New Times

FAFSA’s new application process was supposed to make it easier for students to apply for help with college tuition, but it did the opposite for some [8]

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

Access to education

Astrology ........ 43

Editor’s note

The U.S. Department of Education just made the most significant overhaul of its Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in nearly 50 years. But what was designed to simplify the process has actually done the opposite for some students—especially if their parents are undocumented. Many of the issues come when students invite their parents to contribute to the online application process, and it’s meant that fewer students than normal have completed their applications for the 2024-25 school year. Staff Writer Samantha Herrera chats with Cuesta, Cal Poly, and students about the issue [8]

Also this week, read about a water well that’s dividing Cambria [10], Just Looking Gallery’s 40th year in business [26], and wine tasting on a train [34]

Camillia Lanham editor

San Luis Coastal will begin offering ethnic studies classes next fall

Two years after a bill to introduce ethnic studies to high schools passed in California, the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD) is finalizing plans for what that would look like for students.

Assembly Bill 101 adds a one semester course in ethnic studies to the A through G graduation requirements for students graduating in 2029-30. The bill also authorizes local educational agencies, including charter schools, to require a full-year course in ethnic studies at their discretion.

SLCUSD Director for Secondary School and Adult Education Leslie O’Connor told New Times that the district’s looking to split ethnic studies classes into two parts. The first half will be introduced to ninth graders and the second half will be for 12th graders.

“That was the thought process of working with stakeholders, working with our cohort of teachers, getting lots and lots of feedback, thinking, and walking through and speaking with our site administrators on what could be possible,” he said. “When we started that journey back in December 2021, it wasn’t that we went in with a goal with a ninth-grade course and a 12th-grade course, but through our process of feedback and discovery and best thinking ... we landed on that as we worked our way through the process.”

desperate and in need.

During the April 16 SLCUSD board meeting where the curriculum passed unanimously, O’Connor said that staff received great feedback.

California’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum focuses on African American, Chicana and Latino, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander histories, cultures, and struggles, and their contributions to American society, according to the state Department of Education.

SLCUSD has prepared two core readings for ninth graders who will have ethnic studies as a graduation requirement, including I Was Their American Dream—a memoir by Malaka Gharib highlighting her experience fitting into American society but not losing the customs she grew up with as half-Filipino, half-Egyptian.

Twelfth graders will have core readings including Just Mercy, a memoir by Bryan Stevenson, an attorney who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most

SLO County declines paying cost difference to election recount requester

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office refused to pay an election recount requester $640 after a SLO Superior Court judge ruled to delete “extended hours” from the total cost of the manual count’s efforts.

“Ms. Stebbens did not file a timely claim or counter claim in small claims court and therefore we do not believe the clerk-recorder is legally obligated to refund Ms. Stebbens,” Deputy County Counsel Ann Duggan told New Times on April 17.

In January, San Miguel resident Darcia Stebbens won the small claims lawsuit filed against her by the county Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano. The case stemmed from Stebbens not paying a reported $4,448.21 balance of the roughly $53,000 recount bill after she requested a manual recalculation of votes cast in the 2022 2nd District supervisor race.

Judge Rita Federman’s trial de novo ruling

“We shared all of the communications, all the feedback, and our presentation,” he said. “Our board asked really thoughtful questions, as always, and they adopted our recommendation in support of adding ethnic studies and the courses and the curriculum that we proposed.”

SLCUSD is now looking to test its curriculum and get early feedback from students by offering ethnic studies as an elective beginning next school year.

“I think at this time any student could take the course since it’s an elective,” secondary curriculum teacher on special assignment Jane Hawley told New Times.

To help prepare teachers interested in teaching the courses, SLCUSD teamed up with Cal Poly to offer free ethnic studies classes.

reduced the actual recount count costs by $5,088.27, stating that Cano and her salaried staff members didn’t receive overtime or additional compensation for the extra hours they worked on the manual recount. Stebbens didn’t file a counterclaim to the lawsuit that holds the Clerk-Recorder’s Office accountable to pay the difference owed.

Cano pushed back on Federman’s verdict.

“The court’s decision will have far reaching impact on the [Clerk-Recorder’s] Office with respect to how it conducts future recounts and therefore, clarification of the court’s ruling as it relates to ‘extended hours’ is of considerable import,” read the county’s Feb. 9 motion to set aside the ruling.

The motion requested a rehearing on what makes up “extended hours” of salaried county employees and asked the court to set aside the ruling and reduce the excluded amount to $1,756.10.

Duggan alleged in the motion that the county sought to correct a clerical error in judgment. Alternatively, the motion also wanted the court to

“Cal Poly’s ethnic studies department and the office of extended education is offering a series of four ethnic studies classes to our teacher cohort, which includes Asian American and Pacific Islander studies, African American studies, Native American studies, and then we’re currently in our Latino and Latina studies course taught by Cal Poly professors,” Hawley said. “The state of California is releasing funding to school districts to support professional development and material purchases for ethnic studies courses. So our district has decided to use that partially on this process so we can pay for the courses for teachers.”

Taking the courses herself, Hawley said it’s been a good experience to be able to learn about communities of color within SLO County.

“Cal Poly has done a great job of including California history and SLO County history as part of the courses,” she said. “I think that will enrich our curriculum and our district.” ∆

—Samantha Herrera

vacate the judgment on an “erroneous” legal basis. Federman denied the county’s motion on March 22. She rejected the notion that she committed a legal error in her analysis of the actual costs incurred in the recount.

The judge also challenged the motion’s statement that neither Cano nor Stebbens raised the issue of overtime compensation during the trial. Federman’s initial decision deemed Deputy Director Clerk-Recorder Melanie Foster’s testimony about extended-hour payments being actual costs as unpersuasive.

“To the contrary, this issue was raised during defendant’s cross-examination of Ms. Cano and by the plaintiff’s direct examination of Ms. Foster,” Federman wrote in the order to dismiss the county’s motion.

Duggan told New Times that the county will not be appealing the decision anymore.

“The clerk-recorder could file a petition for review

CORE READINGS The graduating class of 2029-30 will have to take a year of ethnic studies that San Luis Coastal Unified School District has decided to split up into two grades. Students will take the first half of ethnic studies in ninth grade, which will include two books as part of the curriculum, and the second half in 12th grade, which will include three.

with the Court of Appeal, but given the time and expense of doing so, the clerk-recorder will not be seeking further review,” she said.

Cano didn’t respond to New Times’ request for comment. Duggan added that Cano and the county “respectfully disagree” with Federman’s rulings.

Stebbens didn’t respond to New Times’ request for comment before press time. Some of her supporters urged the SLO County Board of Supervisors to compel the county Clerk-Recorder’s Office to pay Stebbens the difference after the bill reduction.

“They should stop beating a dead horse over this issue,” said Edna Valley resident Joe Rouleau at the March 26 meeting. “The difference between a supervisor and a leader was that a supervisor does things right, but a leader does the right thing.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Coastal Commission waits to decide whether SpaceX rocket launches can increase

The California Coastal Commission recently delayed deciding on whether SpaceX should be able to increase the number of rockets it launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

SpaceX proposed expanding its Falcon 9 space program by increasing launch activities from six to 36 per year, with anticipation for an additional increase to 100 per year at a later time, according to the staff report. On April 10, commissioners voted to extend a decision on the rocket launch proposal to give staff more time to address the cumulative impacts of increased launch activity and what dictates federal activity versus private company activities.

Private company SpaceX launches rockets from Vandenberg through a definition in the Coastal Zone Management Act that allows private companies to come on to federal land if they assist in “federal agency activity” on the base, according to the staff report. Because the company is performing federal agency activities, Vandenberg representatives went before the commission with the proposal.

The commission first heard the proposal in December but reopened it for discussion during its April 10 meeting after noticing that the Department of the Air Force closed Jalama Beach for SpaceX launches more than its annual maximum of 12 times—impacting recreational coastal access.

Coastal Commission staff proposed to have the launches at night when there would be fewer people to evacuate; provide a shuttle service to evacuate campers from the grounds; increase marine mammal monitoring before, during, and after launches to better understand the impacts; and monitor any impacts to endangered species like the red-legged frog or snowy plover, Environmental Scientist Wesley Horn told the commissioners.

Alongside mitigating noise concerns for residents hearing sonic booms in areas as far away as Ojai, commissioners shared concerns about holding private companies accountable for any debris lost in the ocean and/or damages to marine life with increased launch activity.

“I’m especially concerned about the plan to increase to 100 launches. I see this taking a little and slowly increasing more and more when the private entity has already not adhered to federal consistency

determinations we’ve had in the past,” Commissioner Kristina Kunkel said. “I don’t think SpaceX should be able to skirt the requirements of a CDP [coastal development permit].”

A coastal development permit is required for individuals or businesses to conduct any development activities or when there’s changes in land or water use intensity even if no construction is involved, according to the California Coastal Commission.

SpaceX’s protection through the Coastal Zone Management Act allows the company to act without a coastal development permit because it’s performing federal activities for the Department of Defense. As a result, the federal agency assumes monitoring and accountability responsibilities, Vandenberg Col. and Operations Vice Cmdr. for Space Launch Delta 30 Bryan Titus said “Approximately 25 percent of the launches today have [Department of Defense] satellites or payloads on them, but I would argue that all of them benefit the Department of Defense,” Titus said. “The other thing to keep in mind is we are trying to drive up capacity from a national security standpoint.”

Titus added that Vandenberg has multiple launch pads with several companies that work out of the base.

If the Coastal Commission determined a coastal development permit would be needed, then the commission would have to submit a letter to the Space Force Base explaining the commission’s position— something commission staff did last year during the discussions in December, Coastal Commission Deputy Director Cassidy Teufel said. He added that the commission received a strong response from the Department of Defense against requiring the permit.

“It hinges on this federal agency activity definition in the Coastal Zone Management Act, which includes activities contingent to the mission of the agency,” Teufel said. “The authority is different. Particularly, the federal agencies, it’s a negotiation and equal powers dynamic. If the commission were to object, the federal agency could move forward, and we would try to resolve the case through mitigation or litigation.”

If the Coastal Commission denies the project, Vandenberg can move forward with its project anyway but would still need to adhere to any U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and Marine Mammal Commission requirements. Under federal consistency timelines, the commission has one month to smooth out the details and make a decision.

—Taylor O’Connor

VACO faces scrutiny from previous advisory council members for discriminatory bylaws

Two years after the SLO County Board of Supervisors unrecognized the Oceano Advisory Council (OAC) due to claims of dysfunction, former members are taking jabs at Oceano’s new advisory council.

During a March 26 Board of Supervisors meeting, Oceano resident Lucia Casalinuovo said that the Vitality Advisory Council of Oceano’s (VACO) new bylaws are appalling, discriminatory, and fail miserably at equal representation of the Oceano Community “Persons who served with the … council that was unrecognized by this board shall not be eligible for election,” she said during public comment.

Casalinuovo said she believes it is unconstitutional to ban anyone from running for public office unless they were

convicted of a felony, and these bylaws blatantly target former members of the OAC. VACO alternate Adam Verdin told New Times that Casalinuovo is wrong: Anyone can run for an elected position.

According to Public Records Act requests filed by Verdin and provided to New Times, on Dec. 4, 2023, Casalinuovo wrote in an email chain to April Dury, Bill Root, Charles Varni, and Allene Villa that she’s going to ask that an election committee gets formed in Oceano and for a new Oceano advisory council to be elected.

“In the meantime, WACO [sic] can continue operat[ing] and then be erased from the face of the earth until the newly elevated [sic] council becomes functioning,” Casalinuovo’s email reads.

On Dec. 10, 1996, the SLO County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy to authorize advisory councils in 11 unincorporated areas that included Oceano, according to previous New Times reporting. For years, the OAC was the only advisory council in Oceano after forming in 1996, but in 2021 things changed.

VACO Chair and Oceano Community Services District board member Linda Austin told New Times that VACO was formed due to the dysfunction and hostility of OAC.

On Dec. 6, 2022, the SLO County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to unrecognize the OAC after then 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton said that it stepped out of line in its responsibilities.

“They’re the nastiest, most uncivil group I’ve met in my life,” Compton said during that meeting.

This resulted in VACO becoming the only recognized advisory council in Oceano.

During public comment at the March 26 meeting, Casalinuovo asked supervisors for VACO to transfer to an elected council by the end of March, and if it couldn’t comply with the county’s guidelines to hold a fair and unbiased election, then it should be unrecognized.

“VACO plans to have an elected council by July 2027; that’s way too long,” she said. “We believe that an independent election committee should be established immediately, and elections held as soon as possible.”

However, Austin said that VACO and 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding discussed the council’s election requirements during the second week of April and decided that its first election will be held in January 2025.

“We have nine seats; five will be elected and four will be organizationally based,” Austin said. “This is less than four years before our formation, and thus within the election every-four-year requirement.”

In 2023, the Board of Supervisors introduced a new community advisory council handbook, and it states that advisory council membership should be made up of a majority of elected positions chosen by members of the public.

“Elections should be held in an open and transparent manner. Elections should be held at a minimum of every four years and may be staggered to allow for only half of the seats to be elected at any one time,” the handbook states. “If there are any membership changes, the advisory council should notify their district supervisor and the planning liaison.”

Verdin said that VACO’s been in contact

with the League of Women Voters to figure out how it should draft its election.

“We thought it’d be better to push this into January to give us time to get organized, work with the supervisor’s office, work with League of Women Voters, and kind of figure out the right way of going about it because it’s not like there’s a big budget,” he said. “This is just a local group of volunteers that have an organization that’s recognized by the county. It’s something that makes everybody feel welcome and comfortable to participate.”

—Samantha Herrera

Drones begin mapping unincorporated South County for broadband

Forty miles of fiber bearing broadband services is on the horizon for some neighborhoods in Oceano and Arroyo Grande—but not before a flurry of drones fly over the unincorporated areas to map them.

From April 13 to 20, the drones will soar up to 3,000 feet overhead to capture data on poles and wires, roads, sidewalks, and curbs. Crew workers will also conduct safety checks and take measurements on the ground between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. with minimal sound disruption. The project has been in the works for more than two years, according to county Administrative Analyst Bill Lucia. He told New Times on April 16 that the survey and design work documents the local inventory of existing infrastructure, which will determine the best route for bringing in broadband fiber.

“In many instances it can be faster and more efficient to bring the fiber into neighborhoods on existing poles,” he said. “Otherwise, the design will assume other pathways for installation including the micro-trenching.”

Two neighborhoods in Oceano are first in line to be surveyed. The county secured $500,000 in funding from the California Public Utilities Commission Local Agency Technical Assistance grant program to do so. The Golden State Connect Authority will help SLO County implement the grant. The fiber installation’s timeline and approval depend on the county receiving another grant from the utilities commission. SLO County, along with several others in the state, is waiting to hear back about the Last Mile Federal Funding Account. It’s a $2 billion grant program for broadband infrastructure projects meant to connect the homes and buildings of unserved Californians with the final leg of the provider’s network.

The state received 484 grant applications— at least two from every county in the state— worth more than $4.6 billion in requests, once the application period closed last September.

If SLO County wins the $22.3 million grant, its broadband connection project will serve 1,010 households, 413 businesses, and four public safety locations with new or improved services, according to the utility commission website.

“In addition to the FFA grant, there’s additional financing that gets worked out based on estimated subscribers and tax credits all bundled into a commitment of financing resources before there’s a green light to move forward and building out the network into neighborhoods can get underway,” Lucia said. ∆

—Bulbul Rajagopal

‘Better’ FAFSA

The U.S. Department of Education rolled out a new financial aid form that’s caused blunders, delays for students and parents

The U.S. Department of Education’s new financial aid form has made applying for help more difficult for some potential college students locally and across the country.

On Jan. 30, the “better FAFSA form” was introduced to simplify and redesign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ensure that 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds receive federal Pell Grants. U.S. Department of Education Press Officer Alberto Betancourt told New Times that it’s the most significant reconfiguring of the form since it was created.

