December 2016 Journal Plus by SLO Journal

BETSY UMHOFER | KATHY CALLAHAN | NEW LIFE K9S | KEN STARR | JOHN IRIBARREN

JournalPLUS DECEMBER 2016

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

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Elegant Executive 4 bedroom 3 bath home located in the Via Arroyo neighborhood with expansive views of the city and mountain range. Located near Paso shopping, wineries, schools and restaurants!! Large nearly 2600 SQ feet, ready for any family or friend function you have! $575,000

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Grand Opening A New Branch in Paso Robles

Founders Community Bank, recently opened a new full-service branch at 1245 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA. Originally established in May 2005, Founders Community Bank now has two full-service offices in San Luis Obispo, a full-service office in Morro Bay, and a loan production office in Atascadero. This full-service office in Paso Robles is the latest branch office.

www.FoundersCommunityBank.com

CONTENTS

18 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

The People, Community, and Business of Our Beautiful Central Coast ADDRESS

NEW LIFE K9S

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE 805.546.0609 E-MAIL slojournal@fix.net WEBSITE www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain COPY EDITOR Susan Stewart PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Jan Owens, Kyle Owens, Jim Parsons, Gary Story ADVERTISING Steve Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. James Brescia, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Dominic Tartaglia, Deborah Cash, Heather Young, Don Morris, Ruth Starr, Ray Cauwet, Vicki León, Mike Suddarth, and Jody Kocsis. Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is a free monthly distributed to over 600 locations throughout the Central Coast and is also available online at slojournal.com Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE. COVER PHOTO BY BRIAN LAWLER

BETSY UMHOFER

KATHY CALLAHAN

PEOPLE 8 10 12 14

KEN STARR BETSY UMHOFER KATHY CALLAHAN VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE

HOME & OUTDOOR 18 20 22 24

NEW LIFE K9’S HISTORY ON THE “HOOF” Lompoc BUFFALO MOZZARELLA CHEESE FOOD / AT THE MARKET

COMMUNITY 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 42

SLO ART SCENE PASO ART SCENE LOCAL BOOKS – Under the Ashes PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – noon concerts GREATEST ATHLETES – John Iribarren HISTORY: La Purisima OUR SCHOOLS – Dr. James Brescia COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

BUSINESS

36 EYE ON BUSINESS 37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening

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PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SAN LUIS OBISPO ---- COMING SOON ----

DEC

CAL POLY FALL JAZZ CONCERT DEC 02 | 8:00 PM

CAL POLY CHOIRS PRESENT 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' DEC 03 | 8:00 PM

CAL POLY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT: RACHMANINOV & DVORAK DEC 04 | 3:00 PM

FORBES PIPE ORGAN

HOLIDAY CONCERT & SING-ALONG DECEMBER 18 | 3:00 PM | PRESENTED BY PAC OUTREACH

ORCHESTRA NOVO PRESENTS OZ WITH ORCHESTRA DEC 31 | 7:30 PM

SLO MASTER CHORALE "HANDEL'S MESSIAH SING-ALONG DEC 16 | 8:00 PM

www.pacslo.org

BALLET THEATRE SLO PRESENTS "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" DEC 16-17 | 7:00 PM DEC 18 | 2:00 PM

805.756.4948

STUDIO @ PRESENTS KEEPIN' IT RAD DEC 9-10 | 7:00 PM

THE NUTCRACKER DEC 10 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM DEC 11 | 2:00 PM

Ring in the new year with a smile!

From the publisher

have to admit that The Vocal Arts Ensemble organization is one of my favorites and we feature them regularly. After attending one of their concerts it’s easy to understand why you get hooked—they are very good! It’s the Ensemble’s 40th anniversary and we gave them our cover again to celebrate this special occasion.

We also feature Betsy Umhofer. Betsy has served as Lois Capps’ District Representative for almost 20 years and is about to retire. We didn’t see Lois Capps up in our area much, but she was always well represented. I have attended several proclamation ceremonies over the years and Betsy was always there. No matter what political direction you lean, she has earned the respect from everyone. Betsy is a “class act” and we wish her and husband Don the very best.

NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS! AND EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE

Plenty of good reading again this month. Enjoy the magazine and Happy Holidays to you all.

Call us at

805-541-5800 to schedule an appointment 11545 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SUITE. A, SAN LUIS OBISPO

Ryan M. Ross, DDS | Michael Roberts, DDS

RYAN ROSS DDS .CO M

Steve Owens

Happy Holidays FROM THE STAFF AT

JournalPLUS MAGA ZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

PEOPLE

ken starr

The doctor is in when you need him By Ruth Starr a bird, two dogs, two cats and a chameleon. As a full-time ER doctor at Sierra Vista Hospital, Ken began seeing numerous issues with addiction affecting a cross-section of the community. His own brother struggled with an addiction to Opioids. He was incarcerated for a while where he managed to wean off the drugs. However, after he was released he quickly began using again—which is common in addiction—and sadly died of an overdose of heroin. A year after his brother’s death, Ken realized there were not enough professionals helping drug addicts. He opened an addiction clinic. In addition to maintaining his position as an ER doctor, he began caring for people with addictions. Shortly thereafter Ken became Board Certified in Addiction Medicine. To his knowledge there are only two doctors that are Certified Addiction Specialists in this area. Ken has become an authority in the field of Addiction Medicine and has helped hundreds of patients achieve lasting sobriety. He is certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American College

iguring out what we want to be when we grow up is not always evident when we’re young. For Ken Starr the path to becoming a doctor was not initially on his radar. He considered becoming an accountant to follow in the footsteps of his father. He also thought about becoming a firefighter, a job many young boys aspire to pursue. “At one time I even thought about becoming a beer brewer,” explains Ken. However, once Ken began studying science in high school, he was certain he would become a physician. He decided to go to medical school to become an emergency room doctor. Having grown up in El Paso Texas, he chose to do his studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbuck and his residency in ER Medical Training at El Paso Thomason Hospital. After finishing with his internship, Ken and his wife, Lisa who were newly married, moved to Oregon to begin his medical practice. He worked there as an ER Doctor for ten years. They decided to move their young family to California in 2010 as Lisa didn’t like the cold and rainy weather in Eugene, OR. She had participated in a bike race in SLO when she was attending San Jose State University. She fell in love with the area and always wanted to live here. After another winter in Eugene, Ken felt the writing was on the wall so they sold their house, he quit his job and they moved to Los Osos, opening the next chapter of their lives. He and Lisa have a 13-year-old son, Cooper. Together with their menagerie of animals, they have settled into their new lives. They live a very active life on the Central Coast. Lisa is an avid horse back rider and Ken pursues yoga and enjoys cycling. They also have D E C E M B E R

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of Emergency Physicians. His services include Intensive Medical Detox, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Outpatients Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Wellness Programs. His clinic was started with the single desire to offer the highest quality outpatient treatments available for those recovering from addiction. As his clinic has grown over the years, the outpatient programs continue to be very popular and well attended. His program began in Los Osos in 2012 and has moved to Arroyo Grande since last January to a building that houses all the programs. Ken uses a Medical Detox Program in his practice to help people get off their drugs of choice. There are different medicines for opioids or alcohol addiction. A large part of the treatment is a counseling program with group therapies. The staff believes that everyone recovers differently. They design an individualized recovery plan for each person. The group sessions are vitally important. There is a free Family Support Group that meets on Sunday afternoons, an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Aftercare on Monday evenings, and a Treatment Relapse Prevention Group that meets on Tuesday evenings. Some people require hospitalization due to severe withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. At Ken’s facility, they can handle some withdrawals in a day program using a detox method. Addiction crosses all walks of life—young, old, rich and poor. It has nothing to do with a person’s education or status. There is a genetic predisposition to addiction with over 50% of addicts having this genetic feature. Most people do not have problems when having to take pain meds, but for some, it triggers addiction. Unfortunately addicts live with the consequences of drug or alcohol abuse. They find it hurts their

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relationships, they suffer isolation, they have financial issues and it represents a loss of control in their lives. At Ken’s Wellness Group, they can learn the tools of recovery. They are given support and acceptance. Although he doesn’t offer a twelve-step program, Ken teaches new ways of handling addiction, what their triggers are and what their problems cause. He has a staff of fifteen people that are therapists, counselors, trained office staff, nurses, and doctors to round out his program. Meaningful and rewarding, Ken’s work allows him to help people to feel better and move forward with their lives. Many of his clients are somewhat motivated and open to getting help when they arrive at his facility. The majority of his practice involves behavioral and motivational therapy with re-programming, while a small percentage involves medication treatment. Relapse can be an expected part of the recovery process. Some patients are chronic relapsers who keep coming back to try again. Many of the addicts have a history of making bad decisions. Ken and his group take care of high risk and unpredictable people whom many others are unwilling to treat. Most doctors don’t have the time or expertise to take care of these situations. The Central Coast is very fortunate to have the knowledge and compassion of Dr. Ken Starr offering his highly specialized work with addicts. “My goal is to help people aim for recovery and to make them productive citizens in our community. Getting addicts into treatment is healthy for all of us,” says Ken.

RESPOND

IN AN EMERGENCY?

• Knowing how to respond should a disaster strike is an important step to keeping yourself and your family safe. Do not dial 9-1-1 unless you are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance. • First identify if you need to take protective actions by tuning to a local radio or TV station for emergency information. Emergency officials will use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to direct protective actions such as evacuations or sheltering in place. It is important to only take action if it is directed. Evacuating when it is not ordered may put you or others in harm’s way. • Only pick up children from school if you are directed to do so. • Evacuation routes and shelters will also be broadcast on the EAS. • During a large emergency, the county will activate a phone assistance center to answer questions regarding the emergency and actions you should take. • For more information, contact the County Office of Emergency Services at (805) 781-5011, or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov.

OUR ALERT & NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS MAY BE USED FOR ANY LOCAL EMERGENCY OUR ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS MAY BE USED FOR ANY LOCAL EMERGENCY TSUNAMI

FLOOD

FIRE

NUCLEAR

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HAZMAT

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betsy umhofer reflecting on two decades of public service By Deborah Cash “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

Betsy Umhofer recalls her grandfather, an Illinois attorney who was “very involved in politics,” taking his young granddaughter along with him to the voting polls. That early inspiration translated years later into the career of her dreams and a trove of experiences as she prepares to retire as the District Representative for Congresswoman Lois Capps at the end of this year. Meanwhile, along the way, her life’s proved well-lived topped off with a special milestone when she and husband Don recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Umhofer, the first of ten children in a large Catholic Midwestern family, was born to parents Helen and Fred Robertshaw and attended private schools in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I learned how to work hard at an early age; I had lots of responsibility at home and in school.” (If the name Robertshaw seems a little familiar, it could be because Umhofer’s great grandfather invented the thermostat in 1899 and that name appears on many of the devices today—to the indoor climatecontrolled comfort of generations and the chagrin of those engaged in office thermostat wars!) After graduating high school, Umhofer enrolled in St. Mary’s College. As it turned out, a young Don Umhofer was beginning his studies “across the street” at Notre Dame. A romance blossomed and the couple wed in Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana in 1966. “Don had graduated and I had not yet completed my education,” Umhofer said, “but Don always wanted to go to California so we said, ‘Well, let’s just go for a year.’” The couple moved to the Bay Area. Don worked during the day and attended law school at night while his wife studied and obtained her B.A. in Speech Communication in 1970 from San Francisco State University. She also signed up to work on Bobby Kennedy’s presidential campaign noting that in high school she had volunteered on JFK’s campaign. “It was all so exciting and hopeful,” she reminisced, “and it

Betsy presenting a proclamation to the People’s Self Help Housing program.

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was a wonderful experience.” During this time, sons Peter and Matthew were born. Their next move was to Eureka, CA for seven years where, Umhofer muses, “We survived that!” and where daughter Bryn was born. Umhofer obtained her M.A. in Communications from Humboldt State University. The next leg of their journey brought them to San Luis Obispo in 1978 where Don began working as a Public Defender. “San Luis was an easy place to move to,” Umhofer shared. “I started working at Cal Poly where I lectured in the speech communication department for 20 years.” Umhofer said she met Walter Capps—who was teaching at UCSB—during his Congressional campaign in 1996. “When he won the election in that same year, he asked if I would take a break from teaching—as he was doing—to come work for him as a District Representative. This was the job I always wanted after I graduated from college,” she said. She joined his staff when he assumed office in 1997. Later after the Congressman’s unexpected death the following year, Umhofer stayed on board, along with other staff, when his wife Lois

Betsy and Don on a recent hiking trip.

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locally with all three of their children, their spouses and seven grandchildren. Umhofer adores her family and says proudly, “Our children all married wonderful people.” The couple will travel to Paris after Umhofer retires to continue the celebration. Don, a retired Superior Court Judge who still continues to work for the court, and his wife enjoy hiking, including a recent trek in Sequoia National Park, and they like to entertain. The Umhofer’s also make a point of keeping their geographically scattered family closeknit and regularly visit their kids and grandkids including Peter, an energy consultant in Washington, DC, Matthew, an attorney in Los Angeles and Bryn, in Arlington, VA, who’s worked in corporate sales and is now the mom of triplets.

