A pilot project to solve Cambria’s brine problem aims to make its water reclamation facility viable [6] BY
Since our entire family of wood stoves exceeds the EPA’s high e ciency criteria, your purchase of this stove qualifies you for a 30% tax credit on purchase and installation. The credit is capped at $2000 per year for appliances installed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025. See the 25C tax code for details.
For a decade, the Cambria Community Services District’s water reclamation facility has sat unused due to environmental issues. One of the biggest is how to dispose of brine, which the CSD initially built an evaporation pond to take care of—but things didn’t go to plan. The district’s recent coastal development permit application with SLO County aims to change that with the help of a pilot project spearheaded by a local resident. Called zero liquid discharge, the project uses electricity to pull unwanted minerals out of the waste stream, hopefully, leaving clean water in its wake. Staff Writer Chloë Hodge speaks with the district and Cambria resident Clark Easter [6].
Also in this issue, read about the Oceano Dunes’ issues with the Endangered Species Act [4]; a Cayucos oil painter who doubles as a gravedigger [28]; and two decades of The Range in Santa Margarita [34]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover file photo by Jayson Mellom
design by Alex Zuniga
Jim Chaney
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Federal judge rules Oceano Dunes violated Endangered Species Act
The California Department of Parks and Recreation violated the Endangered Species Act after off-road vehicles mowed down snowy plovers on the agency’s watch, a federal judge ruled in response to a five-year legal battle.
The U.S. District Court decision caps off a 2020 lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity against State Parks.
The center alleged that State Parks’ authorization for off-road vehicles like dune buggies to drive in Western snowy plover habitat at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) led to the illegal “take”—harassing, wounding, and killing—of the shorebirds.
“Defendant ‘acknowledges it is likely incidental “takes” of snowy plovers occurred over the years despite its best efforts to prevent such events from occurring given the inherent conflicts that exist between users of ODSVRA and the snowy plovers that travel to the area occupied by park users,’” the judge’s ruling said. “Indeed, defendant largely does not dispute the many examples of ‘takes’ of snowy plovers provided by plaintiff, including specifically by vehicle collisions.”
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, State Parks also received warnings about its violation of the Endangered Species Act from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2016.
From 2016 to 2019, an average of four to six snowy plovers were found flattened in vehicle tracks each year at Oceano Dunes.
In 2020, State Parks said it stopped discouraging snowy plovers from nesting in open vehicle riding areas of the Oceano Dunes after local conservationists and the California Coastal Commission stepped in.
Center for Biological Diversity Senior Conservation Advocate Jeff Miller told New Times that State Parks’ annual reports showed that at least 18 snowy plovers were found dead—crushed in tire tracks or run over—between 2019 and 2024.
“It is important to note that State Parks does not do protocol surveys for dead plovers, just opportunistically collects them for necropsy when their staff and biological monitors find them,” Miller said via email. “Also, most plovers that are killed are quickly scavenged or removed by scavengers. These are mortalities we know about—the actual toll is likely much, much greater.”
State Parks started working on a habitat conservation plan in the early 2000s to get incidental take coverage for snowy plovers. But that document remains unfinished. Since then, the population of breeding adult snowy plovers in the dunes ballooned from 30 in 2002 to more than 200 birds in 2024—many of which are flushed from the vehicle tracks in which they roost.
To Miller, the conservation plan, with its reported insufficient mitigation and conservation measures, isn’t a blueprint to protect 1,370 acres of snowy plover habitat from off-roading damage but rather a
Port San Luis Harbor District postpones offshore wind grant vote
The Port San Luis Harbor District postponed talking about a $3 million state grant for offshore wind planning after more than 80 community members showed up at its Nov. 18 board meeting, exceeding the meeting room’s capacity.
The grant, which the district already applied for, would be provided by the California Energy Commission through the Offshore Wind
“dune buggy conservation plan.”
“State Parks sought excessive levels of take— asking for a permit that would allow them to legally kill 62 snowy plover adults and juveniles, 114 chicks, and 159 eggs over a five-year period,” he said. “The Fish and Wildlife Service could not have legally issued them an HCP [habitat conservation plan] and incidental take permit since their plan was not even close to meeting the standards under the Endangered Species Act.”
State Parks wrote a draft conservation plan in 2020, but its details weren’t known to the public until three days after the federal ruling.
State Parks released the 600-page document on Nov. 24 for public review. View the draft plan on oceanoduneshcp.com. Email comments to
Nipomo Mesa lupine, and Gambel’s watercress; proposed federally threatened species such as the Southwestern pond turtle and the Western spadefoot; and the surf thistle and the beach spectaclepod—two plant species listed under the California Endangered Species Act.
“The HCP provides the basis for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service … issuance of a 25-year permit authorizing incidental take of listed species under FESA [federal Endangered Species Act],” the plan said. “Separately, State Parks will also be seeking take authorization from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife … for species listed under the California Endangered Species Act.”
State Parks declined to respond to New Times’ request for comment because of pending litigation.
comment@oceanoduneshcp.com or send written comments to Ronnie Glick, senior environmental scientist, California Department Parks and Recreation, Oceano Dunes District, 340 James Way, suite 270, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.
The public comment meeting will take place on Zoom on Jan. 13, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The new plan covers 5,005 acres and addresses federally threatened species like the snowy plover and the California red-legged frog; federally endangered species like the least tern, the tidewater goby, the marsh sandwort, La Graciosa thistle,
Waterfront Facility Improvement Program and is intended to advance planning for an industrial operations and maintenance port to support potential offshore wind development.
“What our grant would do is give us the resources to study the feasibility of an operations and maintenance facility to potentially support future offshore wind,” Harbor District Director Will Friedman said.
He said that if the Harbor District votes to accept the grant, it wouldn’t preempt any future decisions about constructing an offshore wind facility.
The recent federal ruling requires both groups to work together. The center wants State Parks to agree to measures that eliminate the illegal take of snowy plovers.
“There is no immediate requirement until we and State Parks agree upon … a remedy,” Miller said. “If State Parks refuses to agree on a reasonable remedy, we can ask the court for an injunction on off-road activities that kill or harm plovers. There are currently no penalties, but the court could impose very large fines for each illegal take of protected species.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
“I think some people are concerned that this means the Harbor District would be committing to move forward with development, but that’s not the case,” he said. “It’s not a commitment. It’s not binding the Harbor District to move ahead with the project in any way.”
According to the Harbor District’s Nov. 18 staff report, the grant is intended to expand the district’s capacity to oversee planning for a potential operations and maintenance terminal, deepen local
BIRDS OF A FEATHER Snowy plovers have a friend in the Center for Biological Diversity, which sued the California Department of Parks and Recreation five years ago for authorizing driving motorized vehicles in shorebirds’ Oceano Dunes habitat.
community and tribal engagement, mature proposed engineering designs, and identify workforce development and supply chain opportunities for residents and businesses.
The discussion about offshore wind on the Central Coast has been contentious, with local advocates expressing opposition.
Mandy Davis, president of the nonprofit REACT Alliance, said the Central Coast is not suitable for industrial offshore wind infrastructure.
“Our harbors are small and beautiful. They support tourism, fishing, and the lifestyle we love,” Davis said. “Building industrial ports for offshore wind could destroy the very essence of our coastline. The public deserves to understand what is happening before decisions are made.”
Davis also questioned the timing of the grant, noting that two feasibility studies are still underway and that the port should wait until those are done.
“Accepting this $3 million grant now could be interpreted as approval for a project before the community has had a chance to weigh in,” she said.
Davis added that the offshore wind industry remains in a preliminary stage.
“They don’t even really know the design of the turbines,” she said. “They don’t know the design of the substations, and they don’t even really know exactly the design of the industrial ports because it’s all up in the air.”
San Luis Obispo resident Robert Sidenberg took to Nextdoor to start a petition advocating that people “say no” to the Port San Luis operations and maintenance project.
“Accepting these funds would indicate that Port San Luis supports such industrialization, yet there has been zero community outreach to learn what the people want!” he said. “We were promised robust community outreach as part of that study—yet no community outreach has occurred! And that study is still ongoing.”
The next Harbor District meeting hasn’t been scheduled yet, but officials confirmed that it will be held in a larger facility within the next few weeks to ensure public participation.
—Chloë Hodge
Budget-strapped SLO County WIC is looking for more clients to boost funding
Despite budget cuts, San Luis Obispo County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is pushing forward, but in a reduced capacity.
The program with 4,760 people on its caseload has plans to increase funding and continue providing care to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and their children.
“One in three babies who are born in SLO County are WIC babies,” SLO County Health Promotion Division Manager Jen Miller told the SLO County Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 18 meeting. “Our strategy is to increase caseload to 5,000. If we can do that, we will be entered into the new federal funding tier, which increases the revenue we’re able to bring in.”
Caseload funding adjustment depends on Nutrition Services and Administration grant allocations to the state WIC program. Each local agency is assigned a tier based on certification levels.
SLO County Public Health spokesperson Olivia Montiano told New Times that the
local WIC program could move to “Band 3” of funding—a boost of $87,700 in additional base funding per year—if it reaches 5,000 clients.
The SLO County WIC program is trying to increase the number of people it serves by expanding outreach and community partnerships to boost referrals, and by trying to be more accessible.
The National WIC Association is waiting for President Trump to green-light a bill Congress passed recently to end the 43-day government shutdown. The deal, called the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, fully funds WIC for fiscal year 2026, also protecting the program’s fruit and vegetable benefits from proposed cuts.
The local program could receive around $1.8 million through the bill next year. That’s enough money to provide essential services like practical nutrition guidance, nutrition experts, breastfeeding support, health care connections, and monthly WIC food benefits for 6,700 people who are at nutritional risk.
Community members can visit slocounty. gov/WIC to see if they qualify. Call (805) 7815570 or text (888) 417-6180 to contact the WIC team who also speaks Spanish and has interpretation available for other languages like Mixteco.
While federal dollars mostly fund the local WIC, it doesn’t fully cover operating costs.
“We rely on additional funding from First 5 to strengthen our breastfeeding interventions, which help keep our breastfeeding rates over 20 percent above the state average,” SLO County Public Health spokesperson Montiano said. “We also receive support from the county general fund to ensure we can meet local needs and maintain essential services.”
This summer, local health services like the WIC program bore the brunt of the county’s $38 million budget deficit in the face of inflation and state and federal funding cuts.
The local WIC faced a $150,000 general fund reduction for fiscal year 2025-26. It caused the Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Cambria, and Nipomo clinic sites to shutter. In-person services are now consolidated at the Atascadero, SLO, and Grover Beach locations. Roughly 95 percent of WIC appointments are conducted through telehealth.
County staff noted that an average of three to five families per day, peaking at 13 families on busy days, visit the shuttered Paso Robles site asking for services. Many of these visitors arrived on word-of-mouth referrals, particularly from households with limited English proficiency.
Staff acknowledged that telehealth didn’t fully meet the needs of all participants. The WIC program is now working on partially reopening a “limited presence” at the leased Paso Robles Health Campus at 805 4th St., suite 235, to provide walk-in and in-person appointments for families with high needs.
The program also offers mobile pop-up clinics in the areas impacted by WIC site closures. Serving 30 families over four hours, mobile clinics are one way WIC hopes to up client recruitment.
“The WIC program would like the county to continue its support by maintaining current general fund contributions, advocating for stable federal funding, and helping ensure that WIC remains visible and accessible within the community,” Montiano said.
—Bulbul Rajagopal
New monarch corridor in Atascadero set to become pollinator haven
Atascadero is preparing to transform an overlooked stretch of land near Highway 41 into a vibrant habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, thanks to a partnership with the Central Coast Zoo.
“The city of Atascadero is excited to move forward with the Monarch and Pollinator Native Garden Corridor Project, which will transform a small piece of city property into an important rest stop for monarchs and other pollinators,” said Terrie Banish, the city’s director of community services and promotions, in an email to New Times
The garden will be built at a site known as “the Oasis,” a triangular wedge of land between the Highway 101 southbound off-ramp at Highway 41 and the Chevron station.
City staff said the spot was chosen for its visibility and accessibility—as well as its strategic location roughly halfway between Monterey and Pismo Beach, a natural stopping point for migrating monarchs.
The effort grows out of broader work the city has been doing with its Central Coast Zoo on a series of conservation-focused initiatives.
“The project aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to promote the Central Coast Zoo Atascadero and strengthen our community’s identity as a destination committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” staff wrote in a Nov. 12 City Council report.
The UC Master Gardener Program of San Luis Obispo is also a key contributor. Program Coordinator Maria Murrietta said the collaboration is giving volunteers a new way to reach residents with practical, research-based horticulture guidance.
“Our program partnered with the zoo to develop regionally specific plant displays and a pollinator garden to enhance learning opportunities for visitors,” Murrietta said in an email to New Times. “This partnership has
provided our program a unique avenue for fulfilling our mission of providing researchbased information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to residents of SLO County.”
Since the official partnership began in spring 2024, roughly 20 master gardener volunteers have collectively logged more than 1,700 hours at the zoo, she said.
One of them, landscape designer and volunteer Olwyn Kingery, created a complementary concept plan for the Monarch and Pollinator Native Garden Corridor at no cost. Her design features native shrubs, grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants, along with boulders, ornamental fencing, and decorative mulch.
Beyond ecological benefits, city officials say the project is also expected to enhance the look and feel of a prominent gateway into Atascadero.
“The project will contribute to the beautification of a main corridor area in the city, enhance the appearance of nearby neighborhoods and businesses, and create a more inviting and walkable environment,” Banish said.
The garden will double as a public demonstration space, offering signage and examples of native plants that residents can use as models for creating pollinator-friendly landscapes at home.
The $88,000 project is funded through the city’s Tree Plant Fund, which is reserved specifically for tree planting and habitat restoration.
Funding will cover site preparation, planting, irrigation upgrades, boulders, fencing, and interpretive signage. Madrone Landscapes has been selected to install the garden and will provide five years of maintenance under a sponsorship agreement. Work could begin “over the next couple of weeks,” Banish added, with installation expected to wrap up in December, weather permitting. ∆
—Chloë Hodge
BUTTERFLY BOULEVARD Atascadero is committing $88,000 to build a native pollinator garden along Highway 41, aiming to create a stable stopover for migrating butterflies while revitalizing a prominent stretch of roadway. FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARDNER
Facility flux
Cambria to launch zero liquid discharge pilot in latest push to solve long-standing water crisis
For more than a decade, Cambria has lived in a constant state of water uncertainty.
Now, Global Water Innovations Inc., a project developer, is preparing to test a pilot project at the Cambria Water Reclamation Facility with the hope that it could finally make the plant more viable for use.
“Preparations for full zero liquid discharge (ZLD) testing are now underway, marking a significant step forward in advancing the district’s water sustainability efforts,” Matthew McElhenie, Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) General Manager told New Times in an email.
The pilot comes almost a decade after the facility was originally built under an emergency permit during one of the worst droughts in California history.
Designed to treat brackish groundwater with reverse osmosis and inject the purified water back into the aquifer, the facility was intended to serve as a critical drought-year supply, McElhenie said. But it has never received a full coastal development permit, and aside from brief periods of testing in 2015 and 2016, it has remained largely dormant.
The zero liquid discharge pilot project is a potential solution brought forward by Clark Easter, Cambria resident and CEO and founder of Global Water Innovations.
“Cambria has been in a water crisis for many years. We’ve been unable to build new houses, even on parcels people already own, because we’re short on water,” he said. “About nine years ago, during a severe drought, Cambria built a reverse osmosis desalination plant. The idea was to treat groundwater and then reinject it near the city’s wells as a supplemental water source during drought years.”
But the system’s concentrated waste stream, brine, is a challenge the facility wasn’t properly equipped to handle, Easter explained. In seawater desalination, brine can be discharged back into the ocean, but inland facilities like Cambria’s don’t have that option.
“The engineers who designed Cambria’s plant built an evaporation pond, assuming the brine would evaporate, but it was poor engineering. Cambria’s in a fog zone, so almost no evaporation happens,” Easter said.
With nowhere to put the brine, the CCSD began trucking the waste roughly 50 miles to the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District in Oceano, a process that costs about 25 cents per gallon, Easter said.
