New Times, Feb. 19, 2026

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

ENOUGH!

Contents

Editor’s note

Noise complaints against the Libertine in downtown San Luis Obispo are pushing the city to review the updated permit it approved for the venue last September. The music hot spot can host live acts until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 p.m. the rest of the week. But the city said it’s fielded multiple complaints about the Libertine in recent months, and the venue was accused of violating its permit conditions on a couple of occasions.

With a Planning Commission hearing on the permit coming up on Feb. 22, Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal talks to the venue and the city [6] In addition, read about what Morro Bay skateboarders are proposing to replace the skate park that was closed in January [8]; live music and curated sounds at Hotel

[20]; and the Tea Trolley in Atascadero’s new owner

SLO

[27]. Camillia Lanham editor

cover photo by Pieter Saayman cover design by Alex Zuniga

SOUND OFF The Dirty Turkeys’ take on psychedelic rock—what they call “acid cow punk”—permeates

Cherish Whyte, John Ashbaugh, Gianna Patchen CIRCULATION

Falconer, Dennis Flately, Edward Barnett, Bernadette Miller, Joe Brice

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SLO Parks and Rec Commission tables

Emerson dog park

Neighborhood concern that a fenced dog park would eat away the grassy space at Emerson Park compelled the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission’s decision to leave it out of renovation plans.

“Friday Night Lights youth flag football is the largest youth organization in the city of San Luis Obispo,” Friday Night Lights Commissioner Mark Broersma wrote in a letter read out by a local coach at the meeting. “The city has always struggled to keep up with the practice and space demand of this growing sport, which now has a significant female participation … as a result, our only option of late is Emerson Park and while it is small, this has been the best space available for practices.”

Met with a flood of written and spoken comments from the public at its Feb. 4 meeting, the commission voted 7-0 to proceed with other improvements to Emerson Park—restrooms, water stations, safety and walkway lighting, new blacktop surfacing and seating area pathways, an instructional and educational garden zone, a redesigned and expanded playground, and an upgraded basketball court.

It will re-evaluate the potential of adding a dog park to the mix in about 18 months, after the improved park is reopened. Parks and Rec anticipates that the new park will be open to the public in early 2027.

“The green space is critical. I have a son too, and he plays [Friday Night Lights], so I know that space is hard to find, especially in the fall when baseball fields are being renovated, and Emerson Park is usually the one that’s not closed,” Parks and Rec Commissioner Kari Duperron said. “I know we’re at a hard spot though. If we take out the dog park, then maybe the whole plan drops.”

SLO plans to add the new amenities using $2.8 million from the California State Parks Proposition 68 grant that it won in 2021—the only city in the county to secure the award that year.

With the renovated park’s price tag closer to $3.5 million, the city will dip into the park improvement

Cal Poly’s skilled trade workers strike over raises

Skilled trade workers at California State University campuses went on strike after not receiving a 5 percent pay increase that was expected in July.

and

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At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 87 employees represented by Teamsters Local 2010 are participating, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, and mechanics. The union represents roughly 1,100 CSU skilled trade workers statewide, and the strike is expected to run through Feb. 20.

“The regular working people who keep our campuses running continue to struggle to make ends meet,” Assemblymember Dawn Addis said in a Feb. 5 letter to CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia. “If solutions can be found to navigate fiscal challenges to support raises for those at the top, CSU leadership must be able to support the skilled trade workers who are vital to campus operations.”

She criticized the CSU system’s “decision to approve pay increases for CSU presidents—already among the highest-compensated executives in the system.”

In November, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong received a pay increase of over $100,000, making him the highest-paid CSU president, with additional

fund to foot the remaining cost, according to Parks and Rec Director Greg Avakian.

“Staff will hold approximately $300,000 within that fund to not be spent on other city park improvements for that 18-month period in case the dog park amenity is voted back in to be added,” he told New Times via email. “If not, then the funds will be ‘released’ back into the park improvement fund to be used for future projects at any park within the city.”

At the meeting, the Parks and Rec Commission deliberated between reducing the size of the proposed half-acre dog park and eliminating the dog park proposal altogether.

Avakian recommended placing the dog park idea in the “add-alt” or additional alternative category to avoid putting the state grant at risk. He said that making the dog park “add-alt” would give the project leeway to make an addition without a full redesign and also the ability to finish the necessary paperwork and initiate construction of the park project.

Avakian told New Times that the proposed dog park is a “key piece” that qualified the city for the state grant.

“The city received the grant based on the application to the state, which included a variety of upgrades,” he said. “If the city removes a key amenity upgrade, then it could jeopardize and disqualify the city for the grant award as the Prop. 68 Committee selected the city of SLO based on the application and items included to enhance Emerson Park.”

The Parks and Rec Commission decided to follow the “add-alt” route. The State Parks Proposition 68 grant review committee will respond to Parks

raises approved in January. Armstrong’s base salary is expected to rise to $611,203 over the next two years, and he could receive up to a 15 percent performancebased increase funded individually by the campus.

The strike stems from a contract dispute over 2025-26 salary provisions, which had been contingent on the CSU system receiving approximately $250 million in new, ongoing state funding. The state budget instead reduced CSU’s base funding by about $143.8 million, providing a zero-interest loan as a temporary offset.

The core of the disagreement revolves around how the union’s contract defines “full funding.”

Teamsters Local 2010 argues that the $144 million zero-interest loan included in the 2025-26 state budget counts as full funding, which should trigger the promised base salary increases. CSU leaders counter that the loan is temporary and cannot support ongoing raises. The university has instead offered a one-time 3 percent bonus, which it plans to distribute this month to nonunion staff in management, executive, and confidential positions while negotiations with the union continue.

According to the California Faculty Association, the strike reflects decades of inequities for longserving employees. In January 2024, Teamsters 2010 members won a three-year contract that included

and Rec staff’s finalized proposal memo, including comments from the public and data, within two months. The park improvement project will move forward with the inclusion of the dog park if the grant review committee rejects the proposed change.

Old town SLO resident Benjamin Winter told New Times the decision was “dizzying.” He complained that the city never asked the public if they wanted a dog park at Emerson Park at all, rather they only conducted a survey on what features were preferred.

“The neighborhood understands the commission’s concern about the grant’s vulnerability, but there is no reason to believe that removing the dog park from the plan compromises the grant or that its contingent on its inclusion,” Winter said. “That felt like a scare tactic. We hope to keep staff accountable to transparent correspondence with the state and that the dog park will be permanently removed from the plan.” ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

a 5 percent general salary increase with retroactive pay and the creation of a salary step system—the first in nearly 30 years.

Cal Poly Interim Vice President for University Personnel Lauren Daly reminded employees that participating in the strike is voluntary.

“While a strike has been authorized by the union, participation is voluntary. … Because employees are not paid while on strike, the pay for an employee who strikes for four workdays will be reduced by approximately 18 percent for that pay period,” she wrote in an email.

In a letter to students, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Terrance Harris told the campus community: “Classes, instruction, and student services will continue. … Students may see picket lines at some campus entrances but are permitted to cross them or use alternative entrances. You are not required to provide your name or any personal information to anyone on a picket line.”

The strike is legally protected under state law and has drawn support from other CSU unions, the California Labor Federation, and Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42.

Negotiations between CSU leadership and Teamsters Local 2010 are ongoing.

—Chloë Hodge

WE Improvements are coming to SLO’s Emerson Park, including a larger playground, an upgraded basketball court, and restrooms, but a proposed dog park could be nixed after neighbors complained about potentially loosing green space.

Paulding accuses his 4th District opponent of violating campaign finance rules

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has been pulled into the heated San Luis Obispo County 4th District Supervisor race.

Incumbent South County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding issued a statement on Feb. 15 alleging that his opponent, Oceano business owner Adam Verdin, accepted money from local development firm Covelop Inc. that’s double the legal state limit.

“The contribution is disclosed on a campaign filing signed by Verdin on Jan. 29, 2026, certifying under penalty of perjury that the report was ‘true and complete,’” Paulding said in the statement. “There has been no public indication that the excess amount has been returned or otherwise remedied.”

The supervisor laid out his allegation in a formal complaint to the FPPC and submitted a copy to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office.

Shortly after assuming office in 2023, Paulding voted to decrease SLO County’s previous $25,000 cap on how much a single individual or entity could contribute to a campaign. He and other supervisors opted to match the state limit.

A single individual or entity can now contribute a maximum of $5,900 to one election campaign, according to the FPPC’s limit for 2025-26.

Verdin told New Times that Covelop’s payments were “perfectly lawful” because they are for different elections.

“The county did not modify the limit or create an entirely new law that would have created an overall $5,900 limit for a county supervisorial race of for 2026,” he said.

Verdin’s campaign finance filings show he received $11,800 from Covelop over four installments in 2025.

On Sep. 25, 2025, the firm made two separate payments of $2,950 to Verdin’s campaign earmarked for the 2026 primary election. At the time, the 4th District race had a third candidate—Family Paralegal Associates owner Tyler Brewer—also vying for the seat.

Two days after Covelop’s first set of payments, Brewer announced he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Verdin.

On Oct. 10, 2025, Covelop made two more payments of $2,950 to Verdin’s campaign— labeling the second total of $5,900 for the general election in November.

A third candidate could still enter the race and make way for a general election if they file all the required documents by March 6.

“By accepting the $5,900 general election contribution, our campaign may not spend the money until a general election,” Verdin said. “If no general election is required, state law provides for the return of the contribution to the donor or reallocation of the unused funds for a future campaign.”

He pointed to state Government Code Section 85301 that specified the contribution limits for a person donating to an election candidate applies “per election.”

“Supervisor Paulding must not have read the Verdin campaign report or does not

understand the very state campaign law the county adopted in its own county ordinance 3487, that adopted the state law in 2023,” Verdin said.

Paulding has also criticized Verdin for accepting money from developers like Covelop, its in-house broker and general contractor Patrick Arnold, and NKT Commercial, which oversees the controversial Dana Reserve project.

In a Feb. 17 letter to New Times, Generation Build founder Michael Massey accused Paulding of spreading misinformation about Verdin’s alleged violation and creating a “pattern of political intimidation.”

“By publicly insinuating wrongdoing where none exists, Supervisor Paulding appears to be sending a message to local businesses and community members: support his opponent at your own risk,” Massey wrote. “The irony is also striking. Residents will recall how Paulding’s political influence was exercised in support of favored projects, including the controversial battery plant proposal in Nipomo, where Paulding’s backdoor maneuvering appears to have advanced the project despite substantial safety concerns.”

Massey claimed Generation Build would soon release a complaint alleging “political ethics violations and the improper use of taxpayer resources.”

Paulding told New Times that the election between him and Verdin would be decided in June, just as it was in 2018 and 2022 when he ran against former 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton.

“[Verdin] is exploiting a loophole allowing him to accept double the developer money because, like Lynn Compton before him, his campaign is largely financed by big developers whose projects he has publicly supported and whose interests his campaign is designed to protect.”

—Bulbul

Rajagopal

Paso Robles moves toward local cannabis delivery

Residents of Paso Robles can legally have adult-use cannabis delivered to their homes, but right now, that delivery must come from businesses located outside the city. But that could change.

On Feb. 10, the Paso Robles Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend an ordinance that would allow up to three locally based, delivery-only cannabis businesses to serve both medicinal and adult-use customers.

“The only commercial cannabis activity currently allowed in Paso Robles at a stationary location is non-storefront retail of medicinal cannabis (delivery offices). Non-storefront retail businesses located in Paso Robles cannot legally deliver adult use cannabis,” Planning Commission Associate Planner Katie Banister wrote in a report. At the same time, state law prevents cities from banning deliveries from licensed operators based elsewhere.

“Currently, a resident of Paso Robles has the right to have adult use cannabis delivered to their home, but the delivery must originate from outside city limits,” she said.

If approved, the ordinance would amend a chapter of the municipal code to allow non-

storefront cannabis retailers—businesses that do not allow customers on-site—to deliver adult-use cannabis.

The ordinance would cap delivery permits at three, a limit originally set by the City Council in 2022. Those permits were previously occupied by businesses temporarily allowed to deliver adult-use cannabis under a one-year sunset provision that expired in 2023.

During public comment, Megan Souza, owner of Megan’s Organic Market in San Luis Obispo, highlighted the benefits of delivery services for residents with mobility issues or living in rural areas.

“Delivery has become truly essential,” Souza told commissioners. “It assures people with mobility challenges, transportation barriers, and those living in the more rural North County areas. It allows them to access cannabis safely and legally.”

She added that Megan’s has entered into an agreement to lease a unit on Black Oak Drive for delivery services if the zoning amendment is adopted.

Other supporters stressed accountability and safety, noting that locally based delivery services make it easier for city officials to enforce rules and track compliance.

“What you guys are voting for is for the ability for the city of Paso Robles to allow safe, tested, and stringently tested by the [Department of Cannabis Control] standard product within your guys’ city limits,” said Lonnie Price, representing one of the existing cannabis office licensees. “People are going to attain, obtain cannabis in some way or another, and I think it’s important that you guys are, you know, allowing for the ability for patients to be able to get it that’s safe and you know, it’s all fully tested.”

Several speakers also pointed to lost revenue: City data shows Paso Robles collects roughly $46,000 annually in cannabis tax revenue from delivery businesses, far less than neighboring cities that allow storefront sales.

The ordinance includes additional safeguards to address neighborhood concerns. Delivery offices would need to maintain 600-foot buffers from schools, day care centers, youth centers, and public parks. On-site signage would be limited to 20 square feet, and highway-oriented or off-site advertising would be prohibited.

The measure makes clear that storefront dispensaries remain banned.

