New Times, Jan. 23, 2025

Avoid Unneeded knee SUrgery!

Editor’s note

In mid-January, local social media pages started buzzing about San Luis Coastal Unified School District’s potential decision on whether to cut its transitional kindergarten program due to a projected budget deficit. Parents weren’t happy, and they let the school district know. A few days after the Jan. 14 meeting where the plan was discussed, the district announced it was keeping the program. But the $8.7 million shortfall facing the 202526 school year still needs to be addressed. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal speaks with the district, parents, and PG&E [6]

Also this week, read about Morro Bay’s reaction to the battery storage facility fire in Moss Landing [8], the new SLO poet laureate [22] and the 20th anniversary of Kaleidos Wine [27]

MIND BODY

Camillia Lanham editor

Donegan, Cherish Whyte, John Ashbaugh

CIRCULATION Jim Chaney

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SLO County, DOJ reach settlement to improve jail conditions

The San Luis Obispo County Jail must improve suicide prevention, lessen excessive force, and reduce unnecessarily isolating inmates after a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation found facility conditions violated amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“We are encouraged by the improvements the San Luis Obispo County Jail has made since we announced our investigation, but there is still more that must be done to achieve constitutional compliance,” DOJ Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in a press release.

The DOJ began examining jail conditions in 2018, notifying the county that it had opened a Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act investigation. Over the course of three site visits, DOJ representatives interviewed administrative staff, jail staff, medical and mental health staff, and prisoners.

“The county provided real-time access to the jail’s current and former electronic health records databases and policies and procedures, incident reports, prisoner grievances, video recordings, training materials, and thousands of additional documents,” the findings report said.

The county and the DOJ reached a settlement agreement on Jan. 16 after the investigation found that the jail allegedly violated the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the ADA that prohibit excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment. The jail also reportedly flouted the 14th Amendment, which protects the privileges of American citizens from being stripped away.

While the federal body acknowledged that the county has reformed its jail conditions to an extent since investigation began, the settlement agreement noted that SLO County disputed DOJ findings and denied all allegations of violations.

“After receiving the 2021 findings report, the Sheriff’s Office voiced numerous concerns regarding factual inaccuracies, investigation methodology, and conclusions,” SLO County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Cipolla told New Times. “Allegations of constitutional violations are inherently subjective, as there are no clearly articulated ‘constitutional standards’ for jails to implement.”

Cipolla added that the Board of State and Community Corrections always found the Sheriff’s Office in compliance with state standards and regulations for jails. The department also received certification from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care—an independent organization with published standards for medical

Paso school board approves $6 million toward new TK program

As school bond funds start to dwindle, the Paso Robles school board is navigating how to support a new transitional kindergarten (TK) program and facility enhancements at Georgia Brown Dual Immersion School.

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) board of trustees was asked to approve the final phase of improvements for Georgia Brown. With a focus on prioritizing a new TK program on campus then allocating the rest to enhance the school’s science labs and improve ADA accessibility, staff asked the board for $6 million.

and mental health care in jails.

“Although the Sheriff’s Office strongly maintains that it has never systematically violated the constitutional rights of incarcerated people, the settlement agreement is largely reflective of what the department is already doing,” Cipolla said. “By entering into this agreement, the Sheriff’s Office can direct its resources toward working collaboratively with the Department of Justice to continue the great work it is doing rather than wasting additional time and money in negotiations and/or litigation.”

The investigation revealed that six inmates died in jail custody between January 2012 and June 2020. Some changes went into place after 36-year-old Andrew Holland died after spending almost two days in a restraint chair in 2017. These included discontinuing the use of the restraint chair, accelerating the transfer of prisoners declared incompetent to stand trial to psychiatric facilities, changing protocol around inmates in safety cells, and more training for deputies and medical and mental health staff.

Still, gaps in medical care persisted. Prisoners have two channels to report medical concerns, but neither work properly, according to DOJ findings. It alleged that medical staff frequently overlook concerns made via sick call slips, and the jail routinely fails to give people grievance forms.

The report cited a 2020 monthly presentation for jail leadership about health care services, during which contracted firm Wellpath’s Health Services Administrator mocked the grievances using a meme. A presentation slide allegedly implied that grievances are a “nuisance to staff” through an image of the dowager portrayed by Maggie Smith in the British period drama Downtown Abbey, which bore the caption “Stop whining and find something to do.”

Of the 20 total grievances noted on the slide, 18 were deemed unfounded. Five received delayed medical care.

“The jail also has blanket rules that exclude certain types of care for most prisoners, even those with chronic health conditions who might benefit from them,” the 53-page findings report said. “For example, the only prisoners eligible for double mattresses are pregnant prisoners in their third trimester. Thus, prisoners with conditions such as spinal fusions, scoliosis, or a fractured hip will not be prescribed a double mattress.”

The settlement agreement comes at a time when the DOJ is scrutinizing prisons and jails across California, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The federal government is also looking into juvenile justice facilities in Kentucky.

With only $10.8 million left from Measure M—a $95 million school bond passed by voters in 2016 intended to enhance school facilities and build a new aquatic center—board members said it was too big of a decision to make so suddenly.

Assistant Superintendent Brad Pawlowski explained to the board that the district wants to implement three new TK classes on the Georgia Brown campus for 60 4-year-old students. According to Pawlowski, the new students would generate more than $800,000 in state funding that would support additional staffing for students.

SLO County’s agreement will terminate in five years or less if the county complies with all its provisions to improve jail conditions.

Some of the steps include setting up a suicide review committee, maintaining a centralized tracking database to monitor use of force, and using incident reports to document why an inmate was placed in restrictive housing and when they were transported in and out of it. All modifications and improvements will be conducted under the assessment of a jointly selected lead expert.

“The county will provide to the lead expert and the United States a confidential, bi-annual compliance report detailing progress at the county, until the agreement is terminated, the first of which will be submitted within 180 days of the lead expert being retained,” the settlement agreement read. ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

at-risk learners is an excellent thing for us to do,” Pawlowski said.

To allow designers to continue with the new proposed design of the campus, which included creating a specific wing for TK and kindergarten, Pawlowski urged the board to approve the maximum budget so they could start making recommendations and have the project completed by August 2026.

“As we look at the uniqueness of the dual immersion program, it is a language acquisition program. So, including native speakers is critical as part of this process and so really allowing us to expand an opportunity for some of our most

Board member Joel Peterson said that the TK program was sprung on the board on Dec. 17, and that staff only gave them a month to decide how to spend the money that the district has left.

“I feel like I’m being shamed here for not making a decision, that we haven’t had a lot of time to think

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT According to DOJ findings, despite some reforms, the SLO County Jail must do better to reduce suicides and excessive use of force and improve mental and medical health care services for inmates. But the county denies the allegations.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

about,” Peterson told staff. “And so, you can lay off a little bit of the guilt in making a decision tonight when it’s like, this came to us last meeting.”

Board member Kenney Enney asked whether the district was prioritizing the TK program over science, but Superintendent Jennifer Loftus said that wasn’t the case.

“Science is important, nobody wants to shortchange the science program. … We want to make sure the lab is top notch,” Loftus said. “We aren’t trying to sacrifice; we are trying to meet the needs of all, it’s just a different perspective.”

With state regulations surrounding dual immersion programs, Loftus said that the district would have to comply and having a TK program on campus would better benefit the school’s population of students—where more than half are native Spanish-speakers.

“All of these things mean it’s not an option for us to really debate, it’s more or less how are we going to make that happen for those students who want it who are 4 years old and are eligible for it,” Loftus said. “I know this community advocated very fiercely to have a program that had the full continuum on one site because that’s what’s best for that community of learners.”

After some deliberation and discussion of concerns about the school’s parking lot and restroom facilities, the board unanimously approved the $6 million maximum budget with the condition that in one month it will revisit more detailed plans of the project before it can proceed.

—Libbey Hanson

Permit for incoming SLO cannabis retail storefront gets appealed

A newly proposed cannabis retail storefront in the city of San Luis Obispo, touted as safe enough for even grandparents to visit, faces concerns raised by a naysayer worried about its impact on local families and neighborhood character.

“Going to Embarc is somewhere that you feel comfortable bringing your grandma,” Embarc dispensary’s vice president of public affairs, Devon Wardlow, told the SLO Planning Commission at its Sept. 11, 2024, meeting.

Almost two weeks later, city resident Jeffrey Pyle appealed the Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit for Embarc SLO.

The dispensary has locations across California. The vacant site of former prosthetics and orthotics store Hanger Clinic at 2400 Broad St. is slated for the SLO location. If the business goes into place, it’ll join Megan’s Organic Market and SLO CAL Roots, becoming the third and final cannabis retail storefront in the city.

SLO City Council agendized Pyle’s sevencount appeal for a hearing on Jan. 21 but it’s postponed to the summer after the Embarc SLO applicant cited medical reasons for being unable to attend.

Pyle complained that the proposed dispensary would be located less than 150 feet from residences that are likely to house children.

“Thus, potentially limiting children’s safe use of their own front yard to play,” his appeal read. “The property corner of the closest historic residence is a mere 65 feet from the proposed dispensary.”

He also alleged that businesses that hire armed security guards aren’t “compatible

neighbors” to residences in the area; that the dispensary will “permanently change the character” of the neighborhood; and that it’s in violation of city code.

An aspect of Pyle’s complaint came up during the public comment period of the September 2024 Planning Commission meeting. That time from a neighbor living across from the proposed Broad Street business.

“I have no issue with the cannabis store,” Woodbridge Street resident Teri Kanefield told commissioners. “We have children during the school year, going right past that building. The issue I have is whether there’s going to be an armed guard patrolling.”

Citing the armed security guard posted outside Megan’s Organic Market on Higuera Street, Kanefield asked if Embarc SLO could appoint a guard inside and “out of sight” instead.

Act now!

during a time that’s typically storm season.

According to Cal Fire’s website, as of Jan. 22 the LA fires have killed 28 people, burned more than 37,000 acres of land, and destroyed more than 16,000 structures since Jan. 7, and continue to burn—the Palisades fire was 61 percent contained and Eaton was at 91 percent.

Less than 200 miles north of the LA fires, Atascadero Fire Battalion Chief Matthew Miranda told New Times that this is a season when firefighters are ready for rain events.

Send any news or story tips to news@newtimesslo.com.

According to city staff, Embarc SLO submitted a security plan that met the SLO Police Department’s requirements for commercial cannabis activity. The plan includes on-site security guards, controlled access to the retail area, a secured delivery bay, and real-time accessible video cameras for SLOPD.

Embarc spokesperson Wardlow informed commissioners and Kanefield that the proposed dispensary would have a waiting room area, unlike the Higuera Street cannabis business. A security guard would be stationed there along with another guard patrolling the sales floor. Both indoor guards would be armed in compliance with city code.

Planning Commission Chair Justin Cooley concluded the meeting by confirming that all the public correspondence he read about Embarc SLO joining the neighborhood had been “overwhelmingly positive.”

City staff later addressed Pyle’s complaints about the cannabis store’s zoning violations, noting that such retail storefronts don’t need buffers from residences. Rather, cannabis retail storefronts require a buffer of 300 feet only from those residentially zoned areas that are within the Cannabis Business Zone (CBZ) overlay zones.

“The nearest residentially zoned area within the South Broad CBZ overlay zone is the medium-high density residential (R-3) zone which extends from Francis Avenue to Orcutt Road and is located at least 700 feet from the property line of the project,” the staff report read.

Staff added that Pyle didn’t provide any evidence to support his claim that Embarc SLO would make its surrounding properties undesirable for residential use or impact the historic significance of the neighborhood. The city is currently working with Embarc’s applicant and Pyle to set a new date for the appeal hearing.

“The appeal does not provide sufficient grounds to overturn the Planning Commission’s approval of the cannabis dispensary,” staff said. “The project complies with all relevant zoning regulations, including required buffers from residential zones, public parks, and schools, as verified through detailed review by city staff.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

SLO County firefighters face longer fire season

As Los Angeles County faces ongoing red flag wind warnings and continues to fight the Palisades and Eaton fires, San Luis Obispo County firefighters remain on alert

“Most fire departments are always very keen on what’s happening with the weather, probably a week to maybe half a week out from these big things,” he said. “You know, unfortunately, January, February, March, is usually storm season, and we’re getting a read on all those different things and making sure we’re prepared for those. But this was obviously a dramatically different series of events that came this direction.”

With recent red flag wind warnings in SLO County, Miranda said that an LA-scale fire happening in SLO is possible, but not as likely.

“Yes, we do have Santa Ana winds, or what we would call that as far as an east wind, a wind that comes from the land instead of the ocean,” he said. “We do have those events, but we do not experience them anywhere close to the same degree that Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties do.”

Miranda said that because of SLO’s topography and mountain ranges, Santa Ana winds are less pressurized and don’t reach the same speeds as they would farther south, making potential conditions less extreme in SLO.

In SLO, Santa Ana winds may reach 20 to 30 miles per hour, Miranda said, “So yes, we do experience them. But, I mean, … not the 70, 80, 100 mile an hour range that they saw.”

There was no way LA firefighters could have prepared for such an event, he added.

“I think it was unprecedented conditions,” he said. “Anytime that there’s that much wind and ignition occurs, then it’s a recipe for disaster. So, I mean, I can’t really speak to all the different things that occurred as far as their preparation or pre-position of resources, but it’s all about when the ignition happens.”

What the LA fires have shown SLO County firefighters is that the fire season is getting longer and can happen at any time regardless of rainfall, Miranda said.

If SLO has a wet winter, Miranda said that means there’s more grass to burn in the summer. If there’s a drought, dry bushes and trees are more ignitable.

“So, it doesn’t matter what the weather really does in California, we always have the potential of having a significant fire season,” he said. “It definitely always has the recipe and the components to be able to have a major event. It’s just a matter of where and when.”

But Miranda said what’s transpired in LA is a good reminder to be prepared for the worst and develop an evacuation plan.

“You don’t want to think about these things when the emergency is imminent. We want them to be proactive and think about them in quiet times, like right now,” he said. “They may think that a big fire could never happen in this little community. Well, maybe it could. And if it does, then what are you going to do about it?” ∆

—Libbey Hanson

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Unwelcome recess

San Luis Coastal almost cut its transitional kindergarten program until parents stepped in

Los Osos parent Kylee Singh credits Baywood Elementary School’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program for her 6-year-old son’s rapid learning of Spanish.

“The other half of the class that didn’t do TK is still learning the basic principles of reading,” Singh said. “How do you sound out a syllable? How do you make those sounds that are associated with certain letter combinations, right? All of that is the structure they were given in TK.”

But the San Luis Coastal Unified School District’s Jan. 14 meeting left Singh and other parents worried. The district proposed budget cuts to balance ongoing deficit spending created by increasing staff and programs post-pandemic, a continued rise in salaries and benefits, PG&E reducing unitary taxes paid on Diablo Canyon Power Plant assets, and the escalating cost of goods and services.

The TK program—the one-year pathway between preschool and kindergarten—was on the chopping block because of lack of continued state funding.

Singh and her husband are full-time working parents. While she was tense about her second son not being able to enroll in TK, fellow elementary school parent Jessica Boone worried about the alternative solution for her daughter.

“Ideally, we would get into a preschool,” Boone said. “But especially after COVID, it’s been really hard. There are a lot of wait lists … and those lists are really long.”

Preschool, Boone added, is expensive.

“I’m fortunate enough to currently be a stay-at-home mom,” she said. “But that decision was based on my daughter starting school in 2026, and now we may end up having to pay or put off me going back to work for another year, which financially wouldn’t be the best decision.”

At the school district meeting, board members said they felt dejected by the prospect of shuttering the TK program. Board member Brian Clausen said it made his “stomach sick.”

“We’re losing $5 [million] to $10 million a year from the nuclear power plant and a lot of that is through some clever accounting that occurred because the plant was going to close,” he said. “It was devalued; it’s not

closing but we’re not getting our funding.”

District Superintendent Eric Prater announced at the meeting that all solutions he devised to save the TK program faced resistance from the state Education Code.

“Gov. Newsom came out in 2021-22 and declared that TK is something we should pursue as a state. With that, we all cheered … but also came the surprise,” Prater said. “And that was a decision by the state Legislature to carve us out of the funding picture.”