“If we generated 50,000 gallons of brine per day, that’s roughly $12,000 a day. For a small town, that’s impossible,” Easter said. “So the plant has been mothballed for about eight years.”
The zero liquid discharge pilot aims to drastically shrink that cost.
“Through this pilot, we hope to bring that down to about 3 cents per gallon—around 90 percent cheaper. That would make brine disposal affordable,” he said.
The technology uses a combination of electricity and chemical reactions to strip minerals out of the brine, recovering most of the water.
“As brine gets more concentrated, minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, and sulfate precipitate out as scale,” Easter explained. “Our solution uses electricity to split ions apart. We pull calcium and magnesium in one direction, sulfate in another, and in Cambria’s case, silica in a third. This dramatically reduces scaling potential.”
According to Easter, previous Global Water Innovations pilot projects in Pleasant Valley, San Luis Obispo, and Napa Valley have successfully recovered up to 98 percent of brine water. He expects Cambria would have similar results.
“The system won’t work for every inland brine source, but for 90 to 95 percent of them, it appears to work very well. This could open up huge new water-resilience opportunities across California.”
But not everyone is convinced the project is the right direction for Cambria.
CCSD board member Harry Farmer has lived in Cambria for 39 years and has watched the facility’s woes from the beginning. He said the community’s initial support for the emergency water project has eroded over time.
“The water reclamation facility was [being] built back in 2014, and it has yet to be permitted,” Farmer said. “We’ve spent about $23 million on this facility that hasn’t operated.”
Farmer said he views the ZLD pilot as yet another cost for an already expensive project.
“Brine waste is a problem no matter what,” he said. “And this ZLD system is going to cost a lot of money…. It’s going to be another major expense added to what I consider a boondoggle.”
McElhenie said the pilot falls under the district’s existing maintenance-testing permit and has been vetted by regulatory agencies.
“The project team has already produced an initial batch of ‘test’ brine to evaluate system performance and confirm operational readiness,” McElhenie said. “The district looks forward to providing additional updates as we move closer to full ZLD demonstration and continue to enhance the district’s long-term water resiliency.”
The water reclamation facility itself began construction in 2014 under then Gov. Jerry Brown’s statewide drought emergency proclamation, as Cambria faced fears that its limited water supply could soon be depleted. The project was approved under an emergency coastal development permit— allowing construction to proceed before completing environmental reviews.
The facility treats a combination of creek underflow, percolated wastewater, and brackish water from a saltwater wedge, then reinjects it into the aquifer near the San Simeon well field, McElhenie said. This reinjection creates a protective “mound” that slows freshwater
movement and prevents saltwater intrusion, boosting dry-season supply.
On paper, the project promised to boost drought resiliency. In reality, it became a long-running source of controversy.
For the CCSD to run the facility during nonemergency periods, it must obtain a long-delayed coastal development permit from San Luis Obispo County—after which the California Coastal Commission will have the final say. This process has proven difficult, but now, more than 10 years later, the facility’s coastal development permit application is finally with the county, McElhenie said.
“The county has completed its review of the submitted materials and responses to the information hold and has confirmed that the project is accepted for processing, and will now receive its environmental determination pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act,” McElhenie said in an Oct. 16 letter to the community.
New Times reached out to the county and the Coastal Commission but did not receive a response before publication.
The district anticipates the pilot will be fully underway by “the beginning of December,” McElhenie said. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com
WATER WOES Cambria’s Water Reclamation Facility, long plagued by regulatory and operational challenges, is preparing to test a new brine-management pilot that could make the plant more viable.
BELLA COX
Shopping small
SLO Ranch Farms and Marketplace is home to a limited-run holiday boutique throughout the holidays, put on by newly founded business, Hello Creative. The three women who founded Hello Creative— Abigail Ybarra, Tamara Shibata, and Karla Wenger—are focusing on highlighting small businesses during the holiday season.
About 65 local makers, artists, and small businesses are featured at the holiday boutique, according to Ybarra. The boutique opened on Nov. 22 and will run until Dec. 28 in SLO Ranch Farms and Marketplace’s event space in The Pavilion.
By providing a space to show local products, the founders of Hello Creative want to eliminate the struggles small businesses have selling their wares. Ybarra, Wenger, and Shibata helped style their makers’ products and are aiming to get those items in front of more eyes, according to Ybarra.
Wenger and her husband are the founders of The Mayan Collective, a shop and candle bar housed at SLO Ranch, and Shibata is the creator and maker behind Woven Handmade, which features earrings, knit beanies, and macrame accessories.
Ybarra’s business, Creative Coast, was established in 2020, where she helps businesses of all sizes grow into their full potential through her personalized services.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Ybarra met with many small businesses and noticed some of them did not have the resources and support to continue on. She saw an opportunity to help provide these companies with one-on-one services like social media management, website design,
and more that large businesses often have easy access to.
“So however much I can provide them for free without having to put in the big bucks, I have seen the return that they see that the investment in me is a good resource,” Ybarra said.
Each woman behind Hello Creative has her own small business to run, so they know how hard it can be to entice crowds to find and purchase their products.
As soon as the trio launched Hello Creative in July, they slowly began to roll out applications for makers and their products to be featured in their holiday boutique.
“In the Central Coast, we have such an incredible population of small businesses, creatives, and makers,” Ybarra said.
Ahead of the boutique at SLO Ranch, the women told their makers to prepare as many items as they could.
“And then after that first week, we can reassess and say, ‘Hey, maybe these products aren’t selling as well, let’s try this one instead,’ or ‘This product is selling like crazy, we need 20 more,’” Ybarra said.
Hello Creative’s team knows that it can be hard for people to shop small during the holiday season when big retailers like Target and Amazon are readily accessible.
“But if people can take the time to come and see that amazing creativity that is here, is local,” Ybarra said, “we’re hoping to just be able to uplift and grow the population of businesses that are local.”
Fast fact
• The Paso Robles Lions Club is hosting its Holiday Dinner Party and Fundraiser on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. at Jeffry’s BBQ, 819 12th St. For $50, diners get a dinner from Chef Jeffry of Jeffry’s BBQ and can play games with the chance to win prizes. Proceeds are returned to the Paso Robles community through Paso High School scholarships, sportsmanship awards, and other local projects. Tickets are available through Dec. 9 at pasorobleslionsclub.org.
• San Luis Obispo’s Buy Local Bonus is back for the holiday shopping season, starting on Black Friday. For the sixth year in a row, shoppers who spend $100 at SLO businesses can qualify for a $25 gift card to another SLO business, while supplies last. Bring a copy of your itemized receipt to the SLO Visitor Center at the corner of Morro and Monterey streets in downtown SLO. Qualified participants can choose between available gift cards, and shoppers can qualify up to three times through Christmas Eve or until the program sells out. To learn more, visit buylocalbonusslo.com. ∆
Reach Intern Bella Cox at ntintern@newtimesslo.com.
SHOP SMALL Locals can shop from many small businesses’ products featured in The Pavillion at SLO Ranch Farms and Marketplace through Dec. 28 during the holiday boutique that Hello Creative organized.
COURTESY PHOTO BY ABIGAIL YBARRA
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The SLO Community Holiday Feast provides a delicious home-cooked holiday dinner along with live musical ente ainment. This occasion is used to gi those who are unsheltered with much needed winter clothing/sleeping bag care packages. We also send out hundreds of meals and care packages to housed families who are struggling. Please help us to make this event possible by cooking, donating or volunteering your time. To assist, visit our website at www.SLOCommunityCares.org
BY JEAN’NE BLACKWELL
PG&E’s conduct is indefensible and unacceptable
According to Dawn Ortiz-Legg, the problem is “California’s body politic is missing connective tissue” (Nov. 13). The proposed plan by PG&E and the California Coastal Commission staff was permanent forever access to open space from Point Sal to San Simeon. Her opinion concludes, “that is only half the story.” And on that point I can agree, that is only half the story.
The other half that she fails to recognize is PG&E’s rap sheet, which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Pacific Gas and Electric Company is a criminal enterprise. Case in point. Let’s start with Hinkley, California (1956-present), and PG&E’s love affair with withholding the truth and establishing its modus operandi for future encounters and dealings with the public. The company was found guilty of contaminating water supplies with chromium 6. To date,
BY JILL STEGMAN
the court-ordered cleanup is still ongoing and estimated to be completed in 40 years. Unacceptable. Are we on course to be the next Hinkley?
In 2022, PG&E finished serving its 5-year probation period in response to a court order to rehabilitate PG&E’s habitual criminal enterprise, stemming from the 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno that killed eight people.
“Utility companies are legally required to follow safety guidelines. PG&E knowingly … defies these guidelines to save money. People die,” writes Scott Brown in Liberation (“PG&E’s rap sheet,” Aug. 12, 2024). When PG&E is convicted, nobody goes to jail.
Judges, legislators, regulators, and family members all beg PG&E to obey the law.
“People continue dying. PG&E keeps making money. Nothing changes.”
“Despite hundreds of lawsuits, 91 felony
A criminal offender Protecting the coast
California needs agencies to do their jobs
In her Nov. 13 commentary, SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg treats the California Coastal Commission’s statement that “energy policy is not within our purview” as a defect in state government (“California’s body politic is missing connective tissue”). I’d argue it’s a feature, not a bug.
The Coastal Commission exists for a particular reason: to protect California’s coast, ocean, and public access under the Coastal Act. That means focusing on coastal resources, not trying to become a shadow energy commission. Diablo Canyon’s broader role in the grid is already being debated at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, and the Legislature under SB 846 and related proceedings.
Far from lacking “connective tissue,” the state has already required a land conservation and economic development plan for Diablo Canyon Lands, overseen by the California Natural Resources Agency, and funded conservation planning through the Coastal Conservancy. The job now before the Coastal Commission is to make sure those promises are actually delivered—not to relitigate statewide energy policy in a landuse hearing.
That’s especially true because the environmental impacts at Diablo are not abstract. The commission’s own staff report notes that the plant’s once-through cooling system kills marine life equivalent to that produced in more than 14 square miles of nearshore waters every year. After decades of this damage, it is entirely appropriate— indeed, required—for the commission to insist on robust marine mitigation and permanent conservation of the surrounding 12,000 acres of largely undisturbed coastline, which host grasslands, bishop pine forests, and cultural lands of the yak tityu tityu yak
convictions, and two bankruptcy filings, PG&E continues to prioritize profits over people,” according to Liberation. If this homicidal felon is allowed to remain at large, we will never know peace and harmony. PG&E is deeply in debt and taxpayers will end up paying for bailouts and unregulated increased rate hikes will be the new normal.
“Rehabilitation of a criminal offender remains the paramount goal of probation. During these five years of criminal probation, we have tried hard to rehabilitate PG&E. As the supervising district judge, however, I must acknowledge failure,” United States District Judge William Alsup wrote at the close of the probation case.
While on probation, PG&E caused at least 31 wildfires that burned nearly 1.5 million acres, burned 23,956 structures, and killed 113 Californians. PG&E pled guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter for the 2018 Camp Fire, according to Alsup’s final report.
“So, in these five years, PG&E has gone on a crime spree and will emerge from probation as a continuing menace to California,” Alsup wrote.
Teaming up with PG&E, a convicted felon and career criminal, to perpetuate this atrocity makes you and all the signers, accessories to the wrongdoing and criminal activity that PG&E is involved in. We can’t put corporations in jail. People on the other hand … .
Mothers for Peace and scientific experts and environmental consultants have proven we do not need PG&E’s nuclear power for our energy needs. They show alternative sources and implementation of energy that does not keep us in constant fear for our lives and livelihood. Partnering up with nature serves and benefits every living thing.
What are you and your cohorts doing, Dawn? The connective tissue you are talking about is cancerous and needs to be removed for us to survive and thrive. PG&E’s rap sheet is the other side of the story. Check it out. ∆
Jean’ne Blackwell writes to New Times from San Luis Obispo. Respond with an opinion piece for publication by emailing it to letters@ newtimesslo.com.
tiłhini Northern Chumash.
Supervisor Ortiz-Legg frames the proposed land deal as “permanent, forever access” and a “clear win.” But the current staff recommendation has, until now, contemplated conservation of as little as 1,100 acres—less than 10 percent of the Diablo Canyon Lands—even though the state has already given $5 million to the Coastal Conservancy to secure an easement over all 12,000 acres. That’s not nitpicking; it’s the core of what mitigation means.
Nor is there a single “local” view. Alongside the county Board of Supervisors majority she cites, other local leaders are urging the commission to strengthen, not weaken, its conditions: Sen. John Laird has pressed for more rigorous safety review and oversight; Assemblymember Dawn Addis has asked the commission to require full conservation easements, permanent public and tribal access, and a trail endowment; Mothers for Peace has reminded regulators that California can meet its needs with renewables and storage without relying on an aging nuclear plant. Local voices are diverse, and many of them are asking for exactly the kind of stringent coastal protections the commission is considering.
The equity argument also deserves closer scrutiny. Yes, energy affordability matters deeply. But calling Diablo a “ratepayer shield” glosses over the public risks and subsidies that make its extension possible. State law authorized a $1.4 billion loan to PG&E to keep the plant open, but federal funds could now fall hundreds of millions short. The CPUC has already approved a $722.6 million rate increase for 2025 tied to extended operations. Those are real costs borne by the same families and small businesses invoked in her piece, along with the long-term burden of managing spent fuel on a seismically complex coastline.
Of course, California needs integrated
climate and energy planning. But we don’t achieve “whole-of-state” policy by asking a coastal watchdog to ignore its legal mandate in the name of grid reliability. The Coastal Commission’s job is not to decide whether Diablo Canyon should exist; that decision was effectively made when the Legislature rushed through SB 846 and when statewide agencies chose this extension path. The commission’s job now is to make sure that, if the plant is allowed to keep operating, Californians finally get what they were promised: permanent protection of all 12,000 acres, strong marine habitat mitigation, and
Speak up!
Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.
enforceable public and tribal access. Real “connective tissue” means each agency is doing its job well, then stitching those decisions together—not pressuring one commission to trade away irreplaceable coastline and marine life because others have failed to plan adequately. On Diablo Canyon, the Coastal Commission should keep its eyes exactly where the law tells it to look: on the coast, the ocean, and the public trust. ∆
Jill Stegman writes to New Times from Grover Beach. Send a response for publication by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.
BY JOHN B. ASHBAUGH
Her name was Florence Owens. She was 32 when she, her companion Jim Hill, and her seven children arrived in Nipomo in February 1936. It was a cold, wintery afternoon in the depths of the Great Depression, the worst economic crisis our nation had ever known.
Their car had just broken down, and Jim went looking for parts to repair it. As Florence and her youngest children cowered in a makeshift lean-to in a migrant labor camp, she was approached by Dorothea Lange, a photographer on assignment from President Franklin Roosevelt.
Lange captured six images of this struggling family, pictures that would change the world. One of those images became known as Migrant Mother, and Owens’ face came to represent the nation’s trauma of the Great Depression.
She was born in Oklahoma in 1903; her Cherokee father was absent, and she was raised by her white mother. She married in 1921, but husband Cleo Owens died in 1931; since then, she and her children had sought work as migrant farm laborers.
Ultimately, she transcended those forlorn circumstances: She found better employment and in 1952 she remarried, taking the name of her new husband, George Thompson, a hospital administrator. Together, they raised a loving family with many children and grandchildren. Still, she resented the fact that her face had become so widely known, all because a government photographer had found her on what might have been the worst day of her life. She believed that Lange had earned royalties on her image, but she prized her privacy: For four full decades, nobody knew that she was the Migrant Mother
By the time Florence Owens Thompson died in 1983 at the age of 80, her life had taken a different turn. Five years earlier, her identity had been disclosed to the world: After 40 years of anonymity, a Modesto Bee reporter persuaded her to tell the story of the Migrant Mother This Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to reflect on her story.
Migrant Mother is believed to be the most widely replicated photograph ever taken. The nation responded to the image of the Migrant Mother with extraordinary generosity. That response speaks volumes about who we were as a nation at that time.
