New Times, Dec. 12, 2024

BY LIBBEY HANSON

Editor’s note

Some Atascadero residents are frustrated by what they see as a lack of action when it comes to homelessness. But Atascadero Police Chief Daniel Suttles said that law enforcement is working with SLO County Access and Crisis Services to connect unhoused residents with resources and help through its Community Action Team. Suttles said the department is prioritizing outreach work over punitive measures. However, he added that some residents don’t want the help, which is when the city initiates encampment cleanups. Staff Writer Libbey Hanson writes about the team, the issue, and the police department’s efforts [8] Also this week, read about the next steps for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary [10]; PCPA’s take on Beauty and the Beast [26]; and an ode to Sideways on its two-decade anniversary [34]. Camillia

Lanham editor

Failed Paso City Council candidate files claim against city

Former Paso Robles City Council candidate Linda George filed a $500,000 personal injury claim against the city, requesting that City Manager Ty Lewis be terminated.

George, who lost the 1st District City Council election, presented her 18-page “writ of mandate” to the council at its Dec. 3 meeting. Its goal is to compel the city to fire Lewis under seven workplace violations.

“Happy reading,” she said.

In the claim, George accuses Lewis of creating his own conspiracy group to interfere with the City Council election, specifically her campaign and that of 3rd District candidate Michael Rivera (who also lost), among a list of other alleged offenses.

“[Lewis] is required to perform his jobs to the best of his ability and moral turpitude [sic],” the claim reads. “He has not and remains incompetent of the job.”

George signed the writ, which doesn’t note an attorney. For now, George has only filed the

document with the city. However, George told New Times if the city denies it, she intends to “take it to a judge.”

Her claim comes after City Manager Lewis submitted his own complaint against the city—a $2.2 million claim he filed in August accusing Councilmember Chris Bausch of creating a hostile work environment. The city denied Lewis’ claim.

According to his complaint, Lewis alleged that Bausch had attempted to intimidate and defame him over the previous year, and that both George and Rivera were involved. The city manager claimed that the hostility inflicted “severe emotional distress,” causing him to faint at a May City Council meeting and be placed on medical leave.

George told New Times that she was never in cahoots with Bausch and considers her new claim as a “checkmate” against her self-proclaimed nemesis, Lewis, who returned to work in November.

“I’m not saying, ‘Oh my God, I lost because of them,’” she said, “But he abused me throughout the

New Grover Beach mayor promises to reunite city residents

A chaotic year was followed by an emotional night for the Grover Beach City Council on Dec. 9 as residents bid farewell to three council members and look to new leaders to help repair the community’s divide.

New Mayor Kassi Dee, who takes the city’s reins from Karen Bright and beat out Debbie Peterson and current Councilmember Robert Robert for the job, plans to step up to the challenge.

Dee told New Times that her first priority is rebuilding trust between the City Council and residents.

“You should be able to speak to your local government and not feel like you’re not being listened to,” she said. “I’m planning to lead with integrity, transparency, and visibility.”

Dee was sworn in as the city’s new mayor on Dec. 9 alongside 4th District incumbent Clint Weirick, who won reelection, and new 3rd District Councilmember Kathy McCorry-Driscol,

who is filling outgoing Councilmember Zach Zimmerman’s seat.

In 2024, Grover Beach’s City Council dealt with turbulence, mostly thanks to Grover H2O—a group of residents who came together over what they saw as unfair water rate increases and a regional water recycling facility they didn’t want to pay for.

Originally upset by an almost 20 percent rate increase over the course of four years to help fund Grover Beach’s portion of the Central Coast Blue project, Grover H2O members regularly attended City Council meetings to express their dismay.

The city eventually listened, and council members voted in favor of pulling out of the Central Coast Blue project on April 22 and reverted its water rate structure to what it was before the increase.

Upset at the three council members who originally voted in favor of the project, the group campaigned against 2nd District Councilmember Dan Rushing, the only council member who was eligible to be recalled during the Nov. 5 election.

The recall needed to have a 50 percent majority plus 1 to pass, and 55 percent of the voters in his district voted yes.

campaign and said things that weren’t true.”

In her claim, George accused Lewis of having a conspiracy team including Mayor John Hamon; Councilmember Sharon Roden, who lost her bid to keep the 1st District seat; reelected Councilmembers Steve Gregory and Fred Strong, and “possibly” journalists from The Tribune and Paso Robles Daily News

George accused Roden, Gregory, and Strong of voting “in unison” with the city manager’s agenda, and that Lewis had potentially conspired with various news media to spread false information and libel and slander campaigns.

“He got us all in hot water, now they are in hot water,” George told New Times

Councilmember Roden told New Times she had never been told how to vote, and neither had the other council members.

“They never told me what their expectation was of what my vote should be,” she said. “I did my own homework—I don’t know why that’s so unbelievable to people.”

City Manager Lewis said he doesn’t find George’s claim to have any merit.

“There’s a lot to digest and unpack in there. It’s not solely focused on me,” he said. “It’s carrying her grievances with the media, with local community members. … It seems to be painted with a really broad stroke of the brush there as she tries to articulate whatever her concerns are.”

Lewis added that he didn’t submit his August claim as election interference, he submitted it to address a toxic work environment.

“My complaint goes back way before any of those candidates elected to run for office,” he said. “It’s nothing to do, from my perspective, on anything other than trying to remove the toxicity and the bullying and what I view as illegal practices occurring with one particular person in the city.”

George’s claim requests a list of remedies including the termination of Lewis, $500,000 for herself for injury, and for $1.5 million in recently allocated pickleball funding to be diverted to purchase the former Paso Robles Casino on Black Oak Drive and convert it into a homeless shelter, among other requests.

The Paso Robles City Clerk’s Office confirmed that the claim was received and will be processed within 45 days. ∆

—Libbey Hanson

Community members showed up to that Dec. 9 City Council meeting to express their gratitude for the work that Rushing, Bright, and Zimmerman did during their terms.

Katherine Sells, a 35-year resident of Grover Beach, said Rushing was an excellent council member and that she’s ashamed to see the community taken over by hate.

“I’ve never seen so much hate. … I’m so tired of it, and I’m really ashamed of the public for what they’ve done here to Dan,” she said during public comment.

“I’m really happy that [Kassi] is going to be our new mayor. I think she’ll do a great job, and I hope she can help us get some of the hate out of our community. I’m just really sad about this whole thing.”

With teary eyes, Rushing told the new council members to follow their guide and thanked the community for their constant support during his term.

“It’s been an honor,” he said. “Thank you.”

Zimmerman followed Rushing’s lead and said he wouldn’t have traded this opportunity for anything.

“It’s been my pleasure getting to know our

CHECK MATE Linda George presented an 18-page writ of mandate to the Paso Robles City Council on Dec. 3, requesting that recently returned City Manager Ty Lewis be terminated.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Luxury Condos

community and what they’re up to and their concerns and their joys and everything in between,” he said. “I look forward to remaining involved one way or another and wish all the best to the upcoming mayor and council.”

To fill the vacant 2nd District spot once held by Rushing, the new council will take applications until Jan 3, 2025, and begin interviews Jan. 13, 2025.

For more information on how to apply, visit Grover Beach’s website at grover.org.

—Samantha Herrera

SLO invites public comment to achieve zero traffic collision goal

San Luis Obispo wants severe collisions to be a thing of the past after traffic-related accidents killed 21 people within city limits since 2019.

The death count is the highest year-overyear total since SLO rolled out its Traffic Safety Program 20 years ago, and the city is now moving forward with a 2016 City Council-approved policy called Vision Zero. SLO hopes to achieve zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 through a comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan.

“It’s dangerous heading northeast on Madonna [Road] as you cross over the 101 entry/exit area,” read a bicyclist’s comment in the Vision Zero Community Input Map. “The bike lane markings are very faded, and the useable area is very narrow.”

“New protected bike lane in this area constrains cyclists from taking evasive action,” another commuter noted on the map. “I have nearly hit three cars now between Nipomo and [Marsh] on Higuera.”

The map is meant to guide SLO as it develops the action plan. In the first half of 2024, community members plugged in locations of transportation safety concerns, including near misses while walking, biking, or driving on city streets.

“The Vision Zero Public Input Map was developed earlier this year to help fill in the information gaps that may be missing when looking at crash data alone—both to help guide city engineering decisions, but also to help SLO Police Department enforcement priorities,” SLO Transportation Manager Luke Schwartz said. “Public input data can help identify close calls and concerns at locations that don’t currently have a crash history but may help prevent future collisions before they happen.”

Though the map is now closed to comments, people can still report actual collisions to SLOPD and share information on close calls by emailing the Public Works Department at traffic@slocity.org.

SLO residents have three opportunities to provide public comment on a draft of the action plan. They can speak at the Dec. 12 Active Transportation Committee meeting in City Hall, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. The city is collecting online input until Jan. 15, 2025, through the Open City Hall website at communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/ sanluisobispoca/forum_home. The SLO City Council is scheduled to listen to public comments on March 18.

The draft action plan has already produced some eye-opening findings for the city, according to Schwartz.

Seventy-five percent of severe injuries and fatal collisions happen on a small number of streets that span only 10 percent of city road miles. Eighty percent of fatal collisions involved a victim who was either

walking or cycling. Homeless people, who make up 1 percent of SLO’s population, are overrepresented in fatal traffic collisions. Forty percent of such accidents involve unhoused citizens.

One of the highest priorities recommended in the action plan is to focus on engineering, enforcement, and education efforts on measures that reduce illegal speeding, as well as reducing speed limits on high-speed roadways with high rates of severe crashes.

SLO has seen a glimmer of success. The city’s two decade-old Traffic Safety Program resulted in an almost 70 percent drop in total collisions. When adjusted for travel mode use, SLO is below the national and state averages for per capita pedestrian and bicycle traffic deaths.

“When we look at the number of fatal traffic crashes in SLO based on population, SLO ranks about 40 percent below the state and national averages,” Schwartz said. “While it is better to rank below the state and national averages, even one death on our streets is a huge concern and should not be accepted as the status quo.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Newly elected Councilmember Kris Beal

brings a ‘different voice’ to

Paso politics

According to final election results, newcomer Kris Beal won a seat on the Paso Robles City Council after a close race against incumbent Sharon Roden.

Final election results show that Beal received nearly 44 percent of votes for the 1st District seat, while incumbent Roden trailed behind by 126 votes. Third candidate Linda George came in last with 17 percent.

“I am very excited about the outcome of the election,” Beal told New Times, “and the community’s excitement certainly lifts me up.”

This wasn’t Beal’s first time trying for a seat on the council.

When a seat opened up in 2023 after former Councilmember John Hamon was appointed mayor, Beal said she felt compelled to apply for the appointment among seven other candidates, including both Roden and George. Roden was chosen for the job.

So Beal gave it another go this election cycle.

“You know, my decision to run really wasn’t anything specifically against Mrs. Roden. It was more about being a different voice and giving people an option,” the 20year nonprofit veteran said.

Beal said she wants to provide a voice for the city’s younger population, a group that often doesn’t have time to engage with local government.

“I wasn’t doing it when I was younger. I was working, going to soccer games. I did not spend my time with the local government,” she said. “They deserve a voice. This is the time to be thoughtful for the handoff to the next generation and advocate for neighbors that can’t make it to the meetings and be involved.”

After an election cycle filled with allegations—such as when former 3rd District City Council candidate Michael Rivera accused incumbent Roden of moving his campaign signs, and City Manager Ty Lewis accused current Councilmember Chris Bausch of hostility—Beal said she hopes to remain in her lane and focus on the community’s needs during her term.

“I’m the kind of person that tries to stay

very intentional about how I spend my time and energy. There’s only so many hours in the day,” she said. “I’m going to stay focused on my issues and connecting with the community, on trying to improve the quality of life for people in the city.”

Roden said she’s disappointed by the results but is grateful for her year on the City Council.

“This truly has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling years of my life. I have enjoyed every moment of it,” she said. “I know that’s hard to believe by some people’s standards—how could you enjoy some of the stuff that’s going on? But I love a challenge, and I love learning.”

And Roden said she wishes Beal the best.

“[Beal] ran a very thoughtful and respectful campaign. If there were any issues that we had with each other or around topics, we met face-to-face and voiced those respectfully,” she said.

However, Roden said she couldn’t say the same about her other opponent, George.

“I did not engage in the drama surrounding most of the campaign, especially surrounding Linda George, even when she chose to have personal attacks against me,” she said, referencing George’s public accusation of Roden being an employee who serves City Manager Lewis rather than the residents.

“And for somebody to say that—I don’t know what she’s basing it on. It certainly isn’t based on any evidence, but sometimes I think she just talks to get a reaction, and so I didn’t want to engage in that during the campaign,” she said.

Despite her loss, Roden said she hopes to remain active with the city and help encourage productive discussions between the council and residents at meetings.

“I’ve got a little bit more education than when I started out a year ago, and I hope to make good use for the city,” she said. “I’m not going to be yelling and screaming in a mic without doing my background on anything and maybe be a counterbalance to some of those people who choose to continue that rhetoric.”

—Libbey Hanson

SLO Superior Court reacts to budget cuts with reduced service levels

San Luis Obispo Superior Court is feeling the pinch as Gov. Gavin Newsom tightens the state’s purse strings to address California’s anticipated $46.8 billion budget deficit.

Newsom signed a budget in July that cut $97 million from state trial courts for fiscal year 2024-25. Now, SLO Superior Court must scale back services in response to a permanent budget deficit of roughly $1 million for the local court system.

“The courts experienced similar budget cuts in the Great Recession [of 2008] and at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” SLO court administration told New Times via email. “The judicial branch has a workload formula to determine the adequate amount of funding needed to sustain the trial courts. Any amount below that is unsustainable and will result in service level reductions or increased backlogs.”

Trial courts aren’t alone in facing dwindling coffers. The state budget also called for a commensurate reduction of 7.95 percent for institutions like the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, Habeas Corpus

Resource Center, and the Judicial Council. In SLO, the pared down budget impacted phone hours and the civil attorney line starting Dec. 9. The public phone hours are now active in the SLO and Paso Robles courts Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Grover Beach court will take calls Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The civil attorney line, which was used by lawyers to access tentative rulings, has been eliminated altogether. The public phone line is the alternative. Tentative rulings are now available online at slo.courts.ca.gov under “Online Services.”

