After going through hundreds of entries— too many to count— submitted to our annual 55 Fiction contest from all over the world, the winners are in. On-staff judges narrowed the publishable down to almost two dozen tales with characters, a beginning, middle, and end, often with a twist and some death thrown in there. We’re already taking entries for next year’s contest if you think you can write a better plot in 55 words or less. We accept entries year-round. Take a gander before you get out your pen and find a dark corner to be creative in [8].
Also in this issue, read about how the San Luis Obispo City Council is responding to the grand jury’s town-gown report [4]; Central Coast Shakespeare Fest [22]; and a new kind of apple beverage coming out of San Miguel [31]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover image by Leni Litonjua cover design by Alex Zuniga
THE MEDIUM Death is a feature of most of the stories entered into our annual 55 Fiction contest— and sometimes a character realizes that they’re actually talking to the dead or
SLO creates committee to respond to report on illegal frat parties
The San Luis Obispo City Council appointed Mayor Erica Stewart and City Councilmember Jan Marx to an ad hoc committee to oversee the response to a county grand jury report alleging mismanagement of illegal college parties.
“It’s my understanding that 20 percent of the Cal Poly students are in a fraternity or sorority,” Marx said at the July 15 City Council meeting. “Cuesta students don’t have any sororities or fraternities at all. What we’re talking about is a really small minority of students who are causing an outsized problem.”
In 2022, continued disturbance from student neighbors compelled Marx to relocate to a quieter neighborhood in SLO. Now, Alta Vista neighborhood resident Kathie Walker is packing up to move to another area of the city, too.
“Since fall 2021, I’ve sent you videos documenting violations and raging parties at known illegal fraternity houses in R1 and R2 zones,” Walker wrote in a letter to the City Council after the grand jury published its findings. “SLOPD cleared most as ‘negative violation’ or ‘unable to locate.’ I’ve invited you, the council, to come see for yourselves. No one has taken me up on my invitation.”
For years, Walker and several other neighborhood residents have been asking the city for stricter enforcement and separating Greek life from low-density areas with family homes. They’ve also asked Cal Poly to publish the addresses of all known fraternity houses.
Repeated complaints from Alta Vista residents caught the attention of the grand jury. In June, the grand jury released a report called “Round and Round with Town and Gown,” alleging that the city failed to effectively control unsanctioned fraternity parties. The report came with six recommendations for the City Council, City Manager Whitney McDonald, and the city Planning Commission. They must respond by Sept. 19.
Prior to the report’s publication, the city responded with a 27-page list of alleged clarifications and factual inaccuracies.
“It is legally debatable whether the addresses should be published and/or disclosed or not, but it is true that since Cal Poly now declines to provide specific address information regarding locations of all fraternity/sorority sponsored events, this does impede the city’s enforcement
As monarch numbers continue to decline, California could have a week dedicated to the butterfly’s preservation if a Central Coast legislator’s resolution passes the Senate.
Over the last 25 years, the Western monarch population has declined by at least 80 percent, dropping from what was once 1.2 million to an estimated 233,000 last year—the Pismo State Beach Monarch Preserve saw only 400 of those in November.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) told New Times she has fond memories of monarch
butterflies from her childhood, having grown up near a preserve in Northern California. Then, when she moved to the Central Coast, she took her children to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Preserve.
“I think people go and see them but don’t necessarily know the role that they play within the ecosystem and just how they’re somewhat of a bellwether for what’s happening with the climate and environmental issues,” she said.
That’s when she decided to introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution 103 to make the week of July 14 to 18 California Western Monarch Protection Week, which passed the Assembly on July 15.
“The resolution is basically to name the week for the monarch butterfly—to raise awareness that way,
efforts,” one such city response read.
The city’s July 15 staff report claimed that noiserelated calls for service dropped by 45 percent since 2010 through a combination of efforts like amending the fine structure and frequency of warnings in the noise ordinance, providing Cal Poly Police with administrative citation powers a mile off campus, and giving city police more time to enforce unruly behavior.
“What they fail to mention is that those numbers have remained at a nearly stagnant level for the past 10 years (hovering between 1,400 and 1,500),” SLO resident Carolyn Smith wrote in a letter to the City Council. “Many long-term residents have given up calling the police when little to nothing is done to stop the parties, resulting in many taking the drastic measure of moving away from their longterm homes, causing even more homes in those neighborhoods to turn into student rentals.”
The ad-hoc committee, typically a subcommittee of the City Council, is usually limited to council members, according to city spokesperson Whitney Szentesi. Members of the public and subject matter experts can be appointed to task forces, which are used to gather broader input.
“Since the grand jury report requires a response from the city within a very short timeframe (90 days), forming an ad hoc committee of the City Council made the most sense in this situation,” she said via email.
Community members can comment on the grand jury report and the city’s response through upcoming Student Community Liaison, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings. Find the updated schedule under “Community Input Opportunities” on slocity.org/living/neighborhood/ town-gown.
Stewart and Marx will work with city staff on the responses required from the City Council. City Manager McDonald will prepare her response to the recommendations directed to her. She will provide them as part of the agenda report for the Sept. 2 City Council meeting. Staff will also draft responses to the recommendations directed to the Planning Commission, which will discuss it before the Sept. 19 deadline. ∆
to put the name of the Central Coast [Legislative] Caucus behind this effort, and then to continue to support ways that we can get the butterfly listed and work in a state, federal partnership to get the butterfly listed,” she said.
In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the monarch as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, after it determined that amid decades of habit loss, pesticides, and climate change, the vital pollinator faces a 99 percent chance of extinction by 2080. The listing would designate approximately 4,395 acres of critical habitat for the monarchs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Ventura counties.
—Bulbul Rajagopal
SEASONED Given SLO City Councilmember Jan Marx lived in a college neighborhood for years until 2022, a few residents emailed the City Council recommending her appointment to the ad-hoc committee that would prepare responses to the recent grand jury report on the city’s handling of illegal frat parties.
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
With the required public comments on the matter closed, Fish and Wildlife Service Media Officer Joanna Gilkeson told New Times via email that biologists are currently reviewing the submissions before any decision on the species’ fate is determined.
“We will continue to review and address all public comments received, which will inform a final decision. Protections would not apply until the effective date of the final rule,” she said.
National efforts to preserve the monarch continue, she said, including the Ventura office of Fish and Wildlife Services receiving a $500,000 Installation Resiliency Grant from the Department of Defense in early 2024 to complete butterfly resilience projects on military lands like Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo, both of which are labeled as high priority monarch butterfly overwintering and breeding zones by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
“So far in 2025, the partners—Monarch Joint Venture, Xerces Society, Environment for the Americas, Upper Salinas Las-Tablas Resource Conservation District, California Conservation Corps, Camp Roberts, and Camp San Luis Obispo— have prepped the sites for restoration by completing prescribed burns and laying down mulch to prevent invasive grasses,” she said. “The California Conservation Corps has also been contracted to head-start nectar plants by growing them in containers from seed so that they’re ready to plant in the fall with a greater chance of success.”
Assemblymember Addis said it’s reaching a “critical point” to take action amid the federal administration rolling back environmental protections and heavily leaning into oil and gas production on land that’s critical for the monarch’s survival.
“Just to link it all back again to the monarch, we know that if we’re not addressing climate change, we are making the existence of monarchs very difficult,” she said, “and so with this resolution, it’s really meant to forward the movement to encourage people to keep pressing forward and hopefully supporting the federal movement to make sure they’re an endangered species and a protected species. … Then, lay a foundation for future years where we can start to allocate more funding if needed for conservation efforts.”
—Libbey Hanson
Michael Erin Woody contends for county 2nd District supervisor
Morro Bay resident Michael Erin Woody is ready to run for office again.
The one-time Fresno City Council member who unsuccessfully ran for the 24th Congressional District seat against U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced his campaign to be the next San Luis Obispo County 2nd District supervisor.
Woody told New Times that people are frustrated with the status quo.
“We have a Board of Supervisors that is a local government entity that is supposed to be this nonpartisan group of people,” he said. “But what we have in this county Board of Supervisors is week after week, month after month, and year after year of partisanship.
That has to stop.”
Woody, a licensed civil engineer, doesn’t align himself with any political party. He added that he left the Republican Party six years ago.
“After a few years of Donald Trump, I found that the GOP no longer represented my values or my ethics,” he said. “It’s very liberating to discuss each issue on individual merits without the weight of a political party ideology to worry about.”
He’s calling for campaign finance and governance reforms, proposing term limits of three four-year terms for supervisors.
Woody clarified that he isn’t championing term limits with sitting Supervisor Bruce Gibson—who’s represented the 2nd District for 19 years—in mind. Fresh voices and more people in the community need chances to be heard, according to him. Gibson decided not to run for reelection after five terms.
Woody also wants a complete ban on corporate and political action committee (PAC) donations, declaring that he won’t accept any campaign donations over $500 or funding from PACs.
“If you need to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to run your race, and have people tell you what to say and what to do, and how to market yourself, you really don’t belong in office,” he said.
The two arenas Woody is passionate about are battery energy storage plant safety and transparency in development projects like ocean wind farms.
If he wins the district seat, he’d advocate for a proposal to update the county code and zoning to ban battery storage facilities within
3 miles of schools, neighborhoods, parks, and coastlines.
Though projects larger than 200 megawatthours can override local zoning ordinances by applying to the state’s Opt-In Certification Program, Woody wants the county to control what it can directly regulate.
Then, there’s the proposed Morro Bay wind farm, which according to Woody is riddled with “bait and switch” tactics.
“It started out as 100 turbines that were 600 feet tall, covering about 70 square miles, and here we are 10 years later,” he said. “What it’s turned into is now we’re up to three lease agreements, with now upwards of 600 turbines, each 1,100 feet tall covering nearly 400 square miles.”
A Salinan Tribe of Monterey and SLO Counties tribal council member, Woody said he wants to highlight Native American issues at the county level. He is part of the longrunning effort to procure federal recognition for the Salinan Tribe.
“If I were to be elected to a position like this, I could help bring more of a cultural awareness of the history of this area and what happened to the Salinan and the Chumash cultures out here,” he said.
Woody is poised to compete against Democrat and SLO Chamber of Commerce
CEO Jim Dantona for the district seat next year.
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Nonprofit to provide busing for Paso students amid driver shortage
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is still struggling to find bus drivers for its students, but thanks to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, Paso’s youth will have a ride to after-school services for the next three years.
Registration for the transportation opened on July 21, according to CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Maria Fabula.
Fabula said the organization has been providing student services for the district for years. But as the district reduced bus routes within recent years, she said it created a barrier for students to access the Boys and Girls Clubs’ after-school programs that aren’t on school campuses
“We recognize that as really being a challenge for specifically the young people that we serve who are in … a low-income neighborhood,” she said. “We felt compelled to provide that service so we could get those kids back across the freeway and to the clubhouse to provide them a safe space— safe space to learn, to play, to grow, to be
mentored, all the things that young people come to Boys and Girls Clubs for.”
On July 8, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) school board and the Boys and Girls Clubs formalized a threeyear partnership allowing the club to bus students from all district elementary and middle schools, including Georgia Brown, Winifred Pifer, Kermit King, Virginia Peterson, Glen Speck, and Lewis Flamson Junior High to the Tom Maas Clubhouse for after-school and summer programs starting on Aug. 14.
PRJUSD school board member Nathan Williams told New Times that the district has reduced its bus routes, but not because it doesn’t value transportation.
“It’s kind of a double-edged sword. We have unfortunately reduced our routes, but it’s not because of a lack of funding for it or a lack of desire for those routes, it’s literally cutting down due to a lack of drivers,” he said. “I know that pre-COVID, we had more routes, … but I know that it wasn’t just COVID that caused that change.”
Williams also attributes the lack of drivers to the difficulty of making ends meet.
“People are struggling too, I mean, especially with the cost of living in our area,” he said. “It’s very difficult with inflation, with what the cost of homes is it’s hard for somebody to take on a part-time position, even though it’s worthwhile.”
But Williams said he is excited for the Boys and Girls Clubs to address the need.
According to CEO Fabula, the bus rides will be free for students, but this came as a “sticker shock” for the club. Rides will cost $100,000 for the school year from August to December 2025. By 2026, she hopes the club can start some fundraising.
“We feel that we can do some targeted fundraising and help offset that cost. We are dedicated to providing that service free,” she said. “We’ll explore this over the next year. Is there a fee for the service model that doesn’t create a barrier for our families? We just don’t know the answer to that yet, and we didn’t want to lose those kiddos.”
The agreement between the district and club supports 170 students for after-school busing, and students will be picked up after school on buses contracted through SLO Safe Ride. Fabula said that one day after registration opened, slots were already half filled.
“But our intention is not to limit our size. It’s just to be more strategic in how we operate and make sure that the kiddos have access to the clubhouse,” she said. ∆ —Libbey Hanson
Short and sweet
The
winning
stories from our annual 55 Fiction contest
Surprise! It’s the culmination of this year’s 55 Fiction contest! And much like the endings of the stories that people send us, the stories are always a shock—well not always, but mostly. We’ve got love, war, murder, politics, twists, and more for you in this year’s collection of printable pieces. Our judges sifted through hundreds of entries from all around the world to come up with the almost two dozen nalists that we’re publishing in this issue. Each tells its story in 55 words or less—complete with characters, a plot, a beginning, a middle, and end. But, as with every contest, you’re the nal judge. Happy reading!
Blue jay
He showed up early. Blue suit, no tie. Didn’t knock, helped himself to the sun ower seeds, stared at me like I owed him rent. I had to admire the con dence.
“Where’s the fridge?” he asked.
“Over there.”
He stole a tin of caviar and ew o . California scrub jay. Total menace.
James Lowe Morro Bay
Cold plastic
“What is it?”
I almost didn’t recognize it at rst. We hadn’t seen one for so long.
Wyatt picks it up and wipes the sand o its ripped label.
“It’s cold.”
He tosses it to Trevor.
“What’s inside?”
I take it from him and crack the cap o . “We used to call this water.”
Aaron Izek Burbank, California
License
plates
His license plate theory was con rmed. After seeing LEK and PBR license plates, he avoided costly water damage by calling the plumber. Easy money, he thought, when he spotted LTR and MNY. He immediately bought 100 lottery tickets. Glee turned to dread at the mailbox. A LeTteR from the attorney. A demand for more aliMoNY.
‘Holy ship!’
—Camillia Lanham
Nonstop rain added a hazy gray to the endless, roiling blue of the ocean.
