The sky’s the limit, but before reaching for the stars, the team behind Paso Robles’ spaceport project must launch itself through a mess of paperwork. The city recently put out a request for proposals for consultants who’d finalize the spaceport’s Federal Aviation Administration license application. Once that’s off the ground, the project— which would bring in higher paying space and tech industry jobs—will be poised for more partnerships. Interested entities include NASA’s Ames Research Center. Staff Writer Chloë Hodge delves into the details [8]
In addition, read about what’s next for the civil complaint that got served to the wrong person [9]; DeyoDances’ two free recitals in SLO [23]; and Dairy Creek’s newest culinary ventures [30]
Andrea Rooks associate editor
Robles
design by Alex Zuniga
New beds for foster youth to create in-county therapeutic care option
Ashuttered San Luis Obispo County facility will be repurposed into a new avenue of care for local youth in need.
Once underused, the previous crisis stabilization unit at 2180 Johnson Ave. will be equipped with four beds for short-term intensive therapeutic care for foster kids aged 12 to 17 years. Though the proposed facility will prioritize foster youth, all children in the county are eligible to receive services.
The revamp is funded through a $4.6 million contract with Crestwood Behavioral Health—the county’s psychiatric health facility—from July 2026 to June 2028. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the contract at its June 16 meeting.
“I’ll express my appreciation for the fact that we look at a facility, maybe it’s not working for another purpose, we repurpose it,” 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding said at the meeting. “We fill that gap in the continuum. We know we need the beds for foster youth.”
The contract includes a $3.7 million State Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program grant awarded to the SLO County Department of Social Services and the Behavioral Health Department. SLO County was one of the eight California counties that received the pilot program grant.
Currently, 168 minors live in foster care along with 50 dependent youth between 18 and 21 years old. Scheduled to arrive in the fall, according to
New federal funds strengthen Atascadero emergency preparedness
Atascadero is receiving a $1 million federal investment to equip its new fire station and emergency operations center, a funding boost that the city said will strengthen its ability to respond to wildfires and other large-scale emergencies.
The funding was announced on June 26 as part of a broader federal package of nearly $259 million secured for California projects in the 2026 fiscal year by U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff.
“One of my top priorities in the Senate is protecting Californians from the threat of wildfires and ensuring we do all we can to prepare for and mitigate the risks of all natural disasters,” Schiff said in a statement. “I’m very proud to have secured these federal investments for Central California families.”
Atascadero’s allocation will go toward outfitting the emergency operations center with critical
systems, including reserve power, communications infrastructure, storage capacity, and enhanced security measures designed to keep the facility operational during prolonged disasters.
According to the city, the investment will also directly support the long-term resilience of the new Fire Station No. 1, which is being designed to function as both a modern fire facility and a command center during emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes, and extended power outages.
The federal funding arrives as Atascadero is in the midst of its Public Safety Facilities Project, a multiphase effort to replace and upgrade aging fire and police infrastructure across the city. On May 12, the city announced the start of construction on the project’s first phase, following six years of planning, engineering design, and community engagement.
“This moment reflects years of thoughtful planning and partnership,” Mayor Charles Bourbeau said in a statement. “Breaking ground on these first facilities is an exciting step forward, and we are incredibly grateful to our community
Behavioral Health spokesperson Caroline Schmidt, the beds eliminate the need for children who need help to leave the county to receive inpatient therapeutic care.
For foster youth, the facility helps when their needs can’t be safely met in a family home setting even when they don’t require inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.
From July 2025 to May 2026, 81 minors were sent out of the county for psychiatric stays, according to Schmidt.
“They stayed a total of 809 days with the average length of each psychiatric hospitalization lasting seven days,” she said. “Otherwise, several of the youth were sent out of county for psychiatric stays more than once in the year.”
The new four-bed facility belongs to a system called Enhanced Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program or E-STRTP. Unlike traditional longer-range STRTP, the short-term stabilization method lasts from 10 to 30 days. It’s anticipated that the proposed county program will serve youth for periods of up to 15 days based on medical necessity.
Schmidt told New Times that multiple county planning efforts, like the 2023 Capstone Consulting youth behavioral health gaps analysis and the 202429 strategic plan, identified the need for expanded youth crisis services.
“From these reports came recommendations that the Behavioral Health Department consider implementing a crisis psychiatric residential treatment program including an STRTP to serve children and youth,” she said. “Youth at the facility will receive highly individualized treatment plans through coordination across child welfare, behavioral health, education, and outpatient service systems.”
Services include individual and family therapy or counseling as clinically indicated, individual rehabilitation, medication support, intensive home-based service, group rehabilitation, plan development, assessment, group therapy or counseling, crisis intervention, case management services, and medication support.
With assessments offered Monday through Friday, the facility will run around the clock. While the exact start date of the facility is unknown, the county now must wait for the contractor to furnish the building, hire and train staff, and apply for the state license to operate the program.
“The new program will support stabilization for youth stepping down from hospitalization and help prevent hospitalization and law enforcement involvement for others,” Schmidt said. ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
for making it possible through their support of the voter-approved sales tax measure, Measure D-20.”
The first phase includes renovations to Fire Station No. 2 and construction of a new 1,300-square-foot detached building at police headquarters. The upgrades are intended to improve emergency response coordination, modernize outdated facilities, and enhance safety for public safety personnel.
Fire Station No. 1, Fire Station No. 2, and the Police Department will all be impacted by the broader public safety project. Fire Station No. 1 will ultimately be replaced with a new approximately 17,000-to-18,000-square-foot facility on the same site and will house the city’s emergency operations center. Fire Station No. 2 will be modernized to meet current safety and code requirements, while police headquarters will receive interior renovations, upgraded locker rooms and restrooms, expanded office and storage space, and improved operational infrastructure.
REWORKED The former crisis stabilization unit at 2180 Johnson Ave. in SLO is poised to become an in-patient facility for foster youth complete with four beds and highly individualized treatment plans.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
The full facilities project carries a budget of approximately $37 million. Funding sources include Measure D-20 sales tax revenues, congressional district spending grants, and city building maintenance reserves. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027.
—Chloë Hodge
Arroyo Grande’s measure to buy state water moves to November ballot
Instead of voters casting their ballots to decide whether Arroyo Grande should buy state water every time the city is parched, a measure on the November ballot could stop the back-and-forth once and for all.
On June 9, the Arroyo Grande City Council unanimously adopted a resolution putting a state water ballot measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. If passed by voters, it would effectively repeal two existing measures that have been around for decades combined. The proposed measure would also authorize the city to buy state water without requiring additional voter approval.
“I think it’s important for the city to have this option to protect the resiliency of the water supply,” City Councilmember Aileen Loe said. “With what we’ve experienced with the Lopez litigation, we can easily see that the water supply might be more vulnerable … in ways we wouldn’t have expected.”
The Lopez litigation refers to the 2024 lawsuit filed by a group of environmental organizations against San Luis Obispo County that claimed the county’s water releases from Lopez Lake were too low to protect steelhead trout under the Endangered Species Act. A federal district court issued a preliminary injunction against the county in December 2024, forcing it to increase water releases from the dam for steelhead. But in December 2025, the 9th Circuit Court ruled in favor of the county when it appealed that injunction order.
Councilmember Jim Guthrie said at the City Council meeting that state water has proven to be more reliable over the years.
Fellow Councilmember Jamie Maraviglia agreed with him that the city needs multiple options for its water needs.
The City Council’s adoption of the resolution comes after its March directive to staff to prepare the proposed measure for the November ballot.
Voting for the proposed measure would undo Measure A and Measure E-16. Voters approved Measure A in 1990,
resulting in a ban on Arroyo Grande participating in the State Water Project unless the public casts an affirmative vote.
Previous New Times reporting found that people at the time seemingly equated state water purchases with development and population booms.
Measure E-16—a carve-out of Measure A—passed in 2016 and allowed for state water purchases during declared drought emergencies without a citywide vote.
According to city staff, access to state water outside of that emergency would provide the city with more flexibility than what’s afforded now under Measure E-16.
At the June 9 meeting, Loe and Mayor Caren Ray Russom agreed as an ad-hoc committee to write and submit an argument in favor of the proposed measure to the City Clerk for voter information documents.
“I think that it matters what our ballot argument says … because I think it’s really important to explain that in the past, and even now, if you want to buy into the State Water Project, it’s extremely fiscally prohibitive,” Russom said. “That’s not what we’re talking about. We’re talking about being able to purchase state water from another entity.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Morro Bay launches e-bike safety campaign
The Morro Bay Police Department is stepping up enforcement of e-bike laws this summer, launching a campaign to educate riders before issuing citations for illegal or unsafe riding.
“Morro Bay officers are enforcing all laws related to the California Vehicle Code
addressing moving violations on public roadways for e-bikes and e-motorcycles,” Police Chief Amy Watkins told New Times in an email. “Officers are enforcing sidewalk and bike lane laws relevant to city municipal code.”
The three-phase initiative combines public outreach with targeted enforcement operations as state officials warn that many of the electric two-wheeled vehicles marketed as e-bikes do not legally qualify as such.
Informational flyers outlining California e-bike laws and safe riding practices were distributed through parent portals at Morro Bay High School, Los Osos Middle School, and Del Mar Elementary School, reaching approximately 2,907 families.
“Morro Bay PD will hold three e-bike enforcement details. One in June, July, and August to address any illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the city,” Watkins said.
The city officially announced its enforcement campaign July 1. Throughout July, patrol and motor officers will focus on contacting riders, educating the public, and enforcing violations involving unsafe or illegal operation.
The campaign follows guidance from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who issued a consumer alert in April warning that confusion over what qualifies as an e-bike has become a growing public safety concern.
“Sometimes, what looks like an e-bike or is marketed as an e-bike is not a bike at all,” Bonta said in the alert. “If your or your teen’s electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it
might be a motorcycle or a moped—not an e-bike.”
California law recognizes three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 models provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour, while Class 2 models can also be powered by a throttle up to 20 miles per hour. Riders younger than 18 must wear helmets when operating either class.
Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour and may only be ridden by people 16 years or older. Helmets are required for all Class 3 riders regardless of age, and state law generally limits those bikes to streets and on-street bicycle lanes.
To qualify as a legal e-bike, a bicycle must also have fully operable pedals, a motor producing no more than 750 watts, and a permanent manufacturer label identifying its classification. According to Morro Bay’s municipal code, riders must obey the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the direction of traffic. The code also prohibits stunt riding, unauthorized races, and riding bicycles on sidewalks within business districts unless the sidewalk is designated as a bicycle route.
Violators could be fined up to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second violation within one year, and up to $250 for additional offenses.
The department also reminded residents that not every electric two-wheeled vehicle is legally considered an e-bike.
The attorney general’s office cited research by UC San Francisco that found that rider injuries from e-bikes nearly doubled each year from 2017 to 2022, and a UC San Diego study showed injuries in San Diego among e-bike riders under 18 soared by 300 percent from 2019 to 2023.
By beginning with education before shifting to enforcement, Watkins said the Morro Bay Police Department hopes riders and parents will better understand the laws before officers begin issuing citations.
—Chloë Hodge
Correction
• The June 25 news story, “A lawsuit from SLO’s ex-building official alleges pattern of misbehavior from top city staff,” incorrectly described Jackie Loew’s lawsuit against the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Loew sued the district for a reported Brown Act violation. New Times regrets the error. ∆
BIKE SAFETY A new summer campaign will see Morro Bay police increase education and enforcement efforts to ensure riders follow California’s e-bike laws.
Explorations, a company that has worked alongside NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, has used the site to test propulsion systems.
Wine country may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of spaceflight. But if things go according to plan, Paso Robles’ municipal airport could one day launch spacecraft into orbit.
project documents describe as a stronger regional innovation ecosystem.
The current request for proposals follows unanimous direction from the Paso Robles City Council in March to move the licensing effort forward. Before that vote, the city hired aerospace infrastructure consulting firm RS&H to independently review work already completed on the FAA application.
That vision moved another step closer to reality in June as the city opened a competitive bidding process for aerospace consulting firms to complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) application required to license Paso Robles as a commercial spaceport.
“Major space initiatives such as NASA’s Artemis project involve a wide range of specialized firsts to create new tech required for space exploration,” Paso Robles Economic Development Manager Paul Sloan previously told New Times. “We were recently host to a group of technology companies conducting tests, allowing our city and airport to be part of the first step in the next era of human exploration in space.”
According to the city, the firm found the application materials provided “a solid foundation” for completing the licensing process while identifying the remaining work necessary before submission.
The request for proposals, released June 16, seeks consultants with expertise in FAA launch site licensing, environmental review, launch safety, and airspace coordination. The selected firm will finish the city’s Federal Aviation Administration launch site operator license application—a yearlong effort that could position Paso Robles to become a hub for aerospace research, testing, and commercial space activity.
“Paso Robles is taking another exciting step in becoming a leader in California’s growing aerospace economy,” Mayor John Hamon said in a statement. “Advancing our FAA spaceport license will create new opportunities for higher paying tech jobs; attract investments in and around our airport; and open the door to future opportunities for innovation, education, and technology not only in our community, but on the entire Central Coast.”
While the idea of a spaceport in the middle of wine country might sound farfetched, aerospace companies have already been testing propulsion technology at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport.
In 2024, the city converted a remote section of airport property—using recycled road materials from city street projects—into a propulsion testing site where aerospace companies and Cal Poly engineering students have conducted rocket and jet engine testing. San Luis Obispo-based Stellar
Those tests are part of a much larger vision.
The city hopes to transform the approximately 1,300-acre municipal airport into the centerpiece of the Paso Robles Spaceport and Technology Corridor, a long-term economic development initiative designed to attract aerospace companies, advanced manufacturers, and research organizations while maintaining general aviation operations.
Plans also call for the creation of the Paso Robles Space Innovation and Technology Park, a mixeduse technology campus connected to the airport and regional educational institutions. The city envisions partnerships with Cal Poly, Cuesta College, and local school districts that would create workforce pathways in engineering, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
“With the U.S. growing ever focused on advanced technologies, the need for skilled technicians is growing with it,” project materials state. “The Paso Robles Space Innovation and Technology Park would provide more young people the opportunity to work directly with industry in apprenticeship programs on cutting-edge technology.”