The proposed ordinance states that the City Council intends “to permit a maximum of three non-storefront (delivery-only) commercial cannabis retail businesses operating under discretionary conditional use permits in limited zoning districts, while prohibiting all storefront retail.” Cultivation, manufacturing, testing labs, distribution facilities, microbusinesses, and temporary cannabis events would also remain prohibited.

Commissioners acknowledged that cannabis policy remains a sensitive topic but emphasized that the recommendation focuses narrowly on delivery—an activity already allowed under state law.

They also noted that the ordinance is separate from the broader cannabis governance framework that the City Council directed staff to develop, which could eventually include discussions about storefront retail, following additional public outreach.

The cannabis delivery discussion will next go before the City Council. ∆

—Chloë Hodge

IV Infusions

Party’s over?

Downtown SLO’s Libertine alleges unfair treatment after noise complaints put live music shows on the line

Adecade-long partnership between the city of San Luis Obispo and the local Libertine Brewing Company is on the rocks after alleged noise violation complaints put the bar’s late-night live music permit on the chopping block.

“We’ve attempted to talk with not only our neighbor, but we’ve attempted to talk with the city multiple times,” Libertine Event and Marketing Manager John Pranjic said. “The city was nice enough to sit down and have a conversation with us, but even in that conversation, they weren’t very forthcoming about … the complaint.”

Libertine’s 1234 Broad St. location is a cornerstone for nightlife in SLO enjoyed by residents, college students, and visitors. The brewery also provides a platform for upand-coming artists to showcase their talent, making up the bulk of Libertine’s revenue.

But several complaints about noise— coming from what Pranjic believes is a single household—has caught the eye of the city. On Feb. 23, the city Planning Commission will hold an administrative hearing at City Hall at 2:30 p.m. to review Libertine’s minor use permit.

The city’s Community Development Department modified the venue’s permit in September 2025 to extend operating and event hours. It allows live entertainment at Libertine to run until 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, as long as the venue’s events comply with the “city’s definition of ambient entertainment.”

According to the city’s municipal code, “ambient noise level” is the combined noise from all sources near and far that make up the usual volume at a given location.

“We’ve never gone until 1 a.m., I can tell you that right now,” Pranjic said. “The latest that we would normally go is 11:30 [p.m.] and sometimes we go until midnight. But we don’t push it beyond that because we do want to be good neighbors.”

Community Development Director Timothea Tway told New Times that the city received multiple noise complaints about Libertine, prompting a code enforcement investigation. Code enforcement officers found violations of “several permit conditions,” she said, and issued a notice of violation on Jan. 8.

Tway didn’t say what the violations were or where the complaints came from. She added that those details would be available in the Planning Commission staff report for the upcoming meeting, which was published after New Times went to press.

“We recognize that this situation has generated strong feelings in our community, including among neighbors, the business and its patrons, and members of the cultural arts community,” Tway said. “It’s important for the community to know that no decision has been made. … Each perspective matters, and the city zoning hearing officer will consider comments from all parties affected before deciding whether to change, revoke, or keep the permit as is.”

The city didn’t respond to New Times’ other questions.

The staff report will be posted on the city’s administrative hearing website at slocity. org/government/department-directory/ community-development/administrativehearings on Feb. 18. Submit public comments for Planning Commission consideration by Feb. 22 via email to Community Development Assistant Planner Mallory Patino at mpatino@slocity.org.

Code Enforcement isn’t the only department that has reprimanded Libertine. On Jan. 29, the SLO Police Department slapped it with a noise violation citation and $350 fine.

The SLOPD records department told New Times that law enforcement went to the bar to respond to the complaint at 10:32 p.m.— around two and a half hours before its permit prohibits live shows—but couldn’t release any additional information. SLOPD spokesperson Christine Wallace said that Libertine didn’t receive any noise citations in 2025.

SLOPD also arrived at Libertine on Feb. 12 at 10:20 p.m. in response to a noise complaint, according to event manager Pranjic, even though live music ended at 10 p.m. that night. The bar didn’t receive a citation.

“When you go downtown, you should expect to hear things like music, you should expect to hear things like people talking and laughing and enjoying themselves. You should expect to hear things like traffic, … late-night eateries,” he said. “What you shouldn’t expect is for a downtown to be

quiet after 10 p.m. and be treated like a residential neighborhood.”

Libertine is situated in SLO’s downtown commercial zone, meant to accommodate a variety of retail stores and entertainment businesses— and up to 36 housing units.

Pranjic told New Times that a couple in one household has allegedly filed the noise complaints with the city. He declined to name them.

“They have continued to lodge complaints not only against us but against other activity that’s happened around them including construction, and I believe they’ve been in arguments about parking,” Pranjic said. “They’ve complained so much that they city felt like they had to do something. What the city has decided to do is kind of make us the guinea pig of how they’re now interpreting some of their noise ordinances and their municipal codes.”

Many of Libertine’s neighbors and patrons, and local musicians, are banding together to back the bar.

A Change.org petition organized by local musician Vince Cimo urges people to appeal to the city in Libertine’s favor. The petition had 1,576 signatures as of Feb. 18.

Others have written to the city to voice their support.

“As a recent Cal Poly graduate navigating life after college, Libertine has been one of the few consistent spaces in San Luis Obispo where young adults can gather in a way that is social, creative, inclusive, and safe,” Libertine line dancing instructor Kiley Wilson wrote in a letter shared by Pranjic. “Addressing isolated concerns through reasonable mitigation and collaboration, rather than restricting or eliminating community-serving programming, helps preserve the balance that makes downtown San Luis Obispo thrive.”

Pranjic, too, wants the city to work with Libertine to address specific noise concerns—whether it’s by putting up signs and noise barricades, or using other tools to alleviate the tension.

“It’s hard for us to make any changes to our business without knowing what the city is going to allow or not allow us to do,” he said. “If this happens to us, it can happen to any business in downtown San Luis Obispo. … We would prefer to work with the city to come up with commonsense protections for these businesses that have been the backbone of downtown San Luis Obispo for decades.” ∆

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

NOISE CHECK The SLO Police Department responds to a noise complaint at Libertine on Feb. 12 at 10:20 p.m., even though the live music show ended at 10 p.m. that night, according to event manager John Pranjic.

PHOTO

DIY dreams

Skaters push for DIY community space after Morro Bay Skate Park closure

Morro Bay’s skate park closed in January but the city’s skate scene isn’t waiting for repairs. Skaters want a DIY park, built with their own hands, where they can learn, create, and own their space.

“Skateboarding’s really provided the bulk of my identity as a human being,” said Carey Lynch, a Los Osos native and local artist. “It’s connected me with most of my friend group. It’s taught me so many life lessons that apply to other things. It turned my eye toward art in a way. … It’s been like a guiding force in my life.”

The closure followed years of wear: Cracked ramps, rotting wood, and peeling paint marked the park’s decline. The Teen Center, which had overseen the facility, closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and never reopened, leaving the park largely unsupervised, Morro Bay Police Chief Amy Watkins explained. She added that Morro Bay High School had requested help with the skate park for many years.

“The skate park has become an attractive nuisance, presenting distractions and fostering an environment where both students and non-students sometimes engage in questionable behavior,” Morro Bay High School Principal Scott Schalde wrote in a statement to Watkins. “This proximity often delays students’ timely arrival to classes and their return from lunch breaks, detracting from our mission to foster a focused, safe, and productive educational environment.”

Watkins told New Times that officers responded to the park or surrounding property 67 times over two years for fights, vandalism, drug activity, trespassing, camping, and even commercial burglaries. Since December 2021, the city logged 131 calls for service—with nearly half of those calls in the past two years.

“The city intends to find a more suitable location with improved equipment for the future,” she said via email.

Lynch and local pro skateboarder Adam Ottenberg see the park’s closure as a chance to reclaim a skate park on their own terms. A DIY park, they say, is a living, evolving space shaped by the skaters themselves.

“That would be ideal for us,” Lynch said. “Everyone I’ve mentioned it to has been like, ‘Oh, that would be great.’ … The cool thing about a DIY is everyone kind of has the ability to build, it sort of governs itself. … It’s sort of like a living, breathing thing.”

Ottenberg has competed nationally and serves as a mentor at the DIY skate park in nearby Cayucos.

“I’ve been going to Cayucos Skate Park since the early 2000s, when it was first built,” he told council members during public comment on Jan. 27. “I was the little kid who was watching all of my friends who were older build the park and ask them how do you use this, and, you know, just life lessons.

“Now, I’m fortunate to be in a position where I’m kind of the older guy. One of many maintaining the Cayucos skate park. … [Kids] jump at the opportunity to learn how to use a drill, or blow some dust away, or use tools, and these kids get a sense of safety, a sense of community, they get to see things and skate things that they got to put their hands on and build.”

He added that Morro Bay doesn’t need a $2.2 million skate park like the one in San Luis Obispo.

“We’re pretty resilient, and a lot of us are blue collar as well and work in construction and know how to do these things ourselves, and it’s really just, if we have a space and approval,” he said.

Cambria’s skate park has faced delays, cost overruns, and ongoing management challenges. Local skaters say a DIY model in Morro Bay could avoid those issues, giving the community control over building, maintenance, and day-to-day use.

“There’s so much determination among skaters to build something that’s really fun,” Ottenberg said. “If it’s authorized and guaranteed to stay, people will go above and beyond to make it work.”

San Luis Obispo’s skate culture has a rich history. In the 1980s and ’90s, the Thrasher magazine Thrash-A-Thon at Cal Poly and local skate brands put the region on the map. Yet, smaller towns like Morro Bay and Los Osos remained underrepresented nationally. Grassroots efforts—from neighborhood DIY ramps to temporary COVID-era parks—have kept the culture alive.

“When I was really young, growing up in Los Osos, there would always be, you know, vans of some of the top skaters, in the skate world, just coming by and skating, and, you know, it would be like a full demonstration of what’s possible on a board,” Lynch recalled.

Morro Bay Mayor Carla Wixom said city officials are aware of the community’s interest in a new skate park and are open to ideas.

“We’re interested in what a DIY park might look like and welcome input from the skate community,” she told New Times via email.

“We will be sure to notify them when our advisory boards take up this item.”

Public Works Director Greg Kwolek added that salvageable equipment from the old park is in storage and could be reused.

Wixom said city staff are considering several parks as potential locations, though none have been officially selected. The recreation advisory board and public works advisory board will weigh in on the matter in the coming months.

“We’re still exploring options,” she said. “Our goal is to find a safe, functional site that supports community use and allows creative input from skaters themselves.”

Lynch pointed to DIY skate parks elsewhere as examples of what Morro Bay could do. Portland’s Burnside Park and Bay Area projects like Waller Street—renamed in February 2025 to Zion Skate Plaza—and Sunset Dunes Park at Ocean Beach began small, expanding as skaters contributed labor, ideas, and culture, he said. He envisions the same path for Morro Bay: a functional space that evolves with the community.

“Morro Bay has such a strong surf and skate culture, but to be parkless in 2026 is, like, kind of shocking,” Lynch said. “There are towns in the middle of nowhere in other countries with great skate parks, and kids are just starting to skate. With it being an Olympic sport and like a genuine kind of career path, it makes sense to build this facility.”

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

BUILT LOCAL Pro skater Adam Ottenberg helps maintain and sometimes skates at the DIY skate park that was built in Cayucos. He said Morro Bay doesn’t need a $2.2 million skate park; skaters like him just need a piece of land and permission to build.

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Green Omen

Every herb at The Green Omen Apothecary and Tea Lounge in Atascadero has a personality. Some are soft and soothing, others sharp and fiery, and a few demand patience before they reveal what they know.

“Bee balm presents herself to me as a wise old woman, and her message to me is, ‘It takes courage to be soft in a world like this,’” shop owner and herbalist Riana Martinez explained.

Her path to Green Omen began with a deep intuition for plant knowledge.

“I had this intuition that I didn’t realize I had until one of my sisters brought it up to me,” Martinez said.

She remembers helping a sister with headaches and stomachaches, brewing remedies without knowing how she gained the knowledge.

“It was just coming to me,” she said. That realization eventually led her to formal training through the Herbal Academy and other extended herb school programs to deepen her knowledge of Western herbalism and Ayurveda.

Martinez delights in the playful, mystical side of plants. She likens plant spirits to personalities: hibiscus is joyful, rose offers comfort, and tulsi—“Tulsi puts off this energy of … green goddess,” she said. “She’s strong and soft and powerful all in one.”

That energy flows into Green Omen’s tea menu, from rose-infused tulsi lattes to

mocktails and herbal blends crafted in-house. Since 2023, Green Omen has also been a space for those with an affinity for the witchy and spiritual. Martinez hosts workshops and events ranging from plant meditation to prayer circles, weaving intention into learning and connection. The next such event is a Green Witch Herb Garden Workshop on March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Women have been herbalists for centuries,” she explained. “Our knowledge was often called witchcraft just for helping our families with plants and remedies.”

That perspective informs the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere of Green Omen, where people of all spiritual backgrounds are encouraged to explore herbs.

When someone asks for herbal advice, Martinez doesn’t just hand over a bag of leaves. She asks about medications, digestion, stress, and how someone’s body tends to run.

and feeling better immediately,” she said. “That’s not always how herbalism works.”

Every element of Green Omen reflects this balance between intuition and intention. The shop carries more than 150 bulk herbs and teas, along with tinctures, salves, creams, and botanical blends made in-house. When the tea bar is open, customers can order herbal lattes, mocktails, and seasonal drinks and settle into the lounge space, designed to feel calm and welcoming.

“I want people to feel relief when they walk

Class seats can be reserved at greenomenapothecary.com. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.

