Central Coast photographers capture moments and more [12]
Editor’s note
For 30 years, New Times Media Group has been asking Central Coast photographers to send their best moments our way. Animal moments, people moments, floral moments, and more. This year, they submitted 333 images for our annual Winning Images contest, which our judges narrowed down to the top three in each of eight categories and honorable mentions. Crack open this week’s issue to check out all the great things that locals can capture from behind the lens [12].
Also this week, read about how local lawmakers are challenging the Trump administration [4], a liberal who wrote a book about gun culture [26], and a Templeton olive oil purveyor that’s winning awards [32]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover courtesy photo by Wayne Angeloty cover design by Alex Zuniga
Padilla and Carbajal challenge Trump militarization amid LA ICE raids
On June 12, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) attempted to ask the Trump administration about the immigration raids in Los Angeles. Immediately, he was removed from the room, tackled to the ground, and handcuffed.
“You’ve seen the video. I was pushed, pulled, and struggled to maintain my balance. I was forced to the ground, first my knees and then flat on my chest,” Padilla said, his voice breaking, at a congressional hearing on June 17. “As I was handcuffed and marched down the hallway, I was repeatedly asking, ‘Why am I being detained?’ Not once did they tell me why.”
On June 7, the Trump administration deployed nearly 5,000 domestic Marines and National Guard troops to LA after what it said were increasing violent acts of protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were “performing federal functions and supporting the faithful execution of federal immigration laws.”
Trump wrote in a memorandum that the protests threatened the security of federal immigration detention facilities and other federal property and inflicted significant damage.
“To the extent that protests or acts of violence directly inhibit the execution of the laws, they constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States,” the memorandum said.
Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called the actions an “extremely dangerous precedent.”
According to a statement released by Gov. Gavin Newsom, protests before the deployment were about 250 people, but after military presence, they escalated in size to 3,000.
At the hearing on June 17, Padilla recounted his experience of being removed from the press conference
and tackled on June 12 when attempting to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question about the LA ICE raids.
Padilla said he wanted transparency that day from an administration that he believed had done everything but provide justification for its mission in LA. But he wasn’t given the chance, even after stating he was a U.S. senator.
Padilla said this experience wasn’t just about him, though.
“If you watched what unfolded last week and thought what happened is just about one politician and one press conference, you’re missing the point,” Padilla said. “If that is what the administration is willing to do to a United States senator for having the authority to simply ask a question, imagine what they’ll do to any American who dares to speak up.”
Carbajal told New Times via email he was
disturbed by the “aggressive treatment” toward Padilla that day, and the incident was “beyond unacceptable.”
“The secretary and the Department of Homeland Security must be held accountable,” Carbajal said.
Carbajal has also challenged the administration himself, calling the U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth an “embarrassment to the United States” during a hearing on June 12—a hearing about whether deploying the Marines in LA was lawful.
Within his five minutes of questioning, Carbajal accused Hegseth of endangering the lives of the national military and called for him to step down from his position.
“You should get the hell out and let someone competent lead this department,” Carbajal said before he concluded. ∆
Planned Parenthood’s Central Coast workers avert strike, agree to deal
It’s health care as usual for Planned Parenthood California Central Coast [PPCCC] clinics after a tentative agreement between union members and management averted strikes scheduled for June.
“The agreement still needs to be ratified by workers before it goes into effect, but while the ratification process is completed, the strikes have been called off,” SEIU-United Healthcare Workers union spokesperson Maria Leal said. “Patients of PPCCC should expect no disruption in care provided at the clinics.”
Health care workers at the Central Coast clinics in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Oxnard engaged in more than a dozen bargaining sessions with leadership, airing concerns about alleged low compensation that contributed to high turnover rates.
In May, the workers’ union authorized a strike
until Planned Parenthood management improved labor practices. On June 6, the union announced that workers would begin the strike on June 10, with an expectation it would continue through June 11 if negotiations didn’t progress favorably.
Central Coast Planned Parenthood spokesperson Luz Reyes-Martin said that management developed a “strong, collaborative” relationship with the union, and the discussions never stalled.
“We were surprised to learn the union opted to submit a strike notice,” she said. “When the 10-day strike authorization notice was issued, PPCCC continued to offer additional dates to continue bargaining, as we had throughout the process.”
The union announced averting the strike on June 9. Leal told New Times that workers settled a three-year contract with management that includes guaranteed annual wage increases; more affordable health care options for employees; job security; parental leave; additional paid time off and bonuses on employee anniversary dates; shift differentials for working weekends, taking extra shifts, and traveling to other locations; and “fully addresses”
the reported unfair labor practices.
“We are proud to have better turnover rates as compared to the industry standards in health care,” Reyes-Martin said. “PPCCC’s employee engagement scores and patient satisfaction scores are higher than the national average.”
The union declined to provide New Times with a summary of the tentative agreement, adding it should be ratified by the end of June 21.
The proposed strike and subsequent agreement arrived at a time when House Republicans passed a budget reconciliation bill that defunds Planned Parenthood by banning Medicaid reimbursement.
The California Central Coast chapter also joined four other Planned Parenthood chapters across the country in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The lawsuit opposes the department’s order to align with President Trump’s executive orders for continued Teen Pregnancy Prevention funding.
“Once this contract is in place, our hope is that
—Libbey Hanson
NO JUSTIFICATION On June 17, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) recounted his experience of being tackled and handcuffed during a June 12 press conference after attempting to ask the Trump administration about the LA ICE raids. The senator said, “Imagine what they’ll do to any American who dares to speak up.”
SCREENSHOT
good health care workers will stay on at PPCCC so they can continue to provide quality care to their patients,” Leal said. “Our priority is to work together to protect our workforce and to address broader challenges, including potential cuts to Medicaid.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
New fire prevention plan in works for Los Padres National Forest
As California enters prime fire season, the U.S. Forest Service has proposed a plan to help reduce the risk of wildfires in Los Padres National Forest. But at least one local environmental nonprofit opposes it.
U.S. Forest Service Forest Planner Kyle Kinports said the Wildlife Risk Reduction Project, formerly known as the Ecological Restoration Project of 2022, is intended to improve wildfire containment in Los Padres by enhancing the area’s health and resiliency through vegetation clearing and prescribed burning.
“We don’t want to see our communities and the forest destroyed by wildfire and post-fire floods,” Kinports said via email. “Addressing the threat of wildfire and hazardous fuels that surround communities both within and outside the forest boundary is a priority for both the U.S. Forest Service as well as our state and county cooperators.”
According to the project summary, the Wildlife Risk Reduction Project would work to clear trees and shrubs from national forest land ranging from Ventura to Big Sur, covering areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Kern, and Los Angeles counties.
Kinports said the project has “undergone three years of environmental analysis and revision using the best available science and includes important safeguards for wildlife, water quality, cultural sites, and other resources.”
Los Padres ForestWatch Executive Director Jeff Kuyper said he isn’t convinced.
“There’s a lot of concerns that we in the conservation community and Central Coast residents have about the project in terms of its impact on endangered species habitat,” Kuyper said. “It’s going to damage Native American sacred sites, and it’s really going to fundamentally change the look and feel of the forest for decades to come. I mean, we’re talking about 90,000 acres of fuel breaks and larger cleared areas across the whole forest. They’re going to be visible for miles.”
New Times contacted the Santa Ynez Band
of Chumash Indians for comment but didn’t hear back before publication.
Kuyper said that ForestWatch, which aims to protect public lands along the Central Coast, proposed an alternative plan to the Forest Service, which Kuyper said has 83 percent less impact than the current Wildlife Risk Reduction Project and introduces a newer way of thinking about fire prevention and community safety.
“Time and again, evidence shows that the most effective way to protect communities from wildfire is to focus on where people live, and that means focusing on structures in particular, making sure that they are retrofitted and can withstand fire and embers,” he said. “Making sure that there’s defensible space around structures and working on emergency planning so the communities are prepared when the next wildfire hits.”
U.S. Forest Planner Kinports said via email that the service has discussed these project changes with ForestWatch and is evaluating potential changes in its plan.
A decision regarding the project is anticipated by the end of the year, Kinports said.
—Libbey Hanson
Pismo Beach to consider subsidized permit rates for taxicabs
Starting a taxicab business in Pismo Beach could get easier as the city tries to update its regulations around the transportation service.
At its June 17 meeting, the Pismo Beach City Council directed staff to return with recommendations on subsidized fees for taxicab permits and on conducting background checks on interested drivers to boost safety. The City Council also tabled a secondary discussion to set up a separate ordinance for pedicabs, which are pedal-operated vehicles that serve as taxis.
“I want taxicab companies to compete with companies like Uber more efficiently,”
Councilmember Scott Newton said at the meeting.
Pismo Beach’s taxicab regulations haven’t been updated since they were adopted in 1964. Staff proposed an ordinance update to reflect not only current city practices but also changes to state law in the form of California Assembly Bill 1069.
Enacted in 2019, the bill allows permitting flexibility, meaning cities and counties must
allow a taxicab company permitted in one jurisdiction in the county to operate in other jurisdictions in the same county.
Local agencies also can’t impose a limit on the number of taxicab permits issued. Moreover, the permitting process—while including background checks—must be clear and not unnecessarily difficult. Operators must meet specific insurance requirements under state law.
According to Pismo Beach Police Department Cmdr. Dan Herlihy, Arroyo Grande-based Central Coast Taxi is one of the few taxicab businesses left in the county. Central Coast Taxi owner and driver Sammy Orr has run the company since 2014. While business is steady, Orr told New Times, the company’s call volume has decreased over the past 10 years with the rise of Uber and Lyft.
“It’s kind of a challenge to find people that want to be taxi drivers,” he said. “It’s just so much more convenient nowadays for someone to become an Uber or Lyft driver because they already have the vehicle with them. They don’t have to drive to a location to pick it up.”
Orr observed that on weekends, people going in and out of bars and restaurants are more likely to call Uber or Lyft because they’re readily available at the time. But it’s late-night pickups and drop-offs—especially to and from San Luis Obispo airport—that make up the bulk of Central Coast Taxi rides. Pismo Beach Councilmember Scott Newton made a similar remark at the City Council meeting.
“I know in our city, try to get an Uber at 10 p.m. Nearly impossible,” he said. “So, taxicabs sometimes become your only option. Same thing if you want an early ride to the airport. I just want that avenue simplified.”
One way to simplify the ordinance, Assistant City Manager Mike James told council members, would be to update it with the state’s requirements, effectively removing the need to duplicate permits across neighboring cities.
Current Pismo Beach practices scheduled to take effect in July state that the city will charge $274 for new taxicab operator background checks. Permit renewals will cost $103, and the city will charge $34 for vehicle inspection. Complying with state law, no action and fees will be required if the operator has a valid permit from another city. The council will deliberate proposed lowered rates at a later date. ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
LOGGING OUT In 2022, the U.S. Forest Service started clearing vegetation and conducting prescribed burns in California forests, like this one in Sequoia. Now, it’s continuing this effort in the Los Padres National Forest to create a healthier and more resilient forest through the Wildlife Risk Reduction Project,
Returning home
In 1928, the Yoshida family immigrated to SLO County from Japan, settling at a farmstead near Point Buchon just between Montaña de Oro State Park and Avila Beach. They raised 10 children and farmed fresh greens on the property.
But by 1942, the Yoshidas were forced off the land under Executive Order 9066, which ordered the evacuation and mandatory incarceration of all Japanese and Japanese Americans during the second World War.
According to Cal Poly Professor and archaeologist Terry Jones, the Yoshidas never returned to their homestead after the war because the property was sold once they were forced out.
Since then, Jones said the family’s story and belongings had remained buried and untouched, until about a year ago when Cal Poly anthropology students excavated and studied the artifacts left at the old farmstead. The students did it with the help of living relatives of the Yoshida family right alongside them.
“One of the things that I learned is that Japanese American families seem to all have stories about what happened to them, and they pass those stories down from generation to generation. We had four generations of the Yoshidas there for the excavation and they really felt this deep connection to this particular parcel, to the place where their parents, grandparents, great grandparents lived,” Jones said. “It was especially emotional for them and for us really, because of that particularly unfortunate history—that’s not even a strong enough word.”
With a team of 25 students in the Cal Poly Archaeological Laboratory Methods course and 33 descended family members, the group got to work in spring 2024, slowly digging up artifacts like children’s toys, ceramics, and fish bones, telling stories of the farmstead, and preparing the beloved items for display at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County.
Jones said a project like this is the first of its kind for the university.
“We had a student one time develop a display at the History Center, but we’ve never done a project that went from excavation to post-field to interpretation in a display. This is unprecedented for us,” he said.
Fourth-year anthropology and geography major Lacy May worked on the Yoshida family excavation project since the beginning.
“I had really wanted something hands-on, so I immediately was like, ‘Yes, please sign me up,’” she said.
What she didn’t expect was all the emotion that would come with working directly with the Yoshida family.
“We got to interview all of the Yoshidas, and their presence in the field was really
emotional. They brought paper cranes that they had made for each of their original family members that lived there and painted rocks with their English name on one side and their Japanese name on the other, and we put them back in the site whenever we backfilled it,” May said. “There were definitely tears shed a couple times that weekend because it was so impactful for them to be able to come back.”
First year graduate student of higher education, counseling, and student affairs Collin Marfia participated in the excavation during his last quarter as an undergraduate and said that, lucky for him, he got to stay on the project.
“It’s pretty much all manual physical labor, using shovels, pickaxes, and working very methodically,” he said. “While many people don’t think it is, archeology is a science, you don’t just kind of pick an area and start digging and see what you find. We have to do specific sizes, ... you work in specific depth.” Marfia also felt the emotional significance of the project. When he found out the project would continue after the spring quarter, he enrolled in the course again, even though it wouldn’t go toward his current master’s studies.
“I’m just very thankful to have gotten to stay on this and because it’s not something I imagined would have been continuing this long, but just the experience of being out there in the field with the family and getting to see how much it meant to them made it mean so much more to me,” Marfia said.
The students processed more than 1,000 objects from the Yoshida property, which are now on display at the History Center at 696 Monterey St. until Aug. 3.
Fast fact
• Lumina Alliance announced the opening of the first transitional housing site in North San Luis Obispo County for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. There will be a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25 in Paso Robles. For more information visit luminaalliance.org. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.
REMEMBER, PRESERVE Cal Poly students help excavate, study, preserve, and display artifacts found on a farmstead owned by the Yoshida family, whose family members were forced out and into a Japanese internment camp in 1942.
BY AIMEE BRANTLEY
A symbol of acceptance
The Pride flag still matters in Morro Bay
Historically, June is a month when we dust off our rainbow flags and don our regalia in celebration of decades of triumph over adversity. We commune with our siblings and allies to mark progress and honor those who came before us in brave elegance and hearty aspiration. There are moments of great joy and celebration, but also times of marked solemnity. Pride is a time of family and remembrance—but also a time to regroup and map the work that still needs to be done.
When news broke that Morro Bay planned its final Pride flag raising, we shared a message on our business website encouraging folks to attend the meeting it was planned for. Almost immediately, a commenter left a crude and loathsome response. Over the past calendar year in SLO County, we have witnessed an anti-LGBTQ-plus hate crime death, along with several assaults and acts of vandalism rooted in queer hate. In the Southern U.S., we’ve heard preachers openly calling for the execution of LGBTQ-plus individuals. And now, the current president
AG High’s CTE program doesn’t need the airport
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Verdin and Supervisor Paulding, Arroyo Grande High School will soon offer a new aviation career and technical education program. While we applaud the addition of this valuable educational program, we take issue with the claim that it depends on the Oceano Airport or that it benefits the Oceano community. This assertion is a misleading effort to justify the continued operation of an airport that
has re-centered focus on making LGBTQplus people once again targets of scorn and contempt. This is the backdrop that makes it clear: The decision to rescind the Pride flag ordinance did not happen in a vacuum. When City Councilmember Jeff Eckles publicly called for the removal of the ordinance that allowed the Pride flag to fly, he offered scant and misleading justifications. Those justifications rang hollow as speaker after speaker faced the dais and systematically dismantled every point. Attempting to persuade the audience that his actions were rooted in the rosy ideal of “neutrality,” the council member’s words failed to resonate with the packed room of LGBTQ-plus individuals and allies. It was a shameful insult to recast the rainbow Pride flag—a symbol that has stood for welcome, affirmation, and acceptance for nearly 50 years—as something divisive or exclusionary. Calling it a step toward “tribalism” is disingenuous at best. It is intellectually dishonest to argue that allowing three council members to decide whether a symbol of unity and inclusion may fly is somehow a “gross overreach of government.” If so, wouldn’t removing it by
primarily serves a small group of out-of-town private pilots.