In February 1936, when Dorothea Lange visited that “pea pickers camp” in Nipomo, Franklin Roosevelt had been president almost exactly three years. He was facing a major challenge in the upcoming election in November, only a few short months away. FDR’s “brain trust” had employed Dorothea Lange and a team of professional publicists to document the desperate conditions in migrant labor camps and “Hoovervilles” that had sprung up all across the American landscape as unemployment soared and millions sank into poverty.
In spite of his best efforts and a supportive Congress, unemployment was still stubbornly high—more than 15 percent in March 1936. But Roosevelt didn’t try to “spin” the news, to assure the nation that all was well. Instead, FDR dispatched photographers, writers, and artists to all corners of the nation to tell the story of our continued suffering.
Within days of the Migrant Mother photograph appearing in The San Francisco News, federal agencies delivered 20,000 tons of food for the desperate migrants camped here on the Nipomo Mesa. Within a few months, SLO County schools Assistant Superintendent Al Rhodes had funded a school for the children of those laborers.
The people of this county, the state, and
the nation responded to that face with extraordinary unity, determined to finally grapple with the staggering levels of poverty that had plagued the nation for far too long.
FDR would be reelected in November 1936 with the greatest Electoral College majority ever achieved. He knew how to inspire skilled journalists like Dorothea Lange to compose a picture of America not as he wanted to see it, but as it really was.
In that era, our federal government was committed to knowing the truth. Roosevelt wanted desperately to know us, and he wanted all of us to know America as we truly are.
We now know something about Florence Owens Thompson—and that’s why people gathered at the Dana Cultural Center on Nov. 15: To honor her, and to honor Dorothea Lange for being there to capture the moment, the mood, the anxiety etched on her face.
Led by retired Judkins Middle School teacher Terry Handy, together we dedicated a new bronze plaque carrying her image and her story. The plaque will soon be placed near the site of that long-abandoned pea-picker’s camp on the Nipomo Mesa.
As we acknowledge that important event, we also recognize that everywhere, people are enormously anxious about the economy. It’s highly doubtful, however, that we’ll learn the truth from this administration, or from corporate media, about the challenges we are facing. We may never get the jobs report for October. Who can trust this administration to tell the truth about jobs or inflation in the months ahead? Congress is piling on with massive cuts to the social safety net that has sustained millions of Americans for decades, in good times as well as bad:
• The “Big Beautiful Bill” that passed last summer (H.R. 1) triggers significant cuts—almost 49 percent—to several USDA programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance program that has historically provided about $1.2 million in support annually for our SLO County Food Bank.
• Reductions in SNAP (CalFresh) benefit programs—laborious paperwork requirements and limits on eligibility—will force thousands more SLO County families to make use of the Food Bank as they lose SNAP benefits.
• These same families are squeezed by the loss of eligibility for other federal benefits such as Medicaid, health care, child care, and rental assistance.
In 1936, Amercans needed to see the face of Florence Owens Thompson—and in 2025, we need the truth about the millions of Americans suffering from the neglect of our ruling oligarchy. We need to see the faces of that poverty and the pain of that loss. ∆
Respond to John Ashbaugh with a commentary of your own by sending it to letters@newtimesslo.com.
Lawsuits all around
I’m not normally a fan of the way environmental advocacy organizations sue to get things done. The Center for Biological Diversity, for instance, sues a lot. Like a lot.
This particular environmental nonprofit seems to be in the lawsuit business. On the nonprofit’s website, it brags about filing 266 lawsuits during Trump’s first term.
“We won nearly 9 out of 10 times—and we’re not about to slow them down now,” the center stated.
Awesome. Go get ’em, tiger. What actually happens when you win? Do things change? Sometimes.
This time around, the Center for Biological Diversity is 57-lawsuits strong against the administration, so far. In November alone, it sued over California spotted owls, offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico (America?), a logging project in a North Carolina national forest, and a little flower in Washington
That doesn’t include lawsuits filed against state agencies and local governments.
As the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club and other organizations pointed out in a recent commentary in New Times, there’s unfortunately a good reason for these kinds of lawsuits: “environmental enforcement often fails when governments regulate themselves. That’s exactly why Congress included citizen lawsuit provisions in key environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act.”
It took lawsuits to get both State Parks and
SLO County to release long-stagnant draft habitat conservation plans when it comes to protecting and managing endangered species at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Arroyo Grande Creek below Lopez Dam, respectively.
And that’s a problem. Needing to protect federally listed species is an imperative issue, and it’s not new. These plans have been in the works for years and years but held back from the public.
Just three days after a federal judge ruled that State Parks was violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing off-roading in snowy plover habitat, the state agency finally released a draft of its more than 20 years of work on a habitat conservation plan. Coincidence? I think not.
Why did the agency need to spend five years in court and countless public funds to defend itself against a lawsuit when it already knew it was violating the law?
It didn’t.
Did the Center for Biological Diversity need to sue State Parks to get that document done and out in public circulation? It sure seems like it did.
The defendant, according to the federal judge, “largely does not dispute the many examples of ‘takes’ of snowy plovers provided by plaintiff, including specifically by vehicle collisions.”
How would you like to be the off-roader
who ran over a cute, little shorebird?
A take—for you non-environmental nerds out there—is killing, harassing, or wounding an endangered species.
Takes are illegal, obviously. But they happen, and they can be “mitigated” and legal with the help of one of those habitat conservation plans. Wild, I know. In the meantime, though, snowy plovers seem to have staged a comeback—despite those dune buggies trying to mow them down and the lack of an official conservation plan, the population has more than sextupled since 2002.
Lots of snowy plover sex happening on the Central Coast, if you know what I mean.
Jeff Miller with the Center for Biological Diversity, which won its lawsuit and essentially compelled State Parks to release this conservation plan for snowy plovers and a dozen other endangered or threatened species, called the plan a “dune buggy conservation plan.” Hah! Good one, Jeff. I smell another lawsuit in the future.
The Oceano Dunes is single-handedly propping up attorneys up and down the coast. The number of lawsuits that one, single state park has given birth to are too numerous to count, and it always seems like State Parks is on the losing end—whether it’s the off-roaders or environmentalists doing the suing.
Quagmire city.
While the Center for Biological Diversity didn’t hop onto the bandwagon suing SLO County over Lopez, the local Sierra Club absolutely did, joining up with its pals Los
Padres ForestWatch (its lawsuit track record is not as good as the Center for Biological Diversity’s), San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, and others. But it isn’t the snowy plover standing in the way of SLO County’s water releasing decisions.
It’s steelhead, and other species, too, but mostly steelhead.
A judge ruled that SLO County needed a habitat conservation plan for steelhead et al. The county worked for months to get the plan finalized and finally released it in October, almost a full year after the initial ruling.
But these sorts of things are slow, you know? It takes a lawsuit to really get things moving. Lawsuits are like the fiber local governments need to tackle environmental issues in “good faith.”
I’m not sure if a lawsuit will be the end result for Cambria and its water reclamation facility, but hopefully not.
After 10 years of not being able to use the facility that cost ratepayers millions of dollars, the Community Services District finally submitted a coastal development permit application to the county! Whew.
And, possibly, it also has a new solution to the facility’s problematic waste stream. Get this: long ago, someone convinced the district to install an evaporation pond to deal with it, but Cambria is too foggy for evaporation to even happen.
The Shredder evaporates weekly. Send comments to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
ATASCADERO ART
Browse the Fieldwork Art Sale on Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fieldwork in Atascadero. There will be affordable original work from local artists created primarily during Fieldwork’s figure drawing sessions and open studio workshops. All pieces are unframed and make unique gifts for the holidays. Find and support Fieldwork’s creative community through this fundraiser. Visit fieldworkart.org for additional details.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery. com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
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.
FREE DEMONSTRATION:
CONSTRUCTING THE FIGURE WITH GERIMI BURLEIGH Gerimi Burleigh, a master artist of figure drawing, is giving a free demonstration at Art Center Morro Bay. Get more details at the site. Dec. 6 3 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. ArtCenterMorroBay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS CAROL ASTAIRE: OIL
PAINTING See luminous ocean paintings by Carol Astaire inspired by many years
exploring California’s coast by kayak and on foot. Gallery is open daily. Nov. 30 - Dec. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS FIBER ART BY DEBBIE
GEDAYLOO Debbie Gedayloo creates playful, sculptural works in wool using needle and wet felting techniques.
Join the reception on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS FINE ART OIL PAINTINGS BY NANCY DAVID Nancy David’s oil paintings celebrate Central Coast landscapes with vibrant seasonal colors and natural beauty. See her work on display in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS JEFF ODELL: OIL PAINTING Morro Bay plein air artist Jeff Odell captures 30 years of coastal beauty with lush, textured oils. Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 - Dec. 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS PASTELS BY JIM TYLER Award-winning pastel artist Jim Tyler captures bold light and shadow in stunning coastal scenes. See his work in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov.
29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS SANDRA LISI: BLOCK PRINTING & SMALL WORKS See hand-carved woodblock and linocut prints on display, featuring illustrations of the Central Coast with bold colors and beautiful compositions. Gallery is open daily. Nov. 30 - Dec. 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.
SUCCULENT CHRISTMAS WREATH
WORKSHOP Create a living succulent wreath with our expert team! All materials included and no experience needed. A festive, friend-friendly workshop. Space is limited, so register early. Dec. 6 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $65. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH: THREE SESSIONS Practice painting watercolors at your own pace with guidance from Jan French. Session 1 includes dates on Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27, Session 2 is on Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24, and Session 3 is on Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22. Beginners are welcome. Reserve your spot at the link below. Mondays. through Dec. 22 $145. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.
org/workshops. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
“THE PASSENGER” AND “VE” HAND PULLED PRINTS Susan Lyon’s hand pulled Varied Edition Artwork ranges from linocuts to hand pulled solar prints and photography. Colorful and fun. Dec. 6 , 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
3 ARTISTS RETROSPECTIVE REVEAL Susan Lyon, Maryanne Nucci, and Kathy Madonna invite you to visit their Retrospective Show including original photographs, charcoals, watercolors, etchings, linocuts, and mono prints. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/susanart. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
ART AFTER DARK - FIRST SATURDAYS Featuring Sam DiMaggio, segmented wood turning at it’s finest! Please join us to explore our fabulous gift giving options for your loved ones. Dec. 6 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.
THE ARTERY’S ANNUAL UNDER $200 ART SHOW - ARTIST’S RECEPTION Our annual art show is here! Come see this year’s great variety of art, all under $200! Celebrate the artists with some holiday refreshments. Nov. 29 5-8 p.m. Free. The ARTery, 5890 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (805) 464-0533, the1artery.com.
ARTFUL HOLIDAYS AND 2026 DECOR Everything you need to give the gift of art to those you love, decorate for the Holidays, and enhance your home for years to come! Dec. 1 - Feb. 28
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.
BEGINNING IMPROV CLASSES Join Top Grade Comedy Theater for beginning improv classes. First Monday of every month, 6-8 p.m. through Jan. 2 $15. (805) 242-1443. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
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.
DATE NIGHT Couples or friends, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a creative night out. Have fun and get messy as the venue walks you through the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $144. (805) 203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com/datenight. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY: ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com.
FIELDWORK ART SALE Our art sale features affordable original work from local artists. Find unique gifts and support Fieldwork’s creative community through this fundraiser. Nov. 28 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 4307 El Camino Real, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.
HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS Handcrafted for the Holidays is back! This annual showcase celebrates talented craftspeople and their one-of-a-kind creations. Something for everyone, no matter your taste or budget! Through Dec. 28-4 p.m. Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/
handcrafted-for-the-holidays-11/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles. IT’S HARVEST TIME It’s Harvest Time! We’re delighted to feature a 3-month exhibit showcasing the colors and abundance of the Fall Harvest season! There will be paintings, ceramics, glassware, and charcuterie boards. Through Nov. 30 Free. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles, (805) 2864430, parkstreetgallery.com.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Don’t miss this live radio play that brings Frank Capra’s beloved story to life as if it were being performed live at a 1940s radio studio. With actors portraying multiple characters, sound effects created right before your eyes, and the warmth of a timeless tale, this heartwarming production captures the spirit of the season. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14 $12.56-$28.62. my805tix.com. Plymouth Congregational Church, 1301 Oak Street, Paso Robles.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PLATE PAINTING AT ARTSOCIAL 805 Please join ArtSocial805 on the first Saturday of each month to paint a personalized “Birthday Plate,” for someone special or for yourself. The workshop is $35, which covers the plate, glaze, and firing. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $35. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Paso High Theatre Company proudly presents Shakespeare In Love Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. $15. (805) 769-1500. pasoschools.org/ phtc. Paso Robles High School, 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles.
WRITERS WANTED Novelists, screenwriters, poets , and short story writers welcome. This group meets in Atascadero twice a month, on Thursday nights (email jeffisretired@yahoo.com for specifics). Hone your skills for publication and/or personal development. First Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Unnamed Atascadero location, Contact host for details, Atascadero.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIELDWORK ART
WINTER WONDERLAND
HOLIDAY MAGIC
SAN LUIS OBISPO
“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint premade pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART
CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CHICANOS AT CAL POLY: WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE SHOW UP This exhibition honors the history of Chicane students at Cal Poly, focusing on their expressions of cultural identity while recognizing the challenges of placemaking. MondaysFridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. (805) 756-2305. library.calpoly.edu/ events/chicanos-cal-poly. Cal Poly, 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.
COMMUNITY CRAFT NIGHT A space where we can come together, get creative, and rediscover the joy of human connection. We’re about fostering connections and building a supportive community. Dec. 2 6-8 p.m. (714) 3365768. m.facebook.com/groups/8763996 51120300/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
COUNTRY NIGHTS: FRIENDSGIVING
EDITION Featuring a country two-step lesson with two levels! Get ready for a night full of country swing, two-step, and everything in between! Nov. 29 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
CREATIVE KIDS HOLIDAY PLAYDATE
Join for the second year of Creative Kids Holiday Playdate! There will be fun and festive activities for kids ages 4 to 12 at an affordable cost. Dec. 6 , 1-4:30 p.m. $10. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS: AFTER SCHOOL WITH CAROLINA LUNA The Creative Kids series focuses on a different medium each week as a way to see what subject(s) sparks your child’s interest! Wednesdays. through Dec. 17 $25. (541) 480-5068. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/10/CK-After-School-Fall. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central,
WINTER SONG
First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo will host the Central Coast Youth Chorus Winter Concerts on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. Ring in the holidays with performances by Grace Notes Ensemble and the Cantate and Aria choirs. General admission tickets are $17 online and $19 at the door. Additional info is available at my805tix.com.
1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. FUSED GLASS WORKSHOPS Learn how to cut, design, and build your own ornaments, sun catchers, or magnets. Workshops includes all supplies you’ll need. Nov. 30, 2-5 p.m. (805) 748-7405. lindadrake.com. Linda Drake, 1351 Oceanaire Dr., San Luis Obispo.
KINKY BOOTS - NATIONAL BROADWAY TOUR The Tony® and Grammy-winning
Broadway musical by Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein, inspires worldwide with its uplifting story, dazzling direction, and unforgettable score. Dec. 1 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/kinkyboots. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., 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.
“PERMISSION STRUCTURES” BY KERRI CONLON SF-based artist and educator Kerri Conlon will display her work titled “Permission Structures” at the Cal Poly University Art Gallery until Dec. 5. An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Through Dec. 5 artgallery.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly University Art Gallery, Cal Poly Art & Design, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 93407-0321, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-1571.
REMADE MARKET: COMMUNITY CRAFT
EXCHANGE Craft, share, and give back! Donate art supplies, then shop the ReMade Market for affordable, sustainable finds, benefiting the SLO Food Bank. Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1022. slolifestudio.com/products/remademarket-community-craft-exchange. SLOLife Studio and Mercantile, 12340 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
SIJI KRISHNAN Krishnan’s evocative paintings exist in a realm between memory and myth, where figures emerge from translucent layers of pigment. Through Jan. 11, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ siji-krishnan/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
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.
