September 2012 Journal Plus

PAT MCK E AGUE | DORO T H Y RIGGS | DA RREL L VO S S | COA S TA L CL E A NUP DAY

Journal PLUS SEPTEMBER 2012

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

HISTORY CENTER’S CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

ERIN NEWMAN

Ken Arritt

Broker-Associate

Serving the entire SLO County since 1978

805-543-2172 www.farrellsmyth.com

www.232CatalinaDrive.com

Annette Mullen

Twila Arritt

REALTOR®

Cindy Newton

Pamela Bliss

Theresa Carroll REALTOR®

REALTOR®

Beautiful • Comfortable • Contemporary • Energy Efficient • Mountain Views! Award winning remodel. SLO 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Must see! $759,000 www.157Clarence.com

Spacious 4 bedroom + large greenhouse on 1 acre near golf course in Nipomo. Large Kitchen, vaulted ceilings and skylights throughout. For more info call 904-6616. $575,000 www.5516Reindeer.com

Patricia Garrison

Vicky Hall

Near the Village of AG, Gleaming remodeled home in rural setting. 3 car garage + bonus rooms, RV parking, completely fenced oversized lot. More info call 904-6616. $498,500

Spacious Paso Robles home on hilltop w/ hillside views. Paved road & driveway. 4 bd plus den/ office w/ 2 1/2 ba. 500 sqft covered patio. Nicely landscaped, low maint yard with fruit trees. $359,000

Fantastic SLO Location!

www.398TigerTail.com

Stephanie Hamilton REALTOR®

Janet Shaner REALTOR®

Larry D. Smyth

REALTOR®

Jennifer Hamilton

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

David Hamilton

Relocation Director

Laura Rizzoli

Mary Rosenthal

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

www.NipomoGreenRealEstate.com

Broker-Associate

Broker-Associate

Kelly Hannula

Owner/Broker

Sunny, energy efficient, quiet upstairs flat.

Gorgeous views of Bishop’s Peak from the SW deck.

Close to Cal Poly, shopping, & hiking. Open, airy floor plan with attached one car garage. All units must be owner occupied. $278,000

Nice 2 bed, 1 bath twin home located near Arroyo Grande High School. Fenced backyard with double-gate side entry. Orange tree. More Info call 904-6616. $204,995

Conveniently located in the heart of SLO & the Village of Arroyo Grande 21 Santa Rosa Street, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 102 E. Branch Street, Suites C & D, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Chris Stanley REALTOR®

Christine Williams REALTOR®

2 little monkeys jumping on the bed...

When one fell off and bumped her head, Mama took her to the French Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room, and now they’re jumping again.

At the French Hospital ER, the average wait time to be seen by a Board Certified Emergency Physician is 20 minutes or less and we never ask you to pay a preregistration fee. Just a few reasons why the French ER is nationally ranked for patient satisfaction.

f r e n c h m e d i c a l c e n t e r. o r g | a r r o y o g r a n d e h o s p i t a l . o r g |

m a r i a n m e d i c a l c e n t e r. o r g

CONTENTS

Journal PLUS 18 MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

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 Keith Malcomson

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30

DARRELL VOSS

PAT MCKEAGUE

ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Will Jones, Leslie Jones, Jane Nichols, Stephanie Teaford, Kylee Singh, Vivian Krug, Nicole Adams, Linda Groover, Bob Huttle, Dan Carpenter, Gordon Fuglie, and Phyllis Benson 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 distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

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 Tom Meinhold

PEOPLE 10 12 14 16 18

PAT MCKEAGUE ERIN NEWMAN GAY MELODY SULLIVAN DOROTHY RIGGS DR. RAY WEYMANN

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 21 22 23 24 26 28

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY HEALTHY LIVING HARVEST FESTIVAL SCOTT TINLEY’S TRIATHLON

COMMUNITY 30 32 34 36 41 46

HUTTLE UP—DARRELL VOSS HISTORY: Parker H. French–part 2 HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE PALM STREET–SLO Councilman, Carpenter OUR SCHOOLS–Dr. Julian Crocker ALMANAC–The Month of September

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 42 THE BULLETIN BOARD 45 EYE ON BUSINESS

FOOD / AT THE MARKET SLO ART SCENE ROSARY BEADS GIFT

S E P T E M B E R

2012

Journal PLUS

A proud tradition of serving our community for over 26 years

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Location is everything and

this 3400 sf single-level home on 2.5 acres has it all. Just a couple minutes to downtown SLO but feels like country living. Gourmet kitchen and large breakfast area perfect for the family, and large dining room to accommodate many more.

The back and front yards are fully irrigated and landscaped with gardens and multiple fruit trees.

Great 3-car garage for the toys. The adjacent 3.7 acre parcel is also available. Property is served by a mutual water company. $1,125,000 #2993

GROVER BEACH – Property is moderate income affordability, maximum income for one is 62,500 for two is 71,450. Newer property with great views. Granite counters, wood floors, very low HOA fees. $298,690 #2995

French Country Estate SAN LUIS OBISPO – Sitting on over 3.5 acres

just a couple minutes to downtown San Luis Obispo. Four bedroom house plus office with approximately 3900 sq. ft. of living space.

Formal living and dining rooms, family room, three baths and an entertainer’s kitchen.

Secluded backyard complete with mature landscape and a gazebo with B-B-Q area off the kitchen. Private driveway off Tiburon Drive. $1,195,000 #3045

GROVER BEACH – Two homes for the price of one. Live in one and rent the other on this nice size R-3 parcel. Front house is a 2br/1ba, approx 768 sq. ft. with detached single car garage that rents for $1,150/ month. Rear house is a newer 3br/2ba with attached 2-car garage. Approx 1200 sq. ft. and rents for $1,350/month. With a limited inventory of income-producing properties, this property is a steal! Hurry, it won’t last. $365,000 #3042

SAN LUIS OBISPO – This is a great investment

Excellent Income Property

opportunity! Located in the Bishop Medical Plaza close to French Medical Hospital.

Currently has lease in place with strong tenant and great return potential. Owner may carry with favorable terms. $1,200,000 #3026

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Well maintained and

SAN LUIS OBISPO – WOW!! Talk about putting

yourself out there for all to see!! If you want your business to be the center of attention, then put it here. These 2.85 prime flat acres are perfect for you to build your business. With this lot being located right off the 101 on the main frontage road, it can’t be missed. Just imagine the possibilities... $2,850,000 #3040

updated. Charming house features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, indoor laundry, handicap bath installed, access ramps at front and back entrance of home. Front porch and back deck are Trex, large fenced yard. Detached duplex features newer appliances, flooring and common laundry room. Apt. A is a 1 bed/1 bath with a private patio and small fenced yard. Apt. B is a 2 bed/1 bath with vaulted wood open beam ceilings, patio off dining room. Each unit is on separate electrical service meter. Property is completely fenced and landscaped with site lighting on timer. Close to Cal Poly, downtown and Railroad Square. Perfect owner occupy/ income opportunity! $725,000 #3010

ATASCADERO – Gorgeous country style living! Positioned on approximately 3/4 acre corner lot with mature oak trees plus hill and valley views, this lovely home built in 2002 features approximately 1940 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2-car garage. $439,000 #3043

For more information on these and other Real Estate Group of SLO listings call us at

805.541.2888

962 Mill Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • www.RealEstateGroup.com

From the publisher

N

ow that Summer is coming to a close it seems like the pace of life gets faster. I think it’s a combination of back to school, back to work and the nonprofit fundraisers on the Central Coast pick up to fill-in that little time left. There are two fundraisers that Jan and I go to that we consider a “don’t miss.” The first one is the SLO Symphony Pops Concert on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Michael Nowak and the Symphony put together a spirited program that always puts a smile on our faces the rest of the weekend. The second fundraiser is Downtown SLO’s Taste of SLO. This special event is celebrating its 20th year and Jan and I have attended every one. It’s a winner. The funds generated go toward keeping Downtown SLO a vibrant and beautiful place. Hope to see you at one or both of these events.

A group of friends enjoying the moment at the Taste of SLO

This month we feature five people that make a difference French country estate sitting on over 3.5 acres just a couple minutes to downtown San Luis Obispo. Four bedroom home plus office with approximately 3900 sq. ft. of living space. Formal living and dining rooms, family room, three baths and an entertainer’s kitchen. Secluded backyard complete with mature landscape and a gazebo with B-B-Q area off the kitchen. Private driveway off Tiburon Drive. www.1760Tiburon.com

Johnny Hough Owner / Broker

in our community. The youngest is Erin Newman, the Chief Administrative Officer of SLO’s History Center.

Her energy is taking the Center to a much higher level than ever before. You’ll enjoy her story.

Plenty of good reading again this month.

Enjoy the magazine,

(805) 801-5063

johnny@realestategroup.com 962 Mill Street, SLO See more listings at www.realestategroup.com

Steve Owens

COMING UP AT THE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Aloha Today, Tomorrow, Always 9/15 • 3 pm & 7 pm

National Circus of the People's Republic of China 9/25 • 7 pm

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre

Christopher Cohan Center

The Capitol Steps 9/26 • 7:30 pm

TEDxSanLuisObispo 9/28 • 8 am

Christopher Cohan Center

Christopher Cohan Center

Elvis Costello 9/29 • 8 pm

CP Faculty Recital: "Celebrated Classics" 9/29 • 7 pm

Presented by Ohana Dance Group

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre Presented by CP Music Dept.

S an

Lui s

O bi s po

WWW.PACSLO.ORG | 805-756-4TIX (4849)

SHERIFF’S FAMILY DAY Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FREE Entry for the Entire Family Law Enforcement & Public Safety Demonstrations & Displays On the grounds of the Madonna Inn (Field area next to Highway 101) DISPL AYS ✩✩✩ DARE Vehicles CHP Helicopter Command Van • SWAT Teams Antique Equipment American Red Cross Sheriff Explorers Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Sheriff’s Aero Squadron Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Sheriff’s Dive Team Salvation Army Canteen Probation Department Historical Arms Society California Law Enforcement Sound System Historical Society Police Museum Footprinter Association Courtesy of Child Safety ID Project Rich Rolson • Five Cities Fire Authority Emcee: Marlon Varin SLO County Animal Services Woods Humane Society

DISPL AYS ✩✩✩ San Luis Ambulance U.S. Coast Guard Central Coast Veteran’s Museum SLO City Fire CAL FIRE/SLO County Fire Law Enforcement Badge Collection SLO Sheriff’s Dept Custody Division Drug Enforcement Admin.

Helicopter & Lab Truck Pismo Beach Police Dept.

DEMONSTR ATIONS ✩✩✩ Sheriff’s Posse SWAT Teams Canine Units Bomb Task Force Jaws of Life

Food & Soft Drinks Available for Purchase “For the Kids”

Wrist Bands • Sheriff’s Sticker Badges • Activity Books Sponsors:

Madonna Inn • KSBY-TV • S. Lombardi Advertising • Farm Supply Company • The Coast News Rabobank • Journal Plus Magazine • San Luis Motor Sports • Katch-Go Petroleum Martin’s Towing • Louie’s Crane Service • San Luis Garbage San Luis Ambulance Service • El Dorado Broadcasters • Oceano/Five Cities Lodge #2504

Gives a BIG thank you to the community for making our 10th Annual Hospice “Pardners” Hoedown at the Dairy Barn on the Hearst Ranch such a success!

10th Annual Hoedown is dedicated in memory of George R. Hearst, Jr. A special thank you to the following sponsors, donors and volunteers: PLATINUM PARDNERS MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS WESTERN ELITE INSURANCE SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL SILCOX AT 888-878-7586

GOLD PARDNERS

PICKFORD HOUSE SELECT DATA

SILVER PARDNERS

ANDERSON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE (MARK ANDERSON, DEREK SENN AND CHARLEY SENN) BROWDER PAINTING COMPASS HEALTH, INC. EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS FOUNDERS COMMUNITY BANK RABOBANK UNION BANK

BRONZE PARDNERS

JIM AND KRISTI JENKINS ED AND EVELYN PAGE JOAN SARGEN ULTRA STEREO LABS, INC.

HOEDOWN SPONSORS • IN-KIND

BILL GAINES AUDIO BRASSICA NURSERY CATTANEO BROTHERS COSTUME CAPERS CRYSTAL SPRINGS WATER DOC BURNSTEIN’S ICE CREAM LAB FIRESTONE WALKER BREWING COMPANY GLACIER ICE HARVEY’S HONEY HUTS HEARST CASTLE HEARST CORPORATION JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE MILLER EVENT SECURITY MISSION COUNTRY DISPOSAL MONTE MILLS & THE LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND PAUL’S DRY CLEANERS AND LAUNDRY SCOTT O’BRIEN FIRE & SAFETY CO. SERVE PRO SPECTRUM COLOR IMAGES ROTARY CLUB OF NIPOMO SLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S AUXILLIARY VOLUNTEER PATROL TAYLOR RENTAL PLUS

SILENT AUCTION/RAFFLE CONTRIBUTORS AVILA WINE & ROASTING COMPANY ALPHY’S RESTAURANT ARCADIAN WINERY

AVILA BAY CLUB BAILEYANNA VINEYARDS BATH & BODY SHOP BEADS OF SHARON BRAD’S RESTAURANT BRIDGES CENTRAL COAST GOLF ACADEMY BROWDER PAINTING COMPANY BUONA TAVOLA RESTAURANT CHAMISAL VINEYARDS SUE CIKOWSKI COLBY JACK’S COMPLETE ESCAPE MASSAGE, WAXING & FACIALS BY AMY FOSTER CYPRESS RIDGE GOLF COURSE DARYL’S BOUTIQUE DERBY ESTATE WINES DESPARADA WINES EDNA VALLEY WINERY ET VOILA RESTAURANT FARM SUPPLY PATRICIA FRAWLEY GUEST HOUSE GRILL GUISEPPE’S RESTAURANT HAKA WINE GROUP RUSS HAYNES HEALING TOUCH DAY SPA HERMAN STORY WINES WARREN HOCKENBERRY HOPE CHEST THRIFT STORE JOE’S PLACE J.P. DESIGNS RICHARD JORDAN JEWELRY KIMPTON HOTEL GROUP LAETITIA VINEYARD & WINERY MARGARITA ADVENTURES ZIPLINE CANOPY TOURS LYN & LEE JEWELRY PISMO COLLECTIONS CLOTHING RICHARD AND CAROL MORTENSEN ROOSTER CREEK TAVERN OLIVE GARDEN OPOLO WINERY CINDY OSGOOD QUARTERDECK RESTAURANT QUE PASA MEXICAN GRILL ROBBINS FAMILY FARM RYAN ROSS, DDS ROTTA WINERY SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY CLUB SCOTTY’S BAR & GRILL SINOR LAVALLE WINES SOUTHERN WINE & SPIRITS SPEIZER FAMILY FARMS

Net proceeds from the sold out event will benefit Hospice Partners patients and their families.