Upon closer examination, the “You Can Fly” program is primarily a classroom-based curriculum that does not require access to an airport. Only advanced coursework might include the use of a flight simulator or small drone. Materials needed to complete the course cost $1,500 and $2,000 and can be purchased at any big-box store.
So what’s the role of the Oceano Airport in this program? Field trips? We assert that any student interested in aviation would
that same process also constitute overreach?
What is the point of representative government if not to represent all the people? While cities across the state and country are expanding Pride visibility, how is it that our small town of 10,000 cannot find the courage to take a principled stand in support of roughly 10 percent of its population?
The Pride flag stands for progress, safety, integrity, and inclusion. It does not pander to the willfully ignorant or those clinging to outdated, false narratives. It pushes back against the long history of violence, exclusion, and discrimination that LGBTQplus people have endured—and still endure.
The claim that this decision affects all commemorative flags, not just the Pride flag, falls apart under scrutiny. No other flag has been requested to fly. And we’ve heard the same tired false dilemmas: “What if someone wants to fly the Nazi or Confederate flag?”
There is a process. Council votes on each request. If the council cannot distinguish between a flag that honors inclusion and one that glorifies violence and genocide, we have a much deeper problem than flag policy.
We are not asking for rainbow crosswalks or high-dollar lighting displays. We are simply asking that the Pride flag continue to fly—one month out of the year—to show that our town supports and represents all of its residents and visitors.
benefit far more from a visit to the San Luis Obispo Airport, which features daily commercial operations and comprehensive aviation services. In contrast, the Oceano Airport sees minimal activity and offers little meaningful engagement for students.
We are not opposed to the CTE program, but we object to the misinformation surrounding its supposed connection to the Oceano Airport and benefits to the Oceano
The council has now rescinded the ordinance and chosen to limit flags to the Morro Bay flag, the California flag, and the U.S. flag. Some who spoke in favor of the decision said they wanted to return to “unity under the American flag.” But here is the rub: the stars and stripes have not always symbolized unity. For many, they have represented prejudice, bullying, and violence. And now, more than ever, the U.S. flag divides in new ways. Over the past decade, it has increasingly come to represent one political party. Often, it flies alongside banners promoting a leader who has actively worked to strip away protections and freedoms from the LGBTQplus community—freedoms that should be guaranteed under that very flag. Unity under one banner sounds like a noble idea. But until we have a shared definition of liberty and equality, the rainbow Pride flag must continue to fly. It is not a substitute for the American flag—it is a bridge that spans the divide between our country’s promises and the lived reality of many of its people. Until the stars and stripes can fulfill their promise for everyone, the rainbow must remain. ∆
Aimee Brantley writes to New Times from Morro Bay. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.
community. Those 60 acres of valuable coastal land might serve Oceano better as a park, soccer fields, community gardens, wetlands, and more. In fact, in December 2023 the California Coastal Commission directed SLO County to conduct an independent land use preference study and vision plan of the Oceano Airport. So far, the county has done nothing to meet that request.
Oceano Beach Community Association
HODIN
Russell Hodin
It is all too clear that California’s communities and environment are not immune to the Trump administration— and that state and local leaders’ pushback is powerful and necessary. Having already moved to open public lands to mining and drilling, the Trump administration is now making its presence known off the Central Coast.
On April 30, the Trump administration announced that the entire U.S. coast is open to consideration for future oil and gas exploration and production, including protected areas like marine sanctuaries.
The announcement codified Trump’s January executive order illegally revoking the coastal protections issued by Biden, triggering a lawsuit by the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, Oceana, Center for Biological Diversity, Surfrider Foundation, Greenpeace, Healthy Gulf, Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Alaska Wilderness League, and Turtle Island Restoration Network.
“We have seen the impact of offshore drilling on our vulnerable ocean waters, and what it does to the surrounding communities, marine life, and the health of the ecosystem,” said Sierra Club Senior Attorney Devorah Ancel. “When nearly 40 percent of Americans live in coastal counties that rely on a healthy ocean to thrive, removing critical protections shows how little care Trump has for these communities.” But all is not lost. Local and state governments have power to oppose offshore oil infrastructure. The present federal and
state threats demonstrate the ever-growing importance of reinforcing state and local environmental laws.
Locally, it’s safe to say the administration picked the worst possible time to attempt offshore oil expansion. The Central Coast is actively fighting against the restart of the offshore oil pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill. The company attempting this, Sable Offshore Corp., announced it restarted oil production at Platform Harmony on May 15—just days before the 10-year anniversary of the spill.
In an added ironic twist: Sable’s announcement turned out to be false. They haven’t restarted production, just their mandatory well testing activities. All of this came one month after the California Coastal Commission ordered they stop work on the ruptured pipeline and imposed an $18 million fine for ignoring a cease-and-desist order. On June 3, a judge finally made Sable stop, issuing a temporary restraining order against Cal Fire and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Environmental Defense Center had filed separate lawsuits charging that the state agencies issued waivers without proper environmental review, essentially authorizing the pipeline to restart without effective protection against corrosion, which is what caused the 2015 spill that shut down the pipeline in the first place.
Linda Krop, chief counsel of the Environmental Defense Center, representing Get Oil Out!, the Santa Barbara County Action Network, the Sierra Club, and Santa Barbara
Channelkeeper, said, “Restarting this defective pipeline with no review and no way for the public to weigh in is a danger to our coast, our climate, and people on the Central Coast. At the very least, Gov. Newsom should demand that his agencies follow the law and do everything possible to prevent another ecological and economic disaster in our state.”
Coastal concerns are coming by sea and air. Elon Musk is still interested in launching ever-growing numbers of SpaceX rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and environmental groups are still interested in requiring Musk to follow existing environmental laws. Public comment is open now through July 7 for SpaceX’s most recent proposed increase in Falcon launches, from 50 to 100 per year at Vandenberg. This would be the third increase in SpaceX launches at Vandenberg in less than three years (jumping from 12 to 36 launches per year in 2023 and then 36 to 50 launches per year in 2024).
Targeted efforts against the state’s foundational environmental laws are not just coming from the federal level, but also from within. A bill introduced in the state Legislature, which would override the California Coastal Act and nullify the Coastal Commission’s objection to increased SpaceX launches at Vandenberg, has been held as a twoyear bill. This means it’s dead in the water for now, but backers can try again in 2026. The bill was authored in 2024 by an Assembly member who Trump subsequently appointed as a
federal prosecutor. Presumably, with Trump and Musk on the outs, even Republicans in the state Legislature may not be inclined to help Musk’s efforts to avoid “inconvenient” laws.
But good news also comes from Sacramento: Assembly Bill 1448 would strengthen environmental safeguards by closing loopholes that allow new or reactivated oil and gas development, which would hinder both Sable and Trump’s drill and spill agenda.
And, as Sierra Club attorney Ancel notes, “Trump tried this illegal move to undo protections during his first administration, and he failed. We will keep working to ensure he won’t be any more successful this time around.” ∆
Gianna Patchen is chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send comments in response to letters@newtimesslo.com.
Political theater?
We’re living in a topsy-turvy world. One of our congressmen yelled at the secretary of defense in a hearing about whether the Trump administration could legally send Marines to the streets of Los Angeles.
One of our state’s U.S. senators was physically removed from the secretary of homeland security’s news conference about the federal government’s presence in Los Angeles and thrown to the ground What is happening?
U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal took his five minutes of grilling Pete Hegseth as an opportunity to belittle and berate him. Did he deserve it? Maybe. Was it a perfect moment for a soundbite? Absolutely. Did he persuade Hegseth to see things his way? Nope. Did it accomplish anything? It drove the wedge deeper through the topsoil of the United States of America
But, I’ve gotta say. It was something.
Carbajal called Hegseth an “embarrassment to the United States” more than once during the June 12 hearing about the Marine situation. The man is an embarrassment for many reasons … hello, text messaging details of a military airstrike to randoms.
But, Hegseth also sent 700 Marines to join 4,700 other military personnel who were already deployed in Los Angeles. And they all joined a gigantic police force that had already amassed there with the help of mutual aid from other California cities and counties—including SLO and Santa Barbara counties.
Carbajal served in the Marine Corps: “We are trained to be war fighters, not crowd control,” he told Hegseth.
The initial protest that all of these troops were responding to? It had 250 people, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. In response to the federal government’s overblown response? It grew to thousands.
What kind of stand-off do you think the Trump administration was looking for? One that could be replayed repeatedly on Fox News for the Trumpkins who watch it incessantly. One that paints California as a liberal bastion of troublemaking, socialist ne’er-do-wells who deserve to be stamped out by the federal government.
Allowing people who disagree with federal policy to practice their First Amendment rights is a slippery slope, you know? One step away from chaos, rioting, and violence. Tsk. Tsk. Send in the troops!
Hegseth was happy to oblige! But Carbajal wasn’t having it. He called the deployment “politicizing our army” and “political theater.”
Carbajal’s not wrong. It feels like we’re living in a reality TV show, a satire about the U.S. But I can’t seem to fall asleep on the couch long enough for the show to actually end.
Our congressman also asked several yes or no questions of the secretary, who refused to respond in kind.
“This isn’t Fox anymore, just yes or no,” Carbajal told him. “You should get the hell out and let someone competent lead this department.”
Carbajal, every opportunity to speak is a potential Fox News clip. Duh!
Our congressman certainly took the opportunity to engage in some political theater of his own. Maybe he was hoping for a spot on the The Rachel Maddow Show or even The Daily Show?
After Carbajal’s little spin at the microphone, everyone in the chamber got a reminder about acting with decorum.
Tsk. Tsk.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) showed up to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in LA about ICE to ask some questions. Not cool.
As he walked toward Noem and tried to ask a question, the Secret Service grabbed him, he struggled, they pulled him out of the room, pushed him down the hall, and then pushed him to the ground. It’s shocking, scary to think that if someone as powerful as a senator can be detained for questioning the administration, then WTF are the rest of us supposed to do?
Noem claimed she didn’t know he was a senator. She doesn’t know what habeas corpus is either—you know, it’s used to determine whether a prisoner’s detention is legal—so I guess you can’t blame her.
Speak up! Send
Padilla spoke about the episode with emotion during a hearing about it on June 17.
“You’ve seen the video. I was pushed, pulled, and struggled to maintain my balance. I was forced to the ground, first my knees and then flat on my chest,” Padilla said. “If you watched what unfolded last week and thought what happened is just about one politician and one press conference, you’re missing the point.”
He added that he wanted transparency for the administration but hadn’t received any sort of justification for the ICE raids in LA. Well, the justification is that the president is demanding 3,000 arrests per day.
Even though Trumplethinskin promised ICE would only be arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants who had committed crimes, turns out they’re pretty hard to find. You know who’s not hard to find? People who have to go to work. Ironically, what’s going to happen is that all the people who contribute to our economy are going to disappear. What we’ll be left with are all the people who are hard to find. Sounds pretty unjustifiable.
In fact, it’s dangerous. All of it. The precedent-setting that continues to come from the administration. The devolution of our political dialogue. The price we are all paying in devotion to our chosen teams. Seeing others as less than human. I’m not sure when we will turn everything back around. But I’m ready to wake up now. ∆
The Shredder can’t find the remote. Send one to shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Summer Membership Drive
Jim Jeffrey
Petra Stevenson
Richard Jackoway
Wyatt Stapp
Winning Images 2025
Captured
Local photographers share moments caught on camera
BY CAMILLIA LANHAM
Every moment can be a snapshot in time. Some of those moments translate better than others through a camera lens. And depending on the person behind it, those images can convey so much more than a simple moment. Those are exactly the kind of moments that Central Coast photographers share with us for our annual Winning Images contest. Since 1994, New Times Media Group has asked for those images. This year, local photogs shared 333 images and captured moments with us. Our judges narrowed them down to three winners in eight categories, plus honorable mentions. Every entry also came in with a $10 fee, which was rolled back into prize money for the winners, who also receive awards form the contest’s sponsors. The winning photographs will be on display at The Photo Shop (1027 Marsh St., SLO) through July 14. Check out the winners from 2025 on the following pages.
Contact Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@newtimesslo.com.
JUDGES
Jayson Mellom began his photojournalism career at the Marion Chronicle-Tribune in Indiana before moving on to the Athens Daily News and then The Atlanta Journal/Constitution before eventually settling in San Luis Obispo. He worked for the SLO Tribune for 16 years and has been New Times’ photographer since 2016. Along the way, he’s won state, regional, and national awards for his photojournalism; has been published in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, In Touch, and Der Spiegel magazines; and has had photos in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times
San Luis Obispo native and perennial Winning Images judge Peggy Mesler is a photographer and the owner of The Photo Shop in SLO, where she shares her appreciation for—and knowledge of—photography with customers, clients, and friends. Peggy earned a journalism degree from Cal Poly, and she opened her shop in 1995.
Stephanie Secrest has a master’s degree in photojournalism from Ohio University. She’s been a freelancer for more 15 years and was with the press for 21 years before that. Stephanie was invited to attend the exclusive Eddie Adams Workshop, a top honor for photojournalists. She was also a pre-qualification judge for Adobe with its ADAA contest. She’s been published in Newsday, The London Sunday News Magazine, The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, and San Francisco Chronicle among others and was chief photographer and photo editor for two newspapers. ∆
JIM L. MCKINNISS , BEST OF SHOW, Two Tulips
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAYSON MELLOM
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY MESLER
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE SECREST
GARY O’NEILL , SECOND PLACE, In Motion, Oak Leaf in Motion
MARLIN HARMS , THIRD PLACE, In Motion, Sunset Whoosh
TIM BENNETT, HONORABLE MENTION, In Motion, Cutting Wave
DANNA JOY DYKSTRA-COY, THIRD PLACE, Landscape/Seascape, Cayucos Front Street
JONATHAN SHAPIRO, HONORABLE MENTION, Landscape/Seascape, Rocket Launch
Winning Images 2025
MARLIN HARMS , FIRST PLACE, Landscape/Seascape, The Drive Past Windy Cove
DAN BAUM , SECOND PLACE, Open, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog
JOHN MANDEVILLE , THIRD PLACE, Flora, Queen of the Night Cactus Flower
GALE NOWEN , THIRD PLACE, People, Witch on the Water
KEVIN MEDICI , HONORABLE MENTION, People, Blonde Ambition
MARLIN HARMS , FIRST PLACE, Flora, Rain Drops as Magnifying Glasses
MICA GROSS , SECOND PLACE, Flora, Gladiolus @ SLO public works
PETRA STEVENSON , HONORABLE MENTION, Flora, After the Conflagration
VINCENT SHAY, HONORABLE MENTION, Animals, Big Gulp
WYATT STAPP, HONORABLE MENTION, Youth, In My Backyard
Winning Images 2025
VINCENT SHAY, THIRD PLACE, Animals, Do Whales Smile?