The city said a licensed spaceport would also make it easier to attract research companies and educators, creating what
The consultant selected through the new bidding process will update existing application materials; complete launch site reviews, flight corridor evaluations, and risk analyses; coordinate with federal agencies including the FAA and U.S. Coast Guard; complete environmental review under both the National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act; and prepare the final application package.
Several sections of the application— including the Ground Operations Safety Plan, Mishap and Emergency Response Plan, and Public Access Control Plan—have already received conditional FAA approval.
The project has attracted support from elected officials throughout the Central Coast.
Letters backing the initiative have come from U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), and 5th District SLO County Supervisor Heather Moreno, all citing the project’s potential to diversify the Central Coast economy while creating higher-paying technical jobs and expanding educational opportunities.
“The spaceport project is a forward-looking regional economic development opportunity that has the potential to diversify the local economy, attract private investment, and strengthen the Central Coast’s position within California’s growing aerospace and advanced technology sectors,” Panetta wrote in a February letter supporting the project. According to the city, NASA’s Ames Research Center has also expressed interest in exploring future collaboration if Paso Robles ultimately secures its FAA license.
Proposals are due Aug. 3, with the city expecting to award a contract in September and begin work in October. For now, the airport remains known primarily for private aircraft. ∆ Reach
Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com.
More than a mix-up
A SLO County law firm served the wrong Kyle Combs in a civil complaint against the Planet Fitness Peeping Tom
Twenty-seven-year-old Kyle Hunter Combs hadn’t stepped foot in San Luis Obispo County since he moved to Arizona in December 2025.
Six months later, he gained notoriety in his hometown for an alleged crime he didn’t commit. A court complaint stated that he surreptitiously recorded a woman using the tanning facilities at the Planet Fitness branch in Arroyo Grande.
“I was like, ‘This isn’t me,’” Combs told New Times. “And then it had my full name in the documents that they served and had my middle name and everything too.”
In mid-June, Combs’ mother, Grover Beach resident Stacy Combs, received the plaintiff’s complaint—drafted by Frederick Law Firm— from a process server. The server handed Stacy the papers after learning that Combs lives in Arizona.
The lawsuit is the first of two litigations filed by three women against the South County Planet Fitness location. Both complaints allege that a man named Kyle Combs sneaked into the gym’s private tanning rooms and secretly recorded women lounging there. Both complaints demanded jury trials and sued Planet Fitness and the man named Kyle Combs for negligence, intrusion on the right of privacy, and infliction of emotional distress.
While one of the lawsuits named the defendant as Kyle Combs, Frederick Law Firm’s June 3 complaint specified the alleged perpetrator was Kyle Hunter Combs.
“During one incident, plaintiff saw an arm holding a cellular telephone or similar electronic device pointed toward her body from the side of the tanning bed near the tanning room door,” the Frederick Law firm complaint said. “Once plaintiff noticed the phone, the arm and phone were retracted, and the person left. On information and belief, the person holding the phone was defendant Combs.”
The Arroyo Grande Police Department learned of the crime in December 2025 after someone called to report a man recording a partially nude woman in a tanning booth. The suspect had fled the scene by the time officers arrived at Planet Fitness. In an April press release, police said they identified a suspect based on witness statements and review of surveillance footage.
Through search warrants served on the suspect’s residence and electronic devices and subsequent forensic analysis, police uncovered more than 50 videos from January 2025 to December 2025 that showed women inside tanning and red-light therapy rooms.
The Police Department confirmed in a press release on June 16 that investigators identified 23 victims seen in the videos.
That press release, circulated the same week Kyle Hunter Combs’ mother was served the complaint, also revealed the identity of the suspect: a 40-year-old Grover Beach resident called Kyle L. Combs.
The press release added that police initially withheld the suspect’s identity to “protect the integrity of the investigation and avoid compromising investigative efforts while investigators worked to identify victims.”
Administrative Sgt. Jeremy Burns told New Times that he wasn’t aware that Frederick Law Firm served the wrong Kyle Combs, since that lawsuit is part of a civil process. The Arroyo Grande Police Department is only involved in the criminal investigation process.
“We have not provided any surveillance footage to Frederick’s Law or any other parties, as our case was just submitted to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office,” Burns said. “We never released a name of the suspect to any law firm, and the only release of the name of Kyle L. Combs, was last week when we sent out the media release.”
As of June 29, Frederick Law Firm’s complaint still incorrectly named the defendant as Kyle Hunter Combs.
Law firm founder William Frederick confirmed he was alerted about the mistaken service issue on June 18.
“That same day, our office acknowledged the issue in writing; advised the individual referenced in your email that he did not need to file anything, take responsive action, or otherwise participate in the matter; and submitted a correction/amendment to the court,” he said via email. “The correction/ amendment is currently awaiting clerk processing/file-stamp. Once the court processes the filing, we will send the filestamped copy to the individual referenced in your email for his records.”
By July 1, an amended complaint listed the defendant as Kyle L. Combs.
But the mix-up proved to be distressing for Arizona-based Combs and his family. He told New Times that he and his mother paid for an online records history service and figured out there was another Kyle Combs with a different middle name living in Grover Beach.
“I called the lawyer’s office that served the papers, and it seemed like they had already known about it,” Combs said. “The lady on the phone was like, ‘What’s it about?’ I told her my name, and she already knew the situation, and they kind of just like laughed about it too, like, ‘Oh, it was just a mix-up,’ and I was like, ‘Well, it’s more than that for me.’”
Frederick refuted Combs’ claims.
“The suggestion that our office was aware of the issue before it was brought to our attention, failed to address it once notified, or laughed about the issue is not accurate,” he said.
Combs’ mother, Stacy, said that in the hours after being served the complaint and once local media outlets began reporting on the case, news of him being the alleged Planet Fitness Peeping Tom spread on social media.
“I was so confused, and then my son’s calling me crying—because they were posting it on social media—saying, ‘Everybody thinks I did this,’” she said. “I have two other children, and they were calling me because their friends who know Kyle, my family, were sending them screenshots [of news articles] of it all too.”
Stacy added that people online claimed to possess her address and phone number thinking those details belonged to Combs.
SEARCH After discovering more than 50 videos on 40-yearold Kyle L. Combs’ phone that showed numerous women tanning and using the red-light therapy room at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness, local police began a victim identity search that identified 23 women depicted in the secret recordings.
“My other son called me and told me, ‘Mom, you better be careful. They have your address and they’re saying nasty things online,’” she said. “I went down to my parents’ house.”
Since the Arroyo Grande Police Department released the name of the suspect, local news reports now accurately name him as Kyle L. Combs.
On June 26, the SLO County DA’s Office announced the filing of an arrest warrant for Kyle L. Combs along with a 12-count misdemeanor charge. The declaration included a photograph of Kyle L. Combs. Under California law, allegations involving secretly recording multiple nude victims in private tanning booths are generally considered misdemeanor charges.
DA Dan Dow suggested residents contact their state Assembly member or senator if they believe the crime should be punishable as a felony, since that change must come from the California Legislature.
While awaiting a corrected civil complaint along with confirmation from Frederick Law that the change is reflected, Kyle Hunter Combs told New Times he was searching for representation for himself.
“I was gonna look into getting an attorney for … getting a case for defamation or something like that, but I haven’t found the right one, like some of them don’t handle that type of case, you know?” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
BY SAM FICKETT
Shore to pour
For decades, Debi Schwartz’s friends described her as the person they called to find out what’s happening on the Central Coast. Inspired by this, Schwartz turned that passion into a career.
Schwartz, who lived in San Luis Obispo in the 1990s and returned to Morro Bay 13 years ago, said she frequently uses local resources to discover community events and hidden gems. After leaving the event-planning and fundraising industry, Schwartz applied this passion and her service skills to her solo business, Coast to Vine Adventures
“It’s been a long, challenging road to get to where I am,” Schwartz said. “But I just launched a few months ago, and I’ve already had some tours. It’s going great so far.”
Schwartz bought the van from a neighbor in July 2025 and began the long process of establishing her business in the community.
“My passion for knowing what’s happening, experiencing what’s happening and all the things that SLO County has to offer is really what guided me to start this business,”
Schwartz said. “I was thinking of a lot of different ideas, and this one just fell into my lap, as far as the van [becoming] available, and then it emerged from there.”
winery hub, Tin City in Paso Robles. The day includes a behind-the-scenes factory tour at Etto Pasta, including a $25 gift card for the Etto Pasta Market, and guided tastings at Giornata and Volatus wineries.
As of late June, Schwartz had completed three tours so far, which have already provided valuable learning. During her first tour for a group of four from out of state, Schwartz discovered the logistical difficulties of losing cell reception and being unable to find the locations.
“It’s good to know your GPS is maybe not going to work out there in all the locations,” she laughed.
Despite the challenges of her new full-time gig, Schwartz said she’s deeply rooted in the community that she’s called home for decades.
Before she became an entrepreneur, Schwartz organized million-dollar events for the American Cancer Society and Cal Poly. She said this experience prepared her to build a thriving hospitality business.
“The background that I have is entertaining people and sharing everything with them; you know, fun things to do,”
Schwartz said. “I like to find things that nobody else knows about and offer that to friends. It’s really my passion.”
To get her business off the ground, Schwartz navigated a nine-month process of licensing, driver’s training, and permitting.
“It’s a lengthy process, which it should be,” Schwartz said, emphasizing that her priority is making sure guests feel safe and comfortable.
The result is a highly personalized service that Schwartz calls a “build-your-ownadventure” experience. While her private tours have so far centered on the Central Coast gems of Edna Valley and Paso Robles, she said she’s quick to cater to a group’s unique interests.
“If you want to do two wineries and then go see something on the Central Coast and take a look at the elephant seals or what have you, I’m totally flexible,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz noted that she also offers tours of the emerging distillery and craft beer scene in SLO County.
With Coast to Vine, Schwartz handles reservations, navigation, and timing so her guests don’t have to. Coast to Vine’s tagline is, “You explore. We’ll drive.”
One of these structured escapes is WineDown Wednesdays. This all-inclusive tour (not including lunch) is available for $145 and encompasses the locally beloved
Looking ahead, she plans to keep her business local and intimate, focusing on the eightpassenger capacity that she feels allows for the meaningful conversation and special attention that makes her business distinctive.
“I fully expect to stay here in the area,” Schwartz said. “I love Morro Bay. I’m centrally located between Edna Valley and Paso Robles, so it makes it easy for me.”
Locals can catch a glimpse of the Coast to Vine van this summer as Schwartz prepares to enter it into the Cayucos Fourth of July parade to meet neighbors and hand out discount coupons for firsttime riders.
Fast fact
• The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority is relocating the Morro Bay Household Hazardous Waste Facility to a new location, yet to be determined. The current location is slated for demolition, and all existing operations must be relocated. The final day of residential drop-off will be Saturday, July 25. The Integrated Waste Management Authority is actively working to find a new location. Residents may use the other hazardous waste drop-off locations in San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, Templeton, Paso Robles, or Heritage Ranch (ranch residents only). The county encourages residents to use free takeback options offered by retailers of batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, latex paint, prescription medication, needles, and thermostats containing mercury. ∆
Reach intern Sam Fickett at intern@
TAKE A RIDE Debi Schwartz, founder of Morro Bay-based Coast to Vine Adventures, aims to change how visitors tour Central Coast wineries and beyond.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN SCHWARTZ
Mayor Erica Stewart still has a lot to learn
Iimmediately liked Erica Stewart when I met her, but I did not vote for her at the time because she lacked experience in government. She appeared to learn quickly, and since then I regularly voted for her. I will not this time.
The fear I slowly developed regarding her conflict of interest between her job at Cal Poly and her tenure as mayor exploded when she shared the grand jury report with Cal Poly employee Courtney Kienow—a violation of the penal code.
Perhaps even more disturbing is Stewart’s lack of understanding of her wrongdoing. In her view, the grand jury had it wrong, and she needed to even the game to be fair. Obviously, Stewart still has a lot to learn.
Templeton deserves its equitable share of county library tax money
Rural communities are often asked to do more with less. Templeton is no exception. After the county closed its library in 1979, the Templeton community spent decades working to bring library services back to town. Through years of fundraising, volunteer efforts, local donations, and community support, Templeton ultimately opened its own community library in 2022. Today, the Templeton Library serves children, families, students, seniors, and visitors. It provides educational programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and a gathering place that strengthens the community.
Yet while Templeton residents continue to pay into the county’s library tax system, the Templeton Library receives no operational funding from the county of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries. The result is that tax dollars generated in Templeton flow elsewhere while local volunteers and donors shoulder the responsibility of keeping their library open.
Another disturbing comment is the name-calling of unhappy neighbors as “the anti-student neighbors” (see thepublicfile. org). It reminds us that the mayor and council members live far away from Cal Poly and have no idea what it is to deal with fraternities and misbehaving students daily.
When you object to students peeing on your lawn, damaging your garden, and keeping you awake till the middle of the night, you are not being “anti-student,” you are being normal.
And you should not have to move out of a cherished home because the city and Cal Poly have decided to ignore the grand jury’s findings.
Odile Ayral San Luis Obispo
Thank state officials for standing up for offshore wind in California
Thank you, California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild and Attorney General Rob Bonta, for announcing the state’s intent to sue over the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease buybacks.
It’s no secret that California needs more electricity. Diablo Canyon will not operate forever. We have a great opportunity to tap a new renewable and clean energy source with offshore wind. The California State Lands Commission estimates 25 gigawatts of electricity can be produced by 2045. For comparison, Diablo Canyon produces 18 gigawatts per year.
In addition, offshore wind represents a once-in-a-generation economic and jobs opportunity, bringing good-paying jobs and a new long-term revenue stream to SLO county.
In the face of these benefits and clean energy needs, the Trump administration
for equitable treatment.
—Nancy Whitt, Templeton Library vice president
This is not a request for special treatment. It is a request for equitable treatment. Rural communities contribute to the county just as urban communities do. A fair portion of the library tax revenue generated by Templeton residents should be invested back into the community that produced it. The Templeton Library stands as proof of what local residents can accomplish together. It deserves the opportunity to thrive.
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major win for fairness, upholding West Virginia and Idaho laws that protect women’s and girls’ sports by keeping competition based on biological sex.