For more information about Hospice Partners, contact us at (805) 782-8608 or log onto hospiceparterscc.org.

SPENCER’S MARKETS TASTES OF THE VALLEY TOLOSA WINERY

EVENT CONTRIBUTORS

CRAIG ARMSTRONG KEITH AND KATHLEEN BELMONT TED BOWSFIELD PATRICIA BOYD STEPHEN BROWN ZORUS AND JUDITH COLGLAZIER KATHY COLLINS JANET DAWE EVELYN DELMARTINI DONALD AND MARGUERITE ERICKSON PEGGY JONES CAROLYN KENNEDY JOHN KUDEN ABE LAND HARRY LUIS PATRICIA MCNAMARA GLENN MUGGELBERG THOMAS AND BONNIE O’GRADY MIKE AND DD PATRICK RICHARD AND MAYE PEIRPONT JERRY AND ROBERTA SILBERT SAM AND SHERRI STODDARD WINTON AND JOAN VICTOR CHARLES WISE

SPECIAL THANKS

STEVE HEARST COURTNEY BROCKMAN WARNER SILVER STREAKS MAILING VOLUNTEERS ROTARY OF NIPOMO TO ALL HOEDOWN VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEER HOEDOWN COMMMITTEE CINDY OSGOOD, CHAIR LIAM BENNETT STEVE BOLTS MARY STEEL SHANNON WARNER

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PEOPLE

pat McKeague Author, Mathematician, Teacher

By Will Jones Number was the substance of all things.—Pythagoras Pat McKeague, one of San Luis Obispo’s best-selling authors, doesn’t rely on intricate plots or unique characters to captivate his readers.

He engages them by developing themes in mathematics using a human cannonball, the Ferris wheel in the Orson Welles film The Third Man, and the dragsters in the film Heart Like a Wheel as examples.

Since the publication of his first math textbook in the mid-’70s, Pat has sold over three million books, from algebra to trigonometry, mostly at the community college level, and he estimates that roughly four million students have used his texts. After thirty-five years his sales are still going strong, but there’s more to Pat’s interest in math than just big numbers.

Pat’s parents moved from Superior, Wisconsin, to California after World War II. Pat was born in Santa Barbara in 1946. His father, a radio operator and a waist gunner in a B-24 Liberator, was shot down over Albania and spent the last eight months of the war as a POW. He went on to become the personnel manager for Ampex. Pat’s mother taught kindergarten. The family moved south to the San Fernando Valley, and Pat eventually graduated from Granada Hills High School, where he played football.

“Los Angeles in those days was an easy place to get around. I remember driving to the San Diego Zoo for a date. Everything was accessible and fun.” His favorite teacher, Victor Ansalone, was a New Yorker who taught honors social studies. “Victor had been investigated for being a Communist. He predicted America’s involvement in Vietnam long before it happened. He was just an interesting guy who told the truth and shared his opinions about history.” Pat, who at the time belonged to a social club called the Del Vikings and didn’t consider himself honors class material, eventually dedicated one of his books to Ansalone.

After high school Pat attended San Fernando Valley State, now Cal State Northridge, where he met his wife Diane. They have two children, Pat III and Amy, and seven grandchildren, all of whom live in San Luis Obispo. In one of those turning points best appreciated from a distance, had he been accepted to dental school, his first career choice, his success story as a math teacher and author would not have happened.

Due to the Vietnam War and the fierce competition for graduate school deferments, his dental school plans didn’t work out. He attended Brigham Young University where he earned his master’s in mathematics in 1971, completing a two year program in eleven months.

With a young family, and after getting rejections from ninety-one companies for work in engineering or programming, Pat learned about a teaching program in California for students with graduate degrees, and three weeks later he was teaching mathematics at Lompoc High School. “I was almost fired the first year. I had no control of the classroom. I shaped up the last few months with the help of a fellow math teacher, Pat Clevenger, after the principal told me he might not ask me back.”

As his skills improved and he began to really enjoy teaching, Pat started applying to community colleges up and down the west coast, eventually landing a job at Cuesta College where “Once again I got lucky. I had an office right across the hall from Gil Stork, who became my role model.”

Inspired by two Cuesta faculty members who had published math textbooks, Pat wrote a chapter for an elementary algebra book and sent it to eight publishers. Three rejected it, three showed an interest, and two lost it. He accepted an advance and a royalty offer from Academic Press and his first book, priced at $12.95, sold 6000 copies.

“It had more mistakes than any book I ever published. I called the teachers who used it, which turned out to be the right thing to do. I revised that book and went on to write one book every year for the

Pat and Will Jones in Ireland, 2008 S E P T E M B E R

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PEOPLE next eight years, and eventually ended up with sixteen titles,” Pat said. His pre-algebra and trigonometry texts became the bestselling books in the country.

the Literacy Council, Friends of the Library, Creative Mediation and others. He has also been a long time sponsor of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

When I asked him the secret to his success, he said, “I’m just a normal person who likes math and likes to teach. I write my books from the student side, but they also appeal to teachers.” Pat’s company, XYZ texts, now prints, publishes and markets his textbooks.

New components are Math TV, a website with instructional videos featuring Cuesta students demonstrating problems, worksheets and electronic versions of his texts, and XYZ Homework, an online homework and course management system that instructors can purchase with the texts.

My guess is that there are many students who remember Pat McKeague as their best and favorite math teacher and many more who have benefited from his approach to teaching math as presented in his textbooks. He once told me a funny story that demonstrated his humble approach to his success. Feeling the

When he was teaching Pat devoted the first five minutes of each period to something of interest from the real world that complemented and enriched his instruction.

Now, at a half dozen or more math teacher conferences a year all over the country, he delivers that message, suggests that teachers give themselves permission to develop a story about what they’re teaching and get it out five minutes at a time. Pat’s talks include Islam and mathematics, showing how algebra developed in the middle east centuries ago; spirituality and mathematics; success in math and life; and the previously mentioned references to the human cannonball, the Ferris wheel and drag racing.

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need to get back into the classroom, he applied for a part time position at Cuesta. As he was going through his teaching background and qualifications for the job during the formal interview, one of the panelists quietly said, “And you wrote the book.”

As a math phobic who barely scraped through Algebra II by the time I graduated high school, I wish I had learned from a teacher and an advocate for math like Pat. Think of all the pain I could have avoided!

M a i n ta i n i n g ExcEllEncE Building trusted relationships for 36 years.

In addition to his devotion to math and teaching, Pat has been involved with a variety of organizations in his local community: 4H,

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S E P T E M B E R

2012

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PEOPLE

meet san luis obispo county history center’s

Erin Newman

By Susan Stewart “The supreme purpose of history is a better world.” —Herbert Hoover “This is a tale of romance, art, science, murder, and exile!” Intrigued?

Me, too. How often does real life read like the scintillating copy found on the back covers of popular adventure novels? When you work at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, the answer is … every day. That first line is a description, for example, of the History Center’s current exhibit, French Connections: Art, Wine, and Exploration in San Luis Obispo County that recounts the saga of Pierre Dallidet, a young French adventurer who married into a local Spanish-speaking pioneer family in the late 1800s.

According to Erin Newman, the History Center’s Chief Administrative Officer, “A rare collection of scientific illustrations, paintings, and a diary help us discover their story … The contents of the Dallidet Adobe are parts of a puzzle, an historical mystery!”

This newest exhibit is part of the History Center’s effort, under Newman’s direction, to attract all ages to the Center. She wants to make our rich and exciting heritage more relevant to everyone, so that future generations will be as dedicated as she is to preserving and promoting the true stories that created the county we know today.

Born and raised in Auburn California, Newman moved to SLO County to attend first Cuesta College, and then Cal Poly.

“I can never remember a time when history wasn’t my strongest subject in school,” she says. “And no amount of subtle (and not so subtle) nudges from my Dad toward the sciences changed my trajectory.”

She received her B.A. in 2006 and her M.A. in 2011, (both in History), earning the prestigious J. Irving Snetsinger Award for Political or Diplomatic History in 2009, and the Spencer Wood Memorial Scholarship in 2010. Immersing herself completely in the program, Newman took every opportunity she could—internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer positions—to advance her knowledge.

“Needless to say, it was a crazy couple of years,” she said. “I was somewhere different every day; grading papers, working in Cal Poly’s Liberal Arts Advancement Department, volunteering at Cal Poly’s Special Collections and working as a conservation assistant in Atascadero.”

In fact, Newman’s work was a key element in the preparation of veteran photographer Joe Schwartz’s photo collection for The Smithsonian Institution. With a résumé that reads like that of a much more mature person (Newman is 28), and after doing outstanding work for the Center as a graduate intern, she was asked to step into the Associate Director’s position in January of 2011.

Erin and her fiance, Joe Wighton S E P T E M B E R

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myself and my staff have been able to turn things around, and happily, the History Center is in a much more sustainable place than we were two years ago.”

Since that time, Newman has also implemented a series of small changes that have transformed the Center, increasing the number of local and out-of-town visitors to the highest the Center has ever seen. Starting in January of this year, she restructured her staffing to ensure that the museum is open seven days a week, an impressive feat for a free museum.

Next, Newman looked long and hard at her mission statement and took steps to improve the Center’s cooperative relationships with other regional historical organizations. Now called Tuesday Talks and Tours, the Center’s monthly meetings are held in different historic locations throughout the county, “… giving those in attendance a better appreciation for the historic resources here,” she explained, “ … and a chance for these hidden gems to really shine.” For example, they’ve visited The Price Anniversary House in Pismo Beach, SLO’s Masonic Lodge, the Spooner Ranch House, and the Octagon Barn, to name just a few.

While her age has presented Newman with the challenge to prove herself to the old guard historians who’ve been the backbone of the Center for many years—“I’m sure only years in the trenches will truly earn me a place amongst these experts,” she admits— her youth has also been an advantage. In 2011, the Center completed its third podcast walking tour on SLO’s Historic Railroad District, adding to the first two—Historic Downtown and The Darker Side of SLO. The Center’s archives are now accessible through the website www. historycenterslo.org; and there are also online newsletters and social media campaigns.

Erin working at the History Center booth at Children’s Day in the Plaza

Looking to rescue the Center from serious financial hardship, its board of directors voted to create a new position (the former top position was Executive Director) in order to focus more on administration and fiscal oversight. By March of 2011, they offered the newly defined and renamed position of CAO to Newman on an interim basis, and she accepted the job on a permanent basis in August.

“They wanted to make clear that financial stability was a priority,” Newman explained. “And it has been! With the Board’s direction, Erin with Exhibit Committee Chairman, Pete Kelley and volunteer Angel Shah at a recent exhibit opening at the Dallidet Adobe.

“Next up on my list is to find funding for a few interactive multimedia kiosks to support the museum’s exhibits. … My sincerest hope is that the History Center (and others like us) strives to talk about local history in a way that’s relevant and meaningful to a younger generation,” said Newman. “Whether it’s through YouTube or Facebook, it’s important we don’t lose touch with those who will be responsible for preserving our local history in the future.”

Citing such longtime history buffs as Dan Carpenter, Lynne Landwehr, Joe Carotenuti, and Pete Kelley for providing advice, support, and feedback as she finds her way in her leading role at the Center, Newman also credits her hardworking part-time staff of four. “I like to think we are small, but mighty!” she says.

On September 15th, Newman will marry her longtime love, Joe Wighton. But before the wedding, she invites members of the public to join her on the second Tuesday of each month, in this case the 11th, for Tuesday Talks and Tours. This month, she’ll be visiting South County Historical Society’s Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and Heritage House in the village of Arroyo Grande.

In the meantime, indulge yourself in a little “romance, art, science, murder, and exile” by visiting the Center’s current exhibit, on display until Spring of 2013. Free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day, the San Luis Obispo County History Center is located adjacent to the Mission in the old Carnegie Library at Monterey and Broad Streets. You can follow them on Facebook and sign up for the Center’s e-newsletter at www.historycenterslo.org.

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Artist and memory keeper

gay melody sullivan

By Jane Nichols

“There are places I remember all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some are gone and some remain. All these places had their moments with lovers and friends, I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living. In my life, I’ve loved them all.”—In My Life, The Beatles Think of those places you’ll remember all your life. What is captured in your heart? Perhaps a first date on the centuries-old pier at Olde Port Inn or family-shared Mud Pie dessert at Morro Bay’s quaint Bayside Café. Does your mind’s eye see that red barn in a grassy field along Los Osos Valley Road; a glorious view of a crimson sun setting behind Morro Rock; teens toting surfboards and tots building sandcastles on a pristine shore; buckets of bright sunflowers and the glistening fruits of Avila Valley Barn? Have your feet climbed the steps of a mission, crossed the planks of a rustic wooden pier, or meandered along the shops and bakeries of tree-lined downtowns? Or perhaps you wax nostalgic for places such as the Obispo Theater and Motel Inn now gone.

Local watercolorist, Gay Melody Sullivan captures such snippets of time to be cherished for years to come. “I was told to paint what I like,” she says. Fortunately for traveling visitors as well as Central Coast locals, she likes lots. Her vast variety of images include surfy, classic Panel Woodies, vintage pink and yellow “canned ham” trailers, multicolored quilts hanging blowing in the breeze by a tattered barn, furry-faced animals, and architecture, from San Simeon’s Sebastian’s General Store and Hearst Castle to Nipomo’s Dana Adobe and everything in between.

Charles and Maybelle Sullivan brought their family to California when Gay Melody was ten. For years the Sullivans ran a business making carved redwood signs at the California county fairs. It was then, visiting the many exhibits with her mother that she found a love for the arts, performance, and entertainment. “I used to go to

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the Santa Maria Fair and SLO County Fair before it grew to become the huge Mid-State Fair. My friends were the portrait and caricature artists. I had an artistic sense and could copy most things. Besides the sewing I did at all the shows to while away the time, I was particularly good at drawing clothing,” she explains.

“Sewing was a God-given gift and something I always loved from the time I had that first sewing class in Jr. High. Once on a vacation to Las Vegas with my parents I hand-stitched an entire outfit while riding in the car and staying in the hotel room.

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“Tim told me in order to improve my paintings I had to learn to draw.

A life-drawing course gives the basis of all that art is—proportion, scale, light, and shadow. I learned how to ‘see’ things, dissect them, and put the elements back together again. Lighting and shadow are the most important elements to give definition and impact to make things 3-dimentional.

“A workshop Tim held in New Orleans taught me how to put ‘spirit’ into my paintings. It was one of the best classes I’ve ever had and in a beautiful city.”

