Medical Weight Loss Options!
Editor’s note
After years of asking San Luis Obispo to do something about the state of housing rentals in the city, the SLO Tenants Union is frustrated but seeing some progress—albeit not as quickly as union members would like. Most recently, the city proposed creating a database that keeps track of rental units so it can have accurate numbers before moving forward with drafting any sort of regulatory scheme to deal with things like subpar units or the cost of rent. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal spoke with the tenants union and the city about the proposal, how it would work, and what comes next [7]
In addition, read about the Paso Robles school district’s budget woes and potential layoffs [8]; a resurrected San Luis Obispo recording studio [24]; and a famed local pastry chef competing on the Food Network [31]
Camillia Lanham editor
Rob Brezsny, Anna Starkey, Andrew Christie, John Donegan, Cherish Whyte, John Ashbaugh, Gianna Patchen CIRCULATION
Chaney DISTRIBUTION Tom Falconer, Dennis Flately, Edward Barnett, Bernadette Miller, Joe Brice New Times is published every Thursday for your enjoyment and distributed to more than 100,000 readers in San Luis Obispo County. New Times is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The contents of New Times are copyrighted by New Times and may not be reproduced without specific written permission from the publishers. We welcome contributions and suggestions. Accompany any submissions with a self-addressed stamped envelope. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited submissions. All letters received become the property of the publishers. Opinions expressed in byline material are not necessarily those of New Times New Times is available on microfilm at the SLO City-County Library, and through Proquest Company, 789 E Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor, MI 48106, as part of the Alternative Press Project. Subscriptions to New Times are $156 per year. Because a product or service is advertised in New Times does not necessarily mean we endorse its use.
We hope readers will use their own good judgment in choosing products most beneficial to their well-being.
Our purpose: to present news and issues of importance to our readers; to reflect honestly the unique spirit of the region; and to be a complete, current, and accurate guide
Central Coast water board approves Diablo Canyon water permit beyond 2030
The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a wastewater discharge permit and a new water quality certification necessary to keep the lights on at Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
The unanimous decision made on Feb. 26 drew criticism from the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club, San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, and Committee to Bridge the Gap.
“I was not surprised by the water board’s approval, but I am disappointed,” Committee to Bridge the Gap Executive Director Haakon Williams said. “The state Legislature’s official policy is that Diablo Canyon is not authorized to operate beyond 2030; a state agency should not be issuing certifications with expiration dates extending far beyond the timeframe authorized by state law.”
The water board reviewed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification.
The national discharge system permit regulates how Diablo Canyon discharges desalination brine, treated wastewater, and warmed water used to cool the plant’s spent fuel pools and safety components. The permit allows Diablo Canyon owner Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to discharge 2.7 million gallons of wastewater a day.
PG&E now awaits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to extend plant operations through August 2045. But before the commission can issue the license, section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act requires the water board to certify that waste discharges from Diablo Canyon comply with all provisions of the act, including state water quality standards.
The three public interest groups called for the water board to only approve the Clean Water Act certification under the condition that PG&E doesn’t run the plant after the 2030 expiration date set by Senate Bill 846.
The groups also claimed precedent.
In 2017, New York’s Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant owner Entergy Corporation amended its Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license renewal application to specify an earlier closing date. The decision was part of an agreement with New York state that stemmed from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s proposed denial of Entergy’s section 401 certification.
“The Central Coast water board must follow the precedent established at Indian Point and require, as a condition of its approval of the section 401
County grants permit for Cambria water facility
After more than a decade of debate, environmental studies, and regulatory hurdles, Cambria’s water reclamation facility (WRF) reached a major milestone: The San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission unanimously approved the facility’s permanent Coastal Development Permit on Feb. 26.
“The water reclamation facility has been under review for many years,” Matthew McElhenie, general manager of the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) told commissioners on Feb. 26 . “Over the past three years in particular, we’ve worked closely with county planning staff and regulatory agencies to bring the project to this point. County staff provided direction, and we responded through additional engineering, environmental studies, and operational refinements.”
certification, that PG&E amend its NRC license renewal application to set a 2030 expiration date,” the West Coast groups said in a joint statement. “This would ensure that Diablo Canyon does not continue to degrade California waters beyond the timeframe authorized by the state.”
But the water board approved the certification as proposed by staff—it will expire simultaneously with the renewed federal operating license.
“So, it’s not a defined date, but a fluid date that will be set once NRC issues its license,” Williams said. “There are rumors that the state Legislature will, later this year, consider a bill to extend Diablo Canyon another 15 years. State agencies like the water board should be regulating based on existing law, not Legislature rumors. Unfortunately, that is not what happened.”
Water board staff didn’t respond to New Times’ questions about the water quality certification and referred to the meeting recording instead. Staff’s responses to comments from the public noted that while reducing the water quality certification’s lifespan is an option, it’s not preferred.
“By linking the proposed 401 certification expiration with the NRC license expiration, the proposed 401 certification avoids
construction in 2014 under an emergency coastal development permit during California’s severe drought. At the time, Gov. Jerry Brown waived certain environmental review requirements, allowing the facility to come online quickly to prevent groundwater decline and seawater intrusion. Under that emergency permit, the facility could only operate in the worst drought conditions—stage 5 or 6—leaving the community reliant on natural aquifer cycles until the permanent permit could be secured.
“This approval represents far more than a permit. It represents persistence. It represents sound science. It represents disciplined governance,” McElhenie wrote in a Feb. 27 letter to the community. “It represents the collective will of a community that understands the importance of securing its water future.”
The water reclamation facility originally began
With the permanent permit, the facility will be able to operate proactively during stage 3 droughts— earlier than before—allowing the district to treat
conflicts with potential future legislation, should future legislation extend the date when DCPP operations are to cease beyond 2030,” staff response read. “It is also worth noting that the Central Coast water board is not required to include an expiration date in the 401.”
Sophie Froelich, an attorney with the State Water Resources Control Board, said at the meeting that the NRC generally issues a license for 20 years. According to her, there’s concern that shortening the validity of the water quality certification to less that 20 years “could be infringing on the power” of the federal body.
She added that the supposed ties to Indian Point power plant aren’t relevant to the discussion, and that the New York plant was embroiled in complicated litigation.
“It was all decided that that plant, as a result of that litigation, would shut down at a particular point, and that the license would end,” Froelich said. “I see absolutely no parallels between that agreement and what we’re doing here today. There is no pending litigation, there is nothing to settle.” ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
brackish groundwater before severe aquifer declines occur. The facility uses advanced membrane filtration and reverse osmosis to treat water and reinject it into the aquifers that supply roughly 80 percent of Cambria’s water, Jim Green, Cambria Utilities Department manager, told New Times
Despite the expanded operational authority, McElhenie said the facility is not designed to spur population growth. Cambria has been under a water moratorium since 2000, preventing new service connections without county approval. Any expansion of water service would require lifting the moratorium and gaining county approval, a process the district said is not under consideration.
“These aquifer levels would never get to those lower levels of the single-year droughts or those prolonged drought years,” he said. “This gives us more water, more frequently.”
The project’s approval was the result of an
FULL STEAM AHEAD Much to the disappointment of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club, SLO Mothers for Peace, and Committee to Bridge the Gap, the Central Coast water board approved permits that regulate water quality and wastewater discharge for Diablo Canyon, which puts out 2.7 million gallons of wastewater a day into the Pacific Ocean.
extensive technical review, McElhenie explained. After a period of dormancy, district staff addressed an “information hold” from county planners, providing detailed studies on groundwater, habitat, hydrology, and biological monitoring. These studies confirmed that operations do not negatively impact sensitive species, including the California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, and three-spine stickleback.
Of the written public comments submitted to the Planning Commission, six individuals expressed concerns about the permit while 18 spoke in support.
The permit faces a 10-working day appeal window at the county level, and officials expect potential appeals to the Board of Supervisors and ultimately the California Coastal Commission.
—Chloë Hodge
Changed state laws allow new child sexual assault cases against county
San Luis Obispo County is grappling with a new reality: Changes to state law have released a flurry of child sexual assault litigation against agencies around California, unearthing incidents that allegedly took place decades ago.
“We have a total of four active cases involving sexual assault and [Assembly Bills] 218/452; however, two of those cases involve the old boy’s school in Paso Robles, which was a state-run facility so we should be getting dismissed from those relatively quickly if we haven’t already,” County Counsel Jon Ansolabehere said.
In 2019, the Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 218, which extended the statute of limitations to file a child sexual assault lawsuit from age 26 to 40; extended the statute of limitations for survivors older than 40 to within five years of when survivors reasonably should have discovered repressed memories of assault; and enabled survivors whose statutes of limitations had expired to file lawsuits by Dec. 31, 2022.
In 2023, the Legislature also passed AB 452, which removes the statute of limitations on all childhood sexual assault claims filed after Jan. 1, 2024.
These reformed state laws resulted in multiple payouts to survivors from school districts, like the Carpinteria Unified School District in Santa Barbara County and the Lucia Mar Unified School District in southern SLO County.
Lucia Mar faced three lawsuits over the
last six months of 2025 that alleged child sexual abuse, assault, and negligence by employees.
In August 2025 and February 2026, two men filed complaints against the county for reported abuse that took place when they were at the El Paso De Robles Youth Correctional Facility, which housed minors under the age of 19. The facility closed in 2008.
On Feb. 2, an anonymous Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against SLO County alleging assault in 2000 when she was a 14-year-old detainee at SLO Juvenile Hall.
“On at least five occasions, the correctional officer sexually abused plaintiff by isolating her in multiple places, including a cell, visiting rooms, search rooms, and attorney rooms, and forced her to strip to her underwear and proceeded to grope her body,” her complaint read. “These acts were committed in a custodial setting by an employee of the county, and for the correctional officer’s own sexual gratification.”
The woman’s complaint added that she doesn’t know the officer’s identity, but it could be determined through discovery. The officer also allegedly displayed other concerning behavior, like spending time alone with minors in staff-only areas, assigning unusual cleaning duties, and violating professional boundaries.
In December 2025, an anonymous John Roe sued the county for a dozen issues that allegedly took place between 2001 and 2002 when he was a 15-year-old at the Juvenile Probation Department in SLO. He alleged sexual assault and battery perpetrated by an officer named Kevin, negligence, failure to summon medical care, and a violation of the Bane Act.
A Bane Act claim notes that a defendant, through threats, intimidation, and coercion, tried to prevent the plaintiff from doing something they had the legal right to do, or to do something that they weren’t required to under the law.
Roe’s complaint said that the officer abused him by fondling him, forcing him to remove his clothes, and performing oral copulation on Roe.
“Officer Kevin threatened to remove John F.H. Roe’s facility privileges, including access to telephone calls and outdoor ‘yard time,’ should John F.H. Roe fail to comply with Officer Kevin’s orders,” the suit states.
The complaint added that the county subsequently covered up the abuse allegations and created an environment that “harbored molesters.”
Ansolabehere told New Times that the county has no comments because of active litigation.
—Bulbul Rajagopal
SLOPD looks into alleged antisemitic assault outside frat house
The San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) is investigating an alleged antisemitic assault outside the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity house near Cal Poly.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Hathaway Street residence, according to a campuswide email from University President Jeffrey Armstrong on March 2.
Police said a 21-year-old man was standing near the Hathaway Street entrance of the fraternity house when a lifted white truck drove onto the street and stopped near the residence.
“A large white truck with extensive aftermarket lighting drove near the property on Hathaway Street, and the truck’s occupants reportedly yelled antisemitic slurs at the fraternity’s residents,” Armstrong wrote. “The individuals then parked on Hathaway, entered an unlocked gate on the property and engaged in a verbal altercation. During the confrontation, one of the suspects punched a resident in the head. The suspects then fled the scene in the truck.”
SLOPD described the suspects as four to five white males, approximately 20 to 25 years old, wearing trucker hats, blue jeans, and cowboy-style boots. The case is being investigated as a hate crime, and because the residence is located off campus, the investigation falls under city police jurisdiction.
New Times contacted Cal Poly AEPi Chapter President Jason Hananel but did not receive a response before publication.
“Hateful acts that target members of our Jewish community are hurtful, disgusting and simply unacceptable,” Armstrong wrote. “Antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination run counter to the values at Cal Poly and have no place at our university.”
The university said it was first notified of the incident on March 2 and encouraged fraternity members to report the crime to city police. Because the investigation is ongoing, university officials declined to provide additional details.
University spokesperson Matt Lazier confirmed that the university’s antisemitism
task force “is active and will discuss this incident as part of its broader aim of ensuring that Cal Poly remains a welcoming environment for all campus community members.”
In a statement released Monday, San Luis Obispo Hillel, the local Jewish campus organization that provides support, programming, and community for students, said it was alerted to the incident just before Purim began Sunday evening.
“This deliberate act of antisemitism happened after SLO Hillel and AEPi festively celebrated together with dinner,” the organization said.
SLO Hillel said it “stands strongly in partnership and in support” of Cal Poly’s AEPi chapter and emphasized that targeted hatred “does not reflect the values of our community or represent the welcoming nature of the Cal Poly campus.”
“There is no room at Cal Poly for antisemitism or hatred of any kind,” the statement read.