“The redesign includes overhauling over 20 systems, some of which have not been updated in nearly 50 years. The improvements include allowing students’ and parents’ information to be pulled directly from the IRS and creating a tailored and streamlined experience for students,” he said. “What used to be 103 questions can now be as few as 18 questions, taking some students and contributors as little as 15 minutes to fill out the form.”

However, Cuesta College Financial Aid Specialist Julie Salgado told New Times that the department’s attempts to make it simpler came with a ton of issues.

“They may have rushed it; I don’t know what their process was, but I think the biggest issue right now is due to undocumented parents,” she said. “Normally the FAFSA is for U.S. residents, and if parents didn’t have a Social Security number, they would just enter all zeros. They would have to print out a paper, sign it, and mail it off, done.”

Salgado said the 2024-25 FAFSA form made it so that undocumented parents have to create a Federal Student Aid ID to be able to log into the Federal Student Aid portal and enter their contributor information for their student’s FAFSA.

“I think that’s where most of the issues have come from because parents are trying to create their FAFSA ID and do the things they’re supposed to do but now we are running into a bunch of roadblocks,” she said.

Most of those hurdles come while students are trying to invite their parents to contribute to their online 2024-25 FAFSA form.

Parents who have a foreign address or no Social Security number can’t contribute to the FAFSA document, so students receive an error message that reads “unable to complete this action,” according to FAFSA.

Due to these errors and other ongoing issues, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Director of Communications Allie Bidwell Arcese told New Times, they’re seeing a drop in FAFSA applications.

“Just this week, the National College Attainment Network released data that found only about 27 percent of the class of 2024 has completed a FAFSA compared to 45.5 percent of the class of 2023 through the same date last year,” she said.

The National College Attainment Network said that FAFSA submissions include applications that have errors, which need to be corrected by students to be processed. Errors can include a parent not being able to contribute information to the form or something as simple as a missing signature. FAFSA completions are applications without errors that have been processed.

“In previous years, FAFSA submissions have been about 7 percent larger than FAFSA completions. This year, through March 29, FAFSA submissions are a whopping 30 percent larger than completions,” the National College Attainment Network stated. “This is likely due to students and contributors still being unable to make corrections to their submitted FAFSAs. Once corrections are open, we should see that 30 percent margin between submissions and completions begin to close as the data reflects the corrections.”

Arcese said that due to the continued delays and errors, administrators are expecting to see an impact on college enrollment, considering that the vast majority of college students have yet to receive a financial aid offer.

“It’s true that students—especially those from low-income families— will have less time to compare financial aid offers and make an informed decision on where to enroll,” she said. “Meanwhile, many students have yet to complete their FAFSA, and the higher education community is concerned that some may have given up on their college-going aspirations. But there’s still time to course correct.”

Act now!

While the new FAFSA has been a headache for some, Cuesta student Guin DeChance told New Times that the new form has actually made it easier for her.

“I know that they made changes this year, but I couldn’t even tell you what was different than last time,” she said. “It’s really easy for me because I live in the same area as my parents so I could go over and just be like, ‘Hey mom, you log in at the same time as me and we could figure it out together.’ But I feel like it would have been really hard if I wasn’t able to do that because we were trying to figure out how she could log in and how to put her information in and all that because it’s a separate login.”

DeChance, who was debating transferring to either Cal Poly or UC Davis next fall for biology, said that once she got her FAFSA document back, it was pretty seamless from there.

“I emailed the Cal Poly Financial Aid Office and was like, ‘Hey, I’m kind of waiting on this to decide’ because I was thinking of Davis as well and I wasn’t sure how much money either one was going to give me,” she said. “The day after I emailed them, they sent me my financial aid package stack, so I don’t know if it was a coincidence or if it was because I emailed them.”

Send any news or story tips to news@newtimesslo.com.

Cal Poly’s Financial Aid Executive Director Gerrie Hatten told New Times that many students have had trouble completing the FAFSA and this is reflected in the lower volume of records the school has received.

Cuesta Financial Aid Specialist Salgado is also the parent of a high school senior who’s been accepted to schools such as California Lutheran University and San Jose State University. She said that FAFSA delays are impacting where her son will go to college since he doesn’t know how much financial aid he will receive just yet.

“I work in financial aid and see all the constant emails that come in, so I’m not too worried about it really affecting him once fall hits,” she said. “I know colleges are doing every possible thing they can and will work their butts off to try and get the financial aid packages out to students.”

“The Financial Aid Office at Cal Poly is working hard to get students awards out to those students who have successfully completed the FAFSA, and our counselors are meeting with and assisting students who are still trying to successfully complete an application,” Hatten said. “The California Student Aid Commission moved its state grant deadline to May 2 in hopes that more students will be able to complete the FAFSA and be considered for the state Cal Grant and state Middle Class Scholarship.”

Hatten said she encourages students to complete their FAFSA by May 2, especially for students who have started the application and have not been able to finish it. ∆

Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

NEW FORM

The U.S. Department of Education rolled out a newer version of FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year. However, students and parents across the county have reported delays to their application, which have resulted in waiting longer for financial aid estimates.

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Troubled water

A dispute over a Cambria CSD well on school district property leads to eminent domain threat

For more than two decades, a well on Coast Union High School’s property has produced water for the residents of Cambria—up to 20 percent of the town’s water supply annually, according to the Cambria Community Services District (CSD).

But a disagreement over renewing the contract for a long-standing easement put the CSD at odds with Coast Unified School District. Recently, the CSD threatened to take the well, its associated infrastructure, 2.39 acres of Coast Unified School District property, and a school district irrigation well through eminent domain.

“Our ultimate goal has always been to go to mediation to settle this outside of the aspect of condemnation,” CSD General Manager Matthew McElhenie said during the April 11 CSD board meeting. “This is just part of the process as a last resort and [to] have it ready.”

While the CSD board was scheduled to vote on whether to approve the eminent domain proposal during its April 11 meeting, staff pulled the item from the agenda due to an April 10 letter from attorney Christopher R. Guillen, representing the school district on behalf of the firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. CSD board President Tom Gray said the CSD wanted to take the time to “meaningfully address” the school district’s objections, adding that the two parties were meeting on April 24 for mediation.

The letter said that the school district has a long history of helping the CSD “in its time of need” and the two parties operated under a “mutually beneficial” agreement until the most recent contract extension expired in September 2023.

“Rather than negotiate a new contract, CCSD has initiated the preliminary steps necessary to take the subject property into condemnation, including make an offer to purchase and requesting the board adopt a RON [resolution of necessity],” the letter states. “This board cannot make a finding that the public interest and necessity require the project take a fee interest in Coast’s property.”

The board took public comment on the issue at the meeting, and speakers questioned why the two entities were unable to come together on a solution. Some fell on the side of the school district while others supported the CSD. Cambria resident Dave Fiscalini said he didn’t believe the CSD could make findings that supported a resolution of necessity.

“You have other ways to get water,” he said.

In 2000, the CSD detected a plume of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive, in its groundwater supply thanks to leaks from a Chevron gas station that was within 700 feet of two of the CSD’s water wells, according to a 2004 cleanup and abatement order from the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The water board forced the CSD to close those two wells and find an alternate water source.

By December of 2000, the school district had agreed to allow the CSD to drill a well— SR4—on the property near the high school athletic fields and granted access to use that well and its associated infrastructure for a fee of $26,000 per year for the first 10 years or until the MTBE plume was remediated, according to the April 10 letter.

By November 2001, the “new temporary high school well had been connected to the Cambria municipal drinking water supply. The CCSD needs the high school well as an alternative water supply,” according to a 2009 water board staff report. Chevron was still in the process of cleaning MTBE out of the town’s water supply.

In 2012, despite the MTBE plume being remediated, the school district and the CSD renewed their easement agreement for SR4, increasing the CSD’s cost per year to a little more than $34,000 with an annual adjustment aligned with the consumer price index, Guillen’s April 10 letter stated. While the two parties did negotiate an extension to the 2012 agreement, that agreement ended in September 2023 after negotiations broke down.

A couple of the CSD’s sticking points are the cost of the lease agreement—McElhenie told New Times via email that the district has paid more than $765,000 to Coast Unified since 2000—and not wanting “to renegotiate every 10, 20, or even 100 years for such a critical part of our water portfolio.”

Initially asking for $86,000 per year to renew the contract, according to the CSD’s April 11 staff report, the school district gradually came down to $26,000 per year for a 10-year or 99-year contract.

“It is both grossly inequitable and untenable to continue to pay rent for temporary rights to use the well facilities in perpetuity, which at this point, serves only as profit generation for CUSD [Coast Unified School District],” the staff report states. “Under temporary agreements, CUSD can simply refuse to renew, and demand that the district remove the well facilities and/or cease their use.”

The CSD said it had the property appraised last year, and its value came back at a little more than $151,000, which it offered to the school district and would pay if it took the property.

“Once we were made aware of the actual value of the well facilities property, it became impossible for the CCSD with its fiduciary duty to the ratepayers, to pay anything close to what the CUSD was asking. It would essentially be a gift of public funds,” McElhenie told New Times. “Having already paid over five times the current fair market value over the past 24 years, it made it even more clear that the CCSD must pursue purchasing either the property or a permanent easement.”

Who owns SR4 and its associated infrastructure (water treatment facility and pipelines) and how necessary the well is for the CSD’s water supply are also an issue. McElhenie said the CSD owns it and SR4 is “an absolute necessity” during the dry season and due to the current status of the district’s potable water infrastructure, which

includes a “temporary potable transmission line” to its San Simon Creek Basin well field due to a “catastrophic failure of the main” transmission line.

Coast Unified’s attorney, Guillen, told New Times via email that the school district owns “the infrastructure on its property.” In his April 10 letter, Guillen said that the well driller’s report for SR4 and the 2012 agreement make it clear that CCSD doesn’t own the water treatment facility or the well.

“The MTBE plume that necessitated the use of the SR4 well was remediated,” the letter also states. “Despite CCSD no longer needing access to the SR4 well, Coast continued in good-faith negotiations to permit CCSD’s continued use of well SR4.”

Guillen also questions why the CSD is proposing to take so much of Coast Unified’s property as well as the school district’s irrigation well, adding that SR4 and its associated infrastructure only take up 7,600 square feet of land. He told New Times that the eminent domain proposal would result in Coast losing fee ownership of 2.39 acres abutting Santa Rosa Creek and the contractual protections for the irrigation well.

“Which protected Coast’s irrigation well from interference impacts that might be caused by CCSD over-pumping SR4,” Guillen wrote via email. “If CCSD takes the property in fee, those protections will no longer protect Coast’s irrigation well.”

McElhenie told New Times that the CSD doesn’t intend to prevent the school district from using or accessing its irrigation well, and easements would be taken into account should it move forward with initiating the process for eminent domain. He added that the CSD wants 2.39 acres for “more security for the site.”

Coast Unified Superintendent Scott Smith told New Times that the community of Cambria will pay the price if the CSD decides to move forward with that process. “An eminent domain action will be expensive, unnecessary, and divisive,” Smith said. “Coast remains adamant that less drastic solutions are available and is willing to negotiate a long-term lease agreement on mutually agreeable terms.” ∆

WATER SITUATION Cambria’s water situation is complex, involving wells that pull water from the San Simeon Creek Basin, a water reclamation facility (pictured) that still needs a permanent development permit, and a well on Coast Union High School property.

Portable privacy

A25-foot box truck is the site for sexual wellness and reproductive health care as it travels to the far reaches of San Luis Obispo County to assist homeless people and lower-income community members.

Equipped with an exam room, a little laboratory, and an education and counseling space, the vehicle, dubbed Health Care on Wheels, is the Center for Health and Prevention’s newest mobile clinic. The center is a Community Action Partnership of SLO County (CAPSLO) program, and it launched the clinic on April 13 at its brick-and-mortar Arroyo Grande location.

Clinic Director Kayla Wilburn told New Times on April 11 that mobile clinic rollout stemmed from the center’s search for ways to serve residents living in the rural and underserved sections of the county.

“We have had feedback from patients who travel from as far as Shandon and San Miguel to our clinics to get care, that there are limited resources in their communities,” she said. “Rather than seeking funds to open brick-and-mortar facilities, which are so much more costly to pay for the overhead and leasing space, … we started to explore mobile units that might help us to meet those needs of the communities.”

The center purchased the mobile clinic truck with $200,000 of a $500,000 grant from designated American

Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to SLO County in 2022. Arizona-based Magnum Mobile Specialty Vehicles created the truck— which also provided the truck for SLO Noor Foundation’s clinic.

“There are pocket doors that close for privacy,” Wilburn said. “For folks who need assistance getting onto the vehicle, we have an ADA lift that lifts right on to the exam room.”

Inside, clients can receive resources including all birth control methods, emergency contraception Plan B, internal and external condoms, dental dams, HIV pre- and post-exposure medication, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, Gardasil vaccines, pregnancy testing, counseling, referrals, pap tests, breast exams, rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing, menopausal services, and even free Narcan.

Privacy and confidentiality are import for the mobile clinic program. Once potential patients fill out their paperwork outside the truck, they

step into the clinic, and its doors close for complete seclusion.

“It’s an interesting balance we have to strike,” Wilburn said. “We realize we’re rolling up and parking and having people come to us. So, we haven’t decided about publishing an actual schedule outside the locations where we will be scheduling to be.”

Find the mobile clinic at the Paso Robles Housing Authority’s Oak Park Public Housing every first and third Wednesday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The clinic will be on-site at CAPSLO’s 40 Prado services center every Friday starting in May. The center is working with the 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) to figure out a regular time to visit and serve the homeless encampments in South County. The group is in talks with People’s Self-Help

Housing to pinpoint locations where housed low-income residents can access clinic care.

“We are looking for ways to specifically serve the farm-working communities because we realize they are impacted by long work weeks, long work hours, transportation issues,” Wilburn said.

The mobile clinic doesn’t accept private insurance and focuses on people enrolled in Medicare to ensure it specifically provides resources to underserved groups.

Clinic staff members are bilingual and include a nurse practitioner and two medical assistants— one of whom draws blood for testing.

“We don’t currently have anyone who speaks the indigenous languages so we’re working with the Promotores [Collaborative] and MICOP [Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project] to provide those translation services,” Wilburn said.

Now, the center is hoping to roll the mobile clinic into sites like 5CHC’s Cabins for Change and the ECHO Shelter in Paso Robles where its hosted pop-up clinics in the past. Nipomo is also an area of interest. For more questions, contact Wilburn at (805) 544-2498, Ext. 121.

Fast fact

• Celebrate Arroyo Grande High School ’s new culinary building through a ribboncutting ceremony on April 23 at 9 a.m. Culinary students will serve treats at the 495 Valley Road facility tour. ∆

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

More than good enough

For all our sakes, the Dana Reserve must be good enough for a 5-0 vote in favor of approval. If it is not, the politicians we have elected are not serious about addressing our historic housing crisis. Nor are they serious about improving the infrastructure of Nipomo.

On April 23 and 24, the SLO County Board of Supervisors will vote on the largest housing development proposed for the county in 25 years (called the Dana Reserve). The site has been slated for development for 30 years, and this specific version of the project has been under the design and entitlement process for more than six years now. It is time this got built.

We must make every effort to be a county for families and the working class. This project does more for these groups than any before it. If you have followed the project only sparsely, this prior statement might surprise you. The project is large, complex, and surrounded by vocal neighbors who we believe have led a deliberate campaign of misinformation and disinformation about the project in an effort to stop construction near their homes.

They have stated gross oversimplifications and framed this project as a battle between 1,470 homes and 3,000 trees. But rather than following their methodology, allow us to share some facts about this project that you might not know.

