New Times, Sept. 11, 2025

Editor’s note

Do you have what it takes to survive college? Making it out in one piece requires more than academic prowess—our Cuesta and Cal Poly students need passion, creativity, connection, critical-thinking skills, and much more. In this year’s Student Guide, our annual cheat sheet for student success, we bring you pro tips from Survivor fans who bond through competition at Cal Poly [10]; notes on the new Ethnic Studies Club at Cuesta College [12]; the pros and cons of using generative AI [14]; Cal Poly’s course catalog of interesting electives [18]; and the ins and outs of handwritten vs. digital note-taking [20] Also in this issue, read about changes to vaccine availability [4]; Salty, a local short film that’s aiming to make waves [30]; and the annual fundraiser that brings Central Coast chefs together [37]. Andrea

Rooks associate editor

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New FDA COVID-19 vaccine limits could further shrink SLO County’s old vaccine supply

The federal overhaul of a government vaccine committee has San Luis Obispo County’s Public Health Director Penny Borenstein concerned about the local availability of vaccines that can combat the new strain of the COVID-19 virus.

“There are lots of people who want to get the vaccine who will not be able to get it covered unless insurance companies decide that they’re going to continue cover it because the best thing for their bottom line is to not let people be hospitalized, not to let them go to the emergency room, or die from the disease,” Borenstein said at the Sept. 9 Board of Supervisors meeting. “[COVID-19] still remains one of the top 10 killers in America. What can happen right now is people can go and get last year’s vaccine, which was fully licensed, although there is probably very limited supply at this time.”

Between 119 and 1,047 Americans have died every week this year because of the virus, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In May, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on X that the COVID-19 vaccine has been removed from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women, touting that it’s “common sense” and “good science.”

Further, the Food and Drug Administration licensed the latest round of COVID-19 vaccines only for people above 65 years of age and for those with underlying medical conditions.

“That is different than last year and the previous year where anyone 6 months or above had a vaccine available to them and at no cost,” Borenstein said.

Vaccines were free thanks to an organization of the CDC’s called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

In June, Kennedy fired the entire panel of 17 medical and public health experts who create recommendations on the use of vaccines in the country. A prominent anti-vaccine proponent, Kennedy appointed replacements that included several vaccine skeptics.

The newly formed committee is expected to convene on Sept. 18 and 19, where they could make recommendations on the new COVID-19 vaccine.

SLOPD arrests hotel guest who barricaded herself in a room

What was originally a typical Tuesday afternoon in downtown San Luis Obispo quickly became a standoff between 44 responders and a hotel guest who had barricaded herself in her room.

Garden Street flashed with police lights on Sept. 9. A matte black “SWAT Rescue” vehicle was parked off the corner of Marsh and Garden streets as the small one-way area was roped off with crime scene tape. Police scanned the premises of Hotel Cerro with snipers, and a drone buzzed overhead.

“No one comes in,” an officer informed numerous spectators, inching in for a peek at the action.

According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, officers responded to a call the morning of Sept. 9 as Hotel Cerro staff reported that a woman had refused to leave her room and claimed to have a knife or gun.

Police later identified the woman as Patrica Castaneda, a 40-year-old Grover Beach resident who had stayed the previous night at the hotel.

SLO Police Department Neighborhood Outreach Manager Christine Wallace told New Times via

Borenstein told supervisors it’s “reasonably likely” that the committee won’t recommend the vaccine for people 6 months and above, and it would probably stick with the FDA’s licensure actions. That means if the committee doesn’t recommend the vaccine for other demographics, then insurance companies won’t be required to cover it.

She added that last year’s vaccine, which was fully licensed, is still effective against the new strain.

County Health Agency spokesperson Olivia Montiano told New Times that residents can continue to access vaccines from pharmacies, physician’s offices, and public health clinics as usual.

Anecdotally, she said, fewer pediatric offices plan to offer COVID-19 vaccines.

“With the FDA’s action to de-license or de-authorize the COVID-19 seasonal vaccine for many population groups—especially those at higher risk of severe disease, such as infants and toddlers and pregnant women—there is concern that we may see worse disease outcomes in the coming year,” Montiano said.

Borenstein’s comments before the board arrived in light of the supervisors unanimously and retroactively approving an almost $490,000 grant from the state Department of Public Health’s immunization program. The money—meant for the period between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2027—helps local health departments to manage vaccinepreventable diseases.

In his periodic newsletter, Second District Supervisor Bruce Gibson labeled the approval as “taking on RFK Jr.’s quackery.”

“This is especially crucial now, as Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy’s reign of

science-denial and incompetence at the federal level threatens to undo a century of progress in protecting the public’s health,” he wrote.

At Gibson’s request, the supervisors agreed to return in October when they’ll discuss a report prepared by Borenstein on vaccine availability and other aspects of supply. ∆

—Bulbul

email it’s assumed that Castaneda was experiencing a personal crisis.

Once patrol officers arrived at the scene that afternoon, Castaneda had reportedly barricaded herself in the room. SLO Police said that the SLO Community Action Team attempted to negotiate, but she remained uncooperative.

Police then established a perimeter around the area and evacuated all hotel rooms on the floor as a precaution.

By 1 p.m., the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT and Crisis Negotiation teams arrived. Police in camouflage uniforms carrying rifles and ballistic shields entered the hotel, and paramedics sat across the street on standby.

“I hope you aren’t needed,” a passerby told the paramedics as she nervously walked out of the hotel and toward the outside of the perimeter.

While drones buzzed overhead, various local business owners on Garden Street gathered to discuss closing for the day, unsure of how long the standoff would last. A few did end up closing their stores.

The Police Department obtained an arrest warrant, and after several hours, according to SLO Police Department’s statement, negotiators

were eventually able to get Castaneda out of the room. She was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of felony criminal threats and was transported to the SLO County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

No knives or guns were found in the room, according to the Police Department.

Cuesta, Hancock colleges could lose funding designed to help Latino students

Of the 171 Hispanic-Serving Institutions throughout the state, two of them are right here on the Central Coast. But an executive order from the White House is now posing a threat to the funding that schools like Cuesta and Allan Hancock colleges can receive from the grant program.

On Aug. 25, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) issued a statement to the Trump administration, condemning its decision to rescind the HispanicServing Institution (HSI) grant program that provides $350 million in funds to designated institutions throughout the country.

Rajagopal

—Libbey Hanson

MAKE DO While a federal vaccine committee has yet to deliberate on who can receive the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, SLO County Public Health Director Penny Borenstein said that last year’s vaccine is effective against the new strain but its supply is very limited.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

In his statement, Padilla said, “The Trump administration’s refusal to defend the Hispanic-Serving Institutions program will jeopardize the education of not only the two-thirds of all Latino college students who attend HSIs, but millions of students from all backgrounds who attend these important institutions across the country.”

New Times contacted Padilla for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Trump initially rescinded the grant program in January, as HSIs were included in a list among numerous other previous “harmful executive orders and actions.”

“The previous administration has embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices within every agency and office of the federal government,” the January executive order said. “The injection of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) into our institutions has corrupted them by replacing hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy.”

Funding for HSIs has been granted since the 1990s as a method to help Hispanic and low-income students achieve their academic goals. These institutions have at least 25 percent full-time enrolled Hispanic—or in California, Latino—students.

According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, there’s a national total of 615 HSIs, 171 in California—Cuesta and Hancock colleges included.

In recent years, Hancock President Kevin Walthers told New Times, the Santa Maria community college has seen record numbers of science and math graduates, but it wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for funding through the HSI grant program.

“It’s unfortunate that a handful of people in Washington have decided that they want to exclude some people from higher education,” Walthers said.

More than half of Hancock’s students are Latino, Walthers said, and in 2020 the college received more than $4 million in HSI grants to build a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) center.

“And in doing that, we were able to do things like hire more faculty, bring in tutors, create programs, dedicate space on campus so that students who are in STEM fields have the ability to get the support they need to be successful,” he said.

Despite the Trump administration naming HSI “divisive,” Walthers said he saw it as just the opposite.

“It’s frustrating and disappointing because I was in Washington, D.C., in February meeting with staff and members of Congress from both parties, and we were consistently told, ‘Nobody’s going after the HSI designation. Nobody’s going after it because it was set up in a way that it serves the entire institution,’” he said.

When it comes to the college’s STEM center, Walthers said this still rings true.

“Your ethnicity and gender don’t matter, your major doesn’t even matter … you can go to the STEM center and get some support there,” he said. “But if you’re also going to be a chemistry major and engineering major, there’s a lot of resources in there to help you succeed in your classes.”

Alongside Hancock, Cuesta College has been an HSI since 2016, having then 33 percent Latino students. By Fall 2025, its enrollment records show that Latino enrollment has grown to 38 percent.

New Times contacted Cuesta representatives but did not receive a response before publication.

Cal Poly also has its sights set on being designated as an HSI but hasn’t yet met the requirements.

According to the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Media Relations Matt Lazier, the university met the 25 percent Latino student threshold in 2024 but must maintain that for two additional years.

“The university is pleased with the progress it has made toward becoming an HSI and will continue to work toward this important designation,” Lazier said via email.

—Libbey Hanson

Lucia Mar calls for healthier food, bans homemade items for class parties

Classroom celebrations at Lucia Mar Unified School District are going to look different this school year after officials updated the wellness policy to boost student nutrition.

“While this policy does represent a shift, we are still committed to making birthdays and classroom celebrations special,” district spokesperson Amy Jacobs said. “Food Services continues to offer fun, healthy catering options like pizza parties, themed treats, and more. This approach also helps keep all students safe, particularly those with allergies or dietary restrictions.”

Lucia Mar’s new wellness policy now notes that all food and drinks provided on its campuses must meet or exceed the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s Smart Snack Standards in classroom celebrations, parties, and snacks.

Class parties must be held after the lunch period if possible. Homemade food for classroom special occasions will no longer be allowed for students during the school day. But homemade food is permitted as lunch and snacks to eat individually.

According to the Smart Snack Guidelines, food items fit for classroom celebrations can’t be higher than 175 calories for elementary school students and can’t exceed 250 calories for middle and high schoolers. The approved food can’t contain more than 35 percent sugar by weight.

Acceptable foods include popcorn, tortilla chips, lowcalorie granola, Graham crackers, oatmeal bars, fresh fruit, vegetables, Greek yogurt, and string cheese. Kids can also bring drinking water; milk that’s 1 percent, 2 percent, nonfat, or flavored; rice milk, soymilk, nondairy milk, and fruit and vegetable drinks that contain at least 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners.

The district advised using the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Smart Snack Calculator to check if food items meet the new standards.

Nipomo Elementary and Nipomo High parent Jacki Lavender told New Times that the district alerted parents and guardians about the change through an email in August.

Screenshots of the district notice Lavender shared said that kids aren’t allowed to bring cupcakes, pizza, cookies, and other homemade goods to classrooms. Students also “should NOT be eating chips, candies, cookies, or drinking coffee drinks when they walk on to campus and during school.”

But Lavender and a handful of local parents believe the district should follow its own advice first.

“They’re kind of like trying to get the parents to do this before they do it internally. That’s where the frustration comes from,” Lavender said. “We all need to be more healthy. It’s just a matter of them having too much outreach … when they’re giving our kids stuff that has a lot of sugar, but we’re supposed to use a calculator.”

Other parents in Lavender’s Facebook community group discussion on the policy update also claimed that the school district gave their kids ultra processed and sugary foods.

While several parents lauded the district for the change, one parent commented that counting calories could promote unhealthy habits among kids, and another suggested the district should focus on the quality of ingredients instead.

Lucia Mar spokesperson Amy Jacobs told New Times that in the 2024-25 school year, the district introduced more than 20 new recipes made with fresh and local ingredients—including an Asian beef bowl, a birria pupusa plate, Banh Mi sandwiches, and Mexican street corn.

The September lunch menu at Nipomo Elementary incorporated the changes, offering Greek yogurt, granola, and low-fat milk alongside items like teriyaki chicken and brown rice, and pork chili verde homemade sandwiches. Jacobs added that the state department of education requires that Lucia Mar and other school districts complete a wellness policy assessment every three years.

Lucia Mar’s latest assessment shows that the district achieved strong policies and aligned practices in only three areas—the lunch program meets federal standards, students have consistent and free access to drinking water, and the district encourages staff to model healthy eating and physical activity practices in front of students.

The district needed to work on a slew of areas like regulating what’s served at class parties, ensuring nutrition education addresses agriculture and the food system, and ensuring all competitive food and drinks sold to students during the school day meet nutrition standards. Other districts are in the process of a wellness policy revamp too.

The San Miguel school district already made changes to not allow parents to bring treats for classroom celebrations. San Luis Coastal Unified School District is currently reviewing its student wellness policy for an update in November while in the meantime encouraging class parties to involve non-food items as much as possible.

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District also follows a policy like Lucia Mar’s.

“We also strive to be inclusive of all, and when students have allergies or special diets, this becomes a challenge and is exclusive,” Director of Food Services Jessie Welch said. “We are encouraging parents to bring nonfood items to celebrate or have a snack that meets our statewide criteria that is aligned with our Wellness Policy.” ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

LEARN ABOUT THE FUTURE DECOMMISSIONING OF DIABLO CANYON.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, invite you to an in-person/online meeting to discuss the current status of California's energy grid resilience and Diablo Canyon Power Plant’s (DCPP) role.

The meeting will include a presentation from the California Energy Commission (CEC) on its annual report regarding grid reliability and the role that DCPP may play in that, now and into the future.

In 2022, California Senate Bill 846 authorized the extended operation of DCPP up to 2030. Understanding the need for DCPP’s electricity and the likelihood of continued operation to 2030 is necessary to responsibly plan for the eventual decommissioning of DCPP.

Date: Sept. 24, 2025 from 6pm-8pm online and at San Luis Obispo County Government Center. Light refreshments and beverages begin at 5:15pm with a chance to speak with Panel members and PG&E staff.

To see the agenda, attend online and submit questions or comments in advance, visit www.diablocanyonpanel.org

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Ready for goodbye

Halcyon’s former Temple of the People Guardian-in-Chief Eleanor Shumway died on Aug. 12 at home in Arroyo Grande. She was 92.

The leader of the local Theosophical Society for 32 years, Shumway was the only guardian-in-chief who lived to retire and witness her successor head the century-old Temple of the People.

To her family, Shumway was more than a spiritual guide.

“She had both my kids in class at one time or another, and they would just get her attention by waving their hand because they could not call her Ms. Shumway,” her sister, Barbara Reed, said. “It was Aunt Eleanor.”

The oldest of five children, Shumway moved with her family to Halcyon from Hollywood in 1940 when she was 7 years old. After graduating from Arroyo Grande High School, she taught at the Subic Bay Navy school in the Philippines. Then, after President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps, Shumway belonged to the first set of volunteers who served in Ethiopia in the 1960s.

When she returned to the Central Coast, Shumway became an English teacher at Lucia Mar Unified School District.

“She was left-handed and proud of it and wanted everybody else who was left-handed to write correctly and hold the pen in a certain way,” Reed said.

Reed recalled Shumway—who was 11 years older than her—donning a mothering role while they were growing up on account of their mother often falling sick. Over the course of her life, Shumway filled her time by being a seamstress, a gardener, a flower arranger, a resourceful thrift shopper, and a lover of food.

In 1990, she assumed the role of the temple’s fifth guardian-in-chief.

Tucked away in the community of Halcyon, near Oceano, the temple is a source of intrigue and enigma for most SLO County residents. Suspicions of witchcraft and cult worship from people outside Halcyon have even resulted in occasional vandalism of the Blue Star Memorial Temple building.

To Shumway’s niece Lisa Deay, the former temple chief’s greatest contribution was positively engaging with the public.

“There’s a lot of negative stuff that comes to the temple,” she said. “Rumors that it’s something it’s not. I think she was really good at opening up the temple and saying, ‘Come and look and see what we’ve got.’”

A Halcyon native who moved away, Deay remembers Shumway as the “greatest aunt” she and her cousins ever had.

“Because of her we wanted to read, we wanted to travel … see the world, and we wanted to help,” she said.

Shumway voluntarily retired from being temple chief in 2022 to take care of her health. She never married or had children.

Former CEO of United Way of SLO County Rick London—now the sixth guardian-in-chief—remembers Shumway giving him space when he took over.

“Eleanor was very aware there could be only one guardian-in-chief and that she needed to somehow disconnect from the temple,” London said. “She would always tell me that she suspended her curiosity about the temple. Not to, in any way, interfere with my leadership. She went absolutely out of her way not to influence me. But I can’t tell you the peace I got being in her presence.”

Shumway passed away of natural causes

two days after the temple held its 126th annual convention. She chose not to go to the temple, instead preferring to stay in her room at an assisted living community in Arroyo Grande. Her goddaughter and temple treasurer Marti Fast believes it was Shumway’s “perfect time” for departure.

“I feel that we were prepared,” Fast said. “Eleanor’s been prepared for a few years, and she was ready to go when it was her time, but she hoped it was sooner.”

Fast added that Shumway was godmother to at least four other people. She first met Shumway in 1975 as a 23-year-old.

“When she did give a talk in the temple, she had a way of making it understandable to everyone,” Fast said. “She believed it, she spoke it, and most of us resonated with it … I think [they were] some of the clearest writings I’ve read about theosophy in the temple.”

It was Shumway who instilled the power of meditation in Fast, helping her create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors when they dropped by the Halcyon Store that she used to run.

“I taught at Hancock for a long time, and I would often go in a bit early to meditate,” Fast said. “It’s a pattern that now I think we would call mindfulness, but at the time I didn’t have a name for it. It’s just that we would have a silence before we opened the doors.”

Shumway’s funeral service was held Sept. 6 in the Blue Star Memorial Temple in Halcyon. The video recording of the service is available at templeofthepeople.org.

Fast fact

• The Community Foundation SLO County launched a campaign called Together for SLO County to safeguard nonprofits threatened by unexpected funding cuts. The campaign set a goal of raising $1.2 million to provide rapid, flexible support to nonprofits like those that help the homeless, support child care for working parents, and offer mental health resources. Thanks to a $500,000 community match now underway, donor contributions will have double the impact. Grants will roll out in the fall. Learn more at cfsloco.org. ∆

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

ILLUSTRIOUS Temple of the People’s fifth guardian-in-chief, Eleanor Shumway, was more than a spiritual leader known for her clear writings on theosophy. She lived a long life as a teacher, a food lover, a skilled floral arranger and gardener, and an energetic thrift shopper, among many other roles. PHOTO

BY K. ROSA

Choosing our Earth

From reconnection to regret: Joanna Macy’s call for healing

On July 19, the world lost a visionary teacher, scholar, and beloved friend: Joanna Macy. A guiding light in systems thinking, deep ecology, and Buddhist philosophy, Joanna touched countless lives with her intellect, her heart, and her unwavering commitment to life on Earth.

Joanna (1929-2025) spent her life nurturing what she called “The Work That Reconnects,” a path of forgiveness, grief, and collective renewal through acknowledging our deep interdependence with all life. She urged us not to shy away from sorrow but to recognize it as the entry point to love and transformation.

