New Times, May 2, 2024

BY NEW TIMES STAFF

Editor’s note

Are you ready to catch all the top dogs and cool cats as they fly by into the winner’s circle? You better hold on, because there are a lot! With more than 200 restaurants, bars, businesses, and community members in this formation, we barely had room in this issue for all of them—but we snagged a couple of extra sidecars to bring it all together. Thanks to you dear readers who weighed in on your favorites in our annual readers poll, we’ve gathered quite the crew together for this year’s ride. Throw on a pair of tinted goggles as you open up our largest issue of the year because these winners shine bright [19]

Also this week, read about where the new temporary housing shelter—Welcome Home Village—is going in SLO [4], a gallery in Cambria focused on solo artist shows [87], and the new market at the SLO Public Market [96]

donating

Camillia Lanham editor

cover image by Alex Zuniga cover design by Alex Zuniga

Welcome Home Village set to join SLO County Health Agency campus

San Luis Obispo County’s proposed Welcome Home Village temporary housing project found a new home after its former South Higuera location proved to be troublesome.

Originally reserved for a county-owned gravel lot behind the Department of Social Services headquarters on Higuera Street in the city of SLO, the 80-bed shelter program will now join the county’s Health Agency campus along Johnson Avenue.

The move, which the county announced on April 26, comes months after Los Angeles attorney Paul Beard II wrote a critical letter to the Board of Supervisors about a reported lack of consultation with several concerned South Higuera business and property owners.

Beard’s letter also called for a thorough environmental review and informed the supervisors that the county isn’t eligible for a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption because the Welcome Home Village project on Higuera Street was inconsistent with SLO’s zoning designation.

“The county of San Luis Obispo did not pursue a project at the South Higuera Street location because the underlying zoning for the project prohibited residential use altogether,” Homeless Services Division spokesperson Suzie Freeman said. “The time and resources needed to change the property’s zoning and prepare an environmental impact report for the project did not fit within the Encampment Resolution Fund’s deadlines and, therefore, the county pursued other locations.”

“The zoning for this location allows for supportive housing and the state has established various exemptions from CEQA review for properties like this one in order for agencies to establish supportive housing,” she said.

According to the county, Welcome Home Village’s inclusion in the Health Agency campus brings it closer to behavioral health resources like the crisis

Welcome Home Village, developing 34 interim- and 46 permanent-supportive housing units.

“Like those two communities, each person participating in the Welcome Home Village program will be working with their assigned case worker to actively pursue self-sufficiency and stable housing,” Freeman said.

While the county hasn’t established a waitlist for Welcome Home Village yet, Santa Maria-based nonprofit Good Samaritan Shelter will identify program participants and will also provide site management and resident services. The project will provide priority placement to the homeless community members living in the Bob Jones Bike Trail encampment corridor.

The Welcome Home Village project faced a time constraint too. The $13.4 million Encampment Resolution Fund dedicated to the project must be used up before it expires in 2026. By switching to the Health Agency campus location, the county sidestepped meeting Beard’s demands. Freeman added that the new space doesn’t require a CEQA review.

Grover H2O sues city over handling of water rates petition

In another jab against the city, Grover H2O filed a lawsuit against Grover Beach, City Clerk Wendi Sims, and City Councilmember Daniel Rushing.

“Our view is that the city clerk and the city attorney are actually censoring free political speech, and it’s a form of election tampering,” Grover H2O spokesperson and former Grover Beach Mayor Debbie Peterson told New Times. “They’re obstructing the people’s ability to circulate a petition and put something on the ballot, which is a right that’s guaranteed in California.”

After the Grover Beach City Council voted 3-2 in December 2023 to increase water rates by almost 20 percent over the next four years to help fund Grover Beach’s portion of the Central Coast Blue water reclamation project, Grover H2O served the council with a notice of the intent to repeal the new rates. Then, in January, Grover H2O served Mayor Karen

stabilization unit, substance misuse disorder clinic, and mental health treatment services.

The project models itself after successful transitional housing programs like 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s Cabins for Change and DignityMoves’ noncongregate housing in downtown Santa Barbara. DignityMoves will design the modular homes for

Bright and Councilmembers Zach Zimmerman and Daniel Rushing with an intent to recall them.

According to Grover H2O, the group received more than the minimum number of signatures on all three recall notices and also gathered 1,083 signatures for the ballot initiative to repeal the rate increases. Peterson said Grover H2O filed the repeal with the city clerk on March 11.

“City Clerk Wendi Sims now has 30 days plus holidays and weekends to count the signatures after which she must present the count at the next regular City Council meeting,” Peterson said. “At that time, the council may either adopt the repeal, place it on the Nov. 5 ballot or send it out to committees for up to 30 days.”

In a March 25 email, Sims told New Times that the final review of the initiative petitions would be April 25. If they were determined to be adequate and certified, they would be agendized for the May 13 council meeting.

The county anticipates an ongoing annual cost of $1.9 million for maintaining Welcome Home Village after the encampment resolution fund sunsets in June 2026. County staff is working on identifying other funding sources to sustain the project from then on. ∆

During the April 22 City Council meeting, council members decided to follow Arroyo Grande’s lead and pull out of the Central Coast Blue agreement and opted to discuss what an updated water rate structure might look like during the May 13 meeting. Peterson said since March 11, the city has delayed Grover H2O’s recall effort and repeal initiative, which caused the group to take legal action.

“Now it’s too late to recall the mayor and Councilmember Zimmerman, but it’s not too late to put the recall of Councilmember Rushing on the 2024 ballot,” she said. “So basically, we’re asking the court to hear this quickly so that we can go gather those petitions.”

According to the lawsuit, the petitions were submitted and rejected five times in the winter and spring of 2024, and the rejection notice was always sent on the last possible day within minutes of the close of business hours.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

MODEL BEHAVIOR SLO County’s Welcome Home Village will look similar to Hope Village (pictured)—a Santa Maria project set up by DignityMoves and Good Samaritan that opened in March.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO COUNTY

“Each notice of rejection impermissibly and illegally demanded the removal of language that was alleged to be false or misleading. Petitioners have experienced working with multiple city and county election officers,” the lawsuit reads. “In petitioners’ experience, it is highly unusual to continuously wait until the last minute to reject a petition. On the contrary, in petitioners’ experience, other elections officials have generally been efficient and helpful. Petitioners believe the city clerk’s actions were intended to obstruct and delay the electoral process.”

Peterson said that though it’s too late to put the recall of Mayor Bright and Councilmember Zimmerman on the November ballot, they’re looking at other election dates.

“Rushing is the only one that remains [named in the lawsuit], and the option is to put them on the December 2024 ballot or a special election in the last special election in the county,” she said. “We’re really hoping that the city clerk and the city attorney would cooperate with this process.”

Grover Beach City Attorney Robert Lomeli told New Times that the city maintains and asserts that the city clerk’s actions regarding the petitions submitted by Grover H2O have been in accordance with the California Elections Code and applicable judicial precedent, and he disputes any assertion to the contrary.

—Samantha Herrera

Paso Robles schools get ready to change classrooms

Roll-off bins at three Paso Robles schools wait to be filled as teachers and staff begin packing up their classrooms in anticipation of summer moves.

“Start packing and purging as soon as possible,” Facilities and Planning Assistant Project Coordinator Britiany Baker told the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District board on April 16. “We’re going to learn from our past moves to have everything packed and ready to go for when the movers come.”

Teachers at Georgia Brown Elementary School, Lewis Middle School, and Flamson Middle School have 15 pages of packing instructions to guide them—a roadmap to help their classrooms get from point A to point B during the nine-week summer ahead as the district reconfigures itself, Baker said. The roll-off bins are for the purge. For

everything else, packing boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other materials were being delivered to classrooms, Assistant Superintendent Brad Pawlowski told board members. Those boxes, desks, chairs, and more will be whisked away by Meathead Movers starting on June 10, Baker said.

At the April 16 meeting, the board unanimously approved a contract with Meathead for the moves, which should wrap up just before the first day of school on Aug. 15.

In February, the Paso school board approved Lewis Middle School’s campus as the new site of the district’s dual immersion program—currently a kindergarten through fifth-grade program housed at Georgia Brown Elementary School, a campus that’s closing due to a geologic anomaly that was discovered beneath the site last May. Students, teachers, and the program are moving to the Lewis school site, and the program will eventually expand to include sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade classrooms.

During the April 16 board meeting, the district’s board also approved buying three additional mobile modular buildings as part of a larger purchase. Pawlowski said the district would need three temporary classrooms for the dual immersion program’s expansion, which would be cheaper to buy this year alongside the other temporary buildings the district needs.

He added that the district would “stockpile” the three temporary buildings at Lewis but wouldn’t connect them until next year.

“We’re going to place them in the permanent location. They would be set on the blacktop,” Pawlowski said. “They would be secured together; they just wouldn’t have electrical to them yet.”

As part of that February approval, the board also agreed to make Flamson Middle School the district’s only junior high school for seventh and eighth grade and to add sixth grade to all of the district’s elementary schools.

“We have to first move the classrooms from Lewis that are needing work done on them. But, in order to do that, we have to make sure there’s room at Flamson,” Baker told the board on April 16. “So there’s a lot of planning that has gone into this, and I really have it planned out day by day with the movers.”

Some of the teachers at Lewis will be moving to elementary school campuses, and some Flamson teachers will be moving to

elementary schools or the high school. At Flamson, Baker said, there will be on-campus moves as well.

Amid all the moving, the district is also refurbishing rooms to accommodate for elementary school students, doing demolition and construction at both Lewis and Flamson, and deep cleaning.

Board member Sondra Williams asked Baker what she was most nervous about.

“Not having everything packed and having to spend time packing when we could be using that time moving and working on projects,” Baker said.

Luckily, Pawlowski added, the current principal at Lewis was at Glen Speck Elementary School during its moves—the school moved to a temporary campus while its campus was renovated and then back after construction was completed.

—Camillia Lanham

County Clerk-Recorder awaits recall petition against Bruce Gibson

The group behind the renewed recall efforts against 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson has until 5 p.m. on May 2 to submit a petition containing the requisite signatures from registered voters of the old district.

Organized by the Committee to Support the Recall of Supervisor Bruce Gibson, the petition needs at least 7,375 signatures for SLO County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano to verify over the next 30 days.

“We do have to do what is called a ‘raw count’ of signatures, and what that process entails is we have to separate the sections into stacks according to the number of signatures that are on each petition,” Cano told New Times on April 30.

The committee filed a second notice of intention to circulate a recall petition on Nov. 28 last year. It arrived almost two weeks after Cano pulled the plug on its initial process to remove Gibson from office after the committee missed the deadline to publicize the recall petition in a local newspaper.

In 2022, Gibson defeated his conservative opponent Bruce Jones by a margin of 13 votes, going on to represent a version of the 2nd District outlined in the previously adopted Patten map. Before the Board of Supervisors adopted a new redistricting map in April 2023, the 2nd District comprised Atascadero, San Miguel, Lake Nacimiento, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, and the rural parts of western Templeton and Paso Robles.

According to previous New Times reporting, original recall petitioner John Whitworth said that the movement to remove Gibson from office sprouted from the supervisor’s support of reducing the voter threshold for special taxes. Whitworth claimed that it would repeal Proposition 13, while Gibson said that he supports it.

It is unclear how many signatures the committee collected as of May 1. Whitworth declined to talk to New Times. The committee didn’t respond to New Times’ request for comment by press time. Its website advertised a slew of signing locations in Atascadero, San Miguel, and Morro Bay. A call for more signatures on the committee’s Facebook page said that since March 28, people collected signatures four days a week at the Republican Headquarters in Atascadero.

“Callers will be contacting registered Republicans (there will be a script) to

determine whether they’ve signed the recall petition or are interested in signing,” read the statement posted on Facebook. “Drivers will then take signature gatherers to households that have been contacted.”

Signature gathering organizer Linda Katz Quinlan told New Times that she had no comment on May 1.

Gibson said that the “threshold question” is whether the committee will get enough signatures.

“It’s been deadly quiet. … My thought is they probably don’t have enough signatures,” he said. “If they have the signatures, they’d be beating their chest about that.”

If the committee submits the petition with enough signatures, the County ClerkRecorder’s Office will submit the verified results to the Board of Supervisors in July, according to the tentative recall schedule. The officials must call for an election by the end of July, green-lighting the recall to appear on the general election ballot in November. Gibson told New Times that he will campaign “to explain the truth” if the recall proceeds to the election stage.

A balloted recall needs a simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote to succeed. Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint someone to fill the vacancy if Gibson is ousted.

“The irony of having the most liberal governor … appoint my successor makes me smile,” Gibson, whose fifth term ends in 2026, said.

If recalled, Gibson’s removal from office would be historic for SLO County.

“I have looked back in as much history as I could and even spoke with our Elections Division supervisor, who has been here for almost 40 years, and she doesn’t believe that a supervisor has ever been successfully recalled,” Cano said.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

SLO County supervisors approve controversial Dana Reserve development

The Dana Reserve is one of the bigger controversial issues SLO County’s seen in recent years, with a divided community waiting anxiously for months over whether the Board of Supervisors would approve it. It did with a 3-2 vote.

During a two-day meeting on April 23 and 24, the Board of Supervisors heard specifics about the county’s biggest housing development in 25 years, including from project developer Nick Tompkins.

“Everyone talks about a housing crisis, but it’s not just here in the Central Coast in the state of California but across the country, and although that housing crisis exists all over and it may be especially acute here, creating meaningful, tangible, and deliverable solutions to that is really tough,” Tompkins said. “In 2020, when we first submitted the Dana Reserve to the county, People’s SelfHelp had approximately 12,000 people in the waiting list for housing families, not people. Now that number has grown to 14,555 and spread over three counties, but as of this morning, 9,434 of those families are in San Luis Obispo County alone.”

The project plans to build 1,370 residential units, with 156 being deed restricted to very low- and low-income affordable housing, according to the staff report.

FIGHTING FOR REPEAL Grover H2O members like Brenda Auer have been protesting raising water rates for months. The group recently sued Grover Beach, the city clerk, and Councilmember Daniel Rushing for claims of election tampering over recall petitions filed with the city. PHOTO

Tompkins’ declaration to house those in need on the Central Coast hit 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg hard as she said she’ll be voting in favor of the Dana Reserve.

“We don’t have houses for a lot of people, and I’m really just flabbergasted,” she said. “The Central Coast is facing an enormous housing demand and built relatively little, even accounting for public lands, lands subjected to conservation easement, and lands at risk for wildfires. So, no matter what, we’re in the category for some of the worst counties in regard to building homes.”

Long-term Nipomo resident Janine Ariey said she agrees with Ortiz-Legg and wholeheartedly supports this project.

“We have a developer finding ways to make it work for all income levels, while still providing a down payment assistance fund donating multiple sites for community benefits including a fire station, a day care center, and a college campus,” she said during public comment. “The Dana Reserve is a winwin.”

The Dana Reserve, which would take roughly a decade to develop, will use 22 acres for commercial development, including retail stores, a grocery store, and other services such as a South County Cuesta College campus.

First District Supervisor John Peschong and 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold also voted in favor of the Dana Reserve while 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson and

4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding voted against it.

“I’d like to see a review of the feasibility of a project that’s modified in the following way,” Gibson said. “That has to do with the significant strip of oak woodland or oak forest, I suppose it’s called because of its canopy. That has been the topic of so much conversation. I’m not talking about reevaluating the community; I think that I’m willing to look at something in between what the community plan has to offer and the proposed project.”

To develop the Dana Reserve, Tompkins plans to cut down 3,094 oak trees, Burton Mesa chaparral habitat, and other nonnative grasslands. Many SLO County community members have expressed that this housing project is not worth the environmental impact.

Fourty-three-year Nipomo resident Susan Duram said the loss of native environment and the increase of traffic along U.S. 101 will be detrimental for South County.

“Our traffic is already very heavy at times with two cars per home, and adding 2,800 more cars with just the Dana Reserve and 1,000 cars from the homes that will be built on the west side of Nipomo will be adding more than 4,000 cars driving into a town that doesn’t have the infrastructure or room for them,” she said during public comment. “This means additional freeway congestion, backed up traffic on the on and off ramps, and an increase in possible traffic accidents.” ∆

—Samantha

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Racing means more to the Clayborn family than just a motorsport, Joey Clayborn told New Times.

“It was a way of life for the Clayborn family, it always has been. It’s something that’s always passed through generations. My grandfather passed it to my dad and uncle, and they passed it to me, and now I have my son that’s now racing,” Clayborn said.

The Santa Maria family’s home base was the Santa Maria Speedway: A Nipomo racetrack that hosted racing for more than 40 years until the raceway closed in 2021 due to a challenging permitting process for additional events and legal costs following a 2018 lawsuit related to noise complaints and unregulated events. The Clayborns were a part of the raceway every step of the way since its inception in 1964, Clayborn said.

“[The closure] was terrible, it’s never been just a racetrack for us. It’s a home away from home. Every year … we got to go out and spend Saturday night with our extended racing family,” Clayborn said. “It didn’t stop us, but now we had to travel everywhere to race. Everyone knows how the price of everything gets really expensive week in and week out, for traveling and fuel.”

When the speedway announced it would be reopening after a nearly two-year shutdown, Clayborn said his family was thrilled.

“It was just a great feeling. We just heard rumors for so long and we didn’t know it was going to happen,” Clayborn said. “When we heard the Pombo family was stepping up, we knew that family for years because they are a huge racing family, it was just exciting.”

Tony Pombo, a multigenerational Fresnobased racer who’s raced his entire life, put in a bid for the property and signed a lease to get racing going again this year, said David Castaneda, the speedway’s general manager and events director.

“The goal was to find somebody in motorsports that would take over the track and continue to run it as a racetrack and not change it to another commercial venture,” Castaneda said. “It’s not like a restaurant; if it closes down it’s gone forever. … It’s a very unique facility and very well known across the Western United States.”

With the lease guaranteed until the end of 2024, the Santa Maria Speedway anticipates hosting 10 races over nine weekends plus another six separate weekends of go-karts, he said. Construction and maintenance crews have been working alongside local volunteers to gear up for the raceway’s first race on May 11, followed by a Memorial Day go-kart race, and its first open wheel sprint race on June 15.

“It means different things to different people. You have fans who’ve come and watched

racing for years,” he said. “[To] the race teams it means something different; we’ve had multiple generations of families from the area that started in the ’60s and ’70s where their grandchildren are racing. … They’re excited to get back to racing, they are very hopeful we can get this track back up again.”

The speedway closed in 2021 following a 2018 lawsuit filed by neighbors in the Costa Pacifica Estates development over noise complaints about racing and then the live music events the venue hosted, Castaneda said. The lawsuit claimed that the speedway needed an environmental impact report before it could go forward with any live music events. But the Speedway’s back with a primary focus on motorsports.

Next year, Castaneda wants to see at least 22 weekends of racing, from April to October, and eventually bring back monster truck rallies and motorcycle racing to the speedway.

“The other thing that is vital to a track like this is community support. We’re very encouraged by the response from the community so far; everybody is very positive about the prospect of us getting back to racing,” Castaneda said. “As it gets closer and closer, I think folks will be very happy to be sitting back in the seats again.”

Fast fact

• The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) and Solvang Theaterfest are celebrating PCPA’s 60th and Theaterfest’s 50th anniversaries with a fundraising event on June 15 at the Solvang Festival Theater. The evening will include live performances from PCPA artists, silent and live auctions, and catering from Catering Connection. Attendees will also enjoy premium seats for the Little Shop of Horrors opening night performance. Visit pcpa.org or call the PCPA box office at (805) 922-8313 to learn more. ∆

Reach Sun Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com.

BACK TO RACING After a nearly two-year shutdown, the Santa Maria Speedway is ready to open its doors to racers and fans again, with May 11 as its first race of the season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID CASTANEDA

BY GALE MCNEELEY

The right to assemble

Peaceful student demonstrations shouldn’t be disrupted by the university or police

American college students should not be forced to give up their constitutional rights to free speech, to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. That is what is happening today on college campuses across the country.

It began when protesters set up tents on the South Lawn of Columbia University and flew Palestinian flags. They held demonstrations in which they denounced the “genocide” in Gaza. Now students at dozens of universities have joined the protest. In response to this demonstration of free speech, America’s universities have called local police onto their campuses to arrest all who will not shut up and leave. Law enforcement has used tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical force to remove peaceful demonstrators.