Save SLO’s tree canopy

The Dana Reserve is an environmentally friendly project that will bring necessary housing and infrastructure to South County Speak

Yeah! For Will Powers and his letter about the destruction of our tree canopy by San Luis Obispo and developers (“SLO is losing trees to development,” April 4). All of those examples on North Monterey Street are spot-on. I don’t know where exactly the members of our City Council and Planning Commission live, but maybe they don’t have any trees in their neighborhoods. Trees are everything— what are we going to do for shade and cooling when they are all gone. And it absolutely pains me to see how some of the trees downtown are treated. I live near the Marigold Center and I can tell you the poor trees there are not thriving. I live near Laurel Lane and Johnson and it seems almost every week or so more trees are cut down or trimmed so far down they will not survive. And what about all that expensive housing development off Tank Farm Road—where are the trees?

A lot of the landscaping I am currently seeing go in looks like it is for the desert, not our cool, moderate climate. I realize we are trying to conserve water, but planting native trees that will thrive and provide habitat and shade is so important. Where would you rather go for a walk or sit outside, in

• Trees: Approval of the Dana Reserve creates a new nature preserve with more than 14,000 oak trees in Nipomo (which could one day be open for public access—think Nipomo’s own Pismo Preserve). Furthermore, the project plants an additional 2,300 trees on-site upon development. Net, the Dana Reserve plants or preserves 5.6 times as many trees as it removes. Combined with the fact that these new homes will be all-electric and include solar, this project is a win for the environment.

• Housing Affordability: The Dana Reserve has, for the first time ever in the history of local housing projects, offered to create a $3.2 million down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. The project also includes 1,053 housing units combined for workforce, missing middle, and moderate-, low-, or extremely low-income residents. By our understanding, this makes the Dana Reserve the most affordable housing project in SLO County history—by far.

• Infrastructure: As heard during the last SLO County Planning Commission hearing, the Dana Reserve would fund substantial portions of upgrades needed for existing residents of the Nipomo Community Services District (NCSD) to update old lines and add redundancy to existing systems. Similarly, existing NCSD ratepayers will see their rates be $750/year less on average if the

the direct sunlight with no shade or in an area with softly dappled shade and sunlight mixed?

The City Council and the Planning Commission have the ability to tell developers to keep the trees. They have the ability to protect those 54 wonderful, mature trees on Monterey, and any place else in the city where developers want to cut them down. There is no way a newly planted tree can replace a fully mature tree that is providing habitat for birds and other animals. Once they are gone, there is no replacing them. May I remind you that our planet is getting warmer and warmer. We need that natural cooling and shade. Save our tree canopy.

And on the subject of college administrators: Wow, but it does stress the point that colleges don’t seem to be about education as their first priority (“Administrative bloat,” April 4). I have always believed that the larger an organization becomes, the less efficient it is. Per the 2016 stats, why would you need 262 management positions to supervise 1,405 staff members? Most businesses that need to be accountable could not run this way, so why do we allow our state colleges and universities to do

Dana Reserve is approved compared to if it is not. That is a tangible win for the Nipomo community.

Furthermore, the Dana Reserve proposes to complete the Nipomo Frontage Road connection from Tefft to Willow and a functional equivalent of an already planned Hetrick extension. These costly improvements, which the community of Nipomo will tell you are needed now, will have to be paid for by county fees and taxes over time if the Dana Reserve is not approved. We say save the taxpayers some money and let this developer improve Nipomo’s infrastructure—as the developer intends!

doing enough for schools, it is in fact doing more per home than their homes did and more than any other housing development in the unincorporated county area.

• Community Benefits: These benefits are visible, but they are far from the only benefits of this development. The Dana Reserve also donates land for a fire station, a nonprofit day care, and a Cuesta College satellite campus. It creates a new commercial center with a hotel, a grocer, and restaurants.

So, what is the Dana Reserve? It is a facilitator of a net environmental win. It is the most affordable master-planned community in the county’s history. It is

The project is large, complex, and surrounded by vocal neighbors who we believe have led a deliberate campaign of misinformation and disinformation about the project in an effort to stop construction near their homes.

• Fees: The Dana Reserve would pay more than $85 million in fees. Part of these are the fees paid to the Lucia Mar School District. The Dana Reserve has offered and agreed to pay a tier higher than its obligation in school fees—this is unprecedented. However, perhaps even more unprecedented, the Dana Reserve is donating an improved site to construct 84 deed-restricted affordable housing units for Lucia Mar School District employees at no cost to the district or local taxpayers. So while opposition and neighbors have complained that the Dana Reserve is not

$750/year in savings for NCSD’s existing ratepayers. It is tens of millions of dollars in developer-funded community-needed infrastructure. It is the project that does more for the community than any before it.

Therefore, our question is simple: Dear supervisors, if doing the most is not enough for you, what is? ∆

Generation Build’s board wrote to New Times, representing 176 active members. Send a response for publication to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

it? Some of this funding must be taxpayer dollars so perhaps we all need to complain to our state representatives, plus stand up for those educators and staff members.

Sharon Roberts SLO

8TH ANNUAL! Downtown Atascadero

• Nearly 30 Tamale Vendors!

• Soloist Manuel Enrique

• Famous Dancing Horses

• Folkloric Dancers

• Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest

• Tamale Contest & Tamale Eating Contest!

• Family Fun

• Over 100 Vendors!

• Live Music!

BY JOHN ASHBAUGH

Hero to whom?

The 2024 election is hurtling toward us like a runaway train. The far-right has launched a full-scale attack on alleged “indoctrination” of political correctness that they claim to find throughout public education, from kindergarten through high school and especially in colleges.

I’m a retired history teacher with 20 years’ experience in our local secondary schools, at Cal Poly, and at Allan Hancock College. I resent the insinuation that our public schools and colleges are indoctrinating any of our students.

If anything, for too long our public schools have been teaching a sanitized view of the American Pageant. That’s the actual title of my U.S. history textbook in high school, first published in 1956; the 17th edition is still in use today.

For many minorities, especially Native Americans, our history is hardly a pageant; it’s a danse macabre. That’s especially the case for those unfortunate Indians who encountered John C. Frémont, that daring adventurer/soldier/statesman who holds a vaunted place as a great hero in our American history textbooks.

American public school textbooks generally applaud him as the intrepid “pathfinder of the West,” a reputation earned from several well-publicized explorations of the American West from 1842 to 1854.

In 1846, Frémont served as a lieutenant colonel in our war with Mexico and played an outsized role in bringing California into the Union. He was elected as California’s first U.S. Senator and was the first presidential nominee of the anti-slavery Republican Party in 1856.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, President Lincoln appointed Frémont a major general with command of Union forces in Missouri.

It should come as no surprise that Frémont’s name is applied to no fewer than four counties, four cities, and about 100 other place names throughout the nation. The famed SLO cinema bears his name on its iconic art deco marquee. (Side note: On April 25 the SLO International Film Festival kicks off its opening night at the Fremont).

What’s not to like about this dashing hero who had earned so much public acclaim for his daring adventures on both sides of the 100th Meridian?

As any teacher or student of U.S. history should know, the man perpetrated a mass murder. It was during his third expedition to the West in 1845-46 that Frémont bears responsibility for the dreadful massacre of Wintu Indians—the little-known Sacramento River massacre, at a site that lies within a few miles of my childhood home.

agitating for years to convince the U.S. to seize California from Mexico by force; they were spoiling for a fight.

On April 5, Frémont arrived along the banks of the Sacramento River somewhere near the border of present-day Shasta and Tehama counties. For generations, Native Americans had gathered there to harvest salmon from the river and to conduct traditional dances and feasts.

To those settlers riding with Frémont and Carson, the Indians appeared to be preparing for war. More likely, of course, the Wintu were simply honoring their natural deities and preparing the bounty of fish for storage.

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I grew up just south of Redding, the Shasta County seat. It’s amazing to me that teachers in our public schools never mentioned this massacre. In all my years in Redding schools, I can’t recall even a single reference to the diabolical activities of Frémont and his companion Kit Carson in this region.

California was seething with tension in the spring of 1846. Although Congress wouldn’t officially declare war with Mexico until May 13, for months Frémont and his “surveying” crew had been playing a cat-and-mouse game with Mexican authorities throughout California. By late March, they had gathered a party of about 75 American settlers in Northern California. These men had been

Almost as soon as they encountered the Wintu camp, Frémont and his men launched a surprise attack and proceeded to murder hundreds of the defenseless Wintu. Most were “shot down like sheep.” Those who tried to escape were pursued on horseback with sabers and guns. Estimates of the casualties vary, but one witness claimed that at least 600 to 700 were killed on land, with another 200 drowning in the river. Kit Carson later wrote that “it was perfect butchery.” Frémont’s forces then went to southern Oregon where they destroyed entire villages of the Klamath people. After learning that war had been declared against Mexico, they turned back south where Frémont helped to organize the Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma. That action, together with U.S. forces occupying Monterey, effectively ended Mexican authority in central and northern California.

He soon received orders to form a new battalion and move south to suppress a Mexican counterattack in Los Angeles. On a stormy December evening, Frémont and his California Battalion stormed over Cuesta Grade into San Luis Obispo. A more complicated story ensues here, portraying Frémont in a better light.

But that’s the topic for next month’s column. As a battleground in the Mexican War, would California endure even more bloodshed? Would Frémont be redeemed?

How is Frémont’s verdict written in our history books? Stay tuned. ∆

John Ashbaugh still wants to think of Frémont as the hero of his innocent childhood—but that image has dimmed in the harsh reality of truth. Contact him through the editor at clanham@newtimesslo.com

This Week’s Online Poll

Do you support the local fishermen’s decision to sue over wind farms?

58% Yes! Wind farms have too many environmental impacts.

28% No—we need this wind farm on the Central Coast.

13% Not sure. We need both the fishing industry and renewable energy.

1% What’s a wind farm?

David vs. David

There’s trouble ahead for Cambria if the Cambria Community Services District gets its way—and doesn’t it just always, almost get its way.

Looking back at the Little CSD That Couldn’t’s troubled history is a lesson in why the district may be attempting to do exactly what it’s trying to do now. After a stalemate with the Coast Unified School District over a water well on high school property, the CSD threatened the school with eminent domain.

“If you don’t give us what we want, we’re just going to take it,” the CSD said but didn’t say, if you know what I mean.

But it doesn’t just want to own the land that contains the water well and the infrastructure that goes with it, the CSD wants to own an additional 2.2 acres of that property and a school district irrigation well and give the school district an access easement. Wow. The balls on this community services district!

Why? “More security,” according to General Manager Matthew McElhenie. Are there break-ins I don’t know about?

The CSD is sick of paying the damn rent. It’s too damn high.

“It is both grossly inequitable and untenable to continue to pay rent for temporary rights to use the well facilities in perpetuity, which at this point, serves only as profit generation for CUSD,” the

CSD’s April 11 staff report states. “Under temporary agreements, CUSD can simply refuse to renew, and demand that the district remove the well facilities and/or cease their use.”

But that’s what happens when you don’t own property and you rent it. You pay someone else for the right to use it—even if it’s exorbitant. In SLO County, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is more than $2,500. You think I can initiate an eminent domain claim so I can move on up out of my cardboard box? Rent serves only as profit generation for the apartment owner, amirite?

Under a series of agreements the two entities have had since 2000, the school district granted the CSD an easement to drill and have access to a new water well due to an emergency situation. A Chevron gas station contaminated two of the CSD’s water wells, and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (could they make the agency’s name any longer) ordered the CSD to close the wells and Chevron to clean up its mess and pay for the CSD’s alternate source of water.

Twenty-four years later, the pollution’s all cleaned up and the CSD seems to believe that it has a right to that “emergency” well,

the property, and the water that comes out of it. Not only that, it’s chastising the school district for following the terms of the contract they both agreed to.

Weird.

Kind of like the whole emergency water supply facility debacle, which the CSD spent money on, built, and almost started using with the help of an emergency permit from the state. Almost a decade later, the name has changed a half dozen times and the CSD wants to use it on a permanent basis but is still attempting to get it permanently permitted. Better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission or whatever (I don’t think they did that right)?

Hey, the CSD is paying back a loan at the rate of $660,000 a year for a facility it can’t even use. That’s fiscal responsibility, amirite?

Meanwhile, McElhenie is upset that the district has paid the school district more than $765,000 since 2000 for access to water that now makes up 20 percent of the water supply for Cambria residents. Sounds like a screaming deal when you compare it to the emergency water facility disaster. It’s a steal for ratepayers, who are actually getting some bang for their bucks.

But the CSD thinks it can do one better. The portion of high school property it wants was appraised for $151,000, according to the CSD. So that’s the least it thinks it can pay to gain ownership over

not only the well it’s using, but also the school district’s well and some creekside property. That does sound better than the final offer from the CUSD of $26,000 a year for the next 99 years, doesn’t it?

I wonder how much the attorneys will make in the deal? I hope for Cambria’s sake that the aggrieved parties can resolve their differences on April 24. The David vs. David situation is not good for local residents, who are already choosing sides.

Meanwhile in a David vs. Kind of Goliath situation, the SLO County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is refusing to pay Darcia Stebbens what the court says it owes her: a measly $640. After the North County accountant paid the county almost $50,000 for the 2022 2nd District supervisor race recount and the county took her to court over what it said was the $4,000-plus remaining on her bill, a judge ruled that the clerk-recorder actually overcharged Stebbens.

As much of a joke as I’ve made of this saga and Stebbens’ election denialism, if the county owes her money, it should pay her. She footed the bill and paid more than her due. It’s time for Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano to cough it up—even if county counsel found a legal loophole. ∆

The Shredder doesn’t pay rent. Send housing options to shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: THE ARCHITECTURAL

LANDSCAPES OF THE CENTRAL COAST

Cambria Center for the Arts is proud to present Bird’s Eye View: The Architectural Landscapes of the Central Coast. The featured artist is local resident Tigg Morales. Fridays-Sundays. through April 28 Free. 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org.

Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

CAPTURING THE SPIRIT: TWO DAYS WITH FRANK EBER Eber will show and explain value vs. temperature changes on a facial plane; the importance of connection of shape and immediacy of brushwork. References will be both male and female. Requirements: beginners in the genre are OK but must have a basic understanding of medium. April 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 21 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $295. 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org.

Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com.

Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-799-9632. costagallery.com.

Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DRAWING/PAINTING GROUP CCA

holds still life drawing/painting sessions in the Green Room at Cambria Center for the Arts. You will need to bring your own supplies, including an easel if you choose to paint. Fourth Thursday of every month, 1-3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $10. 805-927-8190. cambriacenterforthearts. org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL

JOHNSTON Johnston’s photography features horses, landscapes, birds, and more, captured locally and abroad, including in Portugal. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

JEWELRY, SMALL WORKS, AND ART BY HOPE MYERS Myers is an award-winning watercolorist, collage artist, and jewelry crafts person. She has been creating her artwork on the Central Coast for more than 30 years. Hope’s jewelry features vintage beads and crystals and is assembled in Los Osos. Gallery open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OIL PAINTINGS BY JEFF ODELL Odell’s paintings of Morro Bay span across more than 40 years. They are a historical archive of the changes through those years. Odell’s frequently seen with his plein air easel and paints. His original oils are on canvas and wood. Gallery open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW (MORRO

BAY) Lineups are subject to change, but the event always includes five headliners. April 27, 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Eagles Club, 2988 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-772-1384.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY:

OPEN DAILY 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.

LIVE FIGURE DRAWING Uninstructed

Live Figure Drawing sessions hosted on the third Thursday of each month. Open to all artists ages 18 and older. Please bring your own art supplies. We will have chairs, tables, and a nude model to sketch. Note: no class in December. Third Thursday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $20. 805-2389800. studiosonthepark.org/classesworkshops/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

PAINT YOUR PET BENEFITTING WINE 4

PAWS

Get your paws on a paintbrush and create a one-of-a-kind work of art of your furry friend during Wine 4 Paws weekend. All the supplies are ready and waiting for you to unleash your inner Picasso. April 20, 12-2 p.m. $60. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. Shale Oak Winery, 3235 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles.

PHOTO WITH FIDO

If you have a fur baby

who likes to take selfies, join this fun photo session with your dog. The ticket includes your family photo session with your fur bestie, a digital copy of your photo, and a full MCV wine tasting. If you do not have a K-9 companion, host can supply one for you. April 21 11 a.m. my805tix.com/. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, 805-712-4647.

POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP

Develop your poetry and creating writing skills at the Paso Robles City Library. The workshop is designed to provide a low-pressure and supportive environment for participants to explore their poetic potential. The event is free, but registration is required. April 24 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Paso Robles City Library, 1000 Spring St., Paso Robles, 237-3870.

SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP

GRADE COMEDY THEATER

Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improvgames. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. 530-748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

SIP N’ SKETCH

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

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW (PASO ROBLES) With five headliners. Lineups are subject to change. April 26 7-8:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Park Place, 1216 Park St., Paso Robles.

THREE SPECKLED HENS VINTAGE MARKET AND ANTIQUE SHOW Features more than 75 vendors. Visit site for tickets

TIDAL RAVE

In conjunction with the SLO International Film Festival’s Surf Nite festivities this year, Riff Tide will perform on Friday, April 26, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., at the Fremont Theater. During the local band’s performance onstage, surf videos will be projected behind them on the Fremont Theater’s screen. Visit slofilmfest.org or Riff Tide’s Facebook page for more info. The Fremont Theater is located at 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

—Caleb Wiseblood

and more info. April 26 and April 27 my805tix.com/. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BARRY GOYETTE: MULBERRY For his exhibition at SLOMA, San Luis Obispobased artist Barry Goyette shows a series of portraits taken by a very specific mulberry tree as a site for portrait photography guided by the models, of varying stages of life. Through June 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/barry-goyette-mulberry/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

HAVE A DINO-MITE SPRING BREAK

(WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM) During this workshop, receive step-by-step instruction for creating beautiful fossil images. You’ll create your own work of art using Inktense pencils and water. Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. April 20, 11 a.m.noon $35 per person; $60 for two from same family. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW A great group of improvisers will be creating scenes on the spot from audience suggestions. April 20, 6 p.m. and April 26 , 6 p.m. my805tix. com/. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

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

LEARN MODERN SQUARE DANCING

A new square dance class, with Rick Hampton teaching. Exercise your body and brain while making new friends. Casual dress. Singles and couples welcome. Light refreshments will be

served. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through April 18 $70 for all 12 weeks. 805-781-7300. squaredancecentralcoast.com/classes. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ODDFELLOWS OPEN MIC Bring your music, improv, standup, magic, and dance talents. Each act gets five minutes. Audience votes for favorite. Third Saturday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-2340456. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel. com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINTING TERRACE HILL SUNSET WITH DREW DAVIS Check site for tickets and more info on the class. April 21 1-3 p.m. my805tix.com/. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

THE SCARLET IBIS AND RODEO Civic Ballet of SLO presents Drew Silvaggio’s original contemporary ballet, based on the short story by James Hurst which explores themes of family, acceptance, pride, fragility, and more. April 20, 7-9 p.m. and April 21 2-4 p.m. $40-$60. 805-756-4849. pacslo.org/events/detail/westsidestory24. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

SLO FILM FESTIVAL

As a premiere sixday annual event, the SLO Film Festival showcases more than 100 independent films, hosts exciting red-carpet events, and invites filmmakers and industry professionals to the area for panel discussions and workshops that bring the community together to celebrate the arts. April 25 April 26 April 27 and April 28 805-546-3456. slofilmfest.org/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW AT DAIRY CREEK With five headliners (subject to

change). April 27, 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-782-8060.

SONGBIRD SPRING COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM

Receive step-bystep instruction for creating a beautiful bird-themed paper collage using multiple mediums, including hand painted rice papers. Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. April 20 1-4:30 p.m. $40 per person. 805-4782158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

STAND-UP COMEDY CLASS: ALL THINGS

COMEDY This class covers the basics of crafting jokes, putting your set together, and includes performance training. Learn about comedic timing, workshop your sets, and get ready to rock that mic. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. through May 7 my805tix.com.

Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-858-8255.

UBU’S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING: WORLD PREMIERE Title TBD. Experience being a part of the creative process as SLO Rep presents the world premiere of a brand new play. April 19 -20, 7-8:30 p.m. and April 20 2-3:30 p.m. $15-$25. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/shows/ubuworld-premiere/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WILD ART! (GALA AND ONLINE SILENT AUCTION) A vibrant benefit for Outside

Now’s nature connection programs for the next generation. Come and enjoy live music, treats and drinks, creative artwork, live and silent auction opportunities, raffle drawings, and great company. Or, register and bid online from home. April 18 , 6-9 p.m. $35 adults; free for children. 805-5419900. outsidenow.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ABSTRACTED BOTANICALS A four-day workshop with Roberta Ahrens. Limited to 12 students. This unique workshop with cracked linen canvas and abstracted botanicals is “a journey into your unique expression on intriguing surface material.”

April 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 21 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 22 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 23 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $1,237 includes lunch daily. 805-550-6399. willowpondslo.com. Willow Pond SLO, 1250 Judith Lane, Arroyo Grande.

ROCK ON

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program hosts its Earth Day Cleanup at Morro Rock on Saturday, April 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. All ages are welcome and cleaning supplies will be provided. Attendees are welcome to show up anytime within the event time frame. Admission is free. Visit the program’s Eventbrite page for more info. —C.W.

THE FISH WHISPERER A mysterious outsider plots to fix a small fishing town’s sudden bad luck when it comes to fishing. Through May 11 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

LITTLE MERMAID JR. Presented by Coastal Youth Theater. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories. An enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. April 19 7-9 p.m., April 20, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., April 21 , 3-5 p.m., April 25 , 7-9 p.m., April 26 7-9 p.m., April 27 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and April 28 , 3-5 p.m. $25-$30. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/cyt-little-mermaid-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA The clock is ticking. Get ready for a night of laughs, love, and catchy tunes as St. Joseph High School presents this classic musical. The talented cast and crew have been working hard to bring a fun and lighthearted rendition of this timeless classic to life. April 19 7-9:30 p.m. and April 20, 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m. $20. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/sjhs-cinderella/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Menken and Ashman’s hit dark comedy musical adapted from the cult classic film by Roger Corman. Whatever you do, don’t feed the plant. April 24 - May 12 pcpa.org/shows/. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2024 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: PLANET VS. PLASTICS Greenspace-The Cambria Land Trust is hosting a familyfriendly afternoon to promote the Earth

Day theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” partnering with Soto’s True Earth Market. This year’s Earth Day Festival will have local ecoorganizations, classes, music, and animal ambassadors. Food and wine for purchase. April 21 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805-9272866. greenspacecambria.org. Creekside Reserve, 2264 Center St., Cambria.

36TH ANNUAL AAUW GARDEN TOUR

Visit gardens in any order during your selfguided tour. Tickets available at Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop and other outlets. Visit site for more details. No pets. April 28 12-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos, 805-528-5565.

BREATHE AND STRETCH: BAYSIDE

MARTIAL ARTS

This class for ages 18 and over is a hybrid of yoga, active isolated, resistance stretching, and more. Breath work is incorporated throughout. You must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again. Please bring a mat and some water to stay hydrated. Sundays, 9-10 a.m. $15 session. 415-516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

BREATHE AND STRETCH: OMNI STUDIO

This class for ages 18 and over is a hybrid of yoga, active isolated, resistance stretching, and more. Breath work is incorporated throughout. You must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again. Please bring a mat and some water to stay hydrated. Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $15 session. 415-516-5214. Omni Studio, 698 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS

Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-7722840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

THE CHALLENGES OF GARDENING

IN LOS OSOS Join the Los Osos Valley Garden Club as Master Gardeners Thorv and Marylou Hessellund explore some of the resources available to help us be successful gardeners in our climate zone.

Presentation will follow a member talk on “Repotting Cymbidium Orchids” by Peggy Rice. April 21 , 2-4 p.m. Free. lovgardenclub. com. First Baptist Church of Los Osos, 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, 805-528-3066.

EARTH DAY CLEANUP

Join the Morro Bay National Estuary Program for a cleanup in honor of Earth Day. Meet at Morro Rock any time from 9 to 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome, and supplies will be provided. Learn more at mbnep.eventbrite.com. April 20, 9-11 a.m. Free. mbnep.org. Morro Rock, Coleman Drive, Morro Bay.

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL AT CAMBRIA

NURSERY

A weekend-long celebration with creative workshops, 20 percent off all plants, garden demonstrations, and eco-friendly activities for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious free lunch (daily, noon-1 p.m.), and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability. “Let’s cultivate a greener future together.” April 19 -22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit website to view free and paid activities. 805-927-4747. cambrianursery. com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

ENJOY AXE THROWING

Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805-528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

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

POLLINATORS WITH THE MASTER GARDENERS Want to learn more about pollinators in SLO County? Join the Cayucos Library for an informative discussion with Master Gardeners of SLO. April 24 10-11 a.m. Free. 805-995-3312. slolibrary.org. Cayucos Library, 310 B. St., Cayucos.

SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

16TH ANNUAL CAMBRIA WILDFLOWER

SHOW You will see hundreds of freshly collected wildflowers on display, labeled

by family, with their common and botanical names, and other information. Wildflower books, seeds, t-shirts, and more will be for sale. The Wildflower Café will be open with delicious goodies to enjoy. April 27, 12-5 p.m. and April 28 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 donation at the door; all students free. 805-927-2856. fiscaliniranchpreserve. org. Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Main St., Cambria.

ATASCADERO CITYWIDE YARD SALE

Don’t miss the seventh annual Atascadero Citywide Yard Sale with registration fees going toward Joy Playground. Be listed on a digital and printed map featuring sales throughout the city. $20 per household. $30 for multiple households. $40 for businesses. April 20 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $20-$40. atascaderoyardsale.com. City of Atascadero, Palma Ave., Atascadero.

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

REPOTTING CLASS Peaceful Plants is holding its annual repotting class where you get to bring plants you may be concerned about or know it’s ready for a bigger pot. April 20, 2 p.m. my805tix.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

SERENITY YOGA RETREAT MIXER AND EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Presented by Central Coast Conscious Community. Hosted by Serenity Yoga Retreat Center. Come feel the energy of the earth and discover new potential pathways professionally and personally. April 28 , 1 p.m. my805tix.com. Serenity Yoga Retreat Center, 980 Hereford Lane, Paso Robles, 805-239-9591.

SPRING STORY STROLL The Paso Robles City Library invites you to an interactive story experience; enjoy a story time in the park, then stroll around the park with your family to read “The ABC’s of SLO County” by Jennifer Kirn. April 27 10-11 a.m. Free. Paso Robles Downtown City Park, 1200 Park Street, Paso Robles, 805-237-3888, prcity.com.

TOWN WIDE YARD SALE: SANTA

MARGARITA Wander the streets of Santa Margarita in search of treasures where you’ll find everything from A-Z during this annual Town Wide Yard Sale. Bring your wagon to walk between more than 60 participating homes. Online map will be posted in advance. April 27 8 a.m.-noon Free. 805-801-6939. santamargaritabeautiful.org/yardsale/. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I Street, Santa Margarita.

TREEPLENISH TREE PLANTING EVENT

Atascadero High School’s Earth Club is hosting a community-wide tree planting event with the goal of offsetting the school’s carbon and energy consumption. April 20 $5. 805-470-9158. tpevents.org/ school/4123. Atascadero High School, One High School Hill, Atascadero.

VEGAS ROLLORAMA WITH THE SLOROLL

An exclusive ages 21 and over event where “we transform the castle’s ballroom into a vibrant, old-school Vegas-themed roller rink, alive with music and electric energy.” A fundraiser for THE SLORoll community skate initiative. April 26 , 5-9 p.m. $25. 805-369-6100. toothandnailwine.com. Tooth and Nail Winery, 3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BUILDER GAMES 2024 Join to support People’s Self-Help Housing signature fundraiser. Cheer on teams building playhouses, as they race against the clock and face fun challenges. See who becomes this year’s ‘Builder Games Champion.’ April 27 3-7 p.m. $125. 805548-2358. buildergames.org. Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporate Office, 1060 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. 805440-0116. IHOP, 212 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

DIVISION 23 CALIFORNIA RETIRED

TEACHERS LUNCHEON AND MEETING

The bi-monthly luncheon and meeting will include entertainment by Judy Philbin accompanied by her son Garrett. The duo will sing favorites from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Email letremblay3756@gmail.com for more info. Come and network with fellow retired educators. April 18 , 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. $25. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo.

EARTH DAY STORYTIME With Lori Fisher Peelen, author of popular nature books for kids. April 23 10-10:30 a.m. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

FOSTERING COMMON PURPOSE WITHIN THE ARTS, CULTURE, AND HUMANITIES

SECTOR For this roundtable, the group is seeking representatives from local nonprofits that serve the arts, culture, and humanities sectors. This is an opportunity to gather to build relationships and collaborations between those serving in the same nonprofit sector and to share challenges, successes, and opportunities. April 24 10-11 a.m. Free. spokesfornonprofits.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

LEVERAGING AI FOR IMPACTFUL GRANT PROPOSALS A dynamic training class designed to enhance grant writing through artificial intelligence. April 18 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 for Spokes members; $35 for nonmembers. spokesfornonprofits.org. People’s SelfHelp Housing, 1060 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-3088.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 22

Avila Beach Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Night FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Avila

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO

Full Moon Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath TUESDAY, APRIL 23

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, SLO

Photo with

MCV Wines, Paso Robles

Jeffry’s

Jeffry’s

MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month.

Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. 805-545-5874. slocm. org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided.

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

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

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE

ENERGY Helps to lower stress, increase flexibility and energy, and can even help with anxiety and chronic joint pain. It combines gentle stretches, strengthening postures, and flowing movements. Participants will stand but chairs will be made available. April 28 1-2 p.m. $21 nonmembers. 805-541-1400. slobg.org/event/ qi-gong-for-less-stress-more-energy/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO SPRING WEDDING EXPO A one-stop destination for all things wedding and event planning. Whether you’re engaged and planning your dream wedding or organizing a special event, this expo is the ultimate source of inspiration, expertise, and the latest trends. April 21 , 12-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

SECOND ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE Come out to beautiful Avila to rummage to kick off Earth Week. Features clothes, toys, gear, books, home goods, and more. All money raised will support Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School. April 20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, 1401 San Luis Bay Dr., San Luis Obispo, 5957169, bsfcs.org.

SLO COUNTY EARTH DAY FAIR

Come enjoy a beautiful day in the sun, celebrating our home; planet earth. The SLO County Earth Day Fair will feature live music, food and drinks, a fun kids zone, and an electric car show. Don’t miss this exciting community event. April 20 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. sloclimatecoalition.org/ earth-day-fair-slo-county/. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups. io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805709-2227. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

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

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

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

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp

packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. 805-8357873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BREATHWORK WITH WMW This space is designed for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and co-create a space of mutual support and empowerment. April 27 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, 805-773-5000.

FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND

SOUND BATH An evening of celestial connection and soulful movement. All yoga levels welcome and encouraged. April 23 , 8-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.

MODEL RAIL DAYS 2024 SLO Model Railroad Association presents Model Railroad Days at the Oceano Depot, with a free display of working model railroads (different scales and sizes; fun for all ages). Free parking. April 19 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 21 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. slomra.org. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano, 805-489-5446.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE NEAL TAYLOR NATURE CENTER 27TH ANNUAL FISH DERBY Rain or shine. $5,000 plus in cash prizes. Thousands more in merchandise prizes. Register in advance. April 20 6 a.m.-10 p.m. $10-$45. 805-693-8381. troutderby.org. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2265 CA-154, Cachuma Lake.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30

p.m. through May 31 Varies. 805-824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

SBWN SPRING FLING HIGH TEA FUNDRAISER Aiming to collect funds for the SBWN Cuesta College Female Reentry Student Scholarship Program. Show your support by “filling our teapot” at this Spring Fling High Tea Fundraiser. Make a donation and take a guess at the total amount in the teapot by the event’s conclusion for a chance to win the High Tea Gift Basket. April 21 , 3 p.m. my805tix. com. The Savory Palette (formerly Morro Bay Wine Seller), 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 679-3326 / (805) 858-8440.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BRING YOUR PUP TO THE MOVIES NIGHT:

LADY AND THE TRAMP A paw-some evening at Dracaena Wines Tasting Room. Bring your furry friend along for a special screening of Lady and the Tramp. Enjoy a glass of wine while your pup mingles with other doggos. Donations collected to benefit Wine 4 Paws. April 18 7-9 p.m. $10 minimum donation. 805-270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

BEER YOGA While flowing through your practice, enjoy an ice-cold craft beer from the vast draft beers that Ancient Owl has to offer. Not a beer drinker? AO has hard seltzers on tap too. April 20 10-11 a.m. my805tix.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero, 805-460-6042.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.