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.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AGHS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: ALICE BY HEART Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Dec. 5 , 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 6 , 7-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 2-3:30 p.m. $23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
EVERYBODY CAN DANCE AND THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC BALLET PRESENT: NUTCRACKER Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet Present: Nutcracker. Don’t miss this Central Coast tradition that’s been going for over 35 years. Nov. 29 7-9 p.m. and Nov. 30, 3-5 p.m. $30. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE These interactive, welcoming workshops use the tools of improvisational theater— like play, spontaneity, and “yes, and”—to build real-life skills for communication, confidence, and connection. Dec. 7, 6-7:30 p.m. $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind.co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.
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
4TH ANNIVERSARY SALE Head to The Plantae and Fungi’s 4th Anniversary Sale with 25% off, prizes, giveaways, and samples all day long. Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 395-9323. plantaeandfungi.com/event/4thanniversary-event/. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria.
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Celebrate the 14th Annual Cambria Christmas Market, which opens on Nov. 28, and goes until Dec. 31. The market is closed on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 24, and 25. More information is available at the link. Nov. 28 - Dec. 31 5-9 p.m. $27-$45. (800) 966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket. com/. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
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 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 19
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654. ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts. com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos. 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. MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix. com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos. PUMPKIN PATCH Our Pumpkin Patch is officially open for the season! All of our pumpkins are thoughtfully grown by 46 Ranch and come in various sizes. Mondays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria. SENSORY PLAYTIME Let your little ones, ages 1 to 5, lead the way in this open-ended playtime! We also have early literacy tips for caretakers. Dec. 6 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 772-6394. sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com/event/sensoryplaytime-20296. Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay. 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.
WHIMSICAL WINTER WONDERLAND Step into the Whimsical Winter Wonderland at Cambria Nursery—where the magic of the season comes to life through light, design, and imagination. Through Jan. 15, 2026 (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
WITCHY AROMATHERAPY & OIL BLENDING WORKSHOP
Join for a fun and magical workshop where you can explore the world of witchy aromatherapy and oil blending using dōTERRA essential oils. Dec. 6 12-1, 1:30-2:30 & 3-4 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Health With Integrity, 80 North Ocean, Cayucos, (805) 235-7978.
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) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
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. CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY - METASTATIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Gain valuable support from others, reduce distress associated with a cancer diagnosis, share treatment and side-effect information, and learn ways to improve quality of life. Every other Monday, 12-1 p.m. through Feb. 22 Free. (805) 238-4411. csc-ccc.gnosishosting.net/ Calendar?eviid=10542. Cancer Support Community, 1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH Enjoy a ride on a real steam-train as you travel to Santa’s Village for food, games, magic, pony rides, a marketplace, Santa, and more! Fridays, Saturdays, 4:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 21 $15-$40. (805) 5403214. christmasatthemargarita.com/. Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Ave, Santa Margarita.
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.
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS
PRESENTS: A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS
Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present A Very Mary Christmas, featuring Featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Regina Coeli and The Coronation Mass. Dec. 7 3 p.m. $22 suggested donation. (805) 546-3198. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED
EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
HEART TO HOME
Please join us for our Annual Holiday Market. Handcrafted gifts will be available, made by the families of Santa Lucia School. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Dec. 6 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 434-2217. santaluciaschool. org/hearttohome. Santa Lucia School, 1460 Plum Orchard Lane, Templeton.
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.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Over 20 vendors will sell handmade treasures at this fundraiser for the Friends of the Santa Margarita Library. There will be a bake sale, operation Santa, and blood drive. Dec. 6 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 438-5955. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita.
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.
OUT & SAVVY HOLIDAY CONCERT & INTERACTIVE BRUNCH Celebrate the season with delicious food, wonderful WLW community, and joyful holiday music! Advance tickets are required. Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $76.83. my805tix. com. Mirazur Restaurant, 1365 2nd St., Los Osos, (805) 439-0058.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY
FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County. 49TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SLO
HOLIDAY PARADE Join Downtown SLO for the largest holiday parade on the Central Coast! Information regarding the route, accommodations, and more will be published soon! Dec. 5 Downtown SLO Holiday Parade!, Downtown SLO, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: LIFE BEYOND CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
People moving beyond the impact of active cancer treatment are welcome to join to gain connection and discuss common life-after-cancer issues. Every other Tuesday, 5-6 p.m. through Dec. 14 Free. (805) 238-4411. csc-ccc. gnosishosting.net/Calendar?eviid=10874. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
A CHRISTMAS STORY Packed with holiday mischief, childhood dreams, and nostalgic charm, A Christmas Story captures the magic of the season with wit, warmth, and plenty of laughs. Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 18
$28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/a-christmas-story-2025/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
COME SEE SANTA The Grover Beach Library is sponsoring Come See Santa at the Exploration Discovery Center. Dec. 6 , 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 473-1421. Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
COMMUNITY FARM TOUR Join at the farm on the first Saturday of each month and get a public tour of the regenerative farm! First Saturday of every month, 9:3011 a.m. through Dec. 6 (805) 769-8344. cityfarmslo.org/community-tours. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ON THE RANCH Gather your friends and family for an afternoon filled with holiday tunes by the Monte Mills Band, wood-fired pizza, wine, ice cream, and twinkling lights!
Dec. 6 , 3-6 p.m. $35. (805) 706-8034. exploretock.com. La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.
DEATH CAFE (EVERY 1ST TUESDAY ON THE MONTH) At Death Café, curiosity and community converge for open, thoughtful conversations about mortality, loss, and our shared human experience. Donations to Hospice SLO County are always appreciated. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/ death-caf%C3%A9. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE PARENT EDUCATION NIGHTS-
YOUTHWELL A free virtual education night designed to help parents and caregivers navigate the everyday challenges of raising children from K-12th. Dec. 2 7-8:15 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1930. youthwell.org/workshops/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and 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.
GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK
Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
HOLIDAY MARKET AND BARN LIGHTING WITH THE LAND CONSERVANCY The Land Conservancy is excited to invite you to our first Holiday Market during our annual Barn Lighting and enjoy local vendors and live music! Dec. 4 , 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 544-9096. lcslo.org/events/ barn-lighting-holiday-market/. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SOUNDS
HOLIDAY SALUTE: VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR Join for a heartwarming day of appreciation and fun at the Holiday Salute: Veterans Resource Fair! We’re honoring our veterans with a special celebration, featuring free tri-tip sandwiches for all veterans (because you’ve earned it)! For everyone else, it’s just $10 for a delicious meal, so come hungry and ready to show your support! Dec. 6 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo. LIGHT UP THE PLAZA Free, family-friendly, and open to the public! Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, sponsors, and community partners as we “switch on” the Lights! Nov. 28 , 5 p.m. Light up the Plaza!, Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
NATURE LIGHTS SLO Botanical Garden’s holiday tradition, Nature Lights, features magical displays, live music, local chefs, and an artists’ market. Fridays, Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. through Dec. 27 $18-$28. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/ naturelights/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo.
NAWBO HOLIDAY MIXER Tis’ the season for merry and fun! Bring a friend or two (and wear your best ugly holiday sweater) to this year’s Holiday Mixer at Café Roma in San Luis Obispo. Join fellow women entrepreneurs for an evening of connections and meaningful conversations. A selection of tasty appetizers will be provided, and you can purchase drinks and additional food separately. NAWBO and nonNAWBO members are welcome to attend. Dec. 3 6-7:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Cafe Roma, 1020 Railroad Ave, www. caferomaslo.com, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-6800.
PICTURES WITH SURFER SANTA This year, make a splash with the SLO Swim Center for underwater family photos with Surfer Santa. Dec. 6 2:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 781-7288. sloswimcenter.org. SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo.
REINDEER RUN The SLO County Friday Night Live Reindeer Run is a 5k fun run that promotes wellness and healthy lifestyles among youth and families in San Luis Obispo County. Participants, volunteers, and spectators are encouraged to dress in their favorite holiday attire and kick off the winter season. Dec. 6 , 9 a.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.
SANTA’S HOUSE OPENING DAY CELEBRATION Santa will be flying from the North Pole! Free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Watch Santa arrive at Mission Plaza and take photos with him. Nov. 28 , 1-6:30 p.m. Santa’s House Opening Day Celebration!, Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local, nonprofit sports & social club for adults, holds monthly meetings. Join the social hour with food and drink, starting at 5:30 p.m. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 2 Free; Annual Membership $65.. (805) 528-3194. SLO Skiers, a sports and social club for adults, will host its monthly meeting, preceded by a social hour with food and drink. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 2 Free; yearly membership $65. (805) 528-3194. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo. SOUND “BATH” JOURNEY / GALA PRIDE & DIVERSITY CENTER Join for a Serenity Sound Journey (aka Sound “Bath”) - a restorative, therapeutic sound immersion experience that harnesses the transformational power of sound energy and vibrations—combined with breathwork, mindful presence, and intention—to release daily pressures, foster emotional healing, and connect with your inner peace. Nov. 30 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix. com. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY ART IN THE PARK HOLIDAY MARKET Beautiful handmade holiday items and gifts for yourself. See all the wonderful work of local artists and crafters alike. Dec. 6 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf. com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BESO HOLIDAY COMEDY NIGHT Enjoy a stellar line-up for the Holidays bringing the world famous comedy store to you! Regular store perfomers will include Nicole Becannon, Chris Walsh, Mary Jayne, Robo, Eric Amador and Host Ezra Paco, all coming to the lush Beso Cocina. Dec.
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.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN
MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE
FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
HOLIDAY HARMONY WELLNESS:
AYURVEDA, QI GONG, SELF-CARE A calming workshop with gentle Qi Gong, Ayurvedic guidance, and practical selfcare tools to support digestion, energy, and stress relief through the holidays and winter. Dec. 6 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $45. (805) 440-4561. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach, pismobeach.org.
HOLIDAY PARADE AND JINGLE BELL
DASH Join in the holiday fun at the annual Holiday Parade and Jingle Bell Dash in the beautiful village of Arroyo
Grande. Dec. 7 4-7 p.m. Free. (805) 4735472. arroyogrande.org/events. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.
HOLIDAY PARTY: THE SPA AT THE CLIFFS Get ready to unwrap seaside pampering, festive surprises, and exclusive event-only specials! Enjoy holiday cheer and live music, festive bites and refreshments, spa tours and giveaways, and complimentary valet parking. Dec. 4 , 6-7:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
SLO COUNTY TURKEY TROT Join SLO
Food Bank for the annual SLO County Turkey Trot, an event dedicated to supporting holiday meals and providing nourishment to those experiencing hunger. Nov. 27 8:30 a.m. $30 for adults, $20 for kids. slofoodbank.org/en/turkeytrot/. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.
STORYTELLERS Storytellers is a magical original dance production created by FLEX Performing Arts and brought to life
through the efforts of an incredible team of visionaries. Dec. 5 7-9:30 p.m., Dec. 6 7-9:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2-4:30 p.m. $20$67. (805) 489-9444. flexperformingarts. com/storytellers. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
SOLVANG JULEFEST LIGHT, MUSIC & SNOW SHOWS Every night during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will sparkle with a 10-minute light and music display on the hour, ending with a “snow” flurry! Nov. 28 -Jan. 4 5-9:15 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.
SOLVANG JULEFEST MAKER’S
MARKETS Fashioned after European night markets, the Julefest Maker’s Markets will feature local artisans, crafters, and food vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, seasonal treats, and more. Dec. 3 3-7 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.
SOLVANG JULEFEST PARADE See marching bands, horses, classic cars, and parade floats, all traveling along Solvang’s main streets. Dec. 6 , 11 a.m. solvangusa.com/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
THE VIKINGS OF SOLVANG 45TH
ANNUAL SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS’
CHRISTMAS PARTY This extraordinary event brings together more than 1,000 special needs children and their caregivers from across Santa Barbara County for a joy-filled holiday celebration. The day includes food and gifts, holiday characters, live music, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus. Dec. 1 vikingsofsolvang.org. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton. HOT DATES continued page 26
We Got This!
were sisters, best friends and dedicated runners who ran with passion and friends.
Brynn & Brittni
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. WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS & LIGHT DISPLAYS Enjoy exclusive access to 3+ million lights when Cambria Christmas Market is closed, with wood-fired pizza, salad, drinks, and live music—crowd-free and magical! Vendors, Santa, train, and market food are not available these nights. Those are only part of the Cambria Christmas Market. Dec. 1 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 2 , 5-8 p.m. $35. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com/pizzalight-displays. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED WINEMAKERS’ DINNER
Join the winemakers of the Paso Back Roads Wine Trail for an evening of food, wine, and friendship over the Thanksgiving weekend. Nov. 29 4-7:30 p.m. $150. (818) 424-3734. backroadswineries.com/events/details/after-thanksgivingwinemaker-dinner/. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles. TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/tin-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. PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT SYCAMORE Leave the cooking and cleaning behind and simply relax with family and friends this Thanksgiving at the Gardens of Avila Restaurant! Nov. 27 4-9 p.m. $80. (805) 595-7365. sycamoresprings.com/dining/ sycamore-thanksgiving-dinner. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo. THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH: HO HO HOLIDAYS Don’t miss this event, for ages 18 and older. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. $21.13. my805tix. com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MARISOL Gobble up the view, give thanks, and let the feast begin. Reservations are required; call the number provided. Nov. 27 1-8 p.m. $90 Adults; $45 Children 12 and under - Tax and gratuities not included. (805) 556-3316. cliffshotelandspa.com/event/thanksgiving-dinner-at-marisol/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT SEAVENTURE RESTAURANT Gather around the table this Thanksgiving with ocean views and seasonal coastal cuisine at SeaVenture Restaurant. Reservations are required. Large groups are welcome! Nov. 27, 1-7 p.m. $80. (805) 773-3463. seaventure.com/event/ thanksgiving-dinner/. SeaVenture Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Pismo Beach.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to
Arts
In the cut
Susan Lyon is displaying her linocut prints and photographs in Paso Robles’ The Pocket Gallery, with receptions scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 3, from 2 to 5 p.m., or by appointment (email susan@ ctcranch.com).
“Actually, the show has a subtitle, Jolly Rancher, because the colors remind me of the candies,” she said in an email.
Lyon moved to Cayucos with her husband in 1977 and made a life raising a family on Cottontail Creek Ranch, formerly a dairy farm operated by Swiss Italian immigrants that became a working Hass avocado, Valencia orange, and beef ranch. In 1999, they added a luxury ranch vacation rental. When Lyon’s husband passed, she turned to art.
“In 2011, my dearest friends persuaded me to join them in exploring printmaking,” she explained in her artist’s statement. “From that first wood block carving, I was hooked. It’s both two- and three-dimensional. Printmaking has infused new inspiration for endless playful possibilities. Pulling the print off the block is the wonder and excitement akin to opening the kiln door of a glaze fire. There are so many techniques to learn and skills to hone, I will never be done.”
The Pocket Gallery is located at 1311 13th St., around the corner from Somm’s Kitchen & The Hatch.
Light up your life
The fourth annual Nature Nights holiday light display returns to the SLO Botanical Garden through Dec. 27.
Organizers are calling it “an immersive outdoor celebration of holiday light, art, and music experience. The event will showcase captivating light displays and installations across the garden from the Preview Garden through the Children’s Garden. Guests can enjoy live music every night on two stages, along with local culinary treats, regional wines, and craft beer.”
The annual event has drawn more that 15,000 visitors. This year, musical performers include Teddy Oldham, Aaron Russell, Jamie Pennelly, B & the Hive Duo, TTK Music, Nataly Lola, Keilo Smith, Joy Polloi, Keys & Strings Duo, Hakeem, Gary Wooten, Toan Chau, and Kevin Sean.
“Guests can also enjoy festive holiday performances from Bellisima Handbells and the Jingle Belles,” organizers added. “Santa will also be making two special appearances at the Garden. We are grateful to Joan G. Sargen for sponsoring this year’s music lineup!”
Each night will feature local chefs, including Sichuan Kitchen SLO, Marcerro, and Carolyn’s Kitchen (a project of local nonprofit Achievement House). The Botanical Garden is in El Chorro Regional Park at 3450 Dairy Creek Road. Visit slobg.org or call (805) 5411400. Find tickets and a schedule at my805tix.com. Δ Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Soulman
Cayucos oil painter Mike Golling wants to chill you out
Alot of famous artists earned notoriety thanks to dark subject matter. From Francisco Goya’s “Black Paintings” to Hieronymus Bosch’s nightmarish visions to Francis Bacon’s visceral figures, their paintings were meant to afflict and disturb the viewer. While Cayucos land- and seascape painter Mike Golling can certainly appreciate dark work, he has a simple rule for his own paintings.
