YOUR COMMUNITY IN YOUR HANDS
Volume 13
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Issue 21
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December 1 - 14, 2016
SLOCityNews.com
See Inside and Online
Support The Food Bank Page 12
Local kids, Kimberly, Shea, Sarah and Claire were fundraising for their upcoming Destination Imagination competition at the 35th Annual Central Coast Craft Fair on “Black Friday” where many local vendors offered unique gifts. Photo by Camas Frank with more on page 46.
Know CPR? Page 45
Exciting Changes Coming to The Tolosa Press
Cities, School and County Reach Diablo Deal
By Neil Farrell
By Camas Frank
xciting changes are happening to help bring “Your Hometown Community Newspapers” further into the 21st Century. Tolosa Press Publisher, Bret Colhouer, is excited, as he and his partners — Dave Diaz and wife, Lani — make a bold move to change up their business model. Colhouer explained that what has for the past couple of years been three companies — Tolosa Press, Simply Clear Marketing, and 805 Loyal — under one roof, are being merged into one — Simply Clear Marketing & Media. Tolosa Press, which publishes three, bi-weekly newspapers — The Coast News, The SLO City News and The Bay News — and four magazines — Reveal, 101 Ways to Play, Inspired Health, and Living Lavishly — will no longer exist as an independent entity.
tentative agreement announced on Nov. 28 may ease the tension over the planned closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in 2025. Six San Luis Obispo–area cities including the City of SLO, along with the County itself, and San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD) have reached an agreement with PG&E for a significant increase over the $49.5 million originally proposed to defray the economic impacts of the plant closure. According to the County, which served as lead agency in negotiations, “under the first part of the agreement between PG&E, the County and SLCUSD, a $75 million Essential Services Mitigation Fund will be created to offset the potential negative impacts to essential services provided to the community by the SLCUSD and the County.”
See Changes, page 10
See Diablo Deal, page 49
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Small Business Spotlight facebook.com/slocitynews
SLOCityNews.com
C O N T E N T S Simply Clear Marketing and Media Team Bret Colhouer publisher bret@simplyclearmarketing.com
Neil Farrell managing editor The Bay News neil@simplyclearmarketing.com
Theresa-Marie Wilson managing editor The Coast News t@simplyclearmarketing.com
Camas Frank section editor SLO City News frank@simplyclearmarketing.com Michael Elliott sports reporter sports@simplyclearmarketing.com Mark Diaz business reporter mark@simplyclearmarketing.com Michelle Johnson art director
December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
news
cc life
Last Words From ‘The Professor’ ............................3
Good to be King ........................ 13
All They Need is Funds ............................................5
Now and Then ............................ 14
Police Blotter.........................................................6-7
Good Dogma ............................. 15
45 Years of Community Spirit ..................................8
Modern Senior ........................... 16
Big Crowds, Few Door Busters................................9
Community Calendar ............18-19
Harmon Elected .....................................................11
Home & Garden ....................20-21
SLO Chamber Turns Out for Food Bank................12
Financial Advice ......................... 22
Know CPR? - There’s an App .................................45
Family Matters ........................... 35
Homemade Black Friday Gifts ...............................46
Health & Wellness ...................... 36
Heart Patients Honored .........................................48
Sports Shorts.............................. 37
Poly Falls Short in Football Championships Sub ...47
Surf’s Up ..................................... 38
Blue Light Project Supports Police ........................48
Framed ....................................... 39
Tobacco Sting .........................................................49
Entertainment .......................40-43 Dinner and a Movie .................... 44
Christy Serpa editorial design
holiday guide
Stephanie Hansen administrative assistant Justin Stoner graphic marketing
Karita Harrskog event and marketing assistant admin@simplyclearmarketing.com
Christmas in Cayucos ........................................24-25
ADVERTISING Jessica Micklus sales manager jessica@simplyclearmarketing.com
Christmas Events ..............................................26-27
Dana McGraw senior advertising executive dana@simplyclearmarketing.com Zorina Ricci coast news advertising executive z@simplyclearmarketing.com
Relax this Holiday...................................................29
Carrie Vickerman bay news advertising executive carrie@simplyclearmarketing.com David Diaz digital marketing
phone (805) 543-6397 fax (805) 772-4625 615 Clarion Ct., #2, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
www.slocitynews.com
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This is a publication of Tolosa Press, Inc., Copyright 2007–2016 all rights reserved. One free copy per person. Additional copies can be obtained at our offices 615 Clarion Court, #2, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. Tolosa Press makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of its contents. Please notify us if information is incorrect.
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Ben Schutzer David Buckingham Erin O’Donnell King Harris Judy Salamacca Michael Gunther Nancy Puder Ray Ambler SLO Nightwriters Teri Bayus Vivian Krug
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Nightwriters ...........................................................28
The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association’s 41th Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. One of the largest parades on the Central Coast thousands of spectators are drawn to SLO for floats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers, and more.
business matters Biz Briefs ...............................50-51 On The Market ........................... 52 Bottom Line................................ 53
Hospice SLO County received $2,304 as a beneficiary of Mother’s Tavern’s Table 48 fundraiser. The benefit was for the nonprofit’s Pet Peace of Mind program, which takes care of the pets of those with life-limiting illnesses.
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Featured Folks ........................... 54
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SLO City News • Date, 2016
Opinion
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3
Last Words From ‘The Professor’ By Camas Frank
A
fter Dec. 9 two of the City of San Luis Obispo’s most controversial political leaders will be out of oďŹƒce. One is leaving the SLO City Council having served eight years with term limits, the other by choice, after running for SLO County Supervisor and opting not to run a simultaneous campaign to retain his current gig. In days gone by, the pair had an almost childish level of public disagreement and bickering from behind the dais, but that’s cooled somewhat in the last two years. In fact, Councilmembers John Ashbaugh and Dan Carpenter have even known to take part in the same charitable events such as the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoesâ€? event where they each donned impractical footwear for a gender-role bending stroll around downtown. The SLO City News had intended to sit down with both for a sort of “exit interviewâ€? in the aftermath of the 2016 election but the publication window proved too short for a full debrieďŹ ng with Carpenter, who took a family vacation after the election lasting until Thanksgiving. Ashbaugh, however, was on hand for the last meeting of the current Council
on Nov. 15. One of their last oďŹƒcial discussions was characterized in an anonymous editorial in the Nov. 16 edition of the New Times as, “run like a grade school recess slap ďŹ ght, thanks in large part to the fact that outgoing Councilmember John Ashbaugh is completely out of f**ks to give.â€? Sitting down with Ashbaugh two days after though, it seems quite the opposite is - maybe always has been - the issue. Both Ashbaugh, and his rival on the Council have taken things very seriously and personally for a long time. “I still recommend this, for anyone who wants to make a dierence,â€? he said, when ďŹ rst asked to reect on his time in oďŹƒce. “Get involved.â€? While he’s part of the contingent that
ďŹ nd themselves “personally devastatedâ€? by Donald J. Trump being named president-elect, Ashbaugh said his analysis of local politics was bright, “The vast majority of local Millennials voted in this election and I think the future is brightly progressive.â€? However the Council’s progress since he was ďŹ rst elected in 2008, he characterized in “baby steps,â€? with a Climate Action Plan only adopted in 2012 and minor attention paid to the state’s six year long drought, “it was not as much as needed. We should and could have taken more direct action...renewable energy for instance, assigning a staer to head up sustainability would have been good.â€?
He also added that having more publically available electronic means, such as the statistics “Dashboardâ€? devised to monitor numbers on Measure Y and G spending would have helped the City’s overall ďŹ nancial accountability. So, after eight years, baby steps indeed. Part of the issue with elected oďŹƒce of course is campaigning with a dedicated agenda, or at least a promise to handle items as they arise with a speciďŹ c decorum. For Ashbaugh it’s never been exactly what his sometime ally and longtime colleague Mayor Jan Marx, or indeed anyone else on the Council, thought was the proper decorum. As a college professor he’s been used to explaining complex ideas, his ideas, at length and without interruption. On Council, they’ve been his ideas or preferred solutions, often involving concepts without consensus support, such as to set up alternative programs or review positions while on a timelimited discussion.
Professor, continued page 4
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
Professor, from page 3
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There’s also a long memory for policy details in that kind of mind. That came out in the Nov. 15 meeting when the reactions of Marx and Councilwoman Carlyn Christianson to the proposed appointment of a new member to the City’s Architectural Review Commission (ARC) caused a fracas. Since Councilman Dan Rivoire and Ashbaugh had selected local attorney Lydia Mourenza as the would-be appointee, objections were taken quiet personally, and vociferously. As it turns out, Ashbaugh’s long political memory was turning back, as he said, two years earlier, appointments to city bodies in which he had been shot down for objecting to posting and wished to expand the number of candidates. As he saw it, the same scenario played out in reverse. Speaking of the ARC, Ashbaugh’s condemnation of the Council majority to allow development at 22 Chorro St. over the ARC’s denial led him to admit some other personal truths as well as advice for the, now three, incoming neophyte politicians. “It’s hard. But you have to be able to carry on working relationships with people who have,” he paused, searching for a word, “offended you. Or, in my case, I try not to offend people, but
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I do try, very hard to annoy them sometimes. I’m pretty good at that.” The reason, he added, “Frankly, I feel, that people are too damn comfortable. In this community, I think especially, we have a tendency to pat ourselves on the back. ‘Oh, Happiest city in North America,’ but there are some real problems here.” With sources of friction in perspective, outside of the two meeting rooms at City Hall, networking and bringing people together are the most important elements of the job and areas where the outgoing Councilman was never openly criticized. Indeed, for a fledgling reporter in 2009 to 2011, the late night Tuesday meetings were often worth staying to the very end just to see if Councilman John Ashbaugh’s community liaison report might contain a little flavor and a story worth following up. “Aaron [Gomez] and Andy [Pease] need to know that the most important parts of the job will be,” said Ashbaugh, “the luncheons, the service clubs and the connections that you make with people along the way.” Presumably the connections include those troubled working relationships. “Jan [Marx] and I don’t get along all the time, but she was an experienced incumbent that [was] on [my] side 60 percent of the time,” but, he said, later expanding the conversation to
included the recently reelected County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill, “we go toe to toe sometimes, sometimes knock each other aside, but like any good family relationship, in the end you realize that, we’re both going in the same direction and we have a commitment to the same vision for this community, and we understand the importance of government and it’s role in helping people to come together and to make decisions about our land use, about water use, about fundamental issues of fairness or how to solve this extraordinary housing crisis.” As for what becomes of a former public official,” I’ll probably take a sabbatical or write a book.” After all, there will be plenty of extra time. While an academic may enjoy the reading – indeed Ashbaugh has a book club in addition to municipally required reading - a few hundred hours a will be freed up from all the reports prepared and by staff not to mention correspondence and calls from local reporters. For what’s considered a part time job, officials expend a great deal of personal capital, coming under constant professional and personal attack.
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SLO City News • December 1 - 14, 2016
News
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5
All They Need is Funds By Camas Frank
T
he long decrepit former Sunny Acres children’s home/ sanitarium that dominates a hillside overlooking Johnson Avenue will finally be allowed a transformation into Bishop Street Studios. The plans of Transitions Mental Health Association’s (TMHA) to turn the superstructure of the old brick building into part of a housing complex for the nonprofit’s mentally ill clients hit an unexpected bump when area resident Ray Righetti filed an appeal of the Architectural Review Commission’s Sept. approval. That was resolved Nov. 15 during the last regular meeting of the current City Council before new members are sworn in Dec. 9. Only two members of the public got up to speak against the project, but the positive comments and discussion period went on for hours. The Council was unanimous, with 4-0 with Councilman Dan Carpenter on vacation in Hawaii. Much of the good will in the room came from clients and neighbors of TMHA’s existing projects in the City, and added Transitions’ Executive Director, Jill Bolster-White, some of the people who turned out in support were once concerned about the who
would move in next door as well. She is hoping that some of the fears presented by Righetti were cleared up during discussion and in a personal chat with him afterwards, which she summed up by saying that she believed he was “comforted� by the show of public support from people that share his community values. “We’re moving forward with the financing package now,� she explained noting that they’ll be needing $1 million in local donations and grants to show a matching interest when they go for federal funds. “We have a small capital
campaign we’re starting. Our big deadline [for grants] is March 2017.� Original plans called for 35 residential units but recent estimates showed that 33 people, THMA’s higher functioning clients in need of support services but not assisted living with at least one site manager living permanently on site. Since THMA first expressed interest in the site, the project has been touted as a triumph for preservationists, who have tried to keep the building in public ownership since the County announced plans to sell it. The building has been ostensibly
abandoned longer than most of the vandals or paranormal fright seekers that gutted the place had been alive, having been shut down permanently in 1974. However, it’s always been a prime location, near several County facilities on the north side of the City, including Social Services. Plans are for the project to start construction in early 2018 and be ready to open in 2019 / 2020. - Photos by Camas Frank - Circa 2011
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Police Blotter
Arroyo Grande: • Nov. 27: Various items were stolen out of an unlocked vehicle on Avenida de Diamante. • Nov. 25: Some shifty character was placed under a private person’s arrest for trespassing when he returned to Walmart after he had previously been arrested for theft. He had not been granted permission to return and the steady customer was caught allegedly returning merchandise that he hadn’t paid for. • Nov. 25: A man attempting to rob a discount cigarettes store in the Grover Beach barricaded himself inside, and was holding a knife to his own throat. He was eventually detained by AGPD and taken into custody by GBPD. • Nov. 25: A person was arrested for trespassing after police had twice warned him that he was no longer allowed to be at the bus stop unless he was waiting for a bus. • Nov. 23: A caller on Talley Ho reported that checks were being stolen from a mailbox and fraudulently cashed. • Nov. 23: Police caught up with a man who was allegedly involved in a hit-nsplit traffic accident on the freeway, and he was found to have allegedly been driving smashed. • Nov. 22: A juvenile on the 100 block of Grand Avenue was arrested for being in possession of alcohol and released with a citation.
Morro Bay • Nov. 13: Police stopped a suspicious vehicle at 10:47 p.m. in the 1100 block of Front St., for some no doubt trumped up code violation. The 32-yearold fellow driving was squeezed for allegedly driving juiced and his lady passenger, 44, was nipped for being schnockered in public. • Nov. 13: At 6:22 p.m. police contacted a suspicious dude outside Rite Aid and naturally he allegedly was high on drugs. He was cited and released to go get high. • Nov. 13: Police responded at 2:32 p.m. for a disturbance in the 500 block of Embarcadero. A guy was hauled to County Mental Health for a 72-hour timeout. • Nov. 13: Police responded to an unlucky, Lucky 7 Gas & Mini Mart in the 1800 block of Main St. for a report of a burglary. Overnight, some tough luck and not too bright miscreant smashed the front door window, stole some cigs and a Lottery display case adorned with copies (worthless fakes) of lucky tickets sold at the store. Luckily, the loss was minimal but the unlucky doorway damage was extensive. • Nov. 12: Police responded to a disturbance at Marina and Embarcadero and came upon a likely
suspect in a “physical altercation.” The train wreck was arrested for being unable to care for himself and no doubt before someone else beat his a**.
• Nov. 12: The nightly dragnet started at 5:24 a.m. in the 500 block of Quintana where police popped an alleged druggie for possession, paraphernalia, and suffering with the horrors. He was injected into the County rehab. • Nov. 10: Police responded at 3 p.m. to a disturbance in the 200 block of Atascadero Rd. Logs indicated they arrested a 66-year-old bent fellow on being forschnicked and for a warrant. • Nov. 10: At 1:23 p.m. in the 700 block of Quintana, yet another model citizen was arrested for allegedly being high on drugs. • Nov. 9: Police at the high school are investigating the reported sexual assault of an unidentified, 15-year-old girl by some unnamed cad. • Nov. 8: Someone turned in a wallet he or she found somewhere in town. The day before, a citizen in the 400 block of Island reported identity theft, a case of win some-lose some. • Nov. 7: Suspicious circumstances were reported in the 800 block of Morro Bay Blvd. An “unknown male” turned off the water to a business and put a lock on the water meter, a dastardly deed the City reserves for itself. • Nov. 7: Police responded to the high school at 1:30 p.m. because some vandal damaged one bike but then stole another, a learned case of “If at first you don’t succeed…Try the next one down the rack.” • Nov. 7: At 11 p.m. police contacted an apparently conspicuously loopy fellow, 34, at the Community Center. He was popped for UTI and paraphernalia, his stash already smoked. • Nov. 7: Police responded to a disturbance at 11:16 a.m. in the 400 block of Fresno. A 55-year-old ruffian was arrested for the umpteenth time on suspicion of assaulting an elderly victim and attempted robbery.
• Nov. 7: Police responded to the 700 block of Kern at 8 a.m. for a missing juvenile. Logs list the case disposition as “Exceptional,” no word on why.
Pismo Beach • Nov. 22: A caller reported someone
“A caller on Talley Ho reported that checks were being stolen from a mailbox and fraudulently cashed.” on bicycle was looking into cars at the Best Western. He was advised against trespassing. • Nov. 22: A report of possible pot smoking on the 1100 block of Dolliver turned out to be a guy smoking a cigarette not a spliff. • Nov. 22: Some ballsy cue ball living above Hot Shots pool hall allegedly stole $300 from the cash drawer. The caller said that they had video of the incident. • Nov. 22: A caller on the 300 block of Wadsworth reported a woman in her 60s was climbing on the side of a house. It turned out to be an un-neighborly dispute and she was assisted back to her apartment. • Nov. 22: A man wearing a silver jacket and jeans was reportedly loitering at Pismo Yogurt. He had asked the clerk if she was working alone. Ol’ creepy was told to scram. • Nov. 21: A guy at Northbeach Campground was yelling, screaming, and banging on RVs. He left the area before State Parks could get there, but made a return appearance about 9-minutes later and was hanging out at the closed clubhouse where his luck ran out and he was detained. • Nov. 21: A car was reportedly driving in circles on the wrong side of the road, as well as going in and out of side streets. It turned out to be a newspaper delivery person.