Watch demonstration footage, and you will see students drumming and chanting. Then you will see police in riot gear hell-bent on removing every protester from the campus. The police are violent, not the protesters.

Speak up!

The police put students in danger. They do not protect anyone from harm. These videos show police mistreating students and representatives of the press by throwing them to the ground and pinning them to trees. At Emory University in Georgia, you see an older female professor thrown brutally to the ground for asking the police, “What are you doing?” In Bloomington, Indiana, you can see snipers on the roofs overlooking the demonstrators. And now our speaker of the house has suggested we send in the National Guard.

This takes me back to 1970 at Kent State University in Ohio, where I was a graduate student. There were snipers on the roofs of buildings the day that the Ohio National Guard fired on unarmed protesters and killed four innocent students. Kent State students were protesting America’s bombings in Cambodia. Today’s students are protesting Israel’s indiscriminate bombings of civilians in Gaza.

The Constitution gives students the right to protest and petition the university to disinvest in companies

Where are the protests for Mother Earth?

To the university students, the youth, and others who are protesting what many believe to be an unjust war aimed at the Palestinian people, and the profiting of the military industrial complex on the death of the innocent. Bravo! But our oceans are dying, the icecaps are melting, the permafrost is thawing, sea level is rising, millions will be displaced and die, and corporations are profiting. We are killing our Mother Earth— where are the protests for her? Why are you not out fighting for her survival, for the survival of all sentient beings?

Wake up, our Mother needs you.

Patrick McGibney Los Osos

Wake up to how SLO County treats the ‘homeless’

I’m writing because I’m concerned about the welfare of this community, let alone the state of humanity. My fiancé and I have been living in a travel trailer for six years on the Central Coast. We went from being harassed by police officers and sheriff’s deputies for simply sleeping, to a massive back down after the COVID-19 outbreak. Sadly, we felt at peace after a world pandemic.

We’ve been working at local popular businesses and saving for an opportunity to accomplish our dreams up north while finding somewhat of a transit rhythm in the county. However, the unsophisticated and ignorant attempt to assist the “homeless”

that profit from the war in Gaza. The Constitution does not give universities the right to silence that protest. Today’s students have the right to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. This does not make them anti-Semitic.

Now, Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed America to crack down on the “anti-Semitic mobs that are taking over leading universities.”

Latinos as he does today. Ben-Menachem states that Jewish students are an important part of protests on each campus. They both agree that claims that protesters are proHamas and anti-Semitic are perpetrated by pro-Israel groups to discredit them.

These brave men maintain that their protest is less about free speech and more about Columbia’s investments in Israel.

The Constitution gives students the right to protest and petition the university to disinvest in companies that profit from the war in Gaza. The Constitution does not give universities the right to silence that protest.

There are no anti-Semitic mobs on American university campuses. At Columbia, students of all races and religions camped out on the college lawn to get the school’s leaders to take them seriously.

In an interview with Glen Greenwald, two of the group’s leaders, Jon Ben-Menachem and Mohammad Hemeida, stated clearly that there is no anti-Semitism exhibited at their camp. Hemeida said he had never felt so connected with Jews, Muslim, Blacks, and

They want Columbia to disclose all of its investments, divest from Israel, and offer amnesty to the students and teachers who are being punished for speaking out for the Palestinians.

We must not let free speech die on college campuses. It’s time for us to speak up, too. ∆

Gale McNeeley writes to New Times from Santa Maria. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

by opening the Kansas Avenue safe parking site program, bringing in an influx of out-ofstate people, seemed to turn into a bust for all involved. Now, the safe parking programs (Kansas Avenue and the SLO train station) are shut down and the roads are inundated with those persons vacated onto the only allowed or “safe parking” roads.

Does the public honestly think all of us don’t try to get onward and upward? Do they honestly think that all of us wish to live nomadic lifestyles forever or that we don’t have hopes and dreams? Have they ever considered the failing of the system they believe so much in and that the lowest of any society can only be as great as the highest of that same society?

It’s frustrating that San Luis Obispo County decided to place people living in their RVs or trailers into a space between a

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pound, a jail, and across from a prison. Oh, and 40 Prado homeless shelter is across from a sanitation department. Wow! If that doesn’t make a statement about how this county feels about us! There’s an abundant amount of space around to provide simple parking

or a place for the unhoused living in tents to live, yet that’s the best they could do!? Institutionalize people in that environmental energy only to evict them!? Please wake up.

Christina Linn San Luis Obispo

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What’s happening down in Grover Beach?

It seems like former Mayor Debbie Peterson wants to make the decisions there. She could have been doing just that on the Grover Beach City Council she seems to have a vendetta against, but instead, she quit in 2019.

While quitting, she alleged corruption of both the city and SLO County. She accused her colleagues of “double dealing” in appointing people to serve on regional waste and wastewater management agencies’ boards, of “pay-to-play” for awarding commercial cannabis business licenses, and of “insider games.”

Then she wrote a book about everything!

The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies, and Suicide in a California Beach Town claims to uncover it all, capitalizing on former 3rd District Supervisor Adam Hill ’s suicide and all the corruption allegations and charges that followed. Don’t worry, Aaron Ochs, I’ll give your book about antagonizers akin to Peterson a shout-out too—Defamers: How Fake News Terrorized a Community and Those Who Dared to Fight It. He was talking about CalCoastNews and Karen Velie What’s up with the people around here? Does everyone need to write a book about SLO County’s shitty small-town shenanigans because all of the largely mediocre fish in extremely little ponds just can’t stand to be out-fished? Everyone’s upset about something.

Now, Peterson’s continuing her quest to “rid” that California beach town of alleged corruption, leaning on her hang-ups about the Central Coast Blue recycled water project (something Grover Beach agreed to participate in while she was an elected official). She got the members of her “grassroots” organization, Grover H2O, to pony up the dough to sue the city of Grover Beach!

Grover H2O sued the city clerk, city attorney, and one City Council member over election tampering due to the way the city handled its recall petitions against three council members and repeal initiative over increased water and wastewater rates due to Central Coast Blue. That’s quite a charge!

The city apparently rejected the petitions five times in the winter and spring of 2024— and always on the last possible day at the last possible minute.

“Each notice of rejection impermissibly and illegally demanded the removal of language that was false or misleading,” the lawsuit states. “In petitioners’ experience, it is highly unusual to continuously wait until the last minute to reject a petition. … Petitioners believe the city clerk’s actions were intended to obstruct and delay the electoral process.”

Whew. That’s a lot.

I guess if petitioners want to include false, misleading information in their initiatives or

recalls, they can? We can look no farther than Morro Bay and the initiative that city voters will decide on in November about zoning, the City Council, and visitor-serving uses. Really, it’s about stripping power from the elected body. It’s about preventing Vistra from developing a battery storage plant on the land that holds a defunct power plant. The initiative itself uses unclear language, makes misleading statements, and is kind of vague.

But that’s what citizen initiatives are all about. Even government-sponsored ones, like Gov. Gavin Newsom’s baby, Proposition 1, which voters passed, are vague and do more than they claim to on the surface. Our funding for county mental health services is going to hemorrhage back to the state, and no one really knows what the full impact of that that will be. All anyone heard about was all the money California was going to put toward housing the homeless—not the services that would be losing out to it.

Really, though, I don’t understand why Grover H2O is moving forward with anything at all. The group got what it wanted. Grover Beach City Council voted to pull out of Central Coast Blue on April 22 and is going to look at its water and wastewater rates again. The lawsuit was filed on April 26.

So what does Peterson really want? To try to recall City Councilmember Zach Zimmerman for voting to raise rates to pay for Central Coast Blue—but he recanted. The principle of the matter is no longer on the table.

Lawsuits seem to be the way to get work done outside of the traditional political

processes if decisions don’t go people’s way. Democracy be damned!

After SLO city business and property owners threatened SLO County over a proposed location for a temporary housing project designed to give roofs and services to homeless individuals, they got what they wanted. SLO County moved its Welcome Home Village to a spot that’s more welcome to it—at least for now. Instead of the Department of Social Services housing the housing, the Health Agency campus will house the housing. An LAbased lawyer was critical of the county’s initial plan, saying it hadn’t thought through zoning issues that would require a comprehensive environmental review. Funnily enough, the county didn’t mention the letter, the lawyer, or the disgruntled property owners in its press release announcing the new location. Surprise, surprise!

Although Homeless Services Division spokesperson Suzie Freeman said the underlying zoning at Social Services prevented residential use “altogether,” the county touted this new location’s proximity to all of these really great services.

At least the Welcome Home Village is going to be run by an organization that knows what it’s doing, Good Samaritan Shelter. Fingers crossed it isn’t a clusterfuck like the county’s safe parking site program was. The lawsuit over that one is ongoing. ∆

The Shredder is a legal beagle. Send advice to shredder@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

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

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY HEMA SUKUMAR “The world is full of vibrant colors and hues. As a person and artist, I am drawn to color.” Features work on canvas, paper, and metal. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.5 p.m. through May 29 Free. 805-7721068. 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.

FOREVER STOKED SPRING ART SHOW

Come join the Forever Stoked crew and guests to celebrate the release of their latest works of art. Featuring new

paintings from Charlie Clingman, Peter Pierce, Chris Pedersen, Ken Christensen, Carey Lynch, Cooper Willson, and more. We will also have fun tunes and tasty snacks. May 11 12-8 p.m. Free. 805772-9095. foreverstoked.com/. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

LUNNENBURG A comedy/drama directed by Lisa Woske. A widow inherits a house she didn’t know her husband owned and other surprises along with it. May 3 -19 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

MAY ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM

PARTY Featuring artists Brian Johnson, Hema Sukumar, and Thomas Brown with mixed media, paintings, and jewelry, respectively. May 11 , 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MIXED MEDIA ART BY BRIAN JOHNSON Johnson is a passionate artist, known for abstracting reality. His work all starts from photos and embodying “The Sublime.” Mondays, Wednesdays-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.

MOSAIC GARDEN POLE Create a mosaic garden pole using custom ceramic pieces, tiles, do-dads, and broken plate pieces. You’ll learn how to prep the pole, which adhesive to use, how to break pieces, and grout and mount your pole. Preregistration required. All skills welcome. May 3 4 p.m. $275. 805-2865993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert

Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

PORCELAIN CERAMICS BY THOMAS BROWN Brown’s constant endeavor in the subject of ceramics is to produce new, exciting colors and versions of crystallineglazed pieces that are “well made, beautiful, and functional.” Mondays, WednesdaysSundays, 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.

SEEING STARS BY STEVE BUDD A heartfelt and hilarious exploration of family dysfunction, mental illness, and a man’s desire to connect with his dad. May 10 and May 11 my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT LOVE BY STEVE BUDD Steve Budd brings 12 characters to life. One review described the show as a hilarious take on how people fall in love. May 12 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ADULT DRAWING AND PAINTING WITH DIANE Join to learn a new skill or dust off those pencils, paints, and brushes and get back into art with Diane, as she personally guides you through your artistic journey. Mondays, 10-11 a.m. through May 27 $20-$180. 805-400-9107. artsocial805.com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 3340 Ramada Drive, suite 2C, Paso Robles.

COMEDY NIGHT Headliner: Ellis Rodriguez, a stand-up comedian from

EARLY TO RISE

Sensorio in Paso Robles hosts Sunrise Sunday, in collaboration with Dharma Yoga Loft, on Sunday, May 5, from 4 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Guests of the event can look forward to enjoying a rare sunrise view at Sensorio, a yoga session, and access to the venue’s exhibits. Admission ranges between $22 and $40. Visit sensoriopaso.com or call (805) 226-4287 for more details. Sensorio is located at 4380 E. Highway 46, Paso Robles. —Caleb Wiseblood

Northern California who is known to be “hella funny.” May 4 my805tix.com/. Paso Lounge, 1144 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles, 805-221-7121.

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.

FIRST SATURDAY GALLERY TOUR OF PRINTMAKERS AT THE POCKET GALLERY ON PINE AND STUDIOS ON THE PARK Begin with the Pocket Gallery on Pine. Continue for dinner at Dellas or the Hatch. Finish with Studios on the Park. May 4 2-5 & 6-9 p.m. 805-4407152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

FIRST SATURDAY: WINE, ART, AND MUSIC Studios on the Park celebrates First Saturdays, a fun tradition of art, wine, and live music-filled evenings at the start of each month. Enjoy meeting artists and seeing rotating exhibitions while enjoying live music and wine from one of the venue’s winery partners. First Saturday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free; $10 for wine. 805-238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

MOTHER’S DAY CERAMIC EARRING

MAKING WORKSHOP Create your own ceramic earrings using hand building techniques. The first part of the class will be spent making the earrings out of clay. The second part of the class will be spent creating findings. We will glaze, fire, and assemble your earrings for you. May 11 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $96. 805-203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.

com/workshops. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

NAPKIN DYEING WORKSHOP AND CERAMIC NAPKIN RINGS Come join Couleur de la vie and Alecia Teague Pottery at The Pottery Atascadero to learn how to naturally dye four organic cotton napkins, with flowers and plant materials. You will bundle flowers and plant pigments onto cotton to create your own one-of-a-kind dyed napkins. May 4 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $128. 805-203-0335. thepotteryatascadero.com. The Pottery, 5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

THE POCKET’S GRAND OPENING OF ITS “BACK POCKET” Showing the latest artwork created by printmakers Susan Lyon, Kathy Madonna, and Maryanne Nucci. Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 5 p.m., swing by for grand opening. Also open by appointment. First Saturday of every month, 2-5 p.m. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles, 805-440-7152.

POETIC PRINTS EXHIBITION In collaboration with the Central Coast Printmakers and local poets, this exhibition explores creativity across mediums. Printmakers chose poems to inspire the works of art featured in this show. May 3 -June 30 Free. 805-2389800. studiosonthepark.org/events/ poetic-prints/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.

REDESIGN AND WINE: A MIXED MEDIA

MAKEOVER Do you have a surplus of canvasses from Paint and Sip events? Bring them to the studio and experiment with mixed media such as crushed glass, fabric, paper, and yarn to enhance your existing paintings. Local wine and light snacks included. Bring your canvas. May 10 6-8 p.m. $65. 805-464-2633. glassheadstudio.com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

SHORT FORM IMPROV CLASS AT TOP GRADE COMEDY THEATER Join instructor Charles Charm, an improvisor with 10 years of experience, to learn how to play improvgames. Classes are drop in only at this time. Shows TBD. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. $25. 530-748-6612. Saunter Yoga and Wellness, 5820 Traffic Way, Atascadero. STROMSOE STUDIOS (OPEN STUDIO

BY RESERVATION) Tour this traditional metal smithing studio by appointment, and gain access to an exclusive selection of hand forged contemporary jewelry, tableware, and heirloom quality art in silver, copper, and pewter. Second Sunday of every month, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 11 Free; reservation required. 805 237-8632. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, Templeton, randystromsoe.com.

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.

SUNRISE SUNDAY AT SENSORIO A special sunrise event that includes a yoga session from Dharma Yoga Loft and access to all of Sensorio’s incredible exhibits in the light of dawn. More special events held throughout May. May 5 4-7:30 a.m. $40 for adults; $22 for youth (ages 12 and under). sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, 805-226-4287.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2024 STUDENT ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION Juried by Cal Poly instructor Makia Sharp, this exhibit showcases the work of Cuesta students, featuring drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and digital art. Proceeds of sales go directly to students, less 10 percent which goes to Fine Arts Access scholarships. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 17 Free. 805-546-3201. cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/2023-24exhibitions/2024StudentAnnual.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, 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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERDIN MARKETING

ADAM PARKER SMITH: FOR THE TIME

BEING This exhibition will feature several works made throughout the artist’s career as sort of a mid-career retrospective. Adam Parker Smith has a unique ability to address complex themes in a whimsical, light-hearted way that makes his work incredibly accessible. Through July 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/adam-parker-smith/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

APRIL BANKS: OUTLANDISH Los Angeles-based artist April Banks is a creative strategist working across visual art, social engagement, and exhibition design. Her practice sits intentionally between image, space, and experience. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ april-banks/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ART AFTER DARK: GROUP SHOW Visit site for more info on this Art After Dark program. May 3 , 5-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

ART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21 HOMETOWN REALTY Century 21 Hometown Realty is pleased to host

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

COME FROM AWAY Discover the heartwarming true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and their hosts, “where cultures blend, friendships form, and music soars.” May 2 , 7:30-9 p.m. $78-$119. 805-756-2787. calpolyarts. org/20232024-events/comefromaway. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

COMIX FAIR 2024 With local comic book artists, a vendor showcase, photo booth, board games, and more, all inside the library. This mini-comics convention is free and family-friendly. Wear your favorite costume. May 11 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-781-5991. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-6:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by

SOLAR SYSTEMS

SunWork Central Coast hosts its next Volunteer Solar Installer Training Webinar on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants of the webinar will learn the basics of installing solar energy systems and water heater electrification. Those who complete the training are eligible to volunteer with SunWork Central Coast. Admission to join the webinar is free. Visit sunwork.org for more info.

—C.W.

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.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW Presented by Central Coast Comedy Theater. May 10 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

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

LEARN 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,

“you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.” Described as perfect for all ages, OperaSLO’s production promises to thrill and wow patrons moment-to-moment with expansive sets and costumes, ballet, chorus, and a nationally acclaimed leading cast. May 11 2-4 p.m. and May 12 2-4 p.m. $30-$87. 805-782-7342. operaslo. org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., 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.

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 SLOMA’s Second

Saturdays program encourages 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 unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions.

Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SHAKESPERIENCE: A CUESTA DRAMA

IMMERSIVE PRODUCT This new, cuttingedge interactive event allows guests to experience different Shakespeare plays in different locations in one night. This interactive experience has pairs of audience members moving from location to location to experience the best of Shakespeare. May 9, 7 & 9 p.m., May 10, 7 & 9 a.m., May 11 , 1:30, 3:30, 7 & 9 p.m. and May 12 , 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $18. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN

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

SOULHEAL: FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION Join us in the Library Community Room for a free presentation of the short film “Soulheal” by local filmmaker, José Enrique Pardo, who will lead a discussion of the film’s topics afterward. For more information and trailer, visit soulhealfilm.com. May 10, 4-5 p.m. Free. 805-781-5994. slolibrary.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Art Central is excited to present “Too Cool for School”, an exhibition showcasing Cuesta College students’ remarkable artwork. It celebrates the passion and creativity found within our local student community. Artist reception will be held Friday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m. during Art After Dark. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. through May 17 Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ portfolio/too-cool-for-school/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY FINDING NEMO JR. The charming 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the beloved 2003 Pixar film. This show is a collaboration between Mesa and Judkins Middle School students and directed by Marcia Geyer. May 10, 7-9:30 p.m. and May 11 , 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m. $10-$15. 805489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/mesajudkins-finding-nemo-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNWORK CENTRAL COAST

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CALIFORNIA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE: THE WAY OF WATER

Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this timely exhibition showcases George Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. Through July 8 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT BRANDER WINERY Are you looking for something unique to do for Mother’s Day this year? Why not join us at the picturesque Brander Vineyard in Santa Ynez. You’ll spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas. May 12 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/ events/mothers-day-painting-in-the-vineyard-at-branderwinery/. The Brander Vineyard, 2401 N Refugio Rd., Los Olivos. POETRY IN PAPER Karen Bit Vejle’s gallery show. Make sure to experience this unique gallery exhibit during the museum’s regular hours before the show ends. Through May 7 Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805686-1211, elverhoj.org.

TODDLER TIME ART PLAY GROUP Calling all walkers to four-year-olds. join Art Spot Wednesday mornings for some discovery play in the art studio. Each week you and your toddler(s) will be met with water play, painting, and more sensory discovery stations of fun. Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. through May 29 $35. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/ events/toddler-time-art-play-group-2/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

28TH ANNUAL CRUISIN’ MORRO BAY CAR SHOW Full details available online and at check-in. May 2-4 my805tix.com. Ocean View Garage, 936 Main St., Morro Bay.

THE 8TH ANNUAL CAMBRIA BEE, BUTTERFLY, AND BAT FAIRE Features face painting, scavenger hunt, presentations by local bee, bat, and pollination experts, fresh local foods and regional honey, observation beehive and bat houses, pollinator-friendly plants, special solar telescopes, auction, live music, and more. May 5 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-927-1934. Cambria Historical Museum, 2252 Center St., Cambria, beautifycambria.org.