SLO Hillel said it is working in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League’s TriCounties office to support impacted students and ensure “all perpetrators are held accountable.” Staff members are also available to students seeking support.
“This act of antisemitism will not deter us,” the statement continued. “The Cal Poly and Central Coast Jewish community have come together to swiftly respond and handle this situation, and we will continue to strongly celebrate our Judaism and heritage—as we always do.”
The Feb. 28 incident is not the first time the Jewish fraternity house has been targeted.
In February 2021, members of Alpha Epsilon Pi woke up on Shabbat to find swastikas and antisemitic phrases graffitied outside the same residence, according to a statement from the fraternity. The vandalism occurred a few days after Holocaust Remembrance Day and was also investigated as a hate crime.
“This was targeted at us, as the Jewish fraternity, and we would like to let the world know we do not tolerate or condone this behavior,” the fraternity wrote at the time on its GoFundMe page. “Our chapter and the entire San Luis Obispo Jewish community stand together proudly against those who are uneducated and who encourage hateful acts.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the Feb. 28 incident to contact nonemergency dispatch at (805) 781-7312 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867. ∆
—Chloë Hodge
Taking inventory
SLO wants hard data on its rental situation through a registration system for unit owners
San Luis Obispo recently proposed creating a new database that could fill knowledge gaps in the city’s rental landscape.
Called the rental housing registry, it’s a roster that tenant advocacy groups say could help with housing growth. Rental property owners would log their name and contact information, details about the location and number of units they own, rent levels and occupancy statistics, and eviction history, among other potentially required details.
SLO Tenants Union member Barry Price credited the group as the motivating force behind the city’s decision to work on the database. He told New Times that the Tenants Union has been advocating for the registry for more than two years.
“We just started hearing more and more from tenants who we were speaking to that rents were skyrocketing, that conditions were deteriorating, and landlords and property managers were not being responsive,” he said. “In a city where nearly two-thirds of the residents are renters, that’s not really an acceptable situation.”
Price was among the dozens of people who weighed in on a rental registry system floated by city staff during a City Council study session on Feb. 24.
Comments from renters, advocates, real estate agents, and property owners lasted more than an hour before the City Council directed staff to study the viability of a program that would require the registration of all rental properties.
“Right now, we’re making a lot of our most consequential housing decisions without a complete picture of the rental side of the market,” City Councilmember Emily Francis said. “I don’t think that’s really good governance, it’s just kind of guessing.”
Such registries are used as decisionmaking tools by local governments to craft housing policies and achieve goals like stabilized rents, creating eviction protections, and improving substandard living conditions.
SLO is estimated to have almost 15,000 rental units. The city’s staff report said that a community group of property management companies counted a little more than 8,200 professionally managed units.
“We hear a lot of anecdotal stories from our community about issues such as the price of renting, safe housing, and other issues,” SLO Housing Coordinator David Amini told New Times. “But we don’t have access to a data source to really concretely be able to say with certainty, like, ‘Here’s what the average rent is in the city for this year,’ or, ‘Here’s the amount of two-bedroom apartments that we have.’”
City staff looked to 35 cities across California—including Palo Alto, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Antioch, Concord, Davis, and Monterey—that had their own mandatory rental registry systems.
At the Feb. 24 special meeting, staff presented the City Council with two other options—a voluntary rental registration system and another where the city uses the existing business license process to gather information on rental units.
Most renters and the Tenants Union favored a mandatory registration that would cost the city between $10,000 and $50,000 a year for the software, and from $300,000 to $500,000 annually to staff three fulltime employees to manage the program.
Amini mentioned a “rollout process” if the City Council ultimately votes for a mandatory rental registry. Spanning at least a year, the process wouldn’t allow enforcement as an incentive for people to register their properties. The city could also reduce the annual registration fee during that period.
“This would come at a cost to the city of approximately $200,000 in unrealized fee revenue,” he said. “So, there may be delays in reaching the full coverage of the software and staffing program.”
The bulk of the cost would be recouped once the roll-out period ends when code enforcement and fee collections begin, according to Amini. He added that Monterey currently covers about 90 percent of the rental registry costs after implementing the program two years ago.
Real estate agents and many property owners resisted the idea, expressing concerns about breach of privacy at the City Council meeting.
Amini told New Times that the online registry shouldn’t be confused with a website like Craigslist where information on rentals is publicly available.
“The data is mostly kept private,” he said. “In most registries, they don’t have a publicfacing component, and really, the landlord is the one who logs in, creates an account, and answers a bunch of questions about their units, pay their rental registry or also the business license fee.”
Other naysayers complained about the annual registration fee that could range from $25 to $250 per unit.
“Evaluate whether existing enforcement tools such as the city business license program, which could simply and cost effectively be upgraded to accomplish everything the registry is aiming to do, and in the process not add another regulatory layer and save hundreds of thousands in additional costs, which would be levied on property owners who will simply pass those costs onto their tenants,” realtor Steve Ferrario said. “I know I will.”
Tenant Union member Price criticized the opposition, adding that the annual fee would only be a minor cost increase.
“To me, that sounds like the perpetrator promising to perpetrate even more,” he said.
“But I think it’s honestly a red herring. The fees are small.”
To Price, rental registries aren’t “antihousing or anti-landlord,” but “pro-housing” in that they protect landlords who comply while weeding out bad actors—allowing renters to check if landlords are legitimate while protecting their rights and helping them sidestep scams.
Though the Tenants Union appreciated the City Council for understanding the value of a mandatory registration system, Price said the union is disappointed by the lack of urgency. Along with consulting other cities that have successful rental registries, city staff will outline a local program structure, software solutions, estimated costs, staffing needs, and a potential fee structure for the 2027-29 budget.
“They could at least have some of this information for the general plan update. The city is about to embark on an update for the housing element of the general plan and yet they don’t have this critically important information,” Price said. “We’re disappointed that they kicked the can down the road for another two years.
“That seems to us like a capitulation to a small group of wealthy and well-connected landlords and realtors.” ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
REMOVING GUESSWORK SLO City Councilmember Emily Francis advocated for a mandatory rental registry in February, adding that making significant housing decisions without a full understanding of the rental market isn’t “good governance.”
FILE PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN
Feeling the cuts
Justice Ontiveros paused and took a deep breath before finishing her remarks.
Standing at the podium on Feb. 24, the fourth grader from Kermit King Elementary told the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) board of directors about navigating “big feelings” and the adults at her school who help when emotions become overwhelming.
“Shannon, the behavior helper, has helped me during tough times and friendship problems,” Justice said. “She has also helped me with some of my friends when they have really big feelings. When she helps them calm down, it makes the whole classroom feel better and safer.”
Justice spoke as district leaders consider cutting more than 25 positions—including teachers and all district-funded elementary school counselors—as part of an effort to close a $3.9 million structural budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski told trustees the proposed reductions are the result of longterm financial pressures affecting school districts across California.
“School districts receive base funding from the state of California to operate schools and provide educational services to students,” Pawlowski said. “That funding supports classroom instruction, student services, campus maintenance, safety programs, and many operations required to keep the school running on a daily basis.”
But, he said, the cost of operating schools has increased faster than state funding. Employee health benefits, state-required retirement contributions, utilities, insurance, and specialized services for students with additional needs continue to rise.
the following two fiscal years, respectively, if no corrective action is taken. To address the shortfall, district staff proposed reducing $2.75 million in expenses, largely through staffing reductions and restructuring. The plan includes eliminating supplemental positions funded through the general fund.
“We are bound by ed code to make these decisions in February and March for the following school year,” Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Shauna Ames told trustees. “When I’m speaking tonight, it’s not immediate. It’s for the following school year.
“These decisions are based on structure and funding, not individuals, not their performance, not whether they’re doing a great job or not,” she said. “Because our employees do an amazing job.
“One of our hardest reductions this year is to the counseling team,” Ames said. “We are not willing and we’re not going to pull all of our social-emotional support from our students.”
If the proposed cuts move forward, Ames said wellness rooms would remain at all school sites, every elementary school would continue to have a full-time school psychologist, and teachers and student engagement specialists would continue delivering social-emotional learning lessons. Schools could also use sitelevel Title I funds to pay for counselors or share them between campuses.
School districts across California are grappling with similar financial pressures.
“Several large districts around the state are having to lay off staff members because of declining enrollment and reduced funding from the state,” Pawlowski said. “So what we’re facing here is also being faced by districts up and down California. It’s not a Paso Robles problem.”
Joey Ontiveros, Justice’s younger brother and also a student at Kermit King, stood on a stool to reach the microphone.
“I see my friends struggle with big feelings and after they talk to Shannon, the behavior helper, they feel better,” Joey said. “It helps the whole class calm down. Our counselor is always kind to kids and helps them feel safe. If they are gone, I think it will be harder for kids and teachers. Please keep them at our school.”
Their mother, Candice Ontiveros, told trustees that counseling and behavioral health positions are essential supports.
“Our behavioral health team have been a stabilizing force on our campus,” she said. “They support students who struggle with emotion regulation and behavioral challenges. They step in during classroom crisis and help children learn coping skills instead of being labeled as problems.”
She added that many families cannot afford private therapy and rely on school counselors for mental health care.
“Our teachers are educators,” Ontiveros said. “They cannot also be full-time therapists and crisis specialists. Prevention costs less than crisis. These positions are
High school counselors echoed those concerns, pointing to the role counseling services play in student safety and equity.
Megen Guffey, a counselor at Paso Robles High School, said “elementary data” shows that counselors have conducted 50 suicide risk interventions and 29 self-harm interventions so far this school year.
“These are not abstract figures,” Guffey said. “These are 79 instances when a child’s life or physical safety was at immediate risk.”
is considering eliminating more than 25 positions, including all district elementary school counselors, as part of a plan to close a $3.9 million structural budget deficit.
Guffey also cited academic gains for English learner students at the high school, where the graduation rate for English learners increased from 67 percent in 2023 to 83 percent in 2025, which she said was due in part to dedicated counseling support.
Lindsay Soto, another Paso Robles High School counselor and a parent, warned that eliminating the international counselor position would disproportionately affect immigrant and marginalized students.
“The single counselor at Paso High that has been identified to be eliminated is the international counselor who serves students identified as learning English as a second language,” Soto said. “Students and families should have access to a counselor who speaks their native language and understands how to support students who are new to the country or long-term English learners. This is an intentional disregard for equity.”
Superintendent Jennifer Loftus said the recommendations reflect more than a year of feedback from parents, students, staff, trustees, and county and state officials.
“These recommendations aren’t created from work that’s done within a bubble,” Loftus said. “We’re trying to be hard on the issue but as soft as possible on the people. We did get very used to having a lot of supports that we cannot continue to sustain with the funding we have now. And it is hard.”
The board took no action at the meeting. Trustees are expected to continue discussions on March 10. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com
Caring for the coast
“Thecoast is never saved. It’s always being saved,” Peter Douglas, cocreator of the 1976 California Coastal Act, once said.
For five decades, the Coastal Act has protected the state’s 1,100 miles of coastline from over-development while safeguarding sensitive marine habitats and biodiversity.
“Peter’s quote is a great reminder that this work has been happening for a very long time to defend our coast, well before the Coast Act existed,” said Gianna Patchen, chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. “I hope we will see it influence the California coast in a way that allows us to create a sustainable future and present.”
The Sierra Club, a grassroots organization dedicated to climate and environmental advocacy, often works on projects within the Coastal Act’s jurisdiction, Patchen said.
“The Coastal Act is a crucial piece of legislation that makes our work have a lot more strength to it. It creates a place for us to advocate with more teeth,” she said.
“As a San Luis Obispo County environmental activist, the Coastal Act is really this crucial tool in our work to fight for the coast,” Patchen added. “It provides an arena for us to advocate and to have legal grounds to sway decision-makers on the basis of protecting our coasts and coastal communities.”
The Coastal Act, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, continues to be the “strongest defense” against environmental impacts from development such as the Trump administration’s off-shore drilling expansion push to increase U.S. oil and gas production, according to Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz).
“When we’re outside of the coastal zone and when we don’t have the Coastal Act as a tool at our disposal, communities are way more vulnerable to being harmed by largescale development decisions,” Patchen said. “It means local communities and ecosystems don’t have to be prioritized in the same way when they’re out of the coastal zone.”
The Coastal Act specifies the protection of “coastal zones,” regions reaching 3 miles offshore to the state’s outer boundary, including offshore islands. The inland boundary depends on land use and environmental significance, and that boundary extends 1,000 yards from the ocean’s mean high tide line, expanding to areas with important estuaries, habitats, or recreational resources. The official boundary
maps can be found on the California Coastal Commission’s website, coastal.ca.gov.
“When we talk about protecting our ocean and our coasts, we are all impacted by the ocean,” Patchen said. “You could be in the middle of the Midwest far from the ocean, and the ocean will still impact you. These protections do protect coastal Californians and they protect people across the world because we are all interconnected.”
With a large focus on protecting coastal ecosystems and beach access for the public and local communities, the act protects public health, Patchen said..
“Air quality is connected to water quality … is connected to what activities or industrialization does or doesn’t happen on our coast,” she said. “All of that is connected to public health.”
