New Times, May 4, 2023

Get Ready for Summer!

Editor’s note

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Are you ready to watch all the surfers trying to catch this next set? Because there are a lot of winners in line. More than 200 restaurants, bars, local businesses, and community members hopped on this party wave and rode it all the way into this issue, thanks to you, dear readers, who voted for your favorites in our annual readers poll. Grab a seat in the sand and crack a beverage as you open up the largest issue of the year to figure out who was rad enough to take home the title of Best of San Luis Obispo County [18]

This week, you can also read about what the county’s next steps are to tackle homelessness [4], student art on display at Cuesta [99], and do-it-yourself Mother’s Day treats [104].

Camillia Lanham editor

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SLO County confirms eventual closure of safe parking site, promises new solutions

San Luis Obispo County’s safe parking site on Oklahoma Avenue will continue down a path to permanent closure, county supervisors confirmed on May 3.

“As I listen to the wider issues that surround it, I think that, for now, we should be on our track toward the humane drawdown of that site to closure,” 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson said at a May 3 board meeting.

The Oklahoma parking site—which currently serves about 60 households living in vehicles—is not a suitable location for a long-term program, county officials said.

Since it launched in 2021 as a pilot program, the county has struggled to safely manage the site and deliver social services to its residents.

Officials added that they’ve failed to find a service provider willing to take over site management.

“As a result, the transitional outcomes as originally envisioned have not occurred,” a staff report for the meeting read. “Over half of the nearly 60 households currently participating in the program have been at the Oklahoma site for 12 months or more.”

In addition, developing the countyowned property with housing or other structures is complicated by it being located on a former Camp San Luis Army landfill.

Gibson argued that the county is better off looking at other locations to establish a safe parking site going forward.

“We talked about potentially establishing that at Chorro regional park,” Gibson said. “I thought that was a great idea, but at the time it didn’t get any further support.”

While he supported the closure, 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding promised that the site would be shuttered slowly, with current residents given ample time and support to find new accommodations.

“No one will be forced to leave,” Paulding said. “Whatever we’re going to do, we’re going to work with all the individuals on-site to make sure they are housed and they are safe. I think it’s important we understand the individual needs of the community that’s living out there. Because, in fact, it is a community.”

SLO County Homeless Division Manager Joe Dzvonik said that social workers will start working

OCSD rejects feasibility study on Grover Beach merger

Often marked by scant attendance, the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) office swelled with a packed house on April 26 as throngs of heated residents heckled, jeered, and laughed at the public discussion about possibly becoming one with Grover Beach for financial and infrastructural boosts.

“The sales tax would increase by 1.5 percent, from 7.25 to 8.75,” resident Shawn Ivey said at the meeting. “The roads wouldn’t be maintained by the county anymore. They would be maintained by Grover. They can’t really even keep their own roads

with site residents this month to begin planning their eventual exits.

“Although no new participants will be allowed on the site, no household or person on-site as of March 1, 2023, will be asked to leave until all efforts have been expended to place them in a housing solution, which staff believes is 100 percent achievable,” Dzvonik said.

A few residents of Oklahoma Avenue spoke during public comment to ask that the county save the site. Resident David Richford added that if the county could establish a no-cost RV park

low-income apartments.

In Paso Robles, the “Pine Street Project” would turn a downtown city parking lot into 20 interim shelter beds to address encampments in the Salinas Riverbed. In Grover Beach, the county and Five Cities Homeless Coalition are looking to add 30 interim shelter beds that expand on the nonprofit’s existing “Cabins for Change” program. In SLO, the city and county are working with People’s Self-Help Housing on a project to acquire and repurpose the Homestead Motel and with the Good Samaritan

elsewhere, “we’d probably clear about 20 people out of [Oklahoma Avenue] real quick.”

While the county firms up plans to close Oklahoma Avenue, it’s also looking ahead to future projects to address homelessness. Dzvonik’s staff report outlined four new transitional housing projects that the county is partnering with local cities and nonprofits on.

The projects collectively could add roughly 100 modular-style transitional housing units in Paso Robles, SLO, and Grover Beach, and dozens more

maintained very well.”

The OCSD discussion stemmed from 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding’s suggestion that annexing Oceano into Grover Beach could help pay for continued emergency fire services in the region. In response, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) issued a memorandum that laid out the process for such a proposal.

“Ultimately, whether a proposal for a ‘merger’ is submitted to LAFCO is a decision that would be made by the city and CSD,” LAFCO Executive Officer Rob Fitzroy wrote in the April 14 memo.

“No proposal for a ‘merger’ has been submitted to LAFCO for consideration to date.”

OCSD board members made half of that decision

Shelter to install 80 modular units to a gravel lot behind the county Department of Social Services building on Higuera Street.

All four projects would be funded with state grants.

“We obviously have a huge continuum of need with a lot of gaps, but I’m excited,” Five Cities Homeless Coalition Executive Director Janna Nichols said during public comment. “I’ve been around this table a long time, and I see hope.” ∆

—Peter Johnson

at their April 26 meeting. In a 3-2 vote with Directors Charles Varni and Beverly Joyce-Suneson dissenting, the board rejected pursuing a feasibility study for the merger.

“Not enough people knew about [the merger], especially the Latino community,” board President Allene Villa told New Times. “I didn’t hear anyone [talk] or see anything written in Spanish about it.

I know there’s no spokesperson besides myself to reach out to the Latino community.”

Villa added that the prime concern for people was that the merger would dilute Oceano’s character. She said she’s open to considering a feasibility study again if enough residents show interest. But even

SET TO CLOSE SLO County will phase out its safe parking site on Oklahoma Avenue, promising a slow drawdown that allows current residents ample time to relocate.

then, it wouldn’t be brought back to the table for at least six months.

“I think that vote should be respected,” she said.

Supervisor Paulding also contended with the Oceano crowd and allegations that his annexation suggestion held a hidden agenda. During public comment, he said that the feasibility study would have been a partnership between Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, and San Luis Obispo County.

“I know that an estimate was $75,000, [with] $25,000 from each … it could give us more info so we could do more outreach,” Paulding said. “It’s pretty clear what the overwhelming sentiment is in this room. It’s also clear that Oceano has some community pride.”

Though the crowd erupted with cheers when the OCSD finalized its vote, not everyone in the room was satisfied. Varni took to social media on Nextdoor to criticize the feasibility study rejection.

“A Nextdoor poll shows 51 percent of respondents want to get accurate information on the pros and cons of a merger,” he wrote in that post. “Unfortunately, the ‘know nothings’ and anti-democratic censors do not even want a first, informal, no-cost-toanyone chat between Oceano, Grover, and county to take place.”

Varni also commented on Villa’s vote, saying that she “chose to side with a perspective which negates and ignores the expressed desires of the majority of the community.”

His online statements brought Morro Bay resident Aaron Ochs into the Oceano conversation. A member of the Nextdoor Review Team, Ochs told OCSD board members in an April 30 email that he reviews reported content and votes on whether it should be retained or removed from the platform. According to Ochs, Varni is “one of the most reported individuals in San Luis Obispo County.”

Ochs then requested a censure vote from the board.

“Director Charles Varni does not have the mental or emotional fortitude to serve as director for the Community Services District,” Ochs wrote. “I believe censure is the least divisive option for the board to consider. But an expulsion of Director Varni would improve public trust and integrity in the OCSD, and the board’s adherence to the Brown Act and decorum standards.”

But Villa has no plans to agendize Och’s suggestion.

“It’s a First Amendment right,” she said. “Isn’t that Charles’ opinion?”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Cambria plans disc golf course for Fiscalini Ranch

Recreational opportunities are increasing on the eastern end of Fiscalini Ranch in Cambria—including a disc golf course that’s part of a development some residents have been waiting almost 20 years for.

“It’s an understatement to say Cambria is lacking in infrastructure to a certain degree, especially regarding recreational activities,” Juli Amodei told New Times. “We have had this almost 300-acre piece of land sitting there for years waiting for something to be developed, so we felt now was the right time to begin movement on that operation.”

The Cambria community member serves on the ad hoc Parks and Recreation Open Space Board, which recently moved forward with planning a new nine-hole disc golf

course after a private donor provided funding to develop around 40 acres of land for the project.

Those 40 acres of land are just part of the larger 300 acres that were given to the town of Cambria 20 years ago by San Luis Obispo County with the intent that recreational sports facilities—like a soccer or baseball field—would be built on the property, but as time went on it, Amodei explained, it became unclear who those facilities would serve.

“When you have a huge block of land like this you do start to look at it and go, ‘Where are the things for kids to do?’” she said. “We see this disc golf course as a great example of something that will bring every aspect of recreation, outdoor living, low-impact, and environmentally conscious recreation to the people of Cambria.”

According to Amodei, the parks and rec board was formed by the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) to survey residents and tourists on potential projects that could bring low-impact activity to the eastern side of Fiscalini, ultimately finding disc golf to be the perfect activity to complement the already planned skate park, bathrooms, and dog park projects.

“It’s what’s trending; we can see tangible evidence that the activity is only going to continue to grow,” she said. “Not only is it something that the construction of wouldn’t require us to roll in bulldozers, but a private donor has already paid for it, meaning residents won’t see their tax dollars funding the construction.”

The board brought in disc golf aficionado Leonard Muise, who owns and runs Whirlwind Disc Golf in Hayward, to help lay out the potential course.

“Disc golf is a wonderful sport because it’s not only a low-impact sport that doesn’t require too much constant activity and can be enjoyed by all but also because it makes use of the beautiful surroundings of the land it’s on,” Muise told New Times. “I’m super passionate about bringing it to Cambria because I think it can grow the sport for a more casual audience.”

Steve Kniffen, chairman of parks and rec board, said the low-impact nature of disc golf is one of the biggest reasons for Cambria to give the course a try.

“After so many years, we are trying something new to get people out there, and this is just a great low-risk way to open up that area,” Kniffen told New Times. “I believe bringing disc golf to Cambria will make the city a healthier, well-rounded place for people to live in and visit.”

Amodei echoed that sentiment, telling New Times that the growth potential of disc golf is also appealing because it opens up new avenues for tourism revenue, which in turn could allow for more development of recreation activities on the property.

“Tourism is a critical component to the economic viability of our community, so any type of recreation we bring needs to be exciting to potential tourists, while also being respectful to our locals,” she said. “Our goal is to make that course as interesting as possible for all levels of play.”

One thing that might help make the course more interesting according to Amodei, is the talks the city plans to have with San Luis Obispo County regarding how much of the property the city can use for the course— something that will determine when the project can break ground.

“What we want to do is ask the county to reconsider what was set in place 20 years ago—when the land was initially sold to the city—and see if we can open it up more

to expand what we do with the course,” she said. “The terrain we currently have is limited, so if the county can expand it, we can use it to make the course far more exciting and potentially begin exploring even more options for recreational activity on the property.”

—Adrian Rosas

Judge rules Stephen Deflaun to be sane at the time of murders

Judge Jacquelyn Duffy found convicted murderer Stephen Deflaun to be sane when he shot and killed two people more than 20 years ago at Morro Strand State Beach campground.

“I do not find that defense has proven that Mr. Deflaun was legally insane,” Duffy announced to the courtroom. “I don’t think there is any question of whether he has a mental disease or defect. [It’s] whether he knew he was doing anything wrong.”

On July 8, 2001, Deflaun shot and killed campers Stephen Wells and his nephew Jerry Rios Jr., and then engaged in a shootout with Ranger Chuck Jackson onsite. He testified in April that voices from an entity called “the program” harassed him to kill Wells and Rios Jr.

The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge’s April 28 sanity phase verdict marked the end of Deflaun’s trial in which he was already found guilty of double murders in the first degree and of assaulting a law enforcement agent with a firearm.

Duffy added that her verdict rested on another “prong” too: whether Deflaun knew his actions were morally and legally wrong.

She buttressed that point with references from witness testimonies that Deflaun practiced daily target exercises to the point where he was adept with firearms, and that he described shooting 11-year-old victim Rios Jr. as a “lucky shot.” Further, looking away from Rios Jr. before shooting him showed “a twinge of conscience,” according to Duffy.

She’s scheduled to sentence Deflaun on June 2. Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told New Times that Deflaun’s first degree murder charges could weigh 25 years to life for each offense, with an additional 10 years for the charge of assaulting an officer with a firearm.

“It would be a mandatory sentencing of life imprisonment without possibility of parole,” he said.

Dobroth led the prosecuting team in Deflaun’s trial. During closing arguments on April 28, Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal mentioned the 2015 case of People v. Leeds where Santa Maria-based Lee Bedwell Leeds shot and killed his father and three other men. Leeds claimed that he hallucinated that the four men were “conspirators” who were plotting to kill him.

Leeds is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and—similar to Deflaun— entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. The court concluded that Leeds was legally insane when he murdered the four people, but also found that the trial court made a mistake when it instructed the jury that the defendant’s beliefs had to be “reasonable” in order to claim self-defense.

“Three of the four victims were hunted down, and essentially, methodically executed,” Blumenthal told the court on April 28. “The mere fact that somebody suffers from a delusion … doesn’t give that person license to kill a person [they] believe will kill them.”

Blumenthal stated that all of Deflaun’s

actions after he took the first shot at Wells couldn’t be classified as self-defense. In his trial testimony, Deflaun mentioned that the voices in his head led him to believe that Wells was an assassin sent to kill him. He tried to justify his shootings by saying he was protecting himself.

“It’s essentially a claim of duress,” Blumenthal said. “The law has long held that duress is simply not a defense.”

The deputy district attorney also tried to poke holes in expert testimonies from forensic psychologists whom the defense brought to the witness stand. The sanity phase of the trial was marked by opposing opinions from doctors about whether Deflaun understood right from wrong when he committed the crimes. Blumenthal focused on the evaluations done by Carolyn Murphy and Kevin Perry, two doctors who believed Deflaun found it difficult to understand his actions.

“Dr. Perry and Dr. Murphy didn’t have the benefit of hearing the defendant’s testimony,” Blumenthal said. “They weren’t here to witness the testimony about the shooting.”

He added that if Deflaun believed that “the program” and Wells were out to harm him in 2001, he never alerted people around him about it before or after the shooting.

“Both of the doctors were trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, and, frankly, both of them didn’t do a good job doing so,” Blumenthal said.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Paso Robles school board squabbles over superintendent pay bump

A previously approved pay raise for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) Superintendent Curt Dubost sparked a heated debate among district trustees on April 25, which ended in a 3-2 vote to approve the bump.

The 10 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Dubost matched the COLAs given to district teachers, staff, and management in new contracts inked last year, according to the district.

It bumps Dubost’s base salary from $202,800 to $223,080.

“[Dubost’s] contract was negotiated last year, under the prior board,” said district board trustee Jim Cogan, who voted to implement the raise. “I don’t think it’s a good idea … to be negotiating after the fact in bad faith.”

The PRJUSD typically gives equal percentage pay raises to the superintendent after settling negotiations with teacher and staff unions, according to a district staff report.

At the April 25 meeting, Cogan noted that Dubost “specifically requested” that the district delay his raise until the staff and teachers received theirs. Board President Nathan Williams emphasized that the raise is already in his contract.

“We are not approving a new COLA,” Williams said. “The only reason we’re discussing this now is [Dubost’s] own choosing.”

But two trustees—Laurene McCoy and Dorian Baker—opposed the raise and criticized how the district prepared the agenda item.

McCoy echoed criticisms lobbed during public comment about Dubost’s job performance, pointing to the district’s belowaverage standardized test scores in recent years.

“If this were a private corporation—which I know it’s not—but if it were, and only one out of four products met standards, the CEO would’ve been fired,” McCoy said. “We have to take into consideration the things that are not going right as well. That’s all I have to say.”

Baker lamented the lack of documentation included in the agenda item for the raise.

“It would’ve been good to put a copy of the contract into the board packet,” she said. “Is it the policy of this new board to not present documents related to a vote?”

Williams quickly shot back: “That’s obviously not the case at all. And you know that as well as I do. What I brought forward was to implement what was agreed upon before.”

Baker took issue with that response.

“I would request that—and this has happened before—that I never be scolded for not asking for something in advance,” she said. “Always, if I’ve had time to get to that part of the agenda, I would ask for it. But it’s a long agenda, this is the last item on it, and I didn’t get to it in time to ask for it.”

McCoy jumped to Baker’s defense.

“With everything else you ask us to approve, there are attachments to every single thing,” she said. “So why is this the only one that doesn’t have an attachment?”

Baker continued on to question the district’s practice of mirroring the superintendent’s pay bumps with the unions’.

“It’s just not in my opinion a good look for a superintendent to have an automatic ‘me

too’ with the bargaining units,” Baker said.

Dubost stayed mostly silent during the debate except to point out that he’s still making less in salary than the muchcriticized former PRJUSD superintendent, Chris Williams, did in 2019.

“I’m not even where my predecessor was when he left, if I’m correct,” Dubost said.

With Dubost planning to retire next year, Cogan warned that the board could jeopardize its search for a new superintendent if it failed to live up its contractual commitments to Dubost.

“For anyone who has ever had anything to do with executive recruitment, that’s what they look at. They look at how their previous executive was treated,” Cogan said. “It’s such an incredibly terrible, terrible, irresponsible thing to send as we’re going to be looking to recruit a top talent that our students and our staff deserve. It’s inconceivable to come back after the fact and negotiate in bad faith.”

Trustee Sondra Williams, who voted for the raise, added that Dubost shouldn’t shoulder the blame for the district’s struggles.

“Dubost led us through some of the most trialing times Paso Robles has ever seen,” she said. “To put full responsibility [on him] during a pandemic, during times of social injustice, during a climate in our community that he could’ve easily walked away from, wavered from, not been steadfast in his leadership, I think it’s a bad message to send.” ∆

—Peter Johnson

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Busy beavers

Aweek before Easter celebrations, San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza buzzed with excitement about a very different animal with big whiskers and two buck teeth.

More than 1,000 visitors came out on April 1 to celebrate the first-ever SLO Beaver Festival, an event hosted by the SLO Beaver Brigade to raise awareness about the river rodent and all it does to help the environment.

Families moseyed through the plaza all day to get their faces painted, build their own dams using sticks and clay, and hear musicians, scientists, and activists sing the beaver’s praises.

“The festival was so fun. It blew our minds how excited everyone was,” said Audrey Taub, co-founder of the SLO Beaver Brigade. “One thing we realized when we started the Beaver Brigade: There’s almost like a beaver movement happening in the country. People are really catching on.”

The beaver movement is in full swing in SLO County. Even before the successful festival, the SLO Beaver Brigade has been scoring victories that are a testament to the momentum it’s built since forming in 2019.

In February, the nonprofit sold out its first-ever fundraiser at Castoro Cellars and also received a coveted California Coastal Commission “Whale Tail” grant for $41,480. That grant will help the Brigade expand its free educational tours of beaver habitats in the Salinas River to twice monthly. It will also pay for the installation of interpretive panels along the De Anza Trail in Atascadero and to commission a mural of a beaver habitat at the Charles Paddock Zoo.

“It’s been so exciting,” Taub told New Times. “This began in 2020 and it really started around a conversation about climate change and what can we be doing. Supporting the beavers has been the thing. It just seemed like this is what we can do. And it’s fun.”

Taub started the Beaver Brigade with a small but mighty group of fellow enthusiasts. She became enraptured by the animal during her regular visits to their habitats along the Salinas River, a stone’s throw from her home in Atascadero.

“Ever since I moved here in 2005, it’s been my little playground,” Taub said. “I’d tell people there’s this beautiful beaver habitat, and they’d say, ‘There’s no beavers in this county!’ Nobody believed me. People grew up here and had no idea.”