Get a hobby
People are so stupid. I was shopping at Joann’s, taking advantage of their massive going-out-ofbusiness sale. Unbelievably, some people were crying! I’m like, get over it!
Honestly, such ridiculous drama. e world’s on re, and they’re crying over a store closing. OK, it was me. I was crying.
Diane Smith Arroyo Grande
Who to ask to the prom?
e ship’s captain, barely able to keep his passengers from killing each other in a hunger-induced frenzy, cried out to the sky for help.
As if in answer, his rst mate shouted, “Noah, darling, look! e dove is returning.”
Mitchell Ho man League City, Texas
Contains: milk, eggs, soy, coconut, and freedom
Renne Gardner San Luis Obispo
The beast
Panic sets in; sweat drops fall on the side of my face. My legs are aching but will not stop. My chest tightens, gasping for breath. Continuing to run for my life as this vicious beast chases me down.
“Sir! I caught her. You don’t need to run anymore!” he shouts holding a chihuahua.
Kim Toniutti Fair Lawn High School, New Jersey
Blackshirts apprehended the couple. Handcu s cut into aging esh.
“We gotta tip about your anti-American activity. Come with us.”
“What tip? Can we at least take our grocery bag? e mint chip’s melting.”
e bag said Trader Joe’s.
Foggy vision
I sit in the cafeteria wondering who I should ask to the prom. I have History with Mary, but I have Chemistry with Jane. No way I ask Margaret, all the Drama we share every day. Debbie’s cool, but she’s into Art. Must decide soon. Just wish I had the nerve to ask Polly (sigh).
“Don’t try to resist. Hand over the bag! It’s evidence you support that traitor Biden!”
Diane Smith Arroyo Grande
I was staring at a remarkable image, similar to gazing at the universe through a planetarium telescope on a clear night. Large and small dots everywhere, spectacular nebular fog in the background. Suddenly a door opens, doctor speaks. “It’s not the universe, unfortunately. It’s your MRI results.” I was just then diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breaking news
That’s what she said
“What happened?”
“She killed herself. She felt guilty about having an a air with you. She told me everything, and about the others.”
“Others?”
“You thought you were the only one? at’s so cute.”
“You need to call the police.”
“I will. After you kill yourself.”
“I’m not going to kill myself.”
“ at’s what she said.”
War
e days had been long, hot, and dry. e army quickly organized and arrived. At this point, their purpose was simply provisions, water, and relief. ey marched with resolve, numbering in the thousands, blackening the horizon, quite the imposing sight.
Anxiety swiftly crept over me. Looking down at my list, I carefully added “ant traps.”
Tina Niebuhr San Luis Obispo
Pamela Justin San Ramon, California
e TV crackles, a chorus of voices exploding from the small box, her eyes are glued to the screen.
“A killer is on the loose … crazed eyes … last seen near Wall Street … ”
But if she would look up from the television, and look out the window, she’d see those crazed eyes in her re ection.
Madison Anderson Dela eld, Wisconsin
Man in back
e pulled the plug on Bill at the 11th hour. At his funeral, many wept openly. One man in back could only smile. Later on at the tavern, the stranger ordered his nal martini before disappearing into the night. Next morning, headlines declared: “Man vanishes without a trace.” In other words, Death drinks to forget.
Tom Corona Los Osos
Charles West Fresno
Benjamin Welles San Luis Obispo
Nostalgia
“Movies, music, sports, politics, tra c: name one thing that’s better today than it was 30 years ago?” lamented the jaded diner waitress as she took one of her regulars’ lunch order.
“How’s the chicken-fried steak today?”
“Better than ever,” she boasted.
Colin Jones
San Luis Obispo
A good connection
No problem if I show up early. No problem if I show up late. No problem if I don’t show up at all. I have abandoned you many times, but you never leave me.
You are always there waiting for me without judgment.
My Zoom link.
A soldier’s ammo box, an artist’s craft
Once it held bullets, stacked for war, rattling across Europe in a soldier’s Jeep. Now, decades later, it rests quietly in a sunlit studio. Inside: watercolors, soft brushes, rags. A young artist lifts the lid, unaware of its past. e box, once thunder, now explodes with color—war reborn as peace, rage transformed into beauty.
Robert J. Schmoldt San Luis Obispo
D-Day
e amphibious landing craft approached the beach, which was littered with barricades and barbed wire. e Allied troops prepared their assault.
“Remember our mission,” the lieutenant shouted. “We are here to liberate a nation of people from the tyranny of a fascist regime.”
e bow ramp dropped, and the German soldiers stormed onto American soil.
Mark Turner
San Luis Obispo
A hard-boiled story
I sized her up as a good egg looking to get laid. After a few laughs at the hotel bar, she followed me upstairs. I ipped her over, easy on the bed. She whipped out a gat. Scrambling, I knocked it away. “Start talkin’ sister.”
She folded like an omelet. “Benedict Frittata sent me … ”
Tom Corona Los Osos
War
I tear across the battle eld, praying I don’t get hit on my way to better cover. I hear explosions all around me, my ears ringing. Gunshots whiz past me, hitting my fellow soldiers. I listen to their screams. en it hits me. In my nal moments I hear, “Respawn on me bro, I’ve got cover.”
Eli Neuman Sussex, Wisconsin
Paul Hertig Los Angeles
Egg on his face
Humpty Trumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Trumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men—wait a minute, oh, that’s right, he red all of them—couldn’t put Trumpty together again.
Poor old Humpty Trumpty.
Barbara-Jo Osborne Morro Bay
Ending a life
Sam has been dissatis ed with his life. He hated school because it was boring and also despised his parents since they were strict with him. He was very stressed out. He bought a rope and made a knot to end his life, which he hated. Sam is ready to move out and become a cowboy.
Ririka Hatanaka Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
QWERTY
I sit quietly in typing class, q…w…e…r…t…y
I tremble as I type, q…w…e…r…t…y
“I’ve been struggling recently with-” q…w…e…r… t…y
I pause, choking back salty tears, q…w…e…r…t…y
“my mental health.” q…w…e…r…t…y
I pause once more, q…w…e…r…t…y
“I think I need help.” q…w…e…r…t…y
Sawyer West-Toebe Dela eld, Wisconsin
Smog Check
COMPLETE TESTING & REPAIR
Fashion forward
Former San Luis Obispo County resident Kimberly Victor’s nonprofit Fashion for a Purpose is set to be reborn in Nipomo as Lumina Days—a fashion show that ultimately helps survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.
“This event has always been in South County,” Lumina Alliance Development Director Brandee Brown-Puett said. “We do have our transitional housing in Grover [Beach] and just to kind of build community connections in South County since our Lumina Nights has always been in North County.”
Lumina Days will make its debut on Oct. 4 at the Dana Adobe in Nipomo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Table sponsorship and ticket sales will benefit the more than 2,000 people who turn to Lumina Alliance for help every year. In fiscal year 2024-25, the nonprofit received more than 2,000 calls to their crisis line and provided more than 17,000 services, according to Brown-Puett.
“Currently, we’re operating as if we’re going to lose half of our federal funding,” she said. “Just to keep our doors open, we’re having to raise an additional $1.7 million every year.”
That money supports the 24/7 crisis hotline, advocacy work, free traumainformed therapy services, free emergency shelter services, transitional housing, and free prevention services conducted in schools.
Lumina Days is the daytime and sartorial counterpart to the Dancing with the Starsinspired Lumina Nights, which raised more than $500,000. Instead of local personalities cutting a rug, Lumina Days will feature fashionistas walking the runway.
Grover Beach Mayor Kassi Dee and SLO County 3rd District Supervisor Dawn OrtizLegg are poised to model looks curated by several South County boutiques. BrownPuett told New Times that Lumina Alliance is finalizing the businesses. Fourth District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding will serve as concierge.
“He will be pouring wine
and taking care of our guests and doing all that for tips to benefit Lumina,” Brown-Puett said.
Lumina Days guests can also shop at Muse Markets, drink local wines, and enjoy a catered lunch during the fashion show. Each ticket includes a Lumina Days shopping tote and an event-branded wine glass to take home and use as they taste local wines throughout the event.
With KZOZ-FM 93.3 Program Director and radio DJ Suzanne Schonig as the emcee, attendees will get to listen to stories narrated by a survivor.
Faced with a bleak funding future, Lumina Alliance—the only nonprofit in SLO County that serves sexual and intimate partner violence survivors—also hopes to raise more money through its Light the Way campaign. It aims to raise $5 million over the next three years to keep Lumina Alliance running.
According to national data, 1 in 4 women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Twenty-six percent of children are exposed to domestic violence.
“Based on these figures, that means potentially more than 35,000 women and nearly 13,000 children in our community have been impacted,” Brown-Puett said. “The campaign is a commitment to ensuring that no one in our community is forced to face violence alone.”
Find more information on tickets or becoming a sponsor at event.auctria. com/7bfe4aa3-1da3-4dbb-9ef48920f45e12e5. Donations can be made to Lumina Alliance at luminaalliance.org.
Fast facts
• 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) Executive Director Janna Nichols, who oversaw the implementation of projects like the South County Warming Center and the temporary housing shelters in Grover Beach, will step down from her 13-year-old role at the end of the year.
Associate Director Devon McQuade will succeed her on Jan. 1, 2026. McQuade spearheaded initiatives for 5CHC like the California COVID Rent Relief program and the Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census and Survey.
• The Land Conservancy of SLO County partnered with volunteer Chris Strodder to publish a book called The Official Field Guide to the Pismo Preserve. The handbook details the trails and corners of Pismo Preserve, while exploring the area’s history and noting the flora and fauna visitors could encounter. The book is available for $10 on Amazon. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.
BY DAVID MCABEE
Dear Cayucos
Thank you from a family starting over
My family first moved to Cayucos in 1988. For you young’uns, that was way back in the 20th century. I went to Cayucos Elementary School and made lifelong friends that I’m still close with today. Like most kids here back then, I moved on to Coast Union High School and graduated in 2001. I spent a few years figuring things out. I attended Cuesta College, worked as a local radio DJ, played in a handful of bands, fell in love with filmmaking, and eventually decided to make the big leap to the city, Pasadena, to be exact. I’d visited Pasadena years before, and it reminded me a lot of SLO, a small city feel with a strong sense of community, just nestled inside the sprawl of Los Angeles. In 2009, I packed up and headed south to chase the dream of working in the entertainment industry. In 2013, I met an amazing woman who quickly became my best friend. That friendship turned into something more, and in 2014, we made it official. We were both chasing our dreams and somehow making them work. In 2015, we took the next step and moved in together. I said goodbye to my condo in Old Town Pasadena and hello to the quiet, suburbanlike streets of Altadena.
Speak up!
At first, Altadena wasn’t quite my scene, but it grew on me fast. As much as Pasadena reminded me of SLO, Altadena reminded me of Los Osos— funky, artsy, full of community, and everyone was just ... cool. The vibe was unreal. In 2019, I asked my best friend to be my wife. And in early 2020, we found out we were going to be parents. Of course, 2020 had other plans.
The pandemic hit. Our pregnancy journey happened under the shadow of COVID-19, with FaceTime doctor visits, most of which I couldn’t attend, protests and riots in the streets, and a level of uncertainty that was hard to put into words. But in November 2020, our daughter was born. Nine pounds of absolute magic (my poor wife!). Life had changed for the better, and things seemed to be getting back to some sort of “normalcy.”
Then came the writers’ strike. Then more fires. Fires were always part of Southern California life, especially where we were, but we never really thought one would reach us. We lived far enough south on the mountain that it almost seemed silly to worry. But the smoke? That was a different story. It would get trapped against the San Gabriel foothills and just sit there.
During the pregnancy, we endured what we thought was one of the worst fires. We sealed up the house, covered the windows, and stayed indoors for days. I couldn’t see across our own yard.
The smoke was thick, suffocating. That’s when Cayucos started to become our escape, our “fresh air” vacation. Clean, fresh ocean breeze, familiar faces, and clear skies.
Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.
On Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire started. The winds were fierce. We felt it immediately—this one was different. We packed a few things and headed for Cayucos, just to get away from the smoke. Like we’d done a handful of times before. By the time we got to our Airbnb on Jan. 8, our house, along with the rest of our town, had burned to the ground.
Diablo Canyon should stay open for as long as possible
The recent letter, “Twenty more years of Diablo Canyon won’t ‘protect and enhance’ our coast” (July 17) is very misleading. It is based on misinterpretation of a statement of policy by the California State Water Resources Board.
The quote from the board refers to the potential effects of the process of once-through cooling as it is employed globally, not just what is happening at Diablo Canyon. There, any potential environmental disruption is confined to a relatively small and isolated cove that is physically incapable of accommodating even a tiny fraction of the millions of fish, larvae, eggs, seals, sea lions, turtles, and other creatures referenced in the quote.
Then you need to consider the source: a state board comprised of political appointees who, in general, would be unable to find their own rear ends with both hands and a flashlight. Their sole purpose is to echo the policies of the prevailing political party which, despite repeated promises to cease, is still accepting substantial contributions from fossil-fuel interests who would very much like to see Diablo Canyon Power Plant closed down so they can make a buck pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which
There’s no way to prepare for that kind of loss. Losing your home is one thing. Losing your entire town, your friends, your neighbors, your daughter’s school, your coffee shop, anything that had a sense of familiarity, is another entirely. The despair filled every crevice of our being. But we were in Cayucos. The air was clean. The sun was shining. There was no smoke. There was no fire.
The day we got the news, the three of us took a walk down to the beach. My wife and I didn’t say much, just exchanged quiet, sad
and genuinely caring about your answer. We never planned to start over here. But I have to say, if you’re going to rebuild your life from the ground up, Cayucos is a pretty damn incredible place to do it. We miss Altadena deeply. That was our home. A home that was stuffed full of memories, both old and new. But the love and support from this town, my hometown, has been immeasurable. Watching my daughter play on the same beach I grew up on? Those are feelings that can’t exactly be expressed.
Fires were always part of Southern California life, especially where we were, but we never really thought one would reach us.
glances while our daughter played in the sand. On our walk back to our Airbnb, we were stopped by two locals asking how our day was going. My jaded Southern California instincts made me just nod and keep walking. But my wife stopped and started talking. Eventually, the topic came up, and she told them everything. Later that evening, when we got back from dinner in Morro Bay, two large bags were waiting on our doorstep. They were filled with clothes, toys, books, art supplies, and crafts for our daughter.