According Sen. Laird’s office, over the past 50 years the California Coastal Act has created more than 2,500 public accessways along the coast; protected 12,000 acres of open space and habitat; restored more than 4,600 acres of habitat; opened 875 miles of the California coastal trail to the public; provided $30 million to local governments to plan for sea level rise; and awarded $25.5 million in grants to 1,074 tribes, schools, and nonprofits for outdoor education, stewardship, and access projects.
As it celebrates the Coastal Act’s anniversary, the Coastal Commission noted that Gov. Jerry Brown said beaches are “for all the people” upon signing the act into law on Sept. 24, 1976. “On a hot day you find millions of people at the beach, and it is the whole spectrum, from rich to poor.”
Fast fact
• The Central Coast Brewers Guild is returning with its ninth annual Central Coast Craft Beer Fest on March 21 in Atascadero. Catch more than 55 independently owned craft beer, cider, selzter, kombucha, and wine makers from across California at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero.
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is 21-andolder. The fest features food trucks, merchant vendors, lawn games, and “mega sized beer pong.” Tickets can be purchased at eventsbyfuego. ticketsauce.com. ∆
Reach Intern Fiona Hastings at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.
By the people
We must stand up for what we know is right, the values on which this country was founded
We’ve been told we’re threatened by an “invasion” of “aliens” coming across our borders, and we have “enemies within.” We’ve been called to fight these supposed threats.
But we see an invasion inside our country by masked, unidentified, and armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents sent by the president and his operatives. They’ve kidnapped, beaten, jailed, and killed our neighbors. They are the “enemies within.”
Two hundred and fifty years ago, we declared our independence from monarchy and fought the American Revolution, rebelling against it to, in part, remove the king’s armed forces from our homes and communities.
The Declaration of Independence cites the king sending “swarms of officers to harass our
Think about Fukushima as we extend Diablo operations
As we approach the 15th anniversary of the triple meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, local residents should be thinking about what the seemingly inevitable 20-year extension of Diablo Canyon operations means to us.
An estimated 20,000 workers at the Fukushima plant were potentially exposed to radiation, more than 164,000 residents were evacuated, and more than 40,000 were still displaced 10 years after the accident. Elevated levels of cesium-137 persist in soil, trees, water, and wildlife. Citizens will bear the costs, through taxes, utility bills, and health care.
Locally, we have not heard definitive answers to serious safety questions about Diablo’s ability to withstand earthquakes, functionality of cooling systems in the event of tsunamis, harm to the marine environment with the once-through cooling system. Even more concerning is that there is no long-term solution for the ever-growing amount of nuclear waste. We should all be outraged at the immorality of leaving our children and grandchildren a highly toxic nuclear dump in their backyards.
We’ve seen how nuclear facilities can be used against a nation in the years-long war in Ukraine. Now, with an escalating Middle East crisis, here we are with a nuclear target next to us. Maybe Washington thinks our county is expendable. Do we?
Carole Hisasue Los Osos
SLO City Council should demonstrate that it cares about our city
I am thankful for people like Nicholas DePaoli (“Coexist,” Feb. 19) who stand up for our wonderful trees that the city and county seem so determined to destroy in the name of progress. His opinion piece spells out the problem and offers some solutions. When KSBY did a piece about the wonderful tree, and also when I read
people,” “quartering large bodies of armed troops among us,” with “standing armies without the consent of our legislatures,” “protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states” and “depriving us ... of trial by jury.”
Our founders, therefore, included the Fourth Amendment in the Bill of Rights enshrined in our Constitution which is:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was adopted declaring that nobody can be deprived of “life, liberty, or property, without due process
about it, the head of the performing arts group said they never wanted to lose the tree. So why wasn’t the new performing arts theater designed to accommodate the tree? Why didn’t the city demand that the tree be preserved and protected. I understand that the city’s expert claims the tree has root problems—what exactly does that mean? This tree is a piece of our history that is still alive. Every day it provides habitat for numerous species, shade, and beauty for all of us to enjoy. If you care about the wonderful trees in our city, I hope you will heed the advice from “Coexist.” Call your council members, write letters to them, ask that the city take a pause as Mr. DePaoli suggests. Why should it hurt to take a short delay to re-evaluate the situation with more input from a technical review group? We need to do all we can to save this great tree. Because of other so-called progress from the city, I am beginning to feel that they don’t know how to “walk the talk.” Don’t just say you care about our city and its heritage, demonstrate it.
Sharon Roberts San Luis Obispo
We have power over fossil fuels despite the administration’s rollbacks
For those of us who dream of a future where
of law” or “equal protection of the laws.”
All the rights in the Constitution apply to all people, whether they’re citizens or not.
Now the acting director of ICE has issued a directive that those amendments are not applicable to ICE agents, so they can break into our homes, occupy our communities, and harass, arrest, and jail us without a judicial warrant authorized by a judge and probable cause. ICE claims, contrary to law, that “administrative” warrants are sufficient.
Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we refuse to allow them to be illegally violated.
The invasion is happening now. We’re its targets, the “enemies within” who recognize the responsibility on which our rights depend, and use our First Amendment rights to speak, assemble, and demand change. We’re called “agitators,” “insurrectionists,” and “terrorists,” but we’re American patriots determined to uphold and defend our constitutional rights, as every president and Congress member has sworn a solemn oath to do.
This invasion is orchestrated by a
fossil fuels are something only our grandparents can remember, the administration’s recent climate rollbacks have been disappointing, to put it mildly. Overturning the EPA’s endangerment finding was only the latest blow to protecting the climate for our children. But regardless of what happens in Washington, we can make local choices that make a big difference.
For example, the city of SLO aims to be carbon-neutral by 2035. That’s daunting, but it’s achievable if we pull together. For example, we could follow the example of other cities and subsidize the purchase of solar panels, batteries, and EVs. Fortunately, Central Coast Community Energy already offers some incentives, and the SLO Climate Coalition offers free energy advising for people who
totalitarian federal government and conducted by its officers and agents, who are the real “enemies within.” We demand the removal of ICE and CBP from our communities, until the brutality and mayhem they inflict on us is ceased.
We know that we can’t rely on the politicians or courts to rectify our situation. We know that it’s up to us. That’s why we’ll keep up our massive, peaceful demonstrations, next at No Kings III on March 28.
We’re not fighting a political or ideological battle. We’re standing for what we know is right against what we know is wrong.
We’re demanding that the moral, civilizational values and principles upon which our democratic republic was founded are upheld: justice, honor, freedom, dignity, respect, and rule of, for, and by the people.
That’s our declaration of independence from ICE and CBP. ∆
David Broadwater writes to New Times from Atascadero. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.
want to electrify their homes. But more of us need to take advantage of these opportunities. Our cities could also host regular events where residents can borrow an electric vehicle for 24 hours. I bought my first EV after a friend loaned me his for a day. RFK Jr. recommends we eat more beef— advice that runs counter to both medical guidance and climate science. Instead, we could shrink our beef intake and learn to cook some of the delicious plant-based dishes that come from India, the Middle East, and Ethiopia. We have more power than we think. Let’s use it.
Don Gaede San Luis Obispo
Can-kickers
Cambria finally got a permit for its water facility. It’s been more than a decade since the Community Services District (CSD) decided to spend millions of dollars to build a facility that it ultimately couldn’t use, repeatedly butting heads with San Luis Obispo County, the California Coastal Commission, and itself.
The initial decision to build under a drought emergency permit ultimately tore the small coastal berg’s residents apart, spurred conspiracy theories, and spiked water bills.
Now, many CSD executive directors later, that golden permit granted by San Luis Obispo County’s Planning Commission on Feb. 26 is likely going to go through the appeal ringer. But General Manager Matthew McElhenie deserves a fast clap for his work to see this thing through to fruition (for now).
He pushed and pushed, keeping things moving, ticking off the to-do list of studies one by one, checking in and rechecking in with county staff and other agencies. Whatever you might think of him or the CSD, you’ve got to hand it to him.
“This is a milestone, not the end,” he said. He knows what’s coming. More plodding persistence to continue pushing through regulatory hurdles—but maybe it won’t get appealed!
Hah! Unlikely. There are some residents who believe that this whole water facility is a grand scheme to loosen up the development
restrictions in town. McElhenie said that’s not happening.
The moratorium on new water hook-ups stands!
San Luis Obispo is facing a long plodding persistence problem of its own. Rentals. As in subpar rentals at extravagant prices in tight—TIGHT!—supply. The city’s been kicking the can down the road on tackling the issue with any sort of aplomb for years. And the SLO Tenants Union is sick of it!
Do you remember a decade ago, when the city finally tried to do something about all of the problems renters were facing? The Rental Housing Inspection Program aimed to take care of slumlords and the positions that they put neighborhoods and tenants in. It was controversial from the start, of course.
Community members argued over the program. Some claimed it was just a revenuegenerator for city coffers, some landlords actually sued the city over it, and some tenants complained that it drove rents higher. Nobody liked it.
Then City Councilmember Dan Carpenter started circulating a petition to repeal it almost as soon as it became law. Wannabe council members campaigned that they would repeal the ordinance and got voted into office. By 2017, that ordinance was dunzo. It didn’t stand a chance!
Now, the can of rental problems has landed
squarely in the current City Council’s lap.
Barry Price with the Tenants Union has advocated for a rental registry for more than two years now, after “hearing more and more from tenants who we were speaking to that rents were skyrocketing, that conditions were deteriorating, and landlords and property managers were not being responsive.”
Sounds like the same ol’ issues. Only worse. The rent is even damn higher!
The average rent for a studio in San Luis Obispo, according to Rentometer (Is it a trustworthy source? I have no idea. The numbers are all over the place on these kinds of websites.), is $1,800. For a one bedroom,
bedroom or one-bedroom units even exist in the city.
So the city wants that data from you, slumlords! Actually, I’m sure some of you are very nice people. But a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch, amirite?
SLO wants to know how many units you own, occupancy statistics, eviction history, how high the rent is, and potentially other things— like, perhaps, do all the toilets flush? Is there mold in the walls? Is someone living in a closet? But not yet, thankfully for all the landlords and real estate agents who complained about the idea at a recent study session. The fees, they said, would be too damn high! Umm,
Hot Dates
COLOR COMING TO LIFE
Around 30 community volunteers will grab buckets of paint and work in shifts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the community mural painting event on Saturday, March 7, along the walkway between W. Newport Street and CL Smith Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. For additional details about the event, part of the San Luis Obispo Public Art Program, visit volunteer.slocity.org.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.
com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS “PACIFIC LIGHT” AN OIL PAINTING GROUP SHOW “Pacific Light” features fine art oil paintings by Joan Brown, Carol Astaire, and Patricia Newton in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS CARY LARSON-MCKAY, EXHIBITING MIXED MEDIA SMALL
WORKS See mixed media small works by Cary Larson-McKay, watercolor, collage, and more in the Craft Atelier Space in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS TERESA FERGUSON, FINE
ART PHOTOGRAPHY Central Coast photographer Teresa Ferguson exhibits majestic landscapes of the central coast in the Upper Gallery at Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068.
galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS: GRANT KREINBERG & LORA SALVADOR, PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover a fine art photography exhibition by Grant Kreinberg & Lora Salvador in the Upper Gallery in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
INTERMEDIATE FORGING: SPOONS AND UTENSILS An intermediate forging class focused on spoons, spreaders, and functional utensils. Emphasis is placed on form, proportion, and finish, with room for experimentation and personal expression. March 14 1-5 p.m. and March 15 1-5 p.m. $320. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County.
MOSAIC POT WORKSHOP Join us at Cambria Nursery for a hands-on Mosaic Pot workshop. March 7 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $60. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., 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.
and the
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.
EXQUISITE CORPSE: COLLABORATIVE
CLASS This experimental class echos the days of the Surrealists as they created this parlor game to bypass conscious control and access subconscious creativity through chance March 7 10 a.m.-noon $125. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
FIELDWORK WORKSHOP - OPEN
STUDIO Join us every Tuesday for our community workshop! Bring your creative projects, meet fellow makers, and get inspired. No pressure, just creativity, good vibes, and snacks. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. $15. fieldworkart. org. Fieldwork, 4307 El Camino Real, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PLATE PAINTING AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Please join ArtSocial805 on the first Saturday of each month to paint a personalized “Birthday Plate,” for someone special or for yourself. The workshop is $35, which covers the plate, glaze, and firing. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops offered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the
Angie Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.
TAKE A SPIN: TWO-HOUR WHEEL
CLASS These two hour blocks provide an opportunity to learn the basics of wheel throwing. Instructors will center your clay for you, so you will have the opportunity to make two items. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon $72. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/ wheelclasses. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER
IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COMMUNITY MURAL PAINTING EVENT 25 to 30 community volunteers of all ages will come together in shifts to help paint a new mural as part of the City of San Luis Obispo Public Art Program. This marks the second of three community painting days. March 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. volunteer.slocity.org/need/ detail/?need_id=1198355. C.L. Smith Elementary School, 1375 Balboa St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO: IGNITE
THE SOUL! America’s original jazz dance company enters its 63rd season, honoring Gus Giordano’s legacy with bold works by Emmy winner Al Blackstone, Ray Leeper, and more. March 10 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.
org/20252026-season/giordano-dancechicago-ignite-the-soul. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. KIDS CLAY: CHECKMATE CLASS Kids sculpt clay chess pieces in a threesession pottery series: two building classes, one glazing. Bring a chessboard. Includes kiln firing gap week! Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. through March 30 $100. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET This highenergy jukebox musical is a celebration of music history, packed with heart, humor, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through March 5 $43-$63. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/milliondollar-quartet-2026/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COUNTY CAMERA CLUB: REGULAR MEETING Zoom meeting for The North County Camera Club, where photographers of all levels can participate, share photos, exchange information, and learn from each other. Second Tuesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. No fee. facebook.com/groups/ PRAAphotoguild. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are
Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-9800.
FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS!
available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden.
Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
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.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age.
Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance. Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT THE BUNKER This head-to-head short form improv showdown pits quick-thinking performers against each other in a high-energy battle of wit, creativity, and laughs. Teams will face off in fast-paced games, taking bold risks and big swings as they compete for audience favor and bragging rights. March 7 6:15-8 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. slonightwriters.org. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
UBU’S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING: WIFE OF A SALESMAN A devoted housewife – from a certain classic American drama – tracks down the woman who is sleeping with her husband and discover unexpected commonalities. March 13 , 7-9 p.m. and March 14 , 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $18-$23. (805) 786-2440. slorep. org/shows/staged-reading-wife-of-asalesman/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB
This club reads, studies and discusses
books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Browse from handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local makers, artisans, and curators! Enjoy a live DJ, a delicious menu, and family fun! March 7 12-4 p.m. Free. discoveroceanoca.com. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay. CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
DEPOLARIZING CONVERSATIONS:
FORGE YOUR OWN
An Intermediate Forging Class will be held at Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith in Templeton on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. Practice form, proportion, and experimentation with an emphasis on spoons and utensils. The class is $320, plus an additional sterling silver materials cost. Visit randystromsoe.com for more information.
—A.S.
TURNING ARGUMENTS INTO DISCUSSION AN INTERACTIVE SKILLS EVENT Learn the Braver Angels highly effective LAPP Skills at a free two-hour experience. Practice with a powerful communication tool: LAPP, Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, and Perspective. March 9 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 772-4421. Morro Bay Senior Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morrobayseniors.org/.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT
CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. March 14 - Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
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.
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.
STRETCH, BREATHE, AND BALANCE
Ideal for seniors, and open to everyone. Instructor Randal Bodlak takes you through specific moves to promote mobility, internal strength, and stability. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (805) 528-4880. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. (805) 772-7486. fitnessworksmb. com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.
GUIDED MEDITATION WITH KAREN LEARY AT AWAKENING WAYS
Experience guided meditations every Wednesday evening in a supportive space. Connect with your inner self and discover peace, healing, and self-awareness. Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org.
Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
HIIT 45 WITH SARA JORGENSEN A dynamic and fun way to improve strength and cardiovascular conditioning using weights, resistance
bands, and body weight. Bring a yoga mat and water. Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Mondays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. $15 for members; $25 for guests. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/fitnessclasses/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. PET TALES Get ready for the cutest, coziest, and cuddliest hour in your week! Pet Tales welcomes young children and their grownups for a pet-themed story time. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.
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.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT TEMPLETON MERCANTILE Join every Tuesday night for all-ages trivia. Prizes are awarded to top teams. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. Templeton Mercantile, 508 S Main St, Templeton.
VINYASA YOGA FLOW The class prioritizes increasing mental acuity and improving body and muscle flexibility. A restorative and gentle yoga focusing on breathing and targeting specific areas of the body. Please call to register in advance. Sundays, 12-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis. com/yoga. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.
AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at the Aerial Silks Clinic, for ages 7 to 17. All levels are welcome. March 14 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com. 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 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN STROMSOE
class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
BOARD GAME NIGHT AT CAPTAIN
NEMO GAMES Game night is on! Join us Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Captain Nemo Games for fun, friendly board gaming. All skill levels welcome! Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook. com/events/2047427899121921/2047
427949121916?acontext=%7B%22ev ent_action_history%22%3A[]%7D.
Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
BOOK DRIVE FOR RAISING A READER
Head to this book drive to collect new and gently loved English, Spanish, and Bilingual books for infants and toddlers through 3rd grade readers. March 9, 2-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 712-1224. themondayclubslo.org/event-6541299. The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo.
BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS
COMMUNITY LAND TRUST:
PLACEKEEPING FOR THE LOCAL
PLACEKEEPERS
Join in welcoming
Ofelia Bello to San Luis Obispo to talk Community Land Trusts and their growth throughout the US. March 5 , 5:45-7:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.
CARE CREW Calling all crafty, caring, pet-loving kids! Care Crew members will join us in filling Kongs for our canines, crafting pet toys, and creating art. Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs. Calling all crafty, caring, pet-loving kids! Care Crew members will have the opportunity to join us in filling Kongs, making pet toys, and creating artwork. Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
EDITORS AND EDITING: HOW TO
CATAPULT YOUR STORY FROM GOOD TO GREAT Rolynn Anderson, author of 13 suspense novels, and Mark Parsons, author of two young adult novels, present
how to edit your work effectively. March 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
FAMILY CLIMB (PARENT-CHILD
AERIAL SILKS) Family Climb is a parent-child structured silks class for ages 5 and older! Together you’ll build strong muscles and memories. No experience is necessary. March 14 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. $15. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: CLOVER
CAPER Drop your kiddos off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off! Geared towards ages 4 to 13 years of age. No experience is necessary. March 14 , 5-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad 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. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
ON THE ROAD: TWO GERMAN WRITERS
SHARE THEIR WORKS This GoetheInstitut’s nationwide tour brings a free literary exchange of writings, culture and storytelling (in English) by award-winning writers, with continued discussion and reception. “What makes this tour stop on their month-long journey across America so meaningful is that dialog is coming to our rural county where the conversation can be personal,” says Amy Kardel, a German School Committee and Rotary Youth Exchange volunteer. March 7 3-5 p.m. Free. (833) 842-5683. History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, historycenterslo.org.
PUBLIC TALK: BE SET FREE Enjoy this public talk by Christian Science practitioner, Nicole Virgil, CS, about
Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.
how a spiritual sense of God-given liberty opens the way to overcome what binds us. March 15 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 543-5853. christianscienceslo.org/talksevents. Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, 801 Grand Ave., suite 102, San Luis Obispo.
REPAIR CAFE Get free help fixing household appliances, outdoor gear and apparel, phones, laptops, game consoles, bikes, tools, clothing, and more! March 14 1-4:30 p.m. Free. repaircafe5cities.org. iFixit, 1330 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 464-0573.
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 PUB TRIVIA MEETUP GROUP Trivia lovers wanted! Join for Study Hall trivia with Mr. Perez, every second Wednesday. All ages over 21 are welcome. RSVP with the link. Second Wednesday of every month Free. meetup.com/slo-bartriviagroup. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
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. STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 23
The Bunker SLO presents: New Tomorrow FRIDAY, MARCH 27 The Bunker SLO
Alternative Tastes Wine Fest
MARCH 28 Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero
Nectar, Atascadero
Entertainment
AESTHERA MEDICAL SPA
TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP
This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
TRICKZONE PARKOUR AND TUMBLING
CLINIC Join this two-hour combo of tumbling and parkour takes kids from timid to triumphant! All levels welcome. For children 5 to 17 years old. March 7 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADULT SOFTBALL Let’s play ball! The City of Arroyo Grande’s Adult Softball League is a fun and competitive program offering leagues for Coed Teams and Men’s Teams. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. through May 17 $671. (805) 473-5474. arroyogrande.org/709/Adult-Sports. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
BYE BYE BIRDIE See this musical satire about teen idol Conrad Birdie, inspired by Elvis Presley’s draft. Get tickets at the link. March 6 , 7 p.m., March 7, 7 p.m. and March 8 2 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers
accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
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.
HUGE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Join our biggest book sale ever. Books are sold by the inch — paperbacks are 50 cents and hardbacks are $1. The bag sale starts at 1 p.m. Cash only. March 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 481-4131. Grover Beach Community Library, 240 N 9th St., Grover Beach.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $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: 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.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND
WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
SANTA BARBARA HUMANE’S WILD
WEST FEST
Join us at the third-annual Wild West Fest, a lively Santa Maria fundraiser supporting animals through dinner, auctions, community connection, and support for SB Humane. March 14 5-9 p.m. $85. (805) 570-7733. sbhumane. org/wildwest. Santa Maria Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley Road, Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA BOXING CLUB
PRESENTS LEGENDARY 009 CLUB Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of amateur boxing as local fighters step into the ring and bring the heat! This is a family-friendly event celebrating athleticism, discipline, and community spirit. March 7, noon $25. my805tix.com. Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-3158.
ST PATRICK’S DAY CAR SHOW Only entrants, vendors and sponsors need to register. Everyone else can come on down and enjoy! Get vehicle and vendor registration pricing at the link. March 14 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. St. Louis de Montfort Church, 1190 East Clark Avenue, Santa Maria.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises. com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS
MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay
CAR CULTURE
The 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day Car Show is set for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Louis de Montfort Church in Santa Maria. Browse beautiful vehicles and enjoy a live performance from ’60s rock ’n’ roll band Unfinished Business. The show is free and open to the public. Get vehicle and vendor registration pricing at my805tix.com. —A.S.
Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
2ND THURSDAY TRIVIA SERIES: SEINFELD Test your knowledge of the incredible classic TV Sitcom, Seinfeld, at Dracaena Wines. March 12 6-8 p.m. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.
A-TOWN POP-UP MARKET On the 2nd Sunday of every month, come find tasty treats and treasures at the Atascadero Pop-Up Market, never the same and always fun. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Dec. 20 Free. (805) 703-4661. facebook.com/ groups/1432866804429090/. Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
MEAT YOUR MATCH We’re bringing the heat with an unforgettable wine and fire collaboration between Primal House BBQ and MCV Wines — a night where bold flavors, slow smoke, and beautifully aged vintages come together in perfect
harmony. March 14 , 6 p.m. $130. my805tix.com. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, (805) 712-4647.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR
Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/ tin-city-walking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA
A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every
Thursdays only BUY ONE GET ONE ! Any available seats on 2/19, 2/26 or 3/5 only. limit one per customer/order
month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m.
World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good oldfashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES
New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and nonalcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
Arts
Cultural exchange
Ah, to be a young writer on the road, gathering experiences and seeing the world. This week, two young emerging German writers—Louise Kenn and Mücahit Türk—will offer an English language reading of their works on Saturday, March 7, at SLO’s History Center (3 p.m.; all ages; free).
The two writers are here “as part of a literary exchange called On the Road,” organizers explained, and they’ll “share their insights on writing, culture, and the art of storytelling. The reading will be followed by a reception and continued discussion celebrating the continuous student exchange since 1948 between San Luis Obispo High School and Eberhard-LudwigsGymnasium in Stuttgart, Germany.”
On the Road is run by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the German Literature Institute Leipzig and under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ulrike Draesner. Part of the initiative
Among Friends, a nationwide campaign to celebrate and strengthen transatlantic friendship, the program intends to expand horizons.
“What makes this tour stop on their month-long journey across America so meaningful is that dialogue isn’t staying in the big cities—it’s coming to our rural county where the conversation can be personal,” co-organizer Amy Kardel noted.
Kenn and Türk both study in Leipzig. Kenn works as a freelance author, writes essays, prose, and poetry. Türk writes prose, poetry, and plays.
All that jazz … dance
Do you remember the first time you saw jazz dance in a movie? Maybe it was West Side Story (1961), or maybe it was way back with the Lindy Hoppers of Hellzapoppin’ (1941), or perhaps something newer like All That Jazz (1979), Flashdance (1983), Swing Kids (1993), or The Mask (1994).
The African-influenced, highenergy form of dance has been popular for decades.
This week, Cal Poly Arts presents Giordano Dance Chicago: Ignite the Soul! at the PAC in SLO on Tuesday, March 10 (doors at 6:30, show at 7:30 p.m.; ages 5 and older; $47 to $71 at calpolyarts.org).
“America’s original jazz dance company electrifies into their 63rd season with radiance and infinite horizons,” organizers announced.
“Giordano Dance Chicago is an iconic cultural institution with deep roots in Chicago and around the globe. From founder Gus Giordano’s vision, the company continues to honor the past while pushing the art form forward.
“Nan Giordano celebrates 41 years as an artistic leader commissioning innovative choreographic works and mentoring thousands of dancers.
Featured works include the dazzling one-act Gershwin in B by Emmy Award-winning and GDC resident choreographer Al Blackstone, and the bold and sultry Red & Black by Dancing with the Stars choreographer Ray Leeper, and more!” Δ
—Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Phoenix rising
Avalon Digital Recording Studio resurrects as SLO-Fi
Some recording studios are so legendary that their very names evoke music royalty. Think Abbey Road and The Beatles. Muscle Shoals and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Motown and Marvin Gaye. Sun Studio and Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash.
For nearly 30 years, SLO Town had its own sonic alchemist in Kip Stork’s Avalon Digital Recording Studio tucked away in a nondescript building on Parker Street. But a little while ago, Stork—who does sound at The Siren and elsewhere—decided to retire, and the studio he created in 1997 was at risk of being destroyed, the infrastructure gutted and space made into some other business. Two local musicians, Patrick Hayes (Pennyjar, Dead Voltes) and Mike Cross (Longstraw), stepped in to save and rebrand the space as SLO-Fi Recording Studio.
