They say, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” But some locals and politicians aren’t sure that’s true when it comes to Diablo Canyon Power Plant, SLO County’s own “devil,” known since 1985. This week, Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal talks with Diablo operator PG&E, a watchdog, and a lawmaker about the Public Utilities Commission ruling ordering PG&E to repay $43 million that ratepayers paid after an avoidable outage in 2021—and the costs of keeping the nuclear power plant open [6]
Also in this issue, read about a troubled bridge over Cayucos water [8]; tender photos of parents and gay adult children [20]; and Cal Poly’s showcase of the latest strawberry-growing technology [27]. Andrea
Rooks associate editor
cover file photo by Steve E. Miller cover design by Alex Zuniga
Utilities Commission ruling forces PG&E to repay $43 million to ratepayers after a 2021 outage that occurred due to inadequate testing.
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Potential tsunami from Russia earthquake misses SLO County
Apowerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake east of Russia’s Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky triggered tsunami advisories for the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts.
The July 29 earthquake off the coast of Russia was the largest in the world since the 2011 magnitude 9 earthquake in Tohoku, Japan.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, at the location of this earthquake, the denser Pacific plate is slipping under the lighter North America plate at a velocity of 80 millimeters per year—making it one of the fastest areas in the world where two tectonic plates are colliding.
San Luis Obispo County, which went on tsunami advisory as soon as the earthquake occurred, experienced relatively little impact.
“One of our concerns was Port San Luis, and they didn’t report any damage,” SLO County Office of Emergency Services coordinator Scott Milner said. “The main concern is abnormal currents. They don’t want people to be dragged around on water.”
Emergency officials had advised residents and the public in coastal areas to stay away from beaches, shorelines, ports and harbors; to not go to the beach to see waves; to avoid entering the water for any reason; and to remain alert for any sudden changes in sea level or strong, unexpected currents.
The county prepared for a tsunami with a potential wave height of 1.7 to 3.2 feet that could have hit around 12:30 a.m. on July 30. SLO County Fire had issued an evacuation warning for parts of Los Osos, but Milner confirmed that no one had to vacate the premises.
He told New Times that wave activity was only slight.
Paso Robles police investigate metal spikes on local roads
Since mid-June, metal spikes have riddled the streets of Paso Robles.
According to Paso Robles City Police Sgt. Steve Boyett, the department has received at least 40 reports of tire damage over the past six weeks after motorists found caltrops, or metal spikes, lodged in their car tires after driving on local roads.
“We didn’t close the beaches because we were never put on a tsunami warning, which is the next level,” he said. “They’re monitoring the tidal gauges and buoys.”
Milner added that Port San Luis experienced sea surface elevation of 1.5 feet above its normal expected tidal level. The maximum recorded elevation at Port San Luis took place at 2:14 a.m. when the sea surface level rose to 2.7 feet.
For a tsunami advisory to be lifted, the sea surface elevation must drop below 1 foot and should stay that way for at least three hours, Milner said. The tsunami advisory was lifted for
police now have a couple of leads, but the motive behind the case remains a mystery as reports continue to file in—the most recent two occurring on July 28.
According to Boyett, police haven’t identified any one targeted area.
SLO County around 1:30 p.m. on July 30.
The advisory was still in place for Santa Barbara County, as of 2 p.m. July 30, because that area is farther south than SLO, Milner said. Stay up to date on the advisory and preparedness by checking ReadySLO.org and prepareslo.org/en/ tsunami.aspx. Community members can also check the county Instagram page @countyofslo and the Office of Emergency Services X feed @slocountyoes. “It’s been over 10 years since we last had a tsunami advisory, so it’s been quite a while,” he said. ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
roads, forcing customers to come in for repairs.
For now, the Paso Robles police department is asking drivers to be vigilant of their surroundings when driving in the area and to report any damage, if necessary, as the active investigation continues.
We
Our
“This seems to be a new trend. I haven’t seen this in Paso,” Boyett said. “Doesn’t mean that it never happened, but I don’t ever recall dealing with this— definitely not to this magnitude.”
Police warned the public of the issue on July 22, offering a $1,000 reward for any information that would lead to an arrest for the case.
According to the department, the spikes had started to affect emergency services, disabling an ambulance responding to a call earlier this month and requiring a second ambulance to step in.
“In another case that same evening, a tow truck assisting a stranded motorist whose vehicle had been disabled by a caltrop, was itself rendered inoperable by the same type of device,” the department stated in a press release.
As if about a week later, Boyett told New Times,
“It’s in the public roadway. So whoever’s doing this, they’re dispersing them in the public roadway, which indiscriminately victimizes several people,” he said. “We are unsure right now of motive, whether it’s targeted or whether it’s by chance, and these other victims are innocent bystanders in a case.”
The most recent vandalisms happened primarily along Creston Road and the Riverside and Black Oak areas.
This type of vandalism isn’t unique to the Paso Robles area, though, and has been happening more often in other areas of the country.
On July 22, a man in White City, Utah, was arrested for allegedly placing handmade tire spikes throughout his neighborhood roads, also damaging neighbors’ tires, according to KSL News reporting.
NPR has also been hot on the trend’s trail, reporting on July 27 of a scam in Colombia where car shops were allegedly placing spikes on local
Drivers who have been affected are encouraged to file a report by calling the Paso Robles Police Department or by submitting an online report at prcity.com/671/File-a-Police-Report.
Anonymous tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers by calling its 24-hour hotline at 801-549STOP, or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
—Libbey Hanson
San Miguel CSD again discusses dissolving
Dissolving the San Miguel Community Services District (CSD) was a hot topic once again at its most recent meeting , three months after board members previously claimed they wouldn’t speak any further about the matter.
According to the meeting’s agenda, board members John Green and Owen Davis proposed that the board revisit the topic on July 24 after receiving
ON ALERT The California Department of Conservation’s map, available at conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps/san-luisobispo, showed the areas under tsunami advisory after the July 29 earthquake off the coast of Russia. The advisory was lifted for SLO County around 1:30 p.m. on July 30.
a letter from resident Gregory Campbell requesting that the district be dissolved and turn its services over to the county.
In addition, the board members requested that staff form an ad hoc committee to review options for dissolving.
But not all the board agreed the topic should have been up for discussion again.
At the July 24 meeting, board member Rod Smiley asked why one letter would suddenly place such a big topic on the agenda again.
“I don’t believe the public wants to do away with our district,” he said.
Board member Green countered, “If anybody in this community has a concern— something they want addressed that’s under the purview of the CSD—I think we should honor it. Which way we go with it is entirely up to the public.”
This is the second time the board has discussed dissolving this year, after resident Campbell’s letter inspired the first discussion on April 17. There, District Manager Kelly Dodds told the board the cons of dissolving outweighed the pros. Amid this discussion and public opposition, eventually, the board decided to quash the idea and iterated it wouldn’t revisit the topic.
But resident Campbell wasn’t ready to give up on that fight so easily.
At the July 24 meeting he told the board, “Let me give you a little clarification on the history of the San Miguel Community Services District. One person started this district. It was me.”
According to Campbell, he had started the petition back in 2000 to make San Miguel its own community services district. But times have since changed, he said.
“We have a federal government that doesn’t like California. We’ve thrown our politics in their face for a long time, and they are getting even with us. They are taking away our money,” he said. “The state is broke. The county is broke. I don’t want to be sitting here when we have a broke CSD.”
But public commenters that night disagreed.
One asked, “Why do we want to dissolve something that’s working?”
Another said that being its own services district brings the community together.
“These little, small institutions are what makes that happen,” she said, among claps from the audience.
Eventually, the board ended the discussion without advising staff on forming an ad hoc committee, and District Manager Dodds told New Times via email that staff has since not received any instruction.
damages, alleging that two landslides that took place in 2019 and 2023 happened because the city neglected to maintain the property.
“The city knew or should have known that Lot 169 was susceptible to slope failures and landslides, including without limitation because of the man-made improvements on the lot—e.g., access road, quarry, staging area, hiking trails—and Lot 169’s subsurface conditions—e.g., rodent burrows and desiccation cracks,” Righetti’s lawsuit said. “As such, soil conditions in those areas have significantly deteriorated.”
The litigation arrived a month after SLO slapped Righetti with a lawsuit for trespassing, nuisance, and negligence.
The city lawsuit added that the company covered up landslide damage without proper authorization.
The lawsuits focus on a 328-lot residential Righetti Ranch development on Orcutt Road, specifically, lots 161 and 169. Righetti gave lot 161 to the city as a permanent gift or “in fee” to be used as public open space. SLO City Council’s approval of the final map for the project in 2017 required the dedication of that lot.
Righetti asserted in its lawsuit that it’s never been responsible for maintaining the two lots, barring a 10-foot-wide drainage easement that the company, and now the homeowner’s association, must take care of.
Drawing from the Orcutt Area Specific Plan, Righetti said that the city is to blame.
According to the plan, SLO must manage the dedicated Righetti Hill portion in line with city standards for open space areas.
“The top priority is ‘avoidance of threats to public health and safety, such as ground instability,’” the Righetti lawsuit said. “The plan further provides that the ‘city will monitor its open space holdings often enough for timely discovery and response to problems such as substantial hazards.’”
The lawsuit added that water accumulated in lot 169’s staging area after heavy rainfall in 2019. Rodent burrowing and cracks in the area caused large amounts of water to infiltrate the hillside and made the slope unstable. Eventually, a mudslide moved downhill from lot 169 into lot 161.
Similar conditions in lot 169 resulted in another landslide in 2023. Unlike the 2019 failure, the lawsuit said, the 2023 failure and slide remained entirely within lot 169. It didn’t creep into lot 161.
Act now! Send any news or story tips to news@newtimesslo.com.
“The board did not directly request to staff to create an ad hoc committee to dissolve the district,” he said. “Unfortunately, clear direction was not given to staff on this item.”
New Times contacted CSD Board President Ashley Sangster for clarification but did not receive a response before publication.
—Libbey Hanson
Righetti sues SLO for causing landslides in open space area
The Righetti company shot back at the city of San Luis Obispo’s claims of triggering landslides in the Righetti Hill open space with a lawsuit of its own.
In May, Righetti NC LLC sued the city for
“Specifically, the city’s failure to maintain Lot 169 twice caused slope failures and landslides that have resulted in considerable damage to Righetti, requiring it to incur significant expense to remedy the downhill problems created by the city’s failures,” the lawsuit said.
Righetti allegedly spent $152,219 to remove debris caused by the slide in 2019 and $200,977 to make emergency repairs in 2023.
The city reportedly rejected Righetti’s claim for the 2023 expenses.
Righetti hopes for damages in the amount of $353,196 from the city.
“Nothing has changed about the city’s fundamental position as expressed when we last discussed it—the city’s position is that the cause of the slides is Righetti’s work and faulty repair that destabilized the hillside and that there is no failure of city maintenance or other wrongful conduct related to the slides,” SLO attorney Christine Dietrick told New Times A case management conference is scheduled for Oct. 20. ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Delayed pay
PG&E must pay back $43 million to customers for 2021 forced outage, critics worry about future costs
Four years after an alleged mismanaged forced outage of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the California Public Utilities Commission ordered Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to return $43.2 million in replacement power costs paid by ratepayers.
“The first disallowance is for forced outage four at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, which PG&E failed to prevent by failing to manage vibrations from the Unit 2 generator,” the commission said in its June 26 decision.
The aging Diablo Canyon’s second unit has a history of vibrations. With $130 million from the commission, PG&E replaced the main generator in the unit in 2019.
Six forced outages took place over the next two years. While the commission believed PG&E acted “prudently” during five of them, it stated that the fourth outage that occurred from Feb. 2 to March 1, 2021, happened because of inadequate testing.
After three forced outages, both PG&E and Siemens—the successor to Westinghouse, which constructed Diablo Canyon, contracted by the utility—reportedly didn’t properly inspect building bolts and test for modal frequency. That’s the natural frequency at which Diablo Canyon’s Unit 2 generator will vibrate when disturbed.
“It was only after the testing during forced outage four that PG&E ameliorated the causes of the excess vibrations and high frequencies,” the commission said. “During outage four, PG&E installed additional vibration sensors and conducted material analysis to prevent additional outages resulting from the same cause.”
PG&E spokesperson Carina Corral told New Times in a prepared statement that the utility is disappointed by the commission’s decision.
“We are confident we have taken the right steps to ensure safe and reliable operation of Diablo Canyon to support overall grid reliability and provide electricity to 4 million Californians,” she said in a prepared statement.
But PG&E customers won’t see the $43.2 million reimbursement immediately.
Corral said that using shareholder funds, the money will be folded into PG&E’s 2026 rates in January—this means customers won’t receive a check in the mail or see the reimbursement as a line item on their bills.
Customer rates will depend on each person’s specific electricity usage.
Corral added that PG&E proactively takes steps to ensure long-term safety at Diablo Canyon by monitoring operations after work is performed.
“The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continually inspects and certifies the facility, ensuring it is operating to the highest safety standards,” Corral said.
“Time and time again, these inspectors have determined that the plant is safe to operate, and the NRC’s assessments have placed it among the highest performing plants in the nation.”
The commission’s decision noted that PG&E attributed the first four forced outages to bore rings loosened by vibrations from the generator. Described as a latent defect, PG&E claimed that it couldn’t have detected the problem through on-site supervision.
The fifth forced outage was a result of incorrect installation of two hoses inside the Unit 2 main generator. Siemens faced staffing issues when fixing the problem because the outage took place a month into the COVID-19 shelter in place orders.
The sixth forced outage went undisputed and was caused by a malfunctioning feedwater heater tube. It was unrelated to the Unit 2 generator, according to the commission decision.
Watchdog group Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility (A4NR) believes that PG&E should be held responsible for the first three outages that took place over 2020-21.
“A4NR does not contest the actions PG&E took after the vibrations shut down the Unit 2 generator but urges the commission to reject PG&E’s assertion that it could not have anticipated the vibrations,” the decision said.
A4NR Executive Director David Weisman told New Times that during 2020-21, the failure of the replacement generator in Unit 2 led to 149 days of unplanned outages.
“During that half a year, PG&E had to buy
replacement power from some other vendor to make up the loss of power from Diablo,” he said. “They wanted to charge the ratepayers for that. We then stepped in and said, ‘We think you messed this up and we shouldn’t be on the hook for it.’”