“Would I put that on my wall? If I wouldn’t put it on my wall, I don’t want to paint it,” he said over a beer at Morro Bay’s Three Stacks and a Rock Brewery. “I’m always going to paint stuff that I would hang on my own wall.”
For those of us following the local art scene, Golling seemed to come out of nowhere and suddenly be everywhere. For the last few months, every time I opened social media, the roguishly handsome artist was starring back at me holding a new gloriously colorful and boldly rendered local landmark, whether it be the tributaries of Los Osos’ back bay, the San Simeon Pier viewed from sea, or Morro Rock rising into the sky.
Golling, who looks a bit like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, is now 48, and after thinking in high school that the artist’s life was for him, he reluctantly shifted to other ways to make money. He still made time for creativity, but he was more of a pragmatist about it.
“Plan A was to be an artist,” he said wryly, “but you know, I didn’t want to be a starving artist. I focused on functional art, like furniture. I did wooden bowls. I thought, ‘Who’s going to buy paintings?’ I want to sell, so I was focused on functional stuff.”
Even functional art didn’t always pay the bills, and he was married with kids, though now divorced.
“I had tons of jobs, and then I ended up getting into the cemetery business, which turned out to be, you know, perfect. Peaceful. It’s meaningful to me.”
lifting. There’re three of us at this cemetery. We keep pretty busy. But it’s also keeping the grounds up, mowing lawns, trimming around all the headstones.
“There’s something peaceful about [it],” he repeated for emphasis. “When people go into a cemetery, their consciousness changes, you know? It’s sadness, but also there’s peace. And I think in peace, there’s joy in a way, at least for me, and that appeals to me.”
See him paint
Mike Golling will be demonstrating his painting technique at Casa Ramos Gallery (1034 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos) on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Golling only returned to painting about five years ago, and as he restarted, he sold his work directly to collectors on Facebook Marketplace.
“I sold a bunch there, and super cheap,” he said sheepishly.
Then he got his big break. Last July, Golling responded to a call for artists from the Casa Ramos Gallery in Los Osos. Gallerist and co-owner Elena Ramos-Peffly asked him to come into the gallery with five of his best works.
“I wanted a local landscape painter, and I wanted to meet him in person,” she said. “Artists can be egotistical, but I met him, and he was as sweet and real as his work.”
Showtime!
Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.
When he’s not making art, Golling is a gravedigger. He currently works at the CayucosMorro Bay Cemetery, where he’s worked for 13 years. Before that, he worked at cemeteries in San Luis Obispo and before that Northern California.
It’s physical work to be sure. Yes, they use a backhoe to dig graves, “but we pour the concrete around the headstones,” he said. “It’s a lot of heavy
Golling thinks it helped that his work follows the same basic philosophy of Ramos-Peffly’s famous artist father, John Ramos.
“Elena spotted me, and she hadn’t had any other painters [in her gallery]. Just [her father] John Ramos,” Golling explained. “But she saw my stuff and thought it was a good fit. John and I have the same subject matter, you know? John’s stuff, it seems like it’s aspirational, like the feet in the bathtub. That’s where you want to be. Or the beer at Nepenthe, you know? You want to be there. That’s my philosophy too.”
Golling’s work now commands a few thousand dollars a painting and rising.
In August, Ramos-Peffly signed him to an exclusive three-month trial period.
“In two months, he sold 12 paintings,” Ramos-Peffly marveled. “In three months, it was up to 17.”
Even before the trial period ended, she invited him to be part of the gallery. By the time you read this, his most recent painting of Morro Rock might already be sold.
“There’re people that want it, but it’s not dry yet,” he laughed.
Golling works in oils and uses a “wet on wet” technique that requires thick application of paint
in some areas. He’s also a real “morning person,” often getting up at 2:30 a.m. to start painting.
“I’ve got this daylight lamp,” he explained. “I turn that thing on, and I’ll start by staring at the painting, drinking my morning coffee, just looking at it.”
He’s planning his next steps, and he might spend 30 minutes to an hour mixing paint to get the colors just right before he puts brush to canvas. He uses two glass palettes on tables on either side of his easel, and he works from cellphone photos he’s taken, holding the phone in one hand and the brush in the other.
Looking back at his past work, which has all been beautiful, he’s advanced in technique by leaps and bounds. His last few paintings are becoming more colorful, dramatic, deftly rendered, and downright stunning.
“I feel like I’m getting it,” he said modestly. He also credits hypnotherapy with helping him get into the painting zone.
“About five years ago, I got into hypnotherapy,” he recalled. “I went in to quit smoking, and I was just blown away by the method. With hypnosis, it’s like the technique—it’s all visual. It works for me. You go into a trance. It’s kind of an ecstatic thing.”
His next painting will be of Spooner’s Cove in Montaña De Oro. He’s also aiming for 100 paintings of Morro Rock. He’s done 19 so far, and they’re all very different.
Mike Golling is absolutely an artist to watch. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
CAPTURING LIGHT Cayucos oil painter Mike Golling has quickly made a name for himself as a talented land- and seascape artist with images like the back bay.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE GOLLING
GOLDEN HILLS This view from the sea of San Simeon Pier is another recent painting that quickly sold in Los Osos’ Casa Ramos Gallery.
IMAGE COURTESY OF MIKE GOLLING
NO. 19 Golling’s 19th painting of Morro Rock hadn’t even dried yet when collectors began expressing interest.
IMAGE COURTESY OF MIKE GOLLING
Co-writer and director Clint Bentley and his screenwriting partner Greg Kwedar (Jockey, Sing Sing) adapt Denis Johnson’s novella of the same name to the big screen. The film debuted at Sundance in January and had a two-week run in theaters before coming to Netflix. The decades-spanning story follows logger and railroad worker Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) navigating a rapidly changing America. (102 min.)
TRAIN DREAMS
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Glen Poetic, poignant, and haunting, this period drama is a soulful exploration of the various life traumas that shape who we become. It’s got a real Terrance Malick vibe thanks in part to the cinematography by Adolpho Veloso. The film’s beauty matches the beauty of the story itself. Robert meets and falls in love with Gladys (Felicity Jones), and together they build a small and cozy cabin and have a child, but to earn living, he must spend weeks away from her. We witness all the little moments Robert experiences that become part of the fabric of his character. Some of the people he meets are Boomer (Clifton Collins Jr., in a small but pivotal role), Chinese railway worker Fu Sheng (Alfred Hsing), and explosives expert Arn Peeples (William H. Macy)—all three make an indelible impression on Robert, who carries their memories throughout his lifetime.
Anna Edgerton has a knack for conveying subtle depth in his characters—still waters run deep, as they say. His portrayal of Robert is one of a many-faceted man, steady and driven, soft and deep rooted. At one point he and Gladys are devising a dream to have a
THE BEAST IN ME
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes) is a reclusive author, walled into a world of her own making. New neighbor and billionaire Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) and his wife, Nina (Brittany Snow), move in and soon disrupt Aggie’s solitude, and Nile comes to Aggie with an interesting proposal. Nile, whose character is loosely based on Robert Durst from The Jinx is suspected in the strange disappearance of his first wife, Madison (Leila George), but has never had formal charges brought against him. He wants Aggie to write a book about his story. His new wife, Nina, who
Where’s it showing? Netflix IMPENDING DISASTER Brian (Kevin James) and his stepson, Lucas (Benjamin
CHANGING AMERICA Felicity Jones and Joel Edgerton star as Gladys and Robert Grainier, in this adaptation of writer Denis Johnson’s novella, Train Dreams, streaming on Netflix.
farm and a sawmill. They would never have to be apart again. But hungry mouths need feeding long before such dreams can come to fruition, and Robert is once again on his way to another logging season. One poignant thread that carries throughout is his pining for home. Each trip leaves a gap where he cannot watch his daughter grow. It’s a quiet film, and my gut tells me this novella is likely a stunning read. Watching the world change around us can be an uncomfortable endeavor, and Robert’s ever-present longing for the mundane is poetic. This is the story of a haunted man living through the realities of what being human is, and the utter heartbreak that it can carry.
Glen Edgerton is remarkable in the role. He’s in nearly every scene, and many scenes are him alone with no dialogue, so it’s acting and communication through facial expression and body language. I think the genius of the story is it’s a portrait of a nobody—a man of no importance who accomplished no grand
PLAYDATE
also happened to be Madison’s best friend, proclaims his innocence, but the court of public opinion decidedly thinks Nile is a killer. Rhys is astonishingly creepy in this role—the smarmy mix of charm and villainy oozes from him. Danes is fantastic as the jumpy, suspicious author whose personal demons and loss have completely overtaken her life. Nile seems to be playing a game with Aggie, and his snakish charm manages to ensnare even her, though every ounce of her thinks him to be a killer. This psychological thriller is propulsive, dark, and electrifying. Buckle up, this one is quite the ride. (eight 41- to 54-min. episodes)
—Anna
GUILTY?
Claire Danes stars a blocked writer Aggie Wiggs, who finally believes she’s found something worth writing about in suspected murderer Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), in The Beast in Me, streaming on Netflix.
Ifeat or left any kind of a mark on the world, yet he lived a full and remarkably deep life. Robert had a quiet nobility. He was haunted by an injustice he took part in, and that never left him. His was a life marked by profound beauty and terrible tragedy, and he carried on.
Anna I think that’s what makes stories like this so appealing—it’s the everyday moments that make life great, that lead to sorrow, that shape who we are and therefore how we move throughout this world. Robert is introspective and humble, and a man whose world is small, but who feels the weight of things and stumbles on even in the darkest of days. The story is mundane, simple, and in the end about the love that endures through all the seasons of our lives. To live a simple, beautiful life doesn’t mean to live a life without pain. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime
f you’re looking for a silly, lightweight 90-minute diversion, director Luke Greenfield’s Playdate fits the bill. The absurdist mismatched buddy action comedy follows recently laid-off forensic accountant and new stepdad, Brian (Kevin James), who’s struggling with his father figure role to Lucas (Benjamin Pajak). Brian wants to teach him sports, but Lucas is more interested in dance.
One day at the park, they meet Jeff (Alan Ritchson), another stay-at-home dad, and his
son, CJ (Banks Pierce)—both decidedly odd. Jeff is a hulk who’s weirdly desperate to strike up a friendship with Brian and for CJ and Lucas to hit it off. CJ is robotic and weirdly violent toward Jeff. The four go on a playdate to Jeff’s house and later a Buckee Cheese pizzeria (I guess Chuck E. Cheese didn’t want to pay for product placement). Soon a group of mercenaries show up and attack, leading to a minivan car chase and the beginning of a violent misadventure that leads to a
in the
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Pajak), enjoy a moment of calm before the storm,
action-comedy Playdate, streaming on Prime.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIME VIDEO
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
East meets West
NYC vox and vibes join a
West Coast rhythm section
One of the nice things about the holidays is they frequently bring far-flung former locals home to visit family and friends. Such is the case with vocalist Sarah Pillow, a SLO native now living and performing in New York City.
She studied jazz and improvisation at SLO High, Cuesta College, and then Cabrillo College under Ray Brown with fellow students famed saxophonist Donny McCaslin and renowned percussionist Kenny Wollesen. She took a sharp right turn into classical music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree at Oberlin Conservatory, but she continues to sing jazz whenever the opportunity arises.
“I’ve performed all over the world as both a jazz and classical vocalist with various jazz formations, as a classical soprano soloist, and with my Baroque music ensemble, Galileo’s Daughters,” she noted.
Her husband, Swiss-born vibraphonist and composer Marc Wagnon, has performed and recorded with jazz and jazz-fusion luminaries such as Percy Jones, Mike Clark, Dave Douglas, and the late great Paul Jackson. He most recently produced and performed in a series of jazz concerts titled Incarnate Jazz in NYC’s Church of the Incarnation.
West Coast bassist Tony Green plays with groups such as the Well Pennies and does sound engineering and music production at his LA-based studio, Ear Gallery Music.
Berkeley-born Jim Mussen has performed internationally as a drummer and percussionist with a wide variety of performers, including Ashford and Simpson, Joan Osborne, Mary J. Blige, Medeski Martin and Wood, and Billy Porter. He lived in New York for many years but is now back on the West Coast.
Holiday classics!
Spike & The Gimme Gimmes come to SLO on their Hot for Christmas tour, playing the Fremont Theater on Monday, Dec. 1 (doors at 6, show at 7 p.m.; all ages; $40.14 at prekindle.com). The supergroup is “made up of a revolving door of globetrotting gentlemen and women of punk rock led by Sean ‘Spike’ Slawson, who has been breaking hearts and winning over Abuelas since ’95,” according to their bio. “Along with members of The Ramones, Black Flag, Social Distortion, Rocket from the Crypt, The Damned, Strung Out, and No Doubt to name but a few who make up this troupe of lovers not fighters.”
The current lineup may include CJ Ramone, ‘Swami’ John Reis, Andrew ‘Pinch’ Pinching, Jake Kiley, Dez Cadena, Stacey Dee, Jonny 2 Bags, Dave Hidalgo Jr., Andrew McKeag, and Adrian Young.
Expect a “harmonious blend of country crooner meets punk rock distortion.” LAbased reggae act The Aggrolites and punk rockers Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets open.
Also at the Fremont, see Comedian Jimmy Failla on Friday, Nov. 28 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 to $57.14 at prekindle. com). The last I checked, it was almost sold out, with fewer than 25 seats remaining.
Runnin’ with the Devil
Numbskull and Good Medicine present Van Halen tribute act Fan Halen at The Siren on Friday, Nov. 28 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; $24.41 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
Sound out!
The four will convene in SLO Town at The Mark, where Sarah Pillow and The West Origin Trio play on Tuesday, Dec. 2 (7 p.m.; all ages before 9 p.m.; free). Expect an evening of jazz standards, inventive takes on familiar tunes, crossover sounds, and original music. Oh, and Sarah’s wildly inventive scat singing!
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.
FOREVER GREEN LIVE AT THE MERRIMAKER Enjoy this free show! Dec. 5 8-10 p.m. facebook.com/ events/847271561023923. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos, (805) 534-1007.
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Known as “The World’s Most Authentic Tribute to Van Halen,” the SoCal quartet has been together a decade and toured the globe including Europe, Japan, South and Central America, Canada, and Mexico.
“You won’t believe your eyes or ears when you come to a Fan Halen show as you’ll feel like it’s 1984 all over again!” the band’s bio gushed. “From the look of the band, the choreography, the note-for-note reproduction of the greatest rock songs ever written, to the sonic energy
STARKEY continued page 32
Toots Prichard, and Pi Jacobs. Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. $20-$25. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTSNOTABLE DINNER: DVOŘÁK QUARTET
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.
TRIBUTE TO LAURA NYRO AND THE 5TH DIMENSION Performers include Cambria’s own Jack Roberts, local fave Donna Phillips, Bay Area balladeer Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, and SoCal singers Jason Luckett, Jeanne Newhall, Naomi Nektare,
LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.
Join Scott Yoo and the Festival artists for an interactive musical exploration of Dvořák’s Piano Quartet. Dec. 6 3 p.m. festivalmozaic.org. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.
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.
HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAYS Don’t miss this holiday show, featuring a cappella versions of new and favorite festive songs. Dec. 7 12-2 p.m. Free. (805) 736-7572. ccharmony.org. Hope Lutheran Church, 8005 San Gabriel Rd., Atascadero. 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.