Fast fact

• Join Wine & Wings: An Evening for Monarch Conservation on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Shell Beach. Sip wines from five SLO Coast wineries, enjoy monarch-inspired art, and explore booths from local conservation partners. Hear from experts during a panel on Western monarch conservation and keynote speaker Mary Ellen Hannibal on the wonders of monarch migration. Tickets are available through the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau’s Eventbrite page, and proceeds support the Western Monarch population.

• The 2025 Buy Local Bonus, run by the SLO Chamber of Commerce and the city of San Luis Obispo, resulted in nearly $650,000 in local business spending, according to the chamber. From Nov. 28 to Dec. 20, shoppers who spent $100 or more at participating stores earned a $25 gift card. The program sold out four days early, boosting the local economy by $737,675, according to the chamber. ∆

Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@

WITCHY WELLNESS At The Green Omen Apothecary, Riana Martinez invites visitors to explore herbs and the witchy side of wellness.

BY NICHOLAS DEPAOLI

Coexist

An open letter to San Luis Obispo about trees

To the San Luis Obispo community, City Council, SLO REP, and fellow stewards of our urban canopy:

I have lived and worked in downtown San Luis Obispo for over a decade in the fields of land planning, ecological stewardship, and urban landscape systems. I am writing in response to the recent council decision approving removal of the mature oak at the future Performing Arts Theater site.

This letter is not written in anger, nor in dismissal of the value of a performing arts venue. Our city benefits deeply from cultural infrastructure. The question before us is not “theater or tree.” The question is whether we are willing, even at a late stage, to reconsider how those two can coexist.

The framing of inevitability

During deliberation, the situation was framed as an unavoidable choice: the viability of the theater or the preservation of the oak. Respectfully, in the built environment, such binaries are rarely absolute. Architecture

Verdin’s criticism of Caballero is inconsistent

The Caballero battery storage project in Nipomo went through San Luis Obispo County’s standard planning and building department processes before it was built. In June 2023, the county Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the project, with announcements published in local newspapers and letters mailed to nearby property owners. By his criticism of the county’s handling of the project, I assume that Mr. Verdin is not suggesting that the county develop additional regulations or processing requirements for development projects; that would seem to be inconsistent with his platform goal to “make county processes clear and predictable.”

Bob Vessely San Luis Obispo

Sharing the Dunes goes both ways

Regarding “The Dunes” opinion piece (Feb. 12), I agree with the thought, “You need to learn to share with those who have just as much right to the beach as you do.” In that spirit, I propose “vehicle-free beach days” be implemented for Oceano residents and others who would like to enjoy the beach too. It is rather arrogant to tell residents to go south to Guadalupe Dunes for peaceful beach enjoyment. Why drive 10 to 15 miles south, into another county, when you live a mile from the beach?

State Parks management has the ability to implement vehicle-free beach days now. Perhaps start with two days per month, one weekday and one weekend day. Seasonal events could be coordinated such as Chumash Heritage Day; Birding Day; Fly a Kite Day; Dunite History Day; etc.

This would also give State Parks and the

and site planning are iterative disciplines. Redesign, footprint adjustment, phasing alteration, structural bridging, and hybrid solutions are common responses to unexpected constraints. Mature, legacy trees are not decorative elements; they are fixed ecological infrastructure. In responsible development practice, they are treated as non-negotiable design drivers.

The oak remains standing. The building has not yet been constructed. Drawings can change.

Significance

A mature oak provides ecological functions that cannot be replaced through new planting in any meaningful timeframe, including:

• Long-term carbon sequestration

• Urban heat mitigation

• Established habitat networks

• Soil stabilization

• Cultural continuity and spatial grounding

Replacement trees, while beneficial, do not substitute for a legacy organism that has shaped its block for decades. Urban forestry totals do not offset singular heritage loss.

Alternative pathways

If the current position is that redesign

county data and insight into how many nonOHV visitors would come here.

Having personally walked the beach south of Pier Avenue while dodging vehicles, being honked at and yelled at, I can understand visitor reluctance to come here. It is well known that OHV use tends to drive out all other uses (bicyclists, hikers, birders, hunters, etc.). There are many thousands of miles of off-road trails in California. Let the OHV enthusiasts go elsewhere on the vehicle-free beach days. Sharing goes both ways.

Rachelle Toti Arroyo Grande

Force PG&E to pay

As a school nurse, a parent in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD), and a taxpayer, I am galled by PG&E’s refusal to support SLO County schools. PG&E is reporting record yearly profits of $2.75 billion, yet they are effectively abandoning the schools that educate the children of their own workers.

PG&E’s “accounting strategy” to avoid its civic duty is transparent and shameful. They claim that because Diablo Canyon was scheduled to shutter in 2025, its assets are “fully depreciated” and worth zero for tax purposes. The reality is that the plant is open, generating power, and raking in revenue. If it has value for shareholders, it has value for our community.

This loophole creates a massive budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. Our children are losing small class sizes, transitional kindergarten hours, music, sports, and mental health counseling.

State Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) are introducing a bill this month to fix this, but we are at the finish line. The deadline to file new legislation is Feb. 20. If a bill isn’t officially filed by then, our schools

is financially unviable at this stage, that assertion deserves transparent exploration before removal proceeds. Potential pathways include:

• Independent architectural feasibility review by firms unaffiliated with the current design team

• Targeted community fundraising dedicated to redesign costs

• Phased construction adjustments

• Structural bridging or foundation reconfiguration

• Public-private subsidy collaboration

If both arts infrastructure and canopy preservation are civic priorities, viability should not hinge solely on late-stage financial constraints.

Request for pause

urban forestry representatives

• Public release of cost analyses comparing preservation alternatives

If preservation is ultimately determined to be impossible after such a review, the community will at least know every option was responsibly explored.

Why this matters

Speak up!

Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.

Before removal proceeds, I respectfully request:

• A short-term delay in tree removal

• A publicly announced 30-day feasibility exploration window

• Formation of a small technical review group including independent architects, certified arborists, structural engineers, and

are left high and dry. Even after filing, the bill must survive to a vote. By mid-March, SLCUSD is legally forced to issue layoff notices to teachers. If this legislation isn’t fast-tracked now, March will be too late.

When I requested accountability from PG&E’s Eric Daniels, I received a long email blaming the school district—the victim—for the problem and highlighting all they’ve done. He stated, “Legislation is necessary to provide a permanent solution.” Translation: PG&E won’t pay a dime unless forced to.

In 2021, PG&E’s CEO spoke about “leading with love.” Using a depreciation loophole to

This moment establishes precedent. If late-stage inconvenience becomes sufficient grounds for removal of protected legacy trees, future preservation commitments weaken in practice. San Luis Obispo has long identified itself as a community rooted in stewardship. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that stewardship includes flexibility, creativity, and collective problem-solving— even when inconvenient. I remain open to contributing constructively to any collaborative effort aimed at preserving the oak while ensuring the theater’s success. The tree remains standing. There is still time. ∆

Nicholas DePaoli writes from San Luis Obispo. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

save millions while raking in billions isn’t love—it’s corporate greed. We demand a $7.5 million annual commitment to SLCUSD to replace the revenue PG&E is abandoning. It’s up to us to make them accountable. Get loud, lovers of music, sports, and mental health! Contact not just our representatives, who are trying, but those who will get this bill through and demand they fast-track the Laird Unitary Tax Bill. Since PG&E said they won’t pay a dime until forced to, that’s exactly what we have to do.

Maeve Holden school nurse, SLCUSD parent, taxpayer

BY JOHN B. ASHBAUGH

RIP, Kurt Kupper

On Monday morning, I learned that Kurt Kupper had finally tossed in the towel after his last fight.

I had the privilege of watching this cagey slugger in the SLO County Board of Supervisors arena for many years. He took a lot of punches, but he stayed upright long enough to earn Hall of Fame status in our pantheon of local environmental champs.

In 1972, Kurt was a fresh-faced novice when he first fought his way into our political arena, still a Cal Poly student when he learned that two incumbent county supervisors had stepped out of the ring. He approached Richard Krejsa, a Cal Poly biology professor, who had already filed for one of the seats. Dr. Krejsa recalled their first meeting:

“We met in a coffee shop. … It was the last day to register as a candidate, and Kurt didn’t exactly know what to do. I told him that he’d first have to pay a registration fee and fill out some paperwork by 5 p.m. that day—but Kurt had no cash! So I loaned him $25. ... We both won our respective elections and spent the next eight years together as the two ‘slowgrowth’ supervisors.”

In 1977, the county hired me as a rookie planner, and I took a seat to watch the supervisors’ slugfest. Kupper and Krejsa formed a solid team, and though they were most often on the losing end of a 3-2 vote, they found ways to outmaneuver their opponents with fancy footwork. Krejsa continues:

“In order to get some level of joy in this job, Kurt and I would play games with the board majority: During a meeting discussion and vote, I would take an extreme slowgrowth position. Then Kurt would take a less extreme position, commenting on how far I had gone left. Our combined maneuver would often cause one of the other supervisors to swing his (still “yes”) vote, but more towards the middle.”

We can thank the Kupper-Krejsa duo specifically for saving Pirates Cove from an outrageous development, a proposed condominium project designed as a hilltop “Italian villa” that would have dominated the entire top of Ontario Grade. Kurt once told me privately that he and Krejsa couldn’t pull a knockout punch against that project, but they managed to outwit their conservative colleagues by getting conditions that effectively killed the project. Nothing special: They made the developer prove the availability of essential services, long before these became standard conditions for any such project.

After taking office in 1972, Kupper and Krejsa appointed the first women to our county Planning Commission: Krejsa added Anna Alexander to that body, and Kupper appointed Dr. Jacqueline Hynes. Professor Emeritus Dan Krieger regards these appointments as “arguably the first environmental move made by the Board of Supervisors in its 121-year history.”

In 1978, Hynes was elevated to the regional Coastal Commission; to replace her, Kupper nominated Evelyn Delany of Pismo Beach. Delany’s nomination provoked loud objections from the conservative supervisors. I witnessed a testy exchange where Kupper patiently but firmly stared them down: He reminded his colleagues that he’d never

objected to their appointees even when he found them objectionable. Ultimately, Kurt scored a TKO.

Kupper and Krejsa forged alliances with heavyweights like Mothers for Peace, the Sierra Club, and the Abalone Alliance to oppose licensing Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Thousands were arrested at local rallies against Diablo, as the movement grew to become the nation’s largest campaign of civil disobedience since the Vietnam War. Krejsa and other Cal Poly faculty and staff were arrested for crossing the “blue line” onto PG&E property. They spent several days behind bars before the county finally called the fight and released them.

As their second terms on the board drew to a close in 1980, Krejsa decided to return to Cal Poly. In fact, he retired a few months early, staying just long enough to allow Gov. Jerry Brown to appoint Krejsa’s replacement: Local “golden boy” Jeff Jorgensen.

Kupper and Jorgensen faced stiff challenges against well-muscled opponents, but both came out with their gloves raised in victory: Kupper avoided a runoff by 212 votes. Jorgensen slugged it out against SLO Mayor Ron Dunin and won by 19 votes.

After Kupper retired in 1984, he went on to lead ECOSLO and founded Rock Solid Recycling, the first eco-business in SLO County.

Delany succeeded him in the 3rd District and served 12 more years. She and Jorgensen used the same one-two punch that Kupper and Krejsa had perfected. Their colleagues would have approved every project that came before the board, but these two environmentalists were able to prevent some of the worst excesses of development. Delany, for example, won concessions from the Avila Hot Springs project to secure a right of way along SLO Creek for the Bob Jones Trail.

Long after the bell sounded on their terms as supervisors, Kupper and Krejsa continued to “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” in local politics. Elected officials like Bruce Gibson, Jimmy Paulding, and both Dawns— indeed, any aspiring boxer out there—take note: You’re standing on the shoulders of Kupper and Krejsa. Environmentalists everywhere should be at Kurt’s services early this summer. I know I will. ∆

John Ashbaugh knows he’s not in the same league as heavyweights like Kupper and Krejsa. Send comments for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com

This Week’s Online Poll

Lasca lived a wonderful and full life of 45 years. She was born in Placerville, California, on November 18, 1980, and lived locally in the foothills of El Dorado County where she attended Ponderosa High School. It was there that she lettered in both cross country and track each year. In 2010 she graduated cum laude from Cal Poly with a degree in Landscape Architecture.

As a member of the San Luis Obispo County Parks & Recreation Department, she started her career as a Parks Aide and retired in 2025 as a Supervising Park Ranger. Lasca was a spirited colleague and trusted friend to those who worked beside her. She had a deep passion for her work and her community - bringing warmth, dedication, and an infectious smile that lifted everyone around her.

Lasca loved being outdoors in nature — kayaking across the bay, hiking in flip-flops, exploring local tidepools, backpacking in the mountains, and diving in oceans in numerous locations including the Galápagos. She had an artist’s eye for beauty, capturing coastlines and wildflowers in sketches and watercolor. Along the way, she delighted in quizzing us on plant names. She embraced nature, her friends, and her family with joy, gratitude, and deep respect. Her absence leaves a space as wide and enduring as the landscapes she loved. We will forever see her in all that is beautiful.

For information on how her family will be honoring Lasca’s beautiful life, please contact a friend of the family, Mary, at 805-550-2952.

Lasca Ann Gaylord

BORN 1980, PLACERVILLE, CA - DECEASED 2026, LOS OSOS, CA

Complaints galore!

If the last month is any indication about how the rest of the primary election season is going to go for SLO County’s 4th District supervisor race, it’s going to be hot and juicy!

In the latest round of finger-pointing, incumbent Jimmy Paulding filed a complaint against his opponent with the Fair Political Practices Commission. He alleges that Adam Verdin violated campaign finance rules by taking double the maximum contribution from developer Covelop Inc. Juicy!