The end of her 30-year relationship with Don led Gay Melody to move to a property in Arroyo Grande that she had been visiting since the late ’60s. In the fall of 2002, she opened a gallery and studio in an upstairs former dance hall at Old Edna’s. Her time there was brief, but most memorable to the lucky visitors.

“My true calling was theater and public speaking. In 11th grade at Bellflower High School, she adapted the Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas into a play. For two years she played the Grinch in an elaborate homemade costume and ratted hair.

Lack of a theater major at Long Beach State University prompted her to study Radio and Television Production instead. “I couldn’t resist taking a costume making class which led to many self-made outrageous outfits blending Victorian lace with daring transparent elements that predated Madonna by twenty years!” she boasts with a laugh. “I was there the same years as Steven Spielberg and Steve Martin. I didn’t meet Spielberg, unfortunately, but I did talk to Steve Martin on campus after seeing one of his performances at an Orange County club.

While in college, Gay Melody went on interviews, go-sees, and callbacks for acting gigs. Her agent advised her to be serious about acting she would have to forgo spending time with friends and family and choose acting over sewing, jewelry-making and her many other interests. She couldn’t give those up.

After college Gay Melody and her boyfriend and later husband, Don, moved to Whittier where she opened the very successful Gay Melody Sullivan Dress Shop. Her store was famous in town for its elaborate, funky, fun, stylish store windows with props used from Don’s job as a window display artist for a department store. In over twenty years she produced hundreds of wedding, prom and ball gowns. For one client, she meticulously recreated the turn-of-the-century gown actress Jane Seymour wore in the movie Somewhere in Time by watching the video. She honed her eye for detail one stitch at a time, yet longed for more creatively.

Living here has given Gay Melody an appreciation for the natural beauty and fragile historic buildings that can be lost over time. Witnessing the transformation of Orange County strawberry fields paved into shopping malls instilled in Gay Melody an urgency to capture and preserve the changing landscape of San Luis Obispo County.

In 2011, her painting won the Cambria Art & Wine Festival poster contest. Also that year, two of her paintings of the new Centennial Park went into the city of Arroyo Grande’s time capsule, which will not be opened for 100 years. She has also spent many years painting the scenes, people and musicians of the Live Oak Music Festival.

Gay Melody is a past-president of the El Camino Art Association in the Five Cities Area. Coupled with skill and self-discipline, Sullivan has made a name for herself as a supportive teacher as well having taught watercolor classes for several years at the Avila Beach Community Center.

Gay Melody shows her art at the Arroyo Grande Farmers’ Market and the Avila Beach Art on the Beach where she welcomes visitors to chat. She enthusiastically swaps stories with admirers over things her images evoke. Her passion and feelings for people is evident in her vivacious character and carries over to her watercolors. “A friend once made up a word for me and called me an ‘inspirmentalist’!

“I went to Europe for the first time this year seeing France, Holland, and Belgium. I also spend time in Carmel and Monterey researching painting subjects. But no place compares to the beauty of the Central Coast. I love the people. It’s my passion being able to provide art for everyday people that reminds them of places they remember and love.”

An eye-opening first visit to art galleries in Santa Fe in the early ’80s made Sullivan crazy with desire. “Something clicked. I felt I just had to learn how to paint and it looked like something I could do. It’s a lot harder than it looks. But I was determined.

Traditional Funeral Services

“PBS had art instruction shows which I watched while sewing. I also got books and videos from the library. I came across an incredible worldclass artist and instructor named Timothy J. Clark. He had been a student of Chouinart Art School in Los Angeles and was teaching courses at Coastline Community College in Costa Mesa, which I took. He and I had an immediate bond because I laughed at his jokes,” she recalls.

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“I was immersed in learning to paint. I took 1 to 2 courses per semester from 9-4:00 between running the dress shop. I painted on Sundays, my day off.

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PEOPLE

Local Artist

dorothy Riggs

making her colourful presence known worldwide

By Leslie Jones

L

ocal artist Dorothy Riggs has never been one to shy away from embarking on new excursions while actively promoting the creative arts, women’s rights and world peace.

Raised in a family where creativity and success were the norm, her father was a Wimbledon tennis champion, her mother was an accomplished classical pianist and her grandmother was a watercolorist.

She was recently selected as one of only fourteen talented female artists to represent the United States at the “Her Presence in Colours X International Women Artists Exhibition” in Ho Chi Minh City on June 24th. Consisting of 207 women artists from 22 countries, it was the largest women’s artist exhibit in history.

Dorothy exhibited her mixed media/collage piece titled “Hope Guides the Way for a Promising Tomorrow” that she created in 2010 while working in her Pacific Northwest studio and exhibiting in the state of Oregon.

She remains, however, a long-time San Luis Obispo resident and artist.

“Exhibiting my art in the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City with over 200 other women from countries far and wide was an amazing experience. We spent a week together transcending the language barriers via smiles, body language, by swapping artist visual materials with email addresses, web site addresses and yes, even Facebook friend requests,” Dorothy explains.

“There were friendships made and invitations given for exhibiting in foreign places around the globe in the spirit of our sisterhood and in honoring our artwork. For instance, I connected with a fabulous artist from Russia who invited me to exhibit my work in her country. I’ve also been invited to the next ‘Her Presence in Colours International Women Artists Exhibition 2014’ in Mongolia of all places!”

“I feel so blessed to have these opportunities not only to show my work, but to co-build bridges of goodwill and peace while experiencing a cultural exchange of ideas being expressed creatively through the medium of art.”

“It just goes to show you how very well women, even from diverse backgrounds, fluidly cooperate with each other. We do not compete, we cooperate quite naturally. It’s as if it’s encoded in our DNA. We become the ideal model for trust and love, even in the world of career and business. We want to help each other, and this is what gave birth to the series of this exhibition, the first of which was held in Beijing in 1993.”

When asked how this experience might inspire future works of art, the imagery was already forming in her creative mind’s eye. This truly was a life-changing experience for her and her future artistic endeavors.

“I have a strong feeling that elephant imagery may appear, thanks to an adventurous ride with my artist husband Rod atop a lovely 30-year-old female in the jungle of Laos. I think there’s a good chance that monkeys and the ancient Champ Temple bas-relief motifs of Angkor Wat which we saw in Cambodia will manifest in my next creations, as well.”

Dorothy’s art at the Exhibit S E P T E M B E R

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“I’m also envisioning depicting the tall limestone islands we saw in Halong Bay, Vietnam during our two-day cruise. There are literally thousands of these spectacular vertical and irregular shaped cliffs which we kayaked around, and paddled through tunnels and caves with

PEOPLE bats, as well as shallow coves with jellyfish.

The Cambodian Temples of Angkor Wat and beautiful Halong Bay are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and I can see why. They were so beautiful and truly awe inspiring.”

There were many highlights experienced along the way during this 5-week long overseas excursion. “I took particular notice of how everyday folks in these different countries worked and lived, especially the women and children. I have yet to view all the photos my husband and I took, but I was fascinated by the styles of dress, architecture, art, foods grown and prepared, economic conditions, political systems and past history as well as forms of spiritual worship, which was primarily Buddhist,” she adds.

They visited artisan workshop facilities in Cambodia to see how they incorporated their natural resources: stone sculpture (sand stone and soap stone), lacquer paintings and bowls (lacquer tree), and hand-pounded silver decorative objects and jewelry, baskets from palm leaves and bamboo, body products (soaps, lotions) and candles from indigenous plants such as lotus, green tea, jasmine, sandalwood, coconut and lemongrass.

In Vietnam they visited silkworm farms that also housed weaving looms, and the products made from silk thread: embroidered tablecloths, shiny bolts of silk fabrics and resident tailors on hand to take your own unique measurements, sew and then hand deliver your outfit within 12-24 hours to your hotel. Dorothy wore one of these exquisite creations to the art exhibit reception.

A trip to Hanoi offered a viewing of the Water Puppet Show, a folk art originated in the Northern Vietnam countryside. While it dates way back, it is still performed today while keeping to strict guild standards to assure the purity of its tradition, from the crafting of the puppets and their clothing, to the stories that are enacted. Puppet movements and dances are carefully choreographed and performed on water, complete with a side orchestra of Asian folk instruments and vocals.

While visiting the charming city of Luang Probang, Laos, they took in a performance of traditional Laotian dancers wearing costumes of their heritage, and enacting stories of typical life in Laos: farming, fishing, weaving, and courtship. Laos is known for its beautiful fiber weavings into art and cotton clothing and silver jewelry both handmade by hill tribeswomen.

workshop in the Mekong Delta, our porcelain painting workshop, the educational seminar hosted in Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts University and the opportunity to view Vietnamese women’s work in the University Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden.”

“The art reception and farewell party were a real hit. It all came together beautifully due to the dedication and cooperation among all organizations and individuals involved. I am forever grateful and look forward to learning more about the next

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conference to be held in Mongolia 2014,” Dorothy adds.

Dorothy Riggs and Rod Steelman now wish to share this special trip with the public. “We have been asked to present our photos and mementos and to give a talk at the church we attend including a potluck with an Asian theme. We are certainly open to sharing our journey to Southeast Asia with galleries or other venues.” Much more can be learned about Dorothy, her art and many accomplishments at her website: www.dorothyriggs.com.

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“I will never forget the boat rides on the Mekong River, our visit to a coconut candy S E P T E M B E R

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Dr. Ray Weymann Renowned Astrophysicist next door

By Natasha Dalton “I’ve loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”

—Galileo Galilei When Ray became an astronomer, the times were good to be a scientist.

Both government and private institutions generously funded research in chemistry, geophysics, molecular biology and astronomy. Anything related to space exploration was a cause of general excitement. When planetary astronomer Dr. Carl Sagan released his TV series Cosmos, more than a billion people in sixty countries watched it.

Ray Weymann was interested in astronomy from an early age. Anything having to do with science fascinated him. A family friend had lots of gadgets in his house, and little Ray was mesmerized by these fancy instruments. But it was an assignment by a school teacher that helped him tie together his interest in clever devices with scientific explorations. The assignment was to build a telescope. Needless to say, it wasn’t an easy task: both money and skills were a bit of an issue for a middle school student—and Ray turned to his family for help.

“I’ll never forget the excitement when I finally managed to buy a lens,” Doctor Weymann remembers. “I took it over to my uncle. But when I gave him the lens, I dropped it! My heart almost went into my mouth!”

Fortunately, the lens didn’t break; they put the telescope together and took a first look at Saturn. It was a defining moment for Ray, which set him on a path of becoming an astronomer.

He studied at Cal Tech in Pasadena, then at Princeton University, and, after earning his doctorate, went to work in the observatory at the University of Arizona.

He couldn’t have chosen a better place. When Dr. Weymann first arrived in Tucson in 1961, its astronomical program was still relatively small, but it quickly grew to become one of the most prestigious research centers in the world. Dr. Weymann served

there as the head of the department and worked on perfecting the world’s largest telescopes.

According to him, “almost all of the amazing scientific discoveries happened because people invented all kinds of clever instruments,” and his own body of work only confirms this statement.

He studied quasars—gigantic black holes in the center of faraway galaxies. “There was a big argument in the 1960s whether quasars were very peculiar things, or whether they were just a part of the expanding universe,” Dr. Weymann explains. “The debate raged for almost ten years, and I wanted to solve this problem.”

Dr. Weymann participated in research, which showed conclusively that there was such a thing as a big bang. “…Now we’ve have discovered dark matter. And we want to understand what’s going on there, what this dark energy is,” Dr. Weymann comments.

“There’s a lot of gas between ourselves and other galaxies, and we think that early on this gas coalesced and condensed and formed other galaxies, so there’s a lot of interest in the nature of this gas: how hot is it, how dense, what’s it made of? And the quasars are so bright, they are like search lights on whatever passes between them and ourselves. So if you study the light that passes through the distant quasars, it can tell you a lot about this gas that we think eventually formed these galaxies. That’s what I spent most of my time on,” Dr. Weymann continues.

He likes to compare the scientific method to peeling an onion. First, Copernicus discovered that the Earth moves around the Sun. Then the Milky Way mystery was solved. “That was quite a question in 1920 to 1925: is it the entire universe or is there anything beyond it?”

Dr. Weymann says. “We know now: we’re far from being alone in the universe; our galaxy is just one of billions of galaxies. Ok then, mankind peeled off this layer of the onion,” Dr. Weymann says.

He is pleased to see that interest in astronomy keeps growing. “When I was an assistant professor, I subscribed to a professional journal,” he says. Now he and his colleagues have to refer to digital libraries: “So

Ray meeting Pope John Paul II S E P T E M B E R

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PEOPLE much is published—you’ll run out of bookshelf space at home in no time at all.”

Astronomers of the past studied the Sun, the stars, the planets, the nearby galaxies, the distant galaxies. “Everyone seemed to have one’s own little mission.” But nowadays mathematicians often predict discoveries in science before they are observed by physicists, biologists or astronomers. Dr. Weymann, along with Dennis Walsh and Bob Carswell, were the first to observe gravitational lensing, predicted by Einstein in his theory of general relativity.

Mathematics for quite some time insisted that the universe had a beginning, and Dr. Weymann made history by being a part of the team that conclusively demonstrated that it was indeed so.

The Vatican, which prides itself in its strong support of science, recently established its own Observatory Research Group in Arizona, where the air is much clearer than that in Rome. The Vatican group’s director, Father George Coyne, is a good friend of Dr. Weymann’s. Father Coyne, a Jesuit Priest and a prominent astronomer, happened to serve on the committee, which—after thirteen years of deliberation!—exonerated one of the founders of modern science, Galileo Galilei. In 1633, Galileo, under the threat of torture was forced to recant his theory that the Earth moves around the Sun. (The committee said that the Inquisition acted in good faith, but was wrong.)

Another of Dr. Weymann’s colleagues, Roger

Angel, used the new Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), or “Pope-Scope,” as a test bed for creating new powerful lenses.

While designing the Large Binocular Telescope, his team used heated pieces of glass, which were then molded into the required shape and polished. The method worked, and the nine-meter-in-diameter (36 feet) lens made as a test is now installed in the VATT. In 1986, partly for personal reasons (his mother was getting old), Dr. Weymann moved to Pasadena to serve as the director of Carnegie Observatory. He retired in 2000, and in 2003 moved to the Central Coast.

He continues to be keenly interested in science, and volunteers to educate people about it, particularly about climate. “It’s obviously a very important topic for humans,” he says.

“You may not care whether or not the Earth is moving around the Sun, but we all have to care about the climate.” What concerns him is that in the United States the facts about climate change are not well understood by the general public.

“One really neat thing about science is that it’s truly international,” he marvels. “Since the facilities have become more and more expensive, we need joint efforts. You cannot say that there’s an American point of view, or a Russian point of view, or a British point of view—when it comes to climate, 98% of all climatologists agree.”