Her goal with the organization is to generate excitement and awareness about beavers’ contributions

to the environment. By simply being alive, she explained, beavers do wonders for nature. Their dams help with groundwater recharge, wildfire suppression, flood control, carbon sequestration, and more.

“They’re very slow on land so their mode of survival is to create a dam to have a pond so they can get to their food without getting on land. That’s all they’re trying to do,” Taub said. “But these dams—it creates a beautiful habitat. What it’s doing is spreading the water out around the landscape, and you have this thick, lush, riparian zone. And then the water is slowly trickling in and replenishing the groundwater.”

One fact about beavers that resonates with locals is how their habitats can act as fire breaks, she said. Taub likes to show people a blown-up photo of a wildfire around a beaver dam to prove a point.

“As far as the eye can see is charcoal and then there’s a beaver habitat in the center, where it’s wet and lush and beautiful. There’s something about that visual photo that makes a big impact with people,” Taub said. “All the issues in California—the wildfires, the droughts, even the floods—beaver dams can kind of slow the intensity.”

Taub credits much of the Beaver Brigade’s growth to an early connection she made with Emily Fairfax, a professor at Cal State Channel Islands who studies beavers. After seeing how beavers thrive in the area, Fairfax has made the Salinas River a focal point in her research, giving it a bigger platform.

“All of sudden, it just gave so much momentum and interest in what we’re doing,” Taub said.

Looking ahead, Taub said the group is evaluating how it can best harness the interest from the community. That means expanding habitat tours, doing more river cleanups, and putting on more events like the Beaver Festival. It also means collaborating with landowners to help resolve conflicts with beavers and working with local agencies to install beaver dam analogs that mimic the effects of beaver dams.

Regardless of what’s next, in the wake of the festival, the Beaver Brigade is appreciating the way that the animal is bringing the community together.

“There’s something about beavers that I feel kind of crosses the party line,” Taub said. “The ranchers get it as much as the environmentalists get it. It’s not like it’s one side or the other. It’s a place we can come together and agree: This animal is helping us.”

Fast fact

• The Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay is seeking volunteers to fill roles in animal rescue and response, care, transport, and conservation education.

a founding member of the SLO Downtown Neighborhood Association, preserving historic homes in the area from becoming businesses. She served as planning commissioner with both the City of San Luis Obispo and County of San Luis Obispo, council member for the City of San Luis Obispo, and board member for the Land Conservancy for SLO County.

Penny loved SLO and wanted to preserve its beauty while recognizing growth is necessary and inevitable. She also served

Restore manager for Habitat for Humanity of SLO County. Later, Penny remained active and volunteered for the Jack House.

A Celebration of Life will take place May 7, 2023, at The Jack House: 536 Marsh Street in SLO from 2:00-4:00pm. •

“Volunteer service here at the center is especially critical as we approach the busy seal pupping season here along the Central Coast,” a press release from the nonprofit read. To sign up as a mammal center volunteer, visit marinemammalcenter. org and register for a May 6 volunteer orientation. ∆

Reach Assistant Editor Peter Johnson at pjohnson@ newtimesslo.com.

BUILDING DAMS Kids had the chance to make their own beaver dams during the SLO Beaver Festival in Mission Plaza on April 1.

COURTESY PHOTO BY BRITTANY APP

Winning Images

THE RULES:

Entry divisions are either ADULT or YOUTH (photographers who are under 18)

ADULT

• Categories are: Animals, Flora, Land/Seascapes, People, Travel, Open and In Motion which can include any interpretation of action or motion.

• All images must be submitted digitally via our online entry form, where the category can be selected.

• A completed online entry form MUST be submitted for EACH photo entered.

• Entrants are asked to submit a high-quality digital file of their image (jpeg format, at least 300 dpi) on the submission form.

• Photos submitted in previous years are ineligible.

• All photos must be the original, creative work of the submitting photographer.

• All photographs must be taken within the boundaries of San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara counties – except submissions to the Travel and Open categories – for which photos may be taken anywhere.

• Entries are $10 per photo.

• After entering your photos, submit your payment online You may also mail a check (made payable to New Times) to: Winning Images, c/o New Times, 1010 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Be sure to include your name, address, email, and a brief description of the photo(s) entered online.

• Photos must be received and entry fees must be paid in full by 5 P.M. ON MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023, to be considered officially entered.

• Entry in the contest constitutes permission to use the photo in the paper, online, and for display.

• Judges have the right to reassign categories for mislabeled or misfiled photos at their discretion.

YOUTH (PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

• This is an OPEN category. Photographs can be of any subject of the entrant’s choosing, but must have been taken within the boundaries of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

• Entrants must be younger than 18 years old as of June 15, 2023, and must be enrolled in any school (including a home school) that’s not a college. A winner’s legal guardian will be required to sign a release form.

• All other rules from the adult categories apply.

Winning photos will be published in the Thursday, June 15, 2023, issues of New Times and the Sun.

CATEGORIES: ANIMALS · FLORA · IN MOTION · LAND/SEASCAPES · PEOPLE · TRAVEL · OPEN · YOUTH IT’S TIME FOR OUR 28TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST!

Win cash prizes, get published in our annual Winning Images issues on June 15, see your work in an online gallery, and be part

Shad Giordano, 2022

Jenn Lawrence, 2022

Cathy Wallace, 2022

Dan Baum, 2022

Bob Canepa, 2022

Lance Wilson, 2022

BY DAVID BRODIE AND ALLAN COOPER

Be better problem solvers

A challenge to the city of San Luis Obispo and to all of us

When trying to solve a problem, our tendency is to almost immediately minimize or strip down the scope or context of the problem. But the public should be aware of how such a superficial view of the problem will lead to poor or even dangerous solutions. By minimizing the scope of our investigation, we may not be anticipating solutions to circumstances that can have unintended, negative consequences. More concerning is that many of us seem to be “married” to specific—shall we say more “trendy”— solutions and we assign them to either the wrong problems or problems that we do not fully understand.

Let’s go over a number of examples here in the city of San Luis Obispo where our city fathers have correctly identified a number of problems but then have arrived at the wrong solutions simply because they did not go further into exploring the problem.

1. Problem: preventing bike accidents. Bad solution: introducing dedicated bike ways. Better solution: maintaining shared streets. Dedicated bike ways are being proposed when shared streets might more suitably address this problem. Bicyclists and autos are more alert when using shared streets. Accidents in bike lanes are 2.6 times higher than on roadways because bike paths are more dangerous. There are more car-bike collisions on dedicated bike paths because it is more difficult to negotiate in a safe manner intersections between cycle lanes and roads than it is on normal roads.

2. Problem: increasing housing availability while maintaining climate change resilience and livability. Bad solution: increasing housing density downtown by building more tall buildings filled with micro units. Better solution: outside of downtown, infill with tiny homes or a range of house-scale buildings

Renewable energy isn’t as easy a solution as you might think

Renewable energy is a good idea but not the total answer to energy and climate concerns. Renewable energy is intermittent, unreliable. This cannot be argued.

There are so many details that have to be considered to have what so many think is the answer to so many power problems. There are so many facets to creating and delivering power. What is most available, what is clean, what isn’t, where is it, and how can it be delivered to specified locations? Current transmission systems are not set up for the huge growing need/demand for electricity. It’s going to take a lot of time, money, difficulties to overcome, agreements to make, physics, environmental issues, health issues, safety issues, on and on to establish a hope, a dream that will not be easy to accomplish and take a long time to realize.

Power is not just produced then sent out without a huge amount of planning. Wherever the power is to be delivered,

with multiple units, compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes. The city is proposing the former when tiny homes or house-scale multi-family residences will more likely address the needs of the demographic that is most in need. Micro units in mid-rise buildings are not family friendly. Where will the minimum wage, front-line workers (who are more likely to have families) live? Instead these micro units will be occupied by students, vacationers, or second home buyers. Moreover, the Marsh Street flood plain places downtown residents in harm’s way. Remote work and social distancing are transforming downtowns all across the county. Because of remote work, there will be no need to locate these workers near their work. Finally, social distancing will likely be required in the foreseeable future and this mitigates against high density housing.

3. Problem: forcing people out of their cars in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Bad solution: eliminating parking across the board through the reduction or elimination of on-street parking and reducing or eliminating parking requirements for all new developments. Better solution: creating more park-and-ride lots for commuters and outof-town visitors and maintaining curbside parking for designated users.

Downtown employees commuting into SLO will most likely be arriving in cars. Tourists and shoppers will also be arriving by cars. Where is the consideration for convenient access for the handicapped, the elderly, and the quick in-and-out customer? Where are the locations for drop-offs, which require more space within the right-of-way, for both private and public transportation? Finally, the carbon footprint of cars is quickly being reduced based on the shift over to alternative fuels and alternative methods of manufacturing cars.

4. Problem: preventing urban sprawl. Bad solution: build taller buildings downtown. Better solution: build more low-rise infill projects and put a stop to annexations.

A recent Harris Poll found that nearly

LETTERS

the frequency, the voltage, needs to be determined and equal with the direction and location the power is being directed.

In the case of renewable energy, the infrastructure does not have longevity. Much of the aging structures have to be replaced in a few years, creating huge landfills and hazardous waste dumps. Nothing about creating and maintaining power sources is easy, or without many difficult and complicated issues to overcome.

There’s no reason to close Diablo Canyon other than the fossil fuel industry wants the whole pie—not just a portion of the revenue for supplying power. It’s a clear dichotomy to want to shut down a proven 24/7 supply of clean energy and replace it with unclean energy, when the issue is to supply as much clean energy as possible to correct the climate concerns.

With all that said there will be more emissions created to establish this huge energy endeavor than can be avoided.

Ellie Ripley Arroyo Grande

a third of Americans are considering relocating to less crowded places. Harvard researchers and urban planners are now urging us to consider how a more dispersed city can thrive. All of this can be attributed to the rapid increase of remote work and the hazards of living in close proximity to others during pandemics. Tall buildings use almost twice as much energy per square foot as low-rise structures. Tall buildings require more steel and concrete, therefore contain more embodied energy and are less sustainable than low-rise buildings built largely of wood. Concrete is 10 times more greenhouse gas-intensive than wood. Tall buildings involve higher construction costs thereby resulting in higher rents and reduced retail diversity.

5. Problem: too many jobs and not enough housing as result of 14,000 employees commuting into SLO every day from outside the city limits. Bad solution: build more housing while staying within the 1 percent per year growth cap. Better solution: place a more restrictive growth cap on jobs.

Limiting the development of commercial projects, as opposed to increasing housing, is more effective when trying to address our continuing jobs-housing imbalance. This is because the 1 percent cap on nonresidential square footage, in its present form, is a flawed algorithm as it continues to produce far more jobs than our housing market can absorb. The net result is that job growth has averaged 3.25 percent per year, far exceeding the maximum 1 percent per year growth in our housing supply. And so follows more traffic due to an explosion in our daytime population (comprised of 13,955 daytime commuters) plus an

Speak up!

increasing jobs/housing imbalance.

Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.

Problem-solving is ranked among the most important skills for students to demonstrate on their resumes, with 82.9 percent of employers considering it a highly valued attribute. Let’s evaluate how harmful the act of stripping and minimizing the full exploration of problems can be. A 2010 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that kids who lack problem-solving skills may be at a higher risk of depression and suicide. Kids who lack problem-solving skills may avoid taking action when faced with a problem. Parents and teachers can interfere with the child’s ability to solve problems on their own when parents interpose their own solutions. Instead, the child should be allowed to thoroughly define the problem on their own, brainstorm solutions, pick the pros and cons of each solution, pick a solution, and test it out. If the final test has failed to solve the problem then let the child learn from this by “failing forward.” Parents (sometimes described as “helicopter moms”) and teachers inadvertently minimize the scope of all decisions when they rush to solve their child’s problems. In the final analysis, we can no longer tolerate energy directed to minimizing the scope of any problem. When this attitude permeates thinking at all levels, we all end up as adults deferring to the so-called “experts” and relinquishing our right to exercise our own self-determination. On a societal level this can lead to a body politic inclined to embrace authoritarianism. ∆

David Brodie and David Cooper are ready to save SLO’s downtown. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

There are all kinds of reasons to save the natural world.

For most of us, and for most of the history of the conservation movement, those reasons are visceral and personal. We know what Robert Louis Stevenson is talking about when he refers to “that quality of air, that emanation from old trees that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.” We know what John Muir meant when he wrote, “In God’s wildness lies the hope of the world— the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.” Muir founded the Sierra Club as an extension of that idea: If you can get people out into nature, they will come to know it and love it, and people fight to protect what we love.

And hopefully, we know why Aldo Leopold’s worldview changed in 1909 when, as a dutiful U.S. Forest Service employee, he shot a wolf and then scrambled down to the riverbank where she lay, arriving “in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. ... I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean a hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view.”

It’s said that Leopold’s 1949 Sand County Almanac invented the idea of a land ethic and the environmental movement. Leopold’s land ethic enlarged the meaning of community to “include soils, waters, plants, and animals” and declared that “a thing is right when it tends to preserve the stability, integrity, and beauty of the whole biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

From this flowed the concept of the rights of nature, never more memorably stated than by Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas in his 1972 dissenting opinion in Sierra Club v. Morton, wherein he argued that trees, rivers, swamps, and mountains should have legal standing to sue in their own defense, and that humans, as the most articulate of creatures, should be allowed to act on behalf of those voiceless entities and be recognized by the courts as representatives of their interests.

But whatever reason you choose— whether you think nature should be preserved for its ability to provide spiritual renewal, scenic views, and resources, or because we should not pretend we are separate from and superior to it, or because it has a fundamental right to exist—now is the time to defend it. Because we are losing it.

As Leopold noted, “an ecologist … must be the doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise.”

Which brings us to the first of its kind report, “Biodiversity in Focus: United States Edition.” Released three months ago, it underscores the fact that species are going extinct faster than at any time in recorded history and crunches 50 years of data collected by the NatureServe Network to lay out exactly what that means: 34 percent of plants and 40 percent of animals are at risk of extinction, and 41 percent of

ecosystems are at risk of collapse. The report lays out the major threats to biodiversity, determines where imperiled biodiversity is most concentrated, and suggests where we should go from here. In brief: We must “use our financial resources to make the best conservation decisions.”

And there’s a way to do that: the 30x30 global initiative, which “calls for the conservation of 30 percent of the planet’s land and water by 2030. Meeting this goal requires investments in land acquisition and management to maximize value for biodiversity conservation.”

The report presents a map of the U.S. overlaid with areas of unprotected biodiversity importance. Spoiler alert: California is No. 1.

So it’s a good thing that, one year ago, the state of California released the Pathways to 30x30, presciently outlining how we are to achieve what the Biodiversity in Focus report was going to recommend, via 10 pathways. For California to reach the 30x30 goal, the state needs to secure permanent protection for 6 million land acres and 500,000 marine acres.

Daunting—but don’t worry: the program breaks that down, along with the 10 pathways, into local pieces. Groups that have focused on protecting and conserving nature on the Central Coast can keep their focus on preserving the Central Coast and know that people in every part of the state are doing the same where they live. Because John Muir was right.

And if those groups would like to learn about creative state, regional, and local funding mechanisms for their projects, there are workshops for that—eight of them, all free, Zooming at 10 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month, from now until November, courtesy of Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks. They should be of particular interest to tribes, land trusts, and nonprofits with a focus on social equity, environmental justice, or conservation. All workshops will be recorded and posted to FHBP’s YouTube channel.

You can download a flyer or get more info at fhbp.org/about-us/events. ∆

Andrew Christie is the executive director of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

over

Soloist Manuel Enrique

Famous Dancing Horses

Folkloric Dancers

Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest

Tamale Contest &

It ain’t pretty

If the last week of April and first week of May are any indication of what kind of governing is going to be happening in SLO County for the remainder of 2023—it’s going to be ugly.

In Paso Robles, a couple of rogue school board members tried and failed to scuttle an already penned contract with their district superintendent.

SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow is suddenly interested in the legality of decision-making on the SLO County Board of Supervisors

And a Morro Bay resident requested that the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) censure one of its board members for expressing opinions on Nextdoor That’s just the cream off the top, folks. The future is bright with fireworks, yelling at public meetings, and a decided lack of real policy work.

We can start up north, because why not? Kenney Enney hasn’t even started serving on the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District’s board yet after winning back the seat district residents petitioned him out of— and there’s plenty to shred!

New school board member Laurene McCoy is on a tear to speak up for “the people” (that would be anyone else in the “parents rights” movement), and seems to be using Dorian “The Chicken Lady” Baker as a measuring stick. After sticking it to the California curriculum gods alongside her new BFF by questioning the poultry water

use outlined in a science textbook and an AP chemistry book’s reference to the United Nations “Can’t you guys see the global cabal at work indoctrinating our youth?”—McCoy supported Baker’s quest to overturn a contract-promised pay raise for Superintendent Curt Dubost

“If this were a private corporation—which I know it’s not—but if it were and only one out of four products met standards, the CEO would have been fired,” McCoy said, clearly not realizing that if the Paso school district was a corporation, DuBost wouldn’t be micromanaged by a board containing miscreants pretending to be education experts.

Obviously, in corporation-world, a contract is a contract—and DuBost would be making way more than he is. Dubost’s pay raise—a cost of living increase—was approved last year by a previous iteration of the board, but the superintendent said he would wait until all of those under him received their raises first. Baker, who served on the board when it approved the raise in question, was miffed about a lack of documentation included in the agenda.

And that’s totally understandable—the contract in question should absolutely have been included in the agenda items. However, Baker made it very clear that she didn’t make the time to read all the way to the end of

the agenda, anyway. So what’s the point of including even more documentation she wouldn’t have time to read?

“It’s a long agenda, and this is the last item on it, and I didn’t get to it in time to ask for [the contract],” she said.

Oh boy! Must be tough to volunteer to be elected to a position that makes decisions impacting our children’s education, not prepare for the twice-a-month meetings, and then scold the people who have to abide by how you vote on the issues they present to you.

McCoy should maybe hitch her ride to someone else’s wagon.

District Attorney Dow seems to have his wagon firmly in position to throw a hitch in 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson’s giddyup. Dow, whose special little law enforcement PAC spent $25,000 in campaign ads against Gibson and the potential for a liberal governing majority during the 2022 election, is tutt-tutting the county over perceived Brown Act violation allegations made by everyone’s favorite gadfly, Julie Tacker, and perpetual 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold supporter, Greg Grewal.

SLO County Counsel Rita Neal, my money’s on Neal—and I’d definitely spring for the ringside seats!

I already paid for ringside seats to the OCSD meetings, and they do not disappoint! The most recent cage match pitted new board member Charles Varni against what seemed to be the rest of Oceano over whether it should study the feasibility of being annexed by Grover Beach. But Oceano’s just not that into it. Nothing personal, Grover.

Varni took his displeasure over the board’s decision to Nextdoor—a spicier social media app than Facebook with more neighborhood drama than Twitter. Guess who happens to be on the local Nextdoor review team?

Aaron Ochs! Who decided he absolutely needed to weigh in, of course.

He wrote a letter to the OCSD informing them that Varni is “one of the most reported individuals” in the county on Nextdoor.

Speak up!

Send

I’m all for holding our governing bodies accountable to the public. That’s kind of my thing. But the Board of Supervisors’ decision-making process hasn’t changed since the majority switched sides, and Dow butting his extremely partisan face into things should make everyone question the validity of the accusations.

In a sparring match between Dow and

“Director Charles Varni does not have the mental or emotional fortitude to serve as director for the Community Services District,” wrote Ochs, who, in his capacity as a Nextdoor review board member is also apparently an expert on local governing bodies. He continued his letter by suggesting that expelling Varni from the CSD would “improve public trust and integrity.”

Wow. Where are we?