“Some shifty character was placed under a private personʼs arrest for trespassing when he returned to Walmart after he had previously been arrested for theft. He had not been granted permission to return and the steady customer was caught allegedly returning merchandise that he hadnʼt paid for.” • Nov. 7: Police contacted a suspicious subject at 8:36 a.m. lurking about in the 1100 block of Napa at the old Elementary school. He was tossed to the nick for suspicion of burglary and of course, violating probation.
• Nov. 21: A caller on Bello reported two males possibly trying to break into a residence. The caller did not recognize them. When officers arrived, the window screen had been cut off and the guys were inside. As it turned out, they lived there.
• Nov. 21: A 5-year-old girl who had gotten separated from her family at the pier was reunited with her mother. • Nov. 21: The SLO Police Department transferred a call concerning a man and a woman fighting on the 300 block of Park Avenue. She said he wouldn’t let
her leave. It turned out to be a verbal disagreement and the woman left the area with the kids. • Nov. 17: A caller reported that a coworker jumped off the pier and hadn’t made it back to shore after 15 minutes. He was found and headed home to “warm up.” • Nov. 17: Officers checked on a hammered fellow who was hiding behind a flagpole at the Spyglass Inn. He said he was staying at the inn and would go to the lobby to find out which room was his. His room was located and his friend, who was in even worse shape, was passed out on the bed. • Nov. 17: A caller on the 300 block of Wadsworth reported that a neighbor was lying outside covered in blood. She bloody well refused medical attention and was turned over to a sober party.
San Luis Obispo • Nov. 23: And while you were sleeping… At 5:11 a.m. in the 800 block of Ricardo, some Ricky reported a car idling at the curb with no one inside. A few minutes before, in the 900 block of San Adriano, a white Hyundai Accent was ticketed for parking in a crosswalk. At 3:08, someone reported a gray, Mazda hatchback was driving down Higuera at Tank Farm dragging a shopping cart. And earlier at 1:41 a.m. someone reported a shopping cart in the street at Broad and Orcutt. • Nov. 23: At 12:33 a.m. a woman at South and Broad reported hearing several gunshots… “What’s that? Yes, I suppose they could be car backfire… Yes, yes, I understand, good night…” • Nov. 22: Police contacted a couple of Jackwagons trespassing at the Jack House on Marsh. They were cite/ released back into the wild. • Nov. 22: At 10:25 p.m. police responded to a crash-n-dash in the 400 block of Mitchell. Logs indicated a 22-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of driving on a toot. No word on the extent of the carnage. • Nov. 22: Some bent pollywog was upsetting the lily pond at the Frog & Peach around 10:30 p.m. The tadpole, 46, was skinned for being croaked. • Nov. 22: A citizen called at 9:42 p.m. from the 1700 block of Santa Barbara as two suspicious females were at the back door claiming to be looking for a friend. • Nov. 22: At 8:12 p.m. someone reported seeing two suspicious worms wigglin’ through a construction fence at German Auto on Pacific. • Nov. 22: A citizen called at 7:50 from the 100 block of Cross to report a berserk transient man was screaming and throwing things into the street at Idler’s Appliances. He ran off to torment someone else. At 7:48, Madonna Inn Steakhouse had a live one at the front
Simply Clear Marketing & Medias • December 1 - 14, 2016
desk and they were asking for a little help.
his girlfriend called him and said she was being stalked.
• Nov. 22: Police responded at 7 p.m. to the 200 block of Madonna for a theft report at Ultra Beauty Salon, and no doubt quite the scandal. Logs indicated the theft occurred some 8 hours before, as apparently the beauty school detectives couldn’t solve the case.
• Nov. 22: Police got a report at 1 p.m. at the Prado Road homeless daycare center of a trespasser who’d been kicked out to rock bottom.
• Nov. 22: Police responded to a disturbance at 6:45 p.m. in the 2200 block of Lawton, as some sinner was drunk and disorderly at the Church of Christ, who BTW turned water into wine‌ • Nov. 22: At 6:08 p.m. a woman told police that a suspicious man in a car followed her and her friend for several blocks. The creepazoid disappeared into traffic. • Nov. 22: Another locked car was burglarized, this time on Fernandez. • Nov. 22: Someone stole something at City Hall, quick, someone get a rope! • Nov. 22: Police were called at 3:52 p.m. to the 200 block of Madonna where some shaggy white dude with long gray hair, beard, and gray hoodie took a whiz behind Christians Mattress Store. The model citizen was gone when police arrived. • Nov. 22: A man called police and said
• Nov. 22: Some anarchist tagged a tank on display outside the Vet’s Hall on Grand Ave. • Nov. 22: Police responded at 7:30 a.m.
• Nov. 22: Police responded at 9:32 a.m. to the 100 block of High where some crazed transient man was acting erratically, yelling and doing drugs. Some 2 minutes later, the same fruit loop dingus was in the street at Higuera and High yelling “You are white trash!â€? at passing cars.
• Nov. 22: Someone tried to burglarize Moondoggies Surf Shop in the 800 block of Monterey but only managed to mangle the front doors. • Nov. 22: Police were called at 8:36 p.m. to Farm Supply on Tank Farm, where some transient man had been wandering the store for 45 minutes picking up stuff, and no telling how much crap he’s already stolen. Police had a chat with the sticky-fingered browser.
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to Osos and Peach for a vandalism. The driver’s side window was smashed on a car parked facing the wrong direction, a.k.a. a vigilante parking ticket.
• Nov. 22: Police were called at 11:20 a.m. to the 600 block of Higuera because some transient man was locked in the bathroom for 45 minutes and got all pissy when they kicked him out. Meanwhile at the transit stop by City Hall, some other stubborn dingus was refusing to get his arse off the bus.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
News 45 years of Community Spirit Photos and Story by Camas Frank
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he nonprofit community action group “Grass Roots II” hosted their 45th Community Dinner at the SLO Guild Hall formerly the SLO Grange Hall at 2880 Broad St. - on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Organizer Peggy Fowler explained that the tradition started in the 1970s, at the home of Maxine Lewis, the woman for whom the nearby homeless shelter is named and the dinner has progressively grown every year since. Held from noon till 5 p.m. they estimate 124 turkeys were cooked to feed 2,000 some odd people, with 900 meals taken out for delivery. Volunteer Paul Rys estimated that leftovers from the in-house cooking would feed an additional 200 people at local homeless shelters. Many of the volunteers had been up since 4 a.m. to get ready for the noon mealtime. Russ Forester, president of the SLO Guild Hall, said they collaborate with Grass Roots to host the event every year with space leased at a substantial discount, because, “the community spirit of the event and what they’re doing is a huge part of the guild mission.” Fowler noted that another part of the community outreach has been seeing people that return year after year as family tradition, seeing progress in their lives or being there as a fallback when the chips are down. Apart from the Grassroot events, the SLO Guild Hall hosts a Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month for a $7 suggested donation. For a complete list of events go online to: sloguildhall.com.
SLO City News • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Big Crowds, Few Door Busters By Camas Frank
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he big box electronics stores like Best Buy have been worried for years that customers tend to use the sales floor as a show room before looking for deals online, but not on Black Friday. As early as Nov. 22, local were spotted setting up tents and camp chairs outside the Best Buy in SLO’s Madonna Plaza Shopping Center at 255 Madonna Rd. However, they were allowed to leave without worrying about the spots being usurped in their absence. Managers at Best Buy on Black Friday were understandably busy well into the afternoon, but said the fray had been tamped down by spreading the sales out over the previous afternoon. Select deals were available “in-store only” on Thanksgiving Day. Tickets were offered for the door buster ad deals to ensure supply and quell any materialistic urge to stampede the sales floor. While there were still metal blockades up outside the store by mid morning on Black Friday, the lines were no more even though the store was packed and customers waited transportation assistance for their brand new $250, 44 in. televisions. A less popular deal was $100 laptops, a good deal except for the specs of the machines; offering only 2 gb RAM and 32 gb flash memory hard drive. Other stores in the center, such as PetCo offered Black Friday deals as well but did not see long lines as the doors opened. Checking out on the other hand was a separate ordeal.
HURRY IN, PRE HOLIDAY SALE ! ! !
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S
anta’s House opened back up for the holiday season in Mission Plaza on Nov. 25 and he’s hanging out from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Rent” for Santa’s stay is being covered
by Heritage Oaks Bank and of course the SLO Downtown Association. Come take photos with the jolly old elf and enjoy family friendly entertainment throughout the day with the Classic Carousel. SLO’s 41th Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Dec. 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event is one of the largest and most attended on the Central Coast with prime locations to view going fast along Higuera St. in the hour before the event.
Selected Items
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
Changes, from page 1
The publications will continue on as before, he explained, they just won’t be under the “Tolosa Press” name. Simply Clear Marketing, which was formed in 2005 by the Colhouers, with two other partners who left long ago, produces six, Home & Garden Expos — two each in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Paso Robles — and one Health & Fitness Expo in SLO each year from February to October. “We have one expo in the spring and one in the fall in each of those communities,” said Colhouer. And 805 Loyal, which Diaz brought to the company more than 2-years ago, is a web development and social media creation and management company, also specializing in reputation management, video production and text message marketing. Colhouer explained that reputation management involves answering critiques of a business that might appear on websites like Yelp and Trip Advisor, and live streaming the best reviews onto a company’s website. The service of answering online questions and criticisms also includes answering compliments that a business might receive. “Research shows that answering the ‘good’ reviews is more important than answering the bad ones. We manage that and create a ‘loyalty’ with our clients’ customer base that they can leverage into even more business.” The new company, which will be called Simply Clear Marketing & Media, (see: www. simplyclearmarketing.com) will also include taking some big steps into video production. They’ve hired a veteran journalist and online expert, Justin Stoner, specifically to increase the company’s web and social media presence and thus its offerings to advertisers. “Video is really big in terms of search engines,” Colhouer said. “If you’re doing video, you’re going to
get a lot more exposure. It’s more attractive and people are more willing to share it across social media platforms.” The company will have a team of six working on the video production, and digital publishing end. The changes are helping the company to get leaner and more efficient, while increasing its offerings. “Now, we’re one company with an events division, a publishing division and a digital division. This will help us streamline our production process and improve customer service,” said Colhouer, who started with the company with the launching of The Coast News in the Five Cities area back in 2004. “We will be much more organized and streamlined.” The Bay News was started in 1989 as a small bi-weekly mainly covering Los Osos and is the backbone of the publications. And the online presence of the newspapers is changing as well, he said. The Bay News and Coast News will each have its own new website, with SLO City News remaining at the Tolosa Press site but with a new name. And the social media presence will also change. “We now have three websites and three social media platforms,” he said. “Each paper will have its own website with unique content. ‘Tolosa Press’ will cease to be.” And, “Simply Clear Marketing & Media will have its own website as well.” As with any new website, there may be some growing pains that have yet to emerge, but Colhouer said the sites are up now and will be modified to include the other services. The newspapers came together in 2007 under the Tolosa Press name when the SLO City News, owned by Chris and Mary Gardner, combined with The Bay News and The Coast News, which the Colhouers owned. The Gardners left the company about 3-years ago. The papers will continue as biweeklies (publishing every other Thursday) but with some major content changes as well, Colhouer said, returning the papers to their
News beginnings. “There’s something to be said about going back to our roots,” he said. “There’ll be more ‘microlocal’ coverage, more news and local features.” That means the hefty center section — titled “Central Coast Life” and containing content shared among the three papers — will be cut back opening up more space for news, unique to the individual papers’ circulation areas. “We want to move back to individual papers covering their individual markets,” he said. They also plan to expand the business news content, expanding the current four pages to eight-10 and shared by all three newspapers in a center section. The name “Central Coast Life” will also be changed. That section will continue to carry columnists King Harris and Judy Salamacha, Teri Bayus’ “Dinner and a Movie,” and entertainment and community calendar pages, too. And the popular, combined, “Police Blotter” will continue as well in all three papers. And a front page redesign begins with this issue. “It’ll still be a pretty hefty center section but with more flexibility and more space for more unique stories. There’ll be more of a news hole when we cut the middle section from 24 pages down to 16-18.” All these changes “have been in the works for pretty much the past year,” he said. “We love publishing newspapers, but we want to compliment it with a more robust digital presence. This will give more options to our advertisers, with more digital advertising options on the individual websites and their social media platforms, too. “We’ll be sending out more links to our stories. Whatever is in the newspapers will have links sent out on social media platforms and additional advertising opportunities embedded in the digital platforms.” The changes will give more opportunities for stories to be read, as well as for ads to be seen, he added. If readers are concerned their local papers have one foot out the
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door and the other on a banana peel, Colhouer said the opposite is true. “We’re not moving away from our print products,” he said. “We’re spending time, energy and resources to enhance what we’re doing with our newspapers. “The digital presence is really to shine a brighter light on the print products.” Despite a trend in recent years of newspapers ceasing publication in favor of online content, with some major news outlets — most notably some national newspapers and news magazines — switching entirely to online, Colhouer said things are turning around for print media. “Our advertising revenue has grown year after year for the past 10 years,” he said. “People hear that newspapers are a ‘dying breed’ but that’s not true of community newspapers. Community papers have grown year after year in both revenue, readership and relevance.” Tolosa Press tripled in size over the past 10 years, he added. “We’re not running away from newspapers we’re running towards the future of newspapers.” He added that some large papers have been moving in the direction of having several smaller papers, focused on local news, instead of just one huge paper with a lot of content that people aren’t much interested in. “It’s flattering that they’re moving towards our business model,” Colhouer said. “They’re moving towards less frequent publications with web enhancements.” As a side note, the changes will also affect readers’ email contact with the various editors of The Bay News, Coast News and SLO City News. Instead of the suffix “@tolosapress. com,” the new email address will be “@simplyclearmarketing.com.” These changes will be reflected in the newspapers’ staff boxes on Page 2. “We’ll probably leave the Tolosa Press emails up for some time,” Colhouer said, “but all emails will be forwarded to the new addresses.” Return emails will come from the new addresses.
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News
SLO City News • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Harmon Elected By Camas Frank
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wo weeks and a day after ballots were cast, the victor in the City of SLO’s Mayoral race was finally decided. Heidi Harmon overtook incumbent Jan Marx by just 47 votes after initial polls had indicated Marx could have won by 5 percent. The ever-narrowing gap is being largely attributed to last minute provisional ballots cast on Election Day. Those were the last to be counted due to the extra care required to verify the signatures and intention of those voters. There were approximately 1,800 provisional votes cast in the municipal election. While not officially expected to have certified results until Dec. 8, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office zeroed out the uncounted ballots for the City of SLO on the evening before Thanksgiving and released the tally showing Harmon at 49.77 percent to Marx at 49.54 percent. There were 145 write in votes. There were indications that the Clerk- Recorder might have results sooner as there were only 6,634 votes remaining uncounted for the rest of SLO County Nov. 29, and Harmon planned a press conference for Nov. 28. Both events are after the SLO City News print deadline. On Friday, Harmon said that she had taken the 48-hours since the news to begin work on the hundreds of pages in briefings made available to her by City Staff and that she’d met with SLO
City Manager Katie Lichtig as the count narrowed. Along with many other ;ocal families that stayed in the area for the holiday, she also took time to explore trails in SLO’s greenbelt before the rain returned. After the swearing in of Harmon as Mayor, and new Councilmembers Aaron Gomez and Andy Pease, expected on Dec. 9, the first SLO City Council meeting with real “meat” on the agenda will be Dec. 13. Among the political agenda items expected to be introduced is Harmon’s wish to move the City to a “Net-Zero” policy in the greenhouse gas emissions and, perhaps the most important item of note moving up discussion of SLO’s Rental Inspection ordinance. The ordinance proved more controversial almost by the day in the waning phase of the election, with Marx and the majority of current councilmembers pushing the ordinance as a matter of public policy over two years. “We know people are losing their homes right now,” said Harmon, adding that she personally knew residents who’ve been moved out of older homes by landlords unwilling to rent their properties out under the new regime. “Of course we want to enforce safety but it’s difficult...mostly older landlords who can’t keep up will sell out and what was an affordable rental is remodeled and becomes much more expensive or is no longer rented.”