Three budgetary issues conflated to compel the school district to suggest closing TK. The first is the end of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding that was meant to cushion students impacted by learning loss during the pandemic. One-time funds like ESSER helped San Luis Coastal add 173 new staff members since the pandemic. On the other hand, the district has added only 100 students since the 2019-20 school year.

Then, the state Department of Education added new requirements like shrinking class sizes, increasing staffing costs.

Finally, the ending of Senate Bill 1090 funds, which ensured that Diablo operated safely for the rest of its license period, was a blow to San Luis Coastal.

PG&E spokesperson Suzanne Hosn told New Times that when Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill in 2018, the utility company had to pay into a community impact mitigation program worth $85 million before 2025 to offset future reduced tax revenues.

“State legislation that directed the closure of Diablo Canyon by 2025 called for the depreciation of the power plant assets to $0 by closure,” she said. “When the Legislature extended the operations of Diablo Canyon in 2022, the Legislature did not change the tax policy.”

PG&E continues to pay unitary taxes to SLO County on local non-Diablo related assets.

According to PG&E data, the amount of Diablo Canyon property tax paid to the county has been declining. In 2018, PG&E paid almost $25 million to the county. In 2023, its property tax was about $5 million.

The community impact mitigation program payments—which supports the region and the San Luis Coastal school district—have been reducing, too. What

started as an almost $30 million payment in 2019 fell to almost $10 million in 2023.

While 2024 tax data is currently unavailable, Hosn said that PG&E paid SLO County $9.4 million for the mitigation program. The $85 million funding agreement is scheduled to be fulfilled this July when PG&E makes another $9.4 million payment.

In 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission approved extending power plant operations until 2030.

“PG&E is likely going to not feel like they need to pay us the unitary tax they used to, because they’re still going to shut down in just five years,” San Luis Coastal Assistant Superintendent Lisa Yamashita said. “But we don’t anticipate or believe that to be true, since the federal regulatory agency has granted them 30 years, and we know that the energy expectation in California is growing.”

Yamashita added that the state still hasn’t told the school district why it’s being cut out of the TK funding picture. According to her, the Legislature believed that basic aid school districts like San Luis Coastal—funded directly by the local property and unitary taxes—could absorb the cost.

This belief, Yamashita said, comes from the perception that basic aid districts are more privileged than those funded through the Local Control Funding Formula. In those districts, property taxes go to the state, which defines the per-student spending based on average daily attendance.

“It’s true that we could fund the TK program,” she said. “It will then take away from the other K to 12 programming we offer. The money and revenues that come in, we don’t control. We influence.”

Influence lay in the hands of school district parents after the board meeting. The school

board advised them to keep advocating for the TK program in the hopes that the state will grant the district more funding.

Los Osos mother Jamie Lewis coordinated with every interested parent she knew, calling local and state representatives to advocate for the program, and also communicating with private preschools that the end of TK would impact them, too.

“We don’t have the financial means to pay for private preschool, and I want to give her an opportunity to learn,” Lewis said of her daughter. “All of our elementary schools in this area are Title I, so our families in this area are going to be disproportionately affected by this decision to close the free TK program.”

Parents’ advocacy seems to have worked.

In a Jan. 17 newsletter Superintendent Prater wrote that the district’s TK team worked with his office and the teachers association to find solutions to retain the program in the 2025-26 school year.

“Our partners in the early childhood education community have offered resources and support to help us in this effort,” Prater wrote.

Yamashita told New Times she couldn’t share details but she said that she doesn’t anticipate the program being at risk.

“We hear loud and clear from our community. This is a core program moving forward,” she said. “The $8.7 million budget deficit remains, and so we will be making additional reductions to our TK through 12 programming.”

The school board will discuss a formal detailed reduction list on Feb. 4 and vote to address the structural deficit on Feb. 18. ∆

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

Disaster on display

A Vistra battery plant fire in Monterey County has

AVistra-owned battery plant caught fire in Monterey County on Jan. 16, shutting down Highway 1 and causing mandatory evacuations in the area. The company is hoping to build a similar facility in Morro Bay.

Vistra’s Moss Landing Battery Plant was completed in August 2023, and the Texas-owned energy company named the 750-megawatt facility “the largest of its kind in the world,” at the time.

The company has plans to put more megawatts in Morro Bay with its pending application for a 600-megawatt facility along the Embarcadero. With the recent fire, Morro Bay city officials expressed concern about the potential hazards.

Mayor Carla Wixom told New Times that the fire at Moss Landing reflects longstanding fears expressed by local residents since Vistra’s battery plant was proposed along its coastline.

“I think the Moss Landing situation right now is extremely unfortunate but sheds light on exactly what we feared could and would happen,” she said.

North Monterey County Fire Protection District was notified about the Moss Landing fire at 3 p.m. on Jan. 16, according to Fire Chief Joel Mendoza. Within the next hour, conditions had drastically worsened as the facility’s fire suppression system was “overridden” and didn’t work, Mendoza said at a briefing the next morning.

After more than 1,200 people were evacuated from the area, Mendoza said, the team of 34 firefighters were “spread thin” with such an intense blaze, but by that next morning the fire was nearly out with no reported injuries related to the incident.

The fire was the “worst case scenario that’s happened here,” Monterey County 2nd District Supervisor Glenn Church said at the press conference. He added that no one had predicted this would happen.

“This is really a lot more than a fire, it’s really a wakeup call for this industry, and if we’re going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy we need to have safe battery systems in place,” he said. The fire flared up again after the press

conference and wasn’t declared completely out until Jan. 20.

This is the third fire to erupt at this Vistra location since 2021, according to ABC7 News reporting, but the fire suppression system had worked in the past to keep fires from erupting.

“There must be accountability with this, and there will be accountability,” Church said.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) told New Times that she had been excused from the legislative session and driven to Monterey County when she heard about the incident.

“One of the things that we are looking for right now is transparency, accountability, and prevention, and so we are gathering information every minute as it comes out,” she said on Jan. 17. “One of the things about these fires is this one was burning so hot that you can’t go near it. And then with lithium, you do not put water on them, it makes it more dangerous.”

When it comes to the potential battery plant at Morro Bay, Addis said it needs to be approached differently than past plants. She didn’t specify what that new approach might be. In a statement her office issued on Jan. 20, Addis called for the Moss Landing facility to shut down until new safety measures could be guaranteed and urged Vistra to end its plans for a new facility in Morro Bay.

Vistra Communications Senior Director Meranda Cohn told New Times via email that the company’s current project in Morro Bay has been paused, and the company will conduct a formal investigation into the Moss Landing event.

Addis told New Times that safety is of the “utmost importance”

“Unless we can guarantee safety of our communities, we’re going to need to think about this differently,” she said. “And certainly, our office is entirely focused on the safety and welfare of the community, whether it’s here in Moss Landing, in Morro Bay, or anywhere else across the Central Coast, and so our focus will wholly be on safety right now.”

According to a Jan. 17 statement from

Morro Bay, city officials were following the Moss Landing fire closely “since Vistra also owns the former power plant property in Morro Bay and has proposed a similar battery energy storage system (BESS) project in our city, this situation is particularly relevant to us.”

Mayor Wixom told New Times that the city’s previous four years of conflict reflects residents’ concerns over the potential facility, including the city’s recently passed ballot measure A-24 that removed the City Council’s jurisdiction over the parcel of land on which Vistra hopes to build the battery plant.

A-24’s passage showed that “there’s a desire for that area to no longer be industrialized, but to be … visitor-serving, fishing-related activities and things at that end of town,” she said.

Other efforts include the city’s decision to create an ordinance that would block future battery plant builds and enable the city to implement battery plant regulation into its zoning laws. Vistra paused its application with the city in hopes of receiving state approval for the build under AB 205, but Wixom said that establishing an ordinance would at least allow the city more of a say when it comes to future proposals.

“I don’t believe that our community, by any means, is not supportive of alternative energy

options. … It’s not about a ban for battery storage,” Wixom said. “It’s about areas of siting so that you don’t run into situations like in Moss Landing where, you know, you’re in a populated area, or you only have one way in and out of the area. Those are the things that are concerning to any community.”

Her concern lies with Vistra’s proposed location near the single road to and from Morro Rock, she said, and that road being the only way out for tourists and community members enjoying the area’s natural resources.

“Having an estuary with endangered and protected species and a bird sanctuary that’s been enjoyed by thousands of people,” Wixom said. “All those things that have been factors that have been concerning us as residents and for us as decision-makers. This doesn’t feel like it’s going to be a safe situation if there’s only one way in and out of town.” City Councilmember Zara Landrum said that it “seems like a risk that shouldn’t be taken.”

“I think it would be very devastating to not only to the city of Morro Bay, but the county as well to have this happen here,” Landrum said. ∆

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

HEATED RISK As Vistra’s application for a battery plant is pending in Morro Bay, the Jan. 16 Moss Landing battery facility fire has city officials worried about the proposed future project and its potential impacts.

Learn from the law

The Grover Beach Police Department is on a mission to connect the community to its day-to-day functions through an eight-week long Citizen Police Academy

Grover Beach is one of the only police departments in the county to host this event, and Police Cmdr. Nelida Aceves said the department will take residents behind the scenes for the first time in 10 years in an effort to promote transparency, answer questions, and educate the public about what police actually do.

The course, which will begin March 5 from 6 until 9 p.m., will offer hands-on activities and discussions with officers. By the end of the academy, the department hopes that attendees will have gained a better understanding of the role the police play in maintaining public safety.

“It’ll start from a station tour to going over the city cameras that we have, to patrol functions,” Aceves said. “There will be opportunities for them to learn about our drone program and to fly some of our drones.”

Each week the academy will focus on a new department within the police station. Week one starts with an introduction, followed by courses on drones and traffic information, and attendees will have a “graduation” and the opportunity to chat with Grover Beach Police Chief Jim Munro.

“It’ll go into what DUI investigations entail, what our major accident investigation team is about, our CAT team, they’ll get to see all of our equipment, our SWAT, the crisis negotiation team, our command post, equipment, and resources that are available to us,” Aceves said. “There’s going to be a day where we invite other resources, just so that they can see how we network within law enforcement agencies as well.”

Participants will also get a chance to have hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment and a show and tell of additional tools they use in the field, Aceves said.

The academy will accommodate 25 interested community members who can sign up at groverbeach.org.

Once the application is filled out, residents can either return it to the Grover Beach Police Department in person or email it to police@gbpd.org

Attendees need to be 18 or older, and applications must be submitted by Jan. 31.

“I would like to encourage anybody who’s curious about it to please feel free to reach out. I’m more than willing to answer any type of question or concern,” Aceves said.

Fast facts

• From Jan. 20 to 26, Pismo Beach is hosting the SLO CAL Open World Surf League competition alongside a pro junior event that will showcase the world’s most talented surfers at the pier. “This event is a major stop for our competitors, and Visit SLO CAL and Surfing For Hope along with other key sponsors continue to deliver each year at Pismo Beach,” World Surf League North America Tour Manager Brian Robbins told New Times. “We’ve been welcomed back each year since 2017, and it’s a special place to have one of our pivotal events to help these athletes chase their dreams. This coming week looks to be fun conditions for everyone to come check it out and watch some incredible surfing leading up to our big finish next Sunday.” For more information, visit worldsurfleague.com.

• The Arroyo Grande High School Eagle Athletic Foundation will hold its annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Feb. 1 where it will add five new members who have contributed to the high school in various capacities. They will include four past student-athletes and one coach. The event is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets will be $100 per person, and those who are interested or have questions about the event can reach out to eafhof@gmail.com. ∆

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

Tone-deaf

Trump’s election is not a Republican mandate

Iread Mr. Donegan’s column, “Democratic postmortem” (Jan. 16), with some interest. Sure, there was the expected snarky gloat regarding the decisive win of Trump over Harris, and yet he did have some good points. Democrats have lost touch with what has made the party great and my home for 50 years. However, it would be a myopic mistake to take the election results as some Republican mandate. It’s clear from the majority of down-ballot races, reproductive rights laws that passed, pro-labor laws, and progressive judicial wins, that the presidential voters were not endorsing the Republican ideology.

The American people are hurting, and they are angry. The level of wealth inequality is more extreme today than it has been since 1928. If the minimum wage of 1970, $1.65 per hour, would have kept pace with the

Our water supply depends on fighting the lawsuit against

SLO County

I’m writing to alert residents of the South County to an issue that has the possibility to result in both higher water rates and reduced water supply. In August, four environmental groups sued San Luis Obispo County over its operation of the Lopez Dam claiming potential harm to steelhead and other protected species. In December, a U.S. District Court found in favor of the plaintiffs and decreed in a preliminary injunction that the county must dramatically increase releases of water down the Arroyo Grande Creek. These releases began Jan. 15. These are the issues:

Downstream releases were increased by 50 percent to a level beyond the sustainable supply of the Lopez Lake watershed. Models have shown that, had the proposed release schedule been in effect, Lopez Lake would have been drained in 2016 and 2021-22. Currently, we are in the midst of a La Niña event with only about 5 inches of rain since last July. This judgment has put us on the path to draining Lopez Lake, the South County’s main water supply.

This lawsuit threatens our water supply and more than 60 years of productive collaboration between Lopez water contractors (cities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach, and the Oceano and Avila Beach community services districts), SLO County, and the agricultural community since the conception and construction of the Lopez dam began in the 1960s. During that time, we have protected both our water supply and protected threatened species with thoughtful and pragmatic management practices. If the plaintiffs prevail, we’ll be subject to outside agencies and groups dictating how we manage our water supply.

U.S. cost of living index, in 2022 it would have been $22.52 per hour. In 1959, the average corporate CEO was making around 34 times the wages of the company’s line workers. Today the titans of industry claim an average compensation of 480 times that of their base workers.

folks owned all the houses we lived in from when I was in second grade. Today, I live by myself, no dependents, and I’m underwater if I don’t bring home around $4,500 per month.

We relaxed banking regulations starting in the ’80s so that profits could be increased in that sector, the collapse almost dragged

The American people are hurting, and they are angry. The level of wealth inequality is more extreme today than it has been since 1928.

In 2022, the wealthiest 400 people in the U.S. as a group had the second lowest tax rate of all returns. My father was self-employed with four kids. He never took more than $2,000 per month out of the dental lab. We always had two cars, took vacations, and my

Defending this lawsuit is already resulting in the diversion of resources away from critical projects in both staff time and money. At the end of the day, South County ratepayers will foot the bill to fight this lawsuit, likely to the tune of millions of dollars. This will result in higher water rates.

I urge local residents to learn more and compel the elected leaders of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Oceano, and Avila Beach to come together in agreement that we must appeal this court decision and fight this lawsuit. Our water supply depends on it.

Brian Talley Arroyo Grande

We no longer have elections, we have auctions

Mr. Donegan’s recent opinion piece is unusually uninspiring (“Democratic postmortem,” Jan. 16). Not that I disagree with what he has to say about the Democrats. On the contrary, I agree with most of it. I was a Democrat for years until Clinton came along—the first Clinton. After his antics in the White House, I could not vote for his second term. I voted for Perot. It was not for moral reasons but because I felt that Clinton’s abysmal lack of discretion made him too stupid to be president. I have since come to learn that intelligence is not a requirement for the office at all. Hillary with her profound arrogance and air of entitlement did not appeal to me either. I was disgusted by the fact she and Clinton managed to enrich themselves making speeches to special interest groups at a quarter of a million dollars a clip. Goldman Sachs was so enthralled that they bought three speeches. So now and for forever I am an independent. One of the main things that bothered me is the hypocrisy of the Donegan piece. He states

us into another depression, many people lost their homes. Medically induced bankruptcies. I could go on … NAFTA, the campaigns to crush organized labor, the projected loss of 83 million white collar jobs in the next five years as AI expands its reach.

that Democrats should “learn to tolerate and not censor opposing opinions.” Just when did the Republicans start doing that? Give me a break.