Tennessee? Montana? ∆

The Shredder believes in the First Amendment. Send your opinions to shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

RAISE THE WOOF

Zaca Mesa Winery in Los Olivos hosts its Dog Hike in the Vineyard event on Sunday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs and enjoy a leisurely hike around the winery’s estate vineyard. Lunch with gourmet hot dogs from the Doggy Door will be available with wine after the hike. Admission is $60. Visit zacamesa.com for more info. The vineyard is located at 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. —Caleb Wiseblood

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. Event lasts up to 2 hours. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $50. 805-394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COLLAGES AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF LOS OSOS Collages and photographs featuring Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and the Elfin Forest by Los Osos photographer Kelly Hayes are for sale online and on display at Los Osos Pop-up Gallery (1056 Los Osos Valley Road). Photo prints on metal, paper, acrylic, and greeting cards. ongoing Free. centralcoasty.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Jewett’s work is also on display at Nautical Bean in Laguna shopping center during February. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-7999632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DISRUPTED REALISM DISCUSSION

WITH JOHN SEED MBAA is proud to present lecturer/author John Seed discussing his recent book Disrupted Realism the first book to survey the works of contemporary painters who are challenging and reshaping the tradition of realism. May 8 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-

2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY HEMA SUKUMAR California’s colorful landscapes from the water’s edge to mountaintops are a constant source of Sukumar’s artistic inspirations. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY ARDELLA SWANBERG Ardella Swanberg has painted her entire life. Her first awards for her art were received during high school in Garden Grove, and her travels and adventures are reflected in her paintings of various locales. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

HAND MADE LEATHER AND FIBER ART BY KRISTINA ALBION Kristina Albion has been inspired to create art, bags, wearable art, and home decor using cloth, fiber, stone, leather, paint, and more. Her pieces showcase her talents in many media. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

IT’S A SHOE-IN Learn mosaic basics to create a one-of-a-kind project, with many colors, baubles, and beads to choose from to create a custom piece. May 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Various. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects. This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

MOSAIC TRIVET WORKSHOP During this workshop, you will learn how to design and create a mosaic trivet. You will learn how to select materials, lay out a pleasing pattern, and adhere the tiles to the trivet base. You will learn how to properly grout and seal your project. ongoing, 1-4 p.m. $60. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/ workshops/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS …THE

MUSICAL Music: Eric Rockwell. Lyrics: Joanne Bogart. A hilarious parody of musical theatre. A simple plot is told five different ways, as if written by five different well-known composers. Fridays, Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through May 14 $30. 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

NATURAL PLANT DYE WORKSHOP Learn to dye a silk bandana/scarf with plants and herbs. All materials included. May 7, 2-5 p.m. $95. 805-935-9046. sean-green.com. Sea + Green, 2380 Main St., unit F, Cambria.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR HEMA

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo. com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

SUKUMAR, ARDELLA SWANBERG, AND KRISTINA ALBION Come meet the artists, have a snack, and bring some beautiful art home. May 13 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHY OPENING AND RECEPTION Kerry Drager, author of three nationally published photography how-to books and three photo essay books. Kerry enjoys sharing his knowledge, and is known for giving grounded advice and constructive encouragement. May 6 cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

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.

SECOND SATURDAYS Come by and see the Featured Artists Shows, find gifts for your loved ones, surprises for yourself, and meet the artists featured in the incredible gallery. Second Saturday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ART GALLERY OPENING Showcasing artwork of Susan Lyon, Kathy Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. First Saturday of every month, 4-7 p.m. Free. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 849 13th Street, Paso Robles, 805-440-7152.

BRUCE MUNRO: LIGHT AT SENSORIO Sensorio, the Central California location

dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and nature, continues to welcome crowds to its stunning multiacre outdoor exhibit, Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:3010:30 p.m. through May 13 $22-$112. 805226-4287. sensoriopaso.com. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

CITY AND COUNTRY An exciting collection of watercolor and oil paintings by Frank Eber and Ken Christensen. May 6 -June 3 Free. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/events/city-andcountry/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

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.

EVENING OF COMEDY FROM HEMINGWAY’S STEAKHOUSE GA tickets are theater seating. VIP tickets get preferred table seating and food and drink service at the table. First Saturday of every month, 8-10 p.m. through Dec. 6 $38-$55. 805-369-1017. Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles, ehsteaks.com.

FUSED GLASS PLATE OR BOWL CLASS

Learn the basics of working with fused glass, and use a variety of colored glass to create a unique design. May 9 5-7 p.m. $100. 805-464-2633. glassheadstudio. com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

PAINT AND SIP Create four small plantrelated paintings with a glass of wine. May 7 2 p.m. my805tix.com. Pianetta

Winery, 829 13th St., Paso Robles.

PAINT FOR KIDS Join Art Social805 at the Templeton Recreation Center for a Star Wars themed Youth Painting which will benefit Art 4 Children. May 11 4:30-6 p.m. $35. 805-434-4909. artsocial805. com. Templeton Recreation Center, 599 S. Main Street, Templeton.

POETRY READING A reading from the posthumous publication of “The

Last Honesty” by Chris Alba. Chris was an award-winning poet, journalist, and skilled editor. Celebrate this new collection with an evening of poetry and music. Open mic to follow. May 4 7 p.m. 559-905-9274. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5318 Palma Avenue, Atascadero.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge. com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ART AFTER DARK Featuring rotating exhibits from local artists, live music, and vegan and vegetarian dining. First Friday of every month. through May 5 Free. Linnaea’s Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-5888, linnaeas.com/.

ART AFTER DARK: LINNAEA’S Various paintings and photographs of the hanging of laundry by Diane Harrison. May 5 6-8 p.m. Free. Linnaea’s Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, 805-5415888, linnaeas.com/.

ART EXHIBIT: LUMINOUS EXPRESSIONS An exhibit of pastel paintings by members of the California Central Coast Pastel Society (3CPS). Meet the artists during a reception on May 6 at 3 p.m. May 5 -July 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACA MESA WINERY

Updates in local arts

Art After Dark

SLO County Arts Council hosts Art After Dark, selfguided art walks on the First Friday of each month countywide. Join us on Friday, May 5th from 5 to 8 PM at the following locations...

The Bunker SLO | Stop by to view the Opening Minds Community Arts Show that was developed by Transitions Mental Health Association in celebration of living mentally well, championing the idea that we should not be defined in terms of our mental illness but by our strengths, gifts, and contributions. SLO County Arts and The Bunker SLO are proud sponsors of this event.

Kreuzberg Coffee | Featuring Cal Poly Student Work Submitted through the American Institute of Architecture Students to represent the delightful minds and talent of the local student population.

SLO Museum of Art | Join SLOMA for wine, DJ, and fresh art, including a new mural and public art sculpture! This month they have partnered with GALA Pride and Diversity Center!

Mareh Couture | Come listen to music by Harut and Lusine, a husband and wife duo, performing music curated from all over the world. Plus many more! For the full map of venues, visit slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark

Central Coast Creative Corps

805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ART EXPLORATIONS FOR TEENS WITH SPENCER COLLINS In this class series, students learn about drawing and acrylic painting. Each class students will recreate a famous piece of art from history. Topics include: Joan Miro, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Piet Mondrian. Ages 11-17. Every other Thursday, 3:304:30 p.m. through June 22 4 classes for $100 or 1 class for $30. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART

CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

COMEDY NIGHT Professional comedy show featuring local and touring comics. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. First Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-540-8300. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, bangthedrumbrewery.com.

who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels. Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH

SPENCER COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS ART CLASS: PORTRAITS FOR KIDS WITH ZOE WILLIAMSON Learn to love drawing faces. Each class, we will look at a famous artist, a new style of art, and practice drawing different expressions using simple proportions. Learn new techniques and build confidence. For kids ages 7 and older. Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. through June 13 $300 for 10 Classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS POTTERY CLASSES Enjoy making animal sculptures, bowls, plates, etc. Please arrive on time, not early, as venue uses the transition time between classes to sanitize. Designed to sign up on a weekly basis. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations, San Luis Obispo.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate, and glaze. Clay and firing included with admission. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS AT SLOMA

Intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using our unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by our exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/events/second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SENIOR CLAY CLASS Offered to the senior community as an outlet to explore the beauty of clay. For ages 60 and over. Caretakers welcome for an additional $20. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre. com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

Open Studios Art Tour

The Central Coast Creative Corps Program is an extraordinary opportunity for community-based organizations and Artists to drive social change. Community Partners (Nonprofits, Government agencies, or Tribal governments), will have a chance to work with an Artist or Artist Team to create impact in their own back (and front!) yards through community-centered collaborative creative work. This grant opportunity is funded by the California Arts Council. The grant will provide $140,000 to 23 year-long projects. $100,000 of each grant goes directly to an artist.

Artists and Artist Teams can join the Artist Directory by June 1, 2023 to be considered. Learn more at centralcoastcreativecorps.org

Applications are open for the 25th annual Open Studios Art Tour! The San Luis Obispo County Open Studios Art Tour, a program of SLO County Arts Council, takes place over two weekends in October each year. Free to the public, fine artists and crafters open their studios to showcase their art and share their processes. Visitors create their own tours using the catalog.

Read the full guidelines, view last year's catalog, and apply through our website at slocountyarts.org/osat

www.slocountyarts.org

CUESTA COLLEGE STUDENT ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION A juried exhibition celebrating the talent and creativity of Cuesta students featuring ceramics, drawing, graphic design, digital art, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Juror was Dane Goodman. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 18 Free. 805-546-3202. cuesta.edu.

Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA DRAMA PRESENTS: FLORA

AND ULYSSES Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo. An imaginative 10-year-old, Flora Belle Buckman, is in for a surprise when she witnesses an incident involving a self-propelled vacuum and a squirrel. May 5 7 p.m., May 6 , 2 & 7 p.m., May 7 2 p.m., May 12 , 7 p.m., May 13 , 2 & 7 p.m. and May 14 2 p.m. Adult $15; Child (under 18) $10; Buddy Bundle $40. tickets. cuesta.edu. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Looking for a fun date night? Head to Anam Cre Pottery Studio and play with clay. Couples will learn how to throw a pot on the wheel and make a cheeseboard. Fridays, Saturdays, 6-8 p.m. $140. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ETCHINGS Enjoy the richly detailed fine art etchings of Rosey and Barbara Rosenthal. The etchings and other art will “bring you home or feed your imagination.” May 5 5-8 p.m. Free. 805550-1852. slocountyarts.org/art-afterdark. Century 21 Hometown Realty, 599 Higuera St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT

ART CLASS This class is for students

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257.

Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MARELA ZACARÍAS: STORYTELLING

Through July 7 San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 543-8562, sloma.org/.

MOMMY AND ME PAPER MACHE

FRAME DECORATING CLASS Celebrate Mothers Day with your little one. Decorate paper mache frames with paint pens. Bring paper mache frames (available at Art Central). All else provided. May 14 11 a.m.-noon $40 for you and your child. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

MY TIME Enjoy Children’s Museum exhibits and activities at this free event celebrating LGBTQIA+ families with young children on the Central Coast. May 4 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-545-5874. slocm.org. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo 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.

PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden.

Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti

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 DRAWZ: OPEN FIGURE DRAWING

GROUP Improve your drawing skills while also building a community of supportive creatives with live models. This is not a guided class, please bring your own materials. To sign up, email chantellegoldthwaite@gmail.com. Every other Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 31 $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805-747-4200. instagram.com/slodrawz/.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 805-703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY JAMBOREE SLO Come for Farmer’s and stay for some laughs. The SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree is back at Highwater SLO. Hosted by Edi Gibson, with special guest Nick Guerra, Featuring David Murphy and headliner Kiran Deol. May 11 8-9:30 p.m. $30. 805-534-3129. facebook.com/slofunny. Highwater SLO, 1127 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANNIE JR. Presented by Coastal Christian School. Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Awardwinning musical, with a beloved book and score by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. May 13 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $8-$14. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CPAF: SEUSSICAL JR Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers. May 5 , 7-9 p.m., May 6 , 2-4 &

SLO County Arts Council is the state-local partner of the California Arts Council

7-9 p.m., May 7, 3-5 p.m., May 12 , 7-9 p.m., May 13 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and May 14 , 3-5 p.m. $20-$25. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/cpafseussical-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE FINAL

PROBLEM Sherlock Holmes’ skills are put to the test when he goes head-to-head with his intellectual equal, criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. After repeated attempts on his life, Holmes is rejoined by his recently married friend Dr. Watson and the two attempt to thwart the Professor’s plans Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 6-8 a.m. through May 14 $30-$36. 805-489-2499. americanmelodrama.com.

Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY JAMBOREE GROVER

BEACH The SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree

kicks off month two at Ribline in Grover Beach. Hosted by Edi Gibson, with special guest Nick Guerra, Featuring David Murphy and headliner Kiran Deol. Come enjoy great barbecue and laughs. May 10 $30. 805-534-3129. facebook. com/slofunny. Ribline by the Beach, 395 W Grand Ave., suite B, Grover Beach.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BRIGHT STAR Steve Martin and Edie

Brickell’s Grammy and Tony-nominated musical weaves toe-tapping bluegrass and incredible true events into a rich, refreshingly genuine journey along the Blue Ridge Mountains. May 5 , 7 p.m., May 6 , 1:30 & 7 p.m., May 7 1:30 p.m., May 12 7 p.m., May 13 1:30 & 7 p.m. and May 14 , 1:30 p.m. Starting at $25. 805-922-8313. pcpa.org/events/bright-star.

PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2023 CRUISIN’ MORRO BAY CAR SHOW

Registration open. Visit site for more info. May 4 -6 my805tix.com. Morro Bay (participating venues), Townwide, Morro Bay.

COMMUNITY FOR ALL RALLY AND MARCH A Community Rally and March to show support for Los Osos’ diverse community, and to reinforce that discrimination is not welcome in Los Osos. May 6 , 10-midnight Free. Red Barn at Los Osos Community Park, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

FULL MOON CEREMONY AND CHAKRA

MEDITATION May 4 6 p.m. 9th Limb Yoga, 845 Napa Ave., Morro Bay, 415-852-1787, 9thlimbyoga.com.

HASHIMOTO’S/HYPOTHYROIDISM

SUPPORT GROUP Are you struggling with Hashimoto’s or Hypothyroidism? Join for a free, monthly support group to share and receive compassion and more. Membership is limited. May 6 , 3:30 p.m. Free. 805-748-3372. Megan McGreen, 947 Pacific St., suite B, Morro Bay.

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. Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com.

Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

NATURE JOURNALING AND WALK AT

MORRO ROCK Want to start or develop a nature journaling practice? Join the Morro Bay National Estuary Program and Creek Lands Conservancy for a workshop on nature journaling and a short walk around Morro Rock. Some supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. May 13 , 9-11 a.m. Free. Morro Rock, Coleman Drive, Morro Bay.

SEVENTH ANNUAL CAMBRIA BEE AND BUTTERFLY FAIRE Features regional honey and artisan cider products, beeswax candlemaking, observation beehive and bat house, pollinator-friendly plants, solar telescope, face painting, food and drink, live music, and more. May 7, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-927-1934. beautifycambria.org. Cambria Historical Museum, 2251 Center St., Cambria.

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/.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. 805-441-2164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.

SALINAS RIVER

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Atascadero Library will host the 2023 Salinas River Symposium on Friday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guest speakers at the event will include Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and representatives of Cal Poly and CSU Monterey Bay. Topics at the talk will include fire prevention, water law, watershed coordination, and more. Registration is $10. Call (805) 548-0597 for more details. The library is located at 6555 Capistrano Ave., Atascadero.

SYMPOSIUM Hear speakers from Cal Poly, County of San Luis Obispo, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Creek Lands Conservation, CSU Monterey Bay, the Central Coast Wetlands as well as Senator John Laird regarding fire prevention, water law and ecological sustainability, adaptive management, and watershed coordination. May 5 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 805-548-0597. ecologistics.org/salinas-riversymposium-2023/. Atascadero Library, 6555 Capistrano, Atascadero.

SHERECOVERS SHARING CIRCLE

SheRecovers Foundation is a non-profit organization with a community of more than 325,000 women in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders, other mental health issues, and/or life challenges. It’s mission is to inspire hope and reduce stigma. Facilitated by Monica Galli, Certified Recovery Coach. First Thursday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. sherecovers.org/sharing-circles/. Dharma Yoga Loft, 1329 Spring Street, Paso Robles, 805-434-1924.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COFFEE CHAT SLO HomeShareSLO, a program of non-profit Smart Share Housing, facilitates matches between Providers (those with extra rooms) with home Seekers (those looking for affordable housing). Second Wednesday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free and open to the public; No RSVP required.. 805-215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SHEEP SHEARING SHINDIG Entertainment and education for all ages. Watch a live sheep shearing demonstration and enjoy hands-on activities with wool, hay rides, and food by Brick and Mortar Caterers using the farm’s fresh produce. Music by Miss Leo and the Handsome Fellers. May 6 12-4 p.m. Free under 12; $12 for adults. 805-783-0401. cityfarmslo. org/events. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

SOUL AND SOIL: PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL GATHERINGS A safe space to “connect to our bodies, children, and the natural world.” Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and other items for a day in the Garden. May 9 10-11:30 a.m. $10; free for members and children. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

YOGA ON THE TERRACE Resident yogi, Cheryl of Waking Fields Yoga, channels the natural healing energy of the garden into her weekly

class on the terrace of SLOBG. Please bring a mat, towel, water, and any supports you may need. May 6 9-10 a.m. and May 13 , 9-10 a.m. $10-$12. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

PILATES/HIKE TO THE LIGHTHOUSE May 7 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SIP AND SAVOR: GLITTER AND GOLD Visit site for more info. May 6 , 5:30-10:30 p.m. $100. smkiwanis.givesmart.com. Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo, 805-929-1673.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET 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.

SPRING BRUNCH IN THE GARDEN Enjoy a delicious brunch in the serene Gazebo Garden. Menu features bagels, artisan sandwiches, familiar breakfast classics, and more. Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through June 25 Please see event menu for pricing. 805-927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BATTERIES AND BOOZE Learn how to harness your energy from the battery specialists, while enjoying a cocktail or mocktail. May 6 12-1 p.m. Free. 916-833-2733. Tin City Distillery, 3064 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, tincitydistillery.com.

BEER YOGA May 6 10-11 a.m. my805tix.com.

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero, 805-460-6042.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION Enjoy a pre-selected meal, wine, and beer. May 5 -6 my805tix.com. CaliPaso Winery, 4230 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles, 805-226-9296.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU PAINT AND SIP Please join Art Social 805 at Unhinged, where you will enjoy a Star Wars-themed paint while enjoying a chosen glass of liquid

courage. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars Character. May 4 , 6-8 p.m. $50. 805-4009107. artsocial805.com. Unhinged Beer and Wine Bar, 5816 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

PAINT AND SIP Join ArtSocial805 at the Irish Oaks Mercantile for a relaxing evening of painting and sipping. May 4 , 6:30-8:30 p.m. $55. 805-464-2615. Irish Oaks Mercantile, 7425 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

PAINT AND SIP IN THE MEZANINE Join ArtSocial805 at Paso Market Walk for its monthly Paint and Sip in the Mezzanine. May 11 , 6-8 p.m. $49. 805-400-9107. artsocial805. com. Paso Market Walk, 1803 Spring 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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COOKING CLASS SERIES WITH CHEF ALMA

AYÓN Learn to prepare exquisite dishes from California, Chile, the Mediterranean Basin, Australia, and South Africa taught by highly acclaimed, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-trained chef, Alma Ayón. May 9 6-9 p.m. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

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

FOURTH ANNUAL SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER Taste local flavors and explore downtown San Luis Obispo’s diverse lineup of retailers. Local wineries, beverage providers, restaurants, and caterers from around the county will serve up tastings and small bites at downtown retail locations. May 7 1-4 p.m. $50–$60. 805-5410286. downtownslo.com. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

DOG HIKE IN THE VINEYARD Bring your best pal on a leisurely hike in the estate vineyard. Learn more about the estate history and winemaking. Afterwards, relax at the Grenache Blanc vineyard with a delicious meal of wine and gourmet hot dogs by the Doggy Door. May 7 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $60. 805-688-9339. zacamesa. com. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA JURETIC

Hot Dates

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES ASYLUM RETURNS Blues Asylum returns to The Olde Alehouse delivering blues and rocking blues originals and covers. May 5 6-9 p.m. Free. 805-235-5223. The Olde Alehouse, 945 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos.

