SLO City News, January 12 - 25

YOUR COMMUNITY IN YOUR HANDS

Volume 9

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Issue 15

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January 12 - 25, 2017

SLOCityNews.com

See Inside and Online

Cal Poly’s “A New Leaf” float rode in the Pasadena Rose parade. Held this year on Jan. 2. Photo courtesy Cal Poly Communications, with more on page 40.

Noon Year at the Children’s Museum Page 10

Obey the Traffic Law Page 11

Year in Review Police Blotter

SLO Going Ahead With Plastic Bottle Ordinance

By Camas Frank

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ne of the favorite features of our readers is the Police Blotter. These series of reports from various cities give some insight into the sometimes silly things that local police are called on to do in an area that thankfully, is largely free of actual serious crimes. So as a final send-off to 2016, we present the Best of the Police Blotters, as chosen by Theresa-Marie Wilson and Neil Farrell (who also write them). Enjoy.

he last San Luis Obispo City Council had instructed staffers to come back with some info leading to an ordinance prepared to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles in the City in a 4-1 vote nearly a year ago.

On Jan. 3 they held a study session to address the matter. A lot happened last year and staff ended up needing to shuffle some more pressing matters and asking for a little more guidance in the intervening months.

See Police Blotter, page 3

See Plastic, page 38

Welcome to the World Page 36 facebook.com/slocitynews

SLOCityNews.com

C O N T E N T S Simply Clear Marketing and Media Team Bret Colhouer publisher bret@simplyclearmarketing.com Neil Farrell managing editor The Bay News neil@simplyclearmarketing.com Theresa-Marie Wilson managing editor The Coast News t@simplyclearmarketing.com Camas Frank section editor SLO City News frank@simplyclearmarketing.com

January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

news

cc life

Police Blotter Year in Review ................................3-9

Good To Be King ........................ 16

SLO Children’s Museum Rings in “Noon” Year .....10

Then & Now ............................... 17

New Rules of the Road for 2017............................11

Modern Senior ........................... 18

1000 ‘s Expected for Women’s March SLO ...........12

Good Dogma ............................. 19

Local Firm Fuels Toys For Tots ......................................12 Package Thief Busted.....................................................13 SLOPD Launches PEACE Initiative ...............................13 County Seeking Forensic ...............................................14

Community Calendar ............20-21 Sports Shorts.............................. 22 Surf’s Up ..................................... 23

Sales Taxes to Drop ........................................................35

Family Matters ........................... 24

Packager Thief Sought ...................................................35

Healthy Living ............................ 25

Michael Elliott sports reporter sports@simplyclearmarketing.com

New Balance RISE-es to the Occasion .........................36

Framed ....................................... 26

First County Baby Born Jan. 1.......................................36

Talley Recipe .............................. 27

Mark Diaz business reporter mark@simplyclearmarketing.com

New Deputy Chief at County Fire ................................36

Journey Of Hope Forum ............ 29

Michelle Johnson art director

Winter Bird Fest, Jan. 13-16 ..........................................37

Justin Stoner graphic marketing

Warming Center Setting Records .................................39 Changes at School Board ..............................................39 Poly’s Parade Entry Prettiest Around ...........................40

Karita Harrskog event and marketing assistant admin@simplyclearmarketing.com ADVERTISING

Biz Briefs .................................... 42 Local Magician ........................... 44

Dana McGraw senior advertising executive dana@simplyclearmarketing.com

Financial Focus ........................... 45 Featured Folks ........................... 46

Zorina Ricci coast news advertising executive z@simplyclearmarketing.com

David Diaz digital marketing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Ben Schutzer David Buckingham Erin O’Donnell King Harris Judy Salamacca Michael Gunther Nancy Puder Ray Ambler SLO Nightwriters Teri Bayus Vivian Krug This is a publication of SCMM., Copyright 2007–2016 all rights reserved. One free copy per person. Additional copies can be obtained at our offices 615 Clarion Court, #2, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. Tolosa Press makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of its contents. Please notify us if information is incorrect.

phone (805) 543-6397 fax (805) 772-4625 615 Clarion Ct., #2, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

www.SLOCityNews.com

Call 543-NEWS

business matters Bottom Line................................ 41

Jessica Micklus sales manager jessica@simplyclearmarketing.com

Carrie Vickerman bay news advertising executive carrie@simplyclearmarketing.com

Dinner and a Movie .................... 34

New Laws ................................... 47

The Chinatown project worksite on Palm Street in SLO after heavy rains Jan. 4. The far side of the site is the location of a recently unearthed Chumash designed aqueduct. It’s easy to imagine water management being a necessity in the area.

Fitting with the water theme, National Rubber Ducky -also spelled Duckie Day - is celebrated Jan. 13th.

The rubber duckie is a children’s bath toy shaped like a cartoon duck, generally yellow with a flat base.

Have fun with one this week.

Ou

Stephanie Hansen administrative assistant

Sheriff’s Bike Giveaway ..................................................38

Entertainment .......................30-33

t

Shout

Christy Serpa editorial design

Cuesta Teachers Honored .............................................36

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January 12 - 25, 2017

Year in Review Police Blotter January Arroyo Grande • Jan 30: Reports came in concerning a naked man out for a stroll near New Hope Church. He was found to be under the influence of LSD and was arrested, which probably dampened his hope.

Morro Bay • Jan. 1: A young man got off to a rousing start for 2016 after being arrested in a bizarre case of New Year’s revelry gone amok. According to logs, at 1:22 a.m. police responded to a disturbance at the Otter Rock Café in the 800 block of Embarcadero. The bent fellow, 28, reportedly bit the ear of another man. He “was found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself or the safety of others” (a big understatement there). Then while being processed at the stationhouse, the apparent cannibal “attempted to bite one officer.” He was “restrained” and taken to County Jail where no doubt an ear tastes better than the food. He was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and, naturally, being squiffed.

• Jan. 7: Just when you think you’ve heard it all… Police responded to the 400 block of Shasta for a vandalism report. Some unknown person climbed onto a house and drilled several holes in the roof, so when it rains, it pours in.

• Jan. 20: Someone stole a wallet out of an unlocked locker at Fitness Works gym. Someone burgled an unlocked shed in the 1600 block of Embarcadero and a woman in the 2100 block of Sunset said someone entered her apartment through an unlatched back bedroom window, anyone see a pattern here?

• Jan. 30: Police responded at 11:08 p.m. to the 700 block of Quintana after some apparent prankster called Burger King and had it their way with them, convincing the manager they were from the fire department and they must break every window in the place because of a gas leak. A dozen windows, and some $35,000 in damages later, including ramming a car into the doorways and the drive-thru, the fire department explained there was no gas leaking, except no doubt from between a soon-to-be ex-employee’s ears.

Pismo Beach • Jan. 18: Some guy was reportedly choking his wife in a car in the McDonald’s parking lot. Then the son was seen choking the dad. The family that chokes together…

• Jan. 19: A man riding a bicycle with buckets hanging off it rode out of the driveway of Pismo Lighthouse Suites reportedly heavily into his cups. Police didn’t locate ol’ bucket-head.

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San Luis Obispo • Jan. 19: A citizen called at 7 p.m. on Higuera at LOVR and reported a guy at the bus stop “flipping out” and screaming obscenities across the street from a church, no doubt upsetting all the church ladies. The sinner was gone, could it have been “SATAN!?!”

• Jan. 19: Police and fire responded at 7:30 p.m. to the 3200 block of Via Ensenada for a reported grease fire in an oven, no doubt time to eat healthier.

• Jan. 20: Police were called at 2:09 a.m. to Santa Rosa Shell where some thief gripped in an apparent nicotine fit stole cigarettes and lit one up right outside, before making his escape.

February

• Feb. 23: A mother reported that her teenaged daughter “made odd statements” to her when questioned about touching herself inappropriately. Police said there’s no crime in that.

Morro Bay • Feb. 1: Police responded at 4:30 p.m. to Pacific and Bernardo for a disturbing fellow. They arrested a 60-year-old rummy for suspicion of being drunk enough to need a hospital. He was cited and released with a promise to appear.

And appear he did, the very next day at 3:43 p.m. at Piney Way and the Boulevard where he was again cited for public intoxication. This time he went to the gaol.

• Feb. 5: A citizen in the 500 block of Atascadero Road reported a theft. Some horse’s a** stole a saddle and bridle out of the back of a truck sometime overnight.

Arroyo Grande • Feb 10: A woman on the 600 block of Asilo purchased a magazine from a doorto-door salesperson and apparently buyers remorse set in, so she reported it as suspicious.

• Feb. 24: Police responded to a coffee shop in the 200 block of the Boulevard for a report of a one patron spitting on another. Perhaps decaf is in order?