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Look at Galileo. He was the lonely voice fighting for the truth,” Dr. Weymann comments.

“But it’s not true at all. There were no other scientists who disagreed with him; only theologians did. Galileo could see the little moons moving around Jupiter though his telescope, and extrapolated this in relation to the Earth, suggesting that the Earth goes around Sun, and so do other planets. Every time that the Cardinal said: ‘Galileo you’re committing heresy!’ Galileo suggested that he look into the telescope and see for himself. The Cardinal refused. It’s the same here: scientists are saying, ‘Look at the data,’ and the deniers are saying, ‘No, we don’t want to.’”

So Dr. Weymann gives talks at schools, churches, clubs… “I want to show people the observations, and explain why those who understand how things work don’t have doubts about this issue,” Dr. Weymann says. “Cardinals didn’t want to look at the evidence when Galileo was showing them the facts, but eventually the evidence made the church accept the facts. Unfortunately, it took 379 years to do so. We don’t have this much time.”

Dr. Weymann also participates in local astronomical society events, gives talks on cosmology and tutors high school students in math. “If kids want to go into astronomy, if they’re really motivated—it’s a great field.

There’s so much to do still; so much to be discovered,” he says.

“Deniers of climate change argue: I don’t care how many scientists are insisting on this.

THANK THE FOL U L D L I KI KE ETOTO T H A N K T H E F OLLOL OWWI NI NGGSSPPOONNSSO R S WWE EWWOO U L D L ORS

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Coastal Cleanup day September 15th Volunteers needed–come out and help

By Kylee Singh, ECOSLO

C

alifornia Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) was first organized in 1985 by the California Coastal Commission.

In 1993 the event was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “largest garbage collection” ever organized with 50,405 volunteers. Here in SLO County the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) has been organizing Coastal Cleanup Day since 2005. Last years event enabled countywide watershed cleanup from creeks to beaches that hosted 1,567 volunteers who collected 30,807 pounds of debris. This year’s 28th annual CCD will be taking place on Saturday, September 15th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at sites throughout the county.

This year’s event will be important in educating SLO County beach goers about the Japan tsunami cleanup which resulted in the release of 5 million tons of debris into the Pacific Ocean. Tsunami debris has started to wash up on shores along the west coast, and it is likely that California will start seeing the impacts this year, with fragments arriving throughout 2013 and likely several years after that. Radiation experts agree that it is highly unlikely that any tsunami generated marine debris will hold harmful levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear emergency. Some debris in West Coast states has already been tested, and no radioactive contamination was found. When the debris arrives, it will likely be beach cleanup volunteers who are removing it. Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers will be educated about how to identify and handle potential tsunami debris and also given data collection cards to help track the arriving wreckage.

ECOSLO will also be teaming up with Creek Day organizers once again. This will allow volunteers the opportunity to cleanup at one of the fifty sites throughout the county! Organizers are also urging all participants to “Bring Your Own” (BYO) bucket, gloves, reused bags, refillable water bottle, ride a bike, walk, carpool, or anything ecogroovy you can imagine. For every ecogroovy action you display on the day of the event you will receive a raffle ticket. Prizes for the raffle include a chance to win a night for two at the Cliffs Resort, two Whale Watching passes with Sub Sea Tours, a bike tune up from Cambria Bike Outfitter (worth $75) and many more prizes from generous local sponsors!

To sign up for SLO County Coastal Cleanup or Creek Day, visit http://www.ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day or contact Kylee Singh at (805)544-1777 or programs@ecoslo.org.

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Healthy Living Designing Healthy Communities

By Stephanie Teaford, STRIDE Researcher and Community Liaison Cal Poly, SLO

H

aving a dog that is half Lab and half Great Dane has made me a committed walker and twice a day, most days, I can be seen walking all through the neighborhoods of San Luis Obispo. These walks have given me the opportunity to reflect on this area’s “built environment.”

The build environment is the space we make for ourselves, in which we live, work and recreate. As a researcher in obesity prevention at Cal Poly’s STRIDE (Science through Translational Research in Diet and Exercise), I have been exploring the question, “How can our built environment impact our health?”

Efforts to address our nation’s obesity epidemic have expanded beyond a focus on an individual’s behavior. Those working in public health have used the Socio-Ecological Model (or the “onion” model) to look for ways to more comprehensively address the crisis our country faces due to obesity.

The individual sits at the center of the onion and while decisions he or she makes can influence his or her personal weight. Surrounding this center are the influences that come with living in society—family, organization, community and policy. For example, does your family incorporate fruits and vegetables at each meal? Does your workplace have employee wellness policies? Are there safe bike paths in your town? Does your state have a tax on sugar sweetened beverages?

A sidewalk meant for walking!

On my many walks, I am grateful for tree-lined sidewalks, providing shade and a separation from lanes of traffic—people making their way to their businesses for the start of the workday. I am also grateful for connectivity and destinations—being able to cross over the railroad tracks using the Jennifer Street Bridge to mail a package downtown or pick up this month’s book club book at the bookstore or library. My personal decision to get in some physical activity is reinforced by our city planners. They help to create the nice, encouraging environments in which I walk. Having my dog and often a friend with her dog brings into play

another layer of the onion—interpersonal reinforcement for community health.

Here in San Luis Obispo County, we have a very forward thinking County Planning and Building Department. Recognizing that the voice of community health was missing from the review process for new applications for development, land-use changes and General Plan amendments, County Planning and Building Department approached HEAL-SLO (Healthy Eating Active Living SLO), a coalition of individuals and organizations aligned for health, with the idea of convening a workgroup that would evaluate and comment on proposals with a focus on the community health perspective. This idea is part of a national movement to consider health in all policies. In this way, we ensure that the health of our county’s residents is considered as we move forward with new land development.

Through my participation in this workgroup, for example, I’ve learned that in-fill development increases peoples’ physical activity levels. As a result, we have endorsed the awarding of “development credits” for developers who choose to build in our city limits. I’ve also learned that symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are significantly improved as children are given access to outdoor natural space.

This led to the recommendation that proposals for multi-unit housing projects, when possible, include adequate open spaces for play.

The spaces that we build for living, work, and play should also be built to facilitate our health. City planners are returning to mixed-use developments where people can walk to destination points—the bank, the post office, the book store. Architects and designers of office buildings increasingly make stairways the central focal point in lobbies, with elevators tucked around back and out of sight. Bike paths and bike lanes are being built and “bikability and walkability” scores are now used to promote tourism and attract new residents to many communities across America. Community gardens and farmers’ markets are “cropping” up all across the US, and increase access to local, fresh, healthy food.

By working to address each layer that affects community health, we will be on our way to creating a healthier nation. When individuals take charge of personal decisions, families make changes together, agencies and organizations foster healthy habits, our planners and community designers support and encourage those decisions and habits, and policies and laws are in place to make “the healthy choice the easy choice,” a sustainable healthy community is built for all. I know one large, black, four-footed SLO resident is grateful to reap the benefits!

Building Healthy Communities On Friday, October 19, 2012, Healthy Eating Active Living San Luis Obispo (HEAL-SLO) will be hosting a summit, “Building Healthy Communities,” at Mountainbrook Church in San Luis Obispo from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountainbrook Church is located at 1775 Calle Joaquin—on the hill next to KSBY. Four nationally recognized speakers will be featured. The public is invited. For more information, or to register for the conference, call 805-781-4929, or visit: www.healslo.com.

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Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival

Celebrating its 75th year

By Vivian Krug

T

he Harvest Festival is Arroyo Grande Valley’s largest local annual community event. It is a time for children, families and friends to join together for fun and celebration.

One of the things that makes Arroyo Grande so special is its strong sense of community and the Harvest Festival plays a big part in building and maintaining that environment.

The Harvest Festival is much more than just a parade and fair, it is a celebration of community and of our heritage. The Festival represents much of what makes this community so special.

Pie eating contest

The first Harvest Festival was organized by the Woman’s Club in 1937. It was a two-day celebration held in an elementary school building. Food, booths and entertainment were held in the classrooms and a children’s pet parade took place on the Saturday of the Festival. The Woman’s Club ran the Festival until 1946 when they asked for community supporters to take over. The Festival continued to grow and became the primary annual event in the entire Valley.

Many folks talk about how they used to dress up the entire week of the festival and work on their floats for the parade all year. We’re proud to announce that this year’s Grand Marshal is the Woman’s Club for without whom our festival would not exist. It is also the Woman’s Club 75th anniversary!

The Festival is organized and conducted completely by volunteers and almost every community organization and service club is involved in at least one of the activities.

Kids Veggie Decorating contest

Kids enjoying the day with Ballooney the Clown and President Lincoln

This year’s festival kicks off on Friday night with the Rotary Fish Fry, Entertainment, Chili Contest, Salsa Contest, games, booths, Haunted Maze and free movie night in Heritage Square Park!

Saturday begins with the best Hometown Parade this side of the Pecos, then the rest of the day is filled with several stages of free entertainment all day long, kids games, historic reenactments, craft and food booths, petting zoo, an agriculture pavilion, historic and tractor displays, Paws of Thunder Wiener Dog Races, Baking, Pie, Honey, Ice Cream and Bread Making Contest, Costume Contest, Homegrown Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Competition, Diaper Derby, Haunted Maze, Whiskerino Contest, Big Ditch Derby, Corn Shucking and Corn Eating Contest, a good old fashioned Pie Eating Contest, Spelling Bees in the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse, Model Railroads on display in the Barn Museum, Boy Scouts Expo with Monkey Bridge, TeePee, Pinewood Box Derby and displays, Law Enforcement Museum, Historic Guns & Badge Display, AG High School Robotics Team, Ballooney the Clown entertains the children in his “Kid Zone” in Heritage Square Park all afternoon, President Lincoln and Colonel Knox will be on the Festival Grounds all day doing re-enactments, answering questions, doing photo opps and at the end of the day, leading the Kids Parade ending with the annual Lincoln Penny Toss with the help of Ballooney!

The Harvest Festival Board of Directors would like to recognize everyone who worked so hard to make the Festival a huge success. We would like to thank all the Festival committee members and also the community for their overwhelming support, especially the Festival Sponsors and Service Organizations who provided outstanding contributions.

And don’t forget to purchase your Harvest Festival Button available at stores throughout Arroyo Grande for $1.00, which not only buys you a chance to win one of many great prizes, but, it also keeps you out of the Hoosgow (jail)! You are subject to arrest if you are caught not wearing a Harvest Festival button or dressed in period clothing at the festival! Anyone caught not wearing Vintage or Western Clothing or a Harvest Festival Button will be arrested and thrown in the Festival Hoosgow, so not only does your button keep you out of Jail, but since you’re all dressed up, why not enter the Costume Contest?

As we turn back the hands of time, and bring back some of the events and activities of yesteryear, we hope that our 75th year of entertainment, food, activities, contests and games will make memories of a lifetime.

So, we’ll see you on September 28th and 29th for the 75th Annual Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival. For more information go to AGHarvestFestival.com.

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18th Annual scott Tinley’s Adventures 3-day event at lake lopez

By Nicole Adams

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he weekend of September 28-30 will bring Central Coast athletes of all ages and abilities to the shores of Lake Lopez for a 3-day weekend of camping, camaraderie, and multi-sport activities at the 18th Annual Scott Tinley’s Adventures.

History

It was 1994. Pro triathlete Scott Tinley and triathlon race director Terry Davis were sitting next to each other at a triathlon conference in Southern California. Everyone seemed to be talking about the new hype surrounding off-road races and mountain bike events, and how this would be the “new fad” in the endurance industry. Tinley, a pro triathlete, avid mountain biker, and adventure racer, turned to Davis and presented the idea: to produce a grassroots off-road triathlon event that would give athletes a taste of how triathlons used to be in the early days—casual, less competitive, and full of friendly camaraderie. Davis jumped on board, and one year later produced the inaugural Scott Tinley’s Adventures at Lake Lopez in Arroyo Grande, CA.

Weekend Festivities Now in its 18th year, Scott Tinley’s Adventures has morphed into a 3-day weekend festival with an event to suit every age and ability, including On-Road Long, Olympic and Sprint Triathlons, a Youth Triathlon, and an Off-Road Sprint Triathlon. All races will feature open-water lake swimming, biking through the beautiful hills and fields of Arroyo Grande, and trail running in the nearby hills. The off-road triathlon is still around, making it the longest running event of its kind in the industry.

the Hill” bike climb, a tough one or two mile mountain bike race on single-track trails. Hill climbs start Friday around noon and also take place on Saturday.

To add to the fun, Tri-California is introducing a mud run obstacle challenge to this year’s event weekend. M.O.R.E. SLO (Mud, Obstacles, Run, Entertainment) will feature both a 3-mile and 6-mile run course dotted with obstacles and taking participants through dirt, mud, and water along the way.

It’s going to be a great weekend! Gather some friends, pack up the tent and cooler, and come celebrate the last days of summer at Scott Tinley’s Adventures!

For more information and to register for an event(s), visit www.tricalifornia.com.

Tri-California Events, based in Paso Robles, CA, is an event management company producing triathlon, swimming, and running races throughout California, including the AVIA Wildflower Triathlons, Alcatraz Challenge Swim & Aquathlon, Triathlon at Pacific Grove, and Scott Tinley’s Triathlon. Additionally, Tri-California serves as the race production company for the Nike Women’s Marathon.

Not a triathlete?

Take part in the “King/Queen of

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at the market

Grilled Tacos with homemade black beans and fresh avocado salsa

By Sarah Hedger

W

here did Summer go?

While there are still hot days (with the occasional shower), it is becoming more and more clear that Summer is on its way out and Fall is on its way in. That said, September is a lovely transitional month. The markets still reflect the abundance of Summer and unless you’ve eaten your weight in zucchini, residual Summer produce is a good thing.

The last of the tomatoes are great for some canning projects, including homemade tomato sauces, while still being enjoyed fresh in some really good homemade salsa.

Being a shoulder month, September does bring an abundance of Autumn produce to

the market, including first of the season’s apples, early squashes such as Butternut and Delicata, as well as first season pomegranates, persimmons, and early citrus. It is as good a time as any to continue to be inspired by our local markets.

This month’s recipe, Grilled Tacos with Homemade Black Beans and Fresh Avocado Salsa, is a great way to enjoy the last of Summer. Don’t be dismayed by the length of this recipe! While it may look lengthy at first glance, it is broken into different components, giving you the option of what, if not all, you want to make at home. If you are short on time, a good salsa can be purchased

and easily incorporated into the avocado salsa recipe. While we used Tri Tip steak for this, the vegetarians in the world can easily substitute in some seasonal veggies such as red onions, zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and the tacos won’t skip a beat. Tri Tip is one of my favorite cuts of meat at the moment.