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. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 805-900-5444. Lunada Garden Bistro, 78 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos.

SLOFOLKS PRESENTS SCOTTISH SUPERGROUP OLD BLIND DOGS SLOfolks is excited to bring back the Scottish supergroup, Old Blind Dogs. Jonny Hardie (fiddle) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion). May 5 , 7-9:30 p.m. $25. 805-7483569. slofolks.org. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. May 6 7:30-10 p.m. $25. 805-748-3569. slofolks.org. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton.

SONGWRITERS AT PLAY FEATURES RAGGED COMPANY

Special guests include Steve Key, J. Gavin, and Dakota Corrales. May 9 6:30-9 p.m. Free. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/events. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

COLONY CONCERT SERIES ATASCADERO: VERONICA

STREET BAND Live on the patio. May 6 , 5-7 p.m. 805-4606252. colonymarketanddeli.com. Colony Market and Deli, 6040 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS: A NEW CREATION CONCERT

With Cassandra Tarantino and Mark Kovacs conducting, The Cuesta Concord Chorus and the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra proudly present René Clausen’s stunning oratorio, “A New Creation,” and F.J. Haydn’s delightful “Toy” Symphony. Advanced ticket reservations only. May 7, 3 p.m. Adult $40; Veterans free. tickets.cuesta.edu. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

EASTON EVERETT LIVE Easton Everett’s music is “a tapestry of indie soundscapes woven with intricate guitar riffs, evoking an authentic and inviting atmosphere while also delivering unexpected surprises.” May 6 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett. com/. HammerSky Vineyards, 7725 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, 805-239-0930.

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

HAVE MUSIC, WILL TRAVEL: FREE ATASCADERO

COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT Free concert, parking, and refreshments. All donations benefit CASA of SLO. The ACB and CASA are both nonprofit organizations. Donations are tax deductible. May 7 3 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, Atascadero Mall, Atascadero, 805466-2051.

M83 May 14 , 8 p.m. Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

MOTHERS DAY CONCERT IN THE VINES Make this Mother’s Day extra special with “coastal folk” tunes, amazing wine, and the beauty of the vineyard. Ticket includes a glass of wine, a small gift for Mom, and live music. May 14 , 11 a.m. $35 per person. 805-434-5607. onxwine.com. ONX Estate Vineyard, 1200 Paseo Excelsus, Templeton.

NOTABLE INSIGHT: POULENC SONATA Join Scott Yoo as he presents a Notable Encounter Insight about Poulenc’s Sonata for cello and piano. In this informal, one-hour event, Scott and the musicians will discuss the history surrounding the pieces, the composers’ lives and musical style, and perform selections from the works. May 13 11 a.m.-noon Tickets start at $25. 805-781-3009. festivalmozaic.org. Community Church of Atascadero, 5850 Rosario Ave., Atascadero.

SCOTT YOO AND GUESTS CHAMBER CONCERT Features Orion Weiss, piano, Scott Yoo, violin, Jessica Chang, viola, and Sophie Shao, cello. May 13 4-6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. 805-781-3009. festivalmozaic.org. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S Main St., Templeton.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ARISE ROOTS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS From the heart of Los Angeles rises a powerful movement known as Arise Roots. Steadily becoming a household name around the globe, the group of six veteran musicians united their talents in

order to form a unique and refreshing interpretation of Roots-Reggae. May 6 7 p.m. $16. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843.

BABE RAINBOW LIVE A stoner pop band from Australia noted for their boogie psychedelia and throwback surf cult imagery. May 12 7 p.m. $28. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843.

BROOKS NIELSEN LIVE

Uncompromising, enigmatic, and wildly ambitious, Brooks Nielsen (lead singer of Southern California surf-psych icons The Growlers) is proud to announce his first full-length solo album; a double-vinyl, twenty-song journey into the heart of darkness, and toward the light that eventually remains. May 4 , 7 p.m. $30. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843.

Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE SPRING

CONCERT The Cuesta Wind Ensemble will perform great symphonic music, including old favorites and newer works. Featured will be music of Eric Whitacre, John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, and the world premiere of a new work by composer Dorian Michael. Jennifer Martin conducts. May 10, 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. tickets.cuesta.edu. Cuesta College

Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

DARRYL TAYLOR SEMINAR Taylor will host a seminar for Cal Poly students. He will speak and answer questions about his extensive career as a soloist, recording artist, professor, arts administrator and founder of the African American Art Song Alliance. May 4 5 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

featuring lyrics on screen for all of the film’s songs. Costumes encouraged (come as a ringmaster, clown, or acrobat). All proceeds benefit PAC Outreach Services, serving to create an accessible center for students. May 7, 3-5 p.m.

$15-$18. 805-756-4849. pacslo.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

JUNGLE FIRE WITH VINYL DJ SET BY STEVE HANEY The Los Angeles-based juggernaut pulls its influences from the music of legends such as Irakere, Ray Barretto, James Brown, Fela Kuti, and Manu Dibango. May 5 , 7-10 p.m. $20. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805543-1843.

KATCHAFIRE Katchafire performing live at SLO Brew Rock with special guest Swells. For ages 18 and over. May 7 7 p.m. $30. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805543-1843.

MAD CADDIES WITH SUPPORT BY UPSIDE SKA The Mad Caddies are a ska punk band from Solvang, California, United States. The band formed in 1995 and has released seven full-length albums, one live album, and two EPs. To date, Mad Caddies have sold over 500,000 albums worldwide. May 10 7-10 p.m. $25. slobrew.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843.

NOTABLE DINNER: BRAHMS QUARTET

Join Scott Yoo for an interactive musical exploration of Brahms’s Piano Quartet in C minor. Learn about the composer, hear performances of some selections, and gain insight into the piece. The evening includes a reception and a three-course gourmet dinner. May 12 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets start at $175. 805-781-3009. festivalmozaic.org. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC NIGHT IN THE TASTING

SHEAR AND TELL

The Sheep Shearing Shindig will take place at City Farm SLO on Saturday, May 6, from noon to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome to the event, which will include a live sheep shearing demonstration, hay rides, educational activities, live music, food, and more. Admission is free for children under 12 and $12 for adults. Visit cityfarmslo.org for more info. The farm is located at 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. —C.W.

CAL POLY’S ‘AN EVENING OF WOODWINDS AND STRINGS’ RECITAL

Several Cal Poly music ensembles will perform a variety of traditional and contemporary repertoire featuring woodwind and string instruments. May 9 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA CHOIRS CONCERT: THE

ROLLERCOASTER RIDE Join Cuesta Voce and The Cuesta Chamber Singers on this rollercoaster ride performance— exploring the highs and lows, the storms and tumults, the Be-Bop and the slow dance. May 6 , 7:30 p.m. Starts at $10. tickets.cuesta.edu. Cuesta College

DARRYL TAYLOR: VOCAL MASTER

CLASS Countertenor Darryl Taylor will present a vocal masterclass with three Cal Poly music majors specializing in voice. Taylor is a soloist, recording artist, professor, arts administrator and founder of the African American Art Song Alliance. May 4 11 a.m.-noon Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

THE EMO NIGHT TOUR May 12 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: SINGALONG A special sing-along screening

ROOM

Kelsey Rae hosts this open mic event for music and comedy in the tasting room. Second Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free show. 805-721-6878.

SLO Cider, 3419 Roberto Ct., Suite C, San Luis Obispo.

SLO SYMPHONY: TCHAIKOVSKY’S

FOURTH Testimony of Tone, Tune and Time is based upon the speeches of Frederick Douglass. The Symphony welcomes this message of courage, hope, and endurance. It will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s stunning Symphony No. 4. May 6 , 7-9:30 p.m. $25-$89. 805756-4849. slosymphony.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SPRING CONCERT SERIES Bring the family, friends, or come by yourself to enjoy an afternoon in the historical and beautiful Jack House Gardens. Bring a chair, a picnic, and enjoy games, dancing, and live music by local bands. Please no pets or alcoholic beverages. Every other Saturday, 2-4 p.m. through May 20 Free. slocity.org/jackhouse. The Jack House, 536 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

JOHN MUELLER’S WINTER DANCE

PARTY The official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s final tour. This engaging and much-loved show brings years’ worth of hits from three great artists to the audience in just one memorable night. May 6 7:30-10 p.m. $40-$55. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/winter-dance-party/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JULIE KELLY QUARTET Vocalist/guitarist

Julie Kelly brings a great quartet into Puffers of Pismo with the music of Bill Withers, A.C. Jobim, Mose Allison and Thelonius Monk. May 7 5-8 p.m. 805773-6563. puffersofpismo.com. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach. ∆

COURTESY PHOTO BY ANNALILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

EATS

BEST NORTH COUNTY RESTAURANT Fish

Gaucho

1244 PARK ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 239-3333

info@fishgaucho.com

fishgaucho.com

@fishgaucho facebook.com/FishGaucho

BEST NORTH COAST RESTAURANT

Robin’s Restaurant

4095 BURTON DRIVE, CAMBRIA (805) 927-5007

anthony@robinsrestaurant.com

robinsrestaurant.com

@robins_restaurant facebook.com/RobinsRestaurant

(805) 773-2870

jamie@giuseppesrestaurant.com

giuseppesrestaurant.com

@slogiuseppes facebook.com/PismoGiuseppes

BEST SOUTH COUNTY RESTAURANT Ember

1200 E. GRAND AVE., SUITE 101, ARROYO GRANDE (805) 474-7700

info@emberwoodfire.com

emberwoodfire.com

@emberrestaurant

facebook.com/emberrestaurant

BEST BREAKFAST

Louisa’s Place Restaurant

964 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 541-0227 louisasplace.com

BEST WEEKEND BRUNCH

Lido Restaurant & Lounge

2727 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH (805) 773-8900

H�P�Y�T�Z�R

Grab an ahi crudo—sushi grade ahi, avocado, shaved cabbage, cilantro crema, and a lime vinaigrette with crisp corn tostadas—to start your meal o right at the Best North County Restaurant, Fish Gaucho in Paso Robles.

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com @firestonegrill facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

Finney’s Crafthouse

857 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 439-2556

greg@finneyscrafthouse.com

finneyscrafthouse.com @finneyscrafthouse facebook.com/Finneyscrafthouse

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Rustica

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO RESTAURANT Giuseppe’s Cucina

891 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH 849 MONTEREY ST., SLO

BEST SOUTH COAST RESTAURANT The

Spoon Trade

294 W. GRAND AVE., GROVER BEACH (805) 904-6773

info@thespoontrade.com

thespoontrade.com

@the_spoon_trade facebook.com/thespoontrade

info@thedolphinbay.com thedolphinbay.com @dolphinbay.lido facebook.com/DolphinBayResort

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT (TIE)

Firestone Grill 1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 783-1001

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

726 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 543-3986

info@novorestaurant.com novorestaurant.com @novorestaurant facebook.com/NovoRestaurant

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

BEST VEGAN Ziggy’s

594 CALIFORNIA BLVD., SLO 1227 PINE ST., PASO ROBLES (805)439-4399

ziggysvegan@gmail.com eatziggys.com

@eatziggys facebook.com/eatziggys

BEST DELI Depalo & Sons

2665 SHELL BEACH ROAD, SUITE L, SHELL BEACH (805)773-1589

depaloandsons.com

@depaloandsons facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057090714693

BEST FOOD TRUCK Zen Dog

11175 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SLO (805)550-0689 contact@zendog805.com

zendog805.com @zen_dog805 facebook.com/zendogCA

BEST CHEF Will Torres

1743 PICO COURT, SLO (805)714-4245 chefwill79@gmail.com @chefwill79

BEST CATERER Rib Line

359 W. GRAND AVE., GROVER BEACH 12308 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SLO (805) 543-7427 riblinecatering@gmail.com ribline.com @ribline facebook.com/RibLineSLO

BEST BUTCHER Arroyo Grande Meat Company

120 E. BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE (805)489-2693

info@agmeatcompany.com agmeatcompany.com

@arroyograndemeatco facebook.com/AGMEATCO

BEST ITALIAN FOOD BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO RESTAURANT G�u�e�p�’� C�c�n� R�s�i�a

Following a farm-to-fork ethos since its beginnings in 1988, Giuseppe’s is a local institution that in so many ways embodies the culture of San Luis Obispo County. e food is tremendous and locally sourced. e space is inviting, the service is on point, and the vibe is classy yet low-key. Its reputation is such that on every visit, whether it’s to the Pismo Beach or SLO location, you’re more than likely to see and share a moment with someone you know in the community. From the pastas and meats, to the soups and salads, to the wine and cocktails, Giuseppe’s never misses.

—Peter Johnson

BEST FISH MARKET Giovanni’s Fish Market & Gallery

1001 FRONT ST., MORRO BAY 1-877-552-4467 orders@giovannisfishmarket.com

giovannisfishmarket.com @giovannis_fish_market facebook.com/GiovannisFishMarket

BEST BURRITO Tacos de Acapulco

596 CALIFORNIA BLVD., SLO (805)543-9100 facebook.com/tacosdeacapulco

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

Lincoln Market & Deli

496 BROAD ST., SLO (805)543-3443

lincolnmarketanddeli@gmail.com

lincolnmarketanddeli.com @lincolnmarketdeli facebook.com/LincolnMarketandDeli

BEST

TACO

Taqueria El Guero

1122 CHORRO ST., SLO 1490 E. GRAND AVE., ARROYO GRANDE (805)540-4637

taqueriaelguero.com @taq.elguero facebook.com/taq.elguero

BEST BURGER

Sylvester’s Burgers

LOS OSOS, ATASCADERO, OCEANO sylvestersburgers@gmail.com

sylvestersburgers.com

@sylvestersburgers facebook.com/syl.burgers.osos

BEST SANDWICH

High Street Deli

350 HIGH ST., SLO

1326 SECOND ST., LOS OSOS (805) 541-4738

eat@highstdeli.com

highstdeli.com

@highstreetdeli facebook.com/highstreetdeli

BEST STEAK

Jocko’s Steakhouse

125 N. THOMPSON AVE., NIPOMO (805) 929-3686

jockossteakhouse.com

BEST HOT CHICKEN HELLAHOT

570 HIGUERA ST., SUITE 104, SLO (805) 439-2687

info@hellahot.io hellahot.io

@hellahot facebook.com/hellahotHQ

BEST PIZZA

Woodstock’s Pizza

1000 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 541-4420

mrep@woodstocksslo.com woodstocksslo.com @woodstocksslo facebook.com/woodstocksslo

BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA

Flour House

690 HIGUERA ST., SLO

Old SLO BBQ is the prime post-hike pig-out zone. e Santa Maria-style oak-grilled meats are tender, juicy, and make a tting reward at the end of any workout. e restaurant thinks so too. On Saturdays only, post your outdoor activity on social media and show it to an Old SLO BBQ cashier for a 15 percent discount. Coupled with their pinquito beans and cowboy corn pie, Old SLO BBQ’s tri-tip makes for the heartiest meal that’s worthy of being crowned best barbecue. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a craft beer or two that they have on tap.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

(805) 544-5282

flourhouseslo@gmail.com flourhouseslo.com

@flourhouseslo facebook.com/ Flour-House-SLO-1103189849695534

BEST SALAD Firestone Grill

1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO

(805) 783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com @firestonegrill facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

BEST CHOWDER Splash

Café

197 POMEROY AVE., PISMO BEACH

1491 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 773-4653

splashcafe.com

@splashcafe

facebook.com/SplashCafeChowder

BEST RAMEN

Raku

799 E. FOOTHILL BLVD, SUITE A, SLO (805) 439-3088

rakuramen.slo@gmail.com raku-ramen.com @rakuramen.slo facebook.com/rakuramenslo

We definitely do try harder! Check out what you’re missing!

More than 3 times the CDs, 4 times the LPs, and 50 times the Movies of any local store

Only Cheap Thrills competes with Big Box stores. You do not pay more at Cheap Thrills.

• New Releases at Cost

• Discount Supplies & Accessories

• Lower price on New & New Condition Discs - 15% to 50% less.

• Lowest price on High Quality Used Discs - Starting at $1.98

Only Cheap Thrills:

• Turntable grades its used vinyl (others just look at condition & do not check for actual quality)

• All regular discs are remanufactured to new condition and given new outer packaging. New condition at used prices.

• All used Audio & Video equipment is fully tested & guaranteed.

Matt Gamara (left) and Bread Bike owner Sam DeNicola (right) snagged a pair of wins in this year’s annual Best Of SLO County readers poll: Best Bakery and Best Bread.

BEST of SLO COUNTY

BEST DOUGHNUT SloDoCo

ATASCADERO, SLO (TWO LOCATIONS) (805) 782-9766

brandon@slodoco.com

slodoco.com

@slodoco facebook.com/slodoco

BEST DESSERT Madonna Inn

100 MADONNA ROAD, SLO (805) 784-2433 info@madonnainn.com madonnainn.com @madonnainn1958 facebook.com/MadonnaInn

BEST PIE Linn’s Easy

Cafe

As Pie

4251 BRIDGE ST., CAMBRIA (805) 924-3050 mail@linnsfruitbin.com linnsfruitbin.com facebook.com/linnsfruitbin

BEST BREAD Bread Bike

2060A PARKER ST., SLO (805) 242-1588

hello@slobreadbike.com slobreadbike.com

@bread.bike facebook.com/slobreadbike

P�t�a M�d�t�r�a�e�n P�z�a a�d G�i�l

Nothing can satisfy the need for a juicy gyro and fresh tabbouleh better than Petra. Its generous platters give you your ll and then some. e turmeric rice is soft and u y and an extra order of tzatziki is a must. Order some hummus and a side of warm pita to share with friends or family and stay awhile. If Mediterranean dishes aren’t your thing (or you have a picky eater in the group) Petra’s pizzas are to die for. e crisp crust crunches with every bite and it pulls the savory avors of popular Mediterranean dishes with the tang of tomato sauce and cheese to tie it all together. Build your own or pick one of the pies on the menu. You can’t go wrong!

—Taylor O’Connor

BEST BAKERY Bread Bike

2060A PARKER ST., SLO (805) 242-1588

hello@slobreadbike.com slobreadbike.com @bread.bike facebook.com/slobreadbike

BEST OLIVE OIL SLO Olive

958 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 439-2455

sloolivehiguera@gmail.com

slo-olive.com @slo.olive facebook.com/SLOOLIVE

E�T G�O� T�M�S

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Lincoln Market and Deli has a lot of good stu , and the Almost Famous burrito—voted Best Breakfast Burrito—is no slacker: bacon or soy chorizo with eggs, tater tots, pinto beans, jack cheese, Zorro’s salsa, and chipotle cream.

B�S� D�S�I�L�R�

With a focus on whiskey, Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills uses the liquid gold to spice up its cocktails. e Best Distiller’s smoked old fashioned comes with straight bourbon, and Ron’s margarita is made with straight rye.