• Feb 10: Some brain trust was busted for possession of numerous items, some of which were determined to come from a locked storage unit. As if that wasn’t bad continued, page 4

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enough he was in possession of heroin, and, wait for it, he brought some of the drug into jail hidden in his shoe.

• Jan. 30: A caller at Pismo Bowl reported a man asking for spare change and

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January 12 - 25, 2017

Year in Review Police Blotter

continued, from page 3

• Feb. 16: A citizen on Los Verdes called at 10:46 p.m. because there was a suspicious man by the gate. The barbarian was gone when they arrived.

Pismo • Feb. 13: An aggressive solicitor in the 400 block of Ocean Blvd. was advised to get lost. A caller in the 400 block of Indio reported a different pushy guy at the door.

And another rude door-to-door salesman was reportedly banging on the door and ringing the bell in the 100 block of Seacliff Dr. Police contacted the manager of the prowling passel of product pushers and informed him of the “No-solicitingâ€? municipal code, and hopefully gave him a quick lesson in etiquette. • Feb. 13: Police were asked to check the welfare of a guest at the Hilton Garden Inn after an employee received a complaint about a naked man walking around the property. Medics were called in because the guy had intestinal problems, which really doesn’t explain the birthday suit.

He was taken to the ER. • Feb. 13: Two people were vomiting in the backseat of a car. They were able to get a hotel room for the night, but no doubt any back-seat shenanigans were put on hold. • Feb. 28: A caller on the 2500 block of Spyglass reported that her cat might have been stolen. The feline’s collar was found in front of a room at the Spyglass Inn. A true cat burglar.

San Luis Obispo • Feb. 4: Police were called at 11:39 a.m. to the 100 block of Higuera where some scoundrel stole a donut from Sunshine Donuts and was walking off. A theft report was begun, though hoping he chokes on it might have more satisfying results. • Feb. 16: A citizen at the Marigold Center asked police to check on a transient man dressed all in black who’d been sitting on Tank Farm Road for hours. Johnny NoCash checked out fine. • Feb. 16: Police responded at 3:45 p.m. to the 11500 block of LOVR where someone stole from Laguna Smokes shop, no doubt a business hanging on by its butts in a no-smoking town.

March Arroyo Grande • March 28: A woman pulled over for a traffic stop took off on foot, which never works, outside of Supergirl. She was later found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. • March 28: A caller followed a man involved in a hit-n-split collision to his house. The guy reportedly backed into his driveway and into the garage door. Loopy, who was found to be under the influence of pain meds, was unaware that a house jumped in front of him and of course, was feeling no pain.

Morro Bay • March 8: Police responded to the 300 block of Dunbar for a reported “theft of a vehicle without the owner’s consent,â€? which is sort of what stealing means. The car was recovered abandoned at Cerro Alto Campground on Hwy 41. • March 22: Some scoundrel broke into a storage shed in the 500 block of Morro Bay Blvd., and stole a backpack leaf blower, which really blows. • March 27: Someone on Morro Avenue turned in a “Sentry Safeâ€? they’d found to police for “safekeeping,â€? though it’s a mite late, as it was empty.

Pismo • March 1: A man in a van (down by the river for old-school SNL fans) on the 300 block of Five Cities Drive was trying to get McDonald’s employees to approach the vehicle to buy some undisclosed items. He was having car problems and was advised against trying to make a buck when you’re down on your luck.

In other Big Mac news, a caller reported that a man dragged another man onto the sidewalk in front of McDonald’s. The angry McNugget was arrested. • March 13: Two spatting roommates on the 200 block of Oceanview got into a fight and placed each other under citizens

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arrest and cited each other. Come and knock on my door‌ • March 30: Some crusader on the 300 block of Capistrano said a neighbor had placed a statue of the devil in front of her property, which is creepy but apparently not necessarily illegal. • March 30: Two people in their 60s outside Surf Side Donuts entered the store and the woman started sucking on a honey bottle and refused to leave.

Ol’ Winnie the Pooh was also hitting up customers for money. They were advised to leave.

San Luis Obispo • March 3: Police responded to a disturbance at 5 p.m. in the 3100 block of Camellia. Logs indicated a father gave his son an iPhone and then fought him for it. • March 3: Police went wiki wiki to South and Higuera where some long-haired Hawaiian-looking Kanaka was standing on the corner exposing his ‘auwiniwini for all the world to see. • March 3: Police were called at 5:53 p.m. to the 300 block of Pacific for a report of a naked transient man taking a bath in front of a business, which will drive away customers every time. • March 17: At 11:13 a.m. a woman called to report two men whizzing off the second floor of the Marsh St., parking garage, on the Post Office side. They’d pissedoff before police arrived to teach them manners. • March 17: Someone called at 11:30 a.m. to report five transient men and a woman were setting up camp outside the Vet’s Hall on Grand Avenue, no doubt wounded veterans of the war on poverty. • March 31: Someone at Santa Rosa Park called at 4:45 p.m. to report eight hooligans on bikes had taken over the skateboard park — the Millennials’ version of “The Wild Ones.â€?

April Arroyo Grande • April 7: A juvenile on West Branch was in possession of cocaine. Ahhh‌ youth.

• April 8: Some guy on the 500 block of Ide Street was demanding entry to the home of someone who has a restraining order against him. A woman answered and told him to leave, to which he reportedly responded, “I am Jehovah, and I am here to kill you.â€? • April 24: A man on the 200 block of James Way made a citizen’s arrest accusing his brother of battery, as they are apparently past the “I’m telling Mom!!!â€? stage.

Morro Bay • April 2: A woman in the 2500 block of Laurel said there was a thief amongst the bargain hunters, as her cell phone was stolen during a garage sale. • April 19: Police responded to a disturbance at 10:12 a.m. in the 400 block of Quintana where a 65-year-old maniacal dingus was arrested for suspicion of being on drugs. He went to the County photo lab for a mugshot. • April 21: Police and fire responded at 4:14 p.m. to Hwy 1 at Morro Bay Boulevard for a reported car fire. No word on the extent of damage to the hot rod.

Pismo • April 8: A caller on the 1300 block of Costa del Sol blew a fuse when a man came to her door claiming to be an electrician who had a work order for her address. The dim bulb was at the wrong house. • April 8: Call homeland security, a woman in her 20s and carrying a suitcase was walking near the Hind’s overpass.

She checked out OK. • April 9: A possible DIP (drunk in public) man and woman were reported in Pismo Coast Village. The uncouth fellow was seen rolling in the dirt and then urinated in public. What a catch, no doubt made your momma proud. • April 25: A homeless man in a wheelchair near Rite Aid was reportedly getting “intimate with a vehicleâ€? — you don’t even want to know‌ • April 25: A caller at Starbucks called the CHP to report he was being harassed and some guy was going to kill him. He hung

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Year in Review Police Blotter up when dispatchers tried to get more information. It turns out the shebang was over a parking spot. Geez, walk a few feet.

San Luis Obispo • April 1: A citizen called police at 1:15 a.m. from a foot spa by 7-Eleven on Marsh to report some trashed fellow was watering the sidewalk with a short hose.

The whizzer was arrested on what was his 25th birthday. Happy birthday to you…

Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday you filthy, drunken, urinating, swine you… Happy birthday to youuuu!!!

• April 14: A burglar alarm sounded at 11 p.m. in the 900 block of California, tripping the alarm in the basement, then the kitchen. Some larcenous wienie had possibly broken into Frank’s Famous Hot Dogs, but it was a false alarm.

• April 15: A citizen called at 1:24 a.m. from the 3900 block of Higuera because his or her roommate’s father was sleeping in the backyard, an apparent case of being in the doghouse with your child.

• April 28: Some petulant whiner in the 1800 block of Vicente complained at 5:30 p.m. because all the parking was being taken up by soccer moms picking up their kids from practice.

• April 29: Police responded at 1:52 a.m. to the 700 block of Higuera for a disturbance at the oddly named Library (bar), as apparently “Shhh!!!” didn’t work.

May Arroyo Grande • May 5: Some guy on Ash Street was arrested for driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation, proving that you really can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Morro Bay • May 19: Someone came to the police department on Morro Bay Boulevard and turned over an urn with ashes inside that he or she found in the bay, as apparently Davey Jones’ locker lost one.

• May 20: Police responded at 6:35 a.m. to the high school where they caught a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl “in an illegal campsite,” also called “Busted!”

The boy was turned over to his no doubt proud mother and the girl was handed over to CWS, no word on the hankypanky going on.

• May 23: Police arrested a 51-year-old woman for suspicion of shoplifting at two different stores in the 800 block of Embarcadero, as tourist season starts early this year.

Pismo • May 7: A guy was upset with a low flying bi-plane over the pier. He said it was disturbing the peace and asked police to contact the pilot. A message was left for ol’ Lindbergh.

of the Quality Inn. It was relocated likely without the continental breakfast.