Traditionally seen as to the political “left” of Marx, Harmon worked as a delegate in Bernie Sanders’ campaign at the Democratic National Convention and was endorsed for mayor by Jane Sanders. Never-the-less, Harmon’s opposition to the inspection ordinance, as well as status as the sole challenger to Marx even as a late entrant - garnered support from voters and well known operatives more traditionally aligned with Libertarian or Republican Party politics. Those demographics are not the generally the last minute voters which were likely to be counted last in the runup to victory though. With the election resting on a razor thin margin, Harmon said she attributed a much of it to her good relationships with Cal Poly and Cuesta College students. “Jan [Marx] was in almost a 20 year incumbent,” said Harmon, having previously repeated her thanks to the Mayor for years of dedicated service, “but the closer to Election Day we got the more energized turnout was pushed for the day. We can’t break out the statistics on the provisional vote yet but with those the last to be counted we won by far.” Harmon did want to add, for locals that did not vote for her, that there was nothing extremist in the different agenda that she brings to office after Marx. “I want people to come together around the issues, and work on them
together, because I don’t have all the answers before we get there,” she said, later adding, “Most people were concerned about experience as the biggest difference, but once you get into what the job really entails and what is needed, political experience isn’t the only qualification.” Marx and Harmon exchanged phone calls after the Wednesday results, with Marx announcing that she would not pursue a manual recount. Over the previous weekend however, the mayor had written a letter to her, “Friends and Neighbors” in the City preparing supporters for the possibility that she could lose. “Although the media on election night proclaimed me the winner,” she wrote in part, “I want to give you a heads-up that the final vote count could go either way...I am excited about serving with the new Council. But, if the election goes the other way, I will accept the will of the voters, be grateful for the time I have served on Council, and explore other ways to contribute to our community. I appreciate all your good wishes, good ideas, support and kind words over the years.” If she had been re-elected this term would have marked her last as Mayor having been term limited out. She was first elected to City office as a Councilmember in 1998 and made a return as Councilmember in 2008. In 2010 she moved up to the Mayoral slot.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
Community
SLO Chamber Turns Out for Food Bank’s New Digs Story and Photos by Camas Frank
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he San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce held their latest Membership Mixer at the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County site at 1180 Kendall Rd. in SLO on Nov. 16. While not all in attendance might have been aware of the fact, it was also a year to the day since the organization first broke ground on the centralized warehouse and office building, said Carl Henson, Director of the Food Bank. He added that the vision for the location had really been in progress since 1989, with the Food Bank becoming a kind of home for all kinds of people in the community, both giving and receiving, and they celebrated being able to bring healthy food to people that can’t afford it otherwise. While the warehouse was full of healthy and nutritious items awaiting distribution, Henson noted that the office walls were somewhat bare, and asked local businesses to inquire about commissioned a r t w o r k , themed around the organizations goals, that will last the life of the facility. For the event, local companies Bang the Drum Brewery, Coastal Peaks Coffee and Harmony Valley Creamery were among those donating their products and services. With the PG&E Energy Education Center next-door the utility company made a gesture as a good neighbor, with a corporate representative presenting the Food Bank Coalition with an oversized novelty “check” for $50,000. Those funds are to be rendered specifically through energy efficiency improvements at the brand new facility, which will have a hoped lasting impact beyond the initial investment. For a comprehensive listing of aid distribution locations in SLO County, go online to: www. slofoodbank.org/ get-help.php.
Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Good To Be King Groovin’ to the Seasonal Sounds By King Harris
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his is just about my favorite time of year; and no, not because of an overstuffed turkey; not because of Black Friday or Cyber Monday; not necessarily because of the sudden and warming appearance of colored lights and white icicles decorating all the homes in our neighborhood, although I have to admit that Eric and Linsey across the street do the best job of welcoming in the Yuletide spirit during Thanksgiving like clockwork. This is my favorite time of year because of the sounds of Christmas, most notably the music that accompanies it, whether it’s coming from overhead speakers in stores or from pop radio, which relinquishes its normal programming in favor of the music of the season. Being the rock ‘n’ roller that I was and still am, I couldn’t wait to hear all the new versions, even older ones, of Christmas delights appearing on Top-40 radio. In my family, my parents and older sister favored the classics like Bing Crosby’s “White
Christmas” and Nat King Coles’ “The Christmas Song,” “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry, and “Let it Snow” by Vaughan Monroe, which doesn’t mention Christmas but who cares, it fits. But it was always the classic Christmas sounds of orchestra leader Percy Faith that permeated our home. As for me, I was oriented more towards rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm & blues and what artists in these genres generated. In the early 1950s, I just about jumped out of my skin when I first the doo-wop group, The Drifter’s jump blues version of “White Christmas.” I suppose the composer Irving Berlin would have had a similar reaction were he alive to experience it. Other R & B groups and artists like Chuck Berry (“Run Rudolph Run”) all turned out Christmas hits in their own
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recognizable styles. In the late ‘50s, country and novelty entered the scene with enduring seasonal favorites: Brenda Lee with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Bobby Helms singing “Jingle Bell Rock,” and of course Elvis whose passion for yule tide rock and spiritualism was quite evident on his Christmas album. Perhaps the oddest seasonal offering around this time was cut by David Seville (Ross Bagdasarian) who created Alvin, Theodore, and Simon unleashing upon the world “The Chipmunk Song,” which featured sped up recording tape to create high-pitched vocals, something he’d practiced in a novelty called “The Witch Doctor” a few months earlier. I always felt one needed to hear “The Chipmunk Song” only once. If I had my pick of any era it would be the early ‘60s, which featured
December offerings by The Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, and of course Phil Spector. All produced albums and singles in their own styles (the Four Seasons with “Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town,” Brian Wilson with “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man with All the Toys,” and Phil “Wall of Sound” Spector with the outrageous album “A Christmas Gift for You,” featuring his talented stable of artists including the Ronettes, the Crystals, Bob B. Sox, and my favorite, Darlene Love, who practically tears down the wall of sound with her “Christmas Baby Please Come Home,” arguably the best Phil Spector record ever produced. No Christmas effort compares to the magnificence of Spector and his wrecking crew of musicians. Later works by Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Paul McCartney all stepped into the Spirit of winter wonderland during the ‘70s. As Andy Williams once crooned, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Then & Now Highlights of Holiday Happenings By Judy Salamacha
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f there were ever a year to seek kindness and joy, 2016 might be it. Central Coast communities are offering up a variety of holiday traditions to inspire families and neighbors to come out and celebrate the season together. Showing up might produce those warm-and-fuzzy feelings that generate hugs and hope for good things to happen in 2017. For example, since 1993 the Arroyo Grande Village Improvement Association has energized December on Branch Street with everything about Christmas. It started with lights in store windows, and then in 2009, the association and city leaders collaborated to enhance the area with festive lighting in the street trees. Bob Lund manages events and beautification efforts for both the Improvement Association and Arroyo Grande in Bloom. “The Village is the heart of the community,” he said. “Christmas in the Village begins with Santa’s arrival at the Conrad House. We’ve had four Santa’s in 25 years. They are wonderful because they look like Santa all year long.” Unique to Arroyo Grande is “Elegant Christmas in the Village,” from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. “Verena Maier heads the event she started eleven years ago,” Lund said. “Everyone dresses up. Luminaries decorate the streets. Bagpipers and children stroll and carol. Our merchants decorate their stores and offer treats. It’s a time to be with neighbors and
enjoy the season.” Morro Bay has a new, communitywide event, the “12 Days of Christmas.” Each day from Dec. 1-12, introduces a different experience. According to event chairwoman, Sophia Tolle, owner of Poppy’s Boutique, “All participating merchants are also coming up with their own special promotions.” Some 45 businesses are collaborating to provide activities, discounts, prizes, and hospitality. Santa visits Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt (at Morro Bay Blvd. and Main St.) Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10. Downtown stores like Summer Cottage, Beads by the Bay and Queen’s Closet will have open houses and prizes on Thursday, Dec. 1. Tuesday, Dec. 6 features wine tasting at Morro Bay Wine Sellers (in Marina Square), La Vida Roca and more. From 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Giant Chessboard in Centennial Park, children can select a uniquely shaped free balloon. Embarcadero merchants will hold open houses on Dec. 10 and on the 12th an elf and snowman will stroll the Embarcadero with candy canes for the children. Immerse yourself in Christmas on Dec. 10, as the Los Osos Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. followed by the 11th Annual Needs ‘N Wishes Holiday Fundraiser for the Homeless. It’s a joyful day of giving and receiving at the South Bay Community Center stocking up on Christmas gifts while benefitting others. Head elf, Richard
Margetson, said 100-percent of the proceeds go to benefit the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter in SLO, Transitional Food and Shelter, and the SLO Noor Clinic. Open from 10-7 p.m. there will be live music, food, Santa, deeply discounted children’s gifts and donated silent auction items for anyone else on a Christmas list. All donations are taxdeductible. What’s not joyous about a win-win for everyone? Feel the glow in Cayucos with a free, and elegant ride down Ocean Avenue in a horse-drawn carriage, courtesy of the town’s merchants at the “9th Annual Christmas in Cayucos.” Offerings include children’s activities, strolling carolers, refreshments and special shopping offers to add joy for the season. The Morro Bay Rotary Club sponsors and Harbor Director, Eric Endersby, and Cathy Novak, will organize the Annual Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade, which has been moved to Saturday, Dec. 10 from its normal date on the first Saturday in December. This is because the tides on the 3rd will be potentially dangerous. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m., while early festivities begin at 3:30 pm according to Morro Bay Rotary Club’s event chairman, Don Doubledee. New this year is snow for the kids at Tidelands Park. “Yes, SNOW!” Doubledee said. “At about 5 p.m. a stacked crab cages Christmas tree, designed by Central Coast Women for
MICHELLE HAMILTON
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Fisheries, will be lighted. And Santa and Mrs. Claus will have cookies for the kids.” Doubledee noted that the tall ships, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, are due in Morro Bay Dec. 1. Participation in the parade is pending sponsorship for lighting not carried regularly onboard. And if none of these events can make you joyful, then Oceano’s Great American Melodrama promises even Scrooge will find the Christmas spirit in their family-friendly, holiday extravaganza, running through New Year’s Eve. “Our triple bill…is designed to bring you a year’s worth of smiles.” And if that can’t make you joyful, maybe it’s the year to wash 2016 completely out of our hair, dress up in a new and different mental “outfit” and join the hordes of folks from across the globe on New Year’s Day in Cayucos for the 36th Annual Carlin Soule’ Memorial Polar Bear Dip in the Pacific Ocean. That event starts at high noon. Brrrr… See page 26 for upcoming holiday events.
Freelance writer, columnist and author, Judy Salamacha’s Then & Now column is a regular feature of Simply Clear Marketing and Media. Contact her at: judysalamacha@gmail.com or (805) 801-1422 with story ideas.
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Good Dogma ‘Tis the Season to Worry About Pets By Lisa Ellman
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he madness is upon us and I’m not referring to the election results. I’m talking about the holiday season. Be it shopping, relatives coming to visit, or travel plans, this time of year takes over our lives. Unfortunately, this often leads to changing routines and schedules, and this is something that can be hard on your pets. Whether you have reptiles, hamsters, cats or dogs, their daily routine is something they become conditioned to and any sudden, drastic changes may be deleterious to their wellbeing. There may be a time when the family is so distracted by what’s on the “To do� list, that someone forgets to feed the gecko. Maybe you have a cat that is scared when there are too many people in the house, or perhaps your shy dog hasn’t met your dog-loving relative that just wants to make friends with her or give her hugs, something that may lead to a disastrous result. Or suddenly your pet’s meals are late or you don’t have time or energy for a walk. Changes in routines can often be followed by changes is your pet’s behavior, and it’s usually not for the
better. House training issues, especially, can be totally knocked out of whack by an abrupt change in routine. Young kids that come to visit may want to play with your pets, which are quite comfortable being handled by you, but shrink back or exhibit unexpected aggressiveness when others try to handle them. All of these issues are critical to think about and plan for during this time of chaos. If you’re traveling, who is going to be depended on to care for your pets? Should you take them to a boarding facility? Have you gone to visit these places beforehand, or developed a Plan B because they’re all full? What about pet sitters or friends? Can they stay overnight? Are they familiar with your pets? Do they know how to take care of a reptile? These are all issues that should be carefully
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thought out before it’s too late and you’re completely overwhelmed and start to panic. You might have friends and family coming in and going out carrying food and packages. Do they know that your dog likes to bolt out of an open door? And, speaking of food, it’s your responsibility as the caretaker of these creatures to make sure that no one is giving them turkey bones, greasy or sugary foods that may upset their delicate GI tracts and make them ill all over your carpet or in their cages. Things to consider to make your life easier during this time are hiring a dog walker, or taking your dog to day care, a few days a week so they can still get exercise and perhaps reduce some unease at any changes. Talk to your friends, if you’re planning to travel, about coming to your home
and caring for your pets and remember to leave very specific instructions if you have exotic animals like birds or reptiles. Ask for recommendations from vets, or friends about pet sitters and have them come to your home so you can see how they interact with your animals. This is an overwhelming time of year for most of us. But if you take time to map out a plan for your pets ahead of time, the results can be more time for you and less stress for them.
Lisa Ellman has been working with a wide range of animals for over 20 years. Her passion, however, is dogs, and in 1996 she founded Good Dogma Obedience Training. With a foundation built on positive reinforcement, Good Dogma provides basic obedience training and behavior modification for the family dog and human members of the pack. Lisa’s comprehensive theory on training is a simple one: “Train the human, condition the dog.� Good Dogma is a monthly feature of Simply Clear Marketing and Media.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Modern Senior Not Only the Lonely
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elcome to the December edition of Aging and Still Engaging, provided by the SLO County Commission on Aging (SLOCOA). The text for this month’s column was provided by Traci Mello of Wilshire Community Services and Mike Bossenberry of SLO Hotline, who both spoke at a recent SLOCOA meeting about some of the emotional issues faced by many seniors and others in our area. Traci Mello stated that the experience of aging is dierent for every person. Some experience aging as a positive and natural progression through life, others struggle with the idea of aging and the physical, emotional, and mental changes that can sometimes accompany this process. There are many factors that contribute to the way people age and their attitudes about the later years of life. When talking about ways to avoid sadness, loneliness or depression while aging, one of the most signiďŹ cant factors is consistent access to socialization opportunities and a
sense of being connected to others. There are things that individuals can do to reduce the risks associated with loneliness and sadness. One of the most signiďŹ cant is to maintain a diverse support circle that includes family, friends, community, and other social groups. Humans are social beings who thrive on connection and personal engagement. As people age, the importance of being connected becomes even more critical. Those who stay active and involved in the community through volunteering tend to report higher satisfaction with their aging process. It is also important to stay open to experiencing new things and not letting preconceived ideas prevent access to services that may provide critical support and enjoyment. Check out the local Senior Center, join a walking group, attend community events, etc! For more information about opportunities to get involved, call Traci Mello at Wilshire Community Services (805) 547-7025, ext. 15. Wilshire Community Services
is a service provided by Wilshire Health and Community Services, a not for proďŹ t, public beneďŹ t organization. Mike Bossenberry informed us that SLO Hotline is San Luis Obispo County’s emotional and mental health support, resource referral and suicide prevention phone line, available free of charge 24 hours every day for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Its conďŹ dential telephone services are also available to answer non-emergency calls from anyone seeking emotional or mental health support or referrals. SLO Hotline is also a valuable resource in the community, supporting the work of local government and mental health service agencies, and relieving call volume for the local 911 service. Additionally, SLO Hotline will direct callers with other needs to 211, the resource phone number available for all other community information and referral matters. In addition to providing these services, SLO Hotline strives to reduce stigma, educate and inform
the community about mental illness – what it is and is not. Its mission is to “assist our friends and neighbors by preventing suicide and encouraging mental health recovery and wellness in the communityâ€?. SLO Hotline is a program of Transitions-Mental Health Association, a community-based nonproďŹ t that fulďŹ lls a vision “To build and maintain a healthy, vital community by providing suicide prevention, stigma reduction and mental health support servicesâ€?. To reach SLO Hotline, call 805-783-0607 or 1-800-783-0607. San Luis Obispo County Commission on Aging invites the public to join us at the Veteran’s Hall on Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. – Noon. Our presenters that day will be from Senior Legal Services and CAPSLO Senior Services For more information about the Commission on Aging, visit www. slocounty.ca.gov/coa.htm, or call 2355779.
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Modern Senior Holiday Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users
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he stress of holiday travel can impact anyone, but add in the need to find wheelchairaccessible transportation, hotel rooms or restaurants, and that stress is amplified considerably. The experts at Mobility Ventures, maker of the MV-1 -- the only mobility vehicle built with wheelchair users in mind -- are offering tips and an interactive map that highlights cities with MV-1 vehicles in their taxi and rental car fleets, to make accessible travel easier for wheelchair users and their friends and families this holiday season. “Mobility and accessibility can improve the quality of life, independence and mobility of all wheelchair users,” says Pat Kemp, executive vice president, Mobility Ventures. “Tips and resources can help lessen travel stress for people who use wheelchairs and their loved ones.” Air • Be sure to allow at least 90 minutes between flights to allow time to deplane -- wheelchair users are always the first to board and the last to deplane.
Train
• Protect mobility devices from damage while in flight with a cover (e.g., sleeves for wheelchair frames). • If you use a removable wheelchair cushion, bring it with you on board the airplane to be sure it is not lost or damaged. • If you need special assistance, inform the airline gate agent upon check-in.
• Accessible space and seats are available on coach, business class and first class train cars. On Amtrak for example, there are two different onboard seating options for passengers t r a v e l i n g with wheeled mobility devices, depending on the type of device. • Amtrak also has “accessible rooms” passengers with disabilities. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and should be booked 14 days in advance. • If you require a companion or an attendant while traveling, check for companion fare or discounted tickets. • Passengers who use oxygen equipment can bring the equipment
onboard trains with certain restrictions. Hotels • Look for a “guaranteed ADA” room when booking. • Check the room for any barriers at check-in. A room can be ADA compliant but that does not mean that there will not be any mobility barriers. • If you have difficulty pushing a manual chair, request a room near the elevators or on the first floor. Ground Transportation • Search for taxi or rental companies with wheelchair accessible vehicles. Visit mv-1.us/mv-1s-for-hire for an interactive map that highlights cities with MV-1 vehicles in their taxi and rental car fleets. Don’t let mobility or accessibility concerns inhibit holiday cheer. With some preparation, travel can be comfortable and stress-free. (StatePoint)
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Community Calendar
Put your life experience to work with Senior Volunteer Services. Join with many other seniors, age 50-older, who are taking time to help improve the lives of others. Literacy for Life is holding a training session for those interested in tutoring for their program. If you would like to be a Tutor for Literacy for Life, you will want to attend the next Tutor Training is Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days. SVS can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call (805) 5448740 for information or to hear about other opportunities.
