New Times, May 21, 2026

Going home

New rules attempt to facilitate the return of ancestors and artifacts taken from Native American graves [8]

BY CHLOË HODGE

Insured by NCUA

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Editor’s note

For more than 30 years, a federal law has required institutions to return Native American ancestors and artifacts to where they belong. But many chose not to comply with it. Recent changes at both the state and federal level have facilitated better compliance, but tribes still grapple with the history that led to those losses, red tape, and institutional malaise. Writer Chloë Hodge speaks to Central Coast tribal officials and institutions about repatriating what was stolen and the legacy of how tribes were treated in the United States [8]

Astrology ........ 39

cover photo by Pieter Saayman cover design by Alex Zuniga

In addition, read about the difference between SLO County’s 2nd District supervisor candidates [4]; music as therapy for those close to death [22]; and PasoSecco’s goal to spread bubbles across the Central Coast [30]. Camillia

I nformative, accurate, and independent journalism takes time and costs money. Help

www.newtimesslo.com

Lanham editor

BELONGING Salinan

Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties artifacts are on display at the Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel.

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Second District supervisor candidates discuss campaign differences

San Luis Obispo County’s 2nd District voters will elect a brand-new supervisor to represent them for the first time in 20 years come June 2. Thanks to long-serving 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson stepping down, constituents will choose between Morro Bay civil engineer and former Fresno City Councilmember Michael Erin Woody, and Gibson’s freshly picked chief of staff, former SLO Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Dantona.

Some voters in District 2—scattered across the Monterey County line, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Harmony, and parts of SLO—have noted similarities between the two. What makes them different?

“I don’t have any professional consultants telling me what to do or what to say or anything. I literally sat down and said, ‘I have a vision for this,’” Woody said.

But Woody’s past as a Republican candidate has reared its head in mailers paid for and distributed by Dantona’s campaign.

Raised conservative, he said his vote for President Donald Trump in 2016 was borne out of frustrations with Obamacare. He left the Republican Party a few years later and said he doesn’t currently align with any political party. He told New Times he didn’t vote for a president during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

“It was after a couple years of watching the local Republican Party, the national Republican Party, and the embarrassment of all this, that I said, ‘This is not the Republican Party anymore. I don’t want to be associated with this. This isn’t who I am as a person,” Woody said.

It’s been hard to dodge the association. Skeptical residents of the liberal North Coast district took to social media wondering if he still maintains conservative ties.

“I’m not saying Michael Erin Woody IS a Republican,” one Nextdoor post read. “I’m saying that I don’t trust that he’s NOT a Republican.”

Dantona’s campaign mailer labels Woody as conservative, claiming that Woody “doesn’t share our Central Coast values.”

“The way he has staked out his position on issues is why I think people say he’s a cloaked Republican,” Dantona told New Times “He may have changed parties but the way he feels about ICE, the way he feels about climate change, oil drilling, fossil fuels, potentially, those are pretty core values that are on the conservative side.”

But Dantona has received flak about the mailers from voters like Cambria resident Susan Kwasny.

“A petty campaign flyer changed my mind,” she wrote in a May 14 letter to New Times. “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.”

Campaign finance filings show Dantona’s paid thousands of dollars to Cunningham Mirman Public Affairs—the political strategy firm run by former Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham and his former legislative assistant Nick Mirman—SLO County Democratic Party Chair Tom Fulks, Fulks’ daughter and AI safety expert Clara Fulks, and consulting firms C&I Consulting and ISPolitical.

“I would look at something like Abraham Lincoln’s Team of Rivals, where he got opinions from all sides of the issue,” Dantona said. “People are very different, … but I like getting opinions from lots of people because I don’t pretend to be allknowing.”

His donors include San Luis Ambulance, the SLO County Democratic Central Committee, Central Coast Construction Trades, SLO City Councilmember Jan Marx, former 2nd District Parks and Recreation Director Pandora Nash-Karner, and Generation Build founder Michael Massey who’s vying for a Paso Robles City Council seat.

COASTAL COMPETITION With less than two weeks before the primary election, SLO County 2nd District voters must pick between politically independent Michael Erin Woody and lifelong Democrat Jim Dantona for their next supervisor.

Atascadero school district sued over alleged voting rights law violation

Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) is facing a lawsuit that seeks to overturn its atlarge election system, alleging the method dilutes

Dantona raised a little more than $103,000 from July 2025 to April 18, 2026.

Woody has turned away donations from unions, corporations, and political action committees. Most of his donor base comprise retirees. He’s raised $7,660 from January 2025 to April 18, 2026. Recently, the

Latino voting power and violates the California Voting Rights Act.

The lawsuit, filed May 8 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on behalf of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, argues that the way that school board members are currently elected prevents Latino residents from “electing candidates of their choice or

two candidates faced off in a Cayucos forum where they discussed their potential working relationship with SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow, whose partisan social media posts have made him a contentious figure.

Dantona admitted that his response wasn’t as “politically correct” as it should have been. At the forum, he said his working relationship with Dow “wouldn’t be a great one because Dan, in his partisanship, wouldn’t be open to working with a Democrat.”

He clarified to New Times that he likes Dow personally but would prefer that Dow reforms how he operates.

Woody said he would work with Dow, but changes must be made.

“Dan has worn his partisanship on his sleeve as DA. I, many of us, are extremely uncomfortable with that,” Woody said. “It’s a public trust issue; nobody should be scared of the DA. … I will let him know my feelings on this.”

Woody and Dantona don’t see eye to eye on local energy issues. Woody wants Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant to shut down in five years, and he’s concerned it sits on a fault line. He’s also a proponent of banning offshore wind development along the Central Coast. The state and county should work together to plan future energy development on more remote sites that aren’t ecologically significant, he added.

“You would not put a landfill next to a high school,” Woody said.

Dantona agreed that Diablo Canyon isn’t the safest energy source because of the dangers of storing nuclear waste near the local community. He would like to see the region shift to renewable energy, but it would require a sustainable way to backfill energy demand.

“If we turn [Diablo Canyon] off, in order to backfill our energy, we’re going to have to use fossil fuel energy, like coal natural gas, things that have a huge carbon footprint, that are going to warm our planet and destroy the environment,” he said.

The two also differ on the condition of the Los Osos Groundwater Basin. According to Woody, the basin is in overdraft and seawater contamination is growing. To Dantona, the term “overdraft” is misleading.

“The amount we’re pumping is underneath the sustainable yield number. So, that’s not overdraft,” Dantona said. “We have bigger issues that we need to tackle, and that has to do with pressure and saltwater intrusion.”

But the opponents are united on the need for a building moratorium in Los Osos. Dantona said he wouldn’t have voted to lift it, while Woody wants to reimplement the ban on development until water levels are adequate.

“The last piece of the puzzle nobody wants to talk about is it’s not enough to put in the proper water and infrastructure for Los Osos or near coastal communities,” Woody said. “We need a plan put into place that will preserve the charm and character of all of these cultural communities for the next 100 years.”

—Bulbul

influencing the outcome” of school board elections. It was brought by Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman, a lawyer who has sued or threatened legal action against at least 175 cities, school districts, and local agencies across California under the state’s voting rights law.

Rajagopal

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL ERIN WOODY AND JIM DANTONA

Lupe M. Rubio

Lupe Rubio passed away on January 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 Belt 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.

BORN 1925 - DECEASED 2026

Shenkman has pursued similar actions locally, including against the cities of San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach and the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.

The complaint alleges that the district’s at-large election system—in which voters across the entire district elect all members of the board of trustees—has resulted in Latino candidates consistently losing elections.

“The effects of AUSD’s at-large method of election are apparent and compelling,” the complaint states, without providing specific detail.

The filing cites census data estimating that Latino residents make up approximately 27.4 percent of the district’s population. It alleges that despite this, “candidates preferred by Latino voters, particularly those candidates who are Latino themselves, consistently lose in elections within AUSD,” and that “no Latinos have been elected to AUSD’s governing board in recent elections.”

According to the results of recent election cycles, a Latino candidate hasn’t run for school board in Atascadero either.

The Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, the plaintiff organization, is described in the filing as a Latino voter participation group founded in 1974. According to its website, the organization has registered more than 3 million Latino voters and been involved in 210 voting rights lawsuits.

The filing also alleges that the AUSD previously acknowledged the potential need to change its election method. According to the complaint, the district adopted a resolution in November 2021 indicating an intent to transition toward trusteearea elections “to bring its elections into compliance” with the California Voting Rights Act but later abandoned that effort.

New Times reached out to the AUSD but did not receive comment before publication.

In 2022, Paso Robles Unified faced a comparable challenge under the same law and from the same attorney, ultimately moving away from at-large elections after legal pressure. The district later adopted trustee-area elections, dividing the school board into geographic areas.

More recently, negotiations involving the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project and Shenkman led to changes in San Luis Obispo’s City Council election system. Beginning in November 2026, SLO voters will shift from a vote-for-two model to a vote-for-one model, in which each voter casts a single vote for City Council and the two highest vote-getters win seats. The system remains at-large.

The change followed years of discussions that began in 2023, when the organization demanded that the city consider creating voting districts to address concerns about minority vote dilution. The city ultimately concluded a district system would not improve Latino voting power in San Luis Obispo, where demographic data showed Latino voters were not geographically concentrated.

The agreement also included a $75,000 payment in attorney’s fees to the organization for negotiations, along with additional funding

tied to voter education and outreach efforts.

AUSD discussed the litigation in closed session on May 19, according to the meeting agenda.

New Times reached out to Shenkman but did not receive comment before publication.

—Chloë Hodge

SLO City Council upholds AEPi frat’s permit revocation

San Luis Obispo City Council affirmed the Planning Commission’s decision to revoke Cal Poly fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi’s (AEPi) conditional use permit—doling a double whammy to the appealing students.

“We disagree with the commission’s conclusion that no set of conditions could ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood or protect public health, safety, and welfare,” Joshua Pinsky, president of AEPi’s Sigma Omega chapter, wrote to the City Council ahead of the appeal hearing.

“We acknowledge that there were three violations and that occupancy limits were exceeded. However, these incidents do not tell the whole story.”

The City Council denied AEPi’s appeal at its May 19 meeting in a 4-0 vote. Councilmember Michelle Shoresman was absent.

The rejection followed the Planning Commission’s revocation in March: a result of AEPi and another frat racking up a total of 13 citations from the SLO Police Department from 2024 to 2026. The city’s Code Enforcement Division also gave them several notices of violation and administrative citations.

Though the Planning Commission approved revoking the frats’ permits, it declared that the conditional use permit process was an ineffective way to curb misbehavior. The commission also stressed that Cal Poly doesn’t separate Greek life from residential neighborhoods in the city, leading to fraught relations between several frats and longtime residents.

City staff told the City Council that it isn’t bound by the Planning Commission’s recommendation.

AEPi argued that the frat house’s location in an R4 high-density residential area is suitable for the neighborhood since that zoning is meant for student housing. It also alleged that revoking the permit risks frat activities leaking into lower-density residential areas.

Echoing his statements at the Planning Commission hearing, Pinsky told council members in his letter that the frat has shown improvement since receiving numerous citations. He added that violations decreased, with frat members engaging with Code Enforcement, city staff, and Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, and undergoing safety trainings.

The chapter president stated that feedback from neighbors don’t support claims of disruption.

“Of 14 residents surveyed within about 200 feet of our property, 12 reported no disturbances linked to the fraternity,” Pinsky wrote. “The other two noted occasional noise but could not pinpoint … the source.”

City Assistant Planner Mallory Patino said

at the meeting that frats are conditionally allowed in high-density residential areas through permits. Permit revocation requires operations at the frat to cease and doesn’t authorize those activities to move into other residential areas.

She added that AEPi didn’t provide any evidence to support its claim about the favorable neighborhood survey, such as copies of the results, names, addresses, and methodology.

Patino also highlighted records of selfreported event registration forms submitted by Cal Poly’s Interfraternity Council to the university’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. The city received the records after the Planning Commission’s revocation decision.

“These records show that 30 events were registered with that office at [AEPi’s address] since the modification of the [permit],” she said. “Sixteen of these events included an expected attendance count ranging from 65 to 160 individuals, all in excess of the 25 allowed without a special event permit.”

AEPi is a faith-based organization. An alleged antisemitic assault took place outside the Jewish frat in February. At the time, SLOPD said that four to five white men, between 20 and 25 years old, arrived in a lifted white truck and yelled antisemitic slurs at frat residents. During the confrontation, one of the suspects punched a resident in the head.

Code Enforcement Supervisor John Mezzapesa told the City Council that the student residents can continue to host gatherings like Shabbat dinners if they’re not sponsored by the fraternity. The city will pursue a land use violation if events take place through the fraternity.

A longtime neighbor to a fraternity until noisy parties forced her to move away, Councilmember Jan Marx said it’s hard to create a cohesive neighborhood with a constant turnover of students.

“The problem that we come up against is not students as individuals and not organizations as individuals, but it’s the party culture and it’s bigger than the fraternities,” she said. “I believe Cal Poly has really been irresponsible in terms of their lack of support for the fraternities and the sororities.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Paso Robles moves to lift cap on cannabis delivery businesses

On May 19, the Paso Robles City Council unanimously moved to eliminate the city’s cap on cannabis delivery businesses, directing staff to repeal limits that have restricted locally based non-storefront operators since 2022.

The recommendation could reverse a policy the city put in place four years ago, when it first allowed a small number of delivery-only cannabis businesses to operate under a tightly controlled system. At the time, the council capped local permits at three operators and authorized them under a temporary, one-year framework tied to a sunset provision.

Under that system, three businesses—Dub’s Green Garden, Aquamarine, and Kinfolk Holistics—were permitted to deliver adult-use cannabis within city limits. But according to Associate Planner Katie Banister, only Dub’s Green Garden remains active.

State law continues to allow Paso Robles residents to receive adult-use cannabis deliveries, but until local operators were authorized, those deliveries had to originate from businesses based outside the city.

“I’m in favor of no cap,” Councilmember Steve Gregory said during the meeting. “And the reason why is they’re all going out of business. There’s one here still operating, we have another one wanting to come in, and I don’t think it does any good to cap them.” City staff recommended repealing both the three-operator limit and the named-operator system created under the 2022 ordinance. In a report, staff wrote that the current structure has created “unnecessary barriers” and “artificial competition for a small number of permits despite limited demand,” adding there is “little evidence to expect a significant number of new delivery businesses entering the market in Paso Robles.”

The discussion followed February’s Planning Commission recommendations, when commissioners unanimously supported allowing up to three locally based deliveryonly cannabis businesses. That decision upheld the city’s existing prohibition on storefront dispensaries while maintaining a capped delivery model.

However, the proposal before the council replaces the capped system with a more open permitting process for non-storefront cannabis retailers, allowing additional delivery businesses to apply without a preset limit. Public comment was largely supportive, with operators pointing to financial strain and delays under the existing rules.

Grace Hall, owner of Dub’s Green Garden, said the uncertainty has made it difficult to sustain operations.

“We’ve been patient for many, many years, and every time cannabis gets brought up, the votes are always there, but there’s no action,” Hall said. “Every year that goes by, we pay thousands just to renew our state license with California. Our cannabis products expire. We have to destroy them because we can no longer sell them.”

Megan Souza of Megan’s Organic Market in San Luis Obispo said she has already secured a local lease in anticipation of expansion into Paso Robles.

“We’ve signed a lease for one of the spaces at the Halls Building, … and we are eager to become operational as soon as the city will allow us to,” Souza said. She urged council to “place a clear timeline on this process and direct staff to return within 30 days.”

The city’s ban on brick-and-mortar cannabis dispensaries remains in place. Staff estimate implementation could take 60 to 90 days, with broader cannabis policy discussions expected to return at a later date.