JEANNE SPARKS , FIRST PLACE, Animals, You Otter Do Yoga
JIM JEFFREY, SECOND PLACE, Animals, A Closer Look
RON MEAD, SECOND PLACE, Travel, Casting a Shadow
MICHAEL V. MESSINA , SECOND PLACE, People, The ‘Supe’
JARED WEINTRAUB , THIRD PLACE, Travel, Yosemite Grandeur
ANDY SAMARASENA , THIRD PLACE, Open, Stop and Smell the Flowers
ISABEL HULS-HUTTON , THIRD PLACE, Youth, Stacks
JIM L. MCKINNISS , FIRST PLACE, Travel, Thierry and Carmela at the Doges Palace #1
RICHARD JACKOWAY, FIRST PLACE, People, Terrace Hill Friends
Winning Images 2025
ISABEL HULS-HUTTON , FIRST PLACE, Youth, Heron Flying
MICHAEL V. MESSINA , HONORABLE MENTION, Open, The Escape
ANDREW WALDRION , SECOND PLACE, Landscape/Seascape, San Simeon Pier
MICA GROSS , HONORABLE MENTION, Travel, River Lodge Motel
WYATT STAPP, SECOND PLACE, Youth, Spring in the Carrizo Plains
Hot Dates
TOUR AND TASTE
Join the weekend fun of Open Farm Days, where you can taste, learn, and tour along the SLO County Farm trail. The event begins on June 20, with a Friday Night Farmers Marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. at Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. The weekend farm days will follow, on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A weekend pass is $34. More information can be found at my805tix.com and farmsteaded.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ART LIFE COACHING:CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS: ART JOURNALING
Blending expressive art with gentle life coaching principles, this class invites seniors to explore their stories, values, and dreams through mixed media art journaling. Get tickets and more info at the link. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon through July 15 $20. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor 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.
DRAWING ABSTRACT AND PATTERN
PLAY: FOCUS ON ZENTANGLE® AND CREATIVE FLOW
Unleash your creativity and experience the joy of drawing in this 6-week course designed especially for seniors. Drawing for Joy and Discovery invites participants into a world of abstract art, expressive mark-making, and meditative pattern play rooted in the Zentangle® method. Each week, you’ll explore drawing techniques that
promote relaxation, focus, and personal expression. No prior drawing experience is needed. Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. through July 15 $20. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.
IMAGINATIVE CERAMICS BY ANNE GRANNIS Grannis’ imaginative and hilariously precise sculptural ceramics merge human and animal forms with whimsical storytelling. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
By The Sea Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is a satirical look at Victorian society’s emphasis on appearances and social standing. Performances are running through June. June 20 , 7 p.m., June 21 7 p.m., June 22 3 p.m., June 27 7 p.m., June 28 , 7 p.m. and June 29 3 p.m. $28. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
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
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.
BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
AT HAMBLY FARMS Join this beginning photography class for IOS phones, and then venture into the farm’s lavender fields to practice your new skills and harvest a U-Pick lavender bouquet. June 28 9:30-11:30 a.m. $50. my805tix. com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY: ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, (310) 621-7543.
IN YOUR DREAMS See a collection of black and white illustrations by Storie Grubb. Through June 29 Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/ in-your-dreams/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
PLANT HANGER WORKSHOP AT PIANETTA WINERY Create a custom macrame plant hanger, sip wine, and unwind. All supplies will be included. No experience needed—just bring creativity and enjoy a fun, hands-on class. June 21 4:30-6:30 p.m. $55. (805) 975-3844.
RECLAIMING FIRST SATURDAY GALLERY WALKS WITH LYON, MADONNA, NUCCI Enjoy the work of printmakers Susan Lyon, Kathryn Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. The next show will showcase Diego Huerte, a screen printer. Every fourth Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 1 Free. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/ collections/cottontail-creek-farm-store/ products/susan-lyon-art. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improv games. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. (530) 748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
SIP ‘N HAT PAINTING PARTY Enjoy a creative afternoon customizing your very own summer hat. Led by the talented Selina Denton, you can experiment with different designs to make your creation truly unique. June 28 2:30 p.m. $60. my805tix.com. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, (805) 712-4647.
SIP N’ SKETCH/SIP N’ PAINT Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of our’s) and paint or sketch a themed live-model or still life under the guidance of Studios resident artists. See website for the specific theme of the month. Your first glass of wine is included in price. Third Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $20. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SOMMEOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF WINE Sommeology is a fun tour of the three pillars of wine science: viticulture, enology, and sommelier. Tastings are included at this 21+ event. June 28 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $85. (805) 610-1725. Sommeology.com. Shale Oak Winery, 3235 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles.
STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops offered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-9800.
TAKE A SPIN: TWO-HOUR WHEEL
CLASS These two hour blocks provide an opportunity to learn the basics of wheel throwing. Instructors will center your clay for you, so you will have the opportunity to make two items. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon $72. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/ wheelclasses. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
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. Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Unnamed Atascadero location, Contact host for details, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AARON FOSTER “MOSTLY JOKES”
STAND UP COMEDY Comedian Aaron Foster is set to bring his award-winning and darkly funny “Mostly Jokes” show to Humdinger Brewing in San Luis Obispo. Hear him perform live! June 25 , 12-9:30 p.m. $10. (323) 302-3908. aaronfoster. myshopify.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo.
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS - CLAY CREATIONS Creative Kids Workshops are designed to ignite your child’s imagination and focuses on a different medium for each date –- this time its clay. June 22 1-2:30 p.m. $15. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/06/CK-air-dry-clay-1. 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.
DOGS, CATS, OR WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT! COLLAGE CLASS WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Create a tribute to your furry friend at this workshop, which will guide you through the process of using handmade papers for a mixed media collage. June 28 12-4 p.m. $55. (805) 478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
Art Spot on Wheels is hosting its Painting in the Vineyard class on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang. Tickets are $89 and include a tasting of Kaena wine and all art supplies. More information can be found at artspotonwheels.com.
—A.S.
from page 19
FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP:
LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app. galabid.com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
HIDDEN CREEK AT THE PALM The Palm Theater will screen Hidden Creek the winner of the 2025 SLO Film Festival Jury Award for the Best Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase Feature. The plot follows a widowed rancher Jimmy, who has spent a lifetime protecting his land, but as dementia takes hold of his mind, so does paranoia. Learn more at the link. June 20 , 4:15 p.m. hiddencreekmovie. com/. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
ILLUSTRATING WITH WATERCOLOR MARKERS & INK PENS WITH JASON
KNOX Have a brilliant time learning to create vibrant, colorful illustrations using watercolor markers and ink pens. June 21 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25. (805) 471-8189. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix. com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes
Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.
STORYTELLING USING MARKERS & INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Do you have a story that you have always wanted to make into a reality with writing and illustrating? This is the workshop for you. June 21 , 2-4 p.m. $25. (805) 471-8189. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
STUDENT SHOWCASE AT THE BUNKER Cheer on the Beginning and Advanced students of Central Coast Comedy Theater as they take the stage for a night of unscripted performance. More info is available at the link. June 26 , 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
SUMMER KICK-OFF SIP & PAINT Join for a relaxing and creative evening to welcome the summertime! Your ticket includes all painting materials, guided instruction, and a glass of wine. June 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $55 (before June 1st), $62 (after June 1st). (805) 594-1318. stephenrosswine.com. Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, 178 Suburban Road, San Luis Obispo.
getting to know a loom, how to prepare/ dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
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.
OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Get over two hours of personalized guidance by Drew Davis and all materials for painting your flower scene. More info can be found at the link. June 28 1-3:30 p.m. $120. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo. com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
RAINBOW MACRAME PLANT HANGER CLASS Learn how to create a macrame plant hanger using colorful cord; choose from rainbow or Trans flag colors. All necessary supplies will be provided, and you’ll receive expert instruction from a skilled macrame artist. Beverages from the sparkling juice bar will be available. June 22 2 p.m. $61. my805tix.com. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
ROBIN HOOD (FULL-LENGTH BALLET)
The legend of Robin Hood is brought to life on stage through a vibrant threeact ballet with themes of adventure, romance, merriment, and honor. June 21 7-9 p.m. and June 22 , 2-4 p.m. $22-$58. (805) 756-4849. bt-slo.org/ nextproduction. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN
MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5482337, libertinebrewing.com.
SLO REP’S ACADEMY OF CREATIVE
THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Registration is open for the summer theatre camps at SLO REP. They are week-long camps for ages five to 18. Scholarships are available. Mondays. through Aug. 4 $230. (805) 781-3889. slorep.org/education/ act-theatre-camps/. San Luis Obispo
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. June 28 - 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.
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through June 29 $20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 25 YEARS AND STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME Presented by The Studio of Performing Arts. June 28 , 6-8 p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/sopa-25-years/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: TO WONG FOO Kick off the summer with the screening of To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar under the stars. June 20 8-10 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302. HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. June 20 - Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
STARSTRUCK Starstruck is a thrilling dance showcase where iconic films meet electrifying performances by FLEX dancers, including FLEX Force, Moxi, and our inspiring staff and families. June 20 6-8 p.m., June 21 , 1-3 & 6:30-8:30 p.m.
We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long. Entries submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2025 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 24, 2025
and June 22 , 12-1 & 3-5 p.m. $10-$31.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT KAENA
Paint amongst the sprawling landscape of Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang with a glass of wine in hand. Head to the link for more information. June 28 , 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Kaena at the Ranch, 800 E. Hwy 246, Solvang.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BREATHE AND STRETCH One must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again, with ease, in order to participate in this 55-minute session. It’s specifically designed to enhance mobility and strength. Please bring a mat and some water. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS
Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
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.
LIVING HERBAL SPA EXPERIENCE
This spa experience is brought to you by Michelle of Spa by the Bay & Estero
Essentials, and Sierra from Gaia’s Garden & Apothecary. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 20 4:30 p.m. $28. my805tix.com. Gaia’s Garden & Apothecary, 875 Main St Ste. C, Morro Bay.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS
DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. MondaysSaturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts. com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT A community of movers and shakers who come together to express themselves through dance and movement. Inspired by a variety of conscious movement modalities, Open Flow is led by Silvia Suarez and Matt Garrity, embodiment teachers who share a passion for integration through movement exploration. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $10 (general), $5 (ages 55 and older). SilviaAthaSomatics.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278.
PRIDE BOOK SIGNING EVENT Please join Volumes of Pleasure staff in celebrating Pride Month by welcoming three accomplished authors who celebrate queer women in fiction. June 21 , 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 528-5565. volumesofpleasurebookshoppe.com/. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. (805) 709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.
TAI CHI AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION
Small group classes with 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the Year. Call for time and days. Learn the Shaolin Water Style and 5 Animals Qi Gong. Beginners welcomed. Mondays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call for price details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT
FITNESSWORKS MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members
SOUTH (SOUND JOURNEY) / LOS OSOS Step into the wisdom of the South—the direction of vitality, passion, and full expression. This immersive experience invites you to embrace the energy of summer, which is a season of growth, abundance, and embodied joy. Through the lens of ancient teachings and the healing resonance of sound, participants will journey into deeper presence and integration. June 22 4:30-6 p.m. $23. my805tix.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
NORTH SLO COUNTY BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. (805) 464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero. GUIDED LAVENDER FARM EXPERIENCE AT HAMBLY FARMS Enjoy this one-hour walk around Hambly Farms to see the behind the scenes processes of growing, harvesting, and drying lavender. Get more info at the link. Through Sept. 1 my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel. HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel. KNOW YOUR SOIL WORKSHOP AT HAMBLY FARMS Join the workshop to learn about soil, compost, and water management. Visit the site for more info and tickets to participate. June 22 , 9-11 a.m. $50. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS
A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
OPEN FARM DAYS 2025 Enjoy a weekend of farm tours, tastings, and barnyard fun at this year’s Open Farm Days, presented by Farmstead ED. This family-friendly event is a self-guided tour of the SLO CO Farm Trail, where you can learn about agriculture through demonstrations, and tastings. More information can be found at the link. June 20 -22 $34. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Downtown City Park, 1200 Park Street, Paso Robles, (805) 237-3888.
TEMPLETON RECREATION CONCERTS IN THE PARK Enjoy 10 weeks of free, live music at Templeton Park this summer— ranging from rock, country, reggae, and pop. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. through Aug. 20 Free. (805) 434-4909. Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St., Templeton.
TOPS SUPPORT GROUP: WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE A self-help support group focusing on weight loss and maintenance. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. (805) 242-2421. tops.org. Santa Margarita Senior Center, 2210 H St., Santa Margarita.
TOPS TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Join for affordable and effective weight-loss
support. Sundays, 10-11 a.m. through Oct. 31 First visit is free. (805) 234-1026. Rancho Del Bordo Clubhouse, 10025 El Camino Real, Atascadero, tops.org.
VINYASA YOGA FLOW The class prioritizes increasing mental acuity and improving body and muscle flexibility. A restorative and gentle yoga focusing on breathing and targeting specific areas of the body. Please call to register in advance. Sundays, 12-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis. com/yoga. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BARS & BOUNCE CLINIC Bars & Bounce is a sneakily fun workout. Build wholebody strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary, for this camp, for children 5 to 17 years old. June 21 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence. net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
CENTER STAGE SINGING CAMP This singing and performing summer camp is geared towards kids ages 8 to 12. It is greatest showman-themed, and kids will learn how to own their space and use their voice. June 23 9 a.m.-noon, June 24 9 a.m.-noon, June 25 , 9 a.m.noon, June 26 9 a.m.-noon and June 27 9 a.m.-noon $275. (805) 458-6440. angelakristinevocalcoaching.com/ programs/. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, 1401 San Luis Bay Dr., San Luis Obispo.
CIRCUS GYMNASTICS CAMP Dare to fly with gymnastics, circus-themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. All levels are welcome to this camp, geared towards ages 4 to 13. Customizable schedules are available. June 23 -27, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $45-$396 depending on which options you choose. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m.
WORLD MUSIC
Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs and listen to live Celtic, folk, and world music by Four Shillings Short at this outdoor house concert at Astara in Atascadero. The Picnic Concert is set for June 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For additional details, visit my805tix.com and 4shillingsshort.com.
—A.S.
and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/ month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal. com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-2:30 p.m., MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. and ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m. through Sept. 1 Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo. org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
MELLOW YOGA FOR EVERYONE Stretch into yourself under the beautiful oaks and fresh air of this idyllic country setting. Suitable for all levels, these classes emphasize the gentler side of yoga and adapt to participants’ needs. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for five-class card with no expiration.
Wild West era
(805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda. com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.
MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. (805) 545-5874. slocm. org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
OPEN FARM DAYS 2025 Tour, taste, and learn along the SLO County Farm trail during the open farm days. The weekend will also include tastings and barnyard fun. More info is available at the link. June 20 5-8 p.m., June 21 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and June 22 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $30. my805tix. com. Locations throughout SLO County, Call or visit website for event info, San Luis Obispo.
PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION
Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.
POPULAR CELEBRATION Get ready to twirl, giggle, and glow at the Madonna Inn during this magical event, that invites your little ones to step into a storybook world alongside five of their favorite princesses — Rapunzel, Snow White, Belle, Elsa, and Anna. Get detailed info at the link. June 22 , 2:30-4:30 p.m. $33. my805tix.com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK
SALE Around 7,500 books will be on sale for children, teens, and adults. SLO FOL members can receive early access. June 19 -21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. slofol.org. San
Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SLOCA LEGO AND MAKERSPACE SUMMER CAMPS Join us with your imaginations for days of play using LEGOS and Makerspace supplies. This is for 1st-6th graders. June 23 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. (805) 458-8700. sloclassical.org. SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SLOCA PRESCHOOL AND KINDER SUMMER CAMPS This is a six-week summer camp for those going into preschool and kindergarten. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 23 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $270-450. (805) 548-8700. sloclassical.org. SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. SUMMER SOLSTICE DRUMMING MEDITATION / CROW’S END SLO
Experience drumming, song, movement, and ring in the Summer solstice at this event. Holistic educator and guide Dee DiGioia will facilitate the drumming gathering. More info is available at the link. June 20 6-9 p.m. $34. my805tix. com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF 4 SHILLINGS SHORT
Omar Velasco, Antonio Barret, Nydia Gonzalez, Velvet Binx
JUNE 20
Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara
SUMMER SOLSTICE WINEMAKER
DINNER Chamisal Vineyards is delighted to invite you to their enchanting Summer Solstice Winemaker Dinner, an evening of exquisite culinary delights and exceptional wines. June 20 6-8 p.m. $225. (805) 541-9463. chamisalvineyards. com. Chamisal Vineyards, 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
SYCAMORE FREE INTERNATIONAL DAY
OF YOGA In honor of International Day of Yoga, enjoy a complimentary class in the natural serenity of Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. The 60-minute session will be taught in a “Vin-Yen” style, a thoughtful blend of Vinyasa flow and Restorative Yen. More details can be found at the link. June 21 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
WHAT THE FRACK? Dr. David Chipping has shared his wealth of knowledge about fracking with LLCC members and friends in a previous class and will update again with recent information. Join the discussion! More info at the link. June 24 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com.
Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
17TH ANNUAL CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SHOW AND SALE The Central Coast Cactus & Succulent Society is hosting its 17th Annual Succulent Show and Sale, featuring a dozen vendors and hundreds of specimen plants. More info is available at the link. June 20 10 a.m.-noon Free. centralcoastcactus.org. Nipomo High School, 525 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
DUNE DETECTIVES –– LITTLE RANGER PROGRAM Join CA Park Staff to reveal the mystery of the dunes. The program includes a guided walk and activity stations. The event is geared towards ages 3 to 6, but all are welcome. RSVP at the phone number provided. June 21 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described
as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach. org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 4404561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
SUMMER SENIOR BASH WITH BRIDGE OF HOPE AGING IN PLACE SOLUTIONS
Head to Edwards Barn in Nipomo for Bridge of Hope’s Summer Senior Bash. There will be vendors, food, games, music, and a silent auction. June 28 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 878-0063. abridgeofhope.org/summer-seniorbash/. Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.
SURF LESSONS ALL SUMMER LONG
Learn to surf with Sandbar Surf School. All equipment is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. You must pre-register. Through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS
MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and 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.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING
OPOLO VINEYARDS Join in welcoming Opolo Vineyards for a signature wine dinner event. Enjoy a fine five-course meal accompanied by hand-selected Opolo wines. June 22 , 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 924-3353. cambriapineslodge.com/ events/onsite. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS Join every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge. Fridays, 4-7 p.m. through June 27 (805) 924-3353. cambriapineslodge.com/events/onsite. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit
event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.
site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.
PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY MEETING
All welcome. Get involved and help spread the word about the co-op. Tell a friend, associate, or neighbor. Meet in the Community Room at Oak Creek Commons near Pat Butler Elementary School. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. pasofoodcooperative. com. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.
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.
TIN CITY BLOCK PARTY Experience
a true taste of Tin City in Paso Robles at this block party, where 40 tasting rooms, eateries, and shops will come together. A ticket includes unlimited wine, beer, and cider tastings, along with small bites, a full dinner catered by our Tin City eateries, live music, and entertainment. June 28 4-8 p.m. $104. my805tix.com. Tin City Annex, Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
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.
QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
JUICY’S B-DAY TAKEOVER DRAG
BRUNCH Join the celebration of local favorite Juicy CW’s birthday, featuring Juicy CW, Nala Diamond, Nova Cane, and Fae Fatale. A ticket includes one drink. June 21 noon $29. my805tix.com. La Casita Cantina and Restaurant, 1572 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach.
OUT & SAVVY PISMO BRUNCH EVENT
Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch with ocean views. For additional event details, check out the link. June 22 9:30 a.m.noon $83. my805tix.com. Ventana Grill, 2575 Price St, Pismo Beach. ∆
Arts
Outlaw or hero?
First depicted in 13th and 14th century English folklore, the story of Robin Hood plays out on the SLO Performing Arts Center stage June 21 and 22 by Ballet Theatre SLO. As legend has it, Robin was a skilled archer and swordsman who resisted local authorities who were overtaxing and starving the peasant class. He robbed the rich to give to the poor.
Ballet SLO artistic director and choreographer Theresa Slobodnick created her full-length ballet 13 years ago and is bringing it back to the stage for the first time. According to Ballet SLO, it “embodies adventure, romance, merriment, and honor. Slobodnik’s original production features swordplay and quarterstaff duels, archery, and dynamic dancing. It is complemented by full-scale sets and rich period costumes. This ballet promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family.”
Saturday’s performance starts at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s is a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are available at pacslo.org and run from $22 to $58.
Visionary at the History Center, Bay Theatre
Internationally acclaimed fine art photographer Arthur Tress—whose work can be found in museum collections such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Washington
D.C.’s Smithsonian American Art Museum, LA’s Getty Museum, and Paris’ Centre Pompidou—was a Cambria resident for 25 years.
Between 2010 and 2015, Tress took more than 18,000 photographs for his newest monograph, 100 Views of Morro Rock a nod to woodblock printing master Katsushika Hokusai’s 19th century illustrated book series 100 Views of Mount Fuji
This week Tress returns to SLO County for two special events connected to the release of his new collection. On Friday, June 20, in the History Center of SLO, enjoy a slide show of his work followed by a Q-and-A and book signing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (696 Monterey St., SLO).
On Saturday, June 21, The Bay Theatre will screen Arthur Tress: Water’s Edge, an 80-minute documentary about the photographer’s life and career, followed by a Q-and-A and book signing ($12.56 at my805tix.com; 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay).
“A native of New York, Tress first took up photography as a teenager. As an established fine art and commercial photographer, his work segued into documenting urban social conditions, often using the visual language of dreams and myths to create a kind of photographic social surrealism,” organizers announced. ∆
—Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Let’s agree to agree
Can the left and right come to any consensus on guns?
Some issues split the American populous right down the middle. ink climate change, immigration, abortion, and universal health care, for instance. Another issue with the power to divide is gun rights.
Liberals generally believe in more stringent gun control while conservatives want more access. So what should we make of Wake Forest University sociology professor David Yamane and his book Gun Curious: A Liberal Professor’s Surprising Journey Inside America’s Gun Culture?
If you’re interested in a rational discussion about this controversial topic, head to Atascadero Bible Church on June 25, when from 6 to 8 p.m. Yamane will o er a talk called Guns in America: A Civil Conversation in Uncivil Times, followed by a Q-and-A and book signing.
Yamane had never so much as touched a gun, but suddenly at the age of 42, he became curious.
“I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, you know, a blue bubble, a gun-less bubble, and then went to college at UC Berkeley, which was even bluer than where I grew up, and I got into sociology, which is even bluer. And so, I sort of had this little blue bubble insulating me from rearms my whole life. I wasn’t particularly opposed to them. I really just had no experience with rearms, and then I moved to North Carolina in 2005. And I started gradually seeing guns around,” he explained during a Zoom conversation.
He realized that gun ownership was normal for many of the people he knew and socialized with. en, he met his wife-to-be, who was in the Coast Guard and familiar with rearms.
“I just sort of thought, ‘Guns are all around me, but I don’t really know how they work, and they’re pretty scary and dangerous, so maybe I should gure out how they work.’ So she arranged for me
Are you ready to talk guns?
The SLO Chapter of the California Rifle and Pistol Association presents a talk, Q-and-A, and book signing by Wake Forest University sociology professor David Yamane titled Guns in America: A Civil Conversation in Uncivil Times on June 25 in Atascadero Bible Church (6225 Atascadero Ave.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Yamane will speak about his book Gun Curious: A Liberal Professor’s Surprising Journey Inside America’s Gun Culture Attendees will be provided raffle tickets to win a Ruger 10/22 rifle, a training class by Gryphon Gun Works (Uncle Ed’s Outfitters), and books by David Yamane. Admission is free and open to the public.
to go to the gun range with one of her high school classmates who was a gun trainer, and I was just purely trying to gure out how the guns work. How can I make them safe if I come across one? How do I know if they’re loaded?”
Yamane said. “So, shooting 9 mm pistol, I found that it was really fun and challenging. I went in afraid of guns and came out interested in guns. And that really led to a kind of personal exploration that became a sociological exploration beginning in 2011 and continuing to this day.”
As he began to study American gun culture, he was surprised—as a liberal and sociologist—to discover that “gun owners are people, too. I think based on what I knew from the popular media, what I knew from scholarly research on guns—which tends to focus on violence, injury, and crime—that I didn’t really have a sense of how normal everyday gun owners are, that they really were people that I knew in everyday life, you know? My signi cant other, her parents, the IT guy that I had to call to help install my Internet, my real estate agent, guys I played tennis with.”
Yamane also learned that a lot of people who own guns feel the stigma of being a gun enthusiast, and they keep it secret: “When I came out more and more as a gun owner myself, I had other Wake Forest faculty contact me very quietly and say, ‘Hey, I’m a gun owner, too. Don’t tell anybody.’ Or, ‘Hey, I’m interested in getting a rearm. Can you help me?’”
He has an interesting take on the history of the NRA and how it evolved into the organization it is today and how he sees struggle for control of the organization between zealots and more reasonable minds.
He also has a reasoned take on the usefulness of the oft-repeated aphorism “guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”
“I think it’s true as far as it goes, but it just doesn’t go very far,” Yamane said. “I have 13 guns in my house right now, but unless I act with those guns, they’re not going to hurt anybody. On the other hand, guns are lethal weapons. I think that this is one of the things that people sort of try to shy away from with that little play on words, but the reality is, if you want to harm yourself or someone else, a gun is an excellent weapon to do that with, right? By design, right? It’s built into the design of the tool. You could do it also with a hammer, with your st, with a chainsaw, but, you know, the gun is a very e cient way of accomplishing that end.”
He’s aware of the statistics proving gun ownership or living in a home with a gun increases one’s chance of being a victim of gun violence, but he’s got a counterargument. He understands not everyone interprets the Second Amendment in the same way, but again, he has his thoughts. He’ll happily discuss gun ownership as protection against a tyrannical government or whether guns are e ective for home defense or whether we should have more permissive conceal carry laws. He’s open to any discussion.
He also admits there’s no easy answer to America’s undeniable gun violence problem.
“If I had the answer, I’d give it and collect my Nobel Peace Prize and retire,” he said with a laugh. “But seriously, I think there are ways we can reduce gun injuries. ere’s no silver bullet. ere’s no one-size- ts-all solution.”
It starts with a rational and reasonable discussion, and he said it’s happening now through an Ad Council initiative called Agree to Agree, which is about “bringing people from all di erent backgrounds together and instead of saying, ‘We disagree about guns,’ ask, ‘What can we agree on?’ I participated in that, and we agreed that with gun ownership comes the responsibility of preventing unauthorized access. at was my sort of bottom-line point that I wanted to get across, and I think that any responsible gun owner and any non-gun-owner can agree on that, right?” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
STRAIGHT SHOOTER Lifelong liberal sociologist David Yamane will speak about his 12-year journey into American gun culture on June 25, in Atascadero Bible Church.
COURTESY PHOTO BY LYNDSIE SCHLINK, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
TURNING DOWN THE HEAT David Yamane’s 2024 book Gun Curious: A Liberal Professor’s Surprising Journey Inside America’s Gun Culture takes a reasoned approach to a polarizing topic.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DAVID YAMANE
Indifferent world
Writer-director Tyler Perry (Diary of a Mad Black Woman, e Six Triple Eight) helms this psychological crime drama about single mother Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson) living hand-to-mouth in a rundown apartment with her often-ill daughter, Aria (Gabby Jackson). ings go from bad to worse as her day spins out of control and lands her in an untenable situation. (108 min.)
STRAW
What’s it rated? Unrated
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Glen Tyler Perry may be best known for his Madea movies, whose comedy feels a bit too broad for my tastes, but his movies always o er insightful commentary on being Black in America. For Straw, a tragedy through and through, Perry eschews crossdressing and comedy in favor of raw, powerful, a ecting emotion. Janiyah’s life is a constant struggle. Poor, Black, overworked, disrespected, and misunderstood, she’s a woman on the edge, and this day-in-the-life story starts out di cult, becomes hard, then brittle, and nally breaks. Straw paints a compelling picture of someone reaching her breaking point and doing something unforgivable; yet, in Perry’s story, we can understand and forgive Janiyah. We sympathize because she so clearly needs help, and instead, she’s too frequently ignored and dismissed. Anna is Tyler Perry lm feels far away from the world of Madea. ose lms feel very mid 2000s to me. is story is unfortunately timeless. Janiyah has had the worst day imaginable, and then it keeps on spiraling. Imagine a day where everything has gone wrong, and then multiply that 24/7, all day and every day. Her daughter’s school is harping her for $40 of lunch money, and Janiyah can’t catch a break to go pay it. is lm is terrifying with its portrayal of the
THE STUDIO
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Apple TV+
Hollywood gets a thorough skewering in this ensemble satirical comedy about struggling film production company Continental Studios. Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) is the newly appointed studio head, a self-described cinephile who wants to make important films. Continental’s CEO, Griffin Mill (a hilarious and unhinged Bryan Cranston), has other ideas. He wants Continental to make a billion-dollar box office smash with a product tie-in. Think Barbie Soon, much to his chagrin, Matt is trying to get a Kool-Aid movie made. “Oh, yeeaahhh!!”
Most of the action happens between Matt and his team: Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz), Continental’s vice president of production; Quinn
banality of Janiyah’s situation, the grind of everyday poverty and what it looks like. With skillful mastery, Perry turns it all on its head in the third act, and the complications of being human are thrust upon us in an even more a ronting way. is lm can’t help but grab you; it’s electric from start to nish. Glen is is certainly career-de ning work for Henson. She’s been amazing in so many lms, from Hidden Figures (2016) to Hustle & Flow (2005) to e Color Purple (2023). Her Janiyah struggles to t into her world. At her grocery store job—one of two she works—she tries to be kind when she explains to a customer that her WIC card (Women, Infants, & Children) doesn’t allow her to make certain purchases. She stoically takes abuse from her boss, Richard (Glynn Turman), who’s indi erent to her struggles. She gives change she can’t a ord to give to Benny (Sinbad), an unhouse disabled man in her neighborhood. She’s a woman who’s trying to do right, but her situation is untenable. When things go wrong,
Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders), Matt’s former assistant that he promotes to junior executive; Maya Mason (Kathryn Hahn), Continental’s head of marketing; and an always welcome Catherine O’Hara as Patty Leigh, the studio’s former head and Matt’s mentor. Their dialog is witty and rapid fire. You’ll also see an endless stream of cameos by Hollywood A-listers playing versions of themselves, everyone from Charlize Theron to Zac Efron to Martin Scorsese to Ron Howard. Everyone seems to be having a blast making fun of their industry. If you don’t mind seeing how the filmmaking sausage gets made, it’s cringingly hilarious. (10 22- to 44-min. episodes)
—Anna
UNDER PRESSURE Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of fictional Continental Studios, who’s struggling to balance his desire to make artful films with the studio CEO’s demand of profitability, in The Studio, streaming on Apple TV+.
IHIDDEN CREEK
What’s it rated? Unrated
When? 2025
thankfully there are people like Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) and bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepard) who see Janiyah for what she is and sympathize. In a sel sh and self-centered world, sometimes one person’s kindness can make a di erence. Anna Janiyah’s life is like constant pounding waves beating against the rocks. You can’t help but feel the e ect of that in Henson’s performance. ere’s no way up for Janiyah, just through, and even that direction is only met with roadblocks and barriers at every turn. I can’t say this is a particularly pleasant lm to watch; in fact, it’s heart sickening. I can’t give enough praise to Henson in this role, and in her career generally. What she has done here is special, humanizing, and raw. Her performance alone is worth the emotional tax this lm takes from you. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of SLO, June 20 through 26
n their directorial debut, Darien Jewel and Julian Mercado helm this family drama written by Cambria-based clinical psychologist Steve Brody about Jimmy Tucker (John Henry Richardson), an elderly widowed rancher who seems to be experiencing signs of dementia. Jimmy’s starting to believe his adult children— son Hal (Mark Ricketson) and daughter Emerson (Abi Renner)—are scheming to wrest control of his ranch from him. Are Alzheimer’s disease and paranoia at work, or is his family truly turning against him?
