New Times, May 14, 2026

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN COUNT

Editor’s note

AStrictly Starkey 25 the rest

Classifieds 32

Brezsny’s

handful of locals stick out for repeatedly showing up to government meetings, pestering public officials, and filing Public Records Act requests. They have dedicated themselves to ensuring that officials stay accountable to the public, and they take on this task in their free time. While they may not be everyone’s favorite people, they aim to ensure that decision-making is transparent and to keep officials on their toes. Staff

Writer Bulbul Rajagopal speaks to some of SLO County’s self-appointed watchdogs for this week’s cover [8]

In addition, read about a San Luis Obispo school district task force focused on inclusivity [4]; a book about youth and dysfunctional family [22]; and an olive oil producer with awards and recipes [30].

Camillia Lanham editor

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Falconer, Dennis Flately, Edward Barnett, Bernadette Miller, Joe Brice

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Common Ground task force recommends inclusive action to San Luis Coastal

Establishing compassionate immigration response, responsible use of artificial intelligence, inclusivity in sports, and a clear curriculum opt-out process are a stakeholder group’s top recommendations to San Luis Coastal Unified School District.

At its May 5 meeting, the school district board received suggestions from the Common Ground Advisory Task Force about areas in focus for the 2025-26 school year.

“This is a group that has been forged through the fires of controversy,” Joshua Whiteside, an attorney working with the task force, told the school board. “How do we get people from different walks of life, different communities to come together into a room, understand more about what the district policies, procedures, and practices are, and really evaluate what the district is or isn’t doing to address really important issues that are facing our students?”

A mix of parents, teachers, school principals, attorneys, religious leaders, and concerned residents formed the task force almost a decade ago following two discriminatory incidents at SLO High School.

In 2017, a special education teacher resigned after he wrote a letter to the high school newspaper, Expressions, citing a Bible passage that appeared to indicate that LGBTQ-plus students “deserved to die.” His letter was in response to a print issue of Expressions that featured articles about the LGBTQplus community, including a cover photo of two women kissing.

Then, in 2018, the SLO Police Department said that a SLO High student had allegedly been bullying a 15-year-old autistic student since the beginning of the school year. Police revealed that the bullying involved sending the student threatening text messages related to his autism and perceived sexual orientation. The harassment reportedly extended to a physical altercation involving the juvenile suspect and the victim. The suspect was arrested on a felony hate crime charge.

Task force member and director of Central Coast Coalition for Inclusive Schools Douglas Heumann told New Times that he and other community members began collecting raw data on differences between the experiences of queer-identifying kids and straight and cisgender kids.

District Superintendent Eric Prater decided to establish the task force after deliberating with them and reviewing their findings. The group now meets monthly to discuss controversial issues impacting

CSU approves new shorter bachelor’s degree programs

students and provides Prater with its suggestions.

“Sometimes, there’ll be a panel of students that tell us whether they’re discriminated [against],” Heumann said. “One year, we had a young man tell us that he felt he was being discriminated [against] as a Christian. We get to hear all sides.”

At the school board meeting, Whiteside said the task force’s recommendations on immigration response stemmed from a community forum at Pacheco Elementary School, which caters to many students from non-English speaking families.

Suggested protocol includes communication tools and techniques to help with the “after-effects of immigration enforcement”; hiring bilingual staff; diversifying communication channels through print, social media, and in-person interaction; and allowing meetings to take place virtually for families to conveniently be aware of their rights and kids’ education.

The task force also recommended establishing age-appropriate guidelines for ethical AI use and setting up proactive education for students, staff, and families about respecting transgender students in sports while making participation accessible for those students.

Whiteside also touched on the national conversation around school curriculum— specifically the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2025 decision in the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor

The Supreme Court reversed two lower courts’

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Students at California State University campuses like Cal Poly may soon be able to earn new kinds of bachelor’s degrees that take less time and are designed more directly around jobs, as the CSU moves to rethink what a college degree looks like.

Under a policy approved by the CSU board of trustees on May 6, the system will create three new undergraduate degree categories—the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) and Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS)— expanding beyond the traditional Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

The change marks the first major expansion of CSU degree types in more than 30 years and could eventually shape what kinds of programs campuses like Cal Poly choose to offer, particularly for transfer students, working adults, and students with prior

Junius J. Gonzales, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs told trustees during a May 5 meeting that the shift is a response to a declining number of high school graduates in California, rising competition from other universities and online programs, and growing pressure to align higher education more directly with workforce needs.

“This work supports the strategic objectives of CSU Forward,” Gonzales told trustees, describing the policy as part of an effort to modernize academic structures and expand career-connected pathways.

The new degrees would not replace existing majors at CSU campuses. Instead, they would give universities like Cal Poly the option to create additional pathways for students who may not follow a traditional four-year, 120-unit model.

The proposal also expands the system’s authority to offer reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees, ranging

refusals to grant a preliminary injunction based on a Maryland school district not allowing elementary school parents to opt their children out of lessons involving LGBTQ-plus themed storybooks.

The Common Ground task force suggested that the San Luis Coastal school district create a transparent and consistently applied curriculum opt-out process that gives the teacher and the district the chance to explain the purpose of that lesson and related materials before granting requests to skip instruction.

“Specifically, this year we talked about library books and the collections of library books that we have at this district and how those reflect mirrors and windows,” Whiteside told the school board. “Mirrors for students to see each other in the material, and windows to see others and explore different perspectives and ideas.”

The task force’s recommendations didn’t require the board’s vote, and district leaders commended the group for its efforts. Task force member Heumann hopes the group stays on after Prater’s retirement in July 2027.

“It’s part of the culture now; it’s like having a student senate,” he said. “We also have different walks of life that I think we can add to, and I think that any superintendent would be grateful to get some input.”

from about 90 to 120 semester units—which could shorten the time to earn a degree for some students to as few as three years.

“These new degree pathways will help more Californians access an affordable, rigorous, and relevant bachelor’s degree,” Gonzales said, framing the change as part of an effort to improve economic mobility.

Each of the new degrees is aimed at a different student population. The Bachelor of Education would revive a degree last offered in the CSU system before 1982, designed in part to address teacher shortages by combining undergraduate study with credential preparation.

The Bachelor of Professional Studies is designed for working adults moving into supervisory or leadership roles, allowing students to incorporate prior coursework, certifications, military training, and job experience into their degree.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

OPEN COMMUNICATION Concerns from families of students attending dual immersion school Pacheco Elementary about immigration enforcement influenced the Common Ground task force’s suggestion to the school district for compassionate immigration response tools.

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

The Bachelor of Applied Studies would focus on technical and vocational pathways, especially for students transferring from associate degree programs, with an emphasis on faster completion and applied skills.

The new frameworks are optional and will not change existing degree requirements, but they could lead to new program designs that compete with or sit alongside traditional majors, a March 11 CSU Committee on Educational Policy item states.

The proposal also surfaced debate over whether reduced-credit degrees could dilute the meaning of a bachelor’s degree.

“I just have a problem with this where why wouldn’t I go and get a bachelor’s in professional studies with 90 units instead of wasting another 30 units,” trustee Jack McGrory said. “It just seems to me we’re diluting the quality and the importance of a BA degree by lowering the unit count.”

Cal Poly does not anticipate faculty discussing and exploring possible degrees until the next academic year, Cal Poly media spokesperson Keegan Koberl told New Times via email.

If campuses move forward, new programs could begin development as early as 2027, with the first degrees expected to launch in 2028, according to the CSU.

—Chloë Hodge

Kristin Smart still missing as Sheriff’s Office wraps up search of Susan Flores’ property

Advances in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) sparked renewed efforts to locate the remains of missing Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, but the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office’s three-day search was futile.

“We did not recover Kristin Smart,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release on May 9. “Detectives will be evaluating any evidence we have recovered to aid in the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to finding Kristin and bringing her home to her family.”

The announcement arrived a day after Sheriff Ian Parkinson held a press conference about the court-authorized search of the Arroyo Grande property tied to Susan Flores—the mother of Paul Flores, who was convicted of murdering Smart.

Local interest piqued on May 6 when detectives arrived at Susan’s doorstep with a warrant demanding she leave the property for the search to commence. The Sheriff’s Office said that soil samples obtained from

her property tested positive for human decomposition.

This Memorial Day weekend marks 30 years since Stockton-raised Smart’s disappearance. Paul was reportedly the last person to see her after walking her to her dorm following a party. She was declared legally dead in 2002.

In 2022, a Salinas jury declared Paul guilty of murdering her in the first degree. He’s serving a sentence of 25 years to life.

The SLO County District Attorney’s Office accused his father, Ruben Flores, of helping bury Smart’s body under his deck in Arroyo Grande where it remained for years before being relocated to an unknown location. A second jury assigned to Ruben’s case acquitted him of being an accessory to murder.

Sheriff’s Office investigators’ latest scrutiny of Susan’s property mirrors unsuccessful GPR searches conducted in 1996 and 2021 to recover Smart’s remains. The Flores trial revealed that the 2021 scan of Ruben’s property found a 6-by-4-foot soil disturbance that was 3.5feet deep.

Investigators’ latest investigation of Susan’s property mirrors GPR searches of the same area in 1996, and of Paul’s father Ruben’s property in 2021.

“Back in ’96, they used ground-penetrating radar in order to check all locations on the ground. The GPR from 30 years ago is not the GPR today,” Parkinson said at the press conference. “We finally hit the high when we found the burial site at Ruben’s house, but it didn’t give us the answer we’re still seeking … where’s Kristin?”

Parkinson said that his office agreed internally that they wouldn’t leave the premises until they thoroughly searched every part of it. Susan wasn’t allowed to return to her property until the search concluded.

Repeat searches of previously examined properties can’t be done without new evidence that compels the court to sign off on a search warrant, according to Parkinson.

The sheriff claimed that Susan’s property met that threshold based on “investigative and scientific information.”

“People shouldn’t want law enforcement arresting someone on a belief; there should be proof to it,” Parkinson said. “The information in the search warrant has to be fresh, relevant, and have the threshold of probable cause. That’s what we pursued.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Paso Robles moves to tighten food truck permitting

After months of complaints about noise, blocked sidewalks, and unfair competition, the Paso Robles City Council is moving forward with an overhaul of the city’s food truck rules—including a new annual permit requirement that could cost some vendors about $214 a year.

On May 5, the council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring nearly all food trucks serving the public on private property to obtain a temporary use permit, regardless of how long they stay in one location.

The proposal removes a seven-day exemption that city staff said created confusion and made enforcement difficult.

The changes build on regulations approved in December after the city received 49 complaints related to food trucks and street vendors between April and August 2025. Complaints included generator noise, downtown congestion, and concerns from brick-and-mortar businesses about competition from mobile vendors.

“As a brick-and-mortar business, we have made a significant financial investment in our location, equipment, and long-term presence in this community,” local business owner Adan Torres, owner of Paletería y Nevería Las Michoacanas wrote in a public comment. “We find it unfair that a mobile vendor can park and conduct business so close to our storefront.”

In response to the complaints, the city formed an ad hoc Food Truck Committee in August 2025 to review the rules and gather feedback from residents, vendors, and business owners.

Assistant Planner Piper Smith said the updated rules are mainly aimed at creating a clearer permitting system and more consistent enforcement.

“So, as you can see, food trucks are permitted,” Smith told the council. “No change has been made to where they are allowed—just what permit is required where they’re allowed.”

Food trucks would still only be allowed in commercial areas, not residential neighborhoods or open space zones.

In addition to permits, the City Council also added regulations related to noise and sidewalks. Trucks serving toward sidewalks must stay 9 feet back to keep walkways

clear, and seating and shade structures are allowed only if they don’t block circulation or extend unto public right-of-way. The city also allowed generators only if they are fitted with sound-reducing panels to help address noise concerns.

Under the proposed rules, all food trucks selling directly to the public would need a temporary use permit unless they are catering a private event. Businesses hosting seven or more food truck events each year would also need permits for recurring events.

The permit fee would be about $214, according to city staff. While temporary permits already existed for some operators, vendors previously exempt under the sevenday rule may now face the added annual cost.

Smith said the city also hopes to simplify the permitting process by syncing permit renewals with annual business license renewals and coordinating reviews between city departments and county health officials.

“The goal is it’s a one-touch system,” Smith said. “So, although you’re potentially dealing with multiple departments, it happens at one time.”

The ordinance would also remove a rule requiring food trucks operating in one location for more than a year to go through a separate site review process. Staff said no vendors had ever applied for it and that it conflicted with the temporary nature of food trucks.

“I think the end result is going to be better, easier, clearer, potentially more efficient for everybody involved,” Councilmember Kris Beal said.

Councilmember Chris Bausch said removing the seven-day exemption would help the city address complaints about vendors operating without permits.

“It allows the enforcement officer to approach the truck and inquire, ‘Do you have a temporary use permit, business license, health department requirements?’” Smith explained. “So, if they do not have the necessary permitting or are not meeting the operational requirements, they would be asked to leave.”

During public comment, local business owner Jerry Torres asked when the city would begin enforcing the 9-foot setback rules near existing businesses. Smith said enforcement is already underway, though some currently permitted sites will be reevaluated when permits come up for renewal later this year.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance on first reading. The measure will return for final approval at a future meeting. ∆

—Chloë Hodge

Volunteer vigilance

SLO County’s self-styled watchdogs take it upon themselves to monitor the powerful

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Attend government meetings long enough and certain non-elected, non-official faces and voices become familiar.

However one feels about these residents, who often stand before the microphone during the public comment period, it’s hard to ignore them, and they keep conversations rolling.

Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) President Shirley Gibson was an engaged Arroyo Grande area native before being elected to political office eight years ago. Her interest in local history led to many hours spent at Arroyo Grande City Council meetings as an ordinary resident advocating to preserve century-old buildings.

“What I learned is you have to pay attention early,” she said. “You have to understand that you’ve got to be there at the very beginning because when something is approved or built, it’s just too late. I wish more people got involved everywhere and went to city council meetings or the county Board of Supervisors.”

Though methods vary, these county residents have appointed themselves as government watchdogs. They show up to meetings, scour staff reports and budgets, file public records requests, write blogs, build insider knowledge, and alert the press and public to hot-button local issues.

“It doesn’t bother me. That’s just people using their rights to information and making their opinion known,” Gibson said. “I think when people participate, they’re not as unhappy with government because they’re being a part of the government when they’re putting in their time and making all these efforts to keep things on the straight and narrow.”

Rude behavior from some participants at public meetings does bother her. Gibson pointed to a time when Oceano resident April Dury mocked fellow attendee Clark D’Souza. D’Souza gained notoriety in 2022 after former CSD member Cynthia Replogle accused him of stalking her. Replogle resigned after the district refused to file a restraining order against D’Souza on her behalf.

“He was walking up to … make a comment,” Gibson said of D’Souza. “He always has his dog, and he stumbled a little bit. [Dury] goes, ‘Well, here comes crazy,’ and then she laughed and then several people around her laughed.

“That was shameful and inexcusable,” she added. “We don’t want to see people shamed and humiliated for trying to make their opinion, just because they’re different.”

Gibson’s developed thicker skin when it comes to criticism against her. She added that people are welcome to write what they want, complaints and compliments, to the OCSD since elected officials are answerable to the public.

“I had really negative things written about me, but you just try not to read that stuff, and you let them bring it on, and they do,” Gibson said. “I personally think it’s best to show up in person [to meetings], … but any involvement is good.”

New Times spoke with a handful of the county residents who dedicate their free time

to monitoring local authorities. The topics they’re passionate about and their approaches diverge, but they’re all tuned in.

Shuttling scrutiny

Oceano’s April Dury traces her activism back to 2008, when she tried to set up a farmers market in the unincorporated town.

The desire to provide a cornucopia of locally grown produce for southern SLO County residents lured her into the rigamarole of county procedures and processes.

“I kind of became the point person on the rules and regulations of what it was going to take to start a farmers market,” Dury said.

“I learned that in Oceano there was a little group of people that were looking to start a farmers market. … We all met up and started to be very involved in this. The next step was the [OCSD] kind of adopted us and wanted our farmers market to be under their wing.”

Plans for the market fell through, but the way the Community Services District worked stuck with Dury. She learned that the district oversees water supply, sewage management, and trash collection—not the process of setting up a farmers market. Soon enough, Dury felt that “things seemed kinky” in Oceano.

Dury emerged as a vocal figure in debates around the Oceano airport and vacation rentals in the area and as one of the central forces behind the now-defunct Oceano Advisory Council.

As co-chair of the advisory council, Dury questioned the value of keeping the airport open and who its true clientele was. She previously told New Times that Oceano wouldn’t benefit from an airport that primarily caters to private pilots. In 2024, the SLO County Board of Supervisors opted to keep the airport open and improve infrastructure.