I don’t know if it is because it brings back fond childhood memories of my dad and his BBQ or because it is one of the best cuts for the barbecue. When traveling, I often come across people who have never heard of Tri Tip and I fumble through an explanation of what it is and how delicious it is. So, after realizing I wanted to sound a little more educated when confronted with this situation, I did a little research. Tri Tip can almost be regarded as a local (to the Central Coast) cut of meat as it is often referred to as Santa Maria Steak. The Tri Tip cut is part of the bottom sirloin, just above the flank, and just below the top sirloin and tenderloin on the cow. Important to know, there are only two of these portions, one on each side.

Tri Tip is also known for having a lower fat content then many other cuts thus searing it initially, then cooking it a little longer/slower (at a lower heat) results in a most tender bite.

N MacB EW In sto ook Pro ck no w!

N MacB EW In sto ook Pro ck no w!

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grilled tacos with homemade black beans and fresh avocado salsa

The homemade black beans are a treat and can easily be made ahead.

If you have dried beans on hand, feel free to use them instead of the canned beans, simply soaking and cooking them in advance. To me, the black bean element of these tacos really pulls it all together as it reflects every last bit of Summer, in one glorious bite. Lastly, the fresh avocado salsa brings a bright, fresh element to the dish, with the creaminess of great local avocados. Go for the freshest corn tortillas you can find, or if you want to take on a new fun skill, making fresh corn tortillas is a sure fire way to go. Few things make a better edible vessel than a nice, warm, fresh, corn tortilla. Enjoy this meal and all things Summer it brings to the table.

FOR THE BLACK BEANS: 2 T. olive oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 2 garlic gloves, minced 1 T. cumin 1 tsp salt 1 cup fresh corn (or canned/frozen if not in season) 1 red capsicum, chopped into 1 cm pieces 1 T. fresh red chili, finely minced, or a pinch of dried pepper such as cayenne 1 can of chopped tomatoes (or use fresh if in season) 2 cups water 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed *1 canned chipotle, finely chopped (optional for a little extra smokiness/heat) Heat oil in heavy duty stock pot. When hot, add onions, garlic, cumin, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until onions get soft and translucent. Add carrot, corn, and red capsicum and continue to cook for another 5 minutes or until pan gets dry and begins to brown on bottom. Stir for another minute as this adds a little more flavor to the dish. Add tomatoes, water, and black beans. Give a good stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce has begun to thicken. *For a refried bean consistency, puree half the bean mixture and add it back to the pot and give a good stir.

FOR THE BARBECUED FILLING ELEMENT: 1 T. cumin 2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp cayenne or other ground dried chili powder 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper 1 lb Tri Tip steak, room temperature (or summer veggies of your choice for a vegetarian version) Place cumin, salt, cayenne, and pepper in large shallow bowl or plate and mix so incorporated. Rinse and dry meat and place in bowl, evenly coating with dry rub (alternatively, do this step with vegetables if you are going the vegetarian route). Preheat grill or BBQ over medium high heat. Once hot, add steak and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, searing the outside. Reduce heat to medium low (or move to a cooler part of the grill if using a non-gas barbecue) and cook for 10-15 minutes per side. Remove and let rest for at least 5 minutes.

FOR THE HOMEMADE SALSA: 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped juice of one lime 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced Pinch of salt Combine all ingredients and give a light stir to incorporate.

TO SERVE: Place black beans in shallow bowl or on a plate. Thinly slice steak (or vegetables) and place next to black beans with warmed corn tortillas. Enjoy! *Feel free to email me at sarah@seasonalalchemist.com if you have any food-related questions and find this recipe (as well as other versions) at www.seasonalalchemist.com

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slo county art scene Jeanne Miller:

the Art Spirit of the west

By Gordon Fuglie back and forth into her work, checking her progress, adding or eliminating elements as the composition develops. (This is more difficult if the artist is working mural size.)

Miller’s result is imagery that is abstracted—purified to elementals—and personally stamped.

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h, the vast spaces of the American West! For 150 years its mountains, canyons, rivers, forests and deserts have snared artists in their grandeur and sublimity. What painter or photographer could resist? But limning the lands west of the Rockies also has hogtied the imaginations of numerous artists who found themselves reduced to timid transcribers of the overwhelming beauty and vastness before them. The bold exhortation to the westward pioneers—bring me men to match my mountains; bring me men to match my plains; men with empires in their purpose and new eras in their brains—has unmatched no small number of landscape artists when confronting the real thing.

Los Osos painter and collagist Jeanne Miller avoids being diminished by the Western landscape. For her, the proper subject is the mood that the terrain puts her in, not the staggering stretch of the Sierras as daunting subject. This means the “great exterior” gets remade personally, an expression of the artist’s interior. Gone is the stultifying self-subordination to the grandiose. Instead, the plenteous panorama of the outdoors is inverted to an intimate—even poetic, encounter. Miller’s paintings run from 12 inches square—a few reach 36 inches. Thus scaled, she can easily (and quickly) move S E P T E M B E R

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The first step in a Miller painting is the establishment of the horizon line, the left to right divide that sets up the contrast between the atmospheric flux of the sky and fixity of the land. The former is dynamic; the latter is geologic. These contrasts are evident in “The Hem of Heaven,” an oil on canvas measuring 30” x 20.” The vertical composition is based on a 3:1 ratio, sky to land. The terrain of buttes and jagged peaks betray the primordial origins of the Southwest. Burnt orange topography is rendered in zigzag patterns, the traces of wind and water erosion.

By contrast the cloudy sky softly broods over the arid land, descending upon it (heaven’s falling hem) with an otherworldly and moist luminosity. No real sky ever looks indigo, but naturalism is not Miller’s point with “The Hem of Heaven.” The cool sky and the warm earth are in complementary shades, even “overlapping,” as strokes of deep lavender (a favorite color of the artist—she was wearing it during my visit) bathe the contours of the desert terrain, uniting heaven and earth.

To my surprise, my favorite works by the artist were not Miller’s oils, but her tiny landscape collages. Measuring just four to six inches, these pack a real wallop. “Landscape” (Glacier) is a watercolor collage of overlapping mountain ranges, the furthest seemingly covered with snow. The collage elements (mountains) are made as monotypes.

Aqueous pigments are applied to scuffed Plexiglas sheets. Miller then presses her paper onto the wet surface, pulling the paper away, imprinted with a field of variegated color. Sometimes she will augment the prints with colored pencil, pastels, inks or gel pens.

To configure her mountains, Miller will tear the colored paper and then burn the torn edge to obtain a jagged profile. “Landscape” (Glacier) is made up of three mountain ranges, or three different printings, sequentially

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glued and flatly pressed onto the blue “sky sheet.” The intriguing textures and patterns in the mountains and sky come from the happenstance of the press, the shredding of paper, and the course of fire on fibers. In addition to the chance factors, they are almost purely abstract and non-representational.

To find her way as an artist, Miller bypassed the usual college/university art department four-year degree program. She preferred following her confident “I’m ready—let’s do it!” practice to develop her style. This meant periodically seeking various adult education art classes to improve her chops, solve problems in her approach, or gain knowledge in materials and techniques. Years later in 2012, Miller has come full circle: she offers private tutoring in her home to high school art students and retired middle age adults discovering an artistic avocation. In addition, she recently organized an “artist as entrepreneur” program at Morro Bay High School, training art students to prepare portfolios for collegiate art schools or interviews with commercial art firms. And she is busy as ever with her own work. Her small studio always has a number of oils underway in her own ongoing journey of discovery.

To learn more about Jeanne Miller’s art, see: www.pinedancestudio.com and her Facebook page. Her work is also on display at Suite 1 Gallery, 601 Embarcadero (suite 1), Morro Bay (805-772-4972), and the artist will welcome visitors to her home studio in October when she participates in the SLO County Arts Council’s annual Open Studios Art Tour (www.artsobispo.org).

The Hem of Heaven

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rosary Beads

“you will know what to do with these”

By Linda Groover

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t the time these words were spoken to me I did not think very much about it. In 1976 my mother had come for a visit from Arlington, Massachusetts. One evening she handed me an envelope inscribed on the outside with the words: “The Rosary Beads of Cardinal Mercier of France.” She explained since I was the most active Catholic of all her children, I should be in care of the rosary beads.

I remember looking in the envelope to see dark beads with coiled wire, but I did not take them out of the envelope. I put them away safely in a small wooden box. I never looked closely inside the envelope and I missed seeing a piece of thin paper cradled around the beads.

Recently, I took the beads all the way out of the envelope and discovered a message written on the thin paper telling how the beads came to the U.S.A. The paper read: “These belonged to Cardinal Mercier of France. Mrs. Olsen, a Baptist Missionary from Cambridge, met the Cardinal in France. He gave her his Rosary. When she came home to Cambridge, she gave them to her friend Mr. Mac Innis because he was Catholic. They were given to him around 1912.” Mr. Mac Innis was my grandfather. In later years he gave them to my mother telling her “you will know what to do with these.”

I started to do some research via my computer and found Cardinal Desire Joseph Mercier to be a quite famous Cardinal of Belgium. He

Linda Groover with her rosary beads

was born in 1851 in Braine-l’Allued, Belgium. He was ordained a priest in 1874 and taught philosophy at the seminary in Mechelen, Belgium. He received his Doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Leuven in Belgium. He was the founder of The Superior Institute of Philosophy at Leuven in 1894 and became its first president. He was elevated to Archbishop in 1906 and to Cardinal in 1907.

He was studying psychology in Paris, France in 1911 when he gave his rosary beads to Mrs. Olsen—hence the assumption by my mother that he was from France.

In 1914 the German army attempted a surprise invasion of France by invading neutral Belgium. By Christmas of 1914 the Imperial German atrocities had escalated and thirteen of Mercier’s priests and many civilians were killed. The Cardinal wrote a pastoral paper “Patriotism and Endurance” to be read aloud in all Belgian churches in January 1915. The paper was distributed by hand as the Germans had cut off the postal service. His words were taken to heart by the suffering Belgians.

A personal tour of the Cardinal’s Palace in Mechelen, Belgium.

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On November 7, 1916, the Cardinal made a formal announcement intended for neutral countries and, in particular, the U.S.A. He drew attention to the current German policy, in occupied Belgium, of deporting unemployed Belgian men to Germany to provide forced labor, thus freeing German workers to go into the army. It started with the unemployed then moved to include all able bodied men and boys of college and high school age. If anyone resisted there were huge fines and long imprisonments. Although the German authorities ignored his pleas, the rest of the world became

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almost 100 years after they had been given to a Baptist Missionary in Paris, France.

The Archbishop showed us around the Palace including “The Cardinal Salon” where paintings of past Cardinals are hanging around the huge room. This is also the room with a huge gold chair called “The Pope’s Chair,” used by the Pope twice in the past.

We were then shown the room, with all the original furniture, where the Conversations of Malains (French for Mechelen) took place from 1921 to 1926 with Anglican Theologians including Lord Halifax.

The Archbishop personally walked us from the Palace to the Cathedral of Saint RumArchbishop of Belgium, Leonard accepting the rosary beads.

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bold where Cardinal Mercier is buried in a very large alcove of the immense church.

Before leaving he gave all three of us his personal blessing. We were reminded that Cardinal Mercier made one visit to New York City following WWI as he tried to raise funds to rebuild and stock a new library at the University of Leuven. The original library had been burned by the Germans in the war. This was his only visit to the U.S.A. I would say our trip to Belgium was a huge success and I did know what to do with the beautiful brown glass rosary beads. They are at home in Belgium with Cardinal Mercier.

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aware of the German treatment of helpless citizens. Because of his many written protests, Cardinal Mercier received international renown which prevented the German authorities in Belgium from suppressing his activities. They did however eventually put him under house arrest.

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I believe each time the words “you will know what to do with these” was used it meant you know how to say the rosary. I chose to think of the words in a different way. I thought what I should do with them is send them home to Belgium.

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On that basis I wrote to the present Archbishop of Belgium, Andre-Mutien Leonard TT now online at W CE L FA asking if he would like to have the rosary HAE | MIC YACO LEEDALE | MASTER GARDENERS | FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA D DANA NELSON SUZANNE | R AM beads back home in Belgium. I explained RICSHEU ING | U OOR E T S M O FL in my letter how I would be visiting my |V AGLIN N U Q R T BA NS A ATIO ON daughter in Geneva, Switzerland in May of E NE R TA G EE G OC T HR HE T MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST 2012 and would deliver the rosary beads in AT RT |A AST ILY person. His answer was a definite “yes” and AL CO AM R F T N E C KS E O H T RO E OF a personal appointment was made for May AL EB A ZIN TH SLO RNATION MAG N| E T T 18, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in the Cardinal’s Pal-RT RANKI S N I OA CU LC FILM AL TRA ace in Mechelen, Belgium.

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My daughter, her baby son and I flew to Brussels, Belgium and stayed for a few days to see the area. We hired a private car and driver to take us to Mechelen for our appointment with Archbishop Leonard.

Although the driver got lost and we were 15 minutes late, we were received very graciously by His Eminence in the private rooms of his very formal residence.

He spoke fluent English and seemed quite pleased to receive the original note and rosary of the esteemed Cardinal Mercier,

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Huttle up

The beat goes on with darrell voss

By Bob Huttle

“Drums keep pounding the rhythm to the brain...and the beat goes on” —Sonny and Cher It’s been awhile—maybe 1983?—but perhaps it went something like this: Darrell Voss, age 17 or so, comes up to me before my English class begins and says, “Mr. Huttle, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure, Darrell. What’s up?”

“Well, I know that essay is due today and uh, well ... I’m not quite finished and I wondered if you could give me more time to finish it? I had a gig last night, got home pretty late. You know all about that, huh?”

Actually, I DID know all about that. Darrell and I shared a love for playing the drums and there were some school mornings when I wished somebody would give me a break after a late Thursday night playing with the Monte Mills Lucky Horseshoe Band at McClintock’s.

“OK, Darrell. I’ll give you an extra day but here’s the deal. The next time an essay is due, you need to turn it in a day early. You OK with that?”

“That’s cool. Thanks, Mr. Huttle.”

And so our camaraderie began on that note of compromise. Little did I know then that Darrell was playing in a band that I would later join—me, much the amateur musician, secretly hoping for fame and fortune, and Darrell, just beginning on his way to becoming one of the finest, most in-demand percussionists and music teachers on the Central Coast.

Darrell’s mom played the organ and piano, sister the flute, and brother the clarinet. Music ran in his blood but Darrell’s focus was the drums.

