to respond to these problems with fixes?” No response.
I contacted the City Council several times. No response. Recently, I laid out for the council a detailed account of this civic meanness and ADA violation, asking that they intervene. No response.
Silence, however, is a response. It signals that even when substantive problems are graphically brought to the city’s attention, the city doesn’t care. It’s not just the Village crossing where city indifference to proper implementation of ADA guidelines has failed, but a broad city-wide indifference and incomprehension as to why it is necessary, decent, and only fair to implement them. From all indications, despite its proADA publicity statements, our city, from top down, just doesn’t care. Which puts it on the wrong side of human kindness, as well as of the law. ∆
Richard Schmidt writes to New Times from San Luis Obispo. Send a comment in response by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.
HODIN
Russell Hodin
Legal schmegal
Bad news, stoners. Weed in California is illegal! According to California’s Second Appellate District Court decision in JCCrandall LLC v. County of Santa Barbara, “We regret to inform that cannabis is illegal in California because federal law says so.” Ruh roh!
Before you get too freaked out, potheads, local authorities don’t seem to care … well, except for North County 1st District Supervisor John Peschong who questioned its legality during a recent board meeting discussing cannabis in the county.
If it isn’t, what are you guys even doing? Because the SLO County Board of Supervisors continues to make pot plans. In a 3-2 vote, the board directed staff to figure out how to revise the coastal zone land use ordinance to allow brick-and-mortar dispensaries in coastal cities. Gotta get that sweet reefer tax money, baby!
But what about the inland areas and all those uptight conservatives? They need to rip fat bong loads more than anybody, amirite?
In Nipomo, 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding questioned whether it was legal to make land use changes for coastal areas only, which led Deputy County Counsel Brian Stack to note that the county likes its land use ordinances to be consistent across the county.
“You’d have to justify why you were picking, say, the coastal zone over the inland zone,” County Counsel Rita Neal
elaborated. “Certainly, you could say, ‘We’re going to try it.’”
Let’s face it. Many of the county’s more conservative communities don’t want pot shops, period, and certainly don’t want them in their towns, so the supervisors and staff will probably need to tie themselves into legal knots to approve cannabis dispensaries in some areas and not in others.
This would be an easily solved problem if the federal government would pull its head out of its ass and retract its racist, misguided policy that keeps cannabis illegal. By the way, cannabis use recently eclipsed alcohol in the number of daily users—17.7 million daily or near daily pot users versus 14.7 million daily or near daily drinkers. Yet the Devil’s Lettuce remains a Schedule I drug alongside heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and peyote. Shit, cocaine is only Schedule II!
Prohibition never works, and despite the appellate court’s recent ruling, the Cheshire Cannabis Cat is out of the bag in California and the 23 other states where it’s recreationally legal. Smoke ’em if you got ’em.
What happens when property rights collide with bureaucracy? You get a two-year legal nightmare and a “compromise” that like most compromises leaves a bitter taste. Future Arroyo Grande resident Michael Harris is the unhappy recipient of this
Kafkaesque travail. The former Cal Poly student whose grandparents lived in Nipomo decided to relocate from Sacramento to the Central Coast, and he found his dream property—55 acres of oak-dappled bliss—in Arroyo Grande at the intersection of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way.
Because there are no city services connected to the property, he’s now spent nearly 24 months petitioning the city for permission to dig a well.
Seems simple enough, right? Not so fast, drill-baby-drill. The city decided to reject Harris’ application, and in a Feb. 27, 2024, staff report, city staff determined that it was both “feasible and practical” for Harris to connect to the city’s water supply. Not so fast, petty bureaucrats. Harris said it’s anything but “feasible and practical,” and he argued it would set him back about $300K to trench a connection, plus there are a bunch of protected oak trees and resistant sandstone in the way, not to mention the 30-degree slope.
“Staff does not believe practicality and feasibility criteria should be based upon the private property owner’s costs associated with installing domestic water service, nor should it be based solely on the topography of the site,” the staff report stated.
Staff seems kind of dickish, if you ask me.
Harris hired an arborist to prove trees and wildlife would be impacted if he were forced to connect to the city water supply, not to mention the resulting erosion.
He went before the city again to appeal his application, and in the May 28 meeting, the Arroyo Grande City Council approved the well application with 15 additional conditions.
The decision was a real “good news bad news” affair because he could dig his well, but the conditions were beyond burdensome, so Harris did what every proud city-hall fighter would do. He lawyered up. His attorney, Paul Beard II of Pierson Ferdinand LLP, fired off a letter to Arroyo Grande City Attorney Isaac Rosen to not only cry foul on the 15 conditions but also to argue that nearly half of them were “unlawful.”
Harris might be forgiven for thinking this was more than bureaucratic overreach.
“I definitely think there is individual discrimination going on for sure,” Harris told New Times earlier this year. “I think that’s without question; I mean, there’s plenty of proof.”
Basically, the proof is that other well applications to the city didn’t result in approvals littered with all the conditions demanded of Harris. In more “good and bad” news, the city has since revised Harris’ permit by consolidating or removing some of the conditions, and city council approved the well. Let’s hope Harris’ well water tastes sweeter than the process to access it. ∆
The Shredder reminds you to hydrate. Tell it it’s all wet at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
ALL ABOARD
The historic Santa Margarita Ranch presents its second annual Christmas at the Ranch, which is scheduled to run each weekend through Sunday, Dec. 22. This festive, family-friendly program includes a train ride to Santa’s Village, where riders disembark to enjoy various holiday festivities, including visits with Santa, pony rides, games, a magic show, and more. Tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com. Visit christmasatthemargarita.com for more info.
—Caleb Wiseblood
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARTS-N-CRAFTS WEEKLY HAPPY
HOUR Learn how to watercolor, sew, knit, collage, and to create beautiful pieces in a relaxing and supportive environment. Occurs most Fridays. Fridays, 5 p.m. through Dec. 20 my805tix.com. Lor
Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: AQUARIUS 2025
WATERMEDIA EXHIBIT Aquarius 2025
presented by Central Coast Watercolor Society seeks California artists working in all watermedia for this prestigious annual juried exhibit. Submissions open Dec. 1 and close on Jan. 5. Exhibit runs Feb. 20 through Mar.31, 2025 at Art Center Morro Bay. See website for full info. Through Jan. 5, 2025 $25-$65. ccwsart.com/aquarius-2025-prospectus.
Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.
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.
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. Thursdays-Sundays,
11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 29 Free admission. (559) 799-9632. facebook. com/costagallery. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
LIGHT AND SHADOWS: A PAINTING HOLIDAY GROUP SHOW A fine art paintings holiday group show featuring Joan Brown, Virginia Mack, Pat Newton, Atul Pande, Sandra Sanders, Jose Silva, and Jamey Tobey. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
OIL PAINTING DEMONSTRATION WITH KEN CHRISTENSEN Christensen is a painter, writer, teacher, puppeteer, and world traveler. He has written novels, memoirs, and children’s books. Dec. 9 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
A SHERLOCK CAROL A musical staged reading from By The Sea Productions. Dec. 13-15 my805tix.com/. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
WINTER FAIRE AND JURIED CRAFT
SHOW A collection of festive holiday treasures curated by the Morro Bay Art Association. Through Jan. 6, 2025 Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504, artcentermorrobay.org.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
MURDER MYSTERY, MYSTERY MURDER
Written by Ben Abbott. Directed by Marcy
Keyser-Goodnow. This original murder mystery comedy was written for the Paso High Theatre Company. The show takes place at a murder mystery dinner party that goes wrong. Can you guess the killer? Dec. 6 , 7:30-9:30 p.m., Dec. 7 7:30-9:30 p.m., Dec. 8 2-4 p.m., Dec. 13 7:30-9:30 p.m., Dec. 14 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 2-4 p.m. $15. Paso Robles High School, 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, 769-1500, pasoschools.org/prhs.
BEGINNER HOLIDAY SCRAPBOOKING
WORKSHOP Have you always wanted to learn to scrapbook but didn’t know where to start? Now is the perfect time to learn. Dec. 14 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Craft Crop Create Studios, 4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
CHRISTMAS SANTA WALL HANGING
CRAFT All supplies will be provided to complete this adorable Santa. You can choose your own colors, greenery, ribbon, and embellishments to make a unique Christmas decoration for yourself or to give as a gift. Dec. 5 , 5:30-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Craft Crop Create Studios, 4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
DECEMBER CRAFT AND CROP ALL DAY
EVENT Includes continental breakfast and dinner. Come bring your own craft project you have been wanting to work on. Dec. 14 9 a.m.-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Craft Crop Create Studios, 4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
FIRST SATURDAY: WINE, ART, AND MUSIC Studios on the Park celebrates First Saturdays, a fun tradition of art, wine, and live music-filled evenings at the start of each month. Enjoy meeting artists and seeing rotating exhibitions while enjoying live music and wine from one of the venue’s winery partners. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free; $10 for wine. (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. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING OPEN HOUSE AND WORKSHOP Make up to 12 unique holiday cards. No card making experience is required. Holiday snacks and drinks provided. Dec. 12 5:30-8:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Craft Crop Create Studios, 4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIRE With more than 20 local makers, who will offer a wide variety of gifts and ornaments (and there’s a bake sale too). Benefits the Friends of the Library. Dec. 7 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita, (805) 438-9981.
HOLIDAY GLOW AT SENSORIO Wander through dazzling light displays and soak in the festive atmosphere as art, music, and holiday magic come together to create lasting memories. ThursdaysSundays, 4:30-9 p.m. through Jan. 6 $30, $45 or $110 for adults; $15, $22, or $85 for children. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso. com/sensorio-celebrations. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING OPEN HOUSE Includes all of the supplies you will need to make up to five holiday ornaments. Dec. 7 11 a.m.-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Craft Crop Create Studios,
4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero. MID-STATE FAIR MARKET The MidState Fair Market at the Paso Robles Event Center features local crafters and artisans selling handmade and unique items. Find jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, handmade eats, used items, and more. Dec. 13 12-4 p.m., Dec. 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 15 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 239-0655. midstatefair.com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THE 28TH ANNUAL NORTH COUNTY NUTCRACKER Presented by North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation. Dec. 6-8 Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-7113.
CAPTURING THE MAGIC OF COWBOY COUNTRY An equestrian photography exhibit featuring authentic cowboys and cowgirls horse wrangling, galloping, and traversing the foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming in winter. Through Jan. 15, 2025 (805) 423-6427. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
A CHRISTMAS STORY Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus. Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 22 $20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep. org/.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
HO HO HOLIDAYS For ages 18 and over. Get ready for a holiday-themed show
filled with big candy canes, sparkling snowflakes, and plenty to unwrap. Dec. 8 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
HOLIDAY SUCCULENT WREATHS
Celebrate the holidays with a beautiful hand-made succulent wreath, to decorate your table or home for the holidays, or to give as a gift. Dec. 8 , 10 a.m.-noon $75 with additional $15 materials fee. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/ event/holiday-succulent-trees/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
ILLUSTRATING WITH WATERCOLOR MARKERS AND INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Learn to create vibrant, colorful illustrations using watercolor markers and ink pens. Ages 6 years and older are welcome. Dec. 14 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25. (840) 206-8223. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV SHOWS Hosted by Central Coast Comedy Theater. Second Friday of every month my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
ORNAMENTS AND OIL WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Unleash your creativity in a warm Christmas art studio atmosphere. Participants will enjoy a delightful Christmas tree cheese board appetizer paired with seasonal cocktails, all included in the price. No painting experience necessary. Dec. 8 , 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. (805) 703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH
month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE
FOR ADULTS
Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Features
a wintry yet ultimately heartwarming retelling of A Christmas Carol which is followed by a fractured fairy tale opera parody and the Melodrama’s signature holiday vaudeville review. Through Dec. 31 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
IMPROV TASTER Curious about improv?