CLUB SUPSUP Featuring an elevated Oaxacan inspired menu crafted with traditional flavors and innovative twists. April 22 , 6-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com.

Timshel Vineyards, 825 Riverside Ave., suite 1, Paso Robles. Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. 310-692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.

CLUB SUPSUP WITH JEFFRY’S WINE COUNTRY BBQ Delight in deeply traditional Mexican flavors with a modern flair, curated specially for this milestone one-year anniversary occasion. April 24 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, 819 12th St., Ste. B, Paso Robles, 805-369-2132.

DOWNTOWN WINE DISTRICT

WINE WALK Your $60 ticket gets you food and wine at 17 Downtown Wineries. April 27 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $60. downtownwinedistrictpaso.com/events/.

Derby Wine Estates, 525 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, 805-238-6300.

FROM THE BARREL INVITATIONAL One the state’s largest California distillers tasting events of the year. It’s been 88 years since the end of Prohibition, so join Paso Robles Distillery Trail and Firestone Walker Brewing Company for an evening celebrating the best libations born in a barrel. April 20 6-10 p.m. $95. pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

GRAND PASTA FEED Proceeds benefit

ICF scholarships. Features spaghetti and meatballs with salad, bread, dessert, and a beverage. Take-out option available. April 27 5-8 p.m. $8-$15. St. Rose Parish Hall, 820 Creston Road, Paso Robles, 805-238-2218.

PAINT YOUR PET BENEFITTING WINE

4 PAWS Ticket price at J Dusi Wines includes all materials to create your one-of-a-kind-masterpiece, plus your first glass of wine. April 21 , 12-2 p.m. $65. 805400-9107. artsocial805.com. J Dusi Wines, 1401 Hwy. 46 West, Paso Robles. A unique paint your pet experience. April 21 1-3 p.m. $65-$70. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. Hoyt Family Vineyard Tasting Room, 1322 Park Street, Paso Robles.

ROOTS TO WINGS Please join Santa Lucia School’s auction, Roots to Wings. Features a southern picnic catered by Dubs, with Fableist wine, music by Nicole Stromsoe, wine raffle drawing, and silent and live auction benefiting SLS. Purchase tickets by April 21 to attend. Site will be open for donations through April 28. April 28 1-5 p.m. $75. 408-841-6697. santaluciaschool. org/rootstowings. Fableist Winery, 5036 S. El Pomar Road, Templeton.

SIP N’ SKETCH Celebrate Spring at this Sip n’ Sketch event. Bring your own supplies (or borrow some of ours) and paint or draw your own masterpiece from a live model picnic set up while enjoying a glass of wine. April 20 6-9 p.m. $20. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 805-460-

6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR

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

WINE 4 PAWS KICK-OFF PARTY An evening of wine, beer, live music featuring the Mark Adams Band, and some delicious light bites as well. To support Woods Humane Society. April 20, 6:30-10 p.m. my805tix.com/. California Coast Beer Company, 1346 Railroad St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COMEDY NIGHT A locally produced standup comedy show featuring some of the best touring and local comics performing at a beautiful brewery. Third Thursday of every month, 8-10 p.m. $20. 805-5408300. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, bangthedrumbrewery.com.

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

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805242-1167.

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. 805292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

ROSÉ THE SLO WAY WINE FESTIVAL AND FUNDRAISER Showcases the acclaimed wine region’s premier Rosés. Guests will taste wine from 20 boutique Central Coast wineries, meet the team behind the wines, and enjoy savory food pairings. April 21 1-4 p.m. $150. hotel-slo. com/events/rose-the-slo-way/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45

FOOD & DRINK continued page 23

a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

TASTE OF SLO SPIRIT TASTING FUNDRAISER Spirit tastings from SLO County’s distillery community. Live music. Food trucks. Visit site for more info and tickets. April 27, 2-6 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA

Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805-439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

WEDNESDAY PUB TRIVIA

Bring your thinking caps as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805-439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

WINE 4 PAWS Visit any of the 75 participating SLO County wineries and businesses to raise funds for Woods Humane Society. 10 percent of all sales will support dogs and cats in need of homes. April 20 -21 805-801-6589. Wine4paws.com.

SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AVILA BEACH SPAGHETTI DINNER AND BINGO NIGHT Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic bread, and dessert, followed by Bingo. April 19 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. 805-235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

CHARLES GORCZYNSKI TANGO QUARTET Presented by Cambria Concerts Unplugged. Artist is best known for his innovative work in contemporary and traditional tango music. Be transported to Argentina through this very special concert experience. April 20 2:30-4:45 p.m. my805tix.com/. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2700 Eton Road, Cambria.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: IN CONCERT The groundbreaking rock opera that takes audiences on a riveting journey through the final days of Jesus Christ. This iconic musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, combines the raw energy of rock music with the emotional depth of a classic Broadway production. April 26 - May 5 my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. 805-305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.

LIVE MUSIC WITH GUITAR WIZ AT LUNADA GARDEN BISTRO “Guitar Wizard” Billy Foppiano plays a wide range of music, including blues, R&B, classic rock, and more. Fourth Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 805-900-5444. Lunada Garden Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos.

MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Under the direction of conductor Brenda Hascall, and sponsored by the James Irvine Foundation, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a concert at Tidelands Park. Donations will benefit Los Osos Middle School Music. April 20 1-3 p.m. Free; donations accepted. 805-459-9543. Tidelands Park, South end of Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

SURF ROCK SATURDAY AT THE SIREN Rock, funk, and soul with locally renowned musicians Steven J. Eddy (bass), Mikie Antonette (drums), Debi Red (vocals), and legendary guitar man Steve Conrad. April 19 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free show. 805-2109698. debiredmusic.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay. NORTH SLO COUNTY

EASTON EVERETT AT OUTLAWS Asinger-songwriter known for acoustic guitar music with an independent and adventurous sound. April 26 5-7:30 p.m. eastoneverett.com/. Outlaws Bar, Grill, & Casino, 9850 E Front St, Atascadero, 805-466-2000.

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. 805-4606042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

GUITARIST JACOB ODELL, BASSIST DYLAN JOHNSON, AND VOCALIST

more. Thursdays, 8-10 p.m. $5 at the door. Raconteur Room, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, 805-464-2584.

KARAOKE NIGHT Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Templeton

Mercantile Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton. Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542.

KOE WETZEL LIVE With special guests Cam Allen and Tanner Usrey. April 19 8 p.m. Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

LOS ANGELES AZULES With special guest appearances by Angela Leiva and Jay de la Cueva. April 18 , 8 p.m. Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

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.

ULTHAR LIVE Enjoy live death metal. April 27 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Dark Nectar Coffee Lounge, 5915 Entrada, Atascadero, 805-835-1988.

ZZ TOP See the iconic act live in Paso Robles. April 27 Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30TH SLO FILM FESTIVAL SURF NITE

WITH RIFF TIDE With drinks in the lobby, live music from Riff Tide from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., and film showing at 7 p.m. April 26 4:30-7 p.m. $25. 805-546-3456. slofilmfest. org. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

’90S PROM NIGHT With B & The Hive. April 20 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, 805 242-8372.

AL STEWART WITH THE EMPTY

POCKETS An evening with legendary Al Stewart, best known for his hits “Year of the Cat” from the Platinum album of the same name and more. Accompanied by the Empty Pockets Band. April 20 7:3010:30 p.m. $50. pciconcerts.com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND THE NOTES: RACHMANINOFF AND HIS ALL-NIGHT VIGIL (INSPIRATIONS) Learn about Rachmaninoff’s sources and musical references utilized during his composition of the work “All-Night Vigil.” These presentations coincide with the SLO Master Chorale’s concert on Sunday, April

21, at 3 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. April 21 , 1:15-2 p.m. Free. 805-538-3311. slomasterchorale.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

BLUES WEDNESDAYS Spinning blues records all night. Chicago, Memphis, Delta, Detroit, and more. Visit this new vinyl bar in the Railroad District. Acoustically treated room, old-school sound system, big speakers, but always at a polite volume. Plenty of free parking. Wednesdays, 2-8 p.m. Free. 313-316-7097. Jan’s Place, 1817 Osos St., San Luis Obispo, jansplaceslo.com.

BURLEY THISTLES IN SLO Burley Thistles plays guitar-woven music that has an indie attitude and a tough beat. April 21 3-6 p.m. eastoneverett.com/. 1215, Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST GUITAR SHOW 2024

For the price of admission, those attending the show may “walk in” new, used, old, or rare guitars, amplifiers, and other musical items. April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. my805tix. com/. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CHARLES GORCZYNSKI TANGO QUARTET

BENEFIT FOR SLCUSD BANDS The Charles Gorczynski Tango Quartet is bringing Argentine tango music to SLO. Proceeds benefit the SLO and Morro Bay High School and Middle School Music Programs. Mark your calendar for an unforgettable afternoon of music. April 21 3-5 p.m. $20. my805tix.com/e/charles-gorczynski. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

AN EVENING WITH BRUCE COCKBURN

See Cockburn live in concert. April 24, 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

JOVIAN QUEEN AND SILVITICI YELLOW

MASTER BLUE Visit site for tickets and more info. April 19, 6-9 p.m. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY

FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe. com/index.htm.

RED OAK COUNTRY Live in concert. Tickets available online in advance. April 20, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

RIFF TIDE ROCKS EARTH DAY IN LAGUNA PARK Catch the band during the annual SLO County Earth Day Fair at Laguna Lake Park. This free family-friendly event is sure to entertain, educate, and inspire our community. April 20, 1-2 p.m. Free show. 805-440-2547. slochamber.org/event/slocounty-earth-day-fair/. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLO BLUES FUSION CANVAS Experience a night of rhythmic rebellion with Maya Jaycox, Cat Cooper, and host Drew Davis, featuring Kevin Sean’s live beats. April 27 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

THE SLO GTAR ENSEMBLE Weird Cry Records in Ojai have released two

archival recordings of this Chicago Guitar Ensemble. April 25 8-10 p.m. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO MASTER CHORALE: VESPERS Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil” is his signature choral work and has become a fixture in choral repertoire. April 21 3-5 p.m. $20-$60. 805-756-4849. pacslo.org/ events/detail/vespers-24. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ALPHA RHYTHM KINGS Presented by Basin Street Regulars. With Tevis Ranger Jr. High School Band. April 28 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

BOOGIE FEVER: A FUNDRAISER

BENEFITING SAN LUIS OBISPO LEGAL

ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION Don your favorite disco attire for a night of dazzling fun and raising money for a great cause. April 27 4-9:30 p.m. $150 per ticket. 805-548-0794. auctria.events/

BoogieFever2024. Thousand Hills Ranch, 550 Thousand Hills Rd., Pismo Beach.

KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND

SPRING CONCERT

The San Luis Obispo County Band presents its Spring Concert, featuring a variety of music with the central theme of “Space.” There will be music from “Star Trek” and similar space-centric media. April 28 , 3-5 p.m. Donations appreciated. 630-421-2556. slocountyband.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.

SLO MASTER CHORALE: BEYOND THE NOTES Explore the traditions of the music of the Eastern Orthodox Church and its transcendent qualities, and learn how the music of the Church has transformed over the years. This presentation coincides with the SLO Master Chorale’s concert on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. April 20 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-538-3311. slomasterchorale. org. San Luis Bay Estates Lodge, 6375 Firehouse Canyon Road, Avila Beach. UP IN THE AIR AT MULLIGAN’S Featured act will play it’s eclectic blend of upbeat original music, along with some familiar favorites. The six-piece ensemble features vocals, guitars, mandolin, keys, flute, bass, drums, and Latin percussion. April 19, 5 p.m. Free. 805-595-4000. avilabeachresort.com/mulligans/. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach. ∆

Arts

Paso Robles’ Spare Time Books celebrates one-year anniversary since ownership shift

Established in 1989 by Sharon King, Spare Time Books in Paso Robles was purchased in April 2023 by Carla Cary and Clio Bruns, who recently celebrated their one-year tenure at the shop with some festivities in mid-April.

“We have spent the last year transforming the space while honoring the spirit of the original bookshop,” Cary said in a statement from Spare Time Books. “Our goal is to draw the community together and ignite peoples’ love for books.”

According to Cary, more than 170,000 community members and other individuals helped support projects at the shop during its renovation process through gifts and book purchases. Cary and Bruns were able to replace the original shop’s bookshelves with built-in shelves along the store’s walls and repainted the walls, duct pipes, door, and trim. “People’s enthusiasm helped bring our vision to life and made our dream a reality,” Cary said. “We are honored to have the chance to breathe new life into this local treasure.”

Alongside its used book offerings, Spare Time Books has a growing selection of new books, board games, and bookrelated merchandise, which Cary and Bruns plan to expand upon further, according to the release. The shop currently designs “mystery book boxes” on request for patrons who are interested in acquiring a mystery selection of books. Staff curates each box based on the customer’s preferred genres and authors.

For more info on Spare Time Books and its offerings and upcoming programming (book signings, book clubs, kids events, and more), call (805) 237-1140 or visit sparetimebooks.com. The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and located at 945 12th St., Paso Robles.

SLO County Arts Council seeks artist or artist team for Oceano sculpture project

In conjunction with the Clean California State Highway Beautification Program, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council is seeking county-based artists and artist teams to apply to work on an upcoming sculpture project in Oceano.

Requests for qualifications are due on April 30. Up to three finalists will receive $500 stipends and be invited to submit proposals for the sculpture project, set to be built in the Oceano Highway Mainstreet Community Space, an upcoming plaza. Construction of the plaza is scheduled for late spring.

For more info on how artists can submit their qualifications for consideration and other details, visit slocountyarts.org. ∆

—Caleb Wiseblood

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

‘I’m just looking’

Just Looking Gallery is celebrating its birthday and its ability to bring art to SLO for the last 40 years

One of San Luis Obispo’s oldest art galleries just turned 40, and it’s ready to celebrate how far it has come.

Ralph Gorton rst moved to SLO to work for Diablo Canyon in the 1980s and managed to become an art collector for the work of Patrick Nagel in his free time. Nagel was a commercial artist known for his art deco-inspired portraits of women in the 1980s, according to Heritage Auctions.

“I spent about $75,000 buying his work, which was a lot of money in the early ’80s,” he told New Times. “I was sitting on a goldmine, and I knew that. I was going to parlay that collection into a gallery, I just wasn’t originally sure where it would be.”

He searched from Santa Barbara to San Rafael and everywhere in between to nd the perfect spot to support his collection, but eventually decided to stay in SLO because it lacked an art gallery but was rich in tourism from the wine industry. Just Looking Gallery was born.

“Before I opened the gallery, I was talking with Pat Nagel, and we were discussing what would be a good name. In the beginning I thought I’d call it Creekside Gallery because we were over in the Mission Mall,” he said. “But he kept shaking his head no and said call it Just Looking because every time I go into a gallery, you have to tell the sta ‘I’m just looking.’ So, I thought about it for a day and then it dawned on me, why would I question the most recognizable artist on the planet at that time.”

Just Looking Gallery started primarily with Nagel’s work, but Gorton slowly started showing, buying, and hiring other artists to work for the gallery.

“My ex-wife and I used to travel to LA all the time to see artists since we’d go to art expos, and as the gallery grew, the community became more uid,” he said. “We began to grow and prosper as a gallery, as a business in downtown. In the beginning, we were probably 85 percent locals of our clients and 15 percent tourists, but now it’s completely ipped. It’s 85 percent tourists and 15 percent locals.”