Donegan also tacitly acknowledged the foul and disgusting nature of our new (or rather recycled) president’s character, but like most of his Republican ilk he chooses to blame the victory of his candidate on the Democrats, as if that would absolve him and others of the responsibility for the actions of their leader. I suppose a similar logic was employed at the end of the German Weimar Republic: “von Hindenburg is too old. Hitler might be a scumbag but at least he’s different. He will get things done and we can all make a

All that is “good for business,” a disaster for any remnants of our middle class. Almost always a disaster for the only planet we have. The Democrats failed in the most tonedeaf way to hear that chorus, the Republicans with their spray-tanned messiah sold a pack of lies, and the pitch worked. When the working families discover that this administration’s policies are nothing but toxic gases and with our economy skidding toward the ditch, they join with the rest of the disgruntled carrying torches to the Capitol. Maybe, just maybe, the ruling classes of all persuasions will see that a grand adjustment is needed. Or maybe not. They’re too busy arguing over Greenland, or Mars. We’ve been here before. It will be interesting to see what the modern version of soup lines and the WPA will look like. ∆

Allen Root writes to New Times from San Luis Obispo. Add your opinion to the conversation by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.

buck.” He sure did get things done, albeit not exactly what they had in mind, and they were all guilty of allowing it to happen.

I think it obvious that since Citizens United, candidates from both parties all work for the same bosses. We no longer have elections, we have auctions. We might as well let Musk sit in the Oval Office as the Official Highest Bidder. But that might not fly because he is an immigrant and therefore not really an American.

Finally, considering the situation, the title should have been “Democracy Postmortem.” Mark Henry San Luis Obispo

BY JOHN ASHBAUGH

Hope, unity, and trust

Our nation has endured a lot of pain since my last column here: Our beloved and much-maligned 39th President Jimmy Carter checked out after a long journey into that good night. Then, a week into 2025, the LA firestorm swept over the southland like a nuclear blast.

Neither of these events was exactly unpredictable. Both are equally sobering reminders of our mortality, and of our need for sound leadership in troubled times. Thank God that the inauguration gave us a new foundation of hope, unity, and confidence. In his inaugural address, our newly-anointed president promised a stirring renewal of our national purpose: He dedicated our government to the principles of our Constitution, to the rule of law, and to our declaration that all Americans—indeed, all of humanity—are endowed by our creator with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Every word of his speech brought tears to my eyes as I stood personal witness among throngs of supporters on the National Mall.

Oh wait, … sorry—that must have been a dream. The Inaugural speech that moved me to tears? It was on an equally frigid morning 16 years ago, Jan. 20, 2009.

On that day, I was on the Mall, elbow to elbow with my daughter and an impossibly dense multitude of Americans. On that occasion, we listened to President Barack Obama—and the music of Yo-Yo Ma, the poetry of Maya Angelou, and the trenchant

cheers of the crowd ushering in that era of “hope and change.”

On that day, we did sense a palpable rush of hope, of unity, and even of a semblance of trust in ourselves and in our future together.

Since that magic day in 2009, we’ve witnessed a complete unravelling of that hope, that unity, that collective pride—OK, call it hubris. Only six years later, Donald Trump rode down the escalator in Trump Tower to announce his first campaign for the presidency. By 2016, he had converted the GOP from a political party to a cult. And in January 2017, he rode that cultish devotion right into the White House.

Trump’s four years in office from 2017-21 earned him the dubious distinction as the first president to be impeached twice, saved from conviction only by a feckless Senate GOP minority. Trump’s approval rating averaged only 41 percent, a record low in the era of modern polling; by the time he left office in 2021, it had sunk to 34 percent as the nation writhed in the grip of COVID-19.

Now in 2025, as Trump embarks on his second term, we seem to be further descending into a maelstrom of fear, polarization, and distrust:

• Fear: Even early in his first term, Trump and his MAGA movement created an atmosphere of fear with its blatant cruelty toward immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQplus Americans.

• Polarization: The MAGA movement constantly stokes the stubborn fires of

partisan hostility by demonizing, trolling, and even stalking its opposition in Congress.

• Distrust: The Trump cult is committed to the “Seven Mountains” movement popular among the most extreme Christian Nationalists, targeting the institutions of government, media, academia, religion, arts and entertainment, education, and even our own families.

Why should we expect his divisive rhetoric to improve in “Trump 2.0”? Within minutes of swearing his oath under the Capitol Dome, Trump abused the sacred occasion of his second inaugural address to heap derision on the exhausted firefighters who even now, after two weeks of struggle, are still fighting the catastrophic LA fires.

What can we do individually, and what can we do here in California, to build resilience, to strengthen our capacity to resist this rhetorical blitzkrieg from the Oval Office?

Let’s follow the example of Gov. Gavin Newsom who called a truce in response to Trump’s outrageous attacks on our heroic firefighters.

Trump must cease the nakedly partisan potshots at our state, but it’s doubtful that he will.

Donald Trump is the perfect example of Ambrose Bierce’s definition of a politician: “An eel in the fundamental mud upon which the superstructure of organized society is reared. When he wriggles he mistakes the agitation of his tail for the trembling of the edifice.”

The edifice of California is trembling from the fires, just as we are always trembling from earthquakes, from floods, from drought, but

we remain standing as the proud castle of creativity that we are. We lead the nation in technology, in renewable energy, in water conservation and groundwater management, in higher education, in our commitment to diversity and to democracy. Our people here occupy the highest peaks in virtually every one of those “Seven Mountains” that the farright wants to transform into some macabre image of their false deities.

We should do everything possible to rise above that slithery eel who wriggles away in our foundational mud, demanding far too much of our attention. Let’s ignore him whenever possible, but let us fight him wherever necessary, a fight that will require every legal, political, and moral tool that we have in our arsenal. ∆

John Ashbaugh is a recovering politician. Send your comments for publication by emailing letters@newtimesslo.com.

How do you feel about Heather Moreno joining the Board of Supervisors?

41% Meh. They’re still going to have problems. 38% Stoked! She’ll help them have the right priorities.

14% Bummed. I liked Debbie Arnold’s work.

7% I don’t follow county politics.

Subjective solutions

Nothing to see here! That’s the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office’s tactic when it comes to the recent settlement it reached with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over a more than six-year-long civil rights investigation into jail conditions.

The report from the DOJ outlines several steps the jail needs to take to improve things for inmates, so it doesn’t violate the Eighth and 14th Amendments or the Americans with Disabilities Act. But the Sheriff’s Office disagrees with the findings that eventually led to the January settlement.

“The Sheriff’s Office voiced numerous concerns regarding factual inaccuracies, investigation methodology, and conclusions,” spokesperson Tony Cipolla said. “Allegations of constitutional violations are inherently subjective.”

I guess if you’re the one whose rights are being violated, you’re more likely to believe it than if you’re the one who’s doing the violating. Maybe that’s the kind of subjectivity he’s talking about?

For instance, if you’re Andrew Holland who was tied to a restraint chair for almost two full days, you might believe that it’s a clear violation of your constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. But if you’re the deputies who were laughing as he died on the jail cell floor after being untied from the chair, maybe you think it’s A-OK. Subjective, amirite?

A $5 million settlement between the

county and Holland’s family would say otherwise. After all, it is the incident that kicked off this entire investigation in the first place. But luckily for inmates, the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t use restraint chairs anymore. Phew.

“Although the Sheriff’s Office strongly maintains that it has never systematically violated the constitutional rights of incarcerated people, the settlement agreement is largely reflective of what the department is already doing,” he said.

See! Nothing to see here.

The DOJ disagrees, obviously.

While the Sheriff’s Office has taken some steps to address its issues, according to DOJ Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, “there is still more that must be done to achieve constitutional compliance.”

For instance, the DOJ believes that medical staff overlook concerns made via sick call slips. An administrator from SLO County’s contracted health care provider, Wellpath, supposedly gave a presentation implying that grievances from inmates were a “nuisance to staff.” Oh, not good! The national jail health care company filed for bankruptcy in November, so I’m not sure what that means for us here—but that’s a different story. Also, not good.

You know what else isn’t good? Vistra’s battery energy storage systems, apparently.

It’s not that the systems don’t store energy— they do. It’s that those systems seem to cause fires that are hard to put out. The energy company that wants to plop a battery plant down in Morro Bay had some fire problems at a very similar facility in Moss Landing, where there was a fire for four days.

Monterey County 2nd District Supervisor Glenn Church called the Moss Landing fire the “worst case scenario.” It was the third fire the facility’s had since it was built. He also said no one predicted that it would happen—but it does seem like it’s becoming more and more predictable that a fire will happen at a battery storage facility.

Echoing the problems that Escondido firefighters had putting a fire out at a battery storage facility in September and Otay Mesa had in May, everyone thought the fire was out, but then it flared back up. It’s best to let the batteries burn, firefighters said, because introducing water to the situation can get messy. The Otay Mesa battery fire burned for two weeks!

In Moss Landing, more than 1,200 people were evacuated from their homes, and Morro Bay is thanking its lucky stacks that Vistra paused its application.

All of the concerns that residents have voiced for the last few years are now being echoed by elected officials—including Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), who was on the Morro Bay City Council when the 600-megawatt project was initially proposed.

“Unless we can guarantee the safety of our communities, we’re going to need to think about this differently,” she told New Times on Jan. 17, the day everyone thought the fire was going to burn itself out.

By Jan. 20, after the fire had flared up again, Addis had hardened her stance.

She called on Vistra to end its plans in Morro Bay and asked the California Energy Commission and California Coastal Commission to reject the application.

“We can never have a disaster like this again. We all deserve solutions that prioritize safety and sustainability,” she said.

Solutions seem to be easy to come up with when push comes to shove. In the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, parents shoved and came out on top. The district, which is in a budget pickle, was considering nixing its transitional kindergarten program.

After parents pushed back, the district decided that it could keep the program after all. Now it just needs to find another place or 70 it can cut to pull $8.7 million out of the budget—thanks to PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant shenanigans, among other things.

It’s not paying as much in property taxes as it used to because it was going to shutter. And now it’s looking at the potential of a 30-year extension. So when do the property taxes increase again?

The Shredder is solutionsoriented. Send problems to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

REEL TO TABLE

e SLO Film Center at the Palm eatre partnered with Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo on Indies + Eats, a series of lm screenings and three-course dinner specials to support the SLO International Film Festival. Upcoming program dates include Jan. 25, 26, and 30, and Feb. 1 and 2. Visit thepalmtheatre.com for more info on the curated lm and dinner pairings, and to purchase tickets.

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART AND SIP WITH DREW DAVIS This workshop is beginner-friendly, so no prior painting experience is necessary. All materials will be provided, along with a glass of complimentary wine from Bianchi winery in Paso Robles. Jan. 24 12-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Cambria Chamber of Commerce, 767 Main St., Cambria.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

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

DRAWING/PAINTING GROUP CCA holds still life drawing/painting sessions in the Green Room at Cambria Center for the Arts. You will need to bring your own supplies, including an easel if you choose to paint. Fourth Thursday of every month, 1-3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $10. (805) 927-8190. cambriacenterforthearts. org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

FOCUS ON BIRDS: A GROUP WILDLIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Come discover what all our bird friends in the Estuary have been up to. Through Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOR THE BIRDS Held in conjunction with the Morro Bay Bird Festival. This group exhibit features artworks depicting various avian subjects from the show’s pool of

artists. Through Feb. 17 artcentermorrobay. org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.

HARVEST CALLS: SCREENING AND LIVE PERFORMANCE EVENT Presented by the Cambria Film Festival. Jan. 25 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria. PAINT PARTY AT CAMBRIA ART AND WINE FESTIVAL Join in on this painting experience. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 25 , 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

STAINED GLASS WINDCHIMES WITH DEBORAH WOGAN Participants will be provided with a choice of patterns and materials to create wind chimes, while learning how to cut glass, copper foil, solder, and hang. Jan. 24 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $110. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY O ering 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.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

FIRST SATURDAY: WINE, ART, AND MUSIC Studios on the Park celebrates First Saturdays, a fun tradition of art, wine, and live music-filled evenings at the start of each month. Enjoy meeting artists and seeing rotating exhibitions while enjoying live music and wine from one of the venue’s winery partners. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free; $10 for wine. (805) 238-9800.

studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

RIVER A showcase of new oil paintings by Big Sur-based artist Abigail Smith. Originally from Templeton, Smith resides in a mountain cabin near the freshwater streams she depicted in her paintings on display. Through Feb. 10 cruisecontrolcambria.com. Cruise Control Gallery, 1075 Main St., Cambria, (805) 503-3820.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW Lineups are subject to change, but always include five headliners. Jan. 24 7 p.m. my805tix. com. JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room, 811 12th St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-6932.

THREE TALL WOMEN SHOW Head down to the gallery to see framed and unframed artwork using various printmaking methods. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. through June 25 Free. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BANFF CENTRE: MOUNTAIN FILM

FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR The Ban Mountain Film Festival returns to town to showcase more mountain films. Each night features 7 to 9 diverse films that range from compelling outdoor adventures to rich storytelling about the environment. A portion of the proceeds support the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. Jan. 24 7 p.m. and Jan. 25 , 7 p.m. Starts at $27. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT THE BUNKER Laugh out loud with Central Coast Comedy Theater’s very own house team, O the Cu . Get tickets at the link. Jan. 24 , 6:15-8 p.m. $13. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB

The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INDIES + EATS The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre partnered with Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo on Indies + Eats, a series of film screenings and three-course dinner specials to support the SLO International Film Festival. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays. through Feb. 2 thepalmtheatre.com. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

LEWIS BLACK LIVE Join Lewis Black on his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road tour during this all ages event. Black has been described as “one of the most iconic voices in American comedy,” with a decades-long career. Jan. 23, 7 p.m. $45. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

MARC MARON: ALL IN TOUR Join Maron as he hits the stage during this all ages event. He has released many hit stand-up comedy specials on platforms such as HBO Max and Netflix, and starred on the recent Netflix series “GLOW.” Jan. 31 , 7 p.m. $49. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5468600, fremontslo.com.

MORNING AND AFTERNOON GLASS

GARDEN ART WITH JANINE Learn techniques for cutting glass and getting creative with your designs. This class is for all experience levels. Feb. 1 , 10 a.m.noon & 1:30-4 p.m. $65 and $50 material fee. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

ON THE EDGE COMEDY PRESENTS: CHRIS WILLIAMS Join local and traveling comedians during this night of laughter and drinks. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 28 7:30-9 p.m. $13. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR BEFORE THESE WITNESSES Join for a reception and artist talk for Daisy Patton’s ‘Before These Witnesses,’ along with food, drink, live music, and art. Jan. 30 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta.edu/ student/campuslife/artgallery/index. html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

THE PACK DRUMLINE O icial drumline of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Sky (WNBA), this dynamic performance group has skyrocketed to fame with their expert drumming, intricate choreography, and stunning visuals that will have you on the edge of your seat. Performance presented by Cal Poly Arts. Jan. 26 2 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20242025-season/the-packdrumline. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

THIS IS ONLY A TEST Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility commemorates its 20th anniversary with this photography exhibit. Reception will take place on Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 14 The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

WHIP IT: A WEST COAST SWING

JAM Groove with Nexus SLO during an intermediate west coast swing lesson at 7p.m. followed by social dancing. Jan. 25 , 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

THE ALUMINUM SHOW This high energy performance combines dynamic dance, captivating visual theater, and plenty of humor for an unforgettable family outing.

Talented dancers and actors bring aluminum-made industrial materials to life. Jan. 25 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/

aluminum-show/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

BEHIND BARBED WIRE: A GLIMPSE AT CENTRAL COAST JAPANESE AMERICAN LIFE DURING WWII Watch this production that commemorates the time when around 45 percent of Arroyo Grande high school students were bussed to internment camps with their Japanese-American families. A live orchestra and big band, guest performers, video, poetry, swing music of the ‘40s and narration will showcase our region’s local heritage of “sacrifice, friendship, patriotism, hard work, and community solidarity.” Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 31 7:30 p.m. $12. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

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. DIY SPRING BULB GARDEN Turn winter into spring with your own spring bulb garden, with da odils, crocus, dwarf irises, and more. All supplies, including the container, are provided. Jan. 25 2-3 p.m. $55. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach. GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES WINTER SHOWCASE ART RECEPTION The Gallery at Monarch Dunes is delighted to announce a reception for the opening of its all-new Winter Showcase Art Exhibit. Jan. 24 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 709-2281. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo. LA CASITA COMEDY SHOW Features local talent recently coming o tours. Jan. 25 8-10 p.m. my805tix.com. La Casita, 1572 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. THE LOVE SHOW Visit site for tickets

—Caleb Wiseblood

and more info. Jan. 31 7 p.m. and Feb. 1 7 p.m. $35. Studio of Performing Arts, 805 West Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

55 AND OVER HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR Stop by this fair to meet with over 40 exhibitors covering all areas of senior living including physical therapy, nutrition, free tax preparation, scams, dementia, transportation and housing. Jan. 25 9 a.m.noon Free. (805) 772-6279. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morro-bay.ca.us.