Betsy and Don celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family.

Capps became Congresswoman. Congresswoman Capps’s term will end on December 31 when Umhofer will also retire. “I am the longest serving staff member in all of our offices beginning with Walter’s,” Umhofer said. “It’s been a privilege to serve the public in this way. It has its challenges too but it’s what I enjoy doing.” Umhofer said the position that she’s held for nearly two decades has allowed her to use “every ounce of what I’d studied and been trained for. I love the pace and the opportunity to do good things.” She’s employed her communications skills, stamina, flexibility and relating with the public to help anyone who has a concern. Where it gets a little tricky is trying to accommodate or assist peoples’ needs in a system where “the wheels don’t always turn quickly.” She also credits her grandfather’s early influence in her love of public service sharing, “My grandfather was involved in Democratic politics in Illinois and once ran for Congress. He took me with him to vote and to some political meetings. (He also took me to the racetrack, but that’s another story!) He was very generous and people called him for help, legal and otherwise, day and night. He was my role model for public service.” Umhofer said one of the reasons she was happy to share her story was to hopefully inspire others that a life in public service can be very rewarding and enriching. “I love that quote by Albert Einstein, ‘Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.’” she said. “I’m an optimist and I believe we can always find ways to help others and solve problems.” She also admires the advice of Eleanor Roosevelt who once said, “The purpose

of life is to live it, to taste the experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for richer and newer experiences.” In the local office, Umhofer’s sphere of work focuses on health care, education and business issues. Every day is different, she remarks, in that “you think you’re about finished for the day then some big thing comes up.” On top of that, while trying to assist people who’re looking for help with their particular issue, there’s the dance of diplomacy and patience that political matters often require and at which she has proved incredibly adept and well-suited. “I’ve lived a charmed life,” Umhofer shared, “but I’ve learned a lot too.” The Umhofers recently celebrated their 50th anniversary

As for retirement, Umhofer, who admits she “doesn’t sit around very well,” says she has a lot of interests she’s looking forward to pursuing and plans to stay involved in the community. She’ll continue her practice of meditation that she says is a big part of her life and helps her “get back in the groove—a takeaway from Eureka,” she notes. Other pursuits on her list include reading—“I’m a voracious reader—” walking, swimming, Pilates, enjoying classical music and walking Hilda, their 11-year-old dachshund. She says she will most miss the problem-solving activity she’s been engaged in for years. “It’s why people have contacted a member of Congress—they want help with a problem. Whether out in the community or in the office, most conversations begin with, ‘I’ve been meaning to call you.’ I’ll miss that.”

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kathy callahan a double-scoop of nostalgia By Ruth Starr

photos by Melissa White

s a young woman in the ’80s, Kathy Callahan and her sister Chris joined forces to manufacture children’s apparel. What started out as a temporary project, turned into a flourishing business that lasted 10 years. However, once they both began having children, they made the decision to close the business. It wasn’t long before Kathy found herself pursuing her passion for baking. It began with wedding cakes and desserts out of her home and eventually Kathy offered baking classes at a culinary school in San Luis Obispo.

Now nearing fifty, Kathy couldn’t stop the wheels of business ideas from turning in her head. She knew she didn’t want to be tied down to a bakery or do anything that might take her away from her family. Kathy envisioned a small business that would assist her children with their college tuition. Her husband, Matt, is a firefighter in San Luis Obispo. Together they have three children, Ruby 19 (now a college student), Noah 16, and Jude 11. Even when she was baking as a full time mom, she couldn’t let go of the idea of starting some new venture. She began to notice that fewer and fewer people wanted fancy cakes, but instead wanted individual desserts, pies, and cupcakes. This was a new way of thinking and Kathy saw the need. Kathy was considering this new way of baking, when in 2012 the family went on vacation to Washington D.C. In one of their forays through a Smithsonian, they rounded a corner seeing a vintage Good Humor truck on display. It was like a lightening bolt went off in her head. She had a vision of an ice cream truck with their family all dressed in ’50s uniforms. “What a fine idea,” she thought. “We could use someone else’s great products and I won’t have to bake them.” The days of the neighborhood ice cream truck had long been lost and had left a void where children would once gather in the street. Kathy was intrigued by the beauty and simplicity in recreating this nostalgic iconic event. It was

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The Callahan family

reminiscent of a lost happy time. As soon as Kathy saw the truck, she was certain that was going to be her next passion. She went back to the hotel and began researching vintage ice cream trucks. When they returned from their vacation, Kathy continued her research for a couple of months. Matt came home from work one day saying a large “AHHH.” It was a moment of knowing that she and Matt were on the same page. They looked all over the country, emailed and called people in their pursuit. They did find some trucks but they were so rusted out that they were beyond restoration. Kathy took out a small business loan and was determined to make this dream a reality. She finally found a truck in Compton, CA. It was a 1954 Chevy Deluxe truck that was a “low rider.” It had five windows and a happy grill in the front. It was the only year that Chevy made that grill. In those years the freezer was a separate part of the truck. Now she had to find a freezer or have one made. Happily she found a guy who had a 1950s mold of a freezer box. It was a mold from a Good Humor truck. Kathy insisted it all be original. The freezer was made and installed on the truck. As was the case in those early days, the truck had no power steering, which made it difficult to maneuver. To help her manage, Kathy had the shift moved from the steering column to a floor shift. The truck also needed new wiring, and a new transmission and was farmed out to different places for different parts of the restoration. The Good Humor name could not be used due to copyright. Instead,

PEOPLE wanted to carry ice cream that was originally found in the ’50s, in addition to wonderful ice cream from local Central Coast parlors. Kathy ventured out to Cal Poly on her first run with a truck load full of a variety of ice cream in September 2015. It was Cal Poly’s tailgate stampede for the opening football game. Amazingly the freezer will hold over 1000 ice cream bars and ice cream sandwiches. The reception at Cal Poly was phenomenal. Her business model is for people to reserve the truck for personal parties, corporate parties, winery events, weddings, and other events. They have a permit to drive around SLO and park anywhere, which they seldom do since they are so busy renting out the truck for special events.

Kathy came up with SLO MAMA SWEETS. The next step was to find 1950s clothes/uniforms to go along with this concept. Again, through research Kathy found a supplier of 1950s clothes. Keeping the theme, she

Together as a family they all contributed to getting the truck built. Kathy and Matt’s children have a great attitude, love wearing the uniforms, and help work on the truck. Daughter Ruby helps with marketing and with social media. Kathy, Matt, and their children are giving

people a chance to walk down memory lane, just like it used to be in the old days. There have been people who tear up just thinking about that era. It is especially exciting to see the faces of the children when the ice cream truck drives up. It is so precious to Kathy when people share their experiences with her. Pulling up at an event people are clapping and cheering as it is such as treat to see and be part of the past. Someone saw the truck on Google or social media, called them to do a part in a TV show special. It is a prime time spot for a major TV show that will be aired this fall. Apple has also hired them to be at Cal Poly while they are there recruiting for Apple. Kathy feels the family business ice cream truck has been a good growing experience for her children. She also requires they give back. A portion of all their proceeds are given to a variety of charities. She picks a different non-profit every year. Kathy says, “It was vitally important to me to incorporate the component of paying it forward. This business has allowed us the privilege of enhancing happiness, giving back and having fun at the same time.”

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the community gift that you unwrap

vocal arts ensemble turns 40 By Susan Stewart

“Imagine a world where we voluntarily stopped expanding in quantity, and instead, focused on quality of life, harmony among ourselves, listening to one another, and placing ourselves in one another’s shoes. No prima donnas infringing on others, but everyone free to be the best version of themselves they can be.” —Lindi Doud

Gary Lamprecht

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As the unique local treasure known as The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE) turns 40, one of its longstanding members dares to imagine such a world. Having lived for nearly three of its four decades as a member of Vocal Arts, Lindi Doud is often struck by what a fine example the choir is for how a successful life, a loving

Gary and Pat Lamprecht

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Gary and Pat Lamprecht on tour

family, even a great government could be run. She and the other 45 singers in the internationally celebrated, multi-awardwinning choir—plus founder and director Gary Lamprecht—invite you to celebrate with them in this, their 40th season. Back in 1977, the accolades, awards, and European tours were just a gleam in Lamprecht’s eye as he auditioned and selected the singers for the first Vocal Arts Ensemble. Five short years later the group won first place for the State of California in the Great American Choral Festival. It was the first of many more awards, as Vocal Arts began to tour and compete in prestigious choral competitions around the world. Whether singing in Europe’s great concert halls or the hallowed lofts of her ancient churches, VAE wins the hearts and minds of audiences (as well as trophies) in countries like Austria, Hungary, Russia, Poland, France, and Wales. All the while cementing its now-legendary place in the lives of SLO County fans who flock to its concerts in historic local venues year after year.

rent singers and alumni alike. On April 2nd, an April Fool’s matinee will be held at The Performing Arts Center (PAC) where nothing will be as expected, except a decided and pervasive irreverence (and a few men in drag.) May promises an afternoon “salon” concert described as “an intimate performance at SLO city’s Black Box Theater with wine and hors d’oeuvres. And in June, the 40th Ruby Season Finale at the PAC will pull out all the stops with a program of VAE favorites culled from suggestions from fans and members, both past and present. A post-concert reception will be held in the lobby, where raffle winners will be announced and the first recipient of the Gary and Patricia Lamprecht Endowment Fund will be announced. A Ruby Raffle will be held throughout the season at any of these events where you can find and purchase tickets, then drop the stubs into the vase of the item(s) of your choice. Or in between events, you can do the same at Gordon’s Floral Design Studio at 1532 Monterey Street in SLO. Choose an original painting by Robert Reynolds, tickets to upcoming events, a custom metal violin sculpture by Rick Gordon and Larry LeBrane, a handwoven fiber art shawl by Patricia Martin, or a red ruby and gold treble cleft pendant by Kevin Main. See them all at Gordon’s on Monterey. The drawing will be held on June 4, 2017, and you need not be present to win.

Gary walking Jessica down the aisle

For details, dates, and tickets please visit vocalarts.org, or call the relentlessly loyal fan and current Executive Director of VAE, Sarah Maggelet at 805-541-6797. “We are especially proud of our more than 10 members who are under 40 years old and very new to the group,” said Maggelet. “They provide a new vitality and energy to the choir.”

This year, the calendar offers some extras, beginning with the always-amazing holiday concerts. To bring four decades full circle, the December concerts will be a kind of “greatest hits” affair, with choir and audience favorites from years past—including the very first piece VAE ever performed: “Probe Me Deus.” (We’re not sure how composer Orlando di Lasso would feel about his work being dubbed a greatest hit. We hope he would be flattered.) Later this year, there will be a Vocal Arts Follies Dinner Theater in February, at the First Presbyterian Church in San Luis Obispo. Get ready for a fabulous 3-course dinner from Et Viola’s Jose Dahan, and a light-hearted evening of story and song, featuring cur-

The Vocal Arts Ensemble performing in Florence, Italy – 2015 D E C E M B E R

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PEOPLE

VAE singers run the gamut, with oldest members in their 80s and youngest in their 20s. As Lindi Doud said: “Over the years, like any family, we face the full breadth of human experience as individuals—deaths, divorces, births, injuries, Illnesses, tragedies and joys. And the group is there to comfort or celebrate with us.” One especially joyful moment occurred this past summer when Andy French proposed to Jessica Gilder on tour (and on bended knee) inside an ancient church in France. The two were married this fall in the garden of a fellow VAE singer’s home, where Jessica was led down the aisle by … VAE “father-in-chief” Gary Lamprecht.

“VAE allows me to be creative, focused, constantly learning another language, and a part of one shared sound,” said relatively new VAE singer, Erica Stewart. Talented voices and rigorous practice are key, of course, but music selection plays a large part in the choir’s appeal. Somehow, no matter what the season, Lamprecht seems to hit all the right notes (pun intended) in his choice of pieces. Whether whimsical or classical, to gladden our hearts or to move our souls, every concert contains just the right mix of songs—with challenging (but flawlessly executed) harmonies, exotic rhythms, inspiring lyrics, and fun surprises—all with the power to transcend audiences beyond the everyday struggles of life. How? The cover of the Journal ten years ago.

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For this and the hundreds of other heartfelt tributes to Gary Lamprecht over so many years, Leslie McKinley (President of VAE Board of Directors) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Gary and Patricia Lamprecht Music Education Endowment Fund to support the dreams of music education for students in SLO County. The first scholarship will be awarded in June at the season finale concert at the PAC.

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Inga Swearingen, singer and former student of Lamprecht’s, explains it this way: “Of the many things I learned from Gary, the most important was to let the music touch your heart before leaving your mouth. … Gary always made time for this vital aspect of being a musician.”