Gorton said his gallery’s been traditionally more into art deco and postmodern era work, and he doesn’t tend to stray too far from it.

“[For artists] it’s an interview process really. Firstly their body of work has to catch my eye, then I have to make sure that they’re willing to work in a structured environment,” he said. “ ey can’t just randomly paint whatever they want because

Look from anywhere

To browse through what Just Looking Gallery is hanging, visit justlookinggallery.com or 740 Higuera St. in downtown SLO.

that’s a formula for failure. We have to pay what we think the clients are going to and make it available in a price range that makes sense. Also, create a body of work that falls in line with the history of the gallery. Deco era would be in the ’30s and postmodern would be somewhere between 1946 and 1964.”

Today, Gorton has multiple artists working for the gallery, most notable is Steve omas who is currently focused on creating vintage-style travel posters of the Central Coast.

omas’ Central Coast posters include SLO’s Seven Sisters with mountain peaks that sit above a bed of grayish clouds fading toward the back of the print, revealing Morro Rock and the blue of the surrounding ocean.

While on display in the gallery, omas’ prints are available for purchase online at Just Looking’s website.

John Hanley, who began showing his pieces at the gallery on March 11, attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and soon after began freelancing for Best Buy, Budweiser, Coca Cola, Chevrolet, McDonald’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, BMW, and more.

“He retired and reached out to me through a friend because when you’ve been in the business for years, people are always resourcing. But he wanted to become a ne arts painter and he sent me his work, and I invited him to come up [to SLO] and he brought about 30 paintings, which were mostly movie posters,” Gorton said. “He was such a great painter, I thought, ‘Well, we can take his skill set and take him away from doing movie posters and start doing sort of historical images of San Luis Obispo County.’’’

e gallery currently has ve of Hanley’s pieces on display, including a woman in a striped bathing suit digging clams up on Pismo Beach in the 1940s. e painting has a unique mix of dull yellows, blues, and greens that give it the allure of a photo taken with an Instagram lter.

Most of Hanley’s work has this dreamlike e ect, which he achieves using an oil-wash technique on Masonite.

e gallery has some new events coming up to celebrate its birthday, including releasing four commemorative posters from four di erent artists in the gallery, which will be released three months apart. e rst one from omas is currently on display, Gorton said.

“ e rst one’s already been released, and its title is For A Better Tomorrow,” he said. “It’s been released for about a month, and it’s currently in our front window and selling well. We’ll do another one around September and then another one for Christmas.” ∆

Reach Sta Writer Samantha Herrera at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.

CENTRAL COAST PRINTS The largest display of artwork at the gallery is from Steve Thomas, who is currently focused on creating vintage-style travel posters of the Central Coast.

IMAGE COURTESY OF RALPH GORTON

40 YEARS STRONG Ralph Gorton began Just Looking Gallery four decades ago after moving to SLO to work for Diablo Canyon and creating one of the largest personal collections of Patrick Nagel’s artwork.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH GORTON

OLD SAN LUIS One of Just Looking Gallery’s new artists, John Hanley, created a series of five paintings highlighting SLO County between the 1940s to the 1980s. Hanley uses an oil-wash technique on Masonite to get a dreamlike effect for his paintings.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

Last full measure

Writer-director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men) helms this war movie set in a dystopian near-future America where Texas, California, and other states—in the face of an increasingly autocratic and fascist U.S. President (Nick O erman) who appoints himself to a third term— join forces to depose him. e story follows four journalists—Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson)—as they travel a circuitous route from New York to Charlottesville and beyond as the so-called Western Forces advance on Washington, D.C. (109 min.)

CIVIL WAR

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Fair Oaks, Park, Stadium 10

Glen Like all great war movies, Civil War is staunchly anti-war, depicting the carnage, the horror, the senselessness, the brutality, and the ugliness of combat. Telling the story through the eyes of journalists makes sense. Joel is an adrenaline junky who gets o on the rush of war. Lee is weary of con ict, realizing her attempts through her work to show the world the futility of war have failed—war never stops. Sammy is their seasoned mentor who begs for a ride to Charlottesville. Jessie is just 23 and idolizes Lee, a renowned war photographer. Against Lee’s wishes, she convinces Joel to let her tag along. ere’s a heartbreaking moment between Lee and Jessie when after facing death Jessie says how she’s never felt more afraid or more alive. Lee looks at her with such sad resignation because she knows the path Jessie has started down brings nothing but pain. is is a heart-wrenching lm. Anna e whole cast takes these roles on with gusto, but Kirsten Dunst is especially forceful as Lee. e reality of war wears on her face. Along their travels, the group stumbles upon a small town where at rst glance the fact that a civil war surrounds

3 BODY PROBLEM

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Netflix

B805-772-2444

ased on Chinese sci-fi author Liu Cixin’s novel The Three-Body Problem (from his Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy), Netflix’s nonlinear, character-rich series is about the Santi, an alien race from a dying planet that contacts Earth. The story surrounds the humans who are aware of the Santi.

This U.S. version is being criticized in China for its racially diverse cast (all the novel’s characters are Chinese) as well as its graphic depiction of a

As a pretext for invasion, an alien race called the Santi contacts humans through a headset disguised as a puzzle-to-solve videogame, in 3 Body Problem, streaming on Netflix.

them seems to go unnoticed. ey stop into a boutique where the clerk (Melissa SaintAmand) dryly tells them the town simply doesn’t want to think about or acknowledge the con ict; however, the armed men on the rooftop across from the shop may feel di erently. Jessie convinces Lee to try on a dress, and looking at herself with a pu ed organza shoulder and V-neckline reminds Lee just how far war has brought her from life’s normalcy. She sees herself in Jessie, and in that she sees the di culty that lies in front of her young admirer. Jessie may think she wants to be in it, to be on the front line, but the reality of death and destruction is a lot less romantic than the thought of being a famed photojournalist. When real lives of people that you know get into the mix, all romance is gone. ere’s just death and blood and heartbreak. I’ll be thinking about this lm for a long time to come. Glen Another harrowing moment comes when they stumble across some soldiers led by a nameless psychopath (Jesse Plemons, Dunst’s real-life husband), who’s absolutely frightening as he casually pours lye onto a mass grave. At gunpoint, he asks the

“struggle session” in 1966 during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, where we see defiant physics professor Ye Zhetai (Perry Yung) beaten to death by the Red Guards as his physicist daughter, Ye Wenjie (Xine Tseng), helplessly watches. The experience makes Wenjie lose faith in humanity, which is central to her motivation when she’s sent to a remote state-run Chinese SETI installation trying to contact alien life. She eventually makes contact, and despairing of humanity, she invites them to invade.

It’s a fascinating story, and in 400 years’ time, the alien race will arrive, and they’ve decided we’re nothing more than “bugs” to be exterminated. Can humanity unite to stop the invasion? If renewed, I’ll watch future seasons for sure. (eight 45- to 60-min. episodes)

—Glen

journalists, “What kind of American are you?” It perfectly sums up the tribal partisanship gripping the U.S., where each side believes its political opponent is an existential threat. Could this actually happen in America? e scene is also a reminder that in war, war crimes and atrocities are inevitable. e mass grave wasn’t lled with enemy soldiers. It was lled with murdered civilians.

Anna I thought the choice to put Plemons’ character in bright red plastic sunglasses was telling. He literally saw red. ose were no rose-colored glasses. As the journalists trek on toward Washington, D.C., they start to wonder what it’s all for. Will it be worth it? Joel has the intention to interview the president, and Lee has the intent to photograph the takedown, but what comes is the unmistakable mess of war. Sometimes the wizard is just a man behind a curtain, yet so much revolves around his whims. is lm should not be missed. ∆

Senior Sta Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

LAWMEN: BASS REEVES

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Paramount Plus

Real-life Bass Reeves (1938-1910) was born into slavery and owned by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves, and when the Civil War started, Reeves’ son George R. Reeves acquired ownership of Bass, joined the Confederate Army, and took Bass with him. Bass eventually attacked George over a poker game argument and escaped into Indian territory, where he learned to speak five Native American languages: Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, and Creek.

After the Emancipation Proclamation, Bass returned to Arkansas, married his wife, Jennie (Lauren E. Banks), had children, and tried his hand at farming until 1875 when Judge Isaac Parker (Donald Sutherland) swore in Reeves in as a lawman. During his 35 years in law enforcement, Bass made more than 3,000 arrests, killing 20 men in the line of duty. In short, he was an amazing historical figure and ripe for the picking by series creator Chad Feehan (Southland Rectify Ray Donovan).

The miniseries depicts many historically accurate moments in Reeves’ life as well as fictionally embellishing other elements, and it’s a gripping, albeit slow burning, story with a terrific supporting cast including Dennis Quaid, Barry Pepper, and Garrett Hedlund. A must-see for Western fans.

32- to 57-min. episodes) ∆

HARDENED

(eight

—Glen

WAR-CORE DESPONDENT Kirsten Dunst stars as Lee Smith, a hardened journalist covering a new American civil war, who’s racing to Washington, D.C., as the seceding states’ militias invade, in Civil War, screening in local theaters. PHOTO COURTESY

ALIEN JOB INTERVIEW

Based on an historical figure, David Oyelowo stars as Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, a runaway slave turned lawman, in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, streaming on Paramount Plus.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PLUS

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Still burning

Bruce Cockburn plays Cuesta College

Bruce Cockburn had been recording more than 20 years when I “discovered” him and his 1991 album Nothing but a Burning Light, which positively floored me. The songwriting, his voice, his guitar—how could he have flown under my radar for so long? He wrote these incredibly human, deeply resonant songs, poems really, like the lyrics to the bridge of “A Dream Like Mine”: “When you know even for a moment/ That it’s your time/ Then you can walk with the power/ Of a thousand generations.” His songs ask philosophical questions, like “Soul of a Man”: “I read the bible often/ I try to read it right/ As far as I can understand/ It’s nothing but a burning light// Well won’t somebody tell me?/ Answer if you can/ I want somebody to tell me/ Tell me what is the soul of a man.”

Bruce Cockburn comes to Cuesta College’s Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 24, (8 p.m.; all ages; $57.50 to $75 at my805tix.com). In his long career, the Canadian singer-songwriter has explored spirituality, politics, and the human condition, creating a sound that embraces folk, jazz, rock, worldbeat, and more. He’s sold 9 million albums, is a member of both the Canadian Songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame, a winner of Folk Alliance’s People’s Voice Award, as well as 13 Juno Awards from more than 30 nominations. He’s touring in support of O Sun O Moon, his 35th album.

Also this week at the Cuesta College PAC, see Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets on Saturday, April 20 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $57.50 to $75 at my805tix.com). After a U.S. tour in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined him, but the Scottish singer is back to play his old favorites, like “Year of the Cat,” “Time Passages,” “On the Border,” and “Modern Times,” along with selections from his deep catalogue.

“I’m just a folk singer that’s interested in history and wine that got lucky with some hit records,” he said in press materials. “It’s as simple as that really. I was always a huge music fan and originally, I had wanted to be Brian Jones and then Bob Dylan, but

those two jobs were already taken. And in many ways, I’m still pretty much the same troubadour that I was back in 1965. I still get a kick out of hearing the Zombies, Hendrix, or They Might be Giants on the radio.”

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

I think the best way to describe the music of Koe Wetzel is contemporary outlaw country. In his “Good Die Young” video, it opens with a man announcing he has 24 hours before he begins a very long prison sentence. What’s he going to do?

“I’m running ’round like a fish with my head cut off/ I know, it don’t make much sense to me either/ The sun is shinin’, I’m still broke as hell/ But it’s good to see the grass got greener/ My mama called to say she’s prayin’ for me/ And Jesus called but I wasn’t there/ He left a message on my answerin’ machine/ Just to tell me how much he cared// And I don’t want to think about tomorrow/ What if tomorrow never comes?/ Take me to a place without the sorrow/ The story’s getting’ old, where the good diе young.”

Some songs hint at hip-hop, rap, and grunge sounds. He’s purportedly been known to call his music “hillbilly punk-rock.” Basically, his persona is as a hard-partying good ol’ boy who likes hunting and fishing and exotic dancers and his mother.

Born in Pittsburg, Texas, to a construction worker dad and a touring country singer mom, Wetzel would accompany her on tours and first performed onstage at age 6. He went on to be a linebacker at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, but soon he decided music was his life. He formed Koe Wetzel and the Konvicts, released a popular EP and album, and never looked back.

See him on Friday, April 19 (8 p.m.; all ages; $40 to $85 at vinaroblesamphitheatre. com), with openers Cam Allen and Tanner Usrey

Also, don’t forget about Cumbia superstars Los Angeles Ázules play on Thursday, April 18 (8 p.m.; all ages; $60 to $90 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com), with special guests Angela Leiva and Jay de la Cuerva.

The Siren

The dirty filthy bad boy of hip-hop returns on Saturday, April 20, to play a 4/20 party. I’m talking, of course, about Mickey Avalon, a storied artist with a sordid past whose living-on-the-edge experiences influence his music and songs such as “My Dick,” “Stroke Me,” “Dipped in Vaseline,” and more. His dad was a heroin addict who later died in a drunk driving accident. Mickey started selling pot as a kid and later became a heroin addict himself, eventually turning to prostitution to survive. His sister overdosed on heroin. This man has experienced tragedy but turned his pain into art. If this sounds like your jam, be there (doors at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20 at tixr.com). A Win for Wolves opens.

Get your bluegrass on when Never Come Down returns on Thursday, April 25 (doors at 7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15 at tixr.com), with Fog Holler opening. Hailing from Portland, Never Come Down mixes traditional and modern bluegrass sounds. The quintet is dedicated to thoughtful songwriting and polished arrangements. Fog Holler, also from Portland, was described as “the next generation of the many shades of grass,” by two-time Grammy winner Cathy Fink.

With an edgy approach to the old genre and matching outfits, they breathe fresh life into bluegrass staples such as power waltzes and murder ballads.

Fremont Theater

Reggae icons and socially conscious juggernauts Steel Pulse return to the Central Coast Sunday, April 21 (8 p.m.; all ages; $37 prekindle.com), in support of Mass Manipulation, their 12th studio album that aims to heal humanity.

“Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity,” their bio explains, adding that their new record “reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career.”

CANADIAN EXPORT Amazing singersongwriter Bruce Cockburn plays on April 24 , in Cuesta’s Performing Arts Center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK PUCCI MEDIA

GOOD OL’ BOY Contemporary outlaw country singer-songwriter Koe Wetzel plays April 19 , in Vina Robles Amphitheatre.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS

DIRTY BIRDIE Raunchy hip-hop artist Mickey Avalon plays a 420 Party on April 20 , at The Siren.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SIREN

STARKEY

Rod and Hammer Rock

Don’t forget Australian pop rockers Lime Cordiale play on Thursday, April 18 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $25 at ticketweb. com). They mix various genres such as indie pop, rock, funk, and reggae.

Grateful Dead fans, take the brown acid when China Cats play on Friday, April 19 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20 at ticketweb. com). This is the Bay Area’s longest-running tribute to the Dead with the same lineup since 2012. “That consistency shows in the band’s ability to turn on a dime, pull out any of hundreds of different Grateful Dead songs, and sound rehearsed without losing that sense of adventure that Dead fans covet,” their bio reads. “Tight but loose; loose but tight.”

Casual Coalition, playing outlaw country classics and countrified Dead tunes, plays on Sunday, April 21 (3 p.m.; all ages; free). The band features a rotating cast of supporting musicians recruited by multiinstrumentalist/singer-songwriter Craig MacArthur and multi-instrumentalist/ engineer-producer David Simon-Baker.

I’m sensing a Grateful Dead trend. An evening with Steely Dead comes on Thursday, April 25 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20 at ticketweb.com). Mixing Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, this band carefully fuses the two bands’ sounds.

Guitar Show and concert!

It’s time once again for the annual Central Coast Guitar Show this Saturday, April 20, at the SLO Veterans Hall (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; presale $13.99 at my805tix. com or $15 at the door).