KELLYTOWN CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY Listen to live Irish music, rockin’ pub songs, and lively fiddle tunes. Christmas songs too! Food and drink available. Dec. 6 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 7888990. WeAreKellytown.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
LIVE MUSIC AT MCPRICE MYERS
WINES WITH LYNDA TYMCHECK Unwind after Thanksgiving with live music by Paso Robles’ own Lynda
Tymcheck. Pre-order Alba Provisions snack boxes with your reservation. Nov. 30 2-5 p.m. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/events/113025music. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
RESONANCE PRESENTS: “AND NIGHT SHALL BE NO MORE” Join this Christmas season for Resonance Presents: “And Night Shall Be No More: Music of Hope and Expectation”, the third annual Christmas concert, hosted by Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon of sacred choral music followed by a reception with complimentary wine, small bites, and caroling. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $30. my805tix. com. Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery, 5940 Union Road, Paso Robles.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS Cuesta Concord Chorus presents “A Very Mary Christmas”, featuring Mozart’s Regina Coeli and Coronation Mass followed by inspirational music for the holidays. Dec. 7, 3-5 p.m. (805) 539-7888. facebook. com/CuestaConcordChorus. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO CAL POLY CHOIRS: HOLIDAY KALEIDOSCOPE All four Cal
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.
HOT FOR JAZZ CROSSOVER Sarah Pillow and The West Origin Trio play an evening of jazz standards and crossover tunes at The Mark on Dec. 2 .
COURTESY PHOTO BY LYNN HUYETT
HOT FOR CHRISTMAS Good Vibez presents Spike & The Gimme Gimmes on their Christmas tour at the Fremont Theater on Dec. 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD VIBEZ
CAL POLY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT SYMPHONY & THE BIG BAND
The symphony’s first-ever collaboration with the big band!
ANA NELSON saxophone soloist
Dmitri Shostakovich: Waltz No. 2
Sverre Indris Joner: Cinco Salsa
Antônio Carlos Jobim: Wave Bert Ligon: Bookends
Duke Ellington: Three Black Kings Jamaal Baptiste: A Walk to Remember George Gershwin: An American in Paris
CAL POLY SYMPHONY David Arrivée, director
UNIVERSITY JAZZ BAND Jamaal Baptiste, director
$12 students, $17 and $22 general: Cal Poly Ticket Office: 805-756-4849, pacslo.org DEC. 7, 2025 | 3 P.M. SUNDAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Alfred Robles: saturday, nov 22
Jimmy Failla: friday, nov 28
The Frights : friday, dec 5
Memphis May Fire : tuesday, dec 9
Spike & The Gimme Gimmes : monday, dec 1
Sixpence none
Richard Marx & Matt Scannell : friday, dec 12
: saturday, dec 13
of the performance, nothing is overlooked … in other words, while Fan Halen is onstage, they are Van Halen!”
Numbskull and Good Medicine also present country singer-songwriter Stephen Styles at Club Car Bar on Saturday, Nov. 29 (7 p.m.; all ages; $18.23 at goodmedicinepresents.com). The Plow House recording artist is the son of Wayne Moore, bassist for the ’60s musical group, Nashville West, whose other members went on to form The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Feel the Heet
The Heeters play The Siren on Thursday, Dec. 4 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.26 at tixr. com). The Bay Area soul, R&B, and funk group delivers deep grooves and tight three-part harmonies. Featuring Tom Quell (vocals/guitar) and three members of The California Honeydrops (Lorenzo Loera on keys, Miles Blackwell on bass, and Beaumont Beaullieu on drums), the band’s songs have a classic soul sound. The Groove Collective opens.
The Siren also has a couple free shows on Saturday, Nov. 29, starting with country rockers JAM and the Buttered Biscuits (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older) and then classic rock cover band Rock Odyssey (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older).
Music finds a way
SLO Brew Live and (((folkYEAH!))) are bringing Mdou Moctar (playing solo) back to town on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $33.39 at ticketweb.com). He plays modern rock music inspired by Tuareg music, also known as desert blues, and sings in the Tamasheq language.
What’s crazy is he became known through a trading network of mobile phones and memory cards in West Africa. He also just released his seventh studio record, Tears of Injustice, on Matador Records. Also this week at Rod & Hammer Rock, see homegrown brass powerhouse Brass Mash on Friday, Nov.
28 (doors at 6 p.m., show at 7; all ages; tickets at my805tix.com).
“Brass Mash is turning 10 years old, and they’re celebrating where it all began—right here on the Central Coast,” announced bandleader and trombonist Colin Dean. “The band will light up Rod & Hammer’s with their signature high-energy mashups, a few holiday tunes, as well as some Brass Mash throwbacks. Voted Best Band in SLO County, Brass Mash has spent the past decade creating unforgettable moments across the coast—from Live Oak to Concerts in the Plaza—turning every show into a community dance party. This 10th Anniversary Holiday Spectacular honors both the band’s wild ride and the local fans who’ve helped keep the mash alive for a decade.”
These boots were made for struttin’
Cal Poly Arts presents the Tony Awardwinning musical Kinky Boots in the Performing Arts Center on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 2 (7:30 p.m.; $79 to $128 at calpolyarts.org).
The musical, created in 2012, is based on the 2005 British dramedy of the same name about Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s failing shoe factory but finds a way to turn
The 2025 New Times Music Awards were a rousing success! Congratulations to the winners! Best Album The Flower Machine, The Waterloo Green Youth Harmony Chabot, “Times Not Right”
things around when he’s inspired by Lola, a drag queen, to begin manufacturing reliable footwear for drag performers.
It’s a hoot, with a Tony-winning score by pop legend Cyndi Lauper, a hilarious book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and Tonywinning choreography by Jerry Mitchell. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
STARKEY from page 30
ensembles will be joined by the choirs of local high schools. There will be traditional favorites, new works and singalongs. Hear it for yourself! Dec. 5 , 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/choirs/. 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. Dec. 4 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL
Enjoy this free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Dec. 2 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT:
SYMPHONY AND THE BIG BAND The Cal Poly Symphony will team up with the University Jazz Band in a program that explores the intersection of symphonic and jazz traditions. Dec. 7 3 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ symph/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST YOUTH CHORUS:
WINTER CONCERTS Join in the celebration of the holidays as the three choirs of the Central Coast Youth Chorus present a repertoire highlighting the glory of the season! Enjoy performances by the Grace Notes Ensemble and the Cantate and Aria Choirs at the beautiful historic First Presbyterian Church in downtown SLO. Dec. 6 , 3 p.m. and Dec. 7 3 p.m. $10-$17. my805tix.com. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. Timothy’s Catholic Church is presenting a Christmas Concert for the public. There will be homemade refreshments. Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. Donation-based. (563) 299-9245.
Kitty Green, 2280 Glenn Street, Los Osos.
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS
PRESENTS: A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS
Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present A Very Mary Christmas, featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Regina Coeli and The Coronation Mass. Dec. 5 7:30-9:30 p.m. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
Enjoy festive pieces performed by the longstanding and revered Cuesta Wind Ensemble, internationally recognized Cuesta College Chamber Singers, Cuesta Jazz Bands, and Cuesta Combo program! Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. $30 VIP, $25 General, $22 Senior (65+), $10 Student w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTSCHAMBER MUSIC WITH SCOTT YOO
Scott Yoo is joined by violist Maurycy Banaszek, cellist Alexander Hersh, and pianist Anna Polonsky for an afternoon of chamber music. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $45. festivalmozaic.org. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTSNOTABLE INSIGHT: BEETHOVEN TRIO
Scott Yoo and the Festival Artists will take you on a “museum docent’s tour” of Beethoven’s opus 3 String Trio during this one-hour event. Dec. 5 5:30 p.m. $35. festivalmozaic.org. United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, 543-7580.
FIESTA NAVIDAD ¡FIESTA NAVIDAD! El mundialmente reconocido Mariachi Los Camperos llega al Fremont Theater el 30 de diciembre para celebrar las fiestas con una noche inolvidable de música y tradición. No te pierdas esta celebración
navideña llena de alegría, cultura y espíritu festivo. Nov. 30 4 p.m. $66.92$84.43. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
THE FRIGHTS LIVE Dec. 5 8 p.m. $33.96. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
THE MISMITHS LIVE Hear The Misfits and The Smiths cover band perform live at Humdinger, with support from 3XLT, an aggressive Dinger Punk band. Nov. 30 6 p.m. $24.94. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
SCOTT YOO STRINGS MASTER CLASS
The Music Department and Festival Mozaic will co-present Scott Yoo for a strings master class. He will coach Cal Poly students on their performances. Dec. 4 11:10 a.m.-noon Free, parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/special/#yoo. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
SPIKE & THE GIMME GIMMES Dec. 1 , 7 p.m. $40.14. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
TIS THE SEASON WITH BEN FOLDS Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds, famed for Ben Folds Five and solo work, will bring his acclaimed, genre-spanning concert experience to San Luis Obispo this holiday season. Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20252026-season/ben-folds. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS Cuesta Concord Chorus presents “A Very Mary Christmas” concert featuring Mozart’s Regina Coeli and Coronation Mass, followed by inspirational holiday music. Dec. 5 3-5 p.m. (805) 539-7888. facebook.com/CuestaConcordChorus. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST HARMONY CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES Men and women are invited! No prior experience is necessary - just a love of music. Call or email for more information. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 $20. (805) 736-7572. ccharmony.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.
KARAOKE AND DANCING Check out the vibrant and weekly Karaoke with dancing at Mr. Rick’s in downtown Avila Beach every Friday! DJ Rachael Joyous Hostess will be there. Fridays, 7-9 p.m. through Nov. 28 (805) 441-1633. spotoneventservices.com. Mr. Rick’s, 404 Front St., Avila Beach.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.
SOLEFFECT AT MULLIGANS IN AVILA BEACH Enjoy stunning coastal views, tasty bites, and our signature blend of rock, funk, reggae, and soul. The perfect afternoon to relax, sip, and groove. Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. facebook.com/ events/653577204463917/. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
HAPPY HOUR WITH THE TEPUSQUET DUO Hear as Missy and Klancy of the Tepusquet Tornadoes bring their signature acoustic style to Presqu’ile for a golden hour set made for slow sips and long conversations. Dec. 5 , 7:30 p.m. presquilewine.com/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO
BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 6235129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR
Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING
CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 8190723, coldcoastbrewing.com.
YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
CHRISTMAS MATTERS HOLIDAY
CAROLERS Head to downtown Solvang on Saturdays leading up to Christmas for the performances of the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers. These talented singers fill the air with joyful holiday tunes as they roam the quaint Danish downtown village of Solvang. Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 6 , 5-8 p.m. solvangusa. com/solvang-events-calendar/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. ∆
Flavor
Family first
The Range in Santa Margarita turns 20 and eyes a new era with chef Cheyne Jackson at the helm
It’s what’s on the inside that counts. This adage perfectly encapsulates The Range, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia mountains between San Luis Obispo and Atascadero.
The restaurant infamously only takes cash or check, doesn’t have a website, and is fronted by a simple façade off El Camino Real in sleepy Santa Margarita, founded in 1889 and sparsely populated with around 600 folks, including the Jackson family.
Chef Jeff Jackson and his wife, Lindsay, opened The Range in 2005, much to the delight of locals as well as tourists from nearby wineries.
While their establishment may underwhelm at first glance, it’s world-class in the kitchen, with French- and Michelintrained chefs. It’s also a beloved second home for the Jacksons and their employees, some of whom have worked there since day one.
“I am so blessed to be a part of The Range family since the very beginning,” said server Jessica Kupstas, of Atascadero. “The Range is an easy place to want to be—a place where we get to work, not have to work.
“I think the appeal for longtime employees is that we do behave like family. We take care of each other and the business. Everyone who works here is proud of what we do here. The food is consistently amazing. I consider the staff and owners my second family. We have watched each other’s children grow up, adding them to staff from time to time, been there for each other during difficult, trying times, and seen each other through some of the most joyful … times.”
When Kupstas joined the team, the Jacksons’ children were 15, 13, and 9. Now their daughters Jade and Audrey are pursuing music careers in Nashville and Pasadena, respectively, while their 35-year-old son, Cheyne—presently co-executive chef alongside his father—readies to one day helm the family dynasty.
But not yet. The Jacksons don’t rush anything, and family always comes first.
“In the next decade I would like to focus on raising my daughter Mary, who is now
Call to confirm
The Range, located at 22317 El Camino Real in Santa Margarita, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to close, with holidays occasionally altering the schedule.
The restaurant will be closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 and 28 and for Christmas from Dec. 21 to Jan. 5. Call (805) 438-4500 to inquire about hours, order gift certificates, and make reservations. Walk-ins are welcomed on a space-available basis. Bring cash or check.
3, and helping her grow and learn, as well as supporting my wife, Jessy, and her career as an insurance broker,” Cheyne said. “I feel family is very important, and I have been lucky enough to work with my family the majority of my life.
“For The Range, my main goal is for me to allow my dad to step away from the kitchen and grow the produce we use at The Range.
“He has always loved farming, and a large portion of the herbs, fruits, and vegetables we use are grown by him. I think it would be a great thing for us if we could focus on growing some fruits and vegetables that are not readily available or common here. After all, dining should be an experience, and I love giving people the opportunity to try something new for the first time.”
Manager and server Stacy Ball, of Atascadero, who has worked alongside the Jacksons for more than 14 years, is thrilled to see Cheyne follow in his father’s footsteps, noting that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“Jeff and Lindsay are some of the most gracious, generous, and humble people I have ever had the pleasure of working for, and their whole family has inherited those great qualities,” Ball said.
Most importantly, she added, the restaurant’s famed “hillbilly-French” cuisine will remain in expert hands as “Cheyne is extremely talented and runs the kitchen seamlessly, just like his dad.”
A graduate of both the Cuesta College culinary program and the Culinary Institute of America—at the Hyde Park, New York, and Greystone-St. Helena campuses— Cheyne has mentored under the late chef Jan Birnbaum at EPIC Roasthouse in San
GAME ON Succulent, pan-seared elk medallions drenched in cranberry bordelaise join a primarily beef-focused lineup at The Range in Santa
Seasonal entrees, daily specials, and vegetarian options keep the menu dynamic.
Francisco and also worked at two-Michelinstarred Cyrus Restaurant in Healdsburg.
In 2012 he returned home to Santa Margarita and The Range for good.
“I have tried to teach Cheyne how I think, how the kitchens I have worked in were run, and why we are in this business: because we love to make people happy,” Jeff said, noting that his background is “heavy French,” from finedining establishments in his hometown of San Diego as well as the Central Coast. “And I have passed on the techniques I learned over the years.
Heaven—a decadent chocolate pecan torte with housemade gelato—are to die for. He might, however, eventually make a few back-end updates, such as rolling out creditcard payment and a website.
Lindsay credits her son with “keeping The Range from becoming extinct, since Jeff and I are Luddites [anti-technology].”
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Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.
“At the same time, Cheyne has taught me how restaurants are evolving and what is trending at the moment. I learn from him every day.”
Cheyne doesn’t plan to change much menu-wise. Their staple and seasonal entrees, including steaks, elk medallions, oak-smoked brisket, free-range chicken, roasted quail, duck confit, and fresh seafood, are all crowdpleasers.
“Cheyne is also an excellent pastry chef,” Ball noted, and his desserts, such as Hillbilly
TOWN TREASURE
From left, The Range manager and server Stacy Ball, server Jessica Kupstas, and co-owners and co-executive chefs Cheyne and Jeff Jackson have been wowing customers at their Santa Margarita eatery for combined decades.
“If not for Cheyne,” she teased, “we probably wouldn’t make it to 2030.”
“The Range being taken over by Cheyne was always the goal,” Jeff added. “It makes me incredibly proud to know he will continue the legacy Lindsay and I have built over the last 20 years. And next, who knows, maybe even his daughter may join someday.
“Keeping The Range a family enterprise means everything to us.” Δ
Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte will be hitting an ATM and Highway 101 after the holidays to ring in the new year at one of her all-time favorite restaurants. Reach her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.
FARM FRESH
Inspired appetizers at The Range include Dragon’s Breath, a goat cheese brulée with balsamic red peppers, garlic confit, and crostini. Herbs and novel toppings, such as pomegranate, are sourced from the family’s garden.
Margarita.
Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: P. Hoover; A. Ruiz; P. Gallo; M. Davis; K. Green; C. Krueger; D. Yohe & G. Kirkland spoke - No action taken. Item 21: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program update – Rec’d & Filed. Item 22: Hearing re: Ordinance (Ord) No. 3556, redeclaring the shelter crisis in the County & extending the establishment of local standards & procedures for the design, site development & operation of emergency homeless shelters at public facilities – Adopted.