On Aug. 15, 2025, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize formalized an agreement to create a tri-national reserve across 5.7 million hectares of the Mayan rainforest—a bold alliance in safeguarding biodiversity, indigenous wisdom, and ecological resilience. This is, in spirit and scale, the kind of regenerative response Joanna championed—a communal turn toward interconnection, care, and cosmic-scale healing.

In sharp contrast, the Dana Reserve megadevelopment in Nipomo casts a long shadow of ecological disregard. Approved in April

Straightening the record on the Men’s Club building

My Sept. 4 column in these pages (“A lesson, a warning, and a proposal for the Nipomo Mesa”) contained some inaccurate information about the Nipomo Men’s Club buildings on West Tefft Street in Nipomo. Let’s correct the record.

My research for this column had led me to believe—mistakenly—that the building

2024, this 288-acre housing project includes up to 1,400 residential units, commercial zones, parks, and more—all at the expense of a rare and irreplaceable woodland ecosystem.

Lawsuits from the Nipomo Action Committee and the California Native Plant Society resulted in a settlement that reduces development by approximately 229 units (about 16 percent smaller), halves affordable housing from 156 to 78 units, and protects additional oak trees and manzanita plants. The agreement also includes off-site habitat mitigation.

Critics see this as a partial concession that still prioritizes development over preservation, even as it acknowledges the urgency of ecological responsibility.

• Decimation of mature oak trees: More than 3,000 to 4,000 mature oaks—silent sentinels and lifelines—are slated for removal to make way for construction.

• Loss of unique ecosystems: The project threatens 96 percent of local oak woodlands, 97 percent of Burton Mesa chaparral, and endangers species like Pismo clarkia—a federally protected flower—and the recently discovered Nipomo Mesa manzanita, found only in this rare sandy habitat. Environmental impact reports forecast significant disruption to habitat, including areas harboring the rare Nipomo Mesa manzanita, a plant endemic to the area San Luis Obispo County.

occupied by the Men’s Club had been built in 1936 for a public school to serve the children of the migrant laborers in a nearby encampment. I’ve since learned that this building was originally built for the U.S. Army at Camp Roberts during WWII. When the war ended 80 years ago, the Nipomo Men’s Club purchased this Army surplus building and moved it to its current site for their clubhouse.

• Habitat fragmentation and ecological loss: These mature oak woodlands are Earth’s lungs—their canopy supports soil fungi, insects, nesting birds, small mammals, nutrient cycles, carbon storage, and groundwater recharge. Their removal disrupts these systems, accelerating biodiversity decline and weakening our air and water systems.

Local naturalists warn that the loss is not only about trees; it’s the disappearance of complex habitat networks that cannot be recreated in our lifetimes.

Developers propose planting 1,500 to 3,000 new oak trees on-site and conserving up to 14,000 oaks on a 400-acre offsite parcel. This effort, while seemingly substantial, still fails to account for:

• Temporal inequity: Mature trees take decades—centuries—to mature. Young saplings may sequester carbon fast, but they lack the ecosystem functions and stability of the trees they replace.

• Different habitat context: Off-site parcels may not contain the same sensitive species or ecological conditions as the original site—meaning true habitat replacement is impossible.

• Violation of land use planning and county policies: Analysts highlight that the project undermines county conservation goals, rural character, and visual integrity by dramatically altering landforms and displacing thousands of trees

Residents are grieving—not just the loss of

Still unknown: Was the school for migrant laborers situated on the same site as the Men’s Club? In 1948, Nipomo Union Elementary leased this building (and others) for temporary classrooms while Nipomo and Dana elementary schools were under construction.

My thanks to Tom and Deb Geaslen and their colleagues who helped me with these corrections. I hope to learn more of the

trees, but a loss of identity, history, and place. These oak woodlands symbolize more than ecology—they are legacies etched into ground that sustained generations, including the Chumash people, and now face irreparable removal.

The Great Mayan Forest Corridor is regenerative, collaborative, and indigenousinclusive. It preserves an ancient forest and biodiversity, embodies deep belonging and reciprocity, and is aligned with Joanna Macy’s vision. The conservation is rooted in healing and systemic change.

The Dana Reserve is driven by growth, fragments the community, and is contested. It will result in massive deforestation and ecosystem destabilization, erases local identity and natural heritage, and is not aligned with Joanna’s vision. The reserve is driven by consumption, not stewardship.

Joanna Macy’s legacy of “The Work That Reconnects” offers a transformative spiral journey through gratitude, honoring our pain for the world, seeing with new eyes, and going forth. It is a map back to our aliveness and interconnectedness with all life. It is also a set of tools and practices to help us stay present in a time of profound unraveling, and to act with courage, clarity, compassion, and a fierce love. ∆

K. Rosa is a 28-year Nipomo resident, an affordable housing advocate, and a nature lover. Write a response for publication by emailing it to letters@newtimesslo.com.

LETTERS

unique history of Nipomo—especially about that earlier, Depression-era school on the Mesa that served the “Okies” struggling to maintain their families.

Our public schools represent who we are as a nation. In the troubled times of the ’30s, and even today, our schools manifest the best spirit of a caring community—like Nipomo. John Ashbaugh San Luis Obispo

HODIN

Russell Hodin

BY GIANNA PATCHEN AND ANDREW CHRISTIE

Drilling down on Diablo

The future of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant lies at a crucial tipping point. In 2022, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 846, delaying Diablo’s scheduled closure by five years— provided that certain conditions are met and it could be shown that keeping the plant open is both prudent and cost effective. Will Diablo be able to meet these standards?

Seeking to determine that, Sen. John Laird asked the California Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee’s August 2025 panel of PG&E executives and energy agency heads about an apparent $300 million shortfall in the expected repayment of a $1.4 billion forgivable state loan to PG&E to keep Diablo Canyon open. PG&E was only awarded $1.1 billion from the federal grant intended to repay its $1.4 billion state loan. So Laird asked two state agency representatives, “What’s on the bottom line to make sure that [PG&E’s full loan repayment is] actually happening?”

Laird eventually received an answer: There is “no guarantee” that the missing $300 million difference won’t come from our deficit-riddled state budget and overburdened California taxpayers.

(Since an additional $359 million from the $1.1 billion federal grant was “conditional” and not guaranteed, the next Senate oversight hearing should ask PG&E if California taxpayers could be left holding the bag for a total of $659 million.)

Sen. Laird asked about seismic safety

studies, and the PG&E representative replied that the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee has reviewed PG&E’s latest seismic study and “deemed Diablo seismically safe, and there are no additional requirements or modifications needed at the plant.”

However, the seismic safety report is not complete yet, so this conclusion is premature.

Per the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, the Diablo Canyon Independent Peer Review Panel (IPRP) is still drafting its final evaluation of the seismic studies. A seismic safety review that does not incorporate the IPRP’s evaluation and recommendations, as required by SB 846, is by definition incomplete.

Therefore, the next Senate oversight hearing should ask the IPRP for its evaluation and recommendations and ensure that its feedback is incorporated, prior to making any final conclusions.

Sen. Laird also asked about the ongoing practice of storing Diablo’s spent fuel rods in pools despite the common misconception that all Diablo’s current and future spent fuel will be transferred to concrete casks. The PG&E rep replied that there was no difference in safety between the two methods of storing nuclear waste.

“If I had more time, I would pursue that,” Laird replied.

In the hearing’s most surreal moment, Laird asked the PG&E rep about the reactor vessel test they agreed to perform due to potentially defective welds and embrittlement of the vessel. The test will not

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be completed until April 2026. However, well before that date, the PG&E rep made a premature assumption about the reactor vessel safety by saying, “the capsule that we pulled from Unit One … is going to be used as a re-verification, confirmation of already determined [sic] that Diablo Canyon reactor vessels are safe for 60 years.”

“If I had more time, I would explore that more,” Laird replied, also observing that “it seems premature to declare that everything’s great, and then there’s one piece of it that’s still being tested.”

Clearly this issue needs a dedicated hearing so the topic can receive the time it requires to address questions and any inconsistencies.

The August hearing alone should not be deemed the final word on this matter. It lacked ratepayer and other non-agency experts on energy demand and reliability who could deliver real-time fact-checks and clarify the jargon and spin that tended to flow over the dais.

Separate hearings of the Senate Energy and Budget committees are needed to address all the issues around Diablo’s continued

a direct comparison between the cost of the energy generated by the nuclear plant and the cost of energy generated by California’s renewable resources and battery storage? Sen. Laird is asking the tough questions we need answered. However, he also needs to have the time and additional expertise in the room to drill down and get real answers to questions about Diablo’s safety, necessity, and affordability, starting with the first question Laird asked at the August hearing: “Where are we on replacing Diablo?” ∆

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

“It has been really valuable learning how to talk to people in crisis; I’ve really been able to step-up professionally because of this experience.”

-Luke, MFT Student

To poke or not to poke

Do you believe vaccines are safe and effective? If you do, you’re at odds with our current secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Remind me again. How did a crackpot conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine activist end up running the agency whose overall purpose is to safeguard public health? Oh yeah. tRump According to the World Health Organization, childhood vaccinations have saved at least 154 million lives over the last 50 years. According to the National Library of Medicine, serious adverse reactions to vaccines are rare. Yet we’re living in an era where vaccinations have become suspect, and science itself is under attack.

At least in SLO County we’re still guided by science and reason. Our Board of Supervisors unanimously and retroactively voted to authorized Health Agency Director Nick Drews to accept an almost $490,000 California Department of Public Health California Immunization Program Grant meant to manage vaccine-preventable diseases. While tRump and RFKrazy Jr. are firing CDC doctors and scientists, here on the Left Coast, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the new West Coast Health Alliance to counter the antiintellectual anti-science stupidity emanating from Washington, D.C.

In SLO County 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson’s newsletter, he described the board’s vote as “taking on RFK Jr.’s quackery.”

The fact that the vote was unanimous and that even the conservative members of the board recognize the importance of vaccination is reassuring. Sure, there are some MAGAts living in SLO County, but they haven’t undermined county government to the point that it’s willing to refuse nearly half a million dollars in public health grant money.

“This is especially crucial now, as Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy’s reign of science-denial and incompetence at the federal level threatens to undo a century of progress in protecting the public’s health,” Gibson wrote.

As fall approaches, many are thinking about seasonal vaccinations such as the flu and COVID, but the newest COVID vaccine may be hard to come by for most of us. As Dr. Penny Borenstein explained at the Sept. 9 board meeting, “The main thing that has happened to date is the FDA has not licensed the coming vaccine, which has the newest strain, for anyone but individuals over 65 years of age and individuals with an underlying medical condition. That is different than last year and the previous year where anyone 6 months or above had a vaccine available to them and at no cost.”

On top of that, RFKrazy Jr. fired a bunch of highly qualified members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

(ACIP), replacing them with vaccine skeptics. We should all be very worried. It’s not just the people who opt out of vaccinations who are at risk. Increased risks of outbreaks due to low herd immunity can affect us all, including our schoolchildren.

Speaking of which, I remember when I was a wee little Shred, and my mom would bake cupcakes on my birthday for my whole class. My classmates would celebrate my birthday, and everyone got a sweet treat. Win-win! Well, pump the brakes on forming a memory like that in this generation of children. The Lucia Mar Unified School District just changed its policies to forbid homemade food items for class celebrations. Instead, parents who want to provide snacks for an in-class birth celebration must follow the same Smart Snack Guidelines the school is supposed to follow.

Snack items can’t exceed 175 calories for elementary school students and 250 calories for middle and high schoolers. The item can’t contain more than 35 percent sugar by weight. Goodbye cupcakes! Acceptable snacks include popcorn, tortilla chips, lowcalorie granola, Graham crackers, oatmeal bars, fresh fruit, vegetables, Greek yogurt, and string cheese.

Sheesh! Nothing says, “Happy Birthday, Little Shredder” like a baby carrot dipped in Greek yogurt. Look, I get it. These days every other kid has a food allergy or a helicopter parent who monitors every Oreo, but it feels like we’ve collectively decided that common

sense is in such short supply that we need to have rules for every contingency. Some parents argue that the school district is burdening parents with something the district itself isn’t doing. Nipomo Elementary and Nipomo High parent Jacki Lavender told New Times, “They’re kind of like trying to get the parents to do this before they do it internally. That’s where the frustration comes from. We all need to be more healthy. It’s just a matter of them having too much outreach … when they’re giving our kids stuff that has a lot of sugar, but we’re supposed to use a calculator.” It’s not just Lucia Mar, either. The San Miguel school district already forbids treats for classroom celebrations. San Luis Coastal is reviewing its policies for a November update and already encouraging class parties to involve non-food items. The Paso Robles school district also follows a policy like Lucia Mar’s.

Thirty years from now when today’s third graders are 38 years old and sending their own children to school on their birthdays with low-calorie granola bars or “non-food items,” will they look back with pride at the micromanagement of childhood celebrations and the death of the chocolate cupcake with rainbow sprinkles while their kids contract measles?

The Shredder wants its vaccinations. Hit it with your best shot at shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Outwit, outlast, outplay

Cal Poly student Survivor superfans play and produce their own campus version of the beloved game show

Immunity idols, tribal council, torches that represent one’s life—students, the Cal Poly tribe has spoken.

ink that you’re a Survivor know-it-all?

Bet you couldn’t compete with the tribe members of the Cal Poly Survivor Club who, for eight weeks, immerse themselves in the wit, strategy, and physical challenges of the beloved game of CBS’s Survivor Better yet, these mega-fans also lm and upload the competition to YouTube. You’re welcome—now you have your next binge watch. ird-year student Derek Sadorra is this year’s co-president of the club as it heads into its eighth season after it started in 2022. Like the original show, the club hosts two seasons per year, just during the fall and spring quarters.

“It’s pretty much the exact same as Survivor,” Sadorra said. “You’re just not starving on an island.”

Sadorra said he took part in 2023. He’s played the game twice as a contestant, then spent last season as an executive producer.

“I’m a superfan of Survivor, so immediately when I saw this club I knew I had to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s been one of the biggest parts of my college experience so far.”

Brenna Gallagher leads alongside Sadorra as co-president. As a fourth-year student, she’s also played the game twice, and even won the fth season of All-Stars—an edition where 25 former players return for a shot at redemption.

What did she win, you might ask? Fifty bucks and bragging rights, she said with a laugh.

Co-President Sadorra said the Cal Poly Survivor Club models its seasons after the real show. It designs similar physical and puzzle challenges and incorporates the traditions of tribal councils, like the voting urn or the extinguishing of a torch once a player has been voted o . e club also has a host that uses similar tones and phrases as show host Je Probst.

is isn’t some rookie production, though. Just like the CBS show, Sadorra said that Cal Poly’s eight-week season takes years to plan and complete.

“Preparing and creating a season takes so much longer because we have executive producers who take the summer planning out the structure and the twists,” he said. “We have an art department and idol crew. We take a couple weeks to advertise and cast the season, and we have an editing team that, almost a year later, creates everything into a season posted on YouTube. So although it takes an eight-week period of time creating one full season, it is sometimes two years in the process.”

“It’s like a part-time job,” Gallagher added. While it’s going into its eighth season this fall, the club’s YouTube channel has episodes up to season 5 right now.

Watching the club’s production is like watching the real deal. ere’s dramatic scenic shots and instrumental music, tribes, bandanas (in place of team BUFFs), tribal merges, and even immunity idols of a stu ed cow and penguin for players who win challenges.

Each episode starts with a physical challenge—like throwing water balloons at a pyramid of cups and then solving a puzzle that was 3D printed on campus. Students run around various parts of campus sporting their team bandanas.

“We have everything for our clubs stored in three big Home Depot buckets that are consistently traveling around people’s houses with all of our supplies,” Sadorra said. “We also do a lot of endurance challenges. We’ve done planking and wall sits, but we’ve also done the classic Survivor challenge, where you put your hand in the air and try to see how long you can last.”

e losing team then goes to tribal council to vote one member out, but before that’s shown, you hear from many of the players who lm themselves talking to the camera about their strategies and relationships with their teammates.

Fourth year student Millie Harrison won Cal Poly’s seventh season, which she said she didn’t expect.

“Even at the nal tribal council, when they’re reading out the votes of the jury, I still was like, it could be me, or it could be Brooklyn,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting it.”

When it came to strategy, she said she wanted to remain as honest as possible but also knew that in the game of Survivor that can’t always be the case.

“Being a fan of the show, as much as I admire completely honest, completely loyal players … I wanted to be like that, but I also knew that they weren’t usually like the players that everyone remembers,” Harrison said. “I feel like the most cutthroat, successful players on Survivor do a little bit of lying and a little bit of backstabbing. So I was like, ‘I want to be remembered as a hero, but I’m not above lying.’”

Harrison said she joined the club not only because of her love of the show, but to make friends—which might feel counterintuitive since everyone is competing against each other and voting their friends out of the game.

“We’re all competitive. We all love the game. We all kind of deep down want to win. And so it’s like, I have to vote out this person who I really love or have to work against or betray this person that I really want to be friends with down the line,” she said. “It’s a hard line to walk between. How do I convey to this person that I do want to be friends—

that I do want to keep hanging out? But we’re having fun. It’s a game.”

Gallagher said during her second season playing, season 5, she took the strategy of being a social threat.

“I feel like I’ve taken so many psychology classes that I’m very good at, like, reading people’s body languages and just being able to empathize with them and knowing how they’d be feeling going into a vote,” she said. “Just reading people well, analyzing tribe dynamics and relationships, and things like that.”

Gallagher said she also joined the club for friends, after nding that sorority life just wasn’t for her. Similarly, she said she’s found the balance between playing and making friends to be challenging but has overall maintained her friendships.

“I’ve de nitely cried a lot, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people are able to recognize it

is just a game and people are going to do whatever it takes to win,” she said. “And then we step back and be like, OK, you know what? We’re friends beyond this.”

Even if students aren’t interested in playing the game or being a part of production, Cal Poly Survivor has other ways for superfans to connect, Sadorra said—like hosting watch parties, beach parties, and playing pickleball and capture the ag.

“I think the most important part about this club is that you get to meet these people with the same interest,” he said. “We’re all nerdy, superfans of Survivor, and this is a great way for us to take a step back from our classes and the drama of college life and nd these people who share the same interest or same love for the show.” ∆

Reach Sta Writer Libbey Hanson at lhanson@newtimesslo.com.

COME ON IN Tribal members sport their matching bandanas as they compete for the title of Cal Poly Survivor.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAL POLY SURVIVOR CLUB

GOTTA DIG DEEP Two players of Cal Poly Survivor compete in a classic Survivor challenge that often awards them immunity until the next challenge.

Enhancing inclusivity

Ethnic studies—the study of di erences in race, ethnicities, nationalities, and even gender and sexuality—that took root decades ago in San Francisco State University sowed seeds in San Luis Obispo County’s Cuesta College.

Cuesta’s Ethnic Studies Club sprouted over the summer after a group of students in the social justice and ethnic studies class organized an open house.

“ e need for the club was prompted by students identifying a space for new students beginning the school year, who wanted to have not just an experience of ethnic studies in the classroom, but also a space to have these conversations outside,” Ethnic Studies faculty member and club advisor Mario Espinoza-Kulick said.

He added that the Cuesta students drew inspiration from ethnic studies departments at institutions such as Santa Barbara City College and UC San Diego that have student clubs to complement their programs.