The central tension is complicated by clear
evidence that Jimmy’s memory is failing but also evidence that his son has a hidden agenda regarding the family ranch. What are Hal’s intentions? What’s driving him? Dementia’s a horrible disease, and it’s hard watching Jimmy fade away. The story also examines the tension between preserving and developing land. Deftly shot in bucolic Cambria, the film won Best Indie Feature at the Los Angeles Film Awards and Best Central Coast Feature at the SLO International Film Festival. Its cinematography by Nick Conocenti is impressive, Richardson’s Jimmy Stewartesque third act speech as Jimmy is stirring, and the film’s emotionally charged conclusion is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. (99 min.)
THE PRICE OF PROGRESS
Widowed rancher
Jimmy Tucker (John Henry Richardson) worries he might lose his property to developers, in Hidden Creek, playing June 20 to 26 in the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.
FINAL STRAW Desperate to rescue her ill daughter from Child Protective Services, single mother Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson) navigates a series of escalating events, in Straw, streaming on Netflix.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLABTOWN STUDIOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSAGTE TELEVISON AND APPLE TV+
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Find your tribe
Unity in the Community mixes music, people, and nonprofits
For many Americans, these are dark days—like something is broken, like we’re losing our way as a nation, like we’ve forgotten who we are as a people. This Saturday, June 21, at Rod & Hammer Rock, a local couple has organized a daylong event called Unity in the Community that they hope will bring people together and remind everyone that we’re not alone.
“It’s a concert celebrating the strength of our community and the nonprofits that serve SLO County,” explained Zongo AllStar bandleader and trumpet player Paul Irving. “This is an idea that is a collaboration between my wife, Jessica Irving, and me. She’s got a strong nonprofit background, and she’s a therapist, and I’ve got some music background, so we’re kind of combining our things to celebrate and strengthen community through music and nonprofit awareness.”
Irving has been in the local music scene for decades. He was a member of Rock Steady Posse, which included vocalist Eric Cotton, and Irving also operates Big, Big SLO, a
musical pocket planner he distributes at concerts that lists upcoming events. If you’re a live-music lover, you’ve no doubt seen him at a show.
As for Unity In the Community:
“We’re going to have music all day,”
Irving continued. “We’ve got Eric Cotton & One Love Bomb from 2 to 5 p.m. outside. Inside [doors at 5 p.m.] we have IMVA We have Oso Soul, which is Supervisor Jimmy Paulding’s rock reggae band. And then Zongo All Stars. In the courtyard, between 2 and 7 p.m., we have 30 of the most impactable, mostly human-serving nonprofits in the county. I mean, it’s a powerhouse list of nonprofits.”
If you just want to come for the day, listen to One Love Bomb, and peruse the various nonprofits, the day event is free. The evening concert with IMVA, Oso Soul, and Zongo All Stars costs $17.91 presale at my805tix.com.
Irving is keeping the ticket price low because it’s not a fundraising concert.
“We’re just trying to pay for the bands,” he said. “I hope that everybody comes. I know the nonprofits are all drawing on their fan bases. I know that all the bands are going to bring their people. I know some general public is going to come by, but basically, it’s going to be an opportunity just to tighten up the community.”
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
BURLEY THISTLES LIVE Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. Hear them live, as they blend heartland rock with classic rock influences. June 28 6-9 p.m. Schooners Cayucos, 171 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, (805) 995-3883.
DEKE DICKERSON & THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS Dance and groove to an evening of live music from Deke
Dickerson & the Whippersnappers. They are set to blend their styles of vintage country, rockabilly, surf, blues, and garage rock into one unforgettable night. Get tickets at the link. June 28 , 7:30-10 p.m.
$15. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
DEKE DICKERSON & THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS WITH BRACERO SOCIAL CLUB Hear Deke Dickerson & the Whippersnappers blend vintage country, rockabilly, surf, blues, and garage rock styles. Get tickets and more info about the band at the link. June 28 , 7:30-10 p.m. $15. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
MELODIES FOR MOONSTONERSFOREVER GREEN Forever Green will be performing their unique multi-genre blend of softrock fusion, acoustic/ electronic original tunes, and fun cover songs at Moonstone Cellars
The event isn’t meant to be overtly political, per se; however, Irving understands many Americans are uneasy.
“Our current political climate seems to have fascism on the rise, and it seems to have a lot of people very, very upset,” Irving noted. “And one of the easy ways to respond to that is to get very upset and to protest and to start ‘othering’ other people and to become more divisive as a people and all of that. But
in Cambria. Hear them live! June 29, 2-4 p.m. moonstonecellars.com/ eventslist/2025/06/29. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria, (805) 927-9466.
MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND, MUSIC BY THE SEA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform four concerts on the South T-Pier featuring jazz, classical, rock, and pop music. June 28 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free, Donations accepted. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay S. T Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171
North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. PROM KING (FREE AFTERNOON DANCE PARTY) Prom King was born in San Luis Obispo to two moms and two dads “who love their rock spiked with a shot of punk, always danceable and very sing (or shout)-alongable.” Hear the group live and dance along at The Siren. June 28 , 2-5 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
SHANTY SING Bring a song. Learn a song. Sing along! The Morro Bay Shanty Project will lead this shanty sing along event. No experience is needed, and all are welcome. Fourth Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon through Oct. 25 Free. (805) 225-6571. m.facebook.com/story. php?story_fbid=pfbid0XU2CETCDiomA H5zp2XeQ9eswFTfFnScXaXZSpDX31Wp mXAZznYdQsZ7MuwVuMzpQl&id=1000 95006873277&mibextid=wwXIfr. Morro
what Jessica and I find as a better alternative to that and a more constructive thing to do is to instead tighten up your community. Know how you can support each other, know how your community can support you. These nonprofits are really at the epicenter. That’s what this is about. This is all about strengthening our community support network by getting to know your nonprofits, what you can do for them, what they can do for you.”
Also at Rod and Hammer, come celebrate Pride Month at the Lady Gaga Pride Dance Party on Friday, June 20 (doors at 8 p.m.; all ages; $15.89 at ticketweb.com).
From Texas to the’80s and back again
Numbskull and Good Medicine start their week with Austin-based rock, blues, and country act Uncle Lucius in The Siren on Friday, June 20 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $25.44 at goodmedicinepresents.com) with Stephen Styles opening.
Uncle Lucius is touring in support of their 2024 live album, Live from Ear Studio, which was recorded live to tape at Ear Studio in Austin and features select singles from their latest LP, Like It’s The Last One Left, plus three covers: “Bertha” by the Grateful Dead; “Shadow People,” by Tom Petty and
Bay Maritime Museum, 1154 Front St., Morro Bay.
TRACORUM: NEW ORLEANS ROCK, SOUL, AND BOOGIE Hear Tracorum perform live, and blend southern rock, soul, honky tonk, and roots americana with a funk, latin-caribbean and gospel rythyms. Led by New Orleans flavored pianist and singer Fletcher Nielsen, “great songwriting, classic R&B and soulful vocals are the backbone of this all-star bay area band that has won the hearts of fans worldwide with their spirit filled, energy charged, eclectic live shows.” June 27 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. UP IN THE AIR AT THE MERRIMAKER BEER GARDEN Up in the Air is set to play their eclectic blend of upbeat original music along with some familiar favorites at the Merrimaker Beer Garden. June
22 , 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1735. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
THE BOYS OF SUMMER: MUSIC OF THE EAGLES - ATASCADERO Enjoy a night of pure nostalgia with Eagles tribute band The Boys of Summer. Get tickets at the link. June 29 3-6 p.m. $18. my805tix. com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
EASTON EVERETT Singer-songwriter Easton Everett will perform his indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat sounds at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles. June 20, 6-8 p.m. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, 3800 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles, (805) 242-4700. FOUR SHILLINGS SHORT: PICNIC CONCERT Listen to celtic, folk, and world LIVE MUSIC continued page 31
COME TOGETHER Jessica and Paul Irving organized Unity in the Community, a daylong community-building event filled with local music and nonprofit organizations on June 21 , at Rod & Hammer Rock. Paul’s band, Zongo All-Stars, headlines the evening show.
OF JESSICA
TEXAS ONE Numbskull and Good Medicine present Austin-based rock, blues, and country act Uncle Lucius at The Siren on June 20 .
COURTESY PHOTO BY MARK ABERNATHY
TEXAS TWO Numbskull and Good Medicine are back with Bluff Dale, Texas-born singer-songwriter Red Shahan at Club Car Bar on June 24
PHOTO COURTESY OF RED SHAHAN
the Heartbreakers, and “Just To Satisfy You” made popular by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Next, prepare yourself for a neon new wave dance party when Numbskull and Good Medicine present the Totally ’80s Rewind Party, a night of ’80s music and visuals, at Club Car Bar on Saturday, June 21 (9 p.m.; 18-and-older; $10.30 presale or $12.26 day of show at goodmedicinepresents. com).
Return to Lone Star sounds when Red Shahan plays in Club Car Bar on Tuesday, June 24 (7 p.m.; all ages; $30.39 at goodmedicinepresents.com). He hails from Bluff Dale, Texas, and according to Grammywinning songwriter Aaron Raitiere, Shahan’s “an avid outdoorsman and dedicated Leatherman owner. He loves a good pachanga and can do several jumping jacks in a row. He used to rodeo at Western Texas College and got his start singing country songs in Lubbock, Texas. Heavily influenced by AC/DC and the Indigo Girls, his new songs and record sound nothing like them at all. Red is the real deal. Only a fool would miss an opportunity to dive into his songs.”
South and North
The Siren in Morro Bay has a couple of cool shows cooked up this week. For fans of Southern and blues rock, check out American Mile on Sunday, June 22 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free)
“These guys were so amazing, we just had to have them back!” The Siren announced.
“In the past few years, American Mile has been carving their name into the roots of rock music around North America. With influences ranging from Aerosmith and The Black Crowes to Chris Stapleton and Tom Petty, their powerful sound has garnered them important shows in front of thousands at festivals and shows such as Summerfest, the NASCAR Auto Club 400, and a NYE headlining slot at the infamous Idaho Potato Drop in Boise.”
Also this week at The Siren, see Brooklynbased emcee Talib Kweli featuring Solene Velvet on Thursday, June 26 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder; $41.60 at tixr.com). According to press materials, Kweli has “earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years.”
“I’m a touring artist,” he said. “I’m an artist that’s internationally known. I’m not just a local artist at this point in my career. I’m cognizant of the fact that what I do is beyond where it started. I’m trying to reach the apex of where I am now, but without turning my back on or dismissing what I’ve done before.”
Solene Velvet is an LA-based singer in the cyber jazz scene, “a genre-bending fusion of smoky vocals, nostalgia-inducing lo-fi beats, and cyberpunk noir aesthetics,” according to her bio.
Norteño, corrido, y banda Vina Robles Amphitheatre postponed
the concert of trailblazing regional Mexican band Eslabon Armado, originally scheduled for Friday, June 20, to Saturday, Oct.11, due to “ongoing events across California and the country,” according to organizers, who also said all previously purchased tickets will be honored.
Formed in 2017, they really took off in 2020, creating a “contemporary twist on traditional Mexican sounds, merging modern styles with traditional instrumentation, such as the use of the accordion, bajo sexto, and tuba,” according to their bio. “Their catchy beats and relatable lyrics, often dealing with themes of love, relationships, and life in the Mexican-American community, have earned them a dedicated younger audience fan base.”
Here comes summer …
This year Summer Solstice falls on Friday, June 20, which also happens to be the kickoff for the Concerts in the Plaza free music series held every Friday in Mission Plaza through Sept. 12. The event starts at 5 p.m. with an opener, this week Vintage Renegades, a Grover Beach band specializing in upbeat “vintage” rock and country favorites. Headliner Moonshiner Collective will follow at 6 p.m. until 8.
Fronted by Dan Curcio, Moonshiner has deep roots in the local music community. While at Cal Poly, Curcio formed the popular rock outfit Still Time that operated from 2004 to 2012—and they got together last weekend to play the Live Oak Music Festival. It was an amazing, nostalgic set. Curcio’s current act blends folk, rock, and Americana with his warm, engaging voice. He loves the Concerts in the Plaza series, which won Best Community Event in the annual New Times Best Of poll.
“Our music is rooted in inspiration from the Central Coast, and this concert series feels like the best way to honor that love with the people who make this community vibrant,” Curcio said.
Get weird
The Bunker hosts what promises to be a very esoteric show this Sunday, June 22, when “Santa Cruz’s Maya Garcia— aka E-Fem.Url—is headlining a night of experimental electronic music,” concert organizer Abe Gibson explained. “E-Fem. Url is a shoegaze/noise/ambient artist, a girl making loud music for soft people.” Gibson’s band, “local drone djinn” the Frequent Weaver & the Mysterious Marsyas will open the show (7 p.m.; all ages; $12.56 presale at my805tix.com). Parking is limited, so try to walk, bike, or carpool. The Bunker is located at 810 Orcutt St. in SLO. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
MÚSICA MEXICANA Nederlander Concerts presents trailblazing Mexican band Eslabon Armado at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Oct. 11 .
EAST MEET WEST Brooklyn-based emcee Talib Kweli will be joined by LA cyber jazz vocalist Solene Velvet on June 26 , at The Siren.
music by Four Shillings Short at this outdoor house concert in Atascadero. The band plays with a collection of world instruments, including a dulcimer, mandolin, tinwhistle, banjo, guitar, and a krumhorn. Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs. Tickets and more information is available at the link. June 29 5-8 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. ASTARA, 17400 Oak Rd., Atascadero.
FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.
Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
GRAND LIQUIDATOR Grand Liquidator will play live at Hubba Wines in Tin City. June 27, 5-9 p.m. $5.00 Donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
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.
JAZZ AT SENSORIO PASO ROBLES WITH TOME BETHKE AND SUNNY WRIGHT
Tom Bethke and Sunny Wright are set to grace the Ampitheater stage at Sensorio.
Hear them live and enjoy the array of dinner options, the full bar, and beautiful light art exhibit. June 19 6:45-9:45 p.m.
BARTON FAMILY ESTATE Join every Friday in June for live music to kick off the weekend. More info can be found at the link. June 20 5-8:30 p.m. and June 27, 5-8:30 p.m. (805) 237-0771. bartonfamilywines.com/events/detail/ Summer-concert-series-june6-2025/.
Barton Family Wines, 2174 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles.
KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
SOUL AT SENSORIO PASO ROBLES
WITH SUNNY AND THE WRIGHT
TONES Get your dance moves going with Sunny and The Wright Tones before you tour the beautiful Interactive Lights of Sensorio, eat at the taco truck, and enjoy the full bar and coffee. June 27 6:45-9:45 p.m. $30-$65 pp. (805) 2264287. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
STRANGE CAKE LIVE Head to Hubba Wines in Tin City for live music from Strange Cake. June 20, 5-9 p.m. $5.00 Donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines. com/Events. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
SUNNY AND THE WRIGHT TONES: R&B AND SOUL LIVE AT SENSORIO! Listen to live R&B and soul tunes on the Lawn at Sensorio with Sunny and The Wright Tones. June 27 6:45-9:45 p.m. $30-$65. (805) 2264267. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CCMP PRESENTS “THROWAY// MONKEYFLOWER AND MORE!” Hear live sets from Throw Away, Monnkeyflower, Necessary Noise, and Farewell Dylan.
This is a 21+ event. June 21 6 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: AFTER PARTY SERIES Enjoy free live music in downtown SLO every Friday, immediately following the Concerts in the Plaza. The concerts are 21+. June 20, 8:30 p.m. and June 27 8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
E-FEM.URL, MARSYAS, FREQUENT
WEAVER Head to The Bunker to hear live sets from three bands and enjoy an evening of drinks. Tickets are available at the link. June 22 , 7-10 p.m. $13. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
FLAVOR PACKET Flavor Packet is a California jazz band that stirs up an imaginative sound with their contemporary and world-beat-influenced jazz music. Hear them live at Krobar Craft Distillery. June 21 , 6-9 p.m. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, krobardistillery.com.
IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Come cheer on your favorite teams, or discover new ones, in this show of back-to-back sets. Tickets are available at the link. June 21 , 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
JOURNEY USA Enjoy the hits of Journey from this tribute act. All ages welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. June 28 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo. com.
MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE & VINTAGE
RENEGADES AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Vintage Renegades and Moonshiner Collective play live. There will be an after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with Big Wheel Cobra at 8:30 p.m. June 20 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
OPEN-MIC CELTIC CABARET Come gather with Celtic Cabaret to play your party-piece, poem, toe-dance, or whatever you got! Audiences are welcome. June 22 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 710-3309. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
PLANET PERREO Planet Perreo, the touring, alien-themed dance party is not just an event; “it’s an extraterrestrial journey through Perreo.” Don’t miss out! June 27 9 p.m. $25. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY See a packed lineup of great live music, as well as 30 featured nonprofits who will be there to share all they have to offer. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 21 , 2-10 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
VINCE CIMO’S HOT FIRE & HOLDING PATTERN AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Holding Pattern and Hot Fire live, and head to the after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with Club DV8 at 8:30 p.m. June 27 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
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. June 28 - Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. BASIN STREET REGULARS PRESENTS:
THE SIERRA STOMPERS LIVE Get ready for a toe-tappin’, swingin’ Sunday afternoon as the BSR Hot Jazz Club welcomes the Sierra Stompers—one of the hottest traditional jazz bands. June 29 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. JAZZ, BLUES, AND SOUL AT PUFFER’S WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, JAKE ODELL, AND ALEX MORRISON Puffer’s is the place for live music! Hear live jazz, blues, and soul from Sunny Wright, Jake Odell, and Alex Morrison. June 22 5-8 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 773-6563. facebook.com/ PuffersofPismo/. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale 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. PTFS! AT THE SECRET GARDEN, ZYDECO PLUS! Head to the Secret Garden to hear PTFS play a mix of live originals, tex-mex, zydeco, and vocals. June 26 3-6 p.m. Free. (805) 710-3309. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, sycamoresprings.com/dining/secretgarden.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 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.
IN BALANCE, VALUES HERE, NEW TOMORROW, THE ONLY OCEAN AND DOOMER Join us at Harmony Haven in Santa Maria with In Balance, New Tomorrow, Values Here, The Only Ocean, and doomer! June 27 6 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Harmony Haven, 550 Betteravia Road, Santa Maria.
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.
SISTER NANCY LIVE Sister Nancy, a Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer, will perform live at Blast 825 Brewery and deliver authentic reggae vibes to her audience. Visit the link to get more information and purchase tickets. June 27, 1-5 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST HITS
Presented by the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff. June 22 4 p.m. lompocpopsorchestra. com/index.html. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
JEFFREY EAST LIVE A singer-songwriter currently splitting his time between Los Angeles and Nashville, East has had his songs recorded by artists like Matchbox Twenty and more. June 22 3-5 p.m. $37. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. ∆
Rise and shine
Sunshine Olive Oil named Central Coast Producer of the Year
Richard Delahanty said he cuts open olives nearly every day from late October until early December to see if they’re ready to be harvested. He joked that he’s in the field so often he’ll sometimes tell his wife he’s going out to talk to the trees.
“We use all organic fertilizers,” Sunshine Olive Oil’s ranch and production manager said. “We’re meticulous about the way we farm and the way we handle the olives when we harvest them.”
Delahanty said harvesting earlier allows for that spicy, pungent taste contest judges seem to love.
“When you get a riper olive, you get a much more mellow taste,” Delahanty said.
“Ideally, we try to harvest a little bit earlier.” That early harvest also increases the olive oil’s antioxidant content, which can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and even fight off certain cancers. Antioxidants aside, olive oil contest judges from all over the world seem to agree that the Templeton olive oil producer makes awardwinning oil.
On April 23, the California MidState Fair’s Central Coast Olive Oil Competition judges named Sunshine Olive Oil the 2025 Olive Oil Producer of the Year.
All 11 of Sunshine’s olive oil entries medaled. Its Spanish Oaks Picual won Best of Class Picual, and its Blue Oak Grove won Best of Class Italian Blends Medium. Eight of its olive oils achieved gold medals, and its Miller Blend received a silver.
This year, Sunshine co-milled two olive oils for the first time. Both the lemon and chili concoctions received gold medals from the competition.
The Miller Blend, named after Catherine and Gary Miller, includes green tea, nettle, and black pepper.
A landscape contractor by trade, Delahanty said he and his wife, Linda, started Sunshine Olive Oil in Templeton with the Millers about 15 years ago after he helped them with some trees in their front yard.
“They liked olive trees just for their aesthetics, so they had somebody plant a
bunch of them all over the place,” Delahanty said. “Then, I started working for them. The olive trees grew, and we pruned them. Then, they started producing. One year, I said, ‘Have you ever thought about doing something with the olives?’ [Gary] said, ‘Like what?’ I said, ‘Maybe we can make oil out of them. Let’s just see how it goes.’”
It’s grown from that to include harvests on six other ranches. Last year, Sunshine produced about 2,500 gallons of olive oil, Delahanty said.
“On the original ranch, there were probably 250 olive trees at the most,” Delahanty said. “With that property and a few others [the Millers] now own, we’re at about 4,000 trees, and we’re just about to plant 4,000 more; 4,000 might seem like a lot to your backyard farmer, but it’s a small number in the olive oil business. We’re more like a boutique olive oil company.”
Delahanty said Sunshine ensures olives are milled within four hours of being harvested to maintain their pristine quality.
“With so much of what you buy, you don’t know what goes in it,” Delahanty said. “If you go to the store, they have olive oil blends and light olive oils. When you start looking into what those are, you’ll see they’re mixed with
canola oil and have very little olive oil. We know exactly what goes in our olive oil. We don’t put chemicals on any olives. Everything that comes off those trees is 100 percent great for you.”
In May, Sunshine’s olive oil was awarded three more medals, this time by the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Athens, Greece. Its Spanish Oaks Picual took home a coveted double gold distinction, while its Miller and Tuscan blends followed up with gold ratings.
Like the Miller Blend, the customerfavorite Tuscan blend also includes a pinch of black pepper but with a flavor profile balanced with green olives, freshly cut grass, almond, and artichoke. The dark green colored oil is made from a mix of frantoio, leccino, moraiolo, and pendolino olives.
For customers in search of a delicate olive oil they can use every day, Sunshine’s leccino is perfect for cooking, baking, and adding to salad dressings. The flavor profile consists of a combination of sweet, freshly cut grass, almond, and pepper.
Ideal for any culinary use, Sunshine’s Lucca is perfect for any customers seeking a more versatile olive oil. The Lucca’s medium-
FLOWER POWER Last month, the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Athens, Greece, awarded three of Sunshine’s olive oils with medals. Ranch and production manager Richard Delahanty said the owners taste every batch before sending them off to competitions.
SHINING BRIGHT Sunshine Olive Oil was named the 2025 Olive Oil Producer of the Year by the California Mid-State Fair’s Central Coast Olive Oil Competition judges on April 23. All 11 of Sunshine’s olive oil entries into the competition medaled.
intense flavor profile includes aromas of ripe banana and a mild nutty green almond flavor.
Last month, the grove owners started the Sunshine Olive Oil Club. Members receive a 500-milliliter bottle of Sunshine’s Miller Blend, a 500-milliliter bottle of Sunshine’s Tuscan Blend, and a seasonal gift delivered to their doorstep every January, May, and September.
“We harvest and prune by hand. We do have tractors and mowers, but there are a lot of times you have a weed eater out there and you’re just weeding. You can’t get the tractor everywhere. We’re not a big, corporate farm. There’s always a lot of handwork,” Delahanty said.
Michael Wolfe—the owner of the Avocado Shack, which sells local, organic fruits and
vegetables in Morro Bay—said he spent five years searching for the right organic olive oil. His shop’s been selling Sunshine for about a month now.
“It has that grassy, peppery flavor that you want in a dipping olive oil,” Wolfe said. “The quality is exceptional. And it doesn’t take much. You only need to dip a small amount.”
Wolfe invited interested customers to come dip some fresh La Teglia focaccia bread—delivered every Friday—in Sunshine’s Miller Blend.
“What Richard is making is a product that’s pure, as it was in Greece when it was first made,” Wolfe said. “This stuff’s worth every penny.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren from the Sun, New Times’ sister paper, at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.
Foreclosure Lien Sale will be held with online bidding @ www.bid13.com
Closing at 2:55 PM, Thursday June 26th, 2025
The minimum bid is $50 and the property is to be sold to the highest bidder for cash or credit card payment.
Clean up deposit of $200 (cash or credit card) will be required, Removal must be done within 72 hours.
Seller reserves the right to withdraw the unit from sale.
Alex Aleman, Unit H117, contains miscellaneous items.
June 19, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-0916 (03/06/2009) New Filing
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PEAR VALLEY VINEYARD AND WINERY, PEAR VALLEY WINERY, PEAR VALLEY VINEYARD, PEAR VALLEY 4900 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. Pear Valley Vineyard, Inc. (4900 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446). State of California The business is conducted by a corporation,Pear Valley Vineyard, Inc. Kathleen Jones Maas, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04/28/2025. 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. 04/28/2030. June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2025-1012 (05/09/2025) New Filing The following person(s) is (are) doing business
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
25CV-0335
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Wen Bin Elise Sullivan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Wen Bin Elise Sullivan. PROPOSED NAME: Wen Bin Elise Schonevan. 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 24, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey St, 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 2, 2025.
/s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court.
June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0336
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Destiny Hope Mills filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Destiny Hope Mills, Killian Jason Mills. PROPOSED NAME: Destiny Hope Lyon, Killian Jason Lyon. 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 24, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: 2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey St, 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: May 28, 2025. /s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court.
June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0348
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Joi-lin Fen Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Joi-lin Fen Garcia PROPOSED NAME: Joi-lin Fen Brash. 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 6, 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, Rm 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: May 29, 2025. /s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court. June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CV-0351
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Rhiannon Christine Copeland filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Rhiannon Christine Copeland PROPOSED NAME: Rhiannon Christine Hall. 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 ST., 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 3, 2025.
/s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. June 12, 19, & 26, July 3, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP-0103
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Vaughn Chechik filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Vaughn Calvin Chechik PROPOSED NAME: Finn Brady Chechik. 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: June 25, 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, CA 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: March 28, 2025.
/s/: Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1290
OLD FILE NO. 2025-1032
AI ADVANTAGE 282 Main St, Pismo Beach, California 93449. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 05/13/2025.
The following person(s): Christian Benavides, 2356 Oak Haven Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93430, David Kozuch, 2356 Oak Haven Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93430, Kyle Van Til, 282 Main St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name. This business was conducted by a General Partnership: Christian Benavides, Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/17/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk By A. Trujillo, Deputy Clerk. June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW
CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
25CVP-0142
To all interested persons:
Petitioner: Makayla Michaels filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Makayla Michaels PROPOSED NAME: Makayla Michaels Warzee 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: June 25, 2025 9:00 am, Dept: P-2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 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: 04/23/2025.
/s/: Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.
May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP-0152
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Juan Manuel Vargas filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Juan Manuel Vargas. PROPOSED NAME: John Manuel Vargas. 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 2, 2025 9:30 am, Dept: P-2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 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 2, 2025.
/s/: Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court. June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1224
OLD FILE NO. 2021-1728
FINDERS KEEPERS 1124 Garden St San Luis Obispo CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 07/14/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Debra Anne Fogg (1124 Garden St San Luis Obispo CA 93401). This business was conducted by an Individual Debra Anne Fogg. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 06/06/2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mmaltby, Deputy Clerk. June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER:
25CVP-0175
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Louis Walter Stirnkorb filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Louis Walter Stirnkorb PROPOSED NAME: Wan Sak 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 16, 2025 9:30 am, Dept: P-2 in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 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 28, 2025.
/s/: Hon. Michael Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court.
June 12, 19, & 26, July 3, 2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1125
OLD FILE NO. 2025-0941
NAIL IMAGE, 534 W Tefft St, Nipomo,CA 93444. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 05/01/2025. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Dung T Phan (1425 Longbranch Ave Apt C 93433). This business was conducted by an Individual Dung Thi Phan. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05/27/2025.. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mkatz, Deputy Clerk.
June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT
OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2025-1134 OLD FILE NO. 2021-2929
LA BELLASERA HOTEL & SUITES 206 Alexa Ct., Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 12/15/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: PDOF Paso 206, LLC (3500 Lenox Road, SUite 625 Atlanta, GA 30326). his business was conducted by a Limited Liability Company PDOF Paso 206, LLC by Jatin Desai, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05/27/2025.. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By mmaltby, Deputy Clerk. June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025
Adult Services
The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
• Rescheduled from the 06/25/2025 Regular MeetingReview of a Planned Development Amendment to revoke the Planned Development Overlay, related to a development project proposed at 1144 Chorro Street, and rezone the seven (7) affected properties from C-D-PD and C-D-H-PD to C-D and C-D-H, respectively. The project is exempt from environmental review under Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines; Project Addresses: 1144 Chorro Street; 895, 898, and 973 Higuera Street; 876 and 890 Marsh Street; and 868 and 870 Monterey Street; Case #: PDEV-0428-2023; Zones: C-D-PD and C-D-H-PD; Mark Rawson, owner/applicant
The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Report(s) are typically available six days in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https:// www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo
June 19, 2025
CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
Project No.: Development Application DA-25-0013
Address: 45 Newport Ave
Applicant: Andy Mendoza
Description: A request for a Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit to establish an indoor commercial recreation facility (indoor baseball training facility) within an existing warehouse, and a request for a reduction to the on-site parking requirements pursuant to Development Code Section 3.50.060.D.1. The project is located in the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the California Coastal Commission. (APN: 060-074-014)
Environmental Determination: The proposed project is Categorically Exempt (Class 1) from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because the project involves the use of an existing private structure. Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach. org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information:
If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach. org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).
/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission
Dated: Thursday, June 19, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION OF INTENTION AND REPORT:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors adopted a Resolution of Intention, tentatively approved a Preliminary Engineer’s Annual Levy Report from the Assessment Engineer, and authorized a time and place for the public hearing to place an annual assessment for FY 2025-26 upon the parcels within the Tract 1747 Streetlight Assessment District. The Board has scheduled a public hearing to receive testimony either in support or opposition to the proposed assessment. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo.
All hearing items are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
The Assessment Engineer’s Annual Levy Report, consisting of the maps, descriptions, an estimate of the cost of yearly maintenance, and the proposed assessments, has been prepared and preliminarily approved. For all particulars as to these proceedings and any individual assessment, reference is made to the Assessment Engineer’s Annual Levy Report as tentatively approved by the Board of Supervisors and on file in the office of the County Clerk of the Board and is available for public review.
DATED: June 17, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/ Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk
June 19, 2025
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2025 STREET REPAIRS PROJECT PREDESIGN PW 2025-01
The City of Arroyo Grande is seeking qualified firm to provide preliminary design services for identified street locations. These preliminary design services include the following:
• Coring and deflection testing for pavement evaluation.
• Analyzing evaluation results to identify optimum rehabilitation.
• Providing estimated costs based on evaluation.
This Request for Proposals is posted on the City’s website at http://www.arroyogrande.org/Bids.aspx
Any changes, additions, or deletions to this Request for Proposal will be in the form of written addenda issued by the City. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective proposers must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information during the response period. The City is not responsible for the failure of any prospective proposer to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Request for Proposal.
Any questions related to this RFP shall be submitted in writing to the attention of Shannon Sweeney, City Engineer, via email at ssweeney@arroyogrande.org Questions shall be submitted by June 20, 2025. No oral questions or inquiries about this RFP shall be accepted.