The advisory council she belonged to found itself “unrecognized” by supervisors after contentious debates with former 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton over several issues, including the group’s attempt to get a vacation rental ordinance in place. Sometimes, Dury’s criminal history also takes center stage. Her 1999 felony embezzlement conviction—the result of her admitting to using a nearly $7,000 check from a Reno animal hospital for reasons other than its intended purpose—became the undoing of her 2020 run for a seat on the OCSD board.

“I have a criminal past and the people who were my opponents made sure the whole world knew about it,” Dury said. “That’s when I realized how dirty Oceano politics are.”

Her past run-in with the law often rears its head when Dury engages with local bodies. After Dury left a SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority meeting, the attorney informed the board of her conviction. She said board members told her about it later.

“Hello, who’s the president of the United States of America right now? These are the same people who are OK with that, but because I speak up and I point out things in Oceano, they want to knock me down,” Dury said. “I’m not going to live in a world of pity or hate for myself. I did what I did. I paid the consequence, and if we don’t believe in rehabilitation, then don’t let people out.”

Dury is still a bookkeeper, self-employed with 50 clients. She balances her career with investigations into the inner workings of the district. Being her own boss, Dury can set her own schedule, accommodating both daily responsibilities and government inspection.

Though her initial ambition of forming a farmers market in Oceano didn’t work out, Dury came away with a future best friend by her side.

“Julie Tacker and I started to communicate, and that’s what really, really, really got me. She taught me so much about the Brown Act and the rules and requirements of the funds, like the general fund versus the water fund,” she said. “Even when you go to one of these meetings, they don’t teach you how to participate.”

Document diggers

Former Los Osos CSD board member Tacker has a long history of monitoring government operations in SLO County.

Before introducing Dury to the art of civic participation, Tacker’s involvement in her kids’ Parent Teacher Association in the 1990s led to a keen interest in Los Osos happenings.

At the time, the North Coast community still used septic tanks to treat sewage.

A resident alerting Tacker about how a proposed sewage treatment plant would price out a lower-income family in the area hit a nerve. It prompted her 2002 campaign to be on the Los Osos CSD board. Despite losing, she threw herself into learning how government works.

In 2004, she ran again and won.

“I have a very inquisitive nature, you know, I want to know how things work. I want to know how to fix things. I’m quite frugal and very much a ‘recycle, reuse’ person from early roots,” Tacker said. “So, when I got involved in government, I started to see waste in money, of my money, of the people’s money.”

Over her four years on the board, Tacker familiarized herself with the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, and the Fair Political Practices Commission. She now calls herself an armchair expert in these matters.

Immersing herself in filing public records requests, poring over agendas and attached

documents, calculating payroll and contract discrepancies, and watching meetings takes up roughly 10 hours a week.

Tacker also served on the Los Osos Emergency Services Committee for 14 years and the Los Osos Community Advisory Council Land Use Committee for a decade. Now enjoying her time as a singer and working at Paso Robles’ senior living facility Creston Village, she no longer holds political office.

But Tacker still appears at board meetings, pens opinion pieces in local media outlets, and speaks with residents in not just Los Osos but other small governments scattered across the county. People from Ground Squirrel Hollow, Heritage Ranch, Cambria, San Simeon, and even Orcutt tip her off about government annoyances and have turned to her for advice.

Some of her supporters gained a nickname: Tacker Backers. It originated as an informal slogan when she was running for office in 2002. Tacker Backers still exist, she said, adding that the sentiment evolved into something called the “Tacker effect.”

“When I walk into a board meeting of a city council or a JPA [joint powers authority] or wherever I go, I feel it,” Tacker said. “Council members, boards, whatever, they wonder why I’m there. And I’ve had the effect of stopping Brown Act violations, stopping overspending, buying lunches at delicatessens for staff, things like that. I will scrutinize them, and they don’t want that scrutiny, they don’t want that press.”

Tacker told New Times she’s a “lone ranger,” in that very few people push for transparency like she does.

“I’m doing the homework that really Joe Citizen should be doing,” she said. “Sure, I’ve walked away from a lot of lawsuits, but I feel very confident that I have a lot of positive influence over local government because they change their ways and do things right.”

Transparency is key for San Luis Obispo resident Kathie Walker too.

Walker’s outrage over the city’s and Cal Poly’s handling of unauthorized fraternity parties in residential neighborhoods led to the SLO County grand jury stepping in.

The grand jury concluded that the city didn’t effectively work with the community to solve problems like noise, property

THE ‘TACKER EFFECT’ Los Osos resident Julie Tacker believes she causes the “Tacker effect” among officials when she walks into government meetings ready to call out discrepancies.

OUTSPOKEN IN OCEANO Oceano native April Dury stands at the local airport—a controversial site with a contested potential economic value to town.

MULTI-FACETED SLO resident Kathie Walker may have a reputation for criticizing loud unpermitted frat parties next door, but she said there’s a lot about her that people don’t know, like her penchant for hip-hop music.

damage, and general disorder arising from unruly frats in residential areas.

Mismanaged frat events eventually forced Walker and her husband to move out of their Alta Vista home just south of the Cal Poly campus.

“Transparency is so important, and unfortunately, there’s not a lot of collaboration and transparency between the city and the public, between Cal Poly and the public,” Walker said.

She’s since sued Cal Poly President Jeff Armstrong and the California State University board of trustees over the school’s refusal to disclose the addresses of fraternity events despite overwhelming demands from the community.

Walker’s attempts to defend her former Alta Vista neighborhood started before unpermitted frat parties plagued it. Roughly 15 years ago, knocked-over trash containers in Hathway Alley were the problem.

Students in the area were spilling the containers in the alley behind her house, and homeless people were rummaging through them, according to Walker. Rotting food, rats, and the stench of garbage filled the space.

Walker’s persistent pictures and communications with the city documenting the overflowing trash resulted in a City Council discussion. She told New Times that the meeting led to a rewritten ordinance that required people to bring their trash bins behind a fence and take it to the front curb on trash pickup days.

Dormant for a few years, Walker’s dogged determination awoke when loud frat parties began affecting her quality of life and her husband’s ability to work as an emergency medical services helicopter pilot.

Sifting through public records request responses related to the frat management sometimes takes up 12 hours of her day. But the rigorous review of documents isn’t as hard as what Walker endured in Alta Vista.

After numerous failed face-to-face conversations and text messages with the fraternity next to their former home in a bid to curb the noise emanating from parties, Walker made her first phone call to the police in 2023.

Then, she said, the harassment began.

“Within 24 hours of getting that citation, they started cyberstalking me. They posted my address online,” Walker said. “I started getting

emails from PornHub that they had opened an account in my name. I got a notification that I had been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. They started sending people to our house, like, signing up for appointments with Scientologists, Mormons, and missionaries, to come to our house.”

Still, Walker chips away at finding answers.

“People would be surprised to know who I am. My favorite genre of music is hip-hop,” she said with a smile. “I’m extremely loyal and devoted to my friends and family. I think what drives me is doing the right thing. I think there should be accountability when someone doesn’t do the right thing, but I also believe in community and working together to find solutions.”

Pen and perusal

Sometimes, keeping an eye on government looks like spreading the word through writing.

For Morro Bay resident Aaron Ochs and Cambria resident Christine Heinrichs, tapping into their roots as journalists does the trick.

Ochs’ family launched a newspaper called The Rock in 2006 that focused on educating Los Osos homeowners about the town’s wastewater issues. Ochs and his father, Ed, spoke with experts in the field about possible solutions, and the paper became a platform for dialogue.

“My mom was involved in an effort to ensure that residents had a vote on the laws of the sewer via Proposition 218, which we were successful in doing, and the county eventually adopted the framework that we were championing for years,” Ochs said.

The Rock shuttered in 2009, and though Ochs worked more in the production department than editorial, he credits the family paper for giving him the “journalism bug.”

“I define journalism as looking at the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a story, and diving deep into a subject matter that appeals to the public interest,” he said.

“The way I started doing the journalism thing is I really got into more of the opinion journalism side. I was not writing news articles. I was expressing opinions based on information I was uncovering in real time.”

By 2012, Ochs worked in two industries: marketing and strategy, and journalism.

Hired by the now-inactive Information Press, Ochs began writing articles assigned to him by editor and publisher Sandra Marshall. But he also nurtured a blog called The Razor—his version of the family paper that opined about Los Osos and the county.

“I take value in being a nonpartisan, independent voice. Before I had more of an agenda,” Ochs said. “I had more of a sharp edge and [was] appealing to only a small

audience. I realized that when it comes to expressing an opinion or writing news or writing op-eds, it’s about being thorough, being calm, being collected, and providing a measured voice that is trustworthy and reliable.”

The Razor eventually changed its name to simply Aaron Ochs since Ochs wanted to speak truthfully as himself and not hide behind a moniker. His blog morphed into a Medium page racking between 50,000 to 60,000 views a month and is now a Substack newsletter with more than 50 subscribers.

they actually are participating?”

Ochs’ writings now focus on SLO County politics. His latest post on May 5, “When Fake News Becomes a Threat to Life,” outlines his decision to sue Cal Coast News founder Karen Velie for defamation.

Velie faced Ochs’ wrath in older versions of his blog posts, too. But back then, his words packed more of a bite, he admitted.

“I still made a lot of mistakes as Aaron Ochs. Plenty,” he said. “A lot of the time, I used to write a lot of jokes … When I was younger, I was very critical of Karen Velie of Cal Coast News.”

Ochs told New Times that in 2014, Velie pressured his employer Marshall over his coverage of the libel lawsuit against her. Ochs resigned from Information Press following complications with Velie and Marshall. The paper closed in 2017.

Other articles in Ochs’ Substack criticize SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow’s social media mannerisms, 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding’s policies, and 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson’s decision to pick District 2 supervisor candidate Jim Dantona as his legislative assistant.

“People have written to me over the years expressing gratitude for me being able to broach a lot of these subjects that are uncomfortable and controversial, and it gave people the motivation to express themselves without the fear of reprisal,” Ochs said.

He has ambitions to launch a podcast. Ochs envisions each episode as a sit-down conversation with influential figures around the county. He’d like to start with Gibson once he officially retires from his supervisor role.

Cambria’s Heinrichs found her more traditional background as a journalist helpful in her inspection of the local CSD.

After earning her degree in journalism, Heinrichs worked in the 1970s as a general assignment reporter and news editor for a paper in Moscow, Idaho, where she covered City Council.

“At the time, I was as confused as everyone else, and I needed to learn more about it,” she said. “It helps me to think about what questions people would be asking, what information do people need to take into this meeting and feel like

To reporters and SLO County residents who’ve lived in the area long enough, Heinrichs’ name pops up in email inboxes like clockwork— right before a Cambria CSD meeting. These emails contain detailed breakdowns of the CSD’s agenda. Heinrichs summarizes and gives her opinion about each discussion item and lists out the general rules around the public comment period.

“I’m sensitive to the fact that people simply don’t know, and I try to include that information,” she said. “It seems repetitive, but I feel like every time there’s a meeting, it could be someone’s first meeting.”

Heinrichs is constantly learning. She hones her writing skills every chance she gets: freelancing for local and regional outlets, taking nature writing classes at Cuesta College, and attending professional events like the Society of Environmental Journalists Conference. It helps that CSD meetings only happen once a month. That gives Heinrichs enough time to study the agenda when it’s published the Friday before the Thursday meeting. She writes her summary for a 60-person email distribution list over that weekend. Heinrichs said she views the process as a hobby. By the time the meeting rolls around, she’s seated in the CSD chambers ready to watch the discussion unfold.

“I’m pretty much a critic of the board and the district. So, they don’t like it, and I understand that,” she said. “I’m most concerned with protecting the environment, and that doesn’t seem to have much priority for the board.”

Cambria’s Water Reclamation Facility— the emergency project to ensure water security during severe drought by treating wastewater—is Heinrich’s main focus. She told New Times that the facility was built using a rushed emergency permit, and it affects an environmentally sensitive habitat area.

“They just don’t seem to be concerned about the biological reports, or I consider them to be very skimpy,” she said. “Cambria has such a privileged population. There’s a lot of retired people from really good jobs, you’re well educated, have money, they’re retired on income. We should have the best possible government, and we don’t.”

Heinrichs believes the CSD needs an observer on the outside who’s talking to the public.

“I enjoy spending time working on local issues,” she said. “I would love to get some young people, I’d love to get anyone in there. What I’m trying to do is open a pathway into these meetings and into public engagement.” ∆

Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

BIT BY THE BUG Working for his family’s Los Osos newspaper gave blogger Aaron Ochs the “journalism bug,” and he now scratches that itch through a Substack about county politics.

EAGER TO LEARN Cambria resident Christine Heinrichs keeps herself busy with CSD meetings by summarizing agendas and honing her writing skills every chance she gets.

COMPLETE TESTING & REPAIR

BY KATY CLARK

Behind the glasses

When customers walk into Specs by Kyla, owner Kyla Skinner treats them like a guest in her own home.

“We really enjoy what we do, and we never want people to think we are sales people,” Skinner said. “It’s more about helping them see better and loving what they are wearing on their face.”

Personal connection to her customers is important to Skinner.

“Sometimes I feel like we do eyeglass therapy here,” she said.

Specs by Kyla in Downtown Atascadero fits locals with eyewear inspired by a desire to sell unique designs Skinner felt were lacking in doctors’ offices.

“It’s just a matter of matching people’s personalities to their eyewear and who they are and maybe who they want to be,” Skinner said.

Plants, bright colors, and funky shapes adorn the space, reflecting Skinner’s personality. She wanted to bring more pop to her new storefront on the corner of Traffic Way and El Camino Real, which opened on April 14.

“My first space was very airy and neutral, and I didn’t honestly know how Atascadero would be receptive to really funky glasses, and so now that I know how it’s embraced and that people love it, I want the space that we built to reflect that as well,” Skinner said.

In July 2021, Skinner started Specs by Kyla, using the money from her birth mother’s inheritance. She described this decision as complicated because in finding her birth family she never wanted them to think she was after money.

“I also had a lifetime of grief hit me when she died and so it was a very heavy loss,” Skinner said. “And I felt like I just didn’t want to spend that money because if I lost it, it would be like losing her all over again. So, I wanted to hold on tight to it and keep it safe and hidden. But I also just felt like she handed me a chance to follow this dream that I had for a really long time.”

Since graduating high school, Skinner has worked as an optician, starting her career working at a doctor’s office in Paso Robles and learning the trade.

“The job is never boring,” Skinner said. “Like every pair of glasses is different. There’s different things to

do every day, and it keeps things interesting and fun.”

In 1999, she became a certified optician through the American Board of Opticianry and spent her career working in different practices. After years of having dreams of opening her own business, she took the leap. Within about six months of opening, she had earned back what she started the business with.

“I felt her blessing,” Skinner said of her birth mother. “Like I felt her presence in my business and her blessing and her gratitude and being able to help me follow that goal and then also have it be a success was very heartwarming, and I felt like it kind of healed something in me as well as I dealt with that grief.”

Through conversations with her customers, Skinner connects with them on an emotional level, sharing the happy and sad moments of life.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to feel connected with people in that way and that they trust us to share their hearts here too,” Skinner said.

Building connections with the designers that she carries is a key part of her business as well—the frames that she carries all come from small independent designers.

“We are not paying for a brand name,” Skinner said. “We are paying for a designer who actually designed the frames that you are seeing in front of you.”

Brands like Nina Mûr, which sells birchwood frames, and Theo, which incorporates pop art themes, reflect the shop’s funkiness.

“When somebody is wearing a unique frame out in the community, everybody asks them, ‘Where did you get that?’” Skinner said. “We still do get referrals of people like, ‘I saw somebody wearing super cool glasses in the grocery store and I want some too.’”

Skinner values connection to the community by giving back to nonprofits like Family Care Network, ECHO, and other organizations that support families in need.

“Just feeling like I was given a gift and just dealing with my own story around adoption,” Skinner said. “I can’t do a lot, but I feel like if we can all do a little bit, it can really make a difference in these families’ lives and how they succeed in our community.”

Fast fact

• At Lumina Alliance’s recent fundraising gala, the nonprofit raised more than $400,000 to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars was held in the Vina Robles tasting room in Paso Robles, featuring dancers from the community. Public Information Specialist for the County of San Luis Obispo Jeanette Trompeter was the grand champion, raising more than $26,000.

Reach Intern Katy Clark at intern@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLA SKINNER

Sara Elisabeth McEre

Sara Elisabeth McEre, age 92, passed naturally and peacefully on April 24, 2026 in the comfort of her home. Sara was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 29th, 1934, the daughter of highly recognized physician, Dr. Roger Olaf Egeberg, Sr. and prominent sculptress of her city, Margaret Chahoon Egeberg.

Sara embraced the peace, love and freeness of the hippie era, always keeping a go-with-theflow attitude. With a humanitarian heart, she gave her love to all people, the environment, causes and the arts.