DRINKS

BEST NORTH COUNTY BAR

The Alchemists’ Garden

1144 PINE ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 369-2444

alexandra@alchemistsgarden.com

alchemistsgarden.com

@alchemistsgardenca facebook.com/alchemistsgardenca

BEST NORTH COAST BAR

The Siren

900 MAIN ST., MORRO BAY (805) 225-1312

info@thesirenmorrobay.com

thesirenmorrobay.com

@thesirenmorrobay

facebook.com/thesirenmorrobay

Black Sheep Bar & Grill

1117 CHORRO ST., SLO (805) 544-7433

info@blacksheepslo.com

blacksheepslo.com @blacksheepslo facebook.com/blacksheepslo

BEST SOUTH COUNTY BAR

Mason Bar & Kitchen

307 E. BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE (805) 202-8918

masonbarag.com

@masonbarandkitchen facebook.com/MasonBarAG

BEST SOUTH COAST BAR

Marisol at The Cliff s

2757 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH (805) 773-5000

marisol@cli shotelandspa.com

cli shotelandspa.com/dine

@thecli shotelandspa facebook.com/thecli shotelandspa

BEST WINE BAR

Saints Barrel

1021 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 439-1929

sarah@saintsbarrel.com

saintsbarrel.com @saintsbarrelslo facebook.com/saintsbarrelslo

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE

Opolo Vineyards

7110 VINEYARD DRIVE, PASO ROBLES (805) 238-9593

info@opolo.com

opolo.com

@opolowines facebook.com/OpoloWines

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE

Edna Valley Vineyard

2585 BIDDLE RANCH ROAD, SLO (805) 544-5855

ednavalleyvineyard.com

@ednavalleyvineyard facebook.com/EdnaValleyVineyard

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO BAR

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Central Coast Brewing

6 HIGUERA ST., SLO

1701 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 783-2739

beer@centralcoastbrewing.com

centralcoastbrewing.com

@centralcoastbrewing facebook.com/CentralCoastBrewing

855 AEROVISTA PLACE, SLO (844) 756-7845

info@rodandhammer.com rodandhammer.com

@rodandhammer facebook.com/rodandhammer

DRINKS continued page 40

O� C�U�S�

ere has to be a reason McCarthy’s won Best Dive Bar. It could be the bar’s legacy, its dark corners, the shu eboard, or the smoke-tinged patio, but it’s probably those bartenders, too: (left to right) Church, Robert Gaslight, Muscles, and Carson Spencer.

#ATOWNDOWNTOWNPASSPORT

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

McCarthy’s Irish Pub

600 MARSH ST., SLO (805)544-0286

mccarthysirishpub.com

@mccarthysirishpub facebook.com/McCarthysIrishPubSLO

BEST SPORTS BAR

Firestone Grill

1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805)783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com

@firestonegrill facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

BEST BLOODY MARY

Butterfl y Grille

1606 TRILOGY PARKWAY, NIPOMO

M�s�n B�r a�d K�t�h�n

With house-made syrups, freshpressed juices, and more than 25 di erent types of bourbon and whiskey at its disposal, Mason Bar and Kitchen has the sweetest selection of handcrafted cocktails in Arroyo Grande. It’s no surprise that New Times readers have crowned the venue as South SLO County’s Best Bar eight years in a row. Alongside the popular bar’s extensive list of cocktail o erings, customers of the country-chic tavern—with a charming, cozy mason jar-lit atmosphere—can choose from 20 rotating beers on tap, as well as more than a dozen locally produced wines by the glass or bottle.

—Caleb Wiseblood

(805)343-9459

monarchdunes.com/-butterfly-grille @monarchdunes

facebook.com/monarchdunes

BEST MARGARITA

La Esquina Taqueria

1051 NIPOMO ST., SLO

(805)439-4289

laesquinaslo@gmail.com

laesquinaslo.com

@laesquina_taqueria

facebook.com/LaEsquinaSLO

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL

Sidecar Cocktail Co.

1040 BROAD ST., SLO (805)439-3563

info@sidecarslo.com

sidecarslo.com

@sidecarslo facebook.com/sidecarslo

BEST MOCKTAIL

Street Side

Ale House

6155 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO 843 12TH ST., PASO ROBLES (805)460-6820

streetsidealehouse@gmail.com streetsidealehouse.com

@streetsidealehouse

facebook.com/streetsidealehouse

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Scout Coffee

30 GARDEN ST., SLO 880 FOOTHILL BLVD., SLO CAL POLY (805) 439-2175

hello@scoutcoffee.com

scoutcoffeeco.com

@scoutco ee facebook.com/scoutco ee

BEST COFFEE ROASTER Scout Coffee/

WINNING IMAGES

ENTRY PERIOD: April 27–May 15

BOOK ADS BY: June 8

PUBLICATION DATE: June 15

SUMMER GUIDE

BOOK ADS BY: May 18

PUBLICATION DATE: May 25

PRIDE

BOOK ADS BY: May 25

PUBLICATION DATE: June 1

M�C�r�h�’� I�i�h P�b

Calling a drinking establishment a “dive bar” used to be a pejorative, but these days, even the mobile app Yelp has a dive bar category. Dive bars are celebrated for being unpretentious, comfortable, welcoming. at describes McC’s, ’Carts, e Bar to a T. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders know the patrons. Often regulars’ “usuals” are sitting on the bar before they walk through the front door. Great beer selection on tap, a cornucopia of whiskeys and other spirits, air conditioning in the summer, a patio for the smokers, shu eboard, cornhole—a place that feels like home. If you want an overpriced craft cocktail, this ain’t the joint for you.

—Glen Starkey

Enter the annual photography contest!

Your guide to all the summer fun on the Central Coast

Celebrate Pride and our LGBTQ+ community

GET OUTSIDE DEADLINE: June 15 · PUBLISHED: July

55 FICTION ENTER BY: June 23 · PUBLISHED: July 27

EDUCATION TODAY DEADLINE: August 3 · PUBLISHED: August 10

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO TODAY

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

(805) 546-8208 · advertising@newtimesslo.com

N�G�T�

ere’s nothing quite like a summer evening at Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles. Readers knew what they were doing when they voted it this year’s Best Live Music Venue and Best Event Venue.

ARTS

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Downtown SLO

Farmers’ Market

HIGUERA STREET, SLO (805) 541-0286

farmers@downtownslo.com downtownslo.com

@downtownslofarmersmarket

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Palm Theatre

817 PALM ST., SLO (805) 541-5161

palmcinema@aol.com thepalmtheatre.com

@palmtheatre facebook.com/ ThePalmTheatre/?rf=1413260802299962

BEST THEATER GROUP

888 MORRO ST., SLO (805) 786-2440

kevin@slorep.org slorep.org

@sloreptheatre facebook.com/sloreptheatre

BEST DANCE COMPANY

CORE Dance

882 RICARDO COURT, SLO (805) 541-2669

info@coredanceslo.com coredanceslo.com

@coredance.slo facebook.com/ coredanceslo

BEST DJ DJ Bob (805) 440-5504

djbobslo@gmail.com djbobslo.com

@dj_bob_stock facebook.com/DJBobslo

BEST BAND

Dante Marsh & The Vibe Setters

thevibesetters5@gmail.com thevibesetters.com

@thevibesetters facebook.com/thevibesetters

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Vina Robles

Amphitheatre

3800 MILL ROAD, PASO ROBLES (805) 286-3680

amphitheatre@vinarobles.com vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

@vinaroblesamp facebook.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

Bill’s Place

112 E. BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE (805) 489-9989

billsplaceag.com @billsplaceag facebook.com/billsplaceag

BEST PLACE FOR TRIVIA

Bang the Drum Brewery

1150 LAUREL LANE, SUITE 130, SLO (805) 242-8372

info@bangthedrumbrewery.com bangthedrumbrewery.com

@bangthedrumbrewery facebook.com/BangTheDrumBrewery

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

BEST of SLO COUNTY

o

We a re prou d to ex te nd o ur re ach in to so u th er n San Lu is Ob is p o Cou nt y with a n e w donation c e nt e r in Nip om o B e a mo ng the f i rs t 50 to do nate at 125 S. Fro nt S t ., and r ec ei v e a spec ial giv ea wa y in thanks for aidin g our mis sion.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrew Gin

andrewginphoto@gmail.com

@andrewginphoto facebook.com/andrewginphoto

BEST PAINTER

Susan Kounanis

(805) 441-4238

susankounanis@hotmail.com susankounanis.com

@susankounanis

facebook.com/SusanKounanisFineArt

BEST MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

Peg Grady

(805) 234-4623

peggradyart.com

@peggradyart facebook.com/peg.grady.3

BEST PUBLIC ART SLO Museum of Art - Murals

1010 BROAD ST., SLO (805) 543-8562

info@sloma.org sloma.org

@slomuseumofart facebook.com/slomuseumofart

BEST MUSEUM SLO Museum of Art

1010 BROAD ST., SLO (805) 543-8562 info@sloma.org sloma.org

@slomuseumofart facebook.com/slomuseumofart

BEST ART GALLERY Studios on the Park

1130 PINE ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 238-9800

info@studiosonthepark.org studiosonthepark.org @studiospr facebook.com/StudiosOnThePark

As someone who grew up as a competitive dancer, spending more than 20 hours a week in a studio, I know how important it is to nd a place that cares for children on an individual level. CORE Dance Company is invested in its students; the students work hard and teachers help them grow—whether that’s their technique or life skills in general. Since opening in 2010, thousands of students have experienced a positive, enriched dance experience in CORE’s classrooms. e dance environment is clean, modern, and safe, and the studio o ers a small store that sells shoes, leotards, tights, and other accessories. CORE o ers programs for a variety of skill and commitment levels— starting from age 2 through adults. CORE can give your dancer the opportunity to perform, make lifelong friends, or try something new.

—Taylor O’Connor

BEST EVENT VENUE

Vina Robles

Amphitheatre

3800 MILL ROAD, PASO ROBLES

(805) 286-3680

amphitheatre@vinarobles.com

vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

@vinaroblesamp facebook.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre

BEST EVENT PLANNER

Anna FergusThe Cliff s Hotel & Spa

2757 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH (805) 773-5000

info@cli shotelandspa.com

cli shotelandspa.com

@thecli shotelandspa facebook.com/thecli shotelandspa

BEST TATTOO

251 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 784-0822

traditionaltattoo@gmail.com tattooslo.com

@traditionaltattooandpiercing facebook.com/slotraditionaltattoo

The Palm eatre pretty much in uenced which neighborhood I lived in when I moved to San Luis Obispo. What’s not to love? It’s solar powered, o ers the best buttered $2 popcorn in the county, has a quaint old-school air, and provides a curious gallery of alternative cinema from around the world. Nothing beats an evening stroll through Downtown SLO to watch a Palm lm. I go every other week but became even more of a familiar face in April thanks to the theater screening some of the SLO International Film Festival shows. Support your local independent theater!

Rajagopal

Photos: Loren Mislavsky,

F�E�H P�O�U�E

California Fresh Market has everything you could want in a grocery store: ready-made food, local fruits and veg, organic products, a vast alcohol selection, and whatever home products you might need, making it the county’s Best Grocery Store.

GOODS

555 FIVE CITIES DRIVE, PISMO BEACH 771 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., SLO (805) 250-1425 socialmedia@californiafreshmarket.com californiafreshmarket.com @californiafreshmarkets facebook.com/CaliforniaFreshMarkets

BEST FARMERS’ MARKET

HIGUERA STREET, SLO (805) 541-0286

Co-Op 2494 VICTORIA AVE., SLO (805) 544-7928

marketing@slofood.coop slofood.coop @slofoodcoop facebook.com/SLOFoodCoop

BEST

Co-Op 2494 VICTORIA AVE., SLO (805) 544-7928

marketing@slofood.coop slofood.coop @slofoodcoop facebook.com/SLOFoodCoop BEST

hello@junkgirls.com junkgirls.com @thejunkgirls facebook.com/junkgirls

ATASCADERO, GROVER BEACH, SAN LUIS OBISPO info@ccgoodwill.org ccgoodwill.org @coastgoodwill facebook.com/goodwillcentralcoast

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

B�Z�I�G

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES info@christiansmattress.com christiansmattress.com @christiansmattressca facebook.com/christiansmattress BEST

766 HIGUERA ST., SLO 1025 FARMHOUSE LANE, SLO (805) 439-1104

connect@basaltinteriors.com

basaltinteriors.com

@basaltinteriors facebook.com/basaltinteriors

BEST

810 FIERO LANE, SLO (833) 324-5886 sunrun.com @sunrunsolar facebook.com/sunrun BEST

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, GROVER BEACH, LOS OSOS, MORRO BAY, ATASCADERO, NIPOMO minershardware.com @acehardware facebook.com/Minershardware

GOODS from page 60

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Hands Gallery in downtown SLO is more than just a gallery and store. e Best Gift Shop has a curated selection of hand-crafted art that you can purchase for friends and family or just yourself.

BEST

McCarthy’s

777 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-1900

info@mccarthywholesale.com

mccarthyslo.com facebook.com/mccarthywholesale

BEST NEW CAR DEALER

Sunset Honda

12250 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SLO (805) 876-9285

info@sunsethonda.com

sunsethonda.com

@sunsethonda facebook.com/sunsethonda

BEST RV DEALER

Sky River RV

PASO ROBLES, ATASCADERO, PISMO BEACH sales@skyriverrv.com

skyriverrv.com

@skyriverrv facebook.com/SkyRiverRV

BEST CAR WASH

Quiky Car Wash

SLO (TWO LOCATIONS), ATASCADERO (805) 597-8698

info@quickycarwash.com

quikycarwash.com

@quiky_car_wash facebook.com/QuikyCarWash

BEST TIRE STORE

The Tire Store

252 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-9259

tirestoreslo.com

facebook.com/pages/ The-Tire-Store/155138064523441

BEST AUTO DETAILER

Sunset North Car Wash

ARROYO GRANDE, PASO ROBLES, SLO

feedback@sunsetnorthcarwash.com

sunsetnorthcarwash.com

@sunsetnorthcarwash facebook.com/SunsetNorthCarWashAG

GOODS from page 62

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

C�Z� C�L�E�T�O�

(left to right) Shoug Albahar, Cherisse Sweeney, and Rachelle Knapp sell at the Best Home Furnishings Store in SLO County, Basalt Interiors—cozy, cool, and consistent.

BEST of SLO COUNTY

BEST FLOWER SHOP

Open Air Flowers

1055 OSOS ST., SLO (805) 541-1417

openairflowers@gmail.com

openairflowersslo.com

@openairflowers facebook.com/openairflowersslo

BEST NURSERY

Miner’s Ace Hardware

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, GROVER BEACH, LOS OSOS, MORRO BAY, ATASCADERO, NIPOMO minershardware.com

@acehardware facebook.com/Minershardware

GOODS continued page 68

T�I� S�O�’� F�R Y�U

At the Best Shoe Store around, shoes aren’t just in the name. It’s the family-owned business’s passion. Go see Shushuan Kurkeyerian at Mike’s Shoes, which specializes in t!

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

VOTED BEST SHOE STORE

BEST of SLO COUNTY

BEST PLACE FOR LANDSCAPE

Central Coast

Landscape Products

445 PRADO ROAD, SLO (805) 595-3478

sales@cclandscapeproducts.com cclandscapeproducts.com facebook.com/ centralcoastlandscapeproducts

BEST EYEWEAR STORE

Urban Optics

1001 HIGUERA ST., SUITE E, SLO (805) 543-5200 info@urbanoptics.com

urbanoptics.com

@urbanopticsslo facebook.com/UrbanOptics

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Baxter Moerman

1128 GARDEN ST., SLO (805) 801-9117 info@baxtermoerman.com baxtermoerman.com

@baxtermoerman facebook.com/baxtermoerman

BEST PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING RING

Baxter Moerman

1128 GARDEN ST., SLO (805) 801-9117

info@baxtermoerman.com baxtermoerman.com

@baxtermoerman facebook.com/baxtermoerman

BEST BRIDAL SHOP

Moondance Bridal

1880 SANTA BARBARA AVE., SUITE 130, SLO (805) 788-0811 hello@moondancebridal.com moondancebridal.com

@moondancebridal facebook.com/moondancebridal

BEST SHOE STORE

Mike’s Shoes

487 MADONNA ROAD, NO. 3, SLO (805) 547-9593

mikesshoessanluisobispo.com

@mikesshoesslo facebook.com/MikesShoes

J�n� G�r�s

Nobody in town does antiques quite like Jenny Kompolt and Melissa James at Junk Girls. e artistic (and brilliantly resourceful) duo has been crafting art, lighting, furniture, jewelry, and home décor out of vintage recycled materials since 2009. Since opening a brick-and-mortar shop in downtown San Luis Obispo in 2018, Jenny and Melissa have only broadened their reach and expanded their selections that inspire the community. Whether it’s a hand-stamped necklace made out of old cutlery, a snazzy coaster cut from a vinyl record, or a full-blown artistic lighting xture, Junk Girls has something original and useful for everybody.

—Peter Johnson

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Patrick James

641 HIGUERA ST., SUITE 100, SLO (805) 549-9593 customercare@patrickjames.com patrickjames.com @shoppatrickjames facebook.com/shoppatrickjames

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Wildflower Women & Sandbox Kids

PISMO BEACH, SLO, PASO ROBLES wildflowerwomenboutique.com

@wildflowerwomenboutique facebook.com/WildflowerWomenBoutique

BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

EcoBambino

863 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 540-7222 info@shopecobambino.com shopecobambino.com @ecobambino facebook.com/ecobambino

BEST TOY STORE

Tom’s Toys

682 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 541-2896

tomstoystore.com facebook.com/slotoms

Best of

We’ve been voted Best Local Bank/Credit Union in the Best of SLO County Reader’s Poll. For the 16th consecutive year! So we just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for the continued support.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. One thank you for every year.

D� P�P�S

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP

Alltech Computers

917 E. GRAND AVE., ARROYO GRANDE (805) 474-1169

info@alltechslo.com

alltechslo.com

facebook.com/alltechcomputersag

BEST CLEANING SERVICE

Pioneer Carpet Cleaners

1376 PHILLIPS LANE, SLO (805) 544-4761

o ice@pioneerslo.com

pioneerslo.com

@pioneercarpetcleaners facebook.com/PioneerCarpet

BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR

FORM Design + Build

2436 BROAD ST., SLO (805) 547-2344

info@formdesignbuild.com

formdesignbuild.com

@formdesignbuildinc facebook.com/FORMDesignBuildInc

BEST HOME PAINTING SERVICE

Browder Painting Company

811 RICARDO COURT, SLO (805) 544-0547

info@browderpainting.com

browderpainting.com

@browderpainting facebook.com/browderpainting

BEST LANDSCAPE SERVICE

Purlieu Landscape Design & Build

725 BUCKLEY ROAD, SUITE A, SLO (805) 439-1757

taylor@purlieulandscapes.com purlieulandscapes.com

@purlieulandscapes

facebook.com/purlieulandscapes

BEST HANDYMAN BEBAH SLOChuck Hitzman (415) 269-5903

bebahslo@gmail.com

@bebahslo facebook.com/chuck.hitzman

BEST PLUMBER

Bell’s Plumbing Repair Inc.

3144 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO (805) 466-1610 facebook.com/ Bells-Plumbing-Repair-168666133148853

BEST ELECTRICIAN Unity Electric (805) 704-0929

seand@unity-electric.com

unity-electric.com

@unityelectric facebook.com/unityelectriccentralcoast

BEST MOVING COMPANY

Meathead Movers

3600 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-6328 customerservice@meatheadmovers.com meatheadmovers.com @meatheadmovers facebook.com/MeatheadMovers

BEST PEST CONTROL SERVICE

Brezden Pest Control

3261 S. HIGUERA ST., SUITE 100, SLO (805) 544-9446 support@brezdenpest.com brezdenpest.com @brezdenpestcontrol facebook.com/Brezden.Pest.Control

e gang at Bell’s Plumbing Repair can take care of your plumbing emergencies, repairs, and more. Why? ey were voted Best Plumber in SLO County.