If your firm is interested and qualified, please submit three (3) hard copies of your proposed package. Proposals must be clearly marked and delivered no later than on or before 4:00 PM, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Late submissions after the deadline or proposals delivered via fax will not be accepted.
Submit and label as follows:
PROPOSAL for
2025 STREET REPAIRS PROJECT PREDESIGN PW 2025-01
City of Arroyo Grande
Attention: Shannon Sweeney, City Engineer 1375 Ash Street Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
/s/ Jessica Matson, City Clerk June 19 & 26, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:
1. 651 Tank Farm Rd. USE-0457-2025; Review of a Minor Use Permit request for a specialized education/training trade school in the Business Park zone of the Airport Area Specific Plan. The proposal includes a request to establish a post-secondary medical training program for healthcare professionals within an existing 64,000 square foot building. No exterior building or site modifications are proposed. Existing parking is located onsite. School operations are proposed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with annual enrollment for approximately 220 students. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review; BP-SP Zone; NKT Commercial, LLC, applicant. (Callie Taylor and Eva Wynn)
PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken on this public hearing item 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.
June 19, 2025
SAN LUIS COSTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF SURPLUS PROPERTIES FOR SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Education Code section 17464, subd. (c)(2), that the Board of Trustees of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (“District”) hereby solicits offers from all public districts, public authorities, public agencies, public corporations, or any other political subdivision in California, or of the federal government, and other nonprofit charitable or nonprofit public benefit corporations, to purchase certain District surplus real properties. The subject properties are: (1) 880 Manzanita Drive, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California, currently designated as Assessor’s Parcel Number 074-331-001; and (2) 1330 Napa Avenue, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California, currently designated as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 066-044-011 and 066-280-045 (“Properties”). Interested entities must notify the District in writing of their interest in one or both Properties within sixty (60) days after the third publication of this notice. Please direct offers, questions, or requests for further information regarding the Properties to Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, at 1500 Lizzie Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3062, (805) 549-1200, or via e-mail at rpinkerton@slcusd.org.
June 12, 19, & 26, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project:
SOUTH BAY BOULEVARD AT LOS OSOS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PROJECT CONTRACT NO. 300455
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRLS-5949(137)
Bids will be opened and declared by the County Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid opening date at a public meeting at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408.
Any bid received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo at or after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered. Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents. The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the County’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/ purchasing-services/services/bid-rfp-opportunities
Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the County. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The County is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid. All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.
All bidder Requests for Information must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., 5 business days prior to the bid opening date. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. All questions pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website. The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The County reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website.
The bidder must have either a Class A license or a combination of Class C licenses that make up a majority of the work at the time the Contract is awarded (Public Contract Code section 3300). When the bidder holds a combination of Class C licenses, all work to be performed outside of the bidder’s license specialties, except work that is incidental or supplemental to the licenses of the bidder, shall be performed by licensed Subcontractors in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code)
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:
• A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.
• This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.
Bids must be submitted under sealed cover plainly marked as a bid and identified with the project number, the date and time for receipt of sealed bids, and the name of the bidder.
Bids must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the County in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by County to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the County to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish the County with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the at the DIR website, http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD
Notice of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Requirements
Bidders must take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have opportunity to participate in the Contract (49 CFR 26). It is the policy of the County of San Luis Obispo to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The County encourages participation by all firms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership.
The County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin,
religion, age, or disability in consideration for an award.
The contractor, subrecipient, or subcontractor shall take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have the opportunity to participate in this contract. The DBE goal is 17 percent
Notice of Davis-Bacon Requirements
Federal funds are being used on this project, and therefore, the DavisBacon Act (2 CFR 200 Appendix II(D) and 29 CFR 5) apply. The Federal minimum wage rates for this project as predetermined by the United States Secretary of Labor are set forth in the Appendices. If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and the prevailing wage rates determined to be applicable to this contract by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and Subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rate.
Title VI Solicitation Notice
The County of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and related regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that all disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity
1. The offeror’s or bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth herein.
2. The goals and timetables for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor’s aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:
A Goals for minority participation for each trade: 24.6%
B. Goals for female participation in each trade: 6.9%
These goals are applicable to all the Contractor’s construction work (whether or not it is Federal or federally assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, it shall apply the goals established for such geographical area where the work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, the Contractor also is subject to the goals for both its federally involved and non-federally involved construction.
The Contractor’s compliance with the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specific affirmative action obligations required by the specifications set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a), and its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade, and the contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor or from project to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor’s goals shall be a violation of the contract, the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.
3. The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within 10 working days of award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the Subcontractor; employer identification number of the Subcontractor; estimated dollar amount of the Subcontract; estimated starting and completion dates of the Subcontract; and the geographical area in which the Subcontract is to be performed.
4. As used in this Notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is San Luis Obispo County, California.
Notice of Federal Trainee Program
As part of the Contractor’s equal employment affirmative action program, the Contractor is to provide on-the-job training to develop full journeyman in types of trades or job classifications involved in the Contract. The number of trainees or apprentices is 16
Notice of Requirements of Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this Notice to Bidders incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers.
The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division.
Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or County determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The County shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the County.
By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo in their action on the 8th day of April 2025. END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS
June 19, 2025
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. 24-13
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Department, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the Public Safety Center Boilers and Pumps Replacement, DPW Project No. 24-13. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:
Public Works Department 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT, DPW Project No. 24-13
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT, DPW Project No. 24-13, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. Scope of work includes All labor and material needed for complete and operational system including but not limited to two (2) Raypak 1262C boilers (or approved equal), two (2) Bell and Gossett e1510 pumps (or approved equal), including variable frequency drives, controls, flues, heating hot water piping, gas piping, electrical conduit and wiring and all appurtenances required or indicated in the plans and specifications
Project is to be completed within One Hundred Twenty (120) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed.
The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
A non-mandatory Pre-bid conference has been scheduled for June 26th, 2025 at 11AM at the Paso Robles Public Safety Center, located at 900 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents.
Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.
All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class C-4 License (Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steal Fitting) at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
Date: June 5, 2025
By: Kevin Wells, PMP
Assistant Capital Projects Manager
Publication Dates: - June 5, 2025 - June 19, 2025
California Valley Community Service District
Public Notice: Summary of Ordinance No. 2025-01
Date of Adoption: [To be determined by the Board, expected between June 12th, 2025, and July 1st, 2025, at 10:00 am.] Effective Date: Thirty (30) days from its adoption. Governing Body: California Valley Community Services District, Board of Directors
Purpose of Ordinance: Ordinance No. 2025-01 is hereby adopted to re-adopt and re-publish the Road Maintenance Charge. Its primary purpose is to ensure adequate and uninterrupted funding for the maintenance of the District’s roads, covering costs for personnel, materials, supplies, equipment repair and replacement, operations, lease purchases, and capital reserve accounts. This ordinance replaces Ordinance 2024-03, setting the same fees for the next five (5) years unless otherwise adjusted by Board action.
Key Provisions/Summary of Content: This ordinance establishes and details the collection of the Road Maintenance Charge, including the following key provisions:
• Relationship to Past Ordinances: Ordinance 2024-03 is readopted and replaced with Ordinance 2025-01, maintaining the same fees for five years unless the Board takes further action.
• Preamble: The Board finds that existing funds are insufficient for road maintenance and declares that charges are related to benefits received and do not exceed actual District costs. The ordinance is adopted in accordance with Government Code Section 61000 et seq.
• Definitions:
District Maintained Road System: Refers to roads adopted by resolution for maintenance by the District.
Tier 1 Lots: Includes lots abutting roads in the District Maintained Road System.
Tier 2 Lots: Includes lots abutting all other roads in the District.
District: Refers to the California Valley Community Services District.
Lots: Refers to lots as shown on the original Record of Survey of California Valley and subsequent additions filed with the County Recorder’s Office.
• Collection of Charges:
All charges, penalties, and interest will be collected in the same manner, by the same person, and at the same time as property taxes for the California Valley Community Services District each fiscal year.
The District will prepare an annual written report, filed in the District Office, detailing each parcel and its charge amount.
The Board of Directors will hold an annual public hearing between April and June to consider objections to this report. The Board’s determination on all charges, delinquencies, penalties, and interest will be final.
Following the hearing, the District will file the adopted report with the San Luis Obispo County Auditor, requesting the charges (including a $2.00 additional collection fee per parcel) be included on property tax bills.
• Charges, Penalties, and Interest:
The annual Road Maintenance Charges are: TIER 1: $33.00 PER YEAR and TIER 2: $29.70 PER YEAR.
These charges cover the period from 12:01 AM on July 1st to 12:00 Midnight on June 30th of the following year.
Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 charges are subject to an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report for Los AngelesLong Beach Anaheim.
Parcel tier status is determined as of 12:01 AM on January 1st immediately preceding the levy date. Penalties, interest, and recording of liens for delinquent taxes are imposed by the County according to their rates and policies.
• Cumulative Remedies: All remedies for collection and enforcement are cumulative and may be pursued alternatively or consecutively.
• Severability: If any provision of the Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance or the application of such provision to another person or circumstance shall not be affected.
• CEQA Statement: The adoption of Road Maintenance Charges is considered exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) as it is not a project pursuant to the Public Resources Code.
• Inconsistent Provisions: The terms of this Ordinance shall prevail over any inconsistent or conflicting prior District Ordinances, Resolutions, Rules, or Regulations. Impact/Scope: The adoption of this ordinance will impact all property owners within the California Valley Community Services District who are subject to the Road Maintenance Charge. It aims to ensure a stable and adequate funding source for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the District’s roads.
Availability for Review: The full text of Ordinance No. 202501 is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the California Valley Community Services District, located at 13080 Soda Lake Rd, California Valley, CA 93453. A copy is also available on the District’s official website: californiavalley.org.
Additional Information: For any questions regarding this ordinance, please contact the California Valley Community Services District at (805) 475-2211 or gm@californiavalley.org. Please ensure that the full, official text of the ordinance is available for public inspection as required by law, as this summary is for informational purposes only and does not replace the complete document.
June 19, 2025
Notice is given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project: L52 RUNWAY 11-29, TAXIWAYS, AND APRON PAVEMENT PRESERVATION CONTRACT NO. 330051
Bids will be opened and declared by the County Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid opening date at a public meeting at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408.
Any bid received at the Office of the County Clerk-Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo at or after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered.
Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents. The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the County’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/purchasing-services/services/ bid-rfp-opportunities
Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the County. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The County is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid.
All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.
All bidder Requests for Information must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., 5 business days prior to the bid opening date. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. All questions pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website. The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The County reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website. Bidders are notified that financing for this project is provided in part by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). Contractor(s) will be required to comply with specific federal contract provisions as listed herein and contained in the bid documents.
Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity
1. The offeror or bidder’s attention is directed to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Construction Contract Specifications” set forth herein.
2. The goals and timetables for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor’s aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:
A Goals for minority participation for each trade: 24.6%
B. Goals for female participation in each trade: 6.9% These goals are applicable to all the Contractor’s construction work (whether or not it is Federal or federally assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, it shall apply the goals established for such geographical area where the work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, the Contractor also is subject to the goals for both its federally involved and non-federally involved construction.
The Contractor’s compliance with the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specific affirmative action obligations required by the specifications set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a), and its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade, and the contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor or from project to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor’s goals shall be a violation of the contract, the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.
3. The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within 10 working days of award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the Subcontractor; employer identification number of the Subcontractor; estimated dollar amount of the Subcontract; estimated starting and completion dates of the Subcontract; and the geographical area in which the Subcontract is to be performed.
4. As used in this Notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is San Luis Obispo County, California.
Title VI Solicitation Notice
The County of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and related regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that all bidders will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
A DBE Goal of 3.74% has been established for this Project. It is the County of San Luis Obispo’s policy that the maximum feasible portion of the DBE goal will be obtained by using race-neutral means of facilitating race-neutral DBE participation. In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.51 (d), a contract goal must be established to meet any portion of the DBE goal that cannot be met using race-neutral means. Since recent project history of San Luis Obispo Airport has demonstrated the goal has not been obtained using race-neutral means, a contract goal is established for this Project in accordance with federal regulations. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (Federal Minimum Wage)
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this solicitation incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR part 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers.
The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division. Trade Restriction Certification
By submission of an offer, the Offeror certifies that with respect to this solicitation and any resultant contract, the Offeror –
1) is not owned or controlled by one or more citizens of a foreign country included in the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR);
2) has not knowingly entered into any contract or subcontract for this project with a person that is a citizen or national of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by the USTR; and 3) has not entered into any subcontract for any product to be used on the Federal project that is produced in a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms published by the USTR.
This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States of America and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under Title 18 USC Section 1001.
The Offeror/Contractor must provide immediate written notice to the Owner if the Offeror/ Contractor learns that its certification or that of a subcontractor was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. The Contractor must require
subcontractors provide immediate written notice to the Contractor if at any time it learns that its certification was erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
Unless the restrictions of this clause are waived by the Secretary of Transportation in accordance with 49 CFR 30.17, no contract shall be awarded to an Offeror or subcontractor:
1) who is owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms published by the USTR or 2) whose subcontractors are owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country on such USTR list or
3) who incorporates in the public works project any product of a foreign country on such USTR list.
Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by this provision. The knowledge and information of a contractor is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
The Offeror agrees that, if awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation, it will incorporate this provision for certification without modification in all lower tier subcontracts. The Contractor may rely on the certification of a prospective subcontractor that it is not a firm from a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. firms as published by USTR, unless the Offeror has knowledge that the certification is erroneous.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making an award. If it is later determined that the Contractor or subcontractor knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may direct through the Owner cancellation of the contract or subcontract for default at no cost to the Owner or the FAA.
Required Federal Contract Provisions by Reference
The following provisions are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as if given in full text (refer to Federal Contract Provisions section of the specifications for further details):
1. BUY AMERICAN PREFERENCE
(Source: Title 49 USC § 50101; Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers; Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Pub. L. No. 117-58), Build America, Buy America (BABA)
2. CIVIL RIGHTS − GENERAL
(Source: 49 USC § 47123)
3. DAVIS-BACON REQUIREMENTS
(Source: 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(D); 29 CFR Part 5; 49 USC § 47112(b); 40 USC §§ 3141-3144, 3146, and 3147)
4. DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION
(Source: 2 CFR Part 180 (Subpart B); 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(H); 2 CFR Part 1200; DOT Order 4200.5; Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)
5. LOBBYING AND INFLUENCING FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
(Source: 31 USC § 1352 – Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment; 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(I); 49 CFR Part 20, Appendix A)
6. PROCUREMENT OF RECOVERED MATERIALS
(Source: 2 CFR § 200.323, 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(J), 40 CFR Part 247, 42 USC § 6901, et seq (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA))
(See Federal Contract Provisions of the Bid Documents for further details.)
Successful Bidder will be required to insert applicable Federal Contract Provisions in all subcontracts and shall be responsible for compliance by subcontractor(s).
Prevailing Wages and Payroll Records
Contractor will be required to pay employees and keep records in accordance with the Davis Bacon Act (29 CFR Part 5) and/or Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 CFR part 201).
The bidder must have either a Class A license or a combination of Class C licenses that make up a majority of the work at the time the Contract is awarded (Public Contract Code section 3300).
When the bidder holds a combination of Class C licenses, all work to be performed outside of the bidder’s license specialties, except work that is incidental or supplemental to the licenses of the bidder, shall be performed by licensed Subcontractors in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code)
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:
· A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of the Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.
· This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.
Bids must be submitted under sealed cover plainly marked as a bid and identified with the project number, the date and time for receipt of sealed bids, and the name of the bidder.
Bids must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the County in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by County to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the County to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish the County with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.
Bidders must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible (2 CFR 200.321).
Pursuant to section Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the at the DIR website, http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD.
The Bidder’s attention is directed to FAA General Contract Provisions, Section 20, Proposal Requirements and Conditions for general details on the preparation of proposals for this Project. Each Bidder shall submit “evidence of competency” and “evidence of financial responsibility” at the time of bid opening.
Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or County determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The County shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the County.
By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo in their action on the 29th day of April 2025.
END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public
June 19, 2025
DPW Project No. 24-04, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, removing and replacing old water mains, valves, crosses, and tees, sewer mains, sewer laterals, and water services. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein. Project is to be completed within One Hundred Fifty (150) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time. The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024, and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300. All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:
1. 651 Tank Farm Rd. USE-0457-2025; Review of a Minor Use Permit request for a specialized education/training trade school in the Business Park zone of the Airport Area Specific Plan. The proposal includes a request to establish a post-secondary medical training program for healthcare professionals within an existing 64,000 square foot building. No exterior building or site modifications are proposed. Existing parking is located onsite. School operations are proposed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with annual enrollment for approximately 220 students. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review; BP-SP Zone; NKT Commercial, LLC, applicant. (Callie Taylor and Eva Wynn)
PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken on this public hearing item 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.
June 19, 2025
SAN LUIS COSTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF SURPLUS PROPERTIES FOR SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Education Code section 17464, subd. (c)(2), that the Board of Trustees of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (“District”) hereby solicits offers from all public districts, public authorities, public agencies, public corporations, or any other political subdivision in California, or of the federal government, and other nonprofit charitable or nonprofit public benefit corporations, to purchase certain District surplus real properties. The subject properties are: (1) 880 Manzanita Drive, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California, currently designated as Assessor’s Parcel Number 074-331-001; and (2) 1330 Napa Avenue, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California, currently designated as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 066-044-011 and 066-280-045 (“Properties”). Interested entities must notify the District in writing of their interest in one or both Properties within sixty (60) days after the third publication of this notice. Please direct offers, questions, or requests for further information regarding the Properties to Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, at 1500 Lizzie Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3062, (805) 549-1200, or via e-mail at rpinkerton@slcusd.org.
June 12, 19, & 26, 2025
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project:
SOUTH BAY BOULEVARD AT LOS OSOS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PROJECT CONTRACT NO. 300455
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRLS-5949(137)
Bids will be opened and declared by the County Clerk-Recorder at 3:15 p.m. on the bid opening date at a public meeting at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408.
Any bid received at the office of the County Clerk-Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo at or after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered. Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents. The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the County’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/ purchasing-services/services/bid-rfp-opportunities
Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the County. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The County is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid. All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.
All bidder Requests for Information must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., 5 business days prior to the bid opening date. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. All questions pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website. The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The County reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website.
The bidder must have either a Class A license or a combination of Class C licenses that make up a majority of the work at the time the Contract is awarded (Public Contract Code section 3300). When the bidder holds a combination of Class C licenses, all work to be performed outside of the bidder’s license specialties, except work that is incidental or supplemental to the licenses of the bidder, shall be performed by licensed Subcontractors in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code)
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:
• A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.
• This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.
Bids must be submitted under sealed cover plainly marked as a bid and identified with the project number, the date and time for receipt of sealed bids, and the name of the bidder.
Bids must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the County in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by County to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the County to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish the County with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.
Pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the at the DIR website, http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD
Notice of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Requirements
Bidders must take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have opportunity to participate in the Contract (49 CFR 26). It is the policy of the County of San Luis Obispo to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The County encourages participation by all firms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership.
The County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin,
religion, age, or disability in consideration for an award.
The contractor, subrecipient, or subcontractor shall take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have the opportunity to participate in this contract. The DBE goal is 17 percent
Notice of Davis-Bacon Requirements
Federal funds are being used on this project, and therefore, the DavisBacon Act (2 CFR 200 Appendix II(D) and 29 CFR 5) apply. The Federal minimum wage rates for this project as predetermined by the United States Secretary of Labor are set forth in the Appendices. If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and the prevailing wage rates determined to be applicable to this contract by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and Subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rate.
Title VI Solicitation Notice
The County of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and related regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that all disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity
1. The offeror’s or bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth herein.
2. The goals and timetables for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor’s aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:
A Goals for minority participation for each trade: 24.6%
B. Goals for female participation in each trade: 6.9%
These goals are applicable to all the Contractor’s construction work (whether or not it is Federal or federally assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, it shall apply the goals established for such geographical area where the work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, the Contractor also is subject to the goals for both its federally involved and non-federally involved construction.
The Contractor’s compliance with the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specific affirmative action obligations required by the specifications set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a), and its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade, and the contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor or from project to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor’s goals shall be a violation of the contract, the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.
3. The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within 10 working days of award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the Subcontractor; employer identification number of the Subcontractor; estimated dollar amount of the Subcontract; estimated starting and completion dates of the Subcontract; and the geographical area in which the Subcontract is to be performed.
4. As used in this Notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is San Luis Obispo County, California.
Notice of Federal Trainee Program
As part of the Contractor’s equal employment affirmative action program, the Contractor is to provide on-the-job training to develop full journeyman in types of trades or job classifications involved in the Contract. The number of trainees or apprentices is 16
Notice of Requirements of Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this Notice to Bidders incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers.
The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division.
Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or County determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The County shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the County.
By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo in their action on the 8th day of April 2025. END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS
June 19, 2025
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. 24-13
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Department, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the Public Safety Center Boilers and Pumps Replacement, DPW Project No. 24-13. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:
Public Works Department 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT, DPW Project No. 24-13
Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER BOILERS AND PUMPS REPLACEMENT, DPW Project No. 24-13, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. Scope of work includes All labor and material needed for complete and operational system including but not limited to two (2) Raypak 1262C boilers (or approved equal), two (2) Bell and Gossett e1510 pumps (or approved equal), including variable frequency drives, controls, flues, heating hot water piping, gas piping, electrical conduit and wiring and all appurtenances required or indicated in the plans and specifications
Project is to be completed within One Hundred Twenty (120) WORKING days from the date specified in the Notice to Proceed.
The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
A non-mandatory Pre-bid conference has been scheduled for June 26th, 2025 at 11AM at the Paso Robles Public Safety Center, located at 900 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/offroaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.
Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.
The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.
Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents.
Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.
Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.
All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project. In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class C-4 License (Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steal Fitting) at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.
City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.
Date: June 5, 2025
By: Kevin Wells, PMP
Assistant Capital Projects Manager
Publication Dates: - June 5, 2025 - June 19, 2025
California Valley Community Service District
Public Notice: Summary of Ordinance No. 2025-01
Date of Adoption: [To be determined by the Board, expected between June 12th, 2025, and July 1st, 2025, at 10:00 am.] Effective Date: Thirty (30) days from its adoption. Governing Body: California Valley Community Services District, Board of Directors
Purpose of Ordinance: Ordinance No. 2025-01 is hereby adopted to re-adopt and re-publish the Road Maintenance Charge. Its primary purpose is to ensure adequate and uninterrupted funding for the maintenance of the District’s roads, covering costs for personnel, materials, supplies, equipment repair and replacement, operations, lease purchases, and capital reserve accounts. This ordinance replaces Ordinance 2024-03, setting the same fees for the next five (5) years unless otherwise adjusted by Board action.
Key Provisions/Summary of Content: This ordinance establishes and details the collection of the Road Maintenance Charge, including the following key provisions:
• Relationship to Past Ordinances: Ordinance 2024-03 is readopted and replaced with Ordinance 2025-01, maintaining the same fees for five years unless the Board takes further action.
• Preamble: The Board finds that existing funds are insufficient for road maintenance and declares that charges are related to benefits received and do not exceed actual District costs. The ordinance is adopted in accordance with Government Code Section 61000 et seq.
• Definitions:
District Maintained Road System: Refers to roads adopted by resolution for maintenance by the District.
Tier 1 Lots: Includes lots abutting roads in the District Maintained Road System.
Tier 2 Lots: Includes lots abutting all other roads in the District.
District: Refers to the California Valley Community Services District.
Lots: Refers to lots as shown on the original Record of Survey of California Valley and subsequent additions filed with the County Recorder’s Office.
• Collection of Charges:
All charges, penalties, and interest will be collected in the same manner, by the same person, and at the same time as property taxes for the California Valley Community Services District each fiscal year.
The District will prepare an annual written report, filed in the District Office, detailing each parcel and its charge amount.
The Board of Directors will hold an annual public hearing between April and June to consider objections to this report. The Board’s determination on all charges, delinquencies, penalties, and interest will be final.
Following the hearing, the District will file the adopted report with the San Luis Obispo County Auditor, requesting the charges (including a $2.00 additional collection fee per parcel) be included on property tax bills.
• Charges, Penalties, and Interest:
The annual Road Maintenance Charges are: TIER 1: $33.00 PER YEAR and TIER 2: $29.70 PER YEAR.
These charges cover the period from 12:01 AM on July 1st to 12:00 Midnight on June 30th of the following year.
Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 charges are subject to an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report for Los AngelesLong Beach Anaheim.
Parcel tier status is determined as of 12:01 AM on January 1st immediately preceding the levy date. Penalties, interest, and recording of liens for delinquent taxes are imposed by the County according to their rates and policies.
• Cumulative Remedies: All remedies for collection and enforcement are cumulative and may be pursued alternatively or consecutively.
• Severability: If any provision of the Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance or the application of such provision to another person or circumstance shall not be affected.
• CEQA Statement: The adoption of Road Maintenance Charges is considered exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) as it is not a project pursuant to the Public Resources Code.
• Inconsistent Provisions: The terms of this Ordinance shall prevail over any inconsistent or conflicting prior District Ordinances, Resolutions, Rules, or Regulations. Impact/Scope: The adoption of this ordinance will impact all property owners within the California Valley Community Services District who are subject to the Road Maintenance Charge. It aims to ensure a stable and adequate funding source for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the District’s roads.
Availability for Review: The full text of Ordinance No. 202501 is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the California Valley Community Services District, located at 13080 Soda Lake Rd, California Valley, CA 93453. A copy is also available on the District’s official website: californiavalley.org.
Additional Information: For any questions regarding this ordinance, please contact the California Valley Community Services District at (805) 475-2211 or gm@californiavalley.org. Please ensure that the full, official text of the ordinance is available for public inspection as required by law, as this summary is for informational purposes only and does not replace the complete document.
June 19, 2025
California Mid-State Fair
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: You know exactly what you need to do next, but are refraining. Why? Do it! Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Aries writer Joseph Campbell was a world-renowned mythologist. His theories about the classic hero archetype have inspired many writers and filmmakers, including Star Wars creator George Lucas. As a young man, Campbell crafted the blueprint for his influential work during a five-year period when he lived in a rustic shack and read books for nine hours a day. He was supremely dedicated and focused. I recommend that you consider a similar foundation-building project, Aries. The coming months will be an excellent time for you to establish the groundwork for whatever it is you want to do for the rest of your long life.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): In Japan, komorebi refers to the dappled sunlight that streams through tree leaves. It names a subtle, ephemeral beauty that busy people might be oblivious to. Not you, I hope, Taurus! In the coming weeks, I invite you to draw on komorebi as an inspirational metaphor. Tune in to the soft illumination glimmering in the background. Be alert for flickers and flashes that reveal useful clues. Trust in the indirect path, the sideways glance, the half-remembered dream, and the overheard conversation. Anything blatant and loud is probably not relevant to your interests. PS: Be keen to notice what’s not being said.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): In Finnish folklore, the Sampo is a magic artifact that generates unending wealth and good fortune. Here’s the catch: It can’t be hoarded. Its power only works when shared, passed around, or made communal. I believe you are close to acquiring a less potent but still wonderful equivalent of a Sampo Gemini. It may be an idea, a project, or a way of living that radiates generosity and sustainable joy. But remember that it doesn’t thrive in isolation. It’s not a treasure to be stored up and saved for later. Share the wealth.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Tides don’t ask for permission. They ebb and flow in accordance with an ancient gravitational intelligence that obeys its own elegant laws. Entire ecosystems rely on their steady cyclical rhythms. You, too, harbor tidal forces, Cancerian. They are partially synced up with the earth’s rivers, lakes, and seas, and are partially under the sway of your deep emotional power. It’s always crucial for you to be intimately aware of your tides’ flows and patterns, but even more than usual right now. I hope you will trust their timing and harness their tremendous energy.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): Some jewelers practice an ancient Korean art called keum-boo in which they fuse pure gold to silver by heat and pressure. The result is gold that seems to bloom from within silver’s body, not just be juxtaposed on top of it. Let’s make this your metaphor for the coming weeks, Leo. I believe you will have the skill to blend two beautiful and valuable things into an asset that has the beauty and value of both—plus an extra added synergy of valuable beauty. The only problem that could possibly derail your unprecedented accomplishment might be your worry that you don’t have the power to do that. Expunge that worry, please.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Some Indigenous cultures keep track of time not by clocks but by natural events: “the moon when the salmon return,” “the season when shadows shorten,” “the return of the rain birds.” I encourage you to try that approach, Virgo. Your customary rigor will benefit from blending with an influx of more intuitive choices. You will be wise to explore the joys of organic timing. So just for now, I invite you to tune out the relentless tick-tock. Listen instead for the hush before a threshold cracks open. Meditate on the ancient Greek concept of kairos: the prime moment to act or a potential turning point that’s ripe for activation.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Botanists speak of “serotiny,” a plant’s ability to delay seed release until the environment is just right. Some pinecones, for instance, only open after a fire. What part of you has been patiently waiting, Libra? What latent brilliance has not been ready to emerge until now? The coming weeks will offer catalytic conditions—perhaps heat, perhaps disruption, perhaps joy—that will be exactly what’s needed to unleash the fertile potency. Have faith that your seeds will draw on their own wild intelligence.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): One of your superpowers is your skill at detecting what’s unfolding beneath the surfaces. It’s almost like you have X-ray vision. Your ability to detect hidden agendas, buried secrets, and underground growth is profound. But in the coming weeks, I urge you to redirect your attention. You will generate good fortune for yourself if you turn your gaze to what lies at the horizon and just beyond. Can you sense the possibilities percolating at the edges of your known world? Can you sync up your intuitions with the future’s promises? Educated guesses will be indistinguishable from true prophecies.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarius-born Wassily Kandinsky (18661944) got a degree in law and economics and began a career teaching those subjects at the university level. But at age 30, he had a conversion experience. It was triggered when he saw a thrilling exhibit of French Impressionist painters and heard an enthralling opera by Richard Wagner. Soon he flung himself into a study of art, embarking on an influential career that spanned decades. I am predicting that you will encounter inspirations of that caliber, Sagittarius. They may not motivate you as drastically as Kandinsky’s provocations, but they could revitalize your life forever.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The ancient Egyptians revered the River Nile’s annual flooding, which brought both disruption and renewal. It washed away old plant matter and debris and deposited fertile silt that nourished new growth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I suspect you will experience a metaphorical flood: a surge of new ideas, opportunities, and feelings that temporarily unsettle your routines. Rather than focusing on the inconvenience, I suggest you celebrate the richness this influx will bring. The flow will ultimately uplift you, even if it seems messy at first.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Medieval stonemasons worked not just in service to the immediate structures they made. They imagined eternity, laying foundation blocks in cathedrals they knew they would never live to see completed. I think you are being invited to do similar work: soulful construction whose fruits may not ripen for a while. A provocative conversation you have soon may echo for years. A good habit you instill could become a key inheritance for your older self. So think long, wide, and slow, dear Aquarius. Not everything must produce visible worth this season. Your prime offerings may be seeds for the future. Attend to them with reverence.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): In the frigid parts of planet Earth, some glaciers sing. As they shift and crack and melt, they emit tones: groans, pulses, crackles, and whooshes. I believe your soul will have a similar inclination in the coming weeks, Pisces: to express mysterious music as it shifts and thaws. Some old logjam or stuck place is breaking open within you, and that’s a very good thing. Don’t ignore or neglect this momentous offering. And don’t try to translate it into logical words too quickly. What story does your trembling tell? Let the deep, restless movements of your psyche resound. ∆