As a mom, former athlete, and founder of Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast, I’ve fought alongside parents because biological males in girls’ sports steal scholarships, titles, records, and safety from our daughters. I built a grassroots organization, led Title IX resolutions, and advocated for protected locker rooms and athletic categories for biological females.
This ruling reaffirms Title IX and common sense. States can—and should—preserve women’s sports for biological females. In contrast, my opponent, incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis, has authored bills like AB 1876 redefining “sex” to include gender identity and supported measures like AB 1955 that limit parental notification.
On Nov. 3, Central Coast voters have a clear choice: continue policies that harm girls or elect a proven defender of our daughters. Fairness isn’t hate—it’s justice. Our daughters deserve a level playing field. Shannon Kessler Republican candidate, California State Assembly District 30 founder, Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast
Elected officials show a lack of care for rules
What a great issue, June 25, with the cover headline “Posted.” It was chock-full of items that interested me, three in particular where I saw a recurring theme: lack of care or attention to rules from elected officials and city employees.
First, the state of California threatening to sue the Trump administration over wind lease cancellations. This is actually one of the few good things I believe Trump has done, as I don’t believe offshore wind energy farms are good for our California Coast. Did the state ask us about this? We have lots of empty land for wind farms without destroying our beautiful coastline.
Second is Michael Loew, a former city building official who was ignored by upper management and the council, even retaliated against in petty ways. I sincerely hope he gets his day in court and wins. City employees do not deserve to be treated in this manner.
The winner and biggest disappointment to me and probably other voters is Mayor Erica Stewart, who clearly broke the law and yet showed no remorse. She is our top elected official for the city; she would have taken an oath to protect the city and abide by all laws, rules, and procedures. What type of example is she setting? Her actions show absolutely no respect for the members of the grand jury, their research, their time, their report, and their oath to keep what they are researching confidential.
The mayor and all members of the council now receive a salary and benefits, not just a piddling little stipend, and this council can even raise its own salary. If a regular city employee had done what Erica Stewart did, they would have been severely reprimanded and possibly fired. Her actions show a total lack of respect for the city and its policies. At the very least, she should step down. Why was it so important for Cal Poly to know the grand jury’s findings prior to other members of the public? Clearly, Erica Stewart’s loyalty is to Cal Poly, not the city or grand jury members.
brokered backroom deals using taxpayer money to buy back contracts to build out offshore wind in the Central Coast. To make matters worse, the two leaseholders to take the buyouts are indicating their new investment will be in fossil fuel extraction. How in the world does California benefit from this? Obviously we don’t, and I applaud our state for taking a stand to correct this injustice.
Craig Graugnard San Luis Obispo
Sharon Roberts San Luis Obispo
Opinion
BY JOHN DONEGAN
Angry boomers
In yet another generational skirmish, Generation Z is now characterizing us boomers as “angry” for unreasonably resisting their demands that we shuffle off to the graveyard and bequeath them our homes and assets.
Perhaps they are just confusing the term “angry” with the word “no,” which they are apparently just now hearing for the first time.
A piece on the Yahoo! news site on June 21 explored the responses given by boomers to the Generation Z accusation that we are always “angry” despite having had “the happiest lives of any generation.” As we have seen from comments here in the New Times, some of the young accuse us of having had it easy, of hoarding all of society’s wealth, and of taking an irresponsibly long time to die.
I avoid anger myself. Like hatred, anger usually only hurts the holder and doesn’t usually impact the subject. I may get momentarily peeved or annoyed, but it generally evaporates as soon as I turn off the news and tune in to SpongeBob SquarePants or Three Stooges clips. Intense anger or hatred is a terrible burden to bear.
And I always remember that some of my favorite people are good, intelligent younger folks who, although often disagreeing with me, will undoubtedly conquer their “chronological challenges” and gain wisdom as they age. Just as I did.
The boomers who commented offered references to Vietnam and the draft, which
could get you sent off to war and killed or maimed, even if you didn’t want to go. Imagine that in this day and age.
The constant threat of nuclear annihilation also came up, as did our recessions, skyrocketing inflation, gas lines, assassinations, and riots. We lived under the threat of the polio epidemic, and all knew kids who had contracted it, often distinguishable by leg braces and crutches.
The work environment was different then, as you couldn’t take off “mental health days” just because you felt like it, were expected to be reliable, could easily be fired, and didn’t expect to work from home in your pajamas. We had some pretty shitty minimum wage jobs, often involving a grill, gas pump, broom, or some uniform. Instead of living at home, we shared an old house with friends to save rent. When we finally bought houses, they were in dicey areas, needed a lot of work, and required far more than the recommended 30 percent of our income.
In distinguishing themselves from the young, some boomers mentioned suffering chronic pain, disease and disability, and the accelerating loss of family and friends to death or dementia. Some mentioned not being praised and affirmed for just doing the job they were paid for or not expecting “trophies,” constant recognition, and affirmation. The term “entitlement” came up.
But after listening to the complaints of the
youngsters, it occurred to me that perhaps the biggest generational difference is that we boomers acknowledge the hardships and struggles that our parents’ generation faced and usually recognize how much easier we had it.
World War II had just concluded, with the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and the wounding of many more. Living near a VA facility, I recalled seeing disabled veterans, as well as those suffering from “shell shock,” now known as PTSD.
Most of the fathers in my neighborhood had served in the military, and many had seen combat and sometimes shared stories of their experiences. A few, such as my father, had been badly wounded and suffered disabilities.
Civilians also suffered hardships and challenges. Food and gas were rationed, many products were not available, and many women were forced to work in the defense industries, both to serve the war effort and to supplement the meager military incomes of their husbands who were serving overseas.
Abroad, the situation was more dire with the Holocaust and the slaughter of civilians. Many of us had Jewish friends and can recall hearing of the murder of their families in the camps. Today, it is a lot different when someone shows you their tattoo.
Before that, there was the crushing poverty and desperation of the Great Depression. People were desperate for any work, and hundreds of thousands migrated from the dust bowl to places like California, willing to take any job in order to support their families
and themselves. My grandfather moved his family across the country for a job as a railroad switchman and was grateful to have it. Add to that a world that was quickly racing toward yet another world war.
Growing up with a backdrop like that, it was pretty difficult for us to overlook the suffering and hardships that our parents’ generation had endured and to fail to feel gratitude for our good fortune in living in safer and more prosperous times.
So, yeah, we boomers had it easy relative to earlier generations, and you Z’s have had it easier still. ∆
John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who vents by shouting at the news and lecturing his cat.
Volunteers Needed
for San Luis Obispo County
College District’s Prop 39 / Measure L Citizens’
On Nov. 4, 2014, San Luis Obispo County voters approved Measure L, a $275 million local education bond. Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee members perform the strict accountability requirements of Measure L.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Inform the public concerning the District’s expenditure of bond proceeds
• Review financial reports ensuring that bond fund expenditures are consistent with Measure L
• Present an annual report to the SLOCCCD Board of Trustees
MEMBERS
Applications are currently being accepted for committee members to serve that represent:
• Taxpayers Association
• Members of Community At-Large
For more information, call (805) 546-3120
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, may not be an employee, official, vendor, contractor, or consultant of the District.
Steep steps
Whoo! Things are so hot in the city of San Luis Obispo right now.
City Councilmember Jan Marx fought with her neighbor over the length of a red curb, and it turned out to be a disgruntled former employee who sued the city for alleged retaliation after he quit his job. What are the chances? Marx said she didn’t know who this neighbor was at the time—former Chief Building Official Michael Loew—and he didn’t sue until after the paint settled on the whole parking issue. But still, it’s a spicy meatball, amirite?!
Then, Mayor Erica Stewart claimed she did nothing wrong in disclosing an unofficial, confidential, early draft of a SLO County grand jury report about the whole towngown fraternities mess to Cal Poly prior to its release. But showing confidential documents to a third party is illegal, and the grand jury said as much in its final report of the season, so we’ll see what SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow has up his sleeve. Stewart is running for reelection this year, and the whole fraternities issue has city residents fired up. So, who will be running against this incumbent who just got her hand slapped and has an obvious conflict of interest when it comes to the university? Anyone? Bueller?
Dow’s got a thing for filing cases and sending tersely worded letters to public officials about their alleged wrongdoing, so I’m sure something will pop up from his office. Just like it finally did with the San
Simeon Community Services District general manager all those years ago.
What a mess that whole thing turned out to be, amirite?
After years of allegations about Charles Grace and his company, Grace Environmental Services, which provided all the services for the CSD that he managed, the DA finally sued Grace over conflict-ofinterest issues. The parties settled in 2023, the CSD fired Grace, and he and his company had to pay fines over the whole mess.
“Public officials such as city council members, county supervisors, appointed officials—including general managers—must exercise their authority in a way that upholds the public’s trust,” Dow said at the time.
I would be a little worried if I was Stewart about that whole public trust thing, you know?
After Grace’s fall from grace (Too much?), the CSD that was already living in chaos unraveled at a rapid clip. The new general manager decided that enough was enough: Patrick Faverty pushed the CSD to call for its own dissolution because it couldn’t afford to fund its obligations without raising water and wastewater rates.
And now, the CSD is stuck between its obligations and paying for them—despite its slow march to dissolution that residents hope will end with the county taking over.
The county isn’t going to take over until it can ensure that those obligations are funded, according to county Public Works Director John Diodati.
“The county, if we take over, we need assurances that we can fund the projects that are mandated,” he said.
Those projects include building a California Coastal Commission-required new wastewater treatment plant or paying fines.
And that means one thing! Rate increases. The CSD’s customers have already experienced some of that pain with water and wastewater rates increasing by 32 and 36 percent, respectively, in February. But the pain will get worse.
The county estimates that combined, rates will need to increase from approximately $183 per year to $585 per year—worst case scenario. That would pay for deferred maintenance, overdue audits, and critical infrastructure repair, and demonstrate that the community is committed to investing in its utility systems.
Which, is it? That would be a crazy increase, but if the CSD board had been committed to investing in all of its infrastructure in the first place, San Simeon wouldn’t be in this giant mess right now.
“We have to look at this with a worst-case scenario approach on rate,” Diodati said. “If we are the successor agency, our team would work on grant funding, low-interest loans,
and explore alternatives … to bring the most reasonable and feasible cost to the ratepayers as possible.”
Well, of course. And the CSD could have already been doing all of that, if it was indeed committed. These obligations aren’t new— some have been nipping at San Simeon’s heels for more than a decade.
He pointed to the Los Osos wastewater project as a great example of how the county can play a role in reducing future costs. Um, that project was so controversial that I would not use it as an example. People are still moaning about it—it even came up in arguments about the town’s ballot measure to fund purchasing the old Sunnyside School property and turn it into a park.
But, the Los Osos wastewater project did receive $21 million in grants, according to Public Works’ webpage. Even though building and running it costs a typical family home about $1,980 per year.
Steep, amirite?
But that’s life. Their sewage, which no one wants to see, is taken care of. If you put something off long enough, you end up paying way more for it than you would have if you had just bit the bullet earlier. Slapping some paint on something and calling it good is not the way.
Marx and the city of SLO can attest to that. ∆
The Shredder likes dark purple lipstick on pigs. Send some to shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ALCOHOL INK 101 Complete instructional workshop with all materials supplied, pre registration is required. Leard from award winning artist Judy Maynard in her studio. First Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. through Dec. 2 $95. (805) 286-8380. artwithjudyann.com. Art With Judy Ann Studio Gallery, 2024 Main Street, Cambria.
ART AND CRAFT KIDS SUMMER CAMP
Enjoy this week-long half day art camp for ages 7 to 12, featuring weaving, clay, cyanotype, and weekly creative themes that build artistic skills Every 4 days, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $300. (805) 771-5007. esterobayartandcraft.com. Estero Bay Art and Craft, 523 Harbor St, Morro Bay.
ART IN THE PARK: MORRO BAY Visitors can expect a mixture of painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and more, along with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Morro Bay! July 3 10
a.m.-5 p.m., July 4 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 5 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/artinthepark. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.
CALL OF THE WILD EXHIBIT The Call of the Wild exhibt embraces of energy, passion and freedom of the world around us in vivid, dynamic, or whimsical ways. Through Aug. 3, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
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.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
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. FIGURE DRAWING - SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS AT FIELDWORK Join us for figure drawing every Saturday and Wednesday for ages 18 and over. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own materials. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. $20 + model’s tip. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.
THE STRAWBERRY: RED CARPET SCREENING EVENT AND Q&A Following an award-winning run at the Desertscape and San Luis Obispo International Film Festivals, join the cast and crew of The Strawberry at the Bay Theatre to see the film and celebrate local independent filmmaking! An in-depth Q&A with key cast/crew will follow the film. July 6 5 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Bay Theater, 464 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2444.
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
“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount
FOLLIES ONSTAGE
The Central Coast Follies, a group of dancers, singers, and performers, will hit the stage for Royal Pain at Studio de Myriam in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, at 3:30 p.m. ($40). All of the proceeds from raffle tickets and bar sales, and 20 percent of all Studio de Myriam merchandise sales will benefit the Central Coast Parkinson’s Alliance. Visit my805tix.com for additional showtime information.
with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
FINDING NEMO Explore the big blue world with this lively new stage musical based on the beloved film! Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. through July 19 $23-$30. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/finding-nemo/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. OLIVER! THE MUSICAL Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s Oliver! the beloved award-winning musical based on Oliver Twist and a perfect theatrical adventure for the whole family. July 10 7-9 p.m., July 11 , 7-9 p.m. and July 12 , 1-3 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 756-4849. pacslo.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
CIRCUS VARGAS Circus Vargas proudly unveils its dynamic, new and highly anticipated 2026 edition… “Masquerade!” Step into a world of wonder as mystery
meets mastery, under the Big Top where every act pushes the limits and every moment captivates and ignites your imagination! Through July 20 $25-$90. circusvargas.com/. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS: SUMMER BREAK WITH CAROLINA LUNA Creative Kids is continuing through summer! As always, we will be exploring a variety of mediums throughout the series. This session will also introduce cyanotypes! Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. through Aug. 5 $150. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. ELEMENTS OF ART FOR TWEENS AND TEENS WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your young artists through the fundamentals of art. Each week will focus on a different element. All materials are provided. Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 $200. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey 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.
FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO
PUBLIC MARKET It’s another night of
spontaneous comedy as the Central Coast Comedy Theater Ensemble goes on another kooky, made-up adventure! We’re hitting the stage with a wild mix of short form games (think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but with less network oversight) and long form improv (like a play, if no one had memorized anything or made a plan). July 10, 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV PLAYGROUND Join Improv for Good at the Improv Playground! Enjoy quick games, silly scenarios, and genuine connection. All are welcome to play short fun games. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. through Aug. 14 Free. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/ improv-playground. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART
Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
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/bookonline. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC
REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive paintings with alla prima style techniques. This class is great for the intermediate or advanced. Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 11 $295. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ROYAL PAIN PRESENTS: CENTRAL COAST FOLLIES Enjoy your first complimentary glass of wine or preferred non-alcoholic beverage pre-show and get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Central Coast Follies! July 11 , 3:30 p.m. and July 12 3:30 p.m. $40. my805tix.com. Studio de Myriam, 3563 Sueldo St., suite N, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-7433. 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.
TEEN NIGHT POTTERY IS LIVE Join Teen Night Pottery, for ages 14 and over. Teens will be taught to throw on the potters wheel, sculpt, or paint a pot. Snacks will be provided. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $35. (805) 896-6197. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
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, Arroyo Grande.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande. SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS LUCHADORA BY ALVARO SAAR RIOS Luchadora! is a vibrant, family-friendly tale of love, identity, and the courage to step into your own power. Wednesdays-
—Angie Stevens
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
Sundays, 7-8:25 p.m. through July 3 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
4TH OF JULY FREEDOM TO GROW SALE
Kick off your holiday weekend with Cambria Nursery’s 4th of July Freedom to Grow Sale. July 3-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
BREATHE AND STRETCH One must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again, with ease, in order to participate in this 55-minute session. It’s specifically designed to enhance mobility and strength. Please bring a mat and some water. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 2357978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com.
Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 7722840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1
p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
FRIENDS OF THE CAYUCOS LIBRARY KIRK
WILSON MEMORIAL BOOKSALE Head to the library patio to browse donated books, CDs, DVDs, and more, all selling for $1 to $2. At noon, a bag of books will sell for $5. July 3 9 a.m.-noon (805) 995-3312. Cayucos Library, 310 B. St., Cayucos.
HIKE-IN OPEN HOUSE Enjoy the scenery on an easy hike to the Piedras Blancas Light Station and learn about the light station’s history and local ecology. July 8 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 927-7361. piedrasblancas.org/hike-in-open-house. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $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. MEDITATE WITH DAWN Semi private class to restore your energy & calm the mind to balance your day with guided meditation, pranayama (breath-work) and chakra connection on the beach with the beautiful Morro Bay rock in view. Guided by Dawn Feuerberg, certified classical ashtanga yoga, mindfulness life coach, shamanic wisdome keeper, tantra meditation instructor, and founder of Aurora Adventures, LLC, a wellness inspired travel company. July 3 , 9-10:15 a.m. $48.98. my805tix.com. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos. 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/.
NATURE RHYTHMS IN HARMONY: MINDFUL DRUMMING AND NATURE CONNECTION Dee DiGioia, from Mindful YOUniversity, is a HealthRhythms® Drumming Wellness Facilitator who gently guides participants through a variety of grounding and dynamic rhythmic activities to inspire curiosity, creativity, courage, and connection.
July 12 , 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $17.91-$28.62. my805tix.com. Harmony, 2177 Old Creamery Road, Harmony, (805) 927-1625.
SHAKTI: EMBODYING THE GODDESSES OF YOGA Open to the empowered sacred feminine within your subtle body through the energies of the Goddesses of Yoga and the Shakti (energy) life force. This class will explore the iconography, mythology and devotional practices of the Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, the Playful One who can help your reorder your priorities, bring physical healing, kindle joy, ignite pleasure, uproot habit patterns, and connect you to your truest highest intuitive self. Meditation, light movement, mantra, connection, blissful heart opening practices will be offered. July 10 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 540-1762. my805tix.com. 9th Limb Yoga, 845 Napa Ave., 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.
STRETCH, BREATHE, AND BALANCE Ideal for seniors, and open to everyone. Instructor Randal Bodlak takes you through specific moves to promote mobility, internal strength, and stability. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (805) 528-4880. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
TAI CHI AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION
Small group classes with 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the Year. Call for time and days. Learn the Shaolin Water Style and 5 Animals Qi Gong. Beginners welcomed. Mondays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call for price details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay. WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing and moving meditations. Forms include Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai Chi 24. Visit the Fitness Works website for current prices. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. and Thursdays, 12:15-1 p.m. (805) 7727466. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18
NORTH SLO COUNTY
A-TOWN POP-UP MARKET The A-Town
monthly Pop-Up Market at the Atascadero Lake Park is the perfect place to find a tasty treat or a treasure. Shop from over 20 succulent varieties, houseplants, tasty treats, local honey, pottery and handmade items, jewelry, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Dec. 20 Free. (805) 538-2701. linktr.ee/ atownpopup. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 221-5755. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Tuesdays, noon-1 a.m. Free. (760) 846-1443. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND AT
SENSORIO Celebrate America’s 250th at Sensorio with patriotic lights, live Americana music, limited-time food and drinks, and a special projected fireworks display. July 2 , 5:30-10:30 p.m. and July 5 6:30-10:30 p.m. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, (805) 226-4287.
GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. (805) 464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280
LAVENDER DISTILLATION WORKSHOP
Enjoy this Lavender Distillation Workshop, From Field to Oil, at Hambly Lavender Farm. July 5 9 a.m. $95. (805) 975-0056. hamblyfarms.com. Hambly Lavender Farm, 1390 GRANA PL, San Miguel CA, San Miguel, CA 93451.
PET TALES Get ready for the cutest, coziest, and cuddliest hour in your week!
Pet Tales welcomes young children and their grownups for a pet-themed story time. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero. SOIL WORKSHOP AND NURSERY TOUR
Jon this soil workshop and nursery tour. Learn how we formulate our soils for every stage of a young plant’s life and tour our native plant nursery. Second Saturday of every month, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. DW Farms, 2130 Presidio Way, San Miguel, (714) 7179671, dwfarms.org.
SUMMER FUN SPORTS CAMP A sports camp for ages five to 14 years old. Through July 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Through July 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $300-$495. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. SUNSET ON THE LAVENDER FARM Enjoy a golden-hour lavender experience with evening farm access, U-Pick bouquet, and a featured winery tasting. Relax, wander, and unwind. Tickets are limited; reservations are required. Saturdays, 6:30-9 p.m. through July 11 $30. (805) 975-0056. hamblyfarms. com/visit-the-farm. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
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
MELODIES AT MOONSTONE
Los Osos sister duo Cara and Christi Brown of Forever Green will perform a free show at Moonstone Cellars in Cambria on Sunday, July 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy a blend of acoustic guitar, synth, and keys, complemented by their distinct vocals. More details can be found at moonstonecellars.com.
learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. (805) 470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BOARD GAME NIGHT AT CAPTAIN NEMO
GAMES Game night is on! Join us Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Captain Nemo Games for fun, friendly board gaming. All skill levels welcome! Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/events/20474278 99121921/2047427949121916?acontext=%7B %22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316.
Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. 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.
CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC THE GATHERING Friday Night Magic is where legends rise! Bring your deck, meet fellow Planeswalkers, and battle it out in epic MTG duels. Fun, prizes, glory! Fridays Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/even ts/592253119822089/592256636488404.
Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
GLOBAL KIDS SUMMER PROGRAM This nature experience includes scavenger hunting, singing, storytelling, hands-on gardening, art, games, visiting farm animals, mini-lessons, harvesting, and being immersed in a Permaculture Food Forest.
July 10 10 a.m.-noon $40. (626) 476-7584. permacultureslocounty.com/. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
MONTHLY DEATH CAFE (EVERY FIRST
TUESDAY AT 11 A.M.) Join this relaxed, group-directed conversation about death and dying with no agenda—just open, respectful dialogue to increase awareness and help us live more fully. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/deathcafe. Hospice SLO County, 1305 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.
SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB
MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org.
Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.
SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.
SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local, non-profit, year-round sports and social club for adults has monthly meetings. A social hour is at 5:30 p.m. with food and drinks. Annual memberships are $65. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Jan. 5 Free. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4316.
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. Second 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. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY DOGGIE
PARADE The Doggie Parade and Doggie Costume Contest is a $5 donation. All dogs must be registered to walk in the parade. July 4, 11 a.m.-noon $7.20. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach. BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 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
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.
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.
FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE Arrive at 10 a.m. for best selection of adult fiction and nonfiction, along with children’s books, jigsaw puzzles, and CDs and DVDs! Members get tickets for two free books. Cash only. July 11 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 929-3994. friendsofnipomolibrary.org/. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new. nawcc.org/index.php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.
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.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. and Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for five-class card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. 819 Tempus Circle, 819 Tempus Circle, Arroyo Grande. STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. SUMMER BLAST CAMP 2026 Join us for our full week of Camp which includes tennis lessons, pickleball lessons, swimming, arts and crafts, marital arts class, and much more! MondaysFridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 7 $395-$445. (805) 595-7600 ex 113. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, avilabayclub.com.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAY / NOON–10PM
Some escapes come with a little something extra. This July, earn 100 Tier Points to receive a new weekly gift. Earn each week to collect them all while supplies
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.
CORKS FOR CANINES Bring in an unopened bag of dog treats or a brandnew dog toy, we’ll donate them and you’ll get a complimentary tasting plus 10% off. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays, 5 p.m. through July 31 Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, 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) 4606042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/tin-citywalking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA
A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of
every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
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.
SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good oldfashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA Join us for trivia every Thursday evening, hosted by Bottlecraft! Enjoy prizes, beer, wine, and food from the Market Hall! Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
VETS IN THE VINEYARD Enjoy a delightful afternoon hosted by Biddle Ranch Vineyards to benefit a local nonprofit, Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans. Each $20 donation is eligible to win the Door Prize, a Vissani Wine Cooler with 50 bottles of Central Coast wines. July 12 11 a.m. $20. my805tix.com. Biddle Ranch Vineyard, 2050 Biddle Ranch Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-2399.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter
Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY PANCAKE
BREAKFAST Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by members of the Board of Directors of the Avila Beach Civic Association and volunteers that consists of pancakes, bacon or sausage, strawberries, orange juice, and coffee. July 4 8:30-10 a.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.
MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES
New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 8016627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆
Arts
More, sir?
Lionel Bart’s beloved 1960 musical Oliver! comes to the Spanos Theatre Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12, thanks to OEA Theatrical, an outreach program of Atascadero’s Oakwood Enrichment Academy (ages 7 and older; $35 to $65 tickets at pacslo. org/events/detail/oliver26).
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic 1837 novel Oliver Twist, the musical follows an innocent young orphan who escapes a brutal workhouse for the streets of Victorian London, only to fall in with a group of juvenile pickpockets run by Fagin, an exploitative criminal.
Bart’s musical is filled with memorable songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Where is Love,” “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” and “As Long as He Needs Me.”
“The goal of the program is to provide high-quality theatrical opportunities for performers of all ages while removing barriers that often prevent participation in the arts,” OEA Theatrical Director Erik Mario Austin said. “Rather than starting small, we decided to launch OEA Theatrical in a big way by producing one of musical theater’s most beloved classics on one of the region’s premier stages.”
The production features “nearly 50 local performers, including approximately 28 children portraying the workhouse children and Fagin’s gang,” Austin added.
‘Surround ourselves with the marvelous’
If you love nature, you’re going to love Gregory Siragusa’s amazing nature and wildlife photography. He’s one of three featured artists for July at Gallery at Marina Square, and his work hangs through July 29 in the Upper Gallery.
“Photography is an opportunity to marvel at all the beauty in the world,” he explained in a statement. “Birds, sunsets, mountains, oceans, each offers a journey into the sublime. The overwhelming beauty of the world provides us with infinite opportunity to discover, to experience, and to truly live. Ultimately, however, a pursuit of perfection and beauty is superfluous if done without humility, reverence, and an appreciation for gentleness.
“Good photography is not a place; it’s a state of mind, a feeling, a vibe with daily practice. Wandering the world, with a camera, family or friends, whether near or far, is an opportunity to capture and appreciate the glory of existence. We are all here for a brief moment; we should all take the time to appreciate and surround ourselves with the marvelous.”
The gallery is at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, Morro Bay, open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, July 11, the public is invited to a 3 to 5 p.m. reception. Call the gallery at (805) 772-1068. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for more information. Δ Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
A stirring gift
DeyoDances holds a free recital
In the local dance community, SLO native Lisa Deyo is a legend. She trained under Lori Lee Silvaggio at the Academy of Dance and was a star of the Civic Ballet before moving to NYC to dance with Dennis Wayne’s Dancers, Jean Ann Ryan’s Gotta Dance at the Great America amusement park, the Los Angeles Chamber Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago before finally returning to her hometown to form DeyoDances.
In 2006, she won an Art Inspires! Individual Artist’s Grant for choreography and had commissions in Colorado, Virginia, California, and Barcelona. Her ballet Out of Water was one of six finalists in the International Competition of Classical Choreography at the Nouveau Festival International de Danse de Paris 1999.
She’s an incredible choreographer and brings professional dancers to perform locally, and she’s giving away tickets for her company’s upcoming show.
DeyoDances will perform three pieces: What the Hell, Jacques from 2009, Non Troppo from 2009, and the world premiere of Ro-Sham-Beau.
When I attended rehearsal a few weeks ago, Deyo and her dancers were running through Non Troppo
“The way I originally pictured it was like this agrarian community in the Middle Ages, or it could be a new community on Mars. Doesn’t really matter because the dynamics are basically the same,” Deyo explained. “There’re all different ages and stages of life represented. I have a matriarch, teenagers, village elders, two crazy aunts that are ‘the sky is falling, the sky is falling,’ but they’re usually right. It’s a whole dynamic about coming of age and that wonderfully horrible cloying feeling of being close with a lot of people that you love.”
What the Hell, Jacques is named after her husband, Jacques Deyo, son of Linnaea’s Café founder Linnaea Phillips.
“My family was over dying Easter eggs about 25 years ago,” Deyo explained. “My niece was 7 at the time, and Jacques’ artistic. He gets into it. We were all in the kitchen, and it was totally silent, and he was dripping hot wax onto his Easter eggs, and, and suddenly this little voice goes, ‘What the hell, Jacques?’ I thought it perfectly summed him up, because he’s such an out-of-the-box thinker. Sometimes it’s a good
Theatre on July 18 and 19.