According to organizer Ed Miller, “Manufacturers, dealers, collectors, and local musicians will be displaying, selling, and trading their new, used, and vintage guitars and guitarrelated products, as well as other musical instruments and services.”

Later that evening in the Vets Hall, Miller’s new ’80s and ’90s country cover band, Red Oak Country, will perform (doors at 6:30 and concert at 7 p.m.; all ages; $10 presale at my805tix.com or $15 at the door). According to Miller, the band plays “hits by artists such as Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, and many more.”

More music …

Reminder! Good Medicine and Numbskull present San Diego power trio Sitting on Stacy

this Thursday, April 18, in Club Car Bar (7 p.m.; all ages; $16 at goodmedicinepresents. com). The Alive opens the show.

SLO Earth Fest at Laguna Lake Park is on Saturday, April 20 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with info booths, vendors, a car show, and live music by indie rock duo Forever Green (11 a.m.), a Chumash blessing at noon, local surf rock act Riff Tide (1 p.m.), and local rock act The Bogeys (2:30 p.m.). It’s all ages, it’s free, and it’s fun.

In honor of Record Store Day and 4/20, Twang N Bang hosts the Trailer-Tones at Atascadero’s Raconteur Room on Saturday, April 20 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $5 at the door). They’ll cover selections from the Supersucker’s 1997 album Must’ve Been High. According to organizer Patrick Hayes, the album “was the band’s mostly maybe tonguein-cheek turn towards countrified post punk. It’s always been a classic in my mind, and I wish they’d play more from it when I see them. Having a band dedicated to playing this era’s tunes is a treat and 4/20 is just a perfect day to hear songs like ‘Non-Addictive Marijuana’ and deeper cuts like ‘Killer Weed.’” Local cowpunk act Horse Water opens.

The SLO Master Chorale presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil this Sunday, April 21, in Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center (3 p.m.; all ages; $12 to $62 at pacslo.org). Expect “70 minutes of glorious a cappella singing,” according to organizers, who call the piece Rachmaninoff’s “signature choral work and has become a fixture in choral repertoire, standing as the crowning achievement of the ‘Golden Age’ of Russian Orthodox sacred choral music.”

To celebrate the release of two new albums—Myopic Monday Quintet and An Electric Prayer for Derek Bailey—the SLO Gtar Ensemble (formerly the Chicago Guitar Ensemble) will be performing music for 12 guitars at The Bunker on Thursday, April 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $10 presale at my805tix.com).

Record Store Day at Boo Boo’s

This Saturday, April 20, is Record Store Day, and Boo Boo Records in SLO Town is celebrating with live music starting at noon with local acts Peaking Lights, Derek Senn, Hot 45, The Funk Junket, Grand Liquidator, and Max MacLaury. This year marks the independent store’s 50th year in business. Boo Boo’s is also hosting an intimate instore performance and signing on Monday, April 22, with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, who’s stopping to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pyromania (6:30 p.m.; free).

“We are offering early entry to individuals who pre-order the upcoming 40th anniversary editions of Pyromania as a CD, LP, or box set off our website [booboorecords.com] or in-store,” Abe Gibson said. “Occupancy is limited and on a first-come basis after earlyentry fans are let in. We’ll be offering free Pyromania lithographs to all concertgoers for Phil to autograph.” ∆ Contact

Entry Period is April 25–May 13 by 5pm

Win cash prizes, get published in our annual Winning Images issues on June 20, see your work in an online gallery, and be part of a show at The Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo!

ONLINE ENTRIES ONLY! visit us at www.newtimesslo.com for more information

Dan Baum, 2023

J.J. Baker, 2023

Michael V Messina, 2023

Lance Wilson, 2023

Jonathan Shapiro, 2023

Dylan Kyle, 2023

Flavor

Sips and scenery

Rail excursions through Central Coast wine county spotlight tastings and terroir

One unique rail journey highlights Santa Barbara County wines, while another explores a single Paso Robles producer. Connected by a love of locomotives and the Central Coast’s viticultural bounty, the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum and Halter Ranch Estate are kicking off distinct experiences in May.

The museum’s 2024 Sunset Wine Rail Excursions, offered in collaboration with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, will run on May 18, June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, and Sept. 21.

“A big highlight is the sunset ride along the Pacific and a chance to view unspoiled stretches of coastline that are only visible from the train,” said museum docent and Morro Bay local David Weisman, who will accompany guests.

For May and June bookings, he added, “the hillsides … should be vibrantly green after all the winter rains, possibly with some wildflowers also.”

Priced at $129 and limited to 24 guests, the tours depart SLO via motorcoach at 11 a.m. and arrive at the Santa Barbara Wine

All aboard!

Robles, visit halterranch.com.

Collective at 1 p.m. Light snacks are served aboard the motorcoach and at the collective.

Showcasing the county’s seven American Viticultural Areas and 60 grape varieties, the collective is dedicated to educating customers about its wines via tastings, maps, and displays of soil samples, Weisman explained.

“Our guests can sample the regions without having to do all that driving,” he added. “The menu calls for three reds, two whites, and a rosé.

“Wines purchased can be stored at the collective for pickup when guests return to board the train, and it is only about a five-minute walk from the tasting room to the station.”

Following the tasting, guests have approximately three hours to explore the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, or lower State Street, and enjoy a late lunch or grab takeout

food for the return train trip. Weisman will provide a handout of suggested options.

The Pacific Surfliner will depart Santa Barbara Train Station at 5:45 p.m. and arrive in SLO at around 8:45 p.m.

“The return trip north is narrated by myself, highlighting historic spots, like the rocky cliff off which the tragic naval shipwreck took place off Honda Point in 1923 and also the western spaceport where the SpaceX rockets are launched today,” Weisman said.

“The train’s conductor, whose grandfather

worked for the railroad in the last century, may have time to add some family reminiscences and history.”

During the three-hour journey, guests will be treated to a small dessert and can also purchase wine, beer, and cocktails.

“I will serve as the host in taking orders and delivering those items from the café car to the seated passengers,” Weisman said.

Then sit back and enjoy the sunset.

“The 60 miles the train travels along the coastal bluffs is considered one of the [country’s] top three most scenic rail routes,” he added.

However, if you’re more partial to Paso wines, oak-studded hills, and vintage trains, then Halter Ranch offers an equally alluring experience.

The winery’s railroad whisks guests back in time as it meanders through 280 acres of the 2,700-acre property, with sights ranging from art installations and historic landmarks dating back to 1880 to a herd of 120 sheep.

The railroad was created by Halter Ranch proprietor Hansjörg Wyss, born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1935.

According to Halter Ranch literature, “As a young boy, Wyss dreamed of experiencing Switzerland’s most prestigious locomotives— the Rhaetian Railway Krokodil No. 414 and Steam Locomotive No. 108. These locomotives journeyed among the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, the lake promenade of St. Moritz, and as far as the Italian village of Tirano.”

FLAVOR

SURF AT SUNSET Views en route aboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo include Surf Beach at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

WHET YOUR WHISTLE Halter Ranch chief mechanical officer and conductor Branden Blanke of Paso Robles offers train passengers a complimentary glass of 2023 rosé prior to embarking on a 3-mile loop of the 2,700-acre Paso estate.

FROM SASS TO GLASS Kevin Sass, winemaker at Halter Ranch since 2011, works his magic with grenache and 19 other certified organic grape varieties planted on the westside Paso Robles property’s 256-acre vineyard.

Wyss turned his dream into reality, hiring Balson AG in Switzerland to create trains at Halter Ranch that are a 45 percent scale model of their real-life counterparts.

Offered twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 until Nov. 3, the winery’s Swiss train tour takes place in the Krokodil No. 414.

The replica is inspired by the 1929 original that was nicknamed the “Crocodile” due to its resemblance to a crocodile snout.

The one-hour-long rides for up to 32 guests are priced at $50 for the general public, $35 for wine club members, and $10 for guests 20 and younger.

For a more luxurious experience, consider booking the Yellow Caboose for up to four passengers at a rate of $249 for the public and $199 for club members.

“Guests of our Swiss train tour are welcomed with a glass of our 2023 Estate Rosé, crafted from 100 percent organic grapes,” said Halter Ranch winemaker Kevin Sass of Templeton. “Onboard, they’ll explore our organic practices, including year-round sheep grazing in our 256-acre vineyard, and the terroir that defines our timeless wines.”

Sass recommends combining a train tour with a tasting or meal at the property’s onsite restaurant, Alice, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Two tasting menus include current releases as well as a Silver Label reserve tier. Both feature the winery’s flagship Bordeaux

blend, Ancestor, named for the property’s massive 700-year-old coast live oak.

Ancestor and other Halter Ranch wines took home gold and 90-plus points at the recent 2024 Monterey International Wine Competition in King City. Its 2021 petite syrah garnered platinum at 95 points.

For a deeper dive into Halter Ranch’s wines and property, consider booking its Grand Train Tour with Dinner slated for July 13.

“Commencing with passed appetizers at 5 p.m., guests will board the train at 5:30 p.m. for a picturesque ride,” according to the winery.

“Following the tour, indulge in a four-course dinner under the twinkling stars on our Silo Patio. Inspired by Bavarian cuisine, the menu promises a culinary adventure like no other.”

Tickets go on sale June 13.

Regardless of which experience guests choose, the pairing of libations and locomotives is compelling—for both wine enthusiasts and train buffs.

“The Swiss train tour gives people a sense of place when they taste the wine,” Sass explained. “They better understand the soils, the climate, the landscape, the habitat surrounding the vineyard—a true farm-toglass experience.” ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte is planning her grape train escape. Reach her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

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tracking & development of scope of work, budget estimation, etc. 6 yrs of relev exp in elect engrg. should have 4 yrs of exp in the following: Manage Projects; Designs power systems for industrial, public, & commercial apps using medium voltage switchgear, relays, transformers, enclosures, power cables, cable terminations, insulators, surge protection devices, reactive compensation devices etc.; Develops electrical building prmts, bid & construction drawings, review submittals, specification writing, and equip selection; Performs cable tray calculations, cable pull calculations, UPS sizing, PLC wiring diagrams, power distribution calculations. Lightning calculations, power metering & relay device programming (NOVA 15, BE1-59N, Form 6, SEL351, GE multilin 469, EDR 5000), OSHA; Creates drawings in AutoCAD; Performs infrared studies: Level 1 Certified Infrared Thermographer; Power Systems Analysis: ETAP Workshop: ETAP115 Power System Engineering 1; Exp in power systems analysis incl load flow analysis, short circuit analysis, coordination studies, AC/DC arc flash analysis, underground conductor ampacity derating studies, harmonic analysis, relay settings, motor starting analysis, power factor compensation studies; Exp using software: SEL AcSELerator, EATON power port. PSLF, PSCAD. Familiar w/ industry standards such as NESC, NEC, GO-95, IEEE (519, 1584, Color books), UL, NFPA, API, ANSI/NETA testing & maintenance standards, UFC standards. Reqs. Mstr’s deg in Elect Engrg & CA Professional Engrg License. Bnfts offered. Apply for position at: www. CannonCorp.us/careers/

HICKS DECEDENT

CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0088

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

MARGARET HICKS

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by KATHRYN D. MENDEZ In the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that KATHRYN D. MENDEZ be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: May 21, 2024, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner:

Kevin M. Danley

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO) Benjamin Ramirez, an individual; and Does 1-100, inclusive

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Crown Asset Management, LLC CASE NUMBER (Número de

You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIOS despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales para presentar una repuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted puede usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formuleriors de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp/espanol), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su repuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte la podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requistas legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar ias cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo ao una consesion de artitraje en un caso dce derecho civll. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

número de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Hada Fernandez/SBN 207127; Chris Stefan/SBN 257516; Luis Duenas/SBN 271873 Persolve Legal Group, LLP 9301 Corbin Ave. Ste. 1600 Northridge, CA 91324 818-534-3100

Date: (Fecha) 11/21/2022

By: /s/ Michael Powell, Clerk (Secretario); Matthew Zepeda, Deputy (Adjunto)

Order to Show Cause hearing is set for 6/24/24 at 9:00 a.m. in Department P2. March 28, April 4, 11, & 18, 2024

SUMMONS NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:

Sharon Sims, an individual and Successor Trustee of the Gerald Raymond and Barbara Anne Larson Revocable Trust established

July 20, 2007; Daniel Keith Larson, an individual; All other persons unknown, claiming any right, title, estate, lien or interest in the real property described in the complaint adverse to plaintiffs’ ownership interest or any cloud on plaintiffs’ right thereof; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF:

WILLIAM ASHLEY WILSON, an individual; and KATHRYN SAMPILO WILSON, an individual

CASE NUMBER: 30-2022-01275167-CUOR-NJC

Notice! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond in 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

Las Pilitas Rd Santa Margarita 93453 (APN: 070-351-031)

The property contains a house with 3 beds, 2 full baths, 2,216 sqft on a 20 acre(s) lot, $405.69/sqft. for $899,000 with a minimum deposit of $10,000 required. Written offers for this property will be received by Wayne Lewis, realtor for Administrator Kim Treise Mathis, aka Kim Marie Martel, 800 11th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 975-6330 on or after November 19, 2021. The sale will be made on or after May , 28, 2024 to the person making the highest and best offer for said real property. The minimum overbid is $944,950. [See: C.C.P. §873.740]

The terms and conditions for sale are cash in lawful money of the United States of America with a minimum nonrefundable down payment of three percent (3%) of the final purchase price being immediately due upon Court confirmation. The remaining purchase price shall be paid on close of escrow not later than ten (10) days after entry of the order confirming this sale.

A hearing regarding the sale of the property is scheduled for May 28, 2024 at 9:00 am in department 4 of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 whereby prospective buyers can place their bids. The personal representative reserves the right to reject any bid that is less than the appraised value of the property listed above. For Further information, please contact Dustin M. Tardiff, attorney for the personal representative at (805) 457-4578.

All sales are subject to confirmation by the Superior Court and no sale may be consummated and no deed may be recorded and delivered to a purchaser until Court confirmation has been acquired by the personal representative.

Date: April 1, 2022

/s/ Kim Treise Mathis, aka Kim Marie Martel

ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of J. Carl Treise, aka John Carl Treise

April 18, 25, & May 2, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW

CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0199

To all interested persons:

Petitioner: Talia Flores filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Evelyn Victoria Ordonez, to PROPOSED NAME: Evelyn Victoria Flores Ordonez.

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 days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 15, 2024, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. D2,

inland use element of the SLO Co. General Plan to change the land use category for 1-acre parcel at 90 Wellsona Rd, northeast of Paso Robles & amending the inland land use ordinance to add associated planning area standards & approving the associated general rule exemption (LRP2023-00007 – Negranti), adopted.

06. Closed Session. Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 4. Initiation of litigation - potential cases: 3. Pending Litigation: SLO Co. Homeless Union, et. al v. County of San Luis Obispo, et al, United States Court,

CITY OF ATASCADERO

El Camino Real Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project

Project No. C2017T01

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The City of Atascadero will receive bids for the “El Camino Real Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project” at the Atascadero City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA until May 9, 2024 at 1:30 P.M., when they will be publicly opened.

Proposals received after said time will not be considered. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, bidder’s name, and address. There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting on April 23, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. meet on the front steps of City Hall, 6500 Palma, Atascadero. The Contractor must possess a valid CLASS A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE at the time of award. This project is subject to the payment of Prevailing Wages, therefore the Contractor shall pay all wages and penalties as required by applicable law.  Per SB 854 (Stat. 2014, Chapter 28), no contractor or subcontractor may work or be listed on a bid proposal unless registered with the DIR. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of Atascadero.

Bid packages will be available by April 12, 2024 to download for a fee of $22.00 on the City website, www.atascadero.org or at www.QuestCDN.com using project number eBid #9064499

Question may be directed to the City of Atascadero at (805) 470-3180 or APerez@ atascadero.org

Run Dates: April 11, 2024 and April 18, 2024

The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting sealed proposals for Amendments to the Margarita Specific Plan.