But Weisman’s primary worry is Senate Bill 846— the state legislation that details extending Diablo Canyon’s life beyond its 2025 expiration date— allowing PG&E to charge ratepayers up to $300 million for accidents related to keeping the plant open.
According to the bill, customers pay $12.5 million for each of the two Diablo Canyon units into the Diablo Canyon extended operations liquidated damages balancing account every month until it reaches $300 million.
Customers will pay into that balancing account again if PG&E taps into that money to cover mishaps like future unplanned power outages at Diablo Canyon. Since SB 846 was signed into law in 2022, PG&E can’t use the account money for the 2021 outages.
Weisman criticized state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) for supporting the legislation.
“If you care about ratepayers, if you care about affordability, how do you build a $300 million get-out-of-jail-free card into this?” he said.
Laird told New Times that he believes some items in SB 846 have not been “satisfactorily addressed.”
He pointed to the taxpayer and ratepayer burdens stemming from the $300 million loaned to PG&E, the pending results of the embrittlement tests on the Unit 1 reactor, and PG&E’s incomplete application to the California Coastal Commission for the extension of operations.
“I will continue to press for the full implementation of SB 846 and a satisfactory outcome to these issues, which protects the state’s energy supply, the safety of the plant operations for employees and Central Coast residents, the coastal land and wildlife that surrounds the plant,” Laird said, “as well as fiscal protections for California ratepayers and taxpayers, and the county of San Luis Obispo.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
VIBRATION CONTROL Circled in yellow are black blocks of steel bolted to the side of Diablo Canyon’s main generator. They’re remedies to the loosened bolts that needed tightening, which ultimately resulted in forced outages in 2021.
Attention local singers, songwriters, musicians, & bands...
Become a legendary New Times Music Award (NTMA) recipient!
Enter to win amazing prizes including a custom NTMA Newtie, your name/band name on all NTMA merch, and a performing spot at the New Times Music Awards and Showcase at SLO Brew Rock on Friday, November 21, 2025.
GENERAL RULES
Entries must be received between Thursday, July 24, 2025 and Monday, August 11, 2025 by 5 p.m. to be considered for the 2025 New Times Music Awards (NTMA).
• $20 entry fee for each song, songwriter, and album entry.
Enter 2 songs and get the 3rd FREE.
Participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs (10 genre category, 3 songwriting category) and 1 album.
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS Fill out the entry form, upload songs, and pay for your entries with a credit card at NewTimesSLO.com. Best Album entries must be entered in person or by mail.
If you wish to pay with cash or check, you may drop off your entries at either the New Times or Sun offices. Bring your music entries on a CD or USB drive along with your completed entry form. Checks should be made payable to “New Times.”
All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County.
All entrants must be able to play at the showcase event at SLO Brew Rock in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Nov. 21, 2024.
All entrants under 18 years of age must select the Youth category and must have a parent or guardian sign the entry form. By entering the contest, all entrants give permission to New Times Media Group to reproduce submissions on compact disc and on the web. All entries remain the property of performers.
New Times Music Awards is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, or late entries.
The top 3 songs in each category need to provide high-quality versions of their songs (16 Bit, 44.1 Sample Rate).
Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one contact name only on entry form.
• Winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges.
• Songs will be judged on overall performance.
• Live performers will share the ‘Back Line.’ Check NewTimesSLO.com or contact NTMA@NewTimesSLO.com for more information.
The New Times Music Awards Showcase and Competition is an all-ages show. Performers agree to eliminate explicit lyrics during their performance.
GENRE CATEGORIES
The Youth category is for musicians entering music who are under the age of 21 as of July 24, 2025.
The Open genre includes reggae, world beat, jazz, classical, new age, electronic, etc. Each song submission must have a genre selected. If nothing is selected, the song will go into the Open genre.
If judges determine a song to be a better fit with a different genre category than what was originally submitted, they reserve the right to recategorize it.
SONGWRITER CATEGORY
You may enter up to 3 songs in the Songwriting genre, which is being judged separately.
• Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry.
ALBUM CATEGORY
• Albums must have been released between November 21, 2024 and July 24, 2025 to be eligible. Please deliver a hard copy to either the New Times or Sun office along with a completed entry form by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 for consideration.
The entire presentation will be judged, including quality of songs, sound, and packaging.
• Only 1 album per entrant total.
SCAN TO ENTER
ARTIST NAME
NAME OF PERFORMING ARTIST(S) EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD APPEAR ON CD (BAND NAME, STAGE NAME, ETC.)
SONG ENTRY BY GENRE
ENTER UP TO 10 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED
SONG TITLE
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PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX PER SONG TITLE TO INDICATE SONG GENRE: Rock/Alternative County/Americana/Folk R&B/Blues Hip-Hop/Rap Youth Jazz Cover*
Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song
SONGWRITER ENTRY
ENTER UP TO 3 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED
Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry
SONG TITLE
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BEST ALBUM
ENTRY
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ALBUM TITLE
Enter Best Album by mail or drop off at New Times or Sun office
LOCAL LEGEND AWARD NOMINEE
The Local Legend Award recognizes an individual or group who has contributed to help enrich, support, and further music’s reach in our community; someone whose ideas, inspiration, and dedication to this art scene have helped nurture and grow the music scene—whether it’s bringing new sounds to the area or giving people the tools they need to create their own. We would love your input! Please use this space to nominate an individual, group, or organization you feel should be considered for this award:
I certify that I am the writer or co-writer of the song(s) or lyrics submitted. *Except for Cover Genre. I also certify that I have read, understood, and accept the rules and regulations of the New Times Music Awards. If entrant is under 18 years old, the signature of a parent or guardian is required.
TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES (14 MAX POSSIBLE) _____________ x $20 = $ PAYMENT ENCLOSED
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS, BUT YOU MAY ALSO MAIL OR DROP OFF SUBMISSIONS AT EITHER OF OUR OFFICES BEST
BY LIBBEY HANSON
Crossing bridges
residents ask the county to reopen Cabrillo Bridge to golf cart users as local transportation trends change
For being 50-feet long, Cabrillo Bridge has created miles of issues as local transportation methods evolve in Cayucos.
The bridge, just between the CayucosMorro Bay Cemetery and water treatment plant, was built in 1987 with the intention of providing pedestrians and bike riders a safe route from the north end of town to the south. But, according to local golf cart drivers, they’ve also used the bridge for the past 15 years—that is until March, when San Luis Obispo County installed two bollards on each side of the bridge, preventing lowspeed vehicles from crossing.
That’s when Bob and Susie Lily, retired Cayucos residents and low-speed vehicle operators—not to be confused with a golf cart—created the Cayucos Bridge Committee and a petition demanding that the county remove the bollards and allow the cart community to pass through. Since June, they’ve received more than 400 signatures.
“When you start looking around, you see a lot of older people on carts in our community. Cayucos has kind of become a cart community,” Bob told New Times, standing behind his small electric vehicle at the cemetery. “There’s no surface road that connects the town together. I mean, if you think about all towns, there’s always surface roads. You can get from one end of town to the other without getting on a freeway.”
A primary driver of the petition is the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as some residents claim the bollards violate the law since golf carts are considered a mobility device.
Bob referred to a July 12 letter submitted to the county. In it, a Cayucos resident said she had used the bridge to drive her golf cart into town as a disabled senior caring for a disabled adult child.
“I have lost access to town and basic services including food, water, and medicine when I am unable to drive a vehicle at certain times due to the closure of the path and my disability,” the letter read.
Bob told New Times that when they started the committee and petition, they had no idea of the impact the bridge had on the disabled community, alongside other users like himself who want to avoid the highway.
SLO County 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson said he’s no attorney but doesn’t believe any ADA laws were violated in this case. He added that he’s been tackling the challenge of finding solutions for the perturbed small-vehicle operators.
Gibson told New Times that the bridge was always intended to have the three bollards on each side, since the it was built to prevent vehicles from entering. Years ago, however, the bollards happened to go missing, allowing golf carts to get through, enabling the bridge to become a normal route for the drivers.
“That may have happened a long time ago,”
he said, “and as the popularity of golf carts essentially rose in the community, we started to see golf carts using that bridge in increasing numbers, and I totally understand that.”
But throughout the years, Gibson said the county received complaints about vehicles that can reach 25 miles per hour.
“The problem is that the bridge is not authorized for use by motor vehicles, and there happened to be one, or maybe more, interactions between golf carts and pedestrians, and county staff that work at the water treatment plant had observed some of this that raised the concerns of folks in the county,” he said. “They came out and realized that the bollards were missing, and so they put the bollards back in.”
Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery District Manager Dale Guerra said he’s seen these disruptions firsthand on the cemetery’s side of the bridge, starting in 2013 when bollards were removed and thrown into the Cayucos Creek below.
“We put them back twice, and then we couldn’t find them all. We only found one of them and put one of them back in,” he said.
Since then, and especially within the past year and a half, Guerra said golf cart and low-speed vehicle traffic has increased to near constant, some of which have caused damage to the cemetery property.
“There’s been some bad eggs, like any other public place. There’s been some bad people that are speeding, and they go out into the dirt area and spin doughnuts. But you know, most of them are good,” he said.
Guerra noted that e-bikes in particular hit higher speeds.
“They drive fast. I didn’t realize how fast those e-bikes are. … They come through here—holy moly,” he said. “But they’ve really slowed down since those bollards have got put in. They’re not going as fast anymore.”
Supervisor Gibson said e-bikes are another “gray area” to consider when it comes to crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
“I think that’s an emerging question right now. I think in state and local governments, e-bikes are considered bicycles,” he said. “But of course, you know, then there’s details there. There are different classes of e-bikes, different maximum speeds that they end up going, and I think there’s a legitimate question of safety.”
Gibson said there’s little he can do about the structural ability of the bridge, since it was built to hold only pedestrians and bikes, although he said that he can look at alternative options.
“It certainly would be quite reasonable to provide a connection between the south end of town and the north end of town because right now, the only road connection that goes through the two, connects the two ends of town, is a piece of Highway 1 that’s actually a freeway,” he said. “And for these low-speed electric vehicles, that’s clearly not a great idea to get those out in that. In fact, I don’t think they’re legal on the freeways.”
The discussion about the bridge’s future starts the week of July 28, Gibson said, where he hopes that he, the Cayucos Bridge Committee, and SLO County Public Works can start forming some type of agreement—although that could take months or years.
“That’s just the reality of the situation,” he said. “There’s a number of issues there, both structural and liability wise. You know, when we designate a class-one trail [for] bike and pedestrians, that gives the county certain protections, and we are under state statute, and we are meant to operate that trail for bikes … and pedestrians,” he said, “and so we really, at this point, can’t allow carts on it.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
MIND THE BRIDGE Six bollards, three on each end of Cayucos’ Cabrillo Bridge, block golf carts and low-speed vehicles from crossing. Claiming to have used the bridge for years, the Cayucos Bridge Committee has created a petition, asking the county to remove the bollards so people can access town without having to use the highway.
PHOTO BY LIBBEY HANSON
True grit
During his first year of high school, Erid Garcia and his older sister would catch the 6 a.m. bus from San Miguel to Paso Robles each morning, then they’d walk another hour to Paso Robles High School.
“Due to financial problems, there was no way to have adequate transportation,” Garcia said. “That kind of just followed us my entire freshman year … and that kind of shaped my entire high school experience.”
Now a high school graduate accepted into Cal Poly’s biomedical engineering program, Garcia is also a recipient of nonprofit Vineyard Team’s Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship—a scholarship awarded to children of vineyard and agriculture workers that exemplify hard work and grit.
Garcia said that throughout his time in high school he would slowly increase his workload year by year, taking more difficult classes to challenge himself.
“I decided in senior year to take as many AP [courses] as I possibly could, while also volunteering,” he said. “My high school experience, it was kind of me trying to find something to do.”
Being deaf in one ear, Garcia said he considered studying in the biomedical field as a way he could make a difference.
“In my right ear, I’m deaf. I’ve always just wondered what I could do with that, and I wrote a version of my college essay about that,” he said. “I was thinking about it, about who helps people like me to have a standing in life when it comes to disabilities.”
He said he thought of cochlear implants used to negate deafness.
“I kind of spiraled into, like, what if I could do something like that? What if I can fix myself in terms of disabilities and help other people in the process?” he said.
So he applied and was accepted into Cal Poly’s biomedical engineering program, with ambitions of studying premed as well.
Being a first-generation college student, Garcia said he is nervous for college. He worries if he will be able to handle the pressure and the higher stakes.
oriented, who works hard in school, who gives back,” she said. “Erid’s such a great example of that, right? Super sharp person, great grades, has a game plan for his career.”
The Juan Nevarez Scholarship is awarded to roughly six new students per year and is open to any students of vineyard-working parents, although first generation students are prioritized. The scholarship is also open to students attending two-year colleges like Cuesta College, or technical schools with an award of $2,000 per academic year.
Send business and nonprofit information to strokes@newtimesslo.com.
The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship not only will support him financially—$4,000 per academic year up to five years—but also provide him with a designated mentor throughout his college years.
Vineyard Team Executive Director Beth Vukmanic said the scholarship has been around for about 10 years, honoring Juan Navarez, who moved to the Central Coast from Mexico in 1977. Working in the wine industry, Nevarez invested in his education and was eventually able to establish a vineyard management company and his own 80-acre vineyard.
“When we look at the scholars and how we’re selecting them, you know, we always talk about the essence of Juan Nevarez. So somebody who has grit, who’s community-
“I always had the unconscious fear of wondering if I’d be able to do it, but then I would think about it and I would dwell on the fact that I’ve already challenged myself. Like I said, in high school, I’ve always tried to do harder things and just hope for the better,” Garcia said. “I do hope to get my master’s degree in biomedical engineering, because I feel like it’d be cool to be the first person in my family to get a master’s degree in engineering.”