Verdin pushed back, saying that half is for the primary campaign and half is for the general election—so it’s all legal, you nonbeagle. But there’s only two people in the race, so why would it go to November?

He also took a crack at Paulding, saying that the sitting supervisor didn’t even understand the rules he helped pass on the county Board of Supervisors. I think he doesn’t understand why Verdin took $11,800 from Covelop when this race is most likely going to be decided in June.

“If no general election is required, state law provides for the return of the contribution to the donor or reallocation of the unused funds for a future campaign,” Verdin said.

Paulding responded back by referencing prior complaints about Verdin’s donations from developers: “[Verdin] is exploiting a loophole allowing him to accept double the developer money because, like Lynn Compton before him, his campaign is

largely financed by big developers whose projects he has publicly supported and whose interests his campaign is designed to protect.”

Yes, obviously, developers like Verdin. And if you like development, he’s your guy. Unless you like renewable energy projects like the Caballero battery energy storage facility in Nipomo. Then, apparently, Paulding’s your guy.

And you know who’s firmly on Verdin’s side? Other than Dana Reserve developer NKT Commercial, of course. Generation Build. I might start referring to the group— now a political action committee—as Verdin’s attack dog. Ruff!

The pro-housing group’s founder sent out a letter defending Verdin and pummeling Paulding.

“By publicly insinuating wrongdoing where none exists, Supervisor Paulding appears to be sending a message to local businesses and community members: support his opponent at your own risk,” Michael Massey wrote in the letter.

Umm, maybe Verdin managed to squeeze the Covelop donations between the legal lines. But I wouldn’t say that Paulding is threatening those who don’t support him.

It seems like Paulding knows this race ain’t gonna be no easy win. But that’s just my hot Shredder take. It’s going to be a hard-fought, dirty race. And if this is how the official

campaigns are already talking, I can’t wait for all those nasty little PAC-inspired flyers to start hitting local mailboxes. I’m sure the Generation Build PAC, which filed its paperwork with the county last November, will be sending out campaign material in support of its chosen candidate: Verdin.

The money from that particular PAC should be easy to track.

But I could be wrong. It’s unlikely, but it could happen.

Just like the dog park proposed for Emerson Park in San Luis Obispo could still happen—even though the SLO Parks and Rec Commission pushed it out to the side of the big park renovation project. Enough voices sang loudly enough about how terrible a half-acre dog park would be in the Old Town neighborhood adjacent to downtown that the city heard the chorus.

No dog park!

There is one hiccup, though. The State Parks grant SLO received to update the park could hinge on the dog park! Tricky, tricky. So, the commission hedged its bets, kicking the park plans out to the side of the project as something that could happen in the future, but won’t happen now. Wow! That’s kind of like taking a donation for an election that might not happen.

And residents are not happy. Benjamin Walker described the commission’s decision as “dizzying.”

Speak up! Send

“There is no reason to believe that removing the dog park from the plan compromises the grant or that it’s contingent

on its inclusion,” Winter said. “That felt like a scare tactic. We hope to keep staff accountable to transparent correspondence with the state and that the dog park will be permanently removed from the plan.”

Grants are tightly controlled, and any deviation can put those dollars in jeopardy. That’s the truth, not a scare tactic. He should be happy that the city is listening to residents and doing what it can to acquiesce to their demands. The city might be trying to do the same when it comes to the Libertine’s concerts. The venue’s music nights might be numbered, thanks to some complaints from a residential neighbor—who’s living close to where all the noisy nightlife happens in this city: downtown!

“We’ve attempted to talk with not only our neighbor, but we’ve attempted to talk with the city multiple times,” Event and Marketing Manager John Pranjic said. “The city was nice enough to sit down and have a conversation with us, but even in that conversation, they weren’t very forthcoming about … the complaint.”

Police showed up on Feb. 12, responding to another non-neighborly noise complaint. But the concert that night ended at 10 p.m.—even though the permit allows the Libertine to play music until 1 a.m. Cops showed up at 10:20 p.m. No one got in trouble.

Strange, indeed. ∆

The Shredder is strange and juicy. Send hot takes to shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

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.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS “PACIFIC LIGHT” AN OIL PAINTING GROUP SHOW “Pacific Light” features fine art oil paintings by Joan Brown, Carol Astaire, and Patricia Newton in Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28 - March 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS CARY LARSON-MCKAY, EXHIBITING MIXED MEDIA SMALL

WORKS See mixed media small works by Cary Larson-McKay, watercolor, collage, and more in the Craft Atelier Space in Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28 - March 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS TERESA FERGUSON, FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY Central Coast photographer Teresa Ferguson exhibits majestic landscapes of the central coast in the Upper Gallery at Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28 - March 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS: GRANT KREINBERG & LORA SALVADOR, PHOTOGRAPHY Discover a fine art photography exhibition by Grant Kreinberg & Lora Salvador in the Upper Gallery in Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28 - March 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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.

CLAY HEADS WITH MICHELLE

SOLORAZNO Create a life-sized ceramic head in this two-day slab-building workshop. Learn to use reference images, build a hollow form, and sculpt facial features. Feb. 28 - March 1 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $600. (805) 203-0335. The Pottery Atascadero, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero, thepotteryatascadero.com.

DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY:

ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, (310) 621-7543.

FIELDWORK WORKSHOP - OPEN STUDIO Join us every Tuesday for our community workshop! Bring your creative projects, meet fellow makers, and get inspired. No pressure, just creativity, good vibes, and snacks. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. $15. 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) 4235906. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, studiosonthepark.org.

SILVER SAND CASTING WORKSHOP WITH BRAD GOLDEN Experience the thrill of transforming molten silver into wearable art and leave with a finished sterling silver piece of your own creation! Feb. 28 12-3:30 p.m. $175. (805) 4235906. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St.,

JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC

Travel through the centuries as the Canzona Women’s Ensemble performs Renaissance, Baroque, and Beyond: Sacred and Profane at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. Hear a blend of Baroque duets, Italian trios, and a cappella madrigals in both English and French. Admission ranges from $10 to $35. Visit my805tix.com for additional details.

—Angie Stevens

Paso Robles, studiosonthepark.org.

SIP N’ SKETCH/SIP N’ PAINT Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of our’s) and paint or sketch a themed live-model 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.

STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops offered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-9800.

TAKE A SPIN: TWO-HOUR WHEEL

CLASS These two hour blocks provide an opportunity to learn the basics of wheel throwing. Instructors will center your clay for you, so you will have the opportunity to make two items. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon $72. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/ wheelclasses. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.”

Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

DRAWING FOR REAL WITH LURY NORRIS This is an introduction to academic realistic drawing. Learn the basics of how to approach any subject from observation. No experience is necessary! Feb. 21 , 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $40. (805) 747-4200. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.

GELLI PLATE PRINTING FOR BEGINNERS WITH CAROLINA LUNA

Try your hand at printmaking with Gelli plates! Experience this beginner friendly method of printmaking as Carolina guides you through different mixed media techniques. Feb. 25 , 12:302:30 p.m. $35. (541) 480-5068. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/01/Gelli-Plate-PrintingFeb.jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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. IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE

BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Small teams and big laughs. Feb. 21 , 6-8 p.m. $10. (805) 858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

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 & SIP ON LA LOMITA RANCH Sip, swirl, and paint your pet into a one-of-akind canvas. No experience is required! Art supplies, instruction, ranch views, and first glass of wine are included. March 1 1-3 p.m. $60-$65. (805) 7068034. La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo, lalomitaranch.com.

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.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

POISONED See 15 comedians perform, while a little buzzed on stage. Feb. 27 11 p.m. $18.43. my805tix.com. Woodstock’s Pizza, 1000 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4420.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN

MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

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

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

ALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Curious about Waldorf education? Join us for a welcoming morning at Central Coast Waldorf School and experience our school in action! Feb. 28 Free. (805) 2354401. centralcoastwaldorf.org. Central Coast Waldorf School, 880 Manzanita Dr, Los Osos.

CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn

a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay. CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU 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.

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.

MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

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

OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT

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

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people?

CLAY HEADS

Learn now to sculpt clay heads with Michelle Solorazno during a twoday slab-building workshop at The Pottery Atascadero from Saturday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Budding sculptors will use reference images, build a hollow form, and sculpt facial features. Head to thepotteryatascadero.com for more information.

—A.S.

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.

STRETCH, BREATHE, AND BALANCE

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

TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. (805) 772-7486. fitnessworksmb. com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays,

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 5165214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body 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.

BOOK BUDDIES

Bookworms, assemble! Woods is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.

GUIDED MEDITATION WITH KAREN LEARY AT AWAKENING WAYS

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

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

HIIT 45 WITH SARA JORGENSEN A dynamic and fun way to improve strength and cardiovascular conditioning using weights, resistance bands, and body weight. Bring a yoga mat and water. Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Mondays,

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

PASO FOOD CO-OP STARTUP

MONTHLY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Cooperative Food Store StartUp Organizational meeting. Feb. 25 , 6-7 p.m. (805) 712-7410 text. pasofoodcooperative. com/calendar--meetings. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

PET TALES Get ready for the cutest, coziest, and cuddliest hour in your week! Pet Tales welcomes young children and their grownups for a pet-themed story time. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

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.

ANNUAL SCION EXCHANGE AND GRAFTING DEMONSTRATIONS Free Scions, free grafting demos, a store, rootstock sales, and free snacks. Meet at the Cal Poly Crops Science classroom, on the corner of Highland Dr. and Mt Bishop Dr. Feb. 28 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 5404426. crfg-central.org/scion-exchange.

Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. ASTRONOMY NIGHT & STARGAZING

Explore the night sky with real astronomers using telescopes at SLO Botanical Garden. View planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. All ages are welcome. Feb. 27, noon Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. 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.

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. CARE CREW Calling all crafty, caring, pet-loving kids! Care Crew members will have the opportunity to join us in filling Kongs, making pet toys, and creating artwork. Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org. Calling all crafty, caring, pet-loving kids! Care Crew members will join us in filling Kongs for our canines, crafting pet toys, and creating art. Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/youth-programs. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 17

12pm to 6:30pm Sunday: 2pm to 5:30pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE POTTERY ATASCADERO

FRIDAY, FEB 20 - SUNDAY, MAR 8

Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH

EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org.

San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO.

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.

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.

KAL PENN: FROM WHITE CASTLE TO THE WHITE HOUSE An evening with Emmy-nominated actor and former White House official, blending acclaimed screen roles with public service and storytelling to inspire dialogue, engagement, and change. Feb. 26 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ kal-penn-from-white-castle-to-thewhite-house. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

KNOWING OUR NEIGHBORS This project session examines health equity through Social Determinants of Health, emphasizing language access, Mixteco lived experience, and cross-sector partnerships to improve trust and outcomes. Feb. 25 6-7:30 p.m. Free. slocity.org/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/14682/2670. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, 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.

MELLOW YOGA FOR EVERYONE Stretch into yourself under the beautiful oaks and fresh air of this idyllic country setting.

Suitable for all levels, these classes emphasize the gentler side of yoga and adapt to participants’ needs. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for five-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

(ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS Join Mended Hearts of San Luis Obispo for Empowering Monthly Meetings for Cardiovascular Patients. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. mendedhearts.org. French Hospital Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 3rd Floor, 1911 Johnson Ave, 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.

SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Browse 7,500 books, on sale for all ages. SLO FOL Members will receive early access from 9 a.m. to noon, before the sale opens to the general public. Feb. 26-28 9 a.m.-5 p.m. slofol.org. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful

setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ADULT SOFTBALL Let’s play ball! The City of Arroyo Grande’s Adult Softball League is a fun and competitive program offering leagues for Coed Teams and Men’s Teams. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. through May 17 $671. (805) 473-5474. arroyogrande.org/709/Adult-Sports. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.

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

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

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

BYE BYE BIRDIE See this musical satire about teen idol Conrad Birdie, inspired by Elvis Presley’s draft. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 27 7 p.m. and Feb. 28 7 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PRESENTS MEET THE MACHINES Don’t miss Meet the Machines in the Soto Sports Field Parking

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

CHAMBER CONCERT

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. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Get free help fixing household appliances, outdoor gear and apparel, bikes, clothing, electronics, phones, laptops, tablets, and more. Don’t toss it, repair It! Feb. 21 , 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Grover City Grange Hall 746, 370 S 13th St, Grover Beach.

MEASURED

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) in Santa Maria presents Shakespeare’s classic play Measure for Measure from Thursday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, March 15. The tale is a “bold exploration of justice, morality, and the gray area between right and wrong. Shakespeare’s sharpest social drama is shockingly relevant and endlessly compelling—told with wit, suspense, and Shakespeare’s signature poetry and insight into human nature,” according to PCPA. Admission is $25 to $41. Tickets and show times can be found at pcpa.org.

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 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING

HOPE FAMILY WINES Join in welcoming

Hope Family Wines to Cambria Pines Lodge for an intimate five-course wine dinner in our outdoor Pavilion Garden. March 1 , 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 9274200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/ tin-city-walking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

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

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 4404561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK FEBRUARY

Science After Dark is a lecture series at the Central Coast Aquarium for those 18 and older, held on the last Tuesday of each month. Feb. 24 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27$33.98. my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

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

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.

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

DOWNTOWN VIBE FOOD & WINE

PAIRING DINNER Enjoy this thoughtfully curated multi-course menu by Chef Rachel Ponce, each dish paired with delicious Paso Downtown wines. Prepare to be amazed! Feb. 27, 7-9 p.m. $100. (949) 2954502. downtownwinedistrictpaso.com/ events/. Paso Bottle Shop, 1102 Railroad St., Paso Robles.