BREATHE AND STRETCH One must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again, with ease, in order to participate in this 55-minute session. It’s specifically designed to enhance mobility and strength. Please bring a mat and some water. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-DO Uechi-Ryu Karatedo is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION The Cambria Land Trust invites you to join at the Creekside Reserve to celebrate Chinese New Year. Jan. 26 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 927-2866. Creekside Reserve, 2264 Center St., Cambria.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

EMBODIED YOGA ON THE CENTRAL COAST A nourishing and grounding yoga practice held outdoors. Jan. 29 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.

ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts. com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

IF YOUR BODY COULD TALK... WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

Explore guided movement, writing, and drawing to access body wisdom, creativity, and personal discovery. No experience is required. Jan. 25 2-5 p.m. $40. 9thlimbyoga. com. 9th Limb Yoga, 845 Napa Ave., Morro Bay, (415) 852-1787.

LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION CLASS Sitting with a supportive group strengthens one’s meditation practice. Join us for a weekly talk on topics related to meditation and consciousness plus silent and guided meditation. Facilitated by Devin Wallace. Beginners welcome. Email devinwalla@ gmail.com for more information. Sundays, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. By donation. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos.

MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix. com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:301:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot and Sarah McLachlan

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Cambria Center For The Arts

Tomb Dweller, Utter Scorn, Ritual Of Despair

Yoga’ssage, All Are Welcome

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Crows End Retreat, SLO

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Dark Nectar, Atascadero Design for Dignity: Housing for Quality of Life and Social Change

Comedy Show

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

La Casita Mexican Restaurant, Grover Beach

On the Edge Comedy Presents: Chris Williams

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Penny, SLO Thomas Blumberg Featuring Arno Kristensen

Nature of YOU: Earth Element, Sound Journey

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Night Blooming Jazzmen & Tu Chez

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Bunker SLO Noelle & The Deserters with Anna Hillburg and Mary Simich

Coast Body Therapy Center, Los Osos Embodied Vinyasa Yoga in Morro Bay

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Car Bar, Templeton

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Adventures on the Beach, Morro Bay

and

Brunch

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Base @ Hanger 7, Lompoc Michael Nowak and Friends

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia

Explore your connection to the natural elements, expanding your awareness and deepening your relationship with the rhythms and patterns of life. Jan. 28 6-7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.

OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT

A community of movers and shakers who come together to express themselves through dance and movement. Inspired by a variety of conscious movement modalities, Open Flow is led by Silvia Suarez and Matt Garrity, embodiment teachers who share a passion for integration through movement exploration. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $10 (general), $5 (ages 55 and older). SilviaAthaSomatics. org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278.

PALI KAI OUTRIGGER RACING CANOE

CLUB Join, train, and race with these Sunday morning demonstrations. Enjoy getting in a canoe and on the water. These sessions are a great way to make new friends and stay in shape. Sundays, 9-11 a.m. through March 1 Three practices for free. palikai.org/joinus/. Coleman Park (Morro Bay), 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay, (805) 772-6278.

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. Jan. 24 8:30 a.m. my805tix. com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. (805) 709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great antiaging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.

STRETCH, BREATHE, AND BALANCE

Ideal for seniors, and open to everyone. Instructor Randal Bodlak takes you through specific moves to promote mobility, internal strength, and stability. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (805) 528-4880. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

TAI CHI AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION

Small group classes with 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the Year. Call for time and days. Learn the Shaolin Water Style and 5 Animals Qi Gong. Beginners welcomed. Mondays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call for price details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. (805) 7727486. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members $8-$10. (805) 772-7466. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor

REJUVENATING RITUAL

Aurora Adventures founder and yoga instructor Dawn Feuerberg will lead Embodied Yoga for Vitality in Morro Bay on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This outdoor class includes meditation and is described as a nourishing and grounding yoga practice. Visit my805tix.com to register. Participants are asked to meet at 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.

Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. (805) 7017397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

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.

FAERIE GARDEN CLASS Peaceful Plants will host this family-friendly faerie garden class. Admission includes all necessary materials. Jan. 23 , 6:30 p.m. peacefulplantsca.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

GUIDED MEDITATION WITH KAREN LEARY AT AWAKENING WAYS Experience guided meditations every Wednesday evening in a supportive space. Connect with your inner self and discover peace, healing, and self-awareness. Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.

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.

HIIT 45 WITH SARA JORGENSEN A dynamic and fun way to improve strength and cardiovascular conditioning using weights, resistance bands, and body weight. Bring a yoga mat and water.

Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Mondays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. $15 for members; $25 for guests. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/ fitness/fitness-classes/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 441-2164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

SEED SWAP All are welcome to this free event There is no need to bring seeds to exchange and there are seedstarting kits to youth while they last. Jan. 25 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. SEED SWAP at Templeton Presbyterian Church, 610 Main St., Templeton, (805) 296-8789, nocogardenclub.org.

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.

TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. (805) 237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles.

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

TOPS TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Join for affordable and effective weight-loss support. Sundays, 10-11 a.m. through Oct. 31 First visit is free. (805) 234-1026. Rancho Del Bordo Clubhouse, 10025 El Camino Real, Atascadero, tops.org.

VINYASA YOGA FLOW The class prioritizes increasing mental acuity and improving body and muscle flexibility. A restorative and gentle yoga focusing on breathing and targeting specific areas of the body. Please call to register in advance. Sundays, 12-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis. com/yoga. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

YANG STYLE TAI CHI The course’s instructor won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. (805) 470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at this clinic. All levels are welcome. Jan. 25 , 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA

Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CAMP POLYHACKS 2025 HACKATHON

COURTESY PHOTO BY LELA BRODIE PHOTOGRAPHY

SLO County Restaurant

Wednesday, January 1 through Friday, January

ATASCADERO BARLEY & BOAR KITCHEN, BREWHOUSE AND DISTILLERY

Come in and enjoy a three-course dining experience with options including a Soup or Salad, a Main Course, and a delightful Dessert.

Price: $55 Availability: 5 PM – 9 PM Celebrate Restaurant Month with bold flavors and impeccable dishes.

5925 Entrada Avenue (805) 460-6369 · BarleyAndBoar.com

ATASCADERO CIELO

Indulge in an unforgettable three-course dinner featuring a choice of Soup or Salad, a delectable Main Course, and a sweet Dessert finale.

Price: $50 Availability: 5 PM – 9 PM

Celebrate Restaurant Month with us and experience the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

6400 El Camino Real (805) 538-9517 • CieloAtascadero.com

ATASCADERO JONNYBOY’S BAGELRY & JEWISH DELICATESSEN

BRAMBLE PIE COMPANY

It’s pie season! Celebrate with a $65 family pie pack: 1 large savory pot pie, 1 large sweet pie, 6 brown butter chocolate chip cookies An $83 value for just $65. While supplies last. Call ahead to reserve.

ATASCADERO GUEST HOUSE GRILL

Enjoy a specially curated three-course menu featuring a Soup or Salad, a delicious Main Course, and a tempting Dessert. Price: $40 Availability: 4 PM – 8:30 PM

Make Restaurant Month memorable with a meal that’s cra ed to impress!

8783 El Camino Real (805) 460-0193 GuestHouseGrill.com

ATASCADERO KULA HAWAIIAN KITCHEN

Come visit Atascadero’s only bagelry & Jewish deli! All month long, enjoy one of our sandwiches, an 8oz side of our house-made potato salad, a Dr. Brown’s soda of your choosing, and a chocolate-dipped coconut macaroon for $25

5935 Entrada Avenue (805) 464-2159 • @jonnyboysbagelry

AVILA BEACH

BLUE MOON OVER AVILA

Enjoy sweeping seaside views and stunning sunsets while enjoying our 3-course French Country Menu for $49. Pair classics like Beef Bourguignon, Coq-au-Vin, and Crème brûlée with a glass of French wine for the ultimate dining experience. Available daily from 4:30-8:00pm.

460 Front Street (805) 595-2583 BlueMoonOverAvila.com

OCEANO OLD JUAN’S CANTINA

Dig into bold Mexican flavors at Old Juan’s Cantina! This January, get our 3-course special: Start with tortilla soup or a house salad, then choose mole enchiladas, adobo, or smoke carnitas, and end with tres leches or churros. All for $40! Bring your appetite—we’ve got the rest!

649 Pier Avenue (805) 489-5680 OldJuansCantina.com

PASO ROBLES FISH GAUCHO

We take pride in offering the freshest seafood, succulent shellfish, locally sourced produce, and organic meats, all complemented by an exquisite selection of tequilas, mezcals, and fine spirits. We invite you to indulge in an exclusive three-course dinner, featuring a curated selection of our chef’s favorite dishes, all for just $41. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the best of our culinary offerings.

1244 Park Street (805) 239-3333 • FishGaucho.com

Discover Kula Hawaiian Kitchen’s elevated comfort food, featuring fresh island ingredients and the spirit of aloha. For just $30, choose from four tempting appetizers and eight savory entrees. Indulge in authentic Hawaiian flavors, beautifully presented in a warm, inviting setting. Visit today and taste the islands, in style! Valid for dine-in only.

6200 El Camino Real • (805) 519-8200 kulahawaiiankitchen.com

5945 Entrada Avenue (805) 460-6294 @bramblepieco AVILA BEACH THE GARDENS OF AVILA RESTAURANT Dine with a cozy natural stone replace or on our heated Old Stone Patio. Dishes featuring the freshest garden-to-table and locally

Three Course Prix Fixe Menu for $50 Your Choice of Starter, Entrée, and Dessert Served 5 – 9PM • January 5 – 31

ula Hawaiian Kitchen K

Hot tip: Warm up with a mineral springs hot tub soak before or a er dinner for the perfect night!

1215 Avila Beach Drive (805) 595-7302 • SycamoreSprings.com

PASO ROBLES

ETTO PASTA BAR

Etto Pasta Bar serves pasta produced in our own factory served fresh with the best seasonal, local and Italian ingredients. Our menu re ects the purity and simplicity of the Italian table where great ingredients are featured to shine in a comfortable and casual setting.

3070 Limestone Way (805) 400-3193 ettopasti cio.com

PASO ROBLES THE

STEAKHOUSE

Paso Robles’ premier steakhouse for generations, The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn blends cowboy-meets-coastal avors with classic California cuisine. Join Chef Joe for an exclusive threecourse dinner for a true taste of Paso for $45.

1103 Spring Street (805) 226-4925 PasoRoblesInn.com

Restaurant Month

2575 Price Street (805) 773-0000 VentanaGrill.com January 31,

Find Local Restaurant Month Specials

TEMPLETON & PASO ROBLES

JACK’S BAR & GRILL

Enjoy a flavorful three-course meal featuring your choice of Soup or Salad, a hearty Main Course, and a sweet Dessert to finish. Price: $40 Availability: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Join us for Restaurant Month and savor the smoky, bold flavors that make Jack’s Grill a local favorite!

509 South Main Street, Templeton (805) 434-5500 • JacksTempletonGrill.com 1902 Creston Road, Paso Robles (805) 296-3355

PISMO/SHELL BEACH OLD SLO AT THE CAPE

The Cape, known for its seafood, is the Central Coast’s go-to for classics like Lobster rolls, sh ‘n’ chips, and our homemade chowder, but don’t forget about our tacos and burgers! Now serving Old SLO BBQ favorites at this seaside destination too! For Restaurant Month, choose any burger, side, and drink for $20. Add a beer or glass of wine for $5

1127 Shell Beach Road (805) 295-5144 • OldSLO-at-thecape.com

PISMO BEACH

VENTANA GRILL

Sunday Brunch Buffet

PISMO BEACH MARISOL RESTAURANT AT THE CLIFFS

Oceanfront views & sunsets.

Hyperlocal owners, chefs, and ingredients. Three Course Prix Fixe Menu for $50

Your Choice of Starter, Entrée, and Dessert Everyday 3:30 - 9PM • January 6 - 31

2757 Shell Beach Road (805) 773-5000 Cli sHotelAndSpa.com

PISMO BEACH SEAVENTURE

RESTAURANT

180-degree panoramic views and spectacular sunsets!

Three Course Prix Fixe Menu for $55

Your Choice of Starter, Entrée, and Dessert

Entrée Options include Grilled Flat Iron Steak or Salmon Paella Pair dinner with a Flight of 3 Wines for $18

100 Ocean View Avenue (805) 773-3463 · SeaVenture.com

Enjoy hot dishes, seafood, fresh salads and desserts. Sip Bloody Marys and Mimosas while taking in the amazing view!

Special Price: $41.95/person (normally $51.95)

Max party size: 4 guests. Reservations required; must mention this ad when booking. Available Dates: January 5, 12, 19, & 26

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COOL CAT CAFE

Receive 50% off a Classic T-Shirt or Diner T-Shirt with you order any entree, burger, or sandwich!

3165 Broad Street Suite 102 (805) 544-8235 CoolCatCafe.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO KIKO RESTAURANT AND PISCO BAR

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal with a modern twist at our creekside dining restaurant. We have crafted 3 special menus just for you, our locals!

Options:

1) Three Course Set Menu: Appetizer-Main Course-Small Dessert $49

2) Four Appetizers (small plates) & Two Pisco Sours: $49

3) Appetizer Sampler (4 small plates): $35

You won’t forget this unique and memorable dining experience!

746 Higuera Street • (805) 668-6711 KikoRestaurantslo.com • IG @kikorestaurantslo

SAN LUIS OBISPO

PRESS QUESADILLA GRILL

New in town and California Coastal Fresh—Press Quesadilla Grill is takeout-friendly, chef inspired Cali-cuisine. Customize a bowl, salad, burrito or ‘dia with fresh ingredients, fire-grilled proteins and scratch-made tortillas. Everything is takeout-friendly; fuel your adventure with dinner to-go!

Show us this ad or order online at https://pressqg.com and get FREE Chips & Queso with an entrée! Coupon Code: QUESO

773 East Foothill Boulevard • PressQG.com

PISMO BEACH VESPERA

RESORT

Located on the lobby level of Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Pequín Coastal Cocina offers whimsical Baja Coastal selections highlighting local ingredients and Chef touches that are inspiring and transformative. Join Chef Brandon for an exclusive threecourse dinner for $49. Complimentary valet parking is included.

147 Stimson Avenue (805) 779-4065 or (805) 773-1011 marriott.com/sbpak

SAN LUIS OBISPO FERAL KITCHEN +

LOUNGE

Discover Feral, downtown SLO’s newest culinary destination. Bold flavors, creative cocktails, and a stunning, lounge-style atmosphere set the stage for unforgettable nights. Whether for dinner, drinks, or unforgettable moments, join us and experience what’s wild and delicious at Feral Kitchen + Lounge!

725 Higuera Street (805) 465-2211 FeralKitchenAndLounge.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO

OLD SAN LUIS BBQ CO.

Old SLO BBQ Co. is the local spot to enjoy the best BBQ on the Central Coast! Grab a sandwich or salad and CHECK OUT ALL OF THE CRAFT BEERS ON TAP. We specialize in authentic Santa Maria style cuisine and many of our family recipes date back nearly a century. For Restaurant Month, choose any sandwich, side, and drink for $20. Add a beer card for 25% OFF 3870-3 Broad Street & 670 Higuera Street (805) 285-2473 OldSanLuisBBQ.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO SLO RESTAURANT MONTH

Experience the rst-ever city of SLO Restaurant Month, January 1-31. Local eateries will have special menus at special prices you won’t want to miss. Indulge in innovative creations, savor classic favorites with a twist, or settle in with a multicourse meal. Satisfy your taste buds while supporting our culinary community!

VisitSLO.com/RestaurantMonth

Photo by: Sarah Kathleen

Join in on this immersive multi-day problem solving workshop that includes hours of collaboration, as well as free food and prizes. Event is limited to Cal Poly students. Jan. 24 Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 Free. my805tix.com/. Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 872 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN

TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

DESIGN FOR DIGNITY: HOUSING FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Join Lawrence Scarpa and Angela Brooks for a discussion on new models and emerging trends in affordable and low-income housing design, as well as some inclusive approaches to fostering equitable communities. Jan. 30, 5:45-7:30 p.m. $18. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, thepennyslo.com.