A self-proclaimed “architecture junkie”, she spent 52 years caretaking and creating safe communities within the properties she owned. Noteworthy, The Establishment, the historic Erickson House, both in San Luis Obispo and a Craftsman style triplex in the Santa Barbara riviera.

She submerged herself in the care and design of the homes, fixing them up and bringing them back to life; all the while providing an environment for tenants to thrive with her loose reins.

Sara is survived by her daughter, Jenifer Rescola, granddaughter, Julie Brainard, grandson, Philip Brainard III and his wife Alysha Brainard, and great grandchildren Gavin Kelly, Hailey Brainard, Ariana Laing, and Jason Laing.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Save the Redwoods-a cause dear to her heart.

Lupe M. Rubio

Lupe Rubio passed away on June 19, 2026 at the age of 100yrs at her home of 70 yrs in Arroyo Grande, Ca. She leaves behind adult children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Lupe in her younger years was an active member of the local  Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria Judo Clubs of which she earned a Certificate of Promotion to SHODAN 1st Degree Black Black on 1-12-90 Rank 1-8016 from the United States Judo Federation. She was also a long time member of the Presbyterian Church in Arroyo Grande. She is preceded in death by our father Amador Rubio who passed away in 2009. This poem is for you mom, rest well.

Aggressive in a Gentle Way

She loved red flowers and weeds all the same Each had a place in her garden

She gave them all names

She loved creek fishing and the smell of ocean air

We’d often go camping to places close there

Our home she made welcome a place we could stay for close friends and family

She wanted it that way

Now free to go traveling to places far away

Go now mom, grandma

In a Gentle peaceful way.

Robert  A. Kaye

Robert “Rob” A. Kaye was born in 1970 in Hamburg, Germany. Known to his family as Bobby, as a youngster he and his family moved to the United States. After high school, Rob moved to San Luis Obispo, California to attend Cal Poly and study computer engineering. It was here that Rob developed life-long relationships and began his tech career. In July 2000, Rob started MusicBrainz, a non-profit open-source collaborative music database. Rob served as Executive Director of the MetaBrainz Foundation, the non-profit organization for MusicBrainz and its sister projects; ListenBrainz, BookBrainz, CritiqueBrainz, Cover Art Archive and MusicBrainz Picard, which he led until his untimely death in February 2026.

In addition, Rob was an active hardware hacker, creating art projects for Burning Man and Nowhere. Rob was a co-founder of Party Robotics, where he co-created Bartendro, an open source cocktail robot. His makerspace was constantly full of projects including mesmerizing light art installations and socially conscious art.

In 2013 Rob relocated to Barcelona, Spain, where he continued to lead the MetaBrainz, live happily and create, as well as expand his global community.

In 2025 Rob was inducted into the European Open Source Academy. The Academy is part of an EU-funded initiative celebrating European excellence in open source hardware and software.

Rob is survived by his mother, Erika

Kaye, brother John Kaye, and partner Kirsten Tinkler. He is also survived by his adopted sister Karen lillithk Reyes, and special friends Gisela Vieira and Jean Balsz, as well as many friends in the global community he savored.

A celebration of Rob’s life will take place on Saturday May 30th at Krobar in San Luis Obispo, California from 11am-5pm with a ceremony at 1:00. The following day there will be a memorial hike in Poly Canyon. Further details are available at https://bigbalszproductions.com. An earlier remembrance was held in Barcelona attended by many friends from all over Europe.

BORN 1970, HAMBURG, GERMANY - DECEASED 2026, BARCELONA, SPAIN

We surrendered our coast and called it a deal

When the offshore wind project planned for Morro Bay was canceled as part of a deal with the Trump administration, something more than a contract died. A promise died. A future died.

Now, instead of clean energy powering California homes, the administration wants to drill for oil off our coast. Not because it solves our energy crisis. Not because it helps working families at the pump. But because it rewards the fossil fuel industry that bankrolled the politicians who killed the wind project in the first place.

Make no mistake: This was not a compromise. This was a surrender.

But here’s what breaks my heart the most. We’re going to have to look our kids and grandkids in the eyes, and they’re going to ask us: What did you do about climate change? When you knew, what did you do? I know what I can tell my grandchildren. I fought with every bit of strength I had. But those who traded away our wind future for oil leases and political favors? They’ll say nothing—and just offer their thoughts and prayers.

Now, is that something to celebrate?

Susan Callery Arroyo Grande

My vote is with Adam Verdin

Public safety is the most fundamental duty of county government, yet it often feels like our law enforcement and firefighters are being asked to do more with less. When our first responders lack the resources they need, it’s a failure of accountability by the SLO County Board of Supervisors.

Adam Verdin has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign. He understands that a safe community is the foundation for everything else, from a healthy economy to a high quality of life. Adam will prioritize ensuring that those who protect us have the staffing, training, and equipment necessary to keep SLO County’s 4th District safe. He isn’t interested in political grandstanding; he’s focused on the practical reality of keeping our neighborhoods secure. We need a supervisor who will hold the line on the budget while making sure public safety is never a second-tier priority.

Adam Verdin is the clear choice for anyone who values a safe and secure San Luis Obispo County.

Linda M. Austin Oceano

Your vote is your voice

The June 2 election is fast approaching. All eligible California voters received a mail-in ballot the first week in May.

To make sure your voter registration is up to date, to change your registration information, or, if you are new to San Luis Obispo County, to register to vote, go to https://registertovote.ca.gov.

Contrary to what you may have heard, our elections are secure. Voter fraud is rare. Voting by non-citizens is practically nonexistent. Voting by mail is secure. Research conducted by institutions across the political spectrum has all debunked claims

that election fraud is rampant. A Heritage Foundation study of voting in Arizona found 36 cases of fraudulent voting in more than 42 million ballots cast across 25 years. An MIT study found 204 cases of fraudulent absentee ballots out of 250 million cast over a 20-year period. Claims of voter fraud are themselves fraudulent.

We urge you to study the candidates and the issues. Be an informed voter. Your vote is your voice and your power. Make your voice heard. Use your power. Register to vote and cast your ballot with confidence that your vote will be counted.

Janice Langley

Joanne Schultz

Jacquie Canfield

Wendy Brown League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

Don’t exclude people from recreational opportunities

If vehicles go away from the Oceano Dunes, the off-highway vehicle funds that actively protect the snowy plover go away. If these funds disappear, State Parks will manage the plovers and other threatened birds as they do at other beaches: build a massive enclosure that is completely free of people. No vehicles. No pedestrians. No fishing. No surfing. No dog walking. Absolutely nothing. Likely constructed at either at the creek, or at Pier Avenue.

The only real reason anyone is honestly suggesting closing down the beach to vehicles is that they own land and want to essentially be granted a private beach from the state, while excluding everyone else from these various types of recreation.

Jason Castillo Grover Beach

Michael Erin Woody is connected to the district

he wants to represent

In a time when growth and development seem inevitable, it’s worth asking a simple question: What are we willing to lose?

Here on the Central Coast, we are stewards of something truly special. From our rolling hills to the delicate ecosystems that define our shores, San Luis Obispo County is more than just a place to live; it’s a place worth protecting.

That’s why I support Michael Woody for 2nd District county supervisor.

Michael’s connection to this region runs deep. As he puts it, “When you come from a legacy family of native Indians, pioneers, and fishermen that helped build our Central Coast, representing SLO County becomes very personal.” That sense of responsibility is exactly what we need in local leadership. Michael understands that progress should not come at the expense of the very resources that sustain us. He has been a strong voice in opposing large-scale industrialization projects, like offshore wind and battery plants, that could reshape our land and impact our environment in ways we don’t fully understand.

Equally important is his commitment to protecting our natural resources, including our aquifers and the Morro Bay Estuary. These are not just environmental concerns; they are essential to our way of life, our local economy, and future generations.

At the heart of Michael’s campaign is a belief that resonates with many of us: This community belongs to the people who live here, not to encroaching developers or corporations. That principle matters. It speaks to local control, accountability, and preserving the character of a place we call home.

Choose leadership that values balance, respects heritage, and puts community first. Support Michael Woody for San Luis Obispo County supervisor and protect what makes our classic Central Coast not just beautiful, but ours.

Karen Aguilar Morro Bay

Vote for Jimmy Paulding

After listening to the candidate forum on April 28 with Jimmy Paulding and Adam Verdin, my vote is with Paulding for the 4th District supervisor. He is articulate and also extremely well-versed on the issues due to his experience over the past three-plus years. It takes considerable time to get up to speed in understanding the various local and state entities as well as the laws that pertain to a myriad of issues. I want to see the well-earned expertise that Paulding has accrued to continue so that SLO County can progress on safety issues (a Nipomo sheriff substation and three-person staffing at 5 Cities Fire Authority), infrastructure projects, homelessness, affordable housing—all done ethically and responsibly.

Jean Baker Nipomo

Keep the Oceano Dunes vehicle free

During COVID when the Oceano Dunes beach was closed to vehicular traffic, I walked the beach every day. I’d never really

had the opportunity to see it without having to dodge cars and trucks speeding down the beach. I took pictures of glorious sunsets, the plovers from a distance, of course, and other sea life.

Then the beach was reopened to traffic, and I can’t tell you how many times I was nearly run over by careless drivers or even witnessed people driving in the ocean. Plastic bottles, broken glass, garbage overflowing the bins. I stopped going to the beach after that and have not returned since. Please keep these beaches for people who enjoy nature and not to those who destroy and pollute it with their garbage and then go home and leave it for others to clean up their messes.

A petty campaign flyer changed my mind

I recently received one of those ads about voting for our 2nd District county supervisor. It was pretty much a big smear campaign against Michael Woody. Being in this unfortunate political climate we are currently experiencing, I thought I will look up Michael Woody and see what this is all about. Well, it was petty lies and misinformation put out by Mr. Jim Dantona. I’m so disappointed, because I was actually thinking of voting for him. But after I did a little research on Michael Woody, I changed my thought process. I will now be voting for Michael Woody. I like to hear what a candidate will be doing for the county of San Luis Obispo and my district. I heard that from Michael Woody. Not a smear campaign. No derogatory remarks. Thank you, Mr. Dantona, for changing my mid.

Susan Kwasny Cambria

Lydia Rodenhuis Oceano

BY JOHN B. ASHBAUGH

‘Emperor Trump’

Our nation is suffering under the rule of most narcissistic and egotistical personality ever to occupy the White House. His vanity is embedded in his character, and it’s now being embedded in stone, steel, and signage throughout Washington.

We watched in horror as Trump summarily demolished the East Wing of the White House to build a massive ballroom twice the size of the White House itself. Trump’s face glowers down from an enormous banner draping the Robert F. Kennedy Building, headquarters of the Justice Department. He’s attached his name to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, now closed for two years while he “renovates” that landmark.

Trump’s “Triumphal Arch” will soon rise 250 feet over the entry to Arlington Cemetery, taller than the Lincoln Memorial across the river. A group of Vietnam veterans has filed suit to stop this monument to Trump’s vainglorious ego.

As Trump’s conceit has soared, his popularity sinks: A recent Post-ABC-Ipsos poll reveals that 62 percent of Americans disapprove of him, and only 37 percent approve. On every issue he is viewed negatively.

This surging anger should put Democrats in control of Congress after the midterm election in November. If so, I have a suggestion: Let’s give him an empire—a “virtual reality” empire where he can continue believing that he still reigns supreme.

The new Congress should pass a resolution declaring Trump the “Emperor of these United States and Protector of Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela.” Along with this title, we should offer him a special crown designed by a new Congressional Committee on Artificial Intelligence, one that will create a virtual reality bubble where he will experience his new empire as if it were real life. It shouldn’t be difficult to create this hallucinatory crown. AI can do just about anything we ask. Is there any more important task for our AI engineers than saving us from this self-promoting egomaniac now wreaking havoc on the nation?

There’s a historical precedent in 19thcentury hero Emperor Norton, who ruled over his vast “empire“ from San Francisco from 1860 until his death in 1880. Born in England in 1818, Joshua Norton arrived in San Francisco in 1846. By 1852, he’d earned a fortune in investments but lost it all, declaring bankruptcy in 1856.

After a failed campaign for Congress, Norton found a new way to resurrect his reputation: In 1859, Norton wrote a letter to the San Francisco Daily Evening Bulletin proclaiming himself “Emperor of these United States.” He called for delegates from all across the Union to meet in six months to “make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring.”

San Francisco quickly embraced this eccentric activist, indulging him with all

the accolades accorded to monarchy. People bowed to him as he walked the city’s streets.

In 1861, Emperor Norton pronounced an additional title for himself: “Protector of Mexico.” Norton wore an elaborate blue uniform with gold-plated epaulettes, a beaver hat adorned with ostrich feathers, and a rosette. He often held audiences with his subjects in the streets, discussing the issues of the day.

Emperor Norton proposed marriage to Queen Victoria in London, hoping their union would strengthen ties with his native England. Sadly, she never responded. When he died, 10,000 of his loyal subjects attended the funeral; the headline in The Chronicle lamented, “Le Roi Est Mort ” (The King Has Died).

Let’s take a page from the case of Emperor Norton and allow Trump to exchange the presidency for a far greater realm as emperor.

Each day when he rises, he’d find his clothes laid out for him: Purple robes befitting his special AI crown, scepters, and rings—a daily ritual coronation of his grace— except Sundays, when he’ll don a pope’s habit and play the role of pontiff.

His new AI crown will manipulate his perception of the settings and people around him, reinforcing his need to be the center of attention of the universe. This new bubble will provide all the fawning admiration that he craves, creating virtual versions of Mar-aLago and his ballroom in Washington.

Our virtual monarch could exercise his power by waging virtual wars on virtual nations—even a virtual China! His virtual advisors would convince him that the GOP

won the mid-term elections bigly. In this world, a third term is guaranteed.

Trump’s virtual Washington would be redesigned just as he has ordained: his name on every building, “Triumphal Arches” at both ends of Arlington Bridge.

Huge crowds would line the course of each imperial entourage, cheering wildly as he rides among adoring fans who shower him with his newly minted gold Trump coins.

Here’s the best part: When his magnificent mortal body finally gives out, the emperor’s VR rooms will be re-created in the American Museum of History where visitors could reimagine the glorious days of MAGA.

These special VR galleries would, however, be the only building where his name appears, anywhere in America, anywhere in the world. ∆

John Ashbaugh has been living in his own altered state of consciousness since the late ‘60s. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

A bad look

Just when I think that politics can’t make the day any worse, they do. The headlines are audacious, the Trump administration is a daily massacre, and California politics stink!

Who are our options for California governor?

We’ve got Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad “I’m the Trump of California” Bianco and Trump’s personal pick, TV personality Steve “I’m also Trumpy” Hilton. Liberals in the state are very concerned that these two yayhoos might get higher percentages of votes than any of the six leading Democrats on the ballot and move onto the general election via the state’s top-two primary rule.

Rallying behind a single candidate would be too easy, of course. There’s a contingent of folks who are hoping they can wait to cast their votes at the very last possible minute. By tracking the initial vote-by-mail counts to see which Dem is starting to reign supreme, these folks plan to strategically throw their last-minute blue might behind that person.

What a great way to pick a governor! Seems like it might not work?

The initial Democratic front-runner who separated from the pack was Eric Swalwell. About a month ago, he resigned from both the race and his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives after multiple women accused the guy of sexual assault. He faces separate criminal investigations into rape accusations in LA and Manhattan. Of course,

he’s denied everything. But his political career is over, nonetheless.

The recent allegations weren’t the first. His treatment of women was part of that whole political career. It came up a lot, apparently, and guess what? No one did a damn thing about it until he ran for governor.

Now, there are calls to make House ethics investigations better … blah, blah, blah. I’ve heard this story before. All the people in the Epstein files aren’t the only ones who women are concerned about. Maybe Congress should stop pointing fingers and take a long, hard look at itself. Just a thought.

Swalwell’s well-earned downfall gave Xavier Becerra a chance.

The former state attorney general and congressman and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary under Joe Biden is pushing toward the top of the candidates list. He’s polling at 19 percent, according to an Emerson College poll. That’s more than Hilton, who’s at 17 percent, and Bianco, who’s at 11 percent.

Thank God that Bianco the ballot stealer is below Hilton. What a weird thing to be happy about.

Guess what? There’s also a scandal that’s close to Becerra but supposedly doesn’t involve him. Come on!

His longtime advisor Sean McCluskie apparently stole more than $200,000 from

Becerra’s campaign account—right out from under the dude’s nose. And other Dem governor hopefuls are using it against Becerra: Is he a dumb-dumb or is he in on it?

McCluskie wasn’t the only guy caught up in the fraud scheme. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff Dana Williamson is also accused of funneling campaign funds into her pockets and those of her friends.

Can we really not do better than this?