“We took the space over in September and then slowly began bringing in gear and bits and pieces,” Hayes explained. “One of the first bands that recorded with us was Ultraviolets. I don’t think we even had all the microphones that we really needed to do everything.”
Now a few months into their new endeavor, they’re still adding equipment, but they’re turning out recordings.
“We just finished up this Jovian Queen record that we’re in the tail end of mixing and putting the final spin on,” Hayes continued. “Hopefully that’s going to be out pretty soon. We have other people signing up, but I never know when something’s going to be a real full-on project or when it’s going to be like, ‘Ah, these demos are OK.’”
They hope SLO-Fi becomes a studio for any and everyone.
and I run Dr. Cain’s Comics, so that frees us up to not have to have all of our livelihood tied into it,” Hayes explained, “but this is a big building that is not cheap to keep functioning.”
Cut a record!
“I think we just want people in here using the space,” Cross jumped in. “That’s the main thing. We want to create art and help people create art. It’s not really a financial fact. That’s not why we did it. Otherwise, we would have done something else, you know? We heard Kip was retiring from this and nobody was going to take it, so we saw that opportunity just grabbed it. I’m really glad we did.”
SLO-Fi Recording Studio is open for business and ready to help you with your recording project. The business’s under-construction website is at pufferfish-wolverine-mfrw.squarespace.com. Contact proprietors Patrick Hayes or Mike Cross directly at slofirecording@gmail.com for inquiries.
“I’m aiming at the younger crowd for sure. There’s just an insane amount of young kids playing music, really exciting stuff,” Hayes said. “We’re trying to keep this a vibrant and active space. We don’t want to get to the point that it’s too expensive for people to record. I want teenagers and Cal Poly students to know that they don’t have to compromise. They can come into a studio and play music and have it recorded. It’s not an impossible task. It’s within reach.”
SLO-Fi is project-oriented rather than by the hour.
“We’ve tried to stay away from the hour,” Hayes admitted. “We have hourly rates and weekend rates and things like that, but we’re trying to do project-based rates where we can sort out what it will take to finish the whole thing. I’ve had so many times I’ve gone into a studio, and I have the goal of three or four songs or whatever, but I’m just fighting with the clock the whole damn time, so we’re trying to get people more in the mode of actually being able to create and do the thing.”
As Hayes noted, both he and his business partner have day jobs, so they’re not dependent on making a living off SLO-Fi.
“Mike works for Sunrun,
The studio also has three rehearsal spaces that have a couple of bands in each, which also subsidizes the monthly rent.
“Losing that was going to be the real bummer,” Cross added. “Those are hard to get around here. We’re really happy to keep people in there at a reasonable rate, which makes them happy. And when you walk in here and you have The Hot 45s in here and Jovian Queen and a few other bands just walking through all at the same time, making a bunch of noise, it’s really cool.”
When Stork started Avalon
in 1997, digital recording was the cutting edge. Analog had become old hat, and people wanted the most up-to-date equipment, which Stork provided. Today, many musicians pine for the old days of tape machines and tube amps.
“We’ll be doing a hybrid for sure,” Hayes said. “I would love to get a tape machine in here at some point. I had the fortune of recording at Dial Back Sound in Mississippi a few years back, and all the basic tracks went to tape. I do think there’s a little bit of marketing voodoo around all that, but there’s definitely something to be said for tape compression and getting initial tracks to tape, but it all ends up on a computer eventually anyway, so I don’t think there’s any need to be precious about it.”
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
The most important thing SLO-Fi is retaining from Avalon is the amazing configuration Stork created in the space itself. The large control room and its spacious couch create room for the whole band to sit and listen to a mix. The main recording space is also roomy and has three closets for guitar amps. There’s an isolation room for drums and another for vocals, and all have window sight lines so the musicians can take cues from one another. It’s ingeniously designed.
“Kip did a killer job,” Hayes agreed. “Some things aren’t going anywhere, like these speakers mounted in the wall. And the couch? It’s so big we couldn’t figure out how to get it out if we wanted to.”
“Yeah, the couch and the speakers was basically [all we kept],” Cross added. “And obviously the awesome build.”
It’s an amazing space, and losing it would have been a tragedy.
“I want to make records,” Hayes said. “I’ve been making records in this town for forever. I want to keep doing it. And it’s incredibly easy to do, but it’s incredibly hard to finish. A lot of people have records that they’re just not finishing.
“And I think the biggest thing that we offer people is the ability to actually complete your project. I am a producer of things, you know? Make the project, get it done. That’s our big goal.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
MASTERMINDS Mike Cross (left) and Patrick Hayes are the proprietors of the recently opened SLO-Fi Recording Studio, which took over the old Avalon Digital Recording Studio space.
PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN
COLLABORATE Ultraviolets guitarists Nicola Sanchez and Marcos Montoya lay down tracks under the watchful eyes of engineers Patrick Hayes and Mike Cross.
Bloody hell
Director Frank E. Flowers (Haven) cowrote with Joe Ballarini (A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting) this swashbuckling tale about former female pirate Ercell Bodden (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) now living a quiet and peaceful life on Cayman Brac with her disabled son, Isaac (Vedanten Naidoo), and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Safia Oakley-Green), who knows nothing of Ercell’s past. All three await the return of her captain husband, T.H. (Ismael Cruz Cordova), whose ship is overdue. (103 min.)
THE BLUFF
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee
What’s it worth, Glen? Streaming Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime
Glen This is a classic “past comes back to haunt you” tale. As it opens, T.H.’s ship is being overtaken and then boarded by pirate Capt. Connor (Karl Urban) and his crew of suitably bloodthirsty buccaneers. When he discovers T.H. has a gold bar from a stash that was stolen from him long ago, he knows he’s finally found a way to avenge the theft and recover his gold by finding the notorious pirate Bloody Mary (now Ercell), who we learn he kidnapped as a teen, forcing her into the pirate’s life. That’s the setup for a protracted action-packed rolling battle as Connor lands on Cayman Brac and sets about wreaking havoc. It’s very violent but not too gory—only one thrown severed head. Anna Rolling it is; be prepared for a lot of swashbuckling in this one. Ercell is a badass, and a fiercely protective one at that. At the beginning of the film, we’re meant to think her husband is the revered seaman, but we soon learn that her quiet island life hides many secrets of her past as a captain. Urban as Connor is appropriately menacing and rugged—a man on a mission, ready to sacrifice his own band of merry men to find Bloody Mary. His drive is clearly not all about the gold; he’s enamored with the child
HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) are childhood friends that have—as many do—grown up and grown apart. All in Belfast, the three hear of the tragic death of their fourth childhood friend, Greta (Natasha O’Keefe), who mysteriously fell down the stairs and died at 38. When they head to her tiny town to attend the wake, it soon becomes clear that there’s more to
WHO’S IN THE BOX?
Three childhood friends—(left to right) Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan)—must sort out a mystery, in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, streaming on Netflix.
(now woman) that he once groomed. It’s a tale of a mother’s love, and about a fierce pirate pushed out of hiding whose killer instincts still simmer just below the surface. She’s protecting her teenage sister-in-law, who dreams of a life off the island, and her disabled son who relies on a wheelchair and leg braces for mobility. They wind up being a part of her final plot to end Capt. Connor. Glen If you’re expecting tongue-in-cheek pirate fare like Cutthroat Island (1995) or Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), this ain’t it. The Bluff is dark and gritty, and characters you care about will die. Like Crank (2006), The Raid: Redemption (2011), and John Wick (2014), once the violence ball starts rolling, it doesn’t stop until the end. I already knew Urban was a credible action star, but I was surprised at how fierce Chopra Jonas came off. But look, this is not a great film. It’s competently put
the story than meets the eye—especially when Saoirse’s curiosity gets the best of her and she realizes that the woman in the coffin is not Greta. The woman in the coffin is missing the friends’ matching Gaelic tattoo on her wrist.
So, who’s in the box and what really happened to Greta? Buckle up and put on your listening ears because these actresses are full-blown Irish as is everyone around them, and their quick banter likely means you’ll be glued to the subtitles like I was.
This romp through the countryside, through mysteries, through fake death after fake death, unveils a secret cult, a web of false identities, and more shady characters than one ever hopes to run into. The real magic is the leads, who ping off each other with vigor. I absolutely loved this! (eight 47- to 56-min. episodes)
—Anna
together with a good cast and good acting, including the always welcome Temuera Morrison as the pirate Quartermaster Lee. But as a straight-to-streaming action flick, it’s solid, and the cinematography by Greg Baldi, as well as the Australian and Cayman Islands locations, is beautiful. Anna It isn’t the kind of film I’d choose to watch, but it holds its own enough, and Chopra Jonas was the strong female lead the film needed. Personally, I get pretty bored when fighting seems to be the main drive of a film, and while The Bluff suffers from that a bit, it does at least give us some people to root for. Watch this when you’re looking for an action-packed flick that doesn’t have very high stakes. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
THE COPENHAGEN TEST
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Peacock
Created by Thomas Brandon (Legacies), this sci-fi spy thriller follows former U.S. Special Forces soldier turned analyst Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), who works for clandestine organization The Orphanage that oversees the rest of the intelligence community. He’s in a budding relationship with hot bartender Michelle (Melissa Barrera), but he’s grown tired of his office work, so he puts in for a field position and gets it. What he doesn’t know is that his
brain’s been hacked by a nanite technology that transmits everything he sees and hears. A fantastic premise with a lot of potential, this might have been great as a two-hour movie, but in between the effective action sequences, the series can feel plodding. Too many characters, too many storylines, and this potentially taut little thriller is a sprawling behemoth that moves back and forth in time, including to the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Eventually, Hale discovers the hack and informs his superiors, who decide to use the knowledge to draw out the hacker, but in the spy world, Hale doesn’t know who to trust. He’s a pawn, and the way to control his outcome is to stop following orders. (eight 47- to 56-min. episodes). ∆ —Glen
Alexander
a secret spy, meets Michelle
a bartender, and strikes up a relationship, but are either who they say? To find out, watch
BLOODY MARY When her past comes back to haunt her, Ercell (Priyank Chopra Jonas) faces off against her old pirate partner, in The Bluff, streaming on Amazon Prime.
COURTESY PHOTO BY PAUL ABELL/AMAZON PRIME
SPY GAME
(Simu Liu),
(Melissa Barrera),
The Copenhagen Test, streaming on Peacock.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
Holy toledo!
Smiles guaranteed with The Coffis Brothers
The Coffis Brothers know how to have fun. Take “Ramona,” their 2022 single that borders on novelty: “Hey Ramona I met you in Tacoma we stayed up talking/ ’til the early morning/ Holy toledo I think it’s pretty neato/ Your first name rhymes with the town that you were born in.”
Towards the end of the song, the rhymes keep coming: “Hey Fernando I met you in Orlando/ Holy toledo I think it’s pretty neato/ Your first name rhymes with the town that you were born in/ Hey Samantha (I met you out in Tampa)/ Bye bye Felicia (that must’ve been Benicia)/ Hey Valentino (we had some fun in Reno).”
Some bands just have an infectious energy that makes their shows an instant party, and that’s these guys in spades. The band is unique in that it has two songwriters and straddles the fence between rock and Americana. The band mentions acoustic folk, roadhouse R&B, and roots music as other elements of their sound.
6
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.
LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229.
Their most recent record, Kaw-Fis BruthUrs produced by The Mother Hips frontman Tim Bluhm, finds Jamie and Kellen Coffis “letting their guard down, enjoying the creative ride as much as the destination itself,” their bio explains. “For every signature-sounding song like ‘Cut Right Through’—a heartland rock anthem built for highway drives and long horizons, as sunny as the band’s Golden State homeland and as hook-driven as a Tom Petty classic—there’s another track that stretches the band’s sound into new territory. The result is The Coffis Brothers’ widest-ranging album yet, running the gamut from bluesy, blue-eyed soul (‘Face the Music’) to jangling, harmony-heavy power pop (‘Do You Want To’).”
“This is what we do, and we’re giving ourselves license to evolve and get better at it, too,” Jamie said.
He and Kellen were raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains by their mother—a children’s musician. Decades after the brothers made their stage debut alongside their mom, singing three-part blood harmonies, “their musical bond has only grown stronger, sharpened by hundreds of live shows as much as their shared DNA.”
“It’s the natural evolution of us performing together and spending so much of our lives together,” Kellen added. “We didn’t set out to make anything in one particular direction— we just wanted to make a batch of really great songs.”
Good Medicine and Numbskull present The Coffis Brothers at The Siren on March 12 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.90 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
Their quintet includes childhood friend, Kyle Poppen on lead guitar, and the rhythm section of Aidan Collins (bass) and Cory Graves (drums). Taylor Rae opens.
If you like old-school punk, Numbskull and Good Medicine have you covered when Social Distortion tribute Total Distortion and Rancid tribute Rancid Radio come to Club Car Bar on Friday, March 6 (doors at 8 p.m.; all ages; $19.26 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Expect “Story of My Life,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Ball & Chain” from Total D and “Ruby Soho,” “Time Bomb,” and “Roots Radicals.”
leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
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.
