New Times, Feb. 12, 2026

Editor’s note

Acupuncture, red light therapy, Reiki, and Chinese herbal medicine are all options for your pet at Quantum Qi, which will start offering holistic veterinary care in Morro Bay this April. It’s an extension of the work that Kathryn Benton already does through Paws in the Poppies and Dr. Kylie Byrd provides through the Morro Bay Veterinary Clinic.

Staff Writer Chloë Hodge writes about their treatment philosophy as part of our annual Health and Wellness Issue [8]. In this issue, you can also find stories about the IV drip therapy trend on the Central Coast [6] and an international triathlete who beat a terminal leukemia diagnosis [10]

In addition, read about what SLO County clerkrecorder candidates are saying about election policies and campaign fundraising [3]; the live music and classic film experience, Right in the Eye [24]; and a Central Coast lavender industry founder who’s still spreading her knowledge [30].

Camillia Lanham editor

Patchen

CIRCULATION Jim Chaney

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Clerk-recorder candidates talk campaign finance, election policies, and immigration enforcement

With less than six months before the primary election, San Luis Obispo County clerk-recorder candidates are committed to increasing campaign donations, transparency in elections, and boosting voter safety.

Incumbent County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano, who announced her reelection campaign on Jan. 29, told New Times she raised $3,300 in contributions since January and is actively fundraising. Available campaign finance documents showed that she raised $714 in December 2025.

“I did not conduct fundraising outreach until late December because my responsibility throughout most of 2025 was administering the statewide special election,” she said.

Cano’s campaign finance filings show that she received donations from Salt Lake City parks maintenance employee Zennon Cano, and retired Los Osos resident Patrick Perry. She also supplemented her campaign funding with almost $830 from her 2022 campaign.

Cano will be defending her seat in the June 2 election against Oceano business owner Vanessa Rozo and former Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate Gaea Powell, who faces voter fraud charges from the District Attorney’s Office.

Powell plans to file her candidacy papers the week of Feb. 16 and told New Times that she submitted enough signatures to do so.

“I do not plan on having a ‘committee’ (I will fill out that form),” she said via email. “I will campaign as I did for my mayor campaigns. I won’t ask for campaign contributions because I do not want to feel obligated to any specific person or organization.”

Rozo, who’s endorsed by the local chapter of the Republican Party, raised a little more than $3,600 between July and December 2025. According to campaign finance filings, Rozo loaned her campaign $77,000.

“All campaign finances have been managed responsibly and in full compliance with the law,” she said.

The SLO Cattleman’s Political Action Committee and retired Los Osos resident Clarita Amurao each contributed $1,000 to Rozo. Other donors include 30th Assembly District candidate Shannon Kessler, Santa Maria Insurance Agency Inc., and Ground Squirrel Hollow Community Services District Director Allen Duckworth.

Rozo previously told New Times that she submitted a request to the county Clerk-Recorder Cano’s office to serve as a poll worker for the Proposition 50 special election in November 2025.

Former Paso Robles High School principal charged with DUI

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office filed two misdemeanor charges against a former school principal, who was arrested on campus in November on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to court documents filed Feb. 5, Paso Robles High School Principal Megan Fletcher is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

Charges stem from a Nov. 10 incident in which Fletcher was taken into custody while on the Paso Robles High School campus. At the time,

But the office informed her that declared candidates aren’t allowed to serve as poll workers in the jurisdiction in which they’re running.

California doesn’t have any laws that explicitly prohibit candidates from being poll workers for the same election they’re running in, but clerk-recorders have the discretion to establish internal policies to ensure fair, transparent, and impartial elections.

“In September, a declared candidate made such a request and was denied pursuant to this policy,” Cano told New Times. “Ms. Rozo later made the same request and received the same response. The policy was applied consistently and without exception.”

Rozo disagreed with Cano’s internal policy and said she wanted to review a copy of the “office policy book.”

“The fact is that the current San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder’s Office has ‘internal policies’ that disenfranchised my ability to serve as a poll worker,” she said via email. “I was approved by submitting my paperwork to work as a poll worker for the November special election. Then, I received a letter in the email stating that because I was a ‘candidate’ I could not work as a poll worker in the election.”

What Rozo and Cano do agree on is that the possibility of immigration enforcement officers being present during elections is a concern.

Cano told New Times that there has been talk of deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at local polling locations, and that her office

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District officials confirmed that Fletcher was arrested that morning and placed on paid administrative leave.

According to a police report, school staff contacted law enforcement after noticing the smell of alcohol on Fletcher and inside her office.

“Over the past several days, staff had suspected Paso Robles High School Principal Megan Kelly Fletcher of consuming alcohol before arriving to work,” the report stated. “On the morning of Nov. 10, 2025, staff smelled the odor of alcohol emitting from Fletcher and observed slurred speech.”

Paso Robles police said the department’s school resource officer responded to the campus around 9 a.m. and found Fletcher in the campus office. Following a subsequent investigation, officers

will be communicating with the Sheriff’s Office on how to prepare for it.

“That diligence—along with a strong working relationship with the California Secretary of State’s Office—makes me confident that we’ll be prepared to tackle whatever might come along, from a natural disaster to federal interference,” Cano said. “At the end of the day, however, our job is to execute seamless, secure, and accurate local elections that adhere strictly to current California Elections Code. That remains my primary focus.”

Rozo said that if she’s elected as the next county clerk-recorder, her plan of action would be proactive and preventative, reaffirming that polling locations and elections offices are neutral spaces governed by state and local election law.

She added that she would also work with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure no immigration enforcement activity occurs at or near polling places without a valid judicial warrant “unrelated to voting activities.”

“If any enforcement presence were reported, my office would immediately document the incident, consult legal counsel and the secretary of state, and take appropriate steps to protect voters’ access and confidence in the election process,” Rozo said. “I support proof of citizenship and voter ID because every vote should be verified, and elections must be secure. Currently, California law does not require these measures, but laws can change, and I will ensure full compliance if they do.” ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

determined that Fletcher had driven to campus under the influence.

The police report states that a preliminary breathalyzer test taken that morning showed a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.244 percent. A second test taken minutes later showed 0.250 percent—more than three times the standard driving limit. A third breath test conducted about five hours later showed 0.11 percent—still over the legal limit, according to the report.

Investigators stated they found no evidence that Fletcher consumed alcohol while on campus.

“Given the short time between her arrival and exiting the vehicle, combined with the fact that no alcoholic beverages were located in her vehicle

HOLDING ON SLO County ClerkRecorder

Elaina Cano will be challenged for her seat in June by an Oceano business owner and a former candidate in the Arroyo Grande mayoral race who faces voter fraud charges.

PHOTO FROM SLO COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER’S FACEBOOK

or office, it is improbable that Fletcher could have consumed enough alcohol after arriving at the school to reach a BrAC of .255 percent,” the report states.

According to that report, Fletcher told officers she had consumed a bottle of wine the night before and suggested that the odor of alcohol may have been the result of her forgetting to brush her teeth.

In a statement sent to families and staff on Nov. 10, district Superintendent Jennifer Loftus said school operations would continue.

“At no point was there any danger to students or staff,” the district said in a press release at the time. “The campus remained safe, and school operations continued without interruption.”

Following Fletcher’s leave, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mike Susank was named acting interim principal to maintain continuity of Paso Robles High School.

On Nov. 18, Fletcher entered a resignation agreement with the district, which was approved by the board of trustees.

Her arraignment took place Feb. 11.

—Chloë Hodge

Grover Beach group starts petition to put building height on the ballot

Though locals are gearing up to vote in June’s primary, a group of frustrated Grover Beach residents is looking ahead to November to make changes in the beach city.

At the Feb. 10 Grover Beach City Council meeting, resident Mike Wilson delivered a notice of intent to circulate a petition to adopt an ordinance limiting building heights. If the measure makes the November ballot, Grover Beach voters must decide if they want developers to set aside 33 percent of mixeduse buildings for commercial use, lower the height of buildings in commercial zoning districts to 40 feet, and ensure buildings in industrial zones aren’t taller than 33 feet.

“In there is also a caveat that essentially is a wink to clarity and recognizes that no modification can be made unless it’s done as a vote before the public of Grover Beach,” Wilson said at the meeting. “I understand that there may be those who’ll tell you how this could go wrong: managers, planners, investors, developers. But I can tell you one way that it’ll go magnificently well: Simply follow the will of the people.”

Wilson belongs to a citizens group that opposed a string of new developments on

the western end of downtown Grover Beach, such as the Bella Vista Villas from Empire Development and Construction and several Coastal Community Builders projects like Trinity and the recently proposed 28-townhome Solstice.

The group believes that these multistory developments will disrupt the town’s character and block public coastal views.

Since last October, group member Kelvin Coveduck has been asking the City Council to publicly discuss lowering the height limit for the Solstice project on Front Street. He told New Times that the City Council will deliberate the item at a meeting in March but that the group couldn’t wait any longer.

“It’s too late for Front Street, but it won’t be too late for Grover Beach,” Coveduck said.

Some members of the citizens group have a history of taking their dissatisfaction to the ballot.

Through ballot measures, they recalled former City Councilmember Dan Rushing for supporting a citywide water rate increase for the Central Coast Blue project and repealed the rate hike. They tried and failed to recall former Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright and former Councilmember Zach Zimmerman for also approving the rate increase.

The members—then part of a group called Grover H20—also filed a lawsuit in 2024 alleging that City Clerk Wendi Sims had unlawfully rejected recall petitions. A San Luis Obispo Superior Court judge ordered that recall organizers must be allowed to circulate the petitions.

The November ballot will include a measure to make the city clerk position an elected post rather than an appointed one.

“It’s the opinion of some residents that the city clerk is appointed by the City Council and therefore has their best interest at heart versus the people’s best interest,” Coveduck said.

City Council members remained silent after Wilson, Coveduck, and other members declared their intent to file another ballot petition. Councilmember Clint Weirick told New Times that the council could only consider the petition when it’s legally appropriate.

“At this early stage, I believe it is our responsibility to respect this process our residents have started while maintaining open communication with them and listening to the community’s concerns, which I remain committed to doing,” he said.

If the petition gets enough signatures, the City Council could either adopt the ordinance without making changes, submit

the unaltered ordinance to be placed on the ballot, or order an impact report in accordance with the election code. Once it receives that report, the council could either adopt the ordinance within 10 days or order it to be placed on the November ballot.

City Clerk Sims said that the city attorney will have 15 days to review and return the petition documents to the election official who will reach out to the group.

“The council does not approve the petition prior to collecting signatures,” Sims said. “The proponents of the petition after receiving the ballot title and wording then need to publish the petition in an adjudicated newspaper prior to circulating for signatures and file a proof of publication with the elections official during normal business hours within 10 days of the publication.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

County launches voluntary land fallowing program to protect Paso water basin

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors recently approved a new voluntary program aimed at reducing groundwater use in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, giving local farmers a tool to help balance the region’s water supply.

“Recent challenges in the ag economy, especially in the wine industry, have many grape growers interested in reducing the acreage of their vineyards,” Supervisor Bruce Gibson wrote in a newsletter. “Whether the vines are removed or simply not watered, ‘fallowing’ will reduce the pumping of irrigation water.”

On Feb. 3, the Board of Supervisors approved the voluntary fallowing program through a new registry, officially called the Multi-Benefit Irrigated Land Repurposing Program. Landowners who enroll in the registry can designate portions of their land to be fallowed, meaning temporarily taken out of irrigation.

The Paso basin, a critical source of water for both agriculture and thousands of rural residents, has long faced challenges from overuse. Classified by the Department of Water Resources as a high-priority basin in “critically overdrafted” condition, the area relies heavily on groundwater, with irrigated agriculture accounting for more than 90 percent of the water pumped, according to county documents.

The basin is managed under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which took effect in 2015. Since then, local agencies have been working to develop and implement a Groundwater Sustainability Plan to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply.

The fallowing program is designed to address growers’ concerns over maintaining their water rights and preserving land enrolled in the state’s Williamson Act, which provides property tax reductions for agricultural land maintained in production.

“The voluntary fallowing program is crafted to address the water rights and ag preserve concerns. I’m hopeful of seeing some noticeable water use reductions due through fallowing in the coming irrigation season,” Gibson wrote.

Farmers can voluntarily enroll “farming units” of at least 2 acres in the registry. Participants will have access to satellitebased data to track water use and ensure they maintain neutral water consumption during fallowing periods. Those who violate the water neutrality requirement can be removed from the registry.

According to county documents, the program will also remove regulatory barriers that previously discouraged fallowing. Under the county’s Agricultural Offset Ordinance, growers were required to offset new irrigation with reductions elsewhere and faced a five-year lookback period when stopping irrigation. Enrollment in the registry exempts participants from this lookback, providing more flexibility for land management.

“For parcels in a Williamson Act contract, exemption [is granted] from Williamson Act contract irrigation requirements,” the county staff report said, allowing growers to participate without losing the tax benefits.

The program received support from the Paso Robles Wine County Alliance and builds on ongoing efforts by the local groundwater sustainability agencies that collectively oversee the basin. Together, these agencies formed the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority in 2025 to implement the basin’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

“Currently, irrigated agriculture uses over 90 percent of the water pumped in the Paso Basin, so these reductions in demand could go a long way in balancing the water budget,” Gibson said. ∆

—Chloë Hodge

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Drip and decompress

Central Coast residents are getting hooked on IV treatments to boost immunity and wellness

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Needle-phobia, stark and sterile rooms, and medical staff dashing from one patient to the next are nonexistent when you sink into a cushy armchair at MedSpa SLO.

The “longevity lounge” is a one-stop shop where locals can receive an intravenous (IV) cocktail of fluids that can boost energy and beauty and even fight the flu.

“By the time you leave, you either feel the benefits of clearer thinking, the hydration, or in the next day or the next few days with the vitamins,” MedSpa SLO owner Kristie Geiges said. “You’re getting a 100 percent of that versus taking them orally.”

Geiges is a registered nurse who worked in critical care until 2022. Her responsibilities peaked during the pandemic when she was assigned to night shifts at the COVID-19 unit in an unfamiliar community. That’s when she began researching different health and wellness treatments, especially considering her own history with low vitamin D levels.

“I started looking into IVs because what do we do when you come to the ER? Pretty much the first thing you’re going to do is get an IV,” Geiges said. “Why can’t we do that outpatient? I mean, they’re doing it in Vegas for the last 20 years for hangover drips.”

The popularity of IV treatments is growing around the Central Coast, with medical spas popping up from Santa Maria to Paso Robles. It can be expensive. For instance, in Santa Maria, mobile IV therapy through I.V. Doc can cost between $200 and $3,000, depending on the treatment.

Central Coast Allure Med Spa’s Liquivida IV therapy offers payment plans to help customers afford the treatments.

“It’s not a trend, it’s just a choice and lifestyle, and people starting to care more about what goes into their body,” Geiges said. “I think people are advocating for their health a lot more than they were.”

At MedSpa SLO, outpatient care looks like being welcomed into the serene spa on Pacific Street where a medical expert

first conducts a good-faith exam on video about the client’s medical history.

Then, Geiges and her fellow registered nurse guide their clients into the IV therapy room where a quick blood pressure check is followed by a virtually painless needle insertion thanks to the help of a vein finder device.

Depending on individual needs, people can choose from a menu of four IV therapy concoctions priced between $179 and $199 that usually come in 1-liter bags.

There’s the amino acid-rich “Peak Performance” mixture that’s designed for athletes and active people; the amber-colored Myers Cocktail packed with B-12, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and zinc meant for allaround wellness; “Flu Who?” that kicks colds, flu, and inflammation with a double dose of vitamin C; and “the Glow Getter” infused with biotin and glutathione that hydrates, detoxifies, and promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Three for IV

MedSpa SLO is located at 867 Pacific St., suite 110, in San Luis Obispo. Visit medspaslo.com or call (805) 4573244 for more information on its treatments.