With 16 students signed up, the club had its rst meeting on Sep. 3. It plans to meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional in-person hangouts. Enrolled Cuesta students can sign up at tinyurl.com/ESC-signup. Keep up with club updates on Instagram @cuestaethnicstudies.

For SLO County resident Mayra Medina, who studies child and adolescent development at Cuesta, joining the Ethnic Studies Club more than helps her complete the 20 hours of community service required for her elective class.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to know,” she said. “It’s interesting to know the struggles that every ethnicity has gone through. … It had to do with di erent people that stood up for wanting to learn more about their background as well.”

At Cuesta, the Ethnic Studies course dives into the history of the movement that began in 1968, the Black Power movement, Asian American and Paci c Islander activism, Native American e orts toward self-determination, among other lessons. Students also get to learn about the prison industrial complex, xenophobia, decolonial resistance, indigenous sovereignty, exclusion, and being anti-racist.

Medina, a mother of ve, hopes the club can be a place to discuss the disproportionate

struggles faced by children and their families who come from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Preschool and child care, a lot of people can’t a ord it or have to be on waiting lists to get their kids into the free preschool,” Medina said. “A lot of times, it’s parents, due to undocumentation or [lack of] education, or because they don’t earn much, who can’t a ord it.”

Medina’s daughter, who’s also enrolled in Cuesta, is interested in learning more about the club. Now club treasurer, Medina believes it’s important for more people to familiarize themselves with ethnic studies.

“I think it’s important to know—not necessarily, like, every single struggle—but to know what everybody has gone through, to basically deserve what they have now,” she said.

Club President and computer science student Alexa Baird wants to engage in more conversations about Native American history given her multiracial heritage.

“ ere’s a lot of history about it that wasn’t

discussed or talked about,” said Baird, a Fresno native. “ at’s really important, because growing up, I dealt with a lot of prejudice, and I didn’t notice it until as I got older and I became more clear with certain things.”

Apart from meeting to talk about current events related to ethnic studies, the club wants to participate in cultural celebrations, read storybooks to children in local schools and libraries, support ethnic studies courses and assignments, and award scholarships. e newly minted Ethnic Studies Club already has plans to work with local groups like R.A.C.E. Matters SLO and the UndocuSupport Coalition.

Club advisor Espinoza-Kulick told New Times that the club will submit a $500 request for funding from the student government. e money will supplement the Cuesta College Ethnic Studies Endowment.

Donations to the endowment can be made at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/cuestacollege-foundation/ethnic-studies-c9222aa98e0c-40b6-90a3-c4388c9c1d35.

“We’re trying to meet a goal of $10,000 to be able to supply scholarships and eld trips and conference travel and preparation for career readiness,” Espinoza-Kulick said. “We’ve been fundraising for ve years, and so far, we’ve raised $2,400.”

In 2020, the Cuesta College Foundation approved the endowment with the support of faculty and students. e ethnic studies course itself came about in 2022 through the e orts of Espinoza-Kulick, Social Sciences professor Zachary McKiernan, Associated Students of Cuesta College student government President Dawn Grillo, and late student J.P. Flores.

“It wasn’t about the club at that point,” Espinoza-Kulick said, “but we were looking towards the future with creating an endowment account to fundraise so that we’re able to provide relevant experiences for students at Cuesta taking ethnic studies classes.” ∆

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

Are you hellbound for using AI for schoolwork?

No, but you’re wasting money and squandering your educational opportunities

As generative arti cial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become increasingly accessible, college campuses across the country are grappling with a new academic dilemma: What happens when students turn to AI to write their essays?

It’s a salient question, but I didn’t write it. ChatGPT did, which is why the opening paragraph is bland and uninspiring.

I asked the program to “write a news article about what college professors think of students who use generative arti cial intelligence to write their essays,” and out spat 645 mostly grammatically correct words and paragraphs with subheads such as “A Divided Faculty,” because generative AI apparently has a need to prove some faculty defend it; “Detecting AI Use: A Growing Arms Race,” because AI apparently wants you to feel sorry for it because it’s under attack; “Students Say AI is a Tool—Not a Substitute,” because AI wants to make you feel better about resorting to it instead of your own intellect and hard work; and “Reimagining the Role of Writing in

Education,” to drive home the point that AI is a genie out of its bottle and there’s no putting it back.

e AI-generated news article went on to quote college professors that don’t exist, like “Dr. Lisa Chen,” who it claims is a UCLA Philosophy Department faculty professor: “We have to rethink what we’re asking students to do. If AI can easily generate an answer, maybe the question wasn’t challenging enough in the rst place.”

See! It’s not students’ fault they’re lazing out and resorting to AI to complete their assignments. It’s teachers’ fault for not creating assignments that AI is incapable of completing.

e thing is, AI is incapable of writing acceptable college essays. It can’t unearth e ective and compelling research from academically acceptable sources and properly cite them both intext and on a correctly formatted works cited page or bibliography. It can’t insightfully analyze the research it presents and cogently synthesize the data into a thoroughly developed thesis. Worse

CONSCIENCE VS. TEMPTATION To take a “shortcut” or not is an ongoing student dilemma exacerbated by the invention of generative artificial intelligence programs like the one that rendered this illustration.

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At Jamba, the glass is never half empty, and what you get out of every smoothie is much more than the fresh fruit we put in.

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still, AI hallucination—when AI produces information not based on real data—is a wellestablished side e ect, and when students turn in essays with fake sources, data, quotations, and evidence, that should mean an instant F … if the teacher catches it.

Courtney Brogno, a college lecturer who does exist and who teaches writing at both Cal Poly and Cuesta College, said, “Sometimes it’s really obvious. A couple paragraphs will sound like a student’s voice and then all of a sudden the essay sounds like a Ph.D. dissertation. Citations are di erent, huge words, di erent font. ose are really easy to catch.”

Brogno admits, however, that some probably aren’t easy to catch. One quarter she paid out of her own pocket for the cost of an AI detection program

“It took forever. I was spending more time on these essays looking [for evidence of cheating] than probably they had spent writing them,” Brogno said. “I just don’t have that time, not in a 10-week quarter, and not with six classes.”

Which brings up another point. Students who resort to AI will quite possibly go undetected because most college teachers are overworked to the point of not caring. ey believe that when students cheat, they’re cheating themselves out of educational experiences.

“I like to remind students that ‘essay’ comes from the verb ‘assay,’ meaning ‘to attempt or try,’” Cal Poly lecturer Lauren Henley explained. “We have since commodi ed the word into a noun, a product to be stamped with a letter grade.

“When students use AI to generate or re ne, they are slinking past ‘the try,’ and

‘… bypassing ‘the try’ over and over while the brain is still forming can’t be good for the development of empathy, reasoning, and resilience, which our students will surely need for a future wherein the very AI they’ve been relying upon may likely steal or augment their jobs.’

what’s worse is that they may be receiving high praise from unwitting instructors—a double thievery. I’m not a scientist, but I can surmise that bypassing ‘the try’ over and over while the brain is still forming can’t be good for the development of empathy, reasoning, and resilience, which our students will surely need for a future wherein the very AI they’ve been relying upon may likely steal or augment their jobs.”

It also doesn’t help that few teachers believe their schools have a clearly articulated policy on AI use. Henley calls this current college AI experiment “the Wild West.”

“Did you know that Canvas [the studentteacher interface used at Cal Poly] has a ChatGPT EDU button?” English Department lecturer Leslie St. John asked. “[It says,] ‘Get answers, solve problems, generate content instantly.’ ‘Generate content’ … boy, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And ‘instantly’? ere’s nothing ‘instant’ about the writing [and] creative process.”

Cal Poly has a webpage devoted to arti cial intelligence, but it’s more about its uses rather than the ethical implications of its use.

“My thought is it’s cheating, obviously,” Brogno said, “but then we’re confused by Cal Poly, because Cal Poly has [ChatGPT accounts] for free for students. Are we saying this is OK now? What is our policy? Nobody seems to know. Nobody knows.”

—Lauren Henley, Cal Poly lecturer

“I’m pretty old-school,” St. John admitted. “I want students to learn to read, write, and think for themselves—not outsource their creativity and intelligence to ChatGPT. Right now, I’m urging them not to use it, but I recognize how normalized it’s become already.”

Brogno can’t a ord to play AI sleuth with every paper.

“When an essay’s turned in, I’m going to grade this as it is,” Brogno said. “I don’t have the time or energy to be a detective.”

She notes that lot of sororities and fraternities have historically kept les of previously turned-in essays that various members recycle over the years and turn in as original work: “Maybe it’s no di erent than that. And those kids probably got away with it, too. I’ve just decided I’m not going to spend an hour on an essay trying to prove my point.”

e implications of this kind of cheating are vast. e kinds of classes Brogno, Henley, and St. John teach are designed to train students in critical thinking, research, and argumentation— essential skills for everyone. If students don’t gain these experiences and learn to think critically, recognize logical fallacies, and analyze arguments, they’ll be more susceptible to the disinformation inundating media.

“I think it’s terrible,” Brogno said. “I think it takes away critical thinking and independent thought. It’s everything that’s wrong with America.”

As an assignment, she asks her students to use ChatGPT to generate an MLA (Modern Language Association) formatted works cited page on a speci c topic and bring it to class. “ ey do it, and then they come in the next day, and I say, ‘I want you to check all these citations,’” Brogno said. “Eighty percent of them don’t exist. And the citations are wrong. en they go looking for the article. ey can’t nd it. And I say, ‘Well, if you can’t nd it, how am I supposed to nd it to check up on you?’”

Like college teachers, college students tend to be overworked and overwhelmed, and cheating—or taking “shortcuts” if it makes you feel better—seems inevitable.

“ ere are so many reasons why a young person without a fully formed frontal lobe would be drawn to shortcuts,” Henley said. “I think that in part we can blame a steady lowering of academic expectations over the past decade—if it’s uncomfortable or hard, you don’t have to do it—and concomitant grade in ation.”

Yet all these college teachers remain committed to their vocation.

“I’m going to do my job the best I can and try to make students better writers,” Brogno said. e question is: Will students hold up their end of the bargain?

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

BY MADISON WHITE

Cal Poly offers lots of niche classes for students to sprinkle into their traditional academic pursuits

Karate. Star Wars, Race, and Rebellion. World Cinema. Beyoncé: Race, Feminism, and Politics. e Witch Hunts in Europe.

ere is plenty of fun to be had on the academic side of college.

As a recent Cal Poly graduate, a few of my classes made a lasting impression: an English class on director Alfred Hitchcock in which we watched movies at the Palm eatre, an ethnic studies class on Black pop culture that analyzed 1990s hip-hop, and a journalism class about sports communication that taught about the rise of Caitlin Clark and other sports heroes.

While students must take the courses required by their major for their degree, some general education (GE) or elective classes— open to students of all majors—in Cal Poly’s catalog teach transferrable skills through a wide range of subjects.

“ ose classes are really fundamentally about skills, even though people don’t always realize it,” College of Liberal Arts Dean Kate Murphy said.

I wish I’d told that to my relatives who were surprised I could earn college credit for studying e Birds. No matter what the topic is, students end up learning critical thinking.

“Having that breadth of o erings allows you to not only learn about the content and build foundational skills like oral and written communication but also learn how people

who think di erently from you approach the same kind of topics from a completely di erent angle,” Murphy said.

e variety of topics that Cal Poly o ers for GE courses gives students a greater chance to nd something they’re passionate about.

ey’ll learn the same skills, just through di erent subjects.

When students are engaged and interested in their classes, they perform better, Murphy said, which is one reason students bene t from the variety.

“It’s a nice example of how Cal Poly really tries to put student success at the heart of how we think about things,” Murphy said.

She remembered a conversation she had recently with Cal Poly alumni who still remember the witch hunt class, even though they’ve been out of school for years.

e Witch Hunts in Europe is currently taught by Nathan Perry, a history lecturer.

e class reads personal accounts of witch executions and interrogations. He said the curriculum challenges students’ preconceptions about witches (no, they did not actually exist) and serves to compare past and present societies.

“ ey’re fascinated by this topic,” Perry said about his students.

GE classes help make students more wellrounded people, Perry said.

Stepping outside the classroom opens a whole new realm, too. e Kinesiology

Department o ers one-unit sports classes like golf, basketball, Pilates, and swimming. I had a blast in bowling and pickleball.

Kinesiology Department Chair Todd Hagobian agreed that students take the activity classes to have fun.

“It’s not going to impact your GPA. It does count as an elective, and in that way it’s good because there are students that actually need one or two units,” Hagobian said.

e one-unit classes can be helpful for students looking to meet the requirements to receive nancial aid or scholarships. Plus, getting active for a couple of hours each week also helps students take a break from more academically rigorous classes.

e university also o ers classes in dance, ceramics, painting, and music. ere are

countless possibilities for students when creating their education paths—it doesn’t all have to be boring.

“[Students are] never really going to be in this environment again,” Hagobian said. “I think they need to take advantage of not only the academic side of it, but also the social side.” ∆

Reach Sun Sta Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper, at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

STRIKE A quintessential Cal Poly class is Bowling, which takes place on campus at the only bowling alley in town, Mustang Lanes.

PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

Hands on

College professors and recent grads offer footnotes on note-taking across traditional stationery and digital frontiers

When it comes to taking in a new piece of information, there’s something about putting pen to paper that just hits di erently, compared to typing something on a laptop, tablet, or phone.

While there’s no shortage of ways to replicate notepad-style note-taking via apps and websites nowadays, the small joys get lost in translation: gliding a smooth gel pen over lined paper, sharpening a fresh No. 2 pencil, uncapping a neon highlighter, or dipping a feathery quill into an inkwell.

Some studies related to college studies— each essentially tting the de nition of a study within a study—show that the physical act of handwriting alone is good for memory retention.

Others show that students who handwrite during classes are more likely to use their own words to explain a concept rather than copy down an instructor’s lecture verbatim.

“I stress to students that if you are simply writing notes during class to give the appearance of being engaged, you aren’t helping yourself to learn,” said Chris Hite, a longtime lmmaking and lm studies professor at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.

“Education isn’t about strict memorization. … Student notes should form a narrative about the subject,” Hite told New Times in an email interview. “Immersing in the subject is key, even if it is a class outside your major.” While his students aren’t allowed to use electronic devices to take notes, Hite said he always has extra paper and pens ready for those who show up to his classes emptyhanded.

“I experimented with permitting laptops for note-taking, and I found students were engaging in chats instead of note-taking,” Hite said.

Handwritten notes aren’t totally immune to other forms of distraction, such as becoming fodder for paper airplanes or the occasional doodling. But even doodles have their perks when it comes to preparing for an exam, if it’s helpful for the note-taker to easily associate a sketch with something they’re expecting to be tested on, according to a 2024 study published in Springer’s Educational Psychology Review. “I don’t mind doodling,” Hite said, “but

there is a line between doodling and simply drawing a picture during class time.”

Patrick Shattuck, an English instructor at Hancock, allows laptop-use in his classes but said most of his students “still use oldfashioned paper and pencil” by choice to take notes during his lectures.

“Whatever students are comfortable with is ne with me,” Shattuck said via email. “I want students feeling relaxed and con dent, and if a laptop evokes those feelings, then that’s ne with me.”

During his time as political science major at Cal Poly SLO, grad student Ells Taylor took a handful of classes where he wasn’t allowed to use his laptop to take notes, which “did bother me, because I much prefer typed notes,” he told New Times in an email interview.

“I understand why professors like to ban laptops. Most of the time students aren’t writing anything and are instead doing something unproductive,” said Taylor, who

graduated from Cal Poly in 2024. “However, I really don’t like being forced to write notes by hand. … at annoyed me, but I never dropped out of any classes for it. It just meant I had more work to do.”

After handwriting notes during the lectures, Taylor would later type those same notes onto his computer outside of class, he explained.

One of his favorite note-taking software systems is Obsidian, which he said helped him correlate his lecture notes with his textbook reading notes by laying them out comprehensively in a “central repository to always refer to,” he said.

“Notes, in my view, only get you so far,” said Taylor, who’s currently enrolled in a graduate studies program at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

For Taylor, it’s the act of returning to your notes—whether they’re handwritten or typed up—that can make or break a test or assignment.

“If you never go through them again to study, they’re rather useless,” he said. Giving certain computer and iPad applications the old college try also informed Cambria resident Jill ayer’s outlook on modern notetaking, during both the in-person and virtual ne art courses she teaches through Hancock and other institutions.

“I [recently] observed a student in my art history class at Allan Hancock College writing notes with a stylus on an iPad that displayed digital lined paper,” ayer said in an email interview. “I tried it out by writing a few words in a chancery cursive calligraphic script.”

Over the course of her 20-year career in teaching, ayer said she’s noticed a lot of her students adapt to digital forms of notetaking but still sees many who handwrite traditional notes as well, even during some of her Zoombased classes.

In some Zoom windows during her lectures, she has spotted students taking notes on a desk via pen and paper and others typing along on their keyboards.

Aside from her teaching work, ayer is a constant learner who recently completed a 40-course program to boost her credentials. O ered by the Appraisers Association of America, New York, the yearlong virtual program granted ayer a certi cation in personal property and ne art appraising, with a focus in post-war and contemporary art.

ayer completed her nal exam earlier this year, which entailed studying from a mix of notes she typed and handwrote, she said.

“I use both traditional and digital notetaking techniques,” ayer said. “For me, I nd that one supports the other in learning comprehension. … As a student, I would take notes on the computer for clarity and organization but would gain greater comprehension if I wrote the notes traditionally by hand, as this seemed to reinforce the content.” ∆

Reach Sun Senior Sta Writer Caleb Wiseblood, from New Times’ sister paper, at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

THE INK PLOT THICKENS Some courses at Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly SLO give students a choice between handwriting notes or typing them out via laptop or tablet while class is in session. Other courses ban the use of laptops and electronic devices for note-taking during lectures.

PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Hot Dates

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BRUSHSTROKES 2025 AND OFF THE WALL: SCULPTURE Brushstrokes 2025 features paintings by The Painters Group while Off the Wall exhibits sculpture by Central Coast sculptors. Both are on display through Sept. 15. Through Sept. 15, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-02504. artcentermorrobay. org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

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

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

FILM SECONDHAND LIONS & HELP SAVE

CUESTA INLET Bring friends and family for an uplifting evening to help protect Cuesta Inlet. Every ticket sold goes directly toward the inlet. Pizza, beer, and wine will be available. Sept. 15 4:30-7:30 p.m. $15. (559) 592-9569. morrobaymovie.com/mondayspecials. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

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.