Get free tickets!
DeyoDances is holding a free dance show at the Spanos Theare on Saturday, July 18 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, July 19 (2 p.m.). Reserve your free spot on eventbright.com or follow the link on deyodances.com. Tell your friends!
thing, sometimes frustrating, sometimes amazing.
“I made the piece to express the different facets of our relationship. I brought it back this year because we’re grandparents now, and I had to add a grandparents’ section.”
The new piece, Ro-Sham-Beau, was inspired by Deyo’s worry that children today don’t understand civil society and decorum in uncomfortable situations.
“That’s so terrifying to me,” she admitted. “I thought, ‘How are young people going to learn that’s even a possibility or to aspire to that?’ I realize the only place it comes from is our earliest, most human-nurtured moments. None of us would exist if there hadn’t been someone who nurtured and kept that tiny baby alive. My hope is to tap into that through kindness or finding our better selves in the way we relate to others, no matter what situation.”
In this dance, Deyo imagines strangers gathered in Central Park whose interactions begin benignly before devolving into violence.
“They’re hanging out in the same area, so they end up chatting like people do at a bus stop. And it turns into ro-sham-bo and then it gets out of hand. It gets ugly. And everybody disappears. Then the gods from Mount Olympus are looking down, laughing and going, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really bad. We’ve got to fix this. We got to figure out a better way.’”
Then the scene replays, but with a better outcome.
Some of the pieces include locally made music. What the Hell, Jacques has a song recorded by singer-songwriters Inga Swearingen and Jody Mulgrew
“I’ve known Inga since she was a little girl,” Deyo said. “She and my brother were the leads in Mr. and Mrs. Bigfoot at Laguna Middle School. I love the whole family. I’ve watched her grow into this amazing musician, and she and Jody recorded a version of ‘Tonight You Belong to Me.’”
She’s also using Erin Inglish’s version of “Bésame Mucho.”
“She was singing to her daughter lying on the changing table, and she posted it on Facebook right when I was creating Ro-ShamBeau. I thought, ‘That’s it. That’s the moment that I need people to be able to tap into in themselves, to find their better self. To find that person that was so loved.’ It’s amazing how perfect it is for this piece because it’s shot from baby’s viewpoint. It’s kind of grainy and dreamy looking, and so we’re projecting that during the performance.”
“I was able to start doing this after my parents died, and I got an inheritance,” Deyo explained. “It’s not huge, but it’s enough to cover my expenses of this performance after the donations, if I can keep it really tight. Jacques and I have agreed this is important for our hearts and souls and for the community.”
She has three professional dancers coming from NYC, and her daughter, Isabel Cary, a professional dancer from San Diego, will join half a dozen local professionals for the shows.
“They feel this compulsion to perform, and it’s important to honor our society. That’s why I do it. I know my mom and dad would be proud of that, you know? And I have the luxury of being able to do that right now.”
One of the local dancers is Katya Vasilaky, who started dancing at 11 and joined the San Francisco Ballet Company at 16. She danced professionally until an injury sidelined her career, but after two hip replacements, earning a Ph.D. in economics, and having a couple of kids who were also at rehearsal—“It’s usually not like this,” she said of dancing with her crying toddler in her arms—she’s slowly returning to her passion.
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
“This is the first time I’ve kind of been back,” she said, “and I love this piece [Non Troppo]. I love music, and I love that it has structure, form, but then it deviates from form—not that it goes loose, but that it has a lightness to it. I love that back-and-forth.”
Another local dancer is Brea Donlon, who started dancing at 2 and never stopped. She’s now 26.
Obviously, it takes money to mount these shows, but Deyo wants to “remove the barriers for people saying they can’t go.” She started doing the shows for free three years ago and found her attendance rose. Some people donated more than she would have made had she gone through the added expense of ticketing. The first year the show was free, an anonymous donor gave $5,000.
Deyo pays for use of the theater and tech crew and all her dancers. She hopes people of means will help defray the cost of seeing a professional dance show for those who can’t afford it.
“This will be my third production with Lisa,” Donlon explained. “I love her choreography. I would call it very eclectic. Even if you say it’s a ballet piece, there’re other genres mixed in there, so you’re not going to have one genre in any piece, and the whole performance is so versatile. It makes it really fun.
“I love dancing for Lisa,” she said. “It’s always such an honor whenever she asks me.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
SELECT ECLECTIC Award-winning choreographer Lisa Deyo and her professional company DeyoDances will mount a free dance show in Spanos
GET WOWED Isabel Cary of San Diego is one of several professional dancers coming to town to perform as part of DeyoDances. She’s also choreographer Lisa Deyo’s daughter.
Summer 2026
Sol sister
irected by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl; Fright Night; I, Tonya; Cruella) from Ana Nogueira’s featurelength debut screenplay, this “girl saving girls” sisterhood story takes aim at patriarchy and sort of hits its mark. Produced by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, Superman), Gillespie and Nogueira adopt his irreverence, campy humor, and penchant for wounded protagonists. (107 min.)
SUPERGIRL
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre in SLO
Glen When we first meet her, Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), better known as Supergirl, is on an interstellar bender to celebrate her impending 23rd birthday. She’s a hot mess—perpetually drunk or hungover, and sticking to red sun solar systems where her powers wane, allowing alcohol to have its maximum effect. In yellow sun systems, she’s unbeatable, in green sun systems, she slowly dies. She’s in a bar in a red sun planet when she encounters Ruthye (Eve Ridley), whose family has been brutally murdered by Brigands—ruthless human traffickers led by Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts)—setting up a revenge tale that also involves Lobo (Jason Momoa), a mercenary and bounty hunter. Expect some laughs, some CGI battles, and some cloying emotional manipulations in this summer popcorn flick that’s trying really hard.
Anna Kara may be rough around the edges, but her real kryptonite is her dog, Krypto. When the Brigands hit him with a poison dart, Kara has three days to track them down and get the antidote that is only worn around their necks. Ruthye’s revenge quest is a bother and not one that Kara’s interested in being a part of, but when the young girl stows away and tags along, Kara can’t help but be protective of the young girl. Not just in physical protection, but mental as well. Ruthye is sure she wants the blood of Krem
MATERNAL INSTINCT
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Oh boy, this one’s a doozy. I remember this story popping up back in 2020. I’m sure other true crime junkies will too. Reagan Simmons was a mom-to-be, just a month away from welcoming daughter Braxlynn into the world. Her joy turned to tragedy when Taylor Parker, her wedding and pregnancy photographer, cruelly stole the baby by cutting her from Reagan’s womb, leading to the death of both mother and child.
FAKED The TV documentary Maternal Instinct explores the shocking case of Taylor Parker, who faked a pregnancy for months before murdering her pregnant friend and stealing her baby, streaming on Netflix.
on her hands, but Kara knows that revenge is nothing more than agreeing to carry a weight for the rest of your life, and Ruthye is too good for that. It’s feminist and sweet, and I’m always a sucker for anyone trying to save a dog (even a CGI one). The villains are gross and evil, and you can’t help but want to watch them get taken down. Our hero is reluctant but also great, and she manages to find a way to be both in a very endearing way.
Glen It’s certainly trying to pass itself off as feminist, but the problem is the only powerful woman is Supergirl. Ruthye is wholly fragile and completely helpless. The other women depicted are human trafficking victims. And the men? They’re either complete reprobates like the Brigands or total wimps. We do get an origin story told in flashbacks about Kara’s parents and how she ended up following her cousin, Superman (David Corenswet), to Earth. Another element of the story is about her finally reconciling that Earth is her home. DC Studios is clearly teeing up a sequel, and
Using body cam footage from police questioning Taylor in the hospital and interviews with those who knew Reagan and those who knew Taylor, this documentary weaves the tragic tale of what’s very clearly the consequences of unchecked mental illness, a lack of guidance, and total delusion.
Taylor pretended to be pregnant, even though those around her knew she’d had a hysterectomy following an ectopic pregnancy and even though she’d already had two children who were not in her care. But people played along, never knowing how far she would go to keep up the lie. Wholly tragic, there’s nothing to feel good about after watching this film, but Reagan deserves to have her name known, and to have people remember her in life, not in the way she died. (94 min.).
—Anna
THE STRAWBERRY
What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2026
while this isn’t a great film, it’s fun enough, and Alcock is interesting enough for me to return for another helping.
Anna I thought Alcock’s casting was great—Kara’s a mess, but a badass one, and her dry humor and quick wit make for a fun character. She’s a call back to the sarcastic, sassy mess phase that almost everyone goes through sometime in their early 20s. It certainly isn’t the film of the year, but if I’m forced to watch superhero flicks every summer, this franchise is a welcome salve to the movies that take themselves and their ridiculous storylines far too seriously. I think tween girls are going to get a kick out of the sassy lead, and she even manages to mentor Ruthye, however reluctantly. But Kara still has a lot of growing up to do herself, and I suspect we’ll follow along that journey with at least one sequel to come. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Bay Theatre of Morro Bay, Monday, July 6 (VIP doors at 4:30, general admission doors at 5, screening at 5:30 p.m.; tickets at my805tix.com)
Directed by Cambria brothers Carlos and Kyle Plummer, and written by Cambria clinical psychologist Steve Brody, The Strawberry stars veteran actor Mike Farrell (he played Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt on M*A*S*H from 1975 to 1983).
Here, he plays Herb Kaplan, an 80-year-old who after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, seeks to reconcile his fractured family and find
peace with his decision to utilize Death with Dignity to end his life painlessly. You’ll see a lot of local landscape in this emotive story of family reconciliation. It’s beautifully filmed, and the acting is amazing. The film also stars Doug Jones (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth), Suanne Spoke (Whiplash), Abe Lincoln, Ivette Li-Sanchez, Mateo Ray, Josh Garrett, Matthew Maynard, and David Trajan. It won Best Central Coast Film at this year’s San Luis Obispo International Film Festival as well as an award at the Desert Scape International Film Festival. This special benefit screening includes a Q-and-A with the directors. Proceeds of the screening benefit The Strawberry filmmakers. General admission is $28.62, and VIP includes
BATTLE ROYALE Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock, left), better known as Supergirl, goes head-tohead with Brigand leader Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts), in Supergirl, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
HARD CHOICE
Veteran actor Mike Farrell stars in the locally shot feature, The Strawberry, a deeply moving meditation on Death with Dignity, screening on July 2, at the Bay Theater.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLABTOWN STUDIOS/SUPERIMAGE LTD.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Block party!
Join your neighbors as Concerts in the Plaza turns 30
Every summer Friday, Mission Plaza turns into a community gathering spot for people who love live music, cold beers, fine wine, and community vibes, and this Friday, July 3, marks the 30th anniversary of Concerts in the Plaza, a longrunning SLO Town tradition. To celebrate, Downtown SLO has something very special in store when it hosts the 30th Anniversary Block Party with two stages, five bands, six-hours of live music, vendors, and art installations.
Expect the Broad Street dogleg to be closed from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Public and pedestrian access through Mission Plaza, across the Warden Bridge, and on the streets, will not be restricted. Art installations by Mandala Umbra will be constructed. Expect onstage giveaways, a photo booth, line dancing with Nexus Dance. Also, you can access novelty services such as permanent jewelry, hair accessories, and face painting.
The event begins at 1:45 p.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by SLO City Council members. R&B, classic rock, and oldies band Soul Kool with play from 2 to 3:15 p.m. on the Main Stage. Folk and country act Max MacLaury & The Compromisers follow from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., expect remarks from Mayor Erica A. Stewart, followed by the headliner, Americana rockers Moonshiner Collective
Meanwhile on the Broad Street Stage, local rock act ghost/monster plays from 3 to 4:30 p.m., followed by the “cosmic mountain music” of Wolf Jett from 5:30 to 7 p.m. That’s a lot of great acts, but I’m really looking forward to Wolf Jett, which was cofounded in 2020 by lifelong friends Chris Jones (guitar and vocals) and Jon Payne (drums). Jones is the Tennessee-born frontman with a cool Southern-fried vocal sound. Payne’s drumming is right in the groove pocket. Their all-original music mixes folk, soul, and Americana, and they’re currently performing with Duncan Shipton (bass), Allyson Makuch (vocals), Rory Cloud (guitar), and Alex Benjamin (keys/percussion).
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
FOREVER GREEN LIVE AT MOONSTONE
CELLARS Enjoy a fresh blend of acoustic guitar, keys, harmonic female vocals, synth, and live grove box loops. Come grab a glass of wine and enjoy! July 12 , 2-4 p.m. Free. moonstonecellars.com. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria, (805) 927-9466.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some
I think my current favorite Wolf Jett song is “Don’t Give Up on Me Now,” on which Jones sings, “One damn thing I know for sure, honey/ This life ain’t over ’til it’s over/ I know that someday we’ll get to see what it all means/ And until I get unlucky I’ll just keep on rolling/ Till I see you on the other side of life/ Don’t give up on me now.”
It’s super hooky.
This whole event promises to be awesome!
Australian wunderkind
Good Medicine and Numbskull present ripping guitar prodigy Taj Farrant at The Siren on Wednesday, July 8 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $40.89 general or $92.39 more to add meet-andgreet at goodmedicinepresents.com). Now 17, at age 9, he appeared on Australia’s Got Talent and blew the crowd away.
Viral social media posts propelled him further into the public consciousness and led him to music festivals like Big Blues Bender in Vegas, Telluride’s Blues & Brew, and Australia’s Bluesfest. He’s collaborated with musicians such as Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and the Hendrix Experience team. His 2024 debut album, Chapter One, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Charts. If you’re a guitar fan, don’t miss him!
Four on the dance floor
The Siren plans to keep you on your toes this week starting with Legends classic rock band on Friday, July 3 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; free). They’ll play your favorite ’80s rock and classic rock hits from AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Alice In Chains, and many more.
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado,
friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY DARK STAR HAPPY HOUR, OPEN MIC AND KARAOKE NIGHT Chill out at Dark Star’s happy hour, and enjoy burgers, karaoke, and open mic nigh. Wine by the glass will be available for $8. Fridays, 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars. com/. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.