“Consolidating the attorney and public lines results in equal access to justice between attorneys and self-represented litigants,” court administration said. “The change in phone service levels will result in increased wait times. By consolidating our phone lines and reducing our phone hours, it is our intention that staff will have more time to process documents needed to progress or resolve court cases.”

The clerk’s office counter hours are also taking a hit starting Feb. 3, 2025. The public can access the counter at the SLO and Grover Beach courts Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and at the Paso Robles court Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The court hasn’t filled existing employee vacancies since July 1, 2024. According to administration, the court is holding vacancies to balance the budget. Some positions critical to ongoing operations or backed by grant funds could be filled. Most recently, administration said, funds from Senate Bill 170 or the Budget Act of 2021 filled a court reporter position.

The voluntary time-off program offered to court employees serves as an added budgetsaving measure. The scheme gives them the option to take unpaid leave—meaning from Dec. 23, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025, the court will run with fewer staff members. Restraining orders and other urgent issues with statutory deadlines will be handled on schedule, but other judicial calendars will be reduced. SLO Superior Court is one of several systems racing to put steps in place to avoid layoffs and mandatory furloughs thanks to the funding cut.

“The state of California is facing a multiyear budget deficit,” court administration said. “Every court in California received a budget cut proportionate to their share of state workload. Many courts are experiencing similar service reductions and/or have laid off staff or instituted mandatory furloughs.”

The Daily Journal reported that the budget slash comes at a time when the Los Angeles County Superior Court—the nation’s largest trial court—continues to recover from case backlogs that piled up during the pandemic. Orange County Superior Court implemented cost-saving measures months ago in anticipation of the painful cuts, hoping to maintain service levels in the face of less funding. SLO County residents now have the chance to weigh in. The court is seeking input from the public about the stripped-down service levels. Comments must be submitted either via email to admin@slo.courts.ca.gov or dropped off to the court at 1035 Palm St., room 385, SLO by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2025.

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BY LIBBEY HANSON

Core issues

Atascadero’s Community Action Team addresses roots of homelessness

After years of finding syringes and human waste on the ground, experiencing knocks on her front door asking for money, and a home invasion two years ago, one Atascadero resident is fed up with the homeless encampments near her home.

She lives close to Stadium Park and thinks it’s about time that something is done about it.

“It’s ridiculous,” her post in the Everything Atascadero Facebook group read. “Now I feel like I live in the middle of Skid Row.”

The resident didn’t respond to New Times’ interview requests, but hundreds responded to the post. Some said they hated what the area has become; others called for empathy amid a failed mental health system.

“It won’t change unless the police have a right to get tough with them. They have no consequences,” one comment read.

Police Chief Daniel Suttles told New Times that the department is trying multiple solutions, and it doesn’t intend to “get tough” using citations. Instead, he said, the Atascadero Police Department intends to help solve the root of the issue.

“We go through a lot of steps before we get to the point where we’re going to give someone a citation,” Suttles said. “It has to be a really special circumstance for us to cite somebody first contact. I haven’t seen it yet since I’ve been here.”

Police want to help unhoused residents before they enforce against them.

“First and foremost, we are humanitarian in our efforts,” he said. “We want to try to find a solution for those who are unsheltered and find a way to get them housed. If that’s not feasible, then we’ll turn toward cleaning up encampments.”

Outreach efforts stem from Atascadero’s Community Action Team (CAT), a partnership between the city and SLO County Access and Crisis Services.

According to Suttles, this team is composed of four professionals—two Atascadero police officers, a county clinician, and a case manager.

Each day, the team goes out into the community and tries to make contact and

develop trust with each unhoused resident.

The primary goal is to make sure that each person is offered resources, Suttles said, whether it’s a place at the El Camino Homeless Organization, transportation to rehabilitation, or a needed prescribed medication for mental illness.

For crimes like a home invasion, Suttles said that an unhoused resident would be processed just as anyone would.

“Maybe we won’t offer resources to somebody who has committed a felony, but I think that goes for every citizen in the entire city. So that’s not unique to this population,” he said.

SLO County Access and Crisis Services Division Manager Samantha Parker said the CAT program has grown since it was started in 2019, funded through a grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Now it’s funded through the state’s Mental Health Services Act and operates in Atascadero, Paso Robles, and SLO city.

According to Parker, CAT operates in each area by responding to 911 calls that fall under behavioral health.

“A lot of [the calls] are de-escalation, diverting folks away from the criminal justice system and into care when they’re experiencing a mental health crisis or behavioral health crisis,” she said. “What’s really cool is [callers] have direct access to our clinics, our outpatient treatment. We can get telehealth out there onto the streets. We can administer medications under the direction of the doctor. So, it kind of brings in a little bit of street medicine in crisis intervention.”

When CAT isn’t on calls, its members are out on the streets for outreach and engagement alongside police officers, and Parker said that the two fields make a good team when it comes to building relationships with the locally unsheltered population.

“They’re going into the riverbeds; they’re getting to know the community of folks that are unhoused in our county. And I know Atascadero PD, in particular, they have a really strong relationship with the folks on the street. They are often on a first name basis,” she said.

Parker added that the partnership between professions is teaching different cultures how to work together and fulfilling a “huge societal need.”

“The landscape has changed so much since the George Floyd riot. There’s so much more publicity and eyes on these incidents where people in mental health crises are perishing,” she said. “Law enforcement, they’re not getting into their jobs to be social workers and mental health workers; we’re not really getting into our profession to be peace officers, but our worlds are converging. They’re just colliding. And so, it’s been a really cool way to support each other and kind of help hold both cultures accountable.”

Sarah Hardesty has been a licensed psychiatric technician on the Atascadero team for three years, and throughout that time, she has helped unhoused residents get to medical and mental health appointments, filled out paperwork, and provided support over Zoom with medical professionals as needed.

“Anything that makes the client feel more comfortable getting the services that they need, we attempt to do it with them,” she said.

One of the hardest parts of the job is seeing a backward slide after months of effort.

“It’s hard to get someone moving forward and then watch them come out of 90 days of rehab and fall right back into the same pattern,” she said. “But our clients know that we’re here to help them no matter how many times, and get them right back into another program, if we can.”

But that just means the team must look at any sort of progress as a win.

“Whether that’s being able just to get someone to walk into drug and alcohol walkin with us for five minutes and then leave— we got them to that step, and maybe the next time, we can get it further,” she said.

Police Chief Suttles said that some residents don’t want the help, and that’s just human nature.

When residents opt out, Suttles said that police enforce cleanups to keep all residents, housed or unhoused, as healthy as possible.

However, Parker said, the process can be slow as the team attempts to build a rapport and trust with the unhoused community, and success can be a nonlinear, longterm process.

“I’ve seen them work with someone for months and months who finally is ready to get sober, is ready to work with a wraparound treatment team and get on some mental health medications,” Parker said. “And we’ve been able to get them housed and into treatment and reintegrated with family.”

“We have the obligation to take care of and protect all of our citizens, including the unhoused. But we also have an obligation to provide a clean and safe environment for everybody,” he said. “We understand if you’re homeless, you have to go somewhere. We’re not trying to make the status of being unsheltered a crime, but if you set up an encampment in a creek bed with running water, that can have some unintended consequences.”

According to Suttles, before a cleanup, police and CAT will notify campers at least 24 hours in advance to gather their belongings and move locations. And when the encampments pack up and move to new places like Stadium Park, Suttles said this is often when Facebook posts pop up.

“I would ask that people understand the reason why they may see an encampment,” Suttles said. “There’s going to be the perception of an increase in our homeless population, but doesn’t necessarily mean there is an increase. It just means that you might see them more because, quite honestly, we just cleaned up their encampment.” ∆

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

IN THE FIELD Atascadero’s Community Action Team—two police officers, a clinician, and case manager—is attempting to solve the deeper issues of homelessness.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO COUNTY ACCESS AND CRISIS SERVICES

steps

Adecade after its application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sanctuary nomination process, the 4,543-squaremile Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is official.

“The exciting part about this is the namesake for a lot of Chumash community members,” Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Chair Kenneth Kahn told New Times. “It’s certainly quite the legacy for all Chumash people that have inhabited the area for many, many years.”

On Nov. 30, the designation became official. It will stretch 116 miles along the coast from the Diablo Canyon Power Plant to Gaviota and extends off the coast about 60 miles with a maximum depth of 11,580 feet, according to NOAA. It’s the first designated marine sanctuary that’s connected to a tribe.

The sanctuary’s goal is to protect the biodiversity and natural resources of sea life, save it for educational opportunities, and also preserve its historic monuments, Kahn said.

“We have had a lot of village sites on that coastline for many years, and since the Ice Age we’ve had 26 or so feet of sea level rise, so many of our historic village sites are underwater on the coastline,” he said. “Protecting these areas is extremely important.”

However, the marine sanctuary’s boundary lines contain a much smaller area than what was originally proposed by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council.

According to previous New Times reporting, the application submitted in 2015 proposed that the sanctuary stretch 140 miles from Cambria to Santa Barbara, filling the gap between the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Through years of planning and months of feedback through 110,000 public comments, NOAA decided a reduced size would be better—one that was 2,000 square miles smaller and left a gap between the Monterey Bay sanctuary and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

This was done for a couple reasons, according to the draft environmental impact

statement. That draft specified that waters off Cambria and Morro Bay were left out because of the possible installation and management of roughly 30 subsea electrical transmission cables for offshore wind energy development. Currently, three companies have leases with the U.S. Department of Interior for wind energy development areas off both Morro Bay and Humboldt.

NOAA also said it preferred to leave out those same waters due to a naming dispute. The Salinan tribes identified parts of that area as their ancestral homeland and objected to the proposed sanctuary being named “Chumash.”

Some community members still worry that the gap between sanctuaries would harm the 20 species of birds, white sharks, bluefin tuna, sea lions, leatherback turtles, whales, sea otters, elephant seals, and other wildlife that rely on migration for survival.

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) told New Times that there is still the possibility to expand the Chumash marine sanctuary to the Monterey Bay sanctuary as originally planned.

“There’s a phase 2 that we hope to get to after the offshore wind energy stakeholders build some of the facilities that they are going to be building,” he said. “The reason we have the boundary from Gaviota to the

southern part of Diablo Canyon is because the wind energy companies that bought the leases off that northern part of the coast there wanted to make sure that they have the ability to build those facilities and put in the cabling that needs to come in on shore so that we can have successful wind projects.”

Carbajal said it makes the wind development process more streamlined and less complicated.

After the wind farms are built, he said, phase 2 will be to connecting the sanctuaries. It’ll take around a decade, he said.

As of now, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Chair Kahn said the focus is

revolving around sanctuary leadership. Currently, the sanctuary is run by an Intergovernmental Policy Council that includes representatives from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (the only federally recognized Chumash tribe), NOAA, and the state of California, Kahn said.

Now that the sanctuary been designated, the policy council will work on forming an advisory council within the first couple months of 2025 to help diversify the representation of the partners protecting the sanctuary, he said.

“We’re ready to participate at many levels, but we also understand there’s going to be a big learning curve for many, and it’s going to be a hub for sharing indigenous knowledge,” Kahn said. “So we’re certainly excited for that.”

NOAA will begin accepting applications for sanctuary advisory council seats in early January 2025 and will keep the application window open for 60 days.

The aim is to bring local community members together to develop advice and recommendations for the management and protection of sanctuary resources, NOAA said.

The council will include 15 voting seat members and 15 alternates reflecting a variety of local community interests and experiences to the sanctuary, such as tribal and indigenous knowledge, scientific and education expertise, and federal, state, or local agency representatives with expertise relevant to the management of marine resources and activities within the area.

Following the advisory council’s formation, the sanctuary will develop implementation plans for an Indigenous Collaborative CoStewardship that will provide meaningful involvement of representatives and partners from multiple local tribes and Indigenous communities.

“There’s a council coordinator that will work with the sanctuary superintendent to put together and coordinate meetings, etc.,” Kahn said. “We’re certainly going to be a big part of that process to make sure that indigenous populations have their input.” ∆

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

NEW STATUS The coast off Montaña Del Oro is now protected as part of the recently designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, which extends from Diablo Canyon to Gaviota.

PHOTO BY LIBBEY HANSON

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.

Dr. Adam Abroms

Dr. John B. Cotter

COMPLETE TESTING & REPAIR

BY CAMILLIA LANHAM

Lights and sights

Anearly 2-mile train ride through Santa Margarita Ranch can get you within lap-sitting distance of Santa Claus.

You might get serenaded by carolers as you head into his barn—or distracted by the Pig Iron’s bar cart, the fire pits waiting for marshmallow roasting, Central Coast Trailrides’ ponies, or the crafty Christmas marketplace.

However, Christmas at the Ranch cofounder and coordinator Steve Rossi said that the village isn’t the star of the show.

“It really is a train event that has a village you can go to,” he said.

With three fully restored Disneyland rail cars and two steam-engine-pulled trains bedecked in holiday lights that travel a loop through ranchland illuminated by almost a dozen big and small displays, Christmas at the Ranch is in its second year of celebrating the season on the Central Coast. Responding to customer comments about the first year, Rossi said the ranch brought in more vendors, activities, and lights for the second annual event, which takes places Friday and Saturday through Dec. 21 and on Sunday, Dec. 22.

“We knew people wanted more. It really sort of organically grew, as to what we could do,” Rossi said. “Opening day, my wife and I looked at each other, and we were like, ‘Uh oh, I think we took on a lot.’”

“We always said it’s too bad we can’t do something like that,” he said.

Last September, AGM Community Partners approached the Rossis about doing a fall or winter festival, and they pitched the holiday Christmas train and pulled it together in time for the holiday season. Proceeds from the event benefit AGM, which organizes community events that benefit local charities, and the Vintage Traditions Foundation, which aims to get antique and vintage machinery restored and up and running again. Vintage Traditions helped with the train car restoration, Rossi said, noting that a WWII era C-47 plane from Camarillo is on the ranch getting restoration work done.