None of it is a good look! We’re supposed to be the good guys, not the corrupt conservatives. The Dem who’s polling at 17 percent, just like Humpty-Trumpty Hilton, is Tom Steyer, a billionaire whose well-funded campaign is everywhere you look.

I thought this state hates billionaires? His big plan is to lower costs for Californians.

Great!

“Lower costs” was precisely what Trump campaigned on and why all the minions voted his dumb ass back into office. Look at where we are now: In a war with costs on the rise and drunk cabinet members taking up headlines. But, hey, his stamp will be on every building in Washington, D.C., in new passports, and on dollar bills. We might even get a Trump coin out of the deal!

That way we can never, ever forget him.

Slow clap to all the Trump voters out there. The emperor is actually wearing your clothes.

Steyer is actually pitching policies that would cut into his own bottom line, unlike our esteemed president.

Meanwhile, Trump is actually convincing offshore wind companies that have already paid the government for their leases to back out of their deals. And his administration is giving them less money back than these companies paid in. The art of the deal, amirite?

Golden State Wind, which had leases off the coast of Morro Bay, is getting about $120 million in lease fees back (it paid about $150 million). But only if the company invests an equal amount in oil and gas assets, infrastructure, or projects along the Gulf Coast

“I’m outraged by this backwards decision,” U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal said.

Oh good. I’m sure the Trump administration is shaking in its boots. Maybe Julie Tacker and the Tacker Backers need to walk into the White House. Maybe then, the “Tacker effect” could extend beyond the boundaries of SLO County.

The people who claim to be against the industrialization of our ocean, the ones who are cheering that Golden State took this agreement, must be OK with offshore oil and gas development. How can REACT Alliance celebrate this agreement and still claim to be an environmental advocate?

It can’t. But it’s trying, claiming to be a “singleissue” organization. Um, maybe whales are cool with oil platforms, but not floating wind turbines? ∆

Hot Dates

GROOVE ROCK

The three-piece groove rock group Gallivant will perform a free show at The Siren in Morro Bay on Friday, May 22, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Anticipate an evening of rock ’n’ roll, complete with the band members sporting short shorts, tube socks, and flowing hair. For more details, head to thesirenmorrobay.com.

—Angie Stevens

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART IN THE PARK MORRO BAY Join us at Art in the Park, a celebration of the creative community and one of the longest-running outdoor art festivals on the West Coast. May 23 -25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Morro Bay Park, 750 Harbor St, Morro Bay.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST HEMA

SUKUMAR, FINE ART ACRYLIC

PAINTINGS FROM THE COAST TO THE HILLS From shorelines to mountaintops, Hema Sukumar catches California and beyond in acrylic with warmth and a sharp eye for color. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST JARI DE HAM, EXHIBITING SCULPTURES AND SMALL WORKS From Chinese brush painting to stone sculptures, Jari de Ham’s work finds the Central Coast in an ancient artistic tradition. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST NATHAN TOOLE, WHERE COLOR FINDS ITS OWN ORDER Find color and form that feel right before you know why. Nathan Toole exhibits his acrylic abstract paintings. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068.

galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

ORANGE CRUSH EXHIBIT Come to the gallery and explore the emotion of orange: the energy, heat, joy—expect to see diverse artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. May 14 -June 22 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

AWAKENED WORD POETRY COURSE

Learn the ancient technique of question and answer to receive Divine poetry from your Supreme Self. Think Rumi. Commune with your inner source of love. Only four spots are available. To join, call or email. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon through May 23 Free. (805) 704-4246. Private residence, Address revealed to ticket holders, Atascadero.

DATE NIGHT Couples or friends, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a creative night out. Have fun and get messy as the venue walks you through the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $144. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/datenight. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

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.

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, 5880 Entrada

Ave, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.

SIP N’ SKETCH/SIP N’ PAINT Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of our’s) and paint or sketch a themed live-model or still life under the guidance of Studios resident artists. See website for the specific theme of the month. Your first glass of wine is included in price. Third Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $20. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

STUDIOS ON THE PARK: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Check site for a variety of classes and workshops offered. ongoing studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, (805) 238-9800.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 8966197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com. 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) 7474200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BEGINNING WATERCOLORS WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium! The class is for beginners or advanced who’d like to “loosen up.” Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through May 26 $130. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY CHORAL CONCERT: WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir and Cantabile will present Benjamin Britten’s “Cantata Misericordium” and other works. May 22, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/choirs/#neighbor. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

CIVIL LIBERTIES ON FIRE: POETRY AND WORKSHOP A poetry reading, featuring diverse writers of conscience sharing the impact of past or present civil liberty challenges. Concludes with open mic and writing workshop. May 16 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 781-4187. catalog.slolibrary.org/onebook-one-coast-2026. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVE KIDS: AFTER SCHOOL The Creative Kids series is designed to ignite your child’s imagination and inspire creativity with each workshop focusing on a different medium! Wednesdays. through June 3 $150 for all 8 classes; $25 drop in. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to

call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

CUESTA DRAMA PRESENTS: SPRING

AWAKENING Spring Awakening winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is an electrifying rock musical that redefined the boundaries of theatre. May 14 7:30 p.m., May 15 7:30 p.m., May 16 , 2 p.m. and May 17 2 p.m. $20-$25. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO MONOPRINTING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn monoprinting with Gelli plates using acrylic paint, botanicals, stencils, and found objects to create unique textured prints for collage, journaling, cards, or framed art. May 16 2-4:30 p.m. $95. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

NEUROGRAPHIC ART WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn neurographic art, a meditative drawing method that processes emotions and reduces stress. Create flowing lines, neural-style patterns, and color using brush pens. May 23 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls. com. Learn Neurographic art, a relaxing drawing method that uses flowing lines

and watercolor pens to process emotions, reduce stress, and create beautiful abstract patterns. May 23 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. RAFAEL MONTERO AND JOHN SLOBODA RECITAL: THE SONGS OF PEDRO XIMÉNEZ ABRIL TIRADO Guest artists Rafael Montero on tenor and John Sloboda on piano will present a recital of the songs of Pedro Ximénez Abril Tirado. May 21 , 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, 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.

THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT When a fresh out-of-Harvard fact-checker is assigned to a talented writer’s essay, they come head-to-head in a hilarious yet gripping battle over facts vs. truth. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through May 14 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/the-lifespan-of-a-fact/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SIREN MORRO BAY

FRIDAY-SUNDAY,

Giafunni’s

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria

How We Met

SATURDAY, MAY 16

SLO Cider Co, SLO

MAY 17

Wines, Paso Robles

Into the Forest: Mindful Nature Connection

SUNDAY, MAY 17 Montana de Oro

GARRISON KEILLOR WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD DWORSKY Loyal

fans and those new to his audience will be entertained with Garrison Keillor’s quintessential humor, music, poetry, and anecdotes in his classic baritone. May 24 , 7 p.m. $49-$79. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JUDKINS AND MESA MIDDLE SCHOOLS

PRESENT: LION KING JR. Experience the magic of the savanna in this unforgettable production of The Lion King JR., proudly presented by Judkins and Mesa Theater.

May 15 , 7 p.m. and May 16 , 2 & 7 p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

MAMMA MIA! Enjoy ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island. May 21 7 p.m., May 22 , 7 p.m. and May 23 , 2 & 7 p.m.

$23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREATHE AND STRETCH One must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again, with ease, in order to participate in this 55-minute session. It’s specifically designed to enhance mobility and strength. Please bring a mat and some water. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

CENTRAL COAST 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.

DISCOVERY SATURDAY: SANCTUARY

RECREATION Join the Coastal Discovery Center and Cambria Fishing Club for guided recreational pier fishing, ocean themed art,

and learn about NOAA’s recreational fishing best practices! May 23 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon, (805) 927-2145.

ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos. GREENSPACE SPEAKER SERIES: LIVING AMONGST GIANTS: MANKIND VS. ECOSYSTEMS- PAUL C. WILLIAMS, WILLIAMS PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. Williams Pest Management, Inc. is a local company specializing in integrated pest management, urban forest biology, ecosystem-focused pest and disease management, soil health and more! May 24 4-6 p.m. $10. (805)927-2866. greenspacecambria.org/f/greenspacespeaker-series--paul-williams--may-24. Unitarian Universalist Community of Cambria, 786 Arlington St., Cambria. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE AT CAMBRIA NURSERY Kick off Memorial Day weekend at Cambria Nursery with 20% off storewide. May 22-25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria. 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/.

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 AND QI GONG: ZEN IN MOTION

Small group classes with 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the Year. Call for time and days. Learn the Shaolin Water Style and 5 Animals Qi Gong. Beginners welcomed. Mondays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call for price details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This open-air market features over 30 local vendors from SLO County. May 23 -25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/ waterfrontmarketmorrobayca. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS MORRO BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/ moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members $8-$10. (805) 772-7466. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED

EXPERIENCE This 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.

SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING

Bring your favorite rock, gem, crystal, fossil, etc., to show the rest of the club. Third Monday of every month, 7 p.m. slrockhounds.org/. Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St., Templeton.

SUNSET ON THE LAVENDER FARM Enjoy a golden-hour lavender experience with evening farm access, U-Pick bouquet, and a featured winery tasting. Relax, wander, and unwind. Tickets are limited; reservations are required. Saturdays, 6:309 p.m. through July 11 $30. (805) 975-0056. hamblyfarms.com/visit-the-farm. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.

TRAFFIC JAM VINTAGE AND HANDMADE

MARKET Traffic Jam is a curated vintage and handmade market in Downtown Atascadero, featuring vintage clothing, art, handmade goods, local makers, music, and creative community vibes. May 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 464-2564. trafficjamvintagemarket.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

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.

WBC MARKETPLACE 2026 WBC Marketplace 2026 brings together an incredible community of entrepreneurs, makers, and innovators for a day of connection, visibility, and opportunity. May 17 12-4 p.m. Free. (805)595-1357. mcscorp. org/wbc-marketplace-2026/. Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 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,

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

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.

BOARD GAME NIGHT AT CAPTAIN NEMO

GAMES Game night is on! Join us Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Captain Nemo Games for fun, friendly board gaming. All skill levels welcome! Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/events/20474278 99121921/2047427949121916?acontext=%7B

%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D.

Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble!

Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youth-programs.

Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions

Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CARE CREW Calling all crafty, caring, petloving 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 JEWISH HERITAGE

FESTIVAL A free, family-friendly cultural festival celebrating Jewish heritage with live music, cultural exhibits, food, vendors, and children’s activities at Mitchell Park in SLO. May 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. centralcoastjewishheritagefestival.com.

Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST JEWISH HERITAGE

FESTIVAL: OPENING NIGHT AND FILM

SHOWING Enjoy the opening night reception and film screening kicking off the Central Coast Jewish Heritage Festival. There will be light refreshments followed by the documentary TOVAH about Tovah Feldshuh. May 16 6-8 p.m. $18. centralcoastjewishheritagefestival. com/. Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los

Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0760.

CHUMASH HERITAGE NATIONAL MARINE

SANCTUARY (CHNMS) BOAT TOUR Join us on a boat tour of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) and learn about how the sanctuary benefits the Central Coast! May 19 7:15-10 a.m. $20. Harford Pier, 3975 Port San Luis Pier, San Luis Obispo.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. COMPLIMENTARY SHOWERS WITH SHOWER THE PEOPLE After a short hiatus, the San Luis Obispo Library will once again be partnering with local non-profit organization, Shower the People. The shower trailer will be located between the library and parking structure. Toiletries provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo. 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.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP

A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: MOTHER’S DAY MUSCLE MADNESS Drop your kiddos off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off! The class is geared towards children 4 to 13 years of age. No experience is necessary. May 16 5-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 547-1496. 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

SPRING MOVEMENT

A Spring Wellness event will be held at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. The day will begin with an hour-long flow yoga class on the Secret Garden Lawn, followed by a succulent planting workshop, where participants can get their hands dirty and enjoy sangria and light snacks. General admission is $65.19. Visit my805tix.com for tickets and additional details. —A.S.

(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.

MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS

ORIENTATION MEETING Mission SLO

Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new docentshelp share the special story of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. missionslodocents. org/. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

MOONLIGHT HOURS Since reopening in 2008, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has offered free hours, Moonlight Hours, the third Thursday of each month. Experience the wonder and get more info at the link. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 544-KIDS. slocm. org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

PARADISE FOUND AND LOST:

JAPANESE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION, INCARCERATION, AND RESETTLEMENT

Author-historian Shizue Seigel and former

WWII incarceree Margaret Cooper share stories and images of the Japanese American struggle for equality, land, and freedom. May 23 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 471-5913. catalog.slolibrary.org/one-bookone-coast-2026. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. $25. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

ROOT & RISE: SPRING WELLNESS AT SYCAMORE Begin on the Secret Garden Lawn with an hour yoga class surrounded by fresh air and blooming beauty. Afterward, embrace the energy of spring with a handson succulent planting workshop — complete with your own keepsake potted plant, sangria, and light snacks. May 16 10 a.m. $65.19. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.

SEEDS OF THE FUTURE Join for an afternoon featuring small bites, a no-host bar, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a 50/50 opportunity drawing. May 17 2-5 p.m. $12.56-$55.40. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-1400. SLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXPO The annual Expo brings together more than 100 local exhibitors and puts them in front of 2,000 attendees in what has become the largest business tradeshow on the Central Coast. May 20 4-7 p.m. (805) 786-2774. slochamber.org/events/expo-at-the-expo/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5 Free. sloflowercollective.com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO MASTER GARDENERS, ADVICE TO GROW BY: HOW TO GROW AND PRESERVE YOUR OWN HERBAL BOUNTY

Hear speakers from the SLO Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers explain how to grow and preserve herbs. There will also be a plant sale. May 16 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu/ sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

SLO RANCH SECOND ANNUAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL! Enjoy a full weekend of family-friendly festivities. There wil be U-pick blueberries, live music, line dancing, and more! May 24 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. sloranchfarms.com. SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-0210.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY

GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252. TRICKZONE (PARKOUR AND TUMBLING) CLINIC It’s trickzone time! Join this two-hour combo of tumbling and parkour takes kids from timid to triumphant! All levels are welcome, from 5 to 17 years old. May 16 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOBA (YOGA AND BOBA FUNDRAISER) Roll out your mat and recharge with an outdoor yoga session surrounded by the beauty of San Luis Obispo — all while supporting a cause that matters. Every ticket directly funds the Cal Poly Women’s Mobile Health Unit, bringing essential health services to women in our community. May 16 11:15 a.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Santa Rosa Park, Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 18TH ANNUAL PARTY ON PISMO VINTAGE TRAILER RALLY View and tour the magical world of vintage trailers as well as shop our vintage swap meet. The event is child and dog friendly. May 16 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Pismo Coast Village RV CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20

PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX

Donate Denim

Resort, 165 S Dolliver St., Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5649.

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.

BEAUTIFUL NATURE CONNECTING Come explore the joys of connecting to nature spirits, beings, and non-physical energies in nature We will practice methods and be delightedly nourished and healed. May 23 4-5:30 p.m. $10. (928) 848-9828. Bob Jones Trail, 7009 Ontario Road, Avila Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. MondaysSundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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.

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP

SIGN-UP & POTLUCK Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

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.

PRICE ANNIVERSARY HOUSE

DEDICATION AND A PEEK AT THE PISMO

BEACH HISTORY CENTER AT MEHERIN

HOUSE Enjoy light refreshments and tours, along with a dedication by Ed Waage, and an annual community meeting. May 16 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 550-0439. facebook. com/events/933370262958561. Price Historical Park, 100 Rancho Pismo Drive, Pismo Beach.

SUCCESSFUL PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID

CARE AND REBLOOM In this workshop, you’ll receive a Phalaenopsis orchid to repot yourself into proper mix and instructions on how to care for and rebloom it. May 16 , 2-3 p.m. $35. (805) 2704083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

Send event information to

or submit

from., and $2 off glasses of wine and $1 off mocktails. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines. com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

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.

FRIENDS TRIVIA NIGHT It’s time to put down the coffee mugs and pick up a wine glass for Friends Trivia. May 21 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

TASTE OF THE BACK ROADS: A COLLECTIVE GRAND TASTING & VIP EXPERIENCES Enjoy an intimate and casual Paso Wine Country experience. Learn, explore, and discover a deeper love for wine from the winemakers themselves! May 24 12-4 p.m. $125. (805) 239-1730. eventbrite.com. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFE Get free help fixing bikes, outdoor gear and apparel, household appliances, phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles, clothing, watches, and more. Toss it? No Way! May 16 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities. org. Oceano CSD, 1655 Front St., Oceano.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A prorecovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

3RD THURSDAY GAME NIGHT SERIES & HAPPIER HOUR Join us every Third Thursday for Game Night and Happier Hour. There are many games to choose

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/tin-citywalking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CENTRAL COAST JEWISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL Enjoy a free, family-friendly cultural festival celebrating Jewish heritage with live music, cultural exhibits, food, vendors, and children’s activities at Mitchell Park in SLO. May 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. centralcoastjewishheritagefestival. com. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLO RANCH SECOND ANNUAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL Enjoy a full weekend of family-friendly festivities. Enjoy u-pick blueberries, live music, line dancing, and more! May 23 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. sloranchfarms.com. SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-0210.