Fast fact
• Woods Humane Society will offer local pet parents access to four free pet vaccination clinics at both its San Luis Obispo and Atascadero locations on Aug. 2 and 16 and Sept. 6 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free vaccines are made possible through Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative, Vaccinated and Loved, which is providing an additional 1 million free pet vaccines to existing animal welfare partners for family pets in need. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
FIRST GEN Erid Garcia received the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship for exemplifying grit and hard work in his high school years. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. to catch a bus from San Miguel to Paso Robles, then walking an hour to Paso Robles High School, Garcia earned good grades and is now accepted into Cal Poly’s bioengineering program.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH VUKMANIC
Lipstick on a pig
You can dress up the offshore wind industry as being good for California, but it’s still industrialization of our ports
Now don’t misunderstand me ... I love piggies (especially the little baby oinkers) as much as anyone, but you have to admit, the phrase “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig” is really apropos when it comes to the offshore wind industry and its efforts to bamboozle the public into believing that it’s good for the economy, totally benign for the environment, and will be California’s answer to its future energy needs. There have been countless instances of this “adorning of the beast” in the past in the form of industry dog and pony shows and bought-off NGOs railing on the necessity of the technology to save us from climate change (bull pucky!), not to mention our governor himself, who has made offshore wind proliferation in California his pet (yes, he does seem to like projects rather beastly in nature) project.
The streets of SLO
Traffic and transportation experts of San Luis Obispo have discovered numerous ways to upgrade streetwear, signage, and maneuverability. But so much more could be done. In addition to the many “humps” drivers happily encounter, could we consider adding taller humps and call them bumps? To further the concept of street gauntlets, perhaps roads could be decorated with gutters, gullies, dips, divots, outcroppings, and carbuncles. For the sake of creative expression, let’s increase the length of stoplights beyond their current wait time. During this extended pause, one could compose a second novel or conduct a search on Google: “The Meaning of Life as it Relates to Patience and Lost Opportunities.” Please do not think of the fuel being consumed
But recently I have been noticing the efforts by local politicians to skirt the real issues that offshore wind presents, disavowing themselves as longtime proponents of offshore wind in our state, and telling the public that nothing is decided, nothing is clear, that it’s all just up in the air ... painting the ugly face of port industrialization with not just a nice rosy hue of lipstick but going just that one step further by adding a nice foundation of concealing powder and goo. County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz Legg happens to be one of the first public issue cosmetologists that comes to mind (she’s been taking lessons from the folks at the Pacific Offshore Wind Conference yearly).
Just recently, in an AVAC (Avila Valley Advisory Council) meeting, the issue of the pending industrial marine terminal was being brought up, and folks were apprised
and pollution being emitted during your wait. Trust you are being taught a life lesson and contributing to “the slow” in SLO life. It may be time to consider adding designated lanes for skateboarders and those who gad about on electric scooters. Colorcoded and coordinated pathways should eliminate any confusion as to which route to take. To complement “off-sidewalk” curbs, planters and barriers, engineers might design and install soft-glow recessed, mood curb lighting. Might they add figures holding up catchy signs like “Slow Your Roll” or “Adults at Play.” Hefty concrete plinths, with statues of city planners, might add to curb appeal. The geometry and overwrought composition of lines, stripes, arrows, chevrons, and traffic icons might be enhanced, made more relevant,
of not just the cosmetic changes to their community but the traffic, economic, environmental, and safety impacts that they would be experiencing. At the end of the meeting she demurred holding the position that it had nothing to do with all the folks at AVAC and the community they represent, and that it was nothing to be concerned about and that studies were in process. Not once have I ever heard her be transparent enough to affirm her definite position as a longtime supporter and active proponent of the industry, and that she is catering to a handful of union workers who will get good-paying, temporary jobs constructing an industrial port. She is not sufficiently representing the community as a whole; instead, she is adeptly painting the pig and sidestepping her role as a responsible leader in the process.
It’s about time the communities of Avila and Port San Luis realize the misrepresentation they have unwittingly been part of. It is time for their community to inform themselves and find out what having an industrial port in their small community will do to everyone for decades to come. Look
by painting emojis on street surfaces—the ubiquitous smiley face, winged hearts, kiss imprints—designed to generate positive vibes for “The Happiest Town in America” as citizens slowly traverse its domain.
To generate revenue, the idea of treating the street like a horizontal billboard seems to be a fiscally wise investment. Examples of such street advertisements might include: Lincoln Deli Three Blocks Ahead, Scout Coffee Award-Winning Establishment Just Ahead, Passing Skyline Tattoo Studio. Could local authors have the covers of recently published books painted on the road, or would that be a form of roadkill?
Those who monitor parking meters and pay stations could take a lesson from the Coinstar system and install scoops so
it up online ... industrial offshore wind ports ain’t pretty, no matter how much paint and powder you put on ’em.
Do yourselves a favor, check out the REACT Alliance website (reactalliance.org) and investigate on your own. What is under all the hype and lipstick is appalling! It’s time to strip the deceptive makeup off the pig and realize what Dawn is selling is only a pig that’s been adeptly sold to the public to embrace.
It’s as simple as this—a beautiful, vibrant, and healthy home is what we all really want, and offshore wind has no place in that picture (even if the pig smiles real pretty at the camera).
P.S. My sincerest apologies to my porcine friends. I hope you will forgive me for referring to you in such unlovely ways. It was done in the spirit of making a most valid point. Alas. It could be that in the final analysis, you are the better of our two species. ∆
Mandy Davis, president of REACT Alliance, writes to New Times from Los Osos. Send a response for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.
consumers can throw in forty coins at once, rather than tediously inserting them one by one in the narrow coin slot.
Roundabouts where two streets intersect, with stop signs installed on all four corners are—it is fair to say—a partial nod to how roundabouts are designed and work in other countries. Stop rather than yield … since that is the modus operandi, why have a roundabout at all? Or are those miniature circle islands another way to clutter the path taken and impede people who are simply trying to navigate the good life. Distracted driving takes many forms. Have SLO city planners avoided this pothole or have they fallen into it?
Al Schnupp San Luis Obispo
HODIN
Russell Hodin
BY JOHN DONEGAN
A lasting impression
Arecurring gag in the old Peanuts comic strip had Lucy holding a football and asking Charlie Brown to kick it. And every time he tried, she would trick him and pull the ball away at the last second. And after Charlie Brown resolved that he would never fall for that trick again, she would again trick him into falling for it. Trump and you Democrats are like that. He baits and provokes you, and you predictably “fall for it” and react with yet another emotionally driven, tone-deaf outburst that demonstrates that you are utterly oblivious to the optics of your antics. Previously, Trump unleashed Elon Musk and his tech bros in a guerrilla audit of federal agencies, revealing a number of bizarre disbursements made overseas to advance outlier causes like the transgender agenda. Democrats shrieked that “you’re not allowed to look there!” but most voters were unmoved. You ended up reinforcing your existing reputation as reckless spenders. Then, you Democrats fought Trump over his efforts to deport the criminals and gang members admitted by the feckless Biden administration. Your usual media allies, unable to resist the allure of more clicks from alarmist reporting, thoughtfully published plenty of pictures of scary, heavily tattooed, dead-eyed gang members. While you fussed about procedural due process, the public just wondered, “Why are the Democrats so eager to keep these scary characters in the U.S.?”
To most voters, “due process” just means that the innocent aren’t punished, not that illegals be given free lawyers and allowed to spend years in the country while their frivolous asylum claims are litigated at taxpayer expense. Lauding a judge who helped an illegal charged with a violent attack, escape from immigration officers didn’t help your image.
Following that was a week of violent rioting in LA over the ICE deportations, and Trump’s efforts to carry out his winning campaign promise to stop illegal immigration. Despite media images of burning cars and rioters waving the Mexican flag, looted stores, injured cops, and chaos, the Democratic response was to complain that the violence was somehow caused by the National Guard guarding federal officers and buildings. In an impressive display of “performative victimization,” a Democratic senator crashed and disrupted an administration press conference, and got his intended reaction when he was dragged out of the room by security.
Following that, we had your “No Kings” rallies around the country, in which True Believers showed up to prove how much they hate Trump, as if there was ever any doubt. At the Salt Lake City rally, a demonstrator was shot and killed by an ironically named armed “safety monitor” who was shooting at another demonstrator who was brandishing an assault rifle. A shoot-out between “mostly
peaceful demonstrators” is not a good look for a party trying hard to depict itself as containing the people who can responsibly run the country.
To be fair, sometimes it seems like Trump baits you with crazy stuff just to get a rise out of you. For example, the Democratic hysterics over the silly talk of seizing Canada and Greenland. Or the liberal media uproar on June 2 when Trump reposted a wild conspiracy theory describing how Joe Biden had been executed in 2020, and replaced with a robotic clone. What was amusing was the headline in USA Today in which the writer felt that it was necessary to clarify that it was a “false” report, and to reassure readers that Biden had not actually been executed and replaced with a robot. Really? It would explain so much.
You have succeeded in further reinforcing your images as both soft on crime and supportive of illegal immigration, as well as being profligate spenders. There is nothing that the Republicans could have said that would have more effectively delivered that message. The fact that you can turn out large crowds of progressives on campus and at your rallies means little. You are further losing the moderate middle that you need to win.
The impressions that you are now making in the public mind will plague your party for a long time. Recall that the rioting and theatrics of the left not only helped Nixon
win in 1968, but gave him an overwhelming reelection victory in 1972, in which he won 49 of 50 states. And the impression endured. Consider that between the years 1968 to 1992, there was only one Democratic presidential term, to five Republican terms. Like the elephant mascot of the Republican party, voters have long memories. You Democrats have been directing your political theater at a relatively small pool of True Believers, not the larger electorate. If you are smart, you will be less self-indulgent and stop “falling for it” by instinctively reacting to Trump like yapping Pavlovian pooches. ∆
John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach. Tired of being tricked, he eventually just bought himself a kicking tee. Send a response for publication to lettes@ newtimesslo.com.
Most of the time, when I flip a light switch, I don’t give it a second thought. I certainly don’t think about Diablo Canyon Power Plant out there on our coastline, splitting atoms and heating water and turning turbines that generate the power that makes my light switch work. Unless, of course, Diablo is in the news, which it is a lot.
The kerfuffle du jour is that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decided one of the plant’s forced outages was the result of Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) inadequate testing and hence shouldn’t have been necessary and ratepayers shouldn’t have to cover the $43.2 million PG&E spent to buy replacement electricity. CPUC has ordered PG&E to return the $43.2 million to ratepayers.
Of course, PG&E no likey! Spokesperson Carina Corral told New Times in a prepared statement, “We are confident we have taken the right steps to ensure safe and reliable operation of Diablo Canyon to support overall grid reliability and provide electricity to 4 million Californians.”
Maybe I’m bad at math, but $43.2 million divided by 4 million ratepayers is $10.80 each, right? I mean, I’ll take it, but will I feel it?
Corral said the money will be folded into PG&E’s 2026 rates in January. In other words, you’re probably not going to notice the refund.
If watchdog group Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility (A4NR) had its way, you’d
get more cash back. It believes PG&E should be held responsible for three forced outages.
A4NR Executive
Director David Weisman told New Times that during 2020-21, replacement generator failure in Unit 2 led to 149 days of unplanned outages.
“During that half a year, PG&E had to buy replacement power from some other vendor to make up the loss of power from Diablo,” Weisman said. “They wanted to charge the ratepayers for that. We then stepped in and said, ‘We think you messed this up and we shouldn’t be on the hook for it.’”
Probably not gonna happen …
A4NR is also none too happy about Senate Bill 846 —the state legislation detailing Diablo Canyon’s extension beyond 2025. The bill allows PG&E to charge ratepayers up to $300 million for accidents related to keeping the plant open.
Weisman criticized state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) for supporting the legislation: “If you care about ratepayers, if you care about affordability, how do you build a $300 million get-out-of-jail-free card into this?”
Sheesh! Can we just put solar panels on every suitable roof and get on with it?
This week’s installment of litigation nation features the city of San Luis Obispo versus Righetti Ranch (Righetti NC LLC), who are playing hot potato on the costs associated
with landslides in the Righetti Hill open space. In April, the city sued Righetti for landslides, arguing that Righetti didn’t follow a requirement to install a drainage easement and their grading of surroundings lots led to the problems.
Now Righetti is suing the city for damages, accusing the city of neglecting maintenance of two lots dedicated to the city, which resulted in landslides. Righetti claimed it spent $152,219 in 2019 to remove the debris caused by slope failure and an additional $200,977 in 2023 to make emergency repairs on another lot to avert further failures. The lawsuit demands damages to the tune of $353,196.98 from the city.
SLO City Attorney Christine Dietrick told New Times in an email regarding the lawsuit, “Nothing has changed about the city’s fundamental position as expressed when we last discussed it—the city’s position is that the cause of the slides is Righetti’s work and faulty repair that destabilized the hillside and that there is no failure of city maintenance or other wrongful conduct related to the slides.”
I don’t envy the judge who has to figure this one out. Hopefully s/he’s a soil scientist and geotechnical engineer.
In Cayucos, the community is dealing with a troubled bridge over creek waters since Cabrillo Bridge, which runs between the Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery and water treatment plant, has been closed to golf cart traffic. Built in 1987 as a
pedestrian and bicycle pathway connecting the two halves of Cayucos that otherwise require driving on Highway 1 to reach, the bridge originally had six bollards, three at each side, to stop motor vehicle traffic.
According to Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery District Manager Dale Guerra, in 2013, the bollards were removed and thrown into the creek below. They were returned to their positions only to disappear entirely. Then golf carts began using the bridge regularly.
“There’s been some bad eggs, like any other public place,” Guerra said, “There’s been some bad people that are speeding, and they go out into the dirt area and spin doughnuts. But you know, most of them are good.”
After a near-miss collision between a golf cart and pedestrian and subsequent complaints, the bollards have all been reinstalled, and the golf cart drivers want them removed, arguing that closing the bridge amounts to cutting the town in two. It sucks that no surface streets connect north and south Cayucos, and golf carts are fun.
Luckily, lame duck 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson is on the case. He hopes the Cayucos Bridge Committee and SLO County Public Works can form an agreement, which he acknowledges could take months or years. His term expires in 2026. ∆
The Shredder can’t afford to sue anyone. Lament at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
WINE AND DINE
Head to Cambria for the Vine to Table Wine Tour and Dinner in the Vineyard at Stolo Vineyards’ Parr Collective Winery on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rajat Parr will lead a tour of the vineyard, followed by a five-course curated dinner at this fundraising event benefiting the Cambria Chamber of Commerce. For additional information and tickets, which are $175 each, visit my805tix.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ANTI CLASTIC FORMING In this exciting two-day workshop, you will learn the basic techniques for anti-clastic forming. We’ll work on several projects in copper & pewter. Silver optional. Aug. 9, 1-5 p.m. $365. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe. com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County.