Want to give it a try? This one-hour class provides a taste of what unscripted theater is all about. Dec. 15 2-3 p.m. $5. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN
Enjoy a screening of the 1993 classic animated film from writer and producer Tim Burton. Dec. 13 6-9 p.m. my805tix. com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Enjoy holiday shopping, food, drinks, music, and an afternoon of fun featuring handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local makers, artisans, and curators.
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 779-1414. DiscoverOceanoCa.com. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano.
SECOND SATURDAY IMPROV MEETUP
Ever wanted to try improv? Are you an experienced player looking to stretch, or a curious newbie? Come play short form games and share smiles. Dec. 14 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Flex Performing Arts Studio (Studio D), 1820 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
STORYTELLERS Flex’s original holiday production is an enchanting and breathtaking family adventure story. Laugh, cry, and cheer as you become immersed in the magic. Impressive set pieces, beautiful costumes, talented local performers, and a heartwarming story will be sure to leave you in the holiday spirit. Dec. 6 7-10 p.m., Dec. 7 7-10 p.m. and Dec. 8 , 2-5 p.m. $52.50-$73.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ flex-storytellers/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Cambria Christmas Market, a dazzling winter wonderland, open most dates between late November and late December. Stroll through more than 3 million lights, meet Santa, explore an authentic German vendor market, and savor festive food and drink. Through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. $25-$40. (800) 966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket.com/. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
CAYUCOS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Features carolers, refreshments, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dec. 8 5 p.m. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO 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 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CHRISTMAS IN CAYUCOS:
WONDERLAND WALK A fun and festive yearly tradition in downtown Cayucos, along Ocean Avenue. Enjoy dining, shopping, and merriment. Dec. 14 , 5-8 p.m. cayucoschamber.com. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.
CROWN CHAKRA SOUND JOURNEY AND JOURNALING The next class in a transformational series to foster inner harmony; a journey back to wholeness, vitality, and inner peace. Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
DISCOVERY SATURDAYS Join the Coastal Discovery Center crew in discovering the wonders of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is no reservation required and these events are free and fun for all the family to experience. Dec. 7 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Dec. 14 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 801-0773. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon. HOLIDAYS IN CAMBRIA VILLAGE This seasonal extravaganza will have open houses at businesses throughout town, a special tree lighting, free hot cocoa, flashmob dancing, holiday music, and more. Dec. 6 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-3624. cambriachamber.org/holidays-incambria-village/. Cambria (various venues), Citywide, Cambria.
FESTIVE FUSIONS
Glasshead Studio in Atascadero will host its Holiday Ornament Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants can look forward to creating three fused glass ornaments of their own, while using pre-cut glass shapes, colored glass, and other materials. Registration is $65. To find out more about the workshop, visit glassheadstudio.com.
—C.W.
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Features
dazzling boats decorated by members of the local fishing, leisure, and yachting community. The parade will happen rain or shine. Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay.
MEDITATE WITH DAWN A semi-private experience guided by Dawn Feuerberg, who will prompt you to meditate with cues that encourage you to tune into your breathing, absorb your surroundings and physical sensations, and stay present in the here and now. Dec. 13 , 10-11:15 a.m. my805tix.com. Beach Day Use Area, 21 24th St., Cayucos.
MORRO BAY HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Festivities start at 3:30 p.m., leading up to the tree lighting at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 , 5 p.m. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.
ONE HEART, ONE VOICE SONG CIRCLE Flow in harmony, peace, and well-being. Dec. 6 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
SANTA’S HOUSE ON THE
EMBARCADERO Get a fun pic with St. Nick during the first two weeks of December. Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay.
SHAMANIC MORNING RITUALS FOR VITALITY Be guided into intentional movement, laughter, earthing practices, and gratitude rituals while connecting with nature and the sacred Morro Bay rock. Dec. 14 , 8:30-9:45 a.m. my805tix. com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay. SLO CAL OPEN SURF COMPETITION The
World Surf League will host this event at The Rock in Morro Bay. Dec. 5 , Dec. 6 Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 Free. morrobay.org. Morro Bay Rock, Coleman Drive, Morro Bay.
SUNDAY SLOW FLOW (QI GONG AND SOUND JOURNEY) Hosted by the Central Coast Body Therapy Center. Visit site for tickets and more info. Dec. 15 my805tix. com/. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
WINTER FULL MOON RITUALS FOR RENEWAL As the Winter Solstice approaches, harness the full moon energy to reflect on the past year, and set powerful intentions for 2025. Dec. 15 , 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. 9th Limb Yoga, 845 Napa Ave., Morro Bay, (415) 852-1787.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
38TH ANNUAL VINE STREET
VICTORIAN SHOWCASE Featured characters include Ebenezer Scrooge, the Snow Queen, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more. There’ll be floats, live music, and additional entertainment to look forward to. Dec. 14 , 6-9 p.m. Vine Street, Multiple venues, Paso Robles.
63RD ANNUAL PASO ROBLES
CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE Embrace the holiday spirit with this illuminated parade, which features an array of light spectacles created by local businesses. Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Downtown City Park, 11th and Spring St., Paso Robles.
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.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH The Central Coast’s newest holiday tradition for the whole family is back for the second season. Features train rides, meet-ups with Santa, and more. Through Dec. 22 my805tix.com. Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Ave, Santa Margarita.
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.
HEART HARMONY: SOUND BATH, CACAO, AND ANIMALS Enjoy an afternoon of sound healing, cacao, and animal connection with horses and goats. Dec. 7, 2:30-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Private ranch, Address revealed to attendees, Paso Robles.
LIGHT UP THE DOWNTOWN
ATASCADERO Shops will be open late during this holiday celebration, which includes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, wine and beer tastings, and more. Dec. 6 , 5:30-8 p.m. Downtown Atascadero, Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people?
Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
THROTTLE FOR STOCKINGS BIKE
SHOW Bring a stuffed stocking for the homeless or donate $20 (donations made day-of qualify you for the raffle to win a helmet). Dec. 14 my805tix.com. Blast 825 (Atascadero), 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
WINTER WONDERLAND The entire downtown area will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise, with more than 70 tons of snow. Dec. 13 , 5-9 p.m. Sunken Gardens, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
48TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE The annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade has drawn thousands to downtown San Luis Obispo since 1976. Held on the first Friday in December, the parade has become a much-loved holiday tradition along the Central Coast, for locals and visitors alike. With nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, and more. Dec. 6 7 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/ holidays/holidayparade. Downtown San Luis Obispo, Corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 549-0355.
BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC A sneakily fun workout. Build whole-body strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary.
For ages 5 to 17. Dec. 14 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. BUILD BEDS WITH SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE Help build 100 beds with SHP and the Home Depot for kids in need. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. No cost; donations accepted. (805) 423-1180. shpbeds.org. The Home Depot, 1551 Froom Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo.
CALRTA GENERAL MEETING AND HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Enjoy a “Journey Back in Time” with Santa and his Elf. Contact Laura Trembly for menu and to RSVP. Dec. 12 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 (RSVP By Dec. 2). (805) 748-6853. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. 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.
FIVE ELEMENT TEA AND WISDOM COURSE: SEASONAL LIVING FROM TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Intentionally explore Winter’s water energies through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine, the Taoist five elements, and Cha Dao. Dec. 8 , 9:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. $90. (619) 807-7006. inariteaart. com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE: ELF Doors open at 7 p.m. Open to all ages. Dec. 14 7 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
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. FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in Santa Barbara County and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 12-18. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Dec. 13 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. GYM JAM AND OPEN PLAY CLINIC Includes one hour of progressive gymnastics skill training, and one hour of open play. No experience necessary. For ages 5 to 17. Dec. 7, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLASSHEAD STUDIO
(805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: WINTER
KINGDOM Drop your kids off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off. For ages 4 to 13. 4-13. No gymnastics experience necessary. Dec. 14 5-9:30 p.m. $50-$70. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NATURE NIGHTS 2024 Come see what’s going on at Nature Nights, a holiday light festival featuring live music, local food vendors, and beverages like beer and wine. Also features a local artisan marketplace. Dec. 6 , 5-8 p.m., Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m., Dec. 13 , 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 14 5-8 p.m. $28 adults. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
PEARL HARBOR DAY REMEMBRANCE
FOR GENEALOGISTS A tour of the Central Coast Veterans Museum followed by a lecture regarding the events leading up to and occurring at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free reservations at slocgs. org. (805) 543-1763. slocgs.org/event/
PearlHarborDayRememberanceDay forgenealogists. Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance for Genealogists at the Central Coast Veterans Museum, 801 Grand Ave., suite 102, San Luis Obispo.
PICTURES WITH SURFER SANTA
Make a splash at the SLO Swim Center with underwater pictures with Santa. Wear your festive holiday swimsuit and goggles, and enjoy additional holiday activities during the event. Dec. 14 , 2:30-4:30 p.m. $5 (includes picture and activities). (805) 781-7284. sloswimcenter. org. SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., 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.
QUEER JOY GOGO DANCE PARTY
Remember to bring dollar bills to tip the performers. For ages 21 and over. Dec. 7 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
REINDEER RUN 5K FUN RUN This
December run brings community members together to celebrate the winter season and raise money for SLO County Friday Night Live youth development programming. Dec. 7, 9-11:30 a.m. $25. slofnl.com/reindeer-run. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.
WINTER QI GONG AND MEDITATIVE TEA
CEREMONY An invitation to embrace the slow, inward flow of nature’s winter energies with gentle movements followed by the calming practice of tea. Dec. 13 5:30-7:30 p.m. $50. (619) 807-7006. inariteaart.com. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
YOGA’SSAGE A healing collaboration of gentle restorative yoga and massage with intention for relaxation and nervous system regulation. No yoga experience needed. Dec. 8 4-5:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join Dan to learn about the beavers in the Oceano Lagoon. All ages are welcome. RSVP by calling. Dec. 7 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
ART IN THE PARK HOLIDAY MARKET
Dozens of local vendors will be selling beautiful handmade items perfect for gifts or to treat yourself. Shop local. Dec.
7 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
ELEGANT EVENING: HISTORIC VILLAGE OF ARROYO GRANDE Celebrate the season while you tour the Village, do some holiday shopping, and enjoy local fare, live music, and spirits. Dec. 8 , 5-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.
FRIENDS OF OCEANO AIRPORT’S 15TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS Described as the largest toy collection in SLO County. This annual event supports the Salvation Army. Dec. 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 709-6619. friendsofoceanoairport.com/. Oceano Airport L52, 561 Air Park Dr., Oceano.
FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH All yoga levels are welcome and encouraged. Dec. 15 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
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.
OCEANO HAPPY AND BRIGHT: HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST No entry is necessary. Drive-around judging will occur during this period. Visit website for category details and more info. Dec. 12-18 VACO805.Org. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano, (805) 489-5446. 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.
SANTA CLAUS AT THE OCEANO DEPOT MUSEUM A free event, hosted by the Vitality Advisory Council of Oceano. Features music, refreshments, and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The host committee also will accept the donation of unwrapped toys (for kids up to age 16) for the community’s annual program of giving. Dec. 8 4-6 p.m. VACO805.Org. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano, (805) 489-5446.
SANTA CLAUS: HISTORIC VILLAGE OF ARROYO GRANDE Santa is returning to the Village of Arroyo Grande for holiday
visits, with special appearances by Mrs. Claus. Saturdays, Sundays, 1-4 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. through Dec. 22 my805tix.com. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA’S DOGGIE PARADE This year’s parade participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande. The costume contest categories are: best dog costume, best dog/owner look alike, best holiday look, funniest costume, and best in show. Dec. 14 11 a.m.-noon my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
SURFING GOATS Come check out the surfing goats with a show-and-tell at the Discovery Center. Dec. 7, 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 473-1421. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
NAUGHTY OR NICE: A HOLIDAY DRAG
BALL Join Mirame Entertainment for a fun one-night only benefit performance to support the Santa Maria Civic Theatre. Register early. VIP seating available. Dec. 6 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
SOLVANG TROLLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHT
TOUR Guests will tour the lights of the Santa Ynez Valley, passing through decorated neighborhoods and past illuminated storefronts, all aboard one of Solvang’s recognizable Trolleys. Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 29 Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COOKIES AND COCOA WITH SANTA
Enjoy a magical holiday experience at Cambria Nursery. This family-friendly event is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Only 36 spots available. Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. through Dec. 21 $20. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS
MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises. com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY
Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, (805) 400-4542. OUT AND SAVVY HOLIDAY BRUNCH
A holiday brunch party with live music and more, where attendees are encouraged to don their best and/or ugliest Christmas sweaters. Dec. 8 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. my805tix.com. Mirazur Restaurant, 1365 2nd St., Los Osos, (805) 439-0058.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/tin-city-walking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DECEMBER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The winery is excited to preview its inaugural 2023 Sparkling Rosé and offer tastings of its new release red wines, fresh oysters, and some holiday wine deals. Dec. 7 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Members: Complimentary (2); General Public: $30. (805) 467-0014. villasanjuliette.com/ events/decemberrelease/. Villa San Juliette Winery, 6385 Cross Canyons Rd, San Miguel.
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-1167.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS All the improv you see will be on the spot from your audience suggestions. First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. (805) 540-8300. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo.
NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special musiconly trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SLO GRANGE HALL PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice and coffee; all for a low suggested donation price of $10, with proceeds to benefit SLO Grange Hall 639. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. WEDNESDAY PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking caps as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing. com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
SANTA’S PALO MESA PIZZA PARTY Visit Santa and enjoy delicious, award-winning pizza generously provided by Palo Mesa Pizza. Dec. 15 1-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande. TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆
Arts
Exit Pursued by a Bear presents Turkey Boy at the SLO Library
Performances of Turkey Boy:
A Christmas Carol Addendum will be held in the San Luis Obispo Library’s Community Room on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. on both evenings.
Written by Orcutt local Weston Eric Scott, this original play follows a child actor who has played Tiny Tim in his local community theater’s production of A Christmas Carol four years in a row.
But after botching his latest audition, he loses the coveted role to another kid and is subsequently cast as a character with less stage time—the young boy Scrooge tasks to buy a turkey for him on Christmas Day. In response, he vows revenge on his peer and other members of the theater.
Admission to the show, presented by Exit Pursued by a Bear, is free. For more info on the production, email bearpursuedexit@gmail.com or message the theater group via Instagram, @bearpursuedexit.
Founded by Kristie Siebert and Tyler Lopez, Exit Pursued by a Bear has hosted various foundspace theater productions—in nontraditional spaces not usually intended for live theater—in cities across the Central Coast, including Arroyo Grande, Shell Beach, Oceano, and Solvang.
“We have performed in backyards, public parks, and other community spaces, warehouses, kitchens,” Lopez told New Times in 2023.
Friendly Neighborhood Big Band holds two free Christmas concerts in Nipomo
Holiday music fans can look forward to two upcoming Christmas-centric performances in Nipomo from the Friendly Neighborhood Big Band—one outdoors and the other indoors.
The group will hold a free outdoor concert in a residential area, on the driveway of 755 Honey Groove Lane, Nipomo, on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs.
Admission will also be free at the band’s indoor concert, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church. Donations will be accepted to support the church, which is located at 1235 N. Thompson, Nipomo.
To find out more about the Friendly Neighborhood Big Band and both of its December concerts, visit facebook.com/ groups/fnbigband or email fnbbmusic@gmail.com.
Members of the ensemble reside in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, according to the band’s Facebook page. Over the years, the group has performed at venues in Santa Margarita, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Lompoc, Solvang, and other areas along the Central Coast.
∆ Caleb Wiseblood
BY SAMANTHA HERRERA
The spirit of Christmas
Ebenezer Scrooge and Sleeping Beauty take the stage at the Great American Melodrama
Changing leaves, crisp mornings, and Christmas music on the radio all mark the holiday season’s approach. For theater lovers on the Central Coast, the Great American Melodrama’s annual Holiday Extravaganza is another holiday harbinger.
Playing until Dec. 31, the show starts with the theater company’s annual take on A Christmas Carol, and it does the tale justice.
Get tickets to the Great American Melodrama’s Holiday Extravaganza show running until Dec. 31 at americanmelodrama.com.
Holiday lovers should all know the classic tale of cranky old Ebenezer Scrooge. But with so many Christmas classics out there, it can be easy to mix them up. Originally a Charles Dickens novel published in London, England, in 1843, the story weaves a tale about Scrooge, a lthy rich, miserable old man who hates all things Christmas.
My sisters and I have watched A Christmas Carol in theaters since we were young. Over the years, I’ve noticed how hard it can be to nd someone who can play Scrooge as well as it’s written in the book because most stage actors aren’t old, rich, or hateful. e Melodrama struck gold with Billy Breed, who’s played Scrooge every year for as long as anyone can remember.
Not that he’s hateful or old—he’s just a Melodrama veteran.
Breed has appeared in countless productions on Central Coast stages including the Melodrama, the San Luis Obispo Repertory eatre, and the Paci c Conservatory eatre (PCPA). He’s also had the privilege and skill to tour theaters throughout Europe and in New York, as noted in the Melodrama’s playbill.
His dedication to accurately portraying Scrooge pays o , as it’s hard to take your eyes o him during the play.
One of the Melodrama’s more serious shows, A Christmas Carol opens inside the workplace of Scrooge and Jacob Marley on Christmas Eve. Scrooge’s employee Bob Cratchit (Brett Mollard) is counting down the minutes until he’s o the clock and able to celebrate Christmas Day with his
family, the only day he has o . Mollard, a PCPA graduate who most recently was cast in the Werewolf of Arroyo Grande, is another Melodrama veteran.
Although Cratchit is dealing with his own issues, such lacking the funds to provide medical care to his son, Tiny Tim, who’s close to death, Cratchit tends to have a positive personality—even while working for the crotchety Scrooge.
Mollard easily ips through a vast range of emotions throughout the play, such as when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge the Cratchit family at Tiny Tim’s funeral. Mollard’s sadness penetrates.
While the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come doesn’t utter a word, Natalie Mara, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, does a wonderful job bringing the audience back to childhood—one that you expect to be a sad but is surprisingly lled with love and joy. Here we see a young Scrooge, played by Mike Fiore, surrounded by friends at a Christmas Eve party where he meets the love of his life. Unfortunately, it only took a few short years for his lust for money to take over and for Belle, played by
newcomer Gabrielle Francine Smith, to walk away. Smith hails from New York City, and the Holiday Extravaganza is her rst show at the Melodrama. She’s previously been in productions around the country, including playing Jo in e Legend of Georgia McBride at the Kansas Repertory eatre. Usually, a Melodrama production consists of one long show followed by a Vaudeville Revue, however the extravaganza switched it up. While A Christmas Carol takes up the rst hour of the show, it’s followed by Fairytale Operetta, Brad Carroll’s take on Disney’s Sleeping Beauty In this version, Sleeping Beauty’s (better known as Princess Aurora) father, King Stefan, is a little bit of a silly man. With the help of three fairies, he embarks on a journey to save his daughter who was cursed by the evil witch Male cent. It’s a funny reprieve after a serious show to lead everyone into the Vaudeville Revue. Overall, the acting was fun and fabulous and, as always, the cheesy nachos, rich chocolate cake, and cold beer hit the spot. ∆
Reach Sta Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.
REMININISCING With the Ghost of Christmas Past (Natalie Mara) by his side, Ebenezer Scrooge (Billy Breed) looks back on one happy Christmas Eve spent with friends during the Christmas Carol portion of the Melodrama’s annual Holiday Extravaganza.
WHAT AWAITS The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Tommy Krob) shows Ebenezer Scrooge his lonely death as nobody comes to visit his grave.
TRUE LOVE’S KISS In the Melodrama’s Fairytale Operetta, Princess Aurora (Natalie Mara) runs into Prince Phillip (Tommy Krob) outside the castle on her 16th birthday, thus beginning their love story.
Pump it up
RGLADIATOR II
What’s it rated? R
idley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, elma & Louise, Black Hawk Down) directs this sword-and-sandal sequel to his Oscar-winning Gladiator (2000) set 16 years later. e sequel tells the story of Marcus Aurelius’ grandson, Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), who for his safety was sent away from Rome as a child after Aurelius’ death. Now an adult, he’s the true heir to the Roman throne but living in North Africa under the alias Hanno when the Roman army led by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) attacks, taking him prisoner and returning him to Rome as a spoil of war, completely unaware of his identity. He’s bought and trained as a gladiator by powerbroker Macrinus (Denzel Washington), where he’s forced to ght in the Colosseum for the pleasure of Rome’s corrupt twin emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), whose rule has brought the empire to the precipice of revolt. Soon Lucius’ mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), now married to General Acacius, discovers her son has returned. (148 min.)
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10
clearly a character Washington loved to play. Nielsen is also terri c as one of the only returning characters from the original. She exudes nobility. I doubt Ridley’s going to repeat a Best Picture win with this sequel, but as a piece of entertainment, it’s terri c.