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. ∆

Arts

Meet

the artists

Come celebrate the first Blank Canvas Arts Grant recipients— Owen Blackwell, Charlie Rugg, and Caleb Nichols—in SLO’s Region Event Center (858 Monterey St.) on Wednesday, May 20 (5 to 7 p.m.; free and open to the public; RSVP at eventbrite. com).

“Join us for an evening of art, music, and community,” organizers announced. “Meet the three artists funded in our inaugural year, hear about their projects, and connect with the SLO County arts community.”

Blackwell studies city and regional planning at Cal Poly and creates paintings influenced by pre-Columbian South American textiles. He sets up his found canvases in parking lots, at trailheads, and in parks and invites the public to contribute to his designs.

Rugg creates sculptures that distort domestic objects like a vintage TV set, 1950s dining set, and clock and reorganizes them—for instance the dining set flattened into a wall hanging.

Nichols, SLO County’s poet laureate, is bringing his poetry to life as a spoken word album, complete with SLO County field recordings.

“The Blank Canvas Arts Grant provides project funds of up to $3,000 to artists whose work challenges conventional practices and brings unexpected artistic experiences to audiences throughout the county,” organizers announced. “This year’s applicant pool demonstrated extraordinary range, reflecting the depth and diversity of creative talent rooted in this region.”

Panel discussions and Q-and-A start at 5:30 p.m.

You’re invited

For the last decade, Coastline Arts has offered classes, workshops, and performance groups to the SLO County community. Currently, about 100 of your friends and neighbors participate in its choirs and programing, with members ages 14 to retirement age.

As Coastline Arts founder and director Colleen Wall said, “Everyone in the community can benefit from opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends, while nurturing their own creativity and self‐expression. In celebration of life’s joys and victories, or as antidotes to the challenges and strife of our times, performing arts are a wonderful way to manifest joy, solace, and hope.”

The Singing for Hope choir meets every Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Los Osos’ South Bay Community Center in Los Osos.

“There’s nothing as joyful as singing in a group,” choir member Jean Moelter said.

“Using your voice to make music with others feels great mentally, physically, and spiritually. And the sense of community Colleen creates at every rehearsal is a beautiful thing.”

Learn more by visiting coastlinearts.org.

Δ Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Pedal to the mettle

A local pastor describes her youthful struggles

Most families are complicated, but for Pastor Laura O’Brien, who writes under the penname LL O’Brien, hers is a Gordian knot of resentment, denial, and dysfunction. Her memoir, Hope on Wheels, with the “Hope” scrawled in red over a crossed-out “Hell,” lays bare her formative years, her father’s early death at 42, her poor performance in school, her struggles with alcohol, and the cross-country family bicycle trip that became her path to healing.

O’Brien is pastor of SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, but don’t expect a staid, formal, feel-good coming of age tome—there are too many “fucks” and raw emotions on display in this book she describes as “Angela’s Ashes meets The Goonies.”

After her father’s death, she feels not grief but relief because her family had been so dysfunctional and in denial about her abusive father. Labeled a dyke because of her tomboyish ways and refusal to conform to her parents’ idea of traditional gender norms, she feels like the outsider as the fifth child in a sprawling family of nine kids.

Vividly written, her story is populated by well described moments.

“That was when I noticed the cigarette burns on the countertop. Dad would rest his Lucky Strikes on the edge of the counter and forget about them, leaving marks all around the kitchen and any other flat surface in the house. The burn marks were a reminder that the scars he had inflicted would remain long after his death.”

For summer vacation, her mother decides she and her youngest six kids are going to ride across the country on bicycles from their home in Dallas, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and then on to New York City. Over the next 415 pages, O’Brien describes the eight-week trip and her feelings regarding her family. None of them had biked any distance before, and they were ill-prepared for what lay ahead. Her family members who read her account have been none too pleased.

“They didn’t [like it],” O’Brien admitted in her church office. “What’s funny is we’re all whitecollar, educated people, but you get us all together, and we’re still those little rascals. We’re not nice

Take the trip

LL O’Brien’s memoir Hope on Wheels is available locally at Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, Volumes of Pleasure in Los Osos, online at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other retailers, and as an e-book.

to each other. We are nice to each other if it’s one on one, but if you threw us all into a situation, we can’t go on. We can’t have a reunion, let’s just say that.

“I knew going in they were going to be really, really angry, but my mom wrote me a letter, and she validated everything, so I’m kind of like, ‘Well, you guys can kind of piss off.’ I’ve spent a year now thinking about what I did to them, and maybe it wasn’t fair that I didn’t give them a better heads-up. That’s their biggest anger. But I let one of them read it and he didn’t talk to me again, ever.”

With eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, O’Brien wasn’t “game” for being “bombarded by eight people” offering criticism before the book was published.

“I knew going in, it was not going to be well received, but the more I thought about it, I told my story. I don’t tell theirs. At no point did I say how they felt, what they thought. I gave those parameters for myself, and I told the editors that we aren’t telling my brothers’ and sisters’ story.”

That said, while the names have been changed, the characters are all based on her family, but instead of coming off as bad people, they simply seem flawed and complicated but altogether normal human beings. Even her mother, who O’Brien clearly harbors resentment toward, is sympathetic.

“She was 46 years old, you know? And she was a widow with nine kids. And her husband was—I’ll just say it—he was not a good guy. He wasn’t. He was a very flawed man.”

Prone to pitting his children against one another, her father was an alcoholic chain smoker and district attorney with ethics problems. Yet her parents grew up in an America that worked for straight white people, and her parents were outwardly successful. When they were newly married, Kennedy was president, and it really felt like Camelot.

“They were like [the movie] Grease. She graduated 1956. Everything was perfect, and she worked so hard to keep that, and it just fell apart all around her. And then she had this daughter who would not conform for nothing. It was like [General] Custer [at Little Bighorn] for her. She had nine kids, and we knew we outnumbered her.”

When they eventually bicycle off on their trip, it quickly becomes apparent they’re not prepared for what was to come.

“We really didn’t know what we were doing. We grew up in the Willamette Valley. It’s a lot gentler than even the Seattle area. The summers are 85 degrees, gorgeous, [the terrain] flat—the idea of climbing, you go up 300 feet, not 10,000 feet. We had no clue what we were doing.”

Still, they often managed to ride 120 miles in a day, and they saw the country in a way most of us never will.

“What it did is opened my eyes and opened my siblings’ eyes too. The world’s bigger. For somebody to travel to Europe or to go to New York City, that was like going to the moon.”

Today, O’Brien lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and their daughter. When her book was released last year, she had a book signing at Morro Bay’s Coalesce Bookstore, and a young woman approached and asked her what it was about.

“I said, ‘Oh, you know what? Actually, it’s about somebody your age.’”

The girl’s name was Autumn, and she was from Sacramento. Later she contacted O’Brien through Facebook.

“She said, ‘I want you to know that book, I identified with it so much. I don’t know if I can go to university. I don’t know if I’m smart enough.’” O’Brien recalled.

“I want people to realize that you’re not confined by your geography or your dysfunctional family or by anything, that the world’s a big place, and doors do open. And when they open, go through,” she said. “Don’t live in fear, and don’t live by somebody else’s narrative of who they think you should be. Just take the opportunity. That’s the message. That’s it.” ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

HER STORY Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church Pastor Laura Lee O’Brien has written a raw account of her teenage years and her harbored resentment.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LL O’BRIEN

BOOK OF LAURA LL O’Brien’s memoir describes family dysfunction and the cross-country bicycle trip that opened the world to her.

IMAGE COURTESY OF LL O’BRIEN AND CHRISTMAS LAKE PRESS

Naughty by nature?

William Golding’s classic 1954 dystopian novel gets its first television adaption written by Jack Thorne (Adolescence) and directed by Marc Munden (Utopia, The Sympathizer) about a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island in the Pacific following a plane crash. Ralph (Winston Sawyers) is named their leader, and with the help of intellectual “Piggy” (David McKenna), they work to survive and be rescued, but soon another boy, Jack (Lox Pratt), leads a rebellion, and their tentative “society” devolves into warring factions in this timeless and tragic tale of human nature. (four approximately 60-min. episodes)

LORD OF THE FLIES

What’s it rated? TV-MA

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Glen If you’ve seen director Peter Brook’s 1963 black and white film that rather slavishly follows Golding’s spartanly written 200-page book and clocks in at just 92 minutes, you might be wondering how Thorne manages to wring four hours out of this tale. It’s simple: backstory. Thorne adds more information that in turn makes the characters—even Jack—more sympathetic. Some might find this sacrilegious—you don’t mess with a classic—but I found it even more interesting and insightful. In Golding’s book, the boys’ descent into anarchy feels inevitable, but in Thorne’s hands, what happens has a lot to do with past experiences. It remains a gripping and tragic story, and Mark Wolf’s cinematography is stunning. Totally worth the four-hour investment.

Anna I remember reading this book and feeling dread with every page turn and sadness with how quickly and easily these boys fell into utter menace. I can’t say that the dread subsided with this series. We’re still watching ego and fear overtake Jack’s crew as Nicky’s (yes, Piggy’s real name is

THIS IS A GARDENING SHOW

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

We all know Zach Galifianakis as a very funny man, and with this new series, he’s using his humor to bring light to a message the actor and comedian is very passionate about—the future is agrarian. In this short and sweet series, Galifianakis visits schools and farms, talks to kids and growers, and learns alongside the audience about the foods on their plates. He asks kids about the foods they eat, where they come from, and speckles in dad jokes along

revealed) attempt at law and order is swiftly overruled. This series is absolutely gorgeous. From the dense jungles of the islands to the steadily growing layers of filth on the boys’ skin, Munden did a masterful job building this world. Writer Thorne has a knack, and apparently a fondness, for writing about the complicated and sometimes dark world that lives in a young boy’s mind, but also the tenderness that lies there. The love we see between some of these boys, Nicky is an especially tender soul, brings this retelling of a classic to a new level. I don’t ever want to watch humanity turn on itself, but we get more from this than just that. We get a tragic love story and reminder of what small kindnesses can mean in even the darkest times.

Glen Each episode is named after the four main characters, one being Simon (Ike Talbut), a sensitive, wide-eyed boy we discover became close to Jack when they were both left at school over the holidays. After Jack and his gang split off from Ralph, Nicky, and their crew, Simon realizes Jack

the way. Talking to experts, he explores orchards and fields and forests. I love when a series like this feels light and breezy but also offers learning opportunities—this would be a great one to watch with kids. The good news is we all get to learn. For example, did you know that essentially every apple tree grown for fruiting is grafted? Or that the word vegetable exists essentially for botanical purposes: Things aren’t vegetables—they’re roots, leaves, flowers, or other parts of a plant. Quite simply, this show is an absolute delight, and one I can see myself watching again and again, particularly when I need a soothing subject and a laugh. (six 15- to 20-min. episodes)

—Anna

UP

What’s it rated? PG

When? 2009

has stolen his diary in which he revealed his feelings for him. A hint of gay subtext. If you’ve read and recall the book, you know what’s coming, but again, Thorne adds his own elaborations onto the events. Are humans hardwired toward violence, power, and chaos? Sometimes it seems like it, but we also see examples of cooperation and kindness. More of that, please! Anna Those glimpses of vulnerability, kindness, and cooperation become so meaningful when pitted against the atrocities that hate, power, and ego bring. I think we got a bit of the female version of Lord of the Flies with Yellowjackets, another great series that explores the depths of what desperation and isolation bring. Listen, I can’t say that this is a fun story to watch unfold, but it’s done masterfully here. I have nothing but praise for both the actors and makers of this sadly beautiful series. ∆

Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

Where’s it showing? Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m.

Co-directors Pete Docter and Bob Peterson helm this story they co-wrote with Tom McCarthy about Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner), a former balloon salesman who, in an effort to fulfill his wife’s lifelong wish, ties helium-filled balloons to his house to float it to Paradise Falls in South America. Unbeknownst to Carl, a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), who is determined to earn a final merit badge for assisting the elderly and has crept aboard. A storm propels them all the way to South

America, where they meet a mythical giant flightless bird Russell names Kevin and a golden retriever named Dug (voiced by Peterson), who’s outfitted with a special collar that allows his thoughts to be translated into human speech. Soon they find themselves imperiled by Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), an elderly explorer who was Carl’s childhood hero but who has now gone insane. Stunningly animated, it’s an adventure story that explores grief, embracing new experiences, lifelong love, friendship, loyalty, living life to the fullest, and never giving up. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Sound Editing. (96 min.)

BOYS WILL BE BOYS Piggy (David McKenna, left), Ralph (Winston Sawyers, second from left), and some of the nameless boys in their group represent orderly rule, in the new adaption of Lord of the Flies, streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Full circle

Indie-soul band Próxima Parada returns to where they formed to play with the SLO Symphony

Fourteen years ago, a couple of Cal Poly students met and did a really “collegey” thing. They started playing music together. The pair added other players over the next few years, went from busking to house parties to night clubs, and eventually took their show on the road. Now indie-soul act Próxima Parada will return to Cal Poly to play a very special concert with the SLO Symphony in the Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 21 (doors at 6:30, show at 7:30 p.m.; ages 5 and up; $25 to $110).

“For me, this concert feels like a real full-circle moment,” singer-songwriter and guitarist/pianist Nico Larson explained on the Linnaea’s Cafe patio. “We’re coming back to the campus where we met, and it feels like we’re doing something that we would only do for home. It feels like a love letter to SLO. We love playing at home. We want to do something very special that we’d only do here.”

Even the band’s name has a local Cal Poly connection. Próxima Parada means “next stop” in Spanish.

“It comes from taking the bus to Cal Poly,” Larson explained. “There’s that recording that says, ‘Now approaching, próxima parada.’ And man, people hear that all around the world, too. You hear it on the metro in Spain, in Brazil even, because it’s also coincidentally the same phrase in Portuguese.”

In addition to the SLO Symphony, percussionist Val Collins will be joining them at the PAC.

“Doing it at the PAC is also just kind of a dream come true. We’ve been seeing shows there since we were students,” Larson added.

“We saw John Prine and Lake Street Dive, and of course lots of symphony shows, too. The thing that takes it over the top for me is to not just playing in the PAC, not just playing in SLO, but having the symphony with us. It’s something I could only have dreamt of. It feels surreal that we’re actually doing this.”

Since their 2014 debut, Songs of Music, they’ve gone on to record five more, most recently Into the Way (2024), though their biggest hit is from their 2019 album, Kind Reminder—“Musta Been a Ghost” has been streamed 67 million times and counting and has enjoyed a lot of radio play. They plan to record and film this upcoming concert for a live album. The symphony musicians have received the music for the concert’s 16 chosen songs.

“All the individual players will learn their parts, and then we’ll come together the week of the show in the PAC, which is nice. We get to rehearse on the stage, so they’ll be able to dial in the sound and everything,” Larson said.

Sound out! Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

In addition to Larson, bassist Kevin Middlekauff is the other founding member, with guitarist Josh Collins added in 2015 and drummer Aaron Kroeger added in 2016.

“For us, it feels like [Josh and Aaron were there from] the beginning in that we hadn’t been touring yet,” Larson explained. “We were still very much just a local band. We’ve known those guys before then, too, so it’s a long history.”

Since those early days, they’ve embarked on many national and regional tours, have a well-attended YouTube channel, and are Spotify stalwarts.

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.

EASTON EVERETT Enjoy guitar-woven neofolk pop, noteworthy singing, and writing, easy to listen to but also surprises. May 17 2-4 p.m. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria, (805) 927-9466.

GALLIVANT LIVE Short shorts, tube socks, long hair, and good ol’ fashioned rock n roll! Gallivant is a three-piece, riff-based groove rock band, that sets a high bar for the new age of rock and roll

“Josh has been taking the lead on writing the orchestrations, which was a crazy undertaking,” Larson continued. “The symphony didn’t write the music that they’re going to play. We did all the arrangements. Josh and I basically got together and mapped out what we thought would be a dynamic, interesting set, how we could do things differently, what would make it special.”

They wrote parts for flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, French horns, trumpets, trombones, two violin sections, violas, and cellos. A single song might have upwards of 40 pages of charts for the symphony to play their parts simultaneously.

“It’s just going to add all this extra color,

music. They bring a high energy, arenasized rock show to stages all across the country. May 22 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food

texture, different emphasis. The dynamic range is going to be so much greater, bringing it way down, taking it way up. It just feels so special,” Larson said.