CARDBOARD CREATIONS: CHILDRENS’ WORKSHOP We’re turning the art studio into a construction zone! We will build 3-dimensional sculptures using special tools and joining techniques. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Aug. 1 , 10 a.m.-noon $60. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery. com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
DROWSY CHAPERONE Step into a world of laughter, romance, and musical mayhem with The Drowsy Chaperone— the five-time Tony Award-winning
musical comedy that is “equal parts love letter and hilarious send-up of classic Broadway.” Get tickets at the link. Through Aug. 3 $30. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
FINDING YOUR CREATIVITY WITH ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA Join this fun, acrylic mixed-media demonstration on Saturday with Debra Piazza at Art Center Morro Bay. Aug. 2 , 3-5 p.m. Free. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504, artcentermorrobay. org.
FORGING: SPREADERS AND OTHER HOR D’OEUVRES FLATWARE In this two-day workshop, you will design and make several pieces using basic hand forging techniques. No experience is required. Visit the website for more details. Aug. 2 1-5 p.m. $365. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE HOSTS AN ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY FOR VIRGINIA MACK, GAY MCNEAL AND MICHAEL JOHNSTON
Everyone is invited to the Gallery at Marina Square August Artist’s Reception and Atrium Party! Meet the artists, discover new art, and be amazed. Aug. 9, 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
HOUSE DANCE WORKSHOP AT THE LUVHUB Dive into the soul of House Dance at this 90-minute workshop that blends energizing warm-ups, foundational drills, groove-packed choreography, and live cyphers to unlock your freestyle flow. Aug. 10 11 a.m. $30. my805tix.com. The Luv Hub, 550 Morro
Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay.
PROOF See the production, Proof at By The Sea Productions until August 24. Get more information at the link. FridaysSundays. through Aug. 24 $28. my805tix. com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL
WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
“SPLASH INTO SUMMER” Check out the three-month water focused exhibit “Splash Into Summer” which will inspire you to cool you down over the hot summer months. Aug. 2 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, parkstreetgallery.com.
3 ARTISTS RETROSPECTIVE REVEAL
Susan Lyon, Maryanne Nucci, and Kathy Madonna invite you to visit their Retrospective Show including original photographs, charcoals, watercolors, etchings, linocuts, and mono prints. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/susanart. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
FIRST SATURDAY: ART AND WINE On the first Saturday of each month, attend for the venue’s exhibit openings, with live music, art, and wine available for purchase. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free (wine $10). (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org.
Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
JILL GARMAN’S “PALM FOOLERY ART”
OPENING See artist Jill Garman’s unique, fun, beautiful, and quirky palm paintings at Pocket Gallery on Pine! Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. through Oct. 4 (805) 440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Based on the Roger Corman film, Little Shop of Horrors will be performed for 10 days at the Templeton PAC. The tale is imbued with love, ambition, and touches on “the lengths we go to for success, no matter how monstrous.” Get more info at the link. Aug. 1-10 7:30 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton, (805) 225-7087.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PLATE PAINTING AT ARTSOCIAL 805
Please join ArtSocial805 on the first Saturday of each month to paint a personalized “Birthday Plate,” for someone special or for yourself. The workshop is $35, which covers the plate, glaze, and firing. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
OPEN PROJECT POTLUCK NIGHT Come by the studio and create a fused glass project of your choice. Bring a drink or food item to share. Prices are based on chosen project. Aug. 1 , 4-8 p.m. $50-$125. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
RESONANCE PRESENTS: MAGNIFICAT
Join the 30 voices of Resonance for “Magnificat”, a “sumptuous feast of a cappella choral repertoire celebrating Mary, mother of Christ, and a special set
of music featuring women composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.” Tickets are available for purchase at the link. Aug. 3 3 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles, 805- 238-3702.
WRITERS WANTED Novelists, screenwriters, poets , and short story writers welcome. This group meets in Atascadero twice a month, on Thursday nights (email jeffisretired@yahoo.com for specifics). Hone your skills for publication and/or personal development. First Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Unnamed Atascadero location, Contact host for details, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
6-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL SERIES
A great intro to the pottery wheel!
Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate and glaze. Book on our website to save spot. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 19 $275. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=77943567. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
CAT VIDEO FEST 2025 CatVideoFest is a theatrical compilation of the best cat videos, raising funds for local shelters and animal charities to help cats in need. Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 $10. slofilmcenter. eventive.org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST 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. CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL Enjoy The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare’s tale of trickery, and revenge on an overconfident swindler. Through Aug. 10 centralcoastshakespeare.org/ themerrywivesofwindsor. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY AND CONNECTION: A HANDS ON ART CLASS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES Whether you’re brand new to pottery or have some experience, this welcoming space invites you to shape, create, and connect in a supportive environment. Aug. 2 , 2-3:30 p.m. $10. (805) 747-4200. eventbrite.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS: OVEN BAKE CLAY Sign up for the Polymer (also known as oven bake clay) class! Kids can make figurines or magnets. Aug. 3 1-2:30 p.m. $20. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/07/CK-polymer-clay. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DEANNA BARAHONA California artist Deanna Barahona’s work centers her lived experiences, identity, and personal objects in intimate and domestic spaces through the creation of sculpture, and installation. Through Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/deanna-barahona/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FILM SCREENING: ISRAELISM Watch this balanced and powerful documentary about two Jewish young adults who go to Palestine and “unlearn” everything they have been taught about Israel. Aug. 8 , 6-8 p.m. Free. (520) 249-5043. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
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.
MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
MYLR GALLERY OPENING NIGHT
PARTY Join the opening night party for the art installation “Break the Cycle” by artist Vanessa Morrow. A photo booth, music, and exclusive merchandise will be featured. Aug. 1 12-8 p.m. Free. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-1611, mylrgallery.com.
PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden.
Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
RESONANCE PRESENTS: MAGNIFICAT
Resonance is a 30-voice choral ensemble based in San Luis Obispo, under the direction of Paul Osborne. Hear “Magnificat” live, and purchase tickets at the link. Aug. 2 , 7:30 p.m. $30. my805tix. com. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
ROSEMARY BAUER AND ART AFTER DARK AT JUNKGIRLS Rosemary will have paintings of local scenes on display during Art After Dark at this popular and
fun location. Aug. 1 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.
STEPPIN’ UP TO THE MIC: CONTRA DANCE CALLING WORKSHOP SERIES
Learn to lead contra dances from the best callers across California. Year-long workshop series for new and aspiring contra dance callers, with opportunities to call. Feb. 8 $120. cccds.org/stepup. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.
STORYTELLING USING MARKER AND INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Come with your ideas and Jason will guide you as you bring your characters and story to life in an illustrated book! Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 27 $25. (805) 471-8189. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/04/Storytelling-wMarkers-and-Ink-Knox-Wednesdays-1. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the vibrant and muted. Through Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/trish-andersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AIR PLANT MOBILE WORKSHOP In this workshop, you’ll get several air plants, grapewood pieces, and all the other supplies and instructions to create your own hanging air plant mobile. Aug. 3 2-3 p.m. $40. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR Full of songs, dance, and comedy to celebrate the milestone, with loads of opportunities to boo and cheer. Aug. 8 - Sept. 20 americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. Through Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU 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 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 15
805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents
Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY Visitors can participate in guided recreational pier fishing with Cambria Fishing Club (all supplies provided), create ocean-themed arts and crafts, and learn about local wildlife! Aug. 2 Free. (805) 801-0773. montereybay.noaa.gov/getinvolved/giys.html. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school, with the goal of getting comfortable commanding your own sailboat. There will be a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Register at the link. Through Aug. 3 $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix. com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.
SHAMANIC MORNING RITUALS FOR VITALITY Meet at a local beach that has an incredible view of the majestic Morro Bay Rock and be guided by Dawn into intentional movemant to awaken vital energy that rejuvenates and transforms. The class will help you to connect with your energy centers (chakras) in the body by doing earthing practices to clear the mind and the somatic body of any holding patterns. Aug. 8 , 8:30-9:45 a.m. $48.98. my805tix.com. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.
SKATE CAMBRIA FUNDRAISER - BBQ & MOVIES AT CAMP
OCEAN PINES! The Cambria Film Festival Presents “Virgin Blacktop: a New York Skate Odyssey”. Enjoy the outdoor Screening and BBQ at Camp Ocean Pines, and be part of the journey of bringing a skate park to Cambria! Aug. 10, 6:309:30 p.m. $45. my805tix.com. Camp Ocean Pines, 1473 Randall Dr., Cambria, (805) 927-0254.
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.
WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY CA END OF SUMMER
EVENT We hope you enjoyed your summer. Come check out our Waterfront Market Event going on this weekend, with over 30 local vendors. Aug. 9 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Aug. 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 402-9437. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This onehour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
RESONANT BLESSINGS: A QUANTUM SOUND HEALING
JOURNEY Resonant Blessings is a transformative hour of sound and affirmative prayer with Rev. Elizabeth, designed to uplift your spirit and harmonize your energy. July 31 , 2-3 p.m. $25. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org/event/resonantblessings-a-quantum-sound-healing-journey/. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP FOR KIDS AGES 7-12 Join this summer sports camp for kiddos ages 7 to 12. Activities include tennis, pickleball, swimming, and more! Discounted rates are available. Through Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/tennis/kids-camps/. Play tennis, pickleball, swimming, and more at this summer sports camp for kids, ages 7 to 12. An extended day with swim goes until 3 p.m. Discounted rates are available. Aug. 4-8 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/tennis/kids-camps/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
VETS IN THE VINEYARD Join in the effort to raise money for Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans at Volatus Winery. Aug. 9 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $17. my805tix.com. Volatus, 3230 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles.
VINE TO TABLE WINE TOUR + DINNER IN THE VINEYARD
Just before the harvest, Rajat Parr will give us a lovely tour of
WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM
What’s Your Take?
HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 / 6PM TICKETS START AT
MORRIS
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the vineyard, followed by a five-course curated dinner amongst the vines. Aug. 9 4:30-7:30 p.m. $250. (805) 927-3624. my805tix.com/e/vine-to-table-dinner.
Parr Collective Winery at Stolo Vineyards, 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA
Touch-a-truck, Taiko drumming, dance performance, food trucks, Mad Science, storybook characters, carnival games and more! Schedule at slolibrary.org. Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. sanluisobispo. librarycalendar.com/event/back-schoolextravaganza-18401. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
BINGO LOCO Bingo Loco has taken the world by storm with sold-out shows in 200 locations around the globe from Dublin to Sydney. We’ve flipped the traditional game of bingo on its head and turned it into a 2.5-hour long interactive stage show complete with dance-offs, lip sync battles, throwback anthems, confetti showers, and prizes ranging from cars to lawnmowers. See it for yourself at the Fremont! Aug. 2 , 6:30 p.m. $41.17. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
BOARD GAME NIGHT AT CAPTAIN
NEMO GAMES Game night is on! Join us Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Captain Nemo Games for fun, friendly board gaming. All skill levels welcome! Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook. com/events/2047427899121921/2047 427949121916?acontext=%7B%22ev ent_action_history%22%3A[]%7D. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
DOWNTOWN SLO BUSINESS MIXER Join for an engaging evening of connection, conversation, and community at the Fall Downtown SLO Business Mixer! Enjoy drinks, light bites, and the opportunity to network with fellow downtown professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This event is free for Downtown SLO Members, which include retailers, restaurants, services, and property owners within the defined Business Improvement Area, as well as active Voluntary Members. Aug. 6 , 5:307:30 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Brickhouse SLO (Eighty20 Group), 599 Higuera St., A, San Luis Obispo, (805) 225-4436.
AN EVENING WITH PHIL ROSENTHAL OF “SOMEBODY FEED PHIL” Join Phil Rosenthal, award-winning creator and executive producer of “SOMEBODY FEED PHIL” and “EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND”, in a moderated conversation followed by an audience Q&A. Phil will be telling all the funny and true stories of his life, his television career, food, travel, friends, and family. Aug. 9, 6 p.m. $50.96. fremontslo. com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
FAMILY FREE DAY: THE SCALY SAFARI
Join “A Scaly Safari” with local snake expert and author Emily Taylor and representatives from the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society for crafts and exploration. Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/event/ family-free-day-the-scaly-safari/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
FREE PET VACCINE CLINICS With the support of Petco Love, Woods is providing free vaccines for cats and dogs during vaccine clinics in August and September!
Aug. 2 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/spay-neuter/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history
FARM FEAST
Freedom Farms Feast will host this year’s vegan sanctuary dinner for the animals at Freedom Farms in Creston on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $210.73 and include a vegan dinner, live music, beer and wine, and a guided tour of the farm. To purchase a ticket or get more information, head to my805tix.com.
and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-2:30 p.m., MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. and ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m. through Sept. 1 Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo. org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in Santa Barbara County and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 12-18. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Aug. 8 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO PUBLIC MARKET No script. No context. No real plan. Get ready for another Friday night Improv Show with Central Coast Comedy Theater’s Ensemble team! Our quickwitted crew will weave your suggestions into moments of comedic gold. Fast, funny, and different every single time. Aug. 8 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK
Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
LET’S DANCE Our favorite DJ will return for our summer dance party!
Shannon Babcock will create a perfect playlist to dance the night away. Get more info at the link. Aug. 8 , 7-9 p.m. $10.66. congregationhouse.online. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
PARK PALOOZA 2025: COLOR RUN AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Join the second annual event, brought to you in benefit of the SLO Noor Foundation and Surfing For Hope. Participate in the 5K color run, hear live music from The Main Squeeze, and enjoy vendor booths. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 2 1-8:30 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 782-8060.
RED TENT SERIES: CROWNING THE CRONE Join this day retreat to honor the radiant wisdom of elder women and uplift the Crone archetype as a source of strength, beauty, and belonging. Allison
Lorne will lead the group, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Wiccan Ceremonialist. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 3 11 a.m. $125. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo. SAN LUIS OBISPO BUDDHIST CHURCH OBON Join for the Obon Festival, a Japanese cultural event, at the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Aug. 2 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-2625. San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Obon, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, slobuddhistchurch.org.