FIRST THURSDAYS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Hear Neighborhood Katz live, and enjoy food by Bury Me in Pizza. Wines will be available by the glass or bottle. July 2 , 4-7 p.m. Free. (805) 226-2034. jdusiwines. com. J Dusi Wines, 1401 Hwy. 46 West, 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.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES Join us weekly for the Friday Night Music Series, complete with rotating food trucks! Wine and food will be available for purchase. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free. (805) 238-6300. derbywineestates. com/events/. Derby Wine Estates, 525 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles.
JANE’S GANG LIVE South County favorites are heading back to Paso Robles for one night only this July! Grab your tickets now for what is always a super fun dance party. July 11 $12.56. my805tix.
Desiderata “blends tight, irresistible grooves with timeless melodies and modern funk energy—think Fleetwood Mac meets Chromeo,” according to their bio. “Fronted by Autumn Ford’s silky, pop-infused vocals, the five-piece draws inspiration from desert sunsets, mountain vistas, close friendships, and neon-lit dance floors. Their sound fuses
com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
JOY BONNER BAND LIVE Join us for an epic dance party with the one and only Joy Bonner! Joy and the guys always put on a great show with their high-energy, dance packed set list of great tunes that span the decades! July 10, 7-10 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY AT FOUR SISTERS RANCH Sip and relax with friends as the music of the Wine Country Troubadours sets the tone for a perfect summer afternoon. Picnics are okay, and the event is dog-friendly. July 11 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (805) 467-2046. foursistersranch.com/event-calendar. Four Sisters Ranch Vineyard and Winery, 2995 Pleasant Rd., San Miguel.
LIVE MUSIC WITH TALIE COPEN We’ll be welcoming Talie Copen, a singer
songwriter soloist in country and folk americana, as well as cover bands of ’80s dance rock and more. July 5 3-6 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/ events. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
MOTLEY TWO LIVE AT THE POUR HOUSE IN PASO ROBLES Help us celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a tribute to one of America’s most legendary rock bands! Motley 2 is a wild and crazy bunch of guys who mix humor and amazing musicianship skills to bring you a truly entertaining show. Reviewed as one of the top tributes to Motley Crue for great reason! July 3 7:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 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.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CYBORG OCTOPUS, FERVENCE, AND NOTT LIVE July 10 6 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
FIRST FRIDAY AT LIBERTINE SLO First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Libertine Brewing in Downtown SLO and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. It’s a musical journey
LIVE MUSIC continued
28
BOOGIE DOWN Concerts in the Plaza celebrates its 30th anniversary on July 3 , with two stages, five bands—including Wolf Jett—six-hours of live music, vendors, and art installations.
PHOTO COURTESY
SHREDDER Good Medicine and Numbskull present ripping Australian guitar prodigy Taj Farrant at The Siren on July 9
PHOTO COURTESY OF T & J ENTERTAINERS AND TFJ MANAGEMENT GROUP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ’MERICA! The Siren presents Colorado-based modern funk act Desiderata on July 4
PHOTO COURTESY OF DESIDERATA
STARKEY continued page 28
Band Sponsored by Quality Suites Downtown SLO
soul, pop, funk, indie, disco, and rock into something warm, rhythmic, and effortlessly danceable.” See them on Saturday, July 4 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; free).
LA-based glam indie pop/alternative rock band Second Paloma plays on Tuesday, July 7 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). “Second Paloma’s sound sits somewhere between indie pop, art rock, and alternative, with a little alt-country influence—melodic, playful, danceable, and emotionally charged,” bassist Howie Fitzgerald explained in an email. “We’re currently building toward our first studio releases and using this tour to connect with regional music communities up and down the coast.”
Second Paloma’s debut single, “Camera,” was just released.
Finally, Dizgo plays on Thursday, July 9 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.77 at tixr.com). The band was “born from attic jam sessions between childhood friends Andrew Pickel and Kevin Hinnefeld,” their bio explains. Their “story began with two guitars, a tape recorder, and a dream—literally. The band’s name came to Hinnefeld in a dream, before their first gig, reflecting the cosmic, boundary-breaking sound they’d soon deliver.”
The Bloomington-based quartet also features Jake Evatt on keys/vocals and Justin Clark on drums.
Power trio!
SLO Brew Live presents High Fade on their Twice as Nice Tour at Rod & Hammer Rock on Thursday, July 9 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $27.21 at ticketweb.com).
Hailing from Scotland, the funk rock trio—founder Harry Valentino (guitar, vocals), Oliver Sentence (bass), and Heath Campbell (drums)—have enjoyed viral hits with tracks such as “Burnt Toast & Coffee,” “Gossip,” “Burnin’,” and their cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon.”
“Drawing inspiration from funk, rock, disco, jazz, metal, punk, soul, and beyond, High Fade has developed a sound that explodes out of a rip-roaring melting point of musical influences and tears at the fabric of space time by managing to feel simultaneously fresh and retro,” their bio explains.
Turning Jane opens.
that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the dance-worthy beats. July 3 7-10 p.m. $25.41. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
RACHEL BAIMAN AND SPECIAL GUEST
NATALIE DEL CARMEN After appearing on the Festival Mozaic and SLO Brew Rock Late Night Series in 2022 and the See Canyon Fruit Ranch in 2023, Americana singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Baiman returns to Festival Mozaic to headline this don’t-miss show at SLO Brew Rock. July 10, 7 p.m. $26.36. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: JANE’S GANG
July 5 , 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: PAT PEARSON PROJECT July 12 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix. com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
4TH OF JULY WITH FREE LIVE MUSIC AT THE SECRET GARDEN Dance it out to live music from the Quadratones band while celebrating the 4th of July at Sycamore. July 4 , 3-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
MAN OF LA MANCHA Man of La Mancha is a classic musical-within-a-play about Miguel de Cervantes, who entertains his
Portland’s finest
In the ’90s, Everclear was everywhere and nowhere. If you were into them, you were in the cool club, but despite some modest success with singles like “Heroin Girl,” “Santa Monica,” “Everything to Everyone,” and “I Will Buy You a New Life,” wide success seemed just beyond their grasp until “Father of Mine” got traction and catapulted the band into the mainstream. Their third album, So Much for the Afterglow, charted to No. 33 on the Billboard Album Chart and reached doubleplatinum sales, and the hits just kept on coming: “Wonderful,” “AM Radio,” a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”—they were hot.
Founder, vocalist, and guitarist Art Alexakis knew how to write edgy angsty songs, driven by his challenging life. He was reportedly abused and abandoned as a child by his father. He struggled with addiction. At 12, he saw his brother overdose and die. His girlfriend committed suicide. His songs remain impactful, and there’s supposedly a new album coming out, the first since 2015. In 2019, following a minor car accident, he was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and discovered he’d been living with the disease for 20 years.
This guy is the poster child for resilience. Everclear plays the Santa Barbara County Fair at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Thursday, July 9 (7 p.m.; free with fair admission, though you can upgrade for a VIP experience at santabarbaracountyfair.com/entertainment).
Music and story
Get in on the ground floor of TransitionsMental Health Association’s (TMHA) new concert series, Roots and Rhythm, held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Growing Grounds Downtown (956 Chorro St., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; all ages; free, though donations for the performers are encouraged). The first performer is awardwinning singer-songwriter Derek Senn on Wednesday, July 8
Sound out!
“TMHA is launching a regular music series on the patio behind Growing Grounds Downtown,” TMHA Community Engagement Director Michael Kaplan explained. “This is the brainchild of [singersongwriters] Ynana Rose and Cate Armstrong. The quick and simple is that this is a music and storytelling series to raise awareness and invite conversations around mental health and wellness, while offering live music in a beautiful downtown setting.”
Ynana Rose will host the new series, and upcoming performers include Azere Wilson, Ricky Berger, Emily Laliotis, Natalie Haskins, and Miss Leo. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
fellow prisoners in the Spanish Inquisition by acting out the story of the idealistic, “mad” knight Don Quixote. July 10 7 p.m. and July 11 , 7 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.
ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES Check out the lineup for the City of Arroyo Grande’s Summer Concert Series! There will be free concerts every Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., and a double show on July 4. July 4 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
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.
LIVE ON THE ROCKS FEATURING THE TOMMY MOON BAND Live on the Rocks is a beloved free oceanfront concert at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Dance to a fabulous live band, and enjoy fantastic food. July 4 , 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every
week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo. PACIFIC BREEZE CONCERTS IN PISMO BEACH This concert series is a threeshow summer event featuring exceptional regional musical groups and special family-friendly activities in one of Pismo Beach’s most scenic settings. Second Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. through July 12 Free. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach. org/73/Recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.
THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK Free concerts with SLO County Band at Rancho Grande Park. July 9 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. https:/ arroyogrande.org/rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 250TH ANNIVERSARY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT THE STOCKYARD WITH THE MIGHTY CASH CATS Join the Stockyard and the Mighty Cash Cats: Johnny Cash. This incredible band is back after 4 years to help make this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary the best 4th of July bash around! July 4 noon Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt. CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community fun. July 4 , 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm. activecommunities.com/santamaria/ activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_ select_param=2&activity_category_ ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt. ∆
MUSIC from page 26
GOT FUNK? SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock presents Scottish funk rock trio High Fade on their Twice as Nice Tour on July 9 .
PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH FADE
LISTEN UP Singer-songwriter Derek Senn plays the inaugural Roots and Rhythm concert series at Growing Grounds Downtown on July 8
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEREK SENN
SPARKLE AND FADE Nineties rock gods, Everclear, play the Santa Barbara County Fair in Santa Maria on July 9
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVERCLEAR
Swinging for the stars
Chef Tret Toussaint is ramping up culinary offerings at SLO’s
Dairy Creek Golf Course
With a year at Marcerro under his belt, Executive Chef and Beverage Director Tret Toussaint is excited to embark on phase 2 of an ambitious hospitality project nearing completion at Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo.
The county-owned nine-hole golf course and Swing Time simulation facility, combined with the restaurant, which opened its doors in July 2025, will be joined by Nightsky Camps in late summer 2026.
Set within the larger 720-acre El Chorro Regional Park, the quartet of offerings will transform the golf course into a comprehensive, ecologically focused resort, with Toussaint leading the culinary component.
“One of the things we’ve been most excited about is creating something at Dairy Creek that feels genuinely connected to the local community, not just a destination for overnight guests,”
can be delivered to the facility’s 10 hitting bays, each with seating for up to four guests.
Destination dining
Marcerro, Nightsky, and Swing Time are located at the Dairy Creek Golf Course at 2990 Dairy Creek Road in San Luis Obispo. Stay tuned for the launch of Nightsky in late summer 2026. Marcerro is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the bar open until 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Happy hour is offered weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m., and breakfast hours will be added once Nightsky opens. For more information, visit marcerro. com, nightskycamps.com, swingtimeslo.com, and dairycreekslo.com.
said Nightsky and Marcerro co-founder David Smith, an Australian expatriate now residing in Los Angeles.
“Marcerro has become a big part of that vision already. We’re inspired by the opportunity to bring locals and visitors together through food, live events, music, and shared experiences.
“Chef Tret’s approach to the menu really reflects that spirit. It’s elevated but approachable, rooted in local ingredients and designed to evolve alongside the property and the seasons.
“As Nightsky Camps opens this summer, we will be working alongside Dairy Creek with a shared focus on serving both the local community and visitors from out of town, becoming an even more integrated outdoor destination on and for the Central Coast.”
Smith and Nightsky co-founder and fellow Australian Anatoly Mezhov, presently based in Carlsbad, nabbed Toussaint, of Paso Robles, as the first team member on the ground in June 2025 to open Marcerro.
Originally from Newport Beach, Toussaint took a circuitous path to his present profession.
“I went the route of psychology first,” he said. “But my family did ignite my passion for food as everyone in my family is well versed in cooking—[from] French to Jamaican.”
After majoring in psychology with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience at UCLA, Toussaint obtained a culinary degree from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Art, based in Boulder.
His foundation in classic French technique was complemented by stints as lead line
cook at La Sandia in Santa Monica, executive chef at Ad Libitum in San Diego, and area executive chef for Marriott in Santa Barbara County, then fine-tuned by global experiences.
“I lived in South Korea and Japan,” he said. “I spent a lot of my time traveling, eating, and learning from local chefs. I found an expanded view on my style as a chef in those countries.”
As a result, Marcerro’s menu is bursting with French, California coastal, and Asian influences.
“Some personal favorites growing up were coq au vin (French chicken and wine stew) and roasted rack of lamb,” said Toussaint, while noting that Marcerro’s Duck Confit Pappardelle perfectly reflects both his heritage and training.
“I love to create and typically pick a fresh, locally sourced ingredient and build around it. Some ingredients I enjoy the most are duck, lamb, black garlic, and gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Toussaint collaborates with a variety of local vendors, including Cal Poly Meats
in SLO, Stepladder Ranch & Creamery in Cambria, and Morro Bay Oyster Co.
The restaurant’s current menu features an eclectic mix of reasonably priced appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and bowls, with the most expensive entrée—Pan-Seared Scallops atop brown butter risotto, golden raisin pine nut gremolata, roasted golden beets, and microgreens—priced at $36.
Toussaint is also proud of the restaurant’s beverage program, which spotlights some of the area’s premier producers, including rotating tap beer from There Does Not Exist in SLO, craft cocktails featuring spirits from Tin City Distillery in Paso, and a compact but impressive selection of local red, white, and sparkling wine. For a $15 corkage fee, guests can bring in their own favorite bottles. Marcerro—with its main indoor lounge and bar and expansive patios and grounds—hosts a slew of activities year-round. Upcoming highlights include live music on Sunday afternoons, a Mats + Mimosas Pilates class on Saturday morning, July 18, and line dancing on Saturday evening, July 25.
The property’s several venues, including Dairy Creek’s adjacent Swing Time facility, can also be reserved for private events, with Marcerro handling the culinary details. The restaurant’s final phase will include expanding hours and tailoring offerings for guests at Nightsky. The 45 canvas and timberlined eco-tents, ranging in price from $175 to $450 on peak weekends, will cap the elegant, but minimalist vision for Dairy Creek. Whether stopping by for golf, dinner, or a private party, or splurging on an overnight getaway, Toussaint aims to swing high with his evolving menu across distinct venues. His goals are “to transform and elevate [offerings] for Dairy Creek and usher in a unique and coastal-driven dining experience for our Nightsky Camps,” he said, “while providing an escape and regular spot for locals to enjoy amazing food and drinks.” Δ
Flavor writer Cherish Whyte is dreaming of chef Tret’s tasty tuna tacos and stargazing under the Nightsky. Reach her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.