“One of the big elements [the nonprofit] does is it’s a way for groups to donate old equipment, old elements that need restoration,” he said. “The idea is to find the resources to restore the equipment, preserve the equipment, operate the equipment, and then share it with the community.”

At the first event, Christmas at the Ranch highlighted two fully restored original train cars that toured Disneyland on opening day in 1955. A third debuted this year after spending 11 months in the shop, and there’s a fourth train car getting its facelift right now, Rossi said.

“Tickets are selling really fast,” he said.

Everything came together, though, after two full months of preparation to fashion and coordinate a festive wonderland.

“So far, all the feedback has been incredible,” Rossi said. “We had people saying that they were buying tickets to come back again.”

While tickets to ride in the Disney cars sell out pretty fast, Rossi said that riding in the open-air train car is just as good and can get guests closer to the displays, which have some surprises tucked into them.

The tracks and trains have been at the ranch since 1999, Rossi said, when his father bought it and the Disney cars. Using them for a sort of Christmas-themed event was a backburner idea for his family, he said.

When his kids were young, he and his wife would take the family to events around Christmas.

“We always did the local activities every year,” he added. “We’d pick one to focus on … the Cambria Christmas Market or the Melodrama.”

A couple of those years, the family also rode a Christmas-themed train in Jamestown, Rossi said, and took The Polar Express Train Ride in Sacramento.

Find tickets for Christmas at the Ranch at my805tix.com. The event is open Friday and Saturday through Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for kids ages 3 to 12.

Fast fact

• The Paso Robles Moose Lodge launched its Holiday Give Back Campaign, which culminates on Christmas Day with the third annual Ricky Bittle Memorial Day of Giving. So far, the lodge has collected 160 pounds of nonperishable food, which it donated to Loaves & Fishes; delivered Thanksgiving meals to the local homeless community and service workers; and partnered with Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, and the Angel Tree to provide holiday gifts for local children. On Christmas Day, the lodge will be open to anyone in need and offer free hot holiday to-go meals, toiletry bag care packages, and new toys for children. Find the event at 635 28th St. in Paso. For more information on how to participate, email pasomooseoutreach@gmail.com. ∆

Reach Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@ newtimesslo.com.

ALL ABOARD Trains are the star of the show at Christmas at the Ranch in Santa Margarita, and while you travel a 2-mile loop, you can catch festive lights and sights, and stop in Santa’s Village.

COURTESY PHOTO BY SLAVA NAROZHNYI

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‘Scorched earth’ tactics

and resources as well as our region’s already fragile water supply. To be clear, this lawsuit jeopardizes the water security of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach—communities that rely on Lopez Lake Reservoir for survival.

As the supervisor representing South County, I am deeply concerned about the recent lawsuit and court decision against San Luis Obispo County regarding the county’s operation of Lopez Dam. This lawsuit is a judicial end run around the county’s years-long administrative process with the state and federal agencies that are responsible for regulating endangered species and protected resources.

While protecting steelhead trout is an admirable goal, this lawsuit and the plaintiffs behind it take an unnecessarily myopic view and refuse to properly consider the consequences of their lawsuit on other species

San Luis Obispo should heed the recent NorCal earthquake as a warning

If the 7.0-magnitude earthquake 30 miles off the northern California shore was not a wake-up call for residents of San Luis Obispo, are they waiting for the one that could possibly strike 30 yards off the coast of San Luis Obispo? Seismologists have long warned that an overdue “Big One” (7.8 magnitude or higher), which California has not experienced since 1906, could happen at any point. Since the initial application for Diablo Canyon Power Plant which was written 60 years ago—much seismic and geographic information has come to light. Notably there are four earthquake faults running under and near Diablo, the closest of which is a mere 1,000 yards away (the Shoreline fault).

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has failed to give any serious credence to multiple verifiable reports on the seismic danger. The NRC is in the process of considering an application by PG&E to continue operations of the plant for an additional 20 years.

The recent earthquake also triggered a tsunami warning, and residents were advised to relocate “to higher ground.” Should a tsunami warning also be issued in San Luis Obispo after an earthquake, the existing evacuation routes would fail. Highway 101 backs up on an almost daily basis with either an accident, a fire, commuter traffic, and other events. Residents would not be able to leave the county. The SLO Emergency Evacuation Plan was devised decades ago before the population of San Luis Obispo County increased.

Any decision to extend the operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant, whose nuclear waste is stored onsite, is totally unacceptable and dangerous. A large swath of the Central Coast could become uninhabitable.

Patricia Kohlen San Luis Obispo

Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024—a big success!

The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club

The lawsuit, brought by the Ecological Rights Foundation and in coordination with local agencies San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, Los Padres ForestWatch, and the California Coastkeeper Alliance, disregards the county’s significant efforts to protect endangered species, including steelhead trout. For years, the county has worked on a comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan and carefully managed water releases to balance water supply and species protection. Additionally, projects like frog ponds and fish passage improvements, among other things, demonstrate the county’s proactive commitment to environmental stewardship.

has been promoting jazz on the Central Coast with monthly dance concerts and an annual festival for almost 50 years. BSR also provides scholarships to Jazz Camp for young musicians who are interested in furthering their knowledge of music and jazz—learning from the pros!

This fall, the Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club expanded its annual festival by initiating and orchestrating the Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024. Local music venues, jazz organizations, dance clubs, colleges, night clubs, wineries, and restaurants from Orcutt to San Luis Obispo, participated in the festival from Oct. 21 to Nov 4. Jazz, music, and dancing were highlighted at 15 venues with kick-off parties, special musical guests, local favorite jazz bands, VIP events, and musical productions. Most of the events were free, with select ones being ticketed events.

Patrons of the event gave it a wholehearted “thumbs up.” Venue owners were very pleased at the response from the community. Many individuals were introduced to and fell in love with a genre of music that inspired fun, family, and unity over the universal language of music!

We thank the (so many to list!) sponsors, promoters, venue owners, and community members for making this a successful festival that continues to develop and expand the regional jazz audience! We look forward to

Two years ago, Lopez Reservoir was at just 22 percent capacity due to prolonged drought. While Lopez is nearly full today, severe droughts are inevitable. This is why we must be careful, thoughtful, and precise with how we manage this resource, based on facts and fully vetted science. The recent decision makes short shrift of the years of work, elaborate study, and comprehensive analysis that the county has performed in order to “get it right” and to achieve both environmental successes for steelhead and other species while managing this important resource for the community.

This lawsuit is an example of environmentalism going too far—where the drive to protect one species overrides the basic needs of an entire community. The lawsuit and recent ruling impose restrictions that destabilize the region’s water supply without guaranteeing better outcomes for species.

I support many local environmental

enhancements and additional partners for Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2025!

Tara

Hoffmann Santa Maria

San Luis Obispo’s bike lanes are unsafe for pedestrians

I read Richard Schmitt’s opinion piece, “Wrong Side of ADA” with great interest and agreement with his stance. I, too, have serious concerns about many of the bicycle lane changes within the city.

I have heard from several business owners downtown that they themselves or their customers have experienced close calls or accidents caused by electric bicycles speeding down those bicycle alleys on Marsh. I have heard from several elderly residents who have parked beside one of those “alleys” and had close calls with oncoming traffic when they

causes. However, the nature of this litigation, the attorneys’ “scorched earth” tactics, and the willingness of some organizations to jeopardize our water system must be rebuked and condemned. Please reach out to these organizations to implore that they change their tactics and collaborate on sustainable solutions.

As your supervisor, I remain committed to conserving our environment while advancing projects like regional water recycling, desalination, infrastructure investments, and conservation strategies that protect and enhance our water supply.

In the spirit of collaboration, I urge all parties to come together to develop a balanced solution that ensures the longterm water security of our South County communities. ∆

Jimmy Paulding is SLO County’s 4th District supervisor. Send a response for publication by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.

stepped out of their cars.

Those with limited mobility have complained of having to heft their walkers, canes, and/or arthritic limbs over the outside concrete curb, through the bike lane itself (hoping no bicyclist will run a red light behind them), and then up onto the curb connected to the sidewalk.

And at least one non-electric bicyclist I know has been hit by a speeding electric bicyclist. So not only is the bicycle lane infrastructure ill-conceived and dangerous, but many bicyclists (usually of the electric kind) are using it as their personal racetrack by speeding and running stop signs and red lights. As I told Mike Boswell, our new City Council member, the city bicycle project may have made the streets safer for many of our bicyclists, but it has made it much more dangerous for our pedestrians!

Dr. Nicki Edwards San Luis Obispo

Drama queens

Grover Beach is turning over a new leaf, according to recently elected Mayor Kassi Dee, who promises to help rebuild trust between the community and its City Council.

And if the groans accompanying one particularly vocal Grover H2O member’s turn at the microphone—it was Brenda Auer—during public comment on Dec. 9 are any indication about where the community stands on the year of division, residents are ready to rid themselves of the drama.

But I’m not!

Hey, Shredder’s gotta shred, amirite?

In an unusually quiet public comment, Debbie Peterson was suddenly worried about trees. After a full year of tirades about water rates, Central Coast Blue, and how terrible and corrupt the City Council is, the leader of the group formerly known as Grover H2O is concerned that Grover Beach is treeless! I say “formerly known as” because the Grover H2O website no longer exists! Interesting.

Peterson lost her bid to become mayor again (thank the gods!) and is possibly planting the seeds to grow her next rabblerousing chorus of malcontents. Perhaps she could call it Grover Trees? They could accuse the council of being anti-environment and colluding with Public Works to pave the roads! As if that needed to happen! Oh wait, it did.

I’m not sure how many hysterical voices

she could pull together, but drama queens and kings like to drama—so

I’m sure the Auers of the world are just tingling with anticipation for their next call to action! However, the group of folks who were gathered at the Dec. 9 Grover Beach City Council meeting were appalled at what’s transpired in the past year.

“I’ve never seen so much hate. … I’m so tired of it, and I’m really ashamed of the public for what they’ve done here to Dan,” 35-year city resident Katherine Sells said during public comment. “I’m really happy that [Kassi] is going to be our new mayor.

I think she’ll do a great job, and I hope she can help us get some of the hate out of our community. I’m just really sad about this whole thing.”

Poor Dan Rushing! He was swept up in the madness thanks to Grover H2O’s smear campaign against him alongside the push to recall him. Well, it worked. He took his leave on Dec. 9 as did the relieved former Mayor Karen Bright and former Councilmember Zach Zimmerman—who no longer have to deal with the unhinged toxicity they’ve been subjected to for months and months.

At least there’s a glimmer of hope for a reprieve in Grover. I can’t say the same for Paso Robles, which is knee deep and getting

deeper in tit-for-tat ridiculousness.

Linda George is a thorn in the side of local government and doesn’t plan to quit that job anytime soon. The failed Paso City Council candidate, who placed third in the contest for the 1st District council seat, filed a claim against the city demanding that it fire City Manager Ty Lewis, her self-proclaimed nemesis.

In a rambling complaint that obviously wasn’t vetted by an attorney, George accused Lewis of conspiring to impact the campaigns of herself and fellow failed candidate Michael Rivera, among other things.

“[Lewis] is required to perform his jobs to the best of his ability and moral turpitude,” the claim reads. “He has not and remains incompetent of the job.”

Methinks turpitude is not what George thinks it is. It is defined as “depravity, wickedness.” She may think Lewis is wicked, but the sentence isn’t about what she thinks he is; it’s about what she thinks he should be.

A proofreader would have been good, Linda. Or even just a reread, probably.

She called her little piece of 18-page work a “checkmate” against Lewis. She’s upset about a lot of things. She accuses everyone on the City Council—except her bestie, Chris Bausch—of being in on the conspiracy alongside local media outlets and voting in unison with whatever Lewis wanted. Oh, and she wants $500,000

in compensation for the injury that all of this caused to her.

I also want $500,000 from the city for having to hear about all of this!

“I’m not saying, ‘Oh my God, I lost because of them,’” she said.

Really? It sure sounds like you are. It must be nice to just blame all of your problems on other people!

Lewis, who filed his own claim against the city and Bausch in August, said he doesn’t think her claim has any merit.

“There’s a lot to digest and unpack in there,” he said. “It’s carrying her grievances with the media, with local community members.”

Oh, it’s the media’s fault, too? Man. All the media did was try to understand what the hell is going on in Paso, which devolved into the same toxicity that Grover Beach did thanks to a select few residents who might be just a little too loud and a little too entitled.

I guess the saving grace in all of this is that none of those toxic people made it onto the dais. Sharon Roden, who ran against George and also lost to Kris Beal for the 1st District seat, said she sometimes thinks that George just “talks to get a reaction.”

She’s not wrong. Some people just love the drama. ∆

The Shredder is a drama queen and short king. Send comments to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

SEASONAL SIGHTS

This year’s Cambria Christmas Market is scheduled to remain open to the public through the end of December, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This decorative destination features more than 3 million holiday lights on display, and also includes an authentic German vendor market, festive food and drink offerings, and more. Tickets start at $25. Entry is free for ages 5 and under. Visit cambriachristmasmarket.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.

DON DOUBLEDEE AND LINDA BENCH, LIGHT AND SHADOWS PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW, AND CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

EXTRAVAGANZA: ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY Come meet the artists, be inspired, and enjoy food, refreshments, a tree-filled atrium and all the businesses in Marina Square. Dec. 14 , 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068.

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

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

SHOW An all-gallery holiday craft show. Come discover the perfect gifts, art, crafts, ceramics, jewelry, housewares, and more. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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 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.

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

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom.

ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge. com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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/.

HOLIDAY POTTERY SALE AT ANAM CRE POTTERY Join for a holiday pottery sale to purchase a handmade gift this holiday season. Hot cocoa may be available. Dec. 14 1-6 p.m. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., 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 COMEDY SHOWS AT THE BUNKER Come laugh out loud at The Bunker with the Central Coast Comedy Theater. Dec. 20 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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.

JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie

Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/julie-alpert-strange-magic/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LORI LEE SILVAGGIO’S THE NUTCRACKER Featuring a full live orchestra, stellar production values, and some of SLO County’s finest dancers, this is a ballet experience you won’t want to miss. Presented by the Civic Ballet of SLO. Dec. 13-15 civicballetslo.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

THE NUTCRACKER: PRESENTED BY THE SLO MOVEMENT ARTS CENTER The SLO Movement Arts Center brings Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life with a whole new twist, while setting the story in San Luis Obispo. Come see this classic as never before, with heart, history, and the best dancing on the Central Coast. Dec. 20 7:30-9:45 p.m. and Dec. 21 , 2-3:45 p.m. $28-$52. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

PAWSITIVELY FUNNY IMPROV SHOW

Join in on this improv show to benefit Novy’s Ark Dog Rescue through House of Bread’s Guest Bartender program. Dogs will be available on-site for adoption. Dec. 20 4-6 p.m. Free. improvforgood. fun. House of Bread, 1025 Farmhouse Lane, San Luis Obispo, (805) 801-4853. PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual

together

arts

COURTESY PHOTO BY MARK DEKTOR

using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/events/ second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY BEDFORD: THE WINDOW The Window intricately bridges the natural, the historical, and the imagined. Through Feb. 16, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/whitney-bedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., 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. and Dec. 22 , 6-7 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.

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.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

36TH ANNUAL LOS OSOS HOLIDAY PARADE

This annual tradition starts on Los Osos Valley Road near Ralph’s. Features more than 30 festive entries. Santa will arrive on a fire truck. Dec. 14 , 10 a.m. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.

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.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-DO

Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 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.

CENTRAL COAST WOMEN RAISING Find calm amidst the chaos before the new year. There will be an empowerment circle with a grounding session of meditation, breath work, movement, and more. Dec. 14 , 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $20 suggested Donation. (805) 2357978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Health With Integrity, 80 North Ocean, Cayucos.

CHRISTMAS IN CAYUCOS: WONDERLAND WALK A fun and festive yearly tradition in downtown Cayucos, along Ocean Avenue. Enjoy dining, shopping, and merriment. Dec.

MERRY AND BRIGHT Sensorio in Paso Robles presents its Holiday GLOW festivities through early January 2025. The program debuted in late November and features festive art displays, light installations, music, and more. To purchase tickets or find out more about Sensorio’s holiday happenings, visit sensoriopaso.com.

—C.W.

14 5-8 p.m. cayucoschamber.com. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.

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. 14 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Dec. 21 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.

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.

THE MORRO BAY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT COMPILATION MEETING This meeting is a culmination of the 71st annual MB Christmas Bird Count. All species seen will be tabulated. Visit the link for more info. Dec. 16 , 7-8 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1991. morrocoastaudubon.org.

MEET & GREET SANTA CLAUS Bring the whole family to this meet and greet event where children can share their wishes, snap festive photos, and experience the joy of the season. Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 225-5088. The Old Circle Inn Building, 875 Main Street, Morro Bay.

NEEDS ‘N WISHES Join in on the holiday festivities, with a silent auction, raffles, free refreshments, bake shop, and visits with Santa. Dec. 14 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. (805) 674-2624. southbayseniorspeoplehelpingpeople.com. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

SANTA’S HOUSE ON THE EMBARCADERO

Get a fun pic with St. Nick during the first two weeks of December. Through Dec. 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. Attendees are guided into intentional movement, laughter, earthing practices, and gratitude rituals while connecting with nature and the sacred Morro Bay rock. Dec. 14 8:309:45 a.m. my805tix.com. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.

SOLSTICE: JOURNEY THRU SACRED SOUND AND SILENCE Allow the grounding, harmonious vibrations of crystal singing bowls, Himalayan bowls, gongs, and other soothing instruments to carry you through a serene soundscape. Dec. 17 6-8 p.m. my805tix. com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005

colors, greenery, ribbon, and embellishments to make a unique Christmas decoration for yourself or to give as a gift. Dec. 13 5:30-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Craft Crop Create Studios, 4401 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES MAIN STREET

TEDDY BEAR AFFAIR Dress up your favorite teddy bear and bring him for juice and cookies during this event in downtown Paso Robles. Children and families can meet Santa, and enjoy music, food, and prizes. Dec. 21 2-4 p.m. $23 for adults and $10 for children. (805) 238-4103. my805tix.com. Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, Vine Street, Paso Robles.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix. com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.

HOLIDAY MAGIC AT CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO The zookeepers have prepared gifts for the zoo’s animals, and Santa is visiting to help deliver them. Dec. 21 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero.

THE PROCRASTINATORS HOLIDAY BAZAAR

The perfect opportunity to get your holiday shopping finished. Features more than 20 artists and makers, oracle readings, sweet treats, a wine bar, and Mr. Krampus. Dec. 21 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita, (805) 4389981.

9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.

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 5:30-7:30 p.m. 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.

WINTER SOLSTICE MARKET Celebrate this holiday season shopping from a collection of handmade and handpicked holiday gifts made by local artisans and creators. RSVP for tickets. Dec. 21 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. my805tix. com. Noi’s Little Thai Village, 668 Santa Maria Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos, (805) 235-4868.

YOGA’SSAGE Join this winter solstice experience, that will blend two healing mediums of yoga and massage during the 90-minute workshop. No experience needed. Visit link for tickets and more info. Dec. 22 , 6-7:30 p.m. $49. my805tix.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.

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.

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

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.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Join ArtSocial805 and Lauren, baker and owner of Three Little Crumbs, for cookie decorating, just in time for the holidays. Dec. 12 6-8 p.m. $55. (805) 400-9107. shop. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.

CHRISTMAS SANTA WALL HANGING CRAFT

All supplies will be provided to complete this adorable Santa. You can choose your own

SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING Bring your favorite rock, gem, crystal, fossil, etc., to show the rest of the club. Third Monday of every month, 7 p.m. slrockhounds.org/. Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St., Templeton.

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

Come together this holiday season to make a difference while enjoying the thrill of the ride. To participate, bring a stuffed stocking for the homeless or donate $20. Visit the link for more info and to RSVP for a ticket. Dec. 14 , 12-4 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Blast and Brew, 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 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.

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.

CLIMATE ACTION GATHERING This month, SLO Climate Coalition will be highlighting carbon-smart food choices—”small, mindful decisions we can make that lead to a big difference in reducing carbon.” Dec. 12 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5991.

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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SENSORIO

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.

FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO PUBLIC MARKET Join the Central Coast Comedy Theater Ensemble Team each second Friday of the month to enjoy their improv comedy show. Dec. 13 6-8 p.m. $12. centralcoastcomedy.com/. San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.

FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH Bask under December’s full moon during a 60-minute gentle yoga flow, followed by a sound healing and meditation. All levels welcome. Visit site for tickets and more info. Dec. 15 7:30-9 p.m. $39. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING

(VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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.

KROBAR LAST DITCH HOLIDAY MARKET Come shop for last ditch holiday gifts from a variety of local vendors. Food and drink will be for sale. Dec. 22 , 1-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com.

Krobar Craft Distillery, 1701 Monterey 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. 13 , 5-8 p.m., Dec. 14 5-8 p.m. and Through Dec. 23, 5-8 p.m. $28 adults. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS

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

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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

LITTLE RANGERS: MONARCH MAGIC For ages 2 to 7. Learn all about the amazing Monarch Butterfly. Parking is available at Fin’s Bar and Grill (a half-mile walk to the Grove). RSVP by calling. Dec. 15 , 10-11 a.m. Free.

BOYZ

QUEEN NATION

IGLESIAS

FEBRUARY 28 + MARCH 1 | 8PM

POOL OF THE FATES

Lompoc Parks and Recreation will host a holiday excursion to Hearst Castle for members of the public on Saturday, Dec. 14. Attendees will depart from the Anderson Recreation Center in Lompoc at 1 p.m. The Hearst Castle tour is scheduled for 5:40 p.m., and the excursion group will be back in Lompoc around 10 p.m., according to press materials. Admission is $75. Visit cityoflompoc.com/recreation to register for the trip or find out more.

—C.W.

Butterfly Grove, 400 S Dolliver St., Pismo 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: 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.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA Santa Claus is coming back to Monarch Books for a special story time and free holiday event for families. Dec. 14 , 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 668-6300. monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande.

TREE LIGHTING AND SNOW EVENT

Join in on the third annual Tree Lighting and Snow Event for snow, s’mores, Santa visits, a Winter Wonderland bounce town, and more. Dec. 15 5-7 p.m. (805) 473-

5472. arroyogrande.org. Elm St. Park, 380 S Elm St., Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG HEARST CASTLE: HOLIDAY EXCURSION

Lompoc Parks and Recreation will host a holiday excursion to Hearst Castle for members of the public. Attendees will depart from the Anderson Recreation Center at 1 p.m. The Hearst Castle tour is scheduled for 5:40 p.m., and the excursion group will be back in Lompoc around 10 p.m. Dec. 14 1 p.m. cityoflompoc.com/recreation. Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Ave., Lompoc, (805) 875-8100.

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

BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

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

34TH ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR TEA Bring your teddy bear and meet various holiday characters during this annual tradition. Dec. 21 2-4 p.m. Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, (805) 400-4542.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special music-only 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.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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. ∆

A Christmas Story: Screening Fundraiser for Los Osos Cares

DECEMBER 23

Theatre, Morro Bay

Embodied Vinyasa Yoga in Morro Bay

Arts

Pryor Baird and supporting acts

hold acoustic holiday shows in Atascadero and Orcutt

As Christmas approaches, so do two chances to see Pryor Baird live in concert without venturing outside of the Central Coast.

The prolific blues and country musician with local roots, widely known for his time on NBC’s The Voice, will perform in Atascadero on Friday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m., and in Orcutt on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.

During both acoustic Christmasthemed performances, slated to take place at Atascadero’s Blast & Brew and The Stockyard at Orcutt’s Blast 825 Brewery, respectively, Baird will be joined by supporting acts Stephen Styles and Jane & Shane. Tickets to both shows, open to all ages, are available in advance at my805tix.com.

Born and raised in Orcutt, Baird moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue a career in music. In 2018, he gained popularity while competing on NBC’s The Voice

That same year, Baird spoke to New Times about his Central Coast upbringing and early music days with the Coelho Academy of Music, under instructor Jerry Coelho.

“Jerry was my one and only guitar teacher for my entire career,” Baird told New Times “I had guitar lessons every Tuesday for, God, I don’t know how many years.”

Baird is also known for his distinct voice, which was not the result of vocal lessons during his youth, he explained.

“I remember listening to Freddy King’s voice and saying to myself, ‘When I get older, that’s exactly what I want to sound like.’ I never took a vocal lesson,” Baird said. “I didn’t know what to do, and then one day I had to sing and it just came out like that and it kinda stuck.”

Baird’s upcoming acoustic concerts in Orcutt and Atascadero will feature performances from Jane & Shane, a duo with years of experience playing country, dance, and ’90s rock, and Stephen Styles, a country rocker who was raised in the Santa Ynez Valley.

To find out more about both upcoming shows or purchase tickets, visit my805tix.com.

Blast & Brew is located at 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero. For more details on the brewery, call (805) 788-8990.

The Stockyard at Blast 825 Brewery is located at 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt. Call (805) 934-3777 for more info on the venue.

Admission to the Atascadero performance is free, but reservations through my805tix. com is advised, as seating is limited. Tickets to the Orcutt concert start at $15. ∆

—Caleb Wiseblood

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

A pure paragon

PCPA’s Beauty and the Beast is a sweeping spectacle

If there’s one tale as old as time that ages particularly well, it’s Beauty and the Beast. No matter how often my family’s VHS copy of the Disney movie played in the living room—not to mention the number of times I asked my parents to rent Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale eatre version from the Santa Maria Public Library—I never got burnt out on the story as a kid, nor as an adult.

Certain as the sun

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Marian Theatre through Dec. 22. Visit pcpa.org for tickets or more info. The Marian Theatre is located at 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

Maybe I’m lucky and just haven’t seen a bad adaptation yet (I also admire 1946’s La Belle et la Bête, a required viewing during my second year of French at Righetti High). It’s a gift, or a curse if someone comes along to doubt my praise for any forthcoming retellings as biased or rose-tinted—as red as the rose that carries an actual curse at the start of PCPA’s Beauty and the Beast is isn’t the rst stage adaptation of the Disney musical I’ve seen. at title belongs to Lakeview Junior High’s 2009 production, which featured my younger brother as everyone’s favorite charismatic candelabra, Lumière (rumor has it that PCPA loaned out its Lumière suit and other costumes from a past production of the show to the middle school, at least according to my little bro).

Currently playing at Santa Maria’s Marian eatre, PCPA’s latest foray into the world of Beauty and the Beast—from Belle’s quiet village (“ ere must be more than this provincial life!”) to the enchanted castle full of anthropomorphic furniture and kitchenware—is an unadulterated joy from start to nish. Led by Edella Oroz Wester eld as Belle, the show’s stellar cast is on par with its impressive mise en scène

Performance standouts include Alexander Pimentel as the brooding Beast, Kitty Balay as Mrs. Potts, George Walker as Cogsworth, Andrew Philpot as Lumière, Molly Dobbs as Babette and the mysterious beggar/enchantress, Michael Cone as Maurice, and Cordell Cole as the hilariously vain and chiseled Gaston, who steals the show on countless occasions and takes center stage during one of the best villain numbers in Disney history.

“No one ghts like Gaston/ Douses lights like Gaston/ In a wrestling match nobody bites like Gaston,” delcare the lyrics of “Gaston,” split

between him and di erent members of his fanbase at the village’s tavern. “For there’s no one as burly and brawny/ As you see I’ve got biceps to spare!”

As for the PCPA show’s visual prowess, one of the best sequences involves a wolf outside the castle who hunts Belle after she attempts to ee from the Beast’s home, where she was initially held against her will. Some eye-catching puppetry and multiple performers masterfully bring the terrifying but majestic wolf to life, from head to tail.

After the Beast catches up with Belle and wrestles with the wolf to save her, he’s gravely wounded. is would have been an opportune moment for Belle to escape successfully. Instead, she helps the Beast return to his castle, where she nurses him back to health. If you don’t know what happens next, you probably live under a rock.