• May 23: A large swarm of bees was reported in the California Fresh parking lot.

• May 24: A caller on the 800 block of Bakersfield reported that people were making bird noises behind their home. It turns out it was actual birds in a tree.

San Luis Obispo • May 20: At 9:45 p.m. police were called to French Hospital where a discharged male patient was refusing to leave, just show him the bill, he’ll run like hell.

• May 20: Police were called to the 1100 block of Laurel at Atoll Holdings, Inc., after a man chopped down their tree and then left.

• May 21: Stop the presses, at 1:55 a.m. someone reported a drunken woman outside Mo Tav in the 700 block of Higuera.

$14.00 WEEKDAY / $15.00 WEEKEND

• May 26: A citizen in the 600 block of Palm at the Palm View Apartments said three suspicious men were sitting on a wall smoking a lil’ somethin’-somethin’, you know what I mean…

• May 27: A citizen in the 1900 block of McCollum reported at 2:43 a.m. that some ding dong had been pounding on his or her door for 30 minutes but was now gone. No word on why they didn’t call 30 minutes sooner.

June Arroyo Grande • June 5: An unconscious man was lying in the street near a running vehicle (missed it by that much) on the 100 block of Rodeo Drive. He later admitted to driving under the influence.

Morro Bay • June 2: Police responded to Sun and Buns Bakery in the 800 block of Embarcadero for a report of a former employee having her hand in the cookie jar.

• June 12: Police stopped a car at 9:52 a.m. on Atascadero Road and cited the 55-year-old woman driver for the unholy trinity — suspended license, expired registration and no insurance. She was cited and sentenced to the hell of the DMV. • June 20: Police responded at 11:15 a.m. to a disturbance in the 400 block of Yerba Buena. Logs indicated a woman brandishing a garden rake was chasing another woman down the street after her dog “defecated on her rocks in the front yard,” no, you can’t make this stuff up folks.

• June 23: Police responded to the 1700 block of Main for a disturbance. Two squeaky fellows 51 and 55 were tossed to the nick for suspicion of being well oiled.

• May 9: A no doubt cultured man was loitering outside Pismo Yogurt.

• May 10: A snake was outside the lobby

$13.00 WEEKDAY / $14.00 WEEKEND

continued, page 6

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January 12 - 25, 2017

continued, from page 5 • June 23: Police responded at 4 p.m. to the 1200 block of Morro where a woman reported a sexual battery that apparently took place June 21. Logs indicated she didn’t want to press charges, indeed didn’t want police to even investigate, just to document this case of no case just in case.

• June 24: Police responded to the high school where “two juveniles engaged in a physical altercation during a high school football passing tournament,” hey it’s called foot-ball not fist-ball, capisci?

• June 25: Police responded at 1:04 p.m. to the 600 block of Morro Bay Blvd., for a report of a sticky-fingered man and woman allegedly shoplifting at Foxy’s Thrift Shop. The sneak thieves made their escape in a gold, 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD, license plate No. 70465D1, according to logs. If you see this vehicle, call homeland security or the MBPD. • June 26: Police responded to a noninjury vehicle crack-up at 1 p.m. at Beach and Main. The mermaid driver was cite/ released for suspicion of suffering the rapture of the deep in her cups.

Year in Review Police Blotter return items that an employee thought might have been stolen. They got into a verbal dispute then the woman pushed the employee giving new meaning to the pushup bra. She was advised against trespassing.

• June 5: Juveniles were throwing eggs at cars on Hwy 1. The two hooligans got cracked and were turned over to their scrambled parents.

• June 6: A man wearing a Superman hat was passed out at California Fresh no doubt an overdose of kryptonite.

• June 6: A caller reported that someone was walking around the place knocking on guest doors. She then threw coffee at an employee because they didn’t want to call police on her behalf to take her to the train station. Typically, “please” works better than throwing a hot beverage at someone.

• June 20: Police were unable to locate a man who was reportedly masturbating by the lifeguard tower north of the pier, which hardly requires lifesaving efforts.

• June 20: A woman on the 300 block of Park was told to go to the doctor and called for an ambulance, but couldn’t remember why she needed one.

San Luis Obispo

• June 4: An irate customer was reported at Legg’s Hanes. She reportedly tried to

• June 10: At 12:44 a.m. some cockroach was reportedly trying to force his way

and made off with about $100 in chips, drinks, and candy. Stock it with vegetables and that won’t happen.

• June 23: Police were called about a man going back and forth in the parking lot of the Prado Road Daycare Center, no doubt achieving new heights — trespassing at a homeless shelter.

Morro Bay

• June 23: At 8:09 p.m. someone reported a man and woman having sex in a silver Chrysler parked at the Church of the Nazarene, no doubt performing a sexorcism.

• June 24: A man in the 1500 block of Johnson called at 12:40 a.m. and said he hears someone screaming and thinks it’s a transient, no doubt that tone of anger, resentment and hopeless sorrow in his voice.

• July 16: Police responded at 12:19 p.m. to Rite Aid where they caught a 42-yearold alleged shoplifter who also was under the influence of drugs, a clear violation of the doper’s creed — Never go to the store stoned.

• July 30: At 2:14 a.m. police responded to the 500 block of Atascadero Rd., where they arrested a 52-year-old transient master criminal for suspicion of trespassing and “removing items from a locked dumpster.”

Arroyo Grande

• July 31: Police and fire responded at 3:33 p.m. to the 500 block of Atascadero Rd., for a vehicle vs. a house accident, guess we know who’s fault that one was.

Police ordered the apparently elderly driver to “get thee to the DMV” for a reexamination of his or her ability to drive.

•July 4: Multiple DUI arrests were made which made for a few fireworks at home.

Pismo

• July 14: A woman on Alder brained her boyfriend with a glass causing small lacerations to his head. Officers tamed the shrew.

• July 4: An entrepreneur on San Luis Street was selling parking spaces on city streets. He was advised to stay out of the city’s coffers.

• July 30: Some junk food junkie broke into the wooden, snack shack in the fenced area of the pool at the high school

• July 11: A woman at Denny’s, who was about 20, was reportedly exposing her breasts and buttocks. She said she needed help because her boyfriend took her

July

The Tolosa Press

ACTION HERO

Pismo

inside a home in the 300 block of Hathway. He’d naturally vanished before police arrived.

service spotlight

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The Community Foundation promotes a variety programs and supports urgent community needs.

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More than $2 million in grants and scholarships are given through the Foundation every year to deserving organizations that use the money to meet specific community needs, and to students who are looking to a better future.

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If you’d like to support the good work of The Community Foundation, please visit their website at cfsloco.org or call (805) 543-2323.

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January 12 - 25, 2017

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7

Year in Review Police Blotter clothes and allegedly took advantage of her down at the beach. A sober person was called to take her home. â&#x20AC;˘ July 12: Officers broke a dog out of a car on Cypress that only had the windows cracked. The owners were contacted and the dog was returned to them and hopefully, their nose was rubbed in something.

â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 28: At 7 p.m. police made a run for the border to referee a dispute between a worker and customer in the Taco Bell drive-thru, no chalupas were arrested. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 28: Police responded at noon to the 700 block of Quintana for a disturbing man.

The 34-year old was arrested for suspicion of being high on â&#x20AC;&#x153;inhalants,â&#x20AC;? and arrested, no doubt with a snort of derision.

â&#x20AC;˘ July. 29: Two people hanging out by the dumpsters at Pismo Beach Hotel were reportedly smoking ganja. It turned out the stoners were juveniles who were turned over to their proud mama.

Pismo

San Luis Obispo

â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 15: A man entered property on the 900 block of Terry to get water from a hose. He was wearing a poncho but no pants, just underwear. It turns out that he had permission to stay in a shed on the property. Perhaps the agreement needs to include clothing.

â&#x20AC;˘ July 7: Police were called at 5:22 p.m. and asked to check the welfare of a man laying up on the sidewalk across from Laguna Lake Golf Course, as he no doubt could be teed up. He was apparently given a mulligan. â&#x20AC;˘ July 8: At 5 a.m. police responded to Dennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Madonna where someone suspiciously left a suspect suitcase by the front door sometime around 11:30 p.m. the night before. Apparently, it had clothes in it, as Dennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would no doubt be a waste of a perfectly good bomb. â&#x20AC;˘ July 21: Someone in Mitchell Park called at 7:44 a.m. and said a transient swine just whizzed in the bushes, no doubt doing his part to ease the drought. â&#x20AC;˘ July 22: At 12:36 a.m., police were called to the 1800 block of Spooner for a report of a group of people trying to get into the gate of a home. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d left, the gate apparently idiot proof.