From age 3, he was hooked. He took lessons at age 4 and eventually spent his early school mornings paradiddle-ing away in Bob Sando’s band at Laguna Middle School. “Mr. Sando provided the structure and foundation I needed and I thrived in his environment. Later, at

The Voss family: Darrell and Lisa with children, Julia and Eva.

Voss on the drums in 1987 S E P T E M B E R

Darrell’s success and contentment with his life couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. You won’t hear anyone say anything negative about Darrell.

Recently we sat down over coffee and I quickly understood that Darrell is living his dream—playing music of all types, teaching at Cuesta College, and raising a family. A dazzling smile never left his face as he brought me up to speed about his life.

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an amazing jazz music program at Cuesta, hosting traveling groups of international fame and taking his students abroad to compete and play in prestigious jazz festivals like Montreaux, Switzerland. He is a titan of jazz education, recognized nationally for his contributions.”

• Charlie Shoemake, local resident and musician, who began the Jazz Artist Series in 1991 at The Hamlet in Cambria: “Charlie gave me the chance to play with some amazing, well-respected musicians and helped me become a professional. [Had it not been for him, I might have ended up a hack drummer like Huttle.”] (ed. note: Darrell didn’t say this last sentence. I put it in to make him smile.

He never speaks ill of anyone.)

San Luis Obispo High School, Lyle Stubson continued to push me and I so appreciated that, even though by my senior year I was often playing gigs and no longer had the time to devote to the school band.”

A musician’s life can be a tough one but Darrell believed he could make a living here on the Central Coast by following his passion and, indeed, he has. “I suppose it would have been easier to do something else. I could have tried to make it in Los Angeles, but didn’t like the quality of life there. Once, I even sold RVs and was making pretty good money, but it wasn’t satisfying. I wanted music in my ears, every day, all the time.”

Darrell cited influences who have taught and inspired him along the way: • Warren Balfour, music professor and musician at Cuesta College: “Warren built

• George Stone, who took over at Cuesta for Warren when he retired: “George is a highlyskilled, professional trumpet player, arranger and composer who took the Cuesta music department to new heights. He began the Recording Arts and Applied Music programs which brought talented students from all over. As a result of this, I was invited to be an instructor. The department’s staff now includes jazz faculty members and notable great musicians Dave Becker, Inga Swearingen, Kent Hustad, Rudolph Budguiness, Ron McCarly, Aaron Wolf, John Knutson, Jeff Miley, Dylan Johnson, and Jennifer Martin (Chair). I doubt you’ll find a more outstanding group at any community college in California. And because of George, I now have the opportunity to TEACH, which provides me great satisfaction. I still play my drums often, and have even added vibes and piano to my skills.”

But there’s more to Darrell than just his music. He’s quick to point out that it’s his family that hits the high notes in his life. Darrell and wife Lisa met at Cuesta when both were

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19. They stayed together through their years at Cal Poly and both graduated in 1994, he with a degree in music and she with a BS in Biology and, later, a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Marriage was inevitable. While Darrell spends his days teaching at Cuesta, Lisa runs a successful private practice. But there’s more to the story—the best part—as Darrell explains: “When Lisa and I reached our mid thirties we felt something of a void in our lives; there were no children running around our house and that silence was deafening. We decided to investigate adoption and, after much consideration, felt that going to China was our best solution. Today we are blessed with not one, but two adopted daughters: Julia, 11 and Eva, 7.”

Darrell’s phone rings often with calls from musicians around the county seeking his services to play all kinds of music: symphonic, jazz, rock, blues, swing, or showtunes. His reliability, professionalism, personality, and superior skills set him apart. The smile doesn’t hurt either. But what he relishes most are the phone calls that come from another source: his daughters calling for him to pick them up from school. For Darrell, the beat goes on and how sweet the sound.

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history – Part 2

Parker H. French

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

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hey were desperate, discouraged and frightened. Stranded in the wilds of Texas in 1850, the men who sacrificed for a better life for themselves—and their families—faced an abyss of despair with few options. That a few recorded their struggles in search of el dorado provide gripping accounts of the havoc caused by one man’s greed.

Having been swindled and abandoned by Parker H. French—an “adventurer and scoundrel of first water,” the 200 plus men still pursued their quest. The men divided what little was left, foolishly divided into a few groups and struggled to reach San Francisco. When most—but not all—arrived in December, French was not there to greet them.

In between, the notorious charlatan evolved from swindler to murderer.

The story continues.

After French fled into Mexico to escape arrest, he replaced his guile with a gun. Indeed, the most famous incident gave Parker his nickname. Two eyewitness accounts survive to capture a few defining moments of French at his murderous best.

In early October 1850, still valiantly attempting to reach the California gold fields, one group of 12 men neared Corralitos, Chihuahua, Mexico. A scouting group went ahead of the wagons to reconnoiter a suitable campsite. Dan Cooper signaled success with a rifle shot. The

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same sound alerted French and his gang of outlaws and “half-breeds from the Cherokee Nation” of the presence of the men. The night before, they had robbed an earlier party reclaiming property obtained fraudulently from the Army.

Cooper had no trust for French and wanted to shoot him on sight.

A few others, soon to their dismay and, for a few, demise, wanted to attempt resolution short of violence. French used his well-rehearsed and well-known powers of persuasion—and lies—to retrieve his animals. When it failed, weapons were drawn for a brief gun battle.

Cooper suffered a shot through his left thigh. His journal, only recently reported in History Magazine, relates French wasn’t there to negotiate and once the smoke cleared, the casualties of the brief, but deadly, gunfight lay dead or dying at the campsite.

Charles Cardinall, following with the wagons, relates the attack. Entering the camp with “a sudden yell or war-hoop of many voices … like so many savages,” French led his men, all mounted and well-armed with six-shooters and rifles. “My companions were falling … with awful groans, in the last agonies of death.” He and Cooper’s journals agree: one man, shot through neck, died instantly; another died from being shot through the back. Holmes, an old man, had “both arms shot off.”

French did not escape unscathed. Cooper, attempting to kill the retreating bandit, had his aim dislodged by an unruly mule, but managed to shoot French through the elbow. Mercifully, their last glimpse

Avoid the High Cost of M COMMUNITY Facil A Retirement 33

of French was his riding away with his right arm “dangling” loose above the elbow. His victims could do nothing but roll their fallen comrades in their blankets and bury them where they fell. Again, misery was faced with courage and most moved on in a few days.

Even in agony, French was memorable.

Finding sanctuary at the nearby Barranca Colorado mine, the badly injured outlaw demanded his arm be amputated. Recalls the unnamed “surgeon,” French was a “small, almost a little man, with a light complexion… His eyes were most remarkable: deep-set, gray, and so small and round as to resemble a rat’s eyes.” Seemingly without any medical training, the man removed the dirty, infected flesh but left the protruding bone since he could do nothing with an “old wood-saw.” Quarts of mescal, spirits of nitre, and an inch of chloroform simply stupefied the patient. True to form, French rewarded the man with a bank draft which was not honored. In 10 days, the cheat—now called One Arm French—was able to travel.

Nonetheless, the unnamed “physician” was impressed by French’s fortitude. Interestingly, the various remembrances of his activities begin to differ more so at this point in his life.

However, most report after his recovery, he and his freebooters moved on to Durango.

Parker French was skilled at having others part with their wealth for his benefit … but there were no ready clients in Mexico for his schemes. Possibly he needed to look to another resource where he wasn’t required to lie or concoct plots of wealth. All he needed to do—or have his companions do first—was point a gun. What was required was a target of sufficient reward to expend the energy needed in fleeing the law. Robbing a mail coach (one source relates a silver train) qualified as a suitable objective.

Durango in 1850 suffered from both the instability of government and the recurring battles with Indians. However, pursuing bandits did provide for alternative excitement. Pursuing French, the posse killed two bandits and put the rest in irons. A trial condemned them to be shot … but somehow French escaped the punishment on three different occasions.

One story is he convinced a forgiving priest of his innocence and the man of the cloth vouched for him to the governor. Another story portrays French, who could now speak Spanish, winning the affections of a “wealthy Spanish girl” who bribed the jailer and gave the freed French $700 to flee. Yet a third, and

probably more accurate, story has French convincing the authorities that he and his men were great Indian hunters. In charge of troops who were to be paid by the number of scalps, French eventually seized the opportunity to escape. Possibly afterwards the authorities discovered that to French, one scalp looked like another and the slaughter of anyone received a reward.

confidence man,” convinced the group he would charter a ship for them all but needed Even though the prospect of moving m to borrow the money to do so. Of course, when the men went to board a ship to San future, you owe it to yourself to learn h Francisco, no arrangements had been made carefree living in your own home for man and French had disappeared.

Leaving Mexico, Parker H. French possibly

and You Don’t Have toconsidered Movean honest life in California Feel Safe and

He failed.

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Our yard maintenance crews Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every s “What know how to take care of your favorite the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in rose bushes and keep the grass neatly “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.” provided by specialists in plumbing, service provid We invite you to call Pristine right now so that we can send you these two FREE reports by mail. electrical work, painting, repairs and anyone work safety rail installation.

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H O U S E K E E P I N G · YA R D M A I N T E N A N C E · H A N D Y M A N S E R V I C E S · P E R S O N A L C A R E S E P T E M B E R

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COMMUNITY

Hospice corner how does hospice care work?

By Helen Swanagon, RN

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y the time a physician tells a person that there is no further medical treatment that will change the course of their illness (and thus the course of events…death) they are usually sick, tired, and sick and tired of treatments, loss of energy, function and independence. They may feel like there is nothing left for them. But, there is something that can be done.

They can seek hospice care.

Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end of life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. At the center of hospice care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. The focus is on caring, not on curing and, in most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home.

Hospice care can also be provided in board and care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.

Hospice Partners of the Central Coast is one of the non-profit, State licensed, Medicare/Medi-Cal certified hospice care providers in San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara Counties that residents of our community can turn to for help. Hospice Partners will support patients and their families during the final stage of life. The Hospice Partners’ team uses the combined knowledge and skills of an interdisciplinary staff team of professionals, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, medical social workers, dietitians, therapists, spiritual and bereavement counselors, hospice musicians and volunteers to ease the journey.

So, how does hospice care work? Well, the patient (or family member) or the patient’s doctor contacts Hospice Partners and ask for a referral. Our nurse will gather the information from the doctor, and then call the patient. The nurse obtains information over the phone, in person, or if the patient is in a hospital or facility, will meet with them there. When the determination has been made that hospice is appropriate, the care will be focused on comfort – physical, emotional and spiritual comfort, for the patient, as well as the family. Typically, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill patient. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The care plan also outlines the medical and support services required such as nursing care, personal care (dressing, bathing, etc.), social services, dietetic assistance, hospice musicians, grief and bereavement counseling, and spiritual care. It also identifies the medical equipment, procedures, medication and treatments necessary to provide high-quality comfort care. The goal is to have the patient continue to do the things that are important in their life – such as visiting with friends, going to bingo, church, lunch. The emphasis is on the quality of life, instead of its duration. The care of the hospice patient continues to be managed by the patient’s own physician. Members of the hospice team make

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COMMUNITY

regular visits to assess the patient and to provide the care and other services. The whole team of hospice professionals is available to help in ways that will support the patient at the end of their life. Some patients want and need all of the hospice services, others want only some of the services. It is tailored to the individual patient and family needs. Hospice staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Support is extended to the patient’s loved ones, as well. And, after the death of the hospice patient, the bereavement staff will provide grief and bereavement counseling to family members and friends.

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SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

Who pays for Hospice care? While Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most private insurance companies have a Hospice benefit, it only partially covers the costs of hospice care. To make up the difference for the unreimbursed care, Hospice Partners is dependent on the generosity of the community for donations and support at fundraising events. Patients who have no coverage or method of paying for hospice care and services are not turned away.

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored

by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.

Helen Swanagon, RN, is the Intake/Liaison Nurse Manager. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: COUNTRIES ACROSS 1. “Angela’s _____,” memoir 6. Fairytale princess test 9. Mark of a saint 13. Musketeer’s hat decoration 14. TV classic “___ in the Family” 15. *Vietnam’s capital 16. Like a beaver?

17. Flying saucer 18. Declare invalid, as in divorce 19. Type of agreement 21. *a.k.a. Magyarorszag 23. Opposite of yang 24. School project, e.g.

25. Tube in old TV 28. Dwarf buffalo 30. A radio or television antenna 35. Strikes with an axe 37. Does something wrong 39. Like a nose reacting to allergies

40. Hipbones 41. Element Xe 43. ____ Jim snack 44. Connected series or group 46. Farmer’s storage 47. Bristle 48. Churchill’s successor 50. Your own identity 52. Farmer’s ___ 53. ____ A Sketch 55. Part of a circle 57. *a.k.a. Burma 61. Growls angrily 64. Pertaining to the ear 65. “Without further ___” 67. Hammering spikes 69. Like the color of granite 70. Nada 71. Locomotive hair 72. Wife of Hercules, goddess of youth 73. Da, oui, or si, e.g.

74. *Hosni Mubarak was its former leader

DOWN 1. King Kong, e.g.

2. Member of eastern European people 3. Immense 4. Manicurist’s board 5. *Home to Belgrade 6. McCartney or Anka, e.g.

7. Rudolph’s friend Hermey, e.g.

8. Hawaiian goodbye 9. “____ in there!”

10. “____ Karenina” 11. Frown 12. Greasy 15. Yearn 20. Building extension 22. *World’s oldest surviving federation 24. Caused by oxidation 25. *It experienced a Cultural Revolution 26. Rent again 27. Short for “betwixt” 29. Miners’ bounty, pl.

31. a.k.a. Russell

32. Scandinavian fjord, e.g.

33. Hill or Baker, e.g.

34. _____ Frank Baum 36. First king of Israelites 38. The only one 42. Baseball Hall of Famer Ryan 45. Becoming 49. Approximated landing time 51. *Home to famous bike race 54. Patsy Cline hit 56. Owner of famous online list 57. TV classic “_*_*_*_” 58. Christmastime 59. *United ____ Emirates 60. “Tiny” Archibald 61. Douses 62. Monet’s water flower 63. Socially awkward act 66. “___ Hard” 68. Scholastic aptitude test

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COMMUNITY

palm street perspective a call to serve

By SLO City Councilman, Dan Carpenter

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was very fortunate to be raised in a family that had high expectations for giving back to the community. My father passed away recently after a lifetime of service to this community. I’m very proud of his contribution and only hope I can be as dedicated and committed as he was.