Onstage through Dec. 22, Beauty and the Beast was a smart pick on PCPA’s part, as it’s a sure re way to bring in oodles of families during the holiday season. I overheard an usher say there were more than 80 children at the Saturday afternoon performance I attended.

In the show’s program, Beauty and the Beast Director Erik Stein described the musical as a refreshing romance.

“I am so grateful to spend the holidays immersed in a story that’s not just about what we do for love,” Stein wrote, “but what love can do for us.” Δ

Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood is trying the gray stu . Send baguettes and comments to cwiseblood@ newtimesslo.com.

WITH DEEPEST PRIDE “Be Our Guest” is among the most fun and vibrant musical numbers featured in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, currently onstage at the Marian Theatre thanks to PCPA.

COURTESY PHOTOS BY MARK VELASQUEZ

ANY TOM, DICK, OR STANLEY Adored for his physique, Gaston (Cordell Cole, center) gains a cult following at the town tavern during the song named after him in PCPA’s Beauty and the Beast.

HIGHS AND ROSE The undisputed star of Beauty and the Beast is Edella Oroz Westerfield, whose performance as Belle is full of humor and poignancy.

Call of the wild

Writer and director Marielle Heller ( e Diary of a Teenage Girl) helms this magical-realism/ horror-comedy based on Rachel Yoder’s 2021 novel about a woman (Amy Adams) who pauses her art career to become a stay-at-home mom, but her new life takes a surreal turn when she sometimes transforms into a dog. (98 min.)

NIGHTBITCH

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo

Glen I absolutely loved this movie. It’s such a thought-provoking rumination on motherhood and how it changes a person. And Adams is amazing, delivering a tourde-force, raw, vulnerable performance as Mother. By the way, the three principal characters have no speci c name, just Mother, Son (twins Arleigh and Emmett Snowden), and Husband (Scoot McNairy). Notice his title isn’t Father, because that’s part of Mother’s struggle. Husband’s work takes him away four days a week, and when he’s home, he’s less than helpful. Mother’s day-to-day life is a routine grind of feeding, washing, and entertaining Son, and she’s full of self-doubt, unsure of her mothering skills and mostly uninterested in bonding with other mothers. She isolates herself to her own detriment. Her turning into a dog feels like a metaphor for the postpregnancy physical and mental changes she’s going through. When she embraces her transformation, she nds her strength. Anna Yes, Adams delivers here—her raw performance is ground-shaking. We’re introduced to her asides right away when she runs into a probable high school or college friend—one that got out of the humdrum of everyday life in Wherevertheyare, USA. Mother is palpably sad, a shell that most mothers can relate to in some way. Your

INTERIOR CHINATOWN

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Oh boy! An adaptation of a book I read for my book club has come my way! If you’re unfamiliar with movie script formatting, this book may pose a challenge; however, the television show is here! Interior Chinatown follows the story of background character Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Wang), who exists in a TV cop show and dreams of becoming a lead character. Like new detective on the force Lana Lee (Chloe Bennett). I loved how the book turned stereotypical norms upside down, as does the series. Funny, sweet, and ardently soulful, this series gives

EXTRAS

Waiter Willis Wu

(Jimmy O. Yang, left) feels like a background actor but dreams of being a leading man, which his bestie Fatty Choi

(Ronny Chieng) thinks is silly, in Chinatown Interior, streaming on Hulu.

body is no longer your own, your time is now devoted to things like “Book Babies,” and your sleep is an ever-elusive animal. is lm is smart and adept with its messaging. We get to see rawness in a way that’s too often unappreciated in Hollywood. Pretty and sparkly is fun, and boy does it scream from the screen, but this type of realness and unapologetic honesty about parenthood should be roundly praised. is is triumphant.

Glen It’s also laugh-out-loud funny. Adams is hilarious; we’re often treated to how she wants to react in a given situation—with brutal honesty or by slapping someone across the face—followed by how she actually responds. Not only is the lm funny, it’s also deeply emotional. ere were a couple of moments that just gutted me, and I could really understand Mother’s pain. Husband also eventually gained my sympathy, and witnessing the two characters misunderstand one another felt very real. Romantic relationships can be fraught with peril by saying the wrong thing or misinterpretation or simply being tone deaf

“main character” vibes to Willis, a guy just asking to be seen.

There’s so much fun packed into this storyline, from the faux-serious clichéd back-and-forth between Detective Sarah Green (Lisa Gilroy) and Detective Miles Turner (Sullivan Jones) to Willis’ mom, Lily (Diana Lin), and her attempt to make a go of it as a real estate agent, only to discover how racist and lame the game she’s playing can be. There are nuggets of verboten truth all over this piece. Laid out, it may seem elusive, but I promise the characters are there and they’re well worth the watch. (10 34- to 47-min. episodes) —Glen

DEAR SANTA

What’s it rated? PG-13

When? 2024

to your partner. Writer-director Heller really delivers. ere are moments of body horror, too, not as graphic as recent lm e Substance, but e ectively used. is one’s going down as one of my favorites of 2024. Anna It’s di cult, right? Even those who know each other best may not know exactly what their counterpart needs or yearns for in the moment. is is as much a story about relationships as it is about mothering. What happens if your partner doesn’t quite know how to show up? ere’s something so elusive and magni cent about being absent, but the tradeo of losing that time can be far too much for a mother to carry. Many times, mothers are asked to abandon their lives for the sake of caretaking, but that doesn’t always lead to happiness. Truly an ode to both the beauty and the pain of motherhood, Nightbitch reminds us of how to look at each other in this world, and how to acknowledge the pain that lives inside of the beauty. ∆

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

Where’s it showing? ParamountPlus

Bobby Farrelly directs this comedy about sweet but dyslexic sixth-grader Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith), who’s too old to believe in Santa Claus but writes his annual letter anyway, accidently addressing it to “Satan.” The next night, “Santa” (Jack Black) shows up, offering him three wishes, and Liam, unaware he’s Satan, offhandedly wishes his kind and pretty classmate, Emma (Kai Cech), would give him a chance. So begins a cautionary Genie-esque tale about being careful what you wish for.

One of the film’s three writers is Peter Farrelly, and the Farrelly brothers have been responsible for classic comedies such as Dumb and Dumber (1994), There’s Something About Mary (1998), and Me, Myself & Irene (2000). Dear Santa will not be remembered as one of their better efforts, despite a kinetic Black who comes off more mean-spirited than funny, and sweet kid performances by Smith, Cech, and Jaden Carson Baker as Liam’s only friend, Gibby. The film tries desperately to inject some heart. Liam’s parents, Molly (Brianne Howey) and Bill (Hayes MacArthur), have marital troubles. They bring in child psychologist Dr. Finkleman (Keegan-Michael Key) to “help” Liam through his “delusions.” And even an appearance by Post Malone doesn’t help. (107 min.) ∆ —Glen

stars as Satan, who’s summoned by a dyslexic sixth-grader who addressed his Christmas wish list to “Satan” instead of “Santa,” in Dear Santa, streaming on ParamountPlus.

PRIMAL Amy Adams stars as a stay-at-home mom who sometimes transforms into a dog, in Nightbitch, screening exclusively in the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

COURTESY PHOTO BY MIKE TAING/HULU, VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS HO, HO, NO! Jack Black

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT

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Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

’Tis the season

Up+Adam’s Breaking & Entering Christmas spreads cheer for a needy local family

Imagine being kids who’ve suffered staggering losses and are now being cared for by a senior guardian on a fixed income. Christmas isn’t looking great this year. Will there be a Christmas at all? Well, for one local family dealing with hardship, the answer is yes, all thanks to Up+Adam’s Breaking & Entering Christmas

Media personality and podcaster Adam Montiel finds a family in need and, with the help of a relative, gets the family out of the house for a few hours and secretly makes their home Christmasy. He also raises money for the family with the Jingle Jam, a benefit concert on Friday, Dec. 13, at Rod & Hammer Rock (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $17.91 at my805tix.com).

“One of the best parts of Breaking & Entering Christmas is the ability to keep the family anonymous, which allows them the ultimate dignity in their celebrations,” Montiel explained. “Contrary to other broadcast promotions like this that normally end up with a picture moment or big check photo opportunity, since year one, we have always leaned into this way of doing things.

“That being said, I understand the idea of bringing the story home, so we actually tweak the names and ages to allow this anonymity to be preserved. So, this year we are saying 10-year-old Bryce and 8-year-old Olivia have experienced unimaginable loss, not just once, but six months later, they were struck again. A loving senior guardian has been taking them to school across the county to preserve some sort of normalcy for the little ones. This person is on a fixed income and doing so with a car that hasn’t passed smog in years.”

is simple: We work with the person who nominated the family to gain access to their home while they’re out. When they return, they’re met with the full spirit of Christmas: a tree, presents, stockings, food, gift cards, and more.

“I’ll never forget two years ago, when we arrived at a home still adorned with fresh flowers from the dad’s recent funeral, who had passed away in his 30s from cancer,” Montiel continued. “As for past recipients, the impact has been profound. We’ve brought Christmas to families facing unimaginable challenges, from a family of four spending what might be their last Christmas together due to a terminal illness to grandparents raising their grandkids. Every year, I’m reminded of the incredible strength and resilience of our community, and how a little holiday magic can make all the difference.”

Sound out! Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

How did Montiel come up with this idea, and what has it meant for past recipients?

“I first learned about Breaking and Entering Christmas through my radio friend in San Diego, Tommy Sablan, who’s been doing it successfully for over 30 years. For the past 11 years, he’s mentored me to shape this into something truly unique for the Central Coast. The concept

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

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

THE BOYS OF SUMMER (A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES) Southern California-based tribute band, the Boys of Summer Eagles Band are described as having “Eagles blood running through their veins.” For ages 21 and over. Dec. 13 , 7-9:30 p.m. $30. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS SING ALONG

Each of these holiday performances is

You can do your part by coming to the Jingle Jam this Friday, which features a who’s who of local performers: soul and rock singer Damon Castillo, guitar master Kenny Lee Lewis of the Steve Miller Band, singer and guitarist Dante Marsh (of The Vibe Setters), Brianna Lee & Josh Barrett of B & The Hive, award-winning singer-songwriter Josh Rosenblum, alt rock band members Michael Venia and “Cello” Bob Liepman of Carbon City Lights, KB from IMVA, Kenny Taylor, and Colin Dean of Brass Mash. “Come for the music, stay for the cause,” Montiel said. “Every ticket, every donation, every bit of support goes to giving this family a little more than just a holiday—it gives them hope. And it’s a reminder of the kind of community we all want to live in. It’s not just about gifts under a tree; it’s about showing a family that, even when everything seems lost, they’re not alone. We see you. More than charity, it’s about using the magic of Christmas to create a moment that will stick with them forever.”

Break tradition

Numbskull and Good Medicine present San Francisco act The Sam Chase & The

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.

LESLIE ROGERS COMBO Join this combo of Central Coast musicians as they play a mix of R&B, Motown, and soul at this event. For ages 21 and over. Dec. 21 2-5 p.m. Free. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

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

Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.

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

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

MERRY SHUCKING X-MAS WITH THE MOTHER CORN SHUCKERS AND CUESTA RIDGE The Mother Corn Shuckers is an Americana, bluegrass, and country jam band hailing from the Central Coast. Listen to them live at this event, for ages 21 and over. Dec. 20, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $18. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the

Untraditional at Club Car Bar on Friday, Dec. 13 (7 p.m.; all ages; 22.35 presale or $24.41 day of show at goodmedicinepresents. com). Members of this folk-rock act grew up on “a healthy diet of punk rock,” giving their music and attitude and swagger that’s undeniable.

“The leader of the band is The Sam Chase himself, a natural storyteller with a voice that sounds as if it has weathered many an epic tale,” their bio reads. “With boot-stomping orchestration and lyrics that have been immortalized on the tattooed skin of their fans, The Sam Chase & The Untraditional doesn’t mess around. These are the warriors we need in these troubled times.”

The Shawn Clark Family Band opens the show.

continued page 32

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.

PIMPS OF JOYTIME WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CON BRIO Join the Pimps of Joytime and seven-piece band Con Brioas as they grace the stage of The Siren. For ages 21 and over. Dec. 12 7-10:30 p.m. $26. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

THE SIREN’S BIG ASS BRASS CHRISTMAS BASH For ages 21 and over. Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing Brass Mash to The Siren for this festive event. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 , 7-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 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. 15 2 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Cambria Community Presbyterian Church, 2250 Yorkshire Drive, Cambria.

THUNDERPUSSY WITH JAMES AND THE COLD GUN This Seattle-based rock group will grace the stage of the Siren during this show, for ages 21 and over. Dec. 14 7:30-11 p.m. $27. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

TUESDAY BLUES JAM (FREE OPEN JAM NIGHT) Open blues jam returns this month as an opportunity for bands to showcase their work and rock out. Dec. 17 7-10 p.m. Free. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

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.

HELPING HAND Damon Castillo will join a host of other performers to play Up+Adam’s Breaking & Entering Jingle Jam on Dec. 13 , at Rod & Hammer Rock.

TRADITION BE DAMNED Numbskull and Good Medicine presents The Sam Chase & The Untraditional on Dec. 13 , at Club Car Bar.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAM CHASE & THE UNTRADITIONAL

STARKEY

ANOT-TO-MISS FIRSTTIMEEVENT!

Behind The Yellow Door

Damon Castillo and IMVA will be joined by New York-based recording artist Caleb Hawley for an intimate The Yellow Door Sessions No. 2 show on Saturday, Dec. 14 (1716 Osos St., SLO; 6 to 9 p.m.; all ages; $25 at eventbrite.com). Hawley lives in Harlem and says his two greatest influences are Randy Newman and Prince. He was raised in Minneapolis by a family of preachers and therapists.

“Growing up in an a cappella church, we weren’t allowed to use instruments,” Hawley explained on his website. “It forced everyone to learn how to sing harmony. We mostly sang old hymns, which is probably what drew me to gospel and eventually soul music.”