Arroyo Grande â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 15: There was insufficient evidence of someone shooting a pellet gun at a parked car on Sunset Drive, though no one ask the car. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 27: The District Attorney requested a report concerning a juvenile playing â&#x20AC;&#x153;ding-dong door ditchâ&#x20AC;? who was chased by the homeowner, fell down and was injured. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 28: A man on the 600 block of El Camino Real was arrested for being under the influence and in possession of a switchblade knife â&#x20AC;&#x201D; two things that always go well together.

Morro Bay â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 1: Police got a call at 2:41 p.m. from a woman who said she loaned her car to her son in Fresno and now suspects he drove to the 2500 block of Nutmeg and stole two rings from her home, as a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffering knows no endâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 10: At 9:37 p.m. a citizen reported indecent exposure by some apparent perv in the 500 block of Kern. No arrests, as it was apparently not a big thing. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 16: A vehicle in the 900 block of Quintana was vandalized and gasoline sucked out of the tank. The sucker left no clues.

â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 15: A woman who was three sheets to the wind at Pismo Bowl, was lying across several chairs and urinating on herself. When police caught up with the human fountain, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember her date of birth. When they were ready to haul her to jail, she managed to slip out of the handcuffs, but was caught.

â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 28: Apples were stolen from a residence on the 100 block of Erna Way. Orange you glad we told you.

San Luis Obispo â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 2: A citizen called at 10:34 p.m. from a home in the 400 block of Buchon to complain about a loud party that included a lot of cursing and chopping wood, which apparently disturbed his sawing logs. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 2: A citizen in the 1100 block of Ironbark called at 8:53 p.m. to report several stoners smoking the evil weed in a parking lot and peering into cars.

Logs indicated the caller was too scared to confront them, as no doubt they might have reefer madness. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 17: Police were called to a report of trespassing in the 600 block of Higuera.

Logs indicated a transient woman helped herself to a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food at Oasis, no doubt having been raised by camels. She apparently pulled a chew-n-screw.

September

& Gourm ine e W

t

August

â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 2: A caller reported some pinhead was sleeping on the bench in front of Pismo Bowl but at least he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a gutter ball.

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continued, page 8

U

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L.Ac.

Arroyo Grande

â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 27: The upstanding citizen of the day award goes to a woman driver involved in a traffic collision and found to be driving under the influence of drugs, and was in possession of meth, paraphernalia, and the evil weed.

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8

•

January 12 - 25, 2017

Year in Review Police Blotter

continued, from page 7 • Sept. 18: Police responded to the City’s Coleman Beach floating dock after a boat impounded by State Fish & Wildlife was apparently stolen back.

• Sept. 24: Police and fire responded at 9:21 p.m. to the 700 block of Quintana where an elderly gent fell in the street.

Logs indicated police found “No apparent cause for the fall,” further proof that it’s hell getting old.

• Sept. 24: A disturbance was reported at 7 p.m. in the 300 block of MBB. A patron called 9-1-1 on behalf of a waitress when two shellacked harbor chicks and a watered down fellow caused a disturbance. The Three Soused-keteers went to the hoosegow.

Pismo • Sept. 8: Neighbors on the 1000 block of Longview were trashing each other about trashcans.

• Sept. 10: A woman in a home on the 100 block of Seaview was throwing things and was in the building hallway asking where her dog was. She thought her dog was hiding from her, which sounds like a good idea.

• Sept. 11: A woman wearing leopard print pants and bright pink slippers helped herself to the coffee meant for guests at the Sea Venture. Ol’ Peg Bundy claimed

she was visiting someone and gave the clerk a bogus room number. She went upstairs and tried to give them the slip.

was harassing customers in line. Then at 10:28 a.m. the apparent same donut hole was loitering in their loo.

to kill and break the legs of the owner of the Sea Air Inn,” yet another satisfied customer.

•Sept. 25: The front glass door at Brad’s Restaurant was broken. Witnesses said two dirt clods threw rocks at it.

• Sept. 30: Someone called at 12:30 a.m. to report some sneaky Pete sneaking around Grace Church on Osos, checking the doors in the patio. He was gone, a case of trust in the Lord but lock the doors.

• Oct. 15: A store clerk in the 2800 block of Main said two unidentified men stole a bottle of Dom Perignon, apparently thieves with expensive tastes. And speaking of tastes, a woman came to the police station and said someone used her credit card info to steal something at Abercrombie and Fitch in Santa Clara.

• Sept. 27: A cigarette machine was smoking next to the lobby at the Cottage Inn.

San Luis Obispo • Sept. 1: A citizen in the 1700 block of Quail told police their hedge was cut 3-4 inches, in this week’s example of why we need SWAT. • Sept. 1: A car was burgled overnight at Motel 6, as they no doubt didn’t leave enough lights on.

• Sept. 2: At 2:18 a.m. a citizen in the 400 block of Brizzolara said there was some apparent fitness nut on the back porch trying to use the treadmill. He was walked off to jail.

• Sept. 15: At 10:16 a.m. someone at the Palm Street parking garage reported a suspicious man with his pants down engaged in a possible solo sex act. Police couldn’t find ol’ Chester the molester.

• Sept. 29: Police were called at 4:56 p.m. to the area of Kentucky and Hathway for a report of a man in a black Lexus with his pants open exposing his shortcomings.

• Sept. 29: The folks at San Luis Obispo Donut Co., reported an obnoxious woman

October Arroyo Grande • Oct. 1: A caller on the 800 block of Turquoise reported that a neighbor put a beach chair on his roof and set a rifle in the chair. The caller believed the gun was there to intimidate them due to an unneighborly dispute. As it turns out, the rifle was a BB gun and was used as a prop for a senior photo shoot.

• Oct. 30: A woman on Camino Mercado reported that she was punched in the face by unknown assailant while walking down the sidewalk.

Morro Bay • Oct. 11: A high school student in the 200 block of Atascadero Rd., was cited for suspicion of possession of less than 1 ounce of the evil weed after apparently smokin’ his lunch, it was 12:04 p.m.

• Oct. 14: Police documented a terrorist threat in the 800 block of Morro. Logs indicated a man called and “threatened

• Oct. 19-21: Police caught an 18-yearold young man hanging around the high school three times in just a couple of days.

On the 19th he was arrested for suspicion of being stoned and holding a bag of weed on school grounds. They took him to jail and another kid was cite-released for possession of pot. On the 21st, apparently after making bail, the same master criminal was back twice — at 12:43 p.m. and again at 4:41. He was cite-released the first time for trespassing. The second time, he gets arrested for trespassing, and alleged possession of “concentrated marijuana,” a case of “Hey Dingus, the high school’s a bust.”

• Oct. 18: Police towed off a single axle trailer with a generator inside from the 3300 block of Panorama, apparently blocking the panoramic view.

Pismo • Oct. 7: Children reported seeing a clown on the 900 block of Shell Beach Road. Ol’

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Year in Review Police Blotter Pennywise did not approach the children nor talk to them, but It apparently scared the heck out of them.

• Oct. 11: A caller on the 100 block of Frances reported a head laceration after being attacked by a hellish cat.

• Oct. 11: A caller reported a man sitting in Starbucks who appeared to be under the influence. He was bouncing in his chair, talking to himself, and trying to light a cigarette. He was told to bounce the hell out of there.

• Oct. 24: A caller on the 1300 block of Costa del Sol reported that her dog was stuck under the bed. Cal Fire came to the rescue.

• Oct. 24: A caller reported that people were seated at the bar at McClintock’s with a baby.

• Oct. 27: The noise police were dispatched at 11 p.m. to the 700 block of Foothill for yelling coming from the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. A citation was issued and some frat boy took one for the team.

• Oct. 27: Police were called at 9 p.m. to the 800 block of Higuera where some transient man was draining the lizard by the front door. He’d zipped and skipped before they arrived to teach him some manners.

• Oct. 27: Police were called at 10 a.m. to Grand and Slack for a report of a man waddling about with his pants down.

They couldn’t find the apparent flasher.

November Arroyo Grande

• Oct. 24: The mom of the year award goes to the woman who allegedly stole items from Claire’s and then yelled at her daughter to get in the car. She then took off at high speeds and ran a stoplight.

Upon investigation, police discovered the woman had court ordered visitation rights for that day with her daughter and was possibly on her way to drop the child off. She said she had been contacted by an employee and had dumped her purse to prove she hadn’t stolen anything. She also said that she was upset because the employee had put her hands on her daughter to prevent them from leaving.

The manager reported seeing her conceal several items and one was revealed when she confronted the woman. En route to County Jail, the woman hit her head on the interior of the patrol car and was unresponsive. She was transferred to Sierra Vista.

Stay tuned for another episode of As the Coast Turns.

• Nov. 14: A pillar of society was arrested on the 400 block of Grand Ave., after he was allegedly found in possession of heroin, Suboxone, and drug paraphernalia.

San Luis Obispo

Morro Bay

• Oct. 13: Police got a call at 11:06 p.m. from a guy at the Marsh Street Post Office, who said, “Something is trying to force its way into his ear,” like an episode of Brain Dead.