MEET THE ARTISTS: JOSE SILVA, JOAN BROWN & LINDA HILL AT SEPTEMBER’S ART PARTY AT GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE Join us for our Gallery at Marina Square Artists Reception, to meet Silva, Brown, and Hill, and enjoy new oil paintings and fused glass. Sept. 13 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET By the Sea Productions presents Miracle on South Divisio n Street by Tom Dudzick. Nowak family matriarch Clara tends to their Virgin Mary shrine, commemorating the day she appeared in the family’s barber shop. Clara’s mother’s deathbed confession unravels the legend. Heartfelt, hilarious. Sept. 12 , 7 p.m., Sept. 13 7 p.m. and Sept. 14 3 p.m. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

RONÉ PRINZ & MEARA MCDONALD ART EXHIBIT See paintings by Roné Prinz and photography by Meara McDonald. Through Sept. 25 Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay, -(805) 772-6394.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

CRAFT SHOW This two-day craft show will run all weekend long. Come and show your favorite Central Coast vendor some love. Sept. 13 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 14 10 a.m.4 p.m. (805) 402-9437. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

3 ARTISTS RETROSPECTIVE REVEAL Susan Lyon, Maryanne Nucci, and Kathy Madonna invite you to visit their Retrospective Show including original photographs, charcoals, watercolors, etchings, linocuts, and mono prints. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. cottontailcreek.com/susanart. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

AS THE CROW FLIES: FUSED GLASS CLASS

Create a fused glass crow using a variety of black and iridescent glass. A hole can

be drilled for hanging or glued to a stake. Sept. 13 10 a.m.-noon $60. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY:

ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, (310) 621-7543.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FUSED GLASS DISH

A fun, festive class for the beginning fuser. Create your own unique skull dish using a variety of pre-cut glass. Sept. 17 5-7 p.m. $60. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

WRITERS WANTED Novelists, screenwriters, poets and short story writers welcome. This group meets in Atascadero twice a month, on Thursday nights (email jeffisretired@ yahoo.com for specifics). Hone your skills for publication and/or personal development. Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Unnamed Atascadero location, Contact host for details, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE 2ND ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST

ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES SHOW AT THE MADONNA EXPO CENTER Head to the 2nd Annual Central Coast Oddities & Curiosities Show. “This Ain’t Yer Grannies Craft Fair.” Sept. 13 12-6 p.m. $12.51. (510) 365-6024. themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION: A HANDS-ON AI CREATIVITY WORKSHOP In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how AI tools can help bring creative ideas to life. No prior tech or arts experience needed. Data consultant, author, and educator Josh Knox will lead the

sessions. Purchase one ticket to attend both sessions. Sept. 12 , 1-3 p.m. $24. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION AND SALE The Monday Club will host seven local artists in partnership with SLO County Arts. Visitors can expect wine, live music, and a silent auction. This is a free event, and all ages are welcome. Sept. 13 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sept. 14 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. themondayclubslo.org. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0594.

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH You’ve heard watercolor is daunting, but it’s still fascinating you. Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium! Sept. 11 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $100. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp. com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/07/Beginning-WC-FrenchSeptember25-1.jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Create your own collage of California poppies and a Monarch butterfly with step-by-step instruction from Linda Cunningham! Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. Sept. 13 12-4 p.m. $45. (805) 478-2158. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ California-Dreaming-Collage-Cunningham. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater. com/shows/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

WILD PHOTOS

The work of acclaimed wildlife and equestrian photographer Deborah Hofstetter will remain on display at The Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo until Sunday, Sept. 14. Born on the Central Coast, Hofstetter’s photographic subjects range from equestrian rescues and sanctuaries to commercial work and events.

—Angie Stevens

CLAY CLASS: PUMPKINS & GHOSTS!

Choose one of the following to create: pumpkins (2), ghosts (3) or any fall themed item. No experience necessary! Book on our website Mondays, 2-3:30 p.m. through Oct. 20 45.00. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=80951081. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

END OF SUMMER POTTERY SALE! Join us in the parking lot of our studio for an end of summer pottery sale! There will be live music, food and handmade pottery. Sept. 13 12-4 p.m. Free. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FRIDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT SLO PUBLIC MARKET Join the Central Coast Comedy Theater each second Friday of every month at SLO Public Market. Each night will bring spontaneous comedy as the CCCT Ensemble goes on another kooky, made-up adventure! Get tickets and more info at the link. Sept. 12 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Get ready for a hilarious and heartfelt journey through love, dating, marriage, and everything in between! This show is the perfect date night—or friend night—out! Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Sept. 21 $28-$50. (805) 7862440. slorep.org/shows/i-love-you-youreperfect-now-change/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

JACK SHAW - KILL TONY GOLDEN TICKET

WINNER - LIVE AT LIBERTINE Hear Cal Poly graduate Jack Shaw perform his stand-up comedy at Libertine. Jack has won a golden ticket on Kill Tony, has been touring the country performing stand-up comedy at The Comedy Mothership, The Comedy Store, Bridgestone Arena, and many more. He has appeared in national commercials for Spectrum, Subway, and Sling TV, and has acted in Hulu’s Good American Family and Tubi’s Game Bros. Sept. 20 8 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

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. PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SIJI KRISHNAN Krishnan’s evocative paintings exist in a realm between memory and myth, where figures emerge from translucent layers of pigment. Sept. 20 -Jan. 11 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.

TREY KENNEDY Hear comedian Trey Kennedy live at The Fremont Theater. Get tickets and more info at the link. Sept. 11 8 p.m. $44.78-$176.62. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the vibrant and muted. Through Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/trishandersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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) 8966197. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH HOFSTETTER

Luvlab PresentsARDALAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Rod & Hammer Rock, SLO

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The Penny, SLO

Cayucos 150th Birthday!

FRI-SUN, SEPTEMBER 19- 21

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Various Locations in Cayucos Creeks to Coast Cleanup

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Several Locations, SLO County

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

End, SLO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Suites, SLO

& Paul with Big Sierra

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Brewing Co, SLO Kristas Bday Show

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Shakti Goddess Retreat & Fire Ceremony

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Aurora Adventure @Vibe Retreats, AG Libations at the Lighthouse

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Piedras Blancas Light Station

grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

DIY APOTHECARY TERRARIUM WORKSHOP

You’ll get all the instruction and materials you need to assemble your own apothecary terrarium including choosing a plant along with ongoing care directions. Sept. 13 2 p.m. $65. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com/ event/diy-apothecary-terrarium-workshop/.

The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

DOCK OF THE BAY Join The Studio Players, a company of multi-talented performers ready to dazzle you with everything they’ve got. From live music, to dynamic dance number and unforgettable theater moments, this cabaret has it all. Tickets include desserts and beverages. Sept. 12

7 p.m., Sept. 13 7 p.m. and Sept. 14 2 p.m.

$25. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377, thestudioofperformingarts.com.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET

GARDEN: THE AVENGERS (2012 THE ORIGINAL) Enjoy a night of unstoppable action and an unforgettable showdown. Join the adventure, feel the thrill, and experience

The Avengers like never before. Bring a blanket and grab your favorite Secret Garden snacks! Sept. 19 7 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR Full of songs, dance, and comedy to celebrate the milestone, with loads of opportunities to boo and cheer. Through Sept. 20 americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

ILLUSTRATING NATURE - MEET THE ARTIST!

Meet artist Jann Griffiths and explore her stunning nature-inspired works in watercolor, gouache, and digital art—free admission, refreshments included! Sept. 14 2-4 p.m. (805) 489-9444. jrgriffiths.com/914-art-show.html.

Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN FRANCISCO STAND-UP COMEDY

COMPETITION FINAL ROUND The San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition brings together the finest comedic talent from across the country. Catch the Final Round! Sept. 19 7:30-9:30 p.m. $35-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SECOND SATURDAY IMPROV MEETUP Have you ever wanted to try improv? Or are you an experienced player looking for opportunities to practice? Join to play short-form games and share smiles in the supportive environment of improv. Second Saturday of every month, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 13 improvforgood.fun/. Flex Performing Arts Studio (Studio D), 1820 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

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

CAYUCOS’ 150TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

!! Join us as we celebrate Cayucos’ 150th birthday during this family-friendly event. Sept. 19 4-9 p.m., Sept. 20 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sept. 21 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 995-1200. cayucoschamber.com/cayucos-150thbirthday-celebration. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with

themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

CUESTA INLET BENEFIT - RUMMAGE SALE AND SILENT AUCTION Join for a day of music, giving, and celebrating the Cuesta Inlet. Enjoy the rummage sale, silent auction, and BBQ. Sept. 21 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (805) 2353252. savecuestainlet.org/. Red Barn at Los Osos Community Park, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

MEDITATE WITH DAWN Restore your energy and calm the mind with guided meditation, breath-work, and chakra connection on the beach with the Morro Bay Rock in view. Certified classical ashtanga yoga instructor and mindfulness life coach Dawn Feuerberg will guide you. Sept. 14 , 10-11:15 a.m. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.

SHAMANIC MORNING RITUALS FOR VITALITY Dawn will guide you into intentional movement to awaken vital energy that rejuvenates and transforms. The class will help you to connect with your energy centers (chakras) in the body by doing earthing practices to clear the mind & the somatic body of any holding patterns. Dawn will introduce the 4 elements of these empowering shamanic morning rituals in a relaxed and open atmosphere for all so that it can be used as a framework for practical and empowered life change. Sept. 12 8:30-9:45 a.m. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos.

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.

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 7-17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Sept. 16 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5.00. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel. MOVIE-NIGHT-AT-THE-VINEYARD - PASO PICTURE SHOW PRESENTS: SIDEWAYS (2004) – AN EVENING OF WINE, FILM AND Q&A Experience Sideways under the stars at Bianchi Winery. Enjoy wine, trivia, a photo booth, and a Q&A with authors Mira and Kirk Honeycutt. Sept. 20 5:30-10 p.m. $22-$55. facebook.com/events/1205510581605985/. Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room, 3380 Branch Road, Paso Robles, (805) 226-9922. OUT & SAVVY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH EVENT Join us for brunch, live music, and great vibes at Mirazur in Los Osos, right by the peaceful Back Bay of Morro Bay. Sept. 21 , 9:30 a.m.-noon $66.12. my805tix. com. Mirazur Restaurant, 1365 2nd St., Los Osos, (805) 439-0058. SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS MEETING

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

TASTE OF DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

Sample food from Paso Robles restaurants and wineries and “take a taste of downtown” that you won’t forget. Experience and savor what downtown Paso Robles has to offer and relish in this annual event that invites merchants to open their doors for one-onone sampling. Once you purchase your ticket, you may redeem it for a PASS CARD on the day of the event, which is good for food and wine tasting at participating restaurants,

Send event information to events@newtimesslo.com or submit online.

tasting rooms, and eating establishments. Sept. 20 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $55.40. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Downtown City Park, 1200 Park Street, Paso Robles, (805) 237-3888.

WEALTH, WOMEN & WOO Are you frustrated because you’ve always struggled with money and the idea of building wealth? The only way to end this struggle is to understand how to build a strong financial house and to identify with rich ideas. Wealth, Women & Woo is there to help release your money fears and blocks, and achieve a prosperous mindset and live an abundant life with ease and flow! Sept. 14 4-6 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (530) 748-6612.

SAN LUIS OBISPO 15TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW AND SWAP MEET At this judged motorcycle show and swap meet, there will be trophies for the first two places in 10 classes. A food truck will be on site. Get more info at the link. Sept. 20 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. (805) 440-4511. centralcoastclassicmc. com/event/13th-annual-central-coastclassic-motorcycle-show/. Arise Central Coast, 1775 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Silks is a great way to learn flipping safely! Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at our Aerial Silks Clinic. For children 7 to 17 years, all levels are welcome. Sept. 20 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturdayevent-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. AI SEMINAR FOR SENIORS A senior will present the fundamentals of this daunting technology for those needing answers. Come learn, lament, and laugh about the limits of the limitless AI. Sept. 11, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 7096234. Marty Mimmack, 1255 Orcutt Rd., SLO.

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble!

Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7-17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Sept. 17 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5.00. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

BUEN DIA MILONGA Nexus’s premier Argentine Tango social: Buen Dia Milonga hosted by Carolyn Long with DJs Emily & Rich. Sept. 14 5-8 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus Ballroom D.C., 3845 S. Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS

BUILDING SMALL: BUILDING COMMUNITY, NOT COMMODITY Jim Heid will talk about new approaches on how to shape the built environment with practical methods. Jim Heid, FASLA author of Building Small, and Founder of CRAFT DnA and UrbanGreenTM shares insights into an increasingly popular approach to community development that relies on incremental, locally based development strategies. Building Small focuses on using real estate development to accomplish three goals – more authentic places, stronger local economies and increased housing diversity. Sept. 18 5:457:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo. CARE CREW Calling all crafty, caring, petloving kids! Care Crew members will join us in filling Kongs for our canines, crafting pet toys, and creating art. Sept. 21 , 2-3:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/youth-programs/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

“CURTAIN UP!” - HOW BROADWAY MUSICALS ARE MADE AND WHO MAKES THEM - MICHAEL DEVINE Take a journey backstage to explore the twisting, uphill path that a Broadway musical takes to reach the stage. Explore the efforts of the 200 or more people who bring that production to life before the overture begins, and the curtain goes up on opening night. Hear Michael Devine, a veteran of 250+ professional productions not only all over the U.S. but worldwide, speak on this topic. Sept. 17, 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520

Sideways: Movie in the Vineyard

Bianchi Winery, Paso Robles

Jack Shaw - Kill Tony Golden Ticket Winner

Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

FALL EQUINOX DRUMMING MEDITATION

/ CROW’S END SLO Gather to honor the Fall Equinox and observe the International Day of Peace in a sacred celebration of rhythm, reflection, and renewal. Join for an evening of rhythm-making, meditation, song, and storytelling as we attune to the shifting energies of the season and the universal call for unity. Tickets and additional details are available at the link. Sept. 19 6-9 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY CLIMB: AERIAL SILKS FOR

PARENTS & KIDS Family Climb is a parentchild structured silks class for ages 5 and up. Together you’ll build strong muscles and memories. No experience is necessary. Sept. 20 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. $15/ 1st child, +$10/ additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturdayevent-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS Enjoy this familyfriendly line dance class, including the most popular line dances for all ages. It is meant to be danced together as a family. Sept. 19 5:30-7 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus Ballroom D.C., 3845 S. Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

FREE PET VACCINE CLINICS With the support of Petco Love, Woods is providing free vaccines for cats and dogs during vaccine clinics in August and September! Sept. 20 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/spay-neuter/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-2:30 p.m. and MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

FUNDRAISER: GARAGE SALE Join this fundraiser benefitting SLO charities and

supported by the Central Coast Women’s League (CCWL). There will be furniture, household items, art/ decor, vintage items, tools, plants, sporting goods, and jewelry. Sept. 20 8 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 539-9374. Central Coast Women’s League, 1720 San Luis Drive, San Luis Obispo, none.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. HANDSPRINGS & AERIALS TUMBLING CLINIC Build your skills at our Handsprings & Aerials Clinic! Even beginners can start working on the fundamentals of these Intermediate skills. All levels are welcome. The class is for children 5 to 17 years. Sept. 13 , 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturdayevent-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. I DIDN’T SEE IT COMING: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FRAUD AND SCAMS - ERIC VITALE Offered by the SLO District Attorney’s Office, this is a primer on how to recognize fraudsters, how to protect yourself against them, and how to minimize the damage done in case you are deceived. The discussion will include how to deploy damage control and things to do to minimize your exposure to various fraud trends. The SLO County District Attorney Senior Investigator Eric Vitale will explain the various organized crime groups responsible for conducting these fraud schemes and whom they are targeting and what Law Enforcement is doing to prevent and disrupt their operations. Sept. 18 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876. INNER ALCHEMY: A MEDITATIVE FUSION OF TEA, SOUND, AND SONG IN NATURE Our journey begins in stillness, with a ceremonial cup cradled in hand. Guided by Jen Treglode,

DREAMY DEPICTIONS

The expressive paintings of Siji Krishnan are on display at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20, until Sunday, Jan. 11. In each piece, figures seem to emerge from translucent, textured layers of pigment. To see for yourself, head to sloma.org for more information.

Chadao (Way of Tea) Practitioner with Inari Tea Art, we enter a ritual of elemental embodiment. From the hush of tea, we flow into a soundscape of sacred resonance, letting the vibrations of crystal bowls, gongs, and breath—offered by Dee DiGioia of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity—wash over you like waves, calming the tides within. A nature and rhythm & song meditation will follow. Get tickets and more info through the link. Sept. 14 9 a.m.-noon $76.83. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo. “JOYFUL RHYTHMS” DRUM CIRCLE / CHUMASH VILLAGE SLO Join for this monthly Drum Circle, a fun, unique, and uplifting social experience at the Chumash Village Clubhouse in SLO. It’s a welcoming, inclusive space for all! Social connection, emotional release, and the grounding power

of rhythm as tools to nurture well-being from the inside out is emphasized throughout the experience. Sept. 18 3:30-5 p.m. $17.91$28.62. my805tix.com. Chumash Village, 3057 S Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (510) 301-1286. KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: IMAGYMNATION STATION Drop your kiddos off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off! This is geared towards children 4 to 13 years, and no experience is necessary. Sept. 20, 5-9:30 p.m. $50/ 1 child, $70/ 2+ siblings. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ kids-party-paradise. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. LIBERTINE PRESENTS: THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH Join for some fabulous performances, a delicious brunch, and bottomless fun. Text your crew, grab your

tickets, and don’t miss the best brunch party in town! Sept. 11 , 10 a.m. $21.13. my805tix. com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

PUBLIC ART BEAUTIFICATION SERVICE

DAY Volunteer with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Art program via a Beautification Service Day! Sept. 13 1-3 p.m. (805) 858-0771. volunteer.slocity.org/need/ detail/?need_id=1064601. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-

TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen. org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

WHIP IT! A WEST COAST SWING PARTY

Westies, groove with Nexus’ West Coast Swing jam! Intermediate WCS lesson begin at 7 p.m., and social dancing begins at 8! Sept. 20 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus Ballroom D.C., 3845 S. Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your

posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com. GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY Explore aviation and aerospace with pilots, airlines, and first responders in an interactive day of discovery focused on inspiring the next generation of flight! Sept. 20 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 7815205. oceanoairport.com/events/. Oceano Airport L52, 561 Air Park Dr., Oceano. INGREDIENT PROFILE FORUM Head to this free event, covering history, etymology, import value, export value, production, crop value, processing, pricing, and recipes. RSVP via phone. Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 878-7982. instagram.com/mypassionismyfood?utm_ source=ig_web_button_share_ sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo. 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. SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach. WOMEN

BrookeWarner RobEdwards

Weinviteyoutojoinusfortwodaysoflearningandfunonthecampusof C uestaCollegeinbeautifulSanLuisObispo.Spendtimewithlike-minded i ndividuals,makeconnectionswithfellowwritersandcreatives,perusethe b ookstoreandvendortables,andlearnnewskillsfrom45+seasoned professionals.