Castillo said, “Caleb is a favorite of mine. Don’t miss him!”

Two in the Bay

The Siren in Morro Bay kicks off their week with The Boys of Summer (a tribute to The Eagles) on Friday, Dec. 13 (doors 7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $30 to $63 at tixr.com). Hailing from SoCal, the band members “all have Eagles blood running through their veins,” they say, and they re-create many of The Eagles’ iconic hit songs such as “Desperado,”

“Hotel California,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Witchy Woman,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and many more. (((folkYEAH!)))) presents Thunderpussy on Saturday, Dec. 14 (doors 7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $27.40 presale at eventbrite. com). “What if Thor’s Hammer of the Gods from ‘Immigrant Song’ landed in the hands of four wise, willful, and wild women?”

Thunderpussy’s bio asked. “Well, it would sound something like Thunderpussy. The quartet do the most rock ’n’ roll thing possible and quite literally fuck up every rock ’n’ roll stereotype you know to be true, piercing the halls of Valhalla in the process.”

According to the band, “We play music, ride motorcycles, date girls, and lift heavy shit for a living. We also want to change the world, one concert at a time. Our mission is to gather, uplift, and empower those around us by creating a space where people can connect and express themselves freely.”

James and the Cold Gun opens.

Creole flavor

The Seven Sisters Folklore Society has two masters of the blues and creole music returning this Sunday, Dec. 15, when Corey Harris and Cedric Watson play The Milking Parlor at the Octagon Barn (old-time jam from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the concert;

$30 general and $20 for under 12 presale at eventbrite.com, or $35 and $25 at the door).

Harris was born in Colorado to parents from Texas and Kentucky, but his musical journey began as a street singer in New Orleans. From there, “he embarked on a transformative exploration of the blues throughout the southern United States,” according to his bio, and then spent a year in Cameroon, West Africa, during his early 20s, which “had a profound impact on his artistic development, shaping his unique approach to the blues.”

Watson is a four-time Grammy nominee who played the Seven Sisters stage with Joudan Thibodeaux and Joel Savoy earlier this year. He’s performed with a lot of the greats of Creole music, such as Dexter Ardoin and the Creole Ramblers and Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys.

Jazz church

It’s time for the eighth annual Christmas Jazz Vespers this Sunday, Dec. 15, in SLO’s First Presbyterian Church (doors at 6:30, concert at 7 p.m.; a $30 donation at my805tix. com is recommended, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the SLO Food Bank). On the bill is the amazing The Dave Becker Quartet featuring Becker on sax and flute, Marshall Otwell on piano, Dylan Johnson on bass, and Daryl Vandruff on drums, and they’ll be joined by internationally acclaimed vocalist and recording artist Inga Swearingen. Expect original arrangements of classic Christmas carols and reinterpreted seasonal music that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the holiday season. A reception will follow.

Joy to your ears

There’s a long history of singing family acts from The Jackson 5 to The Osmonds to The Carpenters. Siblings have a lifetime to practice vocalizing together, and that can lead to amazing harmonies. Such is the case for Girl Named Tom, which features Bekah, Joshua, and Caleb Liechty—the only group to ever win NBC’s The Voice. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, they’ll present The Joy of Christmas at The Clark Center (7 p.m.; all ages; $55 to $69 at clarkcenter.org).

As they announced in press materials, “Small-town siblings with a wide worldview, we seek to create harmony in a society divided. We believe that as we share our music with our three unique voices, we can inspire the world with a common goal: to fly and help each other fly.”

Bekah is front and center and has an absolutely stunning voice, and her brothers Joshua and Caleb offer spot-on harmonies in cover songs from classics by Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills & Nash to pop songs by contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Adrianne Lenker. Their debut holiday EP, One More Christmas, reached No. 1 on the iTunes Charts and led to a massive arena tour opening for Pentatonix’s A Christmas Spectacular show. In case you were wondering, Joshua used to call Bekah “Thomas” when she was a baby, hence their group name. ∆

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

NYC New York-based recording artist Caleb Hawley will join some local performers for an intimate The Yellow Door Sessions No. 2 show on Dec. 14 , at 1716 Osos St. in SLO Town.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALEB HAWLEY

JAZZ CHURCH The eighth Annual Christmas Jazz Vespers returns to SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 15 , with the Dave Becker Quartet with special guest vocalist Inga Swearingen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SUDDARTH

BLUES & CREOLE KINGS The Seven Sisters Folklore Society presents Corey Harris (left) and Cedric Watson (right) on Dec. 15 , in The Milking Parlor at the Octagon Barn.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COREY HARRIS (LEFT) AND CEDRIC WATSON (RIGHT)

ROCK GODDESSES (((folkYEAH!)))) presents all-female rockers Thunderpussy on Dec. 14 , at The Siren.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ERIC TRA

THE JOURNALS 805 This duo is finishing off 2024 with a musical bang. Features John and Dylan Krause. Dec. 14 5-8 p.m. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

KJUG COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Features

Pryor Baird, Jane & Shane, and Stephen Styles. Visit site for tickets and more info. Dec. 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

LIVE AT PINE STREET SALOON: THE JOURNALS 805 With John and Dylan Krause. Dec. 18 , 9-11 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.

POUR HOUSE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

WITH BRASS MASH Step out of the holiday hustle and enjoy a night of highenergy, 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 ADAM HERSH TRIO An unforgettable evening of stunning visuals and live music on the Market Stage and Lawn at Sensorio. Food and beverage options available. Dec. 22 4:30-8:30 p.m. $15, or included with Sensorio ticket. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/radiantrhythms. 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.

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.

SUNNY WRIGHT JAZZ DUO WITH JAKE ODELL Enjoy live jazz during this upcoming Paso performance. Dec. 14 , 5-7 p.m. Hotel Cheval, 1021 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 226-9995.

WINES ON MAIN PRESENTS THE JOURNALS 805 Enjoy live music from John and Dylan Krause. Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. Wines on Main, 624 Main Street, suite 101, Templeton.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CHRISTMAS JAZZ VESPERS With the Dave Becker Quartet, and Inga Swearingen on vocals. All proceeds will benefit the SLO Food Bank. Dec. 15 , 7-8:30 p.m. $30. (805) 543-5451. fpcslo. org. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

COREY HARRIS AND CEDRIC WATSON: MASTERS OF BLUES AND CREOLE

MUSIC An evening of blues and creoleflavored 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.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS: A FAMILY

DANCE CLASS Join this all ages event for a whirlwind of rhythm and laughter. There will be 45 minutes of line dancing followed by open dance time. Dec. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

FLAVOR PACKET Flavor Packet is a jazz combo that “stirs up an imaginative sound with its contemporary and world-beat-

influenced jazz music.” Dec. 20 6-9 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., 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/upcomingevents. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

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.

MATISYAHU LIVE The Grammynominated 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.

PINK MARTINI FEATURING CHINA FORBES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY

TOUR Pink Martini features a dozen musicians that perform songs in several languages. Expect a concert flavored by a multilingual repertoire as the muchloved “little orchestra” performs holiday songs and fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Dec. 18 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO MASTER CHORALE

PRESENTS “HOLIDAY FESTIVAL” Join in with the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale to perform the great choruses from Handel. There will also be a sing-along “Messiah.” Visit the site for more info. Dec. 21 7-9:30 p.m. $10-$30. (805) 7564849. pacslo.org. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, 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) 5463198. 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.

WINTER SOLSTICE: DRUM CIRCLE AND CELEBRATION An event to honor the quiet magic of winter and the return of sunlight and longer days. Embrace the warmth of community in a safe, welcoming space, surrounded by winter’s beauty and breathtaking views at the ranch. Dec. 21 , 2-4 p.m. my805tix. com. Eagles Landing Ranch, 4615 Prefumo Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo.

WINTER TIDE Presented by the Central Coast Youth Chorus. Enjoy a collection of seasonal songs described as “sure to make your heart melt.” 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

AGHS CHOIR AND BAND WINTER

CONCERT Featuring the school’s Choir, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Enjoy a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary pieces, showcasing student talent through powerful harmonies and instrumentation. A night of captivating performances awaits. Dec. 18 , 7-9 p.m. $5-$10. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/aghs-choirband-winter-concert/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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.

A GIRL NAMED TOM: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TOUR Three siblings unlock one harmony to unite the world. The trio—Bekah, Joshua, and Caleb Liechty—previously won NBC’s The Voice Embarking on a new Christmas Tour, they serve up plenty of original holiday songs. Dec. 17 7-10 p.m. $55-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ girl-named-tom/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JINGLE JAZZ HOLIDAY PARTY WITH THE CENTRAL CITY SWING BAND

Presented by the Basin Street Regulars. Enjoy an afternoon of festive tunes, food, and holiday cheer with live music from Brad Lutz, Liz Douglas, and the Central City Swing Band. 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) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/mariachichristmas-festival/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE PAN AMERICAN NUTCRACKER

SUITE Created and co-arranged by Joe McCarthy and Vince Norman, the evening will feature original orchestrations performed by Joe McCarthy’s Latin Grammy Awardwinning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band that celebrates the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece, “The Nutcracker Suite,” followed by big band compositions. Dec. 22 , 7-9:30 p.m. $34$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/pan-american-nutcracker-suite/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS WITH SURFIN’: A BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE A special night filled with Christmas magic and popular holiday tunes. Dec. 21 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/surfin-christmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. ∆

Heartbreak grape

New book Sideways Uncorked is an ode to the 20-year-old movie that made pinot noir a star

The following lines between characters Maya and Miles in the 2004 movie Sideways touched viewers and even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences when the group presented an Oscar for best adapted screenplay to co-writers Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor: Maya: “Why are you so into pinot? I mean, it’s like a thing with you.”

Miles: “I don’t know. It’s a hard grape to grow. As you know, right? It’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. … It’s not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. … And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific little tucked-away

corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really; only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. And, then, I mean, oh, its flavors. They’re just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ancient on the planet.”

The movie, directed by Payne and based on Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name, used metaphor, humor, and gorgeous scenery from Santa Barbara County as it followed two disillusioned men on a wine-tasting trip. It also made household names of its actors: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh.

An unforeseen impact of the movie, however, was the “Sideways effect,” which longtime journalists Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt of Paso Robles detail in their new book Sideways Uncorked, which was released in November.

The book is a celebration of the movie’s 20th anniversary and includes interviews with

For wine and film aficionados

Order copies of Sideways Uncorked via publisher Applause Theatre & Cinema Books at applausebooks. com and meet authors Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt at upcoming book-signing events in Paso Robles—Dec. 20, 1 to 4 p.m., at Spare Time Books; Dec. 20, 4 to 8 p.m., at Tudor Wines; and Dec. 28, noon to 3 p.m., at Cass Winery.

For more information on the 25th annual World of Pinot Noir event in Santa Barbara on Feb. 27 to March 1, visit worldofpinotnoir.com.

all the players—from the cast and crew to the Central Coast winemakers and restaurateurs who benefitted from the limelight.

“Miles’ speech about wine was in Rex’s novel, at least most of it … [but] it does contain many of my own thoughts about wine,” said Payne, who currently circulates between Los Angeles; Omaha, Nebraska; and Athens, Greece. “Before the movie was released, I never imagined that viewers would appreciate that scene so much. It’s a love scene, I guess, but all they’re talking about is wine.

“I was quite touched that the Honeycutts wanted to write the book and approached it so thoroughly and thoughtfully. Those of us who worked on the movie had a really good time, and I always thought that that’s one of the reasons people like the movie—the good times come through the screen. So, I’m very happy that someone has taken the time to chronicle both the experience and the lovely aftermath.”

Pinot noir, French for “black pine” and most famously associated with the country’s Burgundy region, gets its name from the grape’s tightly clustered, pine-cone-shaped bunches. Its thin skin and tight clusters make it particularly

fragile and susceptible to fungus, hence the nickname “heartbreak grape.”

In the United States, several regions of California as well as Oregon’s Willamette Valley provide the perfect growing environment. While the World of Pinot Noir, a nonprofit trade organization founded by Brian Talley and the late Archie McLaren in 2001, helped kickstart the grape’s popularity domestically, the movie catapulted it.

“Among American oenophiles, pinot noir was certainly known and appreciated before the World of Pinot Noir threw a spotlight on the variety,” said Kirk, a former chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles Daily News. “But the varietal exploded because of the movie. That’s how popular culture works. The movie brought pinot into the mainstream. … Suddenly— from the release of the movie in October 2004 to the Oscars in February 2005— everyone, even non-wine drinkers, knew about pinot noir. It was that quick. Nothing like it has ever happened in the wine world.” Talley, owner and vintner of Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande, concurs.

CULT CLASSIC REVISITED Alexander Payne, right, director and co-writer of the movie Sideways, joins Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt, authors of Sideways Uncorked, at their book launch in October at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa.

PERFECT SETTING Connecting Santa Maria with Los Olivos in the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Areas, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail boasts more than a dozen wineries, several of which were featured in the movie Sideways

had a huge impact on pinot noir in California and especially the Central Coast,” he said. “Plus, I think it’s the best film about wine ever made.”

The Honeycutts’ new book, Talley said, renews attention on the film and some of the producers who inspired it.

In the book, the Honeycutts wrote: “Not too long after Sideways ’ box-office success and its rampage through the 2004/2005 awards season, journalists began using the phrase ‘the Sideways effect.’ According to California’s Wine Institute, U.S. supermarket sales of pinot noir jumped 18 percent in less than a year following the film’s release.”

The authors continued: “Sideways had become a cultural phenomenon. Its impact was local [on] the Santa Barbara wine and hospitality community, regional in its influence on the California wine industry, and national as a hugely popular comedy as well as an unexpected guide to wine drinking in North America and, for that matter, the

Some filmgoers, they added, even went out and got a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 1 crash course in wine.

While the majority of Sideways Uncorked allows readers to relive the movie, interspersed with behind-the-scenes trivia

and photographs, the authors also throw in their recommendations for top pinots worldwide.

“We have … curated a list of pinots from eight California AVAs, Willamette Valley, New Zealand, and Burgundy, with chapters dedicated to each region,” said Mira, the wine editor at 13 Stars Media and writer for several industry publications.