United Way of San Luis Obispo County is asking for donations for its Coats for Christmas Day Program and the free Christmas dinner it provides for the less fortunate in SLO County. Now in its 19th year, the program puts together winter care packages for the county’s homeless and provides a hot home-cooked dinner on Christmas. For a $25 donation, readers can make sure homeless folks get a winter care package that includes a brand new sleeping bag, hooded sweatshirts, winter jackets, socks, underwear and toiletries, items, “that will make a tremendous dierence in helping someone through our cold, wet winters,â€? the agency said in a news release.
at: www.unitedwayslo.org. Or checks can be mailed to: PO Box 14309, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. Write “Coats for Christmas Dayâ€? on the memo line. For more information on the program call Sheri Eibschutz at (805) 594-1999. ••• The San Luis Obispo Holiday Parade is set for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in Downtown SLO. Admission is free. Come watch one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators and featuring all types of oats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers and more. For more information, see: www. visitsanluisobispocounty.com.
Donations to the Coats for Christmas Day program can be made by going to the United Way of SLO County website
the month at the Cayucos Vet’s Hall “Big Tent� (behind the closed vet’s hall). The club’s purpose “is to inform, educate, and carry on a program of self-improvement and civic welfare.� The women participate in civic projects in the community. They are having a Holiday luncheon at Indigo Moon in Cambria Tuesday, Dec. 13. Call 7721627 if you’d like to join or attend the luncheon.
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The 29th Annual Los Osos Christmas Parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 on Los Osos Valley Road from Fairchild Way to the community park at Palisades Avenue. This year’s theme is “Super Hero Christmasâ€? and entrants are encouraged to decorate and costume their employees, cars, oats or whatever else they’ll be showcasing to express their best creative ideas of a super hero Christmas. Local service clubs, families, businesses, and other organizations can sign up through Monday, Dec. 5. Entry fee is $25 and applications are available online at: http://lobpchamber.org/ events/2016-christmas-parade. Call the Chamber oďŹƒce at 528-4884 or email to: info@lobpchamber.org for more information or for a hard copy
Come out for an evening of celebration at the Elegant Christmas in the Village. Dress in your holiday best and get ready for four hours of fun. Stores will be serving food and drinks throughout the heart of Arroyo Grande Village. There will also be live music and entertainment including bagpipers and carolers. Elegant Christmas in the Village will be on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4-8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, see: www. visitsanluisobispocounty.com. ••• The Estero Bay Women’s Club invites all women from Cambria,
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The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has several special events in December. Times, dates and costs are as noted. The Botanical Garden is located in El Chorro Regional Park, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., o Hwy 1 across from Cuesta College. There’s a day use fee at the gate too. See: www.slobg.org for more information. • Kids Garden Cooking Class 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Plant, harvest, and cook at the Children’s Garden. Kids 6-older will learn a fun seasonal recipe. Cost is $5 per child. • Lecture on Ancient Andean agriculture with Amalia Escobar Galpert of Peru from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Cost is $10 public and $5 garden members. Discover ancient Andean agriculture practices for sustainable agriculture in harmony with the natural world. Followed at 2 by a wine reception and free Garden tour. Call 541-1400 Ext. 303 for information.
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Cayucos will start celebrating Christmas with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony set for 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 on Ocean Avenue at D Street. Free admission. Join community leaders in caroling and lighting the town Christmas tree. Then on Saturday, Dec. 10, merchants along Ocean Avenue will hold their 11th Annual Open House. Free horse drawn carriage rides, children’s activities, tree lighting, strolling carolers and a visit from Santa Claus. Holiday shopping with gift ideas, special oers, giveaways, refreshments and entertainment. Free. •••
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Cayucos, Los Osos and Morro Bay, to join their organization, which meets the second Tuesday of
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Nominations are being taken now for the Ingrid Reti Literary Award, this year for essay writing. Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, and the Reti Family, and the contest is open to all SLO County residents 18-older. There is $1,000 in prize money available to the top finishers. Information and guidelines for applying are posted online at: artsobispo.org/ingrid-retiliterary-award, click on the “Documents & Links” button, or by emailing Lori Lerian at: programs@artsobispo.org, or call (805) 544-9251. Applications are also available at ARTS Obispo Office, 1123 Mill St. SLO. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 20 and the winner(s) will be announced in March. ••• It’s time for the Pismo Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy an evening including fresh snow, bounce houses, crafts, music and cookie decorating. In addition, kids will have the chance to visit and take a picture with Santa. The Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting Ceremony goes from 5:30-8 p.m., with the tree lighting set for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. This is a free and family-fun event. For more information, call (805) 773-7063 or see: www. classiccalifornia.com.
the judging stage banner. Awards will be for Best of Theme, Best Musical entry, Best Entry on Foot, Best Entry on Wheels, Best Animals Entry and Judges’ Favorite. The Bay Osos Kiwanis Club will have a pre-parade pancake breakfast at the Bear Valley Garage on LOVR. Following the parade the 11th Annual Need ‘n Wishes Fundraiser sale benefitting the Maxine Lewis Memorial Homeless Shelter will be held at the South Bay Community Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit with Santa, shop at Santa’s toy and gift store and help raise money to support the less fortunate folks in our communities. They’ll have a silent auction, holiday raffle, free cookies and refreshments, a bake sale and live entertainment all day. Bring your spare change to help fill their 5-gallon donation jug. Free admission and they take cash, check or credit card for purchases. Sponsored by People Helping People of Los Osos, and benefitting The Maxine Lewis homeless shelter in SLO, Transitional Food and Shelter, and The SLO Noor Center, (a free health clinic for the uninsured). There’ll be lots of fun all day. For more information call 528-5800. ••• Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., will host an evening of candlelight caroling, from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Coalesce Chapel. Free. Hot mulled cider, teas and treats will be served. All are welcome to join them in song and welcome the Yule Season.
Morro Bay Art Center is hosting its “Annual Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show,” now through Friday, Dec. 23 and featuring a collection of exceptional paintings, photography and fine crafts, spanning a variety of artistic mediums from traditional to contemporary. Crafts include fiber art, wood, glass, jewelry and more. Art Center Morro Bay is at 835 Main St. Open daily, noon-4 p.m. (Photo is “Kilpatrick House,” a watercolor by John Goodell). ••• Join the SWAP Weed Warriors from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3 for the monthly battle against weeds and erosion in the Elfin Forest in Los Osos. Home-baked cookies and new volunteers will receive a Weed Warrior badge. Dress for wind, fog, and sun. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves. Bring work gloves and a shovel. Meet at the north end of 15th Street off of Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. Don’t block driveways or mailboxes when you park. No pets. For more information call 528-0392. ••• The Gallery at the Network will present, “Farewell & Holiday Gift Show,” through the end of December. One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items made of glass, fiber, wood and ceramic, jewelry, glass and gemstones, paintings, prints, trivets and cards. This show will mark a farewell, as the owners of the gallery have said they will be closing their doors soon. •••
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St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos has a couple of special Christmas events coming up and the community is invited to attend regardless of denomination or religious beliefs. At 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 is a Christmas carol concert featuring the St. Benedict Singers. The program will include familiar carols arranged for choir, as well as lesser known pieces from a range of composers and several sing-a-longs. St. Bene’s will also hold a Blue Christmas service from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 for people who are struggling this holiday season due to loss or sadness, financial difficulties or other troubles. St. Benedict’s is at 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., across LOVR from the Los Osos Memorial Cemetery. ••• The community is invited to Calvary Lutheran Church’s Annual “Away In A Manger” open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the church, 480 Monterey Ave., in Morro Bay. The event features over 250 Nativity Scenes from all over the world. There will also be live music and refreshments. Free. Call 772-8457 for more information. ••• Encaustic artist, Flo Bartell, will show her unusual art at the SLO Museum of Art’s McMeen Gallery, 1010 Broad St., SLO from Dec. 2-Jan. 29. Now in her 70s, Bartell’s exhibit, entitled, “Bloodlines,” examines what advancing age means in her life and art. Bartell’s works add sculptural, 3-D objects like wire mesh armatures, plaster gauze, fabric, and organic matter. An opening reception is set for 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Bartell will also give an ARTalk and tour at the museum from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Free and open to the public. Admission to the SLO Museum of Art is by donations. See: www.SLOMA.org for more on the museum.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR STAFF!
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Home & Garden Fire and Fireplace Safety Tips for the Holiday Season he holiday season is full of family, friendship and good cheer, but it’s important to keep in mind that this time of year can also pose speciďŹ c safety risks, particularly around the use of candles, ďŹ re and heating products.
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this equipment in new ďŹ replace installations. As a pioneer in the ďŹ eld of ďŹ replace safety, they oer these tips:
In 2015, one home structure ďŹ re was reported every 86 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle associated with this time of year may mean you are paying less attention to safety precautions. To protect your family and home, check out these tips.
• Ensure gas ďŹ replaces are outďŹ tted with safety screens. Check out Heatilator, which oers retroďŹ t safety screens.
Safety Devices Double check all of your home’s safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms for functionality and to ensure batteries are still working. Doing so will oer you greater peace of mind during a time of year with additional ďŹ re risks. Fireplaces Nothing beats the charm and warmth
of a ďŹ replace, particularly around the holidays when the family is gathered together. Heatilator, a leader in ďŹ replace safety and the number one ďŹ replace brand used by homebuilders, began including safety screens as standard equipment more than a decade before rules required the use of
• Never leave children or pets unattended near a lit ďŹ replace or one that was recently turned o. Safety screens are meant to protect against contact with hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment -- ďŹ replaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material -- will remain hot for some time after use. • Ensure gifts, trees, and holiday dĂŠcor are all placed a safe distance
away from the ďŹ replace.
• Consider annual maintenance for both wood-burning and gas ďŹ replaces, as recommended by experts.
• Learn more by visiting heatilator. com for additional ďŹ replace safety tips and to learn about safety screens. Candles
Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major cause of accidents and house ďŹ res, especially when your home is decked out with extra combustible dĂŠcor. Don’t burn candles near curtains, trees and other ammable objects.
Never leave candles unattended. Ensure all ames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open ames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle warmers.
The greatest holiday gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. While decking the halls, take steps to make your home safer, too. (StatePoint)
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Home & Garden 5 Steps to Prep Your Home for Winter Weather
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his winter, stay ahead of frost and freezing temperatures by taking r some easy steps to get your home ready for the cold months ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, there are some quick step-by-step directions to get you in the DIY spirit.
How to seal off drafts: Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts in your home, but there are products that make sealing them simple. While product packaging often provides f instruction, online videos may be a y better resource. For instance, Duck brand provides a step-by-step tutorial for how to seal window drafts with its r Roll-On Window Kit and Heavy Duty Weatherstrip Seals, which provide tight barriers to keep warm air in and cold air out. Or, for drafty doors with d thick gaps, the Double Draft Seal easily g slides onto the bottom of doors to block unwanted chill. Visit duckbrand.com to t learn more.
How to prevent freezing pipes: Every winter there are billions of dollars in e insured losses due to burst pipes and e other winter-related damage, according e to the Insurance Information Institute. To prevent frozen pipes, it’s imperative
to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Plus, have in-ground sprinkler systems winterized, as well. You can review a quick 4-minute video at thisoldhouse.com, where experts show you how you can do this easily and efficiently. How to clean your gutters: Frozen gutters are another prime source of
snow and ice damage. Ice can accumulate on the edge of the roof and prevent melting snow from draining. That’s why it’s important to clean debris from gutters several times a year. Keep the ladder on a level surface with another person as a spotter. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself, and drop debris onto a tarp or bucket below. Flush the gutter with a hose to check for proper flow, and finally check down spouts for anything that might be lodged. How to insulate your water heater: Wrapping your water heater with an insulated blanket reduces heat loss and saves energy. It’s simple: just measure the circumference of your water heater
and cut the blanket to size. Products such like Duck brand’s Water Heater Insulation Blanket come with tape for easy installation and it’s made of nonirritating recycled cotton, not fiberglass.
How to protect outdoor items: Highwind gusts and cool temperatures can wreak havoc. Be sure to store or protect outdoor furniture and accessories. Smaller items, such as cushions, umbrellas and drained hoses, should be stored in sheds or basements. Protect larger patio furniture and grills with tarps or custom-fit covers. A roll of strong, all-weather tape, like T-Rex Tape, can fix any rips or holes you may find along the way. Unlike other tapes, it is designed to withstand harsh temperatures to hold stronger and longer, ensuring your items will be in great shape for spring grilling season. Visit trextape.com for more information.
Thanks to a plethora of online resources, weatherizing doesn’t have to seem daunting. By watching a few short videos and following some easy instructions, you can have your home ready for whatever weather winter brings. (StatePoint)
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Finances Time- and Budget- Stretching Tips for the Self-Employed
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he ability to stretch a budget can help businesses or those who are self-employed weather lean times and flourish in good periods, and being efficient with time can mean surviving a busy season with your sanity intact. But these principles can be hard to uphold. To help, here are a few tips to assist freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business owners to make more happen with existing resources.
needs is extremely useful,” says Melanie Salinas a photographer and the blogger behind “Story of Five.” Salinas, who recently partnered with Staples as part of their #MakeMoreHappen campaign to help small business owners learn about resources to help them get things done, is a frequent user of both Staples’ online hub, as well as their in-store Copy & Print center. Keep Expenses Organized
Seek Out Resources Taking care of certain logistics is easier these days, as retailers like Staples offer resources for small businesses, such as their Small Business Hub, where you can design and order business cards, print marketing flyers and posters, get invitations, announcements, calendars and brochures, many on the same day that you place the order. “When you are on a tight schedule, having one place where you can go that meets a bulk of your small business
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“Don’t mix business with pleasure. Easier said than done when you’re working from home, but it’s a must. Keep business expenses separate from family expenses,” says Salinas. It may seem like an extra step now, but you can avoid accounting headaches and help make tax time a breeze by staying organized. Good organization will also help ensure you don’t overlook expenses that could lower your taxes. Create a Workspace
If you are looking to take your business to the next level, it’s important that you have a dedicated workspace where you can get stuff done. Look to programs like Staples Rewards to get cash back on purchases, special coupons and deals. “Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom, creating a functional workspace will help you boost productivity,” says Kayla Buell, who runs “Gen Y Girl,” a Millennial career and lifestyle blog, who recommends sprucing up the area with supplies and décor that inspire and motivate you.
you want to hire you,” says Susan and William Brinson, who own a thriving photography business and blog at “House of Brinson.” “We use the weeks where we’re slow -- around the holidays for instance -- to work on promotions.” More business ideas to save time and money can be found by visiting Staples.com and by following #MakeMoreHappen on social media. Give yourself a cushion -- both on your calendar and in your wallet. Smart approaches to running your business will boost your productivity and stretch your budget. (StatePoint)
Use Time Wisely Marketing yourself or promoting your business can be tough, especially if your days are full working for existing customers and keeping your business going. “Promoting sounds like a lot of work when you’re bursting at the seams, but you have to communicate with people
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Holiday Guide
T
he Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting (the first Sunday in December) has been going on at least 30 years with varying traditions along the way. There were several years the tree was decorated by Cayucos School kids, but their ornaments fell apart when there was bad weather, so now the chamber provides weatherproof ornaments. We still do get some classes that make ornaments and we put them up. Historically the Cayucos Community Church pastor does a welcome and a church choir sings a few carols. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via fire engine with the siren going and lights flashing; it’s a sight to see! When they disembark from the fire engine, they meander along the crowd and then head to Santa’s house to visit with each visiting child. The church provides hot chocolate and cookies. The tree is purchased through a Cayucos School, which gets the trees from Washington. The Cayucos Rotary Club has purchased the community tree in the past years. The rotary, Cayucos chamber and other volunteers help set the tree up and decorate it, which requires tractor equipment. Last year the Cayucos Rotary Club funded the building of a Victorian Santa’s house, the first solid structure Cayucos has ever had for Santa. It’s authentic and absolutely beautiful, right down to the architecture, including windows, roofline, entry, and color scheme. The inside features paneling, wood floors, a fake fireplace with mantle and a train running along the wall towards the ceiling. Two brothers spearheaded the building of the project and a local interior designer designed and decorated the house. The house is stored on a ranch during the rest of the year. We have an awesome Santa. He really spends time with the kids and makes their visits personal. The Christmas Open House (second Saturday in December) was started 9 years ago by Gina Spencer, current chamber board member and past owner of Lady Spencer Fine Gifts. She wanted to create an opportunity for merchants to show-
case their businesses by staying open late one day during the holiday season. This would also allow for community members and visitors to do their Christmas shopping on a Saturday evening. She also created a Wishbook, a pamphlet that listed the businesses that would be open and what they had going on; for example: discounts, raffles, specials, giveaways, refreshments, entertainment, etc. That way people could see if they wanted to go anywhere in particular. It was a great success in its first year and continues to be a great event not only for the merchants, but it also brings the community together. It’s so nice to see people mingling on the street and enjoying each other and the town. Over the years we have also incorporated the Morro Bay trolley and horse carriage rides. These have been a big hit and it’s free for people to take rides along Ocean Avenue. Sponsorships and the chamber of commerce cover the costs for these. The chamber looks to the Christmas Open House as a means to create community goodwill and it certainly does. The Cayucos Garden Club also gives out decoration awards. There is a winner for outdoor decorating and for indoor decorating. Some storefronts have so little
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152 N Ocean Ave 805-995-1232
Remember When Too 36 N Ocean Ave 805-995-2074
Join us for refreshments & choose a gift form under our Christmas tree
Keeping Christ in Christmas Christmas Eve Service, 6-7pm
Downtown 1 N. Ocean Ave.