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FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

LIBATIONS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE Join the annual fundraiser for the Piedras Blancas Light Station; a casual afternoon surrounded by history and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy pours of Harmony Cellars wine while wandering the grounds of beautiful Piedras Blancas and learning about the light station. Tickets are available at the link. Sept. 20, 3-5:30 p.m. $108. my805tix.com. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon. 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. 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. RHONE RANGERS INTERNATIONAL GRENACHE DAY CELEBRATION Enjoy tastes of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rosé, Grenache Noir, and GSM-blends from 27 wineries! There will be music with guest DJ Gestalt and Subtone. Sept. 18 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45pp + tax/fees in advance, $55pp at door. (800) 467-0163. rhonerangers.org/event-calendar/event/sept-18-grenachecelebration. 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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BEDA’S BIERGARTEN AUTHENTIC OKTOBERFEST Join Beda’s authentic family friendly Oktoberfest at SLO Grange Hall for Hofbräu beers, food, fun, games, and live music by Brass Mash. Earlybird prices are available until Aug. 31. Sept. 21 1-6 p.m. $20 early bird; then $30. (805) 439-2729. ti.to/ blueimaginarium/bedas-biergarten-oktoberfest-2025. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

DONAVAN FRANKENREITER: ROD & HAMMER RANCH WHISKEY FESTIVAL Join for the 4th Annual Rod & Hammer Ranch Day, with whiskey, music, and wild Western fun. There will be free live music, mechanical bull rides, axe throwing, smoked meats, and a local craft market. Get tickets and more info at the link. Sept. 20 12-10 p.m. $44.20. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. through April 13 $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER Oceano Community Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Sept. 13 from 4-7 p.m. All proceeds benefit needed repairs at the Oceano Train Depot. Sept. 13 , 4-7 p.m. 15.00. 916798680. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St, Oceano, CA 934459408, Oceano, vaco805.org/events.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

PHOTO BY: SARA CORNISH

PHOTO BY: LINDA TANNER

PHOTO BY: GEORGE REYES

PHOTO BY: GINA KILLINGSWORTH

PHOTO BY: CARLY PENSON

PHOTO BY: ALAN STRASBAUGH

PHOTO BY: CANDACE MASE

PHOTO BY: ALISA ASTON

Arts

Finding beauty

“For me, art is still about beauty,” oil painter Joan Brown explained in her artist statement. She’s one of three featured artists—along with oil painter Jose Silva and glass artist Linda Hill—in Morro Bay’s Gallery at Marina Square through Sept. 29.

“We respond to beauty, and whether it serves to calm, to delight, or to inspire, beauty is essential,” Brown continued. “It is an antidote to incendiary talk shows; dystopian, violent movies; and even pandemics. If I can, in my own small way, remind someone that we are surrounded with exquisite beauty if we stop and look, I am gratified.

“The natural world and the fellow species that live with us never fail to leave me in awe,” she added. “What we artists strive for will be, at its very best, still an imitation of the world we live in. How do we capture the transparency of light through water or the complexity of the human expression? Sometimes I see a scene that lives in my mind, insisting to be painted. Sometimes, I just have fun and paint a duck.”

There’s an opening reception for all three featured artists on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (805) 772-1068 for more information.

Visual travelogue

Learning to Breathe, Trekking in Nepal is a new photo exhibition by Costa Gallery owner and photojournalist

Michael J. Costa, which includes images from his 2016 trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp and his 2017 climb to Annapurna. The show hangs in Los Osos’ Costa Gallery through Oct. 26.

This show is in conjunction with Costa’s upcoming third trip to Nepal and Bhutan near the Tibetan border, which was set to begin on Sept. 6. The Los Osos artist “has been physically and emotionally preparing for his demanding journey for months,” he announced.

“It takes a lot of endurance and mental focus to climb those incredible elevations,” he explained. “At this point in my life, I’m eager to experience the people, culture, and beautiful Himalayan vistas again. My camera will help me record new memories.”

Local residents have donated to Costa’s fundraiser, Change 4 Change Nepal, by giving more than $1,000 for student programs at the Pinal Preschool in Kapan, Kathmandu.

The Costa Gallery, located at 2087 10th St., is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Call (559) 799-9632 for more information. ∆ Glen Starkey

BY GLEN STARKEY

Tubular, bro

Locally produced comedy short, Salty, slays

Dave’s (Paul Zies) got an attitude problem. Almost everyone annoys the aging surfer. When we see Dave in Salty, a new comedy written and co-directed by Josh Martin, he’s on his way to his court-ordered anger management appointment with therapist Dahlia Two Rivers (Jenny Gosnell), who asks about his “triggers.” So begins this very funny locally made 15-minute short.

Martin, co-director Alex Raban, and Gosnell— the latter two of the local production company Room for Cream Films—convened in Top Dog Co ee Bar’s back patio to explain how the short came to be. It’s connected to a full-length screenplay Martin hopes to produce in the future.

“ e feature length is [also] about Dave,” Martin began. “As you know, during COVID, a lot of weird things happened, and one of the things that happened in a lot of coastal towns was van-lifers started coming in, and people were camping on the beach.”

“Van-lifers,” as Martin calls them, are people in fancy converted Sprinter vans who move from one desirable spot to another. As the lm’s poster says, “He came for the waves. ey came for the Wi-Fi and oat milk.” In a ashback during his counseling session, Dave tells Dahlia about his encounter with a man he calls Chin Mu (Olaf Saul-Behrend), a German tech bro who parked in front of Dave’s house.

“ ere were a lot of surfers in the community that were pissed,” Martin recalled. “ ey were an easy target of humiliation, jokes, humor. In the feature, Dave lives in a coastal community, vanlifers start in ltrating his town, and as his anger increases, he starts a social media page to combat these van-lifers, to ridicule them, and it spirals, and his anger increases, and his family starts getting pissed o as he starts going o the tracks.”

Martin, an ICU RN at French Hospital, hopes to nd backers to produce the full-length.

“Initially it was recommended for me to do a preview, and I couldn’t really gure out how to shorten it that much to showcase the feature, so I decided on a short that’s in the aftermath of the destruction that Dave has caused in the featurelength story,” Martin explained. “He’s court ordered to attend anger management. She’s kind of a kooky, New Age, rebirthing therapist, so he goes to his rst appointment. As he begins to open up, we get a glimpse of Dave’s head and a glimpse of the feature-length story.”

Drop into Salty and support the MBHS surf team

Morro Bay’s Bay Theatre will screen the locally made short comedy, Salty, with the 1987 surf coming-of-age story, North Shore, followed by a fundraising raffle for the Morro Bay High School Surf Team, on Sunday, Sept. 21 (doors at 3:30 p.m.; films start at 4, with the raffle to follow). Tickets are $10 at the door. Learn more and link to the trailer at saltythemovie.com.

Dave’s triggers? Onewheelers—those self-balancing one-wheeled vehicles. Hydrofoilers—those selfpropelled surfboards with foils that lift the board out of the water. Dave’s also annoyed by stand-up paddleboarders and surfers who pull position and snake all the set waves.

all about it. I know a lot of people with kids on the team, so it’s just a way for us to give back.”

e short is laugh-out-loud funny as we watch Dave, who’s a gru but sympathetic character, navigate his changing world. While almost all the actors are locals, the lead, Zies, has credits that go back to a 2002 Star Trek: Enterprise episode as well as episodes of Cal ornication, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Days of Our Lives, NCIS: Los Angeles, Animal Kingdom, Mayans M.C., e Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and most recently NCIS. He also did voice work in e SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004) and was as in Jonah Hex (2010).

“When we were doing the casting call, I knew I wanted to try to cast a wide net,” Martin explained. “I was, like, how am I going to do that? My Instagram page didn’t have a ton of followers. I knew Mike [Jones] from [the surf shop] AZHIAZIAM does. He’s got a global following. So, I hit up Mike and I said, ‘Hey, would you put this in your stories?’

“When [Jones] put it up, within two hours I got an email from Paul saying he wanted to submit for that role. I was like, ‘What?’” e actress playing Dave’s wife also brings pro experience to the lm.

“Angelina Barbieri lives in Arroyo Grande,” Martin explained, and it just so happens that his wife—also a nurse but at Central Coast Surgical in Arroyo Grande—works with Barbieri’s husband.

“We were lying in bed, and she showed me her IMDb page, and I said, ‘Text him!’

And my wife said, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll talk to him tomorrow,’ and I said, ‘No. Text him right now.’”

By the next day, Barbieri was on board. Her credit list is also impressive, appearing in lms like Marley & Me (2008), Repo Men (2010), and Short Term 12 (2013), and acting opposite Dwayne Johnson in the TV series Ballers and in episodes of Fringe, How to Make It in America, Anger Management, e Night Shift, Rosewood, and NCIS: Los Angeles

So why bene t the Morro High surf team?

“In all honesty, sur ng saved my life,” Martin said. “I had a rough upbringing and have been sober for many years. Sur ng helped me recover from a very dark place, and anything I can give back—especially to the kids that love the ocean like I do—I’m

Co-screening is North Shore (PG; 96 min.), about Rick, an Arizona teen who uses prize money from winning a wave tank competition to travel to Hawaii and tackle the big waves.

“It’s a classic surf movie, and the pairing is perfect,” Martin explained. “Afterwards is the ra e. We’ve got a ton of people that donated— pretty much all the local shops including Wavelengths Surf Shop, Central Coast Surfboards, AZHIAZIAM, Kurt Roberts Surfboards—a bunch of other places. Local artist Gemi Donae, who owns Urban Desert, painted a custom Promer surfboard shaped by Ray Promer.”

What’s clear watching the short lm is that everyone had a blast making it, and Martin, Raban, and Gosnell coaxed great performances out of their amateur actors.

“It’s fun because they’re just playing themselves,” Gosnell said. “We wanted them to be in it as themselves.”

“Even the foilers scene, for example,” Raban added, “they wouldn’t stop. We were like, ‘Cut,’ and they were still going. We were like, ‘No, cut, you’re good, you’re good.’”

“ ose guys came out of left eld,” Gosnell laughed. “Aren’t they all doctors?”

“Yeah, I work with them all,” Martin added. “I think everyone who didn’t have acting experience understood the assignment and was 110 percent into it, and they were open to direction too,” Raban said. “ ey were seeing what we were trying to do. And then you have people like Paul and Angelina that understand blocking and understanding camera movement, where the camera’s going to be, timing, improvisation, and things like that. But sometimes it’s fun to see someone’s rst time in front of the camera. My smile was ear to ear.”

“At the end of the day, my cheeks hurt from laughing,” Gosnell said.

“ e goal of shooting the short was to promote it in a way that we can garner attention and support, whether that be nancial [or otherwise], to do the feature,” Martin added. “It’s a huge project, beyond my nancial scope.”

Martin recommends people arrive a little early to the one-time screening: “I honestly don’t know how many people are going to be there because there’s no way to buy tickets in advance.” ∆

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

AUTEURS (Left to right) Alex Raban, John Martin, and Jenny Gosnell are the filmmakers behind Salty, screening Sept. 21, in the Bay Theatre.

KOOKS ON PARADE (Left to right) Mike Ryan, Will Chung, and Tim Walsh star as a trio of amped-up hydrofoilers.

SEASON | 62

BRASS MASH

FUBAR

Consisting of three episodes—“We Gonna Ride It Out Like We Always Do” directed by Geeta Gandbhir; “Shelter of Last Resort” directed by Samantha Knowles; and “God Takes Care of Fools and Babies” directed by Spike Lee—this new documentary miniseries explores the New Orleans tragedy on its 20-year anniversary. (three approximately one-hour episodes)

KATRINA: COME HELL AND HIGH WATER

What’s it rated? TV-MA

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Glen Hurricane Katrina killed 1,392 people and caused an estimated $125 billion in damages, but those statistics don’t have the impact of actual accounts of the survivors chronicled in this excellent Spike Leeproduced documentary. You might have heard about the horrors of the Superdome or the Convention Center; you may think you know about FEMA’s failures and President George W. Bush’s glib “Heckuva job, Brownie” praise for response that was anything but praiseworthy, but the real-life horror and trauma that people su ered comes alive in this engrossing and emotionally devastating miniseries. As President Trump threatens to axe FEMA, revisiting this tragedy is more important than ever.

Anna We visited New Orleans a few years back. It is truly a special place—and what makes it so special is most certainly the residents. is documentary introduces us to those people, some who were just kids when Katrina happened, some who were adults doing all they could to keep their loved ones safe. e footage from that time is simply devastating, and I was reminded that it wasn’t necessarily the storm that caused so much destruction but the levees that broke after the high winds and rain had stopped. Come Hell and High Water makes us look straight into the face of how racial and class privilege literally decided who

HOSTAGE

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix

Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is a powerful woman, one who won’t let the world see her feathers ruffled, even when faced with the harsh reality of a kidnapped husband. She’s also got French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) to deal with, and Vivienne is a right-wing fringe politician hungry for reelection.

As medication shortages and border policies ping the world’s attention, the two politicians face separate but equally dire personal quandaries. Things get intricately messy, complicated, and dismal for both. While audience focus stays on Dalton’s dilemma, filmmakers are

lived and who died, and see the increasingly deplorable actions (or lack thereof) taken by government o cials. Katrina changed the city and the people of New Orleans 20 years ago, and it still has impacts today. is is a melancholy tribute to those who lived and died through it.

Glen I think what’s frustrating for many of those interviewed is they don’t see that much has changed in 20 years. I loved hearing from all the artists and musicians who were interviewed, but I think the character who most stood out to me was Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who assumed command of the Katrina Joint Task Force to restore order to New Orleans. While “leaders” like Bush were railing against crime and looting, Honoré, a Louisiana native, saw people trying to survive in impossible circumstances. He ordered local law enforcement and military personnel to lower their weapons instead of aiming them at desperate survivors. e documentary showed two period news photos of people in the oodwaters, and the caption under a Black person carrying food read that he was

smart to give us a B story with Toussaint to also follow. It makes it all the juicier.

These two actresses know how to play off each other, and the pairing of characters who are unfriendly but thrust together gives this series some grit and propulsion. A lot of time is spent watching Abigail say no to the demands of the kidnappers, then everyone freaks out, then Abigail reveals an elaborate trick that helps to move both the hostage negotiation and the plot of the show onward.

Anyone who enjoys a good political thriller is sure to get a fix with Hostage. The storyline and acting are compelling. This is an effortless binge. (five approximately 38- to 46-min. episodes)

—Anna

FREAKY TALES

“looting,” while the caption under two white people said they were “ nding” food. People doing the exact same thing. e di erence? Skin color. Would we do better if Katrina happened today? I have my doubts. Anna Honoré certainly is a hero in this sad story—he’s a no-nonsense military man who bleeds and breathes compassion. Other players in the game don’t come o as likeable, like Mayor Ray Nagin, who de ected blame for not evacuating the city sooner, and Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who decreed to pray the pain away. When disaster strikes, the haves and the have-nots are on blatant display. It’s important to remind ourselves of this tragedy so that the next time a storm rolls our way, we do better. Expertly directed by a trio of lmmakers who know how to let the storytellers take the lead, this series reminds us all that we’re just one bad storm away from our lives being forever altered. ∆

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

What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max

Co-written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel ), Freaky Tales tells four interconnected stories all set in real locations and connected to historical events in 1987 Oakland.

“Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back” depicts young punk rock fans at an Operation Ivy show at 924 Gilman St. being tormented by but eventually fighting back against neo-Nazis.

“Don’t Fight the Feeling” follows two female rappers—Entice (Normani) and Barbie (Dominique Thorne)—challenged to a rap battle with Too $hort who are demoralized by misogyny

but find the strength to overcome.

“Born to Mack” stars Pedro Pascal as Clint, a criminal trying to escape his life of crime whose pregnant wife is murdered by an old enemy. Thinking his family, including his unborn child, is dead, he defies his old criminal gang. “The Legend of Sleepy Floyd” finds Golden State Warriors star Eric Augustus “Sleepy”

Cloud).

It’s funny, cartoonishly violent, and has an amazing period soundtrack. It also perfectly captures its time and place. After premiering at Sundance Film Festival, it’s now on HBO Max. (107 min.) ∆

Floyd (Jay Ellis) playing a record-setting game while his family is attacked by Nazi gang leader Travis (Angus

TAKING CHARGE Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré is one of the true heroes of the Hurricane Katrina response as he worked to overcome systemic government failures in his effort to coordinate military relief efforts, as depicted in the Netflix documentary miniseries Katrina: Come Hell and High Water

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

BURN, BABY, BURN Clint (Pedro Pascal) is determined

Freaky Tales, streaming on HBO Max.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE

IRON LADIES A summit between two European leaders is disrupted when British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton’s (Suranne Jones, left) husband is kidnapped and French President Vivienna Toussaint (Julie Delpy) is blackmailed, in Hostage, streaming on Netflix.

COURTESY PHOTO BY KEVIN BAKER/NETFLIX

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Soul man

Jordan Anderson of J & The Causeways found his voice

Between singer and keyboardist Jordan Anderson’s soulful voice and his band’s saxophone and trumpet twin horn attack, J & The Causeways embodies what their hometown—New Orleans—is all about: “It’s that breath of fresh air that is New Orleans,” Anderson, 34, noted in press materials. “There are no bounds for music, food, art, people, and culture—everything is enriched here.”

This week, Numbskull and Good Medicine present Anderson and his band in Club Car Bar on Thursday, Sept. 18 (3 to 6 p.m.; all ages; $21.32 presale or $24.41 day of show at goodmedicinepresents.com). They’re touring in support of their new 10-track album, Motions, whose theme they describe as “togetherness and compassion.”

“This album is about getting the listener to tap into their own inner power and inner beauty,” Anderson said. “Stop searching outward for those answers. Start searching inward. And then, maybe we can raise ourselves up and out of our sadness and problems.”

Anderson, a Louisiana native, was raised in a rural community by a musical family. If they weren’t playing and singing together, they were listening to records by Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Otis Redding. Motions was recorded by musicians/ producers Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman of NOLA cosmic funk outfit Galactic at Studio in the Country and Esplanade Studios. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like this album was some sort of creative burst,” Anderson said. “There were no compromises made on this. This is absolutely the closest version of who I really am that I’ve been trying to record and put out.”

They’ve been together as a band for eight years now, and Motions is actually their debut fulllength after recording an EP, live album, and a couple of singles. As his bio explains, Anderson spent years trying to discover

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AARON GOLAY AND THE ORIGINAL

SIN WITH AC MYLES Loud, yet tender with high energy, engaging live performances are what stand out with Aaron Golay, an Idaho born and raised artist whose songwriting has formed a distinct shape over his first three album releases. Sept. 12 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15.30. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

ALBERT LEE – THE BRITISH GUITAR

LEGEND COMES TO MORRO BAY!

Head to the Siren and hear British-born country-rock artist Albert Lee live in Morro. He started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of sixties London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. Sept. 11 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25.59. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

his voice and identity “in an often hard-tonavigate music industry filled with seemingly endless unknowns.”

“At first, it was so stressful, because you’re finding your sound and you’re gritting it out, trying to find something that is you,” Anderson recalled. “But now, when we got into the [recording] process and started putting these songs on record, I can’t believe what I was hearing back—it was what I wanted and more.”

An immediate touchstone to explain his sound might be St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Like singer Paul Janeway, Anderson is white and has an incredible range and emotive power.

“It’s that vulnerability of going around your house and being real goofy with your voice,” Anderson said. “And that really does factor into learning how to get a boastful and unique voice, by being vulnerable and trying things—finding the value of looking inside yourself.”

Anderson’s enjoying his moment of finally becoming comfortable in his own skin.

“There’s no other true time. The past and the future? It’s all just made up,” Anderson asserted. “All we have are these moments that we’re having right now. This album is about vibrations and helping people put their own energies out into the world.”