Glen ere’s a lot of spinning wheels in this story, but its plot is like the original. Rome is ruled by sadistic, unworthy tyrants. An underdog rises to lead the people to freedom. It’s basically Spartacus (1960), but what makes this lm worth the price of admission is its batshit-crazy special e ects, like an early scene when Lucius and some other slaves ght o CGI baboons, or when the Colosseum is ooded to re-create a naval battle in shark-infested waters. It’s absolutely bonkers and totally fun. It’s also gory as heck, dialing up the blood and camp of the original. Mescal has a very classic Roman look and holds his own, but the real scenerychewer is Washington, who’s so conniving and duplicitous and manipulative that it’s
A MAN ON THE INSIDE
What’s it rated? TV-14
When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Mike Schur is back doing what he does best, giving his audience loveable, quirky characters in deliciously bite-sized episodes. The Parks and Rec and The Good Place creator has brought Ted Danson back in the leading role of Charles in his new comedy A Man on the Inside Charles is a retired professor and a widower with a grown daughter, Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), and too much time on his hands. After gentle urging from Emily to seek a hobby, Charles answers a classified ad put out by private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek
DANSON, TED DANSON Ted Danson stars as a retired professor who goes undercover in a retirement home to catch a thief, in A Man on the Inside, streaming on Netflix.
Anna It de nitely feels like it parallels the storyline of the rst lm closely, though it has been years since I’ve watched the original, so perhaps there’s more divergence than I’m recalling. e casting here is key. e “barbarian hero” Hanno needs to be steadfast and sympathetic, which Mescal owns handily. Macrinus must be cunning and vile, and Washington’s measured performance conveys just that. While the lm relies very much on the special e ects, there’s enough story here to provide entertainment beyond just the pop of big set pieces. e two emperors are nepo baby nightmares, one of which, Caracalla, su ers from a venereal disease that has infected his brain. It’s all madness, but it proves fun to watch. ere’s no doubt this lm is made for the big screen, so that’s where to watch it.
Glen Both Quinn and Hechinger are fantastic
Estrada). Julie needs someone to infiltrate a retirement home to solve a seemingly banal case of stolen jewelry. When Charles moves in, all eyes are on him, from adoring ladies like Virgina Foldau (Sally Struthers) to jealous men like Elliott Haverhill (John Getz). Charles is finding it pretty hard to lie low.
Predictably, the simple case of a missing necklace soon becomes many mysteries for Charles to solve. Danson is charming and funny, and I’ll happily endorse any of Shur’s projects, including this one. Light and funny but full of heart, A Man on the Inside is bingeable goodness. (eight approximately 30-min. episodes) —Glen
BLITZ
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2024
as the emperors. ey’re loathsome to the core and deserve what’s coming to them. e emotional center of the story is Lucilla’s guilt over sending Lucius away, her desire to reunite with him, and his seething anger at her for making him go as a child. is is a savior story, and Lucius has the strength to inspire the Roman people because of his youthful hardships. His character was forged by his unconventional upbringing. If he’d remained in Rome, he’d have been spoiled and weak. Instead, his inner rage gives him the power to overcome. If you don’t expect it to eclipse the original and you like adventure stories, this hits the spot. Anna is sequel is de nitely best treated as its own lm and not in comparison to the rst. e storyline leads us to some spectacular battle scenes, and Lucius is a worthy hero. While it may rely on the spectacle of it all to carry it along, the spectacle is plenty of fun to watch. ∆
Senior Sta Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus
Written and directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Widows), this World War II film does something films about this war rarely do, which is to look beyond the goodversus-evil trope of the Allied Forces versus the Nazis and examine another form of evil—the insidious persistence of racism. In this case, the victim is 9-year-old George (Elliott Heffernan), who’s half black.
It’s a year into the war, and the Germans have laid siege to London through a relentless
RACISM AMONG THE RUINS Single mom Rita (Saoirse Ronan) tries to protect her son, George (Elliott Heffernan), during a World War II German bombing campaign, in Blitz, streaming on Apple TV Plus.
bombing campaign. Rita (Saoirse Ronan), George’s single mom, works in a munitions factory, desperate to keep her son safe. Like many parents, she loads him onto a train to be transported to the countryside. George doesn’t want to be separated from her, and she’s clearly gutted by having to send him away, but it’s for his own good.
After stewing about it for a while, George decides he isn’t having it, jumps off the train, and makes his way back to London. What follows is a series of Dickensian misadventures as George works his way back to Rita. Meanwhile, when Rita learns George is missing, she searches wartorn London for him. It’s another deeply moving film from a gifted auteur. (120 min.)
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? Enslaved warrior Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal) is forced to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum, in Gladiator II, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT
COURTESY PHOTO BY COLLEEN E. HAYES/NETFLIX
PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV PLUS
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Thirty languages in 15 minutes
Pink Martini returns to dazzle local audiences
Portland’s Pink Martini is a one-of-akind ensemble—a dozen-member band playing classical, Latin, traditional pop, jazz, and more under the leadership of pianist and arranger Thomas Lauderdale, who said of his group, “Our mission is to represent a more beautiful, inclusive America, made up of a fabric of diverse people and cultures, and to unite our audiences, full of people of different ages, politics, and backgrounds, through the shared love of melody and music. I like to say, ‘If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, I’d like to think Pink Martini would be that band.’ I think the music’s really beautiful, but actually what is more moving to me is looking at the incredible cross-section of people who are in our audience.”
New Times spoke to longtime lead singer China Forbes about Pink Martini’s upcoming show at Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Dec. 18 (7:30 p.m.; $56 to $99 at pacslo.org). The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary, playing songs from its 11 studio albums as well as holiday favorites.
So, who influenced Forbes’ vocal stylings?
“Wow, there’s so many,” she said via phone. “My very first influence was Donna Summer. When I was 8 years old, I bought her live album—the first album I ever bought. I really tried to imitate her, looked at all the pictures on the album cover, and all the notes. It was so fun back then to have the album cover as part of the experience that we mostly don’t get anymore. I think that [album] helped launch my dream of becoming a singer. From there it’s like Stevie Nicks, Sinéad O’Connor, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Merchant, … oh my God! So many people!”
Amazingly, Forbes’ repertoire contains songs in 30 different languages. She speaks English, French, and some Italian.
“With English, French, and Italian, and Spanish—even though I never really studied it—it’s very easy for me to really know what I’m saying and emote, but for the languages that are completely unknown to me, it’s sort of like a puzzle, you know? Learning the sounds and the words and how they go
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
40 OZ. TO FREEDOM A tribute to Sublime. Dec. 7 8 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR VIRTUOSO PEPPINO
D’AGOSTINO LIVE IN CONCERT There will be original compositions for nylon and steel string guitars and songs from “the Old and New World.” Dec. 6 , 7-9 p.m. $30. (805) 772-2880. coalescebookstore. com. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10
together and what they mean, the melody with the lyrics, and then I sort of pretend that I’m tipsy, so it’s not too overly pronounced, and I sort of blur the lines of the words a little bit to try to sound more natural, and that’s my secret,” she laughed.
“It is tough,” she admitted. “I think for most people it seems really bizarre that it’s something one can do, but it’s become very natural for me.”
What’s it like working with such a large ensemble? There are a lot of personalities to navigate.
but we always, as a group, got along really well. I mean, there’s always certain clashes among some people. That’s to be expected when you’re a band for 30 years. But it’s a very kind and friendly group, and so everyone gets along really well. It’s kind of a miracle, actually. I don’t know how we lucked out like that but it’s working, and it seems like we get along better now than [when] we were younger.”
How are new songs added to their repertoire?
Sound out!
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
“That is true. I think it was more of an issue when we were younger and just starting and building the band and our repertoire and arranging songs as a group,
p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS SING ALONG
Each of these holiday performances is about 75 minutes, followed by hot cider and holiday treats. Dec. 13 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15, 4:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2700 Eton Road, Cambria.
LIVE MUSIC WITH GUITAR WIZ AT LUNADA GARDEN BISTRO “Guitar Wizard” Billy Foppiano plays a wide range of music, including blues, R&B, classic rock, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 9005444. Lunada Garden Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos.
MARTY O’REILLY WITH JESSALLA
Explaining Marty O’Reilly’s music is “like describing a dream. It feels familiar, but at the same time unchartered.” Dec. 5 , 7
p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
MOONBABE MAJESTY A spicy and cosmic celebration of Shawna Mox’s debut EP release and birthday party, with performances from Elysian Moon and Heather Christie. Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER The iconic ‘90s band behind “Kiss Me,” “Breathe Your Name,” and other staples. Dec. 11 , 7 p.m. The Siren, 900
haven’t been there in a long time, and they requested that we learn a Polish song, so that’s the latest challenge. We’re also learning a Ukrainian song.”
With all these world tours, do they get to enjoy the locations?
“We’re always on the move, and often we’re arriving right before soundcheck, playing a show, leaving the next morning, so sometimes we don’t see anything of the place, but every once in a while we luck out and have a day off somewhere and get to know a little more about the town and the restaurants and the shops and the people, but we haven’t really done that in San Luis Obispo.”
In addition to her work with Pink Martini, Forbes also has a solo career.
“I just released a new album under my name. It’s called The Road, and it’s a singersongwriter album more along the lines of some of those singers I mentioned that influenced me. Joni Mitchell would be another big influence, and Carole King. So, I released this album, and it’s very personal. I usually get to play one of the songs from my album during the Pink Martini show, which is fun.”
They’re all originals?
“Yes, all original. My third solo album. So that’s exciting. That’s my newest thing,” she said. “Oh, and the holiday [Pink Martini] show is really fun because we get to do the holiday songs that we only get to do once a year. We’ll be singing in all 30 of the languages that we know during the course of the evening. Don’t worry. The show is not five hours long. We manage to squeeze it into 15 minutes—it’s a medley we do, so that’s a fun new challenge.”
Fremont Theater
“It’s sort of inspired by tours,” Forbes explained. “If we’re going to a new place, we might add a new song in that language. We can’t do that everywhere we go, but that’s how we built the number of languages to 30 over the years. For instance, we traveled so much to Turkey that eventually we had to learn one and then another Turkish song. Now we’re going to Poland, and we
Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
SONGS OF LIGHT Presented by the Cambria Community Chorale. Music Director Ron Perry has selected an impressive array of songs to celebrate the holidays with the community. Dec. 8 2 p.m. my805tix.com. Cambria Community Presbyterian Church, 2250 Yorkshire Drive, Cambria.
THE TOASTERS LIVE One of the original American third-wave ska bands, founded in New York. Dec. 9 7 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
TWINKLING TUNES: COMMUNITY BAND
LIGHTS UP THE BOAT PARADE Enjoy a night of twinkling lights and festive music performed by the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band along with the SLO County Band. Dec. 7 6:30-8 p.m. Free;
Former ER technician turned comedian Steven Ho returns to the Fremont with his new show Steven Ho: Is It An Emergency? on Friday, Dec. 6 (8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $32.50 to $52.50 at prekindle.com). He launched his career via social media and “shares hilarious and insightful stories about working in the emergency room,” according to his bio. “Combining humor with reallife experiences, Ho has gained a massive following for his ability to make the medical world both relatable and entertaining.”
donations accepted. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay.
WORD OF MOUTH A classic rock band from San Luis Obispo. Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. Free entry. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BRASS QUINTET A delightful assortment of classical and holiday works for brass quintet. Presented by Symphony of the Vines. Dec. 8 3 p.m. my805tix.com/. Hope Lutheran Church, 8005 San Gabriel Rd., Atascadero, (805) 461-0340.
EASTON EVERETT Everett is a singersongwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. Dec. 7 6-9 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Paso Robles
Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles. FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero. GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN Community Church of Atascadero is hosting a sing-along that features familiar Christmas carols. Everyone is invited, including families with children. Punch and cookies afterwards. Dec. 15 3-4:30 p.m. No charge. (805) 466-9108. atascaderoucc.org. Community Church of Atascadero, 5850 Rosario Ave., Atascadero.