202B TANK FARM ROAD, SLO (805) 544-7773

info@carefreeslo.com carefreepoolsandspas.com BEST

(805)544-1124

info@greenvaletree.com

greenvaletree.com

@greenvale.tree

facebook.com/greenvale.tree

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP Rizzoli’s

SLO, GROVER BEACH, MORRO BAY (805)254-7047

rizzolisautomotive.com

@rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotiveSLO

BEST SMOG CHECK

Rizzoli’s

Automotive

2584 VICTORIA AVE., SLO (805)215-1793

rizzolisautomotive.com

@rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotiveSLO

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES ji ylube.com

BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

102

1150

BEST DRY CLEANER

Paul’s Dry Cleaners 214 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805)543-2250

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

rudis@charter.net paulsdrycleaners.com

BEST LAW OFFICE

Harris Personal Injury

SERVICES from page 72 SERVICES continued page 76

S�R�I�E W�T� A S�I�E

BEST

of

BEST LOCAL BANK/CREDIT UNION

SESLOC

ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES, SLO info@sesloc.org

sesloc.org facebook.com/sesloc

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

Central Coast Lending

601 MORRO BAY BLVD., MORRO BAY (805)543-5626

hello@centralcoastlending.com centralcoastlending.com

@central_coast_lending facebook.com/CentralCoastLending

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY (CITY SPECIFIC) Richardson

735 TANK FARM ROAD, SUITE 130, SLO

(805)781-6040

info@richardsonproperties.com

richardsonproperties.com

@richardsonsothebysrealty facebook.com/RichardsonProp

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST

Zen Den

1349 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805)360-5800

info@zendenslo.com zendenslo.com @zendenslo facebook.com/zendenslo

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

Karen Scott

Audiology

3220 S. HIGUERA ST., SUITE 320, SLO (805) 541-1790

info@karenscottaudiology.com karenscottaudiology.com

BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

3565 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805)544-8884

a inchiro@gmail.com a inchiro.com

facebook.com/Drlyondc

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Rene Bravo

3241 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805)544-4460

patient@bravopediatrics.com bravopediatrics.com facebook.com/people/ Bravo-Pediatrics/100063708866029

BEST DENTIST

Aerovista Dental

835 AEROVISTA PLACE, NO. 210, SLO (805)543-4266 aerovistadental.com

@aerovistadental facebook.com/aerovistadental

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Dr. Brett Garrett (Garrett Orthodontics)

1312 GARDEN ST., SLO 1040 E. GRAND AVE., ARROYO GRANDE (805)544-3223

info@garrettortho.com garrettortho.com @garrettortho_centralcoast

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Movement for Life

BEST IN-HOME SENIOR CARE

Central Coast Home

Health and Hospice

253 GRANADA DRIVE, SUITE D, SLO (805)543-2244

info@cchh08.com

centralcoasthomehealth.com

@centralcoasthomehealth facebook.com/CCHH08

BEST RETIREMENT HOME

The Villages of SLO

55 BROAD ST., SLO (805)543-2300

jane@villagesofslo.com villagesofslo.com facebook.com/villagesofslo

BEST CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL

United Methodist Children’s Center

1515 FREDERICKS ST., SLO (805)549-0332

sloumcc@charter.net

sloumcc.org

@sloumcc facebook.com/profile. php?id=100066600485053

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

Animal Care Clinic

162 CROSS ST., SLO (805)545-8212

info@animalcareclinicslo.com

animalcareclinicslo.com @animalcareclinicslo facebook.com/animalcareclinic

BEST PET GROOMING SERVICE

PuppyCuts

Grooming Salon

1248 E. GRAND AVE., SUITE C, ARROYO GRANDE

175 TANK FARM ROAD, SLO (805)801-8785

puppycutsag@gmail.com

puppycuts-grooming-salon.business.site @puppycutsag facebook.com/PuppyCutsAG

BEST PET SITTER/BOARDING

Thousand Hills

Pet Resort

173 BUCKLEY ROAD, SLO (805)250-4491

thpr@thousandhillspetresort.com thousandhillspetresort.com @thousandhillspetresort facebook.com/thousandhillspetresort

BEST HAIR SALON

KindredA Beauty Collective

310 FRONT ST., AVILA BEACH (805) 439-3773

kindredbeautycollective@gmail.com @kindredbeautycollective facebook.com/kindredbeautycollective

BEST BARBER SHOP

The Ritual

787 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805)596-0360

theritual805@gmail.com

theritual805.com @theritual805 facebook.com/TheRitual805

BEST NAIL SALON

Private Beach Salon

1211 E. GRAND AVE., SUITE 102, ARROYO GRANDE (805)270-4198

owner@privatebeachsalon.com privatebeachsalon.com @privatebeach805 facebook.com/privatebeach805

BEST LASH BAR Aloha Lash Girl

695 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH (808)640-3262 lashes@alohalashgirl.com alohalash.co @alohalashgirl facebook.com/alohalashgirl

(left to right) Bob Amaral, Steve Sales, Jack Ravin, Yvonne Hampton, Randy Arseneau, Shane Bagnall, and 2,400 other members make up Elks Lodge No. 322 in SLO, which gives grants and donations to community organizations every year and is a friend to veterans.

BEST of SLO COUNTY

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

Sandalwood Spa

1645 TRILOGY PARKWAY, NIPOMO (805) 343-7520

sandalwood@monarchduneshoa.com

monarchduneshoa.com/web/ pages/sandalwood-spa @sandalwood_spa facebook.com/sandalwoodtrilogy

BEST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY

Bike lanes

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Woods Humane Society

875 OKLAHOMA AVE., SLO 2300 RAMONA ROAD, ATASCADERO (805) 543-9316

adoptions@woodshumanesociety.org

woodshumanesociety.org @woodshumanesociety facebook.com/WoodsHumaneSociety

SERVICES continued page 86

S�O F�V�

Readers voted Erica Stewart, who won the 2022 election to be San Luis Obispo’s mayor, as the Best Public O cial. She’s everything, everywhere, all at once.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

PuppyCuts

Front: Beka (manager); Jessica. Missed picture Day: Max and Megan.

BEST of SLO COUNTY

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG ECOSLO

1012 PACIFIC ST. SUITE B-1, SLO (805) 544-1777

info@ecoslo.org

ecoslo.org

@ecoslo facebook.com/ECOSLO

BEST VETERANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION

Elks Lodge 322

222 ELKS LANE, SLO (805) 543-0322 o ice@bpoeslo322.com elks.org/lodges/home.cfm? lodgenumber=322

@sloelks facebook.com/sloelks

BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL

ORGANIZATION

“Solong as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”— so goes the national Elks pledge as it relates to veterans. At both the national and local level, Elks Lodges are committed to supporting those who served. e San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge secures grants for veterans for events such as the World Para Sur ng Championships hosted by AmpSurf. ey host resource fairs for vets; fundraisers; special dinners such as the reoccurring Veterans Pork Chop Dinners, which are free for vets; as well as provide a meeting place for local veterans’ groups. Never forget.

—Glen Starkey

990 PALM ST., SLO (805) 540-1154

estewart@slocity.org slocity.org/government/

S�A�D U�

Local legend Van Curaza cheers on a student who catches a wave. He knows that “all dreams need to start somewhere” and gives the Best Surf Lessons through the Van Curaza Surf School.

RECREATION

BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM

Kennedy Club Fitness

ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES, SLO sloservice@kennedyclubs.com kennedyclubs.com @kennedyclubfitness facebook.com/ KennedyClubFitness/

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Spark Yoga

977 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., SUITE 111, SLO 1289 LAUREL LANE, SLO (805)439-1848 hello@smileatspark.com smileatspark.com @sparkyogaslo facebook.com/smileatspark

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

Paragon Brazilian

Jiu Jitsu

SLO, ATASCADERO, ARROYO GRANDE, PASO ROBLES (805)305-7512 paragonslo@sbcglobal.net paragonbjjslo.com

BEST BIKE TRAIL

Bob Jones Trail

AVILA BEACH (805)544-9096 info@lcslo.org lcslo.org

@landconservancyslo facebook.com/The-Land-Conservancyof-San-Luis-Obispo-County-98093522918

BEST BIKE SHOP

Art’s

Cyclery

3988 SHORT ST., NO. 110, SLO (805)439-3915 artscyclery@gmail.com artscyclery.com @artscyclery facebook.com/ArtsCyclery

BEST BIKE RENTAL Foothill

Cyclery

767 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., SUITE B, SLO (805)541-4101 sales@foothillcyclery.com foothillcyclery.com @foothillcyclery facebook.com/foothillcyclery

Joshua Simas Photography

BEST HIKE Pismo Preserve

80 MATTIE ROAD, PISMO BEACH (805) 544-9096 info@lcslo.org

lcslo.org/pismopreserve

@landconservancyslo

facebook.com/The-LandConservancy-of-San-LuisObispo-County-98093522918

BEST ADA ACCESSIBLE TRAIL Bob Jones Trail

AVILA BEACH (805) 544-9096 info@lcslo.org lcslo.org

@landconservancyslo facebook.com/The-LandConservancy-of-San-LuisObispo-County-98093522918

RECREATION continued page 92

H�P�Y T�I�S

Laguna Lake Park has a lot of things—trails, water, a disc golf course—but a favorite for many locals is the dog park, where canines can and do run free with their besties.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Rachel Tietz as Minnie Pearl in Ring of Fire, 2023 | photo: RyLo Media Design, Ryan C. Loyd

Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitzu instructor Jon Green (left) tangles with J.T. Lyon at the Best Martial Arts Studio, which has locations in SLO, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, and Paso Robles.

BEST TACK SHOP

Riding Warehouse

181 SUBURBAN ROAD, SLO (800)620-9145

info@ridingwarehouse.com

ridingwarehouse.com

@ridingwarehouse facebook.com/ridingwarehouse

BEST SURF LESSONS

Van Curaza

Surf School

598 FRONT ST., AVILA BEACH (805)543-7873

vcsurfschool@gmail.com

vancurazasurfschool.com

@vcsurfschool facebook.com/vcsurfschool

855 MARSH ST., SLO (805)541-1129 info@ccsurf.com ccsurf.com

@ccsurf facebook.com/ccsurf

BEST SKATEBOARD SHOP

Central Coast

Surfboards

855 MARSH ST., SLO (805)541-1129 info@ccsurf.com

ccsurf.com

@ccsurf facebook.com/ccsurf

BEST PLACE TO GET SWIMWEAR

You don’t have to stay at Hotel San Luis Obispo to enjoy most of the resort’s diverse array of amenities—outdoor rooftop dining, spa o erings, courtyard concerts, art classes, and much more. But patrons—whether they be out-of-towners or Central Coast locals seeking a luxurious staycation—who do decide to book one of the resort’s rooms, suites, or studios for a night, or two, or three, or inde nitely have the distinct honor of lodging at the Best Hotel or Resort in all of San Luis Obispo County. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your luggage!

—Caleb Wiseblood

@slooceancurrents

facebook.com/SLOSCUBA

BEST WATERSPORT RENTAL Avila

Beach

Paddlesports

3915 AVILA BEACH DRIVE, AVILA BEACH (805)704-6902

avilabeachpaddlesports@gmail.com

BEST DIVE SHOP SLO

Ocean

Currents

3121 S. HIGUERA, SUITE B, SLO (805)544-7227

info@slooceancurrents.com slooceancurrents.com

6820

BEST FISHING CHARTER

Virg’s Landing

1169 MARKET AVE., MORRO BAY (805) 772-1222

info@virgs.com

virgslanding.com

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BEST HOTEL OR RESORT Hotel San Luis Obispo

877 PALM ST., SLO (805) 235-0700

info@hotel-slo.com

hotel-slo.com @thehotelslo

facebook.com/hotelslo

BEST GOLF COURSE

Monarch Dunes Golf Club

1606 TRILOGY PKWY., NIPOMO (805) 343-9459, Ext. 1

monarchdunes.com @monarchdunes

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BEST DOG PARK Laguna Lake Park

504 MADONNA ROAD, SLO (805) 781-7302

recnews@slocity.org

slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/parks/ dog-o -leash-area @sloparksandrec

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BEST THING ABOUT SLO COUNTY The people and community

Arts

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast holds benefit concert

On Friday, May 19, singer and musician Pryor Baird will perform in Santa Maria at a special benefit concert to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. Proceeds of the event will help fund programs hosted by the nonprofit, which provides afterschool programs, mentoring, and other services to children and teens at 23 club sites across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Baird’s upcoming concert will take place on the rooftop plaza at Toyota of Santa Maria. According to press materials, Baird will bring along one of his peers in the Nashville music scene as a surprise special guest to perform with him. The show will start at 5 p.m.

“I’m honored to be part of this special event and support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast,” Baird said in press materials. “As a Central Coast native, I’m thrilled I can give back to my hometown and know how valuable Boys & Girls Clubs are to kids and families in the community. I hope my music can help raise awareness and support their efforts.”

Born and raised in Orcutt, Baird moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue a career in music. In 2018, he gained popularity while competing on NBC’s The Voice

Dan Lillard, president of the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, said in press materials that the organization is “thrilled to have Pryor Baird perform for our community and support our mission to provide a safe and positive place for young people.”

Tickets to the upcoming benefit concert are available in advance at centralcoastkids.org. Early purchases are recommended as the intimate event will be limited to 100 attendees. Ticket holders will have the chance to meet and greet with Baird at the concert and have access to a hosted bar with light bites.

Call (805) 354-7433 for more info on the concert. Toyota of Santa Maria is located at 1643 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria.

DANA Adobe and Cultural Center presents Jazz on the Rancho

The Ron McCarley Jazz Quartet and Cuesta Jazz Combos will perform during an upcoming jazz event, Jazz on the Rancho, at the DANA Adobe and Cultural Center on Friday, May 6, starting at 4:30 p.m. General admission is $35. Visit danaadobe.org for more info. The venue is located at 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. ∆

—Caleb Wiseblood

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Student showcase

Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery hosts the best of 2023 Cuesta College Art Program

Something is di erent about the art hanging on the walls in the Harold J. Miossi gallery as of late.

Normally, the gallery hosts a variety of pieces from across the globe, carefully curated by Tim Stark, who serves as the gallery coordinator and curates all the art featured there—but for the next month, the gallery’s focus is closer to home.

“ e space naturally highlights all of the artwork that is displayed in it,” Stark said. “Given that for a majority of the year the gallery displays professional artists from around the country and the world, the Student Annual is a very special event where the Cuesta College students have an opportunity to have their work on display.” rough May 19, visitors will have the opportunity to view the best work created by students enrolled in the Cuesta College Art Program.

e show, which is free to the public, will feature ceramics, drawing, graphic design, digital art, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Cuesta students gave event juror Dane Goodman a rich and diverse array of art to choose from.

“It was a delight to juror this because when I go and look at such a wide range of art I had the pleasure of sifting through, it makes me want to go back into the studio and work on some of my own art,” Goodman said with a laugh.

Goodman was given around 300 pieces of student-made artwork to look through and ultimately chose about 90 pieces for the exhibition with 15 singled out for awards.

“It’s sort of like if you’re playing basketball on an outdoor court and then you go and play at a gym—

Visions of Variety

Head on over to Cuesta College’s Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery (Room 7170 in the courtyard of the Cultural and Performing Arts Center) to witness the wonder of the school’s art program until May 19. For more information on the gallery, artists, and future events, visit cuesta.edu/campuslife/artgallery or follow the gallery on Instagram @hjmiossiartgallery.

it’s like, ‘Oh this is di erent,” he said. “Once you have your work displayed like this at a professional level, you get a feel for what it is like to see it through other people’s eyes.”

Showtime! Send

e France-born Amandine Sosinski is one of the students getting that opportunity. e former funeral director said the gallery is emblematic of the overall experience of being in the art program at Cuesta College and being able to fully express the emotions from her time living above a funeral home.

“After a year at Cuesta, I am very impressed by the art program—every teacher I met is encouraging and passionate about their work, o ering resources and tools that help you achieve your goals,” Sosinski said. “Compared to other places I’ve studied at, the art program is very hands-on. You don’t sit through lectures for hours because your class is in a workshop or a studio, and that means it’s time to make art!”

She contributed several pieces to the event but feels that one in particular really highlights her approach to art while also making use of the gallery’s lighting to draw in the viewer’s attention.

“I enjoy puzzling people with my sculpture … as it’s a curious piece that doesn’t reveal its meaning at rst glance,” she said. “Everyone is asking questions about it, some love it, some hate it—that’s art!”

Sosinski described her sculpture— e Ruins of the Tower of Babel; an American Roadside Attraction—as a tongue-in-cheek depiction of American exceptionalism and a commentary on the shortsighted nature of American fascination.

“As a foreigner, I love learning about the fringe and unexpected parts of American culture from its grandeur and its pitfalls—roadside attractions are part of this country’s charm, in all of its corniness,” she said with a laugh. “Is it authentic? Probably not. Is it odd? Yes. Do you feel like you just walked into a liminal space? Absolutely!”

Ultimately Sosinski sees all of the art featured at the event as representative of the sometimes wild, sometimes unique paths that the program can lead artists down.

“Most of the time, my artwork has a spirit of its own, sometimes straying entirely from my initial vision, but I’ve learned through the program that it is essential to be exible,” she said. “It creates more interesting pieces in the end—then I get to decipher it and all of its layers alongside the viewers.” ∆

artists—including

is pictured—have

New Times Sta Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas is looking at all of the amazing student art at the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery. Reach him at arosas@newtimesslo.com.

FANTASTICAL FOCUS As part of the annual student show at Cuesta College, the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery showcases student artists and their work, such as this oil painting from student Nicholas Macias.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM STARK, ART BY NICHOLAS MACIAS

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY The Ruins of the Tower of Babel; an American Roadside Attraction is something Cuesta art student Amandine Sosinski says is meant to poke fun at the idea of American exceptionalism.

COURTESY PHOTO BY AMANDINE SOSINSKI

SERIOUS SHOWCASING Cuesta College’s student

Guillermo Bermudez, whose work

their works on display in the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery on campus.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM STARK, ART BY GUILLERMO BERMUDEZ

Gobsmacked

BEAU IS AFRAID

What’s it rated? R

Writer-director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) takes viewers on an epic adventure with Beau Wassermann (Joaquin Phoenix), an anxious milquetoast man forced to confront his deepest fears following the death of his mother and take a surrealist journey home. (179 min.)

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Stadium 10

Glen If you’re a mentally well-adjusted person and don’t know what it’s like to su er from crippling anxiety and paranoia, and you’d like to know, step right up to Aster’s latest nightmare, Beau Is Afraid. It’s three hours of sheer madness—deeply, uncomfortably, stunningly weird, and thoroughly confounding.

Beau lives in a rundown apartment in a nightmarish neighborhood where corpses rot in the street and a naked man stabs random passersby. He only reluctantly leaves to see a therapist (played with sinister cheerfulness by Stephen McKinley Henderson) who’s happy to prescribe him new medications to take the edge o , but there’s no taking the edge o Beau. In fact, he’s all edge. He’s supposed to be visiting his mother, a powerful businesswoman with whom he has a complicated and guilt-ridden relationship, but after he oversleeps and has his apartment keys stolen because he left the keys in his door to return for dental oss, he misses his ight and suddenly begins circling the drain of his wretched life. Hopefully I’m not making it seem too fun. I’m glad I saw it, but this movie is challenging!