—Chloë Hodge

Native return

Central Coast tribes push to reclaim their ancestors’ remains and belongings

Salinan Tribal Councilmember Robert Piatti remembers when he realized that what was sitting beneath a university campus wasn’t just archival material—it could also be people.

“I was a reporter at Cal State Long Beach,” he said. “In the humanities building, down in the basement, there were boxes and boxes of bodies. And it was awful, really awful.”

Those boxes held Native American ancestors—human remains taken from their graves and stored in university collections.

That experience never left him. Decades later, Piatti, a member of the Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, has worked through the slow and often frustrating process of bringing ancestors home so they can finally be laid to rest.

What Piatti saw at Cal State Long Beach wasn’t unique. For generations, Native American remains and cultural belongings were stolen and stored in museums, universities, and institutions across the country.

In 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was passed to ensure that these ancestors and other tribal items no longer sat in institutions. The law created a framework for tribes to reclaim human remains and cultural belongings from federally funded institutions. But compliance moved slowly.

The remains of more than 110,000 Native Americans were still in institutional collections more than 30 years after that federal law required their return, according to a 2023 ProPublica analysis.

By 2024, the law was updated with new regulations imposing stricter regulations, deadlines, and penalties for not repatriating—or returning—these people and tribal belongings.

“NAGPRA is, at its core, a human rights law,” Jonathan Malindine, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s NAGPRA officer, told New Times. “We’ve always had, as white people, protections about desecration of our ancestors’ graves. You know, there’s laws about that. And for a long time, Indians weren’t afforded that benefit. And so their bones were dug up and brought all over all corners of the world into museums and universities.”

At Cal Poly, the remains of 10 Native Americans had been in the university’s possession for years. The university returned all of them to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians within the past year, Cal Poly confirmed on May 13.

Other California public universities have more to do when it comes to returning Native American remains and objects to the tribes they belong to. UC Berkeley, for instance, has the fourth largest collection in the country. The institution has reported that the remains of at least 4,700 Native Americans have not yet been made available for return to tribes.

Kathy Marshall, vice chair of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Elders Council, has seen the shelves there and at other institutions that are kept out of public view.

“When [I] visit schools and universities, [I’m] just like, I bet none of these kids know that they are walking by, you know, 300 of

BY CHLOË HODGE PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN

our ancestors sitting in a room downstairs,” she said. “These were mothers. These were fathers. These were grandparents. These were babies. You know, I mean, there were so many babies in collections. It’s just horrifying.”

Marshall described the storage spaces as feeling like waiting rooms—places where ancestors remain long after they were meant to be at rest. For her, these are not distant histories but family members still waiting for return.

“There’s no reason to keep our ancestors sitting on these shelves,” she said. “Some of them are just in plastic in boxes. Some of them are just sitting on shelves, exposed. It’s not OK, and it’s hurtful, and it takes a lot out of us.”

Confronting history

The work of bringing ancestors home asks tribes to carry a difficult truth that generations of people accepted: It was OK to unearth certain human beings and keep them.

Language itself can sometimes create emotional distance from this reality, said Mona Tucker, tribal chair for the yak tit yu tityu yak tiłhini (YTT) Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County.

“When we say ‘human remains,’ sometimes I think people’s mind goes to the abstract,” Tucker said. “These are human beings. They’re not just the remains. They are people who walked here in their homelands in California. They had families. You know, they had loved ones, and they were buried with dignity, respect, and ceremony.”

That dignity was disrupted by a long history of grave looting and archeological collection practices that treated Native ancestors as objects of study rather than people.

Marshall said Chumash burial sites became particular targets because ancestors were buried with belongings intended to accompany them after death.

“For Chumash people, we were buried with all of our items. So we were prime for these grave looters to come, and they knew, they knew we had a lot of stuff in our graves,” she said.

Those burial sites drew collectors and explorers searching for “artifacts.”

Marshall pointed to the history of French ethnographers Leon de Cessac and Alphonse Pinart, who excavated Chumash sites and removed belongings and ancestors.

“Actually, a lot of Chumash collections are in France,” Marshall said. “They just came and just really … ravaged through all of our cemeteries, and they were greedy.”

Marshall said she still struggles to understand how generations of people allowed it to happen.

“I think people thought of us as really not being human,” she said. “I don’t think that they would allow anybody to go through their graves in their cemeteries in France or in anywhere in Europe.”

Tucker said the motivations behind early collecting practices reflected broader ideas about Native people.

“One of their goals was to examine Native people, to try to prove that there was a gap between the ‘species’ of Native people and Europeans,” Tucker said. “That was a hideous endeavor.”

The legacy of those actions remains deeply personal. Marshall said repatriation work forces tribal communities to repeatedly confront difficult questions.

“How did they let this happen?” she said. “I mean, it’s just insane, and why has it taken so long to get these ancestors back?”

NAGPRA’s passage didn’t budge many institutions, which resisted repatriation efforts, Tucker said.

“Institutions with a lot of money, a lot of power, have said no to repatriation since 1990,” she said.

Still, both women described signs of change. Marshall said the updated federal rules and shifting attitudes have created what feels like a new era.

“There is this revolution of, ‘We understand these are yours,’” Marshall said. That shift matters because repatriation, Marshall said, isn’t about possession. It’s about return.

“We are just caretaking, and we are the venue and the avenue to getting these ancestors back to where they need to be. My focus is reburial, putting them back where they belong,” Marshall said.

“That is the ultimate.”

Compliance push

In November 2025, the California State University (CSU) system adopted its first NAGPRA policy, creating a standardized approach for all 23 campuses to return ancestors and belongings. It also prohibits using Native American remains and cultural items for teaching, research, and public display.

To support the changes, the CSU allocated $3.7 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year to campuses with Native American collections. The funding supported repatriation coordinators, tribal travel reimbursements, reburial costs, and other expenses associated with returning ancestors and cultural belongings home.

The CSU policy came in response to Assembly Bill 389—a 2023 amendment to California’s own NAGPRA law—and recommendations stemming from a state audit that found significant problems in how the CSU system handled repatriation.

Before then, repatriation efforts had largely been left up to individual campuses.

“Tribes were getting very frustrated that every campus was kind of doing things slightly different,” Samantha Cypret, executive director of the CSU Office of Tribal Relations, told New Times. “They wanted something that was more consistent and streamlined in compliance.”

Following the federal NAGPRA update in 2024, Cal Poly hired Dr. Kent Spiers to coordinate the university’s compliance with the law.

In April 2025, Spiers completed an inventory of Cal Poly’s collections and identified the remains of eight Native American individuals.

According to a notice in the U.S. Federal Register, “the human remains are presumed

BASKETRY Native American baskets from the Olympic Peninsula are housed in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s anthropology collection.

RECKONING Salinan Tribal Councilmember Robert Piatti stands in front of the historic RiosCaledonia Adobe just south of Mission San Miguel.

to have been unearthed in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA, as noted in a newspaper clipping from 1958 that was provided with the human remains and given to Cal Poly.”

A second inventory was completed on Feb. 11 of this year, identifying two more ancestors in the university’s possession. Both inventories determined the remains were culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The university submitted a repatriation statement to the national NAGPRA database, Cal Poly spokesperson Keegan Koberl told New Times, though the public-facing records aren’t yet updated.

“Once this is done, it will show that Cal Poly has repatriated all known ancestors in our campus NAGPRA collection,” he said.

Cal Poly still possesses three Native American cultural items that are in consultation for return

Historically, Native American remains and cultural belongings entered university collections through archaeological excavations, field schools, donated private collections, construction discoveries, and materials acquired for teaching or research purposes, Cypret told New Times Systemwide, according to the most recent CSU collection inventory, campuses collectively hold the remains of more than 2,000 Native Americans and more than 1.57 million cultural items. Another 500,000 items remain in storage awaiting tribal review and cataloging.

“We recognize the harm that we have caused in our lack of compliance and that we continue to cause,” Cypret said. “We are still causing harm by having ancestors in our possession, on our shelves, and we are actively working to really change that.”

The ‘good way’

Whiteboards crowded with titles and case numbers loom behind Malindine’s desk at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The NAGPRA officer has underlined some in red and circled others in blue.

“We’ve got, I’d say, 40 cases that are ongoing,” he said. “It’s a lot of keeping plates in the air.”

Each case holds a different history to untangle: decades-old records, fragmented documentation, and questions about where ancestors and cultural belongings should return.

“The process is, we reach out to the tribes, we have these materials, we think they’re eligible,” he said. “We talk to every tribe, make an agreement on who’s going to take the lead, write up the paperwork, send it to the feds. They publish it online.”

“Consultation, consultation is the key to all NAGPRA work,” he said.

Repatriation succeeds only when institutions build relationships with tribes, he explained, as opposed to treating returns as paperwork or a legal obligation. Instead of waiting for tribes to reach out, Malindine often initiates those conversations.

He did that with the case of beads recovered from a cave in Indian Wells near Palm Springs. The museum wasn’t quite sure how the objects were used by the tribe in question, so he reached out.

The tribe told Malindine that there was a cremation site roughly 1,000 feet away suggesting the cave had been used in burial practices.

“We think they were using that cave to prepare the ancestors, and those beads have been found in graves. So we repatriated it,” Malindine explained. “They now have ownership and control, and they requested that we curate it on their behalf until they’re ready to pick it up. So it still hasn’t left the building, but ownership has been transferred.”

At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, he said, this sort of approach has shaped the pace and scope of repatriation efforts.

“Our museum collections were primarily Chumash—have always been,” he explained.

“So we had about 2,000 ancestors here, probably 98 percent of those were Chumash. Those are already returned. We’re 100 percent in compliance now with the feds and with ProPublica. We still have a few ancestors … that I’m working to repatriate.”

In 2023, ProPublica created a database tracking the number of ancestors that institutions around the country hold in their possession. The data highlighted institutions out of compliance and put public pressure on them to get up to date.

Malindine puts a lot of time and care into repatriation, making sure it’s done the “right way.” When preparing ancestors for return, for instance, Malindine uses all natural materials.

“Most tribes want the ancestors to be prepared using all natural materials,” he said. “No plastic. None of this foam stuff.”

He hand sews pillows from unbleached cotton muslin, uses cotton string and paper tags, crumpled-up paper, wood, and cardboard.

“It just shows respect,” he said. “We don’t want [to use] anything that wasn’t around when they were [alive].”

The approach reflects a philosophy Malindine returns to repeatedly. It’s not simply about complying with regulations or closing cases.

“We’re trying to do these repatriations in a good way,” he said. “Not just do a repatriation—do a repatriation in a good way.”

Access Barriers

Piatti, from the Salinan tribe, thinks NAGPRA is a good concept, but he also believes that the reality of its inner workings is complicated.

“It’s a great idea,” he said. “Things should be returned to the people and put back the rest. That’s really what we’re striving for.”

In practice, Piatti said, the system determining who those people are is more constrained than the law’s intent suggests.

Under federal NAGPRA law, institutions receiving federal funding must consult with and prioritize federally recognized tribes when human remains and cultural items are identified in collections. That requirement effectively excludes more than 50 nonfederally recognized tribes in California from direct repatriation authority, even when they maintain cultural and ancestral ties to specific regions.

For instance, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is a federally recognized tribe, while the Salinan and YTT tribes aren’t.

California’s parallel law—CalNAGPRA— was created to expand and strengthen repatriation within the state. Passed in 2001, CalNAGPRA requires state agencies, museums, and universities to work more broadly with California tribes and, in theory, offer more inclusive pathways for consultation and return. But Piatti said federal funding rules often override that flexibility.

“If there’s any federal money tied in anywhere, they have to default to the federal NAGPRA law,” he said. “So every university … has to follow the federal standard because of the money involved.”

That hierarchy, he explained, shapes everything from who gets notified to who ultimately receives the ancestral remains.

“Federal recognized tribes first and foremost, they get priority,” Piatti said. “Because of the money involved.”

The result is a repatriation landscape where legal recognition can matter as much as geography or cultural continuity. Across the Central Coast, multiple tribal groups often assert connection to the same sites—places like Morro Bay and Cuesta Ridge—where archaeological and oral histories overlap.

“Who belongs where? And whose remains are you looking at?” Piatti said. “Who do they belong to?”

Those questions determine whether a tribe is included in decision-making.

In many cases, Piatti said, institutions provide tribes with massive digital inventories of remains and artifacts— sometimes tens of thousands of entries— without clear provenance.

“You get to go in and play with the record that is your record and yours alone,” he said. “Everybody else puts you into a big collective comprehensive pot and lets you choose and pick and fight and argue amongst yourselves.”

In addition, origin stories for the items or remains are often incomplete.

“It just showed up at their university one day,” he said. “Nobody knows where it came from.”

For non-federally recognized tribes like the Salinan, the barriers extend beyond access to records. Capacity also becomes a limiting factor. Without museums, dedicated funding, or storage facilities, even successful claims can raise the question of what happens next.

“We’re a landless tribe,” Piatti said. “We have no real funds to put forth to the effort to not only collect the stuff, but to curate and house it.”

In practice, that often means different outcomes for different materials. Cultural objects may be divided among tribes or retained for education. Human remains, Piatti said, are ultimately returned to the earth.

“Human remains go in the ground. They just do,” he said. “We have dedicated spots … where we can put people back in the ground.” But even reburial is shaped by legal and institutional determinations, including “most likely descendant” designations and disputes between tribal entities.

“It really is a troubling issue,” he said. “Who has the right to it, who’s going to pay for it, what’s going to happen to it.”

At its core, Piatti said, the issue is about belonging, authority, and whose histories are treated as actionable.

“It’s a great concept,” he said. “There is something here that needs to be done, and they’re trying to do right. But it’s way more convoluted than they’re thinking.” ∆

Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com.

DISPLAY Artifacts from the Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties are on display in San Miguel’s Rios-Caledonia Adobe.

MUSEUMS Jonathan Malindine—Santa Barbara Natural History Museum’s NAGPRA officer— looks at a breastplate made using vibrant feathers.

Pride

Combatting hunger

One in nine working-age veterans experience food security in America. Zoom in on ex-servicewomen and aged veterans, and the problem appears more severe.

“Then it gets even worse when you start to bake in some of the other stuff,” Michael Hammons, the master mason at the San Luis Obispo King David’s Masonic Lodge, said.

“Like we all know about PTSD. We know there’s a significant number of veterans that end up being homeless because they have problems transitioning. … It’s also an issue with active duty too.”

With SLO County losing out on almost $6 million in CalFresh benefits because of last year’s federal government shutdown, the local Masonic Lodge and Post 66 of the American Legion are sponsoring a Memorial Day barbecue to feed veterans Community members are welcome to join the program at 11 a.m. on May 25 in the parking lot between the American Legion building and the Veterans Memorial Building at 801 Grand Ave. in SLO. They will also fundraise for food assistance for veterans during the event.

“The donations are specifically to populate the American Legion Food Bank so that they can hand out throughout the year, in conjunction with the other food banks here in SLO County like the SLO Veterans Services and the SLO Food Bank,” Hammons said.

The Masonic Lodge and American Legion have a history of showing up for the community. The Masonic Lodge frequently hosts appreciation dinners for first responders and law enforcement, organizes blood drives, donates books to the county library to establish a dedicated Masonic section, and sponsors events at local schools, among other charitable ventures.

During the first government shutdown, according to Post 66 Commander Yvonne Hampton, the veterans’ organization provided more than $3,000 in food cards to personnel at Camp Roberts and Camp SLO. American Legion also donated food to Cal Poly’s Center for Military-Connected Students, the SLO Veterans Affairs Clinic, and the SLO Vet Center.

Post 66 Executive Officer David Glidden told New Times he’s always struck by what he witnesses on his grocery runs at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc.