PRETTY IN PINK Pink Martini, featuring vocalist China Forbes, comes to SLO’s Performing Arts Center on their 30th Anniversary Tour on Dec. 18 .
STARKEY continued page 26
Music
Matisyahu brings his reggae, rap, and beatboxing to downtown SLO on Thursday, Dec. 12 (8 p.m.; all ages; $33.33 to $132 at prekindle.com). The Grammy-nominated artist exploded onto the scene in 2005 with the release of his Top 40 hit “King Without a Crown.” He’s since recorded seven studio albums and five live albums, and his music “explores themes of faith, identity, and resilience, making him a trailblazer in both the reggae and spiritual music scenes,” according to press materials.
Here’s a taste of “King Without a Crown”: “You’re all that I have and you’re all that I need/ Each and every day I pray to get to know you please/ I want to be close to you, yes I’m so hungry/ You’re like water for my soul when it gets thirsty/ Without you there’s no me/ You’re the air that I breathe.”
Numbskull and Good Medicine
The return of the The Coffis Brothers is always welcome news, and this Saturday, Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $19.26 presale or $24.41 day of show at goodmedicinepresents. com), they’ll play in Club Car Bar with Hilary Watson opening. The brothers describe their music as “a sound caught halfway between amplified Americana, acoustic folk, roadhouse R&B, and electrifying roots music.”
Multiplatinum alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer plays The Siren on Wednesday, Dec. 11 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder; $335.23 at goodmedicinepresents. com). They’re touring in support of their new album Rosemary Hill. They’re best known for their hit single “Kiss Me,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. They’ve also been twice nominated for Grammy Awards. Get online and check out their deeply charming video for their new album’s title track, “Rosemary Hill.” B and the Hive opens.
Brooklyn funk band Pimps of Joytime plays The Siren on Thursday, Dec. 12 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $26.47 at goodmedicinepresents.com), and man, this band is a rolling party. They’re touring in support of their sixth studio album, Reachin’ Up, and they’re delivering sultry, smoky, New Orleans-filtered sounds. Bay Area soul, pop, and R&B powerhouse Con Brio opens. Get a dose of some Red Hot Chili Peppers hits when Red Hot Tribute plays SLO’s Libertine on Thursday, Dec. 12 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $18.75 at goodmedicinepresents.com). This LA-based quartet performs the band’s hits from the ’80s through today. “Californication,” “By The Way,” “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away,” and many more.
The Siren
Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, The Toasters played SLO Town whenever they toured the West Coast. The third wave, NYCbased ska band was always a great time, but at some point, they stopped coming. I don’t remember the last time they were in our area. Well, The Toasters play Morro Bay on Monday, Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $21.66 at tixr.com). They’ve released a total of nine studio albums; their most recent is 2007’s One More Bullet. Over the years, they’ve had dozens of different members, but the one constant has always been Englishman Robert “Bucket” Hingley (vocals and guitar), who moved to New York in 1980 and managed the city’s Forbidden Planet comic book store. He formed The Toasters after seeing The English Beat play Roseland Ballroom in 1982.
SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock
SLO Brew Live and (((folkYEAH!))) present Mapache (as a duo) on Tuesday, Dec. 10 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $32.36 at ticketweb. com). They’re touring in support of their fifth
album, Swinging Stars, a “cosmic-folk” record according to Sam Blasucci and Clay Finch, who recorded it at Panoramic House.
“It’s a pretty impactful place,” Finch said in press materials. “It’s kind of dramatic. It’s a castle-y building on a hill, way up overlooking the Bay.”
My Morning Jacket, the War on Drugs, and Cate Le Bon have also recorded at Panoramic House.
“That environment yields itself to a higher level of focus because everybody’s together for a week,” Finch added, explaining that the band stayed there during the process, sharing every bit of their time and energy on a collective vision. “We were all captive. No one could escape.”
The Clark Center
John Denver had so many iconic hits, from “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” to “You Fill Up My Senses” to “Annie’s Song.” This Tuesday, Dec. 10, Emery Entertainment
presents Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler (7 p.m.; all ages; $69.50 to $86.25 at clarkcenter.org). The show promises to take listeners back to the ’70s when Denver’s music was a constant presence on the radio. You’ll hear favorites like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” as well as carols and holiday classics from his TV specials and Christmas albums including “Aspenglow,” “Away In A Manger,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” “Silver Bells,” and many more festive standards.
SLO Blues Society Award-winning funk and blues harmonica player Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind play SLO’s Oddfellows Hall (520 Dana St.) this Saturday, Dec. 7 (doors at 6:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; tickets are $36.12 at my805tix.com or $40 at the door). Ricci has played, toured, and/or recorded with legends such as Johnny Winter, Terence Blanchard, Ana Popović, Joe Louis Walker, Cedric Burnside, and many more. In fact, it’s pretty hard to find a list of “best harmonica players” without Ricci’s name on it. He’s had quite a life: “Performing at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recording a Grammy-winning record with Johnny Winter, winning three Blues Music Awards and numerous nominations from The Blues Foundation only to fall all the way down to the lowest valleys of addiction, homelessness, jails, and back up again,” according to his bio. Local favorites the Burning James Blues Band will open the show. ∆
‘KING WITHOUT A CROWN’ On Dec. 12 , Matisyahu returns to the Fremont Theater to deliver his mix of reggae, rock, and hip-hop that explores faith, identity, and resilience.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD MEDICINE
BAND OF BROS Numbskull and Good Medicine presents The Coffis Brothers on Dec. 7 in Club Car Bar.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COFFIS BROTHERS
THIRD WAVE The Toasters bring their high-energy horn-driven ska to The Siren on Dec. 9 .
TWO ON TOP SLO Brew Live and (((folkYEAH!))) present Mapache (as a duo) on Dec. 10, in Rod & Hammer Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAPACHE
CHANNELING JOHN Emery Entertainment presents Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler on Dec. 10 in the Clark Canter.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK SCHULER
HOLIDAY HARMONY 2024: A FREE CONCERT
BY THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND
Features live holiday music, plus an audience sing-a-long. All donations benefit Applause Children’s Theater. The concert, refreshments, and parking are all free. Dec. 8 , 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
HOLIDAY MUSICAL WALK AROUND THE
LAKE Enjoy carolers, community singing, and holiday decor in a charming lakeside setting. Dec. 7 5:30-9 p.m. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
MARK TEGIO WITH KATIE CHAPPELL Visit site for tickets and more info. Dec. 8 , 7:30 p.m. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, (805) 400-4542.
OXYGEN DESTROYER, KONTUSION, DEATHGRAVE NECROPSY ODOR, AND MANGLEDMESS Described as the heaviest and filthiest band lineup that has ever shared a stage together in SLO County. Dec. 8 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Dark Nectar Coffee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, (805) 835-1988.
PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO: LIVE IN CONCERT
World renowned fingerstylist guitarist Peppino D’Agostino returns to Coalesce Bookstore for a live concert in the venue’s intimate Garden Wedding Chapel. Dec. 6 7 p.m. $30 (cash only). (805) 772-2880. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
POUR HOUSE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
WITH BRASS MASH Step out of the holiday hustle and enjoy a night of high-energy, brassy mashups of your favorite hits—rock, hip-hop, pop, and more—reimagined to get you moving. Dec. 14 6-11 p.m. my805tix.com.
The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 239-1000.
RADIANT RHYTHMS: SUNDAY JAZZ AT SENSORIO WITH LIBRETTO PRESENTS
THE SCOTT WILKIE QUARTET
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of stunning visuals and live music on the Market Stage and Lawn at Sensorio. Food and beverage options available. Dec. 8 , 4:30-8:30 p.m. $15 (or included with a Sensorio ticket). (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/radiant-rhythms. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
RESONANCE PRESENTS: JUL A festive afternoon of sacred choral music followed by a reception with wine, small bites, and caroling. Dec. 15 3 p.m. my805tix.com.
Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery, 5940 Union Road, Paso Robles.
RUMOR LIVE A local six-piece cover band led by vocalist Dani Cole. All ages welcome. Dec. 7 2-5 p.m. rumorslocal.com. California Coast Beer Company, 1346 Railroad St., 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/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
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.
BUEN DÍA MILONGA: AN ARGENTINE TANGO
SOCIAL This monthly event features DJ Bonnie Ernst, who’ll be playing mostly traditional tango with a few fun modern selections. Perfect for tango enthusiasts of all levels. Hosted by Carolyn Long. Dec. 8 12:30-3:30 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
CAL POLY ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE FALL
CONCERT The Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble and Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble will present this concert, which features world-class guest artists and a dance troupe that sets the music in motion with original choreographies and beautiful costuming. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/ame/. Performing Arts
Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY BANDFEST: THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Cal Poly Wind Bands will perform John Mackey’s “Redline Tango,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Four Scottish Dances,” Laura Estes’s “Wiklow,” and David Foster’s “Holiday Tune.” The Mustang Marching Band will make an appearance and fill the hall with highlights from the season of Cal Poly Athletics. Dec. 8 3 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/winds/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CHOIRS: HOLIDAY
KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT The four Cal Poly Choirs will perform, as well as a cappella groups and members of the Cal Poly Symphony. Concert highlights will include traditional favorites, new works and portions of J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat.” Plus choirs from Paso Robles High School and Cabrillo High School. Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/choirs/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY VOCAL STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student vocalists. Dec. 5 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CHRISTMAS IN PARIS: MO BETTA JAZZ
Mo Betta Jazz presents the fourth annual Christmas in Paris Jazz Concert. Indulge in an array of appetizers and some French desserts, while enjoying some soothing melodies that “can transport you to a world of relaxation and sophistication.” Dec. 5 6:15 p.m. $22-$32 (free for kids ages 12 and under). my805tix. com. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
CHRISTMAS JAZZ VESPERS With the Dave Becker Quartet and Inga Swearingen. Dec. 15 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.
COMBOPALOOZA: CUESTA JAZZ COMBOS
CONCERT Check out the December combo festival, with all combos playing at their best. The Cuesta Combo program has often been recognized for its excellence and creativity, most recently in Downbeat Magazine
Directed by Performing Arts Chair and Director of Jazz Studies, Ron McCarley. Dec. 10 7:30-9 p.m. $5. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
COREY HARRIS AND CEDRIC WATSON:
MASTERS OF BLUES AND CREOLE MUSIC
An evening of blues and creole-flavored music from living legends Corey Harris and Cedric Watson. With an old time jam at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 7-9 p.m. $30 ($20 for ages under 12) advance; $35 ($25 for ages under 12) at the door. (805) 235-2874. eventbrite.com. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS CONCERT: “DONA NOBIS PACEM” (SINGING FOR PEACE) The Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra, directed by Cassandra Tarantino, present their winter concert, featuring “Christmas Oratorio I” by J. S. Bach. Dec. 6 7:30-9 p.m. General $22; Student with ID $5; No charge for Veterans and their spouses. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA JAZZ ENSEMBLES WINTER CONCERT Don’t miss this chance to hear the best from the student combos and big band. Directed by Ron McCarley, this concert features a variety of big band music from the well-known big band classics, to quirky modern tunes, and more. Dec. 7, 7:30-9 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
A HOLIDAY COLLABORATION CONCERT WITH THE CUESTA CHOIRS AND WIND
ENSEMBLE The Cuesta Choirs and Cuesta Wind Ensemble are teaming up together for a celebratory holiday collaboration concert. Directed by John Knutson and Jennifer Martin. Dec. 13 7:30-9 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. HOLIDAY POTLUCK DANCE PARTY This free event will keep you moving all night. Dec. 14 Free. nexusslo.com/upcoming-events. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
FUNKY BLUES The SLO Blues Society presents award-winning funk and blues harmonica player Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind at SLO’s Oddfellows Hall on Dec. 7
HUSHTEAM LIVE With live performances, DJ sets, and more. Dec. 6 7-10 p.m. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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.