IV Hydration and Beyond is located at 1512 Park St. in Paso Robles. Call (805) 769-4001 or visit ivhab.com for more information.

IV Beach House is located at 1801 Shell Beach Road in Pismo Beach. Visit ivbeachouse.com or call (805) 7060511 for more information.

The MedSpa SLO team also offers mobile IV treatments for groups—like bachelor and bachelorette partygoers the morning after their shindig.

“Typically, if we’re doing pregame, like big event parties, we always have glutathione and vitamin C. That’s really going to help our skin glow,” Geiges said. “If we’re looking at hangover drips, we’re always going to bring that Zofran, which is for nausea, Toradol for headaches and body aches, and then we’re going to put some magnesium in the bag and all the B vitamins because alcohol depletes all of those. We’re going to perk you right back up!”

Each IV treatment lasts roughly an hour, during which clients socialize, curl up with a book, or help themselves to snacks. Geiges recommends a light meal before arriving and added that people can go on with their regular activities uninterrupted after their treatments.

Paso Robles registered nurse and family nurse practitioner Hanna Roewer agrees that education is key. The founder of IV Hydration and Beyond, Roewer noticed a flutter of interest in IV therapy after the release of an episode of The Kardashians where celebrities Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber catch up over a treatment called NAD.

NAD or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is found naturally in the body, and it helps with generating energy but can their levels drop with age and stress. Through injections and IV, NAD therapy is meant to reduce fatigue and brain fog and improve longevity. Both IV Hydration and Beyond and MedSpa SLO offer NAD treatments.

“I think it’s the Kardashians who said, ‘Oh, NAD makes you look younger,’ and this and that. But I always tell my patients that it does have benefits in it, but it’s not for everyone,” Roewer said. “Locally, it’s more a medical necessity, but we have more tourists who are more familiar on the longevity route, like the IVs and all the biohacking modalities.”

Roewer moved from Chicago and previously worked at Community Health

Health 2026 & Wellness

Centers of the Central Coast in Atascadero before opening IV Hydration and Beyond in 2022. Along with IV treatments ranging between $120 and $220 each for immunity, hangovers, energy, pain relief, and anti-aging, she also offers a simpler option for hydration.

“The older population who can’t take two water bottles a day and they just can’t take sufficient hydration, they’re a good candidate for IV,” she said. “Then people who are just getting sick and they want to combat those illnesses are good candidates as well. … Pregnant patients—we also treat them in collaboration with their OB-GYN.”

According to registered nurses Linda McCormick and Yvette Hickey, who are cofounders of IV Beach House in Pismo Beach, insurance doesn’t cover IV therapy because it’s an elective treatment.

“It can get really pricey, and the average cost is between $150 and $225,” Hickey said. “The benefits, depending on the person and the severity of the condition, they can feel great up to two weeks after.”

Since they opened IV Beach House in August 2025, Hickey and McCormick see from six to eight clients every day, and they have room to tend to seven people at a time. About half their clientele are regular visitors. The business offers four monthly membership plans between $99 and $400, which include several IV treatments, vitamin B12 injections, and discounts on add-on services.

IV Beach House will also be bringing its services to group events in the future, with discounts available for gatherings of more than five people.

“Since I’ve started receiving the infusions, I haven’t been sick once,” McCormick said. “That’s a common thing that our clients mentioned, especially clients that travel a lot. It really helps boost your immune system and can help prevent illness and definitely shorten the duration.” ∆

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

IN GOOD HANDS At MedSpa SLO, clients quickly leave their fear of needles at the door thanks to owner-registered nurse Kristie Geiges’ gentle use of a vein reader that ensures needle insertions for IV therapies are quick and virtually painless.

Pets get Zen

Furry friends get massaged, relaxed, and rebalanced at a unique Morro Bay clinic

BY CHLOË HODGE

At a new veterinary clinic, healing might look a little different than expected.

It could be a dog leaning into a massage, a cat curled contently inside a humming electromagnetic loop, or a senior pup slowly finding its stride again after an acupuncture session.

At the center of it all are Kathryn Benton and Dr. Kylie Byrd, two women whose paths crossed over a shared passion for holistic animal care and who are now joining forces to bring an all-holistic vet clinic to Morro Bay—Quantum Qi.

“With holistic medicine, it’s focusing on whole body rebalancing rather than treating symptoms,” Byrd explained. “Supporting the body’s transition back to balance, therefore creating lasting effects. A lot of these modalities work really well in a synergistic way.”

Quantum Qi is led by Byrd, a veterinarian whose path to holistic medicine began long before vet school. As a child, Byrd struggled with chronic illness that conventional medicine couldn’t fully explain. It wasn’t until her family sought out holistic care that she began to heal.

“I carried that with me into veterinary school,” Byrd said. “Once I saw how modalities like acupuncture and Chinese medicine could support healing, I knew I wanted to offer that to my patients.”

Byrd graduated from veterinary school with an acupuncture certification already in hand, later adding Reiki and other integrative tools to her toolbox. In 2021, she and her husband purchased Morro Bay Veterinary Clinic, where she began incorporating holistic options alongside conventional care. But the vision kept growing.

Quantum Qi is Byrd’s next step, planned for an April opening: a practice devoted entirely to holistic veterinary medicine for dogs and cats. The name reflects the philosophy. In science, she explained, “quantum” refers to the smallest building blocks of matter. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, “qi” describes life energy. Together, Byrd said, they represent how

Small steps, big healing

Quantum Qi is planning to open its doors April 1, and Paws in the Poppies will officially move its in-clinic services into the new space while continuing mobile sessions throughout the Central Coast.

To learn more about Paws in the Poppies, visit pawsinthepoppies.com.

small, targeted changes can create powerful healing responses.

At Quantum Qi, those changes might include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy, ozone therapy, red light therapy, lasers, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, Reiki, and even tuning fork therapy—each modality selected and combined based on the individual animal.

“I start with a conversation,” Byrd said. “And then I let the pet decide. If you listen, they’ll tell you what they need.”

That philosophy of listening is shared by Benton, the founder of Paws in the Poppies, who will be working alongside Byrd at Quantum Qi while continuing to see Paws in the Poppies clients. Benton began her career as a human massage therapist in the late 1990s, eventually finding her way into animal hospitals and integrative care. In 2020, she officially launched Paws in the Poppies, initially offering animal massage before expanding into a wide range of holistic care.

“I meet the pets where they’re at,” Benton said. “Some animals love hands-on massage right away. Others need time, space, or a different approach.”

Such approaches might include massage techniques like Swedish massage or Tellington TTouch, Reiki energy work, red light therapy, PEMF, or tuning fork therapy—a method that uses vibration to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that runs throughout the body.

“Fascia is like a net,” Benton explained. “If there’s a snag in one area, it can affect everything around it. These tools help release that gently.”

PEMF therapy, one of Benton’s specialties, uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular healing, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. While it has long been used in equine medicine,

it’s increasingly common for companion animals, she explained—and even FDAapproved for certain uses in humans.

Both Byrd and Benton emphasize that these therapies aren’t about replacing Western medicine but about expanding the options available.

“I love integrative medicine,” Benton said. “Western medicine is amazing, but it has limitations. When you combine it with holistic care, you can create balance and support the body’s ability to heal.”

The new clinic’s environment itself is part of that healing. Quantum Qi is designed to be calm and serene in contrast to the hustle of a busy general veterinary clinic.

“Having a space that’s just focused on holistic medicine allows pets to relax,” Byrd said. “That calm alone can create a stronger healing response.”

But the benefits don’t stop with the animals. Both practitioners see the humananimal bond as central to what they do.

“We’re also helping the people too,” she said. “And I just love that about it. And I love educating, and I love empowering people. … Knowledge is power, and I really feel people will do more with their pets if they trust us and they understand what we’re doing.”

That sense of connection is evident in the way Benton talks about her own animals— George Catstanza the cat, Stanley Poocci, Penelope Choos, and Winnie the Pooch— and in the stories clients share about pets regaining mobility, confidence, or comfort they thought was lost. ∆

Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com.

MASSAGE SCHOOL in SLO!

California Holistic Institute is a school of therapeutic massage and a holistic center where training, growth and new careers begin.

Basic Classes begin 3 times each year in January, May and September. Many other workshops offered all year.

PUPPY ZEN Kathryn Benton began her career as a human massage therapist, but her passion for animals and holistic wellness pushed her to launch Paws in the Poppies, a holistic care clinic for pets.

‘Living a miracle’

Celebrate Life 5K co-founder and cancer survivor retraces steps from near-terminal diagnosis to remission

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

No amount of medals or trophies could stack up against 12-time international triathlon winner Siri Lindley’s greatest victory: overcoming acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The average five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with AML is 29 percent, according to WebMD. The odds doctors gave Lindley after her diagnosis six years ago were much less, she said.

“They had given me a 5 percent chance of surviving,” the Santa Ynez resident said during a recent Zoom call. “I’m basically living a miracle.”

Both Lindley and her wife, Rebekah Keat, enjoyed long careers in professional athletics and coaching, so they didn’t think twice when Lindley began feeling fatigue and more frequent soreness in her legs than usual around a milestone birthday.

“I felt really exhausted, and I thought it was age. I had turned 50,” Lindley recalled. “I needed a hip replacement because I trained way beyond what I was capable of.”

The couple’s dog seemed to sense something was wrong too, Keat said.

“She never used to lie on the bed before, but then she started lying on [Lindley’s] legs,” Keat said. “Her legs and bones were aching. … But being athletes, we’re kind of used to pain. We were always used to being in pain,

To the rescue

The sixth annual Celebrate Life Run will take place on Feb. 21 starting at 9 a.m. at Believe Ranch and Rescue in Santa Ynez. Visit believeranchandrescue.org or runsignup.com/liferun5k for more info on the upcoming 5K run/walk, which will feature merchant pop-ups and opportunities to meet the rescue horses. To learn more about Siri Lindley and Rebekah Keat’s workout videos, visit siriandbeksquad.com. The series includes virtual workout videos hosted by Lindley and Keat, wellness tips, nutritional challenges, and other offerings.

and almost switching that off.”

When Lindley went in for a pre-op to assess hip replacement options, her doctor described her blood work as “really off.”

“They came out and said, ‘Sorry, we’re not doing this surgery, you’ve got to go in for further testing,’” Lindley recalled. “Within a matter of days, they said it was AML. … My doctor said I could have been gone within weeks.”

But within less than a year, Lindley went into remission after undergoing two clinical trials at UCHealth Anschutz in Colorado (the couple moved to California about three years ago), a bone marrow transplant, and months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Lindley’s battle with leukemia is the subject of a new documentary, Tri Me, which will be available on streaming platforms sometime this spring, Lindley said. Her

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journey toward remission also inspired an annual 5K run/walk she and her wife host at their horse ranch in Santa Ynez.

This year marks the sixth Celebrate Life Run, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 21 at Believe Ranch and Rescue. Participants will embark from the start line at 9 a.m. “It’s a day to celebrate your own life; someone you love and their life; maybe

someone who’s passed—to celebrate honoring them, running for them—or running for someone that’s fighting a diagnosis,” Lindley said. “It’s a day of remembering what a gift every breath is, and how you’re going to use that; how you’re going to live this moment right now when you know how precious it is.

PROLIFIC PAIR Award-winning athletes and Celebrate Life Run co-founders Rebekah Keat (left) and Siri Lindley (right) have organized annual 5K events for the past six years to help fund their nonprofit horse rescue in Santa Ynez.

PHOTO

“What’s important to me is reminding people this is a day to celebrate life,” she continued. “It’s reminding people: Live your best life now because this is the only one you get.”

Proceeds of the event, which will also include several local merchant pop-ups, will support Lindley and Keat’s ranch, which operates as a nonprofit horse rescue. Part of the organization’s funding goes toward purchasing horses at public livestock sales, to prevent kill buyers from acquiring them for slaughterhouses outside of the U.S., the couple explained.

“We’ve saved 356 horses in eight years,” Lindley said. “A lot of them have been adopted out. We currently care for 51.”

Attendees of the Celebrate Life Run will have the opportunity to meet the couple’s horses, including some that are part of the ranch’s equine therapy program.

“These horses go on to heal people,” said Lindley, whose therapy horses regularly interact with clients who suffer from PTSD and other disorders.

Believe Ranch and Rescue also periodically partners with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation to host equine healing events for children going through cancer to meet and bond with the horses.

Outside of caring for horses at their home and some of their neighbors’ horses at other ranches in Santa Ynez, Lindley and Keat spend their time designing workout routines for those who subscribe to their monthly fitness plan.

The program includes a series of 15-minute beginner-friendly exercise

sessions intended for people “who maybe never worked out their entire lives,” Lindley said.

“It’s doable and sustainable, and not just for people that have never worked out before but people that have high-pressure jobs and don’t have more than 15 minutes to work out,” Lindley said. “What we’re doing is what’s going to give them the biggest bang for their buck.”

Lindley and Keat’s mutual pursuits as professional triathlon athletes led them to each other in the mid-1990s. But they didn’t start dating until around 15 years after initially meeting.

“There was always a spark there, but every time we’d always both been in relationships,” said Keat, a six-time Ironman Triathlon champion.

Keat eventually approached Lindley, who’s about nine years older, to become her coach in the 2010s. At a training camp in Australia, the two bonded while sharing meals, conversations, and cooking space in the camp’s kitchen area.

“Every night we basically had to cook dinner in the same kitchen, and over time we fell in love. Neither of us wanted to but,” Lindley stopped with a laugh just as Keat interjected during a Zoom call.

“It’s not that we didn’t want to,” Keat said with a smile, “it’s that we weren’t really expecting it.” ∆

Reach Sun Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood, from New Times’ sister paper, at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

Common ground

Growing up in San Luis Obispo, Kate Christensen noticed a large political divide within the county and a lack of discussion across the spectrum. After joining Braver Angels in 2019, Christensen became determined to unite people in hopes of finding a middle ground on difficult and controversial topics.

“It’s about people engaging in a way where they can express themselves and be heard, listen, where we could find solutions to problems,” she said.

Braver Angels, a national, nonprofit, grassroots organization committed to “depolarizing” communities through workshops and conversations, was founded in 2017. The organization puts on events and conventions in all 50 states, according to Christensen.

The idea for Braver Angels came from two individuals on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Modeled after “couple’s therapy,” they created the “Red/Blue workshop,” a space where people who politically identify as red or blue can engage in exercises to find common values and decrease stereotypical thinking about each other.

“They saw how polarization was hurting everything, everyone, families, individuals,” said Christensen. “This is a grassroots approach to civic renewal and a way for regular people to engage and help solve our problems and have conversations.”

Christensen has held a leadership position at the San Luis Obispo alliance since 2022. She believes the county is divided, an ideal “test bed” for Braver Angels’ work—a concept introduced by the new CEO of the organization, Maurey Giles, who stepped into the role in August 2025.

Last year in San Luis Obispo, alliance members debated Proposition 50, which Christensen said was successful.

“It involved the alliances all over California, so we all came together to get the speakers on board and make the debate happen,” she said.

Although people of all ages participate in Braver Angels, the younger generation’s involvement is a little more rare, according to Christensen.

“I want to connect with young people wherever I can,” she said. “I think learning with some of these basic skills and learning how to have conversations in your young life could benefit you in every way, all your life.”

Send business and nonprofit information to strokes@newtimesslo.com.

On Feb. 18, the SLO Alliance of Braver Angels will host Giles at Chandler Hall in the United Church of Christ SLO from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“I love the opportunity to bring people together in our county,” Christensen said. “It would be the moment to come and bring somebody who might think a little differently than you.”

According to SLO County voter registration data from Feb. 9, 2026, the county has 69,792 registered Democrats and 63,777 registered Republicans. Most of the county’s cities are fairly evenly split with North County towns like Paso Robles and Atascadero leaning slightly more Republican and the city of SLO weighted heavily toward Democrats.

According to Christsen, about 70,000 people across the country have attended a Braver Angels event, and the organization has more than 15,000 members. Alliances frequently debate topics from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to homelessness.