“There’s a place that they check out where they ask you to buy a bag of food for activeduty personnel because E3s—which would be a private first class and below—if they have a family, qualify for food stamps,” he said. “It’s one of the sad realities of being in the military.”

Having served in the military for 26 years, Glidden remembers the struggle of making ends meet as a private until promotions to higher ranks pulled him out of poverty. He added that the government shutdown influenced the American Legion stepping in to help veterans through the Memorial Day barbecue.

“We’re trying to help all we can,” he said. “The Coast Guard is not part of our military, but they are brothers in arms, and they don’t get paid when there’s a shutdown.” Donations throughout the year help veterans. Funds can be mailed to the post at 1661 Mill St. as cash or checks. Donors must include a note specifying what the money is for.

According to Masonic Lodge Master Robert Sachs, the choice was clear for members when they had to pick a cause to back during the annual spring philanthropy drive.

“That’s when Mike Hammons approached me,” Sachs said. “We were looking at a project especially as this is the 250th year [of the United States]. We wanted to do something which would honor veterans. So, we initiated something which is beyond our regular philanthropy.”

Fast fact

• For the second year in a row, Nipomo High School won the national Career Choices Silver Medal for excellence in academic innovation. The school won the award for incorporating an online program called my10yearplan.com into its curriculum that helps students build a multiyear approach to career readiness. They can revisit and refine their plans throughout their time in high school. ∆

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

SEASONED SLO’s Post 66 of the American Legion has a proven track record of feeding the community, and on Memorial Day, it’ll join hands with King David’s Masonic Lodge to sponsor a barbecue for veterans battling food insecurity.

SCREENSHOT FROM POST 66, THE AMERICAN LEGION FACEBOOK

BY GEORGE HANSEN

Dead seabirds

The harbingers of a preventable future

I’ve been seeing a lot of dead seabirds on Pismo Beach lately. Most of them were common murres—those handsome black birds with white throats and stout, black beaks. There were also some dead cormorants, and even a whimbrel, with its long downcurved bill. As I walked up the beach carrying my surfboard, I counted seven dead birds in a distance of just a hundred feet or so.

It turns out that most of these birds starved to death. The reason, according to International Bird Rescue, is warmer

Community parks are different than open space

Barbara Boniface (“Los Osos has plenty of parkland,” May 7) says Los Osos already has 618 acres of parkland and does not need a better community park. Yes, we are fortunate to have many acres of protected open space, beautiful reserves that safeguard habitat and offer opportunities for passive recreation. Here’s the thing: Community parks serve an essential purpose that’s distinct from open space and natural reserve areas. They’re designed and equipped for many kinds of active recreation, everyday social life, and accessibility for everyone, including those with special needs, since many of our local natural reserves are not ADA-compliant.

Community parks are where people create memories, gather as families and friends, and participate in recreational activities. They provide play structures, sports fields and courts, shared spaces for active recreation and everyday social connections—all essential for mental and physical health. Right now, Los Osos has just one 6-acre

ocean surface temperature. We’ve been experiencing a record-breaking blob of warm ocean water stretching from the Bering Sea to Mexico, from Korea to California. That’s driving baitfish into cooler, deeper water, where our friends the murres and other seabirds can’t reach them. The warmer water also gave us a record warm and dry March on land. These elevated temperatures are the result of global heating from the 2.5 trillion tons of CO2 that we have emitted into our atmosphere.

Moreover, we haven’t even started our El Niño yet, which isn’t expected until late summer. What will happen when we add a strong El Niño event to our already

community park, the same size as we had 50 years ago. That may have been adequate for a town of 2,000 residents, but for our community of 15,000, it falls incredibly short of what we need. A good community park isn’t a luxury; it’s part of the town’s basic civic infrastructure and essential to one’s health. Los Osos has lived with too little park space for far too long. Acquiring Sunnyside School and turning it into Sunnyside Park is our opportunity to begin changing that. Let’s turn the page and vote yes on Measure B-26, for a better community park now and for many generations to come.

Elizabeth Denny Los Osos

Support Measure B-26

As proud Los Osos residents of 46 years, we are thrilled at the recent influx of babies and young children—bringing smiles to all of our faces. While those of our vintage can enjoy the cordoned pathways of the Elfin Forest and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, kids need space to run and play. That’s why we strongly

anomalously warm ocean? We could see high temperatures, humidity, and storms such as we haven’t seen since tropical storm Hilary came ashore in 2023.

The birds are, if you will excuse a morbid expression, our canaries in the coal mine, harbingers of our perilous future. Are a hot atmosphere, elevated ocean temperatures, and dead animals the legacy that we are leaving for our children? If we do nothing, then yes. The good news is that we can prevent this. Let’s ditch gas. We can power our cars with electricity and warm our homes with electric heat pumps (both of which, by the way, are cheaper in the long run).

We’ll embrace renewable sources of energy like solar and wind. That includes offshore wind, which the Audubon Society has declared is far safer for seabirds than

support the purchase of Sunnyside School. For most of the community, the cost will almost certainly be offset by the increase in property values, but for all of us, the benefits to our younger folks will be priceless. We urge you to join us in supporting our youth and voting yes on Measure B-26.

Rick and Julie Rodewald Los Osos

We’ve already paid for Sunnyside School

I’ve been waiting for this subject to wake up, so here goes. I have lived in Los Osos since 1974, started and owned three businesses, and love this community. The subject of this letter being Sunnyside School/park. My children both went there, I played baseball there, and we all watched Halley’s Comet there. I do believe Sunnyside School should belong to Los Osos; however, I do not believe we should have to buy it back. My reasoning is that Los Osos residents have already paid for it with our school taxes. In my case, more than 50 years of taxes. We have bought

the dangers of CO2-induced global heating. We can tap into 6 million kilowatts of wind energy blowing off our coast, enough to power millions of homes. Over the course of a year, that would add up to 53 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity, resulting in nearly 50 billion tons of CO2 that won’t be emitted into our atmosphere. Let’s utilize the tools we already have at our disposal—electrification and renewable energy. We can help save a huge number of seabirds and other wildlife and provide a better future for our children and our children’s children. ∆

George Hansen writes to New Times from Arroyo Grande. Send a response for publication by emailing it to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

and paid for it several times over. San Luis Coastal Unified School District should grant or give back Sunnyside School to Los Osos. How stupid are we not to think it is already ours? In the time since San Luis Coastal Unified School District has closed Sunnyside School, it/we have built Monarch Grove School and Baywood Middle School. Now, the district wants to sell Sunnyside to the highest bidder. Why? Because Los Osos can afford it? We can always afford it so they can use our taxes freely. WTF, now is the time to give back what we have already paid for. On another community subject, Pandora’s Box was opened about a community swimming pool fund. Years ago, my family helped plan, organize, and donate for a future community swimming pool. Sounds like the money set aside was used, disappeared, or shrunk. Where did it go? Oh well, Los Osos, vote no on Measure B-26. We should not have to buy back something we’ve already paid for: Sunnyside School.

M. S. Hedger Los Osos

HODIN

Russell Hodin

BY GIANNA PATCHEN AND ANDREW CHRISTIE

A permanent safe beach

It doesn’t happen often, but it’s happening now: The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) south of Arroyo Grande Creek is closed to off-highway vehicles and has become a safe place for pedestrians. But the closure is temporary. A few days after you read this, the Oceano Dunes may or may not have re-opened to off-road vehicles. Why is the Oceano Dunes closed to vehicles right now? Because State Parks is finally being held accountable for violating federal law for 30 years. For decades State Parks postponed and submitted inadequate habitat conservation plans, the basis of the long overdue federal permit to “take”—meaning to incidentally harm or kill—threatened species in the ODSVRA. State Parks knowingly operated without that permit for decades and has still not been granted the required permit by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Accountability finally came via a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity that pushed State Parks to comply with federal law. In April, the court ruled, “the California Department of Parks and Recreation violated the Endangered Species Act by allowing motorized vehicle use that harms imperiled shorebirds,” resulting in the temporary ODSVRA closure.

Despite decades of violations and the recent court order, State Parks may still get its permit. But it shouldn’t. State Parks’ draft Oceano Dunes habitat conservation plan fails to meet the key requirement of a habitat

conservation plan: to conserve habitat. Instead, it’s essentially a blueprint for taking land from threatened wildlife and giving it to vehicles.

If U.S. Fish and Wildlife gives State Parks a permit based on this inadequate draft habitat conservation plan, it would be another blow to the environment and local communities from the Trump administration.

When the ODSVRA was closed to off-highway vehicles during the COVID pandemic, the park’s chronic air pollution problem cleared up, deaths and injuries went to zero, the erosion of dunes was abated, and the plovers expanded their habitat. As the commission’s executive director observed, “The shutdown of the park due to the COVID crisis really presented an unusual situation whereby these snowy plovers took advantage of these now open and undisturbed areas of the beach and dunes to nest.”

State Parks’ response to this ecological success story was counterintuitive and illegal. They obliterated habitat, scuffed out nests, and harassed plovers in an attempt to prevent the birds from expanding beyond their designated areas. This forced the Coastal Commission to issue a cease and desist order.

The COVID-era closure also provided a perfect economic case study. A Cal Poly economics professor reviewed the data from the closure and concluded that the suspension of off-road activities during COVID “did not have a material impact on the county’s economy” and “Oceano’s [lodging] revenue,

actually, increased,” demonstrating that the economic necessity of the ODSVRA is severely overstated.

In reporting on the current closure, the LA Times got it wrong when it wrote that the ODSVRA “locked its gates” during the pandemic. Cars may have been barred, but people were welcome. For the first time in a long time, local community members dared to walk along the beach. Right now is another rare opportunity to enjoy Oceano Dunes. While you still can, we encourage you to go to Oceano and visit the dunes while its safe to explore. New bike lanes have been added along Pier Avenue if you want to ditch your vehicle altogether. While you’re there, pop into some local restaurants and cafes—remind them you’re here to enjoy a safe beach and dunes. As we look to the future, let’s examine what the Coastal Commission proposed five years ago to solve the ODSVRA’s chronic problems. Their vision didn’t close the dunes to the public and recreation but instead outlined a multi-year transition away from vehicular use: permitting hike-in and bike-in camping, closing the Pier Avenue entrance and only allowing car camping to the north of Pier Avenue. This would allow “the community to begin to plan for a revitalization of its main coastal street and accessway [which] would include a beach south of Pier Avenue without vehicles, allowing for the types of opportunities that help other California beach towns to prosper.” This is one of many proposals, including having a vehicle-free

beach and various ideas to support and diversify the local economy.

The commission’s central finding should remain our compass: Off-highway vehicle recreation is fundamentally incompatible with the protection of coastal resources at the Oceano Dunes and the health of local communities. Decades of denial doesn’t make this any less true. One thing’s for certain, now is the time to envision the future we want at Oceano Dunes and work toward building it together. It’s time to create opportunities in Oceano that help both this California beach town and the dunes’ sensitive species prosper. That sounds like a good place to begin. ∆

Gianna Patchen is chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send a letter for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

What’s your favorite way to participate in local government?

33% Show up and speak out at board and council meetings!

32% With the proverbial pen and paper— letters, public comment, editorials.

23% At the polls—my vote is my voice!

Do right

Up until a year ago, Cal Poly had the remains of 10 Indigenous people in their “collection,” Native Americans who had been dug up from their graves and taken for “study.” Cal Poly finally returned the remains to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians after a toothless 1990 law demanding repatriation was given teeth in 2023, imposing stricter penalties for lack of compliance. Better late than never, Poly!

According to a 2023 ProPublica analysis, Cal Poly’s 10 remains were among 110,000 individuals in institutional collections for more than 30 years since the law required their return. One of the largest unreturned collections is 4,700 individuals held by Berkeley. Berkeley! I thought you were über liberal.

Kathy Marshall, vice chair of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Elders Council, has seen some of the collections kept out of public view.

“When [I] visit schools and universities, [I’m] just like, I bet none of these kids know that they are walking by, you know, 300 of our ancestors sitting in a room downstairs,” she said. “These were mothers. These were fathers. These were grandparents. These were babies. You know, I mean, there were so many babies in collections. It’s just horrifying.”

It speaks to how dehumanizing our treatment of Native Americans has been, and it’s troubling to think that tRump and his minions are working to gut public education

and whitewash our history under the guise that teaching children about our genocidal policies toward Native Americans is teaching critical race theory to children. It’s simply our history, dumbasses, and yes, it’s ugly, but if we want to reach equality—and I know many MAGAts do not—we must be willing to openly and honestly confront our past.

The fact that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was passed in 1990 was a good first step, but that it took 2023’s Assembly Bill 389 to amend the law 33 years later for it to have any effect is ridiculous. The naked truth is we’re graverobbers. We stole people and artifacts buried with them because we considered them less than human. Let’s teach our children the truth.

According to Mona Tucker, tribal chair for the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County, “When we say ‘human remains,’ sometimes I think people’s mind goes to the abstract. These are human beings. They’re not just the remains. They are people who walked here in their homelands in California. They had families. You know, they had loved ones, and they were buried with dignity, respect, and ceremony.”

Graves desecrated. People dug up, taken away, packed into boxes, and stored on shelves like inventory. Ghastly.

“One of their goals was to examine Native people, to try to prove that there was a gap between the ‘species’ of Native people and Europeans,” Tucker said. “That was a hideous endeavor.”

Both she and Marshall credit new federal rules and a shift in attitudes as driving the push for repatriation, which makes me wonder how long before tRump notices and puts an end to it. After all, repatriation is ethical and spends money doing good—two things anathema to the orange shit stain.

The California State University system, which includes Cal Poly, allocated $3.7 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year to pay for repatriation coordinators, tribal travel reimbursements, reburial costs, and other expenses. Maybe if the $3.7 million was spent on a gold statue of tRump he’d be OK with it.

Please recall that a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike was pulled down and lit on fire in Washington, D.C., in June 2020 during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Good riddance, but not so fast. Under the tRump administration, it’s been renovated and reinstalled in Judiciary Square.

Self-named Secretary of “War” Pete Hegseth stripped the name of a U.S. Navy veteran and gay activist Harvey Milk from a ship and returned the names of Confederate generals to Army bases where they’d been removed. Shameless.

When will it be our turn to topple a gold tRump statue and remove his name and goldleaf from all the stuff he ruined? A Texas wax

museum removed tRump’s figure because visitors kept punching it. Make American Kind Again, please!

Let’s hope every stolen person finds their way home before tRump and his goons discover we’re doing the right thing and put an end to it.

Speaking of déjà vu, Malibu voters’ rights lawyer Kevin Shenkman has filed a legal complaint with the SLO Superior Court alleging that Atascadero’s school district is violating the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) of 2001 because its voting system disenfranchises Latino voters. In 2023, Shenkman lodged a similar complaint with the city of San Luis Obispo threatening a lawsuit if it didn’t change its at-large election model, which he said violates the CVRA because it dilutes Latino voter influence. Shenkman’s letter worked, sort of. That’s why SLObispians now only vote for one City Council person instead of two—it was a compromise with Southwest Voter Registration Education Project to avoid a lawsuit, which Shenkman makes a lot of money winning all over California. Maybe, considering the conservative courts recently gutted the 1965 Voters Rights Act, having a blunt instrument like the CVRA is a good thing if it aids in Latino representation. So, whatcha gonna do, A-Town? ∆

The Shredder is welloiled and will never die. Grind its gears at shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

BIRD WATCHER

Learn about birding in San Luis Obispo at the Cerro Alto Campground in Morro Bay during a Guided Birding Walk on Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The walk, through one of the country’s top birding locations, will be led by experienced local birders, and is open to new and seasoned birders. The birding excursion is $40 for Los Padres ForestWatch members and $50 for nonmembers. Visit forestwatch.org for more details.

—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.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES

Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY

Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

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.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca. com.