MAPACHE LIVE For ages 18 and over. Dec. 10 7 p.m. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.
MARK O’CONNOR’S AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS (FEATURING MAGGIE
O’CONNOR) Three-time Grammy-winning composer and fiddler Mark O’Connor brings an elegance and earnestness to his holiday tour with fresh arrangements of Christmas classics, both vocal and instrumental, featuring his wife Maggie O’Connor on fiddle and vocals. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20242025-season/oconnors-anappalachian-christmas. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
MATISYAHU LIVE The Grammy-nominated artist known for blending reggae, rock, and hip-hop into a unique musical experience. Dec. 12 , 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
PALM STREET POINSETTIAS The Ah Louis Store is thrilled to bring caroling to the corner of Chorro and Palm Street every Saturday this holiday season. Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. through Dec. 21 Ah Louis Store, 800 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
SEASON OF LIGHT Festive Choral music with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble. Holiday singalong included. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $30$40. (805) 541-6797. vocalarts.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Festive holiday music from the award winning Vocal Arts Ensemble with traditional holiday singalong at the end. Guest musicians included. Dec. 8 3-5 p.m. $30. (805) 541-6797. vocalarts.org. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
SLO BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS JASON RICCI AND THE BAD KIND The Burning James Blues Band opens the show. Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO COUNTY TRUMPET ALLIANCE
CONCERT: CHRISTMAS BRASS Feel the power and precision of the San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance as they fill the CPAC with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites this winter, conducted by Warren Balfour. Dec. 15 2-3:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
UP-AND-ADAM’S BREAKING AND ENTERING
JINGLE JAM Described as an incredible night of music, community, and giving back. Hosted by Adam Montiel. Dec. 13 7 p.m. my805tix. com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
SEASON OF LIGHT Guests will hear a mix of genres, with traditional, modern, innovative, and lighthearted (emphasis on “light”) pieces woven together. Dec. 8 3-5 p.m. my805tix. com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College,
Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
WINTER HARMONIES The 25th anniversary concert with SLO Wind Orchestra and Handbells. Don’t miss this seasonal music celebration. Dec. 7 2-3:30 & 5-6:30 p.m.
Admission ranges from free to $30. (805) 4647804. SLOwinds.org. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.
WINTER TIDE Presented by the Central Coast Youth Chorus. Dec. 14 , 3 p.m. and Dec. 15 3 p.m. centralcoastyouthchorus.org/. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CCMP PRESENTS FRIDAY THE 13TH
Presented by Central Coast Music Productions (CCMP). Visit site for tickets and full lineup of featured metal acts. Dec. 13 , 5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Ribline by the Beach, 395 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
DAVID BENOIT TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE BROWN WITH SPECIAL GUEST COURTNEY FORTUNE This heartwarming tribute concert celebrates the timeless music of Vince Guaraldi and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Relive the joy of this beloved tradition with captivating renditions of classic holiday tunes and cherished compositions. Dec. 12 7-10 p.m. $37-$62. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/david-benoit/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
THE DECOMPOSING BRASS QUINTET The group has been invited to provide Christmas music for the Salvation Army and the Bell Ringer Dec. 10, 1 p.m. California Fresh Market, 555 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach.
JINGLE JAZZ HOLIDAY PARTY WITH CENTRAL CITY SWING BAND Presented by the Basin Street Regulars. Dec. 15 , 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
MARIACHI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Enjoy an evening of Christmas posada, carols, songs, actors, folkloric ballet, and the largest female mariachi in the world. Dec. 15 6-9 p.m. $34$55. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ mariachi-christmas-festival/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE:
JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS Rick Schuler’s enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” and much more. Dec. 10 7-10 p.m. $69.50-$86.25. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/john-denverchristmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC: BAROQUE
ELEGANCE SEASON CONCERT The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Michael Nowak welcome guest soloists for a seasonal celebration of the Baroque era’s greatest composers. Dec. 6 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 925-0412. smphilharmonic.org. First United Methodist Church, 311 Broadway, Santa Maria. ∆
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Make some noise
Firestone Walker teams up with Ernie Ball on limited-release IPA
The goal behind Firestone Walker’s new IPA project was to catch lightning in a can, rather than a bottle. The local beer giant released Electric Eagle—crafted with a mix of hop varieties—in late October.
Available only through late December in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at the company’s breweries in Buellton, Paso Robles, and LA, Electric Eagle emerged from a unique partnership between Firestone Walker and Ernie Ball, the world-renowned guitar and bass string manufacturer headquartered in San Luis Obispo.
“Collaboration is a big part of the craft brewing scene,” Firestone Walker Brewmaster and occasional garage drummer Matt Brynildson said in an email interview. “It’s not like the tech industry, where trade secrets are heavily protected and fought over. We tend to have a super open and sharing attitude and enjoy experimenting and learning through collaboration. I think the music business is a lot like that as well.”
The Electric Eagle project started with a meeting arranged by Firestone Walker’s chief marketing officer, Dustin Hinz, who previously worked for Ernie Ball. Hinz introduced Brynildson to two of the company’s leaders, Brian Ball and Brian Spoeneman, “who are big craft beer fans,” Brynildson said.
“We started talking about IPA. Something clicked,” Brynildson recalled. “‘The Brians’ had a well-informed beer lover’s idea of what they would put into their dream beer, which included Mosaic hops and a flavorful yet approachable vibe.”
Citrus, peach, and other flavors define the West Coast profile of Mosaic hops, one of a handful of varieties Brynildson, Ball, and
Burnin’ for you
To find out more about Firestone Walker, visit firestonewalker.com. The company’s venues include breweries in Buellton, at 620 McMurray Road, and Paso Robles, at 1400 Ramada Drive.
Visit ernieball.com for more info on Ernie Ball, located at 4117 Earthwood Lane, San Luis Obispo.
Spoeneman zeroed in on during Electric Eagle’s development.
“We took a tour around the Paso brewery, and by the time we finished a couple of IPAs, we had the blueprint for a tasty new beer that we thought would be a hit in local pubs and restaurants,” Brynildson said.
“This collaboration is perfect because we agreed on a beer style right away and have complimentary tastes.”
Along with Mosaic hops, Electric Eagle also features Riwaka and Nelson Sauvin hops, which layer in notes of white grape and tropical fruits. The new IPA highlights additional hop varieties based in the Pacific Northwest and Southern Hemisphere as well.
While Firestone Walker took care of the hops, Ernie Ball provided images for Electric Eagle’s branding, Brynildson explained.
“Brewing a hop-forward IPA is firmly in our wheelhouse at Firestone Walker. Creating super loud and cool art is firmly in Ernie Ball’s court. … These guys have a real sense of their distinctive brand aesthetic, and that really comes through in the artwork,” Brynildson said. “Collaboration is all about learning, so we had the chance to tour each other’s facility and look under the hood of each other’s production plants. I think that we both have learned a lot through the experience even though we practice different art forms.”
For Brynildson and other music buffs at Firestone Walker, the chance to collaborate with Ernie
Ball’s team felt surreal, partly thanks to the manufacturer’s star-studded clientele history.
Paul McCartney, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page are among those who’ve used the company’s guitar and bass strings.
Share tasty tips!
Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.
“It’s mind-blowing to look at all the musicians that play Ernie Ball strings. It’s something that this community can be very proud of. So it’s been a longtime dream for many of us at Firestone Walker to collaborate with Ernie Ball,” Brynildson said. “The fact that Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are built in San Luis Obispo to this day is a very important piece of our community fabric.
“We have a lot of music lovers and amateur musicians on the [Firestone Walker] team and, as a result, a lot of Ernie Ball fans,” added Brynildson, a music enthusiast and drummer “who picked brewing over music in terms of profession, but who still has a kit setup at home and goes out to see as many shows as I can.”
He’s also the proud father of a young musician.
“Our 11-year-old son is a guitar player who is fortunate enough to take lessons from Jacob Odell—another local treasure,” Brynildson said. “So there are instruments in the house and a lot of jamming happening.” Δ
Send guitar picks and comments to Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ newtimesslo.com.
MEET MATT Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, an avid music fan and occasional garage drummer, was stoked to collaborate on a unique IPA project with Ernie Ball.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRESTONE WALKER
SHIRT HAPPENS In conjunction with the Electric Eagle IPA’s limited run, Firestone Walker and Ernie Ball are commemorating their collaboration with an Electric Eagle T-shirt, available for sale on Firestone Walker’s website.
IMAGE COURTESY OF FIRESTONE WALKER
CANNED COLLAB Visitors of Firestone Walker’s brewery locations in Buellton, Paso Robles, and LA will have access to a new West Coast IPA, co-created by Ernie Ball, and available in fourpacks through late December.
Holiday Magic
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Draft Ordinance adopts a Development Agreement between Scott Newton and the City of Atascadero and amends Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to establish Development Agreement Overlay Zone DA1, amend the official Zoning Map to Establish DA1 on the subject property, and certify the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for 11450 Viejo Camino and 11505 El Camino Real.
On December 2, 2024, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m, or soon thereafter, to consider the following item:
Consideration of a Recommendation to Adopt the Active Transportation Plan and Finding That This Action is Exempt From Review Under The California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant To Public Resources Code sections 21080.20 and 21080.25. The Planning Commission will review the Active Transportation Plan for purposes of making a recommendation to City Council. The Active Transportation Plan includes an inventory of existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, identifies key gaps and safety needs, and proposes recommendations for improvement.
In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that the proposed project is statutorily exempt pursuant to Sections 21080.20 and 21080.25 of the Public Resources Code.
AYES: Council Members Bourbeau, Dariz, Funk, Newsom, and Mayor Moreno.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on December 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.
DATED: December 3, 2024
S/ Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk PUBLISH: December 5, 2024
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Draft Ordinance amends Section 3-16.04 of the Atascadero Municipal Code, setting the assessment rate for the Atascadero Tourism Business Improvement District from 2% to 2.5%.
On December 2, 2024, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Bourbeau, Dariz, Funk, Newsom, and Mayor Moreno.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on December 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.
DATED: December 3, 2024
S/ Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk
PUBLISH: December 5, 2024
This Planning Commission meeting is being conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. During the public hearing, public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, pursuant to current meeting procedure. The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the item listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.
Documents related to the project are available in the Community Development Department located at 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. The Agenda and reports are posted online at www.arroyogrande.org 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (805) 473-5420 for more information. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed live on the City’s Website.