As the world continues to turn each day, and the airwaves churn out an endless stream of divisive, destructive rhetoric that reflects the constant turmoil of our day, we can find respite in the harmonious voices of the VAE and in the message they convey. “Working together to create a literal harmony in music,” Lindi Doud said, “means listening more than making your own noise, constantly tuning your pitch and vowel color so that it blends with those around you, and pacing yourself so you neither race ahead of, nor drag behind, others.” Doud wishes everyone could experience life in Vocal Arts. But if singing isn’t your thing, attending a concert is just as important. It’s a tree-in-the-forest concept; the musical circle is not complete until someone hears them. “A concert is a gift to the community,” Doud said, “and your attendance unwraps the package!”

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new life k9s

their mission is to help veterans By Heather Young

ith so many veterans committing suicide, New Life K9s was formed to properly train service dogs to give support to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. The San Luis Obispo nonprofit provides graduated service dogs at no cost to the veteran to help prevent suicides, enrich relationships, reduce homelessness, save community resources and decrease the need for medications. Part of what the service dogs do, New Life K9s Training Director Nicole Hern said, is reduce social anxiety. She said that many veterans who suffer from PTSD feel that everyone is looking at them and knows. “Just having a dog with them is important,” Hern said. “When people approach they approach looking down at the dog rather than in [the person’s] eyes.” Additionally, the dogs are able to sense when their veterans are becoming agitated and are able to alert the person and bring them back. “They can also alert them to their anxiety,” Hern said. “Sometimes we think we know when we’re anxious, but we don’t always realize it.” Due to the important role the service dogs play for the veterans in public, all dogs that are graduated to be service dogs for veterans must pass a strict test allowing them to go into public. “[My service dog], Nara helps me in many ways,” veteran Al Roach said. “While I am not physically disabled, even simple tasks can be difficult for me. I could be crippled at any moment by endless symptoms. Something that would slightly anger a reasonable person or inconvenience them is often debilitating for me. With Nara, it is like having a guardian angel who can physically help you.” Since its inception in February 2014, New Life K9s has graduated three dogs, two of which are rescue dogs. Depending on the age of the dog or puppy, it could take up to two years to graduate a dog. Hern said they are able to take more time training the puppies, rather than the rescue dogs.

Jonny and Olaf

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Al and Nara

“[When] we get a rescue dog, I focus on public access skills,” Hern said. “If we get them as adults we have less time to train them, so we focus on PTSD skills. With puppies we have more time to train so we train them for mobility and PTSD service.” Dogs trained for mobility are able give their veterans a solid base when standing up, as well as fetching items such as bottled water, turn on and off lights, give reminders to take medications and more. Not all the dogs that have gone through the training program have graduated as full service dogs because they did not pass their public access skills tests. For those suffering from PTSD, having a service dog

Hope

Hercules opens a door

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abuse, animal abuse or currently have any gang involvement. “I asked them about their crimes,” Hern said. “I wanted them to show they had some remorse [for what they did].”

Hercules

that is able to be a calming presence in public is important. When a dog is ready to be paired with a veteran, New Life K9s sends out a profile and matches the dog with a veteran based on both of their personalities, lifestyle and the dog’s skills and the veteran’s needs. Hern knew from the start that she’d like to partner with California Men’s Colony to train the dogs, something that happens at other prisons around the country. With the help of Sister Pauline Quinn, who started the Prison Pups program in 1981, Hern was able to get in contact with the right person at CMC in November 2015, which began the partnership between the two entities. Hern and trainer Rosa Mendoza then interviewed inmates who applied to train the dogs as their job at the prison. All potential trainers had to meet certain criteria: had to have been in prison for at least six months, not have any conduct issues or disciplinary action for two years before and could not have been accused or convicted of sexual assault, child

Selected inmates then went through three weeks of intense training. Each dog being trained at the prison have two inmate trainers. The dogs live in the prison with their trainers, sleeping at the end of their beds in a crate. All inmates training dogs live in the same dormitory. The two trainers take turns working with the dogs during the week. On the weekends, the dogs go home with volunteer “puppy raisers” who work at CMC. While they are called puppy raisers, they take care of all trainee dogs and “give them their public outing experience,” Hern said. “We select dogs who are human-focused.”

over my arm. He’ll just stay there until I calm down.”

There are currently 13 dogs being trained at CMC.

When he gets fired up in other situations, Olaf will go over and lick him.

One veteran who has benefitted from the program is Jonny Benton, who also works with the nonprofit and its parent nonprofit, SunCare Foundation. Benton served 11 years, seven months in the Army. He was an airborne infantryman in Afghanistan. He sustained both physical injuries and PTSD.

“I’ll either leave the room and calm down or change my demeanor,” Benton said. “It’s not anything they’ve been trained to do, it’s just canine intuition.”

He got Olaf as a pet dog because he hadn’t passed his public access test, though Hern said that since he’s been living with Benton, Olaf’s training has kicked in, so she is going to test him again in public access. “We decided to bring him back into training and re-test him,” she said. “I still struggle with a lot of anxiety,” Benton said. “When I drive—I drive Cuesta Grade every day—I get pretty fired up. He always sits in the back seat of the pickup on the back bench. When I get frustrated, he lays his head

A future service dog

The nonprofit runs off private donations and grants, no government funds, Hern said. Thousand Hills Pet Resort in San Luis Obispo was started to fund New Life K9s. Hern managed the pet resort until they were ready to start training. It costs $10,000 to $15,000 and approximately two years to train a dog from start to finish. Dogs are then matched with a veteran at no cost to the veteran. Veterans suffering from PTSD who want a service dog may apply on the nonprofit’s website, www.newlifek9s.org. Additionally, anyone who would like to donate money or supplies to the organization may do so there as well.

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history on the hoof day trips into the past

lompoc By Joe Carotenuti

uestion: What do a Federal penitentiary, a prominent outdoor art display, and the 11th California mission have in common?

Answer. They’re located in Lompoc (lesson one: it’s Lom-poke) but you’ll need a special invitation to visit (let alone stay) at the first. From the Chumash lum poc (little lake, lagoon), the fertile valley was an inviting place for the 1769 expedition led by the legendary Gaspar de Portola. In an exhaustive journal, the spot was recommended as a potential mission site near the Santa Ynez River. It would be 18 years before La Purisima Mission (see page 32) was established amid the expected pioneer struggles and faced unexpected ruin twice over its 50-year history. A secular history began in 1834 when a 43,000-acre Mexican land grant to the prominent Santa Barbara Carrillo family began sales to others that led to purchase by the Lompoc Land Company in 1874 to establish a temperance colony.

Lompoc Library/Museum

Twelve years later with the incorporation of Lompoc, temperance ceased. Settlers needed more than abstinence from alcohol to survive and the vast valley invited a variety of agricultural enterprises—very much in evidence today—and wharves to serve commerce. As President William McKinley traveled in the first presidential rail cars toward San Luis Obispo in 1901, there were no tracks into the small town. When a spur line was finally completed, a flourishing agricultural growth, including mining of diatomaceous earth and acres of flower seeds, provided an economic backbone for the community by-passed by the more developed eastern county. With the establishment of Camp Cooke in 1941 (later renamed Vandenberg Air Force Base), the community was flooded by transient men preparing to go elsewhere. Remnants of the past and ingenuity from the present invite an intriguing trip to the community still centered in the “Valley of the Flowers.” Let’s start. Park your horseless carriage in the “living history” community near the Chamber of Commerce (111 South I Street) located in the 1892 Spanne Chalkrock building built of diatomaceous earth and note the exterior wall mural (you’ll see dozens) depicting the plentiful local compound. The friendly folks inside will help with maps, literature and restaurant choices. Be sure to have an Old Town Lompoc Heritage Walk map and one

The flowers of Lompoc

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A Retirement Facil HOME/OUTDOOR

Even though the prospect of moving m future, you owe it to yourself to learn h carefree living in your own home for man

You Don’t Have to Move

Artesia School

guiding you to the murals. Within a few blocks radius of the Chamber, you’ll stroll pass an array of historic buildings while admiring the dozens of murals that dot the downtown area in an eclectic display of subjects and themes mostly completed by residents. The intriguing and inviting outdoor art started in 1990 to revitalize an ailing economy. Start your walk at the Lompoc Museum, the former library opened in 1911 with a $10,000 gift from the Scottish philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. The Greek Temple architecture was designed by W. H. Weeks and bears a striking resemblance to his library designs in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Today, the museum features a strong tribute to the local Chumash natives. Along the way you’ll discover a pine nut grove, a church in two locations facing each other across a street (not the Baptist one that has held its services in the same building since 1888), one of three former USO halls, and an array of structures—many moved to their current locations by those who love history but also love to share its story. Walking north past dozens of murals for four blocks and you’ll find the Artesia School House, a former one-room school and now museum. Of course, the major historical treasure in the community is the second site of La Purisima Mission. A few remnants of its previous location require a short drive to the end of South F Street. A brochure “Mission Vieja” will help you remember the destruction that resulted in today’s mission. An enjoyable day strolling around the community may require another day (or another day trip) if the nearby Mission is included in your itinerary. If so, December 9 is a special day of celebration detailed at www.lapurisimamission.org. Do you have a favorite day-trip? Please let us know for future journeys. jacarotenuti@gmail.com

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weekend getaway

meet some happy buffalos and their mozzarella By Ray Cauwet

Audrey has a wonderful relationship with her buffalos, including Louie, one of two bulls.

orthern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties are noted for the quality and variety of cheeses produced. One of the most unusual cheeses made in the area is mozzarella di bufala. That’s Italian for mozzarella of buffalo,

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especially water buffalo. You might feel a little confused. Everyone knows cheese comes from all those “Happy Cows,” not water buffalos. Surprise, there are happy buffalos, too, and they produce some of the best mozzarella you’ll ever taste. They live at the Ramini Mozzarella Creamery, near Tomales, Calif. Located about an hour north of San Francisco off Highway 1, the farm is owned and operated by Audrey Hitchcock. She and her late husband, Craig Ramini, founded the business in 2009 and leased 25 acres of farmland. Prior to that time, Ramini researched cheese making and spent some time interning with two mozzarella-making families in Italy. “In 2009 we purchased five pregnant cows and four more and a bull the next year. We were on our way,” Audrey stated. Over time, they added more animals and perfected their skills in making mozzarella. Unfortunately, Ramini developed cancer and died in 2015. She was devastated, but was resolved to go on.

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Audrey at work in the processing center.

Each of the 45 buffalos appreciates her personal attention.

Today, she is a one-woman operation. She does everything during a 15-hour day. That includes lovingly caring for the 45 buffalos, running the milking equipment and doing the cheese making.

Audrey said making the mozzarella is a complicated process. “It’s a delicate mix of many factors, including the milk temperature, air temperature and time. Another important part is the mental state of the buffalos. How happy they are affects the milk’s quality.”

Audrey has a routine. Each evening, she calls in the herd. The babies go into “Calf Town” and the mothers are released into a nearby pasture. In the early morning, she calls the mothers by name into the milking barn. Surprisingly, each buffalo is named after an aging music star, including Bette (Midler), Pat (Benetar), Dusty (Springfield), Madonna, Petula (Clark) and Linda (Ronstadt). The chutes in the barn hold two buffalos at a time. She hooks them up to a pump and the milk flows into a plastic tank. While the tanks are filling, she scratches the animals’ bellies and talks to them. It’s an intimate collaboration. Next, the cheese making begins. She enters a sterile, stainless steel room and pours the milk into a 90-gallon vat. She adds a whey starter containing bacteria and leaves it to ripen. Then rennet, a coagulant, is added. After coagulation, the curd is cut into pieces and the liquid removed. There’s a few more steps and she’s ready to form the curd into smooth, shiny eight-ounce balls. “At this point, you have a beautiful ball of mozzarella with an inside that oozes juice,” she stated. The cheese she makes is delicious with a sweet, tangy flavor and it’s healthy. The buffalo milk has 11 per cent more protein than cow’s milk, about the same fat, more calcium, one-fifth the cholesterol and it is slightly easier to digest than cow’s milk.

She currently has 12 milking cows and plans to increase that number to 15 or 16 in the near future. The cheese is in great demand and she sells it to 10 restaurants in Marin and Sonoma Counties, and San Francisco. Most of the cheese is used by the restaurants in pizza and lasagna. Some serve it as an appetizer or in sandwiches. Persons interested in getting a closer look at the operation can participate in tours on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. In the sessions, Audrey provides information on the farm and cheese making. Visitors then are treated to some cheese. She prepares it in the traditional way on slices of kamatos (dark tomatoes), with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh basil. Finally, it’s time to meet and greet her four-legged friends. They may look intimidating, but they’re gentle and enjoy being petted. Cost of the tour is $25. The cheese also can be purchased for $15. For reservations, email craig@raminimozzarella.com. Audrey Hitchcock can be reached at 415-690-6644. The farm’s address is 175 Gericke Road, Tomales, CA 94952 Italians have been producing mozzarella di bufala for hundreds of years and have gained a reputation for making the “World’s Best Mozzarella.” Don’t fret! You need not have to travel that far to enjoy some excellent mozzarella. It’s just up the road at the Ramini Mozzarella Creamery. Give it a try.