• Nov. 1: The campus cop documented a truant juvenile delinquent, as ditching school, ain’t cool, fool.

• Oct. 13: Police were called at 6:38 p.m. to the 1200 block of Higuera for a guy passed out on a front lawn. The hellafied garden gnome was cited.

• Oct. 13: Police responded at 12:54 p.m. to Osos and Buchon for a non-injury crash. A City-owned truck reportedly ripped the door off a parked car and the door was lying in the street. A report was taken for the lawsuit to follow.

• Oct. 14: A citizen in the 500 block of Stanford called at 1:04 a.m. because a pissed woman walked in through an unlocked front door and went to the bathroom. The skulled boor, 22, was arrested, a case of when you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go…

• Nov. 25: A person was arrested for trespassing after police had twice warned him that he was no longer allowed to be at the bus stop unless he was waiting for a bus.

burglary. Overnight, some tough luck and not too bright miscreant smashed the front door window, stole some cigs and a Lottery display case adorned with copies (worthless fakes) of lucky tickets sold at the store. Luckily, the loss was minimal but the unlucky doorway damage was extensive.

Pismo • Nov. 6: A bad egg sleeping in the breakfast area of the Sand Castle Inn was told to scramble out of there.

January 12 - 25, 2017

•

9

disturbance at 6:45 p.m. in the 2200 block of Lawton, as some sinner was drunk and disorderly at the Church of Christ, who BTW turned water into wine…

• Nov. 22: Police responded at 9:32 a.m. to the 100 block of High where some crazed transient man was acting erratically, yelling and doing drugs. Some 2 minutes later, the same fruit loop dingus was in the street at Higuera and High yelling, “You are white trash!” at passing cars.

• Nov. 7: Some chowder head who was reportedly camped out in a car for four days outside Splash Café was told to scram.

• Nov. 22: Police responded at 7:30 a.m. to Osos and Peach for a vandalism. The driver’s side window was smashed on a car parked facing the wrong direction, a.k.a. a vigilante parking ticket.

• Nov. 7: A caller on the 900 block of Bello reported that a downstairs neighbor was bellowing threats at her.

December

• Nov. 21: A car was reportedly driving in circles on the wrong side of the road, as well as going in and out of side streets.

It turned out to be a newspaper delivery person.

Arroyo Grande

• Nov. 22: Some ballsy cue ball living above Hot Shots pool hall allegedly stole $300 from the cash drawer. The caller said that they had video of the incident.

• Dec. 8: Some guy got all touchy-feely with himself at the movie theater and was busted for alleged indecent exposure.

• Dec. 7: There was insufficient evidence to support a neighbor’s complaint about children on Halcyon being exposed to the evil weed.

Morro Bay

• Dec. 1: Police responded at 3:52 p.m. to South Bay and State Park Roads for a single-vehicle crash.

A 72-year-old sizzled gent was suspected of a DUI crash, also called a butt-toast badda-bingo.

• Dec. 3: A 63-year-old harbor chick was arrested for suspicion of goin’ on a toot and blastin’ her foghorn at 1:22 a.m. in the 300 block of Embarcadero.

Pismo

• Dec. 3: A citizen at the police station complained that a neighbor has “industrial strength” wind chimes and she can’t get any sleep.

Police no doubt said it’d blow over.

• Nov. 4: Police were called at 1 p.m. to the 100 block of Mindoro where a citizen wanted to report a Morro Bay felony — wasting water.

• Nov. 5: Yet another citizen of the year was going off at 2 a.m. in the 700 block of the Boulevard. A 44-year-old homeless man was cited for illegal lodging, he no doubt missing the “No Vacancy” sign at the City Limits.

• Nov. 7: Suspicious circumstances were reported in the 800 block of Morro Bay Blvd. An “unknown male” turned off the water to a business and put a lock on the water meter, a dastardly deed the City reserves for itself.

• Nov. 13: Police responded to an unlucky, Lucky 7 Gas & Mini Mart in the 1800 block of Main St. for a report of a

San Luis Obispo • Nov. 9: At 2:21 p.m. in the 800 block of Higuera a man was running around the Apple Store refusing to leave, and worse than that — he apparently didn’t buy anything, which marks the difference between a customer and a trespasser.

• Nov. 9: A citizen called at 1 p.m. to report a woman lying on the ground by a wheelchair at Monterey and Pepper under the railroad bridge. Logs indicated she was cited for suspicion of being drunk off her rocker.

• Nov. 10: Police were called to a suspicious incident at 12:47 a.m. in the 2100 block of King. An elderly man was in the bathroom grunting.

• Nov. 22: Some bent pollywog was upsetting the lily pond at the Frog & Peach around 10:30 p.m. The tadpole, 46, was skinned for being croaked.

• Nov. 22: Police responded to a

• Dec. 6: A caller on the 100 block of Cuyama reported that his son, who lives downstairs, was screaming and throwing things. It turns out he had his music blaring, a case of “I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but I like it…”

San Luis Obispo

• Dec. 7: A theft was reported in the 1200 block of Archer leaving a frown on someone’s face at Smiling Dog Yoga.

• Dec. 7: Pol clld @ 4:30 to susp circs in 1300 blk Osos @ McDaniel Shorthand Reporters.

• Dec. 8: At 6:50 a.m. a guest in Rm. 113 said his car was burgled at the Courtyard Marriott on Calle Joaquin, as some scoundrel exerts the tourist tax.

• Dec. 8: Police were called at 2:30 a.m. by an irate citizen in the 2000 block of McCollum who said there’d been a loud suction pump running for the past 2 hours, which really sucks.

10

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

Community

SLO Children’s Museum Rings in “Noon” Year in Style Story and Photos by Kirstin Steer, Special to SLO City News / Coast News

D

ecember 31st, 2016 was an exciting day at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum.

The organization held a special New Year’s Eve party at noon for all the families in attendance, complete with a balloon drop and an apple juice toast.

While waiting for the balloon drop, children created wearable paper crowns to commemorate the New Year, and explored the various engaging exhibits in the museum.

With an outdoor play area and three separate levels, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has a lot to offer to engage children of various ages. Young kids can learn the importance of strong building construction in the earthquake block simulator, don a costume and create a play on the second floor stage, or engage in a myriad of other delights that range from creating in a kitchen to diagnosing in the doctor’s office.

It is also home to The Thinkery, a preschool run by Karen Ames.

One mother, brought her child up from Arroyo Grande to enjoy the festivities, and spoke of how she gladly makes the drive each day to bring her daughter to the Thinkery; where

they both value the creative playtime w i d e l y recognized as essential to young minds.

Ten minutes before noon, a crowd of

children gathered on the first floor to wait for the balloons to drop. After a couple of group-initiated false countdowns, the time was finally upon us and the last ten seconds of 11 AM were echoed throughout the building- and then it was noon! As balloons and confetti blanketed the crowd, cries of delight and laughter

could be heard as kids rose up their hands to snag a balloon for themselves. After five minutes, the crowd dispersed and returned to the various interactive play stations set up around the museum, smiles wide on their faces, balloons in their hands, and confetti on their shoes.

SLO City News â&#x20AC;˘ January 12 - 25, 2017

News

â&#x20AC;˘

11

New Rules of the Road for 2017

By Camas Frank

J

an. 1 saw the implementation of some new traffic laws aimed at keeping Californians safer.

The California Highway Patrol, represented locally by Public Information Officer, J.W. Johnson, is set to enforce all of them, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying special attention to the ones that require pubic education.

The most attention grabbing change is a new law requiring all â&#x20AC;&#x153;in-car deviceâ&#x20AC;? use to be handsfree. Assembly Bill 1785 mandates drivers to keep wireless electronic devices, looking at your cell phones, to be mounted in vehicles while in use and to not require more than a few finger taps or swipes to interact with at a time.

Specifically, that rules out the common behavior of holding a cell phone while talking on the speaker function and using the palm or wrist on the wheel.

As long as driverless cars arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the norm it seems lawmakers are focused on keeping driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention on the road.