All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www. bidsync.com/bidsync-app-web/vendor/register/Login.xhtml).

All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before 5:00 pm on May 10, 2024 when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time.

The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. For any additional information or questions, please contact Rachel Cohen at (805) 602-0821 or via email at rcohen@slocity.org. For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339.

April 18, 2024 NOTICE REQUESTING

The City of San Luis Obispo requests sealed proposals for financial consulting services associated with Community Facilities Districts (CFD) and various development proposals.

All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www.bidsync.com/ bidsync-app-web/vendor/register/Login.xhtml). All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before 1:00 p.m. on May 16, 2024, when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time.

The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync.

However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. Please submit your questions via BidSync and we will answer any questions that the prospective proposers may have regarding the City’s request for proposals. All questions are due, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 by Noon. Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339.

April 18, 2024

Trevor Keith, Department Director

The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting sealed proposals for consulting services associated with the City’s Cannabis Program.

All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www. bidsync.com/bidsync-app-web/vendor/ register/Login.xhtml). All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before May 3, 2024, at 2pm PST when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time. The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Ivana Gomez (Cannabis Business Coordinator) or Erin Keller (Senior Business Analyst) with any questions:

Ivana Gomez, Cannabis Business Coordinator

City of San Luis Obispo igomez@slocity.org (805)781-7147

Erin Keller, Senior Business Analyst

City of San Luis Obispo ekeller@slocity.org (805)781-7296

For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339.

April 18, 2024

The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting sealed proposals for plan review and inspection of construction projects necessary to determine compliance with all applicable building, fire and development codes and laws pursuant to Specification No. 2024-4006-01.

All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be required to complete a free registration using BidSync (https://www.bidsync. com/bidsync-app-web/vendor/register/Login.xhtml).

All proposals must be received via BidSync by the Department of Finance at or before May 10, 2014, at 2pm PST, when they will be opened electronically via BidSync on the proposal end date and time.

The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync.

However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

A pre-proposal conference call will be held to answer any questions that the prospective proposers may have regarding the City’s request for proposals. The pre-proposal conference call will take place at the following place and time: April 17th, 2024, at 9:00 am

Community Development Department 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Participants may contact Michael Loew, Chief Building Official by email at mloew@slocity.org to join the conference virtually through Microsoft Teams. A request to join the conference virtually should by sent to Michael Loew no later than 5:00 pm on April 15th, 2024.

Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Michael Loew (mloew@slocity.org) with any questions.

For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339. April 18, 2024

The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located at 8975 Suey Creek Road in the unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County. The site is located approximately 5 miles east from the community of Nipomo and approximately 6 miles north of the City of Santa Maria. The site is in the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County planning area. Also to be considered is the determination that this project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, this project is exempt from

WHAT: A Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Phillips 66 Santa Maria Refinery Demolition and Remediation Project is now available for public review and comment (State Clearinghouse #2023050020, Development Plan/ Coastal Development Permit (DP/CDP) #C-DRC2022-00048/ ED23-054). The Draft EIR addresses the environmental impacts associated with demolition and remediation of the Phillips 66 Santa Maria Refinery. The Project is located in the Coastal Zone at 2555 Willow Road (SR-1) in Arroyo Grande, east of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, west of the Monarch Dunes community, and south of the Callender-Garrett Village Reserve. The Proposed Project involves demolition of aboveground refinery facilities (buildings, equipment and associated infrastructure), remediation of contaminated soils, and removal of belowground infrastructure in areas requiring soil remediation. After demolition and remediation, some plant features, including surface hardscape (concrete slabs, asphalt slurry, paving and roads), and certain infrastructure (e.g., perimeter fencing, guardhouses, electrical substation, water wells, rail spurs, truck scale, and groundwater monitoring wells) are proposed to remain for security, potential future use, or based on remediation regulatory requirements. The Project site is approximately 218 acres within nearly 1,650 acres under Phillips 66 ownership.

Aboveground demolition is anticipated to take approximately eight months, with soil remediation activities beginning as areas are cleared and soil tested. The bulk of the remediation work would be completed within the first three years; however, it would likely continue at a reduced level for up to 10 years, depending on site conditions and work plans. The majority of demolition and remediation debris is expected to be hauled offsite by rail, supplemented by trucks.

After demolition and remediation within each area, hardscape would be replaced where removed, and exposed soil areas would be revegetated. Following final site characterization to verify requirements have been met, activities would be limited to restoration monitoring and general maintenance of the property and remaining facilities. Phillips 66 would continue to manage the ongoing remediation and associated monitoring wells on site as required by previous regulatory action. Potential future uses of the SMR site are unknown and are speculative at this time; therefore, future uses of the site are not considered in this Project.

WHERE:

The Draft EIR is available for review or downloading on the County’s Planning Department website at: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Phillips66.

Hard copies of the Draft EIR, and all Draft EIR Appendices, are available for review at the County Department of Planning & Building, 976 Osos Street, Rm 200, San Luis Obispo at the permit center from 8:30 a.m. – noon or 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Hard copies and digital thumb drive copies of the Draft EIR are also available for review at the San Luis Obispo County Public Library Main Branch in San Luis Obispo, and at the branch libraries in Arroyo Grande and Nipomo (for hours and locations see SLOLIBRARY.org).

HOW TO COMMENT OR GET MORE INFORMATION:

Anyone interested in commenting on the Draft EIR should email their comments or questions to: p66refinery@co.slo. ca.us or submit written comments to Susan Strachan, San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning & Building at 976 Osos St., Rm 300, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday May 6, 2024

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

The Draft EIR focuses on the following issues: Aesthetics; Agricultural Resources; Air Quality; Biological Resources; Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise; Cultural and Tribal Resources; Energy; Geology and Soils; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hazards and Hazardous Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise; Public Services, Utilities, and Service Systems; Recreation and Coastal Access; Transportation; and Wildfire.

PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION: A study session before the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission is scheduled for April 25, 2024 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, Katcho Achadjian Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo. The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 9:00. Please refer to the Planning Commission agenda to determine the agenda item placement for the Santa Maria Refinery Demolition and Remediation Project study session. The meeting agenda will be available approximately 10 days before the meeting and can be accessed from this link: www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/ grid-items/meetings,-hearings,-agendas,-and-minutes. aspx. Items on the agenda generally proceed in the order listed. However, the public is advised to arrive early.

**If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the addresses above by the May 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. comment period deadline.**

DATED: March 22, 2024

Susan Strachan, Project Manager March 28 & April 18, 2024

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN Monday, May 6, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600

WHAT

A request for a Fifth Time Extension (N-EXT2023-00047) by Carlos Castaneda, Jr. for a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map (SUB2015-00009) to subdivide two existing parcels totaling approximately 21 acres into four parcels of approximately 5.2 acres each for the purpose of sale and/or development. The project includes road improvements to Pomeroy Road and Rocky Place fronting the property. The project will result in site disturbance of approximately 10,000 square feet (for road improvements). The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category. The project is located at 1650 Rocky Place, at the northeast corner of Rocky Place and Pomeroy Road, approximately three miles northwest of the community of Nipomo. The site is located in the South County Inland Sub-area of the South County Planning Area.

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

County File Number: N-EXT2023-00047

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 091-073-021, 022

Date Accepted: 3/12/2024

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Subdivision Review Board

April 18, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Subdivision Review Board

WHEN Monday, May 6, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600

WHAT

A request by Avila Ocean Adventures for a fourth one-year time extension (N-EXT2023-00043) for a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map (CO 16-0243) and concurrent Development Plan (SUB2016-00050) to subdivide an existing 9,004 square foot parcel with three residential units into two airspace condominium units of 3,450 square feet and 3,000 square feet each and a common lot of 9,004 square feet for the purpose of sale and/or development. The project does not include off-site road improvements and will not result in any new site disturbance. The proposed project is within the Residential Multi-family land use category and is located at 142 Front Street in the community of Avila Beach. The site is in the San Luis Bay (Coastal) planning area.

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

County File Number: N-EXT2023-00043 Supervisorial District: District 3 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 076-224-019

Date Accepted: 1 0/20/2023

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary

Subdivision Review Board

April 18. 2024

San Luis Obispo County has been chosen to receive emergency food and shelter program funding in the amount of $99,661 for Phase 41 and $326,271 for ARPA-R (American Rescue Plan Act-Regular) of the EFSP funding cycle.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities USA; The Jewish Federation of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board made up of United Way of SLO County; American Red Cross; Catholic Charities; Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County; SLO County Department of Social Services; SLO Ministerial Association; and The Salvation Army will determine how the funds awarded to San Luis Obispo County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommendation agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government,

2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funding should contact Melissa Bermudez at United Way of San Luis Obispo County at info@unitedwayslo.org to receive an application. The deadline for applications to be received is 5:00pm on Friday, May 24, 2024. All applications must be received by Melissa Bermudez via email at info@unitedwayslo.org. No hard copies will be accepted.

April 18, 2024

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive bids up to, but not later than 10:00:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for Bid #326 San Luis Coastal Unified District Office Paving Project. A mandatory pre-bid informational meeting will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10:00:00 a.m. The meeting will begin in the parking lot at the San Luis Coastal Unified District Office, 1500 Lizzie Street, San Luis Obispo, California Failure to attend will render the bid non-responsive and subject to rejection by the District.

Proposals shall be received in the Facilities Office, San Luis Coastal Unified, 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Questions regarding Bid #326 may be directed in writing only to the Facilities Analyst II, Kelly Lee, at klee@slcusd.org, and must be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Project documents are available at the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom at www.asapreprographics.com.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or accept or reject any one or more items of a proposal, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the proposals.

Kelly Lee Facilities Analyst II

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Enjoy free articles and audios from my new book: bit.ly/lovelifegifts

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): I suspect two notable phenomena will coalesce in your sphere sometime soon. The first is a surplus supply of luck. I’m not sure why, but the fates will be sending surges of good karma your way. The second phenomenon is this: You might not be entirely alert for the potential luck flowing in your direction, and it may not leap out and grab you. That could be a problem. Fortunately, you are reading this oracle, which means you are getting a heads-up about the looming opportunity. Now that you realize you must be vigilant for the serendipitous blessings, I’m confident you will spot them and claim them.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): You will be wise to summon extra love and rapport as you ruminate on your vivid upcoming decisions. Wouldn’t you like to bask in the helpful influences of smart allies who respect you? How nurturing would it feel to receive healing encouragement and warm appreciation? I suggest you convene a conference of trusted advisors, good listeners, sunny mentors, wisdom keepers, and spirit guides. Maybe even convene a series of such gatherings. Now is an excellent time to call in all your favors and get the most inspirational support possible as you navigate your way to the next chapter of your life story.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): If you drink alcohol, don’t operate a forklift or backhoe. If you gamble, protect yourself with safeguards and have a backup plan. If you feel called to explore altered states of consciousness, consider doing meditation, dancing, or chanting holy songs instead of ingesting drugs. If you have an itch to go hang-gliding or sky-jumping, triple-check your equipment. And if you have the urge to try to walk on the water, don a lifejacket first. But please note, dear Gemini: I am not advising you to timidly huddle in your comfort zone. On the contrary. I highly recommend you stretch your limits. Just be secure and smart as you do.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): I plotted out my usual astrological reckonings for your current destiny. Then I slipped into a meditative trance and asked the spirits to show me future scenes that correspond to my assessments. In one prominent vision, I beheld you partying heartily, navigating your avid and inquisitive way through convivial gatherings. In other scenes, I saw you engaged in lively discussions with interesting people who expanded your understanding of the meaning of life in general and the meaning of your life in particular. I conclude that intelligent revelry will be a main theme for you. Productive excitement. Pleasurable intrigue. Connections that enliven and tonify your imagination.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): The theory of synchronicity proposes that hidden patterns are woven into our lives. Though they may ordinarily be hard to detect, they can become vividly visible under certain circumstances. But we have to adjust the way we interpret reality. Here’s a clue: Be alert for three meaningful coincidences that happen within a short time and seem related to each other. I predict the emergence of at least one set of these coincidences in the coming weeks—maybe as many as four. Synchronicities are coming! You have entered the More-Than-Mere-Coincidence Zone.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Psychologists J. Clayton Lafferty and Lorraine F. Lafferty wrote a book called Perfectionism: A Sure Cure for Happiness. It’s based on their work with clients who damaged their lives “in the illusory pursuit of the unrealistic and unattainable standard of perfection.” In my observation, many of us are susceptible to this bad habit, but you Virgos tend to be the most susceptible of all. The good news is that you now have an excellent chance to loosen the grip of perfectionism. You are more receptive than usual to intuitions about how to relax your aspirations without compromising your competence. As inspiration, consider these words from author Henry James: “Excellence does not require

perfection.” Leadership expert R. R. Stutman adds: “If perfection is an obstacle course, excellence is a masterful dance.”

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which they never show to anybody,” wrote author Mark Twain. I agree that everyone is a moon and has a dark side. But it’s important to note that our dark sides are not inherently ugly or bad. Psychologist Carl Jung proved to me that our dark sides may contain latent, wounded, or unappreciated beauty. To be healthy, in fact, we should cultivate a vigorous relationship with our dark side. In doing so, we can draw out hidden and undeveloped assets. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you Libras to do this.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your current state has metaphorical resemblances to idling in your car, waiting and waiting and waiting for the red light to change. But here’s the good news: I expect the signal will turn green very soon—maybe even within minutes after you read this horoscope. Here’s more good news: Your unlucky number will stop popping up so often, and your lucky number will be a frequent visitor. I’m also happy to report that the “Please don’t touch” signs will disappear. This means you will have expanded permission to consort intimately with influences you need to consort with.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I think it’s time to graduate from your lessons in toxic kinds of enchantment and launch a new experiment with healthy kinds of enchantment. If you agree, spend the next few days checking to see if any part of you is numb, apathetic, or unreceptive. Non-feelings like these suggest you may be under the enchantment of influences that are cramping your imagination. The next step is to go in quest of experiences, people, and situations that excite your imagination, rouse your reverence, and raise your appreciation for holy mysteries. Life will conspire benevolently on your behalf if you connect yourself with magic, marvels, and miracles.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Luther Burbank (1849-1926) was a practical artist. Using crossbreeding, he developed over 800 novel varieties of vegetables, fruits, grains, and flowers. Among his handiwork was the russet Burbank potato, a blight-resistant food designed to help Ireland recover from its Great Famine. My personal favorite was his Flaming Gold nectarine, one of the 217 fruits he devised. I propose that Burbank serve as your role model in the coming weeks. I believe you have the power to summon highly pragmatic creativity.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): L. R. McBride wrote the book The Kahuna: Versatile Mystics of Old Hawaii He describes the role of the kahuna, who is a blend of sorcerer, scholar, and healer. At one point, a kahuna gives advice to an American tourist, saying, “You have moved too fast for too long. You have left part of yourself behind. Now you should slow down so that part of you can catch up.” I’m offering you the same advice right now, Aquarius. Here’s your homework: Dream up three fun things you can do to invite and welcome back the left-behind parts of you.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): In the course of my life, I have heard the following three statements from various people: 1. “Everything would be better between us if you would just be different from who you are.” 2. “I would like you more if you were somebody else.” 3. “Why won’t you change to be more like the person I wish you would be?” I’m sure you have heard similar pronouncements yourself, Pisces. But now here’s the good news: I don’t think you will have to endure much, if any, of such phenomena in the coming months. Why? First, because you will be more purely your authentic self than you have ever been. Second, because your allies, colleagues, and loved ones—the only people who matter, really—are likely to be extra welcoming to your genuine self. ∆

COME CELEBRATE WITH US GROWING GROUNDS TURNS 40!

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Since 1984, this one-of-a-kind program has made a positive impact on our community—growing plants and people. We have provided employment and vocational training to over 2,000 adults living with the challenges of mental illness and have become one of the top regional suppliers of droughttolerant landscape plants. There is so much to celebrate— we have a big party planned and you are all invited!

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Saturday, April 20 12:00–5:00pm FREE TO THE PUBLIC

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