FAMILY FREE DAY: I LOVE NATURE

Head to the Children’s Garden to celebrate nature with crafts and activities, child friendly learning opportunities, and fun for the whole family. Feb. 2 , 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo.org.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. 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, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Options: 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day. (805) 242-6301. onecoolearth.org/playgrove.html. Jewish Community Center, 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking

TROLL KIN

Danish artist Thomas Dambo will take part in an art talk program on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m., at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. Attendees can look forward to hearing about Dambo’s career and use of recycled materials to create his colossal wooden trolls, including his new troll installation set to debut on Sunday, Feb. 2, inside the California Nature Art Museum. Visit calnatureartmuseum. org for more info.

—C.W.

and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SLO SKIERS “MONTHLY” MEETING SLO Skiers, a local sports & social club for adults has “monthly” meetings. Stop by for a social hour with food and drink, followed by the meeting at 6:30. Jan. 28 , 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4316.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon

Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

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

YOGA’SSAGE A gentle, restorative yoga and massage with intention for relaxation and nervous system balancing. Jan. 26 4-5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE LESSONS

This beginning dance class teaches the essentials of Argentine Tango. No partner or previous experience is needed. Sponsored by Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 24 $12 per class. (805) 473-5473. arroyogrande.org. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.

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

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

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

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY

Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.

CUPID PAWS DOGGIE PARADE This year’s parade participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande. Visit site for more info. Feb. 1 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 21

MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

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

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

NORTH SLO COUNTY

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 St., Templeton.

CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.

MCPRICE MYERS WINE DINNER AT IL CORTILE Join

McPrice for an unforgettable evening at Il Cortile and enjoy a sensational multi-course dinner by Chef Santos. Jan. 29 5-9:45 p.m. (805) 226-0300. ilcortileristorante.com/. Il Cortile Ristorante, 608 12th St., Paso Robles.

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

WHISTLEPIG BOURBON COCKTAIL PARTY Join co-hosts

The Alchemists’ Garden and Brand Ambassador Blaine Adams for two specialty cocktails featuring WhistlePig Bourbon paired with appetizers. Jan. 29, 5-7 p.m. $40. (805) 369-2444. alchemistsgarden.com. The Alchemists’ Garden & The Remedy, 1144 Pine Street, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

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

OX + ANCHOR: “INDIES & EATS” In support of the SLO International Film Festival, Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is offering evenings of film and fine dining. Movies and dinner are running every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday now through mid-February. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7 p.m. through Feb. 23 hotelslo.com/events/indies+eats/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

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

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

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA DINING FUNDRAISER Dine at Mountain Mike’s anytime throughout the week to support local youth programs. Jan. 26 , 11 a.m.-9

Arts

The mountains are calling

If you want to experience an exhilarating selection of outdoor films exploring nature adventure, mountain culture, and environmental stories, look no further. The Fremont Theater in downtown SLO plays host to the third annual Banff Centre: Mountain Film Festival World Tour this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24 and 25 (7 p.m.; all ages; $22 to $48 at prekindle.com).

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, and affiliated with the University of Calgary, is an education center established in 1933 as the Banff School of Drama. It’s since expanded its program to performing and fine arts as well as leadership training. Expect two distinct nights of seven to nine diverse films, “from heart-pounding escapades to beautifully narrated tales of wild places and unforgettable experiences,” according to organizers. “Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of adventure.”

A portion of the proceeds support the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, whose mission is to conserve and care for the Central Coast’s diverse wetlands, farms, and ranches. Since 1984, the organization has permanently conserved more than 66,000 acres of SLO County land.

Birds of a feather

Whether you call yourself a twitcher, birdwatcher, birder, lister, or a professional ornithologist, this month Morro Bay’s Gallery at Marina Square has the show for you: Focus on Birds is a stunning fine art photography exhibition featuring works by Alice Cahill, Dominic Hartman, Gregory Siragusa, Jack McNeal, Karen Peterson, Michael Johnston, and Teresa Ferguson. “Focus on Birds showcases Morro Bay Bird Festival month with photographs of birds and bird habitats in countrysides and oceansides—all the places where our wildlife friends live and thrive, hunt, and sing,” the gallery announced. “This exhibition celebrates all avian species that make their home on California’s Central Coast, from majestic great blue herons and wise owls to the diminutive sandpipers. The photographs capture moments of bird behavior and sweeping landscapes that they call home.”

Located at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, Gallery at Marina Square is a fine arts and crafts gallery run by a community of professional artists who are winners of grants, fellowships, and juried shows, all living and working on the Central Coast. The gallery’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Focus on Birds exhibition ends on Thursday, Jan. 30. For more information, visit galleryatmarinasquare.com or call (805) 772-1068. ∆

—Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Poetry matters

SLO County’s new poet laureate hopes to unite the writing community

Caleb Nichols is gay. It’s literally the name of his website, calebnicholsis.gay. He’s also SLO County’s new poet laureate. Not bad for a Morro Bay High School dropout cum Ph.D. in creative writing from Bangor University in North Wales.

Nichols was born in Washington state but grew up since age 3 in Los Osos. He attended Humboldt State University, then spent a decade playing music with Port O’Brien and other bands, then he went to San Jose State University where he got a degree in library sciences.

He lived in New York for a while, then Atlanta, then he came back to Cal Poly as a librarian and earned a master’s degree in English literature. en the Ph.D. in Wales. He now lives with his husband in San Luis Obispo, where he teaches writing courses in the Cal Poly English department. Oh, and he’s still playing music and was signed not too long ago to Kill Rock Stars, a super hip indie label. I spoke to Nichols by the koi pond on the Linnaea’s Café patio.

What does it mean to be poet laureate? Is it just an honori c or does it come with duties and responsibilities?

“My understanding is that it can be whatever you want it to be,” Nichols explained. “I think partly it’s a recognition, like we’re recognizing you for the work you’ve done or the accomplishments you’ve made, and then the other part is it’s a public service. ‘What are you going to do for these two years to bring poetry to the community in whatever way that looks like?’

“[ e poet laureate program’s] been going on here in the county since 1999,” Nichols continued. “So there’s been lots of di erent poet laureates and they’ve all done di erent things. A lot of them focused on getting poetry in schools. My focus is de nitely going to be bringing readers in and connecting writers in the county because I think there’re a lot of writers here, lots of really well published writers too, that are just hiding out. ere’re lots of di erent writerly communities around, but they’re not connecting that well.”

Hear the new poet laureate

Caleb Nichols, SLO County’s first openly queer poet laureate, plans to read his work this Friday, Jan. 24, in the Milking Parlor at the Octagon Barn (7 to 9 p.m.; all ages). Outgoing SLO County Poet Laureate Kevin Clark, California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, and Cal Poly professor and poet MT Vallarta are also on the bill.

“Join us in highlighting and celebrating the work of poets residing in the state and county and the relaunch of the poet laureate program here in SLO County,” organizers announced. “This event is free and open to all!”

A poem by Caleb Nichols

STOP SCROLLING

& consider how it feels to be the lone black seed in the cool wet sugar of a seedless watermelon—

to be where you aren’t meant to be, but still so sweetly held, in the red ripe center of things.

connect writers in the community and to bring outside writers in, just trying to foster a poetry community.”

For most people, poetry isn’t a part of their lives. ey don’t think it’s essential. ey may even see it as elitist or academic, or worse, self-indulgent and impenetrable. Is it possible to show people that poetry doesn’t have to be those things? at it can be accessible and rewarding?

Showtime!

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

“ at’s a good question, and I wouldn’t argue with your characterization of how many people see poetry,” Nichols said, “but some people are interested. I get this a lot: ‘I’m interested in poetry, but I don’t know how to start,’ or ‘I don’t understand poetry. I feel like it’s too intellectual.’

How can he bring these communities together?

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I mean, I’ve been trying in ts and starts over the past few years to gure that out. I’ve been running this thing called the SLO Book Bike, which is a pop-up bookshop on a tricycle with a cargo box, and we started doing pop-ups, but we also do workshops and readings. We’re doing monthly or bimonthly events at Jan’s Vinyl Bar called Poetry and All at Jazz. We have poets come, and one or two featured poets read while a DJ is spinning, so they’re reading over the music, and it kind of interacts in a way, and then after that we have an open mic. It’s really nice.

PUBLISH OR PERISH Caleb Nichols has published numerous poems and chapbooks, such as Soft Animal/ O Anima

“I’m just trying to have more events that

“Especially in the U.S., poetry seems like an academic pursuit, like you have to do a close reading of the poem rather than just experience it. A poem is a really di erent art form than the kind of art we typically consume these days. It’s not a pop song. It’s not a movie. It’s not a TV show. It’s not a novel. It’s its own thing, and that thing can seem challenging, but the bene t of it is it will give you a di erent experience of the world and a di erent way to connect with people, and I think a lot of people, when they nd the poems that speak to them, there’s a profound experience that you can’t have through any other mediums.”

How did Nichols get into poetry?

“My own entry point to poetry was just encountering a poem that really spoke to what I was going through at the time,” he recalled. “It was Carl Phillips’ ‘ e Strong By eir Stillness.’ I was going through some emotional heartache stu , and it just really spoke to it. It made me feel like my experience was right there in front of me. at comforted me and gave words to what I was feeling, and what I was feeling was complex and di cult to discern, but this poem did it, and I thought, ‘Oh, wow. at feels good just to read.’ I also thought, as an artist and musician, that a song couldn’t do that.”

Nichols also noted that most of us grew up reading poetry and not thinking it was inaccessible,

U.K. concert.

pointing out the work of Shel Silverstein with books like Where the Sidewalk Ends. Look up Philip Larkin’s “ is Be e Verse” and tell me it’s inaccessible.

Poetry can be a hoot.

Take for instance Nichols’ erasure poems, where he took Yelp reviews of Taco Bell on Santa Rosa Street and removed words to create new ideas. His six Taco Bell erasures were published in the U.K.’s Fruit Queer Literary Journal. One titled “Kathryn” reads, “this is honest y order order order ruin.” If that doesn’t sum up Taco Bell, I don’t know what does.

“ ere’s a famous quote by Audre Lorde, ‘Poetry is not a luxury,’” Nichols said.

He wants everyone who wants poetry to have it, and he plans to spend the next two years making it as accessible as possible. ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

ALL HAIL THE LAUREATE Caleb Nichols is SLO County’s new poet laureate, and he’s reading his work at the Octagon Barn on Jan. 24.

ROCKIN’ LIVERPOOL Caleb Nichols is also a Kill Rock Stars recording artist, shown here in a

How the West was wrong

Peter Berg directs creator Mark L. Smith’s Western TV miniseries set in 1857 during the Utah War and the violent clash between the Mormons, the U.S. government, early settlers, and the indigenous tribes, focusing on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. e miniseries mixes historically real people with ctional characters. (132 min.)

AMERICAN PRIMEVAL

What’s it rated? TV-MA

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Glen Most Westerns are romanticized stories of good triumphing over evil, but American Primeval makes it clear that its version of westward expansion will not be romanticizing Manifest Destiny. It doesn’t pit black-hatted bad guys against whitehatted good guys. Its morals are more complicated. Good guys don’t win. Justice is not served. Power trumps all. Violence is the language of the land. e main storyline follows mother and son Sara (Betty Gilpin) and Devin (Preston Mota), who are heading west to meet with Devin’s father, but nding a dependable guide proves nearly impossible. ey end up attached to an ill-fated wagon train guided by Fancher (director Peter Berg) that includes some Mormons: Jacob (Dane DeHaan) and his new wife, Abish, (Saura Lightfoot-Leon). Meanwhile, led by Brigham Young (Kim Coates), the Mormons are claiming Utah as their Zion, drawing the ire of the U.S. government and a platoon led by Capt. Edmund Dellinger (Lucas Ne ). Also in the mix are the indigenous tribes of the Shoshone, led by erce warrior Red Feather (Derek Hinkey), and the Paiute, who are aligned with the Nauvoo Legion, the Mormon militia led by James Wolsey (Joe Tippett), a murderous mercenary. I have to say, the depiction of these early Mormons is ugly. It’s a compelling drama with kinetically lmed action sequences and signi cant gore. I loved the grit and realism. If you enjoyed e Revenant (2015), which was co-written by Smith, you’ll love this too. Anna It doesn’t paint this period in a rosetinted light. It’s dirty and mean, and it

LANDMAN

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024-present

Where’s it showing? Paramount Plus

Score another TV hit for writer/actor Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, 1883, 1823 , Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lioness). Landman is another macho neo-Western, this time about the boom-or-bust oil business. The story centers on Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a fixer for M-Tex petroleum company owned by Monty Miller (Jon Hamm). Norris is operations VP, but that really means he’s in charge of containing the series of disasters that daily befall the business. Tommy lives in a McMansion with petroleum engineer Dale Bradley (James Jordan), and

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Billy Bob Thornton stars as oil company fixer Tommy Norris, who has to deal with everything from drug cartels to oil rig accidents to legal snafus while also keeping his dysfunctional family together, in Landman, streaming on Paramount Plus.

seems that most people are just ghting to survive—some in more unscrupulous ways than others. Sara Rowell is a no-nonsense woman whose single-minded focus is getting her son to Crook Springs, and come hell or high water, she’ll nd a way to get there. Unfortunately, they’re late to meet their hired guide, and he’s gone. Sara has little choice but to join the wagon train setting out. Mr. Reed (Taylor Kitsch) refused to guide Sara and Devon, but he can’t help but follow them when they leave. When things go awry, he swoops in to save them, and it isn’t the last time. e three become four when a young native woman named Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier) reveals herself as a stowaway after eeing her village. While the series follows various groups, this is the one at its core. ere’s danger around every corner, and soon many are on the hunt for Sara, who had a bounty on her head for murder. Gripping and gritty and lled with both strong, admirable characters along with vile, terrible counterparts, all the threads that weave these stories together are evocative.

uptight company attorney Nathan (Colm Feore). But soon his estranged and wild wife, Angela (Ali Larter), comes back into his life with his freespirited daughter, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph). Meanwhile, his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland), has dropped out of college and wants to learn the oil business. Tommy’s putting out fires in both his business and personal life. Thornton is fantastic—funny, profane, impatient, but unflappable and loving toward his family and loyal to Monty and Monty’s wife, Cami (Demi Moore at the top of her game). It’s the story of gamblers trying to win big every time they place a bet on a new piece of land and a new well. (10 approximately 55-min. episodes) —Glen

Glen Mixing in real characters such as Brigham Young, wagon train leader Fancher, Fort Bridger owner Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), and Young’s goon Wild Bill Hickman (Alex Breaux) with ctional ones like Isaac, Sara, and Devin adds to the realism. Even some of the ctionalized characters are based on real people, including Shoshone tribal chief Winter Bird (Irene Bedard), based on a historical chief. It’s a thrilling story and, if this is how the West was won, an ugly one. Anna It certainly doesn’t romanticize the period. ings were wholly unpleasant and dangerous, it seems. I loved how Sara and Reed grew on each other and how the four became so close. Trauma-bonding, no doubt, but sweet just the same. I also loved Abish’s story and watching her turn from meek wife into a strong woman. is paints the West with blood and grit, a story that’s unfortunately more truth than ction. ∆

Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

A REAL PAIN

What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime

Imissed this one when it played at the Palm Theatre, but it’s made many critics’ Top 10 lists for 2024. I wouldn’t put it in my top 10 (A lot of competition last year!), but this is a thoughtful film exploring complex human emotions and family dynamics. Deftly written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg (When You Finish Saving the World ), who’s better known as an actor ( Zombieland, The Social Network, The Squid and the Whale), the film stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as cousins David and Benji Kaplan, who reunite for a guided Holocaust tour through

Poland in honor of the recently deceased grandmother they both dearly loved. David and Benji were close as children, but they’ve drifted apart. David, married with a child, is a nebbish workaholic. Benji is charming and fearless but adrift. They couldn’t be more different, and the story busies itself by examining their dynamics as well as how they interact with the other members of the tour group. It’s a charming, heartfelt, and smartly written dramedy, with a score consisting almost entirely of piano pieces by Polish virtuoso Frédéric François Chopin. Eisenberg (reserved) and Culkin (an unpredictable force of nature) effectively play to type. (90 min.) ∆ —Glen

RELUCTANT HERO Frontiersman Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch, center) rescues a mother and son, Sara (Betty Gilpin) and Devin (Preston Mota), after their wagon train is attacked, in American Primeval, now streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

THE ODD COUPLE Jewish cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg, left) and Benji (Kieran Culkin, right) reunite over the loss of their beloved grandmother and embark on a Holocaust tour of her native Poland, in A Real Pain, streaming on Amazon Prime.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PLUS

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Sweet relief

Rod & Hammer Rock hosts an all-day fundraiser for the SoCal fires

If you want to help those devastated by the Southern California fires, may I suggest Songs of Solace—A Benefit Concert for LA Wildfire Relief at Rod & Hammer Rock this Sunday, Jan. 26 (noon to 8 p.m.; all ages; $20 ticket plus $3.27 in fees at my805tix.com with kids under 12 free).