LIVE MUSIC WITH LYNDA TYMCHECK
A tribute, some covers, and swingbilly
The Siren has three more shows this week starting with all female Iron Maiden tribute Iron Maidens on Friday, March 6 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; $29.59 at tixr. com). Formed in 2001, this SoCal rock act covers Iron Maiden material from all eras of the band’s career, so expect the biggest hits as well as fan favorites. “The stage show includes appearances by Maiden mascot Eddie, the grim reaper, the devil, and more,” the band said.
Enjoy a couple of free ones on Saturday, March 7, starting with Bridges Band (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older) playing blues, R&B, jazz, and rock covers. Later that night, The Mojo Combo (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older) plays vintage soul, R&B, and rock.
There’s another free one when swingbilly act Five Mile Mountain Road plays bluegrass and Western swing on Wednesday, March 11 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder). This powerhouse string-band has a
Lynda Tymcheck is a Paso Roblan who performs with two talented guitarists, either Marty Townsend or Shane Perry. Get a glass and kick back! March 8 , 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers. com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., 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.
SOLEFFECT AT DECADES HIFI LOUNGE
Join Sōleffect for a night of soulful, high-energy live music at Decades HiFi Lounge! March 6 7-10 p.m. Decades Hifi
Lounge, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (805) 460-6415, decadeslounge.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ANNUAL MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT: A FUNDRAISER FOR STUDENT
SCHOLARSHIPS Experience the artistry, energy, and improvisation of live jazz and classical music as the Cuesta Music Faculty take the stage to benefit music student scholarships! March 8 3 p.m.
$10-$30. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CHOIRS: ‘CANTUS NOVUS’ CONCERT PolyPhonics and the Chamber Choir will sing Renaissance and Renaissance-inspired works by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Claudin de Sermisy, and Cristóbal de Morales among others. March 6 8 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/
fresh but fiery take on hillbilly music. Hailing from Moonshine country, Franklin County, Virginia, the band’s lineup features Fiddlin’ Billy Hurt, Brennen Ernst, Conner Vlietstra, Trevor Holder, Josh Gooding, and Austin Janey.
Indigenous music and Dead adjacent
Rod & Hammer Rock has two shows teed up this week starting with Cochemea on Friday, March 6 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $29.27 at ticketweb.com). He’s an indigenous performer of Yaqui ancestry.
choirs. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY JAZZ COMBOS SHOWCASE
Cal Poly’s jazz combos will perform classic jazz repertoire as well as original student compositions. Dylan Johnson will be the director. March 5 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY VOCAL STUDENT RECITAL
Enjoy this free recital, presented by Cal Poly Music Department student vocalists. March 12 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA JAZZ WITH ERNIE WATTS Join for an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and community at the annual Central Coast Jazz Festival concert! March 13 8 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198.
Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. March 13 6-8 p.m. Farmhouse Corner Market, 1025 Farmhouse Ln Ste 1G San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, San Luis Obispo, (805) 465-7900. PEACE, BEAUTY, HARP Unwind into the weekend with the peace and beauty of the harp in the peace and beauty of SLO’s historic church. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through March 20 Free. (805) 543-7212. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
PUNK ROCK DRAG SHOW Enjoy band performances by Martirio, Lot in Life, and Bone Maggot, and drag performances by The Shimmer, Marceline Powerchord, LIVE MUSIC continued page 30
STRAIGHT OUTTA VIRGINIA Swingbilly act Five Mile Mountain Road plays bluegrass and Western swing at The Siren on March 11
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SIREN
BLOODLINES SLO Brew Live presents Indigenous musician Cochemea on March
STARKEY continued page 28
FEEL GOOD MUSIC Good Medicine and Numbskull present The Coffis Brothers at The Siren on March 12
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COFFIS BROTHERS
KEN HABIB, DIRECTOR
3/14/2026
WIND ORCHESTRA AND WIND ENSEMBLE
▶ Works by Ferrer Ferran, Dennis Llinás and Samuel Hazo whose music is drawn from American, Cuban and Spanish traditions
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Performing Arts Center
$17 and $22 general, $12 students pacslo.org, 805-756-4849
▶ A new setting of ‘Shenendoah’ by Omar Thomas
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
$17 and $22 general, $12 students pacslo.org, 805-756-4849
More information: music@calpoly.edu
music.calpoly.edu/calendar
▶ John Mackey’s ‘Foundry’ with non-traditional percussion
MARCH 13, 2026 | 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY
▶ ‘Stitches in Time: A Second Piece,’ a new work by Cal Poly music Professor Meredith Brammeier
▶ ‘Music for Prague, 1968,’ Karel Husa’s response to the invasion of his home country by Soviet Bloc forces
by accomplished vocalist, pianist, and star performer Sean Trombley and backed by a spectacular live band, expect a multimedia event with costumes and dancers.
Be green
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble
Spain Tour Preview Concert
“Music is in multi-instrumentalist and composer Cochemea Gastelum’s blood—he comes from a long line of musicians on both sides of his lineage,” his bio explains. “For over 25 years, Cochemea has built a distinct career as a soloist, section player, and composer/arranger, collaborating with artists across genres—from his long tenure with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings to work with Kevin Morby, Run The Jewels, Jon Batiste, Amy Winehouse, The Roots, Archie Shepp, Mark Ronson, and Quincy Jones, among many others.”
JENNA MITCHELL, DANCE DIRECTOR
THE ENSEMBLE’S SPAIN CONCERT TOUR PROGRAM SELECTIONS OF THE “MUWASHSHAH” BORN IN 10TH-CENTURY ANDALUSIA
The Garcia Project: Re-creating Full, Classic Jerry Garcia Band Shows from 1976 to 1995 comes to Rod & Hammer Rock on Tuesday, March 10 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $32.26 at ticketweb.com). Each performance re-creates a complete set list from a specific moment in the Jerry Garcia Band history, “delivered with the same arrangements, instrumentation, gear, and emotional power that defined those original shows,” according to the band.
Bluegrass and two tributes
In conjunction with Art After Dark, SLO’s Growing Grounds Downtown is hosting “an after-hours blend of live local music and lush greenery” on Friday, March 6 (5 to 8 p.m.; all ages; free). “Enjoy a cozy, plantfilled atmosphere as the shop transforms into an inviting evening space for creativity and community,” organizers announced. Local singer-songwriters Cate Armstrong and Ynana Rose will offer stories and songs “with additional opportunities to learn about the mental health resources offered by Transitions-Mental Health Association.”
To be or not to be … Will the Fremont Theater have shows this week? Good question! The answer? As of March 4, things are very much up in the air. Good Vibez, the promoter, is awaiting word from the venue owner, Rob Rossi, and the city of San Luis Obispo. I can tell you what they have planned, but you’ll have to do your due diligence to see if the shows go on, are rescheduled, or moved to another venue.
The Clark Center has three shows lined up this week, but let’s start with the middle one. Steep Canyon Rangers play on Saturday, March 7 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $65 at clarkcenter.org). Known for their signature blend of bluegrass, Americana, and “rich Carolina storytelling,” these Grammy winners and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductees have been entertaining audiences for more than two decades.
GUEST ARTISTS FATHI ALJARRAH ON VIOLIN AND STAR BROWN ON VOCALS
“We know this historic building is important to many in our community, and our goal is to move forward safely, responsibly, and as efficiently as possible,” said Whitney Szentesi, spokesperson for the city of SLO. “The community can expect the temporary closure of the Fremont and the adjacent portion of Monterey Street, sidewalk, and pedestrian tunnels until the building is deemed safe. We will provide more updates as they become available.”
A FUSION PIECE OF ARAB FOLKSONG AND AMERICAN RAP A REUNION WITH ALUMNI ENSEMBLE MEMBERS
March 4 - 13, 2026
Their latest album, Morning Shift, is filled with “heartfelt songwriting and bold arrangements recorded in the Appalachian foothills,” according to the band. On the album’s first single, “Circling The Drain,” the band sings, “One false step is all that you get/ When you’re living out on the edge/ Feeling strong as a speeding train/ Flying full steam ahead.”
Good Vibez moved its Brash Mash show to the Odd Fellows Hall in SLO on Friday, March 6 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages;
“2026 is lining up to be a very exciting year for the Rangers,” bassist Barrett Smith said in press materials. “We’ve got a great touring schedule coming together that includes a lot of our favorite festivals and venues. The band feels as fun and strong as it’s ever been. The vibe is good, and we’re all very excited about another great year of making some good music together for our people!”
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Tribute starring Rick Schuler plays on Friday, March 6 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $69.50 to $86.25 at clarkcenter.org).
DONATEORLISTEN24/7
DONATE OR LISTEN 24/7
You’ll hear favorites like “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” “Calypso,” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” performed by the premiere John Denver tribute artist.
Electric Elton—A Tribute to Elton John plays on Wednesday, March 11 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $59 to $69 at clarkcenter.org). Led
STARKEY from page 27
STARKEY continued page 30
The Clark Center has three shows lined up this week, but let’s start with the middle one. Steep Canyon Rangers play on Saturday, March 7
FIERCE! Good Vibez presents singersongwriter Neko Case at the Fremont on March 7. Check the Fremont’s website for updated info.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEKO CASE
March 2nd - 8th
Any Calzone on Menu $11.99
March 9th - 15th
Spaghetti & Meatballs ......... $13.99
March 16th - 22nd
Lasagna $13.99
March 23rd - 26th
Large 1 Topping Pizza $14.99
& ‘PINES OF ROME’ David
Featuring Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi, plus a Student Soloist Showcase!:
Amethyst Shanks, soprano | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Ah, se in ciel, benigne stelle
Helena Fuller, soprano | Gustave Charpentier: ‘Depuis le jour’ from Louise
Rose Candelaria, violin | Dmitry Kabalevsky: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Erik Petrovich, viola | Ralph Vaughan Williams: Suite for Viola and Orchestra
Sophia Catania, flute | Cécile Chaminade: Concertino for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 107
Apollo Wong, piano | Johann Sebastian Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052 Edwin Muñoz, composer | As the Seasons Change
MARCH 15, 2026 | 3 P.M. SUNDAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER $12
San Luis Obispo WEDDING EXPO
$29.84 general or $24.69 student at prekindle. com). This horn band mashes up various songs into a danceable party mix. Neko Case is scheduled to return on Saturday, March 7 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $65.89 at prekindle. com). She’s a firebrand singer-songwriter, what Rolling Stone called, “One of America’s best and most ambitious singersongwriters,” and who NPR called “essentially peerless.” She’s also a member of the Canadian group The New Pornographers. She’s the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir The Harder I Fight the More I Love You and the weekly Substack newsletter Entering The Lung, and she’s currently composing the musical theater adaptation of the Academy Awardwinning motion picture Thelma & Louise One dollar from every ticket will go to Peer Solutions to support their positive youth leadership and development program. Destroyer opens.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez is scheduled to play on Sunday, March 8 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $44.78 to $69.50 at prekindle.com). This Grammy Award-winning bandleader is a world-renowned musician. Alt-rockers Silversun
Vicky Jean, Carbon Bard, and Estrella Electrica. March 8 , 6 p.m. $15. my805tix. com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS CLASSICAL HITS Celebrate the brilliance of musical genius with three timeless works from history’s greatest composers, Bach Brandenburg Concerto, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”. March 7 7:30 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/calendar-2025-2026. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: STEEP CANYON RANGERS Steep Canyon Rangers are set to return with their signature blend of bluegrass, Americana, and rich Carolina storytelling. Hear them live at Clark Center for the Performing Arts. March 7 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE BROTHERS DOOBIE Always delivering high-energy and precise musicianship, The Brothers Doobie brings the full range of Doobie Brothers classics to life. Hear them live at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts! March 12 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$65, Platinum $75; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER
ORCHESTRA The most sought-after big band in the world returns with its signature swing sound and timeless charm. March 13 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: WOMEN
Sound out!
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Pickups is scheduled to play on Tuesday, March 10 (doors at 6:30, show at 7:30 p.m.; all ages; $46.32 or $171.98 VIP at prekindle. com). They’re touring in support of their sixth album Physical Thrills Pure Hex opens. Heated Rivalry Night has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 11 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; 18-andolder; $42.20 at prekindle. com), so if you bought tickets, they will be honored. Finally, see the Billy Idol Should Be Dead movie screening scheduled for Thursday, March 12 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $15.42 at prekindle.com). This feature-length documentary traces the life and career of the punk pioneer turned rock ’n’ roll icon through never-before-seen archival and personal interviews with Idol, his family, peers, and collaborators. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
LA-LA LAND Good Vibez presents alt-rockers Silversun Pickups at the Fremont on March 10 . Check the venue’s website for up-to-date info.
OF AMERICANA - A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC Celebrate the roots of American music with Women of Americana, a powerful and heartfelt tribute to early folk, gospel, and Western swing. March 14 7:30-9:30 p.m. $34$54, Platinum $59; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. March 12 , 5-7 p.m. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
ELECTRIC ELTON - A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN Moon Coin Productions Inc. presents Electric Elton: A Tribute to Elton John. Get tickets at the link. March 11 7:30-9:30 p.m. $41.50-$79.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
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.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE®:
A JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE STARRING
RICK SCHULER A Rocky Mountain High Experience® offers more than nostalgia— it’s an authentic celebration of the music that defined a generation. March 6 7:30 p.m. $69.50-$86.25. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents the Annual St. Paddy’s Dance with Riptide Big Band and vocalists. March 8 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin
Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC Celebrate the first Friday in March with live music from Ryan Jenkins. Enjoy wine tastings---glass or bottle! March 6 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 3540260. elvinero.com/events-1. El Viñero, 130 N. Broadway Suite A, Orcutt. 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.