Christensen said she hopes to continue Braver Angels’ mission of uniting people on both sides of political and social divides within and beyond SLO County.

“It kind of opens up your heart and mind in a way,” Christensen said.

To learn more about the upcoming event, Braver Angels CEO Maury Giles on Courageous Citizenship in San Luis Obispo, visit braverangels.org/event.

Fast fact

• From Feb. 19 to 22, experience Blendfest on the Coast, which will provide a taste of Paso Robles Wine Country in San Simeon and Cambria. Presented by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, the weekend-long event celebrates the city’s winemakers’ love for blending and mixing wine to craft something more unique. For more information on the different events happening during Blendfest, visit pasowine. com. Tickets can be purchased at pasowine. ticketsauce.com. ∆

Reach Intern Fiona Hastings at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.

HEAD HONCHO Maurey Giles has been the CEO of Braver Angels since last August. He’s visiting San Luis Obispo on Feb. 18.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE CHRISTENSEN/BRAVER ANGELS

BY RICK HIRSCH

Exploring Diablo Canyon

After a tour of the nuclear plant, my stance didn’t change—it needs to go

Iwas invited a few weeks ago to do a tour of Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Despite my unease with nuclear power, I decided to go—with an open mind. My negative thoughts about nuclear power were formed in the early days, around 1977, when I read a book called Energy Futures by Amory Lovins.

Mr. Lovins compared the development of nuclear power to the recent introduction of the large 747 airplane. What would have happened, he stated, if we built the 747 airplane before there were runways long enough for the plane to land on? Well, that certainly wouldn’t make sense. Nuclear power was being deployed with no plan for how to store the nuclear waste, which has a half-life of 24,000 years (plutonium-239).

Fifty years later, there is still no plan for how to store nuclear waste safely. During my tour, I saw a field of large metal drums filled with every pound of nuclear waste that has been generated at Diablo Canyon since it was fired up in 1985. There it sits in a footballfield-sized area above the plant.

The tour was impressive. Two tour guides led us through the plant and the grounds. We saw the intake and outtake area where 2.5 million gallons of water per minute are sucked into the plant to keep the system cool.

A question about recent student protests

Watching young students, particularly kindergarteners and first graders, participate in the recent community protests has led me to ponder the balance between activism and

That water goes through a desalinization plant on-site so that pure water keeps the plant from melting down. While there are clearly safeguards to sucking in large aquatic life into the plant, and the temperature of the outflow of water is clearly not a danger, no mention was made of the microscopic plant and animal life that is killed as billions of gallons of water flows through the plant. Security was amazing at the plant. Of the 1,250 employees, 350 are dedicated to security. It would be very difficult to break into Diablo Canyon by air, by sea, or by land. The entry into the turbine building took our group of 15 about 30 minutes as each of us went through a security system that makes airport security look like a joke. Clearly the guards holding machine guns on either side of the security entry area didn’t look like they would joke about anything. This was one month after we each had to supply our legal names to be run through a security check in advance.

The turbine room was about 1.5 times the size of a football field. In that room, 10 percent of California’s electricity is produced. What they gloss over in that description is that some of the power produced is used specifically to run Diablo Canyon. Pumping and desalinizing 2.5 million gallons of water per minute uses a lot of energy. The turbine room has enormous air conditioner units pumping massive amounts of cool air into the room. Nevertheless, it was extremely hot in that room.

safeguarding their foundational learning.

Free education is a privilege many children worldwide don’t have.

I’m curious about the extent to which children so young can genuinely comprehend the complex issues like Immigration and

Our tour guides spent much of the day pointing out the duplicate and triplicate security systems in place. The plant is built to withstand an earthquake supposedly larger than what “should” happen along the four fault lines that are under or near the plant: Shoreline, Hosgri, San Luis Bay, and Los Osos faults. Most of the plant operations are higher above the ocean than any tsunami “should” reach. There is a pond above the plant that is filled with 5 million gallons of desalinized water that can flow through the plant by gravity if there is a power failure. There are large diesel generators that can provide backup power if needed. The final “triplicate” deterrence to a meltdown at the plant is a large stack of plastic pipes about a mile above Diablo Cove.

Speak up! Send

there had been a larger than expected tsunami, or earthquake, or a successful terrorist or enemy government attack. “No problem,” the tour guides assured me. There are staff with pagers who would respond 24/7 if needed to do the work.

“They know,” I was told, “that they would lose their jobs if they did not respond.”

I thought about that for a while. If salt water were pumped through the plant, rendering it unusable, those staff members would lose their jobs anyway. Would they grab their loved ones and drive as far away from Diablo Canyon as possible, or would they travel to the center of the unfolding disaster and do the work?

We were told that if everything else fails, as happened at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan after a large tsunami, these large pipes stacked much higher than I could reach, would be brought down to the water and hooked up to flow salt water through the plant, destroying the reactor, but preventing a meltdown. I looked at that big stack and thought of the long winding drive we had just made up the hill from the water’s edge. I asked the tour guides who would be moving those pipes and hook them up during this emergency.

Clearly if this triple backup was needed,

Customs Enforcement, or if participating might expose them to distressing topics prematurely. Could they actually articulate what it is they’re doing, if asked, by skipping school in these cases?

It makes me wonder if there are more

The problem with nuclear power is that it requires perfection. Humans are imperfect creatures. Therefore, my stance against nuclear power stays the same as it was in 1977. Last year, 88 percent of new power generation in the U.S. was renewable energy: wind, solar and geothermal. We need increased output of safe renewable energy. I can’t wait until Diablo Canyon closes. Unfortunately, we will still have a football field of spent fuel that will have to be stored and guarded for hundreds of thousands of years. ∆

Rick Hirsch writes to New Times from San Luis Obispo. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

LETTERS

effective, age-appropriate ways to champion causes without impacting their schooling. I welcome other thoughts on this, if anyone has had a chance to consider it.

Cassandra E. Bodlak Baywood Park

HODIN

Russell Hodin

The Dunes

The use of the Oceano Dunes offroad vehicular area has remained a lively topic of discussion locally. New Times’ Jan. 8 opinion section contained a couple of pieces opposing the use of the area by off-road vehicles, and the topic pops up frequently in often heated debate (“Oceano deserves a vehicle-free beach,” and “Restore Oceano’s natural defenses”).

The vehicle use area comprises roughly a third of the long stretch of beach that runs from Pismo Beach to Point Sal. The majority of the beach is, for the most part, inaccessible by road, and in a wild state. Historically, for a hundred years, the beach was routinely used by vehicles, with modern use restricted to the 7 or so miles of the park.

Our strong local winds created the dunes, and you can often see a plume of dust rising from the entire length of the beach, not just the vehicular area. Opposition to vehicular use of the beach was originally based on the theory that vehicle use created finely ground crystalline silica dust, which was dangerous to the downwind communities of Oceano, Nipomo, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe. Although the SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) originally claimed that all of the wind-borne dust was unhealthy crystalline silica dust, a later study by Dr. Lynn Russel of Scripps Institute showed that it actually only constituted 14 percent of the dust.

Currently, opposition is centered on environmental impacts, such as damage to the plover and plant life. A lot of areas have been fenced off to address those concerns. Obviously, any human use of an area is bound to impact the natural native environment. Our entire region was once wild and pristine. If you believe that an

Those who oppose vehicular use tend to be environmentally oriented suburban liberals who cannot say the terms “internal combustion” or “MAGA” without spitting. Many came to SLO from elsewhere to attend Cal Poly and stayed

Those who support vehicular use tend to be from more rural areas and Central Valley towns and lean more conservative. They tend to like large 4x4 pickup trucks or Jeeps, may have an ATV or motorcycles for everyone in their family, and have immense RVs or camping trailers. Overall, they represent an enthusiastic embrace of the motor culture rejected by the opponents.

They also display cultural traits that liberals find off-putting, like flying American or Mexican flags at their campsites or on their vehicles or displaying signs endorsing MAGA, Trump, or the Second Amendment. All in all, there is a lot to annoy the liberal environmental warrior.

There is land enough for both groups. Those who prefer a remote, quiet, untouched beach have the rest of the local coast readily available for their use, from Oso Flaco and the Guadalupe Dunes southward, which is roughly twice the size of the vehicular use area used by many more people. Mechanical disturbance of the dunes quickly “heals” in the wind, and plants and birds soon reestablish themselves.

Is it fair and reasonable to eliminate the enjoyment of the hundreds of thousands who currently use the area, just to accommodate the relative few who are capable of walking a number of miles on soft sand in search of an isolated and a pristine environment?

The hundreds of thousands of people who prefer vehicular use are also residents of California, pay taxes, and contribute to the local economy. They vastly outnumber the people who use the remote, natural areas of the coast. They’re also entitled to a “playground” to pursue their interests.

You need to learn to share with those who have just as much right to the beach as you do.

existing use of an area should be eliminated and the area “returned to nature,” are you prepared to live in a traditional Chumash shelter and to give up your coffee shops? Or is natural restoration just for others?

The current beach users are not limited just to rowdy kids in ATVs, motorcycles, and offroad vehicles. They also include hundreds of thousands who drive on the beach to camp, picnic, swim, fish, surf, and bicycle. Many users are families seeking an affordable vacation who lack the money to go to a fashionable “eco-resort” in Costa Rica. If vehicles are banned, their use would be practically limited to just the areas close in to the entrances.

And, of course, there is the matter of money. A California State Parks study estimated that closure would result in a loss of $243 million in local spending, 3,300 jobs, and a lot of tax revenue from lodging and restaurants. After having our tax revenue from Diablo Canyon terminated and our schools already howling in fiscal pain, do we want to have to tighten the belts even further?

As with many of our most fractious issues, the real fight just boils down to the culture wars and blue vs. red tribalism.

Diablo Canyon

You need to learn to share with those who have just as much right to the beach as you do. You are not entitled to a private seaside naturalists club where the “undesirables” are excluded. You often preach “inclusion” and the acceptance of other lifestyles. Now is the time to practice it. ∆

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach, who confesses to occasionally driving on the dunes in his old Jeep. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

INDEPENDENT SAFETY COMMITTEE (DCISC) Public Meeting:

Wednesday Morning, February 18th 9:00 a.m.

Opening comments; receive public comments, site visits to Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and other Committee activities and scheduling fact- nding visits and public meetings: receive informational presentations requested by the Committee of Paci c Gas & Electric Company related to plant safety and operations, including the State of the Plant including organizational changes, past and future activities, power history, results of refueling outage 2R25, signi cant equipment issues including Unit 1 feedwater heater leak, human performance issues, and other station activities since the DCISC’s October 2025 public meeting, update on the status of NRC Performance Indicators, Licensee Event Reports, NRC Inspection Reports and Notices of Violation, open issues raised by NRC resident inspectors, status of cross-cutting issues matrix, current and future license amendment requests and other regulatory issues; and report by Committee Technical Consultant on and approval of fact nding visit to DCPP conducted on December 2-3, 2025.

Wednesday Afternoon, February 18th 1: 15 p.m.

Committee member comments; receive public comments; receive informational presentations requested by the Committee including an update on planning for extended operations including status of license renewal and state and local permitting, project planning and sta ng; reports by Committee Technical Consultants on and approval of fact nding visits to DCPP conducted on December 1516, 2025, and January 20-21, 2026, and review of the Minutes of October 22-23, 2025 public meeting.

Wednesday Evening, February 18th 5:00 p.m.

Informational presentation on PG&E’s evaluation of and response to Recommendations made by the DCISC’s Seismic Review Team included as Recommendations P/SRT-1 through P/SRT-9 in the Committee’s 35th Annual Report and receive public comments.

Thursday Morning, February 19th 9:00 a.m.

Committee business session; receive and discuss PG&E’s Response to DCISC 35th Annual Report on the Safety of Diablo Canyon Operations: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, including a discussion with the Seismic Review Team

concerning PG&E’s response to Recommendations P/SRT-1 thru P/SRT-9; Committee discussion of regulatory and administrative matters including funding for current and future activities, consideration of Committee Policies on DCPP Emergencies and a Process Map for addressing Recommendations, Concerns, Conclusions, and Observations, rati cation of two Agreements for Consulting Services, review of Committee Open Items List and report on status of Committee recommendations, and wrap-up discussion by Committee members.

You may also participate in this public meeting in real-time by accessing a Zoom webinar meeting via this weblink: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82361118509 or the meeting Zoom ID: 823 6111 8509 or by calling telephone numbers provided for that purpose. Instructions on how to access, view and participate in remote meetings are also provided on the meeting agenda, available by visiting the Committee’s home page at http://www.dcisc.org.

Please plan to attend! For further information call 1-800-439-4688 or visit the Committee’s website at www.dcisc.org

A copy of the meeting agenda packet may be reviewed at the Cal Poly Library’s Special Collections and Archives Department and the agenda packet and informational presentations are available on the DCISC’s website. Each session of a public meeting of the DCISC is livestreamed and on the internet during the meeting by visiting www.slo-span.org.

WATCH THE SESSIONS LIVE, OR SUBSEQUENTLY IN ARCHIVE, INDEXED TO THE MEETING’S AGENDA, BY FOLLOWING THE LINK ON THE COMMITTEE’S WEBSITE TO WWW.SLO-SPAN.ORG, OR AFTER THE MEETING ON GOVERNMENT ACCESS TELEVISION, CHANNEL 21.

3/18/26. Valid with

Glug-glug

Drive to work drunk, resign, and receive a $40,000 payout? Sounds like a party! Woohoo! Pass that box of chardonnay!

Former Paso Robles High School

Principal Megan Fletcher was arrested for a suspected DUI last Nov. 10, and—pop quiz!— is it still “suspected”? Give yourself a gold star if you answered “no.”

The cops believe it’s so, but it’s still just alleged! She ain’t guilty until proven so in a court of law, capiche!

It turns out her alleged breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was more than three times the legal limit! Well homeworkeating dog! I know dealing with high school students might drive a person to drink, but she was shit-faced at 8 a.m. Coworkers called the police, and according to the Paso Robles Police Department report, Fletcher reeked of alcohol, had slurred speech, and was tired and wobbly.

Hey, you never know what’s going on in someone’s personal life that might lead to bad decisions, but Fletcher worked with children, which requires an added layer of care and the utmost responsibility. She told police her last drink was the previous night, but her BrAC measured .255 percent at its high point. Even hours later it was still .11 percent, over the legal limit of .08 percent.

Are you sure you didn’t imbibe the proverbial “hair of the dog” before work? You know, just to “steady” yourself? The smart thing to do would have been to call in sick.

Take a mental health day! Keep your job, sober up, and go to work tomorrow. The roughest thing is the police report noted that staff believed Fletcher had come to work impaired “over the past several days.”

A week after her arrest while on administrative leave, the Paso Robles Unified School District board of trustees accepted her letter of resignation, and the agreement included a $40,000 payout. I hear she was making something like $140,000 a year, so that’s less than 30 percent of her annual salary, and the agreement also allowed her to keep her health insurance through June. May I recommend some inpatient alcohol treatment? I hear Cliffside Malibu is nice.

Despite my sympathy for whatever may be her personal plight, the bottom line is the lady was driving onto campus schmammered Thankfully, no one was physically injured, but what if she hit a student? Would you want your kids to see their principal visibly impaired at 9 in the morning? Not a great example, amirite? Whatever the outcome, I hope she gets the help she needs. Alcoholism is a disease, and treating it can be a tall order.

Speaking of tall and disordered, a Grover Beach citizen’s group is working to place a measure on the November ballot to limit building heights in the city. The currently unnamed group (Stand Small?

Just spitballing!) wants to limit heights to 33 feet and establish a minimum 33 percent commercial component in mixed-use developments “born out of the outcry of people far and wide objecting to the sudden appearance and future plans for buildings as high as 66 feet,” according to the group’s press release.

Sixty-six feet, eh? I have to admit, a sixstory building in quaint Grover Beach does seem a tad out of character. The group wants buildings in commercially zoned areas not to exceed 40 feet and buildings in industrial areas not to exceed 33.