The full $20 ticket price goes to the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit that provides emotional and financial support to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, as well as victim assistance through the foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program to bring immediate, shortterm relief to survivors of fire and other natural disasters throughout California.

The lineup of local performers donating their time and talent is impressive: See folk rockers Moonshiner Collective, R&B and funk act The Vibe Setters, funk act Funk Junket, Cali-Cubano dance band Zongo All-Stars, singer-songwriter Chris Beland, singer-songwriter Ryan Delmore, alt-rockers Carbon City Lights, singer-songwriter Max MacLaury, country and bluegrass party band the Mother Corn Shuckers, and more.

Also this week at Rod & Hammer, see harmony-rich Rainbow Girls on Friday, Jan. 24 (doors at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $29.27 at ticketweb.com). They’re wicked funny. This is from “Compassion to the Nth Degree”: “I love you like I love white supremacists/ And people who still steal from small businesses/ I love you like the bully who made fun of me/ And made me doubt my worth and capability.”

Evolution

Dustbowl Revival never fails to amaze as they’ve grown since 2008. It’s nearly impossible to attach a simple label to their sound, which they describe as a “spicy cocktail of folky-funk or booty-shaking jangly rock ’n’ soul: expertly mixing their New Orleans-tinted brass section with their signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics.” Close enough for me. This week Numbskull and Good Medicine bring Dustbowl to The Siren on Friday, Jan. 24 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $26.99 at goodmedicinepresents.com).

Founded and led by Z. Lupetin, the seven- or eight-piece band has had nearly 30

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AFTER EIGHT: FREE AFTERNOON

DANCE PARTY Bust a groove with eight-member cover band After Eight, who will bring their energy and play a diverse setlist of pop, rock, country, and Spanish hits. Jan. 25 2-5 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

BIG SIERRA WITH JAMES RIVERS BAND Enjoy a night of live music and drinks with Big Sierra, an indie, alternative rock band based out of the Central Coast.

Jan. 31 7:30-10:30 p.m. $14. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

BLACK FLAG LIVE Formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, CA by guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member Greg Ginn. Jan. 23 7-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos. DIRTY CELLO AT THE MORRO BAY THEATRE Head to the Bay Theater, what many coin the heart of Morro Bay. Join as they roll up the movie screen and put on a live concert with a performance by Dirty Cello. Feb. 2 2-3:30 p.m. $20. dirtycello.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. DUSTBOWL REVIVAL It’s tough to describe the genre-defying roots music of Dustbowl Revival in just a few words or less. Jan. 24 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

members over the years, with a flow of fresh blood and ideas moving in and out of the band like a breathing organism.

“Maybe we don’t know where this journey will take us or how long it will last,” Lupetin acknowledged in press materials. “That’s my take on the importance of what we try to do. Music elevates us, lifts us up, makes us change our minds, takes us out of our comfort zones. If just one person can be moved by just one song, that’s enough.”

Good Medicine and Numbskull also host Bay Area rock act Spooky Mansion on Friday, Jan. 24, in Club Car Bar (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $18.75 at goodmedicinepresents. com). Quirky with hooky songs, the band has the right amount of jangle and blues to remind listeners of the early Rolling Stones. They’re touring in support of their new album What About You? Pancho & The Wizards opens.

For something really unusual, check out Haley Heynderickx & The Westerlies on Wednesday, Jan. 29 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $30.59 at goodmedicinepresents.com), in The Siren. The Oregon singer-songwriter

AN EVENING WITH HAWAIIAN UKULELE JAM BAND KANEKOA Head to the Siren for a night with Maui’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai’i’s “Grammy”) Award-winning band Kanekoa. They are set to play their diverse sound that fuses reggae, blues, jam rock, and island music. This is a show for ages 21 and over. Jan. 26 , 6:30-9 p.m. $30. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/. FLANNEL 101: THE ULTIMATE ‘90S PARTY ROCK BAND Flannel 101 has said they are dedicated to playing music as tribute to “one of the most undeniably important decades of music,” the ‘90s. Visit the site to get tickets and learn more about the group. Feb. 1 8-11 p.m. $18. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 2251312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

GLITTERFOX WITH HOT 45’S Portlandbased band Glitterfox is set to deliver a groovy live show for audience members. Visit site for your tickets and to get more

info on this 21 and over show. Feb. 2 , 7-10 p.m. $25. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

HALEY HEYNDERICKX AND THE WESTERLIES LIVE Oregon songwriter Haley Heynderickx is set to grace the stage of the Siren. Visit site for tickets and more info to this 21 and over show. Jan. 29, 7 p.m. $30. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

KELLYTOWN If rocking Irish pub songs, fiddle tunes, sea shanties, and wild accordion polkas sound like your jam, head down for a night of live music. Jan. 25 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5898. The Savory Palette (formerly Morro Bay Wine Seller), 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, savorypalette.com.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording,

is collaborating with an artsy jazz and new classical horn quartet, and the results are mesmerizing. Go find the video of them covering 1950s singer-songwriter Connie Converse’s “One by One,” or seek out the video of them playing Heynderickx own song, “Oom Sha La La.” So amazing!

Two-way reggae

The Siren has two very different reggae acts coming at you this week starting with Nada Rasta on Saturday, Jan. 25 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; $13.17 at tixr.com). The local group combines reggae/ dub, hard rock, ska, punk, funk, and some hip-hop into their own unique sound. Next up is Kanekoa on Sunday, Jan. 26 (6:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20.12 at tixr.com), who was described by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann as “The Hawaiian Grateful Dead” because their ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock blends reggae, blues, funk, jazz, Hawaiian, and island music with jam band energy.

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.

MICHAEL NOWAK AND FRIENDS

PERFORM ALL-MOZART Highlighting compositions from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Feb. 2 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 490 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, (805) 528-1649.

NADA RASTA LIVE Nada Rasta is

set to grace the stage and deliver a performance of reggae, dub, ska rock sound. Visit site to get your tickets. Jan. 25 8 p.m. $14. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. SEA SHANTY SING-ALONG Enjoy as The Morro Bay Shanty Project performs sea shanties and other songs of the sea. Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 225-6571. facebook. com/profile.php?id=100095006873277. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay.

LIVE MUSIC continued page 26

GENRE-DEFYING ROOTS Numbskull and Good Medicine present the Dustbowl Revival on Jan. 24 , at The Siren.

WILDFIRE RELIEF Rod & Hammer Rock hosts Songs of Solace, an all-day benefit concert for the California Fire Foundation featuring Funk Junket and many more local artists on Jan. 26

STARKEY continued page 25

Eat a biscuit

Philadelphia-based trance-fusion pioneers

The Disco Biscuits play the Fremont Theater on Wednesday, Jan. 29 (8 p.m.; all ages; $53.53 at prekindle.com), bringing a sound that bridges “the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock while consistently looking for new sonic boundaries to break and avenues to tell stories within,” according to their bio. I watched one of their shows online from Boston’s House of Blues, and they have a super chill, sonically complex vibe and crazy light show. BYO weed, bro. Also at the Fremont, see 2000 dance party Slacker University on Thursday, Jan. 30 (9 p.m.; 18-and-older; $41.17 at prekindle.com).

“Dust off your low-rise jeans, grab your flip phone, and relive the best hits of the 2000s with an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia,” organizers announced.

Bulls and Sky official!

If you watched Chicago Bulls or Chicago Sky games, you’ve probably heard The Pack Drumline, since they’re the official drumline of both teams. What started as an afterschool program for at-risk youth has grown into a juggernaut of high-energy professional rhythm and dance.

“Their semi-finals finish in Season 17 of America’s Got Talent skyrocketed them to a Las Vegas residency at the Luxor, a guest drumline appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers, and a performance at the NFL Super Bowl LVIII,” according to their bio. “With a passion for performance that shines through,

The Pack Drumline isn’t just a show—it’s a movement. Don’t miss your chance to witness the revolution!

Cal Poly Arts presents The Pack Drumline this Sunday, Jan. 26 (2 p.m.; all ages; $25.20 to $46 at pacslo.org).

Marley at 80

Bob Marley’s birthday is coming up on Feb. 6. He would have been 80. This year also marks the 43rd anniversary of the original Bob Marley birthday celebration in Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica, which was started in part by now local musician Ras Danny, a protégé of Marley who worked with Buffalo Bill, Errol Organs, and some other Trenchtown musicians and contemporaries of Marley to organize the annual celebration

of Marley’s remarkable life and career. Ras Danny will play a slew of local Bob Marley events over the next few weeks starting Friday, Jan. 24, at Niffy’s Merrimaker in Baywood Park; Saturday, Jan. 25, at Pismo Coast Village; Friday, Jan. 31, at Frog and Peach; Saturday, Feb. 1, at Puffers of Pismo; Friday, Feb. 7, at the SLO Elks Lodge; Saturday, Feb. 8, at Liquid Gravity; and finally Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Lompoc Flower City Ballroom for Tribal Flower Fest: A Bellydance Extravaganza!

Guess who’s coming to Live Oak?

Early bird tickets went on sale on Jan. 20 for this year’s three-day Live Oak Music

Festival at El Chorro Regional Park on Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15, and we’re now learning who’s going to be on the bill.

Performers include The California Honeydrops (blues and soul, jazz, R&B), Cimafunk (Afro-Cuban funk), Grateful Shred (Dead-inspired country rock), Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley (virtuoso bluegrass and country), Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes (alt-country-rock ’n’ cumbia), High Step Society (EDM-infused Big Band jazz), Margo Cilker (Americana and roots country), Miko Marks (soulful Americana), Jerry & Dawg Revisited (“Dawg Music,” featuring former members of the Garcia Grisman Band), Wolf Jett (cosmic mountain music), Two Paper Squares (bluegrassy beach folk), Zen Mountain Poets (psychedelic neoprog folk jazz), True Zion (reggae), Murphy Wylde (folk duo), and Brass Mash (horn- and drum-driven mash-ups).

KCBX Program Director and Live Oak Artistic Director Marisa Waddell said, “We’re excited to present such a diverse array of talented performers, and we can’t wait to announce even more artists soon. Not only does this year mark KCBX’s 50th anniversary, but it’s also the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. This is a monumental year, and we want Live Oak to truly capture that celebratory spirit.”

Visit liveoakfest.org to learn more about the festival and my805tix.com/e/liveoak2025 to see your ticket options. ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

CHI-TOWN HEROES Cal Poly Arts present The Pack Drumline on Jan. 26 , at the Performing Arts Center.

TRIBUTE TO GORDON LIGHTFOOT AND SARAH MCLACHLAN The extensive musical careers of Lightfoot and McLachlan are honored during this afternoon tribute concert. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 26 2 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BARREL ROOM CONCERT: UNFINISHED BUSINESS The concert will be indoors, with outdoor seating available. Jan. 26 my805tix.com. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

CAMBRIA ART AND WINE DINNER: LIVE MUSIC WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, JACOB ODELL, AND DYLAN JOHNSON Dine on a five-course meal curated by local restaurants and paired with regional wine. Reserve your tickets at the link. Jan. 24 5:30-8:30 p.m. $150. (805) 927-3624. visitcambriaca.com. Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Main St., Cambria. EASTON EVERETT LIVE Singersongwriter Easton Everett blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate finger style guitar playing. Jan. 24 , 6-9 p.m. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

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

HAROLD PAYNE IN CONCERT AT AWAKENING WAYS Enjoy this special concert with multi-platinum songwriter Harold Payne, who will be sharing soulful music, heartfelt vocals, and inspiring “onthe-spot” improv songs. Jan. 26 , 12-2 p.m.

$20. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org/ event/harold-payne-in-concert/. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink

available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

NOELLE AND THE DESERTERS WITH ANNA HILLBURG AND MARY SIMICH

Noelle and The Deserters are set to deliver their “South-Western honky tonk from the high deserts of New Mexico to the golden hills of California,” in this live show with support from musicians Hillburg and Simich. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 30, 7-10:30 p.m. $13. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton. OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir.com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

TOMB DWELLER, UTTER SCORN, AND RITUAL OF DESPAIR LIVE Head to Dark Nectar for a night of death metal. Visit site to buy tickets for this all ages event. Jan. 29 8 p.m. $14. Dark Nectar Coffee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, (805) 835-1988. SAN LUIS OBISPO

BINGO LOCO Bingo takes on a whole new meaning at this 21 and over event, with lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and prizes. Bingo Loco is described as “a show with the mentality of a theater performance and the

energy of a festival.” Feb. 1 7 p.m. $32. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS THOMAS BLUMBERG FEATURING ARNO

KRISTENSEN Join jazz guitarist Thomas Blumberg and special guest Arno Kristensen as they hit the stage of the Bunker. Jan. 30 6-10 p.m. $15. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY BACH WEEK CHAMBER

CONCERT: BUXTEHUDE — THE ITALIAN INFLUENCE IN NORTHERN GERMANY

The music of Dietrich Buxtehude was a profound influence on Bach’s style. In this program, Tesserae Baroque and festival bass John Buffett will explore works by Buxtehude and his contemporaries alongside selected early Italian works. Jan. 24 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. bachweek.calpoly.edu/.

First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY BACH WEEK FINALE

CONCERT: MAGNIFICAT Members of Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir, Symphony, and faculty will join with guest artists to perform works based on the Magnificat text, a canticle from the traditional Vespers service that shares the song of Mary as found in the gospel of Luke. Jan. 25 2 & 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY BACH WEEK INSTRUMENTAL MASTER CLASS AND CONTINUO

WORKSHOP Guest artists Leif Woodward, cello, and Anna Washburn, violin, will coach Cal Poly students in instrumental repertoire from the Baroque era. Jan. 23, 11:10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek. calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY BACH WEEK VOCAL MASTER

CLASS Guest artist John Buffett will coach several Cal Poly voice students in repertoire from the Baroque era. Jan. 23 , 3:10-4 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY BACH WEEK: AKADEMIE LECTURE-DEMONSTRATION Music Department Chair Alicia M. Doyle will present a lecture titled “Music for the Golden Hour” which will explore the evolution of service music for Vespers from chant to J.S. Bach. Guest performers will demonstrate the lecture concepts. Jan. 23 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Jan. 30 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CHANNEL FREQUENCIES PRESENTS: WITCHIN ALLEYS, KROOKS, EXCUSE ME SIR, THE LET DOWNS Embrace a night of eclectic sound and local talent as these four bands hit Libertine’s stage. This is an 18 and over show. Jan. 24 , 7-11 p.m. $5. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5482337, libertinebrewing.com.

AN EVENING WITH THE DISCO BISCUITS: BUBBLE TOUR The Philadelphia-based group will grace the Fremont Theater stages and give audience members a taste of their electronic dance and jam rock sound. This is an all ages event. Jan. 29 7 p.m. $40. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

LIBERTINE AND CHANNEL FREQUENCIES PRESENTS: SONYA, BIG SIERRA, AND DUSTY SOULS Head to town for a night of live performance and dancing with these three Californiabased bands and musicians. This is a 21 and over show. Jan. 23 8-11:55 p.m. Free. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

LIBERTINE PRESENTS: TOAD AND THE PLUMS Welcome these two bands as they hit the stage and drive a night of music, dancing, and fun. This show is for ages 21 and over. Jan. 30 8-11:55 p.m. Free. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

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.