DOWNTOWN VIBE GRAND TASTING & BUBBLE LOUNGE Paso’s Downtown Vibe is back! First, a Bubbles Lounge, then the Grand Tasting, with 24 downtown Paso Robles wineries pouring their very best. Feb. 28 , 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $65. (949) 295-4502. downtownwinedistrictpaso. com/events/. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.

PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY MEETING

All welcome. Get involved and help spread the word about the co-op. Tell a friend, associate, or neighbor. Meet in the Community Room at Oak Creek Commons near Pat Butler Elementary School. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. pasofoodcooperative.com. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

SIP AND SLAY Feb. 28 12-5 p.m. $25-$50. my805tix.com. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, (805) 712-4647.

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.

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR

Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of

Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

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.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY DRAG BUNCH AT LA CASITA We’re back at La Casita with another Wild Drag Brunch, featuring Nala Diamond, Juicy CW, Shekinah Manley, Carbon Bard and Ezra Paco! Get ready for good times, delicious food, and some of the Central Coast’s most talented performers! Feb. 21 noon $33.98. my805tix.com. La Casita, 1572 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. ∆

Indie art for all

Do you love comics, graphic novels, and zines? Artist Andrew Howard-Greene is helping organize an independent comics and art show at Humdinger Brewing’s SLO Tap Room (855 Capitolio Way) on Saturday, Feb. 21 (all ages; free). You can peruse comics, zines, and art for sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as attend panel discussions. Stay for live punk bands playing the afterparty from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

“FREE Admission! ALL AGES.

KID FRIENDLY,” Howard-Greene announced on Facebook. “Food and drinks available, nonalcoholic beverages available. Creator panels and a draw-along. There will of course be MA/Underground comics and plenty for the adults and kids with ‘cool parents.’ Come out and hang!”

Panels include graphic novelist Kane Lynch presenting a drawing tutorial and talk at 1 p.m. Punk Rock Time Machine will present a music video discussion with an animator and band members at 2 p.m.

Bands playing the after-party include A.I.P., The Freak Accident, and Punk Rock Time Machine.

“I moved back to the Central Coast from San Francisco a little over a year ago and haven’t gotten out much because I’ve been hard at work on this project and my book, among others,” Howard-Greene added. “I’d love to catch up and say hey. I’ve got lots of cool junk to show you!”

Year of the Horse

Technically, this year’s Lunar New Year fell on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but to coincide with Farmers Market, the SLO community is invited to celebrate Lunar New Year on Thursday, Feb. 19, starting at 6 p.m. in Mission Plaza. Expect live performances, local food vendors, art, and activities for all ages.

“All are invited to attend with family and friends, enjoy the Farmers Market, and stay awhile to experience food, music, art, and conversation in the heart of downtown,” Matt Pennon, the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion manager said. “With this event and others like it, we hope to build a future rooted in connection, respect, and active participation. This celebration is about creating space where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected.”

See performances from Cal Poly’s Japanese Student Association sound collective, GenKey Music, welcoming remarks from Vice Mayor Emily Francis, a Happy New Year greeting by Children of the Central Coast Chinese Association, hear a Vietnamese dan tranh, and see a tea ceremony and fan dance.

See live performances by the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team, and an interactive performance by violinist Reso Crelli.

The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, optimism, and movement forward. For more information, visit slocity.org/ lunarnewyear. Δ Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Curated sounds

Hotel SLO works to create a vibe

Plug “hotel music?” into Google and what you’ll get is selection of YouTube recordings like “2025 Instrumental Jazz Lounge from luxury hotels,” a one-hour-and-24-minute recording of lite jazz. It’s not as bad as Muzak, but it’s still cheesy as hell. Can’t the hotel experience offer more?

That’s the question Cal Poly graduate and Red Light Management executive Bruce Flohr set out to answer after he signed on as an investor in Hotel SLO. Now, Piazza Hospitality—which includes Hotel SLO—has started a national campaign to bring attention to how music is reshaping the hotel experience.

“I travel for a living,” Flohr explained over drinks in Hotel SLO’s lounge, “and there’re three things that drive me crazy about a hotel. Bad lighting, right? Shitty staff. And bad music. Drives me crazy. So, they said, ‘OK, well, what do you want to do?’ I said, ‘Let me take over the playlist for the hotel, so everything you hear overhead, I program.”

Flohr—who, full disclosure, was the music director of Cal Poly radio station KCPR in the ’80s when I was a DJ there—put together a Spotify play list that’s about 2,300 songs long and runs for 147 hours.

“The chances of you hearing the same song twice during your stay is minimal,” Flohr noted.

The music industry insider has been a heavy player for decades. Red Light Management represents more than 400 artists including Alabama Shakes, Allen Stone, The Strokes, Phish, The Black Keys, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chris Stapleton, who is coming to the Mid-State Fair this summer.

Anyone with access to Spotify can listen to the playlist, which is constantly developing and changing.

“I will tell you, there’s been times I’ve been sitting here [in the lobby], and something comes on, and I’m like, ‘What the fuck was I thinking? This is horrible. I gotta get it off,’” Flohr laughed. “There was a time I was down here Sunday morning, 9 a.m., having coffee, and the playlist is on, and all of a sudden,

You don’t have to be a hotel guest

Hotel SLO (877 Palm St.) offers free live music in its lounge, S .Low Bar, Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. The public is welcome.

this drill-tap song—grr-grr-grr—came on, and I’m like, ‘What the hell?’ These two old ladies over the corner were freaking out. I ran over—the playlist is controlled back there—I said, ‘Turn it off! Turn it off!’ The playlist is always evolving. I’m just trying to give the hotel an energy vibe.”

His playlist is a mix of old and new. It’s a specific feeling he’s going for.

“I try to make it so that at least once you go, ‘I remember this.’ Or, ‘What is that?’” Flohr explained. “It’s all across the board. People tell me that when they come here, they hear stuff they’ve never heard before, that they fall in love with, and then a Rolling Stones song comes on. I try to avoid the cheese, you know, the sappy shit. I don’t want to name names, but stuff that your parents would like.

“Jeff Tweedy’s on the playlist, right? He’s got some killer stuff, but you wouldn’t necessarily put Jeff Tweedy [of Wilco] on a hotel playlist,” Flohr continued. “I really try to educate. It’s also helped me, as an executive, stay in touch, because it forces me to listen to new music.”

Hotel SLO has also upped its live music game. Thursdays to Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m., it has a solo or duo act in the lounge, S.Low Bar. As Flohr noted, the idea of the music is not a concert so much as “a little ambient energy.”

“It takes a specific kind of artist to understand what the gig is, right? Nobody’s here to see you,” Flohr explained. “They’re background noise, OK, nice noise. It’s a paying gig, but if you’re gonna come in here and try to get everybody to listen to your new song that you’re so passionate about, wrong gig. You can mix that stuff in. But you’re here to kind of move the night along, and that requires somebody with less ego, right? You’re almost, in a way, a host of a party.

“So, I went to the hotel, and I said, ‘I think we need somebody to really curate this on a regular basis,’ and it just so happens that I know Liz was here,” Flohr continued, speaking about Liz Kay, a marketing and branding expert, among other talents. “I wanted somebody I could trust that had music and street knowledge and could do quality control.”

Kay, like Flohr, has long been in the music biz in LA, but after moving up here to “retire,” she started promoting up-andcoming local acts.

Showtime!

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

“You started talking to me about it last summer, and then I started [booking] in August,” Kay said. “When he asked me, he said, ‘I just don’t want to walk into my hotel and hear shitty music. Could you help me with that?’”

Kay only has 12 spots a month to fill, so she must be very selective. The artists are paid a flat rate, given a meal and two beverages, and are offered valet parking, which Kay felt was especially important for her female solo performers.

Singer-songwriter Jon Millsap of The Vibe Setters will use live looping technology to play soul, pop, hip-hop, and country on Thursday, Feb. 19.

On Friday, Feb. 20, Singersongwriter Sami Rouissi, from Nice, France, will play his mix of folk, blues, soul, and pop-rock—think Ben Harper, Tracy Chapman, David Gray, Jimi Hendrix, and Marvin Gay. Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 21, hear Central Coast native Jineanne Coderre play her smooth and nostalgic pop, R&B, soul, and jazz.

And next week there’ll be a different lineup. Visit hotel-slo.com to see who. ∆

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

THIS THURSDAY Jon Millsap uses looping technology and plays soul, pop, hip-hop, and country.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JON MILLSAP

THIS FRIDAY Sami Rouissi, from Nice, France, plays folk, blues, soul, and pop-rock.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMI ROUISSI

THIS SATURDAY Central Coast native Jineanne Coderre plays smooth and nostalgic pop, R&B, soul, and jazz.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JINEANNE CODERRE

SETTING THE SCENE Music industry insiders Bruce Flohr and Liz Kay are transforming the way Hotel SLO incorporates music into the guest experience.

COURTESY

To catch a thief

Bart Layton (The Imposter, American Animals) directs his adaptation of Don Winslow’s 2020 novella of the same name about thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth), whose series of heists along the 101 freeway draws the attention of Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) and intersects with the plans of disgruntled insurance broker Sharon Combs (Halle Berry). (139 min.)

WE

CASH

CRIME 101

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Stadium 10

Glen I love a great heist film (think Heat, Hell or Highwater, Reservoir Dogs, Drive, and The Town), and I also like a good heist film. This one’s not great, but it is pretty damn good with a lot of storylines, interesting characters, and great car chases. The film opens with an upside-down shot of LA’s nighttime skyline, and when we first see Mike, he’s buffing dead skin cells and shaking out loose hairs onto a plastic tarp. He’s meticulous and doesn’t want to leave any DNA behind when he steals. He’s got a computer hacker, Devon (Devon Bostick), who gets him the insider info he needs to pull off his heists, but his fence, Money (Nick Nolte looking grizzled as hell), seems to have some dirt on him. Mike’s also got a code—no violence—but in his profession, he can’t control everything around him, no matter how disciplined he is. Things start to go sideways, and Money brings in a loosecannon biker, Ormon (an unhinged Barry Keoghan), to do a job Mike’s balking at. Soon Detective Lubesnick is closing in on Mike as he works to pull the proverbial “one last job.” Slick yet gritty, it’s a propulsive little thriller. Anna Mike is guarded, to say the least. When he meets Maya (Monica Barbaro) after a fender bender, he opens a small crack in his

PLAYING

GRACIE DARLING

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 to present

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Child psychologist Joni (Morgana O’Reilly) is mother to teenager, Mina (Chloe Brink), but when Joni was 14, her best friend, Gracie Darling (Kristina Bogic), disappeared under mysterious circumstances following a Ouija board session in a cabin in the woods.

Joni can’t help but get pulled back into the mystery when she learns that kids have been back out to the cabin calling on spirits and that another young Darling child is missing.

To find answers for the present, she must dive back into the past and learn once and for all

wooden exterior to let her in. Maya isn’t one for BS though, and she soon tires of his aloof mysteriousness. He doesn’t have any family photos around, nothing personal of note in his apartment—and, most telling, he can’t manage to look her in the eyes. We learn bits and pieces about him as Lubesnick orbits him, like he was a foster kid and had a different name. He has a lot of fear around scarcity, and he can’t keep himself from taking one more job, the kind with “walk away” money at stake. Sharon is facing her own battle, one in which the insurance firm she works for refuses to give her the partnership she’s earned. She’s aging out of the business, and the toxic masculinity surrounding her is gross. While always loyal to a fault, she’s finally pushed over the edge and into a scheme that puts her in the line of fire.

Glen Her storyline is compelling, and Berry is terrific. Ruffalo is also great as the hangdog, Columbo-like detective—

what happened to the friend she lost all those years ago.

Set in the atmospheric and beautiful New South Wales’ Hawkesbury River region, this dark mystery unfolds around you and keeps its secrets close to the vest from beginning to end.

O’Reilly’s a fantastic lead—her Joni a measured and steadfast mother determined to keep the fate of other children safe from whatever forces took Gracie away all those years ago. However, mind games can’t help but come into play, and Joni soon realizes that her experiences may be due to forces that she herself could have controlled. It’s a gripping series, and a very bingeable one. (six 42- to 43-min. episodes)

haunted by

—Anna

EARTH’S GREATEST ENEMY

What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2026

tenacious, methodical, smart—but also disheveled and in personal crisis. His wife, Angie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), has left him, and his boss on the force, Capt. Stewart (Matthew Del Negro), doesn’t like him or his methods. The rich prick at the center of the final heist, billionaire Steven Monroe (a super smarmy Tate Donovan), is absolutely hateable. This is a great cast, and after spending a day thinking about it, I feel now that the film’s a much stronger than I thought when I first exited the theater. Anna The cast certainly is the wow factor here, and the film does a good job of not wasting its talent. I don’t know that it will become known as one of the best heist films, but it pulled its weight in delivering a compelling story with an all-star cast. ∆

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

Where’s it showing? Friday, Feb. 20, at Cal Poly PACSLO (6:30 p.m.; $10 student, $20 general at pacslo.org), and Saturday, Feb. 21, at Cuesta College CPAC (12:30 p.m.; $15 at eventbrite.com)

Wife-and-husband documentarians Abby

Martin and Mike Prysner (Chevron vs.

The Amazon) spent five years on this new film that chronicles the extent that the U.S. military is damaging Earth’s environment. The couple visited defense contractor conferences, international climate gatherings, military training exercises, and U.S. military bases.