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at the market

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Mint and Cashew Cream By Sarah Hedger

ecember is a great time of year on the Central Coast as it is when Fall produce is still available, as well as the prime, Winter produce just coming into its own. Aside from the winter squash, apples, broccoli, and dark greens coming into season, the residual Fall fruit and vegetables are usually sweet and ready for the picking. Along these lines, apples are at their sweetest, as well as persimmons and pomegranates. Pomegranates evoke great childhood memories for me as we always seemed to have them around this time of the year. I seemed to be the only one in our family who truly embraced this fruit and all the stains it created on whatever I was wearing while I devoured it. As I got older, my technique didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really improve, just my choice of (darker) clothing, therefore not being quite as obvious when I consumed one. The little pockets of juicy bits in the fruit were like finding little gems, that just wanted to be eaten, while exploding great flavor into my mouth. I also love how so many people often have a pomegranate tree growing in

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their yard, not knowing what to do with it/them. Thus, my instructions are simple: Just eat them!! They are amazing and so fun and so delicious. And, now as more research comes out, it turns out the little

QUINOA SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE, MINT AND CASHEW CREAM Makes enough to serve 4 with some leftovers For the Salad: 1 cup quinoa, cooked for 15 minutes ½ small pumpkin, cooked whole for 1 hour at 400 degrees, cooled and chopped 1 red onion, chopped and roasted with a little olive oil and salt at 400 degrees for 20 mins 1 pomegranate 1 beet, peeled and grated 1 bunch of kale leaves, finely minced 1 carrot, grated ½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted 1 cup cilantro, chopped ½ cup mint, chopped ½ cup nuts, chopped (almonds or hazelnuts are great) Get out a large salad bowl and cut pomegranate in half. Now, find the largest, heaviest spoon/implement you can and, holding the pomegranate cut side toward the bowl, hit the red part with the back of the implement, and watch the seeds fall perfectly into the bowl, without any of the bitter, white pith. Place remaining ingredients in bowl with dressing and toss well. Taste and season with salt if needed. Top with chopped nuts and more fresh mint if desired. underrated gems are actually really good for you, full of Vitamin C, fiber, Vitamin K, and folate. So much goodness in one package always amazes me. Therefore, this month’s recipe, Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Mint, and Cashew Cream, contains the mighty pomegranate. I’ve also included a recent way I was shown how to get all the little, juicy seeds out of the pomegranate, without completely juicing and staining yourself and everything around you. It is brilliant! The salad comes together easily however you do need to do a little pre-roasting of the pumpkin and red onion. I roast pumpkins whole, sparing any sharp knife/finger incidents and it works amazingly well as they are SO much easier to cut and work with, once they are a little soft in their roasting. Quinoa is an amazing little superfood in itself, providing great nutrition as well as a little crunch to the salad. It is also great as it is naturally gluten free, thus easier for many to digest. The fresh mint and cilantro make the salad especially fresh tasting, while the pumpkin and quinoa provide a certain heartiness. The dressing is a light lemon dijon dressing, while the cashew cream adds just the right amount of smooth creaminess, acting more as a condiment, bringing it all together. While it is a simple recipe, coming together with ease, a little planning of cooking the pumpkin, or the quinoa in advance, makes it even easier. The cashew cream can be made in advance as well, and is quite literally, good on anything, adding healthy fats and protein to whatever it comes near. That said, enjoy this Winter salad, and have a look if you (or your neighbors) have a scraggly looking pomegranate tree in their yard, waiting to be enjoyed.

For the Dressing: 3 T olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed into a paste with ½ tsp sea salt 1 tsp whole grain mustard Juice of 1 lemon (¼ c. +) Whisk ingredients in bowl to use with salad. For the Cashew Cream: (good with just about anything)! 160 g cashews, soaked for at least an hour in warm water 2 dates, pitted, and soaked for at least an hour in warm water ¼ c. cauliflower, chopped ½ cup olive oil ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice 1 tsp dijon mustard 1 T apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt (to taste) Drain cashews and dates and place in blender with ½ cup water, plus other ingredients, until smooth and creamy. Taste and season, adding more water if necessary. Serve salad with cashew cream and enjoy!

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slo art scene

bloodlines

two dimensional and three dimensional encaustic art by flo bartell By Jody Kocsis

uring the process of creating, artists often unearth stories from their memories. A testament to the many facets of personal family history, Bloodlines is an exhibition of encaustic artworks by Flo Bartell on view at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art McMeen Gallery from December 2 – January 29, 2017. Now in her seventies, Bartell examines what advancing age means in her life and art. She translates this new awareness using encaustic media, adding sculptural, three-dimensional objects like wire mesh armatures, plaster gauze, fabric, and organic matter. The opaque, shadowy nature of the wax and the layered elements represent the effects of time passing. The neutral palettes that appear old or rusty imply the richness and depth of aging. Initially, the series was deeply personal; Bartell was unintentionally painting her secrets and reactions to life events. The work exposes her scars, experiences, and evolution into the present moment. Questioning what her new work was attempting to say, she realized that her family, especially the women of her family, deeply influenced her own story. Re-reading old essays about them, she was struck by their strength and determination to succeed in careers, goals, and their appreciation of the arts. Using these stories, traditional crafts, and symbolic objects, Bartell has preserved her family legacy in wax. A public opening of the exhibition will take place on Saturday, December 3 from 3–5 PM. Bartell will also give an ARTalk and exhibition tour at SLOMA on Saturday, December 11 from 2–3 PM. SLOMA ARTalks are free and open to the public. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, dedicated to the education, presentation and preservation of the visual arts on the Central Coast, is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Free admission; donations are appreciated. For more info, visit SLOMA.org.

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paso art scene

i had to go to art school By Jordan Hockett

y name is Jordan Hockett, and I have lost count of how many people have asked me what I was going to do with a college degree in art. I thought it was obvious that I was going to be an artist. It is possible to make a living as an artist; I just have to treat it like a job, put in the work to stand out, make better art, and push past the cliché of the starving artist. I don’t have any doubt whether or not I should be an artist. It is what I was born to do. I grew up in Paso Robles, California. I initially thought I was going to be an architect, but after taking advanced physics and calculus classes in high school, I thought, “Forget this.” I entered college with the goal of being a graphic designer since I had already done some work in that field and it seemed like a real job that I could be artistic in while still making a living. While in college, I changed my goal again and decided to be an artist. I got my degree in studio art from San Francisco State University. Most of my education was in sculpture, but I also took classes in printmaking, textiles, drawing, and painting. Growing up, I was always the one who was known as the artistic kid, the one who could draw and one of the top students in art class. When I started taking art classes in college, I was learning and showing along side other people who were the best from their schools. Being in that environment forced me to become better technically in my

Jordan Hockett’s “Mug”

craft, more creative, and simply a better artist. Studying and living in a city like San Francisco exposed me to all kinds of people and styles of art. It glorified creativity, innovation, and individuality. It was great being able to get on a bus and thirty minutes later be at the De Young or the MOMA, or see public art, like the Mission District’s murals. When I came back home to Paso Robles, I was able to become a part of Studios on the Park. Being able to have a studio and gallery space at Studios has been a continuation of my art education. Every day that I am in the gallery, I get to work next to fellow artists who are creating amazing things. Everyone is doing something very different from the artist working in the space next door. Seeing the quality of work that each artist produces makes me want to push my own work to the next level. I classify my current body of work as Tribal Pop. I make abstract work, mostly acrylic paintings, that use lots of geometric shapes and other icons in rhythmic patterns. Sometimes, I mix the patterns with relatable scenes of Americana and pop culture. Most of my inspiration comes from craft and folk art, as opposed to fine art. Jordan Hockett’s “Grandpa”

My art continues to evolve and change due to the great education I gain, and I love what I get to do for a job. D E C E M B E R

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local books – Cindy Rankin’s

under the ashes sassy lass reveals paso’s past By Vicki León

lthough they create chaos and carnage, natural disasters sometimes reveal the best side of humanity: the ingenuity, grit, and selfless behavior of the men, women and children caught up in them.

That notion may be part of what inspired the storyline of local journalist and historian Cindy Rankin’s newly published book, Under the Ashes. Told in first person, the story opens in small-town Paso Robles, California, with a fearless, outspoken 11-year-old called Elizabeth Morgan. Nicknamed LittleBeth, she revels in Huck Finn encounters with rattlesnakes and other misadventures. This does not sit well with her teachers and kinfolk, who cling to the prissy, tight-corseted standards demanded of young women in the horse-and-buggy days of the early 1900s. From a quote early in the book: “You have to take the sass out of that lass,” Grandma said to Papa, making sure those words followed me outside. Aunt Sally will tame your bumptious ways. High time someone did.” Author Rankin then throws her young heroine to the lions by exiling her to a grim spinster in San Francisco—arriving there on what would become the fateful week of April 18, 1906. When the disheveled young traveler gets down from the train, she’s met by Aunt Sally, who clearly loathes the notion of a child to look after. Her idea of a warm welcome? She performs that universally hated adult reaction, scrubbing LittleBeth’s face with a spit-drenched hankie.

Cindy Rankin

Francisco, causing buildings to crumble, streets to heave and buckle, and fires to break out around the city. People disappear under the rubble, including the auntie and Mr. Steinberg. LittleBeth survives, and struggles into the street, her ankle broken, injured and alone. Dazed, she hears a familiar voice: “We must have transport out of this place,” demanded a man in booming, accented words. The voice, the swagger in his step, it could only be him. Caruso. I fell into darkness. His arm was under my neck, supporting me. He held a tin cup to my lips. Water! If I weren’t so parched, I’d have slept a month of Sundays in the great Caruso’s arms. “Where are your people?” There was impatience in his voice. Made me think he’d asked the question before. “Gone,” I managed to say as a trickle of water escaped my mouth. “Poverina.” The pitiful crease in his brow and the breathy oddness of the word startled me. Had something awful happened?

The new arrival endures it with humor, wondering: “How long would it take Aunt Sally to refine me? Without a privy visit soon, I’d fail more than the clean-face test.” LittleBeth soon meets the nextdoor neighbor, a fellow shopkeeper who clearly wants to woo her unresponsive auntie. Eventually, Mr. Steinberg’s kind gestures lead to a date of sorts, when he takes them both to an opera rehearsal. Auntie and niece get the rare thrill of hearing the great Enrico Caruso sing. LittleBeth is enchanted: “Then the tenor’s voice captured me. It unfurled like a bolt of rich silk floating over the stage—higher and higher it went, until it dipped thrillingly low, then rose again.” Early the next morning, however, the great quake slams into San D E C E M B E R

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Mission District, 1906

COMMUNITY (The Great Caruso himself left for New York on a train, anxious to return to his family near Italy’s Mt. Vesuvius, which had likewise endured earthquake activity from April 6 on.) Another sharp-eyed aspect of Rankin’s novel is LittleBeth’s eagerness to accept others, including her auntie’s Jewish suitor and her new Asian friends—and in the process, to shock the reader with the intense prejudices she runs into on their behalf.

Chinatown District, 1906

The singer reluctantly befriends the injured youngster, who insists on searching the hospitals for her auntie and Mr. Steinberg. As they struggle through the ruined city, LittleBeth shows her mettle, helping their small band survive with her common-sense advice. She also befriends two Chinese, one a girl her age, who later help her negotiate the maze of difficulties to get a place on the next train headed south. In her book, Rankin uses the train as a device to get her protagonist to and from the disaster. What she was not able to tell in the novel, however, is just how critical that train service was in the aftermath of San Francisco’s quake and fire. As Simon Winchester’s Crack in the Edge of the World relates, by midnight on April 18, the first train from Los Angeles had already reached the stricken city with food and medicines. By April 19th, dozens of trains coming from locales as far away as Virginia brought food and critical supplies, later easing the refugee crisis by enabling survivors like LittleBeth to return home or leave the city.

The discrimination against the Chinese, eloquently railed against by LittleBeth, nearly resulted in their eradication from the city. Chinatown’s 16 square blocks burned to the ground, thanks to an appalling lack of fire crews and hydrants in the district. In the aftermath, an all-white committee quickly made plans to reestablish the Chinese in an area far from the urban core. Pushback came swiftly, though. China’s Dowager Empress demanded reconstruction of Chinatown where it had once stood. Fearful of damaging relations and lucrative trade with China, the committee caved. Like a phoenix, Chinatown was reborn to vivid life again. Although this historical novel is largely aimed at grades 4 through 7, it contains a host of very grownup situations and events. The high stakes when it comes to human life, for instance. The two adults closest to LittleBeth choose to die together in a horrific manner, but their decision is handled with such grace that it becomes an inspirational lesson about love.