According to the group’s press release, “During the pandemic, the city increased heights to as much as 66 feet. The citizen ballot measure is the culmination of the shock and dismay felt by many locals when they saw two very tall buildings going up at 4th and Grand, with plans for 10 more, most of which are being built by Coastal Community Builders, the firm that has been subject to multiple lawsuits by unhappy purchasers in the San Luis Obispo Avila Ranch development.”

The thing is, some Grover Beach residents like the idea of dense, mixed-use housing. It’s the future, baby! But it’s not the future everyone wants.

Group member and resident Kelvin Coveduck ominously lamented, “It’s too late for Front Street but it won’t be too late for Grover Beach.”

Former mayor, resigned City Council member, dismissed Air

Pollution Control District board member, and perpetually controversial political activist Debbie Peterson also belongs to the group. For regular readers of the column, Peterson should sound familiar. Historically, she’s been extra shreddable! Imma get some popcorn and see how this plays out.

Another impending battle royale is setting up between Vanessa Rozo, who’s running for county clerk-recorder, and current ClerkRecorder Elaina Cano. Rozo had requested to be a poll worker for the Proposition 50 special election, but Cano’s office denied the request based on an internal policy, which she has the authority to establish, to ensure fairness and transparency.

Not so fast, retorted Rozo, who argued Cano’s “internal policies … disenfranchised my ability to serve as a poll worker.” She said she observed polls on election day anyway and noticed irregularities, including a ballot that dropped to the floor and a worker “eating Cheetos while hand counting ballots.”

Cheetos!

Cano said the number of signatures and ballots matched, so the count was accurate. Did Rozo actually observe? Cano “would have no idea since that is open to anyone and the poll workers don’t necessarily ask what their names are,” she said.

Mm! Imma need a bucket with extra salt and butter. ∆

The Shredder pounds gear oil like its water. Caution it at shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

PEPPINO LIVE

Italian-American guitarist Peppino D’Agostino will perform live at Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay on Friday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $25, and additional details can be found at coalescebookstore.com.

—Angie Stevens

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARTIST’S RECEPTION Two beautiful exhibits are running concurrently from Feb. 19 to March 30 at Art Center Morro Bay. See “A Shift in Perspective” in the Main Gallery, and in the Russell Gallery, view “Aquarius”, the Central Coast Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibit. Feb. 22 2-4 p.m. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

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

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

THE LAST ROMANCE By the Sea Productions is presenting The Last Romance by Joe DiPietro. On an ordinary

day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk—one that leads him to an unexpected second chance at love. Relying on a renewed boyish charm, Ralph attempts to woo the elegant, but distant, Carol. Defying Carol’s reticence—and his lonely sister’s jealousy—Ralph embarks on the trip of a lifetime, and regains a happiness that seemed all but lost. Feb. 13 , 7 p.m., Feb. 14 , 7 p.m. and Feb. 15 , 3 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

THE REBOOT SPEAK EASY PRESENTS LOVE AND OTHER BLUNDERS Enjoy this post-Valentine’s Day show featuring a curated line-up of seasoned and first-time tellers sharing true personal stories about the flawed, funny ways we love each other. Feb. 20 7-9:15 p.m. Free. facebook.com/the.reboot4u. Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, (805) 225-2393.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

3 ARTISTS RETROSPECTIVE REVEAL

Susan Lyon, Maryanne Nucci, and Kathy Madonna invite you to visit their Retrospective Show including original photographs, charcoals, watercolors, etchings, linocuts, and mono prints. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/susanart. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

ARTFUL HOLIDAYS AND 2026 DECOR

Everything you need to give the gift

of art to those you love, decorate for the Holidays, and enhance your home for years to come! Through Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.

DAILY POTTERY Walk in, pick your pottery project, and paint away. Something for all ages. Prices vary depending on what you choose and includes; paint, glaze, firing, and studio time. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Varies. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.

DATE NIGHT Couples or friends, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a creative night out. Have fun and get messy as the venue walks you through the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $144. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/datenight. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

FIGURE DRAWING AT FIELDWORK Join every Wednesday evening at Fieldwork for an uninstructed figure drawing session with a live model. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own materials. The class is 18+. Wednesdays. through May 27 $20 + model’s tip. fieldworkart.org. Join every Wednesday at Fieldwork for an uninstructed figure drawing session with a live nude model. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own materials. This is an 18+ class. Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. through June 1 $20. fieldworkart. org. Fieldwork, 4307 El Camino Real, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.

GEL PLATE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP Gel plate printing is the perfect way to rediscover your playful side and go home with something beautiful and handmade! Feb. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $100. (805) 423-

5906. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, studiosonthepark.org.

PASO DE LA LUZ BY JUAN FUENTES

Meet the artist Juan Fuentes when he comes to Paso February and March with his masterfully-created and world relevant works of art. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. through March 28 (805) 440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

SIP N’ SKETCH/SIP N’ PAINT Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of our’s) and paint or sketch a themed livemodel or still life under the guidance of Studios resident artists. See website for the specific theme of the month. Your first glass of wine is included in price. Third Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $20. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark. org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge. com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK

ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO PUBLIC MARKET Fueled by your suggestions and questionable life choices, this cast of quick-witted weirdos will spin chaos into comedy right before your eyes. Feb. 13 , 6:15-8 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

HARLAND WILLIAMS: COMZILLA

COMEDY TOUR Hear comedian and actor Harland Williams, who is known for his hilarious movie roles and outlandish stand up and sketch comedy routines. Feb. 22 7:30 p.m. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

INTO THE HEART OF THE GARBAGE PATCH: A FILM AND CONVERSATION WITH CAPTAIN MOORE Captain Charles Moore, oceanographer and discoverer of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 1997, will present his powerful documentary and fight against plastic pollution. Feb. 19, 7-9 p.m. Free. (530) 383-6082. ecoslo. com/events. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk

Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo. LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/ dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 4418257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET This highenergy jukebox musical is a celebration of music history, packed with heart, humor, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through March 5 $43-$63. (805) 786-2440. slorep. org/shows/million-dollar-quartet-2026/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30-$75. app.acuityscheduling. com/schedule.php?owner=22676824& appointmentType=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San

Luis Obispo. SAMANTHA NYE: WEB OF LOVE See Guggenheim Fellow Samantha Nye’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE TECZA

CHAMBER CONCERT

immersive video installation starring Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens filmed on location in SLO. Mondays, Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 13 Free. cuesta.edu/community/cuestaarts/artgallery/2025-2026-Exhibitions/ WebofLove.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-3202.

SURF DREAMS: A MULTIMEDIA EXHIBIT OF SURF-INSPIRED ART AND MUSIC Each image in this exhibit will have three surf-inspired songs which can be played on a smart phone by scanning the QR codes. Bring earbuds. MondaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 14 Free. (805) 543-4025. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

VALENTINE’S DAY CLAY WORKSHOP

Create your own Valentine’s Day clay trinkets with guided instruction. Staff will clear-glaze finished pieces, which will be ready for pickup three weeks after the workshop. Ages 6 and older are welcome to join. Feb. 14 , 1:30-3 p.m. $45. anamcre. com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ON DISPLAY

An artist’s reception will be held at Art Center Morro Bay on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., to commemorate the two new exhibits on display at the gallery until Monday, March 30. In the Main Gallery, the exhibit A Shift in Perspective features works that challenge conventional norms and encourage reexamination. Aquarius, the Central Coast Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibit, is on view in the Russell Gallery. Head to artcentermorrobay.org for more details.

YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY RIGHT IN THE EYE - GEORGES MELIES

LIVE MOVIE-CONCERT A trio of musicians plays an extraordinary range of 50 instruments on Georges Melies’ silent films with an original score created by Jean-Francois Alcolea. Feb. 22 , 2-3:30 p.m. $39-$59, Platinum $65 - Senior & Student Discounts.. +(336) 996-02184. clarkcenter.org/shows/right-in-the-eye. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? (ENCORE PERFORMANCE) Whose Live Anyway? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Feb. 17, 7:30-9 p.m. $63-$89. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS

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

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

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

LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION

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

MA | MINDFULNESS BASED

RESTORATIVE YOGA A restorative evening dedicated to finding the space between your thoughts through yoga, mediation, and Somatic Menu. Feb. 14 6-8:30 p.m. $40. plantaeandfungi.com. Sonic Milk Studios, 715 Main St., Cambria, (805) 660-9382.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS

DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor

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

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

ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. (805) 7017397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 221-5755. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Tuesdays, noon-1 a.m. Free. (760) 846-1443. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

CRAFT*ER*NOON BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft) to our Sunday Afternoons of Crafting! Grab your unfinished projects

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 21

—A.S.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY RIEDEMANN

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Louise

FEB 20 - SUNDAY,

Obispo

and your bestie and join us. Feb. 15 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 591-7003. stilsoncellars. com. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED

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

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS

A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING

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

SWEETHART DANCE PARTY Dancing

is optional, but not required, at this fun and informal fundraising party for the Homeless Animal Rescue Team! Feb. 14 6 p.m. $45. my805tix.com. Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-5010.

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

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

TRIVIA NIGHT AT TEMPLETON

MERCANTILE Join every Tuesday night for all-ages trivia. Prizes are awarded to top teams. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. Templeton Mercantile, 508 S Main St, Templeton.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Silks is a great way to learn flipping safely! Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at our Aerial Silks Clinic. Geared towards children ages 7 to 17 years, all levels are welcome. Feb. 14 , 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturdayevent-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ANNUAL MOFF HIKE AND BRUNCH

Join MOFF at the Felsman Loop trailhead, for the Annual Hike and Brunch to commemorate Martha Olson-Fernandez and honors her hiking legacy. Donate to help ALS research. Feb. 21 , 9 a.m. moffoundation.com/. Felsman Loop, Patricia Dr., San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-1777.

BOARD GAME NIGHT AT CAPTAIN NEMO GAMES Game night is on! Join us Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Captain Nemo Games for fun, friendly board gaming.

All skill levels welcome! Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook. com/events/2047427899121921/2047 427949121916?acontext=%7B%22ev ent_action_history%22%3A[]%7D.

Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

BRAVER ANGELS SLO ALLIANCE: AN EVENING WITH MAURY GILES CEO Braver Angels CEO Maury Giles shares insights on courageous citizenship. Join us and learn how you can make a difference in these contentious times. Feb. 18 , 6:15-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 5441373. braverangels.com. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS: FEED ME, VALENTINE: THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Join us Valentine’s Day for Science on Screen: Little Shop of Horrors followed by experts exploring carnivorous plants, Audrey II’s science, and evolution with live specimens. Feb. 14 , 7-9 p.m. $20. (805) 541-5161. slofilmcenter.eventive. org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

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

FAMILY CLIMB: PARENT-CHILD AERIAL

SILKS CLASS Family Climb is a parentchild structured silks class for ages 5 and older! Together you’ll build strong muscles and memories. No experience is necessary. Feb. 14 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

$15/ 1st child, +$10/ additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com/saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

INTO THE HEART OF THE GARBAGE PATCH: A FILM AND CONVERSATION WITH CAPTAIN MOORE This documentary, featuring Captain Moore and the Oceanographic Research Vessel Algalita, takes you on an extraordinary trip to the heart of the Garbage Patch. Feb. 19 7-9 p.m. Free. app.dvforms.net/ api/dv/dw20re. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: BUDDY BANQUET (PARENTS NIGHT OUT/ PJ PARTY!) Buddy Banquet is the perfect opportunity for you to have some grownup time with your sweetheart! Kids will get pizza, gym playtime, and watch Gnomeo & Juliet ! Feb. 14 5-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com/kids-party-paradise. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Celebrate Lunar New Year with vibrant performances, art, food, resources, and activities for all ages—honoring culture and connection in San Luis Obispo. All are welcome! Feb. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. Free.

(805) 781-7073. slocity.org/LunarNewYear.

Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

MOONLIGHT HOURS Since reopening in 2008, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has offered free hours, Moonlight Hours, the third Thursday of each month. Experience the wonder and get more info at the link. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 544-KIDS. slocm.org/moonlight-hours.

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. $25. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SHARING THE LOVE THROUGH

COMMUNITY LIVING Celebrate

Valentine’s Day with the non-profit Smart Share Housing Solutions’ Sharing the Love through Community Living fundraiser. Feb. 14 12-2 p.m. $20. (805) 215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions. org. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer. groups.io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are

welcome. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

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

THE SOUTH COUNTY AND THE U.S. NAVY, 1861-1945 In an illustrated lecture, local teacher and historian Jim Gregory will trace the long the relationship between the Navy and the South County, including Pismo Beach. Feb. 19 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. (805)543-1763. vetmuseum. org/. Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, 801 Grand Ave., suite 102, San Luis Obispo.

SUSAN DE GHIZÉ TALK: ‘SUPPORTING DIVERSE LEARNERS IN MUSIC THEORY’ Hear Susan de Ghizé, a professor of music at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where she also serves as program coordinator and music theory and aural training coordinator. Feb. 12 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/special/#ghize. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

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

FOUR-COURSE VALENTINE’S

Pico Los Alamos is offering a Valentine’s Day Four Course Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy avocado crudo, salad, filet mignon, and flourless chocolate cake. Tickets start at $93 per person. Visit losalamosgeneralstore.com to book tickets and get more information.

—A.S.

Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PRESENTS

MEET THE MACHINES Don’t miss Meet the Machines in the Soto Sports Field Parking Lot. First 300 kids get a free goody bag. Feb. 21 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE

FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

MORE EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE Interactive applied improvisation classes build empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience, and creativity through accessible, laughter-filled exercises. No experience is required; attend individual sessions or the full series. Every other Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. through March 29 $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind.co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo

Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER

MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP & POTLUCK

Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

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

VALENTINE’S DINNER AT THE LODGE

Celebrate your special someone with a romantic Valentine’s Dinner, featuring a special menu and complimentary rose, all set among the cozy beauty of the pines! Feb. 14 5-9 p.m. and Feb. 15 5-9 p.m. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com/ events/onsite. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

PÉT-NAT RELEASE AT PARRISH Our first ever sparkling Pét-Nat will be released

just in time for Valentine’s Day! Visit to get a splash with your wine tasting. Feb. 13 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 14 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 15 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Feb. 16 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $35. (805) 286-4028. exploretock. com. Parrish Family Vineyard, 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles. TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. SLO CRAFT BEER FEST Join us as we celebrate the makers of craft beverages and raise a toast to their unique and wonderful creations. Many of the best breweries in the U.S. will be featured at this event. Selected cider, spirits, and kombucha will also be poured. Tickets include a souvenir tasting cup, unlimited beverage samples, selected food samples, beer educational seminars, and access to all the fun. Feb. 21 , 1-5 p.m. $92.90-$103.61. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

VALENTINE’S DAY FOUR COURSE DINNER Dine on delicious Avocado Crudo, Finley Warm Broccolini and Kale Salad, Kiani Preserve Filet Mignon with Mighty Cap Mushroom Demi, and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Feb. 14 $93. losalamosgeneralstore.com/. Pico Los Alamos, 458 Bell St., Los Alamos. ∆

Arts

Ready

to soar

It’s hard to believe now, but when the Bolshoi Ballet premiered Swan Lake on March 4, 1877, it was a critical failure. Today, the ballet and its score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky are considered one of the most popular ballets of all time. You can see it yourself performed by LA’s famed World Ballet Company at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, Feb. 15 (doors at 5 p.m., show at 6; ages 5 and older; $54.70 to $142 at pacslo.org).

“The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil,” organizers announced.

“Performing with a live orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment—from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.

With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played live, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes.”

With a motto of “Ballet Everywhere, Ballet for All,” the World Ballet Company’s traveled to more than 300 cities and performed before more than half a million people.

Disguised Memory

On her website, figurative ceramicist Michelle Solorzano explains, “My work is a personal exploration of my cultural identity, influenced by the complex interplay of colonization, immigration, and assimilation.