Also this week from Good Medicine and Numbskull, check out Bad Cop Bad Cop at Club Car Bar on Sunday, Sept. 14 (3 to 6 p.m.; all ages; $14.63 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with opener Build a Rocket

Bad Cop is an all-female pop punk band that sounds like Bad Religion or NOFX. They’re touring in support of Lighten Up (Fat Wreck Chords, releasing on Sept. 19), the SoCal group’s fourth album.

New Zealand reggae act Katchafire plays The Siren on Sunday, Sept. 14 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $35.74 at goodmedicinepresents.com). The all-Maori band has “six successful albums, platinum sales, hit singles, and a massive fanbase selling out shows around the world,” according to their bio.

Fans of Chris Stapleton won’t want to miss Traveller, a tribute to the

famed singer-songwriter behind classics like “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Parachute,” “Broken Halos,” “Starting Over,” and “Fire Away,” when they play BarrelHouse Brewing on Friday, Sept. 19 (6 p.m.; all ages; $32.65 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Expect “an immersive, high-energy experience that will leave audiences captivated and eager for more,” Traveller’s bio states.

Rockin’ Americana

Aaron Golay and the Original Sin play music that’s immediately accessible. There’s something deeply satisfying about listening to the harmony singing between frontman Golay (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and his bassist Darcy Erickson. Add in drummer

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. FRIDAY TWILIGHT CONCERTS Enjoy live music and food truck fare on Harmony Cellars’ hilltop patio every Friday this summer! This is a ticketed event. Fridays, 5:15-7:15 p.m. through Sept. 12 $25/pp, $20/club. (805) 927-1625. harmonycellars. com/. Harmony Cellars, 3255 Harmony Valley Rd., P.O. Box 2502, Harmony. 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.

STORYTELLING WITH MUSIC Join Brynn Albanese and Jody Mulgrew in the launch of the new CCU Season. Storytellers Amber Atkinson and award-winning storyteller and naturalist, Dean Thompson, will share stories of folklore and nature accompanied by a soundscape of improvised music. Sept. 20, 2-4:30 p.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2700 Eton Road, Cambria.

WHALE ROCK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Enjoy two days of wine-loving, peace, and music in the vineyard at Castoro Cellars winery. The lineup features Young the Giant, Shane Smith & The Saints. Sept. 13 noon and Sept. 14 12-10 p.m. $95 - 175. whalerockmusicfestival.com/. Castoro

Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, (805) 238-0725.

WHITE CAPS TO PERFORM AT THE MORRO BAY HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE

Don’t miss the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band performing exciting pops, classical, and jazz music at the new Morro Bay High School Theatre! Sept. 20 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Rd., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. They blend heartland rock with classic rock influences. Sept. 12 , 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jack Creek Farms, 5000 Hwy 46 West, Templeton, (805) 239-1915. Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and

memorable songs. They blend heartland rock with classic rock influences. Sept. 13 5-7 p.m. Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country, 2500 Airport Rd, Paso Robles, (805) 238-4560.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Hear him live at Paso Robles Inn. Sept. 20 6-9 p.m. 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.

JAZZ AT SENSORIO PASO ROBLES

WITH JAAMAL BAPTISITE, SUNNY WRIGHT, AND ALEX MORRISON Listen to jazz at Sensorio with Jaamal Baptiste on piano, Sunny Wright on vocals, and Alex Morrison on bass. There will be a full bar, firepit tables, a taco truck, and lawn games. Sept. 11 , 6:45-9:45 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso. com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

JAZZ, BLUES, AND SOUL AT HALTER RANCH WINERY WITH SUNNY WRIGHT AND JAKE ODELL Vocalist Sunny Wright and guitarist Jake Odell will entertain with Jazz and Blues during lunch and Wine tasting at the beautiful Halter Ranch Tasting Room. Sept. 14 12-3 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 226-9455. halterranch.com/eventslive-music. Halter Ranch Vineyard, 8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles. LIVE AT DARK STAR: THE GARDEN

NOLA SOUL AND R&B Numbskull and Good Medicine present J & The Causeways at Club Car Bar on Sept. 18

FIRE IT UP Numbskull and Good Medicine present New Zealand reggae act Katchafire at The Siren on Sept. 14

Brunch

Sundays Only - 8 am ‘til 3 pm

Vegan Hash. Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, onions, local mushrooms, garlic, cilantro, harissa, and avocado. Toast or biscuit.

Breakfast Burger. Snake River Farms

American Wagyu beef patty, melted provolone, and an egg, with sliced tomato and warm bacon-onion jam, on a home-made hamburger bun.

Avocado Toast. Avocado, heirloom tomato, and poached eggs on home-made sourdough toast.

Ceviche. Mexican sea bass, shrimp, and lobster marinated in Meyer lemon and seasonings. With radishes and corn tortilla chips.

Michael Tetro’s dynamic drumming and this soulful Americana and roots rock outfit is intoxicating. And the songs? Hooky, smartly written, and fun to move to. See them in The Siren on Friday, Sept. 12 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15.30 at tixr.com) with AC Myles opening.

There’s also free music at The Siren on Saturday, Sept. 13, starting with high-octane rock cover band Undercover (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older). Later that night, Murder Hornets bring their surf, psych, and punk rock to the club (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 21-and-older).

Hardcore legends

Hermosa Beach circa 1979 was a primordial musical stew bubbling with talent and untamed restless energy. Out of this gumbo formed Circle Jerks, with former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris teaming with Redd Kross guitarist Greg Hetson. Their 1980 debut, Group Sex, is still considered a genre-defining record.

The band’s broken up and reformed a number of times, but Morris and Hetson

remain, currently joined by Zander Schloss and Joey Castillo. They play the Fremont Theater on Sunday, Sept. 14 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $42.23 at prekindle. com), with Ceremony and Negative Approach

Indie rock hat trick SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock present a three-band show this Thursday, Sept. 18 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20.79 at ticketweb.com), when Couch Dog plays with local indie rockers The Let Downs and Avalynn. Originally from SLO Town, Couch Dog recently relocated to Los Angeles.

“Over our four-plus years as a band, we have cultivated a strong local community

and gained notoriety across California by playing shows all along the coast,” the band said in their bio. “As we grow, we have garnered a nationwide community of listeners and community members. From performing a sold-out Fremont Theater show to 900-plus people, to opening for larger acts like Sad Park/The Frights and Dayglow, to consistently playing DIY house shows, and playing the Shabang Music Festival for three years in a row now, we have done it all. We are Couch Dog! We make music for dancing, crying, and kissing.”

¡Arriba!

Nederlander Concerts presents legendary regional Mexican group Banda El Recodo in the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Friday, Sept. 19 (doors at 6:30, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $35 to $150 at ticketmaster.com).

“Banda El Recodo formed in 1938 and has been under the direction of the Lizárraga family ever since,” according to press materials. “They are the only band to win the Latin Grammy nine times.”

Expect lots of horns, two singers, matching outfits, and traditional Mexican music. ∆

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

STARKEY from page 33

WILD IN THE STREETS Good Vibez presents old-school hardcore punk act Circle Jerks at the Fremont Theater on Sept. 14

DANCING, CRYING, KISSING SLO Brew Live presents Couch Dog at Rod & Hammer Rock on Sept. 18

COURTESY

LEYENDAS MEXICANAS Nederlander Concerts presents nine-time Latin Grammy winners Banda El Recodo at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Sept. 19

TRIBUTE Numbskull and Good Medicine present Traveller—a Tribute to Chris Stapleton at BarrelHouse Brewing on Sept. 19.

REVOLUTION FROM THE HEART OF NATURE

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

OCTOBER 3-4, 2025

OCTAGON BARN • SLO

Includes free Repair Café by Five Cities Repair Café on Saturday, October 4

Great work is happening on the environmental and social justice fronts. Come hear some good news for a change at this dynamic gathering of visionary movement leaders, activists and professionals exploring innovative, nature-based solutions.

A presentation of

Details&Online Registration www.ecologistics.org

PARTY The Garden Party plays music of the sixties and seventies helped to shape not only the baby boomer generation, but all music and all musicians. Sept. 13 , 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars. com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH MICHAEL PETERS

Enjoy classic country tunes with Michael Peters, along with wine specials, tastings, and Alba Provisions snack boxes. It will be the perfect laid-back afternoon in Paso. Reservations are encouraged! Sept. 21 , 3-6 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/events/092125music. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

LIVE MUSIC WITH TALIE COPEN Enjoy live music from Talie Copen—country, folk americana, and ‘80s covers—plus wine specials, tastings, and snack boxes from Alba Provisions. Reservations are encouraged! Sept. 12 , 4-7 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/ events/091225music. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by The Journals 805 (John and Dylan Krause). Mondays, 9 p.m. Pine Street Saloon, 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SENSORIO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Fresh off launching a new art installation, Sensorio Paso Robles unveils its Summer Concert Series lineup, running Sundays from June 1 to October 12. Get tickets and more info at the link. Sept. 21 6:30-10:30 p.m. $55 - $140. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso. com/sensorio-celebrations. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

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

SIPS & SOUNDS WEDNESDAY Doors to our tasting room will open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6. There will be no cover charge, but a drink purchase is required. This is a 21+ event. Sept. 17 6-8 p.m. (805) 591-7003. stilsoncellars.com/ events/. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Fresh off its latest art and music installation, Sensorio Paso Robles announces its Summer Concert Series, running from the beginning of June until October, featuring exciting live acts. Sept. 21 $55 - $140. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/ sensorio-celebrations. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974, humdingerbrewing.com.

CLOONEE, DOMBRESKY, MINDCHATTER, SHERMANOLOGY & HAUWARD LED presents Cloonee, Dombresky, Mindchatter, and more at the Spanos Stadium. This is an 18+ show. Sept. 20 5:30-10 p.m. $55. Spanos Stadium, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-0275.

CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: AFTER PARTY SERIES Enjoy free live music in downtown SLO every Friday, immediately following the Concerts in the Plaza. The concerts are 21+. Sept. 12 , 8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA AFTER PARTY: THE DAVE TATE BAND Join for a free evening of live music from the Dave Tate Band. Food and drinks will be available. 21+. Sept. 12 8:30-10:30 p.m. Free. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

THE JORGE LUIS PACHECO TRIO The SLO County Jazz Federation presents the masterful Cuban pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco in a Tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacheco is a fiery performer whose artistry has been featured at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and the Apollo Theater among many international venues. He will perform with his trio, including Reinier Mendoza on percussion and Geron Lazo-Quiroga on bass. Sept. 20 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39.34. my805tix.com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

LIBERTINE PRESENTS: OUTSIDE DOG WITH RAMP Sept. 18 8 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

LIBERTINE PRESENTS: RAY AND PAUL WITH BIG SIERRA Hear Bay Area-based band Ray and Paul live at Libertine, with support from Big Sierra. This show is 21+. Sept. 19, 8 p.m. $17.91. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

LUVLAB PRESENTS ~ ARDALAN Hailing from Tehran and raised between Iran and California, Ardalan is known for his eclectic taste and signature left-of-center sound. One can expect a set that fuses deep, jarring beats with lush melodies, showcasing why he’s a regular on some of the world’s top stages. Get tickets at the link. Sept. 19, 8-11:45 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

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. EAGLES NEST ROCKS WITH NOTHING BUT TROUBLE Eagles Nest rocks with Nothing But Trouble from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 2-6 p.m. (805) 709-8002. facebook.com/events/s/eagles-nestrockz-with-nothing/1934748060400106/. Five Cities Fraternal Order Of Eagles, 1713 Front St., Oceano.

IN THE AIR TONIGHT CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF GENESIS & PHIL COLLINS

Experience In The Air Tonight, a powerful live tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins, packed with iconic hits, stunning vocals, and an unforgettable musical journey. Sept. 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39.50-$65.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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.

17TH ANNUAL CUESTA ACOUSTIC GUITAR CONCERT FEAT. TONY MCMANUS The Cuesta Guitar Class Program presents internationally known Celtic Guitar sensation Tony McManus, joined by Dorian Michael and Jennifer Martin. Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. $17 General, $10 Students w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

BRASS MASH & DAVE TATE AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Dave Tate at 5, followed by a live performance from Brass Mash and an after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with The Dave Tate Band. Sept. 12 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

CCMP PRESENTS HALFWAY TO DEATH

FEST Central Coast Music Productions presents Halfway to Death Fest, an all ages anniversary and birthday event featuring The Relative Minimum, Crawling Through Tartarus, Desanguinate, Pentacaustic, Of The Betrayer, WayIIStoned, Meridian Parkway, Stronger Than Machines, Isolate/Divide, and Immodesty. Sept. 14 , 3 p.m. Humdinger

MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE - UNDER THE MOON CONCERT W/ THE SILENT COMEDY Enjoy the Under the Moon concerts, a unique series that blends the band’s love for the outdoors with a high-end live music experience, creating intimate, open-air nights that feel magical and memorable. Sept. 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 782-8060.

NATE SIB WITH SPECIAL GUEST KIMJ

Hear the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multiinstrumentalist Nate Sib live at SLO Brew. Get tickets and more details at the link. Sept. 21 7 p.m. $29.27. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

QUEEN NATION Queen Nation is the undisputed #1 ranked Queen Tribute Band in the United States. Hear them live at The Fremont Theater. Sept. 13 8 p.m. $46.32. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Head to the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct.

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. MUSIC WITH A VIEW - OPEN GATES AT THE CHAPMAN ESTATE GARDEN Enjoy Open Gates at the seaside Chapman Estate in Shell Beach. Bring a picnic dinner and music, tables, chairs, and views will be supplied. Docent-led garden tours are available. Fridays, 5-7:30 p.m. through Oct. 24 $5/ person + $5 for Docent tours (optional). chapmanestatefoundation.org/. Chapman Estate, Private residence, Shell Beach. SLO COUNTY BAND THURSDAY NIGHT SUMMER CONCERTS Join in on the fun at these free Thursday night concerts with the Slo County Band. Bring your lawn chairs! Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 11 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/ events. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.

A TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY LINDA RONSTADT WITH RONSTADT REVIVAL FEATURING SHANNON RAE Experience Ronstadt Revival—Shannon Rae and a 7-piece band bring Linda Ronstadt’s legendary hits to life with raw, authentic, 100% live music and heartfelt storytelling. Sept. 13 7:30-9:30 p.m. $44.50-$65.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CONCERT FOR A CAUSE WITH ELIJAH SCOTT For the first time on the Central Coast, Elijah Scott will perform live, redefining country music with a raw, soulful sound. Blending the storytelling tradition of Americana with the bluesy grit of urban life, this a show you won’t want to miss! Sept. 13 5-8 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8463. ∆

BY MADISON WHITE

Garden party

Businesses donate food, beverages, and dessert to the Chapman Estate’s 10th annual Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser

The Chapman Estate, a fixture on the bluffs of Shell Beach overlooking the Pacific since 1930, is home to a koi pond, a colorful begonia house, a windmill, and the Tudor-style abode.

“This is what we’re working to preserve. It’s worth saving, and it’s worth opening the doors to let people see,” volunteer Lillian Jewell said.

As the president of the Chapman Estate Foundation, Jewell spends most of the year preparing for Swingin’ by the Sea, the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser.

On Sept. 20, the foundation’s volunteers will host a party on the estate grounds with hundreds of guests. Around 20 vendors will offer food and beverages at booths on the lawn, and a professional auctioneer will officiate the live auction toward the end of the afternoon.

“It will be a beautiful evening for people to come out and enjoy a garden party at the estate and to feel a part of contributing to saving this treasure for the community,” Jewell said.

Philanthropist Clifford Chapman and his wife, Rose, bought the property in the 1960s from the original builders. After his death, Chapman left the estate to the city of Pismo Beach in 2013.

At the heart of the 10th

Join the festivities

The Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser will be held on Sept. 20 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Chapman Estate. To buy tickets online and view a full list of participating restaurants and wineries, visit chapmanestatefoundation.org.

annual Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser are numerous local businesses donating food and drinks to support restoration efforts at the estate. Some have been longtime supporters of the event, but for others, like Avila Wine and Roasting Company, this is their first year participating.

Manny Luiz, the owner of Avila Wine and Roasting, remembers spending holidays and summers at his grandparents’ house just up the street from the Chapman Estate.

“I used to walk by that house every day thinking, ‘One day I’m going to step foot on this property,’” Luiz said.

Now he is excited to be part of the fundraiser, which he discovered through one of his wine club members.

Luiz will be pouring Austin Hope cabernet sauvignon, Rombauer chardonnay, and Belle Glos pinot noir. The three wines are highly rated, Luiz added, which he enjoys serving to his visitors.

He’ll also be offering two beers from Russian River Brewery: Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig IPA.

For the live auction, Luiz donated beer and wine with collectors’ labels from the LA Dodgers’ World Series win last year.

“I just like being part of an event that raises money for important causes,” Luiz said.

For bubbly selections, guests can visit Laetitia Vineyard and Winery’s booth. Kasey Helt, the direct-to-consumer director for Laetitia, said the winery will be pouring a refreshing sparkling rosé.

Laetitia is also auctioning off its reserve pinot noir and sparkling Cuvée M, the winemaker’s favorite, Helt noted.

“We really love to support the community and just be a part of what’s going on,” Helt said. “We’re always looking for ways to support local charities.”

Like Laetitia, Lido at Dolphin Bay has been a long-standing donor for Swingin’ by the Sea. Food and Beverage Director Robin Puricelli said Lido is honored to help the effort to preserve the estate. The restaurant plans to serve ceviche with mango, avocado, papaya, and coconut at its booth.

“It’s our neighborhood,” Puricelli said. “We want to support the locals and the community.”

One of the big-ticket auction items is Lido’s dinner party in the dining room of the

the historic parties

Chapman threw. Diners will even eat off Chapman’s china.

The dinner is so popular that in a previous year, three parties matched each other’s bids and Shackelford agreed to host three dinners, tripling donations.

Chapman Estate. Chef Chris Shackelford will prepare a multi-course meal for the winner inspired by

Clifford

A CLASSY THROWBACK Lido, a restaurant and spa resort in Pismo Beach, is auctioning off a private dinner party—like the ones Clifford Chapman used to throw—at the Chapman Estate with Lido chef, Chris Shackelford.

HOLY FUDGE Hubbalicious Sweet Shoppe in Arroyo Grande is participating in the Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser for the first time. The candy store is the event’s exclusive dessert partner.

MONEY FOR FOOD every month

“We’re going to do whatever we can for them to succeed because it is historic, and it’s this really special, unique place in this tiny, precious town of Shell Beach,” Puricelli said.

Guests can end their evening with a sweet treat provided by Arroyo Grande’s Hubbalicious Sweet Shoppe.

David Hubbell, the chief operating officer of Hubbalicious, has lived in the area for more than 20 years. His shop is family operated, often supporting schools, nonprofits, and other businesses in the area, Hubbell explained. The Hubbalicious slogan is “bringing the community together, one scoop at a time.”

If guests have room for dessert, Hubbalicious is bringing its vintage ice cream cart and auctioning off fudge platters, the store’s signature product. Of the 18 fudge flavors, Hubbel thinks dark chocolate will be a hit when paired with the wine served at the fundraiser.

Get help applying for CalFresh: in Pismo Beach.