There have been some infamous crashes recently involving the use

of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Facebook Liveâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we see something, we and a lawsuit targeting can pull you over,â&#x20AC;? he said. the company behind â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unsafe and distracted the social media â&#x20AC;&#x153;appâ&#x20AC;? driving weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already on Snapchat. the look out for; at night The California law, especially [people] can said Ofc. Johnson, be spotted using screens, precludes the use of that light up the interior such technology behind of the car.â&#x20AC;? the wheel, but, â&#x20AC;&#x153;one And motorcycles are canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t legislate common still allowed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;split sense.â&#x20AC;? lanes,â&#x20AC;? though within Among other changes reason. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been some and clarifications is confusion over the current Assembly Bill 53 a child status of â&#x20AC;&#x153;lane splitting,â&#x20AC;? safety law wherein handled under Assembly children under-2 and Bill 51, he said. It is still within certain size legal for motorcycles limits, must ride in to drive between rows rear-facing child car of parked or moving seats. AB 53 was passed vehicles. Both wheels in 2015 but only took must be on the ground effect at the start of this CHP Officer J.W. Johnson poses at an educational event in and doing it between cars September 2016. Photo by Camas Frank year. that are already traveling As Ofc. Johnson the speed limit will earn a explained, the law citation for speeding. education rather than enforcement, applies to children weighing less Ofc. Johnson noted, adding that Where the law is concerned, is than 40 pounds or standing less the majority of citations under AB again in the area of education. than 40 inches, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big 53 will be in accident reports when The CHP will be working on new toddler.â&#x20AC;?

CHP officers catalog the details of a motorcycle safety campaigns in Unfortunately, both laws hinge on crash site.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

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“We have a call to Action Alley where non-profits can have a table,” Addis said.

The founders have received several inquiries if the demonstration was solely for women, and want everyone to know that the march is for anyone who wants to come and show their support.

The march is not a protest, but a demonstration of unity in diversity.

“We have asked people to think about what are you marching for rather than what are you protesting against,” Addis said. “We really are Women’s March SLO organizers Andrea a non-partisan march and we want to bring diverse voices together to Chmelik, Dawn Addis and Jen Ford. express what we hope, and what we want to see happen moving forward.” n President-Elect Donald Trump’s According to their website, “The first day in office, Jan 21, over a thousand men and women will Women’s March in San Luis Obispo is join at Mitchell Park, San Luis Obispo a Pro Peace, Pro Inclusivity march. We at 10 a.m. to show their support for respectfully ask that all “anti” or “protest” the Women’s March on Washington, a sentiments are not shared at this march. demonstration at the capital in support of This does not mean that we don’t acknowledge these feelings and points the protection of people’s rights.

Dawn Addis, co-founder of the local of view, but this is not the focus of this march, first learned about the Washington particular march.”

The gathering will include several gathering on social media. She concluded that she did not want to travel out of state, speakers including SLO Police Chief but would rather do something locally to Deanna Cantrell, Rubia Siddiqi, president of the Muslim Student Association at show her support.

“I decided that I’d rather march in San Cal Poly, and Erica Flores Baltodano, Luis Obispo and see if there were a few of managing partner of Baltodano & my friends that wanted to come out and Baltodano LLP among others.

“Our speakers are really homegrown march with me on the same day to march grassroots San Luis Obispo area in solidarity,” Addis said.

Addis originally had envisioned a small connections,” Addis said.

The majority of the funds donated will group of people joining together.

“I thought it would be 50 or 60 people. go to provide bathroom facilities to the I had no idea it would grow like this,” participants and cover the expense of street closures.

Addis said.

To register, go to www.

The local gathering has garnered the Registration endorsement of the national congregation womensmarchslo.com. and is also involved with the California is free, but online donations are being group that is assisting with organizing accepted.

Non-profits that would like to set up a marches throughout the state.

Founders of the SLO march are table can email womensmarchslo@gmail. encouraging local non-profits to com for more information. participate.

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Local Firm Fuels Toys For Tots

T

he Wallace Group, a San Luis Obispo-based engineering, planning, and landscape architecture services firm, held a holiday fundraiser for Toys for Tots.

“Instead of sending out a typical greeting card we wanted to use this opportunity to give back,” Jorge Aguilar, a principal at Wallace Group, said in a press release. “Our goal this year was to embody the spirit of growing hearts to three-times in size!”

The fundraiser was oriented around the “Grinch Who Stole Christmas” tale. To celebrate, Wallace Group created a holiday video that

they said went “viral.”

For every comment received, they donated $5 to the local chapter of Toys for Tots. Dean Tyler, manager of San Luis Obispo TFT, and the costumed Grinch, were both on hand to receive $700 in toys and $1,000 in cash.

Toys For Tots has been growing tiny hearts for 67 years now. Over that time, the program has distributed nearly 500 million toys, more than the most recent census figures for the U.S. population.

The Wallace Group holiday video is posted online at: www.wallacegroup. us

SLO City News • January 12 - 25, 2017

News Package Thief Busted

P

olice arrested a regular customer after the homeless man was seen allegedly snatching a package off the front porch of a local residence.

According to SLOPD Sgt. Chad Pfarr, at 11:33 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, police were called about a man who had just stolen a package off the front porch of a home in the 2100 block of Harris St. “The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect to officers who began searching the surrounding area,” Sgt. Pfarr said in a news release. “About 45 minutes later, an officer was on Prado Road near South Higuera and located a subject matching the description of the suspect.”

The man, identified as Billy Huerta, 50 and a local transient, is well-known to police, said Sgt. Pfarr. Allegedly, Huerta, “was still in possession of the package he had stolen from the front porch on Harris.”

He also had a beige, Felt MP, beach cruiser-style bicycle, which police correctly suspected was stolen too.

“Huerta,” Sgt. Pfarr said, “admitted to taking the bicycle but did not provide any further details about where or when the bike was taken.”

However, he added, that as of Dec. 24, the bicycle had not been reported stolen to their agency, so police are asking the public for help.

“If you know where the bicycle came from,” Sgt. Pfarr said, “please contact the Police Department with that information.”

Meanwhile, Huerta was hauled to the gaol on suspicion of possessing stolen property and “misappropriation of found property,” as police apparently can’t confirm that the bike was stolen, the word of a suspected thief no doubt unreliable.

The package theft is potentially part of a larger crime spree. “The City has seen an increase in mail and package thefts when those items are left by delivery drivers and not immediately retrieved by their intended recipient,” Sgt. Pfarr said.

“Thieves take advantage of the increased number of packages being delivered during the Christmas season.”

To protect yourself, police encourage everyone “to have items delivered to locations where they can be retrieved as soon as possible.”

Call SLOPD at (805) 781-7312 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP with information about this crime.

•

13

SLOPD Launches PEACE Initiative

I

t’s a new year and the San Luis Obispo Police Department wants YOU to pull over for a chat.

More specifically the community is cordially invited to drive, walk or bike over to the French Hospital Education Pavilion at 1823 Johnson Ave., for a series of community outreach meetings.

In an announcement released just as 2016 was winding down, the SLOPD sought to, “educate both the public and police on their differences and similarities.”

It’s an effort that SLO Police Chief Deanna Cantrell said was to “foster mutual respect, better understanding and positive relations between police officers and the public.”

The “Police Education and Community Engagement” or PEACE Program, is launching in January with the start to a series of 2-hour discussions.

Topics will focus on what both the public and local police leadership believe it means to actually police a community; what the protocols are for police use of force; the increased use of body cameras and “other sensitive issues.”

The department has also announced the launch a Police and Community Together or PACT Program that will partner police officers with members of the community to further understanding, and launch a Police Explorer Program to interest youth in law enforcement.

Nationally, “Law Enforcement Explorer

Posts” are a career orientation and experience tool coordinated through a program for young people contemplating a career in the field. They’re sponsored by local enforcement agencies and backed by the International Chiefs of Police Association, among others.

The reason for the sudden interest in such programs on the part of SLOPD, according to Chief Cantrell’s announcement, is that “highly publicized negative interactions between police and the public — [which] often result from miscommunication and misunderstanding — have escalated.”

“Both members of the public and police officers want to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness,” she said.

“But something as simple as differing communication styles can get in the way of that. Over the next several months, we plan to get to know our community better, and the community will get to know us so we understand where we’re coming from when we interact.”

The first meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 with the topic, “Policing and the Community.” The discussion will encompass both the past and future of the subject.

They’ll skip February but return March 30 to address “Use of Force” and again May 25 with panel of law enforcement professionals to answer questions.

Capacity is limited to 110 people per event.

14

â&#x20AC;˘

January 12 - 25, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ SLO City News

News

County Seeking Forensic Help

By Camas Frank

T

he work of a modern Forensic Pathologist may look nothing like the televised adventures on CBSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; long running show, CSI, but the San Luis Obispo County Human Resources Department thinks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great job for the right person.

Heading into 2017, the County began a national search for a fulltime, forensic pathologist to replace their contractor of a decade. The new hire will work for the County Sheriff/ Coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, explained Sgt. Jay Wells, who works at the relatively new, dedicated Coroner Facility, located near the SLO County Airport.

Sgt. Wells added that the plan to hire a local employee has been in the works since the facility was completed 4 years ago. The current contractor has worked through five, biannual contracts but recently indicated that he was looking to lessen his workload, as he fulfills the same function for King and Tulare counties.

According to the job listing posted

by SLO County: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Forensic Pathologist performs Autopsies, Medical Inspections and Medical Records Reviews to

determine cause in cases of sudden, violent, or unexpected death. The average caseload is approximately 250 per year of which 33% are natural, 24% accidental, 24% suicide, 2% homicide, and .04% undetermined.