The Dominican Carnival, with its deep historical roots, serves as a focal point in this exploration, highlighting the lasting impact of colonization on contemporary society.”

In February, Solorzano will exhibit a collection of her work called Memoria Disfrazada, translated as Memory in Disguise, at Studios on the Park (1130 Pine St., Paso Robles). According to the gallery, Solorzano’s collection “explores how identity and history are shaped through the layered experiences of colonization and immigration. By questioning history as it is often written and controlled by those in power, her work challenges inherited narratives and asks whose stories are preserved and whose are obscured.”

Solorzano holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Ceramics from the State University of New York at Potsdam and a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Indiana University’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she and her family moved to New York when she was 15. Her work is inspired by her Dominican heritage, mixing Taino, African, and Spanish influences. She now lives in California and is a long-term artist in residence at the American Museum of Ceramic Arts. Δ

—Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Transformative experience

Right in the Eye mixes live music with Georges Méliès classic films

French composer and musician Jean-François Alcoléa created Right in the Eye way back in 2013, yet the multimedia experience that mixes live music played to the films of Georges Méliès has endured, gaining traction at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, and continuing to tour the world many times, resulting in hundreds of performances. Now, it’s coming to Arroyo Grande.

Though not many people other than cinephiles, film students, and people who saw Martin Scosese’s 2011 film Hugo are familiar with the work of Georges Méliès—a French filmmaker, actor, magician, and toymaker—he’s truly a worthy subject.

“This is the very, very early beginning of cinema, you know, and I wanted to bring up these very old movies because I really love the designs and everything from this period related to the film,” Alcoléa said during a recent Zoom call. “The idea was to create a whole thing with images and my music.”

Alcoléa estimates Méliès made around 550 films, but no one knows for sure “since he burned all his films,” Alcoléa noted. Thankfully, many of them were saved or copies recovered and restored.

“I went through something like 400 films, and I watched them several times without any music, just images,” Alcoléa explained. “I chose 11 of them. Watching all these films, I highlighted three different kinds of films he created.”

Alcoléa chose science fiction films like A Trip to the Moon, but he also chose from Méliès’ documentarian period and films representing Méliès’ background as a magician, with illusions—what Alcoléa called his “funny films.”

“Regarding these three categories, I wanted to highlight his whole creativity, and I choose the films, and I scaled a kind of frame, and through this frame, the audience is embarking on a unique and amazing journey.”

The show runs about 75 minutes, and its three onstage musicians—Alcoléa on keyboard and melodica; Fabrice Favriou on drum and guitar; and Thomas Desmartis on keyboard and percussion— also play a wide variety of other instruments like aquaphone, music box, saucepans, an inner tube, chimes and bells, spoons, glockenspiel, plastic plates, a set of circular saw blades, miscellaneous metal tubes, theremin, crystal glasses, and more.

“I very often get [audience] feedback, like, ‘What were these sounds? Where did they come from? I didn’t have the time to watch every time to see what happened everywhere onstage to see where all these sounds are coming from,’” Alcoléa smiled.

Like Méliès, an innovative pioneer of early cinema who invented all kinds of camera tricks to create his films, Alcoléa is a sonic magician, creating unusual

Around the world and back

The Clark Center hosts a performance of French composer and musician Jean-François Alcoléa’s stunning multimedia event Right in the Eye, which mixes live music and the seminal silent films of Georges Méliès, on Sunday, Feb. 22 (2 p.m.; all ages; $19 general, $7 students and children).

sounds that leave his audience spellbound and full of wonder.

“What was very important to me was to create a whole thing, and not just the music on the film, but a whole thing,” Alcoléa reiterated. “I wanted to give a very specific identity to each film, so what I did with the compositions, with the scores I created was create this journey you’re going on. And regarding the instruments and sounds, you have something like layers, you know? Méliès created this on the screen, and you can have the same thing with music. Whether the sound is coming from the [musicians on] stage or the speakers, meaning the sound design, it gives you a different understanding of the images, exactly like what Méliès did with his characters and the journeys—which are often related to animation.”

occur, because they’re accompanying films, they have to hit precise cues.

“We have a conductor, and the conductor is the images,” Alcoléa quipped. “We need to be with the characters. However, there are moments in between the films, for instance, where you have improvisations, and during the films, there is a part where you might have improv, but we need to be with the images.”

The idea for Alcoléa is to create an audience experience, something more than watching a film or attending a concert. Something transformative.

“I play with different contrasts, and, also, since the images and the designs are very rich and flourishing, I try to go create a kind of mural. I like to say the music is as imaginative as the images are.”

He also believes that seeing Méliès’ creations accompanied by his music changes how audiences perceive the films.

As he was developing his show, Alcoléa did a lot of research over years and even met Méliès’ living family members. He wanted “to better understand the guy and how he created, so that helped me to think about him, to be with him, build with him, to better understand his mind, his way to create.”

Showtime!

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

“I think so in the sense that it’s not just music and film. It’s all parts together, and when I say all parts, there are interactions between the stage and screening, but also the stage and the audiences as well. What’s very important to me is not just to present the show as musicians playing their parts and the screening, what I imagine is the audience embarking on this kind of journey and the kind of connection we can make during the show. Not just to understand, but to live, to experience something really new and unique.”

The three musicians are all virtuosos, and while there are small places where improvisation might

One family member who’s seen the show was Méliès’ great granddaughter, who in Alcoléa’s words was “rude” when they first met, telling him she only had a few minutes to talk and asking him what he planned to do with the films. The few minutes turned into hours, and then a few days later she called.

“She said, ‘I’m intrigued about the way you’re working. I’ve never heard of any people working like you. I would like to discover your show,’ so I said, ‘Look, the premiere is in a couple weeks. You will be my guest, OK?’ After the show, she came into my arms and she said, ‘He would have loved it.’

“It’s not just a show. It’s something to experience.”

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

SEMINAL A Trip to the Moon, made in 1902, was inspired by the Jules Verne novel From the Earth to the Moon and its sequel Around the Moon and featured— at the time—cutting-edge special effects.

ICON This image from A Trip to the Moon is one of the most iconic of early cinema, and although the film faded into obscurity after Méliès’ retirement from filmmaking, a copy discovered in 1930 was restored.

IMAGE IS THE CONDUCTOR Composer Jean-François Alcoléa (center) and his musicians—Fabrice Favriou and Thomas Desmartis—will accompany the screening of 11 Georges Méliès films when Right in the Eye comes to The Clark Center on Feb. 22.

Romance is dead

rench writer-director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, The Professional, The Fifth Element, Lucy) reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic vampire story about 15th century prince Vladimir of Wallachia (Caleb Landry Jones) who after the death of his wife, Elisabeta (Zoë Bleu), renounces God and is cursed with vampirism. Determined to find the reincarnation of Elisabeta, he searches through the ages, eventually discovering her in Mina Murray (also Bleu). Meanwhile, a priest (Christoph Waltz) works to undo Dracula’s damage and free those he’s turned into vampires. (129 min.)

DRACULA

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it

What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee

Glen I’ve always loved vampire films. In my early teens, I was always down for a Hammer (1958 to 1974) double feature at the mall. Nosferatu the Vampire (1979), The Hunger (1983), Fright Night (1985), The Lost Boys (1987), Near Dark (1987), Cronos (1993), From Dusk to Dawn (1996), Blade (1998), 30 Days of Night (2007), Let the Right One In (2008), Daybreakers (2009), Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), Nosferatu (2024), right up to Sinners (2025)—I’ll watch them all, and I love the really inventive ones. Besson’s take is akin to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 Dracula in that it wants to stay true to Bram Stoker’s 1987 gothic novel, but by adhering so closely to the original tale, it borders on the cliché and comical. Besson adds a few deviations from Stoker’s story. For instance, his Dracula’s lure is a perfume. We also get some impaled heads, which don’t appear in Stoker’s story but are connected to the historical figure that inspired Stoker, Vlad the Impaler. As vampire movies go, this one has atmosphere and style, but in the pantheon of vampire flicks, it’s forgettable. Anna It certainly focuses on the romance part of the story. The film opens with a frenzied montage of Vlad and Elizabeta in the throes of sex, of dancing, of shooting a gun through a pillow, of pillow fights, of what feels like an acid trip that has gone on

QUEEN OF CHESS

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár was raised to be a champion, and that’s exactly what she became. Alongside her sisters and under the controlling hand of her father, the Polgár family forwent formal education, instead focusing on a singular task—mastering chess. Judit especially had a knack for the game, and through interviews with Judit, her sisters, and her opponents, we watch her rise through the ranks and play alongside champions who are double and triple her age.

far too long. When sent to war, he sends his bride away, and that’s where she meets her terrible fate. The film is raw in many ways and over the top in many others. I think the acting was good here, and maybe I’m suffering from a bit of Dracula overload between this film and Nosferatu coming out not long ago, but it didn’t have a particularly big wow factor for me. Cinematically it was effective, and if you don’t mind the familiar story, it may be worth catching a matinee if you’re in the mood.

Glen Landry Jones is suitably odd looking as Dracula. I think he may have been cast because he shares similar uniquely distinctive features to Klaus Kinski, star of Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979). He’s sweaty and feral and intense. Bleu, who’s the daughter of Rosanna Arquette, matches Jones’ intensity. Christoph Waltz as the priest is good as usual, but there’s not that much for him to do, and he seems to understand he’s in a mostly rote retelling of this classic story. There are a lot of vampire movies I’m

STEAL

What’s it rated? R When? 2026

Watching the early-’90s clips of footage is quite the reminder of how the world spoke of and to women not so long ago. Judit was dismissed as a frivolous threat—too young, too female—to ever be dangerous. However, she went on to become the world’s youngest grandmaster at the time at only 15 years and 4 months old.

It’s funny to think that watching a board game played by others is riveting, but this documentary manages to hook the audience from the start, and Judit’s story is truly fascinating. You can sense how big the win was when she beat her competitor Garry Kasparov, and there’s nothing but joy to feel for the young girl as we watch her shine and rise. (93 min.)

—Anna

Where’s it showing? Prime

SWhere’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Stadium 10 HANDS UP A pension management company is targeted, and $5.5 billion is electronically stolen, in Steal, streaming on Prime.

always up for watching again, like 30 Days of Night and Near Dark, and while I’m glad to have seen it and think it’s worth a matinee for vampire fans, I probably won’t be revisiting Besson’s Dracula. Anna There’s plenty of vampire content out there, much of it more memorable than this. It doesn’t get it all wrong though. I’ll give it up to the costuming department that managed to make a meal of every outfit, especially as Vlad traveled through the eras and visited worldwide destinations as he hunted for the ingredients to his perfume. The French perruques and painted faces, group dances, fawning women—the scenes are rich. Casting-wise, the film is spot-on. It just didn’t feel like a novel approach to the tale. Maybe keep this one in mind when it comes onto streaming platforms. Until then, revisit some of the vampire flicks already flooding the market. ∆

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

otiris Nikias (Café 404 ) created this British crime thriller about an armed heist of a pension management company. A group of highly trained criminals takes control of the office and its workers, using phone jammers to prevent outside communication. The robbers force office workers Luke (Archie Madekwe) and Zara (Sophie Turner) to electronically transfer 4 billion pounds ($5.5 billion) into their accounts before fleeing.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Covaci (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) arrives to investigate the crime, and what follows over six episodes is the unearthing of

who’s involved and how, with the help of forensic accountant Darren Yoshida (Andrew Koji). What makes the series so watchable are the morally compromised characters and the mystery of who’s behind it all. DCI Covaci has a gambling addiction and believes his higher-ups are trying to prevent him from solving the crime. Luke and Zara may not be innocent victims. The real focus is on Zara, whose job is a dead end. She’s a

(Anastasia

FOUND YOU! After searching for 400 years, a vampire (Caleb Landry Jones) finds the reincarnation of his beloved and long-dead wife, Elisabeta (Zoë Bleu), in Mina Murray, in Dracula, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SND

PHOTO COURTESY

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

The storyteller

Comedian Ali Siddiq plays Fremont Theater

Have you caught Ali Siddiq’s act? The independent comedian’s YouTube channel gets a crazy number of views. Millions have streamed his 2025 standup special, My Two Sons, which is funny as hell. He lays out the differences between his oldest son, Trey, and his youngest, Hassan, and he spares them no mercy.

During a recent phone call, I asked him how his kids felt being used in his routine.

“I don’t think they really have no choice,” he laughed. “You know, they’re not living their own life. When they start paying their own bills, maybe they can have a say so, but until then, ‘Hey, this is how you eat.’”

Ali, born Siddiq Nasir Abdullah Ali in Houston, Texas, where he still lives, isn’t so much a set-up-a-punchline comic as he is a masterful and animated storyteller. Onstage, he uses a stool, a small table, and the microphone as props, visually recounting moments in his life. His body language and facial expressions do the rest. Most amazingly, his stories are true.

“I don’t tell fake stores. I don’t do bits,” he claimed. “I stay genuine to the story. My mentor told me years ago that the funniest you’d ever be is based on how honest you want to be, so I just want to be honest. I just have to recall the story. I don’t punch it up. I just say it.”

In his routine, he talks about being in four shootouts. He had a rough-and-tumble youth. When he was 19, he was convicted of cocaine trafficking and did six years of a 15year sentence.

Now 52, he talks about boxing his adult son, Trey, after he refused to take out the trash. It was a one-punch fight. He talks about his younger son, Hassan, and how bougie he is because of his easy life. There are also some moving moments in his special. Ali’s always ready to welcome Trey back home after he moved out but struggled to live on his own.

“I’m really trying to drive home a point of how many people are lost in this world, and why they’re lost, kind of give a human touch to why things happen. I wasn’t gonna make it hard because that’s not my job. I always have

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

COALESCE BOOKSTORE PRESENTS IN CONCERT: PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO

A native of Italy, D’Agostino has made his considerable international mark as a musical artist on the guitar. Feb. 20 7-9 p.m. $25. (805) 772-2880. coalescebookstore.com. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ACCLAIMED SINGER-SONGWRITER

DANIEL NAHMOD COMES TO THE CENTRAL COAST Experience

to be the hand that he can reach to, but his siblings, on the other hand, that’s different. Y’all have at it,” he laughed.

My Two Sons earned Ali an NAACP Image Award nomination, and he has a theory why.

“I think that it’s probably the fact that it was a father showing the difference between the two young men in his life and taking some sort of responsibility for how they see the world. You know, Trey was with me when I was in a different place, and then Hassan is with me when I’m in a more comfortable place, so they’re going to have two different outlooks on things.”

Good Vibez presents stand-up comic Ali Siddiq on his In the Shadows tour at the Fremont Theater on Sunday, Feb. 15 (doors at 6, show at 7 p.m.; all ages; $40.14 to $154.73 at prekindle.com).

Also from Good Vibez this week at the

heart-opening music and meaningful connection as acclaimed singersongwriter Daniel Nahmod shares songs, stories, and inspiration. Feb. 15 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $25. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero. JAZZ AT SENSORIO WITH JAMAAL BAPTISTE, DYLAN JOHNSON, AND SUNNY WRIGHT Join the band at The Amphitheatre on the performance lawn at Sensorio Paso Robles. Enjoy beautiful jazz performances before and after the lights with vocalist Sunny Wright. Feb. 20, 5-8 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. LEGEND ZEPPELIN Take a small peek into what a ‘Bootleg Band’ is with this live look-in and behind-the-scenes peek with Legend Zeppelin, recreating 1969 nightly as they intend to traverse throughout

Fremont, get nostalgic with It’s a 2000s Party on Friday, Feb. 13 (doors and show at 9 p.m.; 18-and-older; $33.96 at prekindle.com). Hear everything from Britney Spears to Eminem. Hip-hop’s in the house when Bravo the Bagchaser and Lou Deezi join forces on their R2DC Tour on Saturday, Feb. 14 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 general or $94.73 to $154.73 VIP at prekindle.com).

Lil Maru opens.