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

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

CAYUCOS ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE Mark your calendars. Features more than 90 vendors to choose from plus local antique dealers. Dealers from all over California converge for a fun-filled treasure hunt of unique, one-of-kind merch. Free entry and parking. May 5 7 a.m.-3 p.m. No admission fee. 805751-3737. facebook.com/CayucosAntiqueStreetFaire. Cayucos Beach, 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos.

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

CHAKRA MEDITATION ON THE BEACH Hosted by Aurora Meditations and Rituals. May 11 , 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.

CITIZENS FOR ESTERO BAY PRESERVATION: MONTHLY FACE-TO-FACE MEET-UPS Representatives from “Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation” will be on hand to discuss current news and events surrounding efforts to stop the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Morro Bay and the industrialization of the Embarcadero and waterfront. “No Batteries by the Bay” yard signs available. Email preserveesterobay@gmail for more info. First Tuesday of every month, 10-11 a.m. Free. Buttercup Bakery and Cafe, 430 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

EDUCATOR WORKSHOP SERIES A series of three educator training workshops focused on coastal ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Designed for classroom teachers, naturalists, and outdoor educators. May 4 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $30. eventbrite.com. Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, 20 State Park Rd., Morro Bay, 805-772-2694.

ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and

Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805-528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: CULTIVATING COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS A four-week course that will take place every Saturday morning. May 4 9:30-10:30 a.m. $20 for whole series. 805-395-9323. plantaeandfungi.com/event/mindfulness-meditationcultivating-compassion-forgiveness-for-ourselves-and-others/. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria. MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. 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.

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/.

TAI CHI CHUN CERTIFICATION With the 2019 Tai Chi Instructor of the year. Ongoing courses. ongoing Call for price. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

TAI CHI CHUN/ QI GONG BASICS Learn the foundation of Qi Gong, the rooting of breathing, and Shaolin Tai Chi. TuesdaysThursdays Call for details. 805-701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.

WEEKLY QIGONG PRACTICE AT FITNESSWORKS MORRO

BAY Calm your mind and nourish your joints with a weekly Qigong practice led by Mike Raynor of Tai Chi Rejuvenation. The practice is rooted in Qigong fundamentals, and standing/moving meditations. Forms include: Eight Brocades, Five Elements, Shibashi 18, and Tai chi 24. Saturdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Members free; non-members $8-$10. 805-772-7466. fitnessworksmb.com.

FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

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

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:305:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. 805-434-9605. ttrtennis. com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

HOUSEPLANT ARRANGEMENT CLASS Visit site for more details. May 10 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL MEXICAN MEDICINE AND SOBADAS What you will learn: bases of traditional Mexican medicine; deconstructing our idea of health, learning the ancient philosophy of the Mexica people related to health, building a relationship with our uterus, building a relationship with nature, moon calendar, main elements of the Mexican Sobada May 4 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and May 5 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $310. 805-588-0656. tendtoyourcenter.com/workshop. Tend to Your Center, Toro Creek Road, Atascadero.

CULTURE

LUNCH AND LEARN: BRAIN EDUCATION

SERIES Free education series about memory loss, healthy aging, and current research into Alzheimer’s and Dementia. With presentations by Paulina Flores Jimenez, Health Education Specialist for SLO County Public Health, followed by lunch. May 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 805237-3870. prcity.com/246/Classes-Events. Paso Robles City Library, 1000 Spring St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN

TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith

based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

COFFEE CHAT SLO Join Smart Share

Housing staff and other community members for coffee and snacks. Learn more about Smart Share’s three programs, including HomeshareSLO, ADU-SLO, and Co-Living Collaborative. All welcome. May 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org. Waterman Village at the Rosa Butron de Canet Adobe, 466 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo.

FUNDRAISER: JEWELRY SALE Jewelry

sale by Central Coast Women’s League (CCWL). With more than 500 pieces of jewelry pre-owned, vintage, and contemporary. Prices from $2-$200. Affordable elegance. Something for everyone. All proceeds benefit local charities. May 4 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 805-539-9374. 1700 Block, San Luis Dr., San Luis Obispo.

HANDSTANDS AND AERIALS CLINIC

Build your flipping finesse. We’ll check out what you know, and give you tips for safe, successful improvement. The Target Skills are intermediate level, but even beginners can start working on the fundamentals. All levels welcome. Ages 5-17. May 11, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TODAY’S MARIJUANA ON THE DEVELOPING BRAIN OF TEENS With keynote speaker Laura Stack, a best-selling author. Event will be held in the SLO High School Theatre. Sponsored by SLOMERF with support from TUPE. May 7, 5-6:30 p.m. johnnysambassadors.org. San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Dr., San Luis Obispo, 805-596-4040.

KCBX PARKING LOT MUSIC SALE Selling loads of vinyl and CDs from the KCBX archives and from the private collection of “Morning Cup” host Neal Losey. All proceeds support KCBX and Cal Poly’s radio station, KCPR. May 11 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No admission fee. 1-800-549-8855. kcbx.

org/parking-lot-music-sale. KCBX Public Radio, 4100 Vachell Ln., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: MOTHER’S DAY MUSCLE MADNESS This Mother’s Day, give yourself a treat. You’ll probably spend the day with your kids, but then we think you should drop them off at our Kids’ Party Paradise and take the evening to celebrate motherhood however you want to. Ages 4-13; no gymnastics experience necessary. May 11 5-9:30 p.m. $50 for 1 child; $70 for 2 or more siblings. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com/kids-party-paradise. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LET THERE BE LESBIANS This party is a space for queer people and allies. For ages 18 and older. May 4 8 p.m. my805tix. com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, 805 242-8372.

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

THE SAN LUIS OBISPO OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK Check-in and event activities begin at 10 a.m.; walk starts at 11 a.m. This event raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. May 11 , 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. afsp.org/SLO. CalPoly University Union, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.

SLO COUNTY YOUNG ADULTS WORSHIP NIGHT Open to SLO County. May 3 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Arise Central Coast, 1775 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, 805-543-3162.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local nonprofit sports and social club for adults, meets monthly. Food and drink at 5:30 p.m. social hour. Meeting follows. Activities all year. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 2 free; $65 annual membership. 805-528-3194. sloskiers.org. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLO WILD HIKE: STENNER CREEK Embark on an adventure with us as we delve into the wonders of the SLO watershed, exploring its captivating geology, hydrology, and diverse habitats. May 4 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Stenner Springs, Stenner Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO WOMEN PILOTS FUNDRAISER The SLO 99s are holding a scholarship

fundraiser to promote women in aviation. Professor Paulo Iscold will be talking about a “black box” that he has made that will allow aerobatic pilots to record their maneuvers and play them back on a computer. May 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 805-544-0775. ACI Jet, 4751 Aviadores Way, San Luis Obispo, acijet.com.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

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

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more

details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

VOLUNTEER SOLAR INSTALLER

TRAINING WEBINAR WITH SUNWORK

Learn the basics of installing solar energy systems and water heater electrification by volunteering with SunWork. May 11 , 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805-229-1250. sunwork. org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join State Park Docent Dan to learn about the beavers’ physical adaptations, their role in our country’s westward expansion, and their local history. Enjoy an easy paced walk around the Oceano lagoon as we search for evidence and signs of beaver. RSVP by calling. May 11 10 a.m.-noon Free. 805474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OSO FLACO LAKE Join State Park Docents Cheryl and Sally for a guided walk to learn about the fascinating plant and wildlife communities. Meet at the Day Use Parking Lot at Oso Flaco Lake. Moderate walk: 2 miles. RSVP by calling. May 4 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-474-2664. Oso Flaco Lake, 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande.

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

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of

The Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc hosts an outdoor opening day ceremony for its 2024 season on Saturday, May 4, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The event will include a birthday celebration for Spirit, the horse that the animators behind Dreamworks’ Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron modeled the film’s title character after. Guests will have the chance to meet and get photos with Spirit, who has been at Return to Freedom since 2002. Visit returntofreedom.org to find out more about the event.

the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805-710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52

Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

WE HEART AG Please join We Heart AG for its fourth annual volunteering event. Meet at Heritage Square Park in the Village of Arroyo Grande at 9 a.m. for orientation and then head off to our volunteer jobs. Email weheartarroyogrande@gmail.com with questions. May 4 , 9 a.m.-noon Free. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

OPENING DAY AND SPIRIT’S BIRTHDAY

Learn about America’s wild horses and burros. Take a staff-led sanctuary walking tour. Meet Spirit, model for the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron . Enjoy eclectic locavore food, pourings from local wineries, and flamenco music from guitarist George Quirin. May 4 3-6:30 p.m. $200 for adults; $75 kids ages 6-17; free for ages 5-and-under. 805-737-9246. returntofreedom.org/visit/. The Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary, 4115 Jalama Rd., Lompoc.

FOOD

& DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through May 31 Varies. 805-824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. 805-772-2128. chabliscruises. com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of 1 to 6 people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main Street, Templeton, 805-400-4542. MAY 2024 CENTRAL COAST COOKING SHOW Watch local pro chefs cook delicious food along with local wine pairings and delectable desserts. May 7, 4:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Idler’s Home Paso Robles, 2361 Theatre Drive, Paso Robles. MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Join the wineries of the Tin City Annex for a day passport. Taste at all four wineries for $40. May 4 , 12-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Tin City Annex, Limestone Way, Paso Robles. MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT THE CASTLE Celebrate Mother’s Day with a delightful brunch at Tooth and Nail House of Wine. Enjoy a gourmet selection of dishes expertly crafted by our chef, paired with our finest wines. It’s the perfect setting to honor Mom and create lasting memories. Reserve your table now. May 12 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $45. 805-369-6100. toothandnailwine.com. Tooth and Nail Winery, 3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. MOTHER’S DAY: BUILD A BRUNCH BOX Celebrate Mother’s Day and enjoy a glass of our newly released 2023 Tracing Paper Rosé as you create your own brunch box with Alba Provisions including gourmet cheese and charcuterie, quiche, fresh baked pastries, yogurt parfaits, and sweets. May 11 1-3 p.m. $45. 805-4345607. onxwines.com/events/mothersday-at-onx/. ONX Wines, 2910 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.

MOTHER’S DAY LAVENDER FARM EXPERIENCE AND CHARCUTERIE BOARD WORKSHOP Visit site for tickets and more info on this special Mother’s Day event. May 12 9 a.m.-noon my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel. 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. 805-4606042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. 805-400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/ tin-city-walking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles. FOOD & DRINK continued page 17

FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY TONY STROMBERG

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.

Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-242-1167.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA AT THE DALLIDET Here’s your chance to celebrate daughters, mothers, and grandmothers by experiencing this great British tradition. May 12 , 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.com.

SIP ‘N SAUNTER Explore downtown San Luis Obispo’s diverse lineup of retailers while tasting some of the finest food and beverages the Central Coast has to offer. Local wineries, beverage providers, restaurants, and caterers from around SLO County will serve tastings and small bites at downtown retail locations. May 5 , 1-4 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/sipn-saunter. Downtown San Luis Obispo, Corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, 805-549-0355.

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

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANCIENT PEAKS OCEANFRONT WINEMAKERS DINNER

Ancient Peaks Winemaker Michael Sinor and Executive Chef Eddie Ruiz welcome you to this exclusive and intimate evening. May 8 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com. SeaVenture Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Pismo Beach, 805-779-1779.

FIESTA AT FIN’S 100 percent of the price of your dinner is donated by Fin’s to 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Fin’s employees donate their time and their tips as well. May 7, 4-7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Fin’s Restaurant, 25 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, 805-473-3467.

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/ email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles plays guitar-woven music that has an indie attitude and a tough beat and generates curiosity with original songs that are in distinctive stylistic shapes outside the pop main stream. May 11 , 7-10 p.m. eastoneverett.com. The Savory Palette (formerly Morro Bay Wine Seller), 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 679-3326 / (805) 858-8440.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music with an indie attitude through songs in distinctive stylistic shapes outside the pop mainstream. May 4 , 5-8 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Kickers, 885 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 805-225-1769.

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

KING YELLOWMAN Yellowman ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley’s death. May 8 7 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

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.

MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Under the baton of conductor Brenda Hascall, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a concert sponsored by the James Irvine Foundation and the Morro Bay Rotary Club. All donations will benefit the Los Osos Middle School Music program. May 4 , 1-3 p.m. morrobaywhitecaps.com/. Tidelands Park, South end of Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

THE COUNTERFEIT KINGS A Barrel Room Concert. May 5 5-7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS: VIVA LA MUSICA! “Let us serenade you with the music we are taking to The Tuscany International Choral Festival,” shares director Cassandra Tarantino. BYO picnic chair. Box picnic lunches are available for purchase, or bring your own. May 5 3 p.m. General $20; student with ID - $5; Veterans and spouses get in for free. tickets.cuesta. edu. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. May 5 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Outlaws Bar, Grill, & Casino, 9850 E Front St, Atascadero, 805-466-2000.

JOLON STATION BAND VARIETY SHOW Come join Jolon Station Band every Thursday night in downtown Atascadero for a night of comedy, musical guests, prize wheels, and more. Thursdays, 8-10 p.m. $5 at the door. Raconteur Room, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, 805-464-2584.

MOFUNK (FT. DEBI RED AND APRIL RAIN) Enjoy craft beer with live music. May 3 5-8 p.m. Free show. 805-296-1128.

debiredmusic.com. Barrelhouse Brewing Co. Brewery and Gardens, 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles. MOTOWN AND R&B LEGEND EDDIE WATKINS JR. IN CONCERT Experience the soulful rhythms of Eddie Watkins Jr. live in concert. An unforgettable afternoon filled with electrifying performances and soulful melodies. Visit website for tickets and all the details. May 5 , 1-2:30 p.m. 805-391-4465. awakeningways. org/event/eddie-watkins-jr-in-concert. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 9350 El Camino Real, No. 101, Atascadero. ON WITH THE SHOW: AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC FROM BROADWAY MUSICALS Get ready to tap your toes and hum along as the Atascadero Community Band proudly presents, “On With the Show,” a sensational concert extravaganza celebrating the timeless melodies of Broadway. Free with donations benefitting the Atascadero Senior Center. Nonprofit all-volunteer band. May 5 3-5 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, Atascadero Mall, Atascadero, 805-466-2051. SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members

ALWAYS AMAZING. NEVER ROUTINE.

CELTIC

LAVENDER FARM U-PICK Experience

always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

WAR LIVE See the legendary group live in concert. May 4 Vina Robles Amphitheatre, 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 805-286-3680, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

THE ALUM RIDGE BOYS AND ASHLEE AT THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER

An evening of old-time mountain music from the Blue Ridge with The Alum Ridge Boys and Ashlee at the Historic Octagon Barn Center, with an old-time jam before the show. May 7 7-9 p.m. $20 advance; $25 door. 805-235-2874. eventbrite.com. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

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

diversity of thought and experience?” The Cuesta Chamber Singers and Voce will attempt this important task through “our love and hard work, using the tools given to us in this inspiring set of music.” May 10, 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ ENSEMBLES CONCERT

A evening of sophistication and swing in this end of the (school) year jazz show. Featuring the Cuesta big band and the best of the school’s jazz combos, this concert is “the best at featuring our best.” May 11 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE SPRING

CONCERT The Cuesta Wind Ensemble performs a concert featuring music of Tichelli, Brahms, and more in the beautiful CPAC. The closing concert of the season, conducted by Jennifer Martin. May 8 7:30 p.m. General $15; student with ID; $10. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN Visit site for tickets to the event and more info. May 4 my805tix.com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974.

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

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

season, featuring classic works by Brahms, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, local composers Stefan Podell and Meredith Brammeier, with the Forbes Pipe Organ, SLO Youth Symphony, and guest soloists Gilles Apap, Andrew Balio, and Salome Jordania. May 4 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $12-$82. 805-543-3533. slosymphony.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

W. TERRENCE SPILLER: BEETHOVEN PIANO SONATA CYCLE VIII Pianist and Cal Poly Professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will conclude his survey of Beethoven piano sonatas in this eighth and final recital. May 10, 7:30 p.m. $20 general; $10 students. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

X AMBASSADORS Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome. May 7 7:30 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY Enjoy live music from Brass Mash. Tickets available online in advance. May 3 6-10 p.m. my805tix.com/. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

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

CAL POLY GUITAR RECITAL Cal Poly Music Department student guitarists present this free recital. May 3 7 p.m. Free. 805-7562406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

LOST TO THE VOID, IMPALEMENT, AND 805 PROOF Presented by GS3events and PinUp. May 10 7 p.m. my805tix. com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974.

MUSIC FOR GENERATIONS: A TRIBUTE TO GARY LAMPRECHT Visit site for tickets and more info. May 4, 3-5 p.m. my805tix. com/. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, 805-925-3500.

Weekly Themes: From "Retro Revival" to "Upcycling Ideas."

decor piece.

Share: Post on social media with #ThriftedTreasures & tag @GoodwillCentralCoast.

CAL POLY’S AN EVENING OF WOODWIND CHAMBER MUSIC Several Cal Poly music ensembles will perform a variety of traditional and contemporary repertoire featuring woodwind instruments. May 9 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/free/. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY: ALL THAT BRASS The Cal Poly Brass Ensembles present “All That Brass.” The free, public concert will be at San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. May 7 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

CINCO DE MAYO WITH METALACHI For ages 18 and over. May 5 , 6 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843, slobrew.com.

CUESTA CHOIRS CONCERT: BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT “How do we bring together our audience, with its incredible

RIFF TIDE: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

There’s a new stage set up, a fabulous fire-filled ambiance, excellent drink menu, and fantastic music from Riff Tide on the patio. May 4 , 6-9:30 p.m. Free show. 805-457-4677. debiredmusic.com.

Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

SAM HIRSH QUARTET FEATURING

RALPH MOORE Presented by the San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation. May 11 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COUNTY TRUMPET ALLIANCE

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT The San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance presents a special Mother’s Day concert this year. May 12 2 p.m. $10-$15. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SLO SYMPHONY 2023-2024 SEASON

Enjoy the SLO Symphony’s 2023-24

LUCRECIA GS3events presents this live music event with alternative rock, post-hardcore, and other genres. May 5 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Fuego in Grover Beach, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 710-6477.

THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF MOTOWN Don’t miss this superband with internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, Smokey Robinson, and many more Motown legends. May 4 , 7:30-10 p.m. $53-$63. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/magical-music-ofmotown/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Share & Inspire: See how the community & influencers style their finds.

Make an Impact: Your participation supports Goodwill’s mission for a sustainable future.

Let’s Thri , Share, and Inspire Together!

SYMMETRICAL SHOWCASE

A diverse variety of artworks from Allan Hancock College students is currently on display in the Ann Foxworthy Gallery’s annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition, which runs through Wednesday, May 10. The exhibit highlights paintings, drawings, sculptures, digital art, and works of other media. Visit hancockcollege.edu/gallery to find out more about the showcase. The gallery is located inside Hancock’s Academic Resource Center in Santa Maria. —C.W.

MARIACHI REYNA DE LOS ANGELES One of the world’s top mariachis kicks off the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Formed in 1994, Reyna was the first female Mariachi to reach international stardom with original compositions, arrangements and interpretations of mariachi classics, along the way breaking stereotypes around the genre. May 3 7:30-10 p.m. $39-$59. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/mariachi-reyna-de-los-angeles/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

MUSIC FOR GENERATIONS: A TRIBUTE TO GARY LAMPRECHT Visit site for tickets and more info. May 2 , 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Pkwy., Nipomo.

TALENTDREAMS SPRING PICNIC AND MUSIC IN THE VINEYARD A fundraiser with food, wine, live music, and more. May 4 1 p.m. my805tix.com. Malene Scene Airstream, 7767 Orcutt Road, Arroyo Grande.

TRUE ZION Enjoy a night of reggae music and good vibes. May 11 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Ribline by the Beach, 395 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG 805 CALI TEJANOS Visit site for more info and tickets available in advance online. May 3 my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714. ∆

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAN HANCOCK COLLEGE

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Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica is San Luis Obispo’s Best Restaurant. Inside the historic Sinsheimer Bros. building on Monterey Street, you’ll find ambiance, community, Italian dishes, and hopefully a Flatliner or two.