Approximately 60% of cases are completed by autopsy, 32% by medical inspection, and 8% by medical records review.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of a larger nationwide transition is that these entrepreneurial professionals, willing to take on multiple contracts and provide their own insurance and retirement packages, are becoming fewer,â&#x20AC;?

Sgt. Wells explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The younger generation looks for secure employment.â&#x20AC;?

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office is willing to provide, starting in the $198,702-$241,550 per year range.

In addition, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll offer the same benefits package commiserate with the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper tier management, such as that provided a commander.

Realistically, Sgt. Wells said, the likely candidates will be mid-to-late30s in age, as the required experience can take 16 years of post-high school

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education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to attract someone to spend a career here,â&#x20AC;? he said, citing the quality of life that the Central Coast has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a switch [to in-house] that both Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties have done before us. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen real benefits that frankly werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily foreseen.â&#x20AC;?

Among those were the increased availability for field and on site analysis that the contracted professional wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always able to provide, although he was always available via phone and email. As well, the availability of a local person to attend court greatly expedites proceedings.

Despite the schedule and workload, the forensic pathologist does not work alone; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re assisted during autopsies by a staff of three-deputy coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s detectives.

According to the listing, the total staffing in the Coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unit is the supervising sergeant (Sgt. Wells), two senior deputy Sheriff-Coroner detectives, one deputy Sheriff-Coroner detective, and one legal clerk.

While the Coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lab was considered state-of-the-art when built,

thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no instant results displayed on holographic projectors a la television.

Toxicology services are completed offsite with an approximate 2-week delay.

The absolute minimum qualifications are: Graduation from an accredited school of medicine AND possession of a valid Physicians and Surgeons Certificate issued by the Board of Examiners of the State of California; current accreditation by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, clinical and anatomic pathology, and forensic pathology; and 3-years of experience as a forensic pathologist (or equivalent) within a medical examiner or coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, or equivalent.

Sgt. Wells will arrange for a tour for anyone interested in applying, but applications must be processed online.

The tour is likely to be a little bit more in depth than those given to high school and college groups.

The full job details can be found online at: www.governmentjobs. com/careers/slocountyca/ classspecs/1156480.

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Inside: Good To Be King .....................................16 Then & Now ............................................17 Modern Senior ........................................18 Good Dogma ..........................................19 Community Calendar ........................... 20-21 Sports Shorts .......................................... 22 SurfĘźs Up ................................................ 23

Family Matters ........................................ 24 Healthy Living ......................................... 25 Framed ................................................... 26 Talley Recipe .......................................... 27 Journey of Hope Forum ........................... 29 Entertainment......................................30-33 Dinner and a Movie ................................ 34

16

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

I’m a Believer Groovin’ Tunes of ‘67 Good to be King

By King Harris

F

ifty years ago this month, I had a feeling the New Year of 1967 would be challenging and it was.

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I was trying to avoid the Army and stay out of the Vietnam War. As things turned out, I opted for the Navy, but my boots would still be on the ground and not on a destroyer.

To combat my upcoming despair, I turned to the music of the day, which I thought might relieve some of my anxieties. Fifty years ago this month the top song nationwide was “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees, an upbeat, feel-good song written by Neil Diamond.

Motown continued its dominance on the charts with “Standing in the Shadows of Love” by the Four tops and “Love is Here” by the Supremes. Actress, Marcia Strassman, scored huge with a hippie tune called, “Where are the Flower Children,” which had me asking what in the heck is a flower child?

The upcoming “Summer of Love” would answer that. The latest rocker by the Rolling Stones was two-sided: “Ruby Tuesday” backed with “Let’s spend the Night Together” the lyrics of which they were forced to change (but didn’t) on the Ed Sullivan Show, to “Let’s Spend Some Time Together.”

Sonny and Char delivered a sign of the times with “The Beat Goes On:” The beat goes on, the beat goes on Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain La de da de de, la de da de da Charleston was once the rage, uh huh History has turned the page, uh huh The miniskirt’s the current thing, uh huh Teenybopper is our newborn king, uh huh And the beat goes on, beat goes on Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain La de da de de, la de da de da The grocery store’s the supermart, uh huh Little girls still break their hearts, uh huh And men still keep on marching off to war Electrically they keep a baseball score And the beat goes on, the beat goes on Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain La de da de de, la de da de da Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss The cars keep a going faster all the time Bums still cries, “Hey buddy, have you got a dime?”

And the beat goes on, the beat goes on…

At the same time, The Buffalo Springfield left us a potent message: There’s something happening here What it is ain’t exactly clear There’s a man with a gun over there Telling me I got to beware I think it’s time we stop, children, what’s that sound Everybody look what’s going down There’s battle lines being drawn Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong

Young people speaking their minds Getting so much resistance from behind It’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound Everybody look what’s going down What a field-day for the heat A thousand people in the street Singing songs and carrying signs Mostly say, hooray for our side It’s s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound Everybody look what’s going down Paranoia strikes deep Into your life it will creep It starts when you’re always afraid You step out of line, the man come and take you away…

Fifty years ago today and “For What It’s Worth” is still relevant.

And so too is, “Happy Together,” one of the great songs by the Turtles: Imagine me and you, I do I think about you day and night, it’s only right To think about the girl you love and hold her tight So happy together If I should call you up, invest a dime And you say you belong to me and ease my mind Imagine how the world could be, so very fine So happy together I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you For all my life When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue For all my life. So happy together…

Imaginary, but hopeful, I suppose.

And of course ringing in the New Year of 1967 wouldn’t be the complete without the Bryds: So you want to be a rock and roll star?

Then listen now to what I say Just get an electric guitar Then take some time And learn how to play And with your hair swung right And your pants too tight It’s gonna be all right Then it’s time to go downtown Where the agent man won’t let you down Sell your soul to the company Who are waiting there to sell plastic ware And in a week or two If you make the charts The girls’ll tear you apart The price you paid for your riches and fame Was it all a strange game?

You’re a little insane The money, the fame, and the public acclaim Don’t forget who you are You’re a rock and roll star…

By the time that Roger McGuinn and Hugh Masakela trumpeted this song, I had been a drummer in a band for three years. Nothing ever came of it, but it lifted my spirits. As it did fifty years ago this month.

Central Coast Life â&#x20AC;˘ January 12 - 25, 2017

â&#x20AC;˘

17

Moving Forward in 2017 Then & Now

By Judy Salamacha

R

eaders regularly ask where I get my stories? Generally, I prefer to write your personal stories.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all had a journey and typically Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find we are more alike than not.

Yet the mystery is why we often fail to communicate cooperative solutions to achieve similar desired outcomes.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from the baseball movie For the Love of the Game, when Jane and Billy are baffled by their diverse interpretation of his liaison with his masseuse. Jane says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never quite how you play it in your head.â&#x20AC;?

For several yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my weekly inspiration to â&#x20AC;&#x153;be a better personâ&#x20AC;? has come from Father Ed Holterhoff of St. Timothyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church in Morro Bay. His ecumenical message reminds us to be kind, forgiving, tolerant and generous to those we encounter, especially those with so much less than we might have.

Certainly words to live by, but he nailed it for me in his first 2017 bulletin article titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Expressions.â&#x20AC;? (see: www. sttimothymorrobay.org) He wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The future doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen; it must be invited. Each year is like a sampler of different candies. We have to try them in order to discover what they are.

Change is usually invigorating, even if it is sometimes forced on us.â&#x20AC;?

I was thus inspired to ask a few former interviewees their thoughts moving forward in 2017.

Reflecting on 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contentious election cycle nationally, regionally, and locally while looking forward to a proactive agenda in 2017, Morro Bay Mayor Jaime Irons said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope our residents will continue to be passionate about what they believe is best for Morro Bay. I also hope we will express our concerns and recommendations with compassion and respect for each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideals, always thinking first of the ultimate benefit for our city.â&#x20AC;?

Taylor Newton of the Guerrilla Gardening Club, a youth advocacy program that recently expanded to Southern California and Italy, wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change depends on you. I wish we would learn from history. I see the solution is for people to want to work harder to change themselves before they try to change the world. Change is you being better â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that is your job.â&#x20AC;?

Sherry Peschong Sim of Sim Real Estate in Cayucos wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Old Chinese saying is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Despite rising mortgage interest rates, 2017 bodes well for the housing market. As more tech tools are employed, it is more important than ever for real estate practitioners to stay educated and observe strong ethical and professional

standards.â&#x20AC;?