“Exempt from international climate agreements and rarely scrutinized in

mainstream reporting, the Pentagon is revealed here as the world’s single largest institutional polluter—spewing carbon, contaminating water, and scarring landscapes across the globe,” organizers explained. “Combining investigative journalism, striking visuals, and stories from impacted communities, the film challenges audiences to rethink the hidden costs of a global military empire and its planetary consequences. Provocative, urgent, and eye-opening, this is a documentary that will change how you see both the military and environmentalism.” In the film, for context, Abby revealed, “It would take the average American driver over 40 years to burn as much fuel as a single flight of a Boeing Pegasus. The U.S. flies more than 600 of these tankers.”

There’s a devastating unaccounted-for cost of our military machine. A Q-and-A with Mike Prysner follows the screenings. (the event runs three hours and 30 min.) ∆ —Glen

The U.S. military’s environmental destruction is chronicled in Earth’s Greatest Enemy, screening Feb. 20 at Cal Poly and Feb. 21 at Cuesta College.

HEIST Thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth, right), who’s been pulling jobs up and down the 101 freeway, is looking for one final score, in Crime 101, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON MGM

FUEL HOGS

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Bach and beyond

Singer and mandolinist

Chris Thile

plays Cal Poly

Grammy Award? Check. MacArthur Fellow “genius grant”? Check. Amazing mandolinist, singersongwriter, and composer? Check, check, check! Cal Poly Arts presents Chris Thile at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Feb. 28 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $74 at calpolyarts.org), and he spoke about his career during a recent Zoom call.

Thile, a founding member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, most recently released Bach: Sonatas and Partitas, Vol. 2, a follow-up to 2013’s Vol. 1, but for the second volume, he took a very different approach.

“I think just about every serious musician I know at least loves Bach, and a lot of us love having a hands-on relationship with his music, so I would say that the first one was really just an extension of that,” he explained. “Like, I love this and I want to do it. And look, I can do it. And I still hear all of this joy in the sheer ability to play solo Bach on that first record. I still feel like it comes off as very sincere, and I’m proud of it.

“But taking that same approach into Vol. 2, it didn’t work. Something seemed wrong, or just kind of lifeless about it.”

To find inspiration, Thile decided to record Bach’s compositions in a variety of places.

“Recording them in different locations, and occasionally jumping locations mid movement, that was a fairly interesting process that I just couldn’t unhear in my inner ear once I dreamed it up, so we chased that sound.”

Some were recorded at Blackberry Farm, where Thile was married, some in New York’s Tompkins Square Park, some at Kentucky’s Murray State University where Thile performed Bach for the first time in front of an audience.

“I was a violin major there for a very short time before Nickel Creek took off, so, yeah, the ghost of me, just absolutely shitting bricks, getting ready to play Bach—that all came back, and my mom actually wanted to come, so it was an audience of one, my mom, in that hall.”

For his solo show here, Thile said he’d be

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

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.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of

playing half Bach and half reaching into his extensive catalog.

“It’s a pretty wide-ranging affair, but everything’s selected to go together and weave a coherent narrative. There are stories and songs that go with the Bach, and the Bach I picked out goes with the songs I want to play. There’s a theatrical element. It’s no longer as interesting to just straight-up play music. I’m putting on a show.”

When I think of Thile, I think like Béla Fleck and the banjo or Jake Shimabukuro and the ukulele. He seems determined to take the mandolin to new places, but he pushed back on that idea.

“I’m not trying to take the mandolin to new places specifically. I’m trying to take myself new places. It’s really just me chasing the sounds I hear in my head, that I hear in my heart of hearts. How do I get from hearing those sounds in my head to actually hearing them in a room or on a record or being able to give them to my fellow human beings?”

Also this week from Cal Poly Arts, see Broadway star Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart on Wednesday, Feb. 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $75 to $125 at pacslo.org). The event celebrates the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed theatrical concert Matters of the Heart, which she performed for extended runs on Broadway, London’s West End, and on tour nationally and internationally.

Cal Poly Arts also brings you Kal Penn: From White Castle to White House on Thursday, Feb. 26 (8 p.m.; all ages; $41 to $74 at pacslo.org). Emmy-nominated actor, author, and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, The Namesake, and the Harold & Kumar franchise.

SLO CAL 4EVER

Nonprofit, countywide marketing organization

“We’re excited to announce a special hometown show,” frontman Michael Venia said. “It’s more than a show—it’s a celebration of the Central Coast—the coastline, the hills, the small-town magic, and the music community that makes this place feel like home. I’m truly honored to be part of it, and when I look back on how I ended up here, the connections still feel almost too wild to be real.”

Venia grew up in Saudi Arabia.

Sound out!

Visit SLO Cal presents Carbon City Lights at The Siren on Sunday, Feb. 22 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). They’ll be shooting video that night, so wash your face, you filthy animal. You don’t want to embarrass your mom.

world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. 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

4TH THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC SERIES: EMILY SMITH Enjoy live music at Dracaena Wines every 4th Thursday. This month is Emily Smith. Feb. 26 , 5-7 p.m. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com.

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

Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

CRYING UNCLE BLUEGRASS BAND Join us for an incredible evening of top-shelf Bluegrass music with Grammy-quality Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band! Feb. 27 6-10 p.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero. THE I’S HAVE IT? A FREE CONCERT BY THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND Join the Atascadero Community Band for a free, family-friendly concert at Atascadero Bible Church. Donations support 805MPA!

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP? Visit SLO CAL presents Carbon City Lights at The Siren—to capture promotional video (so look your best!)—on Feb. 22 .

“What many people may not know is that my wife did too,” Venia continued. “Years before either of us could’ve imagined settling down in SLO, she visited as a high school student in the early 2000s and discovered a local band you may remember: Jive N Direct. She even left a comment on their MySpace page and got a reply from Damon Castillo along the lines of, ‘How cool our music has made it to Saudi Arabia!’ Even then, the Central Coast scene was reaching far beyond its borders.”

March 1 3-5 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, 6225 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, 805) 466-2051.

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.

JAZZ AT SENSORIO WITH JAMAAL BAPTISTE, SUNNY WRIGHT, AND DYLAN JOHNSON Enjoy jazz with pianist Jamaal Baptiste, vocalist Sunny Wright, and bassist Dylan Johnson. There will also be food, games, and art. Feb. 20 5:30-8:30 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

Amazingly, two of Carbon City’s band members played in Jive N Direct: Kristian Ducharme (keys) and Jennings Jacobsen (drums). Small world. Join them, Josh Barrett (bass of B & the Hive), Bob Liepman (cello of Bob & Wendy), and Bret Heenan (lead guitar) this Sunday.

Sublime tribute band 40oz to Freedom plays The Siren on Friday, Feb. 20 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $18.48 at tixr. com). They won the 2010 San Diego Music Award for Best Tribute Artist and have been touring ever since.

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

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.

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 WINTER JAZZ CONCERT: SOUNDS OF GROOVE The concert will feature performances by various jazz ensembles, including the University Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. Feb. 27 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/jazz/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. LIVE MUSIC continued page 26

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARBON CITY LIGHTS

STARKEY continued page 26

MANDOLIN MAN Cal Poly Arts presents Chris Thile at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Feb. 28

Hard rock and pop punk tributes

Good Medicine and Numbskull present AC/DC tribute band High Voltage at The Siren on Saturday, Feb. 21 (doors at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20.29 at goodmedicinepresents.com).

“Well, here we go again,” drummer Ray Rocha said. “High Voltage is back at The Siren.”

Formed in 2010, the band includers original members Rocha and Andy Shellcross (bass) accompanied by longtime members RJ Silvas (guitar/Angus), Anthony Tyminski (guitar/Malcolm), and touring vocalist Brian Donson.

“Brian travels from Pennsylvania to do shows with us,” Rocha added. “He’s a stellar presence onstage and does justice to both the Bonn Scott and Brian Johnson material. Paul Dunn on bagpipes will be debuting a new intro into ‘Long Way to the Top.’ We’ll be doing a single, concert-style set of over 20 songs.”

Good Medicine and Numbskull also present NOT.GREENDAY at Club Car Bar on Saturday, Feb. 21 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $18.75 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Expect both hits and deep cuts from every era of Green Day’s catalog. Melodic skate punk act Carry the 9 opens.

Hot, ha-ha, and Jah

Good Vibez and the Fremont Theater have a packed slate this week starting with Heated Rivalry Night on Friday, Feb. 20 (doors at 8:15, show at 9 p.m.; 18-and-older; $42.20 at prekindle.com). “@club90s_la takes over the Fremont for the ultimate Heated Rivalry Night,” organizers announced. “Dance all night to HR edits, pop throwbacks, queer anthems, and nonstop high-energy hits. Photobooth, giveaways, and more.”

See funnyman Harland Williams: Comzilla Comedy Tour on Sunday, Feb. 22 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 at prekindle.com). The comedian and actor is known for roles in Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, Half Baked, Rocketman, Sorority Boys, Down Periscope, and more. Progressive roots and reggae act The Elovators plays on Tuesday, Feb. 24 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $46.32 at prekindle. com). Their 2018 sophomore album, Defy Gravity, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae chart. They’re currently touring in support of Endless Summer (2023).

Soul and R&B acts Thee Sinseers and The Altons (a side project of Thee Sinseers) play on Wednesday, Feb. 25 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $40.14 at prekindle.com).

Great horn section and great singers! The McCharmlys open.

Last I checked, the Bored Teachers: “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour was almost sold out. If you can score tickets, see it on Thursday, Feb. 26 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 to $81.86 at prekindle.com).

Two tributes and a beach party

SLO Brew Rock kicks off its week with Phish tribute act The Great Divide on Friday, Feb. 20 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb.com). “Phans can expect to hear favorites from every period of the band’s 40-plus year career,” organizers announced.

Tribute, nostalgia, and blues all-stars

The Clark Center’s lined up some fun ones this week starting with Simon & Garfunkel tribute act The Graduates on Saturday, Feb. 21 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $41.50 to $79.50 at clarkcenter.org). “Scarborough Fair,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water”—you’ll hear the classics as well as brief narratives about their careers together and as soloists.

The Doo Wop Project plays on Monday, Feb. 23 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $49 to $79 at clarkcenter.org) as it traces the evolution of doo-wop from classic street-corner harmonies to today’s biggest hits. The vocal supergroup features singers from Jersey Boys, Motown, and Beautiful

Finally, see Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout on Wednesday, Feb. 25 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $38 to $64 at clarkcenter.org). This year’s performers include Magic Dick, Curtis Salgado, RJ Mischo, Anson Funderburgh, Steve Freund, Rodrigo Mantovani, and Wes Starr.

Patriotism on parade

Sound out!

Led Zeppelin tribute band Legend Zeppelin plays on Saturday, Feb. 21 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $27.21 at ticketweb. com). The band obsessively works to re-create the Zeppelin experience with “period-correct gear, attire, and stage approach inspired by the band’s earliest tours and legendary bootlegs,” their bio explained.

Finally, Slum Beach Records presents DENM on his Dual Nature DENM Tour on Sunday, Feb. 22 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-andolder; $35.45 at ticketweb.com). DENM first made waves dropping his Slum Beach Denny album in 2021. The record has been streamed more than 25 million times. Evening Elephants and Obed Padilla open.

The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus plays the PAC in SLO on Sunday, Feb. 22 (3 p.m.; all ages; free but reserve your spot at pacslo.org). The 60-member Concert Band and 29-member Soldiers’ Chorus “join together to offer unparalleled versatile programming, ranging from orchestral masterworks and operatic arias to Sousa marches, jazz classics, and Broadway musicals,” organizers announced. “Their mission is to connect with Americans, share Army stories, and honor veterans as the Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”

Church jazz

In the ’20s, critics called jazz “the devil’s music.” Now you can hear it in a sanctuary when The G2 Project plays the Jazz Vespers Concert series at SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Feb. 22 (4 p.m.; all ages; free but donations appreciated). Led by awardwinning architect George Garcia (piano), the trio also includes Dylan Johnson (bass) and Darrell Voss (drums.) A reception follows. ∆

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

CANZONA PRESENTS “RENAISSANCE, BAROQUE, AND BEYOND” Take a journey through centuries of sacred music with Canzona. We’ll delight our audience with Italian trios, Baroque duets, and spirited a cappella madrigals! March 1 , 3-5 p.m. $10$35. (805) 242-6065. my805tix.com. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

CHRIS THILE Grammy-winning mandolinist and MacArthur “Genius” Chris Thile, of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, blends Bach, folk, and improvisation in a wide-ranging, genre-defying solo tour. Hear him live! Feb. 28 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ chris-thile. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ WITH BRUCE FORMAN

Bruce Forman is one of the most swinging jazz guitar players alive. Join us in the Experimental Theater for this special performance with Cuesta Jazz. Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. $20. (805) 5463198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, 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 PRESENTSCHAMBER 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.