Item 23: FY 2026-27 Budget Goals & Policies, Budget Balancing Strategies & Approaches & Board Priorities – Approved w/ direction to staff to move economic development.
Item 24: Ord. 3557, amending the County Fee Schedule “B” for FY 2026-27 & Ord. 3558, amending County Code §6.56.030 & adding §6.56.033 – Adopted.
Item 25: Ord. 3558, amending the Planning & Building Fees in the County Fee Schedule “B” for FY 2026-27 – Adopted as amended pulling Williamson Act Fees 1003 and 1007 and new real-time billing fees.
Item 26: Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 1. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 1. Existing Litigation: SLO Coastkeeper, et. al. v. Co. of SLO, U.S. District Court, Central District of CA, Western Division, Case No. 2:24-CV-06854-SPG-ASx; R. Bunnell v. Co. of SLO, SLO Superior Court, Case No. 21CV-0653. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA; Unrepresented Employee: County Administrative Officer. Open Session: Report out - None.
Item 27: Del Mar Ranch LLC for authorization to process an application for a General Plan amendment with a new specific plan to develop the “Del Mar Ranch” site, an approximately 154-acre parcel (APN: 079-261-016) in the Arroyo Grande fringe area (County File Number: LRP2025-00001). Exempt from CEQA review – Authorize Processing Approved.
Item 28: Res. 2025-241, approving an amendment to the General Plan Conservation & Open Space Element – Adopted as amended.
Item 29: Res. 2025-242 and 2025-243, affirming the decisions of the Mobilehome Rent Review Board denying the hardship applications submitted by Oak Terrace & Buena Vista Mobilehome Parks; determines that no further hearings shall be held – Approved.
Item 30: Res. 2025-244, denying the appeal of D. Robinson, upholding the decision of the Planning Commission to deny the Parcel Map (N-SUB2025-00014) to subdivide a 29.99-acre parcel into four parcels & a remainder for future sale & residential development, at 1030 Pump Handle Lane, unincorporated area of Paso Robles – Adopted.
Item 31: Board Member comments and reports on meetings. Supervisor Peschong expresses appreciation to the City of Atascadero for organizing the Colony Days parade & Chairperson Ortiz recognizes 11/20 as International Men’s Day. Meeting adjourned. For more details, view meeting videos at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/ Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/Clerk-of-the-BoardServices/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetings-and-Agendas.aspx
Matthew P. Pontes, County Administrative Officer & Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of SupervisorsNovember 27, 2025
along the northwesterlyline of said alley way, 20 feet; thence at right angles northwesterly 89.3 feet to the point of beginning. Except that portion, if any, lying within the boundaries of the deed to the City of San Luis Obispo, recorded October 24, 1958 in book 964, pages 138 and 144 of official records. A.P.N.: 002-424-003 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Beneficiary hereby elects to conduct a unified foreclosure sale pursuant to the provisions of California Commercial Code section 9604, et seq., and to include in the non-judicial foreclosure of the real property interest described in the Notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Deed of Trust, all of the personal property and fixtures, together with replacements and proceeds, if applicable, described in the security agreement, dated 6/14/2017, and in a UCC-1 Financing Statement filed with the Secretary of State, State of California, on 6/30/2017, as Filing No.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE AND AMEND THE LATEST EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT TO SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, at its Regular Meeting of November 18, 2025, introduced the above-titled ordinance upon a motion by Vice Mayor Shoresman, second by Council Member Francis, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Boswell, Francis, Marx, Vice Mayor Shoresman, and Mayor Stewart
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Ordinance No. 1751 (2025 Series): This is a City Ordinance amending Chapters 15.02 and 15.04 of the Municipal Code by adopting the 2025 edition of Title 24 from California Code of Regulations. This update will align the local Building Construction and Fire Prevention codes with the new statewide standards that go in effect on January 1st, 2026, as well as re-adoption of existing local amendments. The update will also include adoption of new statewide Wildland Urban Interface Code “as is” and consideration of local amendments to the Energy Code. Project Address: Citywide
A full and complete copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for inspection as part of the published agenda packet for the December 2, 2025 Council Meeting, or you may call (805) 781-7114 for more information.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo will consider adopting the Ordinance at its Regular Meeting of December 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. 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
November 27, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ATASCADERO ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT
DATE: Monday, December 8, 2025
TIME: 3:00 P.M.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Room 104 6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Administrator of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING IN PERSON at the time and place indicated above to consider the following project:
1. Administrative Use Permit to allow a sign exceeding Municipal Code size standards for a commercial business located at 7615 El Camino Real (APN 030-132-032) (USE25-0063). The project qualifies for a Class 11 categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), (California Public Resources Code §21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000 et seq) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15311, which exempts the installation of accessory signs on existing commercial facilities. Staff recommendation is to approve the project.
2. INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate in person. To provide written public comment, please email comments to aup-comments@atascadero. org by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will NOT be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If a challenge to the above application/s is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Hearing Officer. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services at 805-470-3402 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at http://www.atascadero.org/ agendas.
BY ORDER OF THE HEARING OFFICER
DATED:
ORDINANCE NO. 3558
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6.56.030 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE AND ADDING SECTION 6.56.033 TO THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE REGARDING TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS. The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo does hereby determine, and declare as follows:
A. Section 6.56.030 of the San Luis Obispo County Code currently establishes fixed fees for temporary commercial outdoor entertainment licenses.
B. It is the policy of the Board of Supervisors (Resolution No. 75-396) to annually review fees and charges to ensure full cost recovery for county services.
C. Adjusting fees via ordinance annually provides the necessary flexibility to ensure fees adequately reflect the true and actual cost of providing services.
D. The amendments to Section 6.56.030 of the San Luis Obispo County Code contained within this ordinance are intended solely to reflect that, prospectively, the fee shall be set going forward by Board ordinance.
E. This ordinance does not make any change to the fee itself, and proposed fee changes are addressed in separate ordinance.
SECTION 2: Section 6.56.030(a) of the San Luis Obispo County Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
6.56.030(a) - License required—Fee.
It is unlawful for any individual, partnership or corporation to hold, operate, maintain, conduct, advertise, sell or furnish tickets or other types of written authority for admission to a commercial outdoor entertainment activity as defined in this chapter, in the unincorporated area of the county, unless he, they or it shall first obtain a license from the tax collector to operate or conduct such commercial outdoor entertainment activity; or to hold, operate, maintain, conduct, advertise, sell or furnish tickets or other types of written authority for admission to such commercial outdoor entertainment activity, without complying in full with all of the conditions and regulations set forth in this chapter.
Application for a license to conduct a commercial outdoor entertainment activity shall be made in writing to the tax collector, accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee. The application fee shall be established by Board ordinance. of one hundred dollars plus two hundred fifty dollars for each day during which the proposed commercial outdoor entertainment activity is to be operated or conducted.
No such license shall be issued, however, until all of the conditions required by this chapter as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a license have been fully complied with.
SECTION 3: A new Section 6.56.033 is hereby added to the San Luis Obispo County Code to read as follows:
New Subsection 6.56.033 – Changes in Rates
The license fees established in this chapter may be changed by Board ordinance.
SECTION 3: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force thirty (30) days after its adoption. Before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after passage of this ordinance, it shall be published once with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
SECTION 4: If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portion of this ordinance. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 5: In accordance with Government Code Section 25131, after reading the title of this ordinance, further reading of the ordinance in full is waived.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on the 4th day of November, 2025, and PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 18th day of November, 2025, by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Supervisors Bruce S. Gibson, Jimmy Paulding, John Peschong, Heather Moreno and Chairperson Dawn Ortiz-Legg
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
Certified copies of the full text of the ordinance may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.
DATED: November 25, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: /s/ Niki Martin Deputy Clerk November 27, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1752 (2025 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO PART 6 OF THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION CODE, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, at its Regular Meeting of November 18, 2025, introduced the above-titled ordinance upon a motion by Vice Mayor Shoresman, second by Council Member Francis, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Boswell, Francis, Marx, Vice Mayor Shoresman, and Mayor Stewart NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Ordinance No. 1752 (2025 Series): This is a City Ordinance adopting local amendments to Part 6 of the Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code. This update will provide local energy efficiency amendments that align with the California State Energy Code. Project Address: Citywide.
A full and complete copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for inspection as part of the published agenda packet for the December 2, 2025 Council Meeting, or you may call (805) 781-7114 for more information.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo will consider adopting the Ordinance at its Regular Meeting of December 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. 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
November 27, 2025
WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission
WHEN Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.
WHAT Hearing to consider a request by applicant Damien Mavis (agent Lacey Zubak) for an amendment (AMEND2025-00007) to Development Plan (D000234D) through a Conditional Use Permit. Two modifications to the approved Development Permit are requested: 1. For the winery to expand current “wine pairing” food service and allow restaurant services to exceed the 800 square foot limit within approved visitorserving areas. 2. Remove conditions 9 and 10 from the 2001 Development Plan (D000234D) to allow seating and tasting on the ground floor terraces and upper terraces. No additional floor area, building expansion, or change of occupancy is proposed. The site is located at 3090 Anderson Road, within the Agriculture land use category. The project will result in no new disturbance on a 25-acre parcel. The project is located west of the community of Templeton and the City of Paso Robles on Highway 46. The site is in the Adelaida Sub- Area of the North County planning area. Also to be considered is that this project is exempt from CEQA. A General Rule Exemption was issues on November 01, 2025. (ED25- 0212)
County File Number: AMEND2025-00007
Supervisorial District: District 1
Assessor Parcel Number(s): 040-051-034
Date Accepted: 9/2/2025
WHERE
The hearing will be held in the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Lane Sutherland, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-9470.
Ysabel Eighmy
Secretary Planning Commission November 27, 2025
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Arroyo Grande City Council will conduct a public hearing in the Arroyo Grande City Council Chamber located at 215 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, to consider the following item: PUBLIC HEARING FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROJECTS FOR YEAR 2026. The City Council is requested to provide preliminary approval of projects to be funded with the City’s allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Year 2026. The City of Arroyo Grande is a participant with the County of San Luis Obispo and other cities therein as an “Urban County” under the Federal Department of Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program.
In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that the preliminary approval of allocations from the 2026 CDBG program is exempt from CEQA on the basis that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).)
During the public hearing, public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, pursuant to current meeting procedure.
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the item listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.
Documents related to the project are available in the Community Development Department located at 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. The Agenda and reports are posted online at www.arroyogrande.org 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (805) 473-5420 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed live on the City’s Website /s/ Jessica Matson, City Clerk November 27, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 TIME: 6:00 p.m. PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider an Update to the City’s ADU Ordinance, AMC Title 9, Chapter 5 (ZCH24-0064). ADU Ordinance Update to account for changes in State law (ZCH24-0064). This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public resources Code Section 21000 et seq., because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3).)
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed projects. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pc-comments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at www.atascadero.org/agendas. DATED: Nov. 24, 2025
S/ P Dunsmore, Community Development Director PUBLISH: Nov. 26, 2025
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, ordains as follows:
SECTION 1: The Board finds and determines:
a. That it has the authority to revise fee charges for providing any product, service, or enforcement of various regulations under the general laws of the State of California, including Government Code Sections 54985 et seq. and 66010 et seq.
b. The Board has adopted a policy (Resolution No. 75396) requiring the County Administrator and the AuditorController to annually review changes in fees and charges for specific County products, services and costs of enforcement with the departments making those charges, and make recommendations to this Board as to whether said charges should remain the same, be increased or be decreased.
c. On November 12, 2024, Ordinance No. 3520 was adopted establishing or reaffirming all county fees. Said ordinance, and any other ordinances subsequently adopted amending the fee schedule, shall continue in effect unless modified by this ordinance. All fees to be charged in in Fiscal Year 2026-27 as set forth in Schedule “B” of this ordinance have been subject to review by the County Administrator and the County Auditor-Controller. All fees presented on Schedule “B” are attached* and incorporated by reference herein.
d. The Auditor-Controller has certified to this Board that the overhead rates are calculated in accordance with accounting standards set by the Federal Government’s Office of Management and Budget, in accordance with Title 2 in the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225.
e. The fees and charges shown on Schedule “B” hereto reflect the Board approved charges for providing any product or service, or the cost of enforcing any regulations, which are limited to those items included in the Federal Office of Management and Budget 2 CFR, Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225; provided, however, that fees for zoning and planning matters, including municipal and district organizational and re-organizational matters, as specified in Government Code Section 66016, do not exceed estimated reasonable costs of those services for which the fees are charged.
f. Capital facilities fees do not exceed actual construction costs as defined in Government Code Section 54999.1.
g. By definition, these charges are not a “tax” and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to California Constitution Code Article XIIIC, section 1, paragraph (e) (1)[charge for specific benefit conferred]/(2)[charge for specific service provided]/(3)[charge for issuing license or performing inspection]/(4)[charge for use of government property]/(5)[fine or penalty imposed for violation of law] (Prop.26).
h. Public Notice has been given in accordance with Government Code Sections 66016 and 66018.
SECTION 2: The fee schedules are amended as follows:
a. That the fee changes attached* and incorporated by reference herein shown on Schedule “B” are hereby approved, and shall be effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 3: All departmental managers and divisional managers whose services are listed in said Schedule “B” are hereby directed to amend their fees for services to the rate shown Schedule “B” as “proposed fees”, including all additions or deletions.
SECTION 4: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect as set forth in Section 2 above; and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after passage of this ordinance, it shall be published once with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on 4th day of November 2025 and PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 18th day of November 2026, by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Supervisors Heather Moreno, John Peschong, Bruce S. Gibson, Jimmy Paulding and Chairperson Dawn Ortiz-Legg NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
Certified copies of the full text of the ordinance may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.
* “Schedule B” is not attached hereto and is available in the Executive Office and online at https://agenda.slocounty. ca.gov/iip/sanluisobispo/agendaitem/details/19632, Meeting Date: November 18, 2025, Agenda Item No. 25. DATED: November 19, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/ Niki Martin, Deputy Clerk November 27, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
WHO: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
WHEN: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
WHAT: Hearing to 1) amend the Building and Construction Ordinance, Title 19 of the San Luis Obispo County Code by adopting the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code and 2) authorize the use of Alternative Publication Procedures for amendments to the to the Building and Construction Ordinance, Title 19 of the County Code. Exempt from CEQA.
County File Number: LRP2025-00013/ED25-0236
Assessor Parcel Number: Various Supervisorial District: All Districts Date Accepted: November 18, 2025
WHERE: The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the hearing all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: You may contact Jerry Trotter, Building Division Supervisor, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 300, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, (805) 781-5193. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION: Also, to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the General Rule Exemption, CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).
COASTAL APPEALABLE: No
**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**
DATED: November 19, 2025
MATTHEW PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
By: /s/ Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk
November 27, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 3557
ORDINANCE AMENDING
COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, ordains as follows:
SECTION 1: The Board finds and determines:
a. That it has the authority to revise fee charges for providing any product, service, or enforcement of various regulations under the general laws of the State of California, including Government Code Sections 54985 et seq. and 66010 et seq.
b. The Board has adopted a policy (Resolution No. 75396) requiring the County Administrator and the AuditorController to annually review changes in fees and charges for specific County products, services and costs of enforcement with the departments making those charges, and make recommendations to this Board as to whether said charges should remain the same, be increased or be decreased.
c. On November 12, 2024, Ordinance No. 3520 was adopted establishing or reaffirming all county fees. Said ordinance, and any other ordinances subsequently adopted amending the fee schedule, shall continue in effect unless modified by this ordinance. All fees to be charged in calendar year 2026 as set out in Schedule “A” or in Fiscal Year 2026-27 as set forth in Schedule “B” of this ordinance have been subject to review by the County Administrator and the County Auditor-Controller. All fees presented on Schedule “A” and Schedule “B” are attached and incorporated by reference herein.
d. The Auditor-Controller has certified to this Board that the overhead rates are calculated in accordance with accounting standards set by the Federal Government’s Office of Management and Budget, in accordance with Title 2 in the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225.
e. The fees and charges shown on Schedule “A” and Schedule “B” hereto reflect the Board approved charges for providing any product or service, or the cost of enforcing any regulations, which are limited to those items included in the Federal Office of Management and Budget 2 CFR, Subtitle A, Chapter II, part 225; provided, however, that fees for zoning and planning matters, including municipal and district organizational and re-organizational matters, as specified in Government Code Section 66016, do not exceed estimated reasonable costs of those services for which the fees are charged.
f. Capital facilities fees do not exceed actual construction costs as defined in Government Code Section 54999.1.
g. By definition, these charges are not a “tax” and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to California Constitution Code Article XIIIC, section 1, paragraph (e)(1)[charge for specific benefit conferred]/(2)[charge for specific service provided]/(3) [charge for issuing license or performing inspection]/(4)[charge for use of government property]/(5)[fine or penalty imposed for violation of law] (Prop.26).
h. Public Notice has been given in accordance with Government Code Sections 66016 and 66018.