Jessica Matson, City Clerk Publish 1T, 1/8 page The New Times, Thursday, December 5, 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:
$2,150.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY Notice is hereby given that on November 6, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near 836 Pacific Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, in connection with violation 11352 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $2,150.00.
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: November 25, 2024 DAN DOW District Attorney Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney November 28, December 5 & 12, 2024
The Following Person is Doing Business As: SLO DOWN DOULA, 2074 Parker St, #210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Megan Ortgies (2074 Parker St, #210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 10/02/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 10/02/2029. November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2093 (10/15/2019)
New Filing The Following Person is Doing Business As: SKIN LOVE, 1244 Pine St, Suite 209, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Monica L. Dejohn (1244 Pine St, Suite 209, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/07/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 11/07/2029. November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2200 (10/22/2024)
New Filing The following person is doing business as The Central Coast Wine Exchange, 1529 Dale Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Bradley Thomas Bowdey (PO Box 251 Pismo Beach CA 93448), Gillian Joon (PO Box 251 Pismo Beach CA 93448) This business is conducted by A General Partnership, Gillian Joon. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-22-2024. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mmaltby, Deputy. Exp. 1022-2029. November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2234 (N/A) New Filing The Following Person is Doing Business As: NAILS BY PAULA , 960 W Grand Ave., Suite L, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Paula Suzanne Konz (960 W Grand Ave., Suite L Grover Beach CA 93433). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 10/28/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 10/28/2029. November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2242 (10/23/2024)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: WIGHTON’S ELECTRIC, PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING 183 Prado Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Pipedreams Ventures Holdings LLC (1101 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 201 Alameda, CA 94501). State of Delaware. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Company /S/ Pipedreams Ventures Holdings LLC Dan Laufer, CEO. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 10/29/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2429 (11/25/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: CHARITY’S HELPING HANDS, 201 Wood Pl Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Charity Christine Garcia (201 Wood Pl arroyo Grande, CA 93420). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/25/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mstiletto, Deputy. Exp. 11/25/2029.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2432 (11/18/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: SLO REAL ESTATE GROUP, 350 James Way, Suite 130, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Ben P Tilbury (1953 9th Street Los Osos, CA 93402). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/27/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mkatz, Deputy. Exp. 11/27/2029.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2024-2433 (11/27/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: WESTERN WAVES BEAUTY, 910 Ramona Ave Suite I, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Michaela R Knotts (185 E Vintage St Nipomo St Nipomo Callifornia 93444). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/27/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, Mkatz, Deputy. Exp. 11/27/2029.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2024-2437 (11/25/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: BROOKS DESIGN, 1278 Galleon Way Apt. 2, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Stephen Brooks (278 Galleon Way Apt. 2, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/27/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, awebster, Deputy. Exp. 11/27/2024. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
N AME STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2024-2440 (05/01/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Do -
ing Business As: BROOKLYNS AESTHETICS, 910 Ramona Ave Suite I, Grover Beach, California 93433. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Brooklyn Sierra Siador (1314 19th Street Oceano, California 93420). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 12/02/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 12/02/2029. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2445 (N/A)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: MAE ROSE INTERIORS 917 Rancho Parkway, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 San Luis Obispo County. Eyetalk, LLC (917 Rancho Parkway Arroyo Grande CA 93420). State California. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Company Eyetalk, LLC Justin Cave, Managing Member. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 12/02/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mmaltby, Deputy. Exp. 12/02/2024.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2451 (N/A)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as Droning On Services 2315 Left Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Benjamin Cook (PO Box 730 Grover Beach CA 93483) Tiffany Toliver Cook (PO Box 730 Grover Beach CA 93483). San Luis Obispo County. This business is conducted by A Married Couple /s/ Benjamin Cook. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Luis Obispo on 12/03/24. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp.12/03/29.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2452 (12/02/2024)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: SHUSHBUG, WISHBUG, 1964 Ogden Drive, Cambria, CA 93428. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Rebecca Kausen (964 Ogden Drive, Cambria, CA 93428). State of California. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 12/03/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 12/03/2029. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 24CV0351
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Medoree Hill Feldman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Medoree Hill Feldman Luis PROPOSED NAME: Midori Hill Feldman THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 8, 2025 9:30 am, Dept.: P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Room 105 Paso Robles, CA 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: November 12, 2024. /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.
November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0705
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Brianna Jeanene Simpson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Brianna Jeanene Simpson PROPOSED NAME: Brianna Jeanene Heckson. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 8, 2025 9:00 am, Dept. 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Room 105 Paso Robles, CA 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: November 19, 2024. /s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0713
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Noe Chavez-Chavez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Noe Chavez-Chavez PROPOSED NAME: Noah Xavier Chavez. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 8, 2025 9:00 am, Dept. 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Room 105 Paso Robles, CA 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: November 20, 2024. /s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV-P0329
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Zenaida Luis Flores and Celerino Garcia Lopez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Ashly Arisdeley Garcia Luis PROPOSED NAME: Ashly Arisdelcy Garcia Luis.
THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 8, 2025 9:30 am, Dept.: P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Room 105 Paso Robles, CA 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: November 5, 2024. /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2024
• New Times • December 5 - December 12, 2024 • www.newtimesslo.com
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0732
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Sara Ogilvie filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Giana Marsalek PROPOSED NAME: Giana Ogilvie. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 9, 2025 9:00 am, Dept. 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times
Date: November 22, 2024. /s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0346
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Florence Linda Hayes AKA Florence Linda Hayes-Bautista AKA Zeta Venus Hayes-Bastista AKA Zeta Venus Dubarry filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Florence Linda Hayes AKA Florence Linda HayesBautista AKA Zeta Venus HayesBautista AKA Zeta Venus Dubarry. PROPOSED NAME: Zeta Venus Dubarry. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 8, 2025 9:30 am, Dept.: P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Room 105 Paso Robles, CA 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: October 21, 2024. /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.
November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2024-2233
OLD FILE NO. 2020-1402
CREEKSIDE PET BOARDING LLC, 1298 Noyes Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 10/25/2024. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Creekside Pet Boarding LLC (1298 Noyes Road Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business was conducted by A Limited Liability Company, Creekside Pet Boarding LLC, Laura Means, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 10-25-24. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By atrujillo, Deputy Clerk. November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024
FICTITIOUS
BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2024-2427 (01/30/2023)
New Filing
The Following Person is Doing Business As: PACIFIC ENGINEERING, 745 Eucalyptus Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Jason Werner (745 Eucalyptus Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/25/2024. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mmaltby, Deputy. Exp. 11/25/2029.
December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
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COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing
WHEN Friday, December 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT
A request by Dean Teixeira for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2024-00018) to allow construction of new 4,890-squarefoot single-family residence with a 1,471-square-foot attached garage, two detached barns, a swimming pool, and associated site grading and improvements. The project includes a request for major grading resulting in greater than 1-acre of site disturbance, with a disturbance of approximately 2.93-acres on a 10.31-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located on Hidden Springs Road approximately 0.5 miles from the city of San Luis Obispo (Assessor Parcel Number 076-063-031). The site is in the San Luis Obispo Sub Area of the San Luis Obispo Planning Area.
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the provisions of CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b) (3) (General Rule Exemption) and 15303 (Class 3) (ED24-166)
County File Number: N-DRC2024-00018
Supervisorial District: District 3
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 076-063-031
Date Accepted: 10/29/2024
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform.
Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Blake Maule, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-1298.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 12/13/2024 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2024-00018.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.
Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing
December 5, 2024
NOTICE OF 10-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2019 ACTION PLAN
On December 17, 2024, a resolution to amend the 2019 Action Plan will be presented to the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors during a public hearing.
The Community Participation Plan, as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), requires approval during a public hearing to amend an Action Plan to add a new project or reallocate funding to a new project not previously approved by the Board of Supervisors.
It is recommended that the Board adopt a resolution to amend the 2019 Action Plan as indicated:
1) Add a project for planning and capacity building for Koble Collaborative; and
2) Approve the reallocation of $25,000.00 from the CDBGCV Administration project to the project for planning and capacity building for Koble Collaborative.
The Amendment is available online at https://slocounty.gov/ homeless for a 10-day public review and comment period. The last day to comment is December 15, 2024.
Please submit any questions or comments related to the proposed recommendations to SS_HSDinfo@co.slo.ca.us
December 5, 2024
The San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission will hold a Regular Meeting, Monday, December 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. 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:
• Minor development review (architectural review) of the construction of three single family dwellings within the Enclave at Righetti subdivision (Lots 23, 24, and 34), including a request for a reduction of the rear setback for one dwelling (Lot 24) allowing encroachment of two corners of the dwelling into the setback, and for exceptions to height limits for walls, fences, and hedges to allow walls and fences up to nine feet in height at limited locations along property boundaries of each property (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review). Recommendations will be forwarded to Community Development Director for consideration in taking final action on the application; Project Address: 1429 Parsons Way, 1424 & 1469 Hansen Ln. Case #: ARCH‑0457‑2024, R‑1‑SP Zone (Orcutt Area Specific Plan); Paul Abbott, applicant Contact: Walter Oetzell – (805) 781-7593 –woetzell@slocity.org
The Architectural Review Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. An action of the Architectural Review Commission is typically a recommendation to the City’s Community Development Director, Planning Commission or City Council, and therefore is not final. Please note that any court challenge related to the recommendation on this item may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence received prior to the public hearing. 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/mayor and city council/agendas and‑minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report.
December 5, 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT PUBLIC HEARING
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Monday, December 16, 2024, in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:
1. 157 Higuera St. ARCH-0400-2024 and USE-07352024; A Minor Use Permit for the expansion and operation of a Convenience Store (a conditional use in the Service-Commercial Zone) and for concurrent sales of motor fuel and beer and wine at a Service/ Fueling Station, and Minor Development Review (Architectural Review) of a 950 square-foot addition to a Convenience Store (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-S-MU Zone; Michael Smith, MSA Architects, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)
2. 951 Monterey St. USE-0678-2024; A Minor Use Permit for Bar/Tavern activity and Live Entertainment associated with a proposed bar and café, including the temporary placement of tables and chairs on the sidewalk (tables and chairs permit) in conjunction with the café (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-D-H Zone; Monterey and Johnson, LLC, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)
3. 1817 Osos St. MOD-0705-2024; Review of a subsequent Modification to a previously approved Minor Use Permit (USE-0646-2019) and prior Modification (MOD-0610-2023) to allow a bar at 1817 Osos Street. The requested modification includes amended hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily to accommodate additional food and beverage services with alcohol service from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); C-R-S-H Zone; Jeffrey Root, applicant. (Hannah Hanh)
PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken on these public hearing items may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Luis Obispo at, or prior to, the public hearing.