From strangers. We were floored. Even as I write this, I’m floored.
Over the last few months, it’s been a whirlwind of emotion, punctuated by moments like that, moments of kindness from people we didn’t know, who expected nothing in return. Yes, we’ve heard plenty of “You’re in our thoughts and prayers” (blah), but more importantly, we’ve felt people’s actions. People putting those thoughts and prayers into action.
And that’s Cayucos in a nutshell, people helping people. People looking you in the eye
Sure, Cayucos has changed. Some of the houses are bigger, Skippers is now Hidden Kitchen (and it’s amazing), but the heart of this town is still the same. It’s still home. Whether it’s our forever home or just for now, it’s the place we needed, and the place that welcomed us with open arms.
So, thank you, Cayucos. Thank you for the early morning beach walks, the bonfires, the new friends, and the familiar faces. Thank you for giving my family the chance to begin again. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank some of the people who make this town tick—the Fraziers, the Hamiltons, the Johnsons, the Joneses, Darci, Gale Force, the guy who helped me load packages in the rain, and the countless people who made us dinners and who continue to check in on us.
Thank you. ∆
David McAbee writes to New Times from Cayucos. Send a commentary, letter, or opinion piece for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.
will eventually cause the entire ocean to warm up resulting in the demise of gazillions of fish, larvae, eggs, seals, sea lions, surfers, turtles, and other sea creatures.
Furthermore, the California Energy Commissions now recognizes Diablo Canyon production as a critical element in Californias’s clean energy policy. Last year, Diablo Canyon, along with large hydroelectric and renewables, contributed to 60 percent of California’s instate power generation, which is pretty darn good. So, let’s keep it that way and keep Diablo Canyon open and continue to reap billions of dollars in economic benefits to our community.
Mark Henry San Luis Obispo
This Week’s Online Poll
Ready or not
Are you guys ready for another election season?
Because it’s upon us whether we like it or not. The 2026 primary is less than a year away, and everyone is announcing their runs for SLO County supervisor.
Is a year too long to campaign or not long enough? Honestly, the campaign cycle feels endless. And here we go again. We’ll have two races with registered Democrats running against “nonpartisan” affiliated candidates.
Conservative Adam “I hate Charles Varni” Verdin is running against 4th District Supervisor Jimmy “I swear I’m not political” Paulding, who probably isn’t sitting too comfortably in his liberal-leaning chair right now. I think that campaign could get a little below-the-belt action. I’ll be here!
Ex-Republican Michael “Erin” Woody (Touché! He already uses a middle name.) is battling soon-to-be-former SLO Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Dantona for the liberal 2nd District seat being vacated by Bruce Gibson at the end of 2026.
Woody left the elephants’ side of the country six years ago, he said.
“After a few years of Donald Trump, I found that the GOP no longer represented my values or my ethics,” he said. “It’s very liberating to discuss each issue on individual merits without the weight of a political party ideology to worry about.”
I’m not sure how you could have stayed in the party as long as Woody did.
Trumplethinskin
is a total deviant, an egomaniac who insists on pressing the country’s buttons in a way that preys on division and the most vulnerable to maintain his choke hold over the most extreme members of his party. And they love him for it! Gross. I just don’t understand. I can’t believe we’ve been talking about this bag of dicks and his policies for a decade. And we’ve got at least three more years of headline news ahead of us and who knows what else.
But. I digress.
In a district that raised $700,000-plus in 2022 to fund the closest race in district history, Woody believes he can raise campaign funds in $500 increments even though the county’s cap is currently $5,500 per donor. At least it’s not $25,000 anymore! We can thank Paulding for his part in that 3-2 vote to overturn that ridiculousness when he got into office in 2023! Whew!
Woody also claims that PACs can hit the road. He doesn’t want any money from you shadowy political action committees, and he doesn’t want dark money buying campaign ads on his behalf either.
“If you need to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to run your race, and have people tell you what to say and what to do, and how to market yourself, you really don’t belong in office,” he said.
Yeah! Just look at Trump. He doesn’t listen to anybody and does whatever he feels right about in the moment, even if it’s the opposite of what he did in the last moment. He doesn’t belong in office, but he got elected! And you can too.
It’s nice to be idealistic. But realistically, most politicians do need people around them, money absolutely wins races, and most candidates who run their campaigns as true “grassroots” efforts don’t end up seeing the inside of a policy-making chamber. No one can be the expert in everything, and everybody needs help.
But Woody is right about one thing: This county has been too full of partisanship for too long.
“We have a Board of Supervisors that is a local government entity that is supposed to be this nonpartisan group of people,” he said. “But what we have in this county Board of Supervisors is week after week, month after month, and year after year of partisanship.
“This has to stop.”
Not just here. But everywhere. It has to stop. Compromise and moderation is what built our country. Divisive ideology is what’s tearing it apart.
Greek life is what’s tearing San Luis Obispo apart. That’s according to a certain group of residents who live in one neighborhood that’s close to Cal Poly
“What we’re talking about is a really small minority of students who are causing
an outsized problem,” sitting SLO City Councilmember and onetime Alta Vista resident Jan Marx said.
And at least one other resident is also leaving for other SLO neighborhoods: Kathie Walker, a wheel that’s been squeaking in the city’s ear about the havoc partying students wreak on her neighborhood. She’s even called for sorority and fraternity addresses to be released to the public. I bet those fraternities and sororities are heaving a huge sigh of relief.
But don’t breathe too deeply. She’s not the only Alta Vista resident who’s registered complaints, and those complaints and more inspired a grand jury report advocating for more changes to city policy when it comes to dealing with you hooligans.
“Many long-term residents have given up calling the police when little to nothing is done to stop the parties, resulting in many taking the drastic measure of moving away from their long-term homes, causing even more homes in those neighborhoods to turn into student rentals,” Carolyn Smith wrote in a letter to the City Council. The city is pulling itself together to figure out how to continue addressing the issue. But the students will keep partying, week after week, month after month, and year after year. ∆
The Shredder is too old to party hardy. Send Ibuprofen to shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
Join in on the festivities at this year’s Park Palooza Color Run and Festival on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo. Parcitipate in the 5K color run and enjoy live music afterward. There will be merchant vendors, a kids corner, along with local food and drinks for sale. Get tickets and more details at my805tix.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CARDBOARD CREATIONS: CHILDRENS’
WORKSHOP We’re turning the art studio into a construction zone! We will build 3-dimensional sculptures using special tools and joining techniques. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Aug. 1 10 a.m.-noon $60. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
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.
COOL CHARACTERS CHILDRENS’
WORKSHOP -- 3-WEEK SERIES This fun and engaging art class series focuses on creating characters and animals, while introducing and developing fundamental drawing techniques in a playful manner. Wednesdays, Thursdays. through Aug. 7 $150. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay. org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
COSTA GALLERY: FIVE YEAR
ANNIVERSARY Join Costa Gallery as the venue celebrates its fifth anniversary. Stop by for art, music, food, and wine. July 27, 12-4 p.m. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos, (559) 799-9632.
DROWSY CHAPERONE Step into a world of laughter, romance, and musical mayhem with The Drowsy Chaperone— the five-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy that is “equal parts love
letter and hilarious send-up of classic Broadway.” Get tickets at the link. July 25 - Aug. 3 $30. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
FINDING YOUR CREATIVITY WITH ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA Join this fun, acrylic mixed-media demonstration on Saturday with Debra Piazza at Art Center Morro Bay. Aug. 2 3-5 p.m. Free. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504, artcentermorrobay. org.
FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. FORGING: SPREADERS AND OTHER HOR D’OEUVRES FLATWARE In this two-day workshop, you will design and make several pieces using basic hand forging techniques. No experience is required. Visit the website for more details. Aug. 2 , 1-5 p.m. $365. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County.
GYOTAKU FISH PRINTS Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese printmaking method using real fish! This event is hosted in partnership with Art Center Morro Bay. July 24 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 316-5074. artcentermorrobay.org/. Morro Bay National Estuary Program, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay
and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca. com.
UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
“SPLASH INTO SUMMER” Check out the three-month water focused exhibit “Splash Into Summer” which will inspire you to cool you down over the hot summer months. Aug. 2 , 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, parkstreetgallery.com.
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.
DAILY POTTERY Walk in, pick your pottery project, and paint away. Something for all ages. Prices vary depending on what you choose and includes; paint, glaze, firing, and studio time. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Varies. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles. 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.
FIRST SATURDAY: ART AND WINE On the first Saturday of each month, attend for the venue’s exhibit openings, with live music, art, and wine available for purchase. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free (wine $10). (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Based on the Roger Corman film, Little Shop of Horrors will be performed for 10 days at the Templeton PAC. The tale is imbued with love, ambition, and touches on “the lengths we go to for success, no matter how monstrous.” Get more info at the link. Aug. 1-10, 7:30 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, (805) 225-7087. MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PLATE PAINTING AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Please join ArtSocial805 on the first Saturday of each month to paint a personalized “Birthday Plate,” for someone special or for yourself. The workshop is $35, which covers the plate, glaze, and firing. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
OPEN PROJECT POTLUCK NIGHT Come by the studio and create a fused glass project of your choice. Bring a drink or food item to share. Prices are based on chosen project. Aug. 1 4-8 p.m. $50-$125. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com.
Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H,
RESONANCE PRESENTS: MAGNIFICAT
Join the 30 voices of Resonance for “Magnificat”, a “sumptuous feast of a cappella choral repertoire celebrating Mary, mother of Christ, and a special set of music featuring women composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.” Tickets are available for purchase at the link. Aug. 3 , 3 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles, 805- 238-3702.
SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improv games. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. (530) 748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
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.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
“A CRESCENDO OF COLOR” CALL FOR ARTISTS Our next show will be music themed so bring us your most melodic pieces. July 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$25. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ things-are-heating-up-for-the-summer/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS A ticket includes all acrylic paints needed, along with a canvas, brushes, an apron, and 2 hours of personalized instruction by Drew Davis himself! More info at the link. July 26 , 12-2 p.m. $88. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, 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.
BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to the personality and potential of this tricky but dynamic medium. Geared for beginners or watercolor artists who would like to freshen up. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through July 31 $130. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ Beginner-WC-French-July25. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BLUE BARN SUMMER SILVERSMITHING SERIES Take this intro to anti-clastic forming and make a bangle and napkin ring, with your choice of silver or copper. Learn from master silversmith Randy Stromsoe in an authentic silversmithing studio. Sign up through the link and receive the exact address. July 26 1-5 p.m. and July 27 1-5 p.m. $295 plus materials. (805) 704-6298. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CAT VIDEO FEST 2025 CatVideoFest is a theatrical compilation of the best cat videos, raising funds for local shelters and animal charities to help cats in need. Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 $10. slofilmcenter. eventive.org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Enjoy The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s tale of trickery, and revenge on an overconfident swindler. Through Aug. 10 centralcoastshakespeare.org/ themerrywivesofwindsor. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, 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.
DEANNA BARAHONA California artist
Deanna Barahona’s work centers her lived experiences, identity, and personal objects in intimate and domestic spaces through the creation of sculpture, and installation. Through Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/deanna-barahona/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
HIGH TIDE A group exhibition of all your favorite local artists celebrating the spirit of community and mutual recognition along the Central Coast. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 22 Free. (805) 546-3201. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB
The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Experience the “whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent!” Cheer on your favorite teams, or discover new ones. Tickets are available at the link. July 25 , 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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.
MYLR GALLERY OPENING NIGHT
PARTY Join the opening night party for the art installation “Break the Cycle” by artist Vanessa Morrow. A photo booth, music, and exclusive merchandise will be featured. Aug. 1 , 12-8 p.m. Free. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-1611, mylrgallery.com.
RESONANCE PRESENTS: MAGNIFICAT
Resonance is a 30-voice choral ensemble based in San Luis Obispo, under the direction of Paul Osborne. Hear “Magnificat” live, and purchase tickets at the link. Aug. 2 , 7:30 p.m. $30. my805tix. com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
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.
SLO REP’S ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Registration is open for the summer theatre camps at SLO REP. They are week-long camps for ages five to 18. Scholarships are available. Mondays. through Aug. 4 $230. (805) 781-3889. slorep.org/education/ act-theatre-camps/. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.
SUMMER ART CAMPS Camps include projects like weaving, sewing, dyeing, painting, zines, patches, and more— perfect for kids ages 8 through 13. Through July 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $295. (805) 439-1022. slolifestudio.com/collections/ camps. SLOLife Studio & Mercantile, 1337 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the vibrant and muted. Through Sept. 14, 11
FEEL THE VIBE
The Paso Robles Downtown Wine District is throwing its annual wine tasting event, known as The Downtown Vibe, on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Paso Robles Inn. There will be three Vibe events, including The Bubbles Lounge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a Food & Wine Pairing from 12:30 to 2 p.m., and The Grand Tasting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $75. Visit my805tix.com to purchase tickets and get more information about the event.
a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/trish-andersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AIR PLANT MOBILE WORKSHOP In
this workshop, you’ll get several air plants, grapewood pieces, and all the other supplies and instructions to create your own hanging air plant mobile. Aug. 3 2-3 p.m. $40. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
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. HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. Through Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures,
movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATE-
DO 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.
ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY Visitors can participate in guided recreational pier fishing with Cambria Fishing Club (all supplies provided), create ocean-themed arts and crafts, and learn about local wildlife! Aug. 2 Free. (805) 801-0773. montereybay.noaa.gov/getinvolved/giys. html. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT
CLUB Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school, with the goal of getting comfortable commanding your own sailboat. There will be a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Register at the link.
Through Aug. 3 $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION
CLASS Sitting with a supportive group strengthens one’s meditation practice. Join us for a weekly talk on topics related to meditation and consciousness plus silent and guided meditation. Facilitated by Devin Wallace. Beginners welcome. Email devinwalla@gmail.com for more information. Sundays, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. By donation. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos. MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos. MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS
DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
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.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 19
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
BY CAMILLIA LANHAM
POETRY READING, DISCUSSION, AND SIGNING — B. MISTY WYCOFF Please join Volumes of Pleasure bookstore staff in welcoming B. Misty Wycoff for a reading, discussion, and signing of new collection of poetry — Dwellings. July 26 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 528-5565. volumesofpleasurebookshoppe.com/. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos.