Cindy has juggled the varied roles of freelance journalist, mom, teacher, editor, and storyteller with good humor and aplomb. Her son Jess and daughter Kate likewise have military and vagabond leanings, serving in far-flung locales around the world. For their permanent home, Cindy and husband Curt long ago chose Paso Robles as their ShangriLa. Besides her family, Cindy points to the Cambria Writers Workshop as her main source of inspiration and motivation. One of its charter members, much-published children’s book author Elizabeth Spurr, has closely followed Rankin’s growth as a writer. She comments: “I really envy Cindy’s ear for dialogue, for speech patterns that differentiate one person from another. She has a real gift for getting inside each of her characters. These talents will serve her well.” A final note—to celebrate the birth of her literary creation, the new author decided to hold her book party in the most fitting place she could think of: at Paso’s historic train depot.

Readers get a visceral helping of heroic acts, along with contrasts of generosity and greed, snobbery and survivor can-do spirits, even from the bit players in Rankin’s book. For these reasons, Under the Ashes should be regarded as a universal story that will grip adult readers as well as touch younger ones, a book that lingers long on the memory, in much the same way that Steinbeck’s tales of Cannery Row once did. About the author Born into the gypsy life of an Air Force family and married into one as well, Cindy Rankin lived for years in Italy, learning Italian ways and drinking in its musical language. Thus the author found it a natural fit to use Enrico Caruso as a character in her book. (Caruso’s visit to San Francisco and his adventures during the quake are welldocumented, as are the street-scene sketches he made during the disaster.)

Streets of San Francisco, 1906

As befits a world traveler, throughout her life

805 Aerovista #103, San Luis Obispo

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first presbyterian church of slo

noontime brown bag concerts By Mike Suddarth

rriving in San Luis Obispo by way of the Marsh Street entrance is a lovely way to discover our vibrant downtown. Passing a few stately homes soon gives way to Marsh and Morro, a corner at once holding a WPA Post Office, a ’90s Barnes and Noble book store, a mid-twentieth century bank and the Gothic Revival First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. Activity at that corner is pretty predictable, depending upon the day of the week. Passing that intersection around noon on the first Friday of the month, however, you will notice something different. First Friday at FPCSLO begins quietly enough. Staff tends to office issues. Pastor Dennis Falasco sees to that week’s Sunday worship schedule. At about 11:30 a.m. this Friday, however, a bus arrives. In quick succession, several other buses and vehicles arrive for the day’s event, the always-free Noontime Brown Bag Concert. By noon as many as eight buses from SLO county senior residences will be either parked or dropping off riders for a monthly get together. A little history: Years ago, last century as a matter of fact, there were no mid-day activities for office workers, students or seniors in the city core. In 1993, the Noontime Brown Bag Concert series sprang from the mind of FPCSLO church member Carol West. She felt hard working folk might enjoy brief entertainment along with their packed at home lunches. The idea took off. Just like that, the Noontime Brown Bag Concert came to be. Carol, a singer and musician in her own right, found willing entertainers from all over SLO County. Numerous performers gladly made their talents available for a short concert at noon on a workday. Carol handed over the reins to Mike Suddarth and Linda Brady in 1998. Around the same time, a shift in outreach occurred. In addition to downtown workers, Brown Bag began to seek out local seniors. Monthly information about upcoming events went out to local senior residence facilities. The Villages, The Manse on Marsh and Las Brisas brought audience members first. Over the next decade the number attending grew, as did the areas represented. Casa de Flores in Morro Bay soon came on board. More recently Wyndham Residence in Arroyo Grande, Atascadero Christian Home and Ingleside Assisted Living of Atascadero joined the party. Great thanks to the city of San Luis Obispo Parking Services for allowing a few Marsh Street spaces be earmarked for all those buses!

Vans bringing people to the concert in front of the Church

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School choirs, OperaSLO, Chameleon Productions, SLO Little Theater, Mozart Fringe, as well as solo and group musicians of all types have graced our little platform stage. Instruments played have ranged from guitar to tuba, from ukulele to hammered dulcimer, all the way to Chinese Erhu. (Google it!) Every month an audience upwards of 100 watches, listens and sometimes participates in whatever is offered. Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate offered by Brown Bag kitchen helpers top off the patrons’ tanks before they stream out asking, “Who will you have next month?” December brings a special Christmas concert each year. Some years Santa has been known to appear. He has even roasted chestnuts for our attendees. The Mighty Brown Bag Players have assembled and appeared a number of times, recreating golden age television shows with jokes and songs purloined at the source. One performance was a recreation of The Johnny Carson Show. Another was a Perry Como Christmas Special. The overall favorite edition was The Carol Burnett Show featuring the Gone With the Wind skit. Last Christmas Brown Bag introduced to the Central Coast the In Time Trio, in their premier performance. This delightful women’s trio stole our collective hearts with standards and Christmas music in three-part harmony. The ladies are returning to the scene of their crime (they always do) at this year’s Christmas Brown Bag Concert! In Time members Rebecca Robinson, Judy Philbin and Kit Johnson are coming back with an even better Christmas show. Also, the Jazz Vespers play on Dec 18th at 7 pm. Christmas Jazz Vespers with George Garcia Quartet and special guest Inga Swearingen [Scott Liddi, sax; Ken Hustad, bass; Darrell Voss, drums]. Plan your schedule now and pass the word! A number of performers are already lined up for 2017. Look forward to favorites like The Mudskippers, Dorian Michael, Cuesta College Choirs and Craig Nuttycombe. Possibly, we’ll have another Central Coast premier! Attend any Noontime Brown Bag Concert and odds are you’ll see a lot of smiling seniors, some with walkers and a few with wheelchairs. They are the heart of our Brown Bag audience, back for another sharing of a meal and delightful free entertainment. You are also likely to see series originator Carol West in the audience. If you do, thank her for creating the Noontime Brown Bag Concert at First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo!

The In Time Trio

Inga Swearingen

The Greatest athletes on the Central Coast By Dr. Don Morris Editor’s note: “Who are the Greatest Athletes in the history of the Central Coast?” So far the following athletes have been featured: Ed Brown, Stephanie Brown Trafton, Chuck Liddell, Loren Roberts, Steve Patterson, Gene Rambo, Robin Ventura, Jordan Hasay, Chuck Estrada, Mike Larrabee, Ron Capps, Jamie Martin, Rusty Kuntz, Randall Cunningham, Jim Lonborg, Kami Craig, John Rudometkin, Ivan Huff, Chelsea Johnson, Michael Louis Bratz, Frank Minini, Scott McClain, Mel Queen, Napoleon Kaufmann, Katie Hicks, Mark Brunell, Gene Romero, Kenny Heitz, Thornton Starr Lee, Pat Rusco, Rusty Blair, the Lee Family, Dan Conners and Dr. Paul Spangler. Please send nominations to Dr. Morris at dmmorris@calpoly.edu.

john iribarren It was the realization of a lifelong dream when John Iribarren was selected to referee the Notre Dame vs. Air Force football game in 1996. In a sports career that spanned some 50 years, John took his father’s spirit with him onto the field. Iribarren explained it this way, “My dad was a huge Notre Dame fan, so I became one, too.” The giant leap from a small town private school to the Western Athletic Conference is only part of John’s story. John was brought up around sports and lettered in baseball, basketball and football in Sutter County. In September 1957, Iribarren moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly and majored in Agriculture. At the same time, he helped out with the baseball team. By 1962 he was involved in J.V. coaching and refereed three sports. By 1963 Iribarren was involved with the H.S. Officials’ Association and became the liaison officer for the C.I.F. He was responsible for four leagues and 23 high schools. Soon noticed for his outstanding abilities as “linesman,” Iribarren worked three Community College State Championship games by the end of 1960. He made the big jump to the P.C.A.A. and soon after worked the Big West Conference. In 1978 he moved up to refereeing for Division I Football and by 1990 he made it to the Western Athletic Conference. All this while, maintaining his position as Coach and Dean of Students at Mission High School, John continued to coach and umpire locally from youth leagues to high school. John said that refereeing can be the most thankless job in the stadium, but it is also one of the most important roles. Officials step onto the football field to give back to a game they love, while cherishing the chance to still be a part of the action. “I’m here to help the kids—for the spirit of the game,” said John Iribarren. “Football has been so good to me with all the things I’ve been afforded and have been able to do. Now, I’m just giving back.” Iribarren now observes crews and rates them—“to make them better and for the experience itself, along with the camaraderie and memories that coaches and referees build along the way.” The longest-tenured official, Iribarren also happens to be one of the most experienced officials in the nation. John received a Distinguished Service

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Award from the CIF-Southern Section for his lifetime of work. He also worked Western Athletic Conference games and fifteen Division I bowls. John has been calling games for 50 years running, with most of them taking place along the Central Coast. “I found I enjoyed it—it’s a way of giving back to a sport I enjoyed as a young man. That’s probably the most important reason right there.” Iribarren also said, “Most of the time, officials agreed, they can’t specifically make out much of anything being voiced from the crowd, given the fast-paced, in-yourface nature of their jobs. Crowds are pretty loud, but we really don’t hear anything in particular. We hear roars and we hear boos, but as far as individual (shouts), there’s so much concentration on the players out there—we’ve got five to seven officials in a crew and if you’re not concentrating, you’re not going to be successful. As an official, you have to have the discipline where you don’t hear that stuff.” “Football is the easiest game to officiate, but the most difficult to master the rules,” Iribarren said. “The rules are very complex. I played the game, coached the game, and then officiated the game, and it’s amazing how much you don’t know about the rules of football (at its various levels). The C.I.F says ‘victory with honor,’ and that’s what it needs to be.” John continued, “The main change the game has seen in recent years is the public’s contemporary amount of concern over concussions. If we deem a kid drowsy or woozy, we’ll send him off. It’s not worth it (to keep playing). But the concussion issue is just the latest sign of a gradual increase in care for safety over the years, noting the lengthy evolution of helmets and other equipment.” “It’s a speed game now,” Iribarren said. “Teams run more plays and the players are quicker, faster and stronger. The game’s more spread out. That’s the difficult part. When there are only five of us out there, it’s a tough go. However, as officials, we’re still having fun. If you’re not having fun out there, it’s not worth going out there.” One of John’s Mission High School athletes remembers him with the following words, “I remember he had such a tough outside demeanor, but he is a really nice man who always treated me well. My best regards to him!” Another of John’s students remembered him with the following words, “He is the sweetest man in the world, but scared the crap out of me. We always knew we had to stop whatever we were doing when we heard the jingling of his keys. I wish him the best of luck!” Iribarren is one of the most experienced and longest tenured officials in the nation. Some of the highlights of John’s refereeing career include Officiating 15 Division I Bowl games, two Western Conference Games, two Community College Championship games and receiving the honor of C.I.F. Distinguished Service Award Life Membership; induction into the San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth Hall of Fame and the Cal Ripken Hall of Fame, and was the Inaugural Inductee into the Hall of Fame Mission College Prep and first honoree official in Fellowship of Christian Athletic Classic. Morro Bay H.S. and now Hancock College Women’s Basketball Coach Cary Nerelli said about his old Mission H.S. Coach “From the years I played for him as a high school athlete to thru the present day, Coach has continued to be a mentor and a man whose friendship I greatly esteem. His influence upon me as a person and coach has been monumental. I have tried very hard to pass on the values and lessons learned from him to the players I have coached. D E C E M B E R

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history

la purisima mission By Joe Carotenuti

he tasks hadn’t changed, the demands continued to grow, but the spiritual conquest begun in San Diego in 1769 proved more lasting and important to the Spanish Empire than any military efforts. Indeed, the first expedition north from San Diego not only named various spots still used today but designated 70 potential mission sites. Traveling close to the ocean shore, in August 1769, Fra Juan Crespi, the chaplain and chronicler of the travelers, noted a potential site. It was another 18 years before an establishment was started.

María Santísima—“Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary”—was founded on December 8, 1787.

When padre-presidente Junipero Serra died in 1784, his lifelong friend and fellow Franciscan friar, Francisco Palou, guided the missionary efforts briefly. However, when the new padre-presidente, Fermin Francisco de Lasuén, assumed his duties the next year, an astonishing (and largely unnoticed) series of mission dedications matched those of his revered Serra.

Originally established at the Chumash village of Algsacupi (on the edge of present day Lompoc), it faced the expected rigors of missionary life as the founding padres, Vincente Fuster (1742-1800) and Francisco Josė Arroita (1762-1821), battled the elements for food and the spirit for souls. Indeed, Fuster had barely survived the murderous rampage of the natives in San Diego in 1775.

Between 1786 and his death in 1803, the indefatigable Lasuen established nine outposts between Oceanside and San Jose. Unlike Serra, he was present for all. Adjacent to this county, the most completely restored mission today remembers life as much more than prayers and ceremonies.