EATS

BEST NORTH COUNTY RESTAURANT The Range

22317 EL CAMINO REAL, SANTA MARGARITA (805) 438-4500 @therangerestaurant facebook.com/TheRangeRestaurantSM

BEST NORTH COAST RESTAURANT Robin’s Restaurant

4095 BURTON DRIVE, CAMBRIA (805) 927-5007

anthony@robinsrestaurant.com robinsrestaurant.com @robins_restaurant facebook.com/RobinsRestaurant

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO RESTAURANT Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

891 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH 849 MONTEREY ST., SLO (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 SOUTH COAST RESTAURANT Oyster Loft

101 POMEROY AVE., PISMO BEACH (805) 295-5104 oysterloft.com @oysterloft facebook.com/theoysterloft

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

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Cool Cat Café

3164 BROAD ST., SUITE 102, SLO 198 POMEROY AVE., PISMO BEACH (805) 544-8235

info@coolcatcafe.com coolcatcafe.com @coolcatcafe_california facebook.com/coolcatcafecalifornia

BEST PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE Novo Restaurant & Lounge

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

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

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

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

info@novorestaurant.com novorestaurant.com @novorestaurant facebook.com/NovoRestaurant BEST CHINESE FOOD

Mei’s Chinese Restaurant

1759 SHELL BEACH ROAD, SHELL BEACH (805) 773-2908 meischineserestaurant.com

facebook.com/pages/ Meis-Chinese-Restaurant/ 121668924510235

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

The county’s Best Seafood is at the Best South Coast Restaurant—the Oyster Loft in Pismo Beach—where the roasted sea bass and mussels comes with a spicy sauce, potato puree, pea tendrils, and fennel confit; the oysters are fresh; and the ocean view spans as far as the eye can see.

3820 BROAD ST., SLO

(805) 781-0766

asim@shalimarslo.com shalimarslo.com

@shalimarindianrestaurant facebook.com/shalimarslo BEST ITALIAN FOOD Giuseppe’s

Cucina Rustica

891 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH 849 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 773-2870

jamie@giuseppesrestaurant.com giuseppesrestaurant.com @slogiuseppes facebook.com/PismoGiuseppes

PHOTO

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Garrett Morris serves chicken momo (left), chana masala (right), and more out of his pop-up Sichuan Kitchen SLO, which Morris dreams up dishes for with the help of his years spent living in Sichuan, China, and Nepal.

BEST SEAFOOD Oyster Loft

101 POMEROY AVE., PISMO BEACH (805) 295-5104 oysterloft.com @oysterloft facebook.com/theoysterloft

BEST SUSHI Goshi

570 HIGUERA ST., SUITE 155, SLO 772 PINE ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 543-8942 goshislo.com @goshislo facebook.com/GoshiSLO

BEST POKE Pokirito

848 FOOTHILL BLVD., SLO (805) 439-2541 pokirito.slo@gmail.com poki-rito.com @pokirito.slo facebook.com/pokirito

MBEST NORTH COAST RESTAURANT

The Range

y ultimate night at The Range: Go when there’s music on the covered patio. Share a bottle of wine with the table. Share some apps, baby! A stinking rose pizzette or the pickled beets. Order the French onion soup, always. Torture myself over my main: Should I get the 14-hour oak smoked brisket? The pan seared elk medallions? The roasted lamp chops? What about the 14 oz. black angus coffee crusted ribeye? Oh, who am I kidding? I want the rare 8 oz. angus filet of beef. To finish? The crème brûlée. You only live once. Do it right!

—Glen Starkey

BEST BARBECUE

Old SLO BBQ Co.

670 HIGUERA ST., SLO 3870-3 BROAD ST., SLO (805) 285-2473 info@oldsanluisbbq.com oldsanluisbbq.com @oldslobbq facebook.com/oldsanluisbbq

BEST VEGAN FOOD Ziggy’s

594 CALIFORNIA BLVD., SLO

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD Ziggy’s

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

ziggysvegan@gmail.com eatziggys.com @eatziggys facebook.com/eatziggys

BEST FOOD TRUCK Taqueria El Guero

977 FOOTHILL BOULEVARD, SLO (805) 888-7752 gmorris123@yahoo.com sichuankitchenslo.com @sichuankitchenslo facebook.com/profile.php? id=100076593596132

BEST CATERER Taste!

2900 BROAD ST., SLO (805) 200-2978 info@taste2900.com taste2900.com @tastecrafteatery facebook.com/taste2900

Arroyo Grande Meat Company

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

info@agmeatcompany.com agmeatcompany.com @arroyograndemeatco facebook.com/AGmeatco BEST FISH MARKET Pier 46 Seafood Company

1131 ROSSI ROAD, TEMPLETON (805) 434-1950 info@pier46seafood.com pier46seafood.com @pier46seafood facebook.com/pier46seafood

BURRITO Tacos de Acapulco

596 CALIFORNIA BLVD., SLO (805) 543-9100 @tacos_de_acapulcoslo 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

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE,

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

IPISMO BEACH (805) 904-0104

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/sylvesters.burgers

Petra Mediterranean Pizza & Grill

t’s nourishing, saucy, meaty, herby, filling, and delectable. That pretty much describes almost every dish at Petra Mediterranean Pizza & Grill. A stone’s throw away from San Luis Obispo’s downtown core, the Higuera Street restaurant is hard to beat when it comes to shawarma, gyro, and falafel bowls. My personal favorite is the plate of two chicken kabob skewers that arrives on a bed of fluffy turmeric rice and lightly dressed tomatoes and lettuce. They come with sides of a garlicky dip, cucumber-flecked tzatziki, and paprika-dusted hummus, which create a hearty meal. But there’s more! Petra adds warm pita to its bowls too, and I happily end up with lunch and dinner through a single order. Don’t want to dig through a bowl? Get a Petra sandwich that stuffs all the elements into a pita pocket. Worried about making a mess with the pita sandwich? Get one of the Mediterranean-style pizzas, like the gyro or the Greek feta. Just don’t forget to hit the extensive sauce bar on your way out.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

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 Dave’s Hot Chicken

299 MADONNA ROAD, SLO (805) 706-0600 daveshotchicken.com @daveshotchicken facebook.com/ToLiveandFryInLA

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 (805) 544-5282 flourhouseslo@gmail.com flourhouseslo.com @flourhouseslo facebook.com/Flour-HouseSLO-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 (805) 773-4653 splashcafe.com @splashcafe facebook.com/SplashCafeChowder

BEST RAMEN Raku Ramen

799 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., SUITE A, SLO (805) 439-3088 rakuramen.slo@gmail.com raku-ramen.com @rakuramen.slo facebook.com/rakuramenslo

BEST FISH & CHIPS Pier 46 Seafood Company

1131 ROSSI ROAD, TEMPLETON (805) 434-1950 info@pier46seafood.com pier46seafood.com @pier46seafood facebook.com/pier46seafood

BEST BURRITO

Tacos de Acapulco

Living down the street from Tacos de Acapulco and their savory burritos for two years was a dangerous game to play. Whether it’s a pit stop before going to the beach, recovery fuel after a night out, or something quick and filling, Tacos de Acapulco has you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bite into a homemade chorizo and egg burrito to start your day or savor a carne asada burrito in the afternoon, packed with rice, beans, cheese, onion, and cilantro. There are vegetarian options for our herbivore friends where they can munch on a burrito filled with bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes. With reasonable prices and speedy preparation, it’s hard not to stop by!

—Taylor O’Connor

BEST MAC & CHEESE Black Sheep Bar & Grill

1117 CHORRO ST., SLO (805) 544-7433 info@blacksheepslo.com blacksheepslo.com @blacksheepslo facebook.com/blacksheepslo

BEST ICE CREAM McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

868 MONTEREY ST., SLO

(805) 439-5055 info@mcconnells.com mcconnells.com @mcconnellsicecreams facebook.com/mcconnells.icecream

BEST FROYO SLO Froyo n’ Italian Ice

956 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 787-0190 admin@slofroyo.com slofroyo.com @slofroyonice facebook.com/profile.php? id=100073203202519

BEST DOUGHNUT SloDoCo

ATASCADERO, SLO (TWO LOCATIONS) (805) 782-9766 slomanager@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 As Pie Cafe

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

BEST BREAD Bread Bike

2060 PARKER ST., SLO (805) 242-1588 hello@slobreadbike.com slobreadbike.com @bread.bike facebook.com/slobreadbike

BEST BAKERY Bread Bike

2060 PARKER ST., SLO (805) 242-1588 hello@slobreadbike.com slobreadbike.com @bread.bike facebook.com/slobreadbike

BEST OLIVE OIL

Pasolivo Olive Oil

8530 VINEYARD DRIVE, PASO ROBLES (805) 227-0186 info@pasolivo.com pasolivo.com @pasolivo facebook.com/Pasolivo

Swirl it up

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

A cone, a cup, sprinkles, and frozen yogurt. You really couldn’t ask for anything more from SLO County’s Best Froyo, SLO Froyo n’ Italian Ice in downtown San Luis Obispo.

DRINKS

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO BAR Sidecar Cocktail Co.

BEST NORTH COUNTY BAR

Whiskey & June

5950 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO (805) 466-9974

whiskeyandjune.com @whiskeyandjune facebook.com/p/WhiskeyJune-100063663957196

BEST NORTH COAST BAR

The Siren

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

info@thesirenmorrobay.com thesirenmorrobay.com @thesirenmorrobay facebook.com/thesirenmorrobay

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

info@sidecarslo.com sidecarslo.com @sidecar_slo facebook.com/sidecarslo

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 Harry’s Night Club & Beach Bar

690 CYPRESS ST., PISMO BEACH (805) 773-1010 harryspismobeach@gmail.com harryspismobeach.com @harryspismobeach facebook.com/HarrysPismoBeach

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 Eberle Winery

3810 E. HIGHWAY 46, PASO ROBLES (805) 238-9607

info@eberlewinery.com eberlewinery.com @eberleboar facebook.com/eberlewinery

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE Claiborne & Churchill Winery

2649 CARPENTER CANYON ROAD, SLO (805) 544-4066 info@clainbornechurchill.com claibornechurchill.com @clainborneandchurchillwinery facebook.com/ClaiborneandChurchillWinery

SLO Cider takes its adult beverage inspiration from the apple. The Best Cidery in SLO County can whip you up a sampler just like this, which contains its dry, rosé, mango, pineapple, and blood orange ciders (left to right).

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING

Laetitia Vineyard & Winery

453 LAETITIA VINEYARD DRIVE, ARROYO GRANDE (805) 481-1772

info@laetitiawine.com laetitiawine.com @laetitiawine facebook.com/laetitiawine

BEST TASTING ROOM

Biddle Ranch Vineyard

2050 BIDDLE RANCH ROAD, SLO (805) 543-2399

info@biddleranch.com biddleranch.com @biddleranchvineyard facebook.com/BiddleRanchVineyard

Sip to savor

BEST TASTING TRANSPORTATION

SLO Safe Ride

241B PRADO ROAD, SLO (805) 620-7233

info@slosaferide.com slosaferide.com @slosaferide facebook.com/slosaferide

BEST BREWERY

Central Coast Brewing

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

beer@centralcoastbrewing.com centralcoastbrewing.com @centralcoastbrewing facebook.com/CentralCoastBrewing

Snag a glass of more than just the 2022 Estate Dry Riesling at the Best Winery for White Wine, Claiborne and Churchill Winery off Carpenter Canyon Road in SLO. Other whites on the list include a 2021 Greengate Ranch & Vineyard Chardonnay, a 2022 Central Coast Dry Riesling, and the 2022 Cuvée Fredericka—a blend of Edna Valley chardonnay, dry gewürztraminer, and dry Riesling.

855 AEROVISTA PLACE, SLO (844) 756-7845 info@rodandhammer.com rodandhammer.com @rodandhammer facebook.com/rodandhammer

BEST CIDERY SLO Cider Co.

3419 ROBERTO COURT, SUITE C, SLO (805) 439-0865 nate@slociderco.com slociderco.com @slocider facebook.com/slocider

CATEGORIES:

Winning Images ENTRY PERIOD IS APRIL 25–MAY

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. The link below will take you to the entry form and invite you to open a free account. You’ll need an account to enter images.

• 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.

• 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 and fees must be received by 5 P.M. ON MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024, 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, 2024, 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 20, 2024, issues of New Times and the Sun

Dan Baum, 2023

J.J. Baker, 2023

Michael V Messina, 2023

Lance Wilson, 2023

Jonathan Shapiro, 2023

Dylan Kyle, 2023

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Black Sheep Bar & Grill

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

info@blacksheepslo.com blacksheepslo.com @blacksheepslo facebook.com/blacksheepslo

BEST DRINK WITH A VIEW

High Bar - Hotel SLO

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

hotel-slo.com/dining/high-bar @highbar.slo facebook.com/highbarslo

BEST BARTENDER

Branson Chubbuck (KROBAR)

1701 MONTEREY ST., SLO (833) 576-2271 info@krobarcraftdistillery.com krobardistillery.com

NBEST SPORTS BAR BEST SALAD

Firestone Grill

ew Times’ proximity to Firestone Grill is dangerously close; close enough to keep my “days without French fries” scoreboard at a near constant zero. Luckily for me, fries and onion rings aren’t the only things at the downtown SLO staple that pair well with ranch dressing. Firestone Grill has a phenomenal salad selection, which you can order as you belly up to the bar to watch any of the sports on the many televisions surrounding it. I can’t recall ordering a Cobb or Caesar anywhere else with tri-tip as a protein option. I’m a chicken lover so Firestone’s Southwestern and Asian chicken salads are more my speed, but the Firebird (the restaurant’s popular chicken strip sandwich) is my favorite non-salad thing to snack on with a beer at the bar while I watch basketball on one TV, and maybe baseball or golf on another.

—Caleb Wiseblood

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.

@sapere_mixology, @krobarcraftdistillery facebook.com/krobarcraftdistillery

BEST DIVE BAR

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

Susan Kounanis Fine Art

(805) 783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com firestonegrill.com @firestonegrill facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

BEST BLOODY MARY

McCarthy’s Irish Pub

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

mccarthysirishpub.com @mccarthysirishpub facebook.com/McCarthysIrishPubSLO

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

info@sidecarslo.com sidecarslo.com @sidecarslo facebook.com/sidecarslo

BEST COFFEE SHOP Scout Coffee

SLO (2 LOCATIONS), CAL POLY, MORRO BAY (805) 439-2175

hello@scoutcoffee.com scoutcoffeeco.com @scoutcoffee facebook.com/scoutcoffee

DRINKS continued page 46

IMAGES

3468 SACRAMENTO DRIVE, UNIT C, SLO (805) 439-2253 honeycocoffee.com @honeycoffeeco

HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-4372 secretgarden@organicherbshop.com organicherbshop.com @secretgardenslo facebook.com/secretgardenslo BEST JUICE PLACE

The Neighborhood

SLO (2 LOCATIONS), PASO ROBLES (805) 439-4033 contactus@neighborhoodacai.com neighborhoodacai.com @neighborhood_acai facebook.com/neighborhoodacai

SLO (2 LOCATIONS), CAL POLY, ARROYO GRANDE, PASO ROBLES, ATASCADERO (805) 549-0733

jamba.com/ca/san-luis-obispo @jambajuice facebook.com/jambajuice

DRINKS from page 44

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Scout Coffee barista Carson Cummings crafts a special beverage for the Best Coffee Shop and Best Coffee Roaster around.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

thepalmtheatre.com @palmtheatre facebook.com/ThePalmTheatre

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

HIGUERA STREET, SLO (805) 541-0286 farmers@downtownslo.com downtownslo.com @downtownslofarmersmarket facebook.com/ DowntownSLOFarmersMarket

BEST MOVIE THEATER Palm Theatre

817 PALM ST., SLO (805) 541-5161 palmcinema@aol.com

BEST THEATER GROUP SLO Rep

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/MUSICIAN Brass Mash (805) 801-4889 brassmashband@gmail.com brassmash.com @brassmashband facebook.com/BrassMash

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 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT continued page 50

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Four decades

Turning 40 this year, the Best Art Gallery, Just Looking Gallery, continues to serve SLO with artwork created just for the gallery from a variety of American artists.

CORE Dance

Similar to sports leagues, dance companies provide a space for children and youth to come together, learn new skills, and foster friendships. The added bonus is a creative outlet with artistic expression that’s also a physical activity. CORE Dance creates a space where young people can learn the technical skills for a variety of dance styles, guided by teachers who are invested in their learning and growth. Alongside serving younger community members, adults also have the chance to learn a new hobby through CORE’s beginning adult series. Kids enrolled in CORE not only have performance and competition opportunities, but the chance to make friendships that last a lifetime.

—Taylor O’Connor

BEST RECORD SHOP Boo Boo Records

978 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 541-0657 info@booboorecords.com booboorecords.com @booboorecords facebook.com/booboorecords

BEST BOOKSTORE Phoenix Books

986 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 543-3591 @phoenixbooksslo facebook.com/pages/ Phoenix-Books/121050681242482

BEST PLACE TO BUY AN INSTRUMENT Lightning Joe’s Guitar Heaven

100 E. BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE (805) 481-2226 info@lightningjoes.com lightningjoes.com @lightningjoes facebook.com/lightningjoesguitarheaven

BEST KIDS ARTS PROGRAM SLO Museum of Art

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

@slomuseumofart facebook.com/slomuseumofart

BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Music Motive

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, PASO ROBLES (805) 543-0377 office@musicmotive.com musicmotive.com @musicmotive805 facebook.com/MusicMotive

BEST SCULPTOR Dale Evers

1000 PARK ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 434-9237 daleeversart@gmail.com daleeversstudio.com

BEST BOOKSTORE

Phoenix Books

I@daleeversartstudio facebook.com/daleeversart

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

David Lalush info@lalush.com lalush.com @lalushphoto facebook.com/LalushPhoto

BEST FINE ARTS PAINTER

Susan Kounanis (805) 441-4238

susankounanis@hotmail.com susankounanis.com @susankounanis facebook.com/SusanKounanisFineArt

’m not sure what’s more exciting, cracking open a new book or being surrounded by that weirdly irresistible smell of old books. Luckily at Phoenix Books, they offer the best of both worlds, plus a little more. Nothing beats strolling around the cute shop downtown where books are piled to the ceiling and getting lost in vast selections of the classics, autobiographies, comics, or that nostalgic novel from your childhood. This shop is stocked with everything, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself there from open to close getting lost in a good book.

—Samantha Herrera

BEST MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

Lena Rushing

lenarushing.com @lenarushing

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

Just Looking Gallery

740 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 541-6663

info@justlookinggallery.com justlookinggallery.com @justlookinggallery facebook.com/JustLookingGallery

BEST EVENT VENUE

Flying Caballos Ranch

1150 FARMHOUSE LANE, SLO (805) 704-9634

flyingcaballosranch@gmail.com flyingcaballos.com @flyingcaballosranch facebook.com/FlyingCaballos

BEST EVENT PLANNER

Loven Light Events (559) 707-9619

scott@lovenlightevents.com lovenlightevents.com @loven_light_events

BEST TATTOO SHOP

Traditional Tattoo

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

traditionaltattoo@gmail.com tattooslo.com @traditionaltattooandpiercing facebook.com/slotraditionaltattoo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT continued page 56

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Awesome artist

Longtime Central Coast resident and Best Mixed Media Artist Lena Rushing has shown her work at every gallery within reach and beyond, highlighting the power of women with depth in her iconic style, most recently focusing on painting women as mystical forces—goddesses.

Photos: Loren Mislavsky, 1994 Agency

(805) 549-8698 kjug@jugcountry.com jugcountry.com @981kjug facebook.com/981KJUG

(805) 541-6666 news@ksby.com ksby.com @ksbynews facebook.com/ksbynews

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

the Best Place for Trivia, Bang the Drum Brewery, which hosts Brain Stew Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday and has a killer hazelnut brown ale.

Thrill of the hunt

Since 1998, Finders Keepers Consignment Boutique in SLO has been carefully curating the best couture, featuring designer labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Manolo Blahnik, and more. From the perfect vintage pumps to timeless overcoats, from trendy tops to jewelry and accessories that tie every outfit together, the Best Consignment Store offers gently used fashion that won’t completely empty that classic leather wallet.