SAVE OUR COAST! RSVP and donate to REACT Alliance, whose Mission is to protect the Central California coasts from destructive energy industries, and to educate the public through dissemination of information designed to encourage informed decisions about proposed projects. More info is available at the link. July 26 1 p.m. my805tix. com. Tidelands Park, South end of Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong
offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. (805) 709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels.
This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR Features live music, attractions, food, drinks, competitive exhibits and programs, and more. Through July 27 midstatefair.com/ fair/. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 221-5755. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., 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.
NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS
A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
RESONANT BLESSINGS: A QUANTUM SOUND HEALING JOURNEY Resonant
Blessings is a transformative hour of sound and affirmative prayer with Rev. Elizabeth, designed to uplift your spirit and harmonize your energy. July 30 6-7 p.m. and July 31 , 2-3 p.m. $25. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org/event/ resonant-blessings-a-quantum-soundhealing-journey/. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP FOR KIDS AGES 7-12 Join this summer sports camp for kiddos ages 7 to 12. Activities include tennis, pickleball, swimming, and more! Discounted rates are available. July 28 - Aug. 1 , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/tennis/kidscamps/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. (805) 237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles.
TOPS SUPPORT GROUP: WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE A self-help support group focusing on weight loss and maintenance. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. (805) 242-2421. tops.org. Santa Margarita Senior Center, 2210 H St., Santa Margarita.
TOPS TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Join for affordable and effective weight-loss support. Sundays, 10-11 a.m. through Oct. 31 First visit is free. (805) 234-1026. Rancho Del Bordo Clubhouse, 10025 El Camino Real, Atascadero, tops.org.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BRAVER ANGELS: REUNITING AMERICA, A 50-MINUTE FILM WITH FOLLOW-UP
DISCUSSION Braver Angels: Reuniting America is a 50-minute documentary about polarization. Watch 8 Democratleaning voters and 7-Republican leaning voters go through a Red/Blue Braver Angels workshop. July 27 4-6 p.m. Free (use code word BRAVER). (805) 595-2211. braverangels.org. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton 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 Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
ESTATE PLANNING – THINK OF IT AS PREPARING FOR A TRIP OUT OF TOWN - BRIGHTON HUSHING-KLINE This class is a primer on the “parts” of what make up the documents that most people call an “Estate Plan” and how they work with each other. The difference between a “Power of Attorney” and a “Revocable Trust” will be demonstrated and taught. More info at the link. July 29, 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.
FELINE NETWORK ADOPT A KITTEN EVENT! Come see our beautiful cats and kittens for adoption and bring home a forever pet! All cats and kittens are fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped July 26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $125. (805) 540-0006. felinenetwork.org. PetSmart, 1530 Froom
Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo.
FIRE-SAFE HOME AND GARDEN TOUR
This is an informative tour of four Los Osos homes, showcasing fire-scaping, home hardening, and creating defensible spaces. Discover how to incorporate beautiful fire-resistant plants into your garden. July 26 , 12-4 p.m. $25 each or 2 for $40. members $10. lovgardenclub.org/. ashley cote, 1900 los osos valley road in los osos ca, los osos, (802) 777-0997.
FREE PET VACCINE CLINICS With the support of Petco Love, Woods is providing free vaccines for cats and dogs during vaccine clinics in August and September! Aug. 2 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/spay-neuter/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-2:30 p.m., MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. and ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m. through Sept. 1 Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo. org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
GYM JAM AND OPEN PLAY CLINIC Get your Gym Jam on with us! There will be one hour of progressive gymnastics skill training, followed by an hour of open play. No experience is necessary for this clinic, geared towards children 5 to 17 years old. July 26 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
“JOYFUL RHYTHMS” DRUM CIRCLE
/ CHUMASH VILLAGE SLO Join for another fun, unique, and uplifting social experience at the Chumash Village Clubhouse in SLO — a welcoming, inclusive space for all!Get more information about this drum circle at the link. July 29 3:30-5 p.m. $15-$25. my805tix.com. Chumash Village, 3057 S Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (510) 301-1286.
PARK PALOOZA 2025: COLOR RUN AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Join the second annual event, brought to you in benefit of the SLO Noor Foundation and Surfing For Hope. Participate in the 5K color run, hear live music from The Main Squeeze, and enjoy vendor booths. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 2 , 1-8:30 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 782-8060.
PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. $25. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
RED TENT SERIES: CROWNING THE CRONE Join this day retreat to honor the radiant wisdom of elder women and uplift the Crone archetype as a source of strength, beauty, and belonging. Allison Lorne will lead the group, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Wiccan Ceremonialist. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 3 11 a.m. $125. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO BUDDHIST CHURCH
OBON Join for the Obon Festival, a Japanese cultural event, at the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Aug.
2 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-2625. San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Obon, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, slobuddhistchurch.org.
SLOCA PRESCHOOL AND KINDER
SUMMER CAMPS This is a six-week summer camp for those going into preschool and kindergarten. Get tickets and more info at the link. July 28 9
& LIFESTYLE
Ocean Pines, Cambria
Spanish Night with Pablo Sainz-Villegas & Friends
National Geographic Live: Rise of T. rex with Dr. Lindsay Zanno
CHICAGO
GOOD THINGS: A Conversation with Samin Nosrat Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
Kinky Boots
DakhaBrakha
Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart
Kal Penn: From White Castle to The White House
Thile
The Book of Mormon Giordano Dance Chicago: Ignite the Soul!
Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque
Amelie Held
Ravi Shankar Ensemble
Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho: Mandé Sila Paul Jacobs
Kishi Bashi Live at Sensorio
Sands
Film Screening: Omoiyari with Kishi Bashi
Return Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar & Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande
a.m.-1 p.m. $270-450. (805) 548-8700. sloclassical.org. SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN
CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN
MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
JIMMY PAULDING’S CAMPAIGN
KICKOFF EVENT Join us at Heritage Square Park on Saturday for an exciting
afternoon, as we launch Jimmy Paulding’s campaign for County! July 26 , 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 994-0025. jimmypaulding.org/ news/events/. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
PISMO BEACH SPEED NETWORKING
Join this in-person Pismo Beach Speed Networking Event, geared towards business professionals, business owners, executives, and sales reps who are looking to expand their business network and social circle. July 31 , 6-8 p.m. $60. my805tix.com. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, 2241 Price St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 773-4608.
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.
STRIDE WITH THE TIDE Race start is 8:30 a.m. with registration from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at the pier. No pre-registration is required, and walkers are welcomed! Rain or shine! July 26, 7:15 a.m. $35 with shirt; $20 for race only. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach. org/73/Recreation. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.
STROLL AND ROLL Stroll and Roll is a guided nature walk, for adults with disabilities, led by a State Park Interpreter along the scenic Guiton Trail. Aug. 2 10 a.m.-noon Free. (530) 338-6913. eventbrite.com/e/stroll-and-roll-tickets1366514665149?aff=oddtdtcreator&utmsource=cp&utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=listing.
Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
SURF LESSONS ALL SUMMER LONG
Learn to surf with Sandbar Surf School. All equipment is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. You must pre-register. Through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach.
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
or submit online.
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.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
2025 ALTERNATIVE TASTES WINE FEST: CELEBRATING PASO’S UNIQUE VARIETIES Join this two-day event, celebrating it’s second year with the Grand Tasting Experience taking place at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero. Purchase tickets and get a detailed schedule of events at the link. Aug. 1-2 $82-350. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
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.
THE DOWNTOWN VIBE The Paso Robles Downtown Wine District is throwing its awesome, annual wine tasting event ––The Downtown Vibe -– at the Paso Robles Inn. Get tickets and more info at the link. Aug. 2 , 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $40. (805) 591-7003. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles. TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. 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. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. ∆
Story Pirates
Ben Folds
Ballet Hispánico
Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
Arts
Pollinating poppy
If you head to the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden in El Chorro Regional Park, and you make your way to the Children’s Garden, you’ll see a new 10-foot steel sculpture of a deep orange poppy topped by a yellow and black stained-glass butterfly. The poppy is, of course, California’s state flower.
The colorful installation—a shared senior project—is the work of general engineering graduate Aiden Largay and mechanical engineering graduates Irene Han and Madeline Xiong, who “spent long days in Cal Poly’s machine shops, waterjet cutting and hand-bending each petal to bring their vision to life,” according to the university’s announcement.
SLO Botanical “challenged the team to blend artistry with engineering, source materials locally, and design for minimal upkeep.” The kinetic design is wind activated.
“Having the freedom to craft something entirely new drew me in,” Xiong said. “Watching it evolve from sketch to reality and knowing we sourced everything locally makes me proud.”
The Children’s Garden receives more than 100 young visitors each week.
“I like that the whole neighborhood will benefit,” Largay said. “Kids come here to learn about nature. Now they’ll learn about engineering too.”
Admission to the garden is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and military; and free for kids 12 and under. Get more info and tickets at slobg.org.
One color to rule them all
Oxford Languages defines monochrome as “a photograph or picture developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one color.”
Don’t let the Paso Robles Art Association’s current show name, “Monochrome,” fool you into thinking the show is dull. It’s anything but.
Kathleen Bosch’s Blue Morning is a striking photograph highlighting architectural geometry. Her landscape photo Over the Fog is a study in color inconstancy.
Carl Berney’s marble figurative sculpture Strider highlights the rich tones of his materials.
Gisele Thompson’s acrylic landscape Santa Lucia Mountains captures the dry beauty of summer’s California gold.
Daniel Parks’ whimsical green wood stain of Big Foot is a charming exercise in the power of less being more.
These are just a handful of the many works on display in the art association’s current show at Studios on the Park, hanging through Aug. 27.
“Come and see what our talented Central Coast artists can do using only one color—you’ll be amazed!” the association announced. ∆
—Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
A lothario’s lament
Shakespeare Fest mounts terrific Merry Wives of Windsor
Perhaps you remember Sir John Falsta (here played by Mark Klassen), Shakespeare’s rotund, vain, boastful, and often drunken knight. He’s best known as companion to Prince Hal, future King Henry V of England, in Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2. Witty and often charming, he’s reduced to a bu oonish albeit good-natured suitor in e Merry Wives of Windsor e play is headlining this year’s Central Coast Shakespeare Festival at Filipponi Ranch in San Luis Obispo, running on weekend nights through Aug. 10.
As it opens, Falsta is short on funds but has a typically Falsta an plan to reverse his misfortune by simultaneously courting two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford (Kristie Siebert) and Mistress Page (Isabel Skene). His plan goes predictably awry.
e husbands learn of Falsta ’s machinations, and the two merry wives discover they’ve received identical love letters. As revenge and for their own amusement, they set a series of embarrassing traps and pranks for their would-be lover. Master Page is untroubled by the attempted cuckolding, while Master Ford’s jealously causes umbrage and, disguised as “Master Brook,” he approaches Falsta with a ruse designed to ferret out his plan to seduce his wife.
is being Shakespeare, there are many other characters to follow, for instance the Pages’ daughter, Anne (Gwyneth Lincoln), who’s contending with three suitors herself: Doctor Caius (Jeremy Helgeson), Master Slender ( eo Washington), and Master Fenton (Lucy Wickstrom). Doctor Caius’ housekeeper, Mistress Quickly (Sophie Rhiannon) proves herself to be a world-class meddler.
ere’s a lot to take in, including a hilarious duel, some crossdressing incidents, and an accidental gay marriage. Oops. As Shakespeare plays go, Merry Wives feels closer to our modern sensibilities as it explores love and marriage, jealousy and revenge, and wealth and social class. Much of its humor stems from the many misunderstandings between characters. Sexual innuendo and double entendres abound.
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars
The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival is back on the stunning outdoor stage at Filipponi Ranch to present The Merry Wives of Windsor every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through Sunday, Aug. 10. Tickets at centralcoastshakespeare.org.
Patrons are invited to bring a picnic and standard-size lawn chairs, and to dress in layers against the cold night air. Wine is available for purchase, and the ranch is located at 1850 Calle Joaquin, SLO. No outside alcohol is allowed.
e play is skillfully directed by Cynthia “Cindy” Totten, Ph.D., professor emerita of theatre at Eckerd College on Florida’s Gulf Coast. She makes very good use of Cal Poly eatre Professor Emeritus Al Schnupp’s amazing two-story stage, keeping the action coming and going from all angles and portals. Her blocking lls the space, and the use of physical comedy led to eruptions of laughter from the audience.
Instead of circa 1600 when the play was written, Totten set it in the Edwardian era, “roughly between 1900 and 1914, inspired by the artistry of Downton Abbey,” she explained. “Costume designer Roger Upton has grouped related characters in similar colors: the Pages are in peaches, roses, and burgundies; the Fords are in soft blues, grays, and greens. e fantastical French doctor Caius, his maid Mistress Quickly, and his valet Rugby wear vibrant peacock blues. Impoverished knight Sir Falsta and his crew of rude mechanicals are in mismatched plaids, striped shirts, and rustic tweedy vests, like a pile of tumbled autumn leaves.”
and integrity of Shakespeare’s language,” Totten explained. “We’ve added dances, songs, and movement work throughout, with some adjusted lines to suit the story and the illogical whimsy of our production.”
Totten calls Merry Wives a “citizen play” because instead of royalty, it’s about regular people. To give the stage an Edwardian vibe, Schnupp “adorned the set with hanging shop signs re ecting Windsor businesses such as a sh market, a barber shop, an apothecary, and a farrier, with decorative shop window displays of Edwardian era items.”
Shakespeare’s language can be challenging, and his penchant for using iambic pentameter can lead to unusual syntax, but Merry Wives is written almost entirely in prose, making it very accessible. Totten’s production boasts a lot of comical, farcical fun as Falsta gets his comeuppance.
“Merry Wives is a wild and wooly romp of a play,” Totten agreed. “It has the jaunty physicality of silent lms, which inspired me to create an opening movement montage, a faux sword ght, a comic tango, a menacing spirit dance haunting the woods at midnight, and a curtain call dance, all choreographed by Robert Jason Sumabat. e cast and I also explored the Commedia dell Arte idea of lazzi—bits of comic business peppered throughout the play.
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
“We strive to make Shakespeare understandable and accessible to all,” Totten continued. “We o er two Friday pay-what-you-can performances in addition to regularly priced performances. e Central Coast Shakespeare Festival welcomes everyone to the show.”
Even if you’re “not a Shakespeare lover,” if you like live theater, you’ll love this kinetic, funny, wellacted production. It’s an entertainment triumph.
It’s truly a visual feast, and the play—which can run two and a half hours—has been somewhat shortened. e rst part is an hour, and after intermission, the second wraps up in under an hour.