Eventually, as happened elsewhere, the neophyte (newly baptized) population grew and land needed for crops and cattle reached nearly 500 square miles from the Santa Maria River on the north to the coast near Gaviota. With sufficient water located in the hills just three miles away, primitive irrigation systems bypassed the haphazard system of depending upon the rain. Largely forgotten today, missions developed the earliest aqueducts. With a population between 900 and 1100 souls at its peak, the Mission herds were counted at nearly 24,000 in 1822 with thousands of bushels harvested of wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils, and garbanzos. The mission proved one of the most productive.

Here’s the story. The eleventh spiritual outpost Misión la Purísima Concepción de

Inside La Purisima Mission

Serra had advised potential missionaries to California to expect a life of hardships. He didn’t mention one particular affliction: earthquakes, although having experienced some. A major tremor (estimated by today’s standards at 6.9-7.3) and tsunami on December 21, 1812 wreaked havoc to many missions but two, San Juan Capistrano

Rebuilding La Purisima Mission in 1935

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La Purisima Mission ruins

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Outside La Purisima Mission

and La Purisima, were destroyed. Ruins are clearly visible today at the former but the eleventh mission moved about four miles to its current location. It fell to resident Padre Mariano Payéras (1804-1823) to salvage what could be used and rebuild the new mission in a unique design. It also became a further burden when he was chosen padrepresidente and served during the dramatic and destructive changes brought about by the Mexican War of Independence. The mission became the Franciscan headquarters. For a life led with the exertion and struggles of his time, it was fortunate Payeras did not witness what has been characterized as a “revolt” by the natives in 1824. Worthy of its own article, an angry native population confronted the military authorities at nearby Santa Inez and made their way to La Purisima. The ensuing conflict proved deadly and in the end, seven natives were condemned to death and executions occurred at the Mission. In the last year of his life, the resident padre, Antonio Rodriguez, pleaded to no avail for mercy, administered the Last Rites and soon transferred to San Luis Obispo. There he died by the end of the year and rests at the foot of the sanctuary.

La Purisima Mission Visitor Center

private hands, California history while under the flag of Mexico for a quarter of a century, transformed the northern Mexican outpost into huge land grants and gave birth to the popular “rancho” era. For La Purisima, ruin was near complete. In more modern times (see pages 20-21), sale in 1874 to the Lompoc Land Company further isolated the area until the completion of the railroad in 1901 eventually provided an iron ribbon (spur) into the community, incorporated in 1888. In an extraordinary act of charity, in 1933, Union Oil Company donated land, including the mission site, to the State. The saga of the restoration of the desolate buildings must wait for another article.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Suffice to note here, the untrained hands of the original Chumash builders were matched by those of the youthful Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1942.

Let our family take care of your family.

JUST LIKE HOME

The most notable of mission mayhem (next to that in San Diego) was a prelude to the ensuing decline and decay of both mission structures and settlements. With interest in transferring ownership of land into

Today, a State Park surrounded by 2000 acres of parkland offers many opportunities to visit the past and includes an informative Visitor Center. A special treat for all is December 8 (Founder’s Day) when the only Mass is celebrated followed by an evening concert. (www. lapurisimamission.org) Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com

Peace on Earth

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Rehabilitation Therapy · Medicare, Medical, HMOs Short Term Rehabilitation · Long Term Care

805.922.6657 www.CountryOaksCareCenter.com 830 East Chapel Street, Santa Maria

Country Oaks CA R E CENTER

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our schools

The december dilemma, religion and our schools By James J. Brescia, Ed.D. County Superintendent of Schools “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” —Aristotle According to religious scholars, the phrase “separation of church and state” was initially coined by Baptists striving for religious toleration in Virginia, whose official state religion was then Anglican (Episcopalian). Baptists thought government limitations against religion were illegitimate. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were reported to have championed their cause. During the American holiday season, tax-payer funded schools often face the “December Dilemma” or end up between “a rock and a hard place.” Confusion occurs during the holiday season because the issue of religious expression in public schools can become more visible. Questions about the use of religious icons, sacred music, and certain decorations in the classroom place the matter of “separation of church and state” before faculty, staff, administration, and community members. The preamble of the Act Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia (1786), affirms that “the Author of our Religion gave us our ‘free will.’” Moreover, that He “chose not to propagate it by coercions.” This legislation did not diminish religious influence on government because it also provided stiff penalties for conducting business on the Sabbath. Legal experts and scholars contend that the Constitution does not inhibit public displays of faith. At the Constitution’s ratification, the early Republic even welcomed public worship. Church services were held in the U.S. Capitol and Treasury buildings every Sunday. Today in many federal buildings there is imagery that remains unmistakably biblical. So where does this leave our government funded and operated public schools? Academics and lawyers advise that when public schools hold holiday celebrations, they should make every effort to accommodate diverse faiths during the holiday season. Students cannot be forced to participate in any event that offends his or her beliefs, and public school officials should make every effort to accommodate diverse faiths during the holiday season. Legal experts recommend accommodations such as including different customs, various songs, and varied traditional foods at parties or other in-school events. However, assemblies dominated by religious music may raise constitutional concerns. The United States Supreme Court has determined that schools may celebrate the holidays and create displays as long as they so do within “the context of the Christmas Season” and the religious component of their display does not dominate, but simply represents one element of a holiday that has obtained secular status in our society. Lynch v. Donnelly, 465.U.S. 668, 679, and 691 (1984). Under this ruling, a Christmas tree would be appropriate while a cross or a nativity scene would not be appropriate. Crosses and nativity scenes are religious symbols that have not gained the same secular status in our society as a Christmas tree. Religious icons present a constitutional dilemma when visible in public displays. D E C E M B E R

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Balancing the legal conditions, past practices, and community expectations can present a challenge for even the most experienced school official. The government should make every effort to acknowledge appropriate recognition of religion in American society and avoid encouraging any particular religious beliefs. Through personal experiences as a student in the Santa Clara Unified School District and as a public school employee, I have observed that the public can be confused about how to deal with religion in our government schools. Opinions can become very polarized with minimal dialogue about positive and legal compromise. Constitutional scholars and the courts have published reports and briefs on the matter with recommendations that can assist our actions. The framers held that church and state are distinct in that the Federal Government should not elevate one denomination over others. Nor can the government or the citizenry usurp divine authority by joining politics to the church. Faith should remain a personal matter, not a civil contract tainted by politics. Historical scholars detail how statecontrolled churches can exploit power for mistreatment of the population under their jurisdiction. The Spanish Inquisition is not thought to have originated in the Vatican, but the Castilian court. Even our non-Christian founders wrote about the importance of religion and how freedom of religion is vital. A portion of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Within these few words are contained two very powerful concepts, separated by only a comma. On the one hand is the prohibition against the state (i.e. government) establishing or supporting religious belief or practice called the “establishment” clause. On the other hand is the “free exercise” clause that guarantees the religious freedom of American citizens, including students in public schools. Some general guidelines recommended by legal and civil liberties advisors will guide us in allowing these two equally important freedoms to coexist in our schools. 1. Religion is a very personal matter, and individual students are free to express their religious beliefs in school as long as it does not interfere with other students, or with the instructional program. 2. Religion is too important to our history and heritage for us to keep it out of our schools when addressed within the context of the instructional program. We can study about religion without promoting or supporting a particular religious viewpoint in school. 3. Students are a captive audience. The law requires school attendance, and schools need to be sensitive to practices that may offend students whose families hold religious beliefs that are not shared by the majority. Students must not be made to feel like an outsider based on religious preferences. 4. Songs, symbols, and practices, which clearly have a religious purpose, are not appropriate as stand-alone activities in public schools. It is possible for schools to address these, but as part of a specific instructional curriculum with purpose. There are some accepted legal “tests” to guide us in this area. Schools should include a study of a variety of holidays and religious traditions throughout the year and not just during the month of December. 5. Schools should remember that even though symbols such as Santa Claus and trees have become very commercialized, some non-Christian parents and students may interpret these as religious. The best

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solution is for schools to remember our educational role and to provide secular instruction about religious traditions without advocating any particular religion.

DECEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

6. It is very appropriate for our public schools to teach values such as respect, honesty, caring, hard work and responsibility. Just because public schools may not promote religion, does not mean we avoid promoting the traditional core values of our American society. 7. Finally, when a question about religion in schools does surface, it is often an ideal “teaching opportunity” to have students explore the meaning of the First Amendment to our Constitution. Controversial issues can serve as excellent debate topics in our classrooms if appropriately moderated. The “December Dilemma” is usually handled in our schools without problems. However, we need to remember when government and religion occupy the same room, the space between “a rock and a hard place” can become very narrow. “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.” —James Madison References Available on Request © StatePoint Media

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: TOURISTS’ EUROPE

ACROSS

1. French abbots 6. Bag to Coco Chanel 9. Pulpit predecessor 13. Butterfly, pre-metamorphosis 14. Plays for pay 15. It died February 3, 1959 16. Wrinkles easily 17. Slippery when cold 18. Undo 19. *Home to Piccadilly Circus 21. *Home to Charles Bridge and Kafka’s grave 23. Scot’s woolen cap 24. Chinese monetary unit 25. Choose 28. Psychedelic lamp 30. Unhealthy vapors 34. Be sick 36. *Mister from Munich

38. Bar, legally 40. Like word of mouth 41. Software extension 43. Confederate soldier’s hat 44. Comforter stuffing 46. Magazine contents 47. Perceives with an eye 48. Masculine and feminine 50. Same as eon 52. Swedish shag rug 53. Related 55. Pester 57. *Where to see The Book of Kells 60. *Home to Tiergarten 63. Yankee’s relationship to Red Sox 64. Goose egg 66. Pneumonic lung rattling, pl. 68. Each and all 69. E in BCE 70. Bay window 71. Madam, to a cowboy 72. Yankee’s foe 73. *Eventual tourist feeling?

DOWN 1. 100% 2. Get-out-of-jail money 3. *Home to Freedom Square 4. *Tour de France, e.g. 5. Warm weather shoe 6. “Wheel of Fortune” choice 7. *____ De Triomphe 8. a.k.a. nutria 9. *Salz____ or St. Peters____ 10. Biblical twin 11. ____ en scene 12. Expert 15. Unkind person 20. Nebraska’s largest city 22. Truck brand 24. Railyard worker 25. Symphony member 26. *Home to Notre Dame 27. Port city business 29. Sacred Hindu writings 31. Requests 32. Be at the helm

33. Languishing 35. Show the guns? 37. *Home to Trevi Fountain 39. *Home to the Leaning Tower 42. Not a soul 45. In fact 49. *Sporty tourists do it in the Alps 51. *Like a Norwegian fjord 54. Private 56. Unfriendly glance 57. Prima donna 58. Iris holder 59. Yeasty foam 60. Spill the beans 61. Pelvic parts 62. ____-do-well 63. “Losing My Religion” band 65. Boiling blood 67. Like a fox

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EYE ON BUSINESS no slowing down

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

ecember has arrived, and I know I’m not the only one who is incredulous at how quickly year end has arrived. My 92-year-old dad has for years cautioned me that time only goes faster as you get older. I’m witness to that, but I think there’s more going on than just age progression. There’s a technology driven, speed-of-life shift underway. Rather than bemoan it, we businesspeople can help ourselves generate future success by understanding it. Earlier this winter 500+ community and business leaders heard a presentation by Erica Orange (pictured) at the Central Coast Economic Forecast. I was one of the attendees and Erica, a futurist, got my attention with her remarks. She is in her mid-30s and is the articulate owner of The Future Hunters, recognized as one of the world’s leading futurist consulting firms. Erica evaluates emerging social, technological, demographic and other trends and uses the information to help businesses understand what is headed our way. While we’re busy managing day to day challenges, she looks ahead and identifies the pitfalls—and opportunities—that await. Some of her observations: company lifes-

pans are shrinking. New competition arises quickly. There is a sharp increase in startup companies. Businesses are forced to quickly adapt to change, modifying and refining products and shrinking research and development timelines. The use of virtual reality (VR) is driving new approaches to consumerism. Why go to an open house when you can use a VR device and have the same experience of walking through the home—from the comfort of your sofa. Imagine what this means to buying a home a thousand miles away. Robotic applications are exploding in every industry from healthcare (surgical tools) to manufacturing (auto production), and “wearable technology” like Apple watches, Fit bits and clothing manufactured with technology embedded in the fabric are on track to represent a $53B industry in the U.S. in 2019.

And speaking of generations, she shared some thoughts about the next one emerging on the heels of Millenials—the so-called “Z Generation.” This group, from middle schoolers on up to 22-year-olds, differs markedly from its predecessors. Z’s don’t place as much value on formal higher education as did prior generations. They are entrepreneurial and passionate about starting businesses. They are impatient and want to take their future into their own hands.

Workplaces have become multi-generational, and, in Erica’s opinion, generations are changing at 2-3 year increments, rather than the 18 or so years we grew up with. She notes the importance of recognizing that a 33-year-old has virtually nothing in common with a 25-year-old, even though they may be assigned to the same generation. One size does not fit all.