Docent Guided - much to observe and learn.
995-3681
Meet at the windmill a mile or so north of Cayucos at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10.
Check out the lovely treasures throughout the shop for your Christmas needs!
South 3rd at Ocean Ave Every Sunday, 10am
Holiday Guide • December 1 - 14, 2016 •
25
area to decorate outside and we have encouraged them to decorate inside. There is also an award for a residence. The Cayucos Church has carolers during the Open House who walk along Ocean Avenue and also ride in the trolley. They’re super fun. Several businesses do extra fun things. We’ve seen fire acts, face painting, various types of bands, instrumental music, cookie decorating, the Grinch and Christmas photographs. To promote the event, work with chamber members, put up posters, give postcards to merchants to pass on to their customers, advertise in the paper, post the event on several websites and have a chat with Dave Congalton on his radio show. This year we’re adding a 3rd Santa night.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Holiday Guide
1RZ 6HUYLQJ Almond Milk Soft Serve or Our Famous Real Fruit Sorbet Daily! +RPH RI WKH
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Holiday Guide
By Sharyl Heber
M
ax and I risk the Vermont Mountains. The delight of snowfall should enchant like Currier and Ives, but the bare Maple forests loom, macabre against the gray sky. Had we gone to Buffalo, we’d be belting out Motown and Broadway. Instead, a gothic Poe-like death knell peels. Our collie, Pru, snores in the back seat. We arrive. I steel myself. “Where the hell have you been?� is her holiday greeting. Max’s mother, Grace— a catastrophic error in nomenclature. “We already started,� her wine glass sloshing, “if you can call this dinner.� I offer my bean casserole. “It’s cold,� Grace snaps. Back in October his sensible brother and sister booked hotel rooms early. I knew then the burden would be ours. “We’ll stay with your mother,� I told him. I can survive two days. We seat ourselves mid-siege. To brother, Grace blasts: his lame career and strumpet wife. To sister: never marriage material with that girth. To all: we’re one colossal letdown. Pru’s head turns with every volley. I find a break in the barrage and stand, clink-
ing my knife on the faux crystal glass to command their attention. “We have news,� I say. “Christmas Eve seems a perfect time to tell. Max and I are having a baby.� Grace eyes my stomach and slurs, “That’s why you’re so fat.� “Due in June,� Max says. “A little girl.� Grace watches the conversation brighten with congratulations from the siblings and she jumps in quick. “Well, I’m giving birth to hemorrhoids.� Then, through a mouth full of yams, she lambasts her gay neighbors and all candyass liberals. I bring up the new light display in town, but can’t seem to extricate us. A tirade on her worthless dead husband prevails. Max winces at the shredding of his gentle father. One hour in, his sister checks her watch, feigns stomach cramps and makes a hasty exit. His brother and wife chime in unison, “we’d best get back to the kids,� and follow her out. “I haven’t even had my damn pie!� Grace shouts. She glares, daring us to leave. We stay seated. She knocks her wine glass over, then stumbles up to bed.
Max and I stack the dishes. They’ll keep till morning. Grace will explode at the sight of them, but she’d be ranting on some other disappointment anyway. Upstairs in Max’s childhood room, we shove beds together and get as close as we can without falling between. I sneak Pru in next to me. Grace relegated her to the screen porch, but it’s thirty degrees out there. “Merry Christmas,� Max tells me. We both grin in the dark. “You’re my favorite surprise,� he whispers and kisses me. We’re careful not to let the bedsprings screech as we touch. I stroke his face and tell him with my fingertips that I thank every god in every religion for the gift of him. Pru snuggles in with a contented canine sigh. I think on Grace and can’t imagine not feeling appreciative for at least one thing in life. What a prison—the drip, drip of acid eroding her soul. Max wipes tears from his eyes. “We won’t be doing this again,� he promises. It cripples him every year. Interventions and compassion combust like kerosene on Grace’s rage. “Healthy boundaries are a gift,� I say, kissing his neck. “And, gratitude, the
greatest gift of all.� I inhale the healing power of that notion as Max puts his hand on the swell of my belly. Our baby will always know that we thank the moon and stars for her every breath. Sharyl Heber is a novelist, screenwriter and poet. She has served as the Director of the SLO NightWriters Golden Quill writing competition and as judge for the SLO Coastal School District student writing competition. She has won awards of her own for prose and poetry, including First Place in Short Fiction in the 2016 Central Coast Writers Conference Contest. Sharyl is a member of SLO NightWriters and has served on their Board of Directors— For writers at all levels in all genres, find them online at slonightwriters.org.
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Holiday Guide • December 1 - 14, 2016 •
O
n top of the everyday stress of life, the holiday season can be one of the most hectic times of year. Unfortunately, all this additional stress can take its toll on the body, mind and soul.
home massage cushion that can be used daily as a self-care tool. For a stylish option that won’t get buried in the closet and forgotten, check out M Cushion, which looks like a stylish designer pillow, but actually offers four shiatsu massage nodes, soothing heat and comforting memory foam.
For those you love, make the holidays and beyond brighter with these gift ideas that help promote rest and relaxation, while alleviating tension, stress and anxiety.
“I use it to relieve my body aches after a busy day providing massage services to my clients,” says West. More information can be found at mcushion.com.
Yoga Class Yoga is associated with a wealth of health benefits, including stress reduction. For seasoned yogis, consider assisting loved ones with their practice. Great yoga accessories and gear, or a gift certificate to a favorite studio would be much appreciated. For newbies, you might want to start smaller with a pass to one or two classes. Any Time Massage “The medical community increasingly views massage as a necessary tool for achieving optimal health, not just as
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Meal-Kit Service
an extravagance,” says Randi N. West, a licensed massage therapist. “And everyone — from desk workers to active individuals to moms who often report back pain from lifting children — can benefit from massage therapy in terms of injury prevention and improved exercise performance.”
Drones and RC Trucks
free wrapping In celebration of the Holiday season we offer FREE wrapping for your packages. (While supplies last.)
Pinewood Derby Pinewood Derby is racing fast! Stop by for your Pinewood Derby cars and supplies
January is National Hobby month Free weekly events—stay tuned
Designated “Toys for tots” drop off location *Loyalty Rewards Program* During these festive months Make your purchases count and earn rewards
805-334-3348 1070 Los Osos Valley Road | Los Osos
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Research suggests the benefits of massage include reduced muscle tension, stress and pain; and an increase in serotonin and dopamine. But regular massage therapy can be expensive and time-consuming. Give a gift that keeps on giving with an at-
Busy work weeks can mean scrambling around in the evening to put dinner on the table. Your gift recipients may find themselves resorting to pizza delivery more often than they like. To help take the stress out of healthy weekday dinners, consider gifting a meal-kit plan to someone you love. This holiday season, look to healthy gifts that can help reduce stress in the lives of people you care about. (StatePoint)
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wonderful find if you are looking for fresh food and something off the beaten track where the “Locals” love to eat while looking over the Back Bay. A restaurant with a casual dinning experience, great home cooked food from the farm and the sea. Homemade desserts are a must try. Open 7 days a week for lunch featuring fish and chips, soups, salads, sandwiches and some Mexican items. Try our dinners served Thursday through Sunday featuring fresh seafood items as well as tri tip, hamburgers, pastas and more…Dog friendly heated patio too! Hours: MTW 11-5pm, Thur&Sat 11-8:30pm, Fri&Sat 11-9pm. Located in the Morro Bay Marina directly across the road from Morro Bay State Park Campground at #10 State Park Road in Morro Bay! 805-772-1465 Baysidecafe. com
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flavors ranging from the decadent chocolate Motor Oil to the sinful Merlot Raspberry Truffle, plus all your classic favorites! Highest quality, handcrafted ice creams made on-site. A must-see for ice cream lovers! www. docburnsteins.com
DEL’S PIZZERIA & Italian Restaurant has been serving classic comfort cuisine on the Central Coast since 1973. Family owned and operated and a must stop dining institution! Our sizzling sauces are slow roasted for hours with the finest ingredients. Try our famous New York style pizza, calzones, bodacious bread rolls, our legendary Lasagna, Fettucini Alfredo or Spaghetti and Meat Balls. Vegetarian and gluten free options available. Four craft beers on tap, ten local wines by the glass, and an award winning, modestly priced bottle list. Our historic location just off the 101 freeway features a redwood bar with two screens, romantic ocean view tables for two, and larger seating areas that are perfect for families and large groups. Open for dine in, take out and delivery from 4pm to close Monday-Friday, and for both lunch and dinner from noon to 10 pm on weekends. We are located at 401 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, CA. 93449. Give us a call at 805.773.443
DISCOVERY DINING Spend less for dining out! Discovery Dining is the best dining and entertainment coupon book available. The 2016 edition includes over 400 “Buy One Get One FREE” meals at local restaurants and special dollar off coupons at wineries, hotels and other businesses serving the Central Coast. Call 805-241-DINE ( 8 0 5 - 2 4 1 - 3 4 6 3 ) to order your book today!
LOLO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Great Mexican food, served in a warm and friendly atmosphere at a reasonable price. Reservations and credit cards gladly accepted. Daily drink and food specials and patio dining. Brunch, lunch, and dinner served 7 days a week 10:00 to 9:00 pm. Located at 2848 N. Main St., Morro Bay • (805) 772-5686
POPPY has been delighting customers for 18 years. Located on Morro Bay’s Embarcadero, we offer a vast selection of casual but stylish clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, soaps, candles and many wonderful gift items. Poppy is the “go to” shop for locals of the central coast and visitors from far and near. Wed love to meet you, so come on down and experience shopping at it’s “funnest”! Open everyday 10-6 pm. 911 Embarcadero, Morro Bay 805/771-9750
RALPH & DUANES Live Music & BBQ Sunday’s: 106 W. Branch St, Arroyo Grande 4812871 • wwwralphandduanes.com
Sweet Potato Latkes Serves 6
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THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT!
Ingredients WINE CASE SPECIALS
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated 2 or 3 Yukon gold potatoes, coarsely grated, unpeeled 2 scallions, finely chopped 1/3 cup matzo meal or all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon ginger
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Stir together potatoes, scallions, matzo meal, eggs, cumin, ginger cardamom, salt and pepper. Heat some of the coconut oil in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, spoon 1/8 cup potato mixture per latke into oil and flatten with a slotted spatula. Reduce heat to moderate and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat adding oil as needed, until all batter is used. Transfer latkes with spatula to wire rack sitting over paper towels on a rimmed cookie sheet to drain. If serving right away, keep cooked latkes warm in a 250° oven while frying the rest. Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche or sour cream and sprinkled chives or caviar. If you are making earlier in the day, they can be kept covered at room temperature and reheated in a 375° oven to serve. Alternately cooked latkes can be frozen on a cookie sheet and then transferred to plastic bags. Reheat at 375° for about 10 minutes. Watch closely to see they don’t get too dark and crispy. Note: I use a shredding disk in my food processor to grate the sweet potatoes and use a box grater to grate the gold potatoes if they are real small. It makes the process really quick and easy! Kathleen Snyder is a food caterer, educator and blogger currently partnering with Talley Farms Fresh Harvest CSA providing recipes showcasing their produce. She is a San Luis Obispo County Yelp Elite reviewer and also writes reviews on Delish-Dish.com for restaurants all over the world. www.delish-dish.com
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Âź teaspoon cumin
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Holiday Guide
A
s most holiday hosts know, it’s not unheard-of to spend the majority of your party in the kitchen, while guests laugh together down the hall.
ration? One easy way to serve these home favorites without spending all day near the oven is by picking up a ready-to-serve, premium option locally. Classic options like those from HoneyBaked Ham come spiral sliced so they are effortless to serve. Their handcrafted, premium meats are smoked over blended hardwood chips and finished with a sweet, crunchy glaze, giving flavors that are evocative of happy holiday memories and home cooking.
But preparing in advance can help you reduce stress, have more time to make the moments special and still serve a delicious meal. Here are a few hosting hints to make this holiday the best yet. Snappy Sides Make sides in a cinch by doing any chopping, slicing or mixing in advance of the day of your party. Certain sides can even be prepped ahead and popped in the oven just before the guests arrive. Or, consider making your party a potluck festivity. This way, everyone pitches in on the food, which leaves you time to mine Pinterest
for simple DIY holiday décor ideas that are sure to draw more than a few wows. Main Course The centerpiece of your celebra-
tion, the ham or turkey, shouldn’t involve a ton of work or preparation. When your guests have traveled from all over, why not treat them (and yourself) to a little taste of home that provides the perfect presentation and effortless prepa-
The brand also offers ready-made sides, like green bean casserole and herb stuffing, as well as cakes, pies and other desserts, which could potentially mean one-stop shopping for you. And, while shopping in-store, you can join HoneyBaked Ham in supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation by donating to help our nation’s first responders.
Indulge in a seaside vacation in
Morro Bay
Morro Bay Jewelers Celebrates
The 12 Days of Christmas with a Special Offer Everyday! December 1st-12th 1 10 customers receive free item 2 20-30%off entire stock 3 Free loop with purchase 4 All pearls 30% off 5 5th customer free item ϐ ̈́ͷǤͲͲ ϐ 8 12th customer free item ͻ 10 20-30% off entire store 11 Free watch battery ͳʹ ϐ
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6O STATE PARK RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE now serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! Book your next meeting, conference, or party at our event venue. Serving up to 250 people with catering options! Contact us for our Special Tours and Packages!
innatmorrobay.com 60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442 | (805) 772-5651
Holiday Guide • December 1 - 14, 2016 •
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Affordable, Comfortable, Stylish Clothing for All Ages
DIY Drinks All too often, hosts get bogged down fixing drinks for guests as they arrive. Avoid this conundrum by setting up a DIY drink station. You may consider making a signature drink in advance and serving it in a beverage dispenser or punch bowl, or giving guests a few cocktail suggestions on a placard.
a hot chocolate bar that includes marshmallows, peppermints and whipped cream topping options. Ask adults to help their children serve themselves. You don’t have to get sidelined in the kitchen at your holiday gathering in order to serve a home style feast. With a few smart strategies, you can be both the host of the party and the life of it. (StatePoint)
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Prices Are Born Here And Raised Elsewhere
Peace On Earth? By Susan K. Boyd MS, MFT
T
he phrase, “Peace on earth and good will toward men,â€? comes from the traditional Christmas story, as angels announced, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This was good news in very bad times. We are having bad times in our nation, today, and in our world. We have such divisions and political turmoil, right here at home. But maybe we can, each, show some good will toward one another, bringing peace to those in our own sphere of inuence, this holiday season. Here are a few dos and don’ts, 10 easy tips, to bring a little more peace on earth and good will in your neck of the woods:
1 honk your horn when 2-Don’t someone sits too long at a stoplight. say please and thank you to 3-Do clerks, servers and coee baristas. avoid smiling at people when 4-Don’t you shop. That’s a gift they need. tip more money. Servers still 5-Do get taxed as if they actually got 15%! -Do take your kids to pick out gifts, for ‘Toys for Tots,’ donations.
Therre’ss No Time Like Now to Plan Your Future.
6
-Don’t complain to the person, in line, behind you, about a sales clerk. -Do open doors, 7Happy and tell others Holidays or
To ďŹ nd out how to get your ďŹ nancial goals on track, contact your Edward Jones ďŹ nancial advisor today.
Merry Christmas! - D o n ’ t 8 underestimate what you mean to loved ones; call or go visit.
"
9 Facebook.
-Do keep posting, positive comments and pictures on
-Don’t forget to visit friends in 10 nursing homes; you are their gift! These are all small gestures of good will. But wouldn’t it be wonderful, if people left their politics to the politicians, for a time, and reached out to help one another, believing in one another? Maybe then, we could celebrate together, and help each other experience a little of that ‘peace on earth’. Susan K. Boyd is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in SLO. She can be reached for counseling at (805) 7829800 or by email: sbcare@aol.com. Also see www.susankboydmft.com.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Health & Wellness Rehab like Basketball MVP Stephen Curry By Michele S Jang, PT
S
tephen “Steph” Curry, the talented Golden State Warrior basketball point guard and 2 time consecutive MVP once thought his career was over due to an extremely unstable right ankle which kept getting sprained. As a rookie in 2011, Steph Curry had his first surgery to reconstruct ligaments in the right ankle, in an attempt to give him stability. Following surgery, he continued to play basketball that season but sprained his ankle 5 times in just 26 games. This led to a second surgery. While undergoing rehabilitation from the second surgery, a discouraged Curry said he felt as if he’d been rehabbing his ankle forever and that his career might be over. Steph returned to playing in 2012, but he wasn’t the same. Fearful of spraining the ankle again, he now played very tentatively and his game suffered. In 2013 however, the Golden State Warriors brought in a new performance trainer who decided to focus not on strengthening Steph’s right ankle, but rather take the focus
away from the ankles and towards another part of Steph’s body….his hips. Steph’s rehab changed to building his glutes, and improving hamstring, core and back strength. They incorporated single leg exercises to build balance but combined building of hip and back strength simultaneously. The results were outstanding. Now Steph makes 3 pointers from half court look easy. He has scored the most 3 pointers in a season in the history of the NBA. This concept of focusing on the hips is critical and is embraced by our team at Spirit Winds. I love sharing Steph’s story with clients who come in with knee, ankle or foot problems. I let them know that they are being trained with the same concept as Steph Curry. The stronger you are in your hips, particularly your glutes, hamstring
stubborn knee, ankle or foot problem that won’t go away, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to help guide you in your rehab and train you like Steph Curry!
core, t h e less taxed your knees, ankles and feet will be. This concept applies no matter what age you are. We have seniors as well as kids rehabbing using this concept. Repetition and attention to correct form within one’s ability is emphasized. So if you are suffering from a
Michele S Jang, PT is a physical therapist who likes to look outside the box. A physical therapist for over 22 years, she has extensive training in manual therapy or the use of hands to help rehabilitate the body. Michele has taught both in the United States and abroad. Her clinic, Spirit Winds, has a team of therapists which offers an array of expertise on exercise, fall prevention, foot and shoe assessments, body mechanics and proper breathing technique to increase awareness and healing. Spirit Winds offers Free Consults on Tuesday afternoons. Call 805 543-5100 or info@spiritwindstherapy.com.