“Artistic Director Zoe Saba edited the play into a streamlined script that preserves the humor
“My hope is that audiences come away from the play transported from the seriousness of daily life into a colorful comical world full of truthful moments that capture recognizable human behavior both loving and laughable,” Totten said. “ e play can also be viewed as pure escape with Shakespeare’s underlying universal message of what fools we mortals be.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
PRANKED Spirits dance around Falstaff (Mark Klassen, seated center) as he’s once again tricked into a humiliating situation.
INSTIGATORS Doctor Caius (Jeremy Helgeson) and Mistress Quickly (Sophie Rhiannon) continually insert themselves into the lives of those around them.
Hot Jazz Dance Parties
Dark days
Writer-director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid) helms this neo-Western black comedy set in 2020 that chronicles a showdown between Sheri Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), leading to violence in the small town of Eddington, New Mexico. (148 min.)
EDDINGTON
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Palm, Park, Stadium 10
Glen ere are no heroes and no one to root for in this story that takes us back to the bad old days of COVID-19 and mask mandates, of 6-foot social distancing and shuttered businesses. Black Lives Matter and critical race theory are also in the mix of social traumas, as well as contingents arguing for and against a proposed data center to be built on the outskirts of the ctional town of Eddington, New Mexico, population 2,634. Yes, there’s a lot to divide the citizens of this small town, which abuts an Indian reservation. At loggerheads are libertarian-minded Cross and liberal-minded Garcia, who are not only politically opposed, but also have a shared history with Cross’ wife, emotionally fragile Louise (Emma Stone). According to Louise’s mother, conspiracy-obsessed Dawn (Deirdre O’Connell), Garcia is the source of her daughter’s emotional state.
Anna e beginning of the lm de nitely had some ashback e ects on me. Even on the coast of California, I encountered people in stores and at my workplace who would happily rant and rave about mask mandates. In Aster’s lm, the overarching story soon becomes about much more. Egos and jealousy and the “don’t tread on me” attitude all swirl into a pressure cooker just waiting to explode. Once Cross has it in his head that he should be mayor and Garcia should essentially be run out of town, it becomes
TITAN: THE OCEANGATE DISASTER
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
When the OceanGate disaster happened, I remember thinking that one of the streaming services is bound to make a documentary, and by golly, here it is! This event captured the attention of a lot of people at the time. I remember it being all over social media sites as well as news outlets. I think it’s one of those things that’s so out of touch with reality for most people that we don’t even think about
RUSH’S RUSH Netflix’s Titan: The OceanGate Disaster chronicles OceanGate CEO and Titan submersible creator Stockton Rush’s doomed tourist adventure to the Titanic wreck.
his whole focus. All these other things like protests and gun violence and national tragedies, like the death of George Floyd, are just bothersome distractions keeping his constituents from focusing on getting him elected. Phoenix is really great here; no surprise there. In fact, this cast is as solid as they come. Aster has a knack for forcing his audience to live in the uncomfortable, but they are too engaged to look away, and Eddington seems to hit that mark again. Did I “like” watching it? Well, not always. Was it a fantastic piece of work? Absolutely. Glen e lm e ectively depicts the idea that the various sides are absolutely sure they’re right and their opposition is dead wrong, and they have no interest in nding common ground. Sound familiar? Add in the online conspiracies that shaped many people’s thinking, and rationality is just gone. Cross turns out to be as fragile as his wife, and he eventually reaches his breaking point after his wife is caught up in the nonsense spewed by online viral guru Vernon Je erson
it, but when you do, you think, “Well, of course rich people would do this wildly dangerous, ridiculous thing.”
The Titan was a submersible that held five people, typically a couple of people working for OceanGate and three “tourists” who paid $250,000 each for a chance to stare through the murky depths at the ill-fated Titanic wreck. The documentary becomes less about who was on board, or even the accident itself, and much more about the company and people—CEO Stockton Rush in particular—behind it and the safety concerns that were brushed aside long before the Titan imploded.
If you were one of those fascinated folks when the Titan sank, give this one a watch. It’ll give you even more insight to the ill-fated journey. (111 min.)
—Anna
IHEADS OF STATE
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Prime
Peak (Austin Butler). ere’s really no one to like here. Even the young idealists impassioned by BLM protests are using their politics to judge others rather than to repair broken connections. Anger, jealousy, paranoia—the worst of human emotions are on full display. It’s uncomfortable viewing, and Aster has no answers for us. He just holds up a mirror. It’s also tragically comical, and the joke’s on us.
Anna Everyone seems out to make their message the most heard, in that no-matterwhat-it-takes way that can happen in heated divisive moments in our country. It should matter what it takes, otherwise we end up like the ctional town of Eddington. is lm is a commitment at two and a half hours, but if you’re like me, you’ll be in it the whole time. Fans of Aster should de nitely see this in the theater. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
way to CIA agent Marty Comer (Jack Quaid) just in time for another assassination attempt, but with the help of MI6 Senior Agent Noelle Bisset (Priyanka Chopra), they escape. Lots of gun battles, fights, explosions, and chases follow, and Naishuller’s direction keeps the action propulsive. Now they need to figure out who betrayed them and reach the NATO summit before the alliance is dissolved.
lya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry, Nobody ) cooks up another funny, action-packed popcorn flick. John Cena stars as Will Derringer, former action movie star and newly elected U.S. president. His British counterpart, more serious-minded Sam Clarke (Idris Elba), doesn’t much care for the preening president, but when they both narrowly survive an assassination attempt aboard Air Force One on the way to a NATO summit, they’re forced to work together. After parachuting to safety, they make their
Despite the mayhem, this is a lighthearted affair examining geopolitics and two very different men who learn to appreciate one another. Its impressive cast also includes Paddy Considine as a Russian arms dealer, Stephen Root as a computer hacker, Carla Gugino as U.S. Vice President Elizabeth Kirk, and Sharlto Copley as Bisset’s CIA counterpart. Totally worth a look for action fans. (113 min.) ∆ —Glen
U.S.
DIVIDED WE FALL In a small New Mexico town at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix, left) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) find themselves in vehement disagreement over how to navigate the pandemic, in Eddington, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF A24
DEATH DEFIERS
President Will Derringer (John Cena) and British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) survive an assassination attempt on the way to a NATO summit and reluctantly work together to save the world, in Heads of State, streaming on Prime.
BY GLEN STARKEY
Yesterday today
LA-based Chicano soul band Los Yesterdays plays the Fremont Theater July 31
Editor’s note: Calendar Editor Angie Stevens interviewed Los Yesterdays for this week’s music column.
“BadVic” Benavides is unabashedly honest—he can’t really play an instrument. He would rather be making music in the studio than performing onstage. And sometimes, in a band as revered as Los Yesterdays, he’s overrun with imposter syndrome and left feeling like the “Ringo Starr” of the group.
But what Benavides, lead singer of the LAbased Chicano soul band, can do—and do well—is write songs. As a hopeless romantic, his many relationships-turned-heartbreaks have led to some of his best work.
Take “Mr. Yesterday,” a song heavily inspired by the sound of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons that he wrote in 2020 after a bad break with a woman he loved. Benavides chuckled as he recalled the story of a mutual friend of Los Yesterdays drummer and cofounder Gabriel Rowland hearing the track and ensuring that Rowland stayed around Benavides—not to console him, necessarily, but to be there when all of his ideas were flowing.
Or take the 2021 track “Nobody’s Clown,” the band’s biggest hit with more than 30 million streams on Spotify. It came to life in seven minutes following another unfortunate romantic ending.
“Once I knew what the words were, I knew the song as if I’d heard it a thousand times,” Benavides said.
When he’s not in a good place mentally, he said that “everything takes on a particular poignancy.” When his conscious mind is distracted, he said he can pull songs “out of the ether” and “hear the muse easier.”
Writing lyrics has been a part of Benavides life since he was 5 years old, playing around with songs in his head. He remembers reveling in any chance to stay home from his father and brother’s fishing adventures and spend the day with his mother, putting on records and listening to 8-tracks.
“I don’t have kids, I have my songs,” Benavides said.
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
“SHANTY-SING” AT THE MORRO BAY
MARITIME MUSEUM Saturday morning
“Shanty-Sing” at the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. Learn and share maritime music. Bring a song. Learn a song. Sing along. Fourth Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon through Oct. 25 Free. (805) 225-6571. morrobaymaritime.org/ event/shanty-sing/. Morro Bay Maritime Museum, 1154 Front St., Morro Bay.
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.
The songwriting stuck even after he decided to retire from performing—a decision made after three decades in the music scene, when his prior bands never gained traction. But in 2017, Rowland got him to write lyrics for commercial TV jingles, and soon the nostalgia of growing up as young Chicanos in LA pushed them to go further as a two-piece.
One can feel the summer sweet memories of backyard gatherings without being there; the tinges of inspiration that came from Benavides and Rowland listening to Art Laboe on the radio and the sweet soul tracks of the ’50s and ’60s.
The track “Mr. Yesterday” caught the ears of producers and musicians Tommy Brenneck and Gabriel Roth, who were just creating Penrose Records, the Chicanofocused Daptone imprint.
Benavides and Rowland were invited to perform at a Penrose barbecue. Benavides wrote the lyrics to their newest instrumental during his 20-minute drive from Altadena and arrived ready to perform the song that became “Time.”
The track became the band’s first Penrose
single, and by 2018, Los Yesterdays came to include Brenneck and Roth.
The band’s first headliner tour will begin in Santa Barbara on July 25 and end in Seattle in early August, and Los Yesterdays is set to hit the stage of San Luis Obispo’s Fremont Theater on Thursday, July 31 (all-ages; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8; $37.56 at fremontslo. com), with The Jack Moves, Jackie Mendez,
ENGLISH BEAT The English Beat –– one of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s –– are set to hit The Siren’s stage. Hear them live and get tickets at the link! July 27, 7-10 p.m. $40. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. THE HAWTHORNE EXPERIENCE Hear The Hawthorne Experience live at The Siren –– a band described as “desert surf rats cruising through the coast for a funky reggae surf rock show, all the way from Tucson, Arizona.” July 25 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. KARAOKE NIGHT! GLOW UP AND SING OUT: REGGAE VIBES EDITION Step up to the mic and sing anything you love — Bob Marley, Beyoncé, whatever gets you glowing. Bonus points if you bring the reggae heat! Get more info about this karaoke night at the link. July 30,
7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay. com/event/karaoke-night-glow-up-singout-reggae-vibes-edition/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of 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. MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND, MUSIC BY THE SEA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Morro Bay White Caps Community Band, conducted by Brenda Hascall, will perform a variety
of pops, classical and jazz music by the sea. July 26 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. The Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform four concerts on the South T-Pier featuring jazz, classical, rock, and pop music. July 26 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free, Donations accepted. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay S. T Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. PEACH AND THE JAM (FREE AFTERNOON SHOW) Hear Peach and the Jam perform rock ‘n’ roll and Americana music centered on the vibe
and The Silvertone opening.
The audience will hear tracks from the band’s 2024 debut album Frozen in Time and may get a taste of the new spoken word protest song they plan to release soon titled “God is Watching.” It was written, Benavides explained, in response to the government targeting Hispanics and to push for solidarity.
Leaving room for love on the dance floor is also what Benavides yearns for.
“I want people to feel the love,” he said. “I want them to stare into their lady’s eyes and dance with them.”
—Angie Stevens
Big in Japan
Calling all ironic hipsters. Bargain Rock SLO presents an earful of super cool music when Sweet Springs Saloon hosts a fourband extravaganza of surf, garage, and fantasy metal music when Jackie & the Cedrics headlines a show with openers Not Yetis, The Teutonics, and The Khans on Friday, Aug. 1 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20 at bargainrock.net).
Jackie & the Cedrics are a super cool Japanese instrumental surf rock trio that wears fancy outfits and plays cool vintage equipment. They’ve been around since the
and material of artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Delbert McClinton and John Hiatt. July 26 2-5 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
SHANTY SING Bring a song. Learn a song. Sing along! The Morro Bay Shanty Project will lead this shanty sing along event. No experience is needed, and all are welcome. Fourth Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon through Oct. 25 Free. (805) 225-6571. m.facebook.com/story. php?story_fbid=pfbid0XU2CETCDiomA H5zp2XeQ9eswFTfFnScXaXZSpDX31Wp mXAZznYdQsZ7MuwVuMzpQl&id=1000 95006873277&mibextid=wwXIfr. Morro Bay Maritime Museum, 1154 Front St., Morro Bay.
SHANTY SING AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM Join our monthly sea-shanty sing-along every 4th Saturday through October. Learn and share maritime music.
Bring a song. Learn a song. Sing along. Fourth Saturday of every month, 11 a.m. through Oct. 25 Free. (805)225-6571. Morro Bay Maritime Museum, 1154 Front St., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Hear him live at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles. July 25, 5-7 p.m. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, 3800 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles, (805) 242-4700. Singer-songwriter Easton Everett, who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar, will hit the stage of Paso Robles Inn. Hear his unique sound live. July 26 6-9 p.m. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.
MAKING ‘SOULDIES’ The doe-eyed soul ballads of Chicano band Los Yesterdays (singer and songwriter Victor Benavides, left, drummer and co-founder Gabriel Rowland, right) can be enjoyed live at the Fremont Theater on July 31
COOL FACTOR Japanese instrumental surf rock trio Jackie & the Cedrics headline a four-band extravaganza of garage rock at Sweet Springs Saloon on Aug. 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACKIE & THE CEDRICS
STARKEY
early ’90s and used to tour the U.S. regularly, but not so much lately, so this will be a rare chance to see them locally.
According to The Teutonics, “We live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but originally from Ostfriesland. We have lived here so long, we do not speak German anymore. We are German recording artist for Repent Records. Many years we have made music, and now we are putting it here so people may have the recordings in [an] easy modern way.”
Not Yetis are an Oakland-based guitardriven garage rock act inspired by 1960s cartoon bands. This super group includes Rick Kvoriak (Shitty Shitty Band Band, Ogres), Steve Faine (Hi-Fives, Ogres) Lucy Watusi (Hondettes), and Dr. Patrick Phelan (Brentwoods, Saturn V featuring Orbit), and
their super good album, A Cautionary Tale, will afford you extra cool points if you add it to your collection. 180-gram vinyl, baby!
The Khans include former SLO Town resident Kai Wada Roath, who once got Foster Freeze to sponsor a trip to the Himalayas to search for Yetis. Sadly, he did not find one.