Interestingly, they are also more prudent about money than were their predecessor generations. Erica attributes this to the firsthand knowledge so many young people have of the financial implosions that rocked us in 2008-09. These kids were young and experienced cataclysmic changes. Many lost their homes and felt the pain of parents who couldn’t find work. The experience has affected their spending habits and created a group that values frugality. They are interested more in renting than owning and they care passionately about the planet. They are poised to do great things. Take a look a the amazing work being done by Cal Poly Hothouse students and you’ll get a taste of what’s ahead.

POWER TO GET THE JOB DONE

No surprise they are super technology users. Anyone who has watched a young teen’s fingers fly on a phone or computer knows this to be true. My 11-year-old nephew was trying to show me how the “Minecraft” game was played and I can only describe it as dizzying. For Z’s, technology is simply woven into everyday activities.

The takeaway as we move into 2017 is to be mindful of the changes around us. Rather than resisting it or shaking our heads or grumbling, we need to embrace change and use information about our future employees and customers to make good business decisions and create success. But I still wish things would slow down a bit.

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Downtown

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The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

December 2016

Inside: Downtown Perspec t ive Downtown B usiness Spo tlights

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the space above Ross was a motivational collage am a proud graduate from Cal Poly and the of quotes from the likes of Steve Jobs and Walt campus has been a lifelong neighbor to my Disney. “If you can dream it, you can do it,” is a home. As such, I look at the university through pretty welcoming way to set the tone for what is several different lenses. The Tartaglia Ranch has expected of tenants in this space. At the top of shared a barbed wire fence for generations and the stairs there are a pile of bikes, presumably the activities and plans for the university are used to get there by students commuting to of interest for me, both at home and at work and from classes and the center. It is at this as the Executive Director of Downtown SLO. point that Jon greets me with a pannier bag in Without a doubt, my perspective is unique and one hand with the other extended for a firm continues to develop as our community and Dominic Tartaglia, Executive Director handshake. He rode his bike here from campus. campus weave a tale of success, collaboration and vitality. Last month I sat down with Dr. fter some initial catch up conversation Jon Jonathan York to talk about his role in founding Cal settles into the story of how we came to Poly’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). be sitting in the 15,000 square feet office that is shared As the Co-Founder and Faculty Director he has been a by incubator businesses, accelerator businesses and driving force behind one of Downtown’s most exciting functioning businesses that are renting co-work space. This projects and I am glad to tell the story of how he led the whole story started in the middle of the economic disaster way for student entrepreneurship in Downtown SLO. of 2008 when Jon was hired to teach entrepreneurial on agreed to meet me upstairs at the CIE for our interview principles in the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly. With a former career as the CEO at the Columbus, last month where we casually popped into a conference room that was better suited for a board meeting than for two Ohio Chamber of Commerce he was soon collaborating with leadership in our local Chamber and studying the people but all of the other spaces were taken by bustling parallels of the economy in SLO and Boulder, Colorado. students and entrepreneurs renting shared work space. Simultaneously, his students were coming to him for advice The first thing that struck me as I opened the doors into

On the Cover: SLO Downtown Association brings Santa’s House in Mission Plaza to life for children and those young at heart to enjoy each holiday season! After visiting Santa, you can also take a whirl on the Classic Carousel and take delight in the giant decorated holiday tree in Mission Plaza.

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on their fledgling start-ups but in that first summer he noticed that there was a universal factor that would limit the chance at success for those students: summer jobs and internships.

center is a result of the opportunities that stuck. In true start-up fashion, the entity teaching the principles of starting a business grew from an idea and the seat of its pants, planted in the principles of good business of course. With Jon at the wheel, CIE has grown to be the envy of Downtowns and universities from across the land and for good reason. There is a 10-year lease in place for the center as well as the first class of student entrepreneurs living across the street in The Lofts above Lululemon Athletica.

e called upon his peers studying Boulder’s economy and they devised a plan that would allow students to intern in their own businesses that summer. The first incubator was born in office space behind Trader Joe’s with local business owners as mentors and advisers. The program was a success and quite s a result of Jon’s persistence, over 50 evident that the program should continue on, summer accelerator start-ups have the only problem was it would need a new graduated from the program with an average home. Fortunately Jon was able to secure Dr. Jonathan York of 2-10 employees. Quick math indicates a space vacated by the city’s public works that over 100 entrepreneurs cut their teeth in business department with the participation of the owners, Copeland in our Downtown. “Some stay and some will leave but Properties. Though the building was fated for demolition a others will follow in their footsteps,” York says with regard couple of years later, a group of business owners were able to how we can keep those businesses in SLO. The fact is to renovate the space to accommodate the first HotHouse they need more 500-1,000 square feet office spaces or on Morro Street. That building was torn down this year employees and if they don’t find that they leave for places but not before the CIE moved into the space above Ross. like Austin or Silicon Valley. In Jon’s mind, we don’t need hen I asked Jon about his initial vision for the program to become Silicon Valley and it’s just as well to have our he laughed and admitted that in fact, the team that own identity as a place where businesses get started and coordinated the efforts never had a vision like this for CIE. can grow. The ones that can stay are welcomed and the Rather, they had a vision to build a more entrepreneurial ones that cannot have best wishes for continued prosperity. community on campus and in the community and they seized every opportunity that was presented to them. The Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

or a man who has been in town for only eight years to have co-founded such an inspirational place in the heart

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Monterey Street Project

www.SanLuisObispoCollection.com

he Monterey Street Project in Downtown SLO is starting to take shape with the recent opening of new retail, dining and office space along Monterey Street between Chorro and Morro Streets. The development by Jamestown, LP, a leading national real estate investment and management firm, added 64,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and Cal Poly offices and student lofts into its urban shopping and lifestyle destination, The San Luis Obispo Collection. The new additions include notable retailers Lululemon Athletica, H&M, Williams-Sonoma, Marine Layer and Francesca’s Collection as well as local restaurants Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen, Mint + Craft. The space also incorporates dedicated space for Cal Poly. MAC Cosmetics is scheduled to open this Winter.

fter testing the market with a pop-up store in Downtown, Lululemon Athletica opened its more permanent retail location at 840 Monterey Street in September. Lululemon Athletica features stylish athletic wear and accessories for both women and men. Just next door, Marine Layer opened its doors at 844 Monterey Street, Suite B-102. Marine Layer has multiple locations across the country and is known for their absurdly soft tees. The shop carries cozy, comfortable apparel and accessories for men and women. Then for the fashion forward, H&M, held its grand opening in October at 886 Monterey Street. H&M offers on-trend clothing, accessories and shoes for women, men, children and infants. Also in October, Williams-Sonoma set up shop at 864 Monterey Street. The brand features kitchen cookware and accessories, gourmet foods and an interior home design center. The most recent retailer to open at 846 Monterey Street is Francesca’s, a shop filled with a curated collection of dresses, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home décor and unique gifts.

of Downtown, is an impressive feat. With the collaborative energy and the open minds of the community, Jon has opened the door to a bright future for Cal Poly, community surrounding San Luis Obispo and certainly our Downtown.

he project will also include two local restaurants, Thomas Hill Organics and Mint+Craft. Thomas Hill Organics opened for business at 858 Monterey Street last month. Like its Paso Robles establishment, the restaurant is serving up its well-known creative, organic/farm to table food and highlights unique wines from the Central Coast here in Downtown SLO. Then in Spring 2017, owners of Luna Red and Novo restaurants will open Mint+Craft at 848 Monterey Street. Mint+Craft is a fast casual café and mercantile with an outdoor patio seating area. The café deli will offer house made market fresh foods that are innovative, delicious and fast. Shelves will be stocked with house made pickled vegetables, sauces, spice mixtures, as well as,

S p o t l i g h t

locally made cups, bowls, linen napkins, tablecloths and other locally-made wares.

hile the Monterey Street Project features retail and eateries, it also includes 6,000 square feet of dedicated office space for Cal Poly, along with 32 Cal Poly lofts.

herese Cron, Copeland Properties/Jamestown WC Leasing Director, expressed, “We are thrilled to announce the addition of our new Monterey Street project, the new landscape of retail, the best in culinary offerings and the live work space for Cal Poly adds extreme value to our locals and tourists visiting our unique downtown SLO. The San Luis Obispo Collection lifestyle portfolio is clearly a top destination for visitors coming to the Central Coast. The Collection brings together world class shopping, the city’s finest restaurants, upscale retail and a place to be for entertainment venues.”

Photo by Barry Goyette

he new hotel named The SLO - Hotel San Luis Obispo, will feature 78 guest rooms, including six suites and dedicated space for meetings and events. The hotel will also have two onsite restaurants including a globally inspired casual restaurant, and a fine-dining restaurant. Additionally, The SLO will showcase an expansive pool terrace, a lobby lounge, fireplace and adjacent garden courtyard, full-service contemporary spa, a fitness center, complimentary bicycle fleet, and valet parking.

or more information on The San Luis Obispo Collection, please visit www.SanLuisObispoCollection.com or find them on Facebook. Written by: Mukta Naran

For more information on Downtown Association events, programs and activities, or to sign up for our weekly Deliver-E newsletter, visit www.DowntownSLO.com

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Kimberly coley named red cross director

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that Kimberly Coley has been named Executive Director for the Pacific Coast and Ventura County Chapters. As Executive Director, Coley will serve in a leadership role to promote the growth, quality, and constituency of Red Cross programs and services throughout the community, as well as improve the chapter’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters. Coley accepted the promotion this month after serving as Regional Development Director for the last year and a half. Prior to joining the American Red Cross, Coley served as the Vice President of External Affairs for Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast. Coley has a long history of community service and volunteerism which has allowed her to garner a wealth of experience in organizational management, community advocacy, and nonprofit fundraising. She has developed a strong network of contacts through her work as a board member and chairwoman of several local nonprofits, including the Junior League of Santa Barbara, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, and Leading from Within’s Emerging Leaders Program. Coley is a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee and an avid SEC football fan (go Vols)! Coley will serve all three counties of the two local chapters: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

nykie carr serving in Navy

Petty Officer 3rd Class Nykie Carr, from Paso Robles, Calif., packs bearings with grease in the tire shop of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Carr serves aboard Ike as an aviation structural mechanic and is currently assigned to the tire repair shop. Ike and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Christopher A. Michaels)

D ressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 39 Years

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museum of art names capital campaign director

The SLO Museum of Art (SLOMA) is proud to announce and welcome Jeff Al-Mashat as the Museum’s Capital Campaign Director. Jeff Al-Mashat will be responsible for the success of the Museum of Art’s $15 million dollar campaign to fund a new building on the Museum’s present location on the west end of the Mission Plaza, in the City’s downtown cultural center. He joins the Museum’s staff with 20+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, marketing and management— most recently as the Senior Development Director for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Karen Kile, Executive Director, states “SLOMA’s search committee worked hard for 13 months to find the person to lead the Museum’s Capital Campaign. We found the perfect qualities in Jeff and are very pleased to welcome him to our team.”

6th annual rita’s rainbows gift fair

Rita’s Rainbows 6th Annual Rainbow of Treasures “Holiday Style” Gift Fair will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9am to 4pm at the SLO Veteran’s Hall, 801 Grand Ave. With a commitment to unique and creative local vendors, attendees are sure to find something they love among all things handmade, vintage and more. You’ll enjoy hometown hospitality, free gift wrapping, plenty of parking. This is a fundraiser for Rita’s Rainbows, a local non-profit created in memory of Rita Marie Goehner to help local children in need. For more information, check out www.ritasrainbows.org and/ or like us on Facebook.

clark center presents an irish christmas

Kerry Irish Productions will present An Irish Christmas White on December 6th, at 7pm at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. 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. More information at: www.AnIrishChristmasTour.com. Tickets for An Irish Christmas are $36-$48 and are on sale NOW. Call (805) 4899444 for tickets or come to the Clark Center Box Office at 487 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande.

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gilbert reed’s “A christmas Carol” returns

9th annual ag rotary holiday sing-a-long

Renowned ballet choreographer Gilbert Reed’s full-length holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” is being presented by Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo this December 16-18 in three performances in the Spanos Theatre. Christmas Carol is set to the music of G. F. Handel in a complied score with arrangements by Sir Thomas Beecham. The performance is appropriate for all ages. The ballet stages an ensemble cast of forty dancers featuring the BT-SLO Performing Company, professional guests, its Youth Ballet, and augmented by a supporting cast from the School of BT-SLO and community members in roles ranging from Tiny Tim and the Littlest Cratchit children through Old Scrooge. The Friday Opening Night performance has a special $22 ticket price for all seats. Tickets for Sat/Sun are from $20-$35 (not including PAC fees) with discounted group rates for ten or more. Tickets available at www.pacslo.org or link with more information through the www.bt-slo.org. Questions contact Blair 805-440-1439.