We each have the opportunity to give back to the community we live in. My focus for years has been with the homeless and underserved in our area. Living in a country of many riches, one would think food, shelter, and basic medical care would not be at the forefront of the issues we face. For many years I’ve sup-

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ported such organizations as Prado Day Center, Maxine Lewis Shelter, CAPSLO, People’s Kitchen, Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless, and this last year I joined the efforts of the Noor Foundation in providing free health care for the uninsured. These are just a few of the many organizations in our community that provide significant support services to our homeless residents. I’m extremely proud of the leadership and volunteer base that work relentlessly to enhance access to those in need.

In recent months, the City Council has devoted much needed attention to the homeless population in our community. We’ve initiated a pilot Safe Parking Program at Prado Day Center, reaffirmed our ordinance preventing camping and sleeping on City streets, stepped up efforts to discourage aggressive panhandling, and taken preventative measures to reduce vandalization of personal property.

Proliferating challenges has invigorated this Council to direct staff to return this fall with a comprehensive analysis of the homeless issues in our community. I look forward to addressing them incrementally as we deal with our very diverse population of homeless and transient residents. Many are transitioning into housing, some are suffering from the effects of mental illness or addiction, and then there are those who choose a homeless lifestyle. We simply don’t have a one size fits all solution, and thus we must continue to look broadly at the alternatives.

In late July, I had the opportunity to spend part of a day in Santa Maria working alongside Code Enforcement. The contrast between our two communities was very enlightening. I was somewhat surprised, yet completely inspired at how well our neighbor to the south manages the challenges of homelessness. At more than twice the population of SLO, the community has recognized and met head on the challenges of this ever growing segment of our population.

The culture of their mostly Latino population was evident in the level of compassion and care for the underserved. I was inspired by the totality of community participation in addressing the issues and the broad scope of services offered to those in need. I expect this time invested will give me a better perspective in addressing the challenges we face here at home. I look forward to sharing more of my experience at a later date.

We don’t have all the answers, but will continue to move forward in dealing with these very challenging issues in our community. It’s incumbent upon each of us as leaders to search inside our hearts of compassion to find a heightened level of creativity with dignity for those who are depending on us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. (dcarpent@slocity.org) or 805-431-3174.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

September 2012

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model of doing business has changed and either we accept that and adapt or wither. Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) once said that it’s your way of doing business that will make the difference in your success. For those in the horse and buggy industry at the turn of the century, it was critical to understand that times were changing and it would be necessary to scale back from whips and wagon wheels and, if one were to remain in the transportation industry, embrace a gradual changeover to carts without horses.

e recently completed a survey of Downtown businesses to determine what they perceive are the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Downtown, and what areas of concern their Downtown Association should be focusing on. No surprises in the end: transient-related issues, concerns about the economy, parking, nightlife scene.

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hose particular topics were the center of Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director discussion at the first annual State of the Downtown breakfast held August 15. Besides review of the annual report, a panel discussion of the dd to that the accelerated pace of change we’ve state of affairs in Downtown—and what is being done experienced over the past two decades where each to address them—provided attendees insight into how year brings yet another phenomena in the way we Downtown is being managed and what businesses do business. Apps, tablets, clouds…will it be sooner will need to do to be proactive in their own success. or later that file cabinets, the post office, credit cards and going to a workplace will become obsolete? he bigger picture, beyond what’s currently going on, is how do we move forward? Besides tackling tricky owever, and this is big, wanting a sense of place issues and resolving immediate problems, what do we do and the enjoyment of true experience will not likely after that? The lessons of the recession and the downturn leave us as the technological world zips past. People in the economy have proved to be compelling: the will always feel a need to be connected to their home,

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On the Cover: It's almost here—Taste of San Luis® in Downtown SLO's Mission Plaza. Marian Anderson, Relationship Manager, Retail,

Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, enjoys the samplings offered by more than 60 local food and beverage purveyors, showcasing their yummiest offerings. This year's theme is "Spanish Nights, Spanish Lights" and reflects the intent of raising funds to pay for the newly lighted trees in Downtown as well as fund Design and Promotions programs. Join us on Wednesday, September 12 from 6 - 10 PM or a gourmet evening under the stars that includes music and dancing, a floor show and out of this world decorations! For information about the event contact Brent at 805-541-0286 or Brent@DowntownSLO.com. Photo by Deborah Cash

20th Annual presents

2012 The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association WOULD LIKE TO

THANK ALL OF OUR 2012 SPONSORS

Taste of

San Luis® 9/12/12

Adamski, Moroski, Madden, Cumberland & Green LLP ◆ Creeky Tiki ◆ Mattison Law Firm Coverings ◆ Mission Community Bank ◆ SLO Brew ◆ Cohl Hosick Group of Stifel Nicolaus Moondoggies Beach Club ◆ San Luis Obispo Transit ◆ Tartaglia Realty Wells Fargo Stephen Patrick Design & The BladeRunner Salon and Spa ◆ Takken’s Shoes of SLO For information about San Luis Obispo Downtown Association programs visit www.DowntownSLO.com or (805) 541 - 0286

www.DowntownSLO.com

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their community, their friends and family. They'll still want to go out and enjoy good times and (mostly) get away from the world of screens. That’s where we come in and where our businesses will find their new ways of marketing. Offer person-to-person connections, multiple sites for staying in touch and purchasing, pick up and delivery options, trend and customer habit identification and experience with the sale: the new must-do’s.

D o w n t o w n

immediately began showing me new items that she thought I would like. Meanwhile, this same business was in the process of upgrading its outdoor area with new tile and entryway that accentuates the lines of the attractive older building that it inhabits. Clearly, they are on the right track to figuring out who their customers are, how to reach them and how to keep them. And this is going on all over Downtown.

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number of Downtown businesses are already on this track. They are engaged with their customer base and send emails/texts on a regular basis (and post information on our online DeliverE newsletter) in addition to all their social networking efforts. They offer in-store specials and a fun time while you’re there. Recently, I shopped in a Downtown boutique and, even though the new salesperson had only met me a couple of times, she remembered my name and

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Concerts in the Plaza rocked again! For 14 weeks, Concerts in the Plaza brought record crowds to Mission Plaza and into businesses in Downtown SLO. Thanks to all of our sponsors, volunteers and bands; we hope everyone who attended had a great time. Concerts in the Plaza is one of area's longest-running and premiere outdoor musical events—free to the public—and has been widely emulated by many other communities around the area. We are proud to have launched a tradition that brings joy and happiness to people of all ages, backgrounds and musical interest. See you next year! Photo by Deborah Cash

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also feel I should address an oft-voiced concern that there’s a proliferation of bars and restaurants in Downtown and that they contribute to crime and degradation in our community and detract from retail business.

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here are two things the general public should understand about Downtown in this regard: Downtown has always had a concentration of eating and drinking establishments since the earliest days of the city Continued next page

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Continued from previous page and while you will find then, a correlation between increased service calls for things like fights, drunk in public, vandalism, urination, etc, you will also find that most of the establishments are well-run, with little to no regularity of such incidents and that they serve the purpose of allowing people to do what they want to do: have fun. People want to eat, drink, listen to music, dance, socialize and hang out. Although Jim Peters, president of Responsible Hospitality Institute, has the credentials and experience to declare this, it’s rather obvious whenever you go to a downtown area in any city.

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he key to being a successful district is management; that’s what the City and Downtown Association are working on through the Safe Night Life Committee.

That group's mission is to ensure a safe and enjoyable Downtown experience for all persons in the evening hours with a long term goal of attracting retail to remain open for extended hours, much like you see in the Gas Lamp district in San Diego.

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o, in spite of the challenges, we believe Downtown has lots of opportunity to be successful if we are willing to adapt to change and manage change…around Downtown.

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alegria wine and ware

John & Lisa Hance; David & Christine Hance, Owners 942 Chorro Street 805-596-0200 www.alegria-slo.com

alegria, translated as joy or happiness in Spanish, lives up to its name by presenting customers an unforgettable tasting experience.

The owners are brothers and their wives, John and Lisa Hance and David and Christine Hance, who say they had a long term plan of opening a business. That plan became reality on November 30, 2011 in Downtown SLO. Inside the Chorro Street business located near Mission Plaza and convenient to the Palm Street parking structure, customers will find an ever-changing inventory of more than 50-60 discovery wines from Spain, Portugal, and local wineries with a focus on affordability where wine is priced at $25 and below. alegria wine and ware features stunning artisan work, paintings, glasswork, hand woven linens, ceramic serving ware and more, all locally crafted.

Jules D.

Jules & Jeff DuRocher, Owners 1129 Garden Street, Suite A 805-781-0722 www.Jules-D.com Are you looking to spruce up your wardrobe this summer? Head to Jules D. where you are destined to leave looking your best. Jules D., inspired by owners Jules DuRocher and husband Jeff DuRocher, celebrated its grand opening June 7th. Jules is originally from Atascadero and studied interior design. After gaining her degree, Jules went on to operate a successful design business called DuRocher Design. Her business was open for 11 years before she decided to explore other interests that led to the opening of Jules D. in the heart of Downtown SLO. Jules D. carries mainly men’s accessories and shoes but there are plenty of beautiful products for women as well,

Enjoy a taste of specialty Spanish and Portuguese imported wine and wines from our local area. Enjoy wine tasting, wine flights, or wine by the glass or by the bottle. alegria is the perfect venue to start or finish your evening Downtown.

To complement your experience, alegria offers small bites that may include freshly prepared salami and cheese platter, mixed olives or perhaps a bruschetta to satisfy your cravings. You’ll be pleased to know that the food served is locally grown and sourced.

For those seeking a wine club option, Spanish themed packages are shipped out each month with two varietals priced below $40. Members also receive a 10% discount on bottle purchases. If you are having a party or gathering, alegria would be pleased to help you select and pour delicious wines at your next event.

Hours are Monday - Thursday 1 PM – 7 PM, Friday - Saturday 1 PM - 8 PM and closed on Sundays.

By: Lacee Nordstrom primarily European and American crafted. Specialty items include jackets, t-shirts, fedoras, wallets, shoes and the breathtaking artwork of classic European cars. The grooming equipment sold at Jules D. isn’t your regular over-the-counter merchandise either, particularly items like German crafted razors and specialty all American made grooming supplies.

Jules says she is proud to offer items at several different price points to give her customers great shopping options. “We want to be a destination; a place where people will enjoy being and where they can find something that’s just right for them,” says Jules. Located on Garden Street’s quaint boutique district between Higuera and Marsh streets, Jules D. is open Monday, Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM and closed on Tuesdays.

By: Lacee Nordstrom

COMMUNITY

Our Schools:

Changing a Diaper Is Not A One-Time Event (You have to keep doing it …. again and again!).

Babies have a way of continuing to remind us that it is time for another change. Narrowing the achievement gap is also not a one-time event. We just don’t “fix” our schools and walk away. Providing all students with what we know works for school success is hard work. It is intensive work. It is both an art and a science.

how closing the achievement gap is like changing diapers

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

My wife and I still have a couple of grandchildren who are in diapers. Each time we visit them I am reminded of the diaper changing routine that we also experienced with our own four children.

So, what does changing diapers have to do with closing the achievement gap? It occurred to me recently, as I was hurriedly closing a disposable diaper, that the two are really very similar.

(You just can’t ignore it!). Babies have a way of letting us know when their diaper needs to be changed by the “data” they send to us. If we really look at the data about student achievement in our county the message is unmistakable that we must do something to narrow the gap. Our “average” scores look impressive, just like a freshly diapered baby. But we need to look beyond the averages. For its many faults, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has shone a bright light on the achievement gap.

Literally, the future of our society is at stake.

We cannot allow thousands of students to remain behind just like you can’t ignore a dirty diaper. A well-educated citizenry (all citizens) is the surest path to individual, societal and economic health. No parent would willingly neglect their baby. As a society, we must not neglect our greatest resource—our children.

Changing a Diaper Is Often Not As Neat As You Thought It Would Be (But We Know What Works!) Problems usually occur because the baby is not as cooperative as you would like. Changing what we do in schools to narrow the achievement gap is a lot

Some of us are better at changing diapers than others, but we all have to stay at it for the sake of the baby. New parents know that if they reflect on how they change a diaper, they learn to do it better (i.e. keep the baby wipes close to you and not across the room!).

We in schools also have the obligation to continually reflect on what we do and to insure that it is working. Finally, just like changing a diaper goes a lot easier when you have a partner to help, closing the achievement gap is a lot easier when families and the community become partners with our schools in this most important endeavor.

Remembering how changing a diaper is similar to the higher calling of narrowing the achievement gap may make the job a bit more pleasant the next time it is your turn.

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You Know Something Needs To be Done

more complicated than it may seem and the participants are sometimes not as cooperative as we would like. However, just like changing diapers, we know what works if we just stay the course. We sometimes can be lulled into the “silver bullet” approach that if we just adopt this program; use this book; or just connect digitally to this site that the achievement gap will vanish. Although disposable diapers and sticky tabs may be easier than cloth diapers and safety pins, the basics are the same. The basics of ensuring student success for all students remain: quality teachers for all students; a core belief that all children can learn; investment in continuous professional development; and strong school-level leadership and support for instruction. We know these basics work from much research and from some impressive examples in our county.

Har v

I

’ve written a couple of recent articles about the need to narrow the achievement gap in our county.

This gap is the difference between the achievement (as measured by state tests) between students who are either low-income or English-language learners or both as compared to their peers who are middle income and English proficient. There are approximately 10,000 local students who are at the lower end of this gap, which is as much as 40 percentage points, and we must make reducing this gap our highest priority.

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September 28th & 29th Don’t Miss it!

Arroyo Grande’s largest local annual community event.

For more information, read the story on page 22 or visit www.agharvestfestival.com S E P T E M B E R

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

42

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SHAWN MINTON SHAWN MINTON Multiple Line LineBroker Broker•·Lic# Lic#OF43815 OF43815 Multiple

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San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 office 805.546.8113 office 805.546.8113

www.minton-insurance.com www.minton-insurance.com AU • HOME LIFE ••COmmErCiAL HEALTH AuTO tO • HOmE • LifE ••HEALtH

San Luis Obispo’s Best Kept Secret Power Carts Senior Discount (55) • 10 Play C ards • Tournaments Welcome • •

Tee Times on our website: lagunalakegolfcourse.org or call 805-781-7309

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO

carol florence honored

Carol M. Florence of Oasis Associates Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer board member, received the agency’s Legacy Award, presented in honor and appreciation for her outstanding support and contribution toward youth mentoring. The award was presented at the agency’s annual “Big Event” to a surprised Carol.