STAGHORN FERN MOUNTING WORKSHOP Join for a hands-on workshop where creativity and plant care come together. May 30 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $80. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery. com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN FILM EVENT To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four

women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today. May 22 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 927-4336. Cambria Library, 1043 Main St., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today. May 23 1-3 p.m. Free. 805-461-. Atascadero Library, 6555 Capistrano, Atascadero.

BLOCK PRINTING BASICS WITH LEGO

Enjoy this fun, engaging workshop where you will learn the basics of block printing while creating your own one of a kind artwork!This is a beginner class. May 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $25. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

DAILY POTTERY Walk in, pick your pottery project, and paint away. Something for all ages. Prices vary depending on what you choose and includes; paint, glaze, firing, and studio time. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Varies. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.

FIGURE DRAWING - SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS AT FIELDWORK Join us for figure drawing every Saturday and Wednesday for ages 18 and over. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own materials. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. $20 + model’s tip. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.

INK WORKS ‘26 Check out what the Central Coast Printmakers have been up to in this diverse collection of original

prints by local artists! Through June 28, 12-4 p.m. Free. (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.

TAKE A SPIN: TWO-HOUR WHEEL

CLASS These two hour blocks provide an opportunity to learn the basics of wheel throwing. Instructors will center your clay for you, so you will have the opportunity to make two items. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon $72. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/ wheelclasses. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. 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. CAL POLY’S SOUNDINGS WITH SWITCH ENSEMBLE Music technology and composition students partner

with contemporary repertory dancers to create an evening of original music and choreography in collaboration with visiting artists. May 28 -29, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FILM SCREENING: OMOIYARI WITH KISHI BASHI Head to this special screening in partnership with SLO Film Center, featuring a Q&A with Composer and Director Kaoru Ishibashi (Kishi Bashi). May 28 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 541-5161. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/ dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 4418257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MAGICANS CLUB This is a non-profit club where magicians from the local areas meet, exchange, share magic ideas, and showoff. Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 720-1164. SLO Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. 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. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

ONCE UPON NOW: ART BRIDGES COLLECTION The nine diverse works of American art in this exhibition span from 1915 to 2020, representing a remarkable slice of American art history. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 30 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/ab-collection/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PETER KRASHES: PASSAGE THROUGH New York–based artist Peter Krashes’ first solo exhibition on the West Coast, uses paintings of daily experience in an ever-changing world. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 28 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/peter-krashes/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYANT BAKER

Saturday, May 23 – PTFS (Play That Funky Sound)

Sunday, May 24 – Joy Polloi

Monday, May 25 – Jill Knight Band

Saturday, May 30 – Spanky Paul Band

Sunday, May 31 – Dani Cole

Saturday, June 6 – Paul Hayward*

Sunday, June 7 – Rough House

Saturday, June 13 – James River Band*

Sunday, June 14 – Electric Lavender Train

Saturday, June 20 – Cocktail Shorty

Sunday, June 21 – Spanky Paul Band

Saturday, June 27 – Quadtones

Sunday, June 28 – Lunar Radio*

Saturday, July 4th - Jill Knight Band

Sunday July 5 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam

Saturday, July 11 – Earls of Tuesday

Sunday, July 12 – Rough House

Saturday, July 18 – Leslie & the Soul Shakers

Sunday, July 19 – Dave Tate Trio

Saturday, July 25 – Cocktail Shorty*

Sunday, July 26 – Electric Lavendar Train

Saturday, Aug 1 – Leslie & The Soul Shakers*

Sunday, Aug 2 – Dani Cole

Saturday, Aug 8 – Spanky Paul Band*

Sunday, Aug 9 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam

Saturday, Aug 15 – Rockin’ Bs Trio

Sunday Aug 16 – Earls of Tuesday*

Saturday, Aug 22 – Dani Cole

Sunday, Aug 23 – Jill Knight Band

Saturday, Aug 29 – Joy Polloi

Sunday, Aug 30 – Electric Lavender Train

Saturday, Sept 5 – Jill Knight & Eric Williams

Sunday, Sept 6 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam

Monday, Sept 7 – Burning James Band

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo. com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

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.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS

This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance. Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

TEEN NIGHT POTTERY IS LIVE Join Teen Night Pottery, for ages 14 and over. Teens will be taught to throw on the potters wheel, sculpt, or paint a pot. Snacks will be provided. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $35. (805) 896-6197. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today. May 22 , 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 7815994. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN FILM EVENT To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today. May 23 2:30-4 p.m. Free. (805) 929-3994. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, slolibrary.org.

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.

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 SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay. CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call

or submit online.

805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS

Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS

MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 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.

GRAND OPENING OF CAYUCOS

HISTORY MUSEUM The Cayucos Historical Museum welcomes its new museum. The grand opening will be held at the Cayucos Veterans Hall at the pier. Admission is free and all are welcome. May 30 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 235-2176. Cayucos Historical Society, 10 Cayucos Drive, Cayucos, cayucoshistoricalsociety.com.

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.

THE KEYS TO LIVING WELL: LIVE THE DREAM, LEAVE A LEGACY Explore how to weave kindness, patience, forgiveness

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

and surrender into your life to embrace all of you and reveal your Inner Wisdom! Register at the link. May 29 1-3 p.m. $75. dreamgirlwriter.com/playshops.

Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria, (805) 927-9466.

LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT

CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.

LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION

CLASS Sitting with a supportive group strengthens one’s meditation practice. Join us for a weekly talk on topics related to meditation and consciousness plus silent and guided meditation. Facilitated by Devin Wallace. Beginners welcome. Email devinwalla@gmail.com for more information. Sundays, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. By donation. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos.

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 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. MondaysSaturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts. com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT

A community of movers and shakers who come together to express themselves through dance and movement. Inspired by a variety of conscious movement modalities, Open Flow is led by Silvia Suarez and Matt Garrity, embodiment teachers who share a passion for integration through movement exploration. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $10 (general), $5 (ages 55 and older).

SilviaAthaSomatics.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. (805) 709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great antiaging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.

TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. (805) 772-7486. fitnessworksmb. com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This openair 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.

YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. (805) 7017397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

ART IN STONE

The work of the Gallery at Marina Square’s May featured artist Jari de Ham is on display through May 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head to Morro Bay and see Jari’s array of Chinese brush paintings and stone sculptures. More details can be found at galleryatmarinasquare.com.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

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

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.

CAMP CASS: LAVENDER AND WELLNESS WITH HAMBLY FARMS This workshop is ideal for guests seeking connection, self-care, and something memorable to take home. May 31 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $80. (805) 239-1730. exploretock. com. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS

MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 221-5755. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Tuesdays, noon-1 a.m. Free. (760) 846-1443. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. (805) 464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.

HIIT 45 WITH SARA JORGENSEN A dynamic and fun way to improve strength and cardiovascular conditioning using weights, resistance bands, and body weight. Bring a yoga mat and water. Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Mondays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. $15 for members; $25 for guests. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/ fitness/fitness-classes/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS

A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY MEETING

Join this monthly organizational meeting startup Paso Food Cooperative. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. (805) 712-7410 text is best. pasofoodcooperative.com/calendar-meetings. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

PET TALES Get ready for the cutest, coziest, and cuddliest hour in your week!

Pet Tales welcomes young children and their grownups for a pet-themed story time. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.

TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. (805) 237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles.

TOPS SUPPORT GROUP: WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE A self-help support group focusing on weight loss and maintenance. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. (805) 242-2421. tops.org. Santa Margarita Senior Center, 2210 H St., Santa Margarita.

TOPS TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Join for affordable and effective weight-loss support. Sundays, 10-11 a.m. through Oct. 31 First visit is free. (805) 234-1026. Rancho Del Bordo Clubhouse, 10025 El Camino Real, Atascadero, tops.org.

YANG STYLE TAI CHI The course’s instructor won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new

learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. (805) 470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Silks is a great way to learn flipping safely! Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at our Aerial Silks Clinic. For children ages 7 to 17 years, all levels welcome. May 30 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. BREWING SOLUTIONS: COFFEE & CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS Brewing Solutions brings people together to have open, low-pressure conversations about climate topics and to share ideas, questions, and perspectives in a supportive space. May 31 10-11 a.m. Free. tinyurl.com/SLOCCBrewingSolutions. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, 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.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC THE GATHERING Friday Night Magic is where legends rise! Bring your deck, meet fellow Planeswalkers, and battle it out in epic MTG duels. Fun, prizes, glory! Fridays. through May 2 Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/even ts/592253119822089/592256636488404. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

HANDSPRINGS AND AERIALS (TUMBLING) CLINIC Build your skills at our Handsprings and Aerials Clinic! Even beginners can start working on the CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20

Big cheers to all you New Times

Snag

“HALZYON” at checkout online or at the

PHOTO COURTESY OF JARI DE HAM

W�N�E�S P�R�Y�

You all are the BEST!

Thank you to all the winners and guests who attended the Best of SLO County Winners Party at The Cli s! It was wonderful to meet and celebrate with over 300 of you.

We also want to give a special shout-out to our DJ, LaDell with Epic Entertainment, and to Anna and the entire sta at The Cli s. From the valet parking and setup to the food and drinks to the music… you were all amazing.

You all are the BEST and we look forward to celebrating again with the Winners in 2027

Thank you, The New Times Family

fundamentals of these Intermediate skills. All levels welcome. For children ages 5 to 17 years old. May 30 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS Join Mended Hearts of San Luis Obispo for Empowering Monthly Meetings for Cardiovascular Patients. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. mendedhearts.org. French Hospital Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 3rd Floor, 1911 Johnson Ave, 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-book-one-coast-2026. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

PORTUGUESE, HOLY SPIRIT SOCIETY

to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY RETURNED PEACE CORPS

VOLUNTEER? May 31 , 1-3 p.m. (412) 4773064. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Oceano, Oceano.

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.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc. org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach. org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

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.

Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 4404561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.

115TH PORTUGUESE FESTA Joi. the celebration to honor Saint Isabella of Portugal. There will be a rosary and dance on Saturday, parade, mass, serving of sopas, and an auction on Sunday. May 30, 6-11 p.m. and May 31 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 458-9361. Trinity Hall, 6565 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, TrinityHallSLO.com.

SLO FOOD BANK OPEN HOUSE The SLO Food Bank Open House gathers and celebrates volunteers, donors, partners, and community leaders who bring our mission to life. May 30 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 238-4664. donate.slofoodbank.org.

SLO Food Bank, 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

SLO 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: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

STEWARDS OF THE LAND: THE MULTIRACIAL ROOTS OF ENVIRONMENTALISM Professor Stevie Ruiz of CSU Northridge discusses his book, “Stewards of the Land,” which traces the contributions of migrants and minorities to the environmental movement. May 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 781-4187. sanluisobispo. librarycalendar.com. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group

LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, 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

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY FLYING MIZ DAISY VINTAGE MARKET Flying Miz Daisy Vintage Market heads to Buellton with 60+ vendors, antiques, vintage finds, live music, and food trucks. Free admission and parking. May 23 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. flyingmizdaisy. com. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

PRETTY IN PINK

Dance the night away with The Molly Ringwald Project, during the Pretty in Pink ’80s Prom at Presqu’ile Winery on Saturday, May 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. The band will perform live at the hillside amphitheater, and there will be wine available by the glass and bottle, as well as local food trucks and a throwback photo booth. Tickets are $26. Visit presquilewine.com for additional information.

PHOTO

Hot Dates

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING DAOU VINEYARDS Join for an unforgettable evening at Cambria Pines Lodge as we welcome Daou Vineyards for a signature Winemaker’s Dinner in our outdoor Pavilion Garden. May 31 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

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 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.

CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.

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.

PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY MEETING All welcome. Get involved and help spread the word about the co-op. Tell a friend, associate, or neighbor. Meet in the Community Room at Oak Creek Commons near Pat Butler Elementary School. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. pasofoodcooperative.com. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

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

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.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

SIP ROSÉ, ENJOY FRESH SEAFOOD, AND SUPPORT LAND

CONSERVATION Enjoy the Rosé Release Party with Croma Vera Wines and SLO Land Conservancy. Try the new 2025 Rosé, along with a seafood pairing by Big Wave Sushi, local art, and conservation. May 31, 1-6 p.m. $14. (805) 946-1685. resy.com/ cities/san-luis-obispo-ca/venues/croma-vera-wines/events/roserelease-with-the-land-conservancy-2026-05-31?date=2026-05-08. Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, San Luis Obispo.

SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLO GREEK FESTIVAL Enjoy the SLO Greek Festival, with authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and family fun. May 30 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 31 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5. (805) 546-8337. greekfestivalslo.com/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, 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. ∆

WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM

THE MIDTOWN MEN

STARS FROM THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF JERSEY BOYS

MAY 29 / $35+

Not A Performance Of, Not Affliated With the Show Jersey Boys.

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

JUNE 5 / $35+

EDGARDO NU Ñ EZ

JULY 17 / $79+

RICK SPRINGFIELD

JULY 31 / $65+

HOT VALLEY NIGHTS FREE CONCERT SERIES SHOW STARTS JUNE 13

Arts

More praise for Black Award-winning Cayucosbased tween book author

Debbie Noble Black just scored two more accolades at the Chanticleer International Book Awards banquet in Bellingham, Washington.

“Besides the thrill of winning those prestigious awards, just getting all dressed up for an event like that was a blast,” Black said. “It was quite the departure from my normal beach-vibe routine and basic attire of jeans and Ugg boots!”

Deetjen’s Closet: A Quest for Magic (Coalesce Press, 2023)

received First Place in Fiction Cover Design Awards. The Old Secret at Hotel Oregon (Coalesce Press, 2025) received First Place Honorable Mention in the Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Awards category. New Times interviewed the author last summer about her book series geared toward readers 9 to 12, which mixes history and magic.

“The third book in the series is titled Trouble Aboard the Queen Mary,” Black explained. “It’s set on the Queen Mary and the writing is well ‘under way.’ Publication date is expected late spring 2027, barring any unforeseen icebergs!” Black’s books are available at local independent bookstores as well as online retailers. She’ll also present two sessions at the Central Coast Writers Conference on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Cuesta College: Writing Books for Children and Teens; and Mastering Dialogue. Find more info at debbienobleblack.com.

Celebrate

Saint Isabella

In addition to Catholicism and cultural identity, family and tradition are priorities in the Portuguese community, which will be on full display at the Portuguese Holy Spirit Society’s (PHSS) 115th annual Portuguese Festa on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, where Adelle Lima will be crowned senior queen.

“My oldest daughter is going to be the incoming senior queen this year,” 2026 PHSS Festa President Angela Lima said. “She’s [the] third generation to be senior queen for this organization. My mom was senior queen in 1971, and I was senior queen in 1994. The purpose of this Festa is for the Portuguese community to get together and honor Saint Isabella of Portugal. My family has been part of this organization since the early 1920s.”

On May 30 starting at 6 p.m., the festivities occur at Trinity Hall (6565 Edna Road, SLO), with food, music, and the presentation of the queens and their sidemaids. Adelle Lima’s sidemaids are Danielle Lima and Eve Fernandez. Daisy Almaguer is junior queen and her sidemaids are Allison Rodriguez, Ava Lima, and Teagan Knowlson.

Sunday begins with an 8 a.m. parade from Reis Mortuary (the corner of Nipomo and Dana Streets) to the Old SLO Mission for a 9 a.m. mass and coronation before returning to Trinity Hall. Learn more at trinityhallslo.com. Δ Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Musical healing

Violinist Brynn Albanese treats and transitions patients through sound

Not to be a downer, but we’re all going to die. Three in four adults have at least one chronic condition, and more than half have two or more. In other words, most of us will see our deaths coming. For Cambria musician Brynn Albanese, her job is to make the transition from life to death as comfortable and serene as possible.