Próxima Parada is arguably one of the most successful bands to come out of Cal Poly, and Larson says they’ve always appreciated the local love they’ve received. “I feel so supported by San Luis Obispo,” he said. “When we have this big opportunity, just seeing how people come out. I have a friend, Dan Curcio, a musician, he’s like, ‘Oh, you know, my sister’s 40th birthday is that night.’ So he got the whole birthday to come! It’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, we’re coming 12 deep.’ It’s just cool to see, and that’s just an example of the way San Luis Obispo shows up, and they always have, since the beginning, since our first album when we did a crowdfunding campaign. It was wildly successful. We’ve felt so supported all along the way.”

It you come to the concert and want the

party to keep on going, you can add a VIP after-party and meet-and-greet to your ticket.

“That’s going to have Castoro Cellars pouring wine, Sichuan Kitchen SLO serving food, and Bread Bike with dessert,” Larson said.

Sounds like a hometown hoedown.

Good Vibez at the Fremont Theater

As usual, there’s a ton of great music at the usual locations. Good Vibez is hosting Jerry Garcia Band tribute act Jerry’s Middle Finger on Friday, May 15 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $36.02 at prekindle.com). This close-knit band of musicians continues to carry on Jerry’s musical legacy three decades after his loss.

“This isn’t just a cover band—it’s a band that genuinely honors the music Jerry made

STARKEY continued page 26

and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

DARK STAR HAPPY HOUR, OPEN MIC AND KARAOKE NIGHT Chill out at Dark Star’s happy hour, and enjoy burgers, karaoke, and open mic nigh. Wine by the glass will be available for $8. Fridays, 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars. com/. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. May 15 , 6-8 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Le Cuvier Winery, 3333 Vine Hill Lane, Paso Robles, mika@ lcwine.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with

a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES Join us weekly for the Friday Night Music Series, complete with rotating food trucks! Wine and food will be available for purchase. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free. (805) 238-6300. derbywineestates. com/events/. Derby Wine Estates, 525 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles.

LEGEND ZEPPELIN LIVE AT THE POUR HOUSE Legend Zeppelin was formed to preserve and expand Led Zeppelin’s raw, explosive live performances, delivering an authentic experience for lifelong fans and new listeners. They aim to recreate Led

Zeppelin’s entire career chronologically over the next 6 years. May 16 , 7-10 p.m.

$23.27. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

LIVE AT DARK STAR! CHRIS BLAKEY

Chris Blakey will perform classic acoustic folk rock tunes, along with a few tunes of his own. May 16 , 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH BANJERDAN His music is an Americana mix, rooted in straight-ahead Bluegrass and branching out to include folk, country, blues, oldies, and children’s music. May 17, 3-6 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. exploretock.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH LYNDA TYMCHEK

Join as Lynda Tymchek joins us in the Garden! Enjoy wine tastings and housemade food offerings. Reservations are

recommended. May 23 , 12-3 p.m. (805) 286-4028. Parrish Family Vineyard, 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, parrishfamilyvineyard.com.

MONET DAVIS “DREAMSCAPES BY NIGHT CLOUD” Enjoy a blend of ambient global instruments and dreamy soundscapes that soothe the nervous system. Bring art to create, or simply relax and drift into immersive sonic meditation. May 15 , 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25. (805) 4642564. fieldworkart.org. A solo ambient music project by Monet Davis that layers various combinations of instruments from around the world. May 15 6:30-8 p.m. $25. (805) 464-2564. fieldworkart. org/events. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero.

NATALIE GELMAN LIVE AT DARK STAR Natalie Gelman is an American folk-pop singer and songwriter. Gelman is mainly

LIVE MUSIC continued page 28

LOCALS MADE GOOD Locally formed indie-soul act Próxima Parada, shown here playing live in LA, plays with the SLO Symphony at Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center on May 21

COURTESY PHOTO BY JAKE FRIEDMAN

MORE THAN A COVER BAND

Good Vibez presents Jerry Garcia Band tribute act Jerry’s Middle Finger at the Fremont Theater on May 15

COURTESY PHOTO BY BOB MINKIN

and the community he built,” Rodney Newman, the group’s drummer and cofounder, said in press materials. “We’ve studied these songs: the guitar tones, the vocal arrangements, the keyboard sounds. We play them the way Jerry did, and we connect with the audience in an interactive, open-hearted way. It’s an approach that transcends the perfection of a performance or the spectacle of a light show, because we’re not really about that. We’re about the music, the feeling, and the communal experience.”

Comedian, actor, and podcaster Tig Notaro plays on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, but both shows were essentially sold out except for a couple of random single seats as of May 11 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $50.96 to $63.32 at prekindle.com).

Unknown Mortal Orchestra brings their ethereal experimental sounds on Wednesday, May 20 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $46.32 at prekindle.com). They’re touring in support of their newest EP, Curse, that “reflects the cursed times we find ourselves in,” the band announced. Sean Solomon opens

The Siren …

Mojo Risin’ (a tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors) plays on Friday, May 15 (6 to 9:30

p.m.; 21-and-older; $24.30 at tixr.com). Based out of The Doors’ hometown of LA, this tribute act plays hits like “Light My Fire,” “L.A. Woman,” “Roadhouse Blues,” “Break on Through,” and “Riders on the Storm,” “with a focus on giving audiences a respectful and nuanced tribute to this legendary band,” their bio explains.

Legion of Groove plays on Saturday, May 16 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $8.45 at tixr.com), delivering a night of funky hip-hop rock ’n’ roll. The group is co-fronted by rapper Gehrig Kniffen and DJ Tommy de Silva. A Win For Wolves opens.

Legendary Bad Brains vocalist Paul “HR” Hudson performs on Tuesday, May 19 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.77 at tixr.com). Best known for his stint with the iconic punk band Bad Brains, in 1984, HR formed his reggae-rock band Human Rights. Trippin’ & G opens.

Jamaican dancehall superstar King Yellowman plays on Wednesday, May 20 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $28.02 at tixr.com).

“He also epitomized dancehall’s penchant for ‘slack’ lyrics—that is, casual violence, sexism, homophobia, and general rudeness,” his bio explained. Eric Cotton and One Love Bomb opens.

The Siren also has a few free ones this week. Visit thesirenmorrobay.com for details.

SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock

The club by the airport lifts off with Steely Dead on Friday, May 15 (doors at 7 p.m.; all

ages; $32.36 at ticketweb.com). The Denverbased national touring band “seamlessly fuses the iconic sounds of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan into one electrifying live experience.”

More music …

The Bald Spots, a popular local doo-wop group, brings their mix of ’50s and ’60s American music and humor to a fundraising concert at SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 16 (4 p.m.; all ages; free

but donations encouraged). Proceeds will support Green Pastures, a church ministry that provides mini grants to locals in need of temporary assistance.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Matthias Clark is pulling out all the stops for his upcoming show at SLO’s The Gathering Place (11245 LOVR Road) on Saturday, May 16 (doors at 6, show at 7 p.m.; all ages; $10 includes a seat, $25 includes an unreserved table seat, or $180 for a reserved table for six at my805tix.com). His backing band includes Kenny Lee Lewis, Bobby Santa Cruz, Eric Stever, and Darryl Voss. Expect a retrospective of Clark’s deep catalog.

Bryan Bielanski, a singersongwriter based in Charlotte, North Carolina, plays Sunday, May 17, at Paso’s Sculpterra Winery (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; all ages; free). According to his bio, he’s “inspired by good old rock and folk music.” He’s performed more than 2,500 shows all over the U.S. and in Asia, Europe, Central America, and more. He’s touring in support of his album Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time! ∆

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

CENTRAL COAST NEWS

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STARKEY from page 25

LIGHT YOUR FIRE Mojo Risin’ (a tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors) plays The Siren on May 15 , bringing The Doors’ hits and legendary swagger to Morro Bay.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOJO RISIN’

GOOD CLEAN FUN Local doo-wop group The Bald Spots, known for their mix of music and humor, performs a fundraising concert at SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on May 16 , to benefit locals in need of temporary assistance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BALD SPOTS

MUSICMAN Singer-songwriter and guitarist Matthias Clark plays a special full-band concert at SLO’s The Gathering Place backed by an all-star band on May 16

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHIAS CLARK

PEP IN YOUR STEP North Carolina singersongwriter Bryan Bielanski plays Paso’s Sculpterra Winery in support of his album Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time! on May 17

COURTESY PHOTO BY LAUREN MITCHELL

JUNE

known for her strong vocals, and has released four albums. May 23 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

RETROACTIVE LIVE AT THE POUR HOUSE! Retroactive are not just your typical band! They play a ton of unique, catchy covers from the ‘50s to today’s modern music. Fronted by Sandy Vavoom and backed by professional musicians, hear this great Sunday Funday band! May 17 3 p.m. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO BACKROADS OF THE AMERICAS: AN INTIMATE SPANISH GUITAR

CONCERT An intimate Spanish guitar concert rooted in the musical traditions of Spain and the Americas — a rare, expressive listening experience in a beautiful acoustic. May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. $29–$45. (929) 385-6109. facebook. com/events/965759255949132?active_ tab=about. Unitarian Universalists Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., 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. May 21 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing

cal

Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY POLYRHYTHMICS

PERCUSSION CONCERT Featuring Sven-David Sandström’s drumming powerhouse, “Kroumata Pieces,” Rob Sanderl’s impressionistic “Placid Landscapes,” for four marimbas and much more! May 14 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/special/#perc. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY STRINGS STUDENT RECITAL

Enjoy a free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student string players. May 15 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ free/#strings. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

COMBOPALOOZA! Our final jazz concert of the semester features all nine combos in a fun concert that that feels like a minifestival. May 19 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ ENSEMBLES CONCERT

Join for an evening sophistication and swing in our end of the (school) year jazz show, featuring the Cuesta big band. May 16 , 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FORBES ORGAN SERIES: PAUL JACOBS

Grammy-winning organist Paul Jacobs, renowned for virtuosity and global performances with top orchestras, brings his artistry to the Forbes Pipe Organ for a one-night-only performance. May 19 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org.

Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

RAFAEL MONTERO AND JOHN SLOBODA RECITAL: THE SONGS OF PEDRO XIMÉNEZ ABRIL TIRADO The

guest artists will present a free recital of the songs of one of Latin America’s most prolific composers of the early 19th century. May 21 , 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 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. THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK Free concerts with SLO County Band at Rancho Grande Park. May 14 6:307:30 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. https:/ arroyogrande.org/rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS LIVE MUSIC AT THE 45TH WEST COAST KUSTOMS CRUISIN NATIONALS CAR SHOW Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend around beautiful classic custom cars, listening to live classic oldies music by Faultline on the Main Stage at the Santa Maria Fairpark. May 23 12-2 p.m. $20. (925) 963-8223. westcoastkustoms.com/ showinfo.html. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

STOCKYARD PARTY TO SUPPORT MORGAN FASSE WITH MOLLY RINGWALD Come on out to The Stockyard in Old Town Oructt and join the party to help support Rodeo Queen candidate Morgan Fasse and she campaigns for the title. May 24

accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.

submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 23, 2026

Flavor

Liquid gold

Pasolivo’s lemon olive oil is the best in the world, say judges at the LA International EVOO Competition

Extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, is widely considered the top cooking oil for quality and versatility, and nearly 100 percent of U.S. production is centered right here in California.

For folks lucky enough to live on the Central Coast, Pasolivo currently boasts the world’s best flavored version, with tasting experiences offered at two locations in Paso Robles.

In March the company’s lemon variety received the Margaret Edwards Award, the highest honor in the flavored category at the 2026 Los Angeles International EVOO Competition. It also nabbed best of class and gold. Thirteen other Pasolivo entries scored awards ranging from best of class and gold for its basil flavor to silver for habanero.

Only Laconiko—produced in Trinisa, Greece—matched its performance, with both brands sharing the title of most-awarded global producer.

“This honor makes me extremely proud because it means our oils are being recognized on an international stage against brands that have been making olive oil for centuries,” said Marisa Bloch Gaytan, Pasolivo’s general manager and olive oil sommelier. “We grow our own olives, mill them on-site, and do all of the blending inhouse, which means that all of our efforts to obtain top quality and excellence are paying off.”

The Los Angeles awards were followed in April by five more gold-medal wins at the 2026 New York International Olive Oil Competition, adding to Pasolivo’s more than 120 awards garnered since the Dirk family of Newport Beach and Irvine acquired the company in 2012.

As Pasolivo’s acclaim has grown since then, so too has the reputation of Gaytan, a Moorpark native who joined the company shortly after college and quickly shot up its ranks.

“Marisa began as the marketing manager and worked her way up to general manager, which speaks to both her dedication and her deep knowledge of the brand,” said Lorrie Dirk Brown, co-owner and marketing director. “Marisa has a deep, hands-on

Lemon olive oil cake

From Pasolivo / serves 10

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup Pasolivo lemon olive oil

• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (roughly 1 lemon)

• 1 cup cake flour, sifted

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon Pasolivo kosher flake sea salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• powdered icing sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a cake pan.

Savor

the flavor

Pasolivo offers tastings at its Paso Robles ranch at 8530 Vineyard Drive and downtown tasting room at 1229 Park St. For hours and reservations, visit pasolivo. com; walk-ins are welcomed as space allows. Follow the company on Instagram and Facebook @pasolivo.

Pasolivo will be hosting a food and wine pairing event at Paso’s Vina Robles tasting room on May 30. Purchase tickets via its online event calendar.

BALANCING

ACT During fall harvest, Pasolivo picks both green and ripe olives. Green olives provide bitterness while ripe olives balance out the flavor with softer notes.

understanding of both the business and the craft, and that connection shows up in the final product.”

In both blending and running the company, Gaytan works closely with Brian Dirk, Brown’s brother, and alongside the family.

“That partnership has been instrumental in getting us where we are today,” Brown said.

Gaytan’s unique skillset as both general manager and master blender reflect her insatiable appetite for learning and improvement.

Already armed with a bachelor’s degree

2. Using a mixer, beat eggs and sugar on high until the mixture is fluffy and has doubled in volume (between 5 to 7 minutes mixing time).

3. While the eggs and sugar are mixing, in a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold olive oil and lemon juice into the egg mixture. Fold flour mixture into the wet mixture until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.

4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and gently tap on a solid surface to remove some of the larger bubbles.

5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is a light brown and a toothpick entered in the center comes out clean.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

7. Gently run a butter knife along the edges of the cake to release it from the pan and continue cooling on a wired rack. Dust with powdered icing sugar before serving.

in journalism from Cal Poly and an MBA from Brandman University in Irvine, she also obtained a level 2 olive oil sommelier certification from Olive Oil Times Education Lab in Campbell.

“In order to be able to sell olive oil, you need to understand it and know how to properly taste it,” she said. “I went to several educational courses from various organizations. Once I started taking courses, I became even more intent on expanding my knowledge of this industry.

“Through learning from the person who was initially doing our blending combined with my education, I found that I was starting to develop a good palate of my own. Plus, it makes it easier when the oil we produce is fantastic.

“The Dirks decided to give me an opportunity to blend our oils on my own. I created the blends and sent them to the Dirks to taste, and we all loved them. Once they received awards in competition that year, we knew we were onto something.”

She continued doing all the blending for Pasolivo, eventually becoming the general manager.

“I started to expand my knowledge into orchard practices, taking courses in pruning, irrigation, sustainability, etc. I also worked closely with our crop advisor to learn about properly managing the orchard,” she said.

Today, Gaytan oversees nearly every aspect of the company, culminating in the final product—with output ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 gallons annually, depending on environmental factors.

“After harvest, I taste through all of the varieties with our miller and we give each oil

a score based on the three attributes of olive oil— fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency,” she explained.

“Once the tasting is complete, I get to work on starting to create our blends. We always have specific profiles we try to meet— mild, medium, and robust. Also, if there’s a variety that truly stands out, we will release our Il Singolo, which is our single-variety olive oil.”

Current flavors include Tuscan—the company’s best-selling Italian variety— lemon, classic, red jalapeño, basil, and more.

Gaytan takes a shot of Tuscan in the morning for wellness and utilizes it in the kitchen for just about everything, including marinating and tenderizing meat. Her future plans include continuing to train her palate with worldwide tastings, tracking new studies on health benefits, growing her business acumen, and bringing Pasolivo to new heights.

“I also want to continue to give back to this wonderful community,” she said. “I currently am a volunteer for the Cuesta College Agriculture advisory committee. We welcome students to the ranch each semester for a tour and tasting to show them what we do. As a Cal Poly graduate, I am a firm believer in the ‘learn by doing’ model.