Make sure your smile shines like the sun!
Is your drinking getting in the way? Why not give Alcoholics Anonymous a try? For meeting times and locations or for more information, in San Luis Obispo County call (805) 541-3211 Toll Free (855) 541-3288 www.sloaa.org
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Sports Shorts
The Power That Made The Body Can Heal The Body... Accurate chiropractic helps the body to communicate with itself in an integrated way.
By Michael Elliott Local Focal Point- A lot has to be said for the Cal Poly football team and the season that is now behind it. That being said, let’s say it. Head coach Tim Walsh’s gridiron grapplers had a positive season even though it ended on a negative note. The Mustangs played perhaps one of the most daunting of schedules in all of college football, relevant to their division, and posted a respectable 7-5 won-loss record. An overtime loss right out of the gate to Nevada on the road and the scintillating 42-41 victory at home versus FCS stalwart Montana were truly indicative of the grit and determination of this Cal Poly team that qualiďŹ ed for the FCS playos. The Mustangs had whipped up on their playo opponent, the University of San Diego, back in week two by a score of 38-16 and were naturally exuding supreme conďŹ dence going into the playo match. However, on a slick and sloppy turf at home at Alex G. Spanos Stadium the ‘Stangs were turned back 35-21. Poly’s three-pronged rushing attack was very formidable this year as Joe Protheroe, Kori Garcia and Dano Graves bludgeoned defenseless defenses and became the #1 rushing oense in the FCS. Quite the feat for those feet. Going to hang the green and gold stocking out now and hope that Santa delivers a bit more defense and a more proliďŹ c passing game to next year’s team. Keep riding high Mustangs as SLO County and the Central Coast are proud of you. Only The Strong Survive- But not this one! The University of Texas jettisoned head football coach Charlie Strong from its program after Strong’s Longhorns produced an abysmal 16-21 record over his three-year stint in Austin. From the moment Strong was hired he had detractors and they seemed to multiply as the years dragged on. As the losses piled up they piled on. The worst kept secret in the land was that University of Houston head coach Tom Herman was being wooed in the wings and that winsome wooing began oozing
out of Texas at the beginning of this football season. Poor ‘ol Charlie didn’t stand a chance. As much as his players tried to rally around their beleaguered coach it was going to be for naught in the end, as his Longhorns just didn’t have the horses to run with the big boys of college football. As soon as the clock ran out on their ďŹ nal game it ran out on Charlie Strong as well as the announcement came that Strong was ďŹ red and Herman was hired. But on a positive note for Charlie, he will be walking away with 10-plus million pesos for being terminated before his contract expired. Now, that Strong will survive! Just Wondering- Speaking of, just wondering if any of you out there have ever heard the song “Only The Strong Surviveâ€? recorded by one Jerry Butler? Didn’t think so. Howz ‘bout “Coming On Strongâ€? by Brenda Lee? The USC Trojans obviously have turned an ear to the latter as they are most certainly coming on strong, having won eight games in a row and are moving up the charts with a bullet. Just wondering why in the world author›s names are printed much larger than their book titles on front covers. Must be an ego thing. Just wondering how way cool it is that the University of Colorado in Boulder has goal posts that break down in easy fashion so that students can storm the ďŹ eld and not destroy the posts, as they did in the #9 Bualoes recent victory over Utah which sent them directly to the PAC12 championship game versus Washington. Just wondering why in the dickens Parade magazine has to be so very tiny nowadays and, more importantly, why does it have to be so frustratingly buried in and amongst the Sunday comics and adds? Just wondering if San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick even knows what a rampart is. Do you? Just wondering if you want to stu Michael’s stocking at sportshsorts8@gmail.com
Mark L. Monnin,
D.C.
CHIROPRACTOR
Los Osos Family Chiropractic (805) 528-3246 2122 Ninth Street Suite 110, Los Osos
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Framed Those Who Wait By PhotoByVivian.com
D
edicated to “those who wait” the sculpture by Morro Rock and the harbor entrance commissioned by the Central Coast Women for Fisheries is a location where many have watched and waved goodbye to fishermen as they have headed out to sea. It is a tribute to fishermen’s families who are raising their children and alone while their partners are away at sea. The sculpture’s artist is Elizabeth MacQueen.
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Experience Holistic Physical Therapy
Surf’s Up! Back Home By RunAmuck Photography www.runamuckphotography.com
“My hand and neck pain has decreased considerably. The exercises in therapy and practiced at home are helping me improve my posture and body mechanics. ‘Hands-on’ therapy and low level lasers are very helpful.” –Barbara, SLO
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10:01 12:18 1:08 2:01 2:54 3:43 4:26 5:07 5:46 6:25 7:06 7:48 8:32 9:17
5.5 3.7 3.7 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.6 5.0 5.5 5.9 6.4 6.7 6.9 6.8
--(10:35 (11:13 (11:58 12:55 2:10 3:38 5:04 6:21 7:28 8:28 9:23 10:17 11:10
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Entertainment
The SLO Little Theatre presents A Christmas Story and The Santaland Diaries this December! A Christmas Story is based on the beloved 1983 motion picture, which follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. The Santaland Diaries is a remarkable one-man show based on the true chronicles of David Sedaris’s experiences as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This cult classic riffs on a few of Sedaris’ truly odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch. A Christmas Story runs December 3 through 23 with performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Santaland Diaries runs December 9 through 17 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $35. All performances take place at the SLO Little Theatre, 888 Morro Street in San Luis Obispo. For tickets and more information, call 805-786-2440 or visit www.slolittletheatre.org. The Allan Hancock College Concert Band will perform their Annual Christmas Concert on FRIDAY evening, December 2, at 7:30PM. The concert will feature an eclectic mix of arrangements including: The Star Spangled Banner, Sleigh Ride, Israeli Fantasy, A Fireside Christmas, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Fum Fum Fum, A Christmas Festival, A Canadian Brass Christmas and Christmas Sing-A-Long. This is a free concert with no tickets and open to the general public. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2 at the First Baptist Church, 2970
Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria, CA. For more information regarding the Hancock College Concert Band or this concert, please call (805) 922-6966, extension 3252.
The SLO Little Theatre presents A Christmas Story and The Santaland Diaries this December! A Christmas Story is based on the beloved 1983 motion picture, which follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on
his Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. The Santaland Diaries is a remarkable one-man show based on the true chronicles of David Sedaris’s experiences as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This cult classic riffs on a few of Sedaris’ truly odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch. A Christmas Story runs December 3 through 23 with performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Santaland Diaries runs December 9 through 17 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $35. All performances take place at the SLO Little Theatre, 888 Morro Street in San Luis Obispo. For tickets and more information, call 805-786-2440 or visit www.slolittletheatre.org.
The Cuesta College Theater Department will stage, “The Emma Peel Game,” at the CP_AC’s Experimental Stage on the Hwy 1 campus. Performances are set for 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4 and 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 9-11. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.cpactickets.cuesta.edu. The Emma Peel Show is a rock ‘n’ roll show inspired by the underground punk movement. Set in Oakland Calif., waterfront district, the show is part musical and part mystery thriller. It features live, punk rock and death metal music, skateboarding, and a mosh pit.
SLO Folks is bringing Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter to town for a 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 show at Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. Tickets are $20 a person and available at the bookstore, or call 772-2880. Lynne and Frankfurter are multiinstrumentalists playing such exotic instruments as Celtic Harps, Swedish Nyckelharpa, Ukrainian Bandura,
Bouzouki, Cittern and more. Hailing from San Francisco, the duo have long careers in rock music and have played with some of the biggest names in folk and acoustic music. See: www.slofolks. org. For more information on the band.
Suspended Motion Aerial Arts’ Winter Showcase is set for 7-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3 at the at studio, 207 Suburban Rd., San Luis Obispo. Tickets at the door are $15 adults, $10 students, seniors and children, and are free for kids under-3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Aerialists will perform aerial dances on silk, lyra, rope and other cirque-style apparatuses.
Kerry Irish Productions presents An Irish Christmas at the Clark Center Arroyo Grande. The production features the extraordinary coming together of two of the greatest dancers in the modern world of Irish dance. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, traditional singing and authentic Irish traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. An Irish Christmas, as seen on PBS, features an award-winning cast of Irish dancers in a memorable night of family entertainment that sparkles with the charm and magic that only this festive time of year can bring. The performance will be on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Tickets range from $36 to $48 and are on sale now! For tickets and more information, call 805-489-9444 or visit www.clarkcenter.org.
No holiday season is complete without a visit to The Holiday Extravaganza, playing now through December 31 at the Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville in Oceano. The annual production features the timeless classic A Christmas Carol, Snow White and
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November 24th 1–4pm the Four (Don’t Ask) Dwarves and ends in a vaudeville. Who else but the Melodrama can bring you Ebenezer Scrooge, Snow White, and Rappin’ Reindeer all in one evening? Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, be sure to add The Holiday Extravaganza to holiday wish list. Tickets are $22 and $25, with discounts available for seniors, students, active military, and children. For more information and to purchase tickets or passes, call the Melodrama Box Office at 805-4892499, or visit their website at www. americanmelodrama.com.
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The Red Barn Community Music Series presents Jim Kweskin and Geoff Muldaur in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 in Los Osos. Cost is $20 at the door and the night starts at 5 p.m. with a potluck supper and potluck band. Bring a dish to share, place settings and BYOB. Kweskin and Muldaur are masters of old-time roots and acoustic blues music. Combining a loose, good-time feel with astonishing musicianship, they make old songs feel quirky, hip, and new. See: http://jimkweskin.com or www.geoffmuldaur.com/index.html
Classic Turkey Stuffing Herb Gravy Caramelized Butternut Squash Soup Cheesy Broccoli-Bacon Casserole Honey Glazed Carrots & Pearl Onions Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Parmesean & Balsamic Syrup Fresh Cranberry Sauce Fresh Mixed Green Salad Station
Cal Poly’s Music Department will present a lecture-recital on Aaron Copeland’s “Twelve Songs of Emily Dickenson” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Davidson Music Center (Rm. 218 of Bldg. 45) on campus. Admission is $5 at the door. The event is sponsored by Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts and Music Department. The event will feature soprano, Katherine Arthur, pianist Paul Woodring and guest lecturer, Mary Kay Harrington.
Assorted Fresh Rolls Sweet Potato Crumble Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream Country Apple Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream Assorted Mini Pastries Fresh Fruit & Berries Please call for reservations
Cal Poly a cappella ensemble, Take It SLO, will present its Annual Holiday Concert at 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in Rm. 218 in the Davidson Music Center (Bldg. 45) on campus. Cost is $7 at the door. The 17-member ensemble will perform a variety of songs to raise the holiday spirit, plus some new works and old favorites, and featuring student arrangements. The group’s members represent a variety of majors on campus.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Entertainment well as time-honored favorites. St. Bene’s is at 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., across from Los Osos Valley Cemetery off LOVR.
pop classics like, “Moondance,” jazz/funk arrangements like, “Fowl Play,” and contemporary jazz like Pat Metheny’s “See the World.” Sponsored by Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts, Music Department and Instructionally Related Activities Program.
Baywood Park rock ‘n’ roll band, Back Bay Betty, will play D’Anbino Cellars, 710 Pine St., in Paso Robles from 8-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Cost is $10 at the door. The band is in the midst of recording live music and advises folks to wear their dancing shoes and call 2276800 for reservations. See: www. backbaybetty.com for more on the band’s future shows.
Hoapili Productions is bringing award-winning Hawaiian music stars, Kupaoa, for a “Hawaiian Christmas Concert,” at St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $20 a person and available online at: www. santamariahula.org or call (805) 8786793. Seating is limited and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kupaoa is a husbandwife duo, Kellen and Lihau Paik, who perform original Hawaiian music as
Cal Poly’s University Jazz Bands will present their Annual Fall Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 in Spanos Theatre on the Cal Poly Campus. Tickets are $14 for the public and $9 for students and Jazz Federation members and are available in advance at the PAC Box Office, Mondays-Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Call 756-4849 or order online at: www.calpolyarts.org. The concert features two big bands and a pair of combos and tunes will include standards like, “Fly Me to the Moon,”
The San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation is bringing back the Dave Becker All-star Quintet for an encore performance set for 7:30
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Unity Concert Hall, 1130 Orcutt Rd., SLO. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for Jazz Fed members and $10 students, and available online at: BrownPaperTickets.com and BooBoo Records in Downtown SLO. Doors open at 7 p.m. Titled, “A Night at Birdland,” the show is “straight ahead, full throttle jazz reminiscent of the Horace Silver and Art Blakey groups of the Blue Note Era.” Multiple-reed player, Becker, and Bob Bennett on trumpet form the front live backed by Marshall Otwell, piano, Dylan Johnson, bass and Darrell Voss on drums.
The Cal Poly Choirs will present the annual holiday spectacular, “A Christmas Celebration” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Performing Arts Center on campus. $14 and $18 for the public, and $9 and $14 for students, and are available in advance at the PAC Box Office, Mondays-Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Call 756-4849 or order online at: www.calpolyarts.org. PolyPhonics, the University Singers and the Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble will perform holiday favorites and new works under the direction of music professor,
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The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble presents A Holiday Choral Concert for the whole family
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The Cal Poly Symphony, joined by pianist, W. Terrence Spiller, will play its Fall Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly. Tickets are $12 and $14 for the public, and $9 and $12 for students and are available in advance at the PAC Box Office, Mondays-Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Call 756-4849 or order online at: www.calpolyarts.org. Spiller will perform Sergei Rachmaninov’s, “Piano Concerto No. 1 in F sharp minor.” The symphony will perform Antonín Dvořák’s, “Symphony No. 8 in G major.” Show sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, Music Department and Instructionally Related Activities Program.
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Thomas Davies. The Cal Poly Brass Ensemble, conducted by Christopher J. Woodruff, will accompany the performances. Cal Poly staffers, Susan Azaret Davies and Paul Woodring, will accompany the choirs and play solos on piano and organ. Repertoire includes, Healey Willan’s “Hodie, Christus natus est” (“Today Christ Is Born”), Hans Leo Hassler’s “Dixit Maria” (“Mary Said”), and William Mathias’ “Sir Christèmas,” along with popular Christmas Carols.
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The Pewter Plough Playhouse will present, “Clue — The Musical,” weekends in December. Tickets are $25 a person with a special New Year’s Eve show and dinner in the Harmony Café for $120 a person and $230 a couple. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, through the end of December. Call the Box Office for reservations at 927-3877 or see: www.pewterploughplayhouse.org. The show is based on the Parker Brothers Board Game. Join Mr. Boddy of Boddy Manor and an intrepid detective, as they untangle — with help from the audience — the clues to discover the suspect, weapon, and location of a murder. Directed by Kelli Howard and starring Travis Horton, Toni Young, Jesse Waddell, Joseph Whittington, Debora Schwartz, Sarah Smith, Cika P. Cook, Azaria Johnson, and Rick Bruce.
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ninth annual production of “Babes in Toyland,” at the Clark Center, FridaySunday, Dec. 2-4. This captivating ballet features CCYB’s youth company dancers, and a support cast of over 60 young performers. Together with several adult guest roles, the cast spends the fall rehearsing for this popular holiday show under the leadership of Molly McKiernan, Artistic Director. Tickets are $30 adults, seniors $25, and $18 children-youth. Special corporate/non-profit group pricing. For more information about Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet and Coastal Performing Arts Foundation, see: www. coastalperformingartsfoundation.org or call (805) 489-5648.
Cal Poly will present a lecturerecital of composer Aaron Copland’s music and inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poetry at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Davidson Music Center — Rm. 218 of Bldg. 45 — on campus. Cost is $5 at the door. The event features Soprano, Katherine Arthur, pianist Paul Woodring and guest lecturer, Mary Kay Harrington. Arthur said the show will “explore the inspiring genius of Dickinson’s poetry as represented in Copland’s ‘Twelve Songs of Emily Dickinson,’ a cycle of songs written for solo voice and piano.” Harrington discusses Dickinson’s life and poetry, and Arthur and Woodring will perform the music after the lecture.
EMOTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY by Vivian Krug Cotton art | event | family | pets | photo gifts commercial | real estate | business photobyvivian@gmail.com facebook.com/Emotions photobyvivian.com 805.458.3321 Come see me at the Harvest Festival Booth #144 and Enter to Win a FREE Canvas Print!