The concert violinist has transitioned from performance to service in the last couple of years by becoming a certified music practitioner and end-of-life doula who works with both terminally ill patients and sick people in recovery.

According to the National Library of Medicine, music can be therapeutic. Albanese has lectured on the topic in a presentation called Music is Medicine, which she describes as “an emotional and engaging therapeutic musical presentation that explores the healing power of music through science, storytelling, and lived experience.”

In her presentation, which she offers along with a concert, she “weaves together the science of frequencies, vibration, and organized sound—what we know as music—with deeply moving stories drawn directly from patients’ bedsides in medical facilities. This presentation offers audiences a rare intersection of art, medicine, and humanity.”

A musical life was inevitable. Both her parents were performers, and her father was a music teacher in Southern California for 38 years. She describes him as the Mr. Holland of Palos Verdes, after the 1995 film Mr. Holland’s Opus starring Richard Dreyfuss. Though destined to become a musician, her path from artist to healer was not an easy one.

After a short stint at Juilliard, she got a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and had a concert career on the East Coast. Later she spent eight years living and performing in the Netherlands. Then she learned her brother had committed suicide.

“When my brother died in 2000, I was there working, and then over the course of four years, I felt like I needed to go home,” she explained. “I remember playing the last note of a symphony. It was Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, the Pastorale Symphony. And I said to myself, ‘I’m done. I’m done with this full-time orchestra life.’ I’ve been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. I was also ready to be home with my parents and help them navigate losing a child.”

After their son died, her parents moved to Cambria, so she moved there even though Cambria was “not my intention.” Still, she met a man, a social worker at Atascadero State Mental Hospital, and they planned to marry. Tragedy struck again.

Hear all about it

You can hear Brynn Albanese perform live when she joins Cali-Cubano band Zongo AllStars in a Live on the Rocks concert on the bluff behind The Cliffs Hotel and Spa on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 (1 to 5 p.m.; all ages; free but you can RSVP at my805tix.com). Albanese will also give her lecture, Music is Medicine, which includes a concert, on Saturday, May 30, in Shepard Hall of the Santa Maria Library (3 p.m.; all ages; free). Donate to her practice at ecologistics.org/pneuma-melodies.

“Little did I know that it was going to turn into a disaster,” she said. “This guy was bipolar, and he was in denial about it. He was self-medicating, and he committed suicide.”

Two of her closest college friends also committed suicide.

“It was just a horrendously difficult time to come back from being in another country for so long, and having to rebuild everything again,” she admitted. “When he passed away, when he was gone, that’s when I really kind of started my new life, and Cafe Musique came into my life.”

Cafe Musique was a wildly successful “wild classical” ensemble that blended Gypsy jazz, swing, tango, and folk music, with Albanese’s violin front and center. The group was in full force from 2007 to 2020, and in 2010, she met her wife, Amber.

“I’m pansexual,” she explained. “A pansexual is just somebody who is a humanist who falls in love with humans regardless of their sex, gender, or identification.”

Cafe Musique became her identity, though she continued her concert work. Today, she remains the concertmaster of Orchestra Novo, the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, and the Santa Maria Philharmonic.

She reached another crossroads in 2020 when bandmember Duane Inglish decided to quit Cafe Musique to spend more time with his family, and then COVID hit, knocking the wind out of musicians’ sails. Albanese managed to eke out a living giving in-person, masked, and socially distanced concerts. During these concerts, her future as a music therapist took form.

“At the time, I didn’t know that I was healing people with music,” she explained. “I really didn’t know that. And I decided that, at that moment, that this is what I was going to do.”

Hospice musician Chris O’Connell told Albanese about the Music for Healing and Transition program.

“I’d always wanted to be some type of music therapist, and I’d been reading and watching things on TV about the hospitals being completely full, the ERs, and then opening stadiums with cots, and putting up tents out in the parking lots of hospital,” Albanese recalled. “People have very easily forgotten about that. All the ventilators were gone. Gloves ran out.

Masks ran out. It was insanely a horrific situation. People were dying and hospital staff were quitting. People were committing suicide.”

Taking classes online and being stuck at home during the pandemic also took their toll on her health.

“We were eating a lot at home, and I was getting bigger and bigger, and I was getting sicker and sicker. I did not know how much my body was suffering from gaining so much weight during COVID,” she explained.

This sent her on a weight loss journey that saw her lose 100 pounds, resulting in better health and more energy to devote to her new calling.

After completing her certification, she realized something important.

“I was a little bit obsessed with death because so many people were dying. I had lost so many people in my life, really important people. I had been reading about these death companions, about how to give someone a good death. Can you have a good death?”

She started a fundraising campaign and collected enough in donations to take the International End-of-Life Doula Association course, becoming a certified death doula, the counterpart to a doula who works in child birthing. Albanese continues to fundraise for her practice through Ecologistics.

You can now find her in Dignity Health facilities playing her violin or her new instrument, the Native American flute

“I have five of them, and I have begun to play at meditation sessions,” she said. “I taught myself how to play these flutes, and they are an integral, extremely important part of my work because I use them a lot for transition support music, for people who are at the end of their lives.” ∆

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

PEACEFUL TRANSITION In addition to the violin, Albanese has mastered the Native American flute, playing it here for her mother as she passed away.

CREATING A GOOD DEATH Albanese uses both a violin and Native American flute to play for people as they transition from life to death.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRYNN ALBANESE

Sweet relief

livia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing, First Match) directs this script she co-wrote with John Whittington adapting Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel of the same name about Tova Sullivan (Sally Field), an elderly cleaning lady at an aquarium in Sowell Bay, Washington. Her best friend is Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), an arrogant and dismissive octopus. When she injures her leg and a drifter named Cameron (Lewis Pullman) ends up stuck in town with a van in need of expensive repairs, he subs for Tova to make money. As they interact, their pasts and families are slowly revealed. (111 min.)

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Glen Sally Field is a national treasure, and Lewis Pullman—son of veteran actor Bill Pullman—exudes the same soulful hangdoggedness as his father. They’re both perfectly cast as people carrying pain. Tova has experienced loss and has a prickly demeanor because of it, and Cameron has a chip on his shoulder, feeling abandoned by his parents. He’s in town searching for his father not because he hopes to have a relationship but because he feels his father owes him 18 years of child support and he wants his money. At first, they rub each other the wrong way. Tova would rather talk to an octopus than connect with the town folk. She’s also very judgmental of the job Cameron’s doing as her replacement. But maybe, just maybe, they have lessons for one another to learn.

Anna Tova is struggling with the thought of a loss of independence. She’s in the house her father built, but stairways and repairs aren’t agreeing with her age. Filmed in Vancouver but set in Washington’s Puget Sound, this charming seaside town is idyllic but not great for someone who just wants to be left alone.

#SKYKING

What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Richard “Beebo” Russell knew the ins and outs of SEA-TAC airport—after all, he was ground crew. He knew the hierarchy, that the pilots frequently made dismissive remarks about the “ramp rats.” The hours were long and the pay meager, but Beebo was a glass-half-full guy. He had a family that loved him, a wife he loved, and a real desire to live life to its fullest. No one knew what Beebo was struggling with when it came to mental health, and one day, he wheeled out a plane and took off. Not some

Where’s it showing? Netflix LOVE IS LOVE Cowboys Ennis Del Mar

Tova has a group of friends, the “Knitwits,” who seem to not take their knitting as seriously as they do their gossip, which Tova has no interest in. Except, that is, when she’s talking to Marcellus, who has a fondness for her too. This is a really sweet story, and both Field and Pullman are so endearing in their roles. It may burst from the seams with sap, but we all need a little sweetness in this bitter world, so I’ll take it where I can. It’s like watching Free Willy and knowing that there is no Keiko suffering on the other side of the camera. We get all the joy and none of the latent guilt of animal flicks of yore. Glen I have to say, the octopus CGI is incredible. They based Marcellus on Agnetha, a real giant Pacific octopus residing in the Vancouver Aquarium. A visual effects team filmed Agnetha doing various activities, and the real-life footage is seamlessly interchanged with CGI. When we visited the Central Coast Aquarium at Avila Beach a few years ago, they had a giant Pacific octopus, and we were told they return

little personal plane, this was a Horizon Airlines passenger plane—and he was taking it for a joyride.

Built through interviews with Russell’s family as well as the air traffic controllers who were on the job that day, this tragically epic journey of one man, one plane, and one utterly impossible barrel roll is both fascinating and crushing. Once in the air, Beebo knows there’s no coming down without repercussions, so he stays in the air a little longer. When you get to know him through the lens of those who loved him, you see that he’s much more than a meme. (91 min.).

—Anna

SEA-TAC HEIST

Using cockpit voice recordings, this documentary follows the strange case of Beebo Russell, a Horizon Air groundworker, who steals an empty commercial plane, in #Skyking, streaming on Hulu.

them to the ocean after a year or so because they’re as intelligent as a human 4-year-old and get bored in their tank. Part of the story is about Marcellus growing old and knowing, like Tova, his time on earth is growing shorter. Anyone want to guess his outcome? This is a sweet crowd pleaser. Loved it. Anna I’ve heard the book is a great read as well. Instead of distracting, the CGI is impressive. The townspeople are endearing; the setting is brimming with Pacific Northwest charm. Instead of overstuffing the characters with charm, both Field and Pullman come about it naturally, even with Tova’s and Cameron’s prickly nature. Each needs the other to show them how to heal, and to grow—and Marcellus is the glue that finally cements them together. His journey is theirs, and vice versa. I loved it. It’ll be in my feel-good movie rotation for sure. ∆

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

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

What’s it rated? R When? 2005

Where’s it showing? Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m.

Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Life of Pi ) directed this groundbreaking 2005 neo-Western romantic drama adapted by screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story about two young cowboys—Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal)—who in 1963 Wyoming fall in love one summer when they’re hired to herd sheep. Both Ledger and Gyllenhaal turn in committed performances, as do their characters’ respective eventual spouses, Michelle Williams as Ennis’

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

wife, Alma, and Anne Hathaway as Jack’s wife, Lureen. Both marriages slowly deteriorate as Ennis and Jack continue to pine for one another. OK, let’s get it out there: “I wish I knew how to quit you.” It’s a mediation on the pain of closeted homosexuality, and it’s a tragedy. The film’s considered landmark LGBT cinema, and it was nominated for Best Picture—it lost to Paul Haggis’ Crash but it won for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Some critics accused the Academy of homophobia for passing the film over for Best Picture. In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter polled Academy members on controversial past decisions, and the film won Best Picture in a revote. (134 min.) ∆ —Glen

Ledger) and

Twist

fall in love despite themselves, in Brokeback Mountain, screening at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, in the Palm Theatre.

KINDRED SPIRITS Cleaning woman Tova Sullivan (Sally Field) connects with a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), in Remarkably Bright Creatures, streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

(Heath

Jack

(Jake Gyllenhaal)

PHOTO COURTESY OF HULU

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Half the D

The Kyle Gass Company comes to The Siren

Well heck. Let’s just clear the air. Back in July of 2024, Kyle Gass found himself in hot water during a Tenacious D concert in Sydney, Australia, after he tastelessly joked about the attempted Donald Trump assassination. Asked to make a birthday wish onstage, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

Bandmate Jack Black said he was “blindsided” by the quip and canceled the rest of the tour and future creative plans with Gass.

The good news is that Gass publicly apologized for his “severe lack of judgment,” and he and Black have made amends, announcing that Tenacious D will eventually reunite when the time feels right. In the meantime, Good Medicine and Numbskull present The Kyle Gass Company at The Siren on Thursday, May 28 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder; $30.08 at goodmedicinepresents.com).

The band’s current incarnation includes Gass, John Konesky, and Sean Gardner who are hitting the road this spring and summer to create a three-piece “acoustic assault playing favorites from [Gass’] bands over the

years, as well as some tasty covers, followed by a meet-and-greet at the merch booth every night,” press materials explained. “Come for the jams, stay for the hang!”

Konesky has played with Gass for 25 years in various projects including Tenacious D. Gardner, guitarist and songwriter for Columbus based Mt Air, has been touring with Gass for the past year. Gass’ most recent recording is 2026’s Live in Palmdale

Also this week from Numbskull and Good Medicine, see Nashville native Deana Carter playing an acoustic concert at BarrelHouse Amphitheatre on Monday, May 25 (doors at 5 p.m.; all ages; $36.77 at goodmedicinepresents.com). She planted her flag in the country music scene two decades ago with the release of her multi-platinum international debut Did I Shave My Legs For This? The album’s big hit, “Strawberry Wine,” showcased her blend of country and retro rock. It won Single of the Year at the 1997 County Music Association Awards in as well as two Grammy nominations.

She’s now got eight albums to her credit, and her most recent Grammy nomination was in 2012 for her song “You and Tequila.” If you dig Sheryl Crow, you’ll no doubt dig Carter. Joe & Martina open.

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.

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 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. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday,

enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

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 Guitar-woven neo folk pop, noteworthy singing and writing, easy to listen to but also surprises. May 29, 6-8 p.m. Wines on Main, 624 Main Street, suite 101, Templeton.

Freebies!

Aside from the aforementioned Kyle Gass show, The Siren also has a whole slate of free concerts this week for those 21 and older. Gallivant plays on Friday, May 22 (7:30 p.m.). Their bio says it all: “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 music. They bring a high energy, arena-sized rock show to stages all across the country.”

Central Coast dance band The HiBeamz play on Saturday, May 23 (2 to 5 p.m.), bringing you some classic rock favs. Three Legged Dog also plays Saturday, May 23 (7:30 p.m.). This San Diego power trio is “composed of multi-instrumentalists who trade instruments onstage, create loops, incorporate brass instruments, and create a huge sound that draws influence from surf rock, funk, reggae, and blues,” their bio explains.

Finally, Lady & the Tramps plays on Sunday, May 24 (7:30 p.m.), delivering an eclectic mix of rock, R&B, soul, and blues. This Bay Area band formed a decade ago to perform “a wide range of material written and recorded by artists in many genres, often with wholly original arrangements so the audience can experience familiar songs in ways they’ve never heard them before,” the band’s bio explained.

Nineties country, indie rock

Good Vibez has a couple of shows this week at the Fremont Theater starting with Straight Tequila Night: ’90s Country Tribute on Saturday, May 23 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.;

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.

KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

KISHI BASHI: LIVE AT SENSORIO

Amidst the stunning Sensorio backdrop, award-winning violinist and composer Kishi Bashi will perform live, blending classical, rock, electronic, and indie pop in English and Japanese. May 27, 7:30 p.m. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ kishi-bashi-live-at-sensorio. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, (805) 226-4287.

LIVE MUSIC WITH KIELO SMITH

With just a guitar and a selection of harmonicas, Kielo performs a large variety of upbeat cover tunes from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s. May 31 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.

LIVE MUSIC: ROLF G Settle in for a wonderful evening of live music! We are delighted to welcome talented singer and songwriter Rolf G. to the tasting room. May 28 5-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

NATALIE GELMAN LIVE AT DARK STAR

Natalie Gelman is an American folk-pop singer and songwriter. Gelman is mainly 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.

ROSEBUD BAND LIVE AT DARK STAR

Rosebud appeals to all ages with the music of the Grateful Dead mixed with

originals and covers inspired by the Dead. May 31 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

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

SOLEFFECT AT THE POUR HOUSE Hear Soleffect, the 7-piece Central Coast band, blend rock, funk, blues, reggae, and jazz-fusion into a feel-good sound at The Pour House showroom! May 31 , 2-5 p.m.