FRESH FARE At San Luis Obispo’s Marcerro, local seafood and ranch-raised entrees are complemented by vegetarian options such as the Ancient Grain Bowl—with quinoa, brown rice, cucumber, carrot, edamame, pickled onion, and ginger soy dressing.
FUN FOR ALL Even non-golfers will appreciate simulated experiences at Swing Time at Dairy Ranch in San Luis Obispo. Food and drinks from Marcerro
GOURMET GRUB AND GOLF Guests of Swing Time in San Luis Obispo can enjoy Marcerro specialties such as Tuna Tartare Tacos, featuring yellowfin tuna, mango salsa, avocado mousse, chipotle aioli, and furikake seasoning in a wonton shell.
TRET’S WAY Chef Tret (pronounced tray) Toussaint of Paso Robles helms the culinary team at Dairy Creek’s resort facilities, including Marcerro, Swing Time, and the soon-to-open Nightsky luxury eco-camp.
COURTESY PHOTO BY MICHAEL FLEISCHNER
Service Directory
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO NOTICE OF ELECTION
Notice is hereby given that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of San Luis Obispo on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the following Officers:
For Mayor -Full term of two years
For two Members of the City Council -Full term of four years
The nomination period for these offices begins on Monday, July 13, 2026 and closes on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Any San Luis Obispo resident aged 18 or older who is registered to vote in the City of San Luis Obispo, eligible to take the oath of office, and unless otherwise specifically provided, qualified to vote for the office, can file nomination papers. If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by Section 10229 of the Elections Code of the State of California.
Candidate resources are available on the City’s website under the Municipal Elections web page (https://www.slocity.org/government/municipalelections) or on the County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder’s website under the Elections and Voting web page (https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/ Departments/Clerk-Recorder/All-Services/Electionsand-Voting.aspx).
The City Clerk’s Office will host a group session with all candidates to review the Candidate Handbook and issue Nomination Papers on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. For more information or to make an appointment, which is required to issue Nomination Papers, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 7817114 or cityclerk@slocity.org.
The polls for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
July 2, 2026
FOR PUBLICATION UNDER WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTION 294
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY Department of Social Services PO Box 8119 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court
CASE NAME: Starla Rose Johnson CASE NUMBER: 26JD00044-001
1. To: Jacqueline Chere Chambers and anyone claiming to be a parent of Starla Rose Johnson born on 03/10/2026 at home birth, Paso Robles, California
2. A hearing will be held on August 27, 2026 at 1:15pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
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: June 22, 2026
/s/ Marisa Salazar, Deputy Clerk
July 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2026
CITATION FOR PUBLICATION UNDER WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTION 294
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY
Department of Social Services PO Box 8119 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court
CASE NAME: Starla Rose Johnson CASE NUMBER: 26JD00044-001
1. To: Michael Gray Johnson and anyone claiming to be a parent of Starla Rose Johnson born on 03/10/2026 at home birth, Paso Robles, California
2. A hearing will be held on August 27, 2026, at 1:15pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
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
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, July 23, 2026, (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project:
Bids will be opened and declared by the County Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid opening 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 bidder Requests for Information must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., 5 business days prior to the bid opening date. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. All questions pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website. The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The County reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website.
Bidders are notified that financing for this project is provided in part by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). Contractor(s) will be required to comply with specific federal contract provisions as listed herein and contained in the bid documents.
Title VI Solicitation Notice
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 related regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that all bidders will be afforded a 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.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 including any amendments thereto apply to this contract. It is the policy of the County to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The Owner encourages participation by all firms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership.
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (Federal Minimum Wage)
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this solicitation incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR part 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers.
The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division.
Trade Restriction Certification
By submission of an offer, the Offeror certifies that with respect to this solicitation and any resultant contract, the Offeror –
1) is not owned or controlled by one or more citizens of a foreign country included in the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR);
2) has not knowingly entered into any contract or subcontract for this project with a person that is a citizen or national of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by the USTR; and
3) has not entered into any subcontract for any product to be used on the Federal project that is produced in a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms published by the USTR.
This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States of America and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under Title 18 USC Section 1001.
The Offeror/Contractor must provide immediate written notice to the Owner if the Offeror/ Contractor learns that its certification or that of a subcontractor was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. The Contractor must require subcontractors provide immediate written notice to the Contractor if at any time it learns that its certification was erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
Unless the restrictions of this clause are waived by the Secretary of Transportation in accordance with 49 CFR 30.17, no contract shall be awarded to an Offeror or subcontractor:
1) who is owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms published by the USTR or
2) whose subcontractors are owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country on such USTR list or
3) who incorporates in the public works project any product of a foreign country on such USTR list.
Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by this provision. The knowledge and information of a contractor is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
The Offeror agrees that, if awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation, it will incorporate this provision for certification without modification in all lower tier subcontracts. The Contractor may rely on the certification of a prospective subcontractor that it is not a firm from a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by USTR, unless the Offeror has knowledge that the certification is erroneous.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making an award. If it is later determined that the Contractor or subcontractor knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may direct through the Owner cancellation of the contract or subcontract for default at no cost to the
Owner or the FAA.
Required Federal Contract Provisions by Reference
The following provisions are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as if given in full text (refer to Federal Contract Provisions section of the specifications for further details):
1. BUY AMERICAN PREFERENCE
(Source: Title 49 USC § 50101; Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers; Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Pub. L. No. 117-58), Build America, Buy America (BABA)
2. CIVIL RIGHTS − GENERAL
(Source: 49 USC § 47123)
3. DAVIS-BACON REQUIREMENTS
(Source: 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(D); 29 CFR Part 5; 49 USC § 47112(b); 40 USC §§ 31413144, 3146, and 3147)
4. DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION
(Source: 2 CFR Part 180 (Subpart B); 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(H); 2 CFR Part 1200; DOT Order 4200.5; Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)
5. LOBBYING AND INFLUENCING FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
(Source: 31 USC § 1352 – Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment; 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(I); 49 CFR Part 20, Appendix A)
6. PROCUREMENT OF RECOVERED MATERIALS
(Source: 2 CFR § 200.323, 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(J), 40 CFR Part 247, 42 USC § 6901, et seq (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA))
(See Federal Contract Provisions of the Bid Documents for further details.)
Successful Bidder will be required to insert applicable Federal Contract Provisions in all subcontracts and shall be responsible for compliance by subcontractor(s). Prevailing Wages and Payroll Records
Contractor will be required to pay employees and keep records in accordance with the Davis Bacon Act (29 CFR Part 5) and/or Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 CFR part 201).
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this solicitation incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR Part 201, et seq, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers. The successful bidder has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The successful bidder must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division.
The bidder must have a Class B license at the time the contract is awarded.
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 the 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.
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.
Bidders must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible (2 CFR 200.321).
Pursuant to section 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 California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the at the DIR website, http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD.
The Bidder’s attention is directed to FAA General Contract Provisions, Proposal Requirements and Conditions for general details on the preparation of proposals for this Project. Each Bidder shall submit “evidence of competency” and “evidence of financial responsibility” at the time of bid opening.
Prohibition of Covered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
The Bidder certifies that they are aware of and comply with relevant Federal statutes and regulations, including those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in accordance, and in compliance with all related requirements in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63), section 936 (49 U.S.C. § 44801 note). Bidder warrants that all UAS operations will be conducted in full compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including but not limited to 14 CFR Part 107, and any other applicable local, state, or Federal laws and regulations. Sponsors and subgrant recipients cannot use AIP grant funds to enter into, extend, or renew a contract related to covered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This includes both procurement and operational contracts, as well as contracts with entities that operate such systems.
Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or County determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The County shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the County.
By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo in their action on the 23rd day of September 2025.
July 2, 2026
END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2026-1170
(05/29/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as TEMPORARY SUPERINTENDENT SERVICES, 650 Sandydale Drive, Nipomo, CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. Temporary Superintendent Services LLC (650 Sandydale Drive, Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company / Temporary Superintendent Services LLC, Dale Mark Mendez, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05-29-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 05-29-2031. June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1171
(05/21/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as WALGREENS #21633, 740 Quintana Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. Walgreen Co. (P.O. Box 901, Deerfield, IL 60015). This business is conducted by A IL Corporation / Walgreen Co., Richard Gates, SR VP, Chief Pharmacy Officer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05-29-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 05-29-2031. June 25, July 2, 9, & 16, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1174
(05/12/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as PACIFIC POINT RESORT, 2555 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. CCC TRS, LLC (100 Saint Paul Stret, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80206). This business is conducted by A DE Limited Liability Company / CCC TRS, LLC, Vice President, Mike Wilbert. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05-292026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 05-29-2031. June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1175
(05/12/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as PACIFIC POINT RESORT, 2411 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. CCC TRS, LLC (100 Saint Paul Stret, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80206). This business is conducted by A DE Limited Liability Company / CCC TRS, LLC, Vice President, Mike Wilbert. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05-292026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 05-29-2031. June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1178 (06/01/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as MORADO DRAFTING SERVICES, 558 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Stellar Lumina LLC (2108 N Street, Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95816-5712). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company / Stellar Lumina LLC, Melissa Maldonado, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06-012026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 06-01-2031. June 18, 25, July 2, & 9, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1183
(01/01/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as COOP DE GRILL, 1015 Sycamore Dr., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Cole Henry Bechtel (1015 Sycamore Dr., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An Individual / Cole Henry Bechtel. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06-01-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 06-01-2031. June 18, 25, July 2, & 9, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1185 (06/01/2026) New Filing The following person is doing business as AMAVI DESIGN
Bharpur Kaur (PO Box 6431, Los Osos, CA 93412). This business is conducted by A Married Couple / Harbans SinghKaler. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06-03-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, L. Maceri, Deputy. Exp. 06-03-2031. June 18, 25, July 2, & 9, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1198 (N/A) New Filing
The following person is doing business as BERGAMONTS, 4260 La Posada Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Taylor Minter (893 Marsh Street P.O. Box 1753, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by An Individual / Taylor Minter. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 25845 and 54354-54358 and Health and Safety Code Section 5473 et seq., by which delinquent charges may be collected on the general County tax bill, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo will hold a public hearing on July 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, regarding the proposed collection of delinquent charges on the FY 2026-27 tax roll.
All hearing items are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. To determine the placement of this item on the agenda, please contact the County Administrative Office the Thursday afternoon before the scheduled hearing date.
The accepted report describing the delinquent charges proposed to be collected on the FY 2026-27 tax roll is on file in the Office of the County Clerk and is available for public review.
Date: June 18, 2026
MATTHEW PONTES
Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/ Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk
June 25 & July 2, 2026
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles City Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Amendment to Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations) and Chapter 21.60 (Cannabis) of the Paso Robles Municipal Code, and Table 5.3-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements) of the Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan to allow the operation of non-storefront (delivery-only) cannabis retail establishments serving both medicinal and adult-use customers. The proposed amendment would:
• update and simplify definitions for consistency with state law;
• add “Cannabis, Non-Storefront Retail” as a use on the land use tables in the Zoning Ordinance and Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan;
• eliminate a proposed cap on the number of non-storefront retailers;
• require approval of a cannabis regulatory permit (in addition to planning entitlements required);
• extend the 600-foot separation requirement to include public parks and City-owned parks;
• limit exterior signage for cannabis businesses; and
• move operational requirements for cannabis businesses from Chapter 21.60 (Cannabis) to a proposed Chapter 5.55 (Cannabis Regulatory Permit).
The Planning Commission will also review proposed Paso Robles Municipal Code Chapter 5.55 (Cannabis Regulatory Permit), which would specify the process and requirements for a Cannabis Regulatory Permit, and minimum operational requirements for cannabis businesses. RZN25-08, SPA26-03, P25-0077
Applicant: City Initiated
Location: The Riverside Corridor (RSC) and Commercial/ Light Industrial (C-3) Zoning Districts CEQA Determination: The proposed ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. State CEQA Guidelines §15060(c) provides that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if … the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.”
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on July 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the Community Development, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the City Council.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. April 23, 2026
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Vesting Tentative Tract Map 3239 and Master Development Plan PD 25-04 to subdivide Planning Area I (40 acres) of the Beechwood Specific Plan, into 182 lots, where 159 lots are for the development of residential singlefamily homes with one lot for multi-family residential. The remaining 22 lots are for associated non-developable lots such as the private streets, detention basins, and open space lots. (P25-0017)
Applicant: Thomas H. Erskine Property Trust
Location: East of Beechwood Drive, South of Meadowlark, North of Creston Rd. (APN: 009-863-039, 041, 054, 055)
CEQA Determination: A Final Environmental Impact Report was previously prepared for the Beechwood Specific Plan, and the proposed Vesting Tentative Tract Map and Master Development Plan for Planning Area I of the Specific Plan does not require additional review under CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15162 (no subsequent or supplemental EIR is required, because no “substantial changes” to the project or to the circumstances under which the project was undertaken are proposed, and there are no “new significant environmental effects” or a “substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects” under the existing EIR).
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on July 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity. com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970.
June 11, 2026
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider a Tree Removal Permit to retroactively approve and discuss mitigation for the emergency removal of a dead 60-inch Heritage Coast Live Oak at 5905 East Mall (APN 029-347-022). This tree was approved for emergency removal by City staff as it poses a public safety hazard. The proposed project qualifies for a Class 4 categorical exemption (Minor Alterations to Land) 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 15304. (TRP26-0035).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend inperson and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/agendas.
DATED: June 29, 2026
S/ K Gleason, Planning Manager
PUBLISH: July 2, 2026
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING
NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing
WHEN Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT
Hearing to consider a request by Ben and Ashley Barragan for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2025-00026) to allow for the construction and associated site improvements for a new single-family residence with approximately 1,594 square-feet of conditioned living space, a 474 square-foot attached garage, 661 square-feet of covered patio, and 380 square-feet of uncovered patio space. Site disturbance consists of 120 cubic-yards of cut and 120 cubic-yards of fill over a total area of approximately 8,100 square-feet or 0.19 acres. The project is located at the end of Forest Avenue, in the community of Templeton, within the Residential Single Family (RSF) land use category, in the Salinas River Sub Area of the North County Planning Area.