“I have been so fortunate to have had so much support from various people in the community over the years, and I just hope to be able to pay it forward.” Δ

Flavor writer Cherish Whyte loves Pasolivo’s light and versatile lemon flavor. She’ll be adding it to everything at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PASOLIVO

CITRUS FORWARD Pasolivo’s award-winning lemon olive oil can be used to infuse or “fat wash” spirits, giving cocktails better flavor, mouthfeel, and overall depth.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PASOLIVO

MASTER BLENDER Marisa Bloch Gaytan of San Luis Obispo joined Pasolivo in 2012 and is now its general manager and olive oil sommelier.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

OF: SANDRA LOSIK

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: SANDRA LOSIK, SANDRA ANN LOSIK, SANDRA ANN LOPEZ, SANDRA ANN FAIVRE

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SUSAN SPENCER JOSEPH in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION OF PROBATE requests that SUSAN SPENCER JOSEPH be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV-0259

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Joanne Elizabeth Menon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Joanne Elizabeth Menon to PROPOSED NAME: Joanne Elizabeth THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: June 10, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 4, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 23, 2026

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: June 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Dept.: 4 at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Benjamin Bourgault, esq. 225 Posada Lane, Suite 120 Templeton, CA 93465

805-392-3302

April 30, May 7, & 14, 2026

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Meathead

Mini Storage located at 3600 S Higuera St San Luis Obispo CA 93401 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 6/1/26 at 10:00 AM. Ruben Arguijo; Melesa Bryant; Linda Walker; Sonja M Diaz. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

May 14 & 21, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV-0189

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Krisi Natalia Rozario filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Krisi Natalia Rozario to PROPOSED NAME: Krisi Uta Nagano

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 21, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. D2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: March 27, 2026

/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court May 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CVP0111

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Ricardo Moctezuma Jr. filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Ricardo Moctezuma Jr. to PROPOSED NAME: Ricardo Moctezuma

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: June 10, 2026, Time: 9:30 am, Dept. P2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: March 24, 2026 /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court May 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV-0044

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Patrick Duane Grayson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Patrick Duane Grayon to PROPOSED NAME: Patrick Duane Spurlock THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: July 22, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 4, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm St. Rm. 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: January 28, 2026

/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court May 14, 21, 28, & June 4, 2026

/s/: Craig B. Van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court April 30, May 7, 14, & 21, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV-0240

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Rebekkah Lenore Caballero filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Rebekkah Lenore Caballero to PROPOSED NAME: Rebekkah Lenore Arriola THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: June 4, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 13, 2026 /s/: Craig B. Van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court April 30, May 7, 14, & 21, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV-0262

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Miriam Alejandra Munoz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Aliyanna Sophia Becerra to PROPOSED NAME: Aliyanna Sophia Munoz THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: June 11, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 27, 2026 /s/: Craig B. Van Rooyen,

2018 VW TIGUAN SE SW

Sirius, pseat, lt gray, gray lthr, 3rd row panroof, 69k. #137341

$14,988

2016 MAZDA MAZDA6 TOURING SEDAN

2.5 4cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, mnrf, prem whls, dk blue, blk lthr, nav, 75k, local trade. #465824

$15,988

2018 MERCEDES GLE 350 SPORT

3.5 V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, rear ac, white, tan lthr, mnrf, pseat, alloys. #010278 $16,988

3.6

Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 03-11-31. April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0581 (10/09/2025)

New Filing The following person is doing business as FLINSTONE PLUMBING COMPANY, 544 Los Olivos Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Philip Vega (PO Box 109, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Philip Vega. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 03-16-2026. 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. 03-16-2031. April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0599 (02/06/2024)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as GREEN HEART GARDENING & LANDSCAPING, GREEN HEAR LANDSCAPING, 1151 Vard Loomis Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Turf Berzerker LLC (1151 Vard Loomis Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ Turf Berzerker LLC, Maxwell Pearce, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 03-18-2026. 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. 03-18-2031. April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0698 (06/12/2014)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as TAYLOR HOVING REALTY GROUP, 791 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. Earl Kenneth Taylor (P.O. Box 321, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421), Glenn Hoving (316 Village Glen, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business is conducted by A General Partnership / Earl Kenneth Taylor. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 03-27-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 03-27-2031. May 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0763 (02/27/2026)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as PASO BRIAN, LLC, 1213 Vine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. Paso Brian, LLC (1213 Vine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ Paso Brian, LLC, Brian Thorndyke, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04-07-2026. 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. 04-07-2031. April 16, 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0765 (12/09/2025) New Filing

The following person

CONSUMER INDEX

The San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 5.44 entitled “Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization” requires that the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage (%) be published as a basis for establishing rent increases. The monthly space rent in mobile home parks may not be increased more than once each year based on the CPI % change, or 9%, whichever is less. The CPI monthly data for Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim is used for San Luis Obispo.

MARCH 2026 PERCENT CHANGE

Year Ending 1-Month Ending

For further information regarding the CPI %, please contact the CPI Hotline at (415) 625-2270.

Teresa Purrington City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo

May 14, 2026

SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT PUBLIC HEARING

The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:

1. 778, 782 & 786 Higuera St. ARCH-0933-2025; Architectural review for a new exterior façade on the “Network Building” (778 Higuera Street – non-listed resource) and rehabilitation of portions of the “Johnson Block” (782 & 786 Higuera Street – Local Register Historic Resources) within the Downtown Historic District; review of a creek setback exception for a deck; and review of a request to remove six trees ranging from 5 to 31 inches DBH. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities); C-D-H Zone; Leann Standish (San Luis Obispo Museum of Art), applicant. (Ivana Gomez)

PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken on this public hearing item may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Luis Obispo at, or prior to, the public hearing.

May 14, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN Monday, June 1, 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 William and Marie Cordeiro for a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map (N-SUB2024-00048) to subdivide an existing 10.7 acre parcel into two parcels of 5.4 & 5.31 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The site is currently developed with a single-family residence, well and individual on-site wastewater system. Each proposed parcel will be served by it’s own access, utilities, well and septic system (LAMP). No development is being proposed as a part of the land use entitlement. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located at 1720 Old Oak Park Road, approximately 1 mile north of the City of Arroyo Grande. The site is in the San Luis Bay Inland Sub-area of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered, is that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

County File Number: N-SUB2024-00048

Supervisorial District: District 3

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 044-371-066, -372-007

Date Accepted: 7/12/2024

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 Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-9470.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Subdivision Review Board

MAY 5, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING BRIEF

ITEM 1-26: Consent Agenda & Ordinance (Ord) Nos. 3591, 3592, 3593, 3594, 3595 & Resolution (Res) Nos. 2026-094 thru 2026-107 (ITEM #5 withdrawn)APPROVED AS AMENDED.

ITEM 27: Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: J. Chestnut; S. Schmidt & G. Kirkland: spoke - NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 28: Amendments to Board Rules of Procedure to incorporate SB 707 virtual public comment requirements & update CAO/CAO Office references to CEO/ Executive Office – APPROVED.

ITEM 29: Recommendations of B. Egan & G. Galaza to the Citizens Advisory Committee at the CA Men’s Colony – APPROVED.

ITEM 30: Presentation re: a potential Cabrillo Estates sewer system projectREC’D W/ DIRECTION PROVIDED TO STAFF.

ITEM 31: Hearing re: status of the County’s vacancies, recruitment, retention efforts & obstacles in the hiring process per GC §3502.3, formerly AB 2561 –REC’D, NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 32: Hearing re: a resolution of necessity for the acquisition of real property interests required for the Nacimiento Water Project Pipeline Unit G Repair Project, Atascadero – CONT’D TO 5/19/26.

ITEM 33: Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 2. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 1. Existing Litigation: SLO Coastkeeper, et. al. v. Co. of SLO, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV-06854-SPG-ASx; Buena Vista MHP LLC v. Co. of SLO, Case No. 26CV-0088; Terrace MHP LLC v. Co. of SLO, Case No. 26CVP-0065. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA; Unrepresented Employee H.R. Director. Personnel: Employee Performance Evaluation for H.R. Director. Open Session: Report out – NONE.

ITEM 34: Hearing re: Appeal by Buena Vista MHP & Res. 2026-108, affirming the decisions of the Mobilehome Rent Review Board denying the hardship application & determines that no further hearings shall be held – ADOPTED.

ITEM 35: Hearing re: Ord. 3596, amending the Co. Fee Schedule for Planning & Building Fees for FY 2026-27 – ADOPTED W/ DIRECTION TO STAFF.

ITEM 36: Hearing re: Res. 2026-109, appeal by S. Raven of Planning Commission approval for Rivers Edge Development’s Tentative Tract Map 3207 & Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to subdivide a 43.26 acre site into a 190 parcel Cluster Subdivision/Planned Unit Development (residential, commercial, utilities, park/ open space) at 3000 Indian Valley Rd., San Miguel – ADOPTED.

ITEM 37: Hearing re: appeal by J. Cogan of Planning Commission approval for HR Holdings, LLC’s phased Vesting TT Map & CUP to subdivide a 13.59 acre parcel into 57 parcels w/in Heritage Ranch Village Reserve Line, west of Paso Robles –APPEAL WITHDRAWN, NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 38: Board Member comments and reports on meetings: Supervisor OrtizLegg reported on the Lumina Alliance Dancing w/ Our Stars event & the First 5 Pediatric Town Hall. With Board consensus, Chairperson Paulding directed staff to return during the next budget process w/ road overlay funding options- NO ACTION TAKEN.

Meeting adjourned.

For meeting details, view meeting videos at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/ Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/Clerk-of-the-BoardServices/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetings-and-Agendas.aspx

Matthew P. Pontes, Chief Executive Officer & Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors May 14, 2026

NOTICE OF ADOPTION AND SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND LAND USE ORDINANCE (COUNTY CODE TITLE 22) TO CLARIFY PROCEDURES AND CONSIDERATIONS OF EXISTING REQUIRED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS.

(COUNTY FILE NUMBER: LRP2026-00005)

On May 5, 2026, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 3595 amending the Inland Land Use Ordinance (County Code Title 22) to clarify existing procedures and considerations during the Conditional Use Permit process.

The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building has reviewed the proposed activity and has identified that it qualifies for an exemption from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the State CEQA Guidelines (Chapter 3 of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations) and has determined that the proposed activity will not have a significant effect on the environment.

The activity consists of an amendment to the Inland Land Use Ordinance (County Code Title 22) to clarify procedures and considerations of existing required Conditional Use Permit findings. The amendment does not modify allowable land uses or development, is limited to clarifying existing administrative procedures and improving process consistency and transparency, and does not authorize, enable, or result in any physical change to the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; and as such, in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the activity is not subject to the CEQA.

The proposed ordinance amendments qualify for a Common-Sense Exemption because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it will have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)), will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (CEQA Guidelines §15060(c)(2)).

The ordinance was adopted by the following roll call to wit:

AYES: Supervisors Heather Moreno, Dawn Ortiz-Legg, John Peschong, Bruce S. Gibson and Chairperson Jimmy Paulding

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINING: None

Certified copies of the full text of the ordinance may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.

DATED: May 12, 2026

Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

By: /s/ Niki Martin

POST ADOPTION NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1169, N.S.

Notice is hereby given that at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles adopted Ordinance No. 1169, N.S. Amending Chapter 21.52 of the El Paso De Robles Municipal Code Relating to Signs and Finding the Action to be Exempt From CEQA

The following is a summary of the Ordinance: The ordinance updates portions of Chapter 21.52 of the El Paso de Robles Municipal Code relating to signs. The amendments revise the regulations for prohibited signs, temporary signs, and nonconforming signs, and update administrative and enforcement provisions. The purpose of the changes is to modernize the City’s sign regulations based on objective, content‑neutral standards such as size, height, lighting, and location, consistent with current best practices.

The ordinance repeals and replaces Sections 21.52.040 (Prohibited Signs), 21.52.090 (Temporary Signs), 21.52.100 (Nonconforming Signs – Copy Changes), and 21.52.110 (Administration and Enforcement). All other provisions of Chapter 21.52 remain unchanged.

The above summary is a brief description of the subject matter contained in the text of the Ordinance, which has been prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 36933. This summary does not include or describe every provision of the Ordinance and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the full text of the Ordinance. Copies of the full text of the Ordinance are posted in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www. prcity.com.

Ordinance No. 1169 N.S. was adopted by the City Council by the following unanimous vote:

AYES: Gregory, Strong, Bausch, Beal, Hamon Date: May 14, 2026

Melissa Martin City Clerk

NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1171, N.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AT ITS REGULAR MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026, AT 6:00 PM, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES WILL BE CONSIDERING ORDINANCE NO. 1171 N.S., AMENDING PASO ROBLES MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 21.69.120 (FOOD TRUCKS AND FOOD TRUCK COURTS), CHAPTER 21.20 (TEMPORARY USE PERMITS), TABLE 21.32-1 (ZONING DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS), SECTION 21.91.070 (“F” DEFINITIONS); AND UPTOWN/TOWN CENTRE SPECIFIC PLAN TABLE 5.3-1 (ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS), AND FINDING THE ACTION NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO CEQA

The following is a summary of the Ordinance:

The ordinance updates several sections of the Paso Robles Municipal Code and the Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan related to food trucks and food truck courts. Specifically, it:

• Amends Section 21.69.120 to revise regulations governing food trucks and food truck courts.

• Updates Chapter 21.20 regarding Temporary Use Permits, to align with the revised permitting requirements in the proposed amendments to Section 21.69.120

• Revises Table 21.32-1, which outlines Zoning District Use Regulations, to reflect where food trucks and food truck courts are allowed and what level of permitting is required.

• Modifies Section 21.91.070 to update the “food truck” definition within the “F” definitions

• Updates Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan Table 5.31 to align allowable uses and permit requirements for food trucks within the specific plan area.

• Formally finds that the ordinance is not a project under CEQA, meaning it does not trigger environmental review requirements.

The above summary is a brief description of the subject matter contained in the text of the Ordinance, which has been prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 36933. This summary does not include or describe every provision of the Ordinance and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the full text of the Ordinance. Copies of the full text of the Ordinance are posted in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www.prcity.com.

Date: May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026 COUNTY

Deputy Clerk May 14, 2026

Melissa Martin City Clerk

SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN Monday, June 1, 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 Manuel Zepeda Jr. for one (1) Conditional Certificate of Compliance (N-SUB2025-00081) to legalize one (1) parcel of approximately 5 acres. The property is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located at APN: 091-272-022, on Viva Way, approximately 330 feet south of the Woodlands Village Reserve Line. The property is in the South County Inland Sub-area of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA.”

County File Number: N-SUB2025-00081

Supervisorial District: District 4 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 091-272-022 Date Accepted: 5/5/2026

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 Dane Mueller, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5600.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Subdivision Review Board May 14, 2026

N.S.

Notice is hereby given that at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles Adopted Ordinance No. 1170 N.S., ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT RZN 25-03 REGARDING UPDATES TO THE EL PASO DE ROBLES ZONING CODE AND ZONING MAP APPLICANT – COVELOP, INC. & MD3 INVESTMENTS APN: 025-362-050

The following is a summary of the Ordinance: The ordinance amends the City’s Zoning Map to add a Mixed‑Use (MU) Overlay and a Special Planned Development (SPD) Overlay “K” to approximately 12.98 acres, and amends the Zoning Code to establish special development standards applicable to the site.

The amendments allow residential uses within the Commercial/Light Industrial (C3) zone and permit modified development standards including reduced setbacks, zero‑lot‑line townhome development, modified parking and lot sizes, and removal of a masonry wall requirement previously associated with the existing “F” Overlay. The zoning changes support a proposed 154‑unit residential subdivision processed under related entitlement applications. Environmental review for the project relies on the 2024 Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2023090132), with an Addendum prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164. The City determined that no subsequent or supplemental environmental document is required.

The above summary is a brief description of the subject matter contained in the text of the Ordinance, which has been prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 36933. This summary does not include or describe every provision of the Ordinance and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the full text of the Ordinance. Copies of the full text of the Ordinance are posted in the City Clerk’s office at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California or on the City’s website at www.prcity.com.

Ordinance No. 1170 N.S. was adopted by the City Council by the following unanimous vote:

AYES: Gregory, Strong, Bausch, Beal, Hamon

Date: May 14, 2026

Melissa Martin City Clerk  NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO.

1170,

INVITATION TO BID

Title: Del Mar Phase 2- New Daycare Classrooms

Location: 501 Sequoia Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Bid Due Date: May 22, 2026 at 02:00 PM (PT)

Contact: Larry M Wysong

Phone: 805-466-1038

Fax: 805-466-5176

Architect: Darden Architects, Inc

Owner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District

Bid Project Status: Open

San Luis Coastal Unified School District has selected Wysong Construction Co. as the Lease-Leaseback prime contractor for Del Mar Phase 2- New Daycare Classrooms.

Please note: This project is subject to the “Skilled & Trained Workforce” requirement. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with your firm.