RAINBOW GIRLS LIVE Step into a realm where shadows dance, and whispers echo through the night. For ages 18 and over. Jan. 24 , 7 p.m. $29. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

SEVENTH ANNUAL BOB MARLEY DAY

This show will pay homage to the legend of Reggae with a lineup including The Kicks, Resination, True Zion, and Rastan. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 1 6 p.m. $28. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

SONGS OF SOLACE: A BENEFIT

CONCERT FOR LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE

RELIEF Enjoy music from more than nine artists, including Moonshiner Collective, The Vibe Setters, and Funk Junket. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the

California Fire Foundation. Visit the link to get tickets and donate. Jan. 26 12-8 p.m. $24. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

YÄCHTLEY CRËW LIVE This seven-piece SoCal band is set to grace the stage of the Fremont and deliver a live performance of yacht rock for audience members. Visit the site to get tickets and more info about the group. Feb. 2 7 p.m. $44. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY EASTON EVERETT LIVE Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate finger style guitar playing. Jan. 23 5-7 p.m. Free. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000. 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. THE NIGHT BLOOMING JAZZMEN AND TU CHEZ Ring in 2025 with Pasadenabased group, The Night Blooming Jazzmen, and local favorite Tu Chez. There will be a jam session followed by the main concert. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 26 11 a.m.-4

Beautiful form

Kaleidos Wine of Paso Robles is still artisanal, sustainable, and qualityfocused after 20 years

Kaleidos is a local gem. The winery, known for its award-winning Rhones, a picturesque setting in westside Paso Robles, and unique cupcake pairings, is named for Kaleidoscope, the Kalamazoo, Michigan, shop of winemaker Steve Martell’s mother.

Derived from the Greek words “kalos,” or beautiful, and “eidos,” or form, Kaleidos has been true to its namesake for more than 20 years.

“Crafted with care, rooted in family, and inspired by the land—Kaleidos Wine is a celebration of life’s beautiful forms,” Steve and his wife and baker, Heather, state on their website.

“The longevity of the Kaleidos brand is deeply rooted in our commitment to consistent quality and sustainable practices,” said Steve, who launched the winery in 2004 from his 24-acre estate in Paso’s Willow Creek District. “Personally, I find immense joy in the diverse work involved in growing grapes and winemaking. This process fuels my passion for creating a product that brings enjoyment to people’s lives.

“Knowing that our efforts contribute to memorable experiences for our customers is what drives our dedication every day.”

Kaleidos wines have also impressed critics, resulting in a slew of industry accolades.

“Over the years, we have received nearly 100 scores of 90-plus,” Steve said.

Standouts from the winery’s current release include 94-point ratings from Wine Enthusiast magazine for its 2021 Rhone blends Morpheus and Osiris.

The two blends also took home gold at the 2024 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, in addition to a third gold for the winery’s 2021 syrah and a double gold for its 2021 estate grenache Praying Mantis. Producing only 750 cases annually, Kaleidos wines fly off the shelves. The syrahheavy Morpheus blend has already sold out of 113 cases.

Grapes used for Steve’s lineup are either cultivated from 1.5 acres of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre planted on his own estate or sourced locally.

“Given the small size of our vineyard, we can only produce about 25 percent to 33 percent of the fruit we require,” Steve said. “Therefore, we continue to collaborate with other vineyards. We are particularly interested in sourcing from small, premium vineyards and growers who prioritize sustainability, with a strong preference for organically farmed grapes.”

Organic viticulture was the focus of Steve’s degree in biology and agroecology from UC Santa Cruz, and he remains passionate about best practices in sustainability.

Presently, he is working with the International Fresh Produce Association, based in Newark, Delaware, in association with the USDA Climate-Smart Commodities program to implement and measure soil

Meet the Martells

Kaleidos Wine, located at 1990 Township Road in Paso Robles, is open by appointment only. Contact owners Steve and Heather Martell at kaleidoswine.com and follow the winery on Instagram and Facebook @kaleidoswine.

For more information on the Garagiste Wine Festival in Solvang, Feb. 7 to 8, and to nab a Garagiste Tasting Pass, visit garagistefestival.com.

For details on BlendFest on the Coast in Cambria and San Simeon Feb. 20 to 23, visit pasowine.com.

Adaline.

health-building practices.

The winery is not certified organic or sustainable, he conceded, “as the cost of these certifications outweighs the benefit for our small vineyard.”

Nevertheless, he takes great pride “in delivering products that not only meet high standards but also respect the environment and future generations,” he said.

The Martells also like to ratchet up their tastings, available by appointment only, with unique offerings such as paired treats courtesy of Heather, aka Little Miss Cupcake.

The couple updates their tasting flights monthly, with seasonal cupcakes available as an add-on with 72 hours’ notice.

“Although I’m not formally trained,” Heather said, “my passion for cooking and baking brings creativity and a personal touch to Kaleidos Wine. My familiarity with the unique flavor profiles of our wines enables me to craft cupcake pairings that elevate the tasting experience.”

For instance, she said she likes to pair the Morpheus blend with a chocolate and honey cupcake topped with a chocolate honeycomb crumble.

“The ’21 Morpheus has a lot of complexity to it, is fruit forward, and has a hint of earthiness that complements this pairing,” she said. “Another example is our Kaleidos grenache rosé paired with an orange blossom cupcake with strawberry filling. This pairing really brings out the strawberry candy and floral character in the rosé.”

When not hosting tastings at the Kaleidos estate, Steve and Heather can be found at industry events throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Next up are the 11th annual Garagiste Festival Southern Exposure in Solvang Feb. 7 to 8 and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s 10th annual BlendFest on the Coast.

At BlendFest, Steve will be participating in a winemaker dinner at San Simeon’s Cavalier Oceanfront Resort on Feb. 21 as well as the Sunset Grand Tasting at Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria on Feb. 22.

“I believe these events are fantastic opportunities for us, but I am selective about which ones we choose to participate in,” Steve said. “I focus on events that attract consumers specifically interested in what Kaleidos has to offer.

“As a small producer, we resonate with the Garagiste crowd, and we also actively participate in Rhone Rangers events, given our focus on Rhone varietals.

“Additionally, the PRWCA [Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance] and their events are invaluable. They do an exceptional job promoting the region as a whole, which is particularly beneficial for smaller producers like us who may not have dedicated marketing departments.”

Garagiste Festival cofounder Doug Minnick, of Studio City, said Steve is a highly regarded participant at the Garagiste events, which highlight boutique producers throughout California.

“Steve is one of our very favorite winemakers, and not just because he has been

pouring at The Garagiste Festivals since our first one in Paso in 2011,” Minnick said. “He has distinguished himself as one of the best producers in Paso, regardless of size. Impactful Rhones, creative blends, cabs—he does it all and does it extremely well.”

Kaleidos is also participating in Minnick’s new Garagiste Tasting Pass, offering twofor-one tastings at 78 artisanal wineries throughout California now until Dec. 31.

“Expanding our reach to share our wines with more people” is one of Steve’s objectives for Kaleidos, he noted, balanced with maintaining a high-caliber product.

“Our long-term goals are to remain relatively small, focusing on scaling production to a level that upholds the premium quality of our wines and allows me to stay deeply involved in the hands-on production process, while ensuring greater economic sustainability,” he said.

Being able to host experiences outdoors, offering breathtaking views of their vineyard and the picturesque surrounding landscape, he added, are icing on the cupcake. ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte is craving a grenache rosé-cupcake pairing. Reach her at cwhyte@newtimesslo.com.

RHONE ROYALTY Paso Robles’ Kaleidos Wine, specializing in Rhone varietals and blends, is a family affair helmed by Steve Martell; his wife, Heather; and 7-year-old daughter,

SMALL BUT MIGHTY Handcrafted wines at Kaleidos in Paso Robles range from its notable Rhone lineup to albariño and cabernet sauvignon. Its limited 750 annual case production regularly nabs 90-plus-point industry ratings.

SWEET POURS Kaleidos guests can select a special cupcake pairing as an add-on to any wine-tasting appointment with 72 hours’ notice. Proprietor and home baker Heather Martell aims to elevate the tasting experience with her seasonal creations.

Classies

ASSISTANT PLANNER CITY OF ATASCADERO

Salary Range: $33.64 - $40.90/ Hourly

$2,691.58 - $3,271.63 Biweekly

$ 5,831.75 - $7,088.54 Monthly

$69,981.00 - $85,062.48 Annually

Plus excellent benefits. City application required, contact City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA (805) 461-5000 or visit www.atascadero.org for full details and job flyer. This position is within the City’s Community Development Department and would be part of the team responsible for development review and policy related activities. Closing Date: Open until filled.

January 23, 30, February 6, 2025

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CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0772

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Nelson James Libby Jr filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Nelson James Libby Jr, to PROPOSED NAME: Jimmy Libby. 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: March 12, 2025 9:00 am Dept.: 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. 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: January 12, 2024.

/s/:

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 24CVP-0408

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: November Dawn Cardinali filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: November Dawn Cardinali PROPOSED NAME: Gina Dawn Fant. 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: February 19, 2025, 9:30 am P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: December 17, 2024. /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 25CV0002

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Stacie Beall filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Nathan Beall Carbert PROPOSED NAME: Nathan Edward Beall 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: March 12, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.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: January 6, 2025.

/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court.

January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0004

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Sofia Rose Croxton filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Sofia Rose Croxton PROPOSED NAME: Oakley Briar Croxton 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: March 13, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.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: January 7, 2025. /s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP0001

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Francis Lee Teague filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Francis Lee Teague, to PROPOSED NAME: Frank Lee Teague.

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: February 26, 2025 9:30 am P-2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street 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: January 7, 2025. /s/: MC Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.

January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2025

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME NEW FILE NO. 2025-0035 OLD FILE NO. 2024-0867

MED-STOP URGENT CARE CENTER 283 Madonna Ste. B San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 04/17/2024. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Med-Stops Medical Clinic, Inc. (283 Madonna Ste. B San Luis Obispo, CA 93405). This business was conducted by a Corporation MedStops Medical Clinic, Inc., Brian Roberts, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01/06/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mparedes, Deputy Clerk. January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER:

25CVPO003

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Guillermo Daniel Arrieta Alvarez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Guillermo Daniel Arrieta Alvarez PROPOSED NAME: Daniel Guillermo Arrieta 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: February 19, 2025, 9:30 am P2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 93446. Paso Robles Branch. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: January 9, 2025. /s/: M.C. Kelley Judge of the Superior Court.

January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2025

Public Notice of Lien Sale Auction: This notice is given that Buckley Springs Storage, 901 Buckley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, will sell personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the California SelfStorage Facilities Act. (California Business & Professions Code 21700)

The undersigned will sell at public auction at www.storageauctions. net from January 30, 2025– February 7, 2025, of contents stored by the following persons and will be sold to the highest bidder:

Aiden Blond of San Luis Obispo, CA, unit C144 Piano

Sean Ghiasafard of Pismo Beach, CA, unit C104 Clothes, tools, house hold goods, luggage

Public sale terms, rules, and regulations will be made available prior to the sale. All sales are subject to cancellation. We reserve the right to refuse any bid. Buyers must secure the units with their own personal locks. To claim taxexempt status, original RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required. Cash only.

January 16 & 23, 2025

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

NEW FILE NO. 2024-2603

OLD FILE NO. 2024-1442

ROCK’N’ROBLES GRILL & PIZZA KITCHEN, 2140 Heritage Loop Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 07/03/2024. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Rock’n’Robles Grill & Pizza Kitchen (2140 Heritage Loop Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business was conducted by a Corporation Rock’n’Robles Grill & Pizza Kitchen, Seakngim Song. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12/30/2024. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mstiletto, Deputy Clerk. January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

NEW FILE NO. 2024-2610

OLD FILE NO. 2021-1150

TRAUMA HEALING CENTER,1411 Marsh St Suite 201, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 05/05/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Trauma Healing Center Marriage and Family Therapy Corp, Elaine Power, President (1411 Marsh St Suite 201, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business was conducted by a Corporation Trauma Healing Center Marriage and Family Therapy Corp., Elaine Power, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12/31/2024. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By atrujillo, Deputy Clerk.

January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025

Adult Services

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.

To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by Kenneth and Laura Goldberg for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00052) to authorize major grading for the construction of an approximately 4,429 square-foot single-story single-family residence, an approximately 1,839 square-foot 4-car garage, and associated site improvements. Additionally, this request includes relocation of the previously approved building envelope for Tract 1516 Lot 10, and construction outside of the proposed building envelope. The grading would result in the disturbance of approximately 1.15 acres on a 10.18acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located at 1262 Whispering Meadow Lane approximately 3 miles north of the Nipomo URL. The project site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area. Also to be considered is the determination that this project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the provisions of CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3).

County File Number: N-DRC2023-00052

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 090-012-012 Date Accepted: 6/10/2024

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - 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 Mason Denning, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 1-805-781- 1298.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo. ca.us by 1/31/2025 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2023-00052.”

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

January 23, 2025

CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA  NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Monday, February 17, 2025 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows: FACILITIES CONDITION ASSESSMENT

The City of Pismo Beach is requesting proposals from individuals, firms and/or a team of firms to provide a comprehensive facilities condition assessment, otherwise known as a long-term facilities maintenance plan. The City intends to retain consultant services to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of all City owned facilities and produce a long- term facilities maintenance plan during the next five-year period.

All proposals will be compared based on the understanding the scope of work to be performed, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and consultation and coordination with the City of Pismo Beach. Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.

ERICA INDERLIED

CITY CLERK

January 23 & 30, 2025

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 2.19.070 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE

MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

This Ordinance Summary is published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933. On January 14, 2025, the City Council voted 5-0 to introduce an Ordinance amending Section 2.19.070 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) relating to the Architectural Review Committee’s (ARC) meeting location.

The City Council must vote again to adopt the Ordinance. That action is scheduled to take place at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 215 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA, and virtually via Zoom webinar. The Zoom webinar link will be provided on the meeting agenda.

A certified copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available for review by contacting the City Clerk at 805-473-5400.

Jessica Matson, City Clerk

Publish one time, The New Times, January 23, 2025

Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 13, 2025 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows: 2025 Pavement Management Plan Update

The City of Pismo Beach seeks the services of a qualified firm or a joint venture of firms to submit proposals for professional services to develop a Pavement Management Plan for the City of Pismo Beach, covering approximately 38 centerline miles of pavement. It includes evaluating pavement conditions, updating the Street Saver database, and creating a 5-Year Maintenance and Rehabilitation Plan with cost estimates.

All proposals will be compared based on the understanding the scope of work to be performed, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and consultation and coordination with the City of Pismo Beach. Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.

ERICA INDERLIED

CITY CLERK

January 23 & 30, 2025

NOTICE

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) will hold a public meeting on February 5, 2025, and the SLOCOG Board agenda for February 5th (under Consent agenda) includes Amendment No. 2 to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) The 2025 FTIP Amendment No. 2 consists of the following:

1)

2)

and further information. The SLOCOG Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m., in the SLO County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Katcho Achadjian Government Center San Luis Obispo County, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California. For more information, write to: SLOCOG, 1114 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or contact John DiNunzio (805) 781-5764, or email at jdinunzio@slocog.org. January 23, 2025

INVITATION TO BID

Title: Los Ranchos ElementarySchool

Location: 5785 Los Ranchos Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Bid Due Date: February 11, 2025 at 02:00 PM (PT)

Contact: Larry Wysong

Phone: (805) 466-1038

Fax: (805) 466-5176

Architect: KBZ Architects

Owner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District

Bid Project Status: Open

Wysong Construction is bidding as General Contractor on the Los Ranchos Elementary School Building A Modernization and Campus Wide Fire Alarm Project. This project is subject to the “Skilled & Trained Workforce” requirement. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with your firm.

INVITATION TO BID (SUB BIDS ONLY)

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: WYSONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

PROJECT NAME: LOS RANCHOS ES; A BLDG MOD&CAMPUS FIRE ALARM

PROJECT

LOCATION: 5785 LOS RANCHOS RD SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401

PROJECT

OWNER: SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

ARCHITECT: KBZ ARCHITECTS

BID DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 11, 2025 @ 02:00PM

ESTIMATE/ BUDGET: $5,724,000

CONTRACT TYPE: LEASE-LEASEBACK (WYSONG IS THE DISTRICT SELECTED CONTRACTOR)

SCOPE OF WORK:

1. Alterations to Kindergarten Building A, including the following:

a. Restroom revisions and ADA compliance.

b. Replacement of existing HVAC system & ductwork, including construction of new mechanical closets and installation of exterior pad-mounted condensing units.

c. New composition shingle and single ply roofing.

d. Replacement of existing windows and exterior hollow metal doors and frames.

e. Replacement of existing attached covered walk assembly.

f. Miscellaneous plumbing, electrical power and lighting.