Anna It was clear from the start we were living in Beau’s reality. e streets are riddled with danger, the accidental swallowing of mouthwash is sure to mean that stomach cancer is not far behind, and nothing he does can or will ever please his mother. It feels like a dangerous mind we’re living inside. Aster’s lms are all a bit bonkers, and Beau is Afraid doesn’t break his tradition. I’ll see anything that Phoenix spends his time on, and I honestly love Aster’s weird, mind-bending

SCHMIGADOON!

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2021-present

Where’s it showing? Apple TV-plus

Alright, my musical theater enthusiast friends—strap in! Schmigadoon is back for season 2 with all the fun and folly of season 1. Now married, Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa (Cecily Strong) are looking to return to the place that once brought them together. However, that isn’t what’s waiting for them on the other side of the magical bridge. This time we aren’t stuck in the rolling hillsides of quintessential Americana.

THE SCHWINDY CITY!

After their relationship flags, Josh (KeeganMichael Key) and Melissa (Cecily Strong) try to find Schmigadoon again, this time arriving in Schmicago, a world based on musicals from the ’60s through the ’80s, in season 2 of Schmigadoon!, streaming on Apple TV-plus.

storytelling. I found both Hereditary and Midsommer absolutely mesmerizing and entirely painful. Aster’s lms present an experience, one you’re destined to have—an agreement you make once you settle into your seat. e dude has something about separating bodies from heads that he may need to explore. Just saying! I felt a bit shellshocked after the lm was over, disjointed and disturbed. I can say that days later I’m still pondering the gravity of it all, so I think Aster got exactly what he wanted from me as an audience member—a completely unsettled feeling of wonder.

Glen I’ve got to hand it to Phoenix—he’s all in with this performance. His Beau is a manchild whose development is as arrested as they come. His mother, Mona, played with sadistic glee by Patti LuPone, piles the guilt onto her kowtowing son with the nesse of a lifelong martyr. She’s given and given until she can’t give anymore. Hence, Beau’s tortured mind perpetually wrestles with an intractable Oedipus complex coupled with a deep fear of intimacy. He believes if he orgasms, he’ll die. ere’s this and so much

Our world is now the nitty-gritty streets of Chicago, and the couple soon realize they aren’t on the ride they were hoping for.

Key and Strong are both hilarious actors, and both can carry a tune. This is a show that’s downright bingeable, so if you haven’t seen Season 1, get comfy and get watching. There’s so much great musical theater to parody, and I can’t get enough of the familiar tunes and tropes.

Most of the cast from season 1 has been recast into familiar but somewhat skewed characters in the new Chicago landscape, and our couple once again has troubles they must overcome. know that this type of show can’t be everyone’s jam, but love it when everyday life breaks into song, and Schmigadoon brings me joy with every tune.

(Season 2, six 25- to 34-min. episodes)

more going on. When I left the theater, I thought, “I’ll never put myself through that again,” but now as I’m continuing to unpack it all, I’ll probably have to watch it again to see what I missed. Color me gobsmacked. Anna ere’s de nitely a lot going on here, and the lines between reality and Beau’s mental spiraling are tricky to untangle. After an accident, Beau is taken to the home of Roger (Nathan Lane), Grace (Amy Ryan), and their teenage daughter, Toni (Kylie Rogers), and the world soon becomes claustrophobic. Is he trapped there? What is the motivation these people have to keep him around? It all feels so confusing, and as soon as you settle into acceptance with one part of the story, we move on to the next even more bizarre chapter. I’m with you; this one hasn’t quite sunk in yet. e more I think about this lm, the wilder it gets. ∆

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

MRS. DAVIS

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Peacock

Created by Tara Hernandez (The Big Bang Theory ) and Damon Lindelof (Lost ), this Warner Bros. Television-produced series follows Sister Simone (Betty Gilpin), a Catholic nun who finds herself battling a powerful artificial intelligence called Mrs. Davis with the help of her ex-boyfriend, Wiley (Jake McDorman), sending them on a globetrotting adventure to find and destroy the Holy Grail in exchange for Mrs. Davis shutting herself off.

—Anna

It’s as wackadoodle and farcical as it sounds. Mrs. Davis knows what people want, and she can manipulate them into doing her bidding, but she’s yet to get her hooks into Simone, who recognizes her evil powers. It leads to one weird adventure after another, for instance when Simone and Wiley travel to the English countryside to follow a lead and Wiley’s sidetracked by an absurd competition to see who can remain touching a giant sculpture of King Arthur’s mythical sword, Excalibur. Along the way they meet Arthur Schrodinger (Ben Chaplin) who has a cat (wink-wink); Simone’s celestial husband Jesus Christ, who goes by Jay (Andy McQueen); and a litany of other characters, including an always welcome Margo Martindale as Mother Superior. It’s a hoot! (eight 48- to 60-min.) ∆

—Glen

artificial intelligence,

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Khris Davis, Sullivan Jones, Jasmine Matthews PG-13

TREPIDATIOUS TRAVEL Joaquin Phoenix stars as anxiety-ridden Beau Wassermann, whose mother dies, forcing him to return home and confront his deepest fears, in Beau Is Afraid, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV PLUS COURTESY PHOTO BY SOPHIE KOHLER/PEACOCK JESUS’ WIFE Betty Gilpin stars as Sister Simone, a nun fighting an

in the deeply weird scifi dramedy Mrs. Davis, streaming on Peacock.

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Independent spirit

Aaron Watson brings his renegade country to BarrelHouse Brewing

Strap in and get ready for one of the biggest live music weeks since the pandemic shut everything down. Live music is back with a vengeance!

One must-see show for country fans is Aaron Watson, who can deliver a romantic ballad like “When I See You” and a sage wisdom bomb like “The Old Man Said” with equal aplomb.

This one’s wedding ready! “When I see you, I see all I’ve ever wanted/ When I see you, I see my dreams coming true/ When I see you, I can see there’s no one else for me/ Blinded by love, that’s what I see when I see you.”

“And the old man said, ‘Don’t take a single day for granted/ Love like there’s no tomorrow/ Tend to the seeds you planted/ Be a good friend and a brother/ Love your children and their mother/ And die by those living words in red.’”

Watson’s a terrific lyricist that gets to the heart of the matter, and his rich voice and tight backing band have made him a fan favorite. He’s reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Album chart five separate times, no small feat for a DIY artist.

“Despite the success, the Texas native remains a fighter punching far above his weight, constantly defending his right to be in the ring,” his bio explains. “And with his new album, Unwanted Man, he reminds all who care to listen that it’s just fine by him.”

“I’m right where I wanna be,” Watson said in press materials. “No one can put any labels on me. And I tell a lot of younger artists, ‘Listen, there’s enough room at the table for all of us. This is not a sprint. This is a longdistance race.’”

Numbskull and Good Medicine present Aaron Watson on Wednesday, May 10, at BarrelHouse Brewing (6 p.m.; all ages; $32 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Chancey Williams opens.

SLO Brew Rock swings for the fences

You might as well bring a sleeping bag and camp at SLO Brew Rock this week. They have so many great shows stacked up you won’t want to leave.

Brooks Nielsen returns on Thursday, May 4 (7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $30 at ticketweb.com). Best known as lead singer for The Growlers, in 2022 Nielsen released his debut solo album, the highly theatrical One Match Left.

TropiFunk act Jungle Fire plays this Friday, May 5 (7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $20 at ticketweb.com), bringing their steamy mix of Afro/Latin funk. They’re influenced by legends such as Irakere, Ray Barretto, James Brown, Fela Kuti, and Manu Dibango, “creating a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean and West African rhythms with a heavy break beat funk,” according to their bio. Steve Haney plays a DJ set.

Arise Roots hits the Brew on Saturday, May 6 (7:45 p.m.; 18-and-older; $16 at ticketweb.com) at SLO Brew Rock. The sextet brings “a unique and refreshing

interpretation of roots-reggae with the common goal of preserving its true message,” the band said.

New Zealand-based all-Maori reggae act Katchafire plays on Sunday, May 7 (7:45 p.m.; 18-and-older; $30 at ticketweb. com), mixing classic roots reggae, R&B, funk, and modern dancehall sounds.

Swells opens.

Ska punk act The Mad Caddies play Wednesday, May 10 (7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $25 at ticketweb.com). Formed in 1995, they have seven full-length albums, one live album, and two EPs under their belts, selling more than half a million records worldwide.

Upside Ska opens.

The Siren calls

California reggae acts Through the Roots, Cydeways, and The Darts play a Cuatro de Mayo party at Morro Bay’s The Siren on Thursday, May 4 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $18.50 at eventbrite.com), blending roots reggae, Cali reggae/rock, Hawaiian Islands reggae, electronic sounds, and modern pop.

Talia & The Troublemakers play Friday, May 5 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free), covering songs from the past and present, everything from Pat Benatar, Alanis Morissette, Elle King, and more. “Our goal is to create upbeat music meant for dancing,” the band said.

Paso Robles rock outfit Soundhouse plays a Saturday, May 6, matinee show (2 p.m.; 21-and-older; free), delivering your favorite maximum rock covers from the

’70s through the ’90s.

Yachty By Nature plays a yacht rock dance party on Saturday, May 6 (8 p.m.; 21-andolder; $20.50 at eventbrite.com). According to their bio, they’re “a crew of six talented musicians taking you on a sunset cruise to the guilty pleasures of ’70s and ’80s smooth soft rock. Don’t miss the boat. Captain Carl steers us toward Pleasure Town and Scotty McYachty crushes the vocals on the playlist of your life. Playing all your favorite hits from Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Toto, Steely Dan, and so much more.”

Ready, steady, go for a rockabilly roundup with Shaun Young featuring Dave Stuckey next Thursday, May 11 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder; $15.50 at eventbrite. com), with The Bonneville Phantoms opening. Young is known for fronting the rockabilly trio High Noon as well as his surf band The Thunderchiefs. Dave Stuckey is the “Dave” in The Dave & Deke Combo.

Fremont Theater raps a lot

Rapper and producer Soulja Boy (aka DeAndre Cortez Way) takes the stage on Friday, May 5 (9 p.m.; all ages; $48 at seetickets.us) with S.O.D. Money Gang

opening. Soulja Boy struck gold with his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks in 2007. Filipino-American rapper P-Lo plays next Thursday, May 11 (9 p.m.; all ages; $25 at seetickets.us). The multi-platinum songwriter-producer is one of the architects of the West Coast hip-hop sound. His music was featured in the film Space Jam 2: A New Legacy, and he’s collaborated with Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, E-40, Kehlani, YG, Flo Rida, Yo Gotti, and more.

More music …

BA Start Arcade Bar hosts Latino Night on Cinco de Mayo, Friday, May 5, with Mexican rock ’n’ roll band Audio Bandidos (they start at 7 p.m., but the bar becomes 21-and-older at 8 p.m.; free). According to percussionist Giorgio Fonseca, their music is “a fusion of old-school rock, reggae, funk, hip-hop, and Latin music. The lyrics are typically in Spanish and are often about love, party, and sex. The music is characterized by its heavy bass and drums.”

Acoustic/electric duo Lee & The Dutchman, after serenading their neighbors with more than 25 outdoor concerts during the pandemic, will be bringing improvisational, ambient music live to Café AMSTRDM in downtown Paso Robles on Friday, May 5 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.).

Listeners who know them say their music is “100 percent Zen,” and their brand of “deconstructed pop classics, chilled-out and soundscaped” is good for the soul.

Shabang Live Music and Art Festival is upon us this Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, at Dairy Creek Golf Course. There are too many bands to list, so visit shabangslo.com, but headliners include electronic duo Bob Moses, indie rockers Hippo Campus, dream pop act Men I Trust, and EDM artist Hayden James. This festival has been extremely popular with the local college crowd.

TEXAS BORN AND BRED Country troubadour Aaron Watson plays a Good Medicine and Numbskull show on May 10 , at BarrelHouse Brewing.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ZACH MASSEY

MAORI MUSIC WARRIORS Hailing from New Zealand, reggae act Katchafire plays on May 7, at SLO Brew Rock.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATCHAFIRE

PHOTO COURTESY

CRANK THAT Chicago by way of Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy drops his rhymes at the Fremont Theater on May 5

SLOfolks presents Scottish supergroup Old Blind Dogs on Friday, May 5, at Coalesce Bookstore (7 p.m.; $25 at (805) 772-2880) and Saturday, May 6, at Castoro Cellars (7:30 p.m.; $25 at (805) 238-0725 or castorocellars.com). “We are incredibly excited to bring back the Scottish supergroup, Old Blind Dogs!” organizers

Summer Concert Series

Flavor

BY CHERISH WHYTE

DIY delicacies

Whip up a gourmet Mother’s Day brunch or handmade chocolates with a little help from Central Coast chefs

Inspired by a love of family and gourmet cuisine—with a particular penchant for desserts—two renowned local chefs are dishing up sweet ideas for Mother’s Day. In advance of the release of her first cookbook, private chef Alma Ayón of Paso Robles is dropping one of her favorite breakfast recipes for readers to try at home. Formerly an Emmy Award-winning television producer, Ayón switched careers after more than 20 years in the entertainment industry “so that I could take my lifelong

passion for cooking to the next level,” she said.

After graduating with honors from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Hollywood, she continued, “I interned under master chef Michael Cimarusti—the best chef in LA—at his restaurant Providence.

“From there I helped open LAMILL Coffee in Silver Lake—voted one of the 10 best boutique coffee shops in the country by Bon Appétit magazine—and worked for several catering companies, including Wolfgang Puck, before making the move up the 101 in 2012 to create and open my beloved Sundance Bed and Breakfast in Paso,” she said.

“The B&B was an incredible experience and a big success, but after 10 amazing years we closed June 12, 2022. The time had come to change gears once again.”

Share tasty tips!

“Even though I did not know it then, I have been exposed to great homemade food since I was a child. I learned to cook just by watching my mother, who cooked for us every day. My father was also an amazing cook, but he only cooked on special occasions, when he could dedicate entire days.

“My style of cooking is modern California cuisine with global influence. I love making desserts as much as I enjoy making savory dishes. I just think desserts look prettier in pictures, but the [cookbook] will have equal amounts of sweet and savory.”

San Luis Obispo’s Florencia Breda, on the other hand, is 100 percent dessert-focused. Breda Pasticceria and Cioccolateria—or Breda SLO—is housed within Peruvian restaurant Mistura, where she also serves as pastry chef.

During the month of May, she will be serving her ricotta and pear tart, a laborintensive recipe (available by request) that is near and dear to her heart.

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

Ayón and her husband sold the business “in order to prepare for the next chapter,” she added.

That next chapter includes traveling to continue learning about food and wine from other parts of the world, working as a private chef, authoring a cookbook with original recipes from her breakfasts and dinners at Sundance, and possibly opening a restaurant in Paso Robles someday, she said.

Later this year Ayón will announce the release date for her e-cookbook, potentially followed by a hard copy format.

PASSIONATE ABOUT PASO Chef Alma Ayón is currently working on an e-cookbook with her own sweet and savory recipes. “I don’t have a title yet, but it will be about the B&B experience and how I fell in love with Paso Robles,” she said.

One recipe that will definitely be included is her raspberry ebelskiver (Danish pancakes).

“This was a very popular one with our B&B guests,” she said, adding that it was a particularly good recipe for Mother’s Day.

Ayón is originally from Mexico and comes from a family “where food is at the center of everything we do,” she said.

“I am very proud of it because it is the dessert I had on the menu at the time the Michelin inspectors came to the restaurant I was working at, which was in May,” she said. “It is also the month my mom died … so it’s the dessert I will always remember the most.”

Argentinian-born Breda received the Michelin star while working alongside her mentor Vincenzo Guarino at Ristorante Il Pievano in Italy, where she was raised.

“My ricotta and pear tart is a very traditional dessert in Italy, and this is my modern version of it, where I play with consistency without compromising the original flavors,” she said.

She also created a pear and walnut chocolate to pair with the dessert. Breda’s full repertoire of handcrafted chocolates are on display at Mistura, and customers can purchase them at her counter in the restaurant or online.

On May 8, and monthly going forward, the master chocolatier is offering workshops for up to 15 guests “to teach you how to paint, temper, and create your own chocolate molds … all while you sip on some Italian wines,” she said.

Confection connection

For more information on private chef Alma Ayón, visit almaayon.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook @chefalmaayon. To reserve a spot at chef Florencia Breda’s chocolate workshop, go to @breda_slo on Instagram. For more details on her latest confection lineup at Mistura, visit bredaslo.com.

Then guests can take home their works of art. The ganache fillings are sourced locally and ethically from around the globe, she added, “and they taste even better than they look.” ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte needs to buy an ebelskiver pan and a chocolate workshop ticket. She prays she has the willpower to share with Mom. Reach her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

be included in her highly anticipated e-cookbook.

Raspberry Ebelskiver (Danish Pancakes)

Servings: 8-10

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

pinch of salt

2 eggs, separated

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons butter, melted raspberry preserves confectioners’ sugar

2 lemons, zested

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

Using a hand mixer with dry beaters, whisk egg whites on medium high speed until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter with a rubber spatula (do not over mix). Batter should be airy and fluffy.

Place an ebelskiver pan on the stovetop and turn flame to low. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each well. Pour about half a teaspoon of batter into each well. Using a mini spoon, drop raspberry preserves in the center of each pancake and cover with more batter to just below the rim.

Turn flame to medium low until pancakes begin to form bubbles (just like regular pancakes). Using wooden skewers, flip each ball so that they can continue cooking on the other side. The ebelskiver should have a nice golden color. Dust them with confectioners’ sugar and grated lemon zest. Serve immediately.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEF ALMA AYÓN

COURTESY PHOTO BY ANNA LILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEF ALMA AYÓN

PEAR PERFECTION Chef Florencia Breda’s Ricotta and Pear Tart will be available at Peruvian restaurant Mistura in SLO throughout May. The elaborate recipe combines pear sponge cake with ricotta mousse atop a hazelnut flour crust.

COURTESY PHOTO BY SHARON BREDA

LUSCIOUS LIME Chef Alma Ayón’s individual key lime pie features lavender-whipped cream, blueberry gastrique, and graham cracker. The recipe will

PHOTO COURTESY OF BREDA SLO

BEAUTIFUL BONBONS Chef Florencia Breda’s signature chocolates are handmade daily, with new flavor combinations hitting her display case at Mistura regularly. She uses premium Valrhona chocolate, including vegan options.

Mother’s Day Restorative Yoga & Tea

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Saunter Yoga & Wellness, Atascadero

Tiny Porch Concerts: 2023 VIP Season Tickets 4 CONCERTS: MAY 14–AUGUST 6 Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills

Tiny Porch Concerts: Shane Alexander with guest Water Tower

SUNDAY, MAY 14 Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura

Peaceful Plants

SUNDAY, MAY 7 Pianetta Winery, Paso Robles

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree Grover Beach

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 Rib Line by the Beach, Grover Beach

Classies

Keep it Classy—for Free!

Real Estate

APARTMENTS/DUPLEX FOR RENT

SLO MOTEL ROOMS

HBO/Cable, TV, Free Wi-Fi, Refrigerator, Micro, Low Rates, Sunday through Thursday, Weekly Available, No Pets. 805-543-7700

WANTED TO BUY

KC BUYS HOUSES

Fastest Cash- Any Condition! Residential and Commercial

Cash in 72 hours! Family owned and operated 25 years. 1-909-5362060 (Cal-SCAN)

HELP WANTED

ENGINEERING MANAGER, MECHANCIAL SYSTEMS - Honda Research Institute USA Inc. San Luis Obispo, CA. Resp. for dev’t, design, sizing, integration w/aircraft & other systems. May WFH occasionally. 10% travel. $200K to $280K/yr. Email resume to hri_contact@honda-ri. com

New Times Media Group is looking for someone spectacular to join our Sales and Marketing Team!

Do you enjoy ...