The Arroyo Grande Rotary Club is proud to announce its 9th Annual Christmas and Holiday Sing-Along to be presented on Sunday, December 18th. This special 4pm matinee will take place in Arroyo Grande’s intimate Clark Center. Attendees will be able to enjoy great regional music and dance groups while also joining their family and friends in singing all their favorite Christmas and holiday songs. This December’s show is entitled “The Real Meaning of Christmas.” The story line follows two phone obsessed teenagers as they go on a treasure hunt to help out an elderly neighbor. The teens encounter all the community performers who represent groups preparing for the town’s upcoming Christmas Pageant. The kids in the end discover the Real Meaning of Christmas! Net proceeds from this event are donated annually to the music and arts programs of various regional schools and performance groups. Tickets for the Christmas and Holiday Sing-Along are only $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children & students and are now available from the Clark Center Box Office at 489-9444 or www.clarkcenter.org.

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french hospital receives $10,000 b of A grant

French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), recently received a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Grant funds will be used to support the Homeless Patient Support Program (HPSP) to provide one-time financial assistance and case-managed follow-up for medically fragile homeless patients. The HPSP provides shelter for additional recovery time, a stay at a sober living facility (if medical conditions are substance-abuse related), transportation upon discharge, medication, and basic survival supplies. In prior years, FHMC served an average of 300 homeless patients annually. In 2013 and 2014, FHMC saw growth to 500 patients annually. Over the past eight years, Bank of America has supported FHMC with more than $90,000 in grant funds.

united way receives $10,000 memorial donation

calif. women for agriculture raise $18,000

United Way of SLO County has received a $10,000 donation in memory of the late Lawrence E. Baur, Jr., CPA. The transformational gift will support United Way’s Imagination Library and Money Talks programs, increasing reading literacy and financial literacy among San Luis Obispo County children and youth. Photo: Norman Baxter and Donna Milne instructing Money Talks to Mark Houchin’s economics class at Nipomo High School.

become a tutor, literacy for life The California Women for Agriculture (CWA) San Luis Obispo County chapter announces an all-time high in fundraising efforts from their seventh annual Burgers & Brews Festival and Competition held Sunday, September 4 at the Loading Chute in Creston. The largest fundraiser for the organization’s scholarship program, this unique family friendly event featured the best of local meats and handcrafted brews, all while raising over $18,000 for 4-H, FFA and collegiate Ag Scholarships. To learn more about CWA and how you can get involved visit www.cwaslocounty.com for more information and membership benefits.

woods humane society’s project m.e.o.w.

Woods Humane Society has received a generous grant of $5,000 from the Petco Foundation to support trap, neuter, and return programs in San Luis Obispo County. This grant supplies much needed financial support to the partnership between Woods and local rescue groups in San Luis Obispo that provides an ultra-low cost option for feral and community cat sterilization through the shelter’s Project M.E.O.W.

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Tutor training will be offered on December 3 and December 10 at the Union Bank Conference Room, 995 Higuera Street from 10am to 3:30pm both days. Teaching experience not required. We work with individuals 16 and older—speakers of English and speakers of English as a Second Language. For more information: visit: www. literacyforlifeslo.org or call 805-541-4219.

grandmother’s house annual craft & bake sale

Grandmother’s House is having their annual Craft and Bake sale at the Grandmother’s Clubhouse, 1241 Farroll Ave, Arroyo Grade on Friday Dec 2 and Saturday Dec 3rd, from 8am - 3pm. Don’t miss it.

free senior health care screening

Screening offers health screening for adults throughout San Luis Obispo County. Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and blood sugar. Counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 544-2484 ext. 1 for dates, times and locations.

THE BULLETIN BOARD two christopher meadows emt scholarships

The Christopher Meadows Memorial EMS Education Fund has selected April Denny (upper photo) and Skyler Robertson as the latest recipients of an EMT scholarship awarded by the fund. Both awardees are currently enrolled in the EMT course at Cuesta College. In addition to her EMT coursework at Cuesta, Denny currently attends California Polytechnic Sate University in San Luis Obispo and plans to graduate in June, 2018 with a degree in kinesiology. She spends her summers working as a National Park Service Ocean Lifeguard at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County. The first in her family to attend college, Robertson graduated from Cal Poly in 2013 with a degree in agribusiness. She has since developed a true passion for emergency medicine, and comes by it naturally, surrounded by a family of firefighters. More information can be found, and donations are also gladly accepted, at www. meadowsscholarship.org.

New human resources DirECTOR at Twin cities HospITAL Diane McCluskey has joined the leadership team at Twin Cities Community Hospital as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective October 31. “Diane is an accomplished human resources leader with over 30 years of experience in leading and directing hospital HR functions,” said Mark Lisa, Twin Cities’ CEO. “She brings a wealth

of energy and perspective to the position, as well as a determination to improve HR practices and service to our employees. She is an excellent addition to our leadership team.”

cal poly’s jazz bands fall classic

Cal Poly’s University Jazz Bands will present their annual Fall Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 2, in Spanos Theatre on campus. Two big bands and a pair of combos will demonstrate this generation’s approach to one of America’s great art forms, said Paul Rinzler, director of jazz studies at Cal Poly. The big bands are composed of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, a rhythm section and vocalist. University Jazz Band I and II will perform both traditional and contemporary jazz, including such standards as “Fly Me to the Moon,” pop classics including “Moondance” in a jazz setting, jazz/ funk arrangements such as “Fowl Play” and contemporary jazz like Pat Metheny’s “See the World.” Two jazz combos will also perform. The University Jazz Band I went on a performance tour of London over the summer, and performed for this fall’s Jubilee by the Sea in Pismo Beach on Oct. 28. Tickets are $14 for the public, and $9 for students and Jazz Federation members. Tickets are available at the Cal Poly Ticket Office between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To order by phone, call SLO-4TIX (756-4849).

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students raise money for burn foundation

not move when approached, as would be expected for a wild raptor. She was brought to Pacific Wildlife Care by an officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and examined by Center Director Vann Masvidal. He found her to be severely dehydrated and emaciated, with injuries to both feet. This bald eagle was hatched from an egg taken from Santa Cruz island in 2004, as part of the captive breeding program conducted at the San Francisco Zoo. She was one of more than 100 Bald Eagles introduced back to the Channel Islands through this program from 1986-2007. She was first spotted in the Fort Hunter Liggett area in 2009 where she has raised two chicks every year since 2009.

cal poly choirs present “a christmas celebration”

Students at Monterey Road Elementary School in Atascadero recently raised more than $600 to help children who have suffered burn injuries. The Monterey Road students timed their fundraising with two local events—Fire Prevention Week and the Burn Relay Parade— to collect donations to help send a child to a camp sponsored by the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. The Monterey Road Elementary School Student Council sprang into action with the idea of using firefighter boots as a collection point. The students borrowed boots from Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services and placed one in each classroom at their school. At the end of two weeks, the Student Council collected the boots and counted up all of the donations. The students could not have been happier to discover their efforts produced $628.38 in donations.

eagle released by pacific wildlife care

The Cal Poly Choirs will present the annual holiday spectacular “A Christmas Celebration” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Harman Hall of the Performing Arts Center. This special event will be music Professor Thomas Davies’ 34th and final holiday concert. PolyPhonics, the University Singers and the Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble will perform holiday favorites and new works under the direction of music Professor Thomas Davies at the popular yearly event. The Cal Poly Brass Ensemble, conducted by Christopher J. Woodruff, will add to the festive performances. Cal Poly staff members Susan Azaret Davies and Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs and perform solo works for piano and organ. Tickets are $14 and $18 for the public, and $9 and $14 for students. Event parking is sponsored by the PAC. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To order by phone, call SLO-4TIX (756-4849).

private tours at atascadero’s city hall

An American Bald Eagle from Fort Hunter Liggett was released by Pacific Wildlife Care on Veteran’s Week. An injured American Bald Eagle admitted to Pacific Wildlife Care for treatment this spring was released back into the wild recently. This Bald Eagle, A23, (the number of the wing tag supplied by the Institute for Wildlife Studies) was found at Fort Hunter Liggett on March 21, eating roadkill. While this is not unusual behavior for eagles, this bird did D E C E M B E R

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The City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Historical Society invite the public to enjoy their own private, complementary tour of Historic City Hall! Private tours of City Hall will be offered by appointment only! Enjoy having your own docent as you are taken back through time when City Hall was the place for commerce, dances, weddings, community events, reunions and so much more. Enjoy learning about the beautiful planning, design

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and architecture of the building along with the development of the Colony of Atascadero inspired by its founder, E.G. Lewis. The spectacular Historic City Hall, constructed between 1914 to 1918, was restored above and beyond its original grandeur after the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake. And mark your calendars! Historic City Hall will be offering special night tours on December 2nd from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. during Atascadero’s Annual Holiday Lighting at the Sunken Gardens. Except for special planned events such as the Holiday Lighting, Historic City Hall tours will now be by appointment only. If you have any questions about private tours by appointment for Historic City Hall, please inquire or book a private tour at tours@atascaderohistoricalsociety.org or for more information about the Atascadero Historical Society, visit our website at www. atascaderohistoricalsociety.org.

of ways today,” said Marx, who lauded the innovative project that will help homeless residents procure permanent housing. Funding for the project came from a wide variety of sources. “Over 80 percent of the $5.4 million raised came from the community,” said John Spatafore, president of the Homeless Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. The new center will replace two existing homeless services facilities currently in operation: the aging Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter and the Prado Day Center, which has a lease expiring in 2018. It will combine the services of both facilities, streamlining current programs with significant cost saving over time. 40 Prado is envisioned as a clean and safe haven for those in need, single mothers, children, returning veterans, and other who find themselves homeless due to poverty, job loss, emotional hardship/illness, or other economically disabling situations.

senior volunteer opportunities

herb Filipponi receives 2016 wes conner award

Put your life experience to work with SVS. Join with many other seniors, age 50+ and over, who are taking time to help improve the lives of others. SVS can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call SVS at (805) 544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities. Pacific Wildlife Care Center Volunteer Training and Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County are looking for new volunteers who would enjoy spending time with youth aged 6-14. Arroyo Grande Community Hospital needs friendly & dependable volunteers. Department of Veterans Affairs needs volunteers in Paso Robles, SLO and Morro Bay to drive our shuttle vans to pick up local Veterans and bring them to VA clinics. SLO Meals On Wheels needs lunch time route drivers, normally about 2 hours. Drivers must have your own car. Arroyo Grande Police Department is looking for a few good people to assist officers and staff in various important activities. Camp Roberts Historical Museum is looking for volunteers to greet visitors & give general information; to work in our Gift Shop or to be a docent for public tours.

construction begins on new homeless center

Construction of a new, state-of-the-art homeless services center kicked off Wednesday, November 2 with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony attended by elected officials, advocates for the homeless and local media. “It’s now ready to build,” said Elizabeth “Biz” Steinberg, CEO of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO), which will operate the center. Steinberg said she hopes construction on the center will commence at the beginning of 2017 and possibly be completed around Thanksgiving next year. Roughly 200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Rep. Lois Capps, state Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, Supervisor Debbie Arnold and San Luis Obispo Mayor Jan Marx. “It is really ground-breaking in a lot

The City of SLO Parks and Recreation Department recently hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. One of the special awards given out that night was the Wes Conner Award. The late Wes Conner was a devoted, civic-minded volunteer for the City and an avid supporter of all things parks and recreation. Throughout his lifetime, Wes served on a number of City commissions, including the Parks and Herb and Diane Filipponi Recreation Commission, the Joint Use Committee, the Bicycle Committee, and the Jack House Committee. Wes had a particular love for the Jack House and, as a founding father of the Jack House Committee, served as a member for over thirty years. Wes, who was employed most of his life as a professor at Cal Poly, continually shared his knowledge of landscape architecture with the Jack House Committee. His influence is evident in the award winning Jack House gardens. He was respected and loved by all those who knew him. Wes passed away in January of 2007 at the age of 82. The 2016 recipient of the Wes Conner Award was Herb Filipponi. Herb has been one of The City of SLO’s most outstanding benefactors and was instrumental in the donation of 89 acres of the Goldtree Tract. Herb also worked on the trail license for the property. (The value of the Filipponi and Twisselman donated properties is $325k). Herb saw that years ago his property would be a key connection for the Johnson Ranch Trail and Irish Hills. In a gesture of good faith and understanding, Herb granted the City a license agreement for use of his dirt road and to cross his land with a trail that is about 1.5 miles in Length. The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department congratulates Herb Filipponi as 2016 Recipient of the Wes Conner Award.

help our local veterans

VA clinic in San Luis is asking for volunteers to serve our Veterans as shuttle drivers. To help pay tribute and express your appreciation for their service, learn about volunteering at your local VA clinic. For more information contact your local VA volunteer representative Mr. Larry Foster at 805-354-6004 or send an email to Lawrence.Foster@va.gov.

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