“I like to think that if a He-Man had a 1980s evil Mongol warlord villain, we would be his theme music,” he said. “Our music is 1970s fantasy metal from the Gobi Desert, themed with such hits as ‘Mongolian Death Worm,’ ‘Five Kings of the Altai,’ the ‘Flaming Red Cliffs of Grimlock,’ and our top40 hit, ‘Mongolian Beef’!”
Be there or be L7.
Golden anniversary
Local NPR affiliate KCBX celebrates its 50th anniversary at the Octagon Barn
(4400 Octagon Way, SLO) on Saturday, July 26, with a free daytime outdoor concert featuring New Times Music Awards 2021 Album of the Year award winner Graybill and energetic old timey string band SLO County Stumblers between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (an RSVP is requested at kcbx.org). There’s also food and drink available from Choco’s Mexican Grill food truck, SLO Sichuan Kitchen, and Harmony Valley Creamery.
Later that evening, enjoy an indoor concert by Damon Castillo & Friends (7 p.m.; all ages; $46.80 at kcbx.org or zeffy.com).
“I’m incredibly honored to be part of this one-of-a-kind night celebrating 50 years of KCBX—our beloved local public radio station,” Castillo said. “I’ll be joined by a truly special lineup of talented friends: Kahonukai Boro, Jineanne Coderre, Gabriela Welch, Sean Sullivan, and Brian Lanzone You won’t want to miss this musical collaboration!”
Something for everyone
Numbskull and Good Medicine have indie rock, ska, reggae, and soul shows this week, so pick your poison.
Berkeley-based emo-rockers Mom Jeans bring their quirky and catchy songs about serious issues like suicide (“death cup”) and loneliness (“*Sobs quietly*”) to the Alex Madonna Expo Center this Friday, July 25 (6 p.m.; all ages; $43.77 at goodmedicinepresents.com) with Saturdays at Your Place and Sad Park opening. Bring tissues and be ready to pogo.
Super awesome two-tone ska act The English Beat returns to The Siren on Sunday, July 27 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $40.89 at goodmedicinepresents.com). They were my high school soundtrack, and frontman Dave Wakeling sounds as good as ever. So many classic songs! “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save it for Later,” “I Confess,” “Stand Down Margaret,” and their killer take on the Andy William-penned “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” Love them!
Bob Marley progeny Julian Marley and the Uprising plays the BarrelHouse Amphitheatre on Sunday, July 27 (6 p.m.; all ages; $41.92 at goodmedicinepresents. com). Julian was only six when his father passed. The self-taught musician plays bass, drums, guitar, and keyboards. He released his debut album, Lion in the Morning, in 1996, and in 1998, he contributed to Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Soul acts The Altons and Thee Sinseers share the bill at Santa Maria’s Presqu’ile Winery on Wednesday, July 30 (6 p.m.; all ages; $47.07 at goodmedicinepresents.com). They’re basically the same core band, but after The Altons plays a set, The Sinseers add brass to the mix. Both sound amazing.
Tucson surf rats
The Hawthorne Experience comes to The Siren on Friday, July 25 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; free) to play a funky reggae surf rock show. The band formed at the University of Arizona when brothers Will and Kenny Belcher were joined by Jonah WalshHallman. They’ve gone from playing house parties and keggers to The Siren. Expect originals mixed with cover songs by Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala, and Sublime.
Hot jazz, kittens
The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club has an extra spicy show this week when Tom Rigney and Flambeau play the Pismo Beach Vets Hall on Sunday, July 27 (11 a.m. jam with concert starting at 12:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 general admission at my805tix.com). Rigney is an incredible roots music fiddler specializing in “blazing Cajun two-steps, low-down blues, funky New Orleans grooves, boogie-woogie piano, and heartbreakingly beautiful ballads and waltzes,” according to organizers.
Ready For Benny, a tribute to Benny Goodman, opens the show.
STARKEY from page 26
KCBX FUN-DRAISER Damon Castillo and Friends play a fundraising concert for local NPR affiliate KCBX 90.1FM on July 26 , in the Octagon Barn.
at the Alex Madonna Expo Center on July 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD MEDICINE PRESENTS
SPICY From Cajun two-steps to low-down blues, fiddler Tom Rigney and Flambeau will heat up the Pismo Beach Vets Hall dance floor on July 27
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU
Attention local singers, songwriters, musicians, & bands...
Become a legendary New Times Music Award (NTMA) recipient!
Enter to win amazing prizes including a custom NTMA Newtie, your name/band name on all NTMA merch, and a performing spot at the New Times Music Awards and Showcase at SLO Brew Rock on Friday, November 21, 2025.
GENERAL RULES
Entries must be received between Thursday, July 24, 2025 and Monday, August 11, 2025 by 5 p.m. to be considered for the 2025 New Times Music Awards (NTMA).
• $20 entry fee for each song, songwriter, and album entry.
Enter 2 songs and get the 3rd FREE.
Participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs (10 genre category, 3 songwriting category) and 1 album.
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS Fill out the entry form, upload songs, and pay for your entries with a credit card at NewTimesSLO.com. Best Album entries must be entered in person or by mail.
If you wish to pay with cash or check, you may drop off your entries at either the New Times or Sun offices. Bring your music entries on a CD or USB drive along with your completed entry form. Checks should be made payable to “New Times.”
All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County.
All entrants must be able to play at the showcase event at SLO Brew Rock in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Nov. 21, 2024.
All entrants under 18 years of age must select the Youth category and must have a parent or guardian sign the entry form. By entering the contest, all entrants give permission to New Times Media Group to reproduce submissions on compact disc and on the web. All entries remain the property of performers.
New Times Music Awards is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, or late entries.
The top 3 songs in each category need to provide high-quality versions of their songs (16 Bit, 44.1 Sample Rate).
Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one contact name only on entry form.
• Winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges.
• Songs will be judged on overall performance.
• Live performers will share the ‘Back Line.’ Check NewTimesSLO.com or contact NTMA@NewTimesSLO.com for more information.
The New Times Music Awards Showcase and Competition is an all-ages show. Performers agree to eliminate explicit lyrics during their performance.
GENRE CATEGORIES
The Youth category is for musicians entering music who are under the age of 21 as of July 24, 2025.
The Open genre includes reggae, world beat, jazz, classical, new age, electronic, etc. Each song submission must have a genre selected. If nothing is selected, the song will go into the Open genre.
If judges determine a song to be a better fit with a different genre category than what was originally submitted, they reserve the right to recategorize it.
SONGWRITER CATEGORY
You may enter up to 3 songs in the Songwriting genre, which is being judged separately.
• Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry.
ALBUM CATEGORY
• Albums must have been released between November 21, 2024 and July 24, 2025 to be eligible. Please deliver a hard copy to either the New Times or Sun office along with a completed entry form by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 for consideration.
The entire presentation will be judged, including quality of songs, sound, and packaging.
• Only 1 album per entrant total.
SCAN TO ENTER
ARTIST NAME
NAME OF PERFORMING ARTIST(S) EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD APPEAR ON CD (BAND NAME, STAGE NAME, ETC.)
SONG ENTRY BY GENRE
ENTER UP TO 10 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED
SONG TITLE
PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX PER SONG TITLE TO INDICATE SONG GENRE: Rock/Alternative County/Americana/Folk R&B/Blues Hip-Hop/Rap Youth Jazz Cover*
Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song
SONGWRITER ENTRY
ENTER UP TO 3 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED
Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry
SONG TITLE
Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song
BEST
ALBUM ENTRY
ONLY 1 ALBUM MAY BE ENTERED
ALBUM TITLE
Enter Best Album by mail or drop off at New Times or Sun office
LOCAL LEGEND AWARD NOMINEE
The Local Legend Award recognizes an individual or group who has contributed to help enrich, support, and further music’s reach in our community; someone whose ideas, inspiration, and dedication to this art scene have helped nurture and grow the music scene—whether it’s bringing new sounds to the area or giving people the tools they need to create their own. We would love your input! Please use this space to nominate an individual, group, or organization you feel should be considered for this award:
I certify that I am the writer or co-writer of the song(s) or lyrics submitted. *Except for Cover Genre. I also certify that I have read, understood, and accept the rules and regulations of the New Times Music Awards. If entrant is under 18 years old, the signature of a parent or guardian is required.
TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES (14 MAX POSSIBLE) _____________ x $20 = $ PAYMENT ENCLOSED OPEN _______(genre)
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS, BUT YOU MAY ALSO MAIL OR DROP OFF SUBMISSIONS AT EITHER OF OUR OFFICES BEST ALBUM ENTRIES MUST BE MAILED OR DROPPED OFF
Blues rock and ha-ha
Nederlander Concerts has a blues rock icon and a very funny lady coming to Vina Robles Amphitheatre next week. Joe Bonamassa started his career as a 12-yearold opening for B.B. King. He plays Vina on Friday, Aug. 1 (8 p.m.; all ages; $83.80 to $306.50 at ticketmaster.com). He’s now got 17 albums under his belt, most recently Breakthrough (2025).
Comedienne Anjelah Johnson-Reyes stops at Vina on The Family Reunion Tour on Saturday, Aug. 2 (8 p.m.; all ages; $60.10 to $179 at ticketmaster.com). The actress, author, and podcaster’s comedy career ignited after her “Nail Salon” stand-up bit went viral on YouTube over a decade ago. Her comedy special, Say I Won’t, recorded at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, racked up nearly 6 million views on YouTube. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
FOUR DAY BEARD LIVE AT HUBBA WINES
Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music by Four Day Beard. July 25 , 5-9 p.m. $5.00 Donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/ Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
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.
HUBBA WINES 2025 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music featuring local bands every Friday evening. Wine and food available for purchase. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Aug. 29 $5 donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
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.
KEITH URBAN LIVE Part of the California Mid-State Fair’s lineup of live concerts. July 24 Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
MELODIOUS FUNK LIVE Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for a live set from Melodious Funk. Wine and food will be available for purchase. Aug. 1 5-9 p.m. $5.00 Donation. (805) 5508190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805
(John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.
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.
SUNNY AND THE WRIGHT TONES AT THE POUR HOUSE PASO Sunny and The Wright Tones are set to bring the soul to The Pour House Paso on Sunday. Let’s work on those dance moves! July 27 3-6 p.m. $5. (805) 2963712. pasoroblesbeer.com/events. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SUNNY AND THE WRIGHT TONES AT THE POUR HOUSE PASO SUNDAY JULY 27TH Join us at The Pour House in Paso Robles and get your groove on with Sunny and The Wright Tones bringing you Soul Sunday Funday! July 27 1-3 p.m. $5. (805) 296-3712. pasoroblesbeer. com/events. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
THE SUPERCHIEFS RETURN TO APOGEE
Join Katie Franklin, David Foster Evans, and Matthias Clark for tasty folk rock originals and favorites! Listen to starry vocals and enjoy drinks. Aug. 2 , 6-8 p.m. (805) 710-3309. Apogee Brewing, 191 S. Oak Park Rd., Grover Beach.
TUESDAYS IN THE PARK: FREE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND CONCERTS Enjoy these fabulous free community band concerts with different music and conductors weekly! Bring your lawn chair and snacks. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 19 Free. atascaderoband. org. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST
2025 First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the dance-worthy beats. Aug. 1 6-10 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.
CELTIC CABARET OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Poets, players, and artists, come join us at Celtic Cabaret to play your party-piece on a safe listening stage, or come enjoy as our friends entertain! July 27 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 710-3309. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
SIPS & SOUNDS WEDNESDAY Doors to our tasting room will open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6. There will be no cover charge, but a drink purchase is required. This is a 21+ event. July 30, 6-8 p.m. (805) 591-7003. stilsoncellars.com/events/. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HUBBA WINES WITH FOUR DAY BEARD Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music featuring local bands every Friday evening! Wine and food available will be available for purchase. July 25 5-9 p.m. $5 Donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
JOSH ROSENBLUM BAND & JINEANNE
CODERRE LIVE Jineanna Coderre will perform at Mission Plaza, followed by Josh Rosenblum Band. Hear them live in the heart of downtown! Aug. 1 , 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
JUNIOR TOOTS: TRIBUTE TO TOOTS & THE MAYTALS Junior Toots, born and raised in St Mary, Jamaica, is stopping through SLO. Hear him live at SLO Brew and get tickets at the link. Aug. 2 , 7 p.m. $33. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
LOS YESTERDAYS Los Yesterdays, the a Chicano soul band from Los Angeles, are set
to take the Fremont Theater stage. Hear them live and get tickets at the link. July 31 $37. fremontslo.com/events/los-yesterdays-1/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT & ABOUT TIME AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA About Time will perform live in the heart of downtown SLO, followed by The Molly Ringwald Project. July 25 , 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE - UNDER THE MOON CONCERT Hear Moonshiner Collective -- the three-piece folk rock, California soul and americana band -- live at this Under The Moon concert. Each single ticket purchased covers a group of up to four guests. July 25 , 6 p.m. $100. my805tix.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 782-8060.
UNCRUEL SUMMER: A GIRLY POP DANCE NIGHT Grab your friends and dance the night away to music from Taylor, Sabrina, Tate, Gracie, Chappell, Olivia, Billie, Ariana, Charli, Gaga, and more! Tickets and additional details are available at the link. July 25 , 8 p.m. $27. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT
SERIES Head to the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
BASIN STREET REGULARS SUNDAY JAZZ CONCERT | TOM RIGNEY & FLAMBEAU + LES ROSE’S “GETTING READY FOR BENNY”
Join Basin Street Regulars for a high-energy afternoon of fiery fiddle, swingin’ clarinet, and non-stop rhythm at one of our biggest concerts of the summer! July 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
BIG VARIETY NIGHT WITH TED WATERHOUSE Ted Waterhouse hosts multiple local musicians, singer-songwriters, and ensembles, each doing a short set. Hear up to eight performers in an evening. First Sunday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 3 Free. (805) 773-6563. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, puffersofpismo.com.
DIRTY CELLO LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE Enjoy a magical Saturday afternoon at the lighthouse with live music from Dirty Cello. Food, wine, and beer will be available for sale. Visit site to learn about ticket options and get more info about the band. July 26 2:30-5 p.m.
$29. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
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 after-hours 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.