ACOUSTIC KAPOW Good Medicine and Numbskull present The Kyle Gass Company at The Siren on May 28

NASHVILLE NATIVE Good Medicine and Numbskull present country star Deana Carter playing an acoustic concert at BarrelHouse Amphitheatre on May 25

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANA CARTER

DANCE OFF Bay Area powerhouse Lady & the Tramps bring their eclectic mix of rock, R&B, soul, and blues to The Siren on May 24

PHOTO COURTESY OF LADY & THE TRAMPS

STARKEY continued page 26

all ages; $27.78 at prekindle.com). Expect to hear songs by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, The Chicks, and more. The band started “just for fun” in 2012 by friends and coworkers in Dallas, but they’ve gone on to big things, being featured in Vogue, D Magazine, The Dallas Observer, and The Knot. Matt Maeson makes a stop at the Fremont on his Watch My Step Tour this Tuesday, May 26 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $55.08 general or $138.76 VIP at prekindle. com). He’s a singer-songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve, singing deeply emotional and confessional songs with an earnest rawness that borders on uncomfortable. His background is fascinating. In his bio on The Masquerade website, he said of his youth, “I started getting into a lot of trouble, doing a lot of drugs, getting arrested. Music became a way of getting things off my chest, and I started writing with more honesty.”

Some of his earliest gigs were playing in maximum-security prisons when he was just 17. “I’d get up and do these acoustic songs on my guitar, and they’re still the best shows I’ve ever done. You’re playing for all these people who are treated like they’re monsters, and it feels like spreading some light into a really dark place.”

Vincent Lima opens

Sappho-rama

Rod & Hammer Rock is the place to be for queers and queer allies when Let There Be Lesbians presents Sprung on Saturday, May 23 (doors at 7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $32.36 at ticketweb.com). Expect go-go dancing by Jazmine, Billie, and JoJo; music from DJ Suz; drag performances by Shimmer, Fae Fatale, and Carbon Bard; with Hot 45 frontwoman Reese Galido emceeing the whole shebang. “Let There Be Lesbians is bringing a full field of queers for a night of drag, dancing, and the kind of energy you’ll be talking about all summer,” organizers announced. “The first hour is yours (7 to 8 p.m.). Come in, settle in, find your people. We’ll have games to play side by side, puzzles, coloring books, and specialty cocktails to get you warmed up. Whether you want to be on the dance floor or just in the room, there’s a spot for you. The gays behind this mayhem will be there in the first hour to greet you, mingle, and make sure no one is standing alone. Load up your pockets with dollar bills—our performers give everything they’ve got, and there’s nothing like a crowd that gives it back.”

Learn by playing

It’s no secret that Cal Poly has an amazing music program, and this week you can see it in action with three performances that are open to the public.

You can start with The Songs of Pedro Ximénez Abril Tirado on Thursday, May 21, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center on campus. Guest artists Rafael Montero (tenor) and John Sloboda (piano) will perform a free recital of the songs of Pedro Ximénez Abril Tirado—one of Latin America’s most successful and prolific composers of the early 19th century, at 11:10 a.m.

The Cal Poly Jazz Combos present their Spring Showcase on Thursday, May 21, in the Pavilion of the Performing Arts Center (7:30 p.m.; $22 general or $12 students and SLO Jazz Fed members at pacslo.org).

Four combos will explore a wide spectrum of jazz performance including Afro-Cuban and Brazilianinfluenced repertory and classic standards.

The Cal Poly Chamber Choir and Cantabile presents Who is My Neighbor? on Friday, May 22, at the SLO United Methodist Church (7:30 p.m.; 5-andolder; $22 general, $12 students at pacslo. org). “Who is My Neighbor?” is the central question presented in Benjamin Britten’s “Cantata Misericordium,” which was composed for the 50th anniversary of the Red Cross.

Jazzy

The Famous Jazz Artist series at the Woodlands Concert Hall (715 Main St., Cambria) presents outstanding LA trumpeter Jeff Bunnell on Sunday, May 24 (5 to 7 p.m.; $35 tickets available by calling 805-935-9007 or emailing charlie@talsanmusic.com).

“Besides his early tenures with jazz greats Horace Silver, Ray Charles, and Poncho

Sanchez, Bunnell is one of the busiest players on the Hollywood recording studio scene,” concert organizer and vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake said.

Shoemake and his vocalist wife, Sandy, and bassist Dylan Johnson and drummer Darrell Voss will accompany Bunnell. ∆

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

THERAPUTIC Emotive indie rocker Matt Maeson makes a stop at the Fremont on his Watch My Step Tour on May 26

Never miss SLO County’s biggest stories and breaking news.

Subscribe to the New Times News Wire to get highlights of local news sent straight to your inbox every Thursday morning.

JENNA MITCHELL DANCE DIRECTOR

ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERT

Free. soleffect.bandzoogle.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BACKROADS OF THE AMERICAS: AN INTIMATE SPANISH GUITAR

RECITAL Enjoy this free recital, presented by Cal Poly Music Department student woodwind players. May 26 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/free/#woodwinds. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

MAY 30, 2026, 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

SPECIAL FEATURES!

The Arab Music Ensemble will perform a variety of classic and popular pieces from Arab and interconnected cultures. An instrumental piece composed by its director, songs by Egyptian composer Sayyid Darwish, and Greek and Romanian works!

TICKETS! $17 AND $22 GENERAL, $12 STUDENTS Cal Poly Ticket Office: pacslo.org/cpmusic, 805-756-4849

Wind Bands

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 ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERTBLE World-class guest artists and a dance troupe that sets the music in motion with original choreographies will be featured. Celebrated pieces of historically interconnected cultures. May 30 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/ame/#spring. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand 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 Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CONCERT AND ART AT THE CLUBHOUSE Enjoy an easygoing afternoon of live music, good food, and local art. Tri-tip BBQ, specialty drinks, and unique garden art available for purchase. May 31 , 3-7 p.m. $75. (805) 242-1076. themondayclubslo.org/SUMMER2026/. The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. May 24 , 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Sextant Wines, 1653 Old Price Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 542-0133.

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

six of the top tribute musicians in the industry. May 30 7:30-9 p.m. $49.99$59.99. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. 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. SOLEFFECT AT BLACKLAKE GOLF COURSE Join Sōleffect for a sunny afternoon of live music at Blacklake Golf Resort. May 30, 1-4 p.m. soleffect. bandzoogle.com. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.

SPRING CONCERT

CAL POLY WIND BANDS SPRING

LAURA M. KRAMER PREMIERE:

Journey Home

“Imprints That Shine” will celebrate William Johnson, band director emeritus. With more than 50 band alumni!

CAL POLY WIND ORCHESTRA:

“Suite of Old American Dances” by Robert Russell Bennett and “Kirkpatrick Fanfare” by Andrew Boysen, Jr.

CAL POLY WIND ENSEMBLE:

“Wine-Dark Sea” by John Mackey based on the epic journey of Odysseus.

Christopher J. Woodruff and Nicholas P. Waldron, conductors

CONCERT: JOURNEY HOME The Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble conclude their season’s journey with a program of music by composers from here at home. May 31 3 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ winds/#spring. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY WOODWINDS STUDENT

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.

LEGENDS OF THE CANYON ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS: PETTY PARTY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS

Petty Party is L.A.’s premier tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, featuring

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS PRETTY IN PINK ‘80S PROM Get ready to dance the night away in ‘80s style with The Molly Ringwald Project, bringing all the hits (and the nostalgia) to our hillside amphitheater. Expect great wine by the glass and bottle, local food trucks, a throwback photo booth, and plenty of Aqua Net, shoulder pads, and synth. May 30, 6-10 p.m. $26. presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. 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 3-6 p.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. ∆

MAY 31, 2026 | 3 P.M. SUNDAY

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

$12 students, $17 and $22 general Cal Poly Ticket Office: 805-756-4849, pacslo.org/cpmusic

Siamak Bozorgi, tar and vocals;

Memorial Day

To honor those that have given their life for our country

Summer 2026 Home Game Schedule

Flavor

BY MADISON WHITE

Pop!

The duo on a mission to make the best bubbly on the Central Coast

Legend has it that when Elizabeth Stilson first interviewed with her now-business partner, she said, “If I never have to make another red wine again, I’ll be happy.”

As soon as the statement came out of the winemaker’s mouth, PasoSecco founder Chris Kern knew she was the perfect candidate for his sparkling brand.

“That sold me,” Kern said.

The pair made it clear they have nothing against reds, but their specialty is bubbly whites. They originated PasoSecco in early 2023 with three wines: their flagship grenache blanc, a luscious rosé, and a dry, crisp sauvignon blanc. The trifecta is still going strong.

The 3,000 cases of the 2025 vintage are sent to club members and distributed in dozens of locations from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.

With experience running wine clubs and a wine shop, Kern called himself a serial entrepreneur. The one thing he’s never taken on is winemaking.

“Chemistry is the only class in high school I ever got a C in,” Kern said over lunch in Paso Robles. “So, it’s not my alley.”

After 20 years, PasoSecco is like his Ph.D. dissertation in wine. He researched, networked, and taste tested. He made spreadsheets and pitch decks. He found the gap in the Paso Robles sparkling market.

Kern graphed out every sparkling wine produced in the region by its varietal content, price point, and the technique used to make it. Few, if any, wineries were making it in the Charmat method, how Prosecco is made. There was also a gap in the $25 to $40 per bottle range. Thus, PasoSecco’s grand entrance on the scene.

PasoSecco grapes grow in Northern San Luis Obispo County, but as the business continues to expand, Kern hopes to source from the Solomon Hills area and other Santa Barbara County hot spots. Kern sends his wine up to Napa for production because no

wineries around here have Charmat facilities, but he’s hoping to one day build his own local production.

“It’s like making wine in an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker because basically you’re taking all your still wine, putting it into a huge pressurized stainless-steel tank, adding in the sugar and yeast to start that secondary fermentation, then sealing that tank up and bringing the pressure up,” the vintner said.

Charmat is a speedy process. Instead of six months to two years, fermentation only takes six to eight weeks for PasoSecco wines. Drinkers’ noses will find more aromatics, and their taste buds will sense more fruitiness.

“For a lot of people, it’s a more satisfying sparkling experience,” Kern said.

It’s not a bad time to be in the business of

Everyday bubbles

Join PasoSecco for its Low Country Bubbles soiree on June 14 at The Backyard in Paso Robles. Buy tickets online and see a list of locations carrying PasoSecco wines at pasosecco.com. Follow on Instagram @pasosecco.

bubbles either. Despite a plateau of still wine sales, Kern has noticed a continued steady growth of bubbly for a few reasons.

His theory is that people are naturally drawn to carbonated beverages, and sparkling wine is a lighter option compared to a lot of stills. Aside from heavy reds, even some oaky chardonnays feel thick and too heavy for a warm California afternoon. It’s also an easier transition for younger drinkers who might already be accustomed to the bubbles of hard seltzer.

PasoSecco still faces challenges. One is convincing the masses that bubbles can be popped any time, not just for celebrations.

“We want to be your everyday bubbles, the bottle that you open up on a Wednesday if you’re going to binge watch Love Is Blind,” Kern described. “Or, if your boyfriend or husband is watching a football game, is drinking a beer with his friends, but beer is a little too heavy. You can pop open a bottle of PasoSecco.”

Share tasty tips!

you’re the only person that can see the pieces and where they’re supposed to go.”

The Templeton native grew up surrounded by grapes and eventually found her way into the industry excitement. Stilson fell in love with harvest and the atmosphere that makes winemaking the gritty, heartfelt business that it is. Plus, she’s “super passionate” about making sparkling wine.

Working with Kern was the first time Stilson had been exposed to the Charmat method, though she’s always been interested in working outside the box.

PasoSecco wines are 100 percent vegan, unlike most bubbly. Additives derived from animal products are sometimes used to filter or clarify. Egg whites and isinglass, aka fish bladder, are common. Stilson uses plantbased solutions like bentonite clay and potato protein instead.

Kern commended her adaptability. Stilson’s skills have evolved, and it’s only been three harvests.

The partners have big dreams to mark Paso Robles as a premier sparkling destination. They see tons of potential for PasoSecco’s future.

Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.

Stilson agrees. While Kern tries to overcome the challenges that occur outside the bottle, Stilson’s are all under the cork. Problem solving is her favorite part of being a winemaker.

“I love that part of my job and just putting things into place and connecting the dots because sometimes winemaking really feels like a big puzzle,” Stilson said. “Sometimes

Once they build their own production facility on the Central Coast and add more wines to the list, the ball will start rolling even faster.

“It’s just crazy to look back at our first meeting and interview, just talking about this idea,” Stilson said. “I’m very proud that we’ve done amazing work.” ∆

Sun Staff Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper, is happy to hear sparkling wines aren’t a dying breed. Reach her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

THE PROBLEM SOLVER Winemaker Elizabeth Stilson joined PasoSecco during the winery’s beginning, in 2023. She’s found her home crafting sparkling wine on the Central Coast, where she grew up.

GOOD LUCK, GRAPES Chris Kern, founder of PasoSecco, blessed his grapes with a bottle of sparkling wine after the first harvest in Templeton. The tradition is a good omen before the grapes go into the press.

PROSECCO FROM PASO It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to enjoy PasoSecco. The “best bubbles in Paso” are meant to be savored while binging a TV show, catching a sports game, or soaking up the summer sun.

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Paso Robles, CA 93446 Sealed Bid for West Side Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 24-25

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 West Side Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 24-25, 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, curb ramp upgrades, lowering and raising of utilities, monument perpetuation, pulverize HMA and base to a depth of 13.5 inches, introducing lime cement treatment, placement of HMA base and surface course, sidewalks, and striping. 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 (90) 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.

Please note:

Bid Item No. 4 is a lump sum bid that the City will compensate contractor to coordinate construction work at the tire shop on 30th Street. The business needs access for their customers Monday through Friday from 6AM to 5PM. Contractor to develop a construction staging plan, in collaboration with the business owner, to their satisfaction, to complete the work in front of the business with minimum disruption. Staging plan to be submitted to the City and business owners for approval prior to the work starting.

Bid Item No. 18 is a lump sum bid to pothole all existing utilities prior to work. The purpose of potholing is to identify any potential conflict with the location of these utilities (vertical) with the depth of pulverization. Contractor to notify the City of any potential conflict with pulverization.

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 to possess the specified license shall render the bid non-responsive.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish a payment bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, as well as a faithful performance bond, in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The bonds shall be on the forms included in the Contract Documents.

City reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of City and waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. City will determine the low bid.

Date: May 21, 2026 By: Ditas

RESOLUTION 26-036

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE EL PASO DE ROBLES LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 AND TO APPOINT A TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THESE MATTERS

WHEREAS, the City Council has, by previous Resolutions, formed the El Paso de Robles Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 (hereafter referred to as the “District”) and initiated proceedings for Fiscal Year 2026/27 pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of California, beginning with Section 22500 (hereafter referred to as the “Act”) that provides for the levy and collection of assessments by the County of San Luis Obispo for the City of El Paso de Robles to pay the maintenance and services of all improvements and facilities related thereto; and WHEREAS, the District and the associated assessments are in compliance with the provisions of California Constitution Article XIIID, section 4 (“Proposition 218”);

WHEREAS, the City Council has retained Willdan Financial Services to prepare and file an Engineer’s Report with the City Clerk for the purposes of establishing ongoing annual assessments in accordance with the Act and the provisions of Proposition 218.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. Intention: The City Council hereby declares that it intends to seek the levy of annual assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/27 over and including the land within the District boundary to pay the costs of the operation, maintenance, and servicing of lighting, landscaping, and appurtenant facilities and operations related thereto, pursuant to Chapter 3, Section 22624 of the Act, Proposition 218. The assessments are not proposed to be increased from the previous year as defined in section 22630.5 of the Act and Government Code, section 54954.6.