PATTI LUPONE: MATTERS OF THE HEART TOUR Three-time Tony winner, Patti LuPone, will be performing an evening of cabaretstyle songs that explore love’s complexities, from Broadway classics to contemporary works. Feb. 25 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/pattilupone-matters-of-the-heart. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

PEACE, BEAUTY, HARP Unwind into the weekend with the peace and beauty of the harp in the peace and beauty of SLO’s historic church. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through March 20 Free. (805) 543-7212. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

RENAISSANCE, BAROQUE AND BEYOND: SACRED AND PROFANE Take a journey through centuries of sacred music with Canzona Women’s Ensemble. From Isabella Leonarda’s Renaissance “Magnificat” to Poulenc’s 20th-century “Litanies à la Vierge Noire” for women’s voices and organ, we’ll delight our audience with Italian trios, Baroque duets, and spirited a cappella madrigals in English and French! March 1 3 p.m. $10-$35. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-6065.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY BSR SPONSORED EVENT: THE LEGENDARY COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY SCOTTY BARNHART WITH JAZZ VOCALIST NNENNA FREELON Winner of 18 Grammy Awards, the Basie Orchestra has performed at every major jazz festival and concert hall, swinging with unmatched energy,

style, and soul. March 1 , 3 p.m. $45-$75. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS ICONIC: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the unparalleled legacy of the King of Pop with ICONIC, the world’s top Michael Jackson tribute show. Feb. 28 , 3-5 & 8-10 p.m. $49-$69, Platinum $79; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA, DIRECTED BY SCOTTY BARNHART WITH JAZZ VOCALIST NNENNA FREELON Winner of 18 Grammy Awards, the Basie Orchestra has performed at every major jazz festival and concert hall, swinging with unmatched energy, style, and soul. March 1 3-5 p.m. $45-$65, Platinum $75; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: MARK

HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout returns with its signature mix of soulful grooves, blistering solos, and powerhouse performances. Feb. 25 7:30-9:30 p.m. $38-$58, Premium $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) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE DOO WOP PROJECT The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop from classic street-corner harmonies to today’s biggest hits, reimagined with vintage flair. Feb. 23, 7:30-9 p.m. $49-$69, Platinum $79; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. 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.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

THE 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. 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) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. ∆

LIVE MUSIC from page 24

LET THERE BE ROCK Good Medicine and Numbskull present AC/DC tribute band High Voltage at The Siren on Feb. 21

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH VOLTAGE

DEFYING GRAVITY Good Vibez presents The Elovators at the Fremont Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 24 .

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD VIBEZ

More tea, please

Atascadero’s Tea Trolley fosters community and care on the Central Coast

Aregal violin harmony gently lilts through the air above Atascadero’s Entrada Avenue. Nestled between a juice store and a barber shop, the strings sing from the balcony of a white cottage while a small crowd waits.

About 10 women dressed in British Regency gowns listen for their names— preceded by the word “lady”—to be called in for afternoon tea.

The Tea Trolley in Atascadero has provided a British high tea experience since it opened in 2002. It hosts afternoon tea, private celebrations, and themed tea services and has a shop selling tea and gifts. On Jan. 31, the tea room transported guests to the world of Bridgerton, a popular Regency romance series on Netflix.

But the Tea Trolley’s foray into themed high tea events is recent—a brainchild of the spot’s new owner, Deneen DiCarlo. She took over the business in September 2025, from the Trolley’s original owner from England, Wendy Richardson.

Sit and sip

The Tea Trolley is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m. High tea is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation only. Make a reservation at theteatrolley.com. Find the cottage at 5932 Entrada Ave. in Atascadero and on Instagram @teatrolleyatascadero.

“The day she handed me the keys, she had a really hard time,” said DiCarlo. “I understand why, because when I leave this place, I rub the walls and I just say, ‘Thank you so much,’ because it is such a magical place.”

She stumbled upon the little cottage while looking at real estate in Atascadero, initially thinking about opening a yogurt and candy shop.

“I was like, ‘I need that house; we’re going to do something with this house. I don’t know what I’m going to sell there, but I’m going to do this house,’” she said.

When DiCarlo offered to buy the place, Richardson expressed her desire for it to continue to be focused on tea.

“It was just like, I know nothing about tea, but I will learn,” DiCarlo said.

The new owner works to keep the tea room’s traditional character alive, while adding her own touch.

“She [Wendy] needed a tea place, and hers was very British,” DiCarlo said. “She always goes, ‘Darling, don’t you think this is a little over the top?’ But she loves it.”

After more than two decades as a rheumatologist in New York City and San Luis Obispo, DiCarlo knew she wanted to continue taking care of people as she eased into retirement from the medical field last August.

“I love to talk to people,” she said. “A lot of times my patients would be stable, and … you’re spending like 15, 20, 30 minutes, you talk, you get to know their families and what’s going on, and that’s what I get to do here.”

Her staff—or as DiCarlo describes them, “family”—also have roots in the medical and service industry. Lilly Germond has been the Tea Trolley’s lead server since DiCarlo took over. Prior to this role, she was a caregiver and was in the service industry for the past

10 years. Germond describes the Tea Trolley as “restorative” and “healing,” thanks to a staff experienced in taking care of others.

“There’s this sense of playfulness to the Tea Trolley,” she said.

During the Bridgerton high tea experience, a heavy French accent seamlessly rolled out of Germond’s mouth, a commitment to her character as she greeted the guests and poured tea.

Chef Andre Averseng makes the food that rounds out an afternoon tea experience: scones, crumpets, desserts, and fillings for finger sandwiches—including egg salad and caper and cucumber dill. The shortbread cookies, which are a staple of every tea experience at the Trolley, are primarily baked by Lynne Anger. The labor and delivery nurse’s passion for baking and cookie decorating has driven cookie production since DiCarlo took over.

The pair became best friends in first grade and both had careers in medicine, experience that they lean on at the Tea Trolley.

FLAVOR continued page 28

TEA TROLLEY The cottage that houses the Tea Trolley in Atascadero was the first building on Entrada Avenue in 1930.

FINGER FOOD Small finger food like salami, chocolate covered almonds, cheeses, and more fill the dainty tea cups served to guests during the Bridgerton high tea service on Jan. 31.

SIXTH OWNER Deneen DiCarlo took over the Tea Trolley in September 2025 and is the sixth owner of the Entrada Avenue building. Dressed in a hot pink Regency gown, she awaits guests with cookies.

The Entrada Avenue cottage was built in the 1930s, the first building on the street. Over the years, it’s housed a lawyer’s office, a dressmaker’s house, a hairstylist, and a doctor’s office, according to DiCarlo. She is the sixth owner of the building.

For the recent Bridgerton event, DiCarlo said she slept about 12 hours in total the week leading to it.

“I feel more stressed out than I did as a doctor sometimes because I’m like, I got to make this work,” she said.

Moving forward, DiCarlo has plans to hand the Tea Trolley over to a new owner after five years, a difficult decision she knows she will have to make. In the meantime, she works gratefully alongside her staff.

After hours immersed in the world of Bridgerton, elegantly raising pinkies, sipping tea, nibbling freshly baked scones, and batting feathered fans, the Tea Trolley’s royal guests exited the shop and stepped back onto modern-day Entrada Avenue.

“I think part of medicine in any way, shape, or form is listening,” Anger said. “You sit and you listen and a lot of these people will come in and they’re by themselves or they want to talk. Especially the older women that maybe are widowed or they just want somebody to sit and listen to them.”

“I feel like Willy Wonka, like I won the golden ticket with everything,” DiCarlo said.

“This is not something that is paying the bills. I’m at that stage of my life where I feel so privileged; not a lot of people can do this.” ∆

Reach intern Fiona Hastings at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.

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3.6

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. 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. 2026-0031 (07/01/2020)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as RISING PHOENIX LANDSCAPES, 2140 Ocean Street, Oceano, CA 93445. San Luis Obispo County. Reo Curtis Cordes (2140 Ocean Street, Oceano, CA 93445). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Reo Curtis Cordes. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-06-2026. 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. 01-06-2031. February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

FILE NO. 2026-0072 (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as KT AVILA RENTALS, 756 Brighton Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Kristin Avila, Anthony Avila (756 Brighton Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by A Married Couple /s/ Anthony Avila, Kristin Avila. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-09-2026. 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. 01-092031. February 19, 26, March 5, & 12, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0088 (10/01/2025)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as CAMBRIA CLEANING SERVICES, 2575 Wilcombe Road, Cambria, CA 93428. San Luis Obispo County. Natalie M Crosby (2575 Wilcombe Road, Cambria, CA 93428). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Natalie M. Crosby. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-13-2026. 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. 0113-2031. February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0096 (01/01/2011)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as THE FRENCH CORNER BAKERY, 2214 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428. San Luis Obispo County. MLV, Inc. (2214 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ MLV, Inc., Miguel Viveros, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-14-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 01-14-2031. February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

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

SECTION 1: The Board finds and determines:

a. That it has the authority to revise fee charges for providing any product, service, or enforcement of various regulations under the general laws of the State of California, including Government Code Sections 54985 et seq. and 66010 et seq.

b. The Board has adopted a policy (Resolution No. 75-396) requiring the County Administrator and the Auditor-Controller to annually review changes in fees and charges for specific County products, services and costs of enforcement with the departments making those charges, and make recommendations to this Board as to whether said charges should remain the same, be increased or be decreased.

c. On November 18, 2025, Ordinance No. 3557 was adopted establishing or reaffirming all county fees on Schedule “B”. Said ordinance, and any other ordinances subsequently adopted amending the fee schedule, shall continue in effect unless modified by this ordinance. All fees to be charged in Fiscal Year 2026-27 as set forth in Schedule “B” of this ordinance have been subject to review by the County Administrator and the County Auditor-Controller. All fees presented on Schedule “B” * and incorporated by reference herein.

d. The Auditor-Controller has certified to this Board that the overhead rates are calculated in accordance with accounting standards set by the Federal Government’s Office of Management and Budget, in accordance with Title 2 in the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225.

e. The fees and charges shown on Schedule “B” hereto reflect the Board approved charges for providing any product or service, or the cost of enforcing any regulations, which are limited to those items included in the Federal Office of Management and Budget 2 CFR, Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225; provided, however, that fees for zoning and planning matters, including municipal and district organizational and re-organizational matters, as specified in Government Code Section 66016, do not exceed estimated reasonable costs of those services for which the fees are charged.

f. Capital facilities fees do not exceed actual construction costs as defined in Government Code Section 54999.1.

g. By definition, these charges are not a “tax” and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to California Constitution Code Article XIIIC, section 1, paragraph (e) (1)[charge for specific benefit conferred]/(2)[charge for specific service provided]/(3)[charge for issuing license or performing inspection]/(4)[charge for use of government property]/(5)[fine or penalty imposed for violation of law] (Prop.26).

h. Public Notice has been given in accordance with Government Code Sections 66016 and 66018.

SECTION 2: The fee schedules are amended as follows:

a. That the fee changes * and incorporated by reference herein shown on Schedule “B” as “proposed fees” are hereby approved, and shall be effective July 1, 2026.

SECTION 3: All departmental managers and divisional managers whose services are listed in said Schedule “B” are hereby directed to amend their fees for services to the rate shown in Schedule “B” as “proposed fees”, including all additions or deletions.

SECTION 4: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect as set forth in Section 2 above; 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 27th day of January 2026 and PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 10th day of February 2026, by the following roll call vote, to wit:

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

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINING: 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 Executive Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.

* Schedule “B” is not attached hereto and are available in the Executive Office and online at https://agenda. slocounty.ca.gov/iip/sanluisobispo/agendaitem/ details/19928, Meeting Date: 2/10/26, Agenda Item No. 15. DATED: February 11, 2026

MATTHEW PONTES

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

By /s/ Niki Martin

Deputy Clerk February 19, 2026

OBISPO

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, March 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 Santa Margarita Ranch LLC for a Vesting Tentative Tract 3237 N-SUB2024-00085 to subdivide an existing 8.01 acre parcel into six parcels of sizes ranging from approximately 1 to 1.7 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The project includes off-site road improvements, and demolition of an existing driveway and agricultural structures. The project will result in the disturbance of approximately 1.4 acres of the approximately 8-acre parcel.

The project includes an adjustment to section 21.03.010 (4) g to allow for private access easement to serve more than five parcels and a waiver of curb gutter and sidewalk requirements. The project is within the Residential Suburban land use category and is located at 22937 I Street Santa Margarita. The site is in the Salinas River Subarea of the North County Area Plan.

Also, to be considered at the hearing will be the adoption of the environmental document prepared for this item. The Environmental Coordinator, after completion of the initial study, finds that there is no substantial evidence the project will have a significant effect on the environment, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.) has been issued on February 3, 2026, for this project. Mitigation measures are proposed to address Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Hazardous Materials, Land Use & Planning, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Mandatory Findings of Significance are included as conditions of approval.

County File Number: N-SUB2024-00085

Supervisorial District: District 5

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 069-091-014

Date Accepted: 7/11/2025

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.

Daniela Chavez Secretary Planning Commission February 19, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, March 6, 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 Wildwood West Homeowners Association (HOA), for a Lot Line Adjustment (N-SUB2025-00064/ COAL 25-0044) to adjust the lot lines between two existing legal parcels: Parcel 1 (0.58 acres gross) and Parcel 2 (7.82 acres gross).

The adjustment will transfer approximately 0.13 acres from Parcel 1 to Parcel 2, resulting in Parcel 1 (0.45 acres) and Parcel 2 (7.95 acres). The purpose of the proposed Lot Line Adjustment is to convey ownership of a strip of frontage along Wildwood Drive, from the private residence to the Wildwood West HOA. Both parcels are within the Residential Suburban (RS) land use category and located within the Templeton Urban Reserve Line in the Salinas River Sub Area of the North County Planning Area. The subject properties are located at in the unincorporated community of Templeton.

This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (ED25-0264).

County File Number: N-SUB2025-00064

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 040-272-011, -036

Date Accepted: 12/11/2025

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 2/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-SUB2025-00064.”

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

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing February 19, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing WHEN Friday, March 6, 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

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

Project Description: Development of 24 residential condos (12 duplex buildings) on a vacant property. The project includes a state affordable housing density bonus, fence height modification, subdivision map, and oak tree removal permit for 10 oak trees (PD24-07, OTR25-04, MOD25-09, P24-0100).

Applicant: Stephen Ross, Montage Development Inc

Location: 420 Creston Road (APN 009-541-010 and 009-541011)

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 City Council will hold a Public Hearing on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.

On February 10, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the project. On a vote of 6-0 (Marlow absent), the Commission recommended the City Council approve the project.

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 cityclerk@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 City Council.

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 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 planning@prcity.com or (805) 237-3970.