2. Sitework, including the following:

a. Construction of new outdoor condensing unit enclosure.

b. Construction of new PC shade structure.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

WHEN:

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.

WHAT:

Request by the County of San Luis Obispo to adopt an ordinance to establish Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan mitigation fees.

County File Number: N/A

Assessor Parcel Numbers: N/A

Supervisorial District: 2

Date Accepted: N/A

WHERE:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

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

DATED: January 23, 2025

MATTHEW P. PONTES, COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By

/s/Sandy

Currens Deputy Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

WHEN: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.

WHAT: Hearing to consider an appeal by the Sierra Club (APPL2024-00029) of the Planning Commission’s approval on October 24, 2024, of a request by Phillips 66 for a Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2022-00048) to allow demolition and remediation of the Santa Maria Refinery (SMR), affecting approximately 218 acres of developed area within the 1,642-acre Phillips 66 owned property at 2555 Willow Road, Arroyo Grande. The Project includes aboveground demolition of refinery structures to ground level, followed by site characterization and soil remediation. Belowground infrastructure would be removed where necessary to accommodate removal of contaminated soils. After demolition and remediation, hardscape would be replaced where removed and exposed soil areas would be revegetated. At Project completion, features to remain include asphalt and concrete surfacing, perimeter fencing, electrical substation, water wells, truck scales, and two rail spurs, as well as monitoring wells and equipment associated with ongoing remediation under separate permits. Potential future uses of the SMR site are unknown and are not considered as part of the Project.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION:

Also to be considered is certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH 2023050020) prepared for this Project pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq., that identifies significant impacts related to Air Quality, Agricultural Resources, Biology, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Transportation, and Wildfire. Mitigation measures address these impacts and are included as project conditions of approval. A Statement of Overriding Considerations was determined necessary based on significant and unavoidable impacts associated with a Land Use and Planning standard for air quality. The Final EIR can be accessed at this web browser location: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/grid-items/ community-engagement/active-planning-projects/phillips-66-santa-mariarefinery-demolition-an-(1)

County File Number: APPL2024-00029 Assessor Parcel Number: 092-401-011, 092-401-005

Supervisorial District: 4

Date Accepted: March 15, 2023

WHERE:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: You may contact Susan Strachan, Planning Division Manager- Environmental, or Cindy Chambers, Senior Planner in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, by email p66refinery@co.slo.ca.us or by telephone at 805-781-5600. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov.

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

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

JANUARY 14, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING BRIEF

01. Items 1-24 & 33: Consent Agenda & Resolution (Res) Nos. 2025-001 thru 2025-004, approved as amended.

02. Item 25: Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: E. Greening; D. Dow; A. Salas; M. Gorley; W. Lewis; D. Yho; N. Dorfman; G. Kirkland; C. Krueger; M. Brown; J. Ashbaugh; D. Hire Price; J. Taylor: speak. No action taken.

03. Item 26: Board members appointments to various committees & commissions, approved as amended w/ direction to staff directs staff to review the following & bring back the Adult Services Policy Council; Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast; Community Action Partnership of SLO; Countywide Oversight Board; Homeless Services Oversight Council; Integrated Waste Management Authority & CenCal.

04. Item 27: County’s 2025 State & Federal Legislative Platform, approved various changes w/ direction to staff to bring back a modified document consistent w/ all the direction rec’d.

05. Item 29: Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 4. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 3. Existing Litigation: L. Cooper, et. al v. Co. of SLO, et. al, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV08187-DDP-AJRx; SLO Coastkeeper, et. al. v. Co. of SLO, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV06854-SPG-ASx; B. Pickell v. Co. of SLO, SLO Superior Court, Case No. 19CVP-0313; R. Messina v. Co. of SLO, SLO Superior Court, Case No. 24CV-0281. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA. Conference w/ Real Property Negotiators concerning APN 009-261-020. Parties w/ Who Negotiating: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. Instructions to Co. Negotiators: Price, Terms, & Conditions. Open Session. Report out.

06. Item 28: Proposition 1 funded Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, rec’d; authorizes the CAO to sign a letter of support for an application for CA Dept of State Hospitals Incompetent to Stand Trial Diversion & Community-Based Restoration Infrastructure Project funds, providing additional development funds for the proposed Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Project, approved.

07. Item 30 – A request by P. Abbot to authorize for processing a General Plan Amendment application (LRP2024-00005) to change the land use category from Agriculture to Residential Suburban on a 56.34 acre parcel/site at 800 Evans Rd, SLO, withdrawn and will return 2/4/25.

08. Item 31: Status of the Bob Jones Pathway Gap Closure Project scope change application to the CA Transportation Commission, rec’d w/ direction to advocate for project approval at the January hearing; Res. 2025-005, in support of the Project; & a $5,000,000 budget adjustment , adopted.

09. Item 32: Board comments & reports on meetings: Supervisor Paulding comments on the discussion on priorities on Feb. 4th. Supervisor Peschong announces a Martin Luther King event in Paso Robles. Chairperson Ortiz-Legg creates a subcommittee w/ Supervisor Peschong to create resources re: distribution of information of immigrant rights & the law for clear direction to individuals of different immigration status. Meeting adjourned.

For more details, view meeting videos at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/ Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/Clerk-of-the-BoardServices/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetings-and-Agendas.aspx

Matthew P. Pontes, County Administrative Officer & Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors January 23, 2025

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. Meetings may be viewed on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo

Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• Review of amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) and Title 16 (Subdivision Regulations) of the Municipal Code, associated with state legislative updates on accessory and junior accessory dwelling units and urban lot splits, and clarifications to regulations for affordable housing projects, with a categorical exemption from environmental review. Project Address: Citywide; Case #: CODE-0031-2025 Contact: Ethan Estrada – (805) 781-7576 –ejestrad@slocity.org

The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

2025 FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) Annual Action Plan

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles will hold a Public Hearing on the following matter:

1. 2025 Annual Action Plan for Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Annual Action Plan is a component of the 5 year Consolidated Plan for these funding programs. The City Council will consider a recommendation to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors identifying applications for funding through the City’s share of 2025 CDBG funds, which are estimated to be $ 176,707.

This hearing will take place in the Conference Room at the Paso Robles Library/City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the hour of 6:00 pm.

All interested parties may appear and be heard at the above hearing.

CEQA Determination: The Draft Annual Action Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060, 15378 as it is does not constitute a “project” under CEQA. Copies of the staff report with the proposed funding are available at Paso Robles City Hall, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, and will be posted on the City’s web site: www.prcity.com one week prior to the hearing. Copies of the staff report may be purchased at City Hall for the cost of reproduction.

Comments on the 2025 Annual Action Plan may be mailed to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or e-mailed to CDdirector@prcity.com provided that such comments are received prior to the time of the hearing. If you have questions about this matter, you may call Darren Nash, City Planner, at (805) 237-3970 or send email to dnash@prcity.com.

Darren Nash, City Planner PLEASE PUBLISH 1 TIME on January 23, 2025

NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

$2,331.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY Notice is hereby given that on December 20, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near the intersection of Prado Street and S. Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo 93401, by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, in connection with violations of section 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $2,331.00 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 is 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.

January 16 & 23, 2025

DATED: January 23, 2025

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

By: /s/ Annette Ramirez Deputy Clerk

Report(s) are typically available six days in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https:// www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo January 23, 2025

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: January 6, 2025

DAN DOW District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen

Deputy District Attorney

January 9, 16, & 23, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION /

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by Linda Ghilarducci for a Minor Use Permit / Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2022-00061) to allow an existing approximately 1,881 square-foot, single-family residence to be used as a vacation rental.

The proposed project is within the Residential Single-Family land use category and is located at 408 Lilac Drive, in the community of Los Osos.

The site is in Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.

County File Number: C-DRC2022-00061

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 074-183-032

Date Accepted: 7/30/2024

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - 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 Dane Mueller, 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 1/31/2025 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2022-00061.”

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.

COASTAL APPEALABLE

If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing

January 23, 2025

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

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.

To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by Ann Lawrence for a Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development

Permit (C-DRC2023-00011) to allow the demolition of 141 square-feet of living space, construction of 272 square-feet of living space, interior remodel, and roof reconstruction to an existing single-family residence. The project would result in the disturbance of approximately 700 square-feet of the 0.17-acre parcel. This project is in the Residential Single Family land use category and is located at 2024 Pacific Avenue in the community of Cayucos within the Small Scale Design Neighborhood. The site is in the Estero Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.

County File Number: C-DRC2023-00011

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 064-241-037

Date Accepted: 8/21/2024

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - 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 Andy Knighton, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4142.

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 1/31/2025 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2023-00011.”

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.

COASTAL APPEALABLE

If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing January 23, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Gene and Patricia Johnson for a Lot Line Adjustment (COAL 24-0015 / N-SUB2024-00044) to adjust the lot lines between two parcels of 1.8 acres (070-211-002) and 34.1 acres (070-191-007) each. The adjustment will result in two parcels of 14.2 acres and 21.7 acres each. The project will not result in the creation of any additional parcels. The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located at 4785 Parkhill Road, approximately 6 miles east of the community of Santa Margarita. The site is in the Las Pilitas Sub Area of the North County Planning Area. Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the common sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).

County File Number: N-SUB2024-00044

Supervisorial District: District 5

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 070-191-007, -211-002

Date Accepted: 10/30/2024

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - 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 Jessica Macrae, 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 1/31/2025 at 4:30 PM.

The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-SUB2024-00044.”

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 January 23, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.

To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by Anshuman Mittal for a Minor Use Permit/Coastal

Development Permit (C-DRC2024-00046) to allow the construction of a two-story 1,750-square-foot single-family residence with a 400-squarefoot attached garage and a 250 square-foot rooftop deck. This project also includes a request to use the proposed two-story single-family residence as a residential vacation rental. The project will result in the disturbance of the entire 3,000-square-foot parcel. The proposed project is within the Residential Multi-Family land use category and is located at 338 McCarthy Avenue (APN: 061-021-009) in the community of Oceano. The site is in the San Luis Bay (Coastal) Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.

County File Number: C-DRC2024-00046

Supervisorial District: District 4 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 061-021-009 Date Accepted: 12/20/2024

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - 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 Dane Mueller, 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 1/31/2025 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2024-00046.”

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.

COASTAL APPEALABLE

If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b).

Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing January 23, 2025

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Is your ego more advanced than your soul? If so, help your soul catch up. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): Author Anais Nin wrote, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” I bring this to your attention because you Aries folks now have a mandate to expand your life through courageous acts, thoughts, and feelings. I suggest we make the Arctic fox your power symbol. This intrepid creature undertakes epic migrations, journeying over 2,000 miles across sea ice, using starlight and magnetic fields to navigate. Let’s dare to speculate that you have something in common with it; let’s propose that you are equipped with an inner guidance system that gives you a keen intuitive sense of how to maneuver in unfamiliar territory. PS: Anais Nin has another tip: “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): Taurus archeologist Howard Carter made a spectacular discovery in 1922: the intact tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, more than 3,300 years after his death. It was filled with over 5,000 artifacts, became a global sensation, and to this day remains the most famous find from ancient Egypt. A short time before he succeeded at his five-year quest, Howard Carter nearly gave up. But then his sponsor agreed to provide funds for a few more months, and he continued. In this spirit, Taurus, I urge you to keep pushing to fulfill your own dream. Renew your faith. Boost your devotion. Remember why you feel so strongly.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest telescope in space. Recently, it discovered hundreds of galaxies that no humans had ever before beheld. They are very old, too—far more ancient than our own Milky Way Galaxy. I propose we make this marvelous perception-enhancing tool a symbol of power for you. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you now have a robust potential to see things that have always been invisible, secret, or off-limits to you. Some of these wonders could motivate you to reinterpret your life story and reshape your future plans.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): One theory says that humans evolved to be afraid of reptiles because our early ancestors were frequently threatened by them. Among the most commonly feared creatures in modern culture are snakes. And yet, as anyone knows if they’ve studied mythology, snakes have also been symbols of fertility and healing in many cultures. Because they periodically shed their skin, they also represent regeneration and rebirth. I’m hoping you don’t harbor an instinctual aversion to snakes, Cancerian. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to call on and benefit from their iconic powers.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming months, be extra creative as you enhance your network of connections and support. Encourage your allies to provide you with tips about opportunities and possibilities that you would not otherwise know about. Ask them to serve as links to novel resources that will nurture your long-term dreams. Here’s an idea to energize your efforts: Get a vivid sense of how trees use vast underground fungal webs to communicate with each other. (Learn more here: bit.ly/TheWoodWideWeb.) Knowing about this natural magic may impregnate your subconscious mind with evocative suggestions about how to be ingenious in weaving the kind of community you want.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I love my job as a horoscope writer. What could be more fun than analyzing cosmic signs to generate inspirational counsel for my readers? It’s a big responsibility, though. I am intensely aware of how crucial it is that I craft my messages with utmost care and compassion. Having been scarred as a young adult by reckless, fearmongering fortune tellers, I’m rigorous about nurturing your free will, not undermining it. I want you to be uplifted, not confused or demoralized as I was. With these thoughts in mind, I invite you to take a vigorous inventory of the effects that your work and

play have on the world. Are they aligned with your intentions? Are your ambitions moored in impeccable integrity?

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Why are diamonds considered so valuable? I’m skeptical. High-grade diamonds are not as rare as public perception would lead us to believe. Yes, they are extraordinarily hard and scratch-resistant, but is that a reason to regard them as a sublime treasure? I acknowledge they are pretty in a bland way. But other gems are more intriguingly beautiful. Maybe the most important reason they are so prized is that diamond sellers have done effective marketing campaigns to promote them as symbols of love and luxury. All this is a prelude to my main message: Now is an excellent time to think and feel deeply about what is truly beautiful to you— and take steps to bring more of it into your life. For you Libras, beauty is an essential ingredient in your life’s purpose.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The way that ancient Romans made concrete was more ingenious than modern methods. Their manufacturing materials included “lime clasts,” which gave the concrete self-healing qualities. When cracks arose, they fixed themselves. That’s why Roman aqueducts built 2,000 years ago can still convey water today. Metaphorically speaking, I hope you will work on building similar structures in the coming weeks. It’s time to create strong foundations that will last for a very long time.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do you harbor a yearning to learn a new language, new skill, or new trick? The coming weeks will be a favorable phase to get serious about doing it. Have you fantasized about embarking on an adventure that would expand your understanding of how the world works? The time is right. Have you wished you could attract an inspirational prod to unleash more creativity and experiment freely? The astrological omens suggest that inspirational prod is imminent. Have you wondered whether you could enhance and fine-tune your receptivity—and thereby open up surprising sources of fresh teaching? Do it now!

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bristlecone pine trees grow very slowly, but they are hardy and long-lived. Their wood is so dense and strong that it’s virtually immune to disease, insects, and erosion. They grow in places that are inhospitable for many other trees, flourishing in cold, windy environments where the soil is not particularly rich in nutrients. For the bristlecone pine, apparent obstacles stimulate their resilience. I don’t want to exaggerate the ways they remind me of you Capricorns, but you and they certainly have affinities. I believe these shared qualities will be especially useful for you in the coming weeks.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In old Hawaii, it was forbidden for ordinary people to touch objects that belonged to the chiefs or to anyone with spiritual powers. Other taboos: Never walk across the shadow of an important person and never wear red and yellow feathers. Our modern taboos are different, but often equally rigid. For example, you are probably hesitant to ask people how much money they make or what their relationship status is. What are other taboos you observe? I won’t outrightly advise you to brazenly break them, but now is a good time to re-evaluate them—and consider changing your relationship with them.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): As winter progresses, each day is longer and each night shorter. Most humans feel an undercurrent of joy that the amount of light in the world is growing. But as an astrologer who appreciates cycles, I like to honor the beauty and powers of darkness. That’s where everything new gets born! It’s where the future comes from! In ancient Hawaiian religion, the word kumulipo meant “beginning-in-deepdarkness.” It was also the name of a prayer describing the creation of the world. In the coming weeks, I believe you will be wise to tap into the rich offerings of darkness. ∆