BEST GROCERY STORE

California

Fresh Market

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

Downtown SLO

Farmers’ Market

HIGUERA STREET, SLO (805) 541-0286

GOODS

farmers@downtownslo.com downtownslo.com @downtownslofarmersmarket facebook.com/DowntownSLOFarmersMarket

BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE

SLO Food Co-Op

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

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

BEST HEALTH/SUPPLEMENT STORE

SLO Food Co-Op

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

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

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

Remember When

152 N. OCEAN AVE., CAYUCOS (805) 995-2074

@remember_when_antiques facebook.com/rememberwhenantiquemall

BEST THRIFT STORE

Goodwill

Central Coast

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

BEST CONSIGNMENT Finders Keepers Consignment

1124 GARDEN ST., SLO (805) 545-9879 slofinderskeepers@gmail.com finderskeepersconsignment1.com @findersboutiqueslo facebook.com/finders.k.consignment

BEST GIFT SHOP Hands Gallery

777 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 543-1921

sara@handsgallery.com handsgallery.com @handsgalleryslo facebook.com/HandsGallerySlo

Gaia’s Garden & Apothecary

875 MAIN ST., SUITE C, MORRO BAY (805) 225-1466

gaiasgardenmb@gmail.com gaiasgardenmb.com @gaiasgardenmb facebook.com/gaiasgardenmb

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

Habitat Home & Garden

777 MARSH ST., SLO (805) 541-4275

contact@habitathomeandgarden.com habitathomeandgarden.com @habitathomeandgarden facebook.com/HabitatHomeandGarden

There’s

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

BEST BRIDAL SHOP

Moondance Bridal

Every bride knows one of the best parts of your wedding is heading to the bridal shop with your bridesmaids and finding that perfect dress to say yes to. With 15 designers, accessories, and a variety of beautiful gowns, Moondance Bridal is there to make any bride feel beautiful on their big day. With the free-spirited, romantic, and effortlessly cool bride in mind, the shop works to create a relaxing experience for guests by offering drinks and snacks and a calming atmosphere. For a quick peek at what the shop has to offer, the website is the perfect place to narrow down your dress wish list. Appointments can be made online or over the phone.

—Samantha Herrera

you SLO County for your continued support

641 HIGUERA ST. #100, SAN LUIS OBISPO 805-549-9593

Images

MATTRESS STORE Christian’s Mattress Xpress

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

BEST SOLAR COMPANY Sunrun

775 FIERO LANE, NO. 200, SLO (833) 324-5886 sunrun.com @sunrunsolar facebook.com/SunrunCC

BEST HARDWARE STORE Miner’s Ace Hardware

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

BEST USED CAR DEALER 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 CAR WASH

Sun Day Carwash

SLO (2 LOCATIONS), ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES (805) 439-3765 hello@sundaycarwash.com sundaycarwash.com @sundaycarwash

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 West Coast Detailing

723 WOODBRIDGE ST., SLO (805) 543-9274 westcoastdetailslo@gmail.com westcoastdetailslo.com facebook.com/WestCoastDetailingSLO

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 64

Coast

445 PRADO ROAD, SLO (805) 595-3478

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

BEST EYEWEAR STORE

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

WBEST TOY STORE

Tom’s Toys

ho among us hasn’t stopped in their tracks on the sidewalk to gawk at Tom’s Toys’ incredible display of Calico Critters figurines and their fairy tale miniature homes? Probably a lot of you busy bees, but not me. Those little woodland creatures living their best cottage-core life always grab my attention despite the deadlines. It’s the most whimsical window-shopping experience, and SLO has a toy store to thank for it. Inside, Tom’s Toys is a kid’s dream, stocking items like Dungeons and Dragons characters, Barbie and her real estate portfolio, Lego, Blockbuster puzzles, Funko Pops, cute stationery, and children’s books. I have many little cousins, and Tom’s Toys is my onestop shop for when I want to spoil them with gifts.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Mention This Ad At Checkout And Receive 15% Off Your Sale sale applies to msrp

GOODS from page 64

BEST JEWELRY STORE

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 mikesshoes@sbcglobal.com mikesshoessanluisobispo.com @mikesshoesslo facebook.com/MikesShoes

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 Ambiance

737 HIGUERA ST., SLO 1301 PARKER ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 540-3380 info@shopambiance.com shopambiance.com @ambianceslo facebook.com/AmbianceBoutiques

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 @tomstoysmontrose

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE Lemos Feed & Pet Supply

ARROYO GRANDE, SLO, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES, MORRO BAY, LOS OSOS, NIPOMO (805) 489-9243 info@lemospet.com lemospet.com @lemospet805 facebook.com/lemospet805

BEST SMOKE SHOP Wild Side Smoke Shop

871 SANTA ROSA ST., SLO 637 SPRING ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 547-1022 @slowildside

GOODS continued page 68

280 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 592-1420

hello@megansslo.com megansorganicmarket.com @sayhighmom facebook.com/sayhighmom

BEST CANNABIS DELIVERY

The Source SLO

NIPOMO, PISMO BEACH, ARROYO GRANDE, GROVER BEACH, AVILA BEACH, SLO, LOS OSOS, MORRO BAY, ATASCADERO, TEMPLETON, PASO ROBLES (805) 550-5092

contact@thesourceslo.com thesourceslo.com facebook.com/TheSourceSLO

Seeing is believing

Dr. Dave Schultz opened Urban Optics in 1990 in downtown SLO and hasn’t stopped sharing his vision for top-notch optometry and stylish glasses. The Best Eyewear Store puts its designer frames front and center, and its team of opticians and style gurus ensures each customer looks their best. Whether searching for rose-colored glasses, stylish shades, or retro readers, Urban Optics is where “vision and style collide.”

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Whether the call is for an urgent appointment, a question about strange symptoms, or to schedule a routine well-check, the Best Doctor’s Office answers with compassion and expertise. The doctors and staff of Bravo Pediatrics in SLO—founded by Dr. Rene Bravo, who’s served SLO County children for more than 30 years—make up a small, intimate practice and pride themselves on their relationships with patients and families. “We want you to feel known and valued,” according to their website.

SERVICES

SERVICE

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

office@pioneerslo.com pioneerslo.com @pioneercarpetcleaners facebook.com/PioneerCarpet

111 SOUTH ST., SLO (805) 543-9900

contact@greengoodsusa.com greengoodsusa.com @greengoods facebook.com/greengoodsusa

Design, LLC

132 W. BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE (805) 202-8269

hello@honeycombhomedesign.com honeycombhomedesign.com @honeycomb_homedesign facebook.com/honeycombhomedesign

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

Chuck Hitzman (415) 269-5903

bebahslo@gmail.com @bebahslo facebook.com/chuck.hitzman

205 SOUTH ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 544-1214

BEST

Unity Electric (805) 704-0929

seand@unity-electric.com unity-electric.com @unityelectric facebook.com/unityelectriccentralcoast SERVICES

3600 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-6328

customerservice@meatheadmovers.com meatheadmovers.com @meatheadmovers facebook.com/MeatheadMovers

Dr. Brett Garrett and “The GO Team” of Garrett Orthodontics, the Best Orthodontist’s Office, with locations in SLO and Arroyo Grande, take the time to ensure their patients—children, teens, and adults—understand the process of building the best foundation for perfect pearly whites. They value

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Discover SLO Luxury Living

The Legacy Collection

Experience the SLO Lifestyle with our eco-conscious Legacy Collection. These single-family homes offer 3 or 4 bedrooms, a step away from SLO Ranch Farms, Marketplace dining, and more.

Culinary enthusiasts will revel in gourmet kitchens featuring quartz countertops and premium stainless appliances.

Tour Our Legacy Model Homes! 1042 Legacy Lane, San Luis Obispo

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Rizzoli’s Automotive

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

rizzolisautomotive.com @rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotiveSLO

BEST OIL CHANGE

Jiffy Lube Multicare

SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES jiffylube.com

BEST SMOG CHECK

Rizzoli’s Automotive

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

rizzolisautomotive.com @rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotiveSLO

BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

Glenn Burdette

1150 PALM ST., SLO

102 S. VINE ST., PASO ROBLES (805) 544-1441 info@glennburdette.com glennburdette.com facebook.com/glennburdette

BEST DRY CLEANER

Paul’s Dry Cleaners

214 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 543-2250 rudis@charter.net paulsdrycleaners.com

BEST LAW OFFICE

Harris Personal Injury

1025 FARMHOUSE LANE, NO. 2F, SLO (805) 544-0100 harrispersonalinjury@gmail.com harrispersonalinjury.com @harrispersonalinjury facebook.com/HarrisPersonalInjury

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 Richardson Sotheby’s International Realty

711 TANK FARM ROAD, SUITE 100, SLO (805) 781-6040 info@richardsonproperties.com richardsonproperties.com @richardsonsothebysrealty facebook.com/RichardsonProp

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST/ ALTERNATIVE HEALER Zen Den

1349 MONTEREY ST., SLO (805) 360-5800 info@zendenslo.com

zendenslo.com @zendenslo facebook.com/zendenslo

BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE Affinity Chiropractic Center

3565 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-8884 affinchiro@gmail.com affinchiro.com facebook.com/Drlyondc

BEST DOCTOR’S OFFICE Dr. Rene Bravo (bravo pediatrics)

3241 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 544-4460 patient@bravopediatrics.com bravopediatrics.com facebook.com/people/BravoPediatrics/100063708866029

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

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

aerovistadental.com @aerovistadental facebook.com/aerovistadental

BEST ORTHODONTIST’S OFFICE

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 THERAPY OFFICE

Body + Balance Center

1248 MONTEREY ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 541-8005

info@bodyandbalancecenter.com bodyandbalancecenter.com facebook.com/bbcslo

SERVICES continued page 78

Opulent indulgence

The massage experts of the Spa at Madonna Inn—clockwise from center bottom, Katie

and Jenna Mayne—offer therapeutic, rejuvenating treatments for hotel guests, day-visitors, and locals. Massage packages include complementary aromatherapy and offer 60- or 90-minute deep-tissue and nurturing techniques, including warm stones,

and

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Porter, Murat Watson, Jason Constable, Sarah Thomas,

heated bamboo, arnica oil, CBD,

more.

BEST PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER

Dr. Wally Hosn

1250 PEACH ST., SUITE D, SLO (805) 541-0330

office@drhosn.com iloveplasticsurgery.com @drwallyhosn facebook.com/drwallyhosn

BEST OPTOMETRIST OFFICE

Pacific Eye

SLO, PISMO BEACH, PASO ROBLES (805) 545-8100

marketing@paceyemd.com paceyemd.com @paceyemd facebook.com/PacEyeMD

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 @sloumucc 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

The Golden Paw

2314 BROAD ST., SLO

8135 MORRO ROAD, ATASCADERO (805) 543-8930

thegoldenpawslo@gmail.com facebook.com/The-Golden-PawSLO-125252204246332

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 Tigerlily Salon

659 HIGUERA ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 541-9911

tigerlilysalon@live.com tigerlilysalon.com @tigerlilysalon facebook.com/tigerlilysalon

BEST BARBER SHOP

The Ritual

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

theritual805@gmail.com theritual805.com @theritual805 facebook.com/TheRitual805

BEST NAIL SALON @Nails

1519 FROOM RANCH WAY, SLO 964 FOOTHILL BLVD., SLO (805) 543-2268 business@atnails.com atnails.com @atnailslo facebook.com/atnails93405

BEST LASH BAR

Aloha Lash Girl

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

SERVICES continued page 79

and Atascadero facilities until they can be united with loving forever families. The organization, which began in 1955, offers low-cost spay and neuter services to other county animal rescue organizations as part of its goal to end pet overpopulation.

BEST MEDICAL SPA Aesthera MedSpa

931 N. OAK PARK BLVD., SUITE 101, PISMO BEACH (805) 574-4037

aestheramedspa@gmail.com aestheramedspa.com @aesthera.aesthetics facebook.com/aesthera.aesthetics

BEST PLACE TO GET WAXED The Cheeky Parlor

2040 PARKER ST., SLO

(805) 457 5814 social@thecheekyparlor.com thecheekyparlor.com @thecheekyparlor facebook.com/cheekyparlor

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE The Spa At Madonna Inn

100 MADONNA ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 784-2474 spa@madonnainn.com madonnainn.com/spa @madonnainn1958 facebook.com/MadonnaInn

BEST USE OF TAXPAYER MONEY Road Improvements

976 OSOS ST., ROOM 206, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 781-5252 publicworks@co.slo.ca.us slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works. aspx/ @slocountypwd facebook.com/slocountypwd

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

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County

1137 PACIFIC ST., SUITE A, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 544-9096 info@lcslo.org lcslo.org @landconservancyslo facebook.com/The-Land-Conservancyof-San-Luis-Obispo-County-98093522918

BEST VETERAN’S SUPPORT ORGANIZATION SLO County Veterans Services

801 GRAND AVE., SLO (805) 781-5766 slovets@co.slo.ca.us slocounty.ca.gov/departments/veterans-services facebook.com/SLOCountyVets

BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL Erica A. Stewart

990 PALM ST., SLO (805) 540-1154 estewart@slocity.org slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council

RECREATION

BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM Kennedy Club Fitness

ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, PASO ROBLES, TEMPLETON, SLO sloservice@kennedyclubs.com kennedyclubs.com @kennedyclubfitness facebook.com/pages/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 HIKE Pismo Preserve

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

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

BEST ADA ACCESSIBLE 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 OUTDOOR STORE

The Mountain Air

667 MARSH ST., SUITE D, SLO (805) 543-1676 customerservice@themountainair.com themountainair.com @themountainair facebook.com/TheMountainAir

Bob Jones Trail, which aims to eventually connect San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach, is the Best Bike Trail and Best

Obispo Creek starting at Ontario Road and taking trail users from under the oaks out to the coast.

CAMPGROUND

Lopez Lake Recreation Area

6800 LOPEZ DRIVE, ARROYO GRANDE (805) 788-2381 slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake facebook.com/slocoparks BEST HORSEBACK RIDES

Madonna Inn Trail Rides

100 MADONNA ROAD, SLO (805) 550-5307 madonnainntrailrides@yahoo.com madonnainn.com/trail-rides-1 @madonnainntrailrides facebook.com/madonnainntrailrides

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

BEST SURF LESSONS

Van Curaza Surf School

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

vcsurfschool@gmail.com vancurazasurfschool.com @vcsurfschool facebook.com/vcsurfschool

BEST SURF SHOP Moondoggies Beach Club

837 MONTEREY ST., SLO

781 DOLIVER ST., PISMO BEACH (805) 541-1995 moondoggiesbeachclub@gmail.com moondoggiesbeachclub.com @moondoggiesbeachclub facebook.com/moondoggiesbeachclub

BEST SKATEBOARD SHOP Ceremony Skate Shop

1235 MONTEREY ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 439-0366

ceremonyskateshop.com @ceremonyskateshop facebook.com/ceremonyskateshop

BEST PLACE TO GET SWIMWEAR SLO Swim

795 HIGUERA ST., SLO (805) 781-9604 sloswim@att.net sloswim.com @sloswim facebook.com/sloswim

BEST DIVE SHOP SLO Ocean Currents

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

info@slooceancurrents.com

One-stop shop

Established in 1990, SLO Ocean Currents is a full-service operation. Owner Anthony Reynolds ensures the Best Dive Shop sells the best quality SCUBA and snorkel gear, and its staff of instructors and dive pros offer certifications, education, boat charters, and more.

slooceancurrents.com @slooceancurrents facebook.com/SLOSCUBA

BEST WATERSPORT RENTAL Avila Beach Paddlesports

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

avilabeachpaddlesports@gmail.com avilabeachpaddlesports.com facebook.com/avilapaddlesports

BEST FISHING CHARTER Patriot Sportfishing

HARFORD PIER, AVILA BEACH 1215 EMBARCADERO, SUITE A, MORRO BAY

BEST DOG PARK

Laguna Lake Park

If the Laguna Lake Dog Park is “best” right now, hold my treat bag, because it’s going to go from “best” to “wooftastic” when the SLO Parks and Rec Department gets through with it. The 3-acre park’s previous improvements—including partial fencing and concrete pads with seating—have fallen to disrepair, and many of the trees have been removed. The once green “lawn” is a bed of mostly weeds and native plants. Expect fully fenced small- and big-dog areas, new landscaping, new ground cover, dog washing and watering stations, new seating and picnic tables, shade sails, a pergola, and more.

—Glen Starkey

WBEST CAMPGROUND

Lopez Lake Recreation Area

hen I was a kid, my favorite reason to camp at Lopez Lake was because it meant I got to go to Mustang Waterpark too. I’m still a sucker for those water slides, especially the Stampede, but Mustang is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the plethora of adventuring opportunities available to Lopez Lake visitors. With more than 20 miles of shoreline, Lopez Lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and jet skiing. It’s a haven for hikers and horse riders too, with multiple hiking and equestrian trails in the area to take advantage of. Plus, there’s zip-lining that takes riders across the lake. Need I say more?

—Caleb Wiseblood

(805) 595-7200 patriotsportfishing.com facebook.com/PatriotSportFishing

BEST HOTEL

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

Dairy Creek Golf Course

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-off-leash-area @sloparksandrec facebook.com/sloparksandrec

BEST THING ABOUT SLO COUNTY

2990 DAIRY CREEK ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 782-8060 dairycreekslo.com @dairycreekgolfcourse facebook.com/DairyCreekGolfCourse

The People

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Joshua Simas Photography

Arts

Park Street Gallery hosts free reception with artist Joan Brown

The public will have the opportunity to meet artist Joan Brown during a free reception at Park Street Gallery in Paso Robles on Saturday, May 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Works by Brown, who paints in both oils and watercolors, are currently on display at the local gallery.

“For me, art is about beauty,” Brown said in press materials.

“Whether it serves to calm, to delight, or to inspire, beauty is essential and honest. If I can remind someone that we are surrounded with exquisite beauty when we just stop and look, I am gratified. The natural world and the fellow species that live with us never fail to leave me in awe.”

After a successful career in higher education, Brown dove into a second career in fine art, according to press materials.

She developed her art style after years of formal training with prolific contemporary artists.

Her colorful works, which often capture figurative subjects and landscapes, are described as unique interpretations of “what she experiences and values.”

To find out more about Brown’s showcase at Park Street Gallery and the upcoming reception, call (805) 286-4430 or visit parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery is open daily (except Tuesdays), from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is located at 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.

Gallery at Marina Square showcases three artists in May exhibitions

Acrylic painter Hema Sukumar, mixed media painter Brian Johnson, and ceramicist Thomas Brown are the three featured artists at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay during the month of May.

Their exhibits opened in early May and will remain on display at the gallery through Wednesday, May 29. On Saturday, May 11, the gallery will host a joint artist reception to celebrate each showcase from 3 to 5 p.m.

“The world is full of vibrant colors and bright hues. As a person and as an artist, I am drawn to color,” Sukumar said in press materials. “As a resident artist of California, I gravitate towards painting nearby coastal scenes and landscapes from national parks.”

While Sukumar often paints landscapes, many of Johnson’s mixed media works are abstracts.

According to press materials, Brown has been passionate about working with crystalline glazes since the 1980s.

To find out more, call (805) 772-1068 or visit galleryatmarinasqaure.com.

Gallery at Marina Square is located at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, Morro Bay. ∆

—Caleb Wiseblood

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

The halfway point

Cruise Control Gallery in Cambria began with the idea to be the last art stop for those traveling to Big Sur

Located halfway between Big Sur and San Luis Obispo, the small town of Cambria can be a perfect pit stop for travelers, with beautiful ocean and mountain views, a quaint downtown, and local restaurants. e only thing missing was a curated, all-encompassing art gallery. is is exactly what Charles Smith thought when he opened Cruise Control Gallery in 2021.

While wonderful artists come from far and wide, Smith focuses primarily on California artists who are looking to break into the art world.

“ ere’s no medium that I would limit myself from showing, as every artist has their own language,” he said. “I get to show wood ceramics, photography, acrylic oil on canvas, sculpture; we’ve had performance poetry, music—there’s no limit.”

However, due to the landslides that closed parts of Highway 1 to potential Big Sur travelers coming from the south, those dreams soon began to crumble beneath him.

“Probably 80, maybe 90 percent drop-o especially in foreign travelers such as English and Germans,” he told New Times. “People with budgets in their world traveling that want to take a piece of contemporary California, authentic art are gone. ose people are gone, and unfortunately their trips aren’t going to just open up.”

Cruise by

Before Smith came to the Central Coast, he’d spent eight years in New York. When he decided it was time to move back home to California, instead of settling in Los Angeles again, he landed in Cambria with his wife and daughter. ere, he decided to focus on giving young artists an opportunity to pro t from their work.

doing well can stay up for around two months at Cruise Control Gallery, but if potential buyers are slow, it can stay for as little as four weeks.