Section 3. Description of Improvements and Any Substantial Changes Proposed: The improvements within the District include: the maintenance and operation of and the furnishing of services and materials for street lighting facilities, fencing, detention basins, open space areas, landscaping, irrigation systems, bike paths, pedestrian pathways, slope maintenance, graffiti abatement, local parks, entry monuments, landscaping which includes trees, shrubs, grass, and other ornamental vegetation, and appurtenant facilities, including irrigation systems and drainage devices within the District. There are no new improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements proposed.

Section 4. Boundaries and Designation, and Engineer’s Report

The boundaries of the District are described as the boundaries previously defined in the formation documents of the original District and the annexation documents for all subsequent annexations, incorporated herein by this reference. The District is designated as “El Paso de Robles Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1.” For a full and detailed description of the improvements, the boundaries of the District and zones therein, and the proposed assessment upon all assessable lots or parcels on land within the District and each zone therein, please refer to the Engineer’s Report, on file with the City Clerk, incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 5. Public Hearing: The City Council hereby declares its intention to conduct a Public Hearing concerning the levy of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 assessments for the District in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 22626 of the Act.

Section 6. Notice: Pursuant to sections 22626, 22552, and 22553 of the 1972 Act and 6061 of the Government Code, the City Clerk shall give notice of the time and place of the Public Hearing to all property owners within the District by causing the publishing of this Resolution in a local newspaper one time not less than ten (10) days before the date of the public hearing and by posting a copy of this Resolution on the official bulletin board customarily used by the City Council for the posting of notices.

Section 7. Time of Public Hearing: Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and/or as soon thereafter as feasible in the Norris Room temporary Council Chamber located within the Centennial Park Complex located at 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, California.

Section 8. Other Actions: The City Council and such employees of the District as are appropriate are authorized and directed to execute such other documents and take such further action as shall be consistent with the intent and purpose of this Resolution.

Section 9. The City Council finds the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378 because 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 the action has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.

Section 10. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.

APPROVED this 21st day of April 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Gregory, Bausch, Beal, Strong, Hamon Steve Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem

ATTEST: Melissa Martin, City Clerk May 21, 2026

RESOLUTION 26-037

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS WITHIN DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2008-1 IN FISCAL YEAR 2026/27, AND TO APPOINT A TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THESE MATTERS

WHEREAS, the City Council pursuant to the provisions of the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, Chapter 6.4 of the California Government Code, beginning with Section 54703 (hereafter referred to as the “1982 Act”) did by previous Resolution approve the levy and collection of annual assessments to pay for the operation, maintenance and servicing of the drainage improvements for the assessment district designated as the “El Paso de Robles Drainage Maintenance District No. 2008-1” (hereafter referred to as the “District”); and WHEREAS, the Engineer selected by the City Council has prepared and filed with the City Clerk an annual assessment report (“Engineer’s Report”) in connection with the proposed District, and the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/27 (July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027) in accordance with Chapter 1, Article 4 of the 1982 Act and in accordance with the requirements of the California Constitution, Articles XIIIC and XIIID, and the City Council did by previous Resolution preliminarily approve such Report.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. The City Council hereby declares its intention to seek the annual levy of the District pursuant to the 1982 Act, over and including the land within the District boundary, and to levy and collect special benefit assessments on parcels of land within the District to pay for the costs and expenses associated with the operation, maintenance, repair and servicing of drainage improvements. The assessments are not proposed to be increased from the previous year.

Section 3. The District improvements include the ongoing operation, administration, maintenance, and servicing of the drainage improvements authorized pursuant to the 1982 Act, installed as part of property development and associated with the District. Said improvements may include, but are not limited to, all materials, equipment, labor, and incidental expenses deemed necessary to keep these improvements in satisfactory condition, as well as the collection of assessment installments for the periodic service activities, repair, or refurbishments of the improvements. The Engineer’s Report, as ordered by previous Resolution, provides a full and complete description of the improvements within the District. There are no new improvements or substantial changes in the existing improvements proposed.

Section 4 The proposed territory within the District consists of lots and parcels of land located within the planned residential development known as PR03-0338.

Section 5. The proposed assessments for the District are outlined in the Engineer’s Report. The Engineer’s Report details the proposed assessments necessary to fund the annual operations, administration, services, and maintenance of the improvements described in Section 2 of this Resolution. For a full and detailed description of the improvements, the boundaries of the District, and the proposed assessment upon all assessable lots or parcels on land within the District, please refer to the Engineer’s Report, on file with the City Clerk, and incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 6. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and/ or as soon thereafter as feasible in the temporary Council Chamber located at the Norris Room within the Centennial Park complex located at 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, California. The City shall give notice of the time and place of the Public Hearing by posting a copy of this Resolution on the official bulletin board customarily used by the Council for the posting of notices and by publishing this Resolution in a local newspaper pursuant to Government Code Section 6066 as outlined in the 1982 Act. At the Public Hearing, interested persons shall be permitted to present written and/or oral testimony.

Section 7. The City Council finds that the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)(3), 15378 because 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 the action has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.

Section 8 This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.

APPROVED this 21st day of April 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: Gregory, Bausch, Beal, Strong, Hamon Steve Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem

ATTEST: Melissa Martin, City Clerk May 21, 2026

Inside Sales & Customer Service with Opportunity to Advance to Dispatching

Central Coast Landscape Products is a locally owned and operated staple of the San Luis Obispo community. We are looking for a knowledgeable, customer-focused  Sales Associate to join our front o ice team.

You will be the go-to resource for our customers, helping them navigate our inventory of pavers, natural stone, and bulk materials. For the right candidate, this role o ers a clear path for advancement into  Delivery Coordination and Truck Dispatching

• Expert Consultation: Answer technical questions regarding a wide variety of landscape materials.

• Project Quoting: Guide customers through the selection process and build accurate quotes and orders.

• Installation Guidance: Provide basic advice on installation best practices for various stone and hardscape products.

• O ice Operations: Handle cashiering duties, frontdesk sales, computer-based order entry, and o ice cleanliness.

• Customer Experience: Ensure every contractor and homeowner leaves satisfied with their experience.

Go to Indeed for more details or call (805) 595-3478

445 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo

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2017 LANDROVER RANGE ROVER 4WD

sat, silver, blk lthr, 2pseats, 22” whls. #355319

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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

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2008 CHEVY 2500 HD CREW CAB LTZ

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5.0

CAYUCOS SANTARY DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REPORT RELATIVE TO DELINQUENT SEWER CHARGES AND/ OR MANDATORY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL CHARGES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. the Cayucos Sanitary District will hold a public hearing before the Board of Directors, at which time the Board shall hear and consider objections or protests to a report listing each parcel of property with sewer and/or solid waste disposal charges that were at least three months delinquent as of May 1, 2026. Said report will be on file at the Cayucos Sanitary District office and available for review upon request.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that on June 19, 2026 the Administrative Services Manager/Board Secretary of the Cayucos Sanitary District will cause to be filed and authorize submittal of said report to the SLO County Tax Collector’s Office, who will collect the debt on behalf of the Cayucos Sanitary District by adding the amount owed to the property owner’s property tax bill.

Any questions regarding the report or the hearing may be directed to the Administrative Services Manager/Board Secretary, Amy Lessi, at (805) 995-3290.

May 14 & 21, 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 HEART 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. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 0318-2031. April 23, 30, May 7, 14, & 21, 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. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 03-27-2031. May 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0805 (03/31/2021)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as DIANA CLEANING, 1496 Mentone Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Milza Dilia Soto (1496 Mentone Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by An Individual / Milza D. Soto. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04-14-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 04-14-2031. April 30, May 7, 14, & 21, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0857

(04/21/2026)

New Filing The following person is doing business as DOVETAIL, 510 Vine St., Los Osos, CA 93402. San Luis Obispo County. Melissa C Crawford (510 Vine St., Los Osos, CA 93402). This business is conducted by An Individual / Melissa C Crawford. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04-21-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 04-21-2031. May 21, 28, June 4, & 11, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0858 (02/01/1986) New Filing The following person is doing business as C&J AUTOMOTIVE, 901 S. 4 St., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. James Edward Alford (901 S. 4 St., Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by An Individual / James Edward Alford. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04-21-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file

2026-0863 (10/20/2025) New Filing The following person is doing business as TWISTED OAKS FAMILY THERAPY, TWISTED OAKS THERAPY, 625 14th St., Suite B, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. Twisted Oaks Family Therapy Inc. (PO Box 1053, Paso Robles, CA 93447). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation / Twisted Oaks Family Therapy Inc., April Madden, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04-21-2026. 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. 04-21-2031. April 30, May 7, 14, & 21, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0864 (03/01/2026) New Filing The following person is doing business as FASTSIGNS SLO, FASTSIGNS OF SLO, FASTSIGNS SAN LUIS OBISPO, FASTSIGNS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, 2701 McMillan Ave. Unit 130, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Seacourse Creative LLC (1133 S Placentia Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831). This

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING CHAPTER 13.16 OF TITLE 13 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CROSS-CONNECTIONS

This Ordinance Summary is published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933. On May 12, 2026, the City Council voted 3-0 to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 13.16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) related to cross-connection control.

The City Council must vote again to adopt the Ordinance. That action is scheduled to take place at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 215 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA.

A certified copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available for review by contacting the City Clerk at 805-473-5400.

/s/Jessica Matson, City Clerk

Publish one time, The New Times, May 21, 2026

Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-010

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE CITY’S INTENT TO LEVY AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

PURSUANT TO STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE SECTION 36500 ET. SEQ.

WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero has formed a Parking and Business Improvement Area, pursuant to Section 36500 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has received a report pursuant to Section 36533 of said Code; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has approved such report and is required to adopt a resolution of intention pursuant to Section 36534; and

WHEREAS, the report proposes no changes to the boundaries or assessment amounts that currently apply in said area; and

WHEREAS, the report identifies the proposed improvements and activities for the area based upon the National Main Street Program Four Points approach, on file in the City Clerk’s Office and incorporated herein by this reference.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Atascadero:

SECTION 1. The City Council herby declares its intent to levy and collect assessments within the Parking and Business Improvement Area for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

SECTION 2. The area is known as the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area. The area is generally located in the downtown core including the area between Highway 41 on the south, Rosario Avenue on the north, Highway 101 on the west, and an irregular boundary generally along Santa Ysabel Avenue on the east.

SECTION 3. Consistent with Section 36527 of the Streets and Highways Code, Ordinance No. 116 proposes the following uses of Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area revenue:

a. The acquisition, construction, or maintenance of parking facilities for the benefit of the area.

b. Decoration of public place in the area.

c. Promotion of public events that are to take place on or in public places in the area.

d. The general promotion of business activities in the area.

SECTION 4. A report, which includes a full and detailed description of the improvements and activities to be provided in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the boundaries of the area, and the proposed assessments to be levied upon the businesses within the area, are on file in the City Clerk’s Office and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 5. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 20262027 on June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or sometime shortly thereafter, in the City Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California.

SECTION 6. Written or oral protests may be made at the hearing. The form of the protests shall comply with Section 36524 of the Streets and Highways Code.

SECTION 7. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give notice of the public hearing by causing this Resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City not less than seven days before said hearing.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 12th day of May, 2026.

On motion by Council Member Funk and seconded by Council Member Peek, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Council Member Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz, Mayor Bourbeau

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

CITY OF ATASCADERO:

/s/ Charles Bourbeau, Mayor

ATTEST:

/s/ Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk

May 21, 2026

CITY OF MORRO BAY

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Morro Bay City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, at 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter, to consider the following:

1. Presentation of Development Impact Fee Study results and adoption of a resolution amending the schedule of impact fees for City services for Fiscal Year 2026/27.

Interested individuals are invited to be present and will be given an opportunity to speak on the item. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk via email at council@ morrobayca.gov or by mail prior to the meeting at 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442 and will be distributed to the City Council.

The draft Impact Fee Study will be available on the City’s website at www.morrobayca.gov, by end of business Friday, June 12th and available upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at (805) 772-6205. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 772-6291.

/s/ Dana Swanson City Clerk

Dated: May 19, 2026

Date Published: May 21, 2026

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:

Project No.: Development Application DA-23-00052

Address: 675 West Grand Avenue

Applicant: Cusack Family Trust

Description: A request for a Development Permit, Use Permit, and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (Tract 3231) to construct a new fourstory mixed-use building including 58 residential units, seven (7) hotel units, and 2,500 square-feet of commercial retail space. The project includes a request for a 25% density bonus pursuant to State Density Bonus Law and a request for a waiver to reduce the required parking from 78 to 60. The project also includes a Use Permit request to allow the seven (7) hotel units and for the elevator and stair tower to exceed the maximum allowed height by approximately 2.5 feet. The project will result in the demolition of an existing commercial structure and development of the entire lot with associated on- and off-site improvements, and utilities. (APN: 060-221-019 & 060-221-024).

Environmental Determination: The proposed project is Categorically Exempt (Class 32 Section 15332: Infill Project) from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.), because the project consists of the development on an infill lot of a four-story mixed-use development that is consistent with policies and standards applicable to development within the CBO zone. The site is entirely developed, less than five acres in size, with no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species. The site is within City limits and is served by City utilities and public services.

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-009

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT ON LODGING BUSINESSES WITHIN THE ATASCADERO TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, PURSUANT TO STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE SECTION 36500 ET SEQ.

WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero (“City”) has formed the Atascadero Tourism Business Improvement District (ATBID), pursuant to Section 36500 of the Streets & Highways Code of the State of California; and WHEREAS, the City Council has received an annual report pursuant to Section 36533 of said Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council has approved said report and is required to adopt a resolution of intention pursuant to Section 36534.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Atascadero:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby declares its intent to levy and collect assessments within the Atascadero Tourism Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

SECTION 2. The ATBID includes all of the lodging businesses, including hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and each business defined as a “hotel” in Section 3-3.02 of Chapter 3 (Transient Occupancy Tax) of the Atascadero Municipal Code (“Lodging Businesses”) within the corporate boundaries of the City.

SECTION 3. The activities to be funded by the levy of assessments against Lodging Businesses within the ATBID are tourism promotions and marketing programs to promote the City as a tourism destination and projects, programs, and activities that benefit Lodging Businesses located and operating within the boundaries of the ATBID. The proposed activities will primarily be targeted at increasing transient stays at Lodging Businesses.

SECTION 4. The City Council sets June 9, 2026, as the date of the public hearing on the levy of assessments. The public hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as practicable, in the City of Atascadero Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, California 93422.

SECTION 5. A protest may be made orally or in writing by any owner of a Lodging Business that is within the ATBID boundaries and subject to the ATBID assessment.

Written protests must be received by the City Clerk, City of Atascadero, before the close of the public hearing and may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk, Atascadero, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California 93422. A written protest may be withdrawn in writing at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing.

SECTION 6. Further information regarding the proposed ATBID may be obtained from the Community Services & Promotions Department, City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422.

SECTION 7. The City Clerk is directed to provide notice of the public hearing on the proposed ATBID by causing this resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City not less than seven days before said hearing.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 12th day of May, 2026.

On motion by Council Member Funk and seconded by Council Member Peek, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Council Member Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz, Mayor Bourbeau

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

CITY OF ATASCADERO

/s/ Charles Bourbeau, Mayor

ATTEST:

/s/ Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk May 21, 2026

Based on the location, size, and quantity of commercial and residential components of the development, approval of the project will not result in any significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.

Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@ groverbeach.org

The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org.

Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach. org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).

If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).

/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission

Dated: Thursday, May 21, 2026

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:

Project No.: Development Application DA-26-0008

Address: 359 West Grand Avenue

Applicant: David Sterns, Central Coast Casino

Description: A request for a Coastal Development Permit and Use

Permit to allow Central Coast Casino to increase the number of card tables from four (4) to six (6) and relocate from its current tenant space to the larger tenant space (formerly Rib Line Restaurant) within the same building. The project site is located within the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission. (APN 060-211-032)

Environmental Determination: The project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”, California Public Resources Code §21000, et seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3), because the project involves an increase to the number of card tables and relocation from the smaller to larger tenant space within the same building; the activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the increase in the number of card tables and relocation into the larger tenant space within the same building will have a significant effect on the environment, therefore, the project is not subject CEQA.

Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org

The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach. org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www. groverbeach.org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).

If you challenge the nature of the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. (Govt. Code Sec. 65009).

/s/ Nicole Retana, Deputy City Clerk Secretary to Planning Commission

Dated: Thursday, May 21, 2026

The

1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, California. Written public comments may be submitted via email to cityclerk@prcity.com. Please include “Public Hearing and Adoption of 2025 UWMP” in the subject line of the email. If you would like your written comments to be included in the agenda addendum for the June 16th City Council meeting, please follow instructions provided in the June 16th meeting agenda. City Council meetings will be live-streamed during the meeting and also available to play later on YouTube by accessing the following link: www.prcity.com/youtube. May 21 & 28, 2026

by which charges

on the general County tax bill, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, acting as the Governing Board of County Service Area Nos. 16 (Shandon), 23 (Santa Margarita), 7A (Oak Shores), and 18 (San Luis Obispo Country Club Estates) will hold a public hearing on July 28, 2026 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, regarding the collection of annual levy water availability charges on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 tax roll.

All hearing items are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. To determine the placement of this item on the agenda, please contact the County Administrative Office the Thursday afternoon before the scheduled hearing date.

The report describing the water availability charges proposed to be collected on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 tax roll is on file in the Office of the County Clerk and is available for public review.

Date: May 19, 2026

Matthew Pontes

Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

By: /s/ Niki Martin

Deputy Clerk May 21 & 28, 2026

CITY OF ATASCADERO

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in-person at the time and place above for the purpose of hearing objections to the placing of sewer service charges on the 2026-2027 property tax rolls. If approved by the City Council, the sewer service charges will be effective on or after July 1, 2026. A complete listing of parcels and charges can be viewed by appointment in the offices of City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, or by contacting the Department of Public Works at (805) 4703456 or publicworks@atascadero.org. For additional information regarding sewer service charges, visit the City’s website at www.atascadero.org/Prop218 NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend inperson and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed item. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record.

Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Public Works Department. If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the item will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/ agendas

DATED: May 12, 2026

S/ R Betz, Public Works Analyst

PUBLISH: 5/21/26 and 5/28/26

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, June 5, 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 Salvador and Rosa Ponce for a Minor Use Permit

(N-DRC2025-00030) to allow for construction of a new single-family residence with approximately 7,480 square feet of living area, a 2,435 square-foot garage, 1,066 square feet of shop/storage space, and 2,003 square feet of covered porch and patio areas. The project also includes major grading for site preparation, driveway construction, and road access improvements, as well as permitting of as-built grading work which cumulatively total over an acre of disturbance.

Total site disturbance is approximately (57,415 cy). The project is located at 1270 Grace Lane, in the community of Nipomo, within the Rural Lands (RL) land use category, in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area. The site is identified as Assessor Parcel Number 090-321-018.

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

County File Number: N-DRC2025-00030

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 090-321-018

Date Accepted: 3/10/2026

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-9470.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 5/29/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00030.”

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing. Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary

Planning Department Hearing

May 21, 2026

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

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, June 5, 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 T-Mobile for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2025-00038) to allow the co-location to an existing wireless communications facility consisting of the following: 6 new panel antennas, 6 new Remote Radio Units (RRUs), 1 new GPS antenna, 2 new equipment cabinets, new utility panel, 3 new HCS cables, 24 new fiber jumpers, located within an approximately 300 square foot lease area, surrounded by a new 8- foot-tall concrete masonry unit wall. The proposed project will result in the disturbance of approximately 400 square feet (including utility trenching and access improvements) on an approximate 125acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located on the north side of Peachy Canyon Road at 6993 Peachy Canyon Road, approximately 1,250 feet northeast of the Vineyard Drive intersection, approximately 6 miles northwest of the Templeton Urban Reserve Line. The site is in the Adelaida Sub Area of the North County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that the project is exempt under CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.

County File Number: N-DRC2025-00038

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 039-021-020

Date Accepted: 4/9/2026

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Samantha Kinney, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 5/29/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00038.

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary, Planning Department Hearing

May 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

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, June 5, 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 T-Mobile for a Minor Use Permit (C-DRC2025-00039)

to allow for the co-location to an existing wireless communications facility consisting of the following: 6 new panel antennas, 6 Remote Radio Units (RRUs), 1 microwave dish antenna, new utility panels, 3 new HCS cables, 24 new fiber jumpers, 24 new coax jumpers, and a new 6 foot high retaining wall. The project also includes outdoor equipment cabinets and associated equipment located on a new concrete pad within an approximate 200-square-foot lease area. The proposed project will result in the disturbance of approximately 300 square feet (including utility trenching) on a 40-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located at 8420 Temettate Drive, approximately 1-mile northwest of Suey Creek Road, and approximately 5.7 miles north of Highway 166 near the community of Nipomo. The site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area. Also to be considered is the determination that the project is exempt under CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.

County File Number: N-DRC2025-00039

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 048-151-052

Date Accepted: 4/9/2026

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org You may also contact Samantha Kinney, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 5/29/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00039.

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary, Planning Department Hearing

May 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:

$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 TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

As required by Government Code Section 29080, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo hereby gives notice as follows:

The Board of Supervisors will begin a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, located at 1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, California, for the purpose of hearing written and oral comment from the public concerning the Recommended Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. All proposals for changes (increases, decreases or additions) to the budget shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Board before the close of the public hearing.

The entire Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget for the County of San Luis Obispo as well as the Special Districts governed by the Board of Supervisors, is available for public review by appointment from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekdays, in the Executive Office, Room D430 and the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax CollectorPublic Administrator’s Office, Room D220, Katcho Achadjian Government Center, located on 1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, California. The FY 2025-26 Recommended and Adopted Budgets are also available on the County’s website: www.slocounty.ca.gov

Any member of the general public may be heard regarding any item in the budget or any proposed changes to the budget.

By order of the Board of Supervisors, made this 19th day of May 2026.

DATED: May 19, 2026

Matt Pontes, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board

By: Sandy Currens Deputy Clerk May 21, 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely by joining the Zoom webinar via the details published on the cover of the agenda, on Government Access Channel 20, or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@ slocity.org

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Supplemental Budget for the second year of the 2025-27 Financial Plan. Key elements of the Supplemental Budget include:

1. Focus on long-term fiscal health, aligned with Fiscal and Budget Policies

2. Implementation of budget balancing strategies paired with new funding to meet critical needs

3. Investments in infrastructure and a Capital Improvement Plan based on community priorities

For more information, contact Emily Jackson, Director of the City’s Finance Department at (805) 781-7125 or by email, ejackson@slocity.org

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo

Teresa Purrington City Clerk

May 21, 2026

Notice is given that electronic bids will be received via the Public Purchase Website before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 (“Bid Deadline”), for the following public works project:

Roof Replacement

CONTRACT NO. 720SROOF

Any bid received after 3:00 p.m. on the date specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. A bid received one second after 3:00 p.m. (i.e., after 3:00:00 p.m.) shall not be considered.

Bids are required for the entire work described in the Contract Documents.

The Bid package (also referred to herein as the “Contract Documents”) are posted on the District’s Purchasing website: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/central-services/ purchasing-services/services/bid-rfp-opportunities

Any changes, additions, or deletions to these Contract Documents will be in the form of written addenda issued by the District. Any addenda will be posted on the website. Prospective bidders must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information at up to 4:00 p.m. the day before the prescribed date/time for submittal of bids. The District is not responsible for the failure of any prospective bidder to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Bid.

All bidders are required to acknowledge and confirm receipt of every addendum in their bid proposal.

All questions (requests for interpretations or corrections) pertaining to the content of this invitation to Bid must be made in writing through the Purchasing website by 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Requests submitted after said date may not be considered. Questions and responses will be posted on the Purchasing website and can be viewed by accessing the Invitation to Bid located at the Purchasing website. The identity of the entity submitting the question will not be posted. The District reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of comments / questions that will be posted on the website.

The bidder must have either a Class A license or a combination of Class C licenses that make up a majority of the work at the time the Contract is awarded (Public Contract Code section 3300). When the bidder holds a combination of Class C licenses, all work to be performed outside of the bidder’s license specialties, except work that is incidental or supplemental to the licenses of the bidder, shall be performed by licensed Subcontractors in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code).

Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.1:

• A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in the Bid Proposal, subject to the requirements of Public Contract Code section 4104, or engage in the performance of this public works project, unless currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered Contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code section 7029.1, Public Contract Code section 10164, or Public Contract Code section 20103.5, provided the Contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

• This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. Bids must be submitted electronically via the Public Purchase website.

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security such as cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond in favor of the District in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted total Bid. In the event the Bid Security consists of a bidder’s bond, a copy of said bond must be uploaded to the Public Purchase website prior to the Bid Deadline. In the event the Bid Security consists of cash or a certified or cashier’s check, the Bid Security must be received at the following address no later than the Bid Deadline: 3433 Roberto Court San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

ATTN: Kellie Burns

Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22300, the successful bidder may substitute certain securities for funds withheld by District to ensure performance under the Contract or, in the alternative, request the District to make payment of retention to an escrow agent.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish the District with payment and performance bonds, with each issued by a California admitted surety insurer equal to 100% of the Contract Price.

Pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the Contractor and all Subcontractors shall pay not less than the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with all applicable Labor Code provisions, which include, but are not limited to the employment of apprentices, the hours of labor, and the debarment of Contractors and Subcontractors. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Copies are available at the DIR website, http://www.dir. ca.gov/DLSR/PWD.

Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. Should the State or District determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The District shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the District.

May 21, 2026

END OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS

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

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: The most beautiful thing you’ve done? The most beautiful thing you’ll do? tinyurl.com/333x999

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): If you’re a professional photographer, now is an ideal moment to invest in the higher-end lens you know would expand your best work. If you’re a committed chef, it’s a perfect time to spring for a precision knife set that elevates your craft. If you’re a devoted yoga or meditation teacher preparing a new series, you might decide to purchase an upgraded sound system to share your vocal offerings more crisply. And if you are none of the above, consider this your sign to obtain a key instrument or tool that will help you move to the next level of professionalism in the work you’re called to do.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): When we hear people described as having fertile imaginations, we may assume they are artists, writers, or musicians. But the truth is that many creative visualizers are engineers, city planners, inventors, and the like: those who design and build functional wonders. Of this group, you Tauruses make up a disproportionately high percentage. Your tribe is often most imaginative when vitalizing concrete details and transforming practical matters. In the coming weeks, this will be a vibrant X-factor in your relationship with the world.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): When many people reflect on their early years, they focus on the alienation and wounds they endured. Few recall, in vivid detail, the moments of joy, triumph, and breakthrough. It’s a symptom, I suppose, of our era’s compulsive cynicism, and not necessarily an accurate account of the past. So many good things happened, too! This isn’t to dismiss the real pain that shaped us in our tender years. Still, I want you to know that you are in a season when it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the blessings of your beginnings— the fun, guidance, and grace that helped you flourish. Update your gratitude!

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): Of all the zodiac signs, you have the most potential to cultivate robust emotional intelligence that’s helpful in practical situations. More than everyone else, your feelings are less likely to render you vulnerable and fragile and more likely to make you a powerhouse. The coming weeks will be prime time to deploy these talents to the max. I encourage you to summon gleeful exuberance as you provide your sensitive, heartful nurturing. Practice the ingenious art of keeping the world emotionally literate and spiritually alert.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): I am pleased to predict that you will be less egotistical and narcissistic in the coming weeks than you have ever been in your life. In saying that, I don’t mean to imply that you’re any more egotistical and narcissistic than the rest of us. I’m simply saying you can get a liberating reprieve from the excessive pride and selfishness that regularly debilitates us all. Congratulations, Leo! This grace period should enable you to deepen your attunement with your soul’s blueprint, the design of destiny you chose before birth. I bet you will enjoy a period of vibrant, exciting tranquility.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider this a friendly heads-up to your inner critic, your gloomy side, and any voice in your head that expects too little from life. Upcoming astrological omens are influencing me to predict a stream of auspicious omens and fortunate events. So if you’d rather cling to tired stories about not being good enough or strong enough, you might want to skip my forecasts for a while. But if you’re ready to vivify your faith in your power to eagerly create what you desire, stay tuned. Karmic blessings are coming.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): To be blunt, dear Libra, I think you need soul medicine that’s most available in frontiers, borderlands, and thresholds. Some of these might be bright, shiny places, and others may be akin to mazes and tunnels. Please keep in mind that your main motivation, as you seek adventures in the

outskirts, should be the quest to have fun as you blow your own mind. For the sake of your lust for life and joie de vivre, you really must explore power spots untouched by trivia and pettiness: sanctuaries where vastness, freedom, and raw vitality can wash away at least some of your fixations and habits.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Giant Pacific octopus dens are identifiable by the “gardens” of debris outside. They include shells and bones, arranged like ornamentation around the entrance. Are the creatures trying to decorate? Scientists don’t know. But it’s clear they are leaving evidence of their appetites. The result is distinctive, artistic, and revealing. With this scenario as your metaphorical meditation, Scorpio, I invite you to look at what you have been pursuing and consuming in recent months. Contemplate the stuff piling up in your sphere. What do your finished experiences reveal about your quest for meaning? Does this pattern reflect your deepest intentions? Is this who you want to be? Make sure the story you’re telling about yourself is the right one.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Advising a Sagittarius to be patient is like asking a bonfire to burn slowly and politely. Still, I will give it a try. Because I love you, I will dare to be frank. So here goes: If you want to align yourself with astrological currents, practice being reverently at ease with life’s madness as you watch and wait. See if you can take genuine pleasure in resting within a field of calm trust. Imagine, with fearless delight, the rewards that will find you as you nurture a steady, unhurried confidence in your intuition, which will ultimately tell you exactly what you need to do.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1994, immunologist Polly Matzinger revolutionized her field with a radical theory. She discovered that our immune systems don’t focus on distinguishing “self” from “non-self,” but rather responding to threats. The body puts less emphasis on asking “is this me?” and more on “is this harmful?” Her breakthrough transformed our understanding of immunity, autoimmune disease, and transplant rejection. According to my analysis of the astrological riddles, you Capricorns could benefit from a similar adjustment. Don’t worry about whether any particular influence harmonizes with your identity or aligns with your history. Instead, ask, “Is it nourishing or harmful? Supportive or useless?” As you refresh your approach to guarding and protecting your precious self, new options will become visible.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): According to my interpretation of the astrological signals, you have run into an obstacle to your creative flow, or may soon do so. Though this could feel discouraging at first, I think it’s a promising sign. It indicates that a hidden bug is surfacing. An inner saboteur is no longer operating in the shadows. You’re being given the opportunity to repair an unseen energy leak that has been sapping your vitality. To illuminate this process, consider the wisdom of author Joyce Carol Oates. She says that writer’s block arises when a writer subconsciously believes that what they’re trying to create is false, misguided, or harmful to themselves, which results in a temporary creative paralysis. Be brave and relentless in hunting down the glitch in your self-love, Aquarius.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Maybe you’ve been having thoughts like this: “I’m too scrambled to do what’s necessary to get unscrambled.” Here’s another snag that may be tangling your mind: “I’m too mixed up to know what questions to ask to sort out my confusion.” If this is true, Pisces, I’m here to offer advice. Imagine calling a timeout on the whole noisy world and slipping free of the habitual trance. Consider retreating to a sanctuary where time doesn’t oppress you and complications subside. Let your mind be empty, give your ambitions a rest, and immerse your tender attention in the deepest part of yourself you can find. ∆

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