Date: September 24, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: New Life Church (990 James Way, Pismo Beach) What to Bring: Valid I.D., Social Security Card, & Proof of Income

• 805-238-4664

Never miss SLO County’s biggest stories and breaking news, sent to your inbox every Thursday morning.

“Giving back and being part of a community is just what the candy store is about,” Hubbell said. “It’s the reason why we are here.” ∆

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Reach Sun Staff Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper to the south, at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

PINK BUBBLY Laetitia Vineyard and Winery is known for making sparkling wines, and it will be pouring sparkling rosé at the upcoming fundraiser.

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CVS Rx Services, Inc., a CVS Health company, is hiring for the following roles in San Luis Obispo, CA: Pharmacy Manager (R0705572) to Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. Position may require weekly domestic travel and/or work (as needed) at additional pharmacy store locations in California (CA), including in San Luis Obispo County (CA), Santa Barbara County (CA) and/or other surrounding counties. Pay Range: $145600.00/year to $180960.00/year. Multiple Positions. Related degree &/or experience &/or skills &/or license required for all positions. The Company offers a full range of benefits. For more detailed information on available benefits, please visit https://jobs.cvshealth.com/us/en/ benefits. Apply online at http://jobs.cvshealth.com/. Or send resume to istappintake@cvshealth.com. Must reference job title, location, & Req ID. HAULING & CLEAN-UP

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CA 93403-8119

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court CASE NAME: Vladimir Philip Sousa CASE NUMBER: 25JD00149-001

1. To: Anthony King and anyone claiming to be a parent of Vladimir Philip Sousa born on 05/19/2025 at Twin Cities Community Hospital, Templeton, California

2. A hearing will be held on October 22, 2025, at 1:15 pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calendar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court. The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.

3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.

4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.

5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.

6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.

7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.

Date: August 21, 2025 /s/ Myranda Morales, Deputy Clerk

August 28, September 4, 11, & 18, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court CASE NAME: Vladimir Philip Sousa CASE NUMBER: 25JD00149-001

1. To: Tatiana Sousa aka Tatiana Danielle Sousa and anyone claiming to be a parent of Vladimir Philip Sousa born on 05/19/2025 at Twin Cities Community Hospital, Templeton, California

2. A hearing will be held on October 22, 2025, at 1:15 pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

*This hearing will be held remotely. If you wish to appear by telephone, your attorney in this case must notify the Court on the day of the hearing, prior to the hearing calendar. If you wish to appear in person, notify your attorney in this case. If you do not have an attorney and you wish to appear for the hearing, you must contact the court. The remote hearing will be confidential. You must not record the hearing, allow others to listen to the hearing, or disclose to others what occurs during the hearing. Participants who violate confidentiality may be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.

3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.

4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.

5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.

6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.

7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.

Date: August 21, 2025 /s/ Myranda Morales, Deputy Clerk

September

ACCORD LX SEDAN

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25CVP-0120

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Amanda Dawley filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Sunny Jone Canter to PROPOSED

NAME: Sunny Jane Canter Dawley

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: October 15, 2025, Time: 9:30 am, Dept. 4, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: August 27, 2025 /s/: MC Kelly, Judge of the Superior Court September 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2025 Public Notice of Lien Sale Auction: This notice is given that Buckley Springs Storage, 901 Buckley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, will sell personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the California Self-Storage Facilities Act. (California Business & Professions Code 21700)

The undersigned will sell at public auction at www.storageauctions.net

from September 12, 2025– September 19, 2025, of contents stored by the following persons and will be sold to the highest bidder:

Justin Pitts of Auburn, AL unit C141 Sectional couch, futon and shelving

Public sale terms, rules, and regulations will be made available prior to the sale. All sales are subject to cancellation. We reserve the right to refuse any bid. Buyers must secure the units with their own personal locks. To claim tax-exempt status, original RESALE certificates for each space purchased are required. Cash only.

September 4 & 11, 2025 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

NEW FILE NO. 2025-1463

OLD FILE NO. 2024-1700 Black Diamond Vermicompost, 5325

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF

NAME

NEW FILE NO. 2025-1724

OLD FILE NO. 2024-2600 The Pet Department, 705 6th St., Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 12/30/2024. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Brian Wright (705 6th St., Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business was conducted by An Individual /s/ Brian Wright. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 08/19/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By M. Maltby, Deputy Clerk. August 28, September 4, 11, & 18, 2025

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

NEW FILE NO. 2025-1747

OLD FILE NO. 2025-1573 Cayucos Coffee Shop, 155 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, CA 93430. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 07/25/2025. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Cayucos Coffee Shop LLC (155 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, CA 93430). This business was conducted by A Limited Liability Company /s/ Cayucos Coffee Shop LLC, Fabiola Berenice Tinoco Gonzalez, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 08/21/2025. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By M. Maltby, Deputy Clerk. August 28, September 4, 11, & 18, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, September 25, 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 Verizon Wireless for a Development Plan / Coastal Development Permit

(N-DRC2023-00053) to allow the construction and operation of a 55-foot-tall faux mono-eucalyptus tree wireless communications facility consisting of the following: 1) six panel antennas, 2) six remote radio units, 3) four surge suppressor units, and 4) one GPS antenna. The project also includes associated trenching, equipment, cabinets, and hardware including a 30-kW emergency diesel generator. The proposed project will result in the ground disturbance of 3,580 square feet on a 1.37-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Commercial Service land use category and is located at 1155 Los Olivos Avenue (behind the Grocery Outlet), in the community of Los Osos within the Estero Planning Area Coast Zone.

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

County File Number: N-DRC2023-00053

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 074-292-004

Date Accepted: 7/31/2025

WHERE

The hearing will be held in Katcho Achadjian Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,1055 Monterey Street, Room #D170, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the meeting all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Commission September 11, 2025

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, September 25, 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 Robert Soto and Verizon Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00049) to allow the construction and operation of an unmanned wireless communications facility consisting of nine (9) panel antennas, six (6) remote radio units, four (4) surge suppressor units, and one (1) GPS antennae disguised within a 45-foottall faux water tank, and associated trenching, equipment, cabinets, and hardware. The ancillary hardware, including a 30-kW emergency diesel generator, is to be located within a 1,080-square-foot (18’ x 60’) lease area surrounded by a chain link fence enclosure. The proposed project is within the agriculture land use category and is located at 8610 Green Valley Road, approximately 12 miles east of the Community of Cambria. The subject property is within the Adelaida sub-area of the North County planning area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3) because it consists of the construction of a small wireless facility that will be concealed within a 45-foot tall faux water tank. Additionally, the proposed project is covered by the General Rule Exemption, Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the project may have a significant effect on the environment (ED 25-0199).

County File Number: N-DRC2023-00049

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 014-191-059

Date Accepted: 8/22/2025

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 Blake Maule, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4163.

Eighmy, Secretary

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

2026 ACTION PLAN NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

The Department of Social Services Homeless Services Division is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the 2026 Action Plan is now available at slocounty.gov/HomelessServicesGrants. Information regarding specific activities and the qualifying applicant for each grant is available on the website. The Neighborly Software Portal will begin accepting applications on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually allocates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) to meet community development needs. These funds can be used to address the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals by creating, preserving and maintaining diverse housing or shelter opportunities, reducing the number of individuals or families experiencing homelessness, building affordable housing, stabilizing and revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing economic opportunities.

County General Funds may be used for homelessnessrelated programs and emergency shelters.

Eligible applicants for funds include private nonprofits, private for-profit entities (economic development activities only), governmental agencies (such as a public housing authority or a park district), and units of general local government (such as a city participating in the urban county). Applicants should refer to the website slocounty. gov/HomelessServicesGrants for specific information on eligible projects.

Deadline to apply is 5:00 pm, Friday, October 10, 2025. Please email SS_homelessgrants@co.slo.ca.us with questions.

A grant information session for potential applicants will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Zoom. The link to the online meeting is located at slocounty.gov/HomelessServicesGrants. Attendee(s) will be informed of grant specific requirements and have an opportunity to ask questions.

An Applicant Software Training Workshop will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Zoom. The link to the online training session is available at slocounty.gov/HomelessServicesGrants.

PUBLIC INPUT ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT

A virtual Community Development Needs Assessment Survey to prioritize goals approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 8, 2025, for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan is available online at slocounty.gov/CommunityDevelopment. Interested community members are encouraged to complete the online survey.

September 11, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:

Project Description: A refile of the entitlement to construct a self-storage facility of approximately 155, 231 square feet located within four (4) buildings on approximately 5.35 acres.

Applicant: DRA Commercial, LLC / Jordan Architects

Location: 65 Nutwood Circle / 009-851-023)

CEQA Determination: No subsequent environmental review is necessary because the refile would not result in any significant environmental impacts not considered in the approved MND. There is no substantial evidence in the record suggesting any of the criteria set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 is met, and accordingly, no subsequent environmental review is necessary..

Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on September 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles .

The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting. Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission.

Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

September 11, 2025

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:

Project Description: Subdivision to create 4 parcels of land. (Tentative Parcel Map PR 250032, P22-0076)

Applicant: Black Oaks, Inc and the City of Paso Robles

Location: 2320 24th Street (APN 008-171-016) CEQA Determination: The tentative parcel map is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a class 15 categorical exemption for minor subdivisions (Section 15315 of the CEQA Guidelines).

Hearing Date: The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on September 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chamber/Library Conference Center, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.

The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity. com/youtube, and call (805) 865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.

Written public comments can be submitted via email to planning@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the City Clerk, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the Planning Commission. Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. September 11, 2025

CITY OF GROVER BEACH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, on September 22, 2025 in City Hall, Council Chambers, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA to consider the following item:

SUBJECT:

Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California Amending Sections 31.08 and 31.23 of Chapter 31 (Organizations) of Title III (Administration) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code Pertaining to Appointments and Vacancies for the Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission

Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may be heard on the item described in this notice by calling (805) 321-6639 during the meeting or submit written comments to the City Clerk prior to the meeting by mail to: City Clerk’s Office, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to gbadmin@groverbeach.org, or by appearing in person at the City Council meeting. If you require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact: the City Manager’s Department by telephone at (805) 473-4567 or send an e-mail to gbadmin@ groverbeach.org

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and copy of the staff report on the above item will be posted on the City website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of City Council meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as on the Internet at www. slo-span-org.

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

WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK

Dated: Thursday, September 11, 2025

CITY OF GROVER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m or soon thereafter, on September 22, 2025 in City Hall, Council Chambers, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA to consider the following item:

SUBJECT:

Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Relating to the Reorganization, Compilation, Renumbering, Amendment, Repeal, Restatement, and Codification of Existing Ordinances and Adopting a New Municipal Code Where You Come In:

Any member of the public may be heard on the item described in this notice by calling (805) 321-6639 during the meeting or submit written comments to the City Clerk prior to the meeting by mail to: City Clerk’s Office, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to gbadmin@groverbeach.org, or by appearing in person at the City Council meeting. If you require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.

For More Information:

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact: the City Manager’s Department by telephone at (805) 473-4567 or send an e-mail to gbadmin@ groverbeach.org

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and copy of the staff report on the above item will be posted on the City website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of City Council meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as on the Internet at www. slo-span-org.

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

_/s/_______________________________

WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK

Dated: Thursday, September 11, 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 Chambers located at 215 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, to consider the following item:

Consideration of Amendments to Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, and Low Barrier Navigation Centers and Finding That This Action Is Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act

The City Council will discuss the proposed amendments to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) regarding supportive housing, transitional housing, and low barrier navigation centers, bringing the AGMC into conformance with state law.

In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that the proposed AGMC amendments are exempt from CEQA because they do not qualify as a “project” under CEQA and because they will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(2),(3)) and 15061(b)(3).

This City Council meeting is being conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. 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 Planning Commission 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 Jessica Matson, City Clerk September 11, 2025

CITY OF ATASCADERO

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

DATE: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 TIME: 6:00 p.m.

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider an Economic subsidy for the sale of the properties at 5901 East Mall on APN 029-347-020 for the Centennial Mixed-use Development Project. This project is an economic development incentive to catalyze activity in the downtown along the creek and adjacent to Sunken Gardens. 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).). (DEV24-0099).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a challenge to the above action is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend inperson and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed project. Written comments are also accepted by the City Clerk, prior to the hearing at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or cityclerk@atascadero.org and will be distributed to the City Council. Written public comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Written comments will not be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the 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: September 8, 2025

S/ L Cappel, Deputy Director of Economic Devel. PUBLISH: September 11, 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 Thursday, September 25, 2025 as determined by www.time.gov for performing work as follows:

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE PIER AVENUE STAIR REMOVAL PROJECT

The City of Pismo Beach is interested in acquiring the services of a qualified firm to provide Construction Management, Inspection and Administration Services for the Pier Avenue Stair Removal Project. The project scope includes removal of the existing beach access stairway at the south end of Pier Avenue in Pismo Beach. All stair components will be demolished, with existing concrete caissons to remain in place.

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

September 11 & 18, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

As required by the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program is providing Public Notice of the completion of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for its proposed project to enhance the capability of streams to produce anadromous salmonids by maintaining, restoring, and improving stream habitat essential to salmonid production.

Implementation Project Locations: Various streams in Del Norte, Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Siskiyou, and Sonoma county.

Description of Project: This project will use grant funds approved by the California Legislature to initiate activities that are designed to restore salmon and steelhead habitat in coastal streams and watersheds that historically produced large populations of salmon and steelhead. The replacement of barrier culverts with bridges or natural stream bottom culverts will allow adult and juvenile salmonids access to additional spawning and rearing habitat. The installation of instream structures will recruit and sort spawning gravel for adult salmon and steelhead and create summer rearing pools and over-wintering habitat for juveniles.

The Mitigated Negative Declaration can be accessed online at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Grants/FRGP/MND. It is also available for review upon request at California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices: 1010 Riverside Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691; the Northern Regional office: 1455 Sandy Prairie Ct, Suite J, Fortuna, CA 95540; the Bay Delta Regional office: 3633 Westwind Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403; the Central Regional office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Dr., Suite 100, Monterey, CA 93940; and the South Coast Regional office: 4556 Lampson Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720. Please contact Mr. Timothy Chorey at (916) 838-0760 to arrange a viewing. The review period for the mitigated negative declaration starts September 26, 2025 and ends on November 10, 2025. Please submit comments via email to FRGP@wildlife.ca.gov or via regular mail to: Mr. Timothy Chorey, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Watershed Restoration Grants Branch, Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. Comments must be received by November 10, 2025. For additional information contact: Mr. Trevor Tollefson, Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor at (707) 834-0626 (Northern Region); Ms. Michelle Forsha, Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor at (916) 618-3376 (North Central Region); Mr. Matt Erickson, Environmental Scientist, at (707) 210-7007 (Bay Delta Region); Ms. Kristine Atkinson Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, at (559) 907-9416 (Central Region); or, Ms. Deena , Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, at (805) 794-9547 (South Coast Region). Septmeber 11, 2025

ADMINISTRATIVE

The City of San Luis Obispo’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. or later on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Conference Room 1, at 919 Palm Street, to consider the following:

1. 889 Lincoln St. ARCH-0714-2024; Review of a new 2,869 square foot, two (2) bed, one (1) bath, two (2) story residence with a one (1) car garage and a 587 square foot, attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The project also includes the demolition of the existing residence, the removal of 4 trees and compensatory plantings, and requests for a creek setback exception, a front setback exception for tandem parking, and a side setback exception. The application is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); R-1 Zone; Matt and Joan Smith, applicants. (Ethan Estrada)

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

September 11, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF PASO ROBLESCITY COUNCIL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at the City Council Chambers located at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 concerning adoption of a resolution imposing proposed increases and establishing certain user and regulatory fee amendments for various City regulatory activities, programs, and services in an effort to promote cost recovery for such services provided. The proposed amendments for this public hearing include fees within the following departments/ divisions:

• Public Safety; and

• Airport; and

• Utility Related Administration (non-regular service related fees); and

• Library; and

• Recreation; and

• Administration

The information related to establishing the proposed user fees has been made publicly available at least 10 days prior to the date of the public hearing described above.

Please note, the City’s Community Development fees related to City building, planning, engineering, and development services are not proposed for increase at this public hearing and will be presented a future public hearing to be determined. Notice of such future public hearing for the proposed Community Development fee approval will be provided at a later date in compliance with state law.

At the public hearing, members of the public will be afforded an opportunity to make oral or written presentations concerning the proposed fees. Copies of the staff report and resolution describing the proposed fees will be available for review at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (1000 Spring Street) and on the City’s website at https://www.prcity.com no later than 72 hours preceding the hearing (copies are available for purchase for the cost of reproduction).

Questions about the proposed fees may be directed to the Administrative Services Department at (805) 237-3999 or via email at AdminServices@prcity.com

If you challenge the proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Residents and interested parties can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805) 865-7276 to provide public comment via phone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting and remain open throughout the meeting to ensure the opportunity to comment on each item heard by the Council, other than brief reports and announcements by staff or the Council.

Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@prcity.com prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the Council meeting to be posted as an addendum to the Agenda. If submitting written comments in advance of the meeting, please note the agenda item by number or name. City Council meetings will be live-streamed during the meeting and also available to play later on YouTube by accessing the following link: www.prcity.com/youtube. Any writing or document pertaining to an open session item on this agenda which is distributed to a majority of the City Council after the posting of this agenda will be available for public inspection at the time the subject writing or document is distributed. The writing or document will be available for public review in the City Clerk’s Office, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA, during normal business hours, and may be posted on the City’s web site at www.prcity.com/meetings

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Any individual, who because of a disability needs special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, may request assistance by contacting the City Clerk’s Office (805) 237-3960. Whenever possible, requests should be made four (4) working days in advance of the meeting.

September 4 & 11, 2025

CONSUMER INDEX

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

July 2025 PERCENT CHANGE

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

Teresa Purrington City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo September 11, 2025

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, September 23, 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: 133 Hermosa Drive

Applicant: Bill Isaman – Isaman Design Inc.

Project No.: P25-000051

Description: Coastal Development Permit and Architectural Review Permit for a the construction of a new 3,882 square-foot single family resdeince on a vacant lot, and Categorical Exemption No. 2025-021. The project is located within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission. APN 010-551-017.

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 one singlefamily residence.

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 September 18, 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 Charter Spectrum Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.

PLEASE NOTE:

If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.

For further information, please contact Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@ pismobeach.org or 805-773-4658.

Brianna Whisenhunt Administrative Secretary September 11, 2025

PUBLISHED DELINQUENT LIST

(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3371)

I, James W. Hamilton, CPA, San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, State of California, certify that:

The real properties listed below were declared to be in tax-default at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2022, by operation of law.  The listed real property assessments are only those for which a copy of the latest delinquent reminder letter was returned as undeliverable by the United States Postal Service.  The declaration of default was due to non-payment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments and other charges levied in 2021/22 which were a lien on the listed real property. The name of the assessee, the assessment number, which describes the property, and the total that is due on or before September 30, 2025, is listed. Tax-defaulted real property may be redeemed by payment of all unpaid taxes and assessments, together with additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or it may be redeemed under an installment plan.  On July 1, 2027, if the taxes remain unpaid, or there is not an active Annual Installment Plan of Redemption, the property will become subject to tax sale.