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Dinner & A Movie Flavor Factory — Delicious Comfort Food, Killer Deserts By Teri Bayus
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very now and then a strip mall is home to some of the finest fare in the culinary world and we all forgive the lack of curbside appeal and stumble past the glass store to have a meal worth trekking through an industrial park. The “Factory” in the name may lead one to believe it is a manufacturing facility, but then you try the cuisine and know that this is proper grub. We stopped first at the Flavor Factory in Morro Bay because the coconut telegraphs of dessert connoisseurs were banging loudly about the mango cheesecake and chocolate bread pudding. Dawnelle Pollard is the owner/pastry chef who has earned much fame for the quality of her desserts, especially her decadent carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Like her other half, Adam Pollard, who grinds the meats and preps in the open window every day, you can taste the love and devotion in every bite. The Flavor Factory offers two new soups daily, all savory perfection in a bowl, made even better with a wholesome ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. The pairing is a perfect comfort food, with a delectable twist of gourmet. Like their former restaurant, this hamburger joint is so much more than just a place for great burgers. In terms of flavor, quality items and blow-
your-mind food, this fast-casual café will impress everyone because Chef Adam is a culinary wizard. I loved that it was a burger joint without a TV, featuring local works of art instead of the pixel devil. I sauntered past the surprising salad bar, seeing the fresh i t e m s ,
gourmet salads and went back to the counter to buy a one-trip ticket through this ingot of greens featuring a fantastic Brussels sprout salad.
I began with the Sriracha, fried chicken sandwich served on a pretzel bun. It starts with the best in Mary’s chicken breast marinated in Sriracha Sauce, then coated in Corn Flakes and deep-fried. First, it was huge; second, it was delicious. Savory, hot and sweet all bundled into a flawless dish. Gary tried the Cambozola b u r g e r . Cambozola is a cow’s milk cheese that combines French softripened triple cream cheese and Italian Gorgonzola. We were told it was one of the most popular burgers and we concurred it was and for a good reason. It’s rich and zesty, combined with the mouth-watering steak burger; you were hit with a flavor explosion. All burgers and sandwiches are served with homemade macaroni salad or fresh cut steak fries. Burgers are house-ground daily from Chef Adam’s special blend of hormone free quality cuts. Burgers come with lettuce, tomato, house-made bread and butter pickles, red onions, and Secret Sauce on fresh pretzel toasted bun. Flavor variations include bacon jam, crispy
cheese stuffed green chilies, Morro Bay Avocado and more. I plan to try every one. We came back a week later and I had the Philly. I loved the horseradish liberally used and the meat was the best I have had in a sandwich. Rarely do I finish anything that big. But I devoured it. It was like prime rib with the horseradish, onions sautéed to sweetness, crispy red bell peppers, and gooey delicious cheese. All prepared on the grill, spatulas turning and mixing it constantly. It was a symphony of passion in each sandwich. Gary had the smoked pork loin sandwich with juicy South Carolina BBQ sauce and horseradish coleslaw. Again, it was perfection. After a stint to the salad bar, I’m convinced that the salads get the same treatment on the chopping board as the grill did for our sandwiches. My favorite was the Brussels sprout with vinaigrette dressing, kale and walnut. But then I really liked the macaroni salad with a bite of mustard seed. We marveled at this wonderful eatery. The menu is back to basics. They serve gourmet hamburgers, soups, custom sandwiches and homemade sauces, with a farmer’s market-fresh salad bar. There’s a kids menu, too. And they have craft beers on tap, local fine wines and, “Dawnelle’s killer desserts.” The Flavor Factory is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed WednesdaysThursdays). They are located at 420 Quintana Rd., in Morro Bay (in the Cookie Crook shopping center) or call for specials at (805) 772-4040.
‘Fantastic Beasts’ is Fantastically Beastly By Teri Bayus
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was thrilled to leap back into the wizardly world of Harry Potter, so I was excited to see “Fantastic Beast and Where To Find Them.” It’s 70 years before the events of the Harry Potter series, and the story deals with Newt Scarmonger (played by Eddie Redmayne), who was mentioned by Hermione Granger as the author of the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find” them book. The year is 1926, and Newt arrives in New York, hoping to find more magical creatures as a way of protecting them, and make the wizarding community more knowledgeable about them. There is a also a threat of a mysterious wizard named Gert Grinwald (Johnny Depp) who was considered the second most dangerous wizard behind the
infamous Lord Voldemort. There is also the no “Mags,” American for “Muggles,” who have hunted wizards and witches for centuries. I will say in terms of the film, it has a combination of light and dark moments like the first two Harry Potter films. Redmayne’s performance as Newt was just amazing. He nailed the character. His expressions, non-verbal language and kindness won me over almost instantly. He is a shy, closed person who absolutely loves all sorts of fantastic animals and more importantly understands them. It was a treat seeing him in every single frame. Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) was focused and powerful. What I liked was that throughout the whole story you weren’t really sure
whether Graves was bad or sort-of good. I find this morally gray personality compelling, especially in these times where we live in Disney Star Wars and Disney Marvel, both featuring bland protagonists and antagonists. Fantastic Beasts was a breath of fresh air. No-Maj was outright fun and interactions between Newt and him put a big smile on my face. The plot of the film was nothing groundbreaking, and was a little predictable at times. Special effects are sharp, clean and subtle. Beasts are colorful, properly magical and perfectly voiced. You will get lost in Newt’s zoo, never wanting to go back to real life. But characters jumped into telling backstories without having any real
purpose for the forward movement of the plot. Especially clumsy was Queenie (Allison Sudol), questioning Newt about the picture of a woman in his suitcase cabin. This moment felt so out of place and awkward. The story he gave us was interesting and deserved more than to be told on a side note without any meaning to the actual plot at hand.
SLO City News • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Know CPR? - There’s an App Story and Photos by Camas Frank
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ttendees at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, Nov. 17 got a surprise press conference with Mayor Jan Marx, City Manager Katie Lichtig, and SLO Fire Chief Garrett Olson along with the usual monthly CPR demonstrations held by the fire department. The City has taken funds - that Lichtig claims they otherwise would not have without the local Measure G sales tax - to implement the PulsePoint mobile app inside the City and on the Cal Poly campus. In explaining what exactly the app does, the audience heard from Rachel May, an emergency room physician, who was in the crowd of a concert where a man died because paramedics could not reach him in time. Had there been a method of contacting May, or other CPR trained individuals directly, he might have been saved. The PulsePoint app monitors the location of trained users – who volunteer to lend their aid – and coordinates with the City’s emergency dispatch system, alerting the users to situations in their area before the paramedics or fire personnel can arrive. Chief Olson said that current response times are four minutes, but that every minute taken off that increases a heart
attack victim’s recovery chances by 20 percent. In a press statement ahead of the Thursday event, he explained that, “firefighters are deployed within four minutes travel-distance from the majority of all emergencies in the City.” The City of SLO has plans to train field service employees in hands-only CPR and install PulsePoint on all Cityissued smart phones as a means of increasing the number of rescuers in the community, the announcement
added. “The app expands our effective response force, even if just one person downloads it,” Olson said. “But we want everyone to download it.” As an additional function, the app also directs users toward the nearest
AED – Automated Defibrillator which are installed in City Buildings and at some locations in downtown. A citywide campaign to install the devices has been under way since the sitting SLO Fire Chief John Callahan died of a massive heart attack in 2010. His name was invoked at the press conference, as the app would have been an initiative for him to be proud of. During his talk Chief Olson also emphasized the measures taken since the construction of a new emergency services communications center behind Fire Station #1, including routing software that send the nearest crew to an emergency with GPS rather than the old method of zone based response. They’ve also been showing residents and visitors the compression-only CPR technique, generally from their Chorro St. location at the Farmers Market. PulsePoint is available for iPhone and Android and can be downloaded from the iTunes Store and Google Play. For more information about the app, go to the website: www.pulsepoint.org.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
Community
Homemade Black Friday Gifts Story and Photos by Camas Frank
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hile some locals queued across town to get electronic devices at lower prices than they otherwise might, the San Luis Obispo Veterans Memorial Building at 801 Grand Ave. bustled with the 35th Annual Central Coast Craft Fair. Also known as the Central Coast Thanksgiving Weekend Fair, the organizers stipulate that all booths must oer hand crafted, or at least personally designed merchandise. With 138 booths this year, that also made them the largest holiday fair for hand crafted items on the Central Coast. Several booths provided space for charity, including the Boy Scouts and a fundraiser to raise scholarships to send 6th graders to Camp Keep in 2017. Another youth organization sold crafts to support kids in the Imagination Destination contest – more information available at imaginationdestination.org. Other notable local crafters ranged from a young man making lip balms in a cooperative that was started as a school project to, From War To Peace, a vendor oering art and jewelry forged from disarmed and recycled minuteman missile systems. The later, explained Sam Ogren, was a feat of negotiations with the Pentagon to obtain the metal, mostly copper wiring from the missile control systems that’s in government stockpile. Twenty percent of their proďŹ ts go to peace and social justice organizations. For more information on the fair and local vendors with gift ideas, go online to: californiacraftshow.com.
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SLO City News • December 1 - 14, 2016
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Poly Falls Short In Football Championships Sub. Sports Editorial By Colin Jones - Special to the SLO City News
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al Poly SLO’s ďŹ rst foray into the FCS college football playos since 2012 was a disappointing one on several levels for local fans. To start, Thanksgiving-weekend meant little at home student support and the wet, cold weather didn’t help. Locals stayed away in droves with a sparse crowd of fewer than 3,500 in attendance at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. However, the scoreboard went haywire from the opening kick and the Mustangs followed suit, totally out of sync and lackluster during the University of San Diego’s initial drive of 75 yards to go on top 7-0. Several hundred USD fans made the 325-mile trek to SLO to loudly voice their approval when their blue and white-clad squad quickly scored again to make it 14-0, before the bleacher seats had even dried. It was a lead the Toreros would only relinquish once en route to a decisive 35-21 victory and a Dec. 3 date in frigid Fargo to face North Dakota State. Poly tied the game to begin the second half after a spectacular 85-yard kick return by J.J. Koski. Yet Coach Tim Walsh’s boys never found their oensive groove, gaining only 195 total yards, by far their worst output of the 2016 season.
Photo by Cynthia Stocker San Diego controlled the contest from the outset, amassing 473 yards, mostly through the air. Without their four sloppy turnovers, the game would have been a complete blow out. The opportunistic Mustangs proved scrappy, as they managed to stay within striking distance and cut USD’s lead to 28-21 after a crazy pick-6 by senior defensive end Kelly Shepard, who
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intercepted USD quarterback Anthony Lawrence’s seemingly ill-advised third down pass with 8:07 remaining in the 4th quarter. Still, Cal Poly fumbled away its best chance to tie the score with less than 5-minutes to play. USD put the game away with an impressive, 65-yard drive, the key play being a beautiful long pass to receiver
Brian Riley on third down into Mustang territory. A few downs later, running back Jonah Hodges scored his third rushing touchdown. Cal Poly’s weak defense hung tight for most of the contest, getting little support from the triple option oense, which racked up 55 points the week before versus Northern Colorado to secure its playo berth. But Poly quarterback Dano Graves’ inability to pass for meaningful yardage, while playing catch up, ultimately cost them a home playo win. Overall, it was an exciting, successful year for the high-scoring, 7-5 Mustangs, who expect to contend in the Big Sky Conference again in 2017, Coach Walsh’s ninth season as head coach. After the game Walsh said, “The reality of the situation is they played better football on oense and defense than we did and that usually ends up being the winner.â€? Editor’s Note: Colin Jones was firmly in the middle of this one as a long time local who also happened to grow up in San Diego. As PIO for a State agency, his objectivity is much appreciated.
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• December 1 - 14, 2016 • SLO City News
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life-saving procedure, which is for patients too high at risk for complications with open-heart surgery. The technique leads to faster recoveries and shorter hospital stays, according to French. Some 28 patients attended the luncheon on Nov. 11, held at the Copeland Health Education Pavilion Auditorium, located at French Hospital on Johnson Avenue in SLO. In the photos patients and staff pose during the luncheon. Submitted photo
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rench Hospital recently hosted its first reunion luncheon for “transcatheter aortic valve replacement” patients to honor and celebrate the patients who entrusted French with their hearts and their health, the hospital announced. The patients were reunited with the medical staff, nurses, volunteers, and caregivers that made their experiences successful. French Hospital is the only hospital on the Central Coast that offers the minimally-invasive,
he Morro Bay Police Department is inviting all citizens and businesses to participate in “Project Blue Light” this holiday season by placing a single, blue light in your window as an expression of support for fallen officers, the department announced. Project Blue Light began in 1988 when Philadelphia, Penn., police Ofc. Danny Gleason was killed in the line of duty. His mother-in-law wrote a letter to “Concerns of Police Survivors,” a support group for police families, and said she would honor her late son-inlaw by placing a blue light in her window. The gesture has grown into a way of recognizing law enforcement officers who serve and protect the public, and remembering those who have been killed in the line of duty across America. MBPD Police Chief Larry Todd
said, “I feel it is an important time for citizens to express their support for their local police officers, especially with the unprecedented number of officers who have been deliberately targeted and killed this past year. Our officers strive to build a strong police/community partnership and this is an easy, meaningful way for citizens to show their support.” Right now, small, ornamental lamps are easy to find at bargain prices or readers and local businesses might already have a lamp they could use. Put a blue bulb in it, available at hardware stores or online, and put it in the front window to be lit from Dec. 1-31. Other possibilities include putting a blue bulb in an outside fixture or in the garage, or string up totally blue Christmas lights this year.
SLO City News â&#x20AC;˘ December 1 - 14, 2016
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Tobacco Sting Nabs 11 he County SheriďŹ&#x20AC; and County Health departments recently ďŹ nished with another tobacco sting across SLO County and 10 stores got cited for allegedly selling tobacco to minors, and many were repeat oďŹ&#x20AC;enders, too. According to SheriďŹ&#x20AC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spokesman, Tony Cipolla, the sting ended Nov. 2, and was done in conjunction with the health Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tobacco Control Program. Under-aged â&#x20AC;&#x153;decoysâ&#x20AC;? were used to test whether store clerks would sell tobacco. Last June, California raised the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. Some 48 stores were tested in San Miguel, Santa Margarita, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos, Avila Beach, Oceano and Nipomo, the unincorporated areas of SLO County. None of the incorporated cities participated in the sting. Eleven clerks working at 10 diďŹ&#x20AC;erent stores were cited for selling to the decoys, a 20.83% illegal sales rate, Cipolla said.
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The illegal sales rate increased from the last series of compliance operations,â&#x20AC;? Cipolla said in a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tobacco compliance monitoring has been continuously in eďŹ&#x20AC;ect since 2012. For comparison purposes, the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-time high illegal sales rate is 25.93% with the low being 5.17%. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Such sting operations have become regular occurrences since 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One store,â&#x20AC;? Cipolla said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;had two clerks responsible for their participation in the sale. Under Penal Code 308, it is a misdemeanor to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.â&#x20AC;? The stores that had their ďŹ rst
Diablo Deal, from page 1
Higginbotham of Pismo Beach, Steve Martin of Paso Robles, Tom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley of Atascadero, Jamie Irons of Morro Bay, and Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Harmon of Arroyo Grande. The cities will share slices of a much smaller pie than the Essential Services Mitigation Fund, having tentatively agreed to share a $10 million Economic Development Fund in addition to the original $49.5 million that PG&E proposed in June as a so-called, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community Impact Mitigation Fund.â&#x20AC;? Shared proportionally to their tax revenues from Diablo Canyon, the City of SLO will get $1.82 million. Speaking on behalf of the staďŹ&#x20AC; for the Coalition Cities, SLO City Manager, Katie Lichtig, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In order for our communities to thrive after Diablo, it is vital that the Cities and the County â&#x20AC;&#x201D; together with our residents, the broader business community and other key institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; collaborate closely for years to come.â&#x20AC;? PG&E is also slated to pay from $37.5 million to $62.5 million for emergency planning eďŹ&#x20AC;orts over the next 15-25 years, according to a news report in The Tribune. So including that amount, the total so far that PG&E has agreed to pay is from $122.5 million to $147.5 million. As to how the company would pay all this, â&#x20AC;&#x153;PG&E does not believe long-term customer rates will increase as a result of the joint proposal,â&#x20AC;? PG&E said in its news release.