From the San Luis Obispo Coast American Viticultural Area, she added, “we have over a dozen wines included in the book plus interviews with various Central Coast winemakers.”

One recommendation is Talley’s iconic Rosemary’s pinot, vintages of which have achieved 98-point scores in Wine Advocate

“I have always considered pinot noir to be the grape variety that celebrates both place and the role of the farmer,” Talley said. “My favorite examples are generally estate grown so that the winegrower has complete control of viticultural and winemaking practices, from the planting and farming of the vineyard through the bottling of the finished wine.

“At its very best, pinot noir is ethereal, mysterious, and delicious.” ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte enjoyed the Honeycutts’ homage to Sideways She’ll be reading Pickett’s novel next at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2070 (10/01/2024)

New Filing

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. 2024-2234 (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. 2024-2260 (10/31/2024) New Filing

The following person is doing business as Person Is Doing Business As: CREEKSIDE PET BOARDING 1298 Noyes Rd, Arroyo Grabde, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Bean Family Boarding, LLC (518 Henrietta Ave Los Osos CA 93402). State California. This Business Is Conducted By A Limited Liability Company Bean Family Boarding, LLC Katherine Bean, CEO. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 10/31/2024. 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. 10/31/2029. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-2295 (11/06/2024) New Filing The Following Person is Doing Business As: DIVINE DESIGN, 178 S 4th St #101, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. This Business Is Conducted By An Individual Trevor Brook Martin (PO Box 40 Grover Beach CA 93483). This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 11/06/2024. 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. 11/06/2029. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

STATEMENT

NO. 2024-2298

BUSINESS DATE (09/06/2024)

Filing The following person is doing business as, BROAD ST SMILES 2240 Emily St Ste 150 San Luis Obispo CA 93401. County of San Luis Obispo. Chet L. Jenkins, D.D.D.S., Inc. (410 N 44th St #600 Phoenix, AZ 85008). State of California. This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ Chet L. Jenkins, D.D.D.S., Inc. Lance Shopovick, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 11/06/2024. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, mnelson, Deputy. Exp. 11/06/2029. November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF:

HELEN MALDONADO DECEDENT

CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0386

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: HELEN MALDONADO

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARY SAHAGUN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MARY SAHAGUN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

January 28, 2025, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Heather M. Weare

301 South Miller Street, Suite 116

Santa Maria, CA 93454

805-264-3002

December 5, 12, & 19, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF:

JANICE PANKEY TANNEHILL DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0379

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of:

JANICE PANKEY TANNEHILL, JANICE A. PANKEY

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by BARRY VANDERKELEN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that BARRY VANDERKELEN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

January 14, 2025, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Rachel R. Hulburd Ronca & Associates, a Law Corporation

755 Santa Rosa St., Suite 310 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

805-544-7551

November 28, December 5, & 12, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: KIMBERLY JEAN FISCHBACH DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0369

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of:

KIMBERLY JEAN FISCHBACH, KIMBERLY FISCHBACH, KIM FISCHBACH

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by WILLIAM TERRY CROWE in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that WILLIAM TERRY CROWE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 7, 2025, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: William Terry Crowe 1102 Linda Circle Paso Robles, CA 93446 310-770-2661

November 28, December 5, & 12, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF:

PATRICK L. WAGNER DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0387

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of:

PATRICK L. WAGNER, PATRICK LESLIE WAGNER

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by DOROTHY M. WAGNER in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that DOROTHY M. WAGNER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

January 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Robert H. Mott, Attorney at Law 960 Santa Rosa Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

805-544-8757

November 28, December 5, & 12, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

VIDA DANA BENJAMIN aka VIDA LOPEZ QUERRER aka VIDA D. KAUFFMAN

DECEDENT

CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0378

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: VIDA DANA BENJAMIN aka VIDA LOPEZ QUERRER aka VIDA D. KAUFFMAN

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JOHN BENJAMIN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JOHN BENJAMIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Martha B. Spalding, Attorney at Law 215 South Main Street Templeton, CA 93465 805-434-2138 November 28, December 5, & 12, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF:

VIVIAN BLAKE, aka VIVIAN F. BLAKE DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0382

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: VIVIAN BLAKE, aka VIVIAN F. BLAKE

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by TINA O’MAHONEY in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that TINA O’MAHONEY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Martha B. Spalding, Attorney at Law 215 South Main Street Templeton, CA 93465 805-434-2138 November 28, December 5, & 12, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ELIZABETH CORREA

Notice is hereby given that Katherine Barkley and Cynthia Correa-Liebo are the duly appointed and qualified Successor Co-Trustees of The Correa 2000 Revocable Trust, and that Elizabeth Correa, the Grantor and Trustee of said Trust, died on or about October 26, 2024, being at the time of her death a resident of San Luis Obispo County, California. A creditor having a claim against the trust estate must file a claim with the undersigned at the address given below within one hundred twenty (120) days after the first publication of this Notice, or you must petition to file a claim as provided for in Section 19103 of the California Probate Code. A claim form may be obtained from the court clerk. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

Dated this 2nd day of December, 2024. ___/s/________________

JESSICA L. GALISTE, ESQ., ATTORNEY FOR KATHERINE BARKLEY AND CYNTHIA CORREA-LIEBO, SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEES OF THE CORREA 2000 REVOCABLE TRUST ALLING & JILLSON, LTD. POST OFFICE BOX 3390 LAKE TAHOE, NEVADA 89449

December 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: 24CV0713

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: 24CV0747

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Lorna Kirsten Laken AKA Lorna Kirtsen Rey AKA Lorna Kirsten Garoogian AKA Kirsten Garoogian AKA Kirsten L. Laken AKA Kirsten L. Garoogian filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT

NAME: Lorna Kirsten Laken AKA Lorna Kirsten Rey AKA Lorna Kirsten Garoogian AKA Kirsten Garoogian AKA Kirsten L. Laken AKA Kirsten L. Garoogian. PROPOSED NAME: Kirsten Tegan Laken. 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 30, 2025 9:00 am, Dept. 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm Street Room 385, 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: December 4, 2024. /s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. December 12, 19, 26, 2024, January 2, 2025

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO)

NESTOR FRANCISC ACOS -

TA CHAVEZ aka NESTOR

ACOSTA aka NESTOR F.

ACOSTA, an individual; and DOES 1 through 20, inclusive

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): THE GOLDEN 1 CREDIT

UNION, a California corporation, CASE NUMBER (Número del caso): 24CV-0588

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted puede usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formulerios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www..sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte la podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requistos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen

sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una consesion de arbitraje en un caso dce derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

CASE NUMBER: (Número del caso): 24CV-0588

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es) SAN LUIS OBISPO SUPERIOR COURT 1035 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y número de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

Karel Rocha 212413

Prenovost, Normandin, Dawe & Rocha

2122 North Broadway, Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA, 92706 (714) 547-2444

Date: (Fecha) 09/20/2024

By: /s/ Michael Powell, Clerk, by (Secretario); Carol L. McGuirk, Deputy (Adjunto)

NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED:

You are served as an individual defendant.

December 12, 19, 26, 2024, & January 2, 2025

SUMMONS

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: Bradshaw Construction, Inc., Casey Bradshaw and DOES 1-10, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: Jeanne Dickey CASE NUMBER: 24CV0253

Notice! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond in 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0253

The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo 1050 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: Daniel J. Knight, The Law Offices of Daniel J. Knight, PLC, 1103 Johnson Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

805-316-1180

Date: 04/04/2023

By: /s/ Michael Powell, Clerk, M. Zepeda, Deputy Clerk

December 12, 19, 26, 2024, & January 2, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE [PROBATE CODE §§10300 & 10304]

In re: The Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Patrick Alvin Munroe

Case No. 22PR-0327

DATE: JANUARY 10, 2025

TIME 9:00 AM

DEPT.: PASO ROBLES 2

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT subject to confirmation by this Court, on January 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Department Paso Robles 2, or thereafter within the time allowed by law, Shawna Thomson, Conservator of the Person and Estate of Patrick Alvin Munroe, Conservatee, will sell at private sale to the highest and best net bidder on the terms and conditions stated below, all right, title, and interest of Conservatee, in the real property located in the County San Luis Obispo, State of California.

1. The property is commonly referred to as 765 Mutsuhito Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California, Assessor’s Parcel Number 053-197-030, and more particularly described as: Lot 30 of Tract No. 2066 in the City of San Luis Obispo, County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, according to map recorded May 12, 1992 in Book 16, Page 71 of Maps, and amended Map recorded December 31, 1992 in Book 16, Page 85 of Maps. Exempting therefrom the interest in 5% of the value of all oil and minerals removed from beneath the above described property through operations conducted thereon, including oil or minerals taken therefrom by so-called slanting wells which may be bottomed on or under above described premises, as reserved by Pacific Coast Railway Company, a California Corporation, in deed dated October 31, 1941 and recorded June 8, 1942 in Book 335, Page 78 of Official Records.

2. The property will be sold on an “AS-IS” basis and subject to current taxes, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, rights, rights of way, and easements of record.

Examination of title, recording of conveyance(s), transfer taxes, and any title insurance policy shall be at the expense and obligation of the purchaser(s).

3. The Conservator has given a nonexclusive listing to Monica King and Kate Hendrickson, broker associates, of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties.

4. Bids or offers to purchase this property which conform to this notice are invited. They must be in writing, sealed, mailed and received, or personally delivered to Karen L. Scott, Attorney at Law, attorney for the Conservator, at 567 Camino Mercado, Suite E4, Arroyo Grande, California, at any time after first publication of this notice, and before any sale is made.

5. The property will be sold on the following terms: cash, or part cash and part credit, the terms of such credit must be acceptable to the undersigned and the Court. In either case, ten (10) percent (%) of the amount of the bid must accompany the offer in the form of a certified check and the balance must be paid on confirmation of sale by the Court.

6. The right is reserved to reject any and all offers or bids.

7. For further information, contact Karen L. Scott, Attorney at Law, 567 Camino Mercado, Suite E4, Arroyo Grande, California.

Date: 12/2/2024 /s/ Shawna Thomson Conservator

/s/ Karen L. Scott, Esq. Attorney for Conservator

December 5, 12, & 19, 2024

T.S. No. 127357-CA APN: 001-023-036 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 3/2/2015. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 1/21/2025 at 11:00 AM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 3/5/2015 as Instrument No. 2015009488 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: SETH ROBERTS AND DANIELLE ROBERTS, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; IN THE BREEZEWAY ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY GENERAL SERVICES BUILDING, 1087 SANTA ROSA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 898 MISSION ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93405

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be held, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or encumbrances, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $237,960.04 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned or its predecessor caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the

property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (855) 313-3319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 127357-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855) 313-3319, or visit this internet website www.clearreconcorp. com, using the file number assigned to this case 127357-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (855) 313-3319 CLEAR RECON CORP 3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 225 San Diego, California 92108

December 12, 19, & 26, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAM E 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

AND

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. 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

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NEW FILE NO. 2024-2394 OLD FILE NO. 2017-0447

MONARCH WINDOW CLEANING 880 N. First St Grover Beach 93433. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 02/16/2017. The following person (s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Eric Gonzales Mettler (880 N. First St Grover Beach 93433), Kanani Marie Mettler (880 N. First St Grover Beach 93433). This business was conducted by A Married Couple /s/ Kanani Marie Mettler. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 11/20/2024 I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By A. Trujillo, Deputy Clerk. November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2024

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

On 08/05/2024, found jewelry was turned over to the San Luis Obispo Police Department. If this is not claimed by the rightful owner seven days after the date of this advertisement, it is proposed that the item will become the property of the individual who located it. If anyone believes this item is their property, they are asked to notify the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 805-781-7360. Anyone attempting to claim this item will be asked to show verification of ownership. SLOPD Case #240805045

December 12, 2024

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

For the Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project

The City of San Luis Obispo has completed the Draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project. The IS/MND found the following environmental factors to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Noise, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Mandatory Findings of Significance. The project is primarily located in the southern portion of the City along U.S. Highway 101 (U.S. 101) between Prado Road and Los Osos Valley Road within Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 053-051-045, 053-052-045, 053-131-013, 053-141-012, 053-152-006, 053-152-008, 053-153-014, and 053-153-008. The approximately 30.4-acre project area encompasses 1) a 22-acre site for two groundwater extraction and treatment wells, water conveyance pipelines, and associated infrastructure, and 2) up to 12 potential monitoring well locations within the city with a 100-foot surrounding buffer accounting for the remaining 8.4 acres. Within the 22-acre site, the project includes two buildings (approximately 650 and 250-square feet each) to house extraction wells and equipment, a centralized treatment system (treatment pad with granulated activated carbon vessels and bag filters, as well as two backwash storage tanks), a new 6-inch sewer line connecting the backwash storage tank to the City’s sanitary sewer system, a new 12-inch water line connecting the treatment infrastructure to the City’s water distribution system, a new gravel access road, security fencing, the removal of seven trees to accommodate necessary pipeline infrastructure, and compensatory tree planting (minimum 1:1 ratio).

The southern portion of the treatment well site is zoned Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-20) and has a land use designation of Open Space. The northern portion is zoned Public Facility (PF) and Public Facility-Special Considerations (PF-S) with a land use designation of Public. Monitoring wells would be dispersed on City property or within City easements or right-ofway within the following zones: Conservation/Open Space (C/ OS-20), Medium Density Residential (R-2), Low-Density Residential Specific Plan Overlay (R-1-SP), Public Facility (PF), Service Commercial (C-S), Service Commercial Mixed Use Overlay (C-SMU), Service Commercial Planned Development Overlay (C-S-PD), Retail Commercial (C-R), Retail Commercial Planned development Overlay (C-R-PD), and Tourist Commercial (C-T). The monitoring wells are on land designated with the following land uses: Service and Manufacturing, General Retail, Tourist Commercial, Public, Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, and Open Space.