“Rarely do I shu e things around; I just set up the show and let it run for six weeks, and then do another one, and that’s what keeps me so excited to see what’s going to be next, because it’s always di erent,” he said.

Starting on May 11, Cruise Control Gallery will begin showing the work of Kevin Cincotta, who does at acrylic panels focusing on aspects of the desert. e Denver-based painter and musician has a background in jazz and classical music studies, and his approach to art draws from simple geometric shapes and overlapping perspectives.

For more information on Cruise Control Gallery’s upcoming shows— plus details for artists on how to show their work—visit cruisecontrolcambria. com. Follow the gallery on Facebook at facebook.com/cruisecontrolcambria or on Instagram @cruisecontrolgallery.

“I want to inspire people to be creative through hosting these art shows because if there’s no cost bene t or way forward to some younger creatives, they might lean into careers or a di erent job,” he said. “ is will take away from letting the creative spirit ow through them and do what they do.”

Smith set up his gallery to achieve a speci c goal: ensuring that gallery visitors give their full attention to the artwork within.

Walking into the gallery is almost like a refresh for the mind. With white walls, wooden beams, and artistic designs on the ceiling, the gallery is minimalistic, allowing guests to focus on the current show.

“ is is what the space is for. I’m just trying to keep it fresh, keep it interesting,” he said. “ e average show is about four to six weeks, usually, and if I have a bigger show I will stretch it to two months.”

Smith said the turnover rate for shows depends on how the public is interacting with the pieces. A show that’s

Cincotta focuses on cubism, ’50s minimalism, and ’60s pop art while diving into a bold color palette to distill complex human emotions into a single scene, according to his artist statement.

Pioneered in part by Pablo Picasso, cubism uses geometric shapes to emphasize the at, 2-dimensional surface of the picture plane, rejecting more traditional techniques that aim for art to imitate nature, according to e Met.

One of the paintings on display will showcase the beauty hidden within the California desert. A bold, bright sun blazes over the ancient rock formations, which hold stems of white owers with yellow centers, big leaves that soak up the sun, and long stems that dig

deep into the cool depths of the earth.

“After this [show], I will have a dream-like magical realist child-like dream scenario,” Smith said. “ en some nature and a ceramic show.”

While Cruise Control Gallery’s website states that hours are by appointment only, Smith always welcomes community members into his gallery. O ering those who come in refreshments while he strikes up a conversation should make visitors feel at home in the gallery as they take in the current show.

“I get to o er people my time and attention so they can look at the art on the walls,” he said. “I love to host and provide for anyone who comes in.” ∆

Send gallery, stage, and cultrual festivities to arts@newtimesslo.com.

Sta Writer Samantha Herrera is painting up dream-like articles. Reach her at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

DESERT BEAUTY Denver-based artist Kevin Cincotta captures the beauty that the California desert has to offer. His work will be showing in Cambria’s Cruise Control Gallery starting May 11.

A QUIET CORNER In a back corner of the minimalistic gallery sits a bench where guests can rest and admire the art.

WALL ART In an all-white space with wooden accents, Cruise Control Gallery focuses on showcasing art without any outside distractions.

THE SETUP Artist Kevin Cincotta draws inspiration from nature. He sets up his canvas and paints in the desert, where he’s able to fully connect with the earth around him.

Don of the undead

MABIGAIL

att Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Ready or Not, Scream 2022) co-direct this horror lm about a group of kidnappers who snatch a mob boss’s daughter, Abigail (Alisha Weir), sequestering her in a secluded mansion as they await their payday, only to discover she’s in nitely more dangerous than they are. (104 min.)

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Bulbul? Matinee

What’s it worth, Caleb? Matinee

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10, Sunset Drive-In

Editor’s note: Glen and Anna Starkey took the week o from Split Screen.

Caleb Teen actor Alisha Weir has a knack for playing children endowed with special powers they use to ward o mean-spirited adults. In 2022’s Matilda the Musical, Weir’s Matilda Wormwood used her telekinesis to punish her ruthless headmistress Miss Trunchbull for countless cruelties. When some career kidnappers in 2024’s Abigail—in which Weir plays a young ballerina hostage with an appetite for human blood and the vampiric traits to acquire it—meet their gruesome ends at the hands and teeth of the lm’s title character, the carnage feels justi ed because they get what’s coming to them. e gore is also cartoonish in all the right ways. Shortly after Abigail’s captors become privy to their target’s true self, there’s a sequence where some goons walk in on the 12-year-old in a tutu and pointe shoes dancing with a headless corpse to music from Swan Lake. It’s scenes like this that owe as much to Bugs Bunny as Dracula’s Daughter, the 1936 lm Abigail’s directors have cited as a major inspiration. Bulbul Directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett take Abigail to an old haunt: the lockedroom—rather, a locked-mansion—thriller. ey put their characters through this test in Ready or Not and Scream (2022), now putting Abigail’s victims Joey (Melissa Barrera), Frank (Dan Stevens), Sammy (Kathryn Newton), Dean (Angus Cloud), Peter (Kevin Durand), and Rickles (William Catlett) through the same wringer. Meant to guard Abigail for 24 hours before their ransom arrives, the criminal group instead

SHŌGUN

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks and based on James Clavell’s sweeping 1975 historical fiction novel, Shōgun tells the story of shipwrecked English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), the powerful Japanese warlord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) who takes him in, interpreter Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), and Toranaga’s many political rivals. It’s about a foreigner in an unfamiliar culture who slowly grows to understand that what at first seemed barbaric has its own beauty, honor, and value. It’s stunning and culturally fascinating. Like Blackthorne we are at first aghast at the hierarchies, customs, and brutality of feudal Japan, where “honor” and even small transgressions demand seppuku —ritual suicide. But honor means everything, as does allegiance to one’s feudal lord.

As Toranaga navigates the political uncertainties of his time, we come to appreciate his shrewdness while also questioning his willingness to sacrifice his vassals for his cunning climb toward power.

The cast and acting are amazing, with Sanada and Sawai as standouts—the subtleties of their

deals with a vampire child. It triggers their senses of ght or ight but a darker shadow looms over the bloody manor—who exactly is Abigail’s undead don of a father? While the lm teases the audience with the possibility of his reveal, it cuts through the tension with the occasional joke and one-liner that makes Abigail a fun weeknight watch.

Caleb It’s delightful watching Abigail pull her keepers apart, but these characters aren’t eshed out enough for my taste. I get that they’re supposed to be cannon fodder, but comparable crooks like Home Alone’s Harry and Marv served the same purpose much more memorably. Each member of the kidnapping team has their own super cial skill (Dean is the getaway driver, Sammy is the computer hacker, Frank is the tough guy with a thick Boston accent, etc.), but that’s pretty much all we get. By default, the most sympathetic character in the movie is Joey because … she has a son … and, in true Spider-Man villain fashion, turned to a life of crime to support him. I doubt she’s the only parent in the bunch, but she’s the only one who shows Abigail some semi-motherly compassion before the vampire stu starts. It feels tacked on just to give us at least one person to root for who isn’t undead.

STRANGER IN A STRANGE

LAND In 1600, English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) becomes embroiled in a power struggle in feudal Japan, assigned Toda Mariko (Anna

performances are mesmerizing. If you happen to be old enough to remember the original 1980 miniseries with Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorne, rest assured, this update is even better. (10 53- to 70-min. episodes)

—Glen

Bulbul Joey de nitely became the formulaic Final Girl but she doesn’t receive the same level of depth and care as Samara Weaving’s character in Ready or Not. e characterization seemed rushed, and makers of this lm seemed too caught up in the premise of a vampire-ballerina-underworld heiress. Yet we never get to know who Abigail is and why her dad turned her. We get clues about her past through a sinister sculpture of her and her dad, and an ancient tapestry that shows Abigail frozen in time. It’s a far cry from 11-year-old Kirsten Dunst’s portrayal of the little vampire in Interview with a Vampire, but unlike Dunst’s Claudia, Abigail appears to enjoy her life as an eternal girl. Maybe she copes with her fate by playing with her food. Abigail piqued my curiosity of the titular character, but I doubt a sequel is in the works to answer my questions. ∆

Sta Writer Bulbul Rajagopal and Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote Split Screen this week. Senior Sta Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey wrote the miniseries reviews. Comment at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

BABY REINDEER

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Wowza, this one’s a ride, even more so because it’s based on Richard Gadd’s true-life stalker experience. Martha (Jessica Gunning) seemingly wandered into his bar one night, and her eager laugh and undying attention feeds something in Donny he desperately needs. He’s a prop comic, and not yet good at being a commanding presence on the stage. Martha’s a cheap date, always ordering Diet Cokes, which Donny supplies on the house in order to keep her compliments coming. Things start to get weird, and Martha, who’s a fair bit older than Donny, starts to veer into the delusion that Donny’s her boyfriend. She’s soon overbearing, diving straight into stalkerland: hundreds of text messages day and night, following Donny around town, inserting herself into every nook and cranny she can.

as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, in this dramatized true crime story based on Gadd’s own experiences being harassed by an obsessive stalker, in Baby Reindeer, streaming on Netflix.

The series soon becomes uncomfortable, but my advice is to hold on—there’s brilliance here, and you must watch beginning to end to see it through. I admire Gadd for diving back into this painful part of his life, but I especially commend Gunning as Martha. She managed to make a seemingly outrageous character whole, to take sadness into beautiful nuance, and to make us feel for someone who’s utterly broken.

(seven 30-min. episodes)

WHAT BIG TEETH YOU HAVE Kidnapped Abigail (Alisha Weir) turns out to be more dangerous than expected for the group of criminals now trapped in a mansion with her, in Abigail, screening in local theaters.

COURTESY PHOTO BY BERNARD WALSH/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

BAMBI Richard Gadd stars

Sawai) as his interpreter, in Shōgun, streaming on Hulu.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

COURTESY PHOTO BY KATIE YU/FX

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

Coming home

Slip into X Ambassadors’ new album, Townie

Where’d you grow up? What are your hometown memories? If you close your eyes, can you travel back there, riding your bike through your neighborhood near dusk and trying to get home before the streetlights come on, playing kick the can with the neighbor kids, hearing from a distance your mom yell your name from your front door? Mundane stuff, right? But burned indelibly into your very being. X Ambassadors’ new album, Townie, revels in just this kind of nostalgia.

Created in 2009, the multi-platinum trio first formed with brothers Sam Nelson Harris (vocals, guitar, saxophone, bass) and Casey Harris (piano, keys) while they were still in high school in Ithaca, New York, later adding Adam Levin (drums) and moving to Brooklyn.

They’ve enjoyed a ton of success, including writing for film. “Deep End” was written for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, “Torches” was featured in Transformers, “Great Unknown” in The Call of the Wild, and “Sucker for Pain” in Suicide Squad Townie, on the other hand, seems much more personal. “Townie is a home-coming album,” Sam explained in press materials. “Ithaca is home to three universities: an Ivy Leaguer, a liberal arts conservatory, and a state community college. The students make up more than 50 percent of the population, and the town largely exists for and because of them. They’d call us ‘townies’—the people on the periphery who existed mostly as just background actors in the movies of their college experiences.

“I am a Townie,” he continued. “I will always be a Townie. To deny that is to deny everything that I am. And yes, my town was small, but the people I grew up with never let me think that the world wasn’t big and exciting and out there for the taking. In my town I was loved, I was encouraged, I was accepted, I was challenged, I was knocked down and picked back up again a million times. It might not have been the cultural Mecca I dreamed about, but we had a pretty sick independent movie theater and more

than one good coffee shop. The Red Hot Chili Peppers never came to play our State Theater, but that meant less competition for the all-ages shows we’d put on at the Wownet Internet Cafe. The guys at the music store knew my mom, so they let me spend hours in there ‘testing out’ guitars and pedals and recording equipment like I was actually ever going to have the money to buy anything. No one ever made me feel like an idiot for having dreams, or that those dreams couldn’t come true—just that they’d still be there for me, that MY TOWN would be there for me, in case they didn’t.

“I’m so lucky to have grown up where and how I did. Full stop. From the moment I gleefully left town at 18, I think that idea took root in me somewhere; and so, it feels very appropriate that, 18 years later, we’d be putting out an album that’s a love letter to Ithaca and to Upstate New York. This is Townie. For the Townies in all of us.”

These are great fucking songs—raw and real and melancholic and joyful, filled with poignant lyrics that will trigger your own memories. My favorite album of the year thus far. See X Ambassadors on their Townie North American Tour on Tuesday, May 7 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 at prekindle.com), in the Fremont Theater.

Also this week at the Fremont, see standup comic Trey Kennedy on his Grow Up Comedy Tour on Sunday, May 5 (8 p.m.; all ages; $39 to $125 at prekindle.com). The Oklahoman found fame on the mobile app Vine, amassing more than 2.5 million followers.

Finally, LA-based rapper OhGeesy returns on his Off the Xtras Tour featuring 310babii on Wednesday, May 8 (8 p.m.; all ages; $38 to $139 at prekindle.com).

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

“Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “All Day Music,” “The World is a Ghetto,” The Cisco Kid,” “Summer,” “Spill the Wine,” “Low Rider”—the hits don’t stop when WAR takes the stage, as they will this Saturday, May 4, on their The World is a Ghetto 50th Anniversary Tour (8 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $69.50 at vinaroblesamphitheatre.com), with El Chicano opening.

Founded in 1969 in Long Beach, their breakout occurred with the release of The World is a Ghetto in 1972, which for three months slowly climbed the charts to reach No. 1. It spent a total of 68 weeks on the charts. This 50-date tour celebrates one of the best albums of all time.

Numbskull and Good Medicine

Numbskull and Good Medicine are swinging for the fences this week with six shows at four venues starting with LA’s finest Latin salsa, urban hip-hop, jazz-funk, R&B,

and rock ensemble Ozomatli on Friday, May 3, in Santa Maria’s Presqu’ile Winery (6 p.m.; all ages; $35 at goodmedicinepresents.com). These guys are a party. Indie blues rock, pop, soul singersongwriter, and guitar wiz Zach Person on his Let’s Get Loud 2024 North American Tour plays Club Car Bar on Friday, May 3 (7:30 p.m.; all ages: $17 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with local progrock star Travis Larson. Person is touring in support of his sophomore album, Let’s Get Loud, and according to his bio, he “plays loud,

TOWNIES (Left to right) Adam Levin, Casey Harris, and Sam Nelson Harris are X Ambassadors, playing May 7 at the Fremont Theater.

SPILL THE WINE Iconic funk, rock, R&B, and Latin music act WAR plays Vina Robles Amphitheatre on May 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEDERLANDER CONCERTS

HAVE GUITAR, WILL TRAVEL Indie blues rock, pop, soul singer-songwriter, and guitar wiz Zach Person plays Club Car Bar on May 3

BARRELHOUSE JAM Diggin Dirt is one of three funk bands playing BarrelHouse Brewing on May 4 , during an all-day party. PHOTO

STARKEY

COUNTRY THROUGH AND THROUGH Singersongwriter Wade Bowen plays a Numbskull and Good Medicine show at The Siren on May 9

raw, and connects with his music fans on a primal level sonically.”

Saturday, May 4, is going to be an all-day party at BarrelHouse Brewing when Diggin Dirt with Dante Marsh & The Vibe Setters and Boot Juice play the BarrelHouse Jam (2 p.m.; all ages; $30 at goodmedicinepresents. com). Diggin Dirt is an awesome funk ban— tight, with deep grooves and danceable beats. The Vibe Setters are also a super soulful multi-New Times Music Awards winner.

Boot Juice delivers the jazz funk with doses of soul and blues thrown in.

Kelsey Lynn and Stormie Leigh join forces on their Real Recognize Real Tour on Saturday, May 4, at Club Car Bar (6 p.m.;

all ages; $18 at goodmedicinepresents.com). These two badass ladies will get in your faces with country rap. Funny, witty, sassy … this is going to get “real.”

Cash’d Out brings their Johnny Cash tribute to Club Car Bar on Sunday, May 5 (7 p.m.; all ages; $20 at goodmedicinepresents. com). If you dig the man in black, these guys deliver the authentic vibe.

Finally, country singer-songwriter Wade Bowen plays The Siren on Thursday, May 9 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23 at goodmedicinepresents.com), with Joe & Martina opening. Bowen’s got two decades and 4,000 shows under his big ol’ belt buckle—a Texas troubadour inspired by the likes of Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Robert Earl Keen.

The Siren

Also at The Siren this week, dancehall superstar King Yellowman plays on Wednesday, May 8 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $20 at tixr.com). He’s credited with elevating the popularity of “toasting,” the reggae equivalent of rapping, to increased popularity.

“For better or for worse, he also epitomized dancehall’s penchant for ‘slack’ lyrics—that is, casual violence, sexism, homophobia, and general rudeness,” according to his bio.

“Graphic sexuality was his particular forte, reaching levels of explicitness previously unheard in Jamaica. It brought him numerous detractors, but it was also a big reason for his early popularity. There was more to it than that, though; Yellowman was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay.”

SLO Brew Live at Rod and Hammer Rock

Cinco de Mayo means it’s time for Metalachi this Sunday, May 5 (doors at 6 p.m., concert at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $25 at ticketweb.com). Come witness the world’s only mariachi metal band! But that’s not all, Rod and Hammer Rock is making a whole day of celebration.

According to Entertainment Director Ryan Orr, “We have a big full-property event going that day with specialty margaritas, tacos and birria, and $5 cervezas! We also have rad mariachi band [Mariachi Autlense] playing from 5 to 7 p.m. with festive activities across our entire property.”

The Clark Center

Speaking of mariachi music, the Clark Center presents Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles on Friday, May 3 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $39 to $59 at clarkcenter.org). This all-female mariachi group paved the way for other female mariachi acts.

“Established in 1994, the group had a strong beginning thanks to the mentorship of Lola Bertran, La Reina de La Musica Ranchera,” according to press materials. “In these early days, 10-time Grammy nominee Maestro Jose Hernandez (founder and director of Mariachi Sol de Mexico) saw the potential in this all-female ensemble and fostered its development.”

Back by popular demand, Craig Bodinnar presents The Magical Music of Motown on Saturday, May 4 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $53 to $63 at clarkcenter.org). This super band delivers all the Motown hits by the likes of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, Smokey Robinson, and many more.

Rob Vermeulen of Robbo Music welcomes musicians, bands, singers

vocal talents to Morro Bay where music

Parkfield Bluegrass Festival

It’s time for the 24th annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, scheduled from Thursday, May 9, through Sunday, May 12, and this year they have 13 terrific acts linedup (visit parkfieldbluegrass.org for a schedule and my805tix.com for tickets).

Acts include Mr. Sun, Edgar Loudermilk Band, The Clements Brothers, Never Come Down, Mountain Highway, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, Alum Ridge Boys, Stillhouse Junkies, SLO County Stumblers, Amber Cross, and more.

Attendees can come for the weekend with their RVs or tents. Single day tickets are also available. It’s an easy drive from anywhere in SLO County, and if interested, enjoy a walking tour of the San Andreas Fault led by a Cal State Northridge geology professor. Shake, rattle, and roll! Fun for the whole family.

More music …

Grateful Dead inspired jam band Rosebud plays Paso’s Dark Star Vineyards this Saturday, May 4 (1 to 4 p.m.; all ages; free).

“The band continues to perform across the state with lush vocal harmonies, adventurous jams, and a great selection of originals and covers, including tunes from my recent CD Fun Guy,” bandmember Scott Cooper explained. “In other news, I recently finished up a recording of a song called ‘Sheet Iron Jack’ for an upcoming compilation CD. I’ve been hired to be music director for the project, which takes unpublished lyrics from poet Bobby Petersen and sets them to music. Petersen wrote the lyrics to four Grateful Dead songs including ‘Pride of Cucamonga’ and ‘Unbroken Chain.’ Each song on this CD will be cowritten by a different artist or band, using Petersen’s lyrics. ‘Sheet Iron Jack’ is my personal contribution to the CD.”

The SLO Symphony performs Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Brammeier, and Podell this Saturday, May 4, in Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $12 to $82 at pacslo.org). The concert

also includes the world premiere of a suite inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, composed by Cal Poly’s professor of composition, Meredith Brammeier. Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 showcases soloist Salome Jordania, and Saint-Saëns’ majestic Organ Symphony, with the Forbes organ played by Paul Woodring

The Seven Sisters Folklore Society presents The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee at the Historic Octagon Barn Center this Tuesday, May 7 (old-time jam at 6, concert at 7 p.m.; all ages; $20 presale at eventbrite.com or $25 at the door).