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. Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@gmail.com. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. (805) 801-9112. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, 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 sports and social club for adults, will host its monthly meeting, preceded by a social hour with food and drink. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 2 Free; yearly membership $65. (805) 528-3194. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues,
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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.
CAMP TACANNEKO Camp Fire Central Coast Council is hosting its 59th annual Camp Tacanneko. It is week-long traditional day camp for kids K-11th grade, who can participate in music, arts-n-crafts, swimming, and more. To get more info and register now, visit the link. Aug. 4-8 $260. (805) 235-0819. campfirecentralcoast.org. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande. COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Get free repairs of household appliances, clothing, phones, laptops, toys, bikes, game consoles, outdoor gear, and apparel. Bring your garden abundance to share. Aug. 9 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
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.
NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER FUNDRAISER
2025 Indoors, you will find arts, crafts, business vendors, along with a huge bake sale and raffle! Outdoors, there will be 23 rummage sale vendors. Gift certificate sponsors needed. Aug. 9 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 931-0841. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.
PISMO BEACH SPEED NETWORKING
Join this in-person Pismo Beach Speed Networking Event, geared towards business professionals, business owners, executives, and sales reps who are looking to expand their business network and social circle. July 31 6-8 p.m. $60. my805tix.com. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, 2241 Price St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 773-4608.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
STROLL AND ROLL Stroll and Roll is a guided nature walk, for adults with disabilities, led by a State Park Interpreter along the scenic Guiton Trail. Aug. 2 10 a.m.-noon Free. (530) 338-6913. eventbrite.com/e/stroll-and-roll-tickets1366514665149?aff=oddtdtcreator&utmsource=cp&utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=listing. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS
MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
2025 ALTERNATIVE TASTES WINE FEST: CELEBRATING PASO’S UNIQUE
VARIETIES Join this two-day event, celebrating it’s second year with the Grand Tasting Experience taking place at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero. Purchase tickets and get a detailed schedule of events at the link. Aug. 1-2 $82-350. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
2025 FREEDOM FARMS FEAST: A VEGAN SANCTUARY DINNER FOR THE ANIMALS Enjoy an evening of magic, compassion, and Hollywood history at Freedom Farms — the former home of Hollywood legends Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. Savor a stunning multi-course vegan dinner catered by The Vreamery of Paso Robles, and let the soulful, uplifting music of singersongwriter Jesse Loren Strickman sweep you into the night, under a canopy of stars. Get more info at the link! Aug. 2 , 6 p.m. $210. my805tix.com. Freedom Farms, 4124 N. Ryan Road, Creston.
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.
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
THE DOWNTOWN VIBE The Paso Robles Downtown Wine District is throwing its awesome, annual wine tasting event ––The Downtown Vibe -– at the Paso Robles Inn. Get tickets and more info at the link. Aug. 2 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $40. (805) 591-7003. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.
LIVE MUSIC WITH KATIE CHAPPELL AT MCPRICE MYERS WINES Join for a lively afternoon of live music, wine specials by the glass and bottle, or dive into a full tasting experience! Aug. 7 4-7 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/ events/music080725. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden. com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
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-city-walkingtour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.
to
or submit online.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multimedia trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-1167.
LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN The UC Master Gardener SLO demo garden is open to the public. Bring your lunch, tour the garden, and ask questions. See what’s in bloom. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 3 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu/ sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.
PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
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. through April 13 $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 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) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. 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
Calling all creative photographers
Corazón Café has another fun community photography show cooked up called SLOscapes: Local Portraits Matching SLO Scenes—and anyone can submit photos to hang on the café’s walls in September.
“The show’s theme focuses on portraits where the subject blends into their background— whether that’s through color, pattern, texture, or visual storytelling,” organizer Sara McGrath announced. “Portraits can be of individuals or groups, and your background could be anything found across San Luis Obispo County: murals, buildings, local businesses, parks, museums, streetscapes— wherever you feel inspired.”
This show is open to everyone. Enlist your friends. Be creative.
Put on wacky outfits and have fun.
“This playful and creative photography exhibition invites everyone—from seasoned photographers to curious firsttimers—to participate,” McGrath added. “You don’t need to be a professional, just someone ready to explore art, identity, and place through your camera or phone. Most importantly, this show is about having fun and celebrating the creative spirit of our community.”
Email your submission to McGrath at corazoncafeslo@ gmail.com no later than Monday, Aug. 25. Selected photos will need to be framed, ready to hang, and delivered on Sunday, Aug. 31. The show opens during Art After Dark on Friday, Sept. 5.
What tango can teach us
According to physician, dancer, and author Jeannette Potts, the partnered social dance, the tango, imparts many lessons including improved listening, communication, and leadership.
On Sunday, Aug. 3 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.), in the Atrium of Paso’s Studios on the Park, she will host a salon that “will feature musical performances, song, and dance, as well as inspiring lecture material she has shared with audiences as an international lecturer.”
Potts is the author of Tango: Lessons for Life, in which she “shares the metaphors she derives from the dance steps of Argentinian tango.” She believes that “many of the building blocks of this gorgeous dance are transferable to our daily lives.”
According to organizers, “This promises to be entertaining, educational, and inspiring. For the finale, dancers in the audience will be invited to share the dance floor. Jeannette is honored to be accompanied by her charismatic tango instructor, the Chicagobased artistic director of Tango 21 Jorge Niedas, as well as the talented and beloved artists from our own classical music community: Grace Seng, Hilary Clark, and Susan Azaret Davies.”
To attend, RSVP to contact@ studiosonthepark.org.
∆
—Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Gay life
Arthur Tress shows another side of gayness
If you’re expecting to see a collection of male nudes at Arthur Tress’ new exhibition at the Gala Pride and Diversity Center, you may be disappointed.
“I think most gay photography done by men that has been popular has always been focused on the male nude,” Tress explained during a recent Zoom call from his San Francisco home. “It’s always shifted to the side of erotica. In my work, I’ve certainly done that kind of imagery, but I wanted to show that, being a gay artist, one should represent perhaps more, that there were more psychological aspects to gay life.”
e 16 square black and white photographs on display at the San Luis Obispo venue fall into two general categories.
“I thought an interesting relationship to photograph would be gays and their parents, which really hadn’t been explored very much, visually,”
Tress explained. “So, I asked a lot of the gay people I knew in the San Luis Obispo area, ‘Can I photograph you with your parents?’ And they were happy to do it. ey wanted to have some memento of their relationship.
“You nd that that’s a very complex set of interactions between the parent and child,” Tress continued. “Often the parents did not accept their son’s homosexuality at rst, but as the years went by, especially if the son had a more ‘normal’ domestic life—a partner or husband—the parents would usually become more accepting.”
Tress knows rsthand that not all parent-child relationships survive the process of coming out.
See the show
Fine art photographer Arthur Tress presents Sons and Lovers, a collection of 16 black and white photos at the Gala Pride and Diversity Center through August. A reception is scheduled for Art After Dark on Friday, Aug. 1 (5 to 8 p.m.). Gala is located at 1060 Palm St., SLO. For more info, call (805) 541-4252.
I’m famous for, is that I ask people to act out some of their inner dramas. It’s almost like a scene from a film. I create little soap opera dramas that may not be truly specific to the people involved, but they enjoy acting out in my little theater pieces.”
Most of the show’s photos were taken between 1993 and 2015 when Tress lived in Cambria and was part of a gay men’s group that would meet monthly. Sometimes an image was solicited by the subject. One man, Roger, asked Tress to come to his father’s Los Osos nursing home and take a double portrait.
“So I went, and I took a picture of Roger and his father, which Roger treasured very much.”
Another more recent photo taken a few years ago is of Tress’ friend Eric, who lives in San Francisco’s Castro District. Surprisingly, he had a stroke at age 60, so Eric’s mother came to take care of him.
“I wanted a kind of [Michelangelo’s] Pietà feeling in the picture of this older parent taking care of her son.”
Pietà is Michelangelo’s famed marble sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling her son Jesus after his cruci xion.
Showtime!
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
“In the case of my sister, who was a lesbian, she came out in high school, but my mother never accepted it and actually never talked to my sister for the rest of her life. at’s not atypical. Parents will reject their children if they nd out that they’re gay.”
Tress, 85, believes his mother was disappointed in not having a “more normal daughter.” He recalls when he was 5 or 6, his mother took him to ballet school.
“I became a surrogate daughter, which I never liked, but it’s often a very complex psychological situation.”
Depicting these psychological situations is Tress’ goal.
“Some of my best photography, and something that
A photo he calls “more typical Tress” is a mini-golf setup where he posed a mother with her son and his boyfriend. It looks like the mother might be wielding her club at the boyfriend.
“ is is in the miniature golf course in Cambria outside the Pines Resort. Her son’s new boyfriend wants to take her son to live with him in Australia, so I thought maybe the mother might not be happy with that. People are amazed how I can get people to do these things. I don’t think they’re really aware of what I’m trying to show. It’s because I’m charming,” he laughed.
A few of the photos were taken elsewhere, but Tress felt they t in this collection.
“Some of them are in di erent cities, like Miami or Berlin, but most of these photographs have never been published or even seen, so I wanted to get them shown, so I kind of t them into the overall project.”
e second type of photo he’s displaying relates to gay romance.
“I’m always interested in the psychological dynamics of romantic relationships. When I was living in [Cambria], I became involved with a younger man. He wanted to get a master’s degree, so I was driving him around to look at di erent schools, and this is just what a parent does. And my friend Duane Michals, who’s a photographer, said, ‘Arthur, you’re a closet father.’ I think, quite often, that’s a dynamic.”
Vince and Arthur just before separating, Cambria is a photo of Tress and this former lover. It depicts him and his then boyfriend re ected in two separate mirrors.
“ at’s a very touching photo,” Tress said quietly. “He lived with me for about three years in Cambria, so this is where we’re separating, because he’s going on to lead his own life.”
Tress doesn’t identify himself as a gay activist.
“I don’t really participate in protests and all that, but I do think I have certain insights to the gay experience, and I’ve worked to get that out into the world in my books. I’ve done a couple of retrospectives of my life’s work, and I always make
sure to include the gay photography,” he explained.
He’s aware we’re living in a scary time for American civil rights.
“You know, also, I’m Jewish. I took a class in German history, and I studied with the husband of Hannah Arendt, who wrote a book called e Origins of Totalitarianism. And oh my God, you can see it, everyone sees it. I don’t know why they don’t mention it more often, but the parallels to Nazi Germany, the media, the deportation, these camps. I mean, if you think those camps are just going to be for migrants, forget it. Once Trump has nished with his migrant thing, I think they’re going to segue over to gay marriage, gay teachers in schools. When AIDS came along, there were a lot of protests, but now, the way he’s brought in the Marines and the National Guard, any protests will be squelched down immediately. I think we’re in for a very bumpy ride.”
Tress’ escape plan?
“Death. I’ll probably die.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
VINCE AND ARTHUR JUST BEFORE SEPARATING, CAMBRIA Photographer Arthur Tress (right) was inspired by his relationship with a younger former boyfriend to explore the “psychological dynamics of romantic relationships.”
COURTESY PHOTOS BY ARTHUR TRESS
ERIC AFTER HIS STROKE WITH HIS MOTHER, SAN FRANCISCO When one of Tress’ friends took ill, the man’s mother came to take care of him. “I wanted a kind of [Michelangelo’s] Pietà feeling in the picture of this older parent taking care of her son,” Tress said.
BART AND TONY IN THE BEDROOM OF ONE’S MOTHER, SAN ARDO After one of their ailing mothers came to live with them but then passed away, a couple reminisces. “They kept her bedroom just as it was when she died,” Tress said.
Second Annual show August 2-3
San Luis Obispo Art in the Park will be presented on Saturday and Sunday, August 2nd and 3rd. The event will run from 10am to 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
The show will feature over 140 fine artists and craft designers from four western states, making it the largest art show ever presented in San Luis Obispo.
ON SALE NOW!
Do the right thing
Matt Shakman (Cut Bank) directs this reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise about four superheroes— Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/ e ing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/ Human Torch (Joseph Quinn)—who must protect Earth from planet-eating Galactus (Ralph Ineson). (114 min.)
Glen We’re well into the summer blockbuster season, and Ihave to say, I’m feeling some superhero overload. Even so, I enjoyed this new reboot of the superhero team that always ops at the box o ce. e lm’s already broken the curse and more than recouped its $200 million cost after the opening weekend. It’s an amazing looking lm, with retrofuture sets and costumes and a mid-century modern 1960s vibe. It’s also set on an Earth that’s post war and post con ict … except for planet-eating entities and supervillains like Doctor Doom. is lm is all about family, and with Sue Storm carrying Reed Richards’ bun in her oven, a fantastic ve is on the way. It’s actually sweet and upbeat.
Anna is one was all about the style for me, and the message was sweet. is sort of atomic, futuristic retro world is total eye candy, and we got to spend a lot of time eating up the scenery. Helpfully, the lm doesn’t assume its audience knows the premise of the Fantastic Four going in; I certainly didn’t. All I knew is that previous attempts at adding these characters to the list of big hitters have opped. I didn’t know much about them, and I always thought of them as B-list superheroes, but it turns out all this team needed was a good cast and a message that resonates with audiences. We all have families, whether chosen or traditional, and this tight team of Sue and Reed, Sue’s brother Johnny, and Reed’s BFF Ben all have a deep
UNTAMED
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
National Parks are beautiful, but all hold deadly secrets. Entire podcast series are based on true stories of missing people, murder, and nefarious acts that happen within park borders.
Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is a troubled man, prone to drink and anger. It takes a bit to settle in on the why, but we soon learn that Turner is stuck in grief, and every inch of ground in Yosemite reminds him of what he’s lost. The
National Parks Service investigator Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is assigned rookie park ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) as he works to unravel a brutal murder, in the Netflix miniseries Untamed
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Bay (starts Aug. 22), Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10, Sunset Drive-In
commitment, and not just to each other but to the world. I’m also a bit on superhero burnout, but between a fairly tender storyline and some truly beautiful sets, e Fantastic Four: First Steps is gratifying enough to recommend to everyone.
Glen I thought it was smart and t perfectly into the lm’s vibe when we get their backstory through a TV talk show called e Ted Gilbert Show, with an episode honoring their four-year anniversary of returning from a space mission as changed beings.
Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss channeling Dick Cavett) shows clips of their mission, return, and their superhero adventures, so it’s a mini
series opens with an adrenaline-spiking shot of climbers on the face of El Capitan when suddenly a young woman’s body plummets from the peak and opens up a dark and twisty trail for Turner to follow as he tries to piece together who she was and why she fell.
His mentor and Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) reluctantly lets Kyle investigate, but only if he does so alongside rookie transplant Ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) who moved to town with her young son to escape a sinister ex. The two soon uncover deadly secrets, ones that put lives at risk. We watched this over the course of a couple of evenings—it’s propulsive and layered. Anyone who likes a bit of grit and a good crime drama will eat this up. (six 42- to 51-min. episodes)
STICK
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025
origin story tucked inside this larger story of Galactus and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Marvel is clearly planning a full return of the Fantastic Four. ey’re scheduled to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). e Marvel Universe continues to expand.
Anna Filmmakers were able to snag a great cast here as well. e four team members gave it their all and played their characters with conviction. Ben is funny and a softie in a tough shell, Johnny is Peter Pan looking to grow up, Reed is tortured by what he perceives to be his mistakes, and Sue is the strong, maternal compass that keeps them grounded. If you’re going to sneak in one more blockbuster with the kids before school starts again, I recommend you consider this one—it’s a good-hearted lm about family. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Apple TV+
Created by Dan Keller (Machine Gun Preacher, Ford v Ferrari ), this engaging comedy TV series puts Owen Wilson center stage as Pryce Cahill, a pro golfer reduced to golf lessons and selling golf clubs. He and his old caddy, Mitts (Marc Maron), also occasionally run a bar scam for quick cash. Pryce’s wife, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), is divorcing him, he drives an old, beat-up yellow Corvette, and he’s got zero prospects … until he meets Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a kid
who’s a natural.
The series follows Pryce, Mitts, Santi, and Santi’s mom, Elena (Mariana Treviño), as they take an RV trip to various amateur golf tournaments to train Santi to go pro. Along the way, they also pick up Zero (Lilli Kay), who becomes Santi’s girlfriend. Naturally, things don’t go as planned.
The show has a lot of laughs, a lot of heart, and enough drama to keep it interesting. Wilson is exuding his usual hangdog charm. Even though Pryce is an absolute disaster, he’s impossible to hate. Even his ex-wife still wants the best for him. If you like sports shows like Ted Lasso —and no, it’s not that good, but it’s fun enough—you’ll probably like Stick (10 29- to 45-min. episodes) ∆ —Glen
Washed-up pro golfer Pryce Cahill (Owen
and his former caddy Mitts (Marc Maron) hope they’ve struck gold when they discover and mentor a young golf prodigy, in Stick, streaming on Apple TV+.
—Anna
SAVE THE WORLD Left to right, Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) must save Earth from a planet-eating entity, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES AND MARVEL STUDIOS
Wilson, right)
COURTESY PHOTO BY JUSTINE YEUNG/APPLE TV+
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Shooting stars
Two Nashville singersongwriters with local roots return for a show at The Siren
Nashville. Music City. Capital of the music industry. For a lot of musicians, the draw of Nashville is irresistible, which is why it’s a town packed full of amazing singers, songwriters, and musicians. Trying to rise to the top in this sea of talent requires deep commitment, and two of our own are living in Tennessee and grinding it out.
is week, former SLO resident Charlie McNeal and former Morro Bay resident Amalia Fleming return to their roots to play e Siren on Saturday, Aug. 2 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $13.17 at tixr.com).
McNeal’s known for blending traditional country sounds with a shot of Americana/ alt country. He’s got a soulful voice, a twangy guitar sound, songs designed to get you dancing.
“Country music can make you feel a lot of di erent things,” McNeal said on his website. “It can make you dance. It can make you cry. It’s really versatile, and I love that. I want to make music that moves people.”
I’ve known Amalia Fleming since she was a young girl playing the Live Oak Music Festival kids’ talent show, and I’ve watched her grow into a fully formed singersongwriter with a lot of depth.
She left for Nashville about ve years ago to attend Belmont University, and after graduating, she stayed to follow her music dream. at dream wavered a little. At one point she was resigned to working on the business side of music, but she’s recommitted herself to performance.
“Yes, the last two years have been transformative! Interning under the CEO for a year with Sony Music Publishing was a great opportunity to learn more about the business and aided in my decision to pursue a creative career as an artist,” she explained via email. “ e past 12 months since graduation have been pivotal for my career. e ability to direct full focus to co-writing two to three times weekly, performing, and releasing new
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Ni y’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.
MELODIES FOR MOONSTONERS WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, PAUL CIERLEY, AND OZ BARRON Enjoy this fun venue with great people, while listening to jazz, blues, and soul with vocalist Sunny Wright, guitarist Paul Cierley, and bassist Oz Barron! Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 927-9466. moonstonecellars. com/eventslist/2025/08/10. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria. NICK WATERHOUSE FEATURING LOS-
music has re ned my craft and in uence. I was recently honored as a ‘One to Watch’ for the second time by the Nashville Songwriters Association.”
Earlier this year, she recorded and released “Widow’s Wall,” which she described as “a single inspired by the rock jetty in Morro Bay. ‘Lifeline,’ which was released in April, blends New Wave synths with organic folk instrumentation and re ects on ties that keep us tethered. e song I’m most excited about is ‘High Pain Tolerance,’ recently released on July 11th. is song captures the heartbreak that changes how you move through the world. Balancing playful de ance and raw vulnerability, the chorus bites but the bridge tells the hard truth; strength like this doesn’t come free. You can nd the three singles on all streaming platforms.”
Fleming and McNeal will “bring a taste of Nashville’s rich musical heritage to the California coast for a special hometown show,” Fleming said.
If you’re not 21 and still want to see these two locals who are making it in Nashville, Fleming, McNeal, and local singer-songwriter Cate Armstrong will also play an all-ages show in Club Car Bar on ursday, July 31 (7 p.m.; $5).
SO LOWS LA-based singer-songwriter Nick Waterhouse is coming to town. Hear him live along with a set from Los-So Lows. Aug. 5, 7-10 p.m. $30. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show o 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
BURLEY THISTLES Alternative rock band Burley Thistles is known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. Hear them live at J Dusi Wines. Aug. 7 4:30-7 p.m. J Dusi Wines, 1401 Hwy. 46 West, Paso Robles, (805) 226-
2034, jdusiwines.com. Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. Hear them live at Barrelhouse Brewing Co. Aug. 9 5-8 p.m. Barrelhouse Brewing Co. Brewery and Gardens, 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, barrelhousebrewing.com/.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Hear him live at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles. Aug. 2 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, 3800 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles, (805) 242-4700.
FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a di erent DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Tra ic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805)
Also this week in e Siren, see Flannel 101— e Ultimate ’90s Party Rock Band on Friday, Aug. 1 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $18.48 at tixr.com)
Templeton strong Numbskull and Good Medicine have two shows this week at Templeton’s Club Car Bar starting with e Two Lips on Monday, Aug. 4 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $22.35 at goodmedicinepresents.com) with Ti any Stringer opening. e Two Lips are best friends Jewlz and Andrea who’ve teamed up to create a Latina/Filipina indie dream pop duo.
“ e Two Lips use their music as a vessel for exploring the emotional landscape of womanhood, transforming personal stories into shimmering, ethereal soundscapes,” their bio explains.
en on Tuesday, Aug. 5, see Swiss one-man-band Reverend Beat-Man at Club Car Bar on Tuesday, Aug. 5 (8 p.m.; all
460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
HUBBA WINES 2025 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music featuring local bands every Friday evening. Wine and food available for purchase. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Aug. 29 $5 donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
INDIGO GIRLS AND MELISSA
ETHERIDGE LIVE Grammy Awardwinning folk-rock duo Indigo Girls and rock icon Melissa Etheridge are set to grace the stage of Paso Robles as part of their national tour. Visit the site for tickets and more info. Aug. 7 7 p.m. $80. vinaroblesamphitheatre.com. Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 286-3670.
ages; $15.66 at goodmedicinepresents.com) with one-ban-band opener Bobcat. Reverend Beat-Man is also the leader of psychobilly band e Monsters.
Gentleman and Ladies
Over at Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Nederlander Concerts has country star Lee Brice on Sunday, Aug. 3 (8 p.m.; all ages; $65.25 to $83.80 at ticketmaster.com). He’s
JAZZ, BLUES, AND R&B AT HALTER
RANCH WITH SUNNY WRIGHT AND ANDREW SEDLEY Join us at the top of the hill Tasting Room for Sunday Funday with great live music and delicious lunch options! Aug. 3 12-3 p.m. Free. (805) 226-9455. halterranch.com/estate. Halter Ranch Vineyard, 8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles.
LACERATION AT DARK NECTAR Hear death metal bands Laceration, Repterra, and Lysurgicide live at Dark Nectar! Aug. 9, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Dark Nectar Co ee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, (805) 835-1988.
LIVE JAZZ, BLUES, AND SOUL WITH SUNNY WRIGHT AND PAUL CIERLEY
Have some fun in Paso at a gorgeous venue. Sunny Wright and Paul Cierley will bring beautiful vibes to the patio at The Pony Club Bar and Lounge. Aug. 9 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 226-9995. hotelcheval.
com/pony-club-bar-lounge. Pony Club Bar and Lounge at The Hotel Cheval, 1021 Pine St, Paso Robles.
MELODIOUS FUNK LIVE Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for a live set from Melodious Funk. Wine and food will be available for purchase. Aug. 1 5-9 p.m. $5.00 Donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open
COURTESY PHOTO BY JOLIE MONET
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLIE MCNEAL
HOME FROM NASHVILLE Former Morro Bay resident Amalia Fleming (left) and former SLO Town resident Charlie McNeal (right) return to play The Siren on Aug. 2
DREAM POP DUO Numbskull and Good Medicine present The Two Lips at Club Car Bar on Aug. 4
FEATURES BROTHER LUKE AND THE COMRADES Hear Brother Luke & The Comrades, along with Brett Perkins, and guest host Jesse Loren Strickman. All ages are welcome; signup with the email provided stevekey57@gmail.com. Aug. 6 6-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/events. Blast 825 (Atascadero), 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HUBBA
WINES WITH FUNK JUNKET Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music featuring local bands every Friday evening! Wine and food will be available for purchase. Aug. 8 , 5-9 p.m. $ Donation. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
THE SUPERCHIEFS RETURN TO
APOGEE Join Katie Franklin, David Foster Evans, and Matthias Clark for tasty folk rock originals and favorites! Listen to starry vocals and enjoy drinks. Aug. 2 , 6-8 p.m. (805) 710-3309. Apogee Brewing, 191 S. Oak Park Rd., Grover Beach.
TUESDAYS IN THE PARK: FREE
ATASCADERO COMMUNITY BAND
CONCERTS Enjoy these fabulous free community band concerts with different music and conductors weekly! Bring your lawn chair and snacks. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. through Aug. 19 Free. atascaderoband. org. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST 2025 First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the dance-worthy beats. Aug. 1 , 6-10 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.
JOSH ROSENBLUM BAND & JINEANNE
CODERRE LIVE Jineanna Coderre will perform at Mission Plaza, followed by Josh Rosenblum Band. Hear them live in the heart of downtown! Aug. 1 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
JUNIOR TOOTS: TRIBUTE TO TOOTS & THE MAYTALS Junior Toots, born and raised in St Mary, Jamaica, is stopping through SLO. Hear him live at SLO Brew and get tickets at the link. Aug. 2 7 p.m. $33. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
LEO KOTTKE AND JULIAN LAGE Hear guitarists Leo Kottke and Julian Lage live. Get tickets and more info at the link. Aug. 10 7 p.m. $43. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
LOS YESTERDAYS Los Yesterdays, the a Chicano soul band from Los Angeles, are set to take the Fremont Theater stage. Hear them live and get tickets at the link. July 31 $37. fremontslo.com/events/ los-yesterdays-1/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
MSPAINT AT HUMDINGER SLO
American rock band MSPAINT is set to hit the Humdinger stage. Purchase tickets at the link to hear them live. Aug. 9, 6 p.m. $22. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
RAYLAND BAXTER & LANGHORNE SLIM Two modern troubadours, one unforgettable night. Rayland Baxter and Langhorne Slim will share the stage for an intimate co-headline evening of soul-stirring songs, poetic grit, and raw Americana spirit. Let the lyrics linger and the night unfold. Aug. 3 7 p.m. $49.35. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
RED LEATHER LIVE Alternative-rock artist Red Leather is based out of Reno, Nevada, and will be playing in town. His music tells an honest story of addiction, his journey to sobriety, and his pursuit of his dreams. Get tickets now. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. $27. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
RESINATION & GHOST\MONSTER DUO AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Ghost\Monster duo will perform a set, followed by two hours of live music from Resination. The Soda Crackers will play during the after party at Libertine Brewing Co. Aug. 8 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
STEVE EARLE LIVE Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. Hear him live at the Fremont Theater! Aug. 7 $46.32. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
YELAWOLF 45 TOUR Hear the “the Nashville-based multiplatinum chart-topping artist, entrepreneur, and Slumerican Founder” live at the Fremont! Tickets and more info are available at the link. Aug. 5 7 p.m. $52.50. fremontslo. com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Head to the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472.
arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
BIG VARIETY NIGHT WITH TED WATERHOUSE Ted Waterhouse hosts multiple local musicians, singersongwriters, and ensembles, each doing a short set. Hear up to eight performers in an evening. First Sunday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 3 Free. (805) 773-6563. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, puffersofpismo.com.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY
FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale 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.
MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC
MAN Players West presents The Music Man — a heartwarming tale of charm, music, and unexpected love in smalltown Iowa. Aug. 7, 7 p.m., Aug. 8 7 p.m., Aug. 9 2 & 7 p.m. and Aug. 10 2 p.m. $28.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
REEL TOO REAL HITS THE BEACH!