San Luis Coastal stood to lose $8 million in annual revenue as the tax funding from the power plant drops with decommissioning of the plant, a subject of several recent public meetings conducted by Superintendent Eric Prater. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By establishing certainty about what the School District will receive over the next nine years,â&#x20AC;? Prater said in a news announcement, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the agreement gives us needed breathing room for making what will still be a very diďŹ&#x192;cult transitionâ&#x20AC;Ś with this baseline of certainty, San Luis Coastal can develop a thoughtful, long-term transition plan.â&#x20AC;? The $75 million for the Essential Services Mitigation Fund is planned to be paid to the County in nine, equal installments annually through 2025, and the County will redistribute the funds to local agencies. The mayors of the six coalition cities, which came together in an unusual show of local unity following PG&Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission, released a joint statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In reaching this agreement, PG&E has recognized the need to help our region navigate an uncertain economic future. We are pleased with this phase of the process. The transition to a post-Diablo era will be challenging, but the Economic Development Fund will help facilitate the planning and action required to support the future economic vitality of our communities.â&#x20AC;? The statement was signed by Mayors Jan Marx of San Luis Obispo, Shelly
illegal sales tickets were: JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market in Arroyo Grande; Cayucos Gas & Mini Mart; and Woodstone Marketplace in Avila Beach. S e c o n d violation stores were: Nipomo Marketplace Chevron; San Miguel Chevron (which was recently robbed at gunpoint); and San Miguel Market & Deli in Shandon. Stores with a third violation were: Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liquor in Cayucos; Bob & Janâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bottle Shop in Cambria; and Cambria Chevron. And one store, Oceano Market, got its fourth ticket. Clerks caught allegedly selling to the decoys are issued a ticket and â&#x20AC;&#x153;notice to appear,â&#x20AC;? and Cipolla said will be prosecuted in Superior
Court. Also, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any business responsible for the violation is subject to administrative penalties including suspension of their ability to retail tobacco and a $1000 ďŹ ne for each oďŹ&#x20AC;ense,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;First and second oďŹ&#x20AC;ender business may elect to participate in a diversion program aimed at reducing licensing suspensions in exchange for onsite employee education and point-ofsale upgrades that use technology to prevent future sales.â&#x20AC;? The Tobacco Control Program oďŹ&#x20AC;ers training to store owners on how to refuse a sale, and how to read an identiďŹ cation and ways to identify underage buyers, which no doubt got more complicated after the hike in the legal age to buy tobacco. Call the Tobacco Control Program at 781-5564 for information on this program. - Neil Farell
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Biz Briefs Compiled by Mark Diaz
The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, Thomas Hill Organics, with a ribbon cutting ceremony
Trust Automation, Inc. Contributes Revolutionary Capture Technology to Robotic Aircraft Delivering Life Saving Medical Supplies Trust Automation, Inc., announced that they provided critical engineering support in the development of the recovery system for Zipline International’s medical delivery drones. The Zipline system flies lifesaving and critical medical supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. Zipline recently began official routine and national scale deliveries of blood to health facilities in Rwanda. “Trust Automation contributed to the Zipline drone technology by creating a small footprint capture/recovery solution required to make this program operable in locations where runways are not practical,” said Ty Safreno, CEO and CTO of Trust Automation. For more information, visit www. trustautomation.com or call 805-5440761
The SLO Chamber celebrated Thomas Hill Organics with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 14. Thomas Hill Organics, located at 858 Monterey St. in SLO, is a bistro and wine bar dedicated to serving creative, fresh food and highlighting unique wines from the Central Coast. The menu changes weekly depending on the season and the availability of ingredients. They work with local providers to procure: local, natural and grass-fed livestock for their beef, lamb and free range poultry. The fish is fresh from local fisheries and providers. The bread is made exclusively by in-town bakers. For more information, visit thomashillorganics.com.
Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, which is exclusively programmed by Nederlander Concerts, experienced a record-breaking 2016 season with more than $3.5 million in ticket sells, 60,000 plus attendees, and 30 live events.
The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, California Fresh Market, with a ribbon cutting ceremony
“For decades the region has needed something new and exciting for bands and their fans and the Vina Robles Amphitheatre has now become the Central Coasts’ live music destination,” Alex Hodges, CEO for Nederlander Concerts. Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and is ranked among the top 25 promoters in the country. In its fourth year of operation, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre increased sales by 33 percent from 2015 and hosted 76 hours of live entertainment, featuring world-renowned artists such as Dolly Parton, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt, among others.
The SLO Chamber celebrates member, ACG Business Consulting with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6238 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo. ACG focuses on “delivering thorough, indepth solutions for small and medium businesses that are looking for practical results to create a competitive advantage in their markets.” ACG Provides custom workshop, keynotes and corporate events. Find more information at their website http://www.acgalletti.com/or read their blog at http://www.acgalletti. com/articles/.
The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, Ubatuba Acai, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The business serves acai bowls, a popular way to serve the berries from Brazil. According the owners, they, «put a dollop of frozen açai in the bottom of the bowl and pile on the toppings.» Toppings include granola, bananas, strawberries and one more of the customer›s choice. A scoop of Greek yogurt, peanut butter or nuts can be added to increase protein and, according to their website,»make your bowl even more indulgent.» For more information, go online to: ubatubaacai.com.
Rabobank N.A. recently made a $7,500 donation to Family Care Network, Inc. to assist in safety upgrades to the nonprofit’s rehabilitation properties in San Luis Obispo. The properties provide safe living spaces where current and former foster youth can learn independent living skills. Family Care Network, Inc. provides a number of programs designed to strengthen and support foster children, youth and families impacted by trauma living on the Central Coast. Since its inception, the agency’s programs have grown to annually serve between 1,700– 1,800 children, youth and families living in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Achievement House and NCI Affiliates, which matches disabled residents with jobs. The kits are being sold at the Achievement House’s booth during the Thursday Night Farmer’s Markets in SLO. They include a re-usable 2-liter glass jar, a recipe/instruction book and three seasoning packets Quick Pickle Kits was founded by Connoisseur Creation’s, Andrea Wasko. Wasko created the Quick Pickle Kit so that anyone could easily make and enjoy the traditional recipe her mother created in 1950. The spice packets come in three flavors: bread & butter, dill, and sweet. Any vegetable can be pickled. Once canned, it just takes three days until they are ready to eat. The Kits are $40 each.
Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room will bring on veteran winemaker, J. Chris Stanton, to head up operations in Paso Robles. Stanton a graduate of the University of California, Davis has over twenty years of experience in the industry and was hired to replace Bianchi’s longtime winemaker, Tom Lane, who retires this year. Stanton teamed up with his brother to start Sobriquet Winery in Napa Valley, Calif. Together they crafted four Sobriquet wines which consistently received 90+ ratings. “We’re thrilled to bring Chris onboard and are confident that his simple, but thorough and passionate approach to winemaking will fit quite well at Bianchi,” said proprietor, Beau Bianchi.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) conferred its Gold Award for outstanding overall programming on Cal Poly SWE. The recognition was among numerous honors the club received at the SWE national conference, held Oct. 27-29 in Philadelphia. Cal Poly placed second in the national Team Tech Competition for a catheter localization (mapping) device designed for St. Jude Medical. The sensor-enabled device can track catheter tips as they move through the body without using the X-ray-based imaging technique fluoroscopy. In addition, Cal Poly alumna, Tracy Van Houten received the Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes professional engineers with 10 to 15 years of industry experience who have demonstrated outstanding technical excellence resulting in significant accomplishments. Van Houten is currently the flight system lead for NASA’ Mars 2020 project.
The SLO Chamber celebrated the grand opening of California Fresh Market with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov.12. California Fresh Market is located at 771 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit californiafreshmarket.com.
The Achievement house has partnered with NCI Affiliates and Connoisseur Creations to make pickle kits. The kits are assembled by workers with the
Visit California’s Global Ready China Seminar provided an indepth look at the growing and dynamic Chinese market, and how businesses large and small can tap into it. Key points the seminar will cover include; trends in Chinese travel, tips for meeting traveler expectations and best practices for serving Chinese visitors. Cost for
Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
Stagecoach Liquor in Atascadero has installed solar panels to help reduce electricity costs. “I used to spend as much as $2,300 a month on my y electric bill,” said Michael Hawkins. “Once I heard I could save over $1,000 per month with solar, I decided to move forward.” “Our gas pumps, fans, refrigerators for the liquor and food, parking lot and outdoor signage consume an enormous amount of energy.” says Hawkins. “That equipment is vital to my business and there is no way to reduce my energy usage. When solar became an option I knew it was a smart business and environment decision.” y The SLO Chamber celebrates member, Cal Poly SBDC for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) helps
On Nov. 16, the SLO Chamber celebrated member Port of Subs with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Port of Subs, located at 2252 Broad St. SLO, sandwiches are prepared while the customer looks on. Port of Subs also offers breakfast grillers, Sliced Fresh Grillers™, fresh salads, chips, an
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The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, Port of Subs, with a ribbon cutting ceremony
extensive line of party trays, desserts and a variety of refreshing beverages; according to their website. For more information, visit portofsubs.com.
United Way of SLO County is pleased to announce that www. VolunteerSLO.org, the local online volunteer center, has been sponsored by Union Bank. Also, the United Way Youth Board, a youth philanthropy and leadership development program, has been sponsored by Wells Fargo. VolunteerSLO.org connects local agencies with motivated volunteers
looking for compatible opportunities. Representatives from nonprofit organizations can recruit volunteers for special one-day events or ongoing needs, as well as promote their upcoming events. Volunteers can browse posted opportunities and connect with their favorite organizations by becoming a fan. VolunteerSLO suggests opportunities based on a volunteer›s interests and past work, and can track their volunteer hours. Employers and service clubs can find opportunities to accommodate large groups, and sign up to volunteer as a team. Thanks to the generous donation from Union Bank, VolunteerSLO.org is free for both nonprofit organizations and volunteers to use.
community service spotlight
Blood inventory levels are currently projected to be lower during the 2016 holiday season compared to this same time period in 2015. As a result, United Blood Services California is encouraging blood donors of all types to give blood now. “Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. There has been a significantly lower number of blood donors giving blood this holiday season,” said Scott Edward, Donor Marketing and Communications Director at United Blood Services California. “It is crucial for those who can donate to please schedule their appointment today, because patients throughout our community and beyond are depending on it.” Blood donors can schedule their appointment today at blood4life.org or by calling 877-827-4376.
students acquire the tools, develop the skills and cultivate the mindset of an entrepreneur so that they may create economic and social value everywhere they go. For more information, visit sbdc.calpoly.edu.
ACTION HERO
attendance is $30. The seminar takes place Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1605 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. To RSVP or for more information, email brendan@ visitsanluisobispocounty.com or call 805.541.8000.
The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, ACG Business Consulting, with a ribbon cutting ceremony
The Tolosa Press
The SLO Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the addition of their new member, Ubatuba Acai, with a ribbon cutting ceremony
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Senior Nutrition Program is now Meals That Connect, providing free meals to seniors.
Meals That Connect
Bringing dignity and independence to seniors Thirty-nine percent of seniors have to sacrifice food to pay for medical care. Many seniors have trouble getting nutritious meals or are forced to cut out meals for financial reasons. In San Luis Obispo County, 14% of seniors don’t get enough food. Meals That Connect, Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County, is a local nonprofit that combats these statistics. This organization serves hot, nutritious noontime meals to residents of SLO County age 60 or older, for free. Incorporated in 1991, Meals that Connect now serves 1800 seniors countywide. Every weekday, seniors gather in 10 dining rooms throughout the county to eat a meal together. The community aspect of the
program is an incredibly valuable component, as many seniors deal with isolation and loneliness. In addition, volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors who cannot travel to the dining rooms. This service has the added benefit that these seniors are checked in on every day. These genuine human interactions are invaluable to homebound seniors, and also gives them the pride of being able to remain in their own homes longer. Meals That Connect relies on the support of donors and volunteers as they work toward their vision of providing a meal every day to every senior who needs one. For more information and to donate, visit mealsthatconnect.org.
brought to you by To be considered for Action Heroes, please email us at Heroes@TolosaPress.com and we’ll send you our submission form.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Sellers Pay Buyers Closing Costs By Nancy Puder
W
hy should the seller pay a buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing costs? Sellers who already feel they have sacriďŹ ced enough equity due to current market conditions, are sometimes indignant that the buyer would also ask for help getting their loan. The fact is that these days, the most popular loans are either USDA or VA with 100% ďŹ nancing or FHA requiring only a 3.5% down payment. Many of these buyers simply do not have the additional funds necessary to pay the loan costs. I suppose one could argue that Grandpa never paid anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing costs and he had to put 20% down. Perhaps one could also argue that the buyers of today need to have more skin in the game if we are ever going to have a robust housing
economy again. One may be correct in his opinion , but the current reality is that there may still be a for saleâ&#x20AC;? sign on the front lawn a few months from now if you refuse to work with the buyer. Something else to consider is that when a seller agrees to pay the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing costs, they are probably helping to turn a buyer who â&#x20AC;&#x153;wantsâ&#x20AC;? to buy a home into a buyer who is then â&#x20AC;&#x153;ableâ&#x20AC;? to buy a home. Buyer closing costs are just one more item on a seller net sheet. My advice is to examine the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire oďŹ&#x20AC;er. If the number at the bottom is attractive, ask your agent to mark your listing sold! Nancy Puder is a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty Central Coast. Call or Text Nancy (805)7102415 with your real estate questions anytime. She always enjoys hearing from you! To access other articles written by Nancy Puder, go to www. nancypuderassociates.com. Readers can also email nancy@nancypuder. com with questions or to discuss their real estate needs.
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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • December 1 - 14, 2016
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As The Election Dust Settles… Bottom Line By Michael Gunther
T
his election cycle has been said to be one of most challenging and thought provoking for a number reasons. No matter what party affiliation you have or the results you were hoping for, as a leader or business owner it is important to remember the aspects of leading a team, as we enter the realm of a new president. I first must admit that through all my years of leading teams, I have never experienced or seen my team and customers express so many emotions, concerns or fear of the unknown related to a Presidential Election. The energy surrounding this election cycle has created workplace tension and anxiety at unprecedented levels. As the dust settles, we as leaders need to remember what we must do to ensure that our organizations can continue to thrive and our teams can continue to
excel to new levels of performance. One of the important lessons learned, from my perspective, is that leaders have to be open to diverse conversations, opinions and approaches to solving issues or facing new opportunities. Our strength as a country has been the inclusion of a variety of perspectives, and the same holds true for building a strong organization. If people focused more on trying to understand instead of challenging who is right or wrong, I think we would find more common ground than we might think. Employees need their leaders to set a strong and clear path for the future. With so much uncertainty surrounding us through information outlets, employees are becoming stressed and concerned about their well-beings and futures. I feel like I can control my actions and my company’s focus more than I can control those things outside of my sphere of influence. Now is also the time for leaders to keep their eye on potential risks and opportunities within their own markets and the economy as a whole. The organizations that will thrive in both
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up and down economic conditions are those that have leaders that are already ahead of their competitors and making appropriate adjustments. This requires leaders to research and understand the economic indicators and government policies on a continuous basis. Don’t be the ostrich with your head in the sand. Lastly, leaders have to become skilled at facilitating conflict amongst team members who are struggling with issues related to personal beliefs, opinions and feelings. You may say that this is something individual employees need to work out amongst themselves, but if employees can’t get along within your workplace, overall team performance will decline. Great leaders can address these challenges in a productive manner that allows employees to get back to collaborating and working to build your business.
Bottom Line
Times of transition and fear of the unknown can bring stress and concerns for your team. Remember to keep
your team focused on the future, while preparing contingency plans for the unknown. In addition, develop your facilitation and communication skills so that you can lead the necessary conversations to bring your team together as a stronger unit.
This is another article in a series on Michael Gunther’s entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family and his belief in creating a growth company with a work-to-live mentality has influenced his career. To read the previous articles in this series, visit his blog at: www.Collaborationllc.com. Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration, LLC, a team of highly-skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education and consulting services. Learn more at www.Collaboration-llc.com. Bottom Line is a regular feature of Tolosa Press.
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December 1 - 14, 2016 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media
Featured Folks
Hot New Brews at Metro By Camas Frank
A
fter several recent incarnations and remodels that left customers a little confused as to the state of the old Creekside Brewing Co. - in Downtown SLO on Broad Street - an entirely new firm took over the location back in August. Metro Brewing Co. opened with little fanfare after giving the whole place a through scrub down, a new coat of paint and a brand new beer bar upstairs, along with a ruby red revamp of the overhang patio. At first, said manager Rai Reynold, they weren’t prepared to start brewing on their own right away, but in order to get customers accustomed to the style of beers they plan to make on site, they started out with offerings from Moylan’s Brewery and Kern River Brewing Co., as well as Common Cider from Nevada. After getting homespun comfort food worked out with a local chef and thoroughly cleaning and refitting the old brewing equipment, Metro is ready to brew on it’s own again. Jack Light, who started his brewing legacy as a home brewer was hired on as Metro’s Brewmaster in November. Light, who also happens to be president of the Atascadero Firefighters Association, started out with support from the close-knit hobbyist community, but is looking forward to seeing what he can do with the 13-barrel system that takes up space on both stories of the brew house. He added that he’s been looking for an opportunity to stretch his wings for “awhile now” but that when Reynold offered the opportunity, he still had to talk it trough with his wife of 19 years. While it’s a full time gig, requiring constant attention during the critical phases, she might secretly be hoping to see more of him at the house now that he doesn’t need to spend hours perfecting recipes in the garage. “We put our heads together here and are starting out with personal taste to set Metro apart,” said Light. “Beer, like wine, is very regional in California. I’m a South-West Coast IPA fan. The SoCal IPA [style] is a vehicle for the hop’s flavor. I want the hops to be the ‘Rock Star’.”
Like the old Creekside, the downstairs features a standard bar area serving liquor, cocktails and wine, but only in the evenings. While denizens of the underground bar will recognize the layout, the space has been brightened with the same aesthetic treatment as the upstairs, and the formerly blank walls have had new
To define the difference, he explains that Northern California beers tend towards a “beefier” or “grainier” quality that, while there’s nothing wrong with that, don’t necessarily suit what Metro is going for. “After Thanksgiving we’re putting on the first beers that are exclusively the Metro brand,” he said. “The idea with ‘pub grub’ food instead of a full restaurant will be to have people come in for a pint and lunch for around $15.”
artwork commissioned from local artists. Several future installations are planed, but for now the unique industrial, neo-gothic art greets visitors with a sideways glance. Reynold’s goal is for the establishments to once again draw the foot traffic off Higuera and Broad and to let people know what they’re up to now that some good stuff is coming out of the tanks again.
Unlike the former way the equipment was operated, they intend to have the vessels in continuous production with barrels being stored off site. “The location is great and brewing is recession proof,” said Light. “Management here is trying to surround themselves with the best available...so I’m looking forward to this.”
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