SECTION 2: The fee schedules are amended as follows:
a. That the fee changes attached and incorporated by reference herein shown on Schedule “A” as “proposed fees” are hereby approved, and shall be effective January 1, 2026.
b. That the fee changes attached and incorporated by reference herein shown on Schedule “B” as “proposed fees” are hereby approved, and shall be effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 3: All departmental managers and divisional managers whose services are listed in said Schedule “A” and Schedule “B” are hereby directed to amend their fees for services to the rate shown in Schedule “A” and Schedule “B” as “proposed fees”, including all additions or deletions.
SECTION 4: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect as set forth in Section 2 above; and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after passage of this ordinance, it shall be published once with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on 4th day of November 2025 and PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 18th day of November 2025.
FEE CHANGES ATTACHED AS SCHEDULE “A” ARE HEREBY APPROVED, AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026 BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE, TO WIT:
AYES: Supervisors Jimmy Paulding, Heather Moreno, John Peschong and Chairperson Ortiz-Legg
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: Supervisor Bruce S. Gibson
FEE CHANGES ATTACHED AS SCHEDULE “B” ARE HEREBY APPROVED, AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE, TO WIT:
AYES: Supervisors Bruce S. Gibson, Jimmy Paulding, John Peschong, Heather Moreno and Chairperson Dawn Ortiz-Legg
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
Certified copies of the full text of the ordinance may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.
DATED: November 20, 2025
Matthew P. Pontes, Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/ Niki Martin Deputy Clerk
November 27, 2025
The San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 5.44 entitled “Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization” requires that the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage (%) be published as a basis for establishing rent increases. The monthly space rent in mobile home parks may not be increased more than once each year based on the CPI % change, or 9%, whichever is less. The CPI monthly data for Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim is used for San Luis Obispo. For further information regarding the CPI %, please contact the CPI Hotline at (415) 625-2270.
September 2025 PERCENT CHANGE
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo November 27, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
D. Address: Citywide
Applicant: City of Pismo Beach Project No.: P18-000116
Description: General Plan / Local Coastal Program (GP/LCP) Update Project: The City is updating the Introduction, Land Use Element, Conservation & Open Space Element, Noise Element, Circulation Element, and Glossary of the General Plan/ Local Coastal Program Coastal Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission previously held a public hearing on July 25, 2023 and recommended adoption to City Council of the GP/ LCP. Since 2023, the GP/LCP Update project has been revised to exclude update of the City’s Safety Element and proposes new other various policy edits, legislative updates, and miscellaneous edits. The project is within the Coastal Zone and requires certification of the LCP by the Coastal Commission. Environmental Review In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report was previously prepared for the project which provided information regarding the potential environmental impacts of the project and was circulated through the State Clearinghouse for a review period of February 1, 2022 through March 18, 2022 (SCH#: 2021010158). As a result of the proposed changes to the GP/LCP, the EIR is in process of being updated to reflect the proposed changes and will be recirculated for public review and comment pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines. The release dates for public comment of the recirculated EIR are to be determined.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach. org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of December 3, 2025. You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to planningcommission@pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting, either by joining the virtual meeting using the link provided on the agenda document, or by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation.
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the Planning Division Office, by emailing Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Spectrum Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information, please contact Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach. org or 805-773-4658.
Brianna Whisenhunt Administrative Secretary November 27, 2025
Teresa Purrington City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo
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:
$33,653.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 24CVP-0111
Notice is hereby given that on February 5, 2024, the above-described property was seized at or near 4705 Arizona Avenue, Atascadero, CA, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11470, 11379, and 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $33,653.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www. courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: November 10, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney
November 13, 20, & 27, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: $4,477.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on July 31, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 997 Seabright Avenue, Grover Beach, CA 93433, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations, to wit, of section 11351, of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $4,477.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf. Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: November 10, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
November 13, 20, & 27, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: $4,030.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on August 15, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 900 Park Street, Paso Robles, by the Paso Robles Police Department, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $4,030.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: November 10, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney November 13, 20, & 27, 2025
San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission
1042 Pacific Street, Suite A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Telephone: (805) 781-5795
Notice of Public Hearing –December 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM Board of Supervisors Chambers County Government Center 1055 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Hearing Item: Intent to Adopt a Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for the Shandon – San Juan Water District
Hearing Notice: Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will consider adopting the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Study for the Shandon – San Juan Water District. The MSR evaluates the District’s capability to service existing and future residents and is the basis for SOI decisions. A SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56425 as a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality. The existing SOI is proposed to be reaffirmed. It has been determined that the MSR and SOI Study is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Categorical Exemption Section 15306 and CEQA General Rule Exemption Section 15061(b)(3). MSR and SOI factors listed in Government Code Sections 56430(a) and 56425(e) have been analyzed, and determinations have been provided within the Public Review Draft, which is currently available on the LAFCO website https://slo.lafco.ca.gov/. The Staff Report will be available on the LAFCO website by Thursday, December 11, 2025. You may submit comments via email to mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov
mail written comments to 1042 Pacific St, Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or provide public comment in person during the public hearing.
If you have questions, please contact: LAFCO 805-781-5795 or mmorris@slo.lafco.ca.gov
November 27, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$2,027.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on August 22, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 1585 Kansas Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, by the Paso Robles Police Department, in connection with violations of section 11351 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $2,027.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: November 10, 2025
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
November 13, 20, & 27, 2025
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 for performing work as follows:
OWNER’S ADVISOR FOR DESIGN BUILD CENTRAL COAST BLUE
The City of Pismo Beach (City) is interested in acquiring the services of a qualified firm to serve as the Owner’s Advisor (OA) for the City’s Advanced Water Purification Facility, aka Central Coast Blue (Project). The City is the Owner of the Project.
The scope of services includes leading the development of the design-build RFQ/P and rating criteria, ensuring alignment with project goals and risk management best practices; assisting the City in the creation of a design-build RFQ/P and rating criteria to achieve the selection of the DesignBuild Entity (DBE); advising the City on risk identification and mitigation strategies relevant to procurement; strategizing with City staff and providing recommendations to overcome potential issues and obstacles both forward-looking and as they present themselves; actively participating in design build progress meetings and assisting the City with reviewing of submittals, schematics, cost reports, maintaining an overall project schedule, and reviewing the design documents at various stages to confirm specifications and project scope is met; confirming that all work complies with grant requirements; preparing regular progress reports and communicating proactively with the City.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.
Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach. org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED
CITY CLERK
November 27 & December 4, 2025
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J) TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$1,726.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on October 22, 2025, the above-described property was seized at or near 1042 Walnut Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11378 and 11379 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $1,726.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: November 10, 2025
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
November 13, 20, & 27, 2025
The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@ slocity.org
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• Review of a new multi-family housing development within the Medium-High Density Residential (R-3-SP) portion of Phase 4 of the Avila Ranch Development Plan, including 194 dwelling units on 11.53-acres. A vesting tentative tract map for condominium purposes (Tract 3245) and a sign exception to allow a residential monument sign are proposed. The project is consistent with the certified Final EIR for the Avila Ranch Development Plan; Project Address: 175 Venture Dr.; Case #: ARCH-0786-2024 & SBDV-0792-2024; Zone: R-3-SP; Avila Ranch Developers, Inc., applicant
Contact: Callie Taylor – (805) 781-7016 –cltaylor@slocity.org
The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Report(s) are typically available six days in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https:// www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo November 27, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
A. Address: 200 Ebb Tide Lane
Applicant: Rick Jhaj
Project No.: P25-000062
Description: Time Extension request for Coastal Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and Architectural Review Permit (P22-000078) for a new 5,151 square-foot two-story single-family residence and 796 square-foot garage, and Categorical Exemption No. 2025017. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN 010-152-063.
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b) (3) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding activities that have no possibility of having a significant effect on the environment.
B. Address: 375 Palomar Avenue
Applicant: Lee and Susan Burgunder
Project No.: P25-000043
Description: Coastal Development Permit and Architectural Review request for the demolition of a 2,694 square-foot residence to construct a new 3,028 square-foot two-story single-family residence with two single car garages, and Categorical Exemption 2025-025. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN 010-243-002
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding construction of new singlefamily residences.
C. Address: 246 Windward Avenue
Applicant: Chris and Stephanie Leighton
Project No.: P25-000078
Description: Coastal Development Permit request for a second story remodel and addition to an existing twostory residence and adoption of Categorical Exemption No. 2025-024. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN 010-371-020
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(e) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding additions to existing structures.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of December 3, 2025.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to planningcommission@ pismobeach.org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting, either by joining the virtual meeting using the link provided on the agenda document, or by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation. Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the Planning Division Office, by emailing Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org.
The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www. pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Spectrum Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing. For further information, please contact Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@ pismobeach.org or 805-773-4658.
Brianna Whisenhunt Administrative Secretary November 27, 2025
PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING BIDS
SIERRA BONITA, SCOTT STREET, AND FALLBROOK COURT ROAD
REPAIRS PROJECT NO. 22-14C
SEALED BIDS will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of El Paso de Robles until December 18, at 2:00 p.m. for Sierra Bonita, Scott Street, and Fallbrook Court Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 22-14C. Please be certain that any bid submitted is sealed and addressed and noted as follows: City Clerk City of El Paso de Robles 4305 Second Wind Way Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sealed Bid for Sierra Bonita, Scott Street, and Fallbrook Court Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 22-14C
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 Sierra Bonita, Scott Street, and Fallbrook Court Road Repairs, DPW Project No. 22-14C, 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, lowering and raising of utilities, monument perpetuation, dig-out repairs, placement of HMA leveling and surface course, key cut tapers and striping, and applying Type II slurry and crack filing. 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 Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall pay to the City of El Paso de Robles the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each and every calendar day’s delay in finishing the work in excess of the calendar day completion time.
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/ regact/2022/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 nonresponsive.
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 City’s 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 the City’s 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 PasoRobles, 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.
Homework: Give yourself a pep talk about how to thrive when other people aren’t at their best. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): The Japanese word mushin means “no mind.” In Zen Buddhism, it refers to the state of flow where thinking stops and being takes over. When you are moving along in the groove of mushin, your body knows what to do before your brain catches up. You’re so present you disappear into the action itself. Athletes refer to it as “the zone.” It’s the place where effort becomes effortless, where you stop trying and simply love the doing. In the coming weeks, Aries, you can enjoy this state more than you have in a long time. Ride it with glee!
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): For the foreseeable future, salmon are your spirit creatures. I’ll remind you about their life cycle. They are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and live there for years. Then they return, moving against river currents, up waterfalls, past bears and eagles. Eventually, they arrive at the exact stream where they were born. How do they do it? They navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field and their sense of smell, remembering chemical signatures from years ago. I think your own calling is as vivid as theirs, dear Taurus. And in the coming weeks, you will be extra attuned to that primal signal. Trust the ancient pull back toward your soul’s home.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): What if procrastination isn’t always a problem? On some occasions, maybe it’s a message from your deeper self. Delay could serve as a form of protection. Avoidance might be a sign of your deep wisdom at work. Consider these possibilities, Gemini. What if your resistance to the “should” is actually your soul’s immune system rejecting a foreign agenda? It might be trying to tell you secrets about what you truly want versus what you think you should want.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): I’m only slightly joking when I recommend that you practice the art of sacred bitching in the coming days. You are hereby authorized to complain and criticize with creative zeal. But the goal is not to push hard in a quest to solve problems perfectly. Instead, simply give yourself the luxury of processing and metabolizing the complications. Your venting and whining won’t be pathological, but a legitimate way to achieve emotional release. Sometimes, like now, you need acknowledgment more than solutions. Allowing feelings is more crucial than fixing things. The best course of action is saying “this is hard” until it’s slightly less hard.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): The Chinese concept of yuanfen means that some connections are fated. Certain people were always meant to cross your path. Not soulmates necessarily, but soul-evokers: those who bring transformations that were inscribed on your destiny before you knew they were coming. When you meet a new person and feel instant recognition, that’s yuanfen. When a relationship changes your life, that’s yuanfen. When timing aligns impossibly but wonderfully, that’s yuanfen. According to my analysis, you Leos are due for such phenomena in the coming weeks—at least two, maybe more. Some opportunities appear because you pursue them. Others were always going to arrive simply because you opened your mind and heart.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Let’s talk about a forest’s roots. Mostly hidden from sight, they are the source of all visible life. They are always communicating with each other, sharing nourishment and information. When extra help is needed, they call on fungi networks to support them, distributing their outreach even further. Your own lineage works similarly, Virgo. It’s nutrient-rich and endlessly intertwined with others, some of whom came long before you. You are the flowering tip of an unseen intelligence. Every act of grounding—breathing deeply, resting your feet, returning to gratitude—is your body’s way of remembering its subterranean ancestry. Please keep these meditations at the forefront of your awareness in the coming weeks. I believe you will thrive to the degree that you draw from your extensive roots.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are currently in a phase when it’s highly possible to become both smarter and wiser. You have a sixth sense for knowing exactly how to enhance both your intellectual and emotional intelligence. With this happy news in mind, I will remind you that your brain is constantly growing and changing. Every experience carves new neural pathways. Every repeated thought strengthens certain connections and weakens others. You’re not stuck with the brain you have but are continuously building the brain that’s evolving. The architecture of your consciousness is always under construction. Take full advantage of this resilience and plasticity!
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to stand near what you want to become. I advise you to surround yourself with the energy you want to embody. Position yourself in the organic ecosystem of your aspirations without grasping or forcing. Your secret power is not imitation but osmosis. Not ambition but proximity. The transformations you desire will happen sideways, through exposure and absorption. You won’t become by trying to become; you will become by staying close to what calls you.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some seeds can remain dormant for centuries, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. The oldest successfully germinated seed was a 2,000-year-old date palm seed. I suspect you will experience psychospiritual and metaphorical versions of this marvel in the coming weeks. Certain aspects of you have long been dormant but are about to sprout. Some of your potentials have been waiting for conditions that you haven’t encountered until recently. Is there anything you can do to encourage these wondrous developments? Be alert for subtle magic that needs just a little nudge.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Orb weaver spiders make seven different types of silk, each engineered for different purposes: sticky silk for catching prey, strong silk for the web’s frame, stretchy silk for wrapping food, and soft silk for egg sacs. In other words, they don’t generate a stream of generic resources and decide later what to do with them. Each type of silk is produced by distinct silk glands and spinnerets, and each is carefully tailored for a particular use. I advise you to be like the orb weavers in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Specificity will be your superpower.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Benevolent gossip is the practice of speaking about people not to diminish them but to fondly wonder about them and try to understand them. What if gossip could be generous? What if talking about someone in their absence could be an act of compassionate curiosity rather than judgment? What if you spoke about everyone as if they might overhear you—not from fear but from respect? Your words about others could be spells that shape how they exist in the collective imagination. Here’s another beautiful fact about benevolent gossip: It can win you appreciation and attention that will enhance your ability to attract the kind of help and support you need.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Every 21,000 years, the Sahara Desert transforms into a lush green savanna. It’s due to precession, which is a wobble in the Earth’s axis. The African seasonal monsoon becomes much stronger, bringing increased rainfall to the entire area. The last time this occurred was from about 11,000 to 5,000 years ago. During this era, the Sahara supported lakes, rivers, grasslands, and diverse animal and human populations. I’m predicting a comparable shift for you in the coming months, Pisces. The onset of luxuriant growth is already underway. And right now is an excellent time to encourage and expedite the onset of flourishing abundance. Formulate the plans and leap into action. ∆