“Mining the fertile common ground between bluegrass, early country music, and traditional mountain music, The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee are torchbearers for dynamic, deeply grounded old-time music,” their bio explained. “Their powerful harmony singing and energetic instrumentals have captivated audiences around the country and helped the band to win many awards.”

NACIDO PARA EL ROCK! Metal and mariachi hybrid Metalachi plays a SLO Brew Live show at Rod and Hammer Rock on May 5

The Clark Center presents all-female Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles on May 3

CODY JINKS

W/ THE STEEL WOODS ............ . MAY 18

NATALIE MERCHANT......... . MAY 23

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE W/ BULLY ................... . MAY 24

BROTHERS OSBORNE

W/ MADELINE EDWARDS ........... . MAY 31

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

W/ LITTLE FEAT ................. JUN 05

PENTATONIX ............... JUN 06

DARYL HALL / ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS WITH CHARLIE SEXTON . JUN 14

WHISKEY MYERS

W/ ANDERSON EAST, VINCENT NEIL EMERSON . JUN 18

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL

FEATURING: THOMAS DOLBY, THOMPSON TWINS’ TOM BAILEY, MEN WITHOUT HATS, THE ROMANTICS, BOW WOW WOW, TOMMY TUTONE, THE PLIMSOULS . JUN 28

CAGE THE ELEPHANT YOUNG THE GIANT

W/ BAKAR ................... JUL 03

BERT KREISCHER ............ JUL 20

ZIGGY MARLEY W/ LETTUCE, DON CARLOS ........... JUL 21

REBELUTION

W/ KOLOHE KAI, COLLIE BUDDZ, CYDEWAYS .. AUG 14

REBELUTION

W/ KOLOHE KAI, COLLIE BUDDZ, CYDEWAYS .. AUG 15

CHELSEA HANDLER .......... AUG 17

GARY CLARK JR. ........... .AUG 22

KINGS OF LEON W/ PHANTOGRAM .............. .AUG 26

LAUREN DAIGLE W/ BLESSING OFFOR ............. .AUG 28

JOHN FOGERTY W/ GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS, HEARTY HAR .SEP 01

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE W/ BIG BOI ........ SEP 05

IRATION / PEPPER W/ DENM, ARTIKAL SOUND SYSTEM ........ SEP 08

WALLOWS W/ BENEE .................... SEP 09

STEPHEN SANCHEZ W/ THE BROOK & THE BLUFF .......... SEP 14

INDIGO GIRLS / AMOS LEE ..... SEP 21

Flavor

Culinary corner

Hit Bishop’s at SLO Public Market for farm-fresh products and curated meals to go

Unsure of what to make for dinner? San Luis Obispo’s Bishop’s Market, fresh off its April 26 grand opening, has got you covered.

Also called B Market, Bishop’s has partnered with a slew of local vendors to bring farm-fresh products to its store, joining sister restaurants Rambling Spirits and Peixes at SLO Public Market, a collection of approximately two dozen businesses just south of downtown.

And if the product choices at Bishop’s are overwhelming, consider ordering a curated B Box, featuring ready-to-go, portioned, seasonal ingredients with cooking instructions for up to four people.

“Think of it like your weekly farm CSA [community-supported agriculture] meets Blue Apron … [but] on steroids,” said Craig Hastings, director of hospitality for New Hampshire-based Pink Fox Hospitality Group, which represents the unnamed local and East Coast owners.

Hastings tapped a strong back-of-house team, led by executive chef Omar Rojas of Atascadero, to finesse culinary offerings at the market.

“Part of what drew me to the Central Coast was the abundance of local produce and the community support of local businesses,” Rojas said. “It is more difficult to create that in a larger city like Los Angeles.

“I want to continue to expand on our product offering and really showcase all the wonderful, unique items that are being grown and produced in this area.”

Hastings said he was “blessed to find [Rojas].”

“I think he’s an absolute stud,” he continued. “I’ve been in hospitality since I was 12 or 13 and worked with some chefs that were yellers and screamers, and I’ve worked with people that were hyper intelligent and really talented but couldn’t manage. It’s hard to find a balance between someone who’s talented as an actual cook and someone who can manage personalities too. And I think he really has a good blend of that.”

One-stop gourmet shop

Check out Bishop’s, or B Market, at 3885 S. Higuera St. in the San Luis Obispo Public Market daily from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. For more information, visit bmarketslo.com or call (805) 752-1014. Track events and product drops on Instagram @bmarketslo and on Facebook @bishopsmarket.

Rojas has also been in the industry since childhood.

“My first job was as a dishwasher at 16 at Mercedes Grill in Venice Beach, where I worked for four years, eventually earning the title of kitchen manager,” he said. “This is where I learned the value of hard work and respect for every position.

“While working at Mercedes, I also worked for chef Joe Miller, who was the owner and operator of Joe’s in Venice. Joe’s was one of the first restaurants in Venice Beach to earn a Michelin star. Chef Joe shared with me his vision of farm-to-table.

“Eventually I moved to a larger operation in Santa Monica. Stella Barra and M Street Kitchen were two restaurants operating side by side and owned by Lettuce Entertain You, a corporate restaurant group based in Chicago.

“I started as kitchen manager and through the course of five years worked my way up to executive sous chef. Through the guidance of those above me, I learned the ins and outs of running a larger-scale restaurant and the importance of attention to detail, quality, consistency, and leading by example.

“Stella Barra and M Street Kitchen are where I learned and developed the majority of my professional skills and culinary vision.”

After moving to the area in 2020, Rojas further enhanced his résumé in various chef roles at Brunch, Junction Tapas & Winebar, and Justin Vineyards & Winery’s on-site and downtown restaurants, all in Paso.

And now, after landing the executive chef position overseeing Bishop’s—as well as Rambling Spirits and Peixes—Rojas plans to act on his farm-to-table dreams, assisted by sous chef Oscar Avalos and butcher Roberto Sanchez, both of SLO.

First up is forging strong links with local

suppliers, including Proof & Gather Baking Company, SLO Veg, Cal Poly, and Mighty Cap Mushrooms, to name a few.

Central Coast-heavy products, as well as select domestic and international items, line the shelves and are also featured in the market’s weekly B Boxes, with a Saturday noon deadline for Sunday pickup.

Hastings noted that order deadlines are a moving target, as the team will bend over backward to accommodate guest requests, perhaps even whipping up a box on the spot, when possible.

The boxes predominantly feature organic, seasonal produce, along with meat and seafood from the market’s in-house butcher.

Share tasty tips!

and be cornerstones of the SLO community where we create real partnerships with our suppliers and customers.”

By summer, the market will launch “meet the maker” pop-up events, connecting customers with suppliers’ expanded product lines, as well as a chef’s table and educational seminars.

Rojas envisions “demonstrations in how to cook cuisines from around the world while using local products” as just one idea, he said.

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

Vegan and gluten-free options are available, along with enhancements such as a bottle of wine. The market currently partners with Waylan Wine Co. of Los Olivos, with more options coming.

“The B Box is just the start of what I want to do,” Rojas said. “I really want to see B Market and its sister restaurants flourish

A beautiful wooden dining table, prominently positioned in the center of the store and accommodating 12 to 14 guests, will be put to good use, Hastings added.

“After the doors close at 7 o’clock at night … we can do a 2 1/2-hour, three- or fourcourse meal and really knock people’s socks off,” he said.

“Or we can rent [the space] out for birthday parties and other events. The possibilities are endless.” ∆

Flavor Writer Cherish Whyte thinks B Boxes are the bomb! Reach her at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

SURF AND TURF Bishop’s Market butcher Roberto Sanchez offers a wide selection of local farm-raised and imported meat and seafood. PHOTO

LOCAL FLAVOR San Luis Obispo Public Market, located at the junction of South Higuera Street and Tank Farm Road, welcomed Bishop’s Market to its growing list of merchants at a grand opening celebration on April 26.

THE B TEAM Bishop’s Market’s culinary crew includes, from left, butcher Roberto Sanchez of San Luis Obispo, executive chef Omar Rojas of Atascadero, and sous chef Oscar Avalos of SLO.

CHEF’S CHOICE Bishop’s Market executive chef Omar Rojas and colleagues curate complete meals with instructions to cook at home. The shop’s B Boxes serve four and feature seasonal vegetables, fresh meat, spices, and more.

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS TO THOUSANDS, REPRESENTING THE CENTRAL COAST REGION

All Dry Services of SLO &

Barbara County

Alzheimer’s Association

Astound Business Solutions powered by

West

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Better Business Bureau of the Tri-Counties

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast

Butlerz Event Rentals

Caribbean Love LLC

Central Coast Brewing

Central Coast Veteran’s Memorial Museum

CIO Solutions

City of San Luis Obispo

City Wide Facility Solutions

Coastal Communities Physician Network

CoastHills Federal Credit Union

Community Action Partnership

Community Home Health

Costco

County of San Luis Obispo

Cuesta College Damsel in Defense

Diversity Coalition SLO County

Drop Water

ECHO sponsored by Photon Brothers Eckerd Connects

Educational Employees Credit Union

Eighty20 Group

Elite Virtual Assistant

Epic Entertainment Foundation for the Performing Arts Center

Genoa Visual Group

Glenn Burdette

Goodwill Central Coast

Greenpoint Psychotherapy Hellahot

Home Matters Caregiving

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County

HOTWORX SLO

House of Bread at Farmhouse

Housing Authority San Luis Obispo (HASLO)

Insperity

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

Launch and Ladder Pub

Libertine Brewing Company

Lumina Alliance (formerly RISE & Stand Strong)

Luttrell Staffing Group

KSBY-TV

Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates

Mechanics Bank - Broad Street

Mercedes-Benz of San Luis Obispo

MGP Coatings

Miller Event Management

Monarch Primary Care

Monde Public Relations

Murphy Bank

NAACP San Luis Obispo County

New Life K9s

New Times

Obispo Hyperbarics

ONX Wines & Vineyards

Orangetheory Fitness San Luis Obispo

Pacific Hotels

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Party Scene

Paso Robles Safe & Lock

PathPoint

Photon Brothers

Poor Richard’s Press

Popolo Catering

Promotional Concepts

RKM Real Estate Group

Roof Maxx

San Luis Obispo Legal

Assistance Foundation

Senior Care Authority

SESLOC

Shows CPA | Consulting

SLO4Home

SLO Blues Baseball

SLO Council of Governments/SLO Regional

Rideshare

SLO Food Co-op

SLO Piercing

SLO Provisions

SLO Safe Ride

Spectrum Reach (Charter Media)

St. Andrew The Apostle Greek

Orthodox Church

Starphyre Digital Security Services

Tachi Palace Casino Resort

Templeton Glass

The Law Offices of Daniel J. Knight, APLC

The Management Trust – Goetz Manderley

The Monday Club

The Tribune and sanluisobispo.com

The Villages of San Luis Obispo

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Tri-County Office Furniture, Inc.

Truly Gifted

UCLA Health

United Staffing Associates

United Way of SLO

Exhibitors as of April 26, 2024

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& CLEAN-UP JT’s Hauling Trees, Debris, Garage Clean Up, Moving and Recycling. Call Jon 805-440-4207

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024-0777 (11/01/2015) New Filing The following person is doing business as REDUCE REUSE GROW, 3189 Shearer Ave Unit B, Cayucos, CA 93430. San Luis Obispo County. Reduce Reuse Grow, Inc. (3189 Shearer Ave Unit B, Cayucos, CA 93430-1824). State of California. This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ Reduce Reuse Grow, Inc., Alexander Henige, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 4-5-24. I hereby certify that this copy is

Banker-Hix, Project Manager, at 805-2951609 or wbanker@slocity.org May 2, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: JOHN ZIEGLER

CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0103

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

PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by WENDY OLSON in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that WENDY OLSON. be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: MAY

28 2024, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Guy W. Murray

255 N. Wilson St., Suite B (Mail P.O. Box 180) Nipomo, CA 9344400180

805-929-7150

April 25, May 2, 9, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF:

PORTER HARRIS AKA PORTER GLENWOOD HARRIS DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0122

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

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JACQUELINE POWELL in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JACQUELINE POWELL

be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: May 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in Dept.: 4 in person or via ZOOM at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Law Offices of Johnson, Murphy & Jones 928 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach, CA 93433 805-489-4111

April 25, May 2, 9, 2024 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROXANNE FAITH PERRY DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0096

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

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JAMES A. PERRY in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JAMES A. PERRY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: May 21, 2024, at 9:02 a.m. in Dept.: 4 at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, lo-

cated at 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Christian E. Iversen 605 13th Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-239-93446 April 25, May 2, & 9, 2024

NOTICE OF AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JAMES R. BEARDSLEY DECEDENT CASE NUMBER: 24PR-0023

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JAMES R.BEARDSLEY AN AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JANET RICHARDSON in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN LUIS OBISPO.

THE AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JANET RICHARDSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: May 28, 2024, at 9:01 a.m. in Dept.: 4 at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, located at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

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

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of notice under section 9052

of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

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

Petitioner:

Janet Richardson 2685 Geneseo Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446 949-355-6198

April 18, 25, May 2, 2024

SUMMONS

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:

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

WILLIAM ASHLEY WILSON, an individual; and KATHRYN SAMPILO WILSON, an individual CASE NUMBER:

30-2022-01275167-CUOR-NJC

Notice! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond in 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

CASE NUMBER:

30-2022-01275167-CU-OR-NJC

The name and address of the court is: Orange Superior Court 1275 Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 North Justice Center

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: Nicole S. Dunn, Esq, First American Law Group 5 First American Way Santa Ana, CA 92707

714-250-3500

Date: 07/19/2023

By: /s/ David H. Yamasaki, Clerk, R. Baker, Deputy Clerk

April 18, 25, May 2, & 9, 2024

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Attorney for Administrator: Dustin M. Tardiff In re the Estate of J. Carl Treise, aka John Carl Treise Decedent. Case No. PR040209

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Kim Treise Mathis, aka Kim Marie Martel, as Administrator of the Estate of J. Carl Treise, aka John Carl Treise, deceased, will sell at private sale under the terms and conditions specified below, the real property of the estate situated in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, with the following physical address: 4555 Las Pilitas Rd Santa Margarita 93453 (APN: 070-351-031)

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

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

A hearing regarding the sale of the property is scheduled for May 28, 2024 at 9:00 am in department 4 of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 whereby prospective buyers can place their bids.

The personal representative reserves the right to reject any bid that is less than the appraised value of the property listed above. For Further information, please contact Dustin M. Tardiff, attorney for the personal representative at (805) 457-4578.

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

Date: April 1, 2022

/s/ Kim Treise Mathis, aka Kim Marie Martel

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

April 18, 25, & May 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV-0213

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Joshua Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Joshua Garcia, to PROPOSED NAME: Valentino Azazel Tempestas.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: June 5, 2024, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. D4, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 . A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times

Date: April 10, 2024. /s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 24CV0221

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Micaiah John Clark filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Micaiah John Clark, to PROPOSED NAME: Micaiah John Beltran.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 23, 2024, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm Street #385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 10, 2024. /s/: Craig van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0222

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Joseph Michael Clark filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Joseph Michael Clark, to PROPOSED NAME: Joseph Michael Beltran.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the c ourt may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 23, 2024, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 2 , Dept: 2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo. Paso Robles Branch, 1035 Palm Street, #385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 10, 2024. /s/: Craig van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court April 25, May 2, 9, 15, 2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0229

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Michelle Denise Steddum filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Michelle Denise Steddum, to PROPOSED NAME: Michelle Denise Maltby.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 30, 2024, Time: 9:01 am, Dept.

2, in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo. Civil Court Operations 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 16, 2024. /s/: Craig B. van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV0231

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Kelly Marie White filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Kelly Marie White, to PROPOSED NAME: Kelly Marie Holcomb.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 30, 2024, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 2 , in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo,1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 16, 2024. /s/: Craig van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court. April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CVPO103

To all interested persons: Petitioner: Peter Vincent Farrow Jr. filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Peter Vincent Farrow Jr., to PROPOSED NAME: Vincent Reginald Vargas.

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 22, 2024, Time: 9:30 am, Room 2 , in person or by Zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo,Paso Robles Branch, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: April 12, 2024. /s/: MC Kelly, Judge of the Superior Court. April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2024.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:

A. Address: 87 Valley View Drive (APN 005-384-062)

Applicant: Henry Nunez

Project No.: P23-000075

Description: Appeal of Staff Denial of Project No. P22-000028, an Administrative Development Permit request for a 176-square foot patio cover addition to an existing single-family dwelling. The project is not within the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission.

Environmental Review

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding small additions to an existing single-family residence.

B. Address: 100 Five Cities (APN 005-384-062)

Applicant: Pismo Beach

Self-Storage LP

Project No.: P22-000108

Description: Major Modification of Permit No. 05-0175 for a change to 74 recreational vehicle storage parking spaces on Parcel 2. The project is within the Coastal Zone and is appealable to the Coastal Commission.

Environmental Review

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it has been determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding small additions to an existing single-family residence.

Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of May 10, 2024.

You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to planningcommission@pismobeach. org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Community Development Department / Planning Division Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or handdelivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-7737005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation.

Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the Planning Division Office, by emailing Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Friday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Spectrum Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.

PLEASE NOTE: If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing. For further information, please contact Administrative Secretary Brianna Whisenhunt at bwhisenhunt@pismobeach.org or 805-773-4658. Brianna Whisenhunt Administrative Secretary May 2, 2024

NOTICE OF ADOPTION AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE

DANA RESERVE SPECIFIC PLAN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (LRP2020-00007)

On April 24, 2024, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved a request by Dana Reserve, LLC and NKT Development, LLC (Applicant) for the adoption of 1) the Dana Reserve Specific Plan (DRSP); 2) a Vesting Tentative Tract Map (Tract 3159); and 3) a Conditional Use Permit for Oak Tree Removal and Grading/Impervious Surfaces. The DRSP allows for the phased development of a 288acre master-planned community with up to 1,370 residential units, 110,000-203,000 square feet (floor area) of commercial and non-residential (Visitor Serving/Hotel, Education) uses, a minimum of 55.6 acres of open space and 6.3 acres of recreation, and related circulation and infrastructure. The project site is located in the Residential Rural land use category, west of US 101, east of Hetrick Avenue, and adjacent to the Nipomo URL. The project is located within the South County Inland Sub Area of the South County Planning Area. In approving the DRSP, the Board of Supervisors adopted the following ordinances to allow for implementation of the DRSP and to ensure consistency with other provisions of the County Code:

Ordinance No. 3509 – an amendment to Inland County Land Use Ordinance, Title 22 of the County Code, to reference in Article 2 a new DRSP land use category; delete Article 9 references to the Canada Ranch property; and add Article 10 references to require development on the DRSP to comply with the standards in the DRSP;

Ordinance No. 3510 – an amendment to the Growth Management Ordinance, Title 26 of the County Code, to allow for residential growth within the DRSP area consistent with the phasing plan identified in the DRSP; and

Ordinance No. 3511 – an ordinance approving a Development Agreement between the Applicant and the Board of Supervisors to provide for the orderly development of the project and provide assurances to both the Applicant and the County regarding project timeframes, project phasing, construction of affordable housing and accessory dwelling units, a down-payment assistance program, a local preference program and the construction of public improvements and facilities.

The Board of Supervisors certified a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) (2021060558) prepared for this project pursuant to the Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and CA Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq. that identifies significant impacts related to Aesthetics, Agricultural and Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Energy, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service Systems, and Wildfire. Mitigation measures address these impacts and are included as project conditions of approval. Overriding considerations were determined necessary based on significant and unavoidable impacts associated with Air Quality, Biological Resources, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use and Planning, Population and Housing, Transportation, and growth-inducing impacts.

The ordinances were adopted and the environmental determination certified by the following roll call to wit:

AYES: Supervisors John Peschong, Chairperson Debbie Arnold, and Dawn Ortiz-Legg

NOES: Supervisors Bruce S. Gibson and Jimmy Paulding

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINING: None

Certified copies of the full text of the ordinances may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge in the San Luis Obispo County Administrative Office, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D430, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, or on the County’s website at slocounty.ca.gov.