February 19, 2026

Notice of Public Hearing – March 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center 1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

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

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, March 6, 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.

Hearing Item: Intent to Adopt a Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for the Port San Luis Harbor District

A request by the Santa Margarita Fire District for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2024-00044) to allow for the construction of a 5,890 square foot (sf) Pre-engineered steel building to serve as a fire station, apparatus bay, and administrative facility, a 3,401 square foot driveway and parking area, 3,029 square foot leach field, and other site improvements within the public right of way. This project would result in the disturbance of 21,735 square feet on a parcel totaling 14,250 square feet including offsite improvements. The proposed project is within the Commercial Retail land use category and is located in the community of Santa Margarita, on the northwest corner of Margarita Avenue and El Camino Real. The site is in the Salinas River Sub-area of the North County Planning. Also to be considered is the environmental determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the provisions of CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.

County File Number: N-DRC2025-00044

Supervisorial District: District 5

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 069-032-015, -016

Date Accepted: 2/2/2026

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca. gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 2/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00044.”

WHAT

Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will consider adoption of the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Study for the Port San Luis Harbor District. The MSR evaluates the District’s capability to service existing and future users and is the basis for SOI decisions. A SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56425 as a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality. The District’s existing SOI is currently coterminous with its service area boundary. However, at the District’s request, the proposed SOI would be expanded to include the entirety of the County of San Luis Obispo. No changes to the existing service area boundary are proposed at this time. Any future annexation of territory would require separate proceedings. It has been determined that the MSR and SOI Study is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Categorical Exemption Section 15306 and CEQA General Rule Exemption Section 15061(b)(3). MSR and SOI factors listed in Government Code Sections 56430(a) and 56425(e) have been analyzed, and determinations have been provided within the Public Review Draft, which is currently available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/. The Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website by Thursday, March 12, 2026. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@ slo.lafco.ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the public hearing.

A request by Booker Vineyard and Winery for an amendment (AMEND2025-00005) to Minor Use Permit (DRC2017-00008). The request includes the addition of 1) an existing as-built 1,440 square foot modular office, 2) the addition of an existing as-built 330 square foot trellis, 3) an expansion of annual case production from 20,000 cases a year to 50,000 cases a year, and 4) a request for a setback modification for the modular office to allow a 31-foot setback on the west side of the property line and a 75-foot setback to the southern property line instead of the required 100 foot setback to the property lines. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and located at 2640 and 2644 Anderson Road, on the north side of Anderson Road, approximately ½ mile north of Highway 46, approximately 2 miles west of the City of Paso Robles, in the Adelaida Planning Area of the North County Planning Area.

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

County File Number: AMEND2025-00005

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 040-051-010, -033

Date Accepted: 1/20/2026

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

Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

If you have questions, please contact: LAFCO 805-781-5795 or mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov

February 19, 2026

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

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing February 19, 2026

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 2/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on AMEND2025-00005.”

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

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing February 19, 2026

San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission 1042 Pacific Street, Suite A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Telephone: (805)781-5795

Notice of Public Hearing –March 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center 1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Hearing Item: Intent to Adopt a Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for the Port San Luis Harbor District

Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will consider adoption of the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Study for the Port San Luis Harbor District. The MSR evaluates the District’s capability to service existing and future users and is the basis for SOI decisions. A SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56425 as a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality. The District’s existing SOI is currently coterminous with its service area boundary. However, at the District’s request, the proposed SOI would be expanded to include the entirety of the County of San Luis Obispo. No changes to the existing service area boundary are proposed at this time. Any future annexation of territory would require separate proceedings. It has been determined that the MSR and SOI Study is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Categorical Exemption Section 15306 and CEQA General Rule Exemption Section 15061(b)(3). MSR and SOI factors listed in Government Code Sections 56430(a) and 56425(e) have been analyzed, and determinations have been provided within the Public Review Draft, which is currently available on the LAFCO website https:// slo.lafco.ca.gov/. The Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website by Thursday, March 12, 2026. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco. ca.gov, mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the public hearing.

If you have questions, please contact: LAFCO 805-781-5795 or mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov February 19, 2026

San Luis Obispo Local Agency

1042 Pacific Street, Suite Telephone: (805) 781-5795

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:

FEBRUARY 10, 2026 COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING BRIEF

Items 1-10, 20 & 22: Consent Agenda & Resolution (Res) Nos. 2026-020 thru 2026-025 – APPROVED Item 11: Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: S. Schmidt; L. Schwartenman; S. Shealy; R. Strong; J. Koman; L. Vanasupa; J. Hudson & M. Pickett: spoke - NO ACTION TAKEN

Item 21: County’s 2026 State & Federal Legislative PlatformAPPROVED AS AMENDED

Item 12: Presentation on an Overview of the Health & Human Services Impacts of H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act – REC’D & FILED

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

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 19, 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:

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

NOES: None

ABSENT: 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 19, 2026

Item 13: Presentation re: the FY 2026-27 thru FY 2028-29 Behavioral Health Integrated Plan; authorize submittal of the Plan & the Chief Executive Officer to sign a letter approving submittal of the Plan to the State Dept. of Health Care Services – APPROVED

Item 14: Presentation of the County Unincorporated Tourism Business Improvement District (CBID) survey results – APPROVED, MOVING FWD W/ THE CONVERSION OF THE CBID FROM THE 1989 STREETS & HWY CODE TO THE 1994 TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT LAW

Item 15: Ordinance (Ord) No. 3584, implementing Public Works - Roads Fees in the County Fee Schedule “B” for Fiscal Year 2026-27 – ADOPTED

Item 16: 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-06854SPG-ASx; Friends of Oceano Dunes, Inc. v. CA Dept of Parks & Rec, et al., SLO Co. Superior Court Case No. 21CV-0275; Friends of Oceano Dunes et al. v. CA Coastal Commission et al., U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Case No. 2:17-cv-8733. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA. Conference w/ real property negotiator re: APNs: 038-711-006; 020, 067-011-041, 074-021-036; 043; 046; 047, 074-022-014; 033; 042; 058; 059, 074-024-011; 030, 074-025-010, 074-222-013, 074-324-003; 004, & 074-482-051. Parties Negotiating: Kirk re Tre, F. Mark S Tre Etal, Eto Alan T Tre Etal, C. A Pratt Construction Co Inc, Anastasi Development Co. LLC, K. Thomas R Etux, S. Clayton L Tre Etal, M. Preston Etux, N. Sharad C & Satya S, Anastasi Construction Co. Inc A Ca Corp, M. Jeanne M Tre, Kolb Properties LLC, C. James B Tre Etal.

Instructions: Price, Terms & Conditions. Open Session: Report out - NONE

Item 17: Report re: the status of the Area Agency on Aging – REC’D W/ DIRECTION TO STAFF TO PURSUE CONTINUATION OF THE TWOCOUNTY PSA 17

Item 18: Hearing re: Ord 3585, amending Chapter 8.13 of the Co. Code to extend the interim moratorium on the land application of treated sewage sludge/biosolids from 04/01/26 to 03/31/29 or until adoption of a permanent ordinance, whichever occurs first; exempt from CEQA - ADOPTED

Item 19: Board Member comments and reports on meetings: Supervisor Gibson congratulates Supervisor Moreno on being appointed as Vice-Chair to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Government Finance and Administration Policy Committee – NO ACTION TAKEN

Meeting adjourned.

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

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

By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of SupervisorsFebruary 19, 2026

NOTICE OF ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 676 OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, at the regular meeting of the City Council held on February 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. held in the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California, the City Council of the City of Morro Bay adopted Ordinance No. 676, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, adding Chapter 5.65 to Title 5 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code Regulating Massage Establishments and Professionals.”

A certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.morrobayca.gov and upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at (805) 772-6205.

Ayes: Wixom, Eckles, Edwards, Landrum, Luffee

Noes: None

Absent: None

Abstain: None

Recused: None

Dana Swanson

City Clerk

Dated: February 11, 2026

Publish: February 19, 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

Homework: What imperfect but pretty good part of your life deserves more of your love? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): Saturn has entered Aries. I see this landmark shift as being potentially very good news for you. Between now and April 2028, you will have enhanced powers to channel your restless heart in constructive directions. I predict you will narrow down your multiple interests and devote yourself to a few resonant paths rather than scattering your intense energy. More than ever before, you can summon the determination to follow through on what you initiate.

My Saturn-in-Aries prayer: May you be bold, even brazen, in identifying where you truly belong, and never settle for a halfcertain fit.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): I am issuing a Wow Advisory. Consider this your high-voltage wonder alert. Your future may offer you thrilling quests and epic exploits that could be unnerving to people who want you to remain the same as you have been. You will have a knack for stirring up liberating encounters with lavish pleasures and rich feelings that transform your brain chemistry. The rousing mysteries you attract into your sphere may send provocative ripples through your own imagination as well as your web of allies. Expect juicy plot twists. Be alert for portals opening in the middle of nowhere.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): In Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, you find anatomical drawings next to flying machine designs, mathematical calculations alongside water flow observations, and philosophical musings interrupted by grocery lists. He moved from painting to engineering to scientific observation as curiosity led him. Let’s make him your inspirational role model for now, Gemini. Disobey categories! Merge categories! Mix and match categories! Let’s assume that your eager mind will create expanded knowledge networks that prove valuable in unexpected ways. Let’s hypothesize that your cheerful rebellion against conventional ways of organizing reality will spawn energizing innovations in your beautiful, mysterious life.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): In falconry, there’s a practice called “weathering.” It involves regularly exposing trained birds to the wild elements so they don’t become too domesticated and lose their wildness. The falconer needs a partner, not a pet. Does that theme resonate, Cancerian? Is it possible that you have been too sheltered lately? Either by your own caution or by well-meaning people who think they’re protecting you? Let’s make sure you stay in touch with the fervent, untamed sides of your nature. How? You could expose yourself to an experience that scares you a little. Take a fun risk you’ve been rationalizing away. Invite touches of rowdiness into your life.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): The loudest noise in history? It was the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia, heard thousands of miles away. The pressure wave circled the Earth multiple times. I am predicting a benevolent version of a Krakatoa event for you in the coming months. Not literal loudness, but a shiny bright expression of such magnitude that it redefines your world and what people thought was possible from you. Can you be prepared for it? A little. You’ll be wise to cultivate visionary equanimity: a calm willingness to stay focused on the big picture. I predict your big boom will be challenging but ultimately magnificent and empowering.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Buddhism teaches about “near enemies”: qualities that may appear to be virtues but aren’t. For example, pity masquerades as compassion. Clingy attachment pretends to be love. Apathy and indifference pose as equanimity. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I hope you won’t get distracted by near enemies. Your assignment: Investigate whether any of your supposed virtues are actually near enemies. After you’ve done that, find out if any of your so-called negative emotions might harbor interesting powers you could tap into.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many intelligent people think astrology is dangerous nonsense perpetrated by quacks. For any horoscope writer with an ego, this affront tends to be deflating. Like everyone else, we want to be appreciated. On the other hand, I have found that practicing an art that gets so much disdain has been mostly liberating. It’s impossible for me to get bloated with excess pride. I practice astrology for the joy it affords me, not to garner recognition. So in a backhanded way, a seemingly disheartening drawback serves as an energizing boon. My prediction is that you, Libra, will soon harvest an analogous turnabout. You will draw strength, even inspiration, from what may ostensibly appear to be a liability.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mycologist Paul Stamets claims mushrooms taught him to think in networks rather than hierarchies. He sees how everything feeds everything else through vast webs of underground filaments. This is Scorpio wisdom at its most scintillating: homing in on the hidden circuitry working below the surface; gauging the way nourishment is distributed incrementally through many collaborative interconnections; seeing the synergy between seemingly separate sources. I hope you will accentuate this mode of understanding in the coming weeks. The key to your soulful success and happiness will be in how well you map the mycelial-like networks, both in the world around you and in your inner depths. PS: For extra credit, study the invisible threads that link your obsessions to each other, your wounds to your gifts, and your rage to your tenderness.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The peregrine falcon dives at speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on Earth. But before the dive, there’s often a period of circling, scanning, and waiting. The spectacular descent is set up by the patient reconnaissance that precedes it. I believe you’re now in a phase similar to the falcon’s preparatory reconnaissance, Sagittarius. The quality of your eventual plunge will depend on how well you’re tracking your target now. Use this time to gather intelligence, not to second-guess your readiness. You’ll know when your aim is true.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’s a certain miracle you could really use right now, Capricorn. But to attract it into your life would require a subtle and simple shift. In a related development, the revelation you need most is concealed in plain sight. To get these two goodies into your life, you shouldn’t make the error of seeking them in exotic locales. Ordinary events in the daily routine will bring you what you need: the miracle and the revelation that will change everything for the better.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Over the last 4,000 years, a host of things have been used as money in addition to precious metals and paper currency. Among them have been cows, seashells, cheese, tobacco, velvet, tulips, elephant tusks, and huge stone wheels. I hope this poetic fact will inspire your imagination about financial matters. In the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be extra creative in drumming up new approaches to getting the cash you need. Here are questions to guide you. Which of your underused talents might be ready to boost your income? What undervalued gifts could you be more aggressive about giving? What neglected treasures or underutilized assets could you use to generate money?

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Big bright transitions are at hand: from thrashing around in the educational mire to celebrating your sweet escape; from wrangling with shadows and ghosts to greeting new allies; from messing around with interesting but confounding chaos to seizing fresh opportunities to shine and thrive. Hallelujah! What explains this exhilarating shift? The Season of Dazzling Self-Adoration is dawning for you Pisceans. In the weeks ahead, you will be inspired to embark on bold experiments in loving yourself with extra fervor and ingenuity. ∆