All information concerning redemption of taxdefaulted property, including the initiation of an installment plan, will be furnished upon request by the office of James W. Hamilton, CPA, San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, at 1055 Monterey St., Rm. D-290, San Luis Obispo, California, 93408. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (805) 781-5836. Information on prior year tax amounts can also be found on the Tax Collector’s website at: www.slocountytax.org.

ASSESSMENT NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION

The assessment number refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and to the individual parcel number on the map page or in the block.

Assessment numbers beginning with “902” indicate a timeshare property. The Assessor’s parcel maps and further explanation of the assessment numbering system are available in the Assessor’s Office, 1055 Monterey St., Rm. D-360, San Luis Obispo, California, 93408. Assessee Assessment Redemption Number Amount

Beebe William 012-252-031

$2,367.16

Katoch Tapinder S & Renu R 023-233-058 $1,132.47

Maddalena Andrew Tre Etal 028-413-001 $435.76

Gutierrez Jose AR 049-213-016 $7,280.69

Evans Gregory S 064-345-014 $326.35

Evans Gregory S 064-345-015 $326.35

Marquez Ivan 082-161-028 $533.57

Gorman Terry A 082-171-028 $1,069.75

Hinojosa Carlos Tre 082-291-020 $1,247.24

Sanchez Gary Heirs Of 083-111-015 $528.85

Bourassa Karin Etal 083-171-041 $508.74

Bourassa Karin Etal 083-171-042 $508.74

Pecot Maridel M Tre 084-061-006 $584.02

Mendoza Salvador V 084-141-021 $395.28

Mourey Richard W 084-221-047 $488.81

Marquez Teresita P 084-341-028 $533.57

Lafferty Margaret 084-381-009 $613.29

Barton Scott 084-441-055 $613.29

Cinquini M Etal 084-461-025 $533.57

Laurel Roberto Jr & Mayra V 091-194-060 $6,151.92

Simmons Camilla V Tre Etal 096-231-073 $260.64

Diamond Resorts San Luis Bay Development LLC 902-000-336 $386.72

Stuart Aurora R Tre 902-010-931 $386.72

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

/s/ JAMES W. HAMILTON, CPA                        San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-TreasurerTax Collector

Executed at San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, on August 28, 2025.

Published in New Times on August 28, September 4, and September 11, 2025.

WHEREAS. In response to the Financial Rebalancing and Resilience Initiative, the Sheriffs Office resized the Cannabis Compliance team and integrated it into the Sheriffs Office Compliance Division requiring a reevaluation of fees; and,

WHEREAS. County Staff has reviewed the fee recommendations and concurs with the recommended changes.

NOW THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, 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. 75-396) requiring the County Administrator and the Auditor-Controller 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 ordinances, 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 Fiscal Year 2025-26 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 Circular A-87.

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 Circular A-87; 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” as “proposed fees” are hereby approved and shall be effective September 9, 2025.

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 in 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 the 19th day of August 2025, and PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, on the 9th day of September 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: September 9, 2025

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

By: /s/ Niki Martin, Deputy Clerk September 11, 2025

DATE: September 4, 2025

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

SUBJECT: City of Grover Beach 2025 Annual Storm Drain Inlet Cleaning The City of Grover Beach is requesting bids from qualified Contractors to furnish all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary to complete the City’s annual storm drain inlet cleaning. The full scope of work is listed below.

TIME AND PLACE FOR SUBMISSION

BIDS WILL BE CONSIDERED IF RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL BY 2:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2025.

City of Grover Beach Attn: Billy Haas

154 S. 8th Street, Phone: (805) 473-4530 Grover Beach, CA 93433 mail: bhaas@groverbeach.org

• THE JOB IS PREVAILING WAGE.

• CONTRACTOR MUST POSSESS AN “A” LICENSE. THE CITY CAN CONSIDER CONTRACTORS POSSESSING A “C-34” CONTRACTOR LICENSE

• CONTRACTOR SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE COVERAGE

CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE WITH AT LEAST $2 MILLION IN GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE AND A GC 2012 ADDITIONAL INSURED ENDORSEMENT

• CONTRACTOR MUST HAVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE.

• CONTRACTOR MUST POSSESS/OBTAIN A CITY OF GROVER BEACH BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATE UPON AWARD OF CONTRACT.

• CONTRACTOR MUST POSSESS/OBTAIN A CITY OF GROVER BEACH ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR WORK IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.

City of Grover Beach 2025 Annual Storm Drain Inlet Cleaning SCOPE OF WORK:

The City of Grover Beach is requesting bids from qualified Contractors to furnish all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary to complete the cleaning, inspection and reporting of the City’s stormwater drain inlets, stormwater structures, and appurtenances. The project includes the cleaning and removal of accumulated sediment, debris, then inspecting and reporting of 253 of 278 City owned drain inlet locations identified as “SDDI-###” shown in Exhibit

A The City’s last stormwater inlet drain cleaning was completed in December 2024. The Contractor is responsible for determining the appropriate location(s) to dispose of removed debris and sediment as needed. Work is required to commence by October 27th, 2025 and shall be completed in the provided number of working days. The proposer shall provide pricing for any and all anticipated activities, which include the following:

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Grover Beach is requesting bids from qualified Contractors to furnish all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary to complete the City’s annual storm drain inlet cleaning. The full scope of work is listed below. The City desires to enter into a one (1) year contract with three optional one (1) year contract extensions when agreed upon by both parties. A notice to proceed will be issued upon award of the contract by the City. The City of Grover Beach reserves the right to terminate or suspend this contract at any time.

BID ITEM DESCRIPTIONS:

BID ITEM 1 - Mobilization - The amount bid for Mobilization/ Demobilization shall not exceed 5.0% of the Contractor’s bid total. Any amount bid in excess of the stipulated 5.0% cap will not be paid until project completion.

Payment for this item will be made at the lump sum price named in the Bid Quantities under Item No. 1, which shall constitute full compensation for all work and expenditures required to mobilize, provide bonds, insurance, obtain required permits, take preconstruction photos and videos, prepare project schedule, testing, site maintenance, and cleanup, remove and reinstall existing site facilities as required, comply with all General and Supplementary Conditions, demobilize and provide cleanup of construction site complete in place, as required by Contract Documents with sole exclusion of payments to be made as defined herein for other items in Bid Schedule.

Work to be paid under this item shall also include furnishing, setting up, and removing Contractor’s operations at project site including temporary offices, utilities, staging areas, security, etc. Work shall also include furnishing any temporary construction facilities and trailers required by Contract Documents.

BID ITEM 2 – Cleaning, Inspection, and Reporting – The intent of cleaning is to both ensure the storm drain system is free of obstructions and maintains maximum capacity, and to allow inspection of storm drain inlets and pipes. Storm drain inlet cleaning is defined as the cleaning and debris removal of storm drain pipes, inlets, catch basins, manholes, culverts, outfalls, and similar structures using hydro-jetting or other proposed methods for the 253 City owned drain inlet locations identified as “SDDI-###” shown in Exhibit A Contractors may suggest other cleaning methods that will achieve these goals. Cleaning means and methods shall:

• Prevent the discharge of any dirty, turbid, or chlorinated water from any outflow on the storm drain network. All flow from cleaning shall be collected and removed/disposed of legally by the Contractor. Some disposal options include filtering/treating water to meet requirements for discharge into surrounding waters or procuring a discharge permit from California Central Coast Water Quality Control Board to discharge into their sanitary sewer system.

• Remove sufficient debris to allow for inspection of all pipe surfaces in compliance with NASSCO standards.

• Remove debris/material that can disrupt flow, reduce system capacity, or result in blockages/backups.

• Debris management by contractor, including storage, analytics, and off haul.

Inspection: Contractor is required to complete and provide, Exhibit B “Storm Drain Inspection Report Form”, for the 253 City owned drain inlet locations identified as “SDDI-###” shown in Exhibit A. Contractor shall use the storm drain inlet numbering convention seen in Exhibit A to complete the “Location Facility ID” portion of Exhibit B. Include the following on the Storm Drain Inspection Report Form:

• All stormwater system condition information such as issues with flow lines, screens grates, manholes, internal walls, intake pipe, intake screen, hatches, welds, overflow structures, sediment, and any identified discrepancies.

• A description of concrete conditions denoting any problem areas such as cracking, spalling or deterioration.

• Estimates of corrosion both above and below the waterline based on NACE and SSPC guidelines.

Contractor shall take and provide high resolution digital photos to document the interior condition of each storm drain location with before and after cleaning photos. Photo file At a minimum,

numbering convention seen in Exhibit A within the title of the photo media file.

Reporting: Each of the 253 City owned drain inlet locations identified as “SDDI-###” shown in Exhibit A are required to include the following in a combined pdf document:

a. Page 1 and 2 - Completed scanned Storm Drain Inspection Report Form

b. Page 3 - Before cleaning photo(s)

c. Page 4 - After cleaning photo(s)

Title each pdf with the “SDDI-###” inlet location identification described in Exhibit A. Combine all pdf documents on a flash drive. The electronic files shall be on two (2) flash drives and delivered to the City within ten calendar days of the final date of work.

BID ITEM 3 – Large Volume Cleaning, Inspection, and Reporting

(As Needed) Last year’s stormwater inlet drain cleaning required additional cleaning effort and debris removal for the following locations. This bid item should be for cleaning in excess of the standard inlet cleaning for the number of locations listed here. This bid quantity will be paid only if excess cleaning is required at each of these locations again this year:

• Inlet Numbers SDDI-187 and SDDI-188 and pipe between located at the intersection of Grand and Beach Parking Lot.

• Inlet Numbers SDDI-259 and SDDI-260 and pipe between located at North 9th and Ramona Ave

• Inlet Number SDDI-225, clean pipe to creek (Owens)

• Inlet Number SDDI-224, clean pipe to creek (Mono)

• Inlet Numbers SDDI-147, SDDI-148, and SDDI-150 located near the intersection of 14th and Grand Avenue

• Inlet Numbers SDDI-151 and SDDI-164 clean pipe under road located near the intersection of 13th and Grand Avenue

BID ITEM 4 –Traffic Control for Inlet Cleaning on Major City Streets

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 315, 249, 249A, 249B, 157 - Hwy 1

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 201, 202, 203, 199, 302, 303, 208, 207, 206 - N Oak Park Blvd

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 22, 21, 3, 65, 64 - S Oak Park Blvd

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 188, 187, 184, 183, 241, 247, 262, 180, 151, 150, 178, 261, 176, 320, 172, 253, 252, 175 - West Grand Avenue

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 70, 71, 38, 35, 34, 31 - Farroll Rd

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 173, 171, 194, 192, 193 - N 4th Street

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 74, 73, 63, 244, 123, 124 - S 4th Street

• Inlet Numbers SSDI 304, 305 - El Camino Real OPTIONAL PRE-BID JOB SITE WALK AT CONTRACTOR’S REQUEST

Bidders interested in submitting a bid for this project may request an optional site walk. Bidders must coordinate with Billy Haas by email at bhaas@groverbeach.org or (805) 473-4530 to request a site walk before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th, 2025.

BIDDER INQUIRIES

Bidder inquiries shall be submitted in writing via email to the City of Grover Beach, Public Works Department, at bhaas@groverbeach.org

The cutoff time that the City will accept bidder’s inquiries is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday September 18th, 2025. The City will respond to bidder’s inquiries via bidding addenda. Any such inquiries, submitted after the cutoff time of receiving bidder’s inquiries, will not be treated as a bid protest.

WORK PERIOD

The work shall be completed within Fifteen (15) working days. Work shall generally be performed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding City observed Holidays. All work must be coordinated with the Public Works Department and Corporation Yard Operations. At the Contractor’s request, the City may allow work on evenings and weekends that fall within the 7 working day period in order to facilitate completion of the work within the allotted time and minimize disruption to City staff and operations. No evening, weekend, or holiday work will be allowed without prior written approval by the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

COOPERATION

Should construction be underway by the City, other agencies, utility providers, or other contractors within or adjacent to the limits of Work specified or should work of any other nature be underway by other forces within or adjacent to said limits, then Contractor shall cooperate with all such other contractors or other forces to the end that any delay or hindrance to their work will be avoided. The City reserves the right to perform other or additional work at or near the site at any time, by the use of other forces.

When necessary, Contractor shall so conduct operations as to permit access to the site and provide time for utility work to be accomplished during normal work hours during the progress of the Work.

During the progress of the Work under this Contract, these projects may be in progress within or near the Work area of this Contract. City Projects (Capital Improvement Program) | Grover Beach, CA – Official Website

COMPENSATION

For all services which the Contractor has agreed to perform, the City of Grover Beach shall pay to the Contractor in accordance with the Contractor’s submitted bid pricing and any negotiated changes or additional work agreed upon after award of the contract.

The City reserves the right to delete any portion of the work described prior to the beginning of the work and the Contractor shall not be compensated for that work.

METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Bids from a responsive and responsible contractor shall be received and evaluated. The contractor that submits the lowest bid shall be selected for the project.

SUBMITTAL OF BID

Bids shall be accepted only if received on the provided Bid Schedule sheet.

The right is reserved by the City to reject any or all bids and to evaluate the bids submitted. The City further reserves the right to waive any informalities or minor irregularities in the bid.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) working days after the date set for the opening thereof.

Dated this 4th day of September 2025, at the City of Grover Beach, California.

City of Grover Beach

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Gregory A. Ray, P.E.

Public Works

Director/City Engineer

First Publication: September 4, 2025, in The New Times

Second Publication: September 11, 2025, in The New Times

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Give yourself a pep talk about how smart you plan to become about love. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I can’t speak the Quechua language, which is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains. But I have lifted one of their words to use for our purposes here: munay . It refers to an intensely practical and visionary love that includes far more than sweet feelings and affection. When we practice munay we offer discerning respect and detailed appreciation to those we adore. We are generously eager to help our allies live their best lives. It takes discipline! And focus! And ingenuity! To be a rigorous and vigorous source of munay , we must cultivate it as a daily practice. In the coming weeks, Aries, I hope you will go a bit wild in your expression of this tender force of nature. Imagine yourself as a gentle whirlwind of love that spreads interesting beauty and bestows useful blessings. Be a relentless dispenser of catalytic gifts.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): The medieval Persian polymath Avicenna believed the soul entered the fetus not with the first heartbeat, but with the first dream. I offer this idea for your poetic consideration, dear Taurus. Let’s imagine that the next beautiful thing you create will not arise from your forceful intention. Rather, it will emerge because you give yourself permission to fantasize, to wander freely in wonder, and to meander with curiosity on the frontiers. Your assignment is not to hustle, but to incubate; not to push forward, but to dwell expectantly in the mystery.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): The bowerbird constructs elaborate groundbased shrines not as nests but as seduction lures. The enticer might gather blue bottle caps, yellow flowers, and shiny stones so as to create a scene that piques the attention of a potential mate. These objets d’art are not merely decorative. They are displays that demonstrate discernment, skill, and aesthetic intelligence. I authorize you to be like a bowerbird, Gemini. What collection of symbols, words, gestures, and curiosities will magnetize the people or opportunities you long to engage with? It’s not about flashiness; it’s about alignment. What you draw into your sphere will reflect the vibes you emanate.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): The pearl doesn’t begin as treasure. In its earliest form, it’s an irritation: a grain of sand that’s really a wound inside the oyster. Over time, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, turning discomfort into luminescence. Let’s use that as a metaphor for you, Cancerian. In my view, your task right now is not to escape or shed what’s bugging you, but to expedite the coating process. What is that gritty thing? A memory, injustice, or unmet yearning? It’s crucial you don’t reject it and don’t let it fester. I think it’s best to turn it, layer by layer, into a luminous asset, even a treasure. Prediction: The pearl you form will long outlast the wound.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Olive trees can thrive in rugged environments, including rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Their root systems are wide, deep, and resilient. They are well-adapted to full sun, high temperatures, and low water availability. In comparing you to an olive tree, Leo, I’m not implying you will always have to be as hardy as they are. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to be equally plucky and persevering. Here’s another fact about the olive tree you can and should emulate: Its fruit is valuable and in demand.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Basenji is a dog breed that doesn’t bark. Instead, it produces an eerie, melodic yodel called a baroo. This oddity isn’t a flaw or drawback; it’s an interesting uniqueness. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to express your personal versions of the baroo—your idiosyncratic offerings and singular gifts. Playfully resist the pressure to be more conventional or “on brand.” Be faithful to what yearns to come out of you, which may be raw, radiant, and a little weird. Let your authenticity be exactly what it is: a beacon, not a liability.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Scientists discovered that some caterpillars, while dissolving inside their cocoons, retain memories of their caterpillar lives even after becoming butterflies. In my view, that’s equivalent to us humans remembering details of our previous incarnations: having an all-new body but being able to draw on what our past body learned. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to draw on this amazing capacity in the coming weeks. The person you used to be will have key revelations and inspirations for the future you.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the goddess of inspiration. In her cauldron, she brews magical elixirs that bestow the powers of wisdom, creativity, and transformation. The humans most likely to earn her blessings are those who are patient and willing to be changed. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are now at the top of the eligibility list for gifts like these. And the next three weeks will be the most favorable time for you to ask for and receive such blessings. Here’s a clue that will help you get all you deserve: Believe in magic

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In ancient Chinese philosophy, ziran means naturalness, spontaneity. It might refer to the way a mountain is purely a mountain, and a wave is a wave without trying to be a wave. I think you Sagittarians are due for an extended engagement with this wild ease and elegant freedom. After weeks of inner labor, your soul wants to breathe in ziran. Your assignment is to let yourself be as natural and unconstrained as you dare—not correct or careful or “optimized.” So I advise you to head in the direction of what’s simple and real and good. Emphasize smoothness over effort. Choose your rhythm, not theirs. You aren’t required to prove your healing. You just have to live it.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Serendipity” is an English term that refers to beautiful accidents, fortunate interruptions, unexpected opportunities, and surprisingly wonderful discoveries (The French equivalent is sérendipité; Italian: serendipità; Japanese: serendipiti.) The word didn’t exist until 1754, when author Horace Walpole coined it. Lovely outbreaks of good luck and uncanny blessings had been happening from time immemorial, of course, even though there wasn’t this precise word for them. Here’s a key point: They are more likely to occur if you believe they’re possible and make yourself alert for their arrival. That’s good advice for you right now.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The placenta is the only organ that the human body creates from scratch and then discards. Let’s pause for a moment to register how remarkable this is: to grow a temporary life-support system and then jettison it once its purpose is fulfilled. Inspired by this miracle, I speculate that you may soon undertake a metaphorical version of it. A situation or experience that has nurtured you is reaching the end of its mission. Though it has served you well, the wise move might be to outgrow it and move on to a new phase of your evolution. At the very least, it’s time to embark on a search for new forms of nourishment.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): In Balinese gamelan music, there’s a technique called kotekan Two instrumentalists play distinct musical parts that together create a seamless, intricately melodic and rhythmic texture. Let’s make this your metaphor to live by in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you are not meant to work solo. Your greatest success and most fun will come by generating harmony through collaborative improvisation and shared timing. A small warning: Someone else’s input may at first feel like interference, but it’s actually the missing part of the song. Let yourself blend, bounce, echo, and respond. Genius will be born in the spaces between. ∆