December 5, 2024
NOTICE OF HEARING ON RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASO ROBLES DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF PASO ROBLES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2022-2N (OLSEN/SOUTH CHANDLER RANCH – SERVICES), COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA (ANNEXATION NO. 1)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 5, 2024, the City Council of the City of Paso Robles adopted Resolution No. 24-120 (the “Resolution”), declaring the intention of the City Council to annex territory to the City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-2N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch – Services), County Of San Luis Obispo, State Of California (the “District”), and fixing the time and place of a public hearing thereon for 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on December 17, 2024, in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, at which time the City Council will hear the testimony of all interested persons for or against the annexation of said territory to the District or the levying of special taxes within such territory to pay the costs of providing certain services which are necessary to meet increased demands placed upon the City as a result of the development of said real property. The Resolution provides in summary as follows:
1.The City Council declared its intention to conduct proceedings for the annexation to the District of the territory described in Exhibit “C” to the Resolution. The City Council determined that the public convenience and necessity require that such territory be annexed to the District.
2. The territory which is included in the District is described in the map of the Community Facilities District on file in the Office of the City Clerk and recorded in the official records of the County of San Luis Obispo. The territory proposed to be annexed to the District is described on the map thereof entitled “Annexation Map No. 1 to City of Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-2N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch-Services) County of San Luis Obispo, State of California” which is on file with the City Clerk of the City of Paso Robles.
3. The types of public services to be provided within the District are as follows:
Roadways, signalized intersections, street lights, parks, medians and parkways, open space/slopes, park, open space/ vineyards, basin, storm drains, parking spaces, sidewalks/trails, police and fire services, paramedic services, and community services, including library services, community parks, and special events, civic center maintenance, business and support services, and athletic services, and any other public services authorized by the Act.
The District shall also finance costs associated with the determination of the amount of and the levy and collection of special taxes which are levied to provide such services and costs otherwise incurred in order to carry out the authorized purposes of the District.
4. Except where funds are otherwise available, special taxes sufficient to pay the costs of the services provided above and the annual administrative expenses of the City and the District in determining, apportioning, levying and collecting such special taxes, shall be annually levied within the District. Pursuant to Section 53340 of the California Government Code, the special taxes shall be collected in the same manner as ordinary ad valorem property taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure, sale, and lien priority in case of delinquency as is provided for ad valorem property taxes. Under no circumstances, however, shall the special tax levied against any parcel subject to the levy of the special tax pursuant to the rates and method of apportionment be increased as a consequence of delinquency or default by the owner of any other parcel or parcels within the District by more than ten percent (10%). The rate and method of apportionment of said special taxes shall be as set forth in Exhibit “B” to the Resolution.
5. The Rate and Method of Apportionment for the District contains sufficient detail to allow each landowner or resident within the District and the proposed boundaries of the territory to be annexed to estimate the maximum amount that such persons will have to pay to finance the services.
The Resolution contains other provisions which are not summarized above. A copy of the Resolution may be reviewed or obtained at the office of the City Clerk of the City of Paso Robles located at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that at the time and place of said hearing, all persons interested for or against the annexation of said territory to the District or the levying of special taxes within such territory to pay the costs of providing certain services within the territory proposed to be annexed to the District, will be heard. At the hearing, protests against the proposals described in the Resolution may be made by any interested person. Any protests pertaining to the regularity or sufficiency of the proceedings shall be in writing and shall clearly set forth the irregularities or defects to which objection is made. All written protests shall be filed with the City Clerk prior to the time fixed for the hearing. The City Council may waive any irregularities in the form or content of any written protests and at the hearing may correct minor defects in the proceedings. Written protests may be withdrawn in writing at any time before the conclusion of the hearing.
If the owners of one-half or more of the area of land in the territory included in the existing District, or if the owners of onehalf or more of the area of land in the territory proposed to be annexed to the District file written protests against the proposed annexation of such territory to the District, and protests are not withdrawn so as to reduce the protest to less than a majority, no further proceedings shall be undertaken for a period of one year from the date of decision of the City Council on the issues discussed at the hearing.
The hearing may be continued from time to time, but shall be completed within 30 days. At the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council may abandon the proceedings or may, after passing upon all protests, submit the questions of levying the special tax within the area proposed to be annexed to the District to the qualified electors of the area proposed to be annexed.
DATED: December 5, 2024
Melissa Boyer, City Clerk of the City of Paso Robles
DATE: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in-person at the time and place indicated above to consider the following projects:
1. A General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan Amendment, Master Plan of Development, and Conditional Use Permit for the Del Rio Ranch project located at 4999, 5505, 5701, 5703, & 5705 Del Rio Road and, 2005, 2055, 2115, 2205, 2325, 2375, & 2405 El Camino Real (APNs 049-112-002, 049-112-018, 049-112-019, 049-112-022, 049112-036, 049-112-040, 049-151-005, 049-151-036, 049-151-037, 049-151040, and 049-151-041). The project proposes an RV resort on a 26-acre site on the southeast corner of Del Rio Road and El Camino Real within the Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan (DRCASP) boundary. The development concept includes 98 RV sites, 70 glamping sites, and associated amenities such as a central lodge, guest pools, and restaurant. Two commercial buildings are proposed at the corner of Del Rio Road and El Camino Real and an event space is proposed along El Camino Real. A Final Environmental Impact Report was previously certified for the DRCASP. An Addendum to this Environmental Impact Report has been prepared for the Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) Sections 15162 and 15164 (DEV24-0044).
2. A Conditional Use Permit to allow a mixed-use development with 4,500 SF of ground floor commercial shell area and 46 dwelling upper story dwelling units on an 0.93-ac site zoned CR and CP located at 7150 Atascadero Ave. and 7205 Morro Road, Atascadero CA, 93422 (APNs 031-052-011, and 031-052-020). The project qualifies for a Class 32 Exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because it meets all required conditions to be considered in-fill development.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the aboveproposed projects. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pc-comments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/agendas.
DATED: Dec. 2, 2024
S/P Dunsmore, Community Development Director
PUBLISH: Dec. 5, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ATASCADERO
DATE: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider an ADU Ordinance Update to account for changes in State law (ZCH24-0098). This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public resources Code Section 21000 et seq., because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3).)
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed projects. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pc-comments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/agendas.
DATED: Dec. 2, 2024
S/ P Dunsmore, Community Development Director
PUBLISH: Dec. 5, 2024
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: What can you make or do in 2025 that you have never made or done before? Start dreaming. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we have played in propagating predicaments. However, I believe it’s also counterproductive to be relentlessly serious about this or any other psychological principle. We all benefit from having mischievous fun as we rebel against tendencies we have to be dogmatic and fanatical. That’s why I am authorizing you to celebrate a good-humored Complaint Fest. For a limited time only, feel free to unleash fantasies in which you uninhibitedly and hilariously castigate everyone who has done you wrong.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): What you are experiencing may not be a major, earth-shaking rite of passage. But it’s sufficiently challenging and potentially rewarding to qualify as a pivotal breakthrough and turning point. And I’m pleased to say that any suffering you’re enduring will be constructive and educational. You may look back at this transition as a liberating initiation. You will feel deep gratification that you have clambered up to a higher level of mastery through the power of your intelligent love and feisty integrity.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): You are now about halfway between your last birthday and next birthday. In the prophecy industry, we call this your Unbirthday Season. It is usually a time when you receive an abundance of feedback—whether you want it or not. I encourage you to want it! Solicit it. Even pay for it. Not all of it will be true or useful, of course, but the part that is true and useful will be very much so. You could gather a wealth of information that will help you fine-tune your drive for success and joy in the months to come.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Legend tells us that the Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India. He was there for many weeks. At one point, a huge storm came and pelted the sacred spot with heavy rain. Just in time, the King of Serpents arrived, a giant cobra with a massive hood. He shielded the Buddha from the onslaught for the duration. Now I am predicting that you, too, will receive an unexpected form of protection and nurturing in the coming weeks. Be ready to open your mind about what help looks and feels like. It may not be entirely familiar.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): In written form, the Japanese term oubaitori is comprised of four kanji, or characters. They denote four fruit trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, peach, and apricot. Each tree’s flowers blossom in their own sweet time, exactly when they are ready, neither early nor late. The poetic meaning of oubaitori is that we humans do the same: We grow and ripen at our own unique pace. That’s why it’s senseless to compare our rate of unfoldment to anyone else’s. We each have our own timing, our own rhythm. These ideas are especially apropos for you right now, Leo.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I hope you will hunker down in your bunker. I hope you will junk all defunct versions of your spunky funkiness and seek out fresh forms of spunky funkiness. In other words, Virgo, I believe it’s crucial for you to get as relaxed and grounded as possible. You have a mandate to explore ultimate versions of stability and solidity. Shore up your foundations, please. Grow deeper roots. Dig down as deep as you can to strengthen and tone your relationship with the core of your being.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every one of us is a hypocrite at least some of the time. Now and then, we all ignore or outrightly violate our own high standards. We may even engage in behavior that we criticize in others. But here’s the good news for you, Libra. In the coming weeks and months, you may be as unhypocritical as you have ever been. According to my analysis of the astrological, omens, you are likely to be consistently faithful to your ideals. Your actual effects on people will closely match your intended effects. The American idiom is, “Do you practice what you preach?” I expect the answer to that question will be yes as it pertains to you.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author George Orwell advised us that if we don’t analyze and understand the past, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Alas, few people take heed. Their knowledge of our collective history is meager, as is their grasp of recurring trends in their personal lives. But now here’s the good news, dear Scorpio: In the coming months, you will have exceptional power to avoid replicating past ignorance and errors—if you meditate regularly on the lessons available through a close study of your life story.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” I encourage you to unleash fantasies like that in the coming days, Sagittarius. Can you shoot lightning bolts from your eyes? Sure you can. Can you change water into wine? Fly to the moon and back in a magic boat? Win the Nobel Prize for Being Yourself? In your imagination, yes you can. And these exercises will prime you for an array of more realistic escapades, like smashing a mental block, torching an outmoded fear, and demolishing an unnecessary inhibition or taboo. To supercharge your practical power, intensify your imagination’s audacity.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The name of my column is “Free Will Astrology” because I aspire to nurture, inspire, and liberate your free will. A key component in that effort is to help you build your skills as a critical thinker. That’s why I encourage you to question everything I tell you. Don’t just assume that my counsel is always right and true for you. Likewise, I hope you are discerning in your dealings with all teachers, experts, and leaders—especially in the coming weeks and months. You are in a phase of your cycle when it’s even more crucial than usual to be a good-natured skeptic who poses exuberant, penetrating questions. To serve your soul’s health, refine your practice of the art of creative rebellion.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be like a beautifully made fountain that people love to visit, Aquarius. Not like a metaphorical geyser or stream or waterfall out in the natural world, but a three-tiered marble fountain. What does that entail? Here are hints. The water of the fountain cascades upward, but not too high or hard, and then it showers down gently into a pool. Its flow is steady and unflagging. Its sound is mellifluous and relaxing. The endless dance of the bubbles and currents is invigorating and calming, exuberant and rejuvenating. Be like a fountain.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Around this time of year, persimmon trees in my neighborhood have shed their leaves but are teeming with dazzling orange fruits. Pomegranate trees are similar. Their leaves have fallen off but their red fruits are ready to eat. I love how these rebels offer their sweet, ripe gifts as our winter season approaches. They remind me of the current state of your destiny, Pisces. Your gorgeous fertility is waxing. The blessings you have to offer are at a peak. I invite you to be extra generous as you share your gifts with those who are worthy of them—and maybe even a few who aren’t entirely worthy. ∆