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
REEL TOO REAL will hit Harry’s with ‘80s and ‘90s alternative rock that will totally jibe with your weekend beach vibe. Aug. 2 3-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 773-1010. harryspismobeach.com. Harry’s Night Club And Beach Bar, 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 6235129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
SUMMER DANCE PARTY Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizen Club presents “Summer Fun Dance” with Riptide Big Band and vocalists at the Elwin Mussell Sr. Center. Aug. 10, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775)813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. ∆
DREAM TEAM Rapper Yelawolf and urban country singer J. Michael Phillips play the Fremont Theater on Aug. 5
COURTESY PHOTO BY EDWARD CROWE
got more than 10 billion career streams and had radio hits with songs like “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” “One of em Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and “Rumor.” Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge stop at Vina on their Yes We Are Tour on ursday, Aug. 7 (8 p.m.; all ages; $80.45 to $362.25 at ticketmaster.com), where they’ll contribute $2 from each ticket sold to bene t their nonpro t charitable organizations: e Etheridge Foundation and First Peoples Fund. ese Grammy-winning artists and activists don’t really need much introduction. ey’ve all been attracting fans since the mid-’80s and continue to create important music.
As Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers noted in press materials, “We joke about being old, but what is old when it comes to music? We’re still a bar band at heart. While our lyrics and writing approach may change, our passion for music feels the same as it did when we were 25 years old.”
Urban Western
What happens when you mix a rapper with an emerging artist known for a unique fusion of country storytelling and acoustic guitars? You get amazing urban Western vignettes. Search YouTube for collaborations between the rapper Yelawolf and J. Michael Phillips and you’ll discover mini crime Westerns such as “I Swear” and “Searching for Heaven” or the soured love a air of “Amnesia” that mix Phillips’ urban country sound with Yelawolf’s sick rhymes. ey join forces in the Fremont eater on Tuesday,
Aug. 5 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $52.50 at prekindle.com). J.T. Loux opens.
Also this week at the Fremont, iconic singer-songwriter Steve Earle plays an intimate solo acoustic show on ursday, Aug. 7 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $46.32 to $82.37 at prekindle.com). e protégé of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark has become one of the most revered songwriters of his generation with songs like “Guitar Town,” “Goodbye’s All We Got Left,” “Copperhead Road,” “Feels Alright,” and “Hard-Core Troubadour.”
If you’re ready to get weird, Bingo Loco returns to the Fremont on Saturday, Aug. 2 (doors at 6:30, show at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $41.17 at prekindle.com). “We’ve ipped the traditional game of bingo on its head and
turned it into a three-hour-long interactive stage show complete with dance-o s, lip sync battles, throwback anthems, confetti showers, and prizes ranging from cars to lawnmowers,” organizers explain.
Deep roots
SLO Brew Live presents Junior Toots, a tribute to Toots & e Maytals, at Rod & Hammer Rock on Saturday, Aug. 2 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $32.26 at ticketweb.com), with Resination opening.
Junior Toots is the son of the legendary Toots Hibbert of Toots & e Maytals. Expect to hear some of Junior’s
songs such as “Holding Firm” and “Jah Give Us Victory” as well as some of his father’s songs such as “Funky Kingston” and “54 46.” Modern troubadours Rayland Baxter & Langhorne Slim play the Rock on Sunday, Aug. 3 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $49.35 at ticketweb.com). ey’re co-headlining an intimate “evening of soul-stirring songs, poetic grit, and raw Americana spirit,” the club announced.
The outsiders
Stretch your sonic limits when e Bunker presents an outsider music event with Olympia’s cacophonous experimental artist and sax player Max Nordile, Seattle’s abstract electronica act CSTMR, and local static blaster Frequent Weaver on Sunday, Aug. 3 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $10). According to this bio, “Nordile is a multidisciplinary artist living in Olympia. He may well complete a degree at the Evergreen State College studying arts and communication and previously attended Cornish College of the Arts.”
CSTMR is a Seattle duo consisting of Tom Scully and Casey Adams who “play a brand of improvised no wave thrash that is ever devolving,” according to press materials. Should prove to be an interesting evening of organized (and perhaps disorganized) sounds. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
WOMEN RULE Indigo Girls (left) and Melissa Etheridge (right) stop at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on their Yes
Flavor
Innovation station
Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center provides farmers with careful research they can take back to their fields
In eight years, the cost of growing strawberries in California has increased by 40 percent.
In 2016, farmers spent about $62,000 per acre of the red berry. By 2024, they were paying $105,000, according to Mohammad Amir Aghaee, who leads the entomology program at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center.
“When you have a situation like that, every cent matters,” Aghaee said. “Anywhere they can save money, they are looking for it.”
Aghaee studies insects—specifically the pests that can do so much harm to strawberry fields, including lygus, which can deform the fruit; the spotted wing drosophila, which lay eggs in the berries that eventually become tiny maggots; and twospotted and Lewis mites, which can cause yield losses. He presented his research as part of the annual Strawberry Field Day on July 24, when growers, product manufacturers, students, and others in or interested in the
industry toured the work the center has been doing in partnership with the California Strawberry Commission.
The entomology program researches how effective conventional and organic products are in helping to manage those pests.
“At the core of it, it’s to save the grower money, increase efficiency, and hopefully reduce inputs,” Aghaee said. “The goal, at least for the entomology program, is to make sure that the products that are being sold to growers are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”
“I just let the data speak for itself,” he added. “I have to be neutral, … and the growers … will make their own decision.”
Strawberry Center Director Gerald Holmes said that farmers have a need—whether it’s more effectively treating pests and diseases or addressing labor shortages or costs—and the center can address that need through careful research. As the director since its inception 11 years ago, Holmes said about 150 Cal Poly students have gone through the program either through parttime work or as part of a masters’ degree. Currently, about 50 students participate in the center’s programs every year.
“You have a need, ability to address that need through research, and facilitate adoption,” Holmes said.
In addition, students have the opportunity to work closely with the industry, learn leadership skills, find their passions within farming, and lend their ideas to the future.
As groups walked down to the 3 acres of strawberry fields behind Cal Poly’s Technology Park off Mount
Bishop Road, each person was required to snap a pair of green fabric booties around their shoes. No soil pathogens allowed in and none allowed out.
The smell of ripe strawberries wafted up as unmanned tractors and other devices rolled down the rows between tables and tents showcasing studies on pests, fungus like powdery mildew, automation, and new technologies.
“They can do a lot that we can’t,” said Jeff Quaglino with Quaglino Farms in Santa Maria. “We just don’t have the ability to do the testing, especially on the efficacy of different sprays. … They can get very granular and specific.”
He added that farmers like him can take what they need from the work done at the Strawberry Center and apply it or phase it into their own operations. For instance, multiple years showing one fungus treatment is better than others could give farmers an opportunity to apply fewer chemicals, which is the best outcome for the berries.
“If we can spray every 10 days instead of every seven, it’s beneficial over the lifetime of the crop,” he said, as an example.
Quaglino’s been farming for about a decade and focused on strawberries for the
last three. He described the market as “really rough” over the last few years.
Strawberries were Santa Barbara County’s top commodity crop in 2024, netting more than $860 million, according to the most recent Santa Barbara County crop report. While San Luis Obispo County hasn’t released its crop report for 2024 yet, in 2023, strawberries were second to winegrapes, netting more than $274 million that year.
On July 1, Santa Barbara County Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Matthew Maiten told the county Board of Supervisors that the numbers in the report only reflect gross values of the commodities—not profits.
“It does not consider the costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, distribution, among other production activities,” Maiten said. The market value of strawberries on store shelves has not kept up with the cost of what it takes to grow them, Quaglino said.
“Over the past few years, strawberry growers have struggled to make enough money to cover our costs to grow the crop. Just as people have seen their cost of living go up over the past few years. The agricultural industry has not been immune either,”
DEMO At the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s annual field day on July 24, TRIC Robotics demonstrates an automated machine that uses UV light to treat strawberry pests and vacuum them up afterward.
Quaglino told New Times in a follow-up email after the field day. “To add to that, the sales price has been stagnant and/or lower than five-year historical averages week after week. Maybe it’s because the strawberry is not en vogue at moment like it once was or we just have too many acres producing.”
The big takeaway from the annual field day as a grower, he said, is being able to glean what they can and implement it on the farm “to save money and still produce a top quality berry.”
The California Strawberry Commission funds the center to the tune of about $1 million a year, which can be leveraged for federal and state research grants, commission President Rick Tomlinson said.
“We’ve been growing every year. It’s something that builds on itself,” he said. “The industry is doing this because we’re constantly searching for innovation.”
One example of how the center has helped
innovate automation is increasing the efficiency of something called a bug vacuum. The device rolls over crop fields and vacuums bugs off the berry plants. But with the help of research dollars, a collaboration with Driscoll’s, and students, the center was able to increase the machine’s efficiency by 400 percent. TRIC Robotics demonstrated a device that uses UV lights to kill pests before vacuuming them up, zapping the pests as it rolls through the fields, then sucking them into a catchment.
It’s the second year that the center has demonstrated that machine at the field day. While the device is still fairly new, and there aren’t many on the market yet, the center is the place where ideas like that can take root, Tomlinson said.
“You have the science to say, does this really work or how does this work,” Tomlinson said. “So a farmer can have an informed choice.” ∆
Editor Camillia Lanham loves a ripe strawberry. Send some to clanham@newtimesslo.com.
FIELD DAY Strawberry growers, distributors, product manufacturers, politicians, students, and more attended the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s annual demonstration day on July 24.
CITATION FOR PUBLICATION UNDER WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court
CASE NAME: Danger Lopez CASE NUMBER: 24JD00256-001
1. To: Manuel Lopez and anyone claiming to be a parent of Danger Lopez born on 10/16/2024 at Marian Medical Center, Santa Maria, California
2a. A WIC §366.26
Selection & Implementation / Service Review hearing will be held on July 9, 2025, at 1:15 pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
2b. A WIC §366.26 Selection & Implementation (back-up) / A WIC §366.3 Post Permanency hearing will be held on September 10, 2025, at 1:15 pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calendar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court.
The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.
Date: July 1, 2025 /s/ Myranda Morales, Deputy Clerk July 10, 17, 24, & 31 , 2025
your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court. The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present. Date: July
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
FILE NO. 2025-1576
(01/01/2025)
New Filing
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CENTRAL COAST TRACTOR WORK
4349 Jardine Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo
County. Steven Richard Rees (330 Crum Rd, Templeton, CA 93465). State of California.
This Business Is Conducted By
An Individual Steven Richard Rees. This Statement Was Filed With The County Clerk Of San Luis Obispo On 07/25/2025. I Hereby Certify That This Copy Is A Correct Copy Of The Statement On File In My Office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, atrujillo, Deputy. Exp. 07/25/2030. July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0478
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Destiney Dawn Nickole Stiles-Robles and Frank James Robles filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME:
a. Destiney Dawn Nickole StilesRobles
b. Malakai Jackson Stiles-Robles
c. Savannah Fayelind StilesRobles
PROPOSED NAME:
a. Destiney Dawn Nickole Robles
b. Malakai Jackson Robles
c. Savannah Fayelind Robles
THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: September 10, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 4 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court
Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: July 22, 2025.
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP-0152
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Izel Rios filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Izel Rios PROPOSED NAME: Itzel Rios THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.
Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 14, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court
Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times
Date: June 5, 2025.
/s/: Judge van Rooyen, Craig B, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 3, 10, 17, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
25CVP-0192
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Deanna Bollman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Brayden Dunton Perry PROPOSED NAME: Brayden Burch Dunton. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: July 23, 2025, 9:30 am, Dept: P2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles 93446. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: May 27, 2025.
/s/: Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2025.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0525
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Daniel Childress aka Danny Gonzalez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Danny Gonzalez PROPOSED NAME: Daniel Childress THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 20, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 4 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm Street Room 385 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: September 4, 2024. /s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court.
July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Wendi Realene Stearman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Wendi Realene Stearman. PROPOSED NAME: Wendi Realene Wells. THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 21, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220 San Luis Obispo CA 93408. Civil Court Operations.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 9, 2025.
/s/: Judge van Rooyen, Craig B., Judge of the Superior Court. July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2025
T.S. No.: 2025-00532-CA A.P.N.:060-086-021
Property Address: 470 NORTH 3RD STREET, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE §
2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.
NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED
注：本文件包含一个信息摘要 참고사항: 본 첨부 문서에 정보 요 약서가 있습니다
NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO
TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP
LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI
LIỆU NÀY
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 08/08/2000. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Trustor: DEBORAH R. JONES, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN
Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC
Deed of Trust Recorded 08/18/2000 as Instrument No. 2000-047171 in book —-, page—- and further modified by that certain Modification Agreement recorded on 02/14/2011, as Instrument No. 2011007702 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, California, Date of Sale: 09/02/2025 at 11:00 AM
Place of Sale: IN THE BREEZEWAY ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY GENERAL SERVICES BLDG. LOCATED AT 1087 SANTA ROSA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 426,408.06
THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE:
All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as: More fully described in said Deed of Trust.
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 470 NORTH 3RD STREET, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
A.P.N.: 060-086-021
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.
The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 426,408.06.
Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell
to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:
The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www. altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2025-00532-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (866)960-8299, or visit this internet website https://www.altisource. com/loginpage.aspx, using the file number assigned to this case 2025-00532-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Date: July 24, 2025
Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003 Sale Information Line: (866) 9608299 https://www.altisource. com/loginpage.aspx
Trustee Sale Assistant
**This address must be used for the required delivery by certified or overnight mail of postponement requests as specified pursuant to Civil Code section 2924f(e). July 31, August 7, & 14, 2025
Adult Services
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF JUDICIAL
FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$47,863.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 25CVP-0237
Notice is hereby given that on May 8, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 7270 Sombrilla Avenue, Atascadero, CA, 93422 by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $47,863.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/ documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: May 19, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
May 22, 29, & June 5, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF
NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$6,094 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on May 8, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 8410 El Camino Real, Space Q and W, Atascadero, CA 93422, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 and 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $6,094.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/ documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 22, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
July 24, 31, & August 7, 2025
RIGHETTI
RANCH PARKSCOMMUNITY PARK SPEC. NO. 2000054
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of San Luis Obispo will receive bids by mail for the “RIGHETTI RANCH PARKSCOMMUNITY PARK, Spec. No. 2000054” at the Public Works Administration Office located at 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 until THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., when they will be publicly opened.
Bids received after said time will not be considered. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, contractor name, address, and specification number.
The Contractor must possess a valid Class A Contractor’s License at the time of the bid opening. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of San Luis Obispo.