Invitation to Bid (Sub bids only)

General Contractor: Wysong Construction Co.

Project Name: Del Mar ES Phase 2-New Daycare Classrooms

Project Location: 501 Sequoia Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Project Owner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District

Architect: DARDEN ARCHITECTS, INC

Bid Date & Time: May 22nd, 2026 at 02:00 PM (PT)

Site Walk Thru: NONE

Estimate/Budget: $2,652,500.00

Contract Type: Lease-Leaseback (Wysong is the district selected contractor)

SCOPE OF WORK:

ALL WORK ABOVE & BELOW GRADE SHOWN ON THE APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS:

• REMOVAL OF EXISTING RELOCATABLE BUILDINGS, REGRADING OF SITE INCLUDING

• MODIFICATIONS TO (E) UTILITIES TO MAINTAIN SERVICE AT (E) SCHOOL BUILDINGS TO REMAIN.

• CONSTRUCTION AND PLACEMENT OF (2) MODULAR RELOCATABLE BUILDINGS ON CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS. THE BUILDINGS ARE IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

1. BUILDING K: DAYCARE CLASSROOM BUILDING 72’x40’ WITH AT GRADE ENTRY

2. BUILDING L: DAYCARE CLASSROOM BUILDING 36’x40’ WITH AT GRADE ENTRY

• SITEWORK; CONSTRUCTION OFNEW CONCRETE WALKS, AC PAVING, ARTIFICIAL TURF, CHAIN LINK FENCES & GATES, CONCRETE SITE WALLS AND FREE-STANDING HI-LOW DRINKING FOUNTAIN

• BUILDING SIGNAGE AT THE FOUR (4) EXISTING PORTABLES

• REMOVE THE EXISTING NON-COMPLIANT ROOM SIGNS AND INSTALL NEW SIGNAGE AS INDICATED ON SHEET A11-SD/A102 (SIGN TAGS) AND DETAIL M9-A/A101 (SIGNAGE SCHEDULE). THIS SCOPE APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING: BLDG M, N, P&Q CLASSROOMS 15,16,17 & 18.

SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE: Contractor and all Subcontractor of any tier must comply with the requirements set forth in Education Codes section 17407.5, including providing an enforceable commitment that the Contractor and all Subcontractors of any tier will use a “Skilled and Trained Workforce” as defined in Education Code section 17407.5 (b) (3). Contractor and all Subcontractors are to carefully review all requirements set for in Education Code section 17407.5 before entering into the Contract for the Project. Subcontractor shall submit Skilled and Trained Workforce Compliance Report with Progress Billings each month. Billings will not be accepted without Reporting. Skilled and Trained Workforce Requirements are for Prime Subcontractors only (1/2 of the 1% of Total Contract).

LOCAL BUSINESS OUTRACH, PREQUALIFICATION & PARTICIPATION:

Any MEP Subcontractor listed by the General Contractor in its proposal’s Designation of Subcontractor form, must be prequalified pursuant to Education Code section 17406(a)(2)(C) and Public Contract Code section 20111.6(b) through (m) prior to submitting a proposal. Am “MEP Subcontractor” is one who will perform work that requires one of the following classes of license: C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16, C-20, C-34, C- 36, C-38, C-42, C-43, OR C-46.

BIDS/RFI’S SHALL BE EMAILED TO:

Will Ferraro- will@wysongconstruction.com

Chelsea L Jordan Criswell – chelsea@wysongconstruction.com

PLANS & SPECS CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sclfo/6z0tp11uqodedimzvlzfl/AKTxZ-TY ajRAvOntMoICTXo?rlkey=dp0tripqgady8q8qnxumiuw46&st=jrc7 vj6u&dl=0

THE PROJECT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BUILDERS EXCHANGE SLOCBE.COM SAN LUIS OBISPO LOCATION: 153 CROSS ST #130, 805-543-7330 AND ATASCADERO LOCATION: 4851 EL CAMINO REAL, 805-460-9670

ASAP REPORGRAPHICS ONLINE PLANROOM WYSONG CONSTRUCTION CO CONTACTS:

PROJECT ESTIMATOR/MANAGER: Larry M Wysong, 805466-1038, larry@wysongconstruction.com PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR: Will Ferraro, 805-703-0433, will@wysongconstruction.com

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Chelsea L Jordan Criswell, 805-466-1038, chelsea@wysongconstruction.com May 14 & 21, 2026

ADOPTED ORDINANCE NOS. 3591, 3592, 3593 & 3594 ORDINANCES AMENDING CHAPTERS 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01

OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE

On May 5, 2026, the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing and voted to adopt ordinances 3591, 3592, 3593 & 3594. The Ordinances amend Chapters 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 of County Code.

Summary of Ordinances

The ordinances update Chapters 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 of the San Luis Obispo County Code to restructure the Health Agency and establish the Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 2026; and create department head positions for each new department. The amendments reflect organizational and administrative changes, including updating references related to the elimination of the Health Agency and position of Health Agency Director, the creation of the Department of Behavioral Health and the position of Director of Behavioral Health, the creation of the Department of Public Health and the position of Director of Public Health, the creation of the County Health Officer, and associated code updates to reflect these applicable and associated changes to the organizational, oversight, appointing, and reporting structure.

AYES: Supervisors Heather Moreno, Dawn Ortiz-Legg, John Peschong, Bruce S. Gibson and Chairperson Jimmy Paulding

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINING: None

The complete text of the Ordinances can be found on-line at: https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/ iip/sanluisobispo/agendaitem/ details/20261

DATED: May 12, 2026

MATTHEW P. PONTES

EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By: /s/ Niki Martin

Deputy Clerk May 14, 2026

38 • New Times • May 14 - May 21, 2026 • www.newtimesslo.com

PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS

REHABILITATION TAXIWAY ALPHA PROJECT NO. 26-01

SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Administration, or designee, of the City of El Paso de Robles until Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for the Rehabilitation Taxiway Alpha, DPW Project No. 26-01. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows:

City of El Paso de Robles Public Works Administration 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446 Sealed Bid for Rehabilitation Taxiway Alpha, DPW Project No. 26-01

Following the closure of the bid submittal period, bids will be publicly opened and read for performing work as follows: Furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and performing all work necessary and incidental to the construction of the project known as Rehabilitation Taxiway Alpha, DPW Project No. 26-01, according to drawings and specifications prepared by the City of El Paso de Robles and according to the Contract Documents. The work shall include, but is not limited to, Pulverize, demolish, and remove existing pavement section. Pulverize, demolish, and remove existing pavement section. Remove and dispose existing taxiway edge lights, conduit, and remove and dispose existing taxiway edge lights, conduit, and conductor. Earthwork and subgrade preparation, including limetreatment and earthwork and subgrade preparation, including limetreatment and subgrade removal and replacement with open graded material. Construct new pavement section, including p-209 aggregate base construct new pavement section, including p-209 aggregate base and p-401 asphalt pavement. Install new taxiway edge lights, including new conduit and install new taxiway edge lights, including new conduit and conductor. Raise existing taxiway edge lights. Raise existing taxiway edge lights. Place and compact p-207 recycled aggregate base. Place and compact p-207 recycled aggregate base. Application of pavement markings. Application of pavement markings. Construction site environmental compliance. Construction site environmental compliance. Contractor to provide all necessary work plans, permits, and inspections necessary, all as shown on the plans and/or as specified herein.

Project is to be completed within ninety-five (95) WORKING days from the date specified in the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00), for each and every CALENDAR day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the working day completion time.

The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024, and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/ barcu/regact/2022/off-roaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.

Copies of the Bid Documents are now on file and available for public inspection at Public Works Department at 4305 Second Wind Way, El Paso de Robles, California. Interested bidders must obtain copies of the documents electronically.

The Contract Documents will be available electronically, at no cost, at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. Use the link DemandStar Paso Robles, CA to navigate to the website for out to bid projects. To download the Bid Documents, the user must register as a user on the site. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to download and print all Bid Documents for review and to verify the completeness of Bid Documents before submitting a bid. Any Addenda will be posted at DemandStar Paso Robles, CA. It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.

Bidding procedures are prescribed in the Contract Documents. Each bidder must submit bid security in one of the following forms: cash, cashier’s check payable to City, a certified check payable to City, or a bid bond in the form included with the bid documents, executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable to City in an amount equal to at least 10% of the total amount of the bid or proposal.

Pursuant to Section 1770, et seq. of the California Labor Code, the successful bidder and all subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, for bids due on or after March 1, 2015, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal for, or enter into a contract to perform work on the Project must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1. No bid will be accepted, nor any contract entered into if the bidder is not registered as required by law.

Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, for monies earned by the Contractor and withheld by City of El Paso de Robles to ensure the performance of the Contract, the Contractor may, at its option, choose to substitute securities meeting the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 22300.

All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of work contemplated in the project.

In accordance with provisions of California Public Contract Code Section 3300, City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class A (General Engineering) License at the time that the bid is submitted. Failure

NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF

JUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)

TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

$189,200 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on April 17, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 1366 K Street, San Miguel CA, 93451 by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $189,200.

Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.

Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)).

The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.

DATED: May 5, 2026 DAN DOW

District Attorney Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney May 7, 14, & 21, 2026

NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

$16,678 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on April 28, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 1585 Kansas Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11351 & 11352 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $16,678.

Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.

Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)).

The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.

DATED: May 12, 2026

DAN DOW

District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen

Deputy District Attorney

May 14, 21, & 28, 2026

NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)

TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

$6,500 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on April 18, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 1366 K Street, San Miguel CA, by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $6,500.

Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.

Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)).

The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.

DATED: May 12, 2026

DAN DOW District Attorney Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney May 14, 21, & 28, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF TEMPLETON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT REGARDING AMENDING THE MASTER SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES

The Templeton Community Services District will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. to consider amending the Master Fee Schedule to revise Parks and Recreation facilities rental fees, youth sports fees, including the sports refund fee, and the assessment fee for any charge referred to the County Auditor that is revised or removed from the tax roll after being submitted.

All interested parties are invited to join the meeting in-person, or call in via Zoom to participate in the hearing, provide comments, or be heard: Public Call in # to Participate is as follows: ZOOM Phone #: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 818 3946 8311 Passcode: 511017

Or Join the Zoom Meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81839468311?pwd=HVX knB5g6791FTXC0PEJcH7a8RTZga.1

At the public hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the District will consider any and all comments and objections to the amendment to the Master Schedule of Fees. Any questions regarding the information in this notice may be directed to the District Office District, at (805) 434-4900.

OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS: The public may also provide comment via e-mail or letters that will be distributed to the Board of Directors. E-mails may be sent to the Board Clerk at boardclerk@ templetoncsd.org. Letters may be mailed to the District Office at P.O. Box 780, Templeton, CA 93465. Letters may also be dropped-off at the District’s Drop-Box located outside the District Office at 420 Crocker Street, Templeton. People may also call the District Office at (805) 434-4900 to leave a message concerning items on the agenda. Public input using one of these methods must be received by Tuesday, May 19, 2026 by 2:30 p.m.

May 7 & 14, 2026

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Imagine you’ve time-traveled to a favorite place in the year 2035. What do you see? (Read my newsletter: https://is.gd/PlsE70)

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): When naturalist John Muir wanted to experience a storm, he climbed to the top of a 100-foot Douglas fir and rode it for hours through gale-force winds. He later reflected that the danger, in his judgment, was “hardly greater” than staying under a roof, and that the exhilaration and sensory richness justified his experiment. I’m not counseling you to be exactly like Muir in the coming weeks, Aries. Please don’t take foolish risks. However, I would love you to explore what truths are available when you put yourself in the path of intensity.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): Soil biologists say a teaspoon of productive soil may contain billions of living organisms. These bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes work in cooperative networks, generating a hidden abundance that ensures everything above ground thrives. Your immediate future has this quality, Taurus. Beneath the visible surface of your life, beneficial processes are generating fertility and possibility. You don’t need to see the miracle to trust it’s happening. Your role is simply to have faith as you maintain the conditions that allow this mysterious abundance to do its work.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): I suspect you would benefit from engaging with a friendly devil’s advocate or two in the coming weeks. Your clarity and understanding will deepen in just the right ways if you converse with affectionate skeptics who like and respect you but also want to help you grow. I realize that such people may be hard to find. If you can’t locate any, you could hire one. Or do the next best thing: Argue with yourself. Entertain lines of thought that are contrary to your usual ideas. Don’t let your habitual self get away with its usual rationalizations. The benefits of this exercise will be unpredictably huge.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star holds a fixed place in the sky. Also known as Polaris, or the Pole Star, it hangs in almost the same spot throughout the night while other stars rise and set. Because of this steadfast presence, it has long served as a trusted marker for navigation, especially for sailors at sea. Over time, it naturally came to represent an inner compass or a guiding ideal. In your own experience, Cancerian, what serves as your symbolic North Star? What’s the steady, orienting force that helps you decide where and how to move next? Now is an auspicious moment to tend to and revitalize your bond with this central source of direction.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): In the mid-1950s, researchers developed reliable methods for creating synthetic diamonds in the laboratory. Since then, advances in technology have made it possible to grow large, high-quality diamonds from small seed crystals in a relatively short time. I invite you to make this one of your operative metaphors, Leo. In the coming weeks, the forces of destiny will align with your efforts if you experiment with nurturing and expanding the parts of your life that are most like a diamond. Facilitate the development of your valuable beauty.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Scientist Stuart Kauffman theorizes that living systems are healthiest when they operate near the “edge of chaos.” There’s a critical zone between rigid order and unstructured randomness where complexity and adaptability can flourish. Too much organization creates brittle stiffness, while excessive chaos prevents coherence. Life thrives when it has some of both. I invite you to ruminate on these themes in the coming weeks, Virgo. According to my edgy analysis of the astrological omens, you’re being invited to cultivate and foster your own personal “edge of chaos” territory. Your interesting task is to create sweet spots where structure and spontaneity synergize. Locate these happy places and abide there for a while.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Choose two small and specific ways you’re going to stop pretending. One example might be how you respond when someone asks how you’re doing. Another may be an opinion you’ve been softening to keep the peace. Or maybe there’s a desire you’ve been downplaying because it feels impractical or too revealing. Here’s the name of this experiment: Incremental Precision Liberation. The key is to do it casually, with no melodrama or self-consciousness. If it’s successful, you could try another round in two weeks.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio primatologist Frans de Waal devoted years to watching chimpanzees reconcile with each other after enduring discord. He was fascinated by how they rebuilt trust through elaborate rituals of appeasement, grooming, and kind gestures. Once the chimps stopped fighting, he marveled, they actively repaired their connection, which often emerged stronger than it was before the dispute. I hope you will borrow their primate wisdom in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Do your best to navigate through conflict or alienation, and then instigate generous acts of re-bonding. Don’t sulk, be evasive, or go silent. Be creative as you work to replenish what was damaged. The renewed relationship could be closer for having weathered the difficulties.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The wandering albatross harnesses the wind, enabling it to travel vast distances with minimal effort. There’s an initial effort that leads to big energy savings. The bird climbs into strong winds and then relaxes as it gets transported, surfing the air currents. I mention this, Sagittarius, because I suspect you’ve been trying too hard and working too much—unnecessarily so. Less strenuous exertion, more gliding, please! Ask yourself what flows are already streaming in your favor. Could you catch a ride on existing momentum? Here’s my advice: Figure out where life’s tides are already moving, then position yourself to get carried along.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Ethnomusicologists studying throat singing know that Tuvan singers can produce two or more tones simultaneously. The human voice, it turns out, has the ability to harmonize with itself. Most of us never discover this because we never try. What other multidimensional capacities are you not using because you’ve never investigated them or tested their limits, Capricorn? The coming weeks are ideal for experimentation. What unexpected capacities might you get access to if you explored possibilities you’ve assumed were beyond you? You may be able to develop aptitudes and acquire gifts you haven’t discovered yet.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Cartographer Gerardus Mercator created his famous world map in 1569, enabling sailors to plot straight-line courses across oceans. But his technique dramatically distorts the size of landmasses. Greenland appears larger than Africa, when in reality Africa is 14 times bigger. And the truth is that every map privileges certain truths while distorting others. This is a key teaching for you right now, Aquarius. Examine the mental maps you’re using to navigate your life. Might they be hiding or warping reality in any way? Consider whether you would benefit from redrawing your inner visualizations of the wide, wild world out there.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Perfectionism has increased dramatically in recent decades. Young people are especially affected. But here’s the twist: The compulsion for perfection rarely improves performance. It’s more likely to undermine achievement by triggering paralysis and excessive self-criticism. Now is a favorable time for you Pisceans to rebel against the trend. I encourage you to cultivate a relaxed devotion to being “good enough” as you enjoy yourself thoroughly. Do you know the difference between cheerfully seeking excellence and grimly striving for perfection? Move away from what demands your obsessive rigor and focus on what requires soulful completion. ∆