JAZZ BAND CONCERT Hancock’s Jazz Ensembles will take center stage in the Boyd Concert Hall, performing a mix of jazz styles, including swing, ballad, rock, and Latin selections. March 6 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10. hancockcollege.edu. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. ∆
PHOTO
Prime-time bake-off
Local Florencia Breda battles the nation’s top pastry chefs in Food Network’s The Ultimate Baking Championship
As Florencia and Christine Breda, co-owners of Breda Pasticceria e Cioccolateria, near the one-year mark since opening their own shop in downtown San Luis Obispo, Florencia stepped into the spotlight on a national television program.
Florencia Breda, a Michelin-star pastry chef from Italy now residing in Grover Beach, is set to appear on the Food Network’s The Ultimate Baking Championship, premiering March 9.
The nine-part series pits Breda against 15 other chefs from throughout the country, including two from California—Molly Coen, head pastry chef at Carmel Valley Ranch in Monterey, and Clément Le Déoré, owner of Desserts by Clément in San Diego.
“We opened the shop less than a year ago, on April 14,” Breda said. “So it was crazy to be invited to compete on such a huge show. That’s why I thought it was a scam when they first reached out.
“I think they found us on social media, like Instagram. And maybe some contestants self-promoted. … It seemed that very few of us had never been on a show.
“Some were finalists or even won past baking shows. Clément was a finalist on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, and Adalberto Diaz, from Salt Lake City, won Food Network’s Bake You Rich.”
Breda said she wasn’t sure about her prospects given the level of talent, but she knew two things for sure: “I’m going to have fun, [and] just being selected was a win for me. I can’t fail if I’m on national TV.
“I’m going to for sure make friends … [and] whatever the outcome is, it’s going to be amazing for the business, because it’s about exposure.”
Although, she admitted, winning the grand prize of $50,000 would be icing on the cake.
Sweet sensation
Breda Pasticceria e Cioccolateria, located at 1021 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit breda-slo.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook @breda_slo. Watch chef Florencia Breda on Food Network’s The Ultimate Baking Championship on Mondays starting March 9 at 9 p.m. Pacific and Eastern time.
In the series trailer, program host Jesse Palmer stresses that competitors “have been invited here to showcase your skills and extraordinary talent in the toughest baking competition of its kind.”
“This really is the best lineup of bakers I have ever seen,” added renowned pastry chef Duff Goldman, the show’s permanent judge. Palmer, a former professional quarterback and game analyst, is the host of ABC’s The Bachelor and several shows on Food Network.
In The Ultimate Baking Championship, Palmer and Goldman will be joined throughout the series by guest judges— including baking legends Sherry Yard, Bryan Ford, Amaury Guichon, Shinmin Li, Jacques Torres, Molly Yeh, and Zac Young—who will evaluate the desserts based on flavor, execution, and technical difficulty.
In the series premiere, competitors are randomly split into two groups, then tasked with creating a dessert that is centered on flavor profiles that test one of the four tastes—sweet, salty, sour, or bitter— combined with a specific texture.
Future episodes include a science-inspired dessert battle, 3D chocolate sculptural challenge, and theatrical experience edible displays.
In the finale on May 4, Goldman will be joined by guest judges Li, Torres, and Yard to crown the champion.
Breda said she would draw inspiration
CRÈME DE LA CRÈME The Food Network invited 16 of the country’s best pastry chefs, including Florencia Breda (front row right) of Breda Pasticceria e Cioccolateria in San Luis Obispo, to compete in The Ultimate Baking Championship, premiering March 9.
from her diverse cultural background and global professional experience to wow the judges.
Born in Buenos Aires to Argentinian and Italian parents, Breda moved to Treviso, near Venice, when she was 2. After pastry school and stints at Michelin star Ristorante Il Pievano in Gaiole, Italy, as well as restaurants in England, France, Portugal, and Spain, she landed on the Central Coast.
Fellow Italian Nicola Allegretta helped launch her business locally by providing space to display her pastries and chocolates at his Peruvian restaurant Mistura in San Luis Obispo from 2022 to 2025 before she branched out on her own.
Breda Pasticceria e Cioccolateria’s theme is Italian at heart, although an in-house tea sommelier, Jennifer de Tréglodé, adds a British twist.
Breda and her wife, Christine, who manages the establishment, whip up a variety of small plates, including charcuterie, herbmarinated salmon, focaccia sandwiches, scones, and seasonal treats. The drink menu showcases Italian aperitifs—such as sgroppino, a Prosecco-lemon sorbet delicacy—along with espresso and curated teas. In addition to assorted hand-crafted bonbons and desserts, the establishment provides a popular tea tower option, combining sweet and savory treats with tea service. The shop also offers classes and themed events, such the After Hours Dessert Bar and Tea Lounge, on March 6 featuring tea, desserts, a chocolate fountain, and live music.
Themed afternoon tea parties, with both adult and children’s menus, include Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory on March 14 and A Very Curious Alice in Wonderland on April 18.
And if you’re looking for something to do on Monday, March 9, and hopefully, for the next eight Mondays, tune in to the Food Network and watch Breda in action.
“Having my wife and our company featured on national television is both humbling and surreal,” Christine said.
“I’ve seen firsthand the late nights, early mornings, and the relentless commitment she brings to her work. This honor represents not just talent but sacrifice and unwavering belief in her vision.
“She’s an amazing pastry chef with such an eye for detail and flavor, but what inspires me most is her character—her kindness, her strength, and the way she supports our family. I couldn’t be prouder of her or more grateful to stand beside her in this journey.” Δ
Flavor writer Cherish Whyte will be glued to the series and binging on Breda bonbons. Reach her at cwhyte@newtimesslo.com.
ODE TO ITALY Florencia, left, and Christine Breda, co-owners of Breda Pasticceria e Cioccolateria in San Luis Obispo, relax on their Amalfi Coast-themed back patio. The shop’s décor and menu draw inspiration from Florencia’s Italian heritage.
PHOTO BY CHERISH WHYTE
EDIBLE ART Breda in San Luis Obispo offers a rotating selection of delicately crafted pastries, hand-painted bonbons, artisanal churros, and more. Customers can also create their own masterpieces at various classes led by chef Florencia Breda.
COURTESY PHOTO BY SABRINA CHASE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD NETWORK
2013 BMW X3 AWD
3.0
#983054
$10,988
2019 FORD FLEX LTD AWD
3.5 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, cc, am/fm/cd, Sony, 2pseats, prem whls, new tires, blue, gray lthr, 3rd row. #A35482
$13,988
2014 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT 4WD
3.6 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, hardtop, prem whls, white, gray cloth. #288395
$13,988
3.5 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, rear ac, white, tan lthr, mnrf, pseat, alloys. #010278 $19,988
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0072 (N/A)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as KT AVILA RENTALS, 756 Brighton Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Kristin Avila, Anthony Avila (756 Brighton Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by A Married Couple /s/ Anthony Avila, Kristin Avila. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-09-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 01-092031. February 19, 26, March 5, & 12, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0135 (01/01/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as INTERACTIVE DESIGNS, 2570 Paul Place, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420-3104. San Luis Obispo County. Adam Hain (2570 Paul Place, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Adam Hain. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-16-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 01-16-2031. February 19, 26, March 5, & 12, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0146 (12/12/2007)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as S&S HOMES, S & S HOMES, 532 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. S & S Homes of the Central Coast, Inc. (532 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ S & S Homes of the Central Coast, Inc., Janet Axelsen, President of Operations. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-21-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 0121-2031. February 12, 19, 26, & March 5, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0158 (01/21/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as ELITE MOBILE DETAILING, 1480 24th St., Oceano, CA 93445. San Luis Obispo County. Aaron Alvarado (1480 24th St., Oceano, CA 93445). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Aaron Alvarado. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-23-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 01-232031. February 26, March 5, 12, & 19, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0169
(01/23/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as HEMP WHOLESALE SUPPLY, 154 N 16th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Canyak Root Distribution LLC (154 N 16th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ Canyak Root Distribution LLC, Ernest R Martin, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-23-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, L. Maceri, Deputy. Exp. 01-23-2031. March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0171 (01/01/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as GOLDEN WEST INNOVATION, 913 N 5th St., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Jordan Henry (913 N 5th St., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Jordan Henry. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-26-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 01-26-2031. February 19, 26, March 5, & 12, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0172 (N/A) New Filing The following person is doing business as PRIMAL PEST CONTROL,
Deputy. Exp. 01-30-2031. February 12, 19, 26, & March 5, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0218 (06/01/1999) New Filing
The following person is doing business as MOTEL 6 PISMO BEACH – PACIFIC OCEAN, MAIN & SALT, 250 Main Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. Canopus Investments, LLC (4206 Spyglass Dr., Stockton, CA 95219).
NOTICE OF ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 678
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, at the regular meeting of the City Council held on February 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. held in the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California, the City Council of the City of Morro Bay adopted Ordinance No. 678, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, amending Chapters 17.07 (Development Standards),17.08 (Development Standards), and 17.23 (Sloping Lots) of the Zoning Code / Coastal Implementation Plan (IP), Title 17 of the Morro Bay City Municipal Code (MBMC) pending review and certification by the California Coastal Commission.
A certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.morrobayca.gov, and upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at (805) 772-6205.
Ayes: Wixom, Eckles, Edwards, Luffee Noes: Landrum
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk
Dated: February 27, 2026
Publish: March 5, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose: PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
B. Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Project No.: P18-000116
Description: General Plan / Local Coastal Program (GP/ LCP) Update project and Final Environmental Impact Report, including Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations. The City is updating the Introduction, Land Use Element, Conservation & Open Space Element, Noise Element, Circulation Element, and Glossary of the General Plan/ Local Coastal Program Coastal Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission previously held a public hearing on July 25, 2023 and August 22, 2023 and recommended adoption to the City Council of the GP/LCP. Since 2023, the GP/LCP Update project has been revised to exclude update of the City’s Safety Element and proposes new other various policy and graphic edits, legislative updates, and miscellaneous edits. The project is within the Coastal Zone and requires certification of the LCP by the Coastal Commission. This agenda item was previously heard by the Planning Commission on December 9, 2025 and January 13, 2026.
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report was previously prepared for the project which provided information regarding the potential environmental impacts of the project and was circulated through the State Clearinghouse for a review period of February 1, 2022 through March 18, 2022 (SCH#: 2021010158). As a result of the proposed changes to the GP/LCP, a Recirculated Draft EIR was prepared to reflect the proposed changes and was recirculated for a 62-day public review and comment peroid between December 11, 2025 and February 11, 2026 in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/ agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of March 18, 2026.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to planningcommission@pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the Planning Division Office, by emailing Commission Clerk Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Spectrum Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information, please contact Commission Clerk Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org or 805-773-4658.
Brianna Whisenhunt Commission Clerk March 5, 2026
NOTICE OF 30-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE THE 2026 ACTION PLAN FOR THE CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND COUNTY GENERAL FUND SUPPORT PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE URBAN COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
The Urban County of San Luis Obispo prepared a summary of draft funding recommendations for the 2026 Action Plan pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Action Plan describes activities proposed for HUD funding through 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), as well as local County General Fund Support (GFS).
An Action Plan Hearing on the draft funding recommendations for the Affordable Housing Projects was held before the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors on February 3, 2026.
The Draft 2026 Action Plan is available online at slocounty.gov/homeless for a 30-day public review and comment period. The last day to submit a public comment by email is April 5, 2026.
A public hearing on the draft 2026 Action Plan including draft funding recommendations will be held before the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors on April 7, 2026, to solicit additional feedback and comments prior to approval of the 2026 Action Plan including funding recommendations.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Please submit any questions or comments related to the proposed recommendations to HSDGrants@co.slo.ca.us.
March 5, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach City Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose: PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach
Description: Receive input from the public on proposed Major Encroachment Permit Fee; adopt a resolution approving a new Major Encroachment Permit Fee effective March 17, 2026.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/ agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of March 12, 2026.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation.
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the City Clerk’s Office, by emailing City Clerk Erica Inderlied at einderlied@pismobeach. org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.
Erica Inderlied City Clerk March 5, 2026
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing
WHEN Friday, March 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.
To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT
Hearing to consider a request by Jennie and William Enholm for a Lot Line Adjustment (N-SUB2025-00067/ COAL 25-0010) to adjust the lot lines between two existing legal parcels of 64.05 acres and 40 acres each. The adjustment will result in two parcels of 50 and 54.05 acres each. The project will not result in the creation of any additional parcels. The parcels are within the Rural Lands land use category and located in the El Pomar Estrella Sub Area of the North County Planning Area, approximately 8.3 miles southeast of the Creston Village Reserve Line, located at 2390 La Panza Road.
Also to be considered is the environmental determination that this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land).