Guitar great Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra play on Tuesday, Feb. 17 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $40.14 to $77.22 at prekindle.com). Liebert, a global phenomenon, began playing guitar at 11. The German-born New Age artist creates Spanish-influenced compositions, and four of his more than 30 studio albums are Grammy-nominated.

Finally, #IMOMSOHARD: The Flashback Tour bring the laughs on Thursday, Feb. 19 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 to $94.22 at prekindle. com). What began as a web series by real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley has become a

the years chronologically over a 5-year period culminating with the 1980 US Tour that never happened. This isn’t nostalgia, it’s history in motion. Feb. 21 , 7 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, (805) 225-7087.

LIVE MUSIC WITH CALI COAST

DUO Enjoy live music by Cali Coast Duo, performing soulful vocals, rich harmonies, and feel-good West Coast vibes. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are encouraged. Feb. 15 1-4 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/ events/021525music. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH NATALIE HASKINS

Experience live music by Natalie Haskins, performing intimate California Americana with heartfelt storytelling and soulful originals. Walk-ins are welcome, but

reservations are encouraged. Feb. 14 , 2-5 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers. com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH THE CALI COAST

DUO AT MCPRICE MYERS WINES The Cali Coast Duo brings a feel-good sound to the winery, blending soulful vocals, rich harmonies, and crowd-pleasing rhythm with effortless West Coast style. Feb. 15 , 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

RAISE YOUR GLASS PINK TRIBUTE

Raise Your Glass (RYG) is a high-energy Los Angeles–based live production celebrating the music and electrifying stage presence of pop-rock icon P!nk. Designed to capture the excitement of a full concert experience, RYG delivers a dynamic, crowd-pleasing show that

comedy cottage industry with their videos garnering nearly 300 million views as they discuss “hemorrhoids, nipple hair, sex after marriage, mom bods, spanks, wedding dresses, and swimsuits,” their bio explains.

Take your medicine

Good Medicine and Numbskull present Long Beach-based surf rock act Tijuana Panthers at The Libertine on Friday, Feb. 13 (7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $17 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Apparently, The Libertine has been getting pushback from neighbors about noise from the venue’s shows, and they have complained to the city. Local musician Vince Cimo started an online petition at change.org. Sign it if you want to save live music in downtown SLO. Good Medicine and Numbskull also present Jonny Fritz at The Siren on Sunday, Feb. 15 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.90 at goodmedicinepresents.com). He calls his mix of country and western music Dad Country—“a theme park tailor made for dads.” According to his bio, he’s a leatherworker who’s “made guitar straps for all your favorite bands and he even co-wrote the hit song ‘All Your Favorite Bands’ (with

keeps audiences singing and dancing from start to finish. Feb. 13 , 7 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

ROY ORBISON RETURNS Celebrate Valentine’s Day with timeless romance at a live Roy Orbison tribute featuring Wiley Ray &The Big O Band. Enjoy unforgettable hits, soaring vocals, and pure love. Feb. 14 7:30 p.m. $49. TempletonPac.org. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, (805) 225-7087.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

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

Robles.

A WINE COUNTRY THEATRE VALENTINE Libretto will transform the evening into a nightclub-style escape where live music and fine wine share the spotlight. Singers will deliver memorable selections, backed by the Andrew Sedley Trio’s blend of piano, drums, and bass. Feb. 15, 4 p.m. $82.18. my805tix.com. Libretto Jazz Club, 1242 Park Street, Paso Robles, (805) 781-3009. SAN LUIS OBISPO CAL POLY CLARINET STUDENT RECITAL

See this free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student clarinetists. Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL Enjoy

LIVE MUSIC continued page 29

ANIMATED AF Good Vibez presents stand-up comic Ali Siddiq on his In the Shadows tour at the Fremont Theater on Feb. 15

COURTESY PHOTO BY DAVID ‘ODI’ WRIGHT

SALT OF THE EARTH Good Medicine and Numbskull present “Dad Country” singer-songwriter Jonny Fritz at The Siren on Feb. 15

COURTESY PHOTO BY MAMA HOTDOG

STARKEY continued page 28

We propose that the State Legislature, California Coastal Commission, the SLO County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Parks come together and create a plan for a Vehicle Free Beach for Oceano by December 2030. Open the QR code to learn more and how you can help.

Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes).” Local singersongwriter Derek Senn opens.

Good Medicine, Numbskull, and KCBX present Rebirth Brass Band in The Siren on Thursday, Feb. 19 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $29.56 at goodmedicinepresents.com). The Grammy Award-winning band is New Orleans royalty and has been for nearly four decades as they’ve combined jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and Second Line sounds.

Push it!

Energetic, rock-infused cover band PUSH plays at The Siren on Friday, Feb. 13 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $5 cash or $6.50 card at tixr.com). You’ll hear hits from the ’70s to today.

Powerhouse vocalist Jessica Mangione fronts the band. Hailing from a musical family, Mangione was a session singer for California radio stations by age 8. At 18, she landed her first record deal, and her debut release, “You Better Be Good To Me,” reached the Top 5 on European charts.

The band also includes Chris Tso (lead guitar and vocals), Paul Choboter (bass and vocals), and Jim Moran (drums).

“Hear your favorite songs from Prince to Donna Summer to AC/DC,” Tso said. “Get ready to dance!”

Also at The Siren, surf, rock, funk, and soul act Riff Tide plays a free matinee show on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14 (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older).

Later that night, three-time Grammynominated reggae act The Wailing Souls performs on Saturday, Feb. 14 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $26.42 at tixr.com). The Jamaican vocal group started back in the ’60s, and while it’s had some lineup changes

over the years, Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald have been with the group since the beginning.

Jah Ollin opens.

Smorgasbord of sound

SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock brings Grateful Dead tribute band The China Cats to the club on Saturday, Feb. 14 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb. com). The Santa Cruz band has been performing the music of the Grateful Dead since 2010.

IMVA and Los Tranquilos play what’s being billed as Noche de Amor (night of love) on Sunday, Feb. 15 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb.com). IMVA delivers pumping R&B and soul. Los Tranquilos is inspired by ’60s and ’70s romanticas, soul, and psychedelia from México and all Latin America. DJ Mana opens

Tripleheader at The Clark Center

AMAZ Entertainment presents Jack Wright’s national touring tribute Neil Diamond Superstar on Saturday, Feb. 14 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $65 at clarkcenter. org). The show chronicles five decades of Diamond’s remarkable career and songs such as “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Solitary Man,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and many more.

The Three Italian Tenors perform on Monday, Feb. 16 (7 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $69 at clarkcenter.org). Straight from Rome, hear Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and Alessandro Fantoni delivering beloved Italian songs and arias, accompanied by pianist Fabrizio Mocata.

International Guitar Night comes to the

STARKEY from page 27

STARKEY continued page 29

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUSH

VIVA L’ITALIA! The Three Italian Tenors perform beloved Italian songs and arias at the Clark Center on Feb. 16

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARK CENTER

Clark Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $38 to $64 at clarkcenter.org).

The 2026 tour features classical guitarist and certified guitar teacher Thu Le (Vietnam), rock-flamenco phenom Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), fingerstyle sensation Alexandr Misko (Russia), and IGN’s first-ever ukulele star, Taimane (Hawaii).

‘Ethno chaos’

Cal Poly Arts presents Kyiv-based quartet DakhaBrakha at the Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 19 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 to $55 at calpolyarts.org). They call their sound “ethno chaos” because it’s “a bold fusion of traditional Ukrainian polyphony with global influences like African rhythms, Indian melodies, and punk energy,” Cal Poly Arts announced. The four members came together in 2004 at the DAKH Center for Contemporary Art, and “the group’s theatrical roots shape their visually rich performances, often accompanied by striking imagery of contemporary Ukraine.”

O Canada

com or $30 at the door). The Canadian folk duo “interweaves age-old music form and tradition with original modern compositions,” organizers announced.

Lisa and Amy juggle fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and foot percussion, drawing from old-time, Quebecois, blues, punk, Celtic, Balkan, and doom metal. An old-time jam session starts at 6 before the 7 p.m. show.

Dying for love

Sound out!

Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

Local supergroup MiniNova is cleverly billing their upcoming concert “Jason vs. Cupid: Friday the 13th Showdown!” The all-star lineup features Scott Martin (sax and vocals) and Rene Camacho (bass) of War, Kenny Lee Lewis (guitar and vocals) of the Steve Miller Band, Cal Poly Jazz Director Jamaal Baptiste (piano), and local drumming legend Jim Stromberg.

“Step into a night where romance meets horror, where funk meets jazz, and where Friday the 13th collides head-on with Cupid’s arrow,” the band announced. “Get ready for a one-of-a-kind musical battle: Jason vs. Cupid.”

Seven Sisters Folklore Society presents A Midwinter’s Night with Mama’s Broke at the Milking Parlor at the Octagon Barn on Wednesday, Feb. 18 (7 to 9 p.m.; all ages; $25 general or $15 under 18 presale at eventbrite.

this free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. DAKHABRAKHA This Kyiv quartet fuses Ukrainian polyphony with global sounds, delivering theatrical, award-winning performances that embody heritage, resilience, and evolving identity. Feb. 19 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20252026-season/dakhabrakha.

Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FESTIVAL MOZAIC - NOTABLE INSIGHT:

STRAUSS ON STAGE Join Scott Yoo and the artists for a “museum docent’s tour” of Richard Strauss’s sonata for cello and piano during this one-hour event. Feb. 20, 5 p.m. $35. festivalmozaic.org. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTS -

CHAMBER MUSIC WITH SCOTT YOO Scott Yoo will be joined by cellist Bion Tsang and pianist Orion Weiss for an afternoon of chamber music. Feb. 22 3 p.m. $45. festivalmozaic.org. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE Hear metal band The Last Ten Seconds Of Life, along with sets by Culprit and Isolate/ Divide. Feb. 16, 6 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com.

Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

MARK APPLEBAUM CONCERT:

COMPOSING THE UNEXPECTED A composer, improviser and instrument builder, he will present recent work spanning graphic scores, invented instruments, and experimental compositions that blur lines. Feb. 12 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/special/#applebaum. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

MININOVA - LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL Don’t miss this intimate pre-Valentines concert and dance, featuring Scott Martin, Kenny Lee Lewis, Rene Camacho, Jamaal Baptiste, and Jim Stromberg. Feb. 13 7 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Chandler Hall,

Danceable funk, rock, soul, and jazz are on the menu when MiniNova plays The Gathering House on Friday, Feb. 13 (11245 Los Osos Valley Road, in SLO; 7 p.m.; $23.27 general admission or $33.98 table seating at my805tix.com). ∆

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

UCC San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-1373.

SAVAGE MASTER AT HUMDINGER

BREWING Hear Savage Master live, with accompanying sets from Trencher, The Cimmerian, and Hostile Takedown. Feb. 14 5 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

THE STRING QUEENS Hear this dynamic trio deliver soulful, genre-spanning music in an intimate “in the round” performance, blending pop, jazz, soul, and classics into powerful journeys of connection. Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026season/the-string-queens. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. TRESTLES + THE DIRTY TURKEYS Hear Trestles, a beach rock project from Santa Cruz, along with Dirty Turkeys, hailing from Boulder, Colorado. Feb. 12 8 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

UKULELE MASTERS COMING TO PLAY

Join this workshop with Hawaiians Herb Ohta, Jr. and Bryan Tolentino, followed by a concert and Hawaiian dinner. Feb. 16 4-9 p.m. $59. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: DIRECT FROM ROME, ITALY: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS Experience the passion and romance of Italy in this unforgettable evening of music with Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and and Alessandro Fantoni. Feb. 16 7-9 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $69; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT The 2026 tour features classical guitar virtuoso Stephanie Jones (Australia), rock-flamenco phenom Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), fingerstyle sensation Alexandr Misko (Russia), and ukulele star, Taimane (Hawaii). Feb. 18 7:30-9:30 p.m. $38$58, Platinum $64; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts,

487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: RIGHT IN THE EYE LIVE MOVIE-CONCERT EXPERIENCE OF GEORGES MÉLIÈS’

FILMS A playful and current rendition of the works of Georges Méliès with an original score composed live for each film — making every piece unique. Feb. 22 , 2-4 p.m. $39-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTSNOTABLE DINNER: SCHUBERT TRIO

Join Scott Yoo and the Festival artists for an interactive musical exploration of Schubert’s masterful Piano Trio No. 2. Feb. 21 , 3 p.m. festivalmozaic.org. The Monarch Club at Trilogy Monarch Dunes, 1645 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo.

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. NEIL DIAMOND SUPERSTAR: JACK WRIGHT’S NATIONAL TOURING

TRIBUTE AMAZ Entertainment Presents: Neil Diamond Superstar - Jack Wright’s National Touring Tribute. Don’t miss this special Valentine’s Day concert! Feb. 14 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE GRADUATES: THE SOUND OF SIMON & GARFUNKEL Castle

Entertainment Presents: The Graduates: The Sound of Simon & Garfunkel. Feb. 21 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $41.50-$79.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND JAZZ AT PUFFERS: SUNNY WRIGHT, PAT KELLEY, AND DAVID KEIF We’re bringin the love to Pismo with vocalist Sunny Wright, guitarist Pat Kelley, and bassist David Keif. Enjoy a great wine list and great people too! Feb. 15 5-8 p.m. $5. (805) 773-6563. puffersofpismo.com/. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆

CRYING UNCLE BLUEGRASS BAND

Flavor

BY MADISON WHITE

Fields of purple

An early grower in the Central Coast lavender industry continues sharing the flower’s many uses

Bees and lavender are a natural combination. When the weather was warm, the fields of lavender at Lila AveryFuson’s family farm hummed.

“Basically, the bees own the lavender. We just get to borrow it when it’s cool,” she said.

Recipes galore

To buy Central Coast Lavender products online and learn more about The Lavender Academy, visit centralcoastlavender.com. Follow @centralcoastlavender on Instagram for updates and recipe ideas.

The 7-acre farm was known for hosting you-pick events before the summer heat in Paso Robles fully kicked in. Avery-Fuson remembers stocking plenty of EpiPens for severe reactions, but the bees were usually so intoxicated from the lavender that they just bumped into people rather than stinging them.

Five years ago, her business, Central Coast Lavender, experienced many losses, including the majority of the friendly buzzing insects. The founder pivoted after the pandemic, scaling down acreage and selling directly to consumers rather than continuing wholesale. With the help of a few family members, Avery-Fuson still sells home goods and lavender products online from flowers that she distills.

Last fall she started an educational program called The Lavender Academy to teach small growers all about the plant, from the medicinal benefits to how to monetize their crops. She said information about the online course will be available on her website for this year’s spring session, set to begin in March.

“I love my position now as a mentor and an educator and a formulator,” she said. “I think I find more joy in helping others through teaching them how to start from the ground up and how not to make the same mistakes that I had to make three or four times to get it right.”

Since planting the first crops on her Paso Robles farm in 2007, Avery-Fuson has assumed a prominent role in the local and national lavender industry. She founded the Central Coast Lavender Growers Association almost 20 years ago as the state’s first nonprofit lavender group. In 2011 AveryFuson was a founding member of a similar organization at the national level.

“I feel extraordinarily blessed to have been the first one to dive off that top and build my wings on the way down and be able to be one of the pioneers in the lavender industry of the United States,” she said. “I can’t believe I was.”

After convincing the Paso Robles City Council, she got the Central Coast Lavender Festival up and running with the help of Norma Moye, who passed away in December last year. Since the pandemic, the festival has included local olives and is now known as the Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival.

Of all the ways to use lavender in the kitchen, Avery-Fuson’s favorite is to incorporate the buds into shortbread cookies. Her recipe uses a lot of butter and lemon zest. The cookies made a good snack for farm visitors when Avery-Fuson hosted tours.

ingredients to use dried lavender in lemon bars, jams, simple syrups, chocolate marshmallows, scones, butter, and beverages.

Another treasured recipe in her household is lavender and mint tea steeped in coconut cream instead of water.