DATED: April 30, 2024

REBECCA CAMPBELL, Acting County Administrative Officer and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

By: /s/Sandy Currens Deputy Clerk

May 2, 2024

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 8 (SOLID WASTE), TITLE 12 (STORMWATER), TITLE 13 (WATER AND SEWER), AND TITLE 15 (PLUMBING CODE) OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPAL CODE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, at its Regular Meeting of April 2, 2024, introduced the abovetitled ordinance upon a motion by Mayor Stewart, second by Vice Mayor Pease, and on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Council Member Francis, Marx, Shoresman, Vice Mayor Pease and Mayor Stewart NOES: None

ABSENT: None

Ordinance No. 1734 (2024 Series): This is a City Ordinance to amend Tile 8, Title 12, Title 13, and Title 15 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Amendments will include important revisions related to the City’s solid waste, stormwater, water, sewer, and industrial pretreatment programs. Notable changes include regulations related to the irrigation of non-functional turf, the sewer lateral offset program, single-use foodware, and commercial grease control device specifications. Title 15 will extend enforcement authority of the sewer code to the Building Official through the permitting and inspection processes.

A full and complete copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for inspection as part of the published agenda packet for the May 7, 2024 Council Meeting, or you may call (805) 781-7114 for more information.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo will consider adopting the Ordinance at its Regular Meeting of May 7, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.

Teresa Purrington

City Clerk

May 2, 2024

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CITY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing at their Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

The City Council will hold a public hearing to Introduce an Ordinance amending Title 10 (Vehicles & Traffic), Chapter 52 (Parking Meters & Parking Payment Centers), of the Municipal Code to remove a previously approved on-street parking rate increase planned for July 1, 2025. Council will also consider adopting a Resolution to establish new rates in all parking structures, including:

• Maintaining the first hour free subsidy;

• Elimination of free Sunday parking;

• Reducing the hourly rate from $3.00/hour to $2.50/hour;

• Reducing the daily maximum rate from $12.00 per day to $10.00 per day;

• Reducing the proxcard rate from $85/month to $45/month. For more information, contact Alex Fuchs, Mobility Services Business Manager for the City’s Public Works Department at (805) 783-7877 or by email, afuchs@slocity.org.

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

Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. May 2, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO BOARD OF

MEETING BRIEF APRIL 23, 2024 AND APRIL 24, 2024

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024:

01. Consent Agenda – Item Nos. 1-26 Resolution (Res) Nos. 2024-096 thru 2024-107, approved.

02. Public Comment Period – Items not on the agenda: G. Ricker: speaks. No action taken.

03. Closed Session. Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation - potential cases: 4. Initiation of litigationpotential cases: 3. Pending Litigation: SLO Co. Homeless Union, et. al v. County of San Luis Obispo, et al, United States Court, Central District of California, Western Division, Case No. 2:24 CV-00616 & Shear Development Co, LLC v CA Coastal Commission, Court of Appeal of the State of CA, Second Appellate District, Division 6, Case No. B319895. Conference w/ Labor Negotiator re: employee organizations: SLOPA; SLOCEA-T&C; DCCA; Sheriffs’ Mgmt; SLOCPPOA; DSA; DAIA; SLOCPMPOA; SLOCEA – PSSC; Unrepresented Mgmt & Confidential Employees; SDSA; UDWA. Conference w/ real property negotiator re: APN: 076-251-017. Agency

Negotiators: V. Moore, J. Waddell, S. Cooper. Parties w/ whom Negotiating: R. Kruse. Instructions: Price, Terms, Conditions; & APN 062-271-023; 024. Agency Negotiators: R. Campbell, L. Howe, M. Trevelyan. Parties w/ whom Negotiating: Oceano CSD, P. Ogren. Instructions: Price, Terms, and Conditions. Open Session. Report out.

04. Hearing re: Dana Reserve Specific Plan, cont’d to Wednesday, 04/24/2024 at 9:00 AM.

WEDSNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024:

01. Cont’d Hearing re: Dana Reserve Specific Plan (DRSP), [3-2 VOTE] approved w/ amendments & Res. 2024-108, certifying the Final EIR & adopting environmental findings, a mitigation monitoring & reporting program & statement of overriding considerations pursuant to CEQA; Res. 2024-109, approving the DRSP Project (LRP2020-00007), 2024 General Plan Amendment Cycle 2 & related ordinance amendments, vesting Tentative Tract Map 3159, conditional use permit for oak tree removal & grading/impervious surfaces (SUB202000047) & development agreement; Ordinance (Ord.) No. 3509 , amending Title 22, adding references to the DRSP area LRP2020-00007; Ord. 3510, amending Title 26, the growth mgmt. ord, to add references & growth rate limits for the DRSP area & Ord. 3511, approving the Development Agreement between the Co. & NKT Development, LLC, adopted w/ amendments.

02. Board Member Comments & Reports on Meetings: Supervisor Ortiz-Legg announces the SLO Film Festival, April 25-30 & Supervisor Peschong thanks everyone for their patience on the 2 day meeting. No action taken.

MEETING ADJOURNED

For more details, view meeting videos at: https://www.slocounty. ca.gov/Departments/Administrative-Office/Clerk-of-the-Board/ Clerk-of-the-Board-Services/Board-of-Supervisors-Meetingsand-Agendas.aspx

Rebecca Campbell, Acting County Administrative Officer & ExOfficio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Annette Ramirez, Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors May 2, 2024

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Arroyo Grande City Council will conduct a public hearing on TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, to consider the following item: Consideration of Amendments To Title 16 Of The Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Murals, the City’s Public Art Guidelines, and Public Art Donation Program and Finding That This Action Is Exempt From Review Under The California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant To State Guidelines Section 15060(c) and 15061(b). The City Council will consider amendments to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Section 16.16.200 regarding murals. The project also includes amendments to the City’s Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program.

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

This City Council meeting is being conducted in a hybrid inperson/virtual format. Members of the public that prefer to participate virtually may do so by joining the Zoom meeting option. Members of the public may provide public comment on agenda items during the meeting in-person, by joining the Zoom meeting, or by submitting written public comments to the City Council at publiccomment@arroyogrande.org. To provide comment during the meeting, members of the public may join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86752345420; Webinar ID: 867 5234 5420 or by phone by calling 1-669-9006833; or 1-346-248-7799.. During the public hearing, public comment will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, pursuant to current meeting procedure.

The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the item listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.

Documents related to the project are available in the Community Development Department located at 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. The Agenda and reports are posted online at www.arroyogrande.org 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (805) 473-5420 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed live on the City’s YouTube Channel. Jessica Matson, City Clerk May 2, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 25215.5 and Chapter 3.22 of the San Luis Obispo County Code, by which service charges may be collected on the general County tax bill, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, acting as the Governing Board of County Service Area Nos.

1 (Old Galaxy and Tract 1690, Nipomo), 1-A (Galaxy Park and Tract 1898, Nipomo), 1-F (New Galaxy, Nipomo), 7-A (Oak Shores), 18 (San Luis Obispo Country Club Estates), and 21 (Cambria), will hold a public hearing on May 21, 2024, in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, regarding the collection of annual service charges on the FY 2024-25 tax roll.

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

The report describing the service charges proposed to be collected on the FY 2024-25 tax roll is on file in the Office of the County Clerk and is available for public review.

DATED: April 25, 2024

REBECCA CAMPBELL, ACTING COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS By /s/ Niki Martin

Deputy Clerk May 2, 9, 2024

DATE: May 21, 2024

TIME: 1:00 PM

PLACE: District Meeting Room 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, CA 93422

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:

1. The District has prepared a proposed final Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/25 which is available for inspection, during regular District business hours, at the District office located at 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, California.

2. On May 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the District’s Board of Directors will meet to consider the adoption of the Final Budget.

3. At the time and place specified in this Notice any person may appear to be heard regarding any item in the Budget, including the addition of other items.

4. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time. If you should have questions, please contact the District Office at avilacsd@gmail.com or (805) 595-2664. May 2, 2024

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS

Applications to make minor changes to the properties at the addresses listed below have been received by the City.

1. 1130 Orcutt Rd. ARCH-0529-2023; Review of a new 16-unit multi-family residential development, ADU, and associated site developments with a request to remove 19 trees and allow an ADU greater than 1,000 square feet. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); R-3 Zone; Nathan Love, applicant. (Rachel Cohen)

2. 2355 Victoria Avenue, Unit 202. HOME-0135-2024; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of 2 bedrooms within an owner-occupied single-family residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); C-R-SF Zone; Gregory Kay, applicant. (Mallory Patino)

3. 3340 Johnson Ave. HOME-0220-2022; Review of a homestay rental application to allow short-term rental (such as Airbnb) of 2 bedrooms within an owner-occupied single-family residence (categorically exempt from CEQA environmental review); R-1 Zone; Hong Cao, applicant. (Mallory Patino)

4. 301 Hathway St. DIR-0133-2024; Request for an exception from Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design standards to allow a 1,200 square feet ADU to be built. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA); R-2 Zone; Kevin Hand, applicant. (Mallory Patino)

5. 385 Higuera St. DIR-0116-2024; Exception from Sign Regulations standards for the number of wall signs on a building face, to allow two wall signs on the building façade (where one is the standard limit), and from the limit on the total number of signs, to allow five signs on the premises (where four signs is the standard limit (categorically exempt from CEQA review); C-RMU Zone; Joseph Solis, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)

6. 1321 Osos St. DIR-0420-2023; Minor Development Review to allow expansion of a private rooftop deck (categorically exempt from CEQA review); R-3-H Zone; Daniel Shaffer, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)

7. 1614 Sydney St. FNCE-0094-2024; A fence height exception to allow, upon modification to the site grade in association with construction of a new single-family dwelling; installation of a retaining wall and fence with a combined height ranging between 6 feet and 11 feet along a portion of the north-east side property line; and to allow installation of a retaining wall and fence with a combined height ranging between 6 feet and 9 feet at the southwest corner of the site. (categorically exempt from CEQA review); R-1 Zone; Paul Nagy, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)

The Community Development Director will either approve or deny these applications no sooner than May 13, 2024

The Director’s decision may be appealed, and must be filed with the appropriate appeal fee within 10 days of the Director’s action. For more information, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, stop by Monday and Wednesday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, May 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.

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

WHAT A request by Winter for Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2021-00009) to convert existing Brambles Restaurant into 8 hotel units (8,149 square feet), construct 3 new detached motel buildings: a 2-unit (728 square feet), a 6-unit (2,482 square feet) and a 7-unit (2,627 square feet), and a conversion of the 2,155 square foot nursery into 3-units including additional 144 square feet ( electrical and bathroom), the nursery include structure includes the lobby/reception area, concierge services, for total 26 hotel units. The project includes re-configuration of the existing parking lot to accommodate 31 car spaces (22 standard spaces, 6 compact car spaces and 3 ADA spaces), landscape, spa and trash/recycle areas. The project includes an adjustment to the riparian setback per section 23.07.174 (d). The project will result in the disturbance of approximately 1.22 acres (53,170 SF). The project is within the Commercial Retail land us category and is located at 4005 & 4039 Burton Drive. The site is in Cambria of the North Coast Planning area. APNs: 013-262-018 and 008

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the common sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3). County File Number: C-DRC2021-00009

Supervisorial District: District 2 Assessor Parcel Number(s): 013-262-008, -018

Date Accepted: 5/30/2023

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Jeremy Freund, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5621.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@ co.slo.ca.us by 5/10/2024 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2021-00009.”

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.

COASTAL APPEALABLE

If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing

May 2, 2024

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 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600

WHAT A request by Cretan Farms, LLC (James Boutzoukas) for a Minor

Use Permit (N-DRC2023-00029) to allow the construction of a new 6,460-square-foot winery facility with 2,914 square feet of exterior use areas. The proposal includes a 1,380-square-foot barrel storage room, a 1,398-square-foot fermentation room, a 783-square-foot distillery, 1,512 square feet of tasting room for wine and spirit tasting, and a 1,972-square foot crush pad. Maximum annual case production is 10,000 cases. The project will result in the disturbance of approximately 1.71 acres on a 77-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Agriculture land use category and is located at 7055 Adelaida Road, approximately 6 miles west of the City of Paso Robles. The site is in the Adelaida Sub Area of the North County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the common sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3). County File Number: N-DRC2023-00029

Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 026-281-069

Date Accepted: 12/28/2023

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.sIo.ca.us by 5/10/2024 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2023-00029.”

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

Ysabel Eighmy, Secretary Planning Department Hearing

May 2, 2024

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING PLANNING COMMISSION

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission

WHEN Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at WHAT A Hearing to consider a request by Craig Stoller for a third and final time extension (N-EXT2024-00001) to the previously adopted Minor Use Permit (DRC2019-00137) to allow for the phased construction of a 14,060-square-foot winery facility that will include the following: Phase I - construction of a 1,000-square-foot building for wine fermentation and barrel/ case good storage. Phase 2 - construction of a 9,050-squarefoot building that will include a 5,615-square-foot tank room, a 2,715-square-foot administration area, office, and lab, and a 720-square-foot caretakers unit. Exterior areas to include 1,600-square-foot of uncovered and covered patio. Phase 3 - construction of a 4,010-square-foot barrel room addition to the Phase 1 wine production facility and would include 9,000- square-feet of covered crush pad, loading dock, and circulation areas. The project does not include public tasting or special events. The project will result in approximately 3 acres of disturbance on a 114-acre parcel. The project is located within the Agriculture land use category and is located at the northwest quadrant of the South El Pomar Road and Almond Drive intersection, approximately 7 miles east of the community of Templeton. The site is within the El PomarEstrella Planning Area of the North County Planning Area.

County File Number: N-EXT2024-00001

Supervisorial District: District 5

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 033-291-034

Date Accepted: 3/11/2024

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Dominic Dal Porto, Project Manager, in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5710.

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.

Daniela Chavez, Secretary Planning Commission May 2, 2024

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT

CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

STATEWIDE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 24-01 (SAN LUIS SQUARE (PHASE 1)) CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO STATE OF CALIFORNIA

On April 18, 2024, special assessments for the financing of public improvement districts in the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (the “Authority”) Statewide Community Infrastructure Program Assessment District No. 24-01 (San Luis Square (Phase 1)) City of San Luis Obispo, County of San Luis Obispo (the “District”), were recorded in the office of the Superintendent of Streets of the Authority. The property owners within the District have waived their entitlement to pay all or any portion of the assessments levied upon their property in cash within thirty days after the recordation of the assessments in the office of the County Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo. These assessments affect only certain property, the owners of which have voluntarily participated in the Authority’s Statewide Community Infrastructure Program. Bonds will be issued according to the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 representing unpaid assessments and bearing interest at a rate not to exceed 12% per year. Thereafter, unpaid assessments will be payable in installments of principal and interest over a period of not to exceed thirty (30) years.

Dated: April 25, 2024 and May 2, 2024

KEVIN O’ROURKE, Secretary California Statewide Communities Development Authority

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: Tell yourself the truth about something you have not been fully honest about. Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): The world’s record for jumping rope in 6 inches of mud is held by an Aries. Are you surprised? I’m not. So is the world’s record for consecutive wallops administered to a plastic inflatable punching doll. Other top accomplishments performed by Aries people: longest distance walking on one’s hands; number of curse words uttered in two minutes; and most push-ups with three bulldogs sitting on one’s back. As impressive as these feats are, I hope you will channel your drive for excellence in more constructive directions during the coming weeks. Astrologically speaking, you are primed to be a star wherever you focus your ambition on high-minded goals. Be as intense as you want to be while having maximum fun giving your best gifts.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): I don’t casually invoke the terms “marvels,” “splendors,” and “miracles.” Though I am a mystic, I also place a high value on rational thinking and skeptical proof. If someone tells me a marvel, splendor, or miracle has occurred, I will thoroughly analyze the evidence. Having said that, though, I want you to know that during the coming weeks, marvels, splendors, and miracles are far more likely than usual to occur in your vicinity—even more so if you have faith that they will. I will make a similar prediction about magnificence, sublimity, and resplendence. They are headed your way. Are you ready for blessed excess? For best results, welcome them all generously and share them lavishly.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you enjoy a celebratory purge sometime soon. You could call it a Cleansing Jubilee, or a Gleeful Festival of Purification, or a Jamboree of Cathartic Healing. This would be a fun holiday that lasted for at least a day and maybe as long as two weeks. During this liberating revel, you would discard anything associated with histories you want to stop repeating. You’d get rid of garbage and excess. You may even thrive by jettisoning perfectly good stuff that you no longer have any use for.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): Graduation day will soon arrive. Congrats, Cancerian! You have mostly excelled in navigating through a labyrinthine system that once upon a time discombobulated you. With panache and skill, you have wrangled chaos into submission and gathered a useful set of resources. So are you ready to welcome your big rewards? Prepared to collect your graduation presents? I hope so. Don’t allow lingering fears of success to cheat you out of your well-deserved harvest. Don’t let shyness prevent you from beaming like a champion in the winner’s circle. PS: I encourage you to meditate on the likelihood that your new bounty will transform your life almost as much as did your struggle to earn it.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Ritualist and author Sobonfu Somé was born in Burkina Faso but spent many years teaching around the world. According to her philosophy, we should periodically ask ourselves two questions: 1. “What masks have been imposed on us by our culture and loved ones?” 2. “What masks have we chosen for ourselves to wear?” According to my astrological projections, the coming months will be an excellent time for you to ruminate on these inquiries—and take action in response. Are you willing to remove your disguises to reveal the hidden or unappreciated beauty that lies beneath? Can you visualize how your life may change if you will intensify your devotion to expressing your deepest, most authentic self?

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If human culture were organized according to my principles, there would be more than 8 billion religions—one for every person alive. Eight billion altars. Eight billion saviors. If anyone wanted to enlist priestesses, gurus, and other spiritual intermediaries to help them out in their worship, they would be encouraged. And we would all borrow beliefs and rituals from each other. There would be an extensive trade of clues and tricks about

the art of achieving ecstatic union with the Great Mystery. I bring this up, Virgo, because the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to craft your own personalized and idiosyncratic religious path.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hidden agendas and simmering secrets will soon leak into view. Intimate mysteries will become even more intimate and more mysterious. Questions that have been halfsuppressed will become pressing and productive. Can you handle this much intrigue, Libra? Are you willing to wander through the amazing maze of emotional teases to gather clues about the provocative riddles? I think you will have the poise and grace to do these things. If I’m right, you can expect deep revelations to appear and long-lost connections to re-emerge. Intriguing new connections are also possible. Be on high alert for subtle revelations and nuanced intuitions.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s fun and easy to love people for their magnificent qualities and the pleasure you feel when they’re nice to you. What’s more challenging is to love the way they disappoint you. Now pause a moment and make sure you register what I just said. I didn’t assert that you should love them even if they disappoint you. Rather, I invited you to love them BECAUSE they disappoint you. In other words, use your disappointment to expand your understanding of who they really are, and thereby develop a more inclusive and realistic love for them. Regard your disappointment as an opportunity to deepen your compassion— and as a motivation to become wiser and more patient. (PS: In general, now is a time when so-called “negative” feelings can lead to creative breakthroughs and a deepening of love.)

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I assure you that you don’t need “allies” who encourage you to indulge in delusions or excesses. Nor do I recommend that you seek counsel from people who think you’re perfect. But you could benefit from colleagues who offer you judicious feedback. Do you know any respectful and perceptive observers who can provide advice about possible course corrections you could make? If not, I will fill the role as best as I can. Here’s one suggestion: Consider phasing out a mild pleasure and a small goal so you can better pursue an extra fine pleasure and a major goal.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to take an inventory of what gives you pleasure, bliss, and rapture. It’s an excellent time to identify the thrills that you love most. When you have made a master list of the fun and games that enhance your intelligence and drive you half-wild with joy, devise a master plan to ensure you will experience them as much as you need to—not just in the coming weeks, but forever. As you do, experiment with this theory: By stimulating delight and glee, you boost your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Lewis Carroll said, “You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic.” In my astrological opinion, this won’t be an operative theme for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. I suspect you will be inclined to believe fervently in magic, which will ensure that you attract and create a magical solution to at least one of your problems—and probably more.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Which would you prefer in the coming weeks: lots of itches, prickles, twitches, and stings? Or, instead, lots of tingles, quivers, shimmers, and soothings? To ensure the latter types of experiences predominate, all you need to do is cultivate moods of surrender, relaxation, welcome, and forgiveness. You will be plagued with the aggravating sensations only if you resist, hinder, impede, and engage in combat. Your assignment is to explore new frontiers of elegant and graceful receptivity. ∆