Anna Boyd-Bucy, the agency’s Executive Director, stated “She has certainly left a legacy. During her tenure as board president our agency won national recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as 2009 Agency Board of the Year. In honor of her father, Carol started the PB Florence Memorial fund for Big Brothers Big Sisters and each year she generously adds to it, watching it grow. She is among our largest donors each year and asks friends to join her in her support. Over the last six years, Carol has raised over $80,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Golf rally to benefit hospital Breast Cancer Fund

The Cypress Ridge Women’s Golf Club is sponsoring the 2012 Rally for Hope to benefit the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation Breast Cancer Fund with all net proceeds used for Cancer Services at the AGCH Coastal Cancer Care and Diagnostic Center to include programs, services and charity care. The event will be held at Cypress Ridge Golf Course on Thursday, October 4th at 7:30 a.m. Rally entry is $125 per person ($500 per team). Fee includes cart, green fees, awards luncheon & prizes. Players must have a recognized USGA handicap and play to a maximum of 36; limited to 120 players. Format is “Two Best Balls of Four.” Raffle tickets will also be available for a chance to win a 4-day golf experience at Chaparral Country Club in Palm Desert and other golf related outings. Over the last nine years the Women’s Club has raised over $100,000 for breast cancer. Application entry forms are available at www.cypressridge.com. For information or questions, contact Donna Anderson, Registration Chair, donna@sloliving.com, 805-474-4361.

Ballet theatre slo annual ballet in the vineyards

Ballet Theatre SLO will be holding its annual Ballet in the Vineyards from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Rasmussen Vineyard, 120 Harvest Ridge Way, Paso Robles. Proceeds benefit SLO’s dedicated ballet company to bring performances such as “Velveteen Rabbit” and “Undine” to the stage. Ballet in the Vineyard will include performances by company dancers as well as wine tasting, a light dinner, silent auction and live auction. Tickets are $100/couple in advance; $125/couple at the door. For more information, contact Theresa Slobodnik at theresa@bt-slo.org or call 439-2100.

volunteers needed for alzheimer’s walk

Bill Mott

Loan Officer / DRE Lic #01359516

805.234.5081

bmott@bankofcommercemortgage.com www.bankofcommercemortgage.com S E P T E M B E R

2012

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, including in SLO, on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Laguna Lake Park. The Coast Chapter is recruiting Volunteers for the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. YOU can make a difference. Become a Team Captain.

Help by making telephone calls, distributing posters, working in the office, or helping out on Walk day. Find out today how you can help.

The end of Alzheimer’s starts with YOU. Contact Rayleen Moran at 805.547.3830 or rmoran@alz.org.

i madonnari italian street painting festival

If you have ever dreamed of painting on the streets, here is your chance. One weekend a year locals and visitors alike are invited to participate in San Luis Obispo’s I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. An Italian tradition since the 16th Century, street painting— using chalk as the medium—has been celebrated each year for the last twenty years in SLO. The Children’s Creative Project and the American Institute of Architects Central Coast Chapter will copresent this year’s 21st annual event on September 8 and 9 at the Mission Plaza. This unique event both celebrates the local arts in our community as well as raises funds to support the Children’s Creative Project arts education programs for students throughout SLO County.

More than 200 artists will create street paintings in sponsored pavement squares. For information please contact Shelley Triggs at 927-1697 or www.aiacentralcoast.org

inaugural golf tournament to benefit others

Imagine a park where all children, regardless of physical limitations, could play side by side. A tight-knit group of Central Coast residents with a love for golf have banded together to raise funds to help build such a place—the Jack Ready Imagination Park. Hosted by local business telecommunications company Blue Rooster Telecom, the inaugural Golf to Benefit Others (GolfTBO) will be held on Friday, September 28 at the Monarch Dunes Golf Club. This golf tournament takes a different approach: There is no entry fee. Similar to a bowl-athon, GolfTBO has a team fundraising focus. Each captain will guide their team to a minimum of $800 in donations gathering pledges.

For more information about the tournament or the park, visit www. golftbo.com or www.jackshelpinghand.org.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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Pacific Oak Foreclosure Services INC

LYNN R. COOPER PRESIDENT

994 Mill Street • Suite 230 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TEL (805) 544-9242 • CELL (805) 235-0493 FAX (805) 543-7838 EMAIL lynn@pacificoakforeclosure.com www.pacificoakforclosure.com

A reverse mortgage could help you Frank fund your dreams.

Call today to learn more about this governmentinsured program for accessing your home’s equity.

Bob Gayle

Reverse Mortgage Consultant

NMLS License 98161 CA DRE Corporation License 01820779

NMLS License 582948 CA DRE Broker License 00466813

805/772-3658

Borrower must maintain property as primary residence and remain current on property taxes and insurance. Security One Lending, 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92108.

Girl scouts second century event fundraiser

The local Girl Scouts are sponsoring a special 100th anniversary Donor Appreciation Event fundraiser. An informal mix and mingle evening with wine and palette pleasing fare by award winning Chef Jeff Marcove. This special event takes place on Thursday, September 13th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rancho El Chorro SLO Botanical Garden 3450 Dairy Creek Road. Tickets are $100. For more information, if you’d like to give a donation or attend the event, contact Brandi Short at (831) 385-8500.

C rossword

SOLUTIONS Exterior & Interior Plastering

Custom Homes and Patch Repairs · Free Estimates · Call or stop by

Terry Evans, President

4180 Vachell Lane · San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805/541-4750 · 805/541-4118 FAX

cathi@sloplastering.com · terry@sloplastering.com CA LIC#759246

Frank

S E P T E M B E R

2012

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44

WIFFLE BALL EVENT RAISES MONEY FOR JACK’S HELPING HAND

NEW TO TOWN?

Get your free welcome packet!

It includes maps, civic info, coupons from cafes, groceries, wineries, auto hardware, garden, medical, dental, etc.

Liz Hiatt

Call your greeter or go to centralcoastwelcome.com

Owner

•

SLO and Avila: Liz Hiatt 773-6418

773-6418

•

Los Osos/Morro Bay/Cayucos/Cambria: Annie Clapp 878-8876

A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS

•

South County: Barbara Nicholson 748-4705

•

North County: Sandy Hexberg 235-1529

centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

Reach thousands of potential customers by placing your ad in the Journal Plus.

Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

Call 546-0609 for Advertising Information

D ressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 39 Years

Alan “Himself” S E P T E M B E R

alan’s draperies 544-9405 alansdrapery@gmail.com 2012

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Over 100 friends and family gathered for a good cause at The Phillips Ranch in San Luis Obispo to enjoy a day full of Wiffle ball, food, and fun. The Second Annual WIFFLE®FEST was organized as a private charity event by The Sandlot Group of San Luis Obispo. Originally established in 2011 as an excuse to reunite friends and have a good time, the participants and organizers of WIFFLE®FEST quickly realized that they had an opportunity to do good while having fun. Thanks to private donations and corporate sponsorships, this year’s event was able to raise $5000 for the local non-profit, Jack’s Helping Hand.

local to do east coast & west coast cancer ride

Hope, Health, Confidence and Courage. Standing alone each word delivers a powerful and emotional wallop. Strung together, they tell the story of everyday hero and Breast Cancer Survivor, Belin Burdette Tanner. Belin (pictured left) will be celebrating 6 years of being cancer free by participating in two back to back Tour de Pink breast cancer fundraising bike rides. The first ride will be on the East Coast Sept 28-30 riding from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. The second ride will be two weeks later on the West Coast Oct 12-14 riding from Ventura to San Diego. Each ride will be an emotional and physical challenge as they cover over 220 miles in two and a half days.

The money raised will go to support the Young Survival Coalition, the premier non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and education to young women affected by breast cancer. The YSC has been helping women on the central coast for many years. If you are interested in helping Belin meet her fundraising goals, she can be contacted at Belinb@sbcglobal.net or donations can be made directly to the YSC on her fundraising page. http://www.ysctourdepink.org/ site/TR/TourdePink/TourdePink-WestCoast?px=1028878&pg=perso nal&fr_id=1310

“The art of Book” exhibit of local books

An exhibit of artists’ books will be on view at the City/County Library in SLO during regular library hours through September 21st. This show is an opportunity for book artists to display their original work employing a variety of techniques and media illustrating the many forms a book can embody. This year’s coordinator is Melinda Forbes, and participating artists include Marylu Weaver Meagher, Lesa Smith, Beryl Reichenberg, Sally Joyce-­Higgins, Julie Frankel, Rachael Winn Yon, Ann Gill Kellog, Meryl Perloff and Melinda Forbes. For more information contact Meryl Perloff 544-4554.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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eye on Business

About bananas, movies and marketing

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

I

have a friend who started working in marketing about the same time I did. She is a Salinas native whose love of agriculture was the foundation for a now 30-year career that has included posts in vegetable seed development, vegetable production, and most recently, the fruit & veggie side of the produce industry. Along the way she became actively involved in state and national agriculture issues, she served as president for California Women in Agriculture and she has travelled the world both learning about and teaching on the subjects of agriculture and produce.

Her name is Sharan Lanini and she is impressive in every way. Today she is a “global raw product food safety and quality manager” for Chiquita Brands International.

She has a demanding job chasing fruits and vegetables around the world and is very knowledgeable about produce and produce marketing. So it made perfect sense to call Sharan some months ago when I saw a Chiquita banana whose little sticker promoted the animated movie “Rio.” I know something about cross promotion, but that one left me scratching my head.

What I found out about was a big wide world of new marketing ideas that show just how much things have changed…and the fun that can be had. Take the banana sticker, for instance. The sticker promoted “Rio,” an animated 3D movie about the adventures of Rio, a South American Macaw. Twentieth Century Fox produced the film and was eager to have children go see it. Chiquita produces bananas and is eager to have kids eat them—and develop brand loyalty to the Chiquita name.

Chiquita created a red carpet promotion in grocery stores, with colorful displays calling attention to Rio-stickered bananas. The stickers encouraged kids (or anyone) to visit the Chiquita website, collect virtual stickers and badges and, by doing so multiple times, increase opportunities to win prizes including a grand prize trip to Rio de Janeiro. Site

visitors not only enjoyed on-screen games, but were also offered recipes and nutritional information and other useful tidbits that helped position Chiquita as the top choice of banana brands.

The promotion was a huge hit. Chiquita bananas flew off shelves, the website enjoyed robust traffic and the movie did a great box office. There are several aspects of the promotion that are interesting to me as a marketer. First of all, just think about the mere idea of marketing a banana by brand name. A banana is a banana is a banana, right? Chiquita thinks otherwise and has been promoting the Chiquita name since I was a kid. And they’re on to something.

Think about it: if you were on a game show and the challenge was to name a brand of banana…the first one you’d probably shout is “Chiquita.” That’s the power of brand promotion (and yes, there are other brands of bananas).

and cookie and potato chip kid-targeted promotions are painfully familiar, but bananas, well, that’s a nice change. And the ultimate smarts in cross promotion—I asked Sharan why a movie company would promote bananas. The theater-specific aspect of it seemed a bit of a stretch. It all made sense, though, when I learned about another new development in product placement: many theaters across the country now include Chiquita’s “fruit chips” (including bananas, pineapple and other tropical chip flavors) snacks in their concession offerings. That makes real sense.

I don’t work for Chiquita or Sharan Lanini, but I know great ideas when I see them, and I love to promote a dedicated agriculturalist who is at the helm of some of the best. Eat more bananas. Chiquita, please.

I’m also struck by how interesting it is to see fruit promoted to young consumers. Cereal

50 years and going strong It’s hard to believe 50 years have passed since our parents, Bud and Pearl Thoma, started Thoma Electric Company. As little kids, we watched them work hard and build a business, raise four kids and be good citizens.

A tremendous amount of life can happen in 50 years. We’ve grown older and they have grown wiser. And the lessons they taught about family, hard work and caring for our community have stuck.

The commitment they made 50 years ago to quality in all phases of our business continues today.

MoM and dad, thanks for everything.

We’re doing our best to follow your example.

805.543.3850 | thomaelectric.com

S E P T E M B E R

2012

CA License # 274276

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COMMUNITY coastal cleanup day is September 15. Volunteers clean up

SEPTEMBER Almanac

By Phyllis Benson “If there’s so much labor-saving machinery, why don’t I have more free time.”—Blog

creeks, waterways, and the local beaches from 9 a.m. until noon. Be a beach hero and still be home for lunch.

Beach talk: “I put my name and address in a bottle and threw it into the sea. I got a letter. It was a fine from Australia for littering their beach.” national farm safety and Health Week is here. If you don’t think farm life is hazardous, just step between a 1,500-lb. Holstein cow and her feed trough.

September 1942: The B-29 Superfortress made its first flight over

September 3 is Labor Day. School time: Our favorite teacher says when pencil sharpeners gave way to laptop chargers, she knew chalkboard days were over. author e.c. mckenzie said, “Nothing grieves a child more than to study the wrong lesson and learn something he wasn’t supposed to.” california admission day is September 9. Musician John Aidan called California the diamond on the diamond ring.

Seattle, Washington. In the next four years, 3,970 B-29s were built for the war effort. One B-29 survives as airworthy and tours the United States from California to Connecticut.

Autumn begins September 22. festivals celebrate jazz, beer, arts, and food. Our travel agent says

a perfect festival is an art show featuring jazz bands, beer tasting, and chili cook-offs.

national hunting and fishing day is September 22.

September is national rice month. California annually harvests over 4 billion pounds of rice. Most of the state’s rice is used in home cooking, restaurants, beer, and pet food. our chef cooks rice in beer instead of water. One cup beer in the rice and one cup beer in the chef is the right ratio.

September 9 is National Grandparents Day. Comedian Gene Perret said, “An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, and you start to age quickly.”

September: At the 1972 Summer Olympics, swimmer Mark Spitz

set seven world records in seven events and won seven gold medals.

the Modesto-born swimmer missed the final ceremonies due

to the Munich massacre. Because Spitz is Jewish, American officials quickly flew him out of Germany as a security precaution.

Spitz, now a Los Angeles businessman, says memories of the Munich games are of triumph and tragedy.

celebrate national dog week. The event, started by Captain William Lewis Judy in 1928, honors military service canines and canine companions across the nation.

rabies day is September 28. Over 55,000 people die worldwide each year from rabies. Our vet says vaccinate your dog and don’t pet the wildlife. harvest moon is September 29. The full moon over the fields allowed farmers to harvest late into the night.

our gardener plans to harvest tomatoes and zucchini that night and leave bags on neighbor porches. Thanks to the moonlight, she expects to make a clean getaway. we are hunting for the keys, fishing for a map, and loading the old dogs in the car for a country drive. We’ll stop at an orchard to pick apples while the pooches follow rabbit trails. Enjoy your September.

Let our family take care of your family.

JUST LIKE HOME Rehabilitation Therapy

Medicare, Medical, HMOs

Short Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care

Happy Grandparent’s Day!

CARE CENTER S E P T E M B E R

2012

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805.922.6657 830 East Chapel St. Santa Maria www.countryoakscarecenter.com

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