“It’s so good,” Avery-Fuson said. “It’s a nighttime drink, and it helps you sleep, too.”

She doesn’t want people to forget the plant’s uses as a medicinal herb, either. Lavender has antiinflammatory and anti-nausea properties as well as therapeutic benefits for relaxation, the grower explained.

Over the years she’s learned a lot about the scientific and agricultural principles of planting lavender. At the end of the day, it’s a crop, she explained, that loves the Central Coast’s Mediterranean climate just like grapes and olives.

Share tasty tips! Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.

“I would always have lavender lemonade and lavender shortbread cookies for after they walked the fields and came up and wanted to go shopping in my farm store,” she recalled.

Avery-Fuson’s wealth of online recipes spell out just the right combination of

French lavender, a hybrid species, yields three times as much oil as the English variety and is used to make essential oils. English lavender is recommended for culinary uses. Depending on the species, lavender can bloom between April and July. Each year’s harvest depends on the weather, water, soil, and sunlight.

Avery-Fuson’s family history in Paso Robles dates back to the mid-1800s. She remembers her grandmother making

lavender tea and salves to treat “melancholy.” Yet it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the business founder started her own lavender journey.

A genetic degenerative brain disease diagnosis led Avery-Fuson to lavender’s natural remedies. By learning more about the plant, she found her own purpose again, using it as fuel for Central Coast Lavender.

“It changed my outlook from being a victim of a diagnosis to putting me on a mission of owning it and turning around my health,” Avery-Fuson said.

Despite today’s scaled-down production, she’s found a new way to grow the business by spreading her knowledge. There aren’t as many bees buzzing around her farm, but the industry’s hum is still loud. ∆

Sun Staff Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper, loves all things purple. Send flowers to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

A PURPLE PURPOSE Lila Avery-Fuson runs Central Coast Lavender in Paso Robles, distilling her own buds and selling goods online.

BUDS IN THE STILL The large still that Central Coast Lavender uses can hold 50 pounds of lavender, and it’s 15 times bigger than this small table still. It takes two and a half hours to produce essential oil.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LILA AVERY-FUSON

CALMING COMBOS Customers can find a variety of lavender goods online, including products with aromatherapy and health benefits.

CULINARY DELIGHTS One of Lila AveryFuson’s favorite ways to use lavender in her kitchen is for lemon shortbread cookies.

LIVE LIFE TO THE CLIMAX

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3.6 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, nav, 2pseats, blk,

LLC, Jonathan Badgley, Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12-19-2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 12-192030. January 22, 29, February 5, & 12, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-2464 (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as ISABELLA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM, 1090 Cielo Lane, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. Isabella Nicole Melton (1090 Cielo Lane, Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Isabella Nicole Melton. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12-19-2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 12-192030. January 22, 29, February 5, & 12, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-2466 (01/01/2021)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as LEGENDS SALON AND DAY SPA, 4855 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422. San Luis Obispo County. Katherine Ann McNamara, Joel Martin Dunbar (4855 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422). This business is conducted by A Married Couple /s/ Joel Martin Dunbar. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12-22-2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 12-22-2030. February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-2482 (N/A) New Filing

The following person is doing business as BA START, 647 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. SNR Performance LLC (8455 San Clemente Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ SNR Performance LLC, Robin Peterson, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 12-23-2025.

Luis Obispo County. Frank Roland Williams (495 Brighton Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Frank Roland Williams. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-08-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 01-08-2031. January 22, 29, February 5, & 12, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0051 (11/10/2025) New Filing

The following person is doing business as FIRST CHOICE SENIOR PLACEMENT, 2425 Gerda Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. (First Choice Senior Placement), Corporation (2425 Gerda Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ (First Choice Senior Placement), Corporation, Joel Wobrock,

ORDINANCE NO. 3585

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 8.13, OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE TO EXTEND THE INTERIM MORATORIUM ON THE LAND APPLICATION OF TREATED SEWAGE SLUDGE/BIOSOLIDS

The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, ordains as follows:

SECTION I. Section 8.13.030 is hereby amended as follows: 8.13.030 - Interim moratorium.

Except as otherwise provided herein, there shall be an interim moratorium on the application or distribution of biosolids and exceptional quality biosolids on any land within the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. The moratorium established by this ordinance shall remain in effect until such time as a permanent ordinance regulating the land application of biosolids and exceptional quality biosolids is enacted by the Board of Supervisors, or until March 31, 2026 2029 whichever first occurs. The moratorium shall apply to any person applying or distributing biosolids in San Luis Obispo County, subject to the following requirements:

(1) Any person who desires to distribute or apply biosolids in a quantity equaling or exceeding 5.0 cubic yards during the period of the moratorium, shall notify in writing the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, Division of Environmental Health thirty days prior to application or distribution; and

(2) The division of environmental health shall not authorize more than a cumulative total of one thousand five hundred cubic yards of exceptional quality biosolids to be applied or distributed within the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County during any twelve-month period beginning with the adoption of this ordinance.

If the cumulative total of exceptional quality biosolids land applied or distributed in a twelve-month period is less than one thousand five hundred cubic yards, the remainder shall be carried over to the subsequent twelve-month period and added to the one thousand five hundred cubic yards.

(3) The division of environmental health shall be empowered to prohibit any application of biosolids, including exceptional quality biosolids under the following conditions:

a. Biosolids failing to meet exceptional quality (EQ) standards as described in 40 CFR 503.13 Table 3 and that have achieved a level of vector attraction reduction required by 40 CFR

503.33. Additionally, biosolids failing to meet either fecal coliform or Salmonella sp. bacterial limits contained in Alternatives 1 through 6 of 40 CFR 503.32(a).

b. The application of biosolids is in excess of the cumulative total limitation set forth above in subsection (2).

c. The applicant cannot provide documentation of biosolids meeting EQ standards.

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) or any other provision of this chapter, nothing contained herein shall empower the division of environmental health to prohibit or otherwise render unlawful the distribution or application of biosolids in a manner inconsistent with any applicable federal or state law or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

(5) The division of environmental health shall develop policies and procedures to implement the requirements of this chapter.

SECTION II. The Board of Supervisors has considered the amendments to Title 8 that are proposed with respect to the matter described above. The Board of Supervisors, as a result of its consideration and the evidence presented at the hearing on said matter and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR §§15060(c)(3) & 15378, finds the ordinance amendments are not a “project” and thus not subject to Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code (“CEQA”); Even if the ordinance amendments are a “project”, the Board of Supervisors, as a result of its consideration and the evidence presented at the hearing on said matter, determines that this activity is exempt from review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR §15061(b)(3) which provides that an activity is not subject to CEQA review where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it may have a “significant effect on the environment.” The Board of Supervisors finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of the amendments to Title 8 as stated above may have a significant effect on the environment because there is no substantial evidence that the adoption of this ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The Board of Supervisors hereby approves this adoption of the above amendments to Title 8 in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the County’s regulations implementing said Act.

SECTION III. If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of these ordinance amendments is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portion of these ordinance amendments. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have passed these ordinance amendments and each section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION IV. In accordance with Government Code Section 25131, after reading of the title of the ordinance amendments, further reading of the ordinance amendments in full is waived.

SECTION V. These ordinance amendments shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage; and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after passage of this ordinance, it shall be published once with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on the 17th day of November, 2020 3rd day of February, 2026 and passed and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 15th day of December, 2020 10th day of February, 2026 by the following roll call vote, to-wit:

AYES: Supervisors Bruce S. Gibson, Chairperson Jimmy Paulding, John Peschong, Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Heather Moreno

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

Certified copies of the full text of the ordinance may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.

DATED: February 11, 2026

MATTHEW PONTES

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCES

ADOPTING AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 10, 2026, the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing at 9:00 A.M. in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA to consider the following item:

ORDINANCES AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE

On March 10, 2026, the Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing prior to considering adoption of the Ordinances. If adopted, the Ordinances will amend Chapter Two of County Code.

The Board of Supervisors may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Board of Supervisors at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.

Summary of Ordinance

The Ordinance amends Chapter 2.11 and 2.36. The amendments to Chapter 2.11 largely implement the organizational transition of moving the Central Services Department into the Executive Office. Some notable changes are: (i) that the Chief Executive Officer of the County, or designee, will now be the designated purchasing agent; and (2) that the aggregate threshold for certain supplies that are required to be formally bid be increased from twenty five thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars, or as otherwise set by the Board by Resolution.

The amendments to Chapter 2.36 are intended to allow for deviation from the County’s local preference provision regarding purchasing if the underlying contract is subject to any State or Federal law, regulation, or agency prohibits such a preference in the contract solicitation. Currently, the only exception for such a deviation is for public works projects which must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Documents Available for Review

For further information, you may contact Landon St James in the County of San Luis Obispo Executive Office at (805) 781-5200. Copies of the full text of the proposed ordinance can be reviewed online at: https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/iip/ sanluisobispo/agendaitem/details/19933

DATED: February 11, 2026

MATTHEW PONTES

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By: /s/ Niki Martin Deputy Clerk February 12, 2026

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:

This Draft Ordinance repeals and replaces Chapter 7 (Fire Code) of Title 4 Public Safety Code of the Atascadero Municipal Code.

On February 10, 2026, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.40.040 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS

AYES: Council Members, Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz and Mayor Bourbeau.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None

Council Members, Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz and Mayor Bourbeau. None. None

The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code

Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.

DATED: February 10, 2026

S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk

PUBLISH: February 12, 2026

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles

Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:

Project Description:

The Project is a resort hotel expansion to the existing Allegretto Resort prosing to add 93 lodging rooms (hotel suites, villas, spa suites), accessory uses/buildings including a conference center, viticulture building, and recreational activities such as a swimming pool and pickleball courts. The project is proposed to be constructed on portions of the existing Alegretto site and on the adjacent 10.8- acre vacant land acquired through a purchase agreement between Ayres Paso Robles, LP and Cuesta College. (GPA-25-02, RZN25-02, P25-0027, SPA26-01).

Applicant:

Ayres Paso Robles, LP

Location:

2700 Buena Vista Drive

CEQA Determination:

As lead agency, and as part of the City’s due diligence, the City required an updated Traffic Impact Study, Biological Study, Cultural Study, Air Quality and Green House Gas assessment, to determine if the Project would result in any new or more severe significant effects not identified in the 2012 MND. Based on this study, a full analysis of the scope of the Project, and the previously adopted 2012 MND, none of the criteria specified in CEQA Guidelines section 15162 requiring a subsequent or supplemental environmental document to be prepared is triggered. In particular, there have been no: (1) substantial changes in the project that will require major revisions to the previous MND due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effect; (2) substantial changes with respect to the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken that will require major revisions to the previous MND due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effect; and (3) new information of substantial importance that was not known and could not have been known at the time the previous MND was adopted that shows: (a) the Project would have significant effects not discussed in the previous MND; (b) the Project would have more severe environmental effects; or (3) mitigation measures previously found to be infeasible or new mitigation measures now exist and would be feasible and would reduce significant effects. Therefore, an addendum is the appropriate document under CEQA to analyze the consistency of the Project with the type and intensity of development previously analyzed for the site in the MND as provided for in CEQA Guidelines section 15162 and 15164.

Hearing Date:

The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.

The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.

Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission and/or City Council at, or prior to, the public hearings. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. February 12, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, at its Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026, introduced the above-titled ordinance upon a motion by Council Member Marx, second by Council Member Boswell, and on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Council Member Boswell, Marx, Shoresman, Vice Mayor Francis, and Mayor Stewart

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

Ordinance No. 1755 (2026 Series): This is a City Ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.40 (Election Campaign Regulations), Section 2.40.040 (Contribution limitations), to increase the current total contribution limit per person from $250 to $500 to align with Senate Bill 1243. Senate Bill 1243 broadens the scope of Section 84308 of the Political Reform Act to prohibit local elected officials from taking part in licensing, permitting, and other use entitlement proceedings involving a party or participant who has contributed more than $500 to the official within the 12 months prior to the proceeding and from accepting any such contribution for 12 months after the final decision.

This Ordinance also includes a clerical amendment to the language in Section 1(c), to be rewritten as follows: “The Council has considered and affirms the statement of purpose and intent set forth herein and determines the amended and decreased increased contribution limits adopted herein further and support the stated purpose and intent.”

A full and complete copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for inspection as part of the published agenda packet for the February 17, 2026 Council Meeting, upon request from the City Clerk, and you may call (805) 781-7114 for more information.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo will consider adopting the Ordinance at its Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.

Teresa Purrington

City Clerk

February 12, 2026

The San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@ slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:

• Review of a request to include the residence at 571 Pismo St on the Inventory of Historical Resources as a Landmark Resource (previously called Master List Resource). 571 Pismo is currently designated as a Local Register Resource (previously Contributing). The project is categorically exempt from environmental review. Project Address: 571 Pismo St. Case #: HIST-0944-2025, R-3-H zone; Ben and Saskia Winter, applicant

Contact: Eva Wynn – (805) 781-7172 – ewynn@slocity.org

• Review of the request to enter a Mills Act contract with the property owners at 1421 Garden St, a current Landmark (previously Master List) on the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review. Project Address: 1421 Garden St. Case #: HIST-0681-2025, O-H zone; Jen and Beau Nagarron, applicant

Contact: Eva Wynn – (805) 781-7172 – ewynn@slocity.org

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

The report(s) will be available for review in the Community Development Office and online in advance of the meeting at https://www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/ agendas-and-minutes/cultural-heritage-committee Please call 805-781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report.

February 12, 2026

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT

A hearing to consider a request by Robert Marinai for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of two separate three-story multi-family residential buildings totaling 15,525 square feet and consisting of 38 market-rate units. The proposed project will result in a ground disturbance of 1.24 acres -the whole site. The proposed project is within the Commercial Retail land use category, located at 549 Hill Street, 310 feet west of Frontage Road, in the community of Nipomo. The site is in the South County Inland Sub-Area of the South County Planning Area and is partially located within the West Tefft Corridor Design Plan Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21080.66 -housing development projects.

County File Number: N-DRC2024-00037

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 092-579-004

Date Accepted: 1/16/2026

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning. org. You may also contact Elizabeth Moreno, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600. Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary

Planning Commission

February 12, 2026

COUNTY

OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT

Hearing to consider a request by Vertical Bridge, Verizon, and T-Mobile for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2024-00046) and Variance to allow the construction of telecommunications and public utility facility, consisting of a 65’ monopole with (19) 8’ antennas, (18) rru’s, (1) 2’ microwave, (1) 4’ microwave, (2) gps antenna, (3) service lights, (5) ground mounted radio cabinets, (2) back-up diesel generators, (2) raised concrete pads, cable ice bridge, Utility backboard and multi-meter utility service mounted on concrete pad within a 1,600 square-foot fenced lease area. Included in this request is grading on slopes greater than 30% to improve an approximately 5,274-foot- long access road. The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located approximately 0.5-miles south of the Village of Heritage Ranch. The subject property is within the Nacimiento sub-area of the North County planning area.

This project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA.

County File Number: N-DRC2024-00046

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 080-121-039

Date Accepted: 11/25/2025

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Blake Maule, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4163.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Commission February 12, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 7815600.

WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Mark Valadez, Nipomo New Beginnings Community Church of Nazarene for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2022-00014) to allow a religious facility on a parcel less than 20,000 square feet in size. The project consists of alterations to existing buildings, on-site parking, landscaping, and various frontage improvements. The proposed project is located at 136 N. Thompson Avenue within the Commercial Retail land use category and the Nipomo Central Business District in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) (ED24- 226).

County File Number: N-DRC2022-00014

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 090-385-020

Date Accepted: 10/2/2024

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-9470.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Commission February 12, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN Monday, March 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT

A request by Green Gate Farms SLO LLC for a first one-year time extension for a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map (N-SUB2022-00048 / CO22-0046) to subdivide an existing 133.5-acre parcel into two parcels of 78.9 acres and 54.6 acres for the purpose of consolidating the residential dwellings. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 300 Green Gate Road, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the City of San Luis Obispo. The site is in the San Luis Obispo Sub-Area of the South County Planning Area.