WHITE WINGED DOVE: THE BEST OF STEVIE NICKS AND FLEETWOOD MAC The ultimate Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac experience. An immersive tribute celebrating 40 years of Nicks’ legendary solo hits and timeless Fleetwood Mac classics. July 26 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/white-winged-dove/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS THE ALTONS AND THEE SINSEERS AT PRESQU’ILE WINERY Get ready for a soulful night at Presqu’ile with The Altons and Thee Sinseers. The evening will be full of vintage vibes, smooth harmonies, and rhythm you can feel. July 30, 6-9 p.m. $47. (805) 937-8110. presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
DIRTY CELLO LIVE Hear the San Franciscobased blues, rock, and Americana band Dirty Cello perform a live set at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. July 25 , 8 p.m. $20. (805) 331-4362. lostchordguitars.com/shows/dirty-cello. Lost Chord Guitars, 1576 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang. THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT If you haven’t experienced our Sunday afternoon concerts in our beautifully renovated Lobby Garden, come find out for yourselves— and come ready to dance! July 27 3-5 p.m. $37. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/showlisting. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. ∆
LIVE MUSIC from page 26
HOT LICKS Nederlander Concerts presents blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Aug. 1
Flavor
Summertime sips
SLO County apple farm releases a new beverage lineup that doesn’t fall far from the tree
Each apple picked at Fair Hills Farm has a purpose.
“Half of our best, highest-quality fruit goes to local schools, restaurants, and independent grocers on the Central Coast, nourishing students and supporting a healthy community,” the farm’s website states. “The other half is lovingly crafted into our Signature Harvest Blend unfiltered apple juice and our tea line.”
Released in July and featuring fruit from the San Miguel orchard’s 2024 harvest, Fair Hills Farm Organic’s freshly brewed teas and apple juices are now available at select San Luis Obispo County retailers and restaurants, as well as the Saturday Paso Farmers Market in downtown.
The teas “are gently sweetened with our organic apple juice, free from preservatives, contain minimal ingredients, and have no added sugar,” said Fair Hills Farm proprietor and entrepreneur Russel Steingold, who splits his time between Paso Robles and Los Angeles. “I’m unaware of any other product that is tea sweetened with apple juice.”
The 80-acre property, originally established in 1992, was purchased in 2020 by Steingold, who then planted several
For produce and cold-pressed pours
Learn more about Fair Hills Farm and where to purchase its products at fairhillsfarmorganic.com and follow the company on Instagram and Facebook @fairhillsfarmorganic. In-person visits to the farm, located at 6780 Estrella Road in San Miguel, are offered by appointment only.
thousand fresh trees and converted the property from conventional to USDAcertified organic farming practices.
Steingold’s vision for his 48 acres of planted fruit—including 15 varieties of apples as well as stone fruit, pears, and pomegranates—is to create a model farming enterprise rooted in sustainability, innovation, and commitment to community.
“The farm is nothing without the support of the community we serve,” said Jessica Nash, Fair Hills Farm’s director of operations. “We presently serve local organic produce … to all SLO County schools— roughly 34,000 students.”
The team also works with Slow Money SLO, Harvestly, Farm to School Central Coast, and SLO Food Bank, “which will be helping us through harvest this fall,” Nash added.
CORE CREW
Key team members at Fair Hills Farm in San Miguel include, from right, Fulfillment Specialist Nathan Seals, Office Manager Yaneth Saavedra, Director of Operations Jessica Nash, Agricultural Manager Caitlyn Pierini, and Luis Suarez, owner of Suarez Farm Management in San Ardo.
Nash, of Paso, served as wine club manager at Paso’s Sculpterra Winery before joining Fair Hills last year.
She, along with agricultural manager Caitlyn Pierini, also of Paso, heads the “boots-on-theground” team at the farm, Nash explained.
Pierini, a Cal Poly wine and viticulture graduate, previously worked with Paso’s Gibbs Vineyards as a viticulturist.
“I love having Jessica and Caitlyn running the farm,” Steingold said. “It’s amazing to see how it has transformed under Jessica‘s guidance coupled with Caitlyn‘s knowledge of farming practices. It’s great to see these two strong women having a profound impact on the property and helping me to execute my vision for this product.”
Pierini oversees seasonal planning, crop strategy, soil health, pruning, and varietal development while striving to foster biodiversity and environmentally sound initiatives.
Unblemished apples—ranging from gala, Fuji, pink lady, and cameo to McIntosh—are reserved for schools and retail markets, while “our ‘seconds’ are used for our beverages,” Pierini said.
“They are typically just a little ugly, but still have the great quality that we desire,” she explained.
“Anyone that tastes our apple juice immediately falls in love with it,” Steingold added. “I am an iced tea lover and also enjoy an Arnold Palmer and thought it would be interesting to try adding apple juice as opposed to lemonade to the tea.
“After getting a lot of positive feedback, I decided to bring this product to market. Thus far it has been very well received. It is a healthy solution and has only two ingredients—flavored organic tea gently sweetened with pure, coldpressed apple juice.”
Fair Hills’ black tea varieties include original, mint, ginger, cinnamon and naturally caffeine-free chamomile. Small bits of natural ingredients may collect at the bottom, so the team recommends giving the bottles a quick shake before enjoying.
Fair Hills is a working farm, with no current infrastructure for on-site sales, so customers are encouraged to purchase its
NATURALLY SWEET Fair Hills Farm’s freshly brewed teas are sweetened by organically grown apples from its San Miguel orchard.
COURTESY PHOTO BY RACHEL BAUSCH PHOTOGRAPHY
Student Guide
beverages and produce online and from more than 15 area vendors and growing. The company also sells apple wood chips for smokers.
“Having a farm, from a financial perspective is no easy undertaking,” Steingold said. “My main goal immediately is to make the farm financially sustainable. And I’m hoping that this tea and juice project gets us there.
“There are lots of ideas, including kombucha and hard cider, which we may continue to develop once we have our current projects rolling in a satisfactory direction. Things are looking very positive, and we have already gotten interest and commitments from several high-end retailers in the Southern California area. Once we establish the distribution and gauge interest from our trade partners, we will continue to develop other products.
“On a different note, the goal is also to set an example in the area to other local farmers to look at their farming practices and show them the path and reasons why responsible organic and sustainable farming is the way of the future.”
Pierini concurred that she is passionate about “growing nutritious and delicious fruit for our schools and community” while also “maintaining our unwavering standards to quality and stewardship of the land.”
On a more personal note, she added, “I also want to continue to show other women, particularly
mothers, that you can enjoy a beautiful balance that allows you to be present and active in your children’s life while also maintaining a career.
“I wholeheartedly believe in a work/ life balance and very much appreciate the flexibility of this job that allows me to volunteer at my children’s school, coach them in sports, and also be attentive to the farm and share that side with them. They are often there at work with me,” Pierini said.
Most mornings you can also spot Pierini with her chocolate lab, Clover, roaming the orchard, preparing for harvest, and seeking new opportunities for the farm. Δ
Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte’s favorite Fair Hills tea flavor is ginger. She’ll be enjoying one over ice at cwhyte@newtimesslo.com.
pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
2b. A WIC §366.26 Selection & Implementation (back-up) / A WIC §366.3 Post Permanency hearing will be held on September 10, 2025, at 1:15 pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calendar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court.
The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.
Date: July 1, 2025 /s/ Myranda Morales, Deputy Clerk July 10, 17, 24, & 31 , 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 20205-1424 (07/06/2025)
New Filing The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SHORE 3 STUDIOS 362 North 6th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo
*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calendar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court. The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.
IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE (PROBATE DIVISION)
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
Attorney for Administrator: Mital D. Patel
In re the Estate of Katie Ellen Raby, Decedent.
Case No. 85095-2
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Savannah Nichole Heikkinen, Administrator of the Estate of Katie Ellen Raby, deceased, will sell at private sale under the terms and conditions specified below, the real property of the estate situated in the County of Knox, State of Tennessee, with the following physical address: 3633 Lancaster Drive Knoxville, TN 37920
A Petition for the Sale of the Decedent’s Real Property was filed in the above-captioned matter on January 29, 2024, in the Knox County Chancery Court, Probate Division.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO HEIR AT LAW, JAMES DUSTIN RABY, whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after diligent efforts, that he must appear and/or file any response or objection to the Petition within thirty (30) days after the date of the fourth and final publication of this notice.
Failure to file a response or appear within the time prescribed will result in the Petition being taken as admitted, and an order may be entered accordingly without further notice.
This notice shall be published for four (4) consecutive weeks Date: 7/21/2025 /s/ Savannah Nichole Heikkinen
ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of Katie Ellen Raby,
July 24, 31, August 7, & 14, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0401
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Taneesha Regez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Wyatt Cash Heck PROPOSED NAME: Wyatt Cash Regez. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 20, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 4 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 18, 2025.
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 3, 10, 17, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
25CVP-0152
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Izel Rios filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Izel Rios PROPOSED NAME: Itzel Rios THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 14, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times
Date: June 5, 2025. /s/: Judge van Rooyen, Craig B, Judge of the Superior Court. July 3, 10, 17, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP-0192
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Deanna Bollman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Brayden Dunton Perry PROPOSED NAME: Brayden Burch Dunton. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: July 23, 2025, 9:30 am, Dept: P2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: May 27, 2025. /s/: Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2025. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0525
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Daniel Childress aka Danny Gonzalez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Danny Gonzalez PROPOSED NAME: Daniel Childress THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 20, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 4 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm Street Room 385 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: September 4, 2024.
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Wendi Realene Stearman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Wendi Realene Stearman. PROPOSED NAME: Wendi Realene Wells. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.
Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 21, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 9, 2025.
/s/: Judge van Rooyen, Craig B., Judge of the Superior Court. July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NEW FILE NO. 2025-1335 OLD FILE NO. 2021-2179
TUPSS, 1241 JOHNSON AVENUE #165. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 09/02/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: VENTURE TOO INC. (1241 JOHNSON AVENUE #165 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business was conducted by a Corporation Venture Too Inc., Monique A. Speake, President. 1241 Johnson Avenue #165 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/23/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mkatz, Deputy Clerk. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1336
OLD FILE NO. 2023-2466
VEHICLE4ENSICS, 1241 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 11/13/2023. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Venture Too, Inc. (1241 Johnson Ave, # 165 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business was conducted by a Corporation Venture Too, Inc., Monique A. Speake, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/23/2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mkatz, Deputy Clerk. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1353 OLD FILE NO. 2019-2504
CC IMPRINT 280 Pablo Lane, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 10/24/2019. The following person has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Charlotte Lee Alexander (280 Pablo Lane Lane Nipomo CA 93444). This business was conducted by an Individual Charlotte Lee Alexander. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/26/2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mkatz, Deputy Clerk. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1365
OLD FILE NO. 2021-0318
GAIASGARDEN 600 Morro Bay Blvd Unit C, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 02/08/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Summer Dawn Birchell (475 Pacific Street Morro Bay CA 93442). Sierra Ashley Mace (475 Pacific Street Morro Bay CA 93442). This business was conducted by a General Partnership Summer Dawn Birchell. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/27/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By atrujillo, Deputy Clerk. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025
NO. 2000403
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids by mail for the “BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS INFRASTRUCTURE,
Bids
SILT REMOVAL 2025 SPEC. NO. 2000198-03
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids by mail for the “Silt Removal 2025, Spec. No. 2000198-03” at the Public Works Administration Office located at 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 until THURSDAY, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., when they will be publicly opened Bids received after said time will not be considered. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, contractor name, address, and specification number.
The Contractor must possess a valid Class A or C-12 license at the time of the bid opening. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of San Luis Obispo. Download FREE at the City’s website: www.SloCity.org - Bid packages under Bids & Proposals. Questions may be addressed to Anthony Ramos, Project Manager, at 805-783-7875 or aramos@slocity.org.
July 24, 2025
Plan Amendment to change the Land Use Designation from Mixed-Use 12 to Community Commercial, a Specific Plan Amendment to change the zoning district from T4-F to TC-2, a Conditional Use Permit to allow a private meeting facility, and site plan review for exterior changes to the building. The Planning Commission held a public hearing for the project on July 8, 2025, and on two successive votes of 4-0 recommended the City Council approve the project (GPA25-01, SPA25-01, CUP2410, SPR24-13, P24-0098)
Applicant: Veraison Wine Country Properties, LLC
Location: 2508 Spring Street (APN 008-121-021)
CEQA
Determination: The project is exempt from environmental review as a class 1 categorical exemption for existing facilities pursuant to the State’s Guidelines to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15301.
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on August 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chamber/Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Adult Services
SATELLITE DRAINAGE
PROJECT NO. 25-05
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Administration, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until August 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the SATELLITE DRAINAGE RESTORATION, DPW Project No. 25-05. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:
City of El Paso de Robles Public Works Administration
4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for SATELLITE DRAINAGE RESTORATION, DPW Project No. 25-05
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as SATELLITE DRAINAGE RESTORATION, DPW Project No. 25-05, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, recontouring of the existing drainage channel, and adding rock slope protection. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein.
Project is to be completed within Sixty (60) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024, and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/ off-roaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA.
It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300. All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
Date: July 10, 2025 By: Ditas Esperanza P.E. Capital Projects Engineer Publication Dates: - July 10, 2025 - July 24, 2025 - August 7, 2025 PUBLISHED
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS
PANORAMA AND FAIRVIEW
NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD REPAIRS
PROJECT NO. 23-02
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Administration, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until August 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the Panorama and Fairview Neighborhood Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 23-02. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:
City of El Paso de Robles Public Works Administration 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for Panorama and Fairview Neighborhood Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 23-02
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as Panorama and Fairview Neighborhood Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 23-02, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, pavement rehabilitation, concrete improvements, and striping improvements. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/ or as specified herein.
Project is to be completed within Eighty (80) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024, and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects.
To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA.
It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents.
Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.
All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS WEST SIDE FIBERIZED SLURRY
PROJECT NO. 24-24
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Administration, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until August 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the West Side Fiberized Slurry, DPW Project No. 24-24. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:
City of El Paso de Robles
Public Works Administration 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for West Side Fiberized Slurry, DPW Project No. 24-24
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as West Side Fiberized Slurry, DPW Project No. 24-24, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, pavement rehabilitation, concrete surface improvements, striping improvements, and placement of fiberized slurry seal material. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein.
Project is to be completed within Seventy (70) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024, and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA.
It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents.
Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.
All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
Date: July 10, 2025 By: Ditas Esperanza P.E. Capital Projects Engineer
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025 (“Bid Deadline”), for the
PIPELINE
Bids will be opened and declared by the
Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid
date at a public meeting at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Any bid received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo at or after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered.
Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents.
The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the County’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/ purchasing-services/services/bid-rfp-opportunities
Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the County. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The County is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid. All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.
All
Public Contract Code).
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:
• A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.
• This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. The County of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. There is no project-specific DBE goal requirement.
Bids must be submitted under sealed cover plainly marked as a bid and identified with the project number, the date and time for receipt of sealed bids, and the name of the bidder.
Bids must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the County in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by County to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the County to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish the County with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF JUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$47,863.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 25CVP-0237
Notice is hereby given that on May 8, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 7270 Sombrilla Avenue, Atascadero, CA, 93422 by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $47,863.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/ documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: May 19, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
May 22, 29, & June 5, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: $6,094 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on May 8, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 8410 El Camino Real, Space Q and W, Atascadero, CA 93422, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 and 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $6,094.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/ documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 22, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
July 24, 31, & August 7, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF
JUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$21,495.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 25CV-0370
Notice is hereby given that on May 9, 2025, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 506 Navajo Avenue, Paso Robles, California, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section(s) 11351, 11351.5, and 11352, of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $21,495.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www. courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party is entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 22, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney July 24, 31, & August 7, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero, Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING inperson at the time and place indicated above to consider the following project:
1) Tentative Parcel Map for 5455 Bolsa Road on APN 050-321-012 allowing a subdivision of an existing 5.12-acre single-family lot into two lots of 2.56 acres each, subject to findings and conditions of approval. The proposed project qualifies for a statutory exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, “Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning” (SBDV25-0026).
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pccomments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero. org/agendas.
DATED: July 21, 2025
S/ K Gleason, Planning Manager
PUBLISH: July 24, 2025
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PROPOSALS 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, August 21, 2025 for performing work as follows:
ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR SUNSET PALISADES LIFT STATION REHAB AND FORCE MAIN RELOCATION PROJECT
The scope of work for this project includes engineering design, survey, utility coordination, environmental support services, and cultural resources review for the repair and rehabilitation of the Sunset Palisades lift station discharge piping and relocation of the existing force main out of private property and into the City right-of-way along Searidge Court.
There is a mandatory Pre-Bid Job Walk on August 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Please meet promptly at the Lift Station site located across from 99 Indio Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.
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
July 24 & 31, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach City Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose: PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Protest Hearing and Certification of Weed Abatement Charges for Forwarding to the County of San Luis Obispo for Placement on 2025 Property Tax Rolls
Description: Conduct a public hearing to hear protests from property owners whose properties have been identified as noncompliant for weed abatement.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of July 31, 2025.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting, either by joining the virtual meeting using the link provided on the agenda document, or by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation.
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the City Clerk’s Office, by emailing City Clerk Erica Inderlied at einderlied@pismobeach.org.
The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.
Item 24: Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: G. Ricker & L. Hatcher: spoke - no action taken.
Item 25: Res. 2025-169, denying appeal of R. Ballo & upholding the Planning Dept Hearing Officer’s decision to approve the Minor Use Permit for indoor cannabis cultivation canopy, ancillary nursery canopy, ancillary processing, storage, office, compost area, portable restrooms, non-compostable waste storage & ancillary transport at 4339 S. El Pomar Rd (No. Co. Planning Area, El Pomar-Estrella Sub-area) - adopted as amended & the Mitigated Negative Declarationadopted.
Item 26: Cont’d hearing on the appeal by the Sierra Club of the Planning Commission’s approval of a Development Plan/Coastal Development Permit request by Phillips 66 for demolition/remediation of the Santa Maria Refinery at 2555 Willow Road, Arroyo Grande - cont’d to 8/19/25.
Item 27: Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 1. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 1. Existing Litigation: SLO Coastkeeper, et. al. v. Co. of SLO, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV-06854-SPG-ASx. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA; Unrepresented Employee: County Administrative Officer. Open Session. Report out - None.
Item 28: State Water Transfer Policies - approved w/ direction to staff.
Item 29: Board Member comments and reports on meetings: Supervisor Peschong thanked fire, law enforcement agencies & Chicago Graded Landfill for their response to the Templeton Feed and Grain arson. Chairperson Ortiz-Legg announced the Mid State Fair opens July 17, 2025. Supervisor Gibson reported on the National Association of Counties meeting. Supervisor Moreno provided an update on the Madre Fire (91% contained) and successful Fire Safe Council vegetation management project that stopped a fire in CA Valley. Meeting adjourned.
For more details, view meeting videos at: https://www.slocounty. ca.gov/Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/ Clerk-of-the-Board-Services/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetingsand-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 Supervisors July 24, 2025
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@ slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• Recommend the City Council introduce and adopt an Ordinance revoking the Planned Development Overlay (Ordinance No. 1687 [2020 Series]), related to a development project proposed at 1144 Chorro Street, and rezone the seven (7) affected properties from C-DPD and C-D-H-PD to C-D and C-D-H, respectively. The project is exempt from environmental review under Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines. Project Addresses: 1144 Chorro Street; 895, 898, and 973 Higuera Street; 876 and 890 Marsh Street; and 868 and 870 Monterey Street Case #: PDEV-04282023; Zone: Zones: C-D-PD and C-D-H-PD; Mark Rawson, owner/applicant.
For more information, you are invited to contact Hannah Hanh of the City’s Community Development Department at (805) 781-7432 or by email at hhanh@slocity.org The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
July 24, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) will hold a public hearing on August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the SLO County Board of Supervisors Chambers (1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo) to receive public input on Amendment No. 7 to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). This FTIP amendment includes:
1. 22300000753 - US 101 Five Cities Southbound TSM Components increase funding from $66.8M to $71.5M Revise Funding - Increase Funding $2.65M in R/W savings from Five Cities (PPNO#8239;2653) and $2.06M from Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program .
3. 22300000756 - US 101 / Prado Rd. Overcrossing and NB Ramp Improvements – no change to funding total, change in fund type and between fiscal year. Replace $10.2M STIP funding with Local AC and shift to FY28, shift $25.4M City funds to FY28
4. 22300000695- 46E-Union Road Intersection Improvements – Revise funding and between fiscal years; funding reduced by $12.7M from $15.5M to $2.8M; project unsuccessful with SB1 Cycle 4 CTC. STIP funding R/W removed and replaced with Local AC fund type and moved to FY28.
The FTIP is a federally required, four-year list of regionally significant transportation projects— including roads, transit, and bike/pedestrian improvements—based on available federal, state, and local funding. SLOCOG, as the regional MPO, also fulfills public participation requirements for RTA, SLO Transit, and SoCo Transit under the FTA Program of Projects.
For more information, visit: www.slocog.org, or contact John DiNunzio at (805)781-5764 / jdinunzio@slocog.org To request ADA or Title VI accommodations (including translation), call (805) 781-4219 at least 48 hours in advance.
July 24, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: Development Application DA-25-0014
Address: 592 S. 13th Street
Applicant: Nathan Simpson
Description: A request for a Use Permit to operate a karaoke lounge and arcade within an existing commercial building. (APN: 060-295-025).
Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.), the project received a Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities). The proposed use does not involve any expansion, enlargement, or modifications to the existing building.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach. org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org.
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach. org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk
Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, July 24, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the
following:
Project No.: Development Application TE-25-0003
Address: 921 – 931 Huston Street
Applicant: El Dorado Holdings, LLC
Description: A third, one-year time extension for Development Application 21-18 for a Use Permit to establish a commercial cannabis processing, manufacturing, and distribution facility. (APN: 060-546-003)
Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.), the project received a Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures). The time extension does not involve any changes to the scope of the previously approved project, which includes interior alterations and involving negligible expansion of an existing industrial use.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org.
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach. org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www. groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission Dated: Thursday, July 24, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: Development Application CHG-25-0002
Address: 1220 Long Branch Avenue
Applicant: Cabrillo Court Construction Company
Description: A request to modify the approval of a 10-unit residential development project (DA 24-24) to waive the residential open space requirements for five of the units pursuant to State Density Bonus law. (APN: 060-293-011).
Environmental Determination: The project remains Categorically Exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to Class 32 (Infill Development Projects) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. The proposed change to waive the private open space requirement for five units does not increase the project’s density, footprint, or intensity beyond what was previously approved. No new or more significant environmental impacts would occur as a result of the waiver. The project continues to meet all conditions for the Class 32 exemption, and no further environmental review is required.
Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org.
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach. org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www. groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk
Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: There’s an important thing you can’t do yet but will be able to in two years. What? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): In Hindu cosmology, the Sanskrit term “Lila” refers to divine play. It’s the idea that all of creation is a sacred and artful amusement that’s performed by the gods with joy, sorrow, artfulness, and flair. I hereby proclaim Lila to be your theme of power, Aries. You have been so deep lately, so honest, so drenched in feeling. Now, life is giving you a big wink and saying, “It’s playtime!” You can start this fresh phase by making a list of all the experiences that bring you fun, recreation, and entertainment. I hope you emphasize these pursuits in the coming weeks.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): In the high desert of Chile, astronomers work at observatories on mountaintops where the air is dry, and the sky is clear. There, away from light pollution, the universe reveals itself with astonishing intimacy. But even the most powerful telescopes can’t function during the day. I suspect you will be like those observatories in the coming weeks, Taurus: capable of seeing vast truths, but only if you pause, quiet the ambient noise, and look during the dark. This approach should embolden you to use your intelligence in new ways. Stillness and silence will be conducive to your deep explorations. Night will be your ally.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): Are you courageous enough to let go of sparkly clean but unfruitful fantasies so as to clear space for reality’s disorderly richness? Are you wild enough to relinquish naïve fears and hopes so you can see the raw truths blooming right in front of you? Are you cagey enough to discard the part of your innocence that’s rooted in delusion even as you bolster the part of your innocence that’s fueled by your love of life? Here’s my response to those questions, Gemini: Maybe you weren’t mature or bold or crafty enough to accomplish these heroic feats before, but you are now.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Coral polyps are tiny, soft-bodied creatures. Over centuries, they assemble massive reef systems, turning their fragile exoskeletons into monumental architecture. These creatures can be a symbolic reminder that your sensitivity is not a weakness; it’s your building material. Keep that in mind during the coming weeks, when tender care and your nurturing ability can be primal sources of power. I invite you to start creating an enduring sanctuary. Generate a quiet miracle. Construct an elegant masterpiece. For best results, allow your emotional intelligence to guide you. You have the precise blend of aptitudes necessary to coax beauty to grow from vulnerability.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): I predict that your imminent future will be a ticklish and tricky but ultimately uplifting masterpiece. It will feature guest appearances by members of your private hall of fame, including one future luminary you have not yet fully appreciated. This epic series of adventures may begin when you are nudged to transform your bond with a key resource. Soon, you will be encouraged to explore frontier territory that offers unexpected help. Next, you will demonstrate your understanding that freedom is never permanent but must constantly be reinvented.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Sci-fi author Octavia Butler wrote, “All that you touch, you change. All that you change changes you.”
The coming weeks will be prime time for you to honor and celebrate that prayer, Virgo. You won’t be a passive dreamer, gentle traveler, or contemplative wanderer. Rather, I predict you will be a tidal force of metamorphosis. Parts of your world are pliable and ready for reshaping, and you will undertake that reshaping. But it’s important to know that the shift will go both ways. As you sculpt, you will be sculpted. As you bless, you will be blessed. Don’t be shy about riding along on this feedback loop. Do it with reverence and glee. Let the art you make remake you. Let the magic you give become the magic you are.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In certain Hindu traditions, the deity Ardhanarishvara is depicted as half-male, half-female—a divine fusion of opposites. They are not torn, but whole in their duality. I invite you to be inspired by their symbolism in the coming weeks, Libra. For you, balance will not be about making compromises or pushing to find middle ground. It will be about embracing the full range of possibilities. Energies that some people may imagine are contradictory may in fact be complementary and mutual. Benevolence will coordinate well with fierceness and vice versa. Your craving for beauty will not just coexist with but synergize an affinity for messy fertility. This is a time for sacred synthesis. Don’t dilute. Integrate.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The medieval mystic Meister Eckhart wrote, “God is not found in the soul by adding anything, but by a process of subtraction.” Subtracting what? He wasn’t referring to losing something valuable, but rather to letting go of obstacles that obscure our direct experience of the divine. I invite you to make abundant use of this principle, Scorpio. Slough off layers of illusion, outmoded fantasies, and selfimages soaked in others’ longings. As you let go, do so not in bitterness but in a joyous quest for freedom.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I’m hoping that the Season of a Thousand Feelings hasn’t confused you. I’m praying that you have maintained a measure of composure and aplomb while navigating through the richest emotional flow you’ve experienced in many moons. It’s true that in some ways this barrage has been draining. But I’m certain you will ultimately regard it as being highly educational and entertaining. You will look back at this bustling interlude as a gift that will take a while to harvest completely.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Greek myth tells us that Persephone didn’t just return from the underworld each spring; she ruled there half the year. Yes, she was taken there against her will, but she adapted, transformed, and ultimately wielded great power in the depths. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, you will have the chance to navigate realms that other souls may not be brave enough to enter: taboos, unusual yearnings, ancestral memories. My advice is to go gently but with intense resolve. Don’t act like a tourist. Be a sovereign explorer, even a maestro of mystery. Claim your throne in the underworld. Use it to create healing maps for others. When your work is done and the right moment comes, you will rise again into the light.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In my astrological opinion, you are ready to graduate from the University of Senseless Suffering. It’s time to get your diploma and treat yourself to a vacation. I’m not saying you will never again experience pain, of course. Rather, I’m telling you the good news that your dilemmas in the coming months will be more fully useful and redemptive. They will feel more like satisfying work than unpleasant ordeals. Congrats on the upgrade, Aquarius! You are forever finished with at least one of your arduous lessons.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said you can’t step in the same river twice. Like everything else in nature, the river is in constant flux. It may appear to be the same, but the water is always flowing. What Heraclitus didn’t say is that you are never the same, either. Eternal change is your destiny. I invite you to ruminate eagerly on this truth, Pisces. Hopefully, it will help you let go of any hyperperfectionist urges you might have. It will inspire you to see that the plan you made a while ago may need revision—not because you were wrong, but because you have grown. So yes: It’s time to reassess and recalculate. The goal isn’t to stick to the blueprint, but to build something that breathes with your becoming. Let the ever-new version of you draw a fresh map. It will be wiser than the last. ∆