County File Number: N-SUB2025-00067
Supervisorial District: District 5
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 043-331-015, -016
Date Accepted: 12/31/2025
WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:
Planning Department Hearing (PDH) - County of San Luis Obispo (ca. gov)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Samantha Kinney, Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.
TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING
This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 3/13/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-SUB2025-00067.”
If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary
Planning Department Hearing
March 5, 2026
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission WHEN Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT A request by Verizon Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2025-00017) to allow the construction and operation of a 98-foot-tall faux windmill wireless communications facility consisting of the following: 1) nine panel antennas, 2) twelve remote radio units, 3) one microwave antenna, 4) four overvoltage protection boxes, and 5) one GPS antenna. The project also includes associated trenching, equipment, cabinets, hardware, and a backup diesel generator. The tower and equipment areas will be enclosed by a six-foot-high chainlink fence with slats within 2,500 square feet. The project will result in an area of disturbance of about 15,000 square feet (0.34 acres) and about 139 cubic yards of cut and fill on a 2.7-acre parcel. The project site is within the Residential Suburban land use category and is within the Carrizo Plain Planning Area, about 4 miles north of the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Also, to be considered at the hearing will be the adoption of the Environmental Document prepared for the item. The Environmental Coordinator, after completion of the initial study, finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.) has been issued on March 5, 2026, for this project. Mitigation measures are proposed to address air quality, biological hazards and hazardous materials, land use & planning, and mandatory findings of significance, and are included as conditions of approval. The Environmental Document is available for public review at the Department of Planning and Building, at the address below. A copy of the Environmental Document is also available on the Planning and Building Department website at www. sloplanning.org. Anyone interested in commenting on the proposed Environmental Document should submit a written statement and/or speak at the public hearing. Comments will be accepted up until the completion of the public hearing(s).
County File Number: N-DRC2025-00017
Supervisorial District: District 5 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 082-131-036
Date Accepted: 2/17/2026
WHERE
The hearing will be held in the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Elizabeth Moreno, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary
Planning Commission March 5, 2026
COUNTY OF
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board
WHEN Monday, April 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT A request by Daphne Cook for a Tentative Parcel Map (CO 24-0055) (N-SUB2025-00034) to subdivide an existing 219 acre parcel into two parcels of 80 acres and 139 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The project does not propose any site disturbance. The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located at 1225 La Panza Road Shandon, CA 93461. Project will require Transfer Development Credits per section 22.24.070 B2. The site is in the North County Planning Area Shandon Carrizo Sub area north.
Also, to be considered at the hearing will be the adoption of the environmental document prepared for this item.
The Environmental Coordinator, after completion of the initial study, finds that there is no substantial evidence the project will have a significant effect on the environment, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.) has been issued for this project.
County File Number: N-SUB2025-00034
Supervisorial District: District 5
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 037-381-019
Date Accepted: 9/25/2025
WHERE
The hearing will be held in the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Jeremy Freund, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5621.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary Subdivision Review Board March 5, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely by joining the Zoom webinar via the details published on the cover of the agenda, on Government Access Channel 20, or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@ slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the City of San Luis Obispo Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Trends. Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3, public agencies must present the status of their vacancies, recruitment, and retentions before their governing body at least once per fiscal year prior to the adoption of a final budget for the same fiscal year.
For more information, contact Jeff Andrews, Human Resources Manager of the City’s Human Resources Department at (805) 781-7018 or by email, jandrews@ slocity.org
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.
Teresa Purrington City Clerk
March 5, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF PASO ROBLES CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon as the matter may be heard, at Centennial Park –Norris Room located at 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446 concerning adoption of a resolution imposing proposed increases and establishing certain user and regulatory fee amendments for various City regulatory activities, programs, and services in an effort to promote cost recovery for such services provided. The proposed amendments for this public hearing include development services fees within the Community Development Department.
The information related to establishing the proposed user fees has been made publicly available at least 10 days prior to the date of the public hearing described above.
At the public hearing, members of the public will be afforded an opportunity to make oral or written presentations concerning the proposed fees. Copies of the staff report and resolution describing the proposed fees will be available for review at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (1000 Spring Street) and on the City’s website at https://www.prcity.com no later than 72 hours preceding the hearing (copies are available for purchase for the cost of reproduction).
Questions about the proposed fees may be directed to the Administrative Services Department at (805) 237-3999 or via email at AdminServices@prcity.com
If you challenge the proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Residents and interested parties can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805) 865-7276 to provide public comment via phone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting and remain open throughout the meeting to ensure the opportunity to comment on each item heard by the Council, other than brief reports and announcements by staff or the Council. Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@ prcity.com prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the Council meeting to be posted as an addendum to the Agenda. If submitting written comments in advance of the meeting, please note the agenda item by number or name. City Council meetings will be live-streamed during the meeting and also available to play later on YouTube by accessing the following link: www.prcity.com/youtube. Any writing or document pertaining to an open session item on this agenda which is distributed to a majority of the City Council after the posting of this agenda will be available for public inspection at the time the subject writing or document is distributed. The writing or document will be available for public review in the City Clerk’s Office, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA, during normal business hours, and may be posted on the City’s web site at www.prcity.com/meetings AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Any individual, who because of a disability needs special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, may request assistance by contacting the City Clerk’s Office (805) 237-3960. Whenever possible, requests should be made four (4) working days in advance of the meeting.
March 5, 2026
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles City Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: The Project is a resort hotel expansion to the existing Allegretto Resort prosing to add 93 lodging rooms (hotel suites, villas, spa suites), accessory uses/buildings including a conference center, viticulture building, and recreational activities such as a swimming pool and pickleball courts. The project is proposed to be constructed on portions of the existing Allegretto site and on the adjacent 10.8acre vacant land acquired from Cuesta College. The Planning Commission held a public hearing for the project on February 24, 2026 and on four successive votes of 6-0 recommended the City Council approve the project (GPA-25-02, RZN25-02, P25-0027, SPA26-01).
Applicant: Ayres Paso Robles, LP
Location: 2700 Buena Vista Drive (APN 025-410004, 025-410-020)
CEQA Determination: The Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve an addendum to the 2012 MND for the original Allegretto project. The Addendum is the appropriate document under CEQA to analyze the consistency of the Project with the type and intensity of development previously analyzed for the site in the MND as provided for in CEQA Guidelines section 15162 and 15164.
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting. Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity. com or US Mail (submit early)
please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the City Council. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. March 5, 2026
NOTICE OF ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 677 OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at the regular meeting of the City Council held on February 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. held in the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California, the City Council of the City of Morro Bay adopted Ordinance No. 677, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, amending Chapters 17.29 (Signs), 17.30 (Standards for Specific Uses), and 17.46 (Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Code, and Zoning Map to incorporate Measure A-24 as approved by Morro Bay voters in the November 2024 General Election) of the Zoning Code, Title 17 of the Morro Bay City Municipal Code (MBCMC).”
A certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.morrobayca.gov, and upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at (805) 772-6205.
Ayes: Wixom, Eckles, Edwards, Luffee Noes: Landrum
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk
Dated: February 27, 2026
Publish: March 5, 2026
Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: Experiment with this principle—take only what you need. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Many ancient cultures had myths that explained solar eclipses as celestial creatures eating the sun. In China, the devourer was a dragon. A frog did it in Vietnam, wolves in Norse lore, and bears in several Indigenous American legends. In some places, people made loud noises during the blackout, banging drums and pots, to drive away the attacker and bring back the sun. I suspect you are now in the midst of a metaphorical eclipse of your own, Aries. But don’t worry! Just as was true centuries ago, your sun won’t actually be gobbled up. Instead, here’s the likely scenario: You will rouse an appetite for transformation that will consume outdated ideas and situations. Whatever disintegrates will become fuel for new stories. You will convert old pain and decay into vital energy. Your luminous vigor will return even stronger.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): Maybe you have been enjoying my advice for years but still haven’t become a billionaire, grown into a potent influencer, or landed the perfect job. Does that mean I’ve failed you? Should you swap me out for a more results-oriented oracle? If rewards like those are the dreams you treasure, then yes, it may be time to search for a new guide. But if what you want most is simply to cultivate the steady gratification of feeling real and whole and authentic, then stick with me. PS: The coming days are likely to offer you abundant opportunities to feel real and whole and authentic. Take advantage!
GEMINI
Deadlines for all legal notices are Mondays before 3pm, for publication in the following Thursday’s edition. Call our legal coordinator today: 805-546-8208 ext. 208 legals@newtimesslo.com
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Architect Antoni Gaudí spent more than 40 years designing Barcelona’s Sagrada Família cathedral. He knew he wouldn’t live to see it finished. It’s still under construction today, long after his death. When he said, “My client is not in a hurry,” he meant that his client was God. I invite you to borrow this perspective, Libra. See how much fun you can have by releasing yourself from the tyranny of urgency. Grant yourself permission to concentrate on a process that might take a long time to unfold. What a generous and ultimately productive luxury it will be for you to align yourself with deep rhythms and relaxing visions! I believe your good work will require resoluteness that transcends conventional timelines.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The ancient Chinese philosophical text known as the Tao Te Ching teaches that “the usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness.” A vessel full of itself can receive nothing. Is it possible that you are currently so crammed with opinions, strategies, and righteous certainty that you’ve lost some of your capacity to receive? I suspect there are wonders and marvels trying to reach you, Scorpio: insights, inquiries, and invitations. But they can’t get in if you’re full. Your assignment: Temporarily empty yourself. Create space by releasing cherished positions, a defensive stance, or stories about how things must be.
SAGITTARIUS
(May 21-June 20): In 1557, a Welsh mathematician invented the equals sign (=) to avoid repeatedly writing the words “is equal to.” Over the next centuries, this helped make algebra more convenient and efficient. The moral of the story: Some breakthroughs come not from making novel discoveries but from finding better ways to render and use what’s already known. I’m pleased to say that you Geminis are primed to devise your own equivalents of the equals sign. What strengths might you express with greater crispness and efficiency? What familiar complications could you make easier? See if can find shortcuts that aid productivity without sacrificing precision.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): One benefit of being an astrologer is that when I need a break from being intensely myself, I can take a sabbatical. My familiarity with the zodiac frees me to escape the limits of my personal horoscope and play at being other signs. I always return from my getaway with a renewed appreciation for the unique riddle that is my identity. I think now is an excellent time for Cancerians like you and me to enjoy such a vacation. We can have maximum fun and attract inspiring educational experiences by experimenting. I plan to be like a Sagittarius and may also experiment with embodying Aries qualities.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): In Scandinavian folklore, there’s a phenomenon called utiseta It involves sitting out at night in a charged place in nature, like a crossroads or border. The goal is to make oneself patiently available for visions, wisdom, or contact with spirits and ancestors. I suspect you could benefit from the equivalent of a utiseta right now, Leo. Do you dare to refrain from forcing solutions through sheer will? Are you brave enough to let answers wander into your midst instead of hunting them down? I believe your strength is your willingness to be still and wait in a threshold.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are a devotee of the sacred particular. While others traffic in vague abstractions, you understand that vitality thrives in the details. Your attention to nuance and precision is not fussiness but a form of love. I get excited to see you honor life by noticing all of its specific textures and rhythms! Now, more than ever, the world needs this superpower of yours. I hope you will express it even stronger in the coming months. May you exult in the knowledge that your refusal to treat the world carelessly or sloppily isn’t about perfectionism but about respect.
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Yoruba concept of ashe refers to the power to make things happen. It’s the life force that flows through all things, and can be accumulated, directed, and shared. Right now, your ashe is strong but a bit scattered, Sagittarius. You have power, but it’s diffused across too many commitments and half-pursued desires. So your assignment is to consolidate. Choose two things that matter most and fully pour your ashe into them. As you concentrate your vitality, you’ll get more done and become a conduit for blessings larger than yourself.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What’s holding you back? What are you waiting for? A nudge from destiny? A breaking point when you’ll be compelled to act? A hidden clue that may or may not reveal itself? It’s my duty to tell you this: All that lingering and dallying, all that wishing and hoping, is wasted energy. As long as you’re sitting still, pining for a cosmic deliverance to handle the hard parts, the sweet intervention will keep its distance. The instant you claim the authority to act, you’ll see it clearly: the path forward that doesn’t need a perfect sign, a final push, or fate’s permission slip.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you’re anything like me, you wince as you recall the lazy choices and careless passivity that speckle your past. You may wonder what you were thinking when you treated yourself so cavalierly, pushed away a steadfast ally, or let a dazzling invitation slip by. At times I feel as if my wrong turns carry more weight in my fate than the bright, grace-filled moments. Here’s good news for you, though. March is Amnesty Month for all Aquarians willing to own up to and graduate from their missteps. As you work diligently to unwind the unhelpful patterns that led you off course, life will release you from the heavy drag of those old failures and their leftover momentum.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): In systems theory, “critical points” are moments when long periods of small changes gradually accumulate, and then suddenly erupt into a big shift. Nothing appears to happen for a while, and then everything happens at once. Ice becomes water, for instance. I suspect you’re nearing such a pivot, Pisces. You’ve been gathering strength, clarity, and nerve in subtle ways. Soon you will be visited by what we might call a graceful, manageable explosion. The slow, persistent changes you’ve been overseeing will result in a major transition. ∆