The extraction/treatment well and monitoring well sites are not listed on any hazardous material site list compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. There are sites located proximate to monitoring wells MW-01, MW-03, and MW-05, which are identified as “Completed-Case Closed” which means site investigation and remedial action has been completed, and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board determined no further action was required. There is a site 280 feet west of MW02, the South Higuera Street and Pismo Street Pipeline, which is a case open for verification monitoring, meaning that remediation has been completed and monitoring of the site has continued to ensure no further action is required.

The purpose of the project is to clean-up and prevent PCE (tetrachloroethylene) contamination in drinking water supply wells in the San Luis Valley Subarea of the San Luis Obispo Valley Groundwater Basin and to expand local water supply resiliency and reduce reliance on local surface water supplies. In support of these goals, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes to install a network of monitoring wells and two treatment wells with associated utility infrastructure and a treatment system to monitor water levels and quality in the Subarea of the Basin, further characterize the PCE plume, and monitor the effectiveness of removing PCE impacted groundwater from the Subarea of the Basin. Funding for the implementation phase of the project includes California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program Agreement No. D2312550.

The IS/MND is available at the City’s Utilities Department, at 879 Morro in San Luis Obispo or online at https://www.slocity.org/ government/department-directory/community-development/ documents-online/environmental-review-documents. The required 30-day public review period for the IS/MND will extend from Thursday, December 12, 2024 to Friday, January 10, 2025. Anyone interested in commenting on the document should submit a written statement to the City of San Luis Obispo, Utilities Department, 879 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Attention: Shawna Scott, Special Projects Manager, or by email to sscott@slocity.org by 5:00 PM on January 10, 2025. Please contact Ms. Scott by email or phone (805-781-7176) with any questions.

The City of San Luis Obispo City Council is currently scheduled to consider adoption of the IS/MND during the January 21, 2025 public meeting. Interested persons can access the City Council agenda at https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. December 12, 2024

PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS

PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY

PROJECT NO. 24-26

SEALED BIDS will be received by the City Clerk, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until January 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the Public Safety Training Facility, DPW Project No. 24-26. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:

City Clerk City of El Paso de Robles

1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446

Sealed Bid for Public Safety Training Facility, DPW Project No. 24-26

Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as Public Safety Training Facility, DPW Project No. 24-26 according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, grading and installation of concrete slab for a future training tower building. Includes site utilities and minor drainage facilities. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein.

Project is to be completed within Sixty (60) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.

The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf. Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.

Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 1000 Spring Street, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.

The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA or navigate at www.prcity.com. Use the link Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the City’s website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA.

It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on the City’s website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on Out to Bid | Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.

Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.

Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.

Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.

All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.

City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.

Date: November 21, 2024 By: Ditas Esperanza P.E. Capital Projects Engineer

Publication Dates: - November 21, 2024 - December 12, 2024 - December 19, 2024 - January 9, 2025

NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1152 N.S. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES

Notice is hereby given that at its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles adopted Ordinance No. 1152 N.S. amending CHAPTER 2.04 of the municipal CODE OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES regarding the time of regular meetings. The following is the full ordinance including the vote information.

WHEREAS, the Paso Robles Municipal Code includes all of the codified ordinances of the City; and WHEREAS, these ordinances have been adopted and amended throughout the City’s 135-year history.

WHEREAS, the Municipal Code was published as a comprehensive document in 1963. Since that time, the Code has been periodically amended as well as augmented with new ordinances, expanding its volume and complexity.

WHEREAS, federal and state laws, and case law, have continued to evolve since 1963.

WHEREAS, in response to a request made by City Council at the regular Council meeting on October 1, 2024 to shift the regular meeting start time from 6:30 PM to 6:00 PM, staff has reviewed the Section 2.040.010 of the existing Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the specific meeting start time is stated in Section 2.04.010 of the municipal code and currently can only be modified by the adoption of an ordinance; and

WHEREAS, updating the Code to allow the regular meeting start time to be set by Council resolution will alleviate the need to update the Municipal Code should a future change to the regular meeting start time be needed.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. Section 2.04.010 of the Municipal Code of the City of El Paso de Robles is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.04.010 Time of regular meetings.

The regular meetings of the city council of the city shall be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at an hour which shall be established by City Council resolution, unless modified pursuant to Sections 2.04.015 and 2.04.030.

A regular meeting may be cancelled or rescheduled by the city council or as otherwise provided by law.

Special or emergency meetings may be held in accordance with the procedures set forth in Cal. Government Code sections 54956 and 54956.5.

Section 3. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Under Section 15378(b) (2), continued administrative activities such as policy making are not CEQA projects. The amendments to Municipal Code Section 9.05 are policies adopted by the City Council to regulate pump track facilities in addition to the skate park facilities. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) CEQA does not apply to this amendment because there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage and adoption as provided by Government Code section 36397.

Section 6. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance by the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles, California, and cause the Ordinance to be published once within 15 days after passage in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the City in accordance with Government Code section 36933.

INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on November 19, 2024, for first reading by the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles, and adopted on the 3rd day of December, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES Strong, Gregory, Bausch, Roden, Hamon NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

Date: December 12, 2024

Melissa Boyer, City Clerk

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION /

metal barn-like structure to support the ancillary processing, storage, office, and restroom areas, a 980 sq. ft. metal barn-like structure to support ancillary processing and an ADA restroom, three (3) 5,000- gallon water storage tanks, one (1) ADA parking space, and new security fencing. The application also proposes to utilize existing water storage tanks and an all-weather parking area to support the cannabis operation. The proposed project would result in approximately 1.07 acres of ground disturbance in pre-disturbed and developed areas. The project includes a modification to the parking standards set forth in Land Use Ordinance (LUO) Section 22.18.020 to reduce the required number of parking spaces from 45 to 13. The project will result in a total of 1.07 acres of new site disturbance on a 100-acre parcel located at 4339 S. El Pomar Rd in Templeton.

Also to be considered at the hearing will be adoption of the Environmental Document prepared for the item. The Environmental Coordinator, after completion of the Initial Study, finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.) has been issued on October 04, 2024 and subsequently revised and reissued on December 3, 2024 (SCH# 2024100207) for this project.

Mitigation measures are proposed to address Agriculture & Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Energy, Geology & Soils, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, Hydrology & Water Quality, Land Use & Planning, Noise, Utilities & Services Systems, and Mandatory Findings of Significance and are included as conditions of approval.

County File Number: DRC2018-00183

Supervisorial District: District 5

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform.

Project

and Creston Road). The Project would incorporate sustainable bicycle and pedestrian components to encourage multimodal transportation. No land use and zoning changes would be required for Project implementation.

The Corridor would be modified to enable the construction of a raised multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians within the existing City right-of-way. The existing curbs and gutters would be removed and reconstructed to City design standards. The multi-use path would be installed with raised path separators and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps between multi-use path sections interrupted by driveways and streets. Raised path separators would provide pedestrians and cyclists separation from vehicular traffic. Additional sidewalk would be constructed on the south side of the Corridor between Rambouillet Road and Creston Road to create a more consistent sidewalk. Class II bike lane striping and green paint would also be added to the existing eastbound Class III bike lane per City and Caltrans standards. After Project completion, the Corridor would remain a four-lane roadway (with additional turn lanes) between Spring Street and Creston Road.

The Public Review Period for the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration will commence on December 12, 2024 and conclude on January 10, 2025.

FINDING

The City of Paso Robles has reviewed the above project in accordance with the City of Paso Robles’ Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of the California Environmental quality Act and has determined that an Environmental Impact Report need not be prepared because:

The proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment.

Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because mitigation measures included in the associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and hereby made a part of the Mitigated Negative Declaration have been added to the project.

The Initial Study which provides the basis for this determination is available on the City’s website at https://www.prcity. com/357/CEQA-Documents.

NOTICE

The public is invited to provide written comment on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration. The appropriateness of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration will be considered in light of the comments received.

Questions about and comments on the proposed project and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration may be mailed to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or e-mailed to kbanister@prcity.com provided that any comments are received prior to the time of the review period ends. Should you have any questions about this project, please call Katie Banister at (805) 237-3970 or send an email to kbanister@prcity.com.

/s/ Katie Banister 12/9/24 Date

December 12, 2024

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 Eric Tolle, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5600.

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 1/10/2025 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on DRC2018-00183.” 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 12, 2024 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 034-321-003 Date Accepted: 1/14/2019

Place your Legal Notice with New Times–

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: What will you revive, rejuvenate, and renovate in 2025? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): If you were walking down the street and spied a coin lying on the sidewalk, would you bend down to pick it up? If you’re like most people, you wouldn’t. It’s too much trouble to exert yourself for an object of such little value. But I advise you to adopt a different attitude during the coming weeks. Just for now, that stray coin might be something like an Umayyad gold dinar minted in the year 723 and worth over $7 million. Please also apply this counsel metaphorically, Aries. In other words, be alert for things of unexpected worth that would require you to expand your expectations or stretch your capacities.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): The Taurus writer Randall Jarrell compared poets to people who regularly stand in a meadow during a thunderstorm. If they are struck by the lightning of inspiration five or six times in the course of their careers, they are good poets. If they are hit a dozen times, they are great poets. A similar principle applies in many fields of endeavor. To be excellent at what you do, you must regularly go to where the energy is most electric. You’ve also got to keep working diligently on your skills so that when inspiration comes calling, you have a highly developed ability to capture it in a useful form. I’m bringing this up now, Taurus, because I suspect the coming weeks will bring you a slew of lightning bolts.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): My upcoming novels epitomize the literary genre known as magical realism. In many ways, the stories exhibit reverence for the details of our gritty destinies in the material world. But they are also replete with wondrous events like talking animals, helpful spirits, and nightly dreams that provide radical healing. The characters are both practical and dreamy, earthy, and wildly imaginative, well-grounded and alert for miracles. In accordance with your astrological potentials, I invite you to be like those characters in the coming months. You are primed to be both robustly pragmatic and primed for fairy-tale-style adventures.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): In December 1903, the Wright Brothers flew a motorized vehicle through the sky for the first time in human history. It was a very modest achievement, really. On the first try, Orville Wright was in the air for just 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet. On the fourth attempt that day, Wilbur was aloft for 59 seconds and 852 feet. I believe you’re at a comparable stage in the evolution of your own innovation. Don’t minimize your incipient accomplishment. Keep the faith. It may take a while, but your efforts will ultimately lead to a meaningful advancement. (PS: Nine months later, the Wrights flew their vehicle for over five minutes and traveled 2.75 miles.)

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): During the rest of 2024, life’s generosity will stream your way more than usual. You will be on the receiving end of extra magnanimity from people, too. Even the spiritual realms might have extra goodies to bestow on you. How should you respond? My suggestion is to share the inflowing wealth with cheerful creativity. Boost your own generosity and magnanimity. Just assume that the more you give, the more you will get and the more you will have. (PS: Do you know that Emily Dickinson poem with the line “Why Floods be served to us — in Bowls”? I suggest you obtain some big bowls.)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The term “cognitive dissonance” refers to the agitation we feel while trying to hold conflicting ideas or values in our minds. For example, let’s say you love the music of a particular singer-songwriter, but they have opinions that offend you or they engage in behavior that repels you. Or maybe you share many positions with a certain political candidate, but they also have a few policies you dislike. Cognitive dissonance doesn’t have to be a bad or debilitating thing. In fact, the ability to harbor conflicting ideas with poise and equanimity is a sign of high intelligence. I suspect this will be one of your superpowers in the coming weeks.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Amazing Grace” is a popular hymn recorded by many pop stars, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Willie Nelson. Created in 1773, it tells the story of a person who concludes that he has lived an awful life and now wants to repent for his sins and be a better human. The composer, John Newton, was a slave trader who had a religious epiphany during a storm that threatened to sink his ship in the Atlantic Ocean. God told him to reform his evil ways, and he did. I presume that none of you reading this horoscope has ever been as horrible a person as Newton. And yet you and I, like most people, are in regular need of conversion experiences that awaken us to higher truths and more expansive perspectives. I predict you will have at least three of those transformative illuminations in the coming months. One is available now, if you want it.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Thinking outside the box” is an American idiom. It means escaping habitual parameters and traditional formulas so as to imagine fresh perspectives and novel approaches. While it’s an excellent practice, there is also a good alternative. We can sometimes accomplish marvels by staying inside the box and reshaping it from the inside. Another way to imagine this is to work within the system to transform the system—to accept some of the standard perspectives but play and experiment with others. For example, in my horoscope column, I partially adhere to the customs of the well-established genre, but also take radical liberties with it. I recommend this approach for you in 2025.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I don’t recommend burning wood to heat your home. Such fires generate noxious emissions harmful to human health. But hypothetically speaking, if you had no other way to get warm, I prefer burning ash and beech wood rather than, say, pine and cedar. The former two trees yield far more heat than the latter two, so you need less of them. Let’s apply this principle as we meditate on your quest for new metaphorical fuel, Sagittarius. In the coming months, you will be wise to search for resources that provide you with the most efficient and potent energy.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The world’s longest tunnel is over 35 miles long. It’s the Gotthard Base Tunnel in the Swiss Alps. I’m guessing the metaphorical tunnel you’ve been crawling your way through lately, Capricorn, may feel that extensive. But it’s really not. And here’s even better news: Your plodding travels will be finished sooner than you imagine. I expect that the light at the end of the tunnel will be visible any day now. Now here’s the best news: Your slow journey through the semi-darkness will ultimately yield rich benefits no later than your birthday.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Would you like to avoid wilting and fading away in January, Aquarius? If so, I recommend that during the coming weeks, you give your best and brightest gifts and express your wildest and most beautiful truths. In the new year, you will need some downtime to recharge and revitalize. But it will be a pleasantly relaxing interlude—not a wan, withered detour—if in the immediate future you unleash your unique genius in its full splendor.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): My treasured Piscean advisor, Letisha, believes it’s a shame so many of us try to motivate ourselves through abusive self-criticism. Are you guilty of that sin? I have done it myself on many occasions. Sadly, it rarely works as a motivational ploy. More often, it demoralizes and deflates. The good news, Pisces, is that you now have extra power and savvy to diminish your reliance on this ineffectual tactic. To launch the transformation, I hope you will engage in a focused campaign of inspiring yourself through self-praise and self-love. ∆