County File Number: N-EXT2026-00001

Supervisorial District: District 3

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 044-161-009

Date Accepted: 1/9/2026

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning. org. You may also contact Samantha Kinney, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary

Subdivision Review Board February 12, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT Hearing to consider a request by the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) for a Development Plan / Coastal Development Permit (DRC2013-00112) to allow for the continued operation of the CCSD Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) previously approved by the County Planning Department to operate on an emergency basis pursuant to the Emergency Coastal Development Permit (ZON201300589) issued May 15, 2014. The project includes the emergency permit components, including: the Advanced Water Treatment Plant, pipelines, a discharge to San Simeon Creek, four monitoring wells, recharge injection wells, conversion of the Van Gordon Reservoir to a brine evaporation pond, utilities, and access roads. Additionally, the project proposes new improvements to the access road, return of evaporation pond back to a reservoir, extension of discharge line to San Simeon Creek, and a Zero Liquid Discharge facility. The WRF would operate up to 24 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 7 months per year, depending on precipitation. The project site is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 990 San Simeon Creek Road, approximately 0.65 miles north of the Cambria Urban Reserve Line and 1.23 miles south of the San Simeon Urban Reserve Line. The site is in the North Coast Area Plan of the Coastal Zone.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is consistent with the 2025 Addendum to the 2017 Subsequent Environmental Impact Reports for the Cambria Water Reclamation Facility (SCH # 2014061073).

County File Number: DRC2013-00112

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 013-051-008, -024

Date Accepted: 10/16/2025

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Jeremy Freund, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5621.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary

Planning Commission February 12, 2026

WHO

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission WHEN Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT

Hearing to consider a request by Richard Noland for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2024-00042) to allow up to 25 temporary outdoor events per year with amplified sound with a maximum of 150 guests per event for a period of 20 years and to waive the secondary access requirement. The parcel consists of 22.27 acres and is located just east of Highway 101 near the intersection of San Luis Bay Drive and Monte Road at 6445 Monte Road, approximately 2.25 miles south of the city limits of San Luis Obispo. The property is located within the San Luis Bay Sub-Area of the San Luis Obispo Planning Area. Also to be considered is that this project is found to be statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the provisions of Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(5), which provides that CEQA does not apply to projects which a public agency rejects or disapproves.

County File Number: N-DRC2024-00042

Supervisorial District: District 3

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 076-251-045

Date Accepted: 8/25/2025

WHERE

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org.

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

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Commission February 12, 2026

FEBRUARY 3, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING BRIEF

Items 1-15: Consent Agenda & Resolution (Res) Nos. 2026-011 thru 2026-016 – APPROVED.

Item 16: Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: S. Shealy; G. Kirkland; L. Vansaupa; J. Patterson; J. Koman; L. Jouet; D. Kaiser; L. Casale: spoke - NO ACTION TAKEN.

Item 17: Res. 2026-017, approving the 2026 Action Plan affordable housing projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development –ADOPTED.

Item 18: Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 2. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 1. Existing Litigation: SLO Coastkeeper, et. al. v. Co. of SLO, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV-06854-SPG-ASx. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEAT&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA. Conference w/ real property negotiator re: APNs: 002-324-010; 012; 002-326-021 Parties Negotiating: Judicial Council of CA. Instructions: Price, Terms & Conditions. Open Session: Report out - NONE.

Item 19: Status of compliance w/ the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act & Groundwater Sustainability Plan implementation status in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin – REC’D.

Item 20: Hearing re: Res. 2026-018, establishing the fallowed land registry for the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Subbasin Multi-Benefit Irrigated Land Repurposing Program; Ordinance No. 3583, amending the Inland Land Use Ordinance & Res. 2026-019, amending the Williamson Act Rules of Procedure (exempt from CEQA) (County File Number: LRP2026-00002) – ADOPTED W/ DIRECTION PROVIDED TO STAFF.

Item 21: Board Member comments and reports on meetings - NONE.

Meeting adjourned.

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

Matthew P. Pontes, County Administrative Officer & ExOfficio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of SupervisorsFebruary 12, 2026

CITY OF ATASCADERO

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

DATE: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider a Zone Change amending PD09 to allow a carwash use, Lot Line Adjustment, and Conditional Use Permit amending the Home Depot Center Master Plan of Development (2000-14) to allow a drive-through restaurant, carwash, and commercial building at 805, 910, 920, and 940 El Camino Real (APNs 049-045-036, 049-045-034, 049-045033, and 049-045-035). Zoning code modifications are requested to allow reduced driveway spacing and a parking reduction. The proposed project qualifies for a Class 32 categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, which exempts infill development projects. (USE25-0069).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend in-person and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record.

Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www. atascadero.org/agendas.

DATED: February 10, 2026

S/ K Gleason, Planning Manager

PUBLISH: February 12, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:

Project Description: The project is a multi-phase renovation of the existing Paso Robles Youth Arts Center (PRYAC) facility including construction of approximately 4,800 square feet of additional floor area to establish more classrooms. The project entitlements include Development Plan 25-02, Conditional Use Permit 25-18, Amendment 25-01, and Development Plan Modification 26-02 (PD25-02, CUP25-18, AMD25-01, MOD26-02, P250010).

Applicant: Gene Runkle on behalf of the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center

Location: 3201 Spring Street (APNs 008-032-023 and 008-032-012)

CEQA Determination: The project is exempt from environmental review as a class 32 categorical exemption for Infill Development Projects pursuant to the State’s Guidelines to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15332

Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446

The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting. Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@ prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. February 12, 2026

CITY OF MORRO BAY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Morro Bay City Council will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to consider the following matter. This public hearing will be conducted in a hybrid format with opportunities for public comment both in-person at the Morro Bay Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442, as well as through virtual public participation via Zoom. Details for virtual participation will be provided on the meeting agenda. Staff reports, plans and other information related to the proposed Zoning Code / Implementation Plan amendments are available for public review at the Community Development Department, 955 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay, CA and are available on the City of Morro Bay website at www.morrobayca. gov/agenda three (3) business days prior to the hearing. Ways to participate, watch, and submit public comment for this meeting are provided on the agenda.

Written comments are also accepted by the City Council via email at citycouncil@morrobayca.gov or by mail prior to the meeting to the Community Development Department, c/o City Hall at 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, California, 93442. All agenda correspondence received by 10 am on the meeting day will be posted on the city website.

Case No: Plan Morro Bay: Zoning Code/Implementation Plan (IP) Amendments Site Location: Citywide, Morro Bay, California.

Proposal: Hearing to consider a request by the City of Morro Bay to approve various amendments to the Zoning Code / Implementation Plan (IP), Title 17 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code, to reinstate a setback adjustment for sloping residential lots; reinstate a blufftop height limit on Front Street between Beach Street and Surf Street; clarifying the sign code’s standards for electronic changeable copy signs do not apply to message boards displaying time, temperate, or fuel prices; amending the City’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to comply with State ADU law; and amending procedural requirements for amending the General Plan consistent with voter initiative A-24. The chapters proposed for amendment include:

• 17.07.030 (Residential Development Standards)

• 17.08.030 (Commercial Development Standards – IP)

• 17.23.140 (Sloping Lots – IP)

• 17.29.120 (Electronic Changeable Copy Signs)

• 17.46.100 (Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Code, and Zoning Map)

• 17.30.040 (Accessory Dwelling Units)

CEQA: The proposed project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption, and Statutory Exemption 15282(h) for the adoption of an ordinance regarding second units in a single-family or multifamily residential zone.

Staff Recommendation: Review the Amendment Adoption Hearing Drafts of the Zoning Code/Implementation Plan (IP), review the Planning Commission recommendation, take public comment, adopt Ordinance No. 677 and Ordinance No. 678, and waive further reading.

Staff Contact: Airlin Singewald, Community Development Director, (805) 772-6291, asingewald@morrobayca.gov and Susana Toner, Senior Planner, (805) 772-6270, stoner@morrobayca.gov February 12, 2026

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:

This Draft Ordinance repeals Title 8 (Building Regulations) and replaces Title 8 to adopt and amend the latest editions of The Construction and Fire Codes, and adopt findings of facts to support the imposition of requirements greater than the requirements established by or pursuant to the California Building Standards Code.

On February 10, 2026, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

AYES: Council Members, Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz and Mayor Bourbeau.

NOES: ABSENT:

Council Members, Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz and Mayor Bourbeau. None. None

The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code

Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.

DATED: February 10, 2026

S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk PUBLISH: February 12, 2026

CITY OF PISMO BEACH

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

SEALED BIDS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 12, 2026 for performing work as follows: CLIFF AVE/OCEAN BLVD UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL STREETLIGHT PROJECT

Before submitting bids, Contractors shall be licensed in accordance with the Laws of the State of California. The successful Bidder shall possess a Class A, General Engineering, Contractor’s License or a C-10, Electrical Contractor’s License at the time this contract is awarded.

All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.

Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach. org/bids

ERICA INDERLIED, CITY CLERK

February 12 & 19, 2026

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, in City Hall, on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 in City Hall, Council Chamber, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA to consider the following item:

SUBJECT:

1. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 50 (Water) of Title V (Public Works) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Add Sections 50.030 through 50.039 pertaining to Cross Connection Controls and Inspections –The City Council will conduct a public hearing for the second reading and adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 50 (Water) of Title V (Public Works) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code (GBMC) to add sections 50.030 through 50.039 pertaining to Cross Connection Controls and inspections. The updated CrossConnection Control Policy will enhance long-term protection of the City’s drinking water supply and safeguard public health within the community; and it will improve program clarity, operational efficiency, and transparency in the inspection, testing, and enforcement processes.

Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments to the City Clerk prior to the meeting by personal delivery or by mail to: City Clerk’s Office, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to gbadmin@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the item described in this notice, please contact: Public Works Director/City Engineer Greg Ray by telephone at (805) 473-4530 or send an email to publicworks@groverbeach.org.

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and copy of the staff report on the above item will be posted on the city website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of City Council meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach.org (click on the icon “Government Access Local Channel 20” and then “Channel 20”).

If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing (Govt. Code Sec 65009).

/s/ Wendi Sims, City Clerk

Dated: February 11, 2026

Publish: 1x – The New Times on Thurs., February 12, 2026 Post: Grover Beach City Hall on Thurs., February 12, 2026

Homework: What fresh, bold action on behalf of love could you take? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them,” wrote Ernest Hemingway. This Valentine season, I propose you experiment with his approach. Take a smart risk with people who have shown glimmers of reliability but whom you haven’t fully welcomed. Don’t indulge in reckless credulity, just courageous and discerning openness. Be vulnerable enough to discover what further connection might bloom if you lead with faith rather than suspicion. Your willingness to believe in someone’s better nature may help bring it forth.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): Taurus singer Barbra Streisand addressed her legendary perfectionism. She said that truly interesting intimacy became available for her only after she showed her dear allies her full array of selves, not just her shiny, polished side. In alignment with astrological omens, I encourage you to experiment with the daring art of unfinished revelation. Let the people you care for witness you in the midst of becoming. Share your uncertainties, your half-formed thoughts, and your works in progress. Surprise! Your flaws may prove as endearing as your achievements.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Author Anaïs Nin wrote, “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” I believe this understanding of camaraderie should be at the heart of most Geminis’ destinies. It’s your birthright and your potential superpower to seek connections with people who inspire you to think thoughts and feel feelings you would never summon by yourself. You have an uncanny knack for finding allies and colleagues who help you unveil and express more of your total self. Now is a good time to tap further into these blessings.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): Poet David Whyte said that “heartbreak is unpreventable.” It’s “the natural outcome of caring for people and things over which we have no control.” But here’s the redemptive twist: Your capacity to feel heartbreak proves you have loved well. Your shaky aches are emblems of your courageous readiness to risk closeness and be deeply affected. So let’s celebrate your tender heart not despite its vulnerability but because of it. You should brandish your sensitivity as a superpower.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Choreographer Twyla Tharp said she fell in love with her husband partly because “he was the only person who didn’t seem impressed by me.” I will extrapolate from that to draw this conclusion: Our most valuable allies might show their most rigorous respect by seeing us clearly. This Valentine season, Leo, I invite you to test the hypothesis that being thoroughly known and understood is more crucial than being regularly praised and flattered. Enrich your connections with the perceptive souls who love you not for your highlight reel but for your raw, genuine self.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The famously kind and caring author Anne Lamott confessed, “I thought such awful thoughts that I cannot even say them out loud because they would make Jesus want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish.” That’s a liberating insight. She revealed that even kind, caring people like her harbor messy internal chaos. This Valentine season, Virgo, I dare you to share a few of your less-than-noble thoughts with soulful characters whom you trust will love you no matter what. Let them see that your goodness coexists with your salty imperfections. Maybe you could even playfully highlight the rough and rugged parts of you for their entertainment value. What’s the goal? To deepen spirited togetherness.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): How do we eagerly and daringly merge our fortunes with another person while maintaining our sovereign selfhood? How do we cultivate interesting togetherness

without suppressing or diluting our idiosyncratic beauty? In some respects, this is a heroic experiment that seems almost impossible. In other respects, it’s the best work on the planet for anyone who’s brave enough to attempt it. Luckily for you Libras, this is potentially one of your superpowers. And now is an excellent time to take your efforts to the next level of heartful grittiness.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Here’s a quote by the character Carrie Bradshaw from the TV show Sex and the City: “The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that you love, that’s fabulous.” I invite you to make this a prime meditation, Scorpio. To begin, get extra inspired by your own mysterious beauty: captivated by your own depths, fascinated by your mysterious contradictions, and delighted by your urge for continual transformation. The next step is to identify allies and potential allies who appreciate the strange magnificence you treasure in yourself. Who devoutly wants you to fulfill your genuine, idiosyncratic soul’s code? Spend the coming weeks enriching your connections with these people.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): This Valentine season, I propose that you infuse your intimate life with a fun dose of playful curiosity. Visualize your beloved allies, both current and potential, as unfolding mysteries rather than solved puzzles. Ask them provocative questions you’ve never thought to ask before. Wonder aloud about their simmering dreams and evolving philosophies. (Brezsny’s Togetherness Rule No. 1: When you think you’ve figured someone out completely, the relationship withers.) In fact, let’s make this one of your assignments for the next five months: Heighten and nurture your nosiness about the beautiful people you love. Treat each conversation as an expedition into unexplored territory. (Brezsny’s Togetherness Rule No. 2: A great way to stoke their passion for you and your passion for them is to believe there’s always more to discover about each other.)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Ecologists studying symbiosis know that successful partnerships aren’t always between similar organisms. Some bonds link the fortunes of radically different creatures, like clownfish and sea anemones or oxpeckers and buffalo. Each supplies resources or protection the other lacks, often assuring they live more successfully together than they would on their own. This is useful information for you right now. At least one of the allies you need looks nothing like you. Their genius is orthogonal to yours, or they have skills you don’t. The blend may not be comfortable, but I bet it’s the precise intelligence you need to achieve what you can’t accomplish alone.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Poet Mary Oliver asked her readers, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This Valentine season, I propose a collaborative version of this prod: Ask those you care for to help you answer Oliver’s question and offer to help them answer it for themselves. Now is an excellent time to act on the truth that vibrant intimacy involves the two of you inspiring each other to fulfill your highest callings. Do whatever it takes to make both of you braver and bolder as you learn more about who you are meant to be.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Can you care for stressed people without making it your duty to rescue them? Can you offer support without being taken advantage of? I hope so, Pisces. Life is inviting you to be more skilled about expressing your love without compromising your own interests. How? First, offer affection without signing up for endless service. Second, don’t let your empathy blur into entanglement. Third, monitor your urge to care so it doesn’t weaken your sovereignty. Your gift for soothing others’ struggles evokes my deep respect, but it’s most effective when it’s subtle and relaxed. Give people room to carry out their own necessary work. ∆