Also to be considered is the determination that this project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the provisions of CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3) (ED25-0251).
County File Number: N-DRC2025-00026 Supervisorial District: District 1 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 041-101-057 Date Accepted: 11/24/2025
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:
Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-9470.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 7/10/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00026.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.
Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing July 2, 2026
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board
WHEN Monday, August 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT
Hearing to consider a request by Beverley and Susan Pratt / Charles A. Pratt Construction Co., Inc. for a Lot Line Adjustment / Coastal Development Permit (C-SUB2023-00002 / COAL23-0051) to reconfigure the property lines of four existing vacant legal parcels totaling approximately 122.49 acres, currently measuring 0.36 acres, 53.08 acres, 8.72 acres, and 60 acres. The proposed lot line adjustment would reconfigure the property into four vacant parcels: Parcel 1 (6.07 acres; APN 074-021-046), Parcel 2 (3.0 acres; APN 074-021-046), Parcel 3 (3.0 acres; APN 074-021-046), and Parcel 4 (108.62 acres; APNs 074-022-033; 074-021-036, 043, 046; 074-321-047; 074-482-051). The project would not create any additional parcels, and no site disturbance is proposed or authorized. The reconfiguration would cluster the three smaller adjusted parcels (Parcels 1–3) near the terminus of Rodman Drive while maintaining the remaining acreage as a single large Parcel 4, resulting in no increase in density. The parcels are located off Pecho Valley Road and Rodman Drive in the community of Los Osos, within the Residential Suburban land use category in the Southwestern Hillsides Subarea A, south of the Cabrillo Estates neighborhood and in the Los Osos Priority Conservation Area. The parcels are located within the Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone. Also, to be considered at the hearing will be the adoption of the environmental document prepared for this item. The Environmental Coordinator, after completion of the initial study, finds that there is no substantial evidence that the proposed project, limited solely to a Lot Line Adjustment with no authorized site disturbance, would have a significant effect on the environment, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary. Any potential future development on the resulting parcels would require separate discretionary review, permit(s), and environmental analysis. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.) has been issued on May 26, 2026, for this Lot Line Adjustment. Mitigation measures proposed to address Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, and Mandatory Findings of Significance are included as conditions of approval.
County File Number: C-SUB2023-00002 Supervisorial District: District 2
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 074-021-047 (+ 5 more) Date Accepted: 5/14/2025
WHERE The hearing will be held in the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Andy Knighton, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4142.
COASTAL APPEALABLE
If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1). Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Subdivision Review Board July 2, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF TEMPLETON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT REGARDING COLLECTION OF STREET LIGHT ASSESSMENTS, COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 2017-1 ASSESSMENTS, MEASURE A PARCEL TAX, DELINQUENT WEED ABATEMENT FEES, AND DELINQUENT WATER AND SEWER CHARGES/ ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS
The Templeton Community Services District will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of affording any individual who has street light assessments, delinquent weed abatement fees, Community Facilities District (CFD) 2017-1 assessments, Measure A Parcel Tax, or delinquent water and/or sewer charges/administrative orders, together with penalties thereon, as shown on the report filed with the District Board of Directors, to be heard by the Board regarding such assessments, delinquent fees and/ or charges, and their collection on the County tax roll. All interested parties are invited to join the meeting in-person, or call in via Zoom to participate in the hearing, provide comments, or be heard:
Public Call in # to Participate is as follows: ZOOM Phone #: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 818 3946 8311
Passcode: 511017
Or Join the Zoom Meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81839468311?pwd=HVXknB5g6791 FTXC0PEJcH7a8RTZga.1
At the public hearing on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the District will consider any and all comments and objections to the authorization of collection of street light assessments, CFD 2017-1 assessments, and delinquent fees and charges, together with penalties thereon, on the tax roll pursuant to Government Code Section 61115(b). Any questions regarding the information in this notice may be directed to Natalie Klock, Finance Officer of the District, at (805) 434-4900. All information and documents regarding the assessments, and delinquent fees and charges are available for inspection at the Templeton Community Services District office located at 420 Crocker Street, Templeton.
OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS: The public may also provide comment via e-mail or letters that will be distributed to the Board of Directors. E-mails may be sent to the Board Clerk at boardclerk@templetoncsd.org. Letters may be mailed to the District Office at P.O. Box 780, Templeton, CA 93465. Letters may also be dropped-off at the District’s Drop-Box located outside the District Office at 420 Crocker Street, Templeton. People may also call the District Office at (805) 434-4900 to leave a message concerning items on the agenda. Public input using one of these methods must be received by Tuesday, July 21, 2026 by 2:30 p.m. July 2 & 9, 2026
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, July 23, 2026 for performing work as follows: ANNUAL CAR SHOW PROMOTION AND MANAGEMENT
The City of Pismo Beach (City) is interested in obtaining professional promoter and management services for the privately-organized Car Show event to be held annually on the weekend immediately following Memorial Day in the city of Pismo Beach to ensure a safe, intergenerational, family-oriented car show.
Proposals will only be accepted through the City’s e-Procurement Portal, PlanetBids. Proposals submitted by any other means will be rejected. Visit pismobeach.org/bids to register as a vendor and submit a proposal.
Only those proposals submitted per the City’s proposal requirements found in the Request for Proposals package and signed by an authorized company officer will be considered.
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 Submission Date and Time shown below. 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. The City cannot guarantee that any questions/requests for information submitted within 48 hours of the submittal deadline will be answered prior to the deadline.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK
June 25 & July 2, 2026
COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING
NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing
WHEN Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT A hearing to consider a request by Jason Maurer, MOC IV LLC for a lot line adjustment (N-SUB2026-00001) between three existing parcels of 9.5 acres, 37.80 acres, and 14.66 acres. The adjustment will result in three parcels of 12.70 acres, 35.41 acres, and 13.85 acres The project will not result in the creation of any additional parcels. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural and use category and is located at 5860 Aluffo Road in the Nacimiento Sub Area of the North County Planning Area.
Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the General Rule or Common-Sense Exemption.
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:
Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca. gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Samantha Kinney, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 7/10/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-SUB2026-00001.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.
Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary
Planning Department Hearing
July 2, 2026
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing WHEN Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT A request by Brad Fogel for a Minor Use Permit / Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2025-00010) to allow for the construction of a new approximately 1,896 square foot, single-story, single-family residence with an approximately 495 square foot attached garage, entry porch, new driveway, and support appurtenances. The project will result in the disturbance of the entire approximately 0.07-acre vacant parcel. The proposed project is located within the Residential Single-Family land use category, accessed from Pasadena Drive (APN 038-733-012), within the community of Los Osos. The site is in the Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone.
Also to be considered is the environmental determination. The Environmental Coordinator finds that the previously certified Final Environmental Impact Reports (FEIRs) are adequate for the purposes of compliance with CEQA because no substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revision of the previously certified FEIRs, no substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstance under which the project is undertaken which will require major revision of the previously certified FEIRs, and no new information of substantial importance has been identified which was not known at the time that the previous FEIRs were certified.
County File Number: C-DRC2025-00010 Supervisorial District: District 2
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 038-733-012 Date Accepted: 10/27/2025
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Mason Denning, Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-1298.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 7/10/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2025-00010.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.
COASTAL APPEALABLE
If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).
Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing July 2, 2026
WHAT A request by Lizabeth Maynard for a Minor Use
Number: C-DRC2025-00028 Supervisorial District: District 2 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 023-143-020, -042 Date Accepted: 2/11/2026 WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Monserath CasillasRios, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805- 781-5600.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 7/10/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2025-00028.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this
notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public
COASTAL APPEALABLE If the County approves this project, that
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: We’re halfway through 2026. How are your big projects progressing? tinyurl.com/zzz333xxx333
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe farther down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or tools to reach the deepest layers you aspire to reach. My counsel is to go as far as you can now and gather what you find there. Later, when you’re readier, you will build on what has come before.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): The doom-and-gloom wing of astrology is exhausting. The superstition that Mercury retrograde causes scrambled messages and dire mix-ups is dull and misguided. The planet’s apparent backward motion, which is happening right now, shows up about three times every year like clockwork. It’s perfectly normal! In my view, Mercury retrograde isn’t threatening unless you obsess on the idea that it is, in which case, yes, your payment might go astray, and a friend may misunderstand you. But if cultivating relaxed clarity is more fun and productive for you than coping with fearful tension, treat the time between now and July 23 as a rich opportunity to refine, deepen, and upgrade how you communicate.
GEMINI
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Self-proclaimed “skeptics” love to sneer at astrologers, as if pondering what lies ahead were a violation of scientific purity. And yet economists, sports analysts, trend watchers, and political commentators churn out shaky predictions every day. Honestly, those professionals of probability often create more confusion than those of us who read the heavens. Take weather forecasters, for instance: From Europe to Japan, their models routinely miss sudden floods and twisters and trigger more than a few false alarms. But do the debunkers brand them as charlatans? Of course not. Forgive the outburst, but I’m building to a key foresight: Every forecast, projection, or vision that crosses your path over the next month will miss the mark—except for this one. So free yourself of their meddling.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ethnobotanists describe how certain Indigenous traditions work with “teacher plants.” These are flora that offer not only physical benefits but spiritual instruction. They include psychoactive substances, but also ordinary plants approached with extraordinary attention. In the spirit of reinventing your education, Scorpio, I invite you to expand your understanding of who and what your teachers are. What ordinary elements of your daily life might offer wisdom if you engage them with deep respect? What situations at the edges of your awareness could bring lessons that enrich your perspectives? Now is an excellent time to seek new apprenticeships.
SAGITTARIUS
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing
WHEN Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.
To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT A request by Nipomo Food Basket, Inc. for a Minor Use Permit
(N-DRC2025-00042) to allow a 3,480 square foot food distribution facility. TThe project will result in a ground disturbance of 11, 240 square feet of the .23-acre parcel. The project site is located at 140 Mallagh Street, at the southeast corner of West Tefft Street and Mallagh Street. The project site is located within the Office Professional Land Use Category and within the Central Business District, in the Community of Nipomo. The site is within the South County Inland Sub-Area of the South County Planning Area.
Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.
County File Number: N-DRC2025-00042
Supervisorial District: District 4
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 090-135-018
Date Accepted: 6/6/2026
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:
Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Elizabeth Moreno, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 7/10/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00042.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing. Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing July 2, 2026 COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing WHEN Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
(May 21-June 20): You Gemini readers have decreed that I must halt all musings about maddening, riddle-drenched ambiguity. You’ve delivered the message to me that you’re tired of wrestling with enigmas wrapped in paradoxes. Straightforward, plainspoken factualness is what you want. Well, OK. (Please remember that I don’t make this stuff up; I simply channel cosmic omens.) Maybe I’ll start obeying your orders next time. But first, I will advise you: 1. Unexpected gifts are coming from people and situations in transition. 2. Tough but friendly interventions will nudge you toward healthy course corrections. 3. Mysterious assistance is on its way.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): There are phases when the cosmic energies and I urge you to put others first—even tend to their pain before you tend to your own. But this isn’t one of those times. Right now, sacrificing yourself for the sake of others would obstruct the flow of righteous grace into your life. So then what is the most soul-honoring path available? Here’s what I think: Summon your inventive brilliance and use it to imagine generous ways to care for yourself. Shower yourself with gifts, treats, and blessings that delight you. Take the loving care you so deftly pour into other people and lavish it wholeheartedly on yourself.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): Most fields of human endeavor work like this: A few people are truly brilliant, a handful are actively harmful, and the majority fall somewhere between “not great” and “pretty good.” That’s true whether you’re talking about engineers, doctors, poets, or astrologers. So it’s inadvisable to assume a physician is wise about your well-being just because they’ve logged 15 years on the job, or to trust your life direction to the first astrologer whose promotion catches your eye. In the coming weeks, dear Leo, discernment like this matters even more than usual. Let your natural hopefulness be balanced by sharp, thoughtful judgment. Don’t just challenge obvious authority. Put every so-called fact, spin, assumption, and official line under your own clear-eyed review.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Architects designing spaces for collective use try to balance two human needs: to see expansively and also have safe places to retreat. Too much exposure creates anxiety; too much enclosure brings claustrophobia. The ideal is to provide both shelter and spaciousness. Let’s use this theme as a metaphor for your life during the coming months. You’ll be wise to create an equilibrium between engagement and privacy, between vastness and protection. Make it easy for yourself to observe the larger scene and also withdraw when needed.
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Western science and Western religions may disagree about how the universe began, but both place its birth in the distant past. Tantra and other spiritual paths, by contrast, propose that the universe is born afresh in every instant through the sacred, erotic interplay of God and Goddess. When humans approach lovemaking as an experimental sacrament, these traditions suggest, we can tune in to the union of those primordial forces and, in a sense, take part in the continual creation of existence. So, are you ready for a bit of worldmaking erotic play? The current astrological indicators say yes, you are.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A common obstacle to healthy intimacy is the belief that a beloved ally should automatically know what you need, without you saying a word. I used to suffer from this delusion myself and worked hard to dissolve it. I no longer unconsciously assume that my companions are so attuned to me that they can always intuit my desires. But I know this bad idea feels romantic to many people, even though it can sabotage even the most promising bond. In the weeks ahead, Capricorn, I invite you to starve this fantasy. Your intimate world is ripe for a fresh infusion of lucid, straightforward honesty.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your next few weeks will be sponsored by CoffeeBeer, the paradoxical elixir that both pumps up your energy and decompresses your defenses. You will be an exemplary role model for this innovative product because you will epitomize what occurs when a sensitive soul gets excited and mellows out at the same time. I also expect you will soon be exploring intriguing opportunities that become available to you because of your supercharged calm. Fortunately, you don’t need to drink actual coffee and beer together to make this happen. The cosmic forces will be conspiring to help you.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Finish this sentence, Pisces: “The one thing that really keeps me from being myself is _______.” Is it someone’s opinion, an old story about who you are, a fear of loss, a habit of over-pleasing, a secret shame, or a belief that you’re “too much” or “not enough”? Whatever first pops into your mind is probably closest to the truth. Here’s your next step: Loosen the grip of this stressor by even just 20 percent. I bet your real self will feel relaxed enough to bloom more fully. ∆