Download FREE at the City’s website: www.SloCity.orgBid packages under Bids & Proposals. Questions may be addressed to Wyatt Banker-Hix, Project Manager, at 805-2951609 or wbanker@slocity.org.
July 31, 2025
SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT RFPQ #335
Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive RFPQ #335: Sealed
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF JUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(j) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: $21,495.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 25CV-0370
Notice is hereby given that on May 9, 2025, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 506 Navajo Avenue, Paso Robles, California, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section(s) 11351, 11351.5, and 11352, of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $21,495.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www. courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party is entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 22, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney July 24, 31, & August 7, 2025
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO.
688
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atascadero City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 688. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Ordinance amends Title 2 (administration), Chapter 14 (elections) of the Atascadero Municipal Code to add section 2-14.03 to allow for electronic and paperless filing of Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) campaign disclosure statements and statements of economic interest.
The Ordinance was passed and adopted by the City Council on July 22, 2025, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Dariz, Funk, Newsom, Peek and Mayor Bourbeau.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
A complete copy of the Ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.
DATED: July 23, 2025
S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLISH: July 31, 2025
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Ordinance has been introduced before the City Council of the City of Atascadero. The primary provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:
This Draft Ordinance authorizes the levy of special taxes in Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (public services), including certain annexation territory.
Annexation no. 26: Dove Creek Mixed-Use
On July 22, 2025, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for adoption by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Dariz, Funk, Newsom, Peek and Mayor Bourbeau.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Council will consider this Ordinance for adoption on August 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, at which time any persons wishing to support or oppose the adoption of said Ordinance may appear and be heard.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN under provisions of Government Code Section 36933 the required publication in the New Times will be summary only. Copies of the full text of this Draft Ordinance (including all Exhibits) are available for review on the City’s website at www.atascadero.org or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.
DATED: July 24, 2025
S/ Alyssa Slater, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLISH: July 31, 2025
CITY OF ATASCADERO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT
DATE: Wednesday August 13, 2025
TIME: 3:00 P.M.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Room 104 6500 Palma Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Administrator of the City of Atascadero will hold a public hearing IN PERSON at the time and place indicated above to consider the following project:
1. Administrative Use Permit to allow a sloping lot setback reduction from 25 feet to 17 feet for a garage attached to a proposed Urban Dwelling Unit at 8150 San Marcos Road (APN 031-202-031) (USE24-0025). The project qualifies for a Class 5 categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), (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 15305, because it is a limited to a minor setback adjustment that does not result in a change in land use or density. Staff recommendation is to approve the project.
2. Interested individuals are invited to participate in person. To provide written public comment, please email comments to aup-comments@atascadero.org by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will NOT be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If a challenge to the above application/s 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 Hearing Officer. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services at 805-470-3402 Monday–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 http://www.atascadero.org/agendas BY ORDER OF THE HEARING OFFICER
DATED: 7/28/2025
S/K Gleason, Planning Manager
PUBLISH: 7/31/2025
CITY OF MORRO BAY NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Morro Bay City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, at 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter, to consider the following: 1. Presentation of User Fee Study results and adoption of a resolution amending the schedule of fees and charges for City services for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
Interested individuals are invited to be present and will be given an opportunity to speak on the item. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk via email at council@morrobayca.gov or by mail prior to the meeting at 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442 and will be distributed to the City Council.
A proposed fee schedule will be available on the City’s website at www.morrobayca.gov, by end of business Friday, August 1st, and is available upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at (805) 772-6205. If you have any questions, please contact the Finance Department at (805) 772-6201.
/s/ Dana Swanson City Clerk
Dated: July 18, 2025
Date Published: July 31, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT PUBLIC HEARING
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Monday, August 11, 2025 in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:
1. 204 Madonna Rd. USE-0429-2025; Request for concurrent sales of motor fuel and alcoholic beverages (wine and beer) at an existing service station. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); C-T Zone; Madonna Shell, applicant. (Eva Wynn)
2. 755 Monterey St. USE-0136-2025; Request for a Minor Use Permit to operate a cider tasting room (Bar/Tavern use) with operating hours of 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, 7 days a week, and have live, indoor, ambient entertainment. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); C-D-H Zone; SLO Cider, LLC, applicant. (Mallory Patino)
PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken on these public hearing items may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Luis Obispo at, or prior to, the public hearing. July 31, 2025
The Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on August 19, 2025. The annual report includes details regarding the uses of the Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund including the number of housing units constructed or assisted to be constructed, the types of units, income level, location of the housing units and the status of each affordable housing project.
A Draft Copy of the Title 29 Affordable Housing Fund Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is available online at slohomeless. com for a 15-day public review and comment beginning July 31, 2025. The last day to submit public comment by email is August 15, 2025. Public comments may be presented at the Board of Supervisor hearing on August 19, 2025. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Please submit any questions or comments related to the proposed recommendations to SS_HSDInfo@co.slo.ca.us. July 31, 2025
July 31 - August 7, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero, Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING inperson at the time and place indicated above to consider the following project:
Resolution recommending the City Council Amend Title 9 (Planning and Zoning) of the Atascadero Municipal Code to establish permitting requirements and land use standards for the short-term rental of dwelling units (ZCH24-0059). This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3).).
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pccomments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero. org/agendas.
DATED: July 28, 2025
S/ K Gleason, Planning Manager
PUBLISH: July 31, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Applications to make minor changes to the properties at the addresses listed below have been received by the City.
1. 1141 Chorro St & 790 Marsh St. DIR-0431-2025; Request for a sidewalk café on the northwest side of Marsh Street to serve an existing restaurant. This project is categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review; C-D-H Zone; Eureka Restaurant Group, applicant. (Eva Wynn)
2. 1202 Southwood Dr. #1. DIR-0438-2025; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of 2 bedrooms within an owneroccupied residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-4 Zone; Benjamin Nagengast, applicant. (Mallory Patino)
3. 951 Monterey St. MOD-0507-2025; Request to modify DIR-0643-2024 to add a maximum of thirty (30) nights of work from August 11 to October 21, 2025 between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to upgrade PG&E lines for the Anderson Hotel along Monterey, Morro, and Higuera Streets (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-D-H Zone; PG&E, applicant. (Mallory Patino) 4. Broad Street between Sweeney Way and Capitolio Way. DIR-0544-2025; Request to perform work at night for a maximum of four (4) nights between August 18 to August 21, 2025 from the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to trench and bore to place conduit, remove and replace concrete, and repair existing conduit along Broad Street (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-S, C-S-PD, C-S-S-PD, C-R-SF, C-C-S, C-C-PD, R-2PD, R-2-S, R-2-SP and M-S Zones; Inland Engineering Services, applicant. (Mallory Patino)
The Community Development Director will either approve or deny these applications no sooner than August 11, 2025
The Director’s decision may be appealed, and must be filed with the appropriate appeal fee within 10 days of the Director’s action. For more information, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, stop by Monday and Wednesday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or call (805) 781-7170, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 31, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Time extension for the entitlements for a new Peterbilt sales and service center including a new billboard sign. Entitlements include Development Plan 22-02 and Conditional Use Permit 22-16 (TEX25-04, TEX25-05, P22-0017, P23-0019)
Applicant: Archer Paso Robles, LLC
Location: 2805 Theatre Drive (APN 009-851-022)
CEQA Determination: The City Council adopted Resolution 23-084 certifying Mitigated Negative Declaration SCH 2022090384 for the project. No subsequent environmental review is necessary because the time extension would not result in any significant impacts not considered in the approved MND. There is no substantial evidence in the record suggesting any of the criteria set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 is met, and accordingly, no subsequent environmental review is necessary.
Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on August 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chamber/Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, 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 planning@prcity.com or (805) 237-3970. July 31, 2025
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 21, 2025 for performing work as follows:
ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR SUNSET PALISADES LIFT STATION REHAB AND FORCE MAIN RELOCATION PROJECT
The scope of work for this project includes engineering design, survey, utility coordination, environmental support services, and cultural resources review for the repair and rehabilitation of the Sunset Palisades lift station discharge piping and relocation of the existing force main out of private property and into the City right-of-way along Searidge Court.
There is a mandatory Pre-Bid Job Walk on August 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Please meet promptly at the Lift Station site located across from 99 Indio Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal. Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK
July 24 & 31, 2025
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: Something dear that you left behind can now be retrieved. What? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): For many bamboo species, nothing visible happens for years after the seeds are sowed. Beneath the surface, though, the plants are developing an extensive underground root system. This is referred to as the “sleep” or “creep” phase. Once the preparatory work is finished, the above-ground growth explodes, adding as much as three feet of stalk per day. Dear Aries, I sense you have been following a similar pattern. Soon you will launch a phase of vigorous evolution and expansion. It might feel unsettling at first, but I predict you will come to adore it.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): You are very close to uncovering interesting information about yourself—some new, some forgotten. But you will have to be brave and strategic to actually find it. If you manage to pull off this demanding-but-not-impossible trick, a series of breakthroughs may stream your way. Like what? Here are the possibilities. 1. A distorted self-image will fade. 2. An adversary’s hex will dissolve. 3. An inhibition will subside, freeing you to unite with a fun asset. 4. You will knock down a barrier that has been so insidious you didn’t know how strong it was.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): In medieval music, “organum” refers to passages that feature two voices. One is sung in long, sustained notes, and the other performs intricate, fastermoving melodic lines above it. This is an apt metaphor for the roles I invite you to take on in the coming weeks, Gemini: both the drone and the melody. One way to do it is to hold steady in one realm as you improvise in another. Another is to offer your allies doses of stability and inspirational dreams. Welcome the duality! You are capable of both deep-rooted rhythm and visionary risk; both fortifying truth and playful fun.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Ernest Hemingway had a reputation for bravado, but he was adept at wielding the protective, self-nourishing skills your sign is renowned for. He was sensitive about his works-in-progress, refusing to discuss unfinished stories. He understood that raw creative energy needed to be sheltered from kibitzing until it could stand on its own. “The first draft of anything is shit,” he said, but he also knew that defending the right to write that mediocre first draft was essential for him to thrive. Hemingway’s ability to channel his emotional vulnerability into moving prose came from establishing firm boundaries around his generative process. I recommend you do all that good stuff in the coming weeks, dear Cancerian.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): In ancient China and ancient Greece, the lion was not the king of beasts, but the guardian of gates. The threshold keeper. The one who asked, “Are you ready?” Now is a good time to bring this aspect of Leonine symbolism to your attention. You may soon feel a surge of leadership radiance, but not necessarily the stage-commanding kind. It will be more like priest and priestess energy. Gatekeeper presence. People and situations in your orbit are on the verge of transformation, and you can be a midwife to their transitions—not by fixing or moralizing, but by witnessing. So I invite you to hold space. Ask potent questions. Be the steady presence ready to serve as a catalyst.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The love-fakers and promise-breakers and delusion-makers are no fun, but I think you will ultimately be grateful they helped you clarify your goals. The reverse healers and idea-stealers and greedy feelers are perilous to your peace of mind in the short run, but eventually they will motivate you to create more rigorous protections for your heart, health, and stability. In conclusion, Virgo, it’s one of those odd times when people with less than pure intentions and high integrity can be valuable teachers.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is built into a Norwegian mountain near the Arctic. It’s humanity’s backup garden. It stores over a million seed varieties from all over the world, serving as a safeguard for biodiversity. In accordance with astrological omens, Libra, I invite you to imagine yourself as resembling a seed vault. What valuable capacities are you saving up for the future? Are there treasures you contain that will ensure your long-term stability and security? Which of your potentials need to get extra nurturing? Bonus: Now is a good time to consider whether you should activate any of these promises.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There’s a myth in Gnostic traditions that Sophia, the Goddess of Divine Wisdom, split herself apart and dispersed into the material world. She became embedded in every stone, plant, and drop of blood. And she’s still here, murmuring truth from within every part of the material world. In Sophia’s spirit, Scorpio, here is your message: Wisdom isn’t elsewhere. It’s embedded in your body; in your grief; in the wood grain of your table and the ache behind your eyes. More than ever, you have a mandate to celebrate this gift. So, for now, refrain from thinking that spirituality is about transcendence and ascendance. Instead, greet the sacred in the dust and mud. Listen for Sophia in the ordinary. She speaks in sighs and sparks, not sermons.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When I do tours to promote the books I write, the range of encounters can be wide. On one trip, over 300 people came to see me at a bookstore in New York City. They listened raptly, posed interesting questions, and bought 71 books. In Atlanta three days later, I was greeted by nine semi-interested people at a small store in a strip mall. They purchased three books. But I gave equal amounts of energy at both gigs. The crowd in Atlanta got my best, as did the audience in New York. I invite you to regard me as a role model, Sagittarius. Proceed as if every experience deserves your brightest offerings. Express yourself with panache no matter what the surroundings are.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In ancient Egyptian cosmology, ka is the vital essence and the double of a person that lives on after death. But it also walks beside you while you live. It drinks, eats, and dreams. It is both you and more than you. Dear Capricorn, I invite you to tune in to your ka in the coming days, and any other spiritual presences that serve you and nourish you. Be alert for visitations from past selves, forgotten longings, and future visions that feel eerily familiar.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Dear Rob Brezsny: I wonder what you are like in person. Sometimes I get a Gen X vibe, like you wear vintage T-shirts from obscure bands, are skeptical but not cynical, and remember life before the internet, but are tech savvy. Other times, you seem like a weird time-traveler visiting us from 2088. It’s confusing! Are you trying to be a mystery? When’s your next public appearance? I want to meet you. —Aquarian Explorer.” Dear Aquarian: I’m glad I’m a riddle to you. As long as I avoid being enmeshed in people’s expectations and projections, I maintain my freedom to be my authentic self, even as I continually reinvent my authentic self. By the way, I recommend you adopt my attitude in the coming weeks.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): In Norse mythology, the god Odin plucked out one of his eyes and hung himself upside down from the World Tree for nine days. Why would he do such a thing? The ancient stories tell us this act of self-sacrifice earned him the right to learn the secret of the runes, which held the key to magic, fate, and wisdom. You don’t need to make a sacrifice anywhere near that dramatic, Pisces. But I do suspect you are primed for a comparable process. What discomfort are you willing to endure for the sake of revelation? What illusions must you give up to see more clearly? I dare you to engage in an inner realignment that brings metamorphosis, but not martyrdom. ∆