• Interacting with local businesses in SLO and SB Counties?

• Learning about effective advertising and marketing?

• Making a positive difference in a local economy?

• Supporting local, independent journalism?

• Working for the biggest media group on the Central Coast?

• Working with helpful people in a fun and positive environment?

• Receiving crucial, entry-level sales training and experience?

If you answered “yes,” please contact Cindy Rucker! crucker@new timesslo.com or (805) 546-8208 ext 218

HEALING

Aloe Care Health, medical alert system. The most advanced medical alert product on the market. Voice-activated! No wifi needed! Special offer call and mention offer code CARE20 to get $20 off Mobile Companion. Call today 1-844-790-1673. (SCAN)

MASSAGE THERAPY

***NOTICE***

ALL ADS IN THIS CATEGORY ARE FOR THERAPEUTIC NON-SEXUAL MASSAGE ONLY!

GARAGE SALES

HUGE Yard Sale

Saturday, May 6th - 8am 1pm.

Toys, tools, clothes, and so much more!

Guadalupe Buddhist Church 1072 Olivera St in Guadalupe. Just past the large yellow house.

2010 CHRYSLER 300 TOURING

$8,988

2014 KIA FORTE EX SEDAN

2.0 4 cyl, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, alloys, black gray cloth, 121k miles. #055437 $9,988

2003 FORD EXCURSION LTD

7.3 P/Stroke Diesel, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd, 2pseats, brown, tan lthr, tow pkg. #B25457 $13,988

1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE 2D

5.7 V8, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, prem snd, leather, alloys, black. #110107 $14,988

2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

3.6 V6, at, ac ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/ fm/cd, alloys, 76k low miles, black. #409962 $16,988

2006 FORD F250 SD CREW CAB LARIAT 4WD

6.0 V8 Turbo Diesel, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/ cd, white, gray lthr, pseat, lifted. #B52976 $17,988

3.5 ecoboost V6, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, tw, am/fm/cd, sony, 2pseats, black, black lthr, mnrf, rack, tow, 20”prem whls. #A03708

EXPEDITION XL 4WD

2006 FORD F250 SD CREW CAB FX4

6.0 V8 Turbo Diesel, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/ cd, white, gray cloth, pseats, SRW, alloys, 75k super low miles.

5.7 Hemi v8, at, ac, ps, pw, pdl, cc, tw, am/fm/cd,

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

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

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

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

$1,211.61 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, May 19, 2023 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM.

To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE TO DSA INSPECTORS OF RECORD

$1860.00

IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on January 26, 2023, the above-described property was seized at or near 611 Poquita Lane, San Miguel, CA, 93451 by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 and 11470 of the California Health and Safety Code.

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

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

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

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

DATED: April 21, 2023

DAN DOW District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney

Notice is hereby given that on August 12, 2022, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near the DMV Paso Robles Office located at or near 841 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446, by the California Highway Patrol, in connection with violations, to wit, section(s) 11351 and 11352(A) of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $1,211.61.

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

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

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

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

DATED: April 21, 2023

WHAT A request by Matthew Abbate of Tar Creek Ranch for a Minor Use Permit to allow the phased establishment of private temporary events. The request includes the incorporation of an existing 3,600 square foot ag barn along with 6,917 square feet of adjacent outdoor space to be used for events approximately 25 events per year with 150 maximum attendees. The request will require improvements to on-site access roadways. The project will result of an area of disturbance of approximately 1.11 acres and is located on approximately 93 gross acres across 2 parcels. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 2514/2560 Huasna Road, approximately 1.3 miles west of the city of Arroyo Grande. The site is in the San Luis Bay Inland Sub-Area South of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the environmental determination that this project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption.

County File Number: N-DRC2022-00012

Supervisorial District: District 4 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 047-271-029 047-271-030

Date Accepted: 10/13/2022

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: https://www. slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Grid-Items/Meetings,Hearings,-Agendas,-and-Minutes/Planning-Department-Hearing-(PDH)Virtual-Meeting-.aspx.

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 Eric Tolle, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-788-2148.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by Friday, May 12, 2023 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2022-00012.”

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.

Corla Wade, Secretary Planning Department Hearing

April 27, May 4, & 11, 2023

April 27, May 4, & 11, 2023

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

TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: $8,930.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY

Notice is hereby given that on August 3, 2022, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 1081 Sylvia Dr., Paso Robles CA 93446, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with cannabis violations, to wit, sections 182 of the Penal Code and 11370.1 of the California Health and Safety Code.

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

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

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.

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

DATED: April 21, 2023

DAN DOW

District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (hereinafter referred to as “Owner”) will receive proposals prior to the date and time stated below for the award of a contract to multiple DSA Inspectors of Record for construction contract inspection services on various projects, with each particular project to be assigned to one of the DSA Inspectors of Record. San Luis Coastal Unified passed a $349 million dollar bond measure in November, 2022. The focus of this measure is the modernization of the district’s 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and a continuation high school. Prior to the bond measures success, the district developed a Facility Master Plan. The master plan along with the district’s deferred maintenance plan will make up the projects associated with this RFQP and construction contract inspection services needed. The board of education is currently prioritizing the projects and establishing the schedule for projects district wide.

The Request for Proposals is available from the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom @ www.asapreprographics.com.

Proposals must be sealed and filed at the Facilities Office of the Owner at:

San Luis Coastal Unified School District Building, Grounds, & Transportation Department 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 on May 10, 2023 before 2:00:00 p.m. No proposal will be accepted by the Owner after this time. Facsimile (FAX) copies of the proposal will not be accepted.

Kelly Lee

Facilities Analyst

San Luis Coastal Unified School District April 27 & May 4, 2023

May 4, 2023

CITY OF SLO INVITES ARTS, CULTURE NONPROFITS SERVING SLO TO APPLY NOW FOR GRANT FUNDING

Local non-profit organizations serving the community of SLO are encouraged to apply now for $4,000 grant funding to support marketing of local events and activities occurring between July 1 – December 31, 2023.

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations that serve the community of San Luis Obispo can now apply for the Cultural Grants-In-Aid program. The City of San Luis Obispo, through the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC), is offering $4,000 grants through the Cultural Grants-in-Aid Program to support the marketing of cultural, social, and recreational events and activities in the City of San Luis Obispo. Funding is limited up to 25 awards to non-profit organizations. The grant funding may only be used for expenses related to the marketing and advertising of an event. Only events and activities that occur between July 1 – December 31, 2023 are eligible for this grant period. Deadline to apply is 12 p.m. (noon) on June 15, 2023. More information on how to apply including the application and the complete eligibility requirements can be found at www.slocity.org/CulturalGIA.

Interested organizations are invited to attend an informational webinar on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 1:00 pm to learn more about the Cultural Grants-in-Aid Program as well as other grant programs being offered by the PCC for events occurring later in the year. Registration is required to attend the information session. Click here to register or go to www.slocity.org/CulturalGIA.

The City’s PCC, under direction of the City Council, recognizes the importance of cultural, social, and recreational organizations to the community. The Cultural Grants-in-Aid program supports organizations that seek to enhance the overall quality of life in San Luis Obispo with cultural, social and recreational activities. Following the close of the Cultural Grants-in-Aid Program, the PCC will be offering a competitive grant program called the Cultural Arts and Community Promotions grants for events and activities that occur between January 1 – June 30, 2024.

To be considered for a grant, organizations must submit a digital application found at slocity.org/CulturalGIA Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For details on more City grant programs, visit www.slocity.org/grants. Contact Tourism Manager Molly Cano at mcano@slocity.org with any questions.

May 4, 2023

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, May 19, 2023 at 09:00 AM. All items are advertised for 09:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT Hearing to consider a request by Treasure Way LLC (Robert Vogel) for a Lot Line Adjustment (N-SUB2022-00046 / COAL 22-0024) to allow an adjustment of the lot lines between three (3) existing parcels of 134.1; 275.6; 39.8 acres each. The adjustment will result in three (3) parcels of 126.5; 274.5 and 48.5 acres each. The adjustment will not result in the creation of any additional parcels. The proposed adjustment is within the Agriculture land use category and is located on both sides of State Route 46 East at Bitterwater Road approximately 2.86 miles northeast of the community of Shandon in the ShandonCarrizo sub area of the North 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-SUB2022-00046

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 017-091-009

017-091-022

017-091-024

017-091-025

017-131-001

Supervisorial District: District 1

Date Accepted: February 15, 2023

WHERE

Virtual meeting via Zoom platform.

Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/ Planning-Building/Grid-Items/Meetings,-Hearings,-Agendas,and-Minutes/Planning-Department-Hearing-(PDH)-VirtualMeeting-.aspx.

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 Terry Wahler, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5621.

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.

Corla Wade, Secretary Planning Department Hearing

May 4, 2023

SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE FOR MATERIALS TESTING & INSPECTIONS SERVICES

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (hereinafter referred to as “Owner”) will receive proposals prior to the date and time stated below for the award of a contract for services of duly qualified and licensed materials testing and special inspection consultant(s) on various projects. San Luis Coastal Unified passed a $349 million dollar bond measure in November, 2022. The focus of this measure is the modernization of the district’s 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and a continuation high school. Prior to the bond measures success, the district developed a Facility Master Plan. The master plan along with the district’s deferred maintenance plan will make up the projects associated with this RFQP and licensed materials testing and special inspection services needed. The board of education is currently prioritizing the projects and establishing the schedule for projects district wide.

The Request for Proposals is available from the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom @ www. asapreprographics.com.

Proposals must be sealed and filed at the Facilities Office of the Owner at:

San Luis Coastal Unified School District Building, Grounds, & Transportation Department 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 on May 10, 2023 before 2:00:00 p.m. No proposal will be accepted by the Owner after this time. Facsimile (FAX) copies of the proposal will not be accepted.

Kelly Lee

Facilities Analyst

San Luis Coastal Unified School District April 27 & May 4, 2023

DAN DOW District Attorney

Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MAINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED

PROJECT NAME: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SAN LUIS OBISPO

UPGRADE (5) MECHANICAL ROOMS AT THE RED BRICK DORMITORIES

PROJECT LOCATION: BLDG. 105, 106, 107, 108, & 110 - CAL POLY STATE UNIVERSITY, SLO, CA 93407

PROJECT OWNER: TRUSTEES OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

ARCHITECT: HARRIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

BID DATE & TIME: THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023@ 12:00 P.M.

PRE-BID SITE REVIEW: N/A

ESTIMATE/BUDGET: $700,000

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: 2.5 MONTHS

START DATE: JUNE 20, 2023

COMPLETION: SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

(CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERTIME AND WEEKEND WORK ANTICIPATED TO MEET PROJECT SCHEDULE)

SCOPE OF WORK: Upgrade the heating and domestic hot water systems at Trinity Hall (105), Santa Lucia Hall (106), Muir Hall (107), Sequoia Hall (108), and Tenaya Hall (110). Work in each mechanical room includes demo of existing piping and components, installation of (4) domestic hot water tanks, heat exchanger, (2) heating hot water pumps, and associated piping, valves and fittings, and piping insulation. The University will be performing the following trades: Engineering Services (Controls)

BIDS SHALL BE EMAILED TO: tomm@mainoslo.com and sonnys@mainoslo.com

BID REQUIREMENTS:

1. Subcontractors must be bondable and may be required to provide Payment and Performance Bonds.

2. Bid Bond is not required.

3. Safety Record is of the utmost importance. Subcontractors with aggregate EMR Rate of 1.5 over the past three years may be disqualified.

4. Prevailing Wage

TO VIEW PLANS/SPEC:

Plans and specs may be downloaded from ASAP Reprographics at www.asapplanroom.com

Plans and specs may also be viewed at the following Builders Exchanges:

- SLO County Builders Exchange – www.slocbe.com

- Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association – www.smvca.org

- Central California Builders Exchange – www.cencalbx.com

Maino Construction Company, Incorporated is an equal opportunity Contractor. It is the responsibility of each Subcontractor to view all pertinent information and documents prior to submitting a proposal.

May 4, 2023

INVITATION TO BID (SUB BIDS ONLY)

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MAINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED

PROJECT NAME: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SAN LUIS OBISPO

YOSEMITE TOWER 6, TOWER 7, MAIN LOUNGE AND TRINITY LOWER EAST

ROOF REPLACEMENTS PROJECT

PROJECT LOCATION: BLDG. 114-0, 114-G, 114-H & 105 - CAL POLY STATE UNIVERSITY, SLO, CA 93407

PROJECT OWNER: TRUSTEES OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

ARCHITECT: HARRIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

BID DATE & TIME: THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023@ 12:00 P.M.

PRE-BID SITE REVIEW: N/A

ESTIMATE/BUDGET: $750,000

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: 2.5 MONTHS

START DATE: JUNE 20, 2023

COMPLETION: SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

(CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERTIME AND WEEKEND WORK ANTICIPATED TO MEET PROJECT SCHEDULE)

SCOPE OF WORK: Remove existing roof systems and replace with new PVC roofing system (membrane, rigid insulation, jacks, boots, termination bars, flashing and counterflashing) along with installation of an engineered structural fall restraint/fall arrest system on the above noted dormitory roofs.

The University will be performing the following trades: Plumbing, Electrical, & HVAC

BIDS SHALL BE EMAILED TO: tomm@mainoslo.com and sonnys@mainoslo.com

BID REQUIREMENTS:

1. Subcontractors must be bondable and may be required to provide Payment and Performance Bonds.

2. Bid Bond is not required.

3. Safety Record is of the utmost importance. Subcontractors with aggregate EMR Rate of 1.5 over the past three years may be disqualified.

4. Prevailing Wage

TO VIEW PLANS/SPEC:

Plans and specs may be downloaded from ASAP Reprographics at www.asapplanroom.com

Plans and specs may also be viewed at the following Builders Exchanges:

- SLO County Builders Exchange – www.slocbe.com

- Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association – www.smvca.org

- Central California Builders Exchange – www.cencalbx.com

Maino Construction Company, Incorporated is an equal opportunity Contractor. It is the responsibility of each Subcontractor to view all pertinent information and documents prior to submitting a proposal.

May 4, 2023

Free Will Astrology by Rob

Brezsny

Homework: Name three wonderful things you want to be experiencing one year from today. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): Before forming the band called The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney performed under various other names: the Quarrymen, Japage 3, and Johnny and the Moondogs. I suspect you are currently at your own equivalent of the Johnny and the Moondogs phase. You’re building momentum. You’re gathering the tools and resources you need. But you have not yet found the exact title, descriptor, or definition for your enterprise. I suggest you be extra alert for its arrival in the coming weeks.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): I’ve selected a passage to serve as one of your prime themes during the rest of 2023. It comes from poet Jane Shore. She writes, “Now I feel I am learning how to grow into the space I was always meant to occupy, into a self I can know.” Dear Taurus, you will have the opportunity to grow ever-more assured and self-possessed as you embody Shore’s description in the coming months. Congratulations in advance on the progress you will make to more fully activate your soul’s code.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Georges Rouault (1871-1958) was a Gemini painter who bequeathed the world more than 3,000 works of art. There might have been even more. But years before he died, he burned 315 of his unfinished paintings. He felt they were imperfect, and he would never have time or be motivated to finish them. I think the coming weeks would be a good time for you to enjoy a comparable purge, Gemini. Are there things in your world that don’t mean much to you anymore and are simply taking up space? Consider the possibility of freeing yourself from their stale energy.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): Britain occupied India for almost 200 years. It was a ruthless and undemocratic exploitation that steadily drained India’s wealth and resources. Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t the only leader who fought British oppression, but he was among the most effective. In 1930, he led a 24-day, 240-mile march to protest the empire’s tyrannical salt tax. This action was instrumental in energizing the Indian independence movement that ultimately culminated in India’s freedom. I vote to make Gandhi one of your inspirational role models in the coming months. Are you ready to launch a liberation project? Stage a constructive rebellion? Martial the collaborative energies of your people in a holy cause?

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): As crucial as it is to take responsibility, it is also essential to recognize where our responsibilities end and what should be left for others to do. For example, we usually shouldn’t do work for other people that they can just as easily do for themselves. We shouldn’t sacrifice doing the work that only we can do and get sidetracked doing work that many people can do. To be effective and to find fulfillment in life, it’s vital for us to discover what truly needs to be within our care and what should be outside of our care. I see the coming weeks as a favorable time for you to clarify the boundary between these two.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo-born Marie Laveau (1801-1881) was a powerful Voodoo priestess, herbalist, activist, and midwife in New Orleans. According to legend, she could walk on water, summon clairvoyant visions, safely suck the poison out of a snake’s jowls, and cast spells to help her clients achieve their hearts’ desires. There is also a wealth of more tangible evidence that she was a community activist who healed the sick, volunteered as an advocate for prisoners, provided free teachings, and did rituals for needy people who couldn’t pay her. I hereby assign her to be your inspirational role model for the coming weeks. I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What are the best methods to exorcize our personal demons, ghosts, and goblins? Or at least subdue them and neutralize their ill effects? We all have such phantoms at work in our psyches, corroding our confidence and undermining our intentions. One approach I don’t recommend is to get mad at yourself for having these interlopers. Never do that. The demons’ strategy, you see, is to manipulate you into being mean and cruel to yourself. To drive them away, I suggest you shower yourself with love and kindness. That seriously reduces their ability to trick you and hurt you—and may even put them into a deep sleep. Now is an excellent time to try this approach.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As she matured, Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote, “I am learning how to compromise the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities without such screaming pain.” I believe you’re ready to go even further than Plath was able to, dear Scorpio. In the coming weeks, you could not merely “compromise” the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities. You could synergize them and get them to collaborate in satisfying ways. Bonus: I bet you will accomplish this feat without screaming pain. In fact, you may generate surprising pleasures that delight you with their revelations.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some primates use herbal and clay medicines to self-medicate. Great apes, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas ingest a variety of ingredients that fight against parasitic infection and help relieve various gastrointestinal disturbances. (More info: tinyurl.com/PrimatesSelfMedicate.) Our ancestors learned the same healing arts, though far more extensively. And many Indigenous people today still practice this kind of self-care. With these thoughts in mind, Sagittarius, I urge you to spend quality time in the coming weeks deepening your understanding of how to heal and nurture yourself. The kinds of “medicines” you might draw on could be herbs, and may also be music, stories, colors, scents, books, relationships, and adventures.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The mythic traditions of all cultures are replete with tales of clashes and combats. If we draw on these tales to deduce what activity humans enjoy more than any other, we might conclude that it’s fighting with each other. But I hope you will avoid this normal habit as much as possible during the next three weeks, Capricorn. I am encouraging you to actively repress all inclinations to tangle. Just for now, I believe you will cast a wildly benevolent magic spell on your mental and physical health if you avoid arguments and skirmishes. Here’s a helpful tip: In each situation you’re involved in, focus on sustaining a vision of the most graceful, positive outcome.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there a person who could serve as your Uber Mother for a while? This would be a wise and tender maternal ally who gives you the extra nurturing you need, along with steady doses of warm, crisp advice on how to weave your way through your labyrinthine decisions. Your temporary Uber Mother could be any gender, really. They would love and accept you for exactly who you are, even as they stoke your confidence to pursue your sweet dreams about the future. Supportive and inspirational. Reassuring and invigorating. Championing you and consecrating you.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Congratulations on acquiring the Big New Riddle! I trust it will inspire you to grow wiser and kinder and wilder over the coming months. I’ve compiled some clues to help you unravel and ultimately solve this challenging and fascinating mystery. 1. Refrain from calling on any strength that’s stingy or pinched. Ally yourself solely with generous power. 2. Avoid putting your faith in trivial and irrelevant “benefits.” Hold out for the most soulful assistance. 3. The answer to key questions may often be, “Make new connections and enhance existing connections.” ∆