After 25plus years anticipating action, Morro Bay Maritime M u s e u m president, Larry Newland, is excited about 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a wonderful year 2016 was for the maritime museum project. In fact, hosting the San Salvador in partnership with the City of Morro Bay and the San Diego Maritime Museum was so successful that enough funds were raised to break ground on the museum building in 2017! â&#x20AC;&#x153;This would not have been possible without the continued support and enthusiasm of the community and [Morro Bay] City leadership.â&#x20AC;? Newland also invited all to find out more about the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 when the three vessels located at 1210 Embarcadero will be open for public tours. Rain cancels.

Rick Grantham, former Morro Bay City Councilmember and over-the-top L.A. Rams fan since 1959 when his grandfather took him to his first game at the Coliseum, wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a fan for life, I am wishing for a new coach who will bring energy, excitement and a great offense to the LA Rams!â&#x20AC;?

Teri Bayus, Simply Clear Marketing & Mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant and movie columnist, and director of the Central Coast Writers Conference, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Did you know that 98% of people say their only regret was not writing their story? Most writers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finish [or start] because of lack of confidence. For the 2017 Central Coast Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference (see: www. centralcoastwritersconference.com), we are going to focus on writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selfconfidence and getting the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey accessible to every pen jockey.

What is the story you want to tell?â&#x20AC;?

Having alluded to my love for sports movies, I was hoping for an Oakland Raiders Super Bowl â&#x20AC;&#x153;hail Maryâ&#x20AC;? led by a healthy Derek Carr from my former hometown of Bakersfield, but will probably have to wait for 2018.

My future is obviously anticipating the California Chrome/Art Sherman story to be written and screened before another inspired NFL feel-good movie.

Who will write that script?

Freelance writer, columnist and author, Judy Salamachaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Then & Now column is a regular feature of Simply Clear Marketing & Media. Contact her at: judysalamacha@gmail.com or (805) 801-1422 with story ideas.

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18

•

January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

Who Are You Going To Call?

Modern Senior

W

elcome to the December edition of Aging and Still Engaging, provided by the SLO County Commission on Aging (SLOCOA). This month’s column is written by local Professional Care Manager Cheryl Kippen, MS, who has served the Central Coast for 15 years, and addresses a serious issue that can overwhelm or devastate seniors and family members. Fortunately, help is available and well worth seeking.

What, you may ask, is a professional geriatric care manager and how can they be of assistance? According to Cheryl, those in the industry have been educated in various fields of human services — social work, psychology, nursing, gerontology — and trained to assess, plan, coordinate, monitor and provide services for the elderly and their families. Advocacy for older adults is a primary function of the Care Manager.

Fees for these services vary by region and firm, but here on the Central Coast the average hourly rate is approximately $80 per hour. There is usually an initial assessment fee of $350 for a 90- minute in-home interview with the client and concerned family members. This assessment provides

valuable information about current levels of functioning, medical background, medications, others involved and how the client defines their current needs. From this information gathered, the care manager develops a care plan with specific goals and community resources, which is included with the assessment fee.

A professional care manager can be an invaluable resource to seniors desiring to age in place at home, and during the transition from independent to assisted living. Your local care manager knows the options of care available and can estimate applicable costs. While finances often drive the decisions about in-home care versus transferring to assisted living facilities, having professional consultation helps educate all those involved about the various alternatives. Family members usually have many questions as they seek to

help their aging parents, but most have little experience navigating or even knowing what resources are available.

Having a care manager to discuss their concerns and needs saves time and money in the long run.

A relationship with a professional geriatric care manager can also allow the offspring of the elderly person to continue in that role, while someone else manages the situation. When a son

or daughter is providing the hands-on care to the parent, the quality time they have to be there emotionally for their parent is limited. The care manager can handle the difficult interpersonal issues, address the immediate problems, remain connected once the crisis passes and intervene as the situation requires.

Caring for aging parents can be a daunting challenge, but professional help is available and well worth the investment.

For more information contact the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers for a registry of certified care managers at www. caremanager.org.

San Luis Obispo County Commission on Aging invites the public to join us at the Veteran’s Hall on Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. – Noon.

Our presenters that day will be from Senior Legal Services and CAPSLO Senior Services For more information about the Commission on Aging, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/coa.htm, or call 235-5779.

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Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017

•

19

Animals as Gods, Spirits and Totems Good Dogma

By Lisa Ellman

I

n the middle of the night, considering an article topic, because that’s what I do at 2 a.m., it strikes me that so many cultures around the world use animals to represent gods, spirits, totems and constellations. I wondered why? So, I did a little research.

Gods: “Animals were used in Ancient Egyptian religious art to illustrate characteristics of the gods. However, the Egyptians did not worship animals and the depictions were not literal,” according to information from the Pitt Rivers Museum at Oxford University.

“Several animals might depict one god, thereby revealing different aspects of their character. For example, Thoth was shown as both a baboon and an ibis. Equally, the same animal could be associated with several gods. However, in later periods some animal species did come to be seen as sacred.”

“To the Hindu,” according to the National Hindu Student’s Forum, “the cow symbolizes all other creatures.

The cow is a symbol of the Earth, the nourisher, the ever-giving, undemanding provider. The cow represents life and the sustenance of life. The cow is so generous — it gives of its milk.

“The cow is so vital to life, the virtual sustainer of life, for many humans. The cow is a symbol of grace and abundance. Veneration of the cow instills in Hindus the virtues of gentleness, receptivity and connectedness with nature.”

Totems: According to Native American Legends, “Native American tradition provides that each person is connected with nine different animals that will accompany him or her through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides, also called spirit guides and/or power animals, come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.

Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.

Zodiac: According to the website: www.chinahighlights.com, “The

Bringing Back Radio to the Community.

Chinese legend goes that the Emperor of the heavens ordered all the animals that inhabited the earth to congratulate him on his birthday. He determined to select the 12 animals that arrived first to be guards of the Heavenly Gate, so they could take turns on duty in order to prevent deities from secretly descending to the earth.

The Emperor of the heavens made a rule that all animals would run across a river, and each animal’s position in the zodiac would be set by its place in the race. The people created the 12 Chinese zodiac signs according to the arrival order of the 12 animals, and each zodiac sign is designated to a specific year, so the same zodiac sign returns every 12 years.”

Constellations: According to VetStreet.com: “Animals have even been credited with designing elements of the night sky. A Cherokee tale recounts the story of a dog that was caught stealing from a mill. When he ran away with cornmeal spilling from his mouth, the trail formed the Milky

Way. There are Native American tales in which the coyote created the constellations, and, in some, he’s to blame for the fact that they don’t really resemble what they should — the impatient canine carelessly tossed the stars up into the sky, instead of placing them carefully in the right pattern.

Lisa Ellman has been working with a wide range of animals for over 20 years. Her passion, however, is dogs, and in 1996 she founded Good Dogma Obedience Training. With a foundation built on positive reinforcement, Good Dogma provides basic obedience training and behavior modification for the family dog and human members of the pack. Lisa’s comprehensive theory on training is a simple one: “Train the human, condition the dog.”

Good Dogma is a monthly feature of Simply Clear Marketing & Media.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

Community Calendar

Morro Bay Art Association is hosting a workshop in pine needle basket weaving with Elizabeth Bear from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Art Center Gallery, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. Cost is $110 for MBAA Members and $125 for non-members payable online at: www.artcentermorrobay.org.

Bear owned and operated “Dream Weaver,” a store in Santa Barbara that carried a variety of hand woven products. She combines her love of weaving and pine needle basketry to produce uniquely designed works of art.

•••

St. Benedict’s Church and The Hollister Institute for are hosting a new 4-week study group meeting Thursdays at 10 a.m. Jan. 12-Feb. 2.

All points of view are welcome in this interactive discussion of the book, “God of Becoming and Relationship,”

by Rabbi Bradley Artson. Explore the dynamic nature of process theology from a Jewish perspective. Email Rev. Donna Ross at: donnaross@ charter.net to register and for more information. St. Benedict’s Church is located at 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., at the corner of Los Osos Valley and Clark Valley roads in Los Osos.

••• The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art will present, “Latino Diaspora,” an exhibition of rarely or never-seen photography from the Joe Schwartz Estate on view now through Feb. 26.

The SLOMA exhibition highlights photographs taken in Los Angeles housing projects and in Mexico during the 1950s. An artist, activist, and humanitarian, Schwartz was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. and lived in Atascadero from 1985 until his death in 2014. He was a combat

Central Coast Women for Fisheries is again selling tickets for its albacore enchilada fundraiser with pick up from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Cost is $10 for a tray of four, either red sauce with flour tortillas, or green sauce with corn tortillas. Pre-orders preferred to insure you get some but by the end of the day, they’ll take walkins. Made with troll-caught tuna off the West Coast. To order call Jackie at (805) 772-8281 or Lenore at (805) 550-0253.

•••

American Association of University Women Morro Bay Chapter will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at St. Peter’s Church, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay. The program will shine a spotlight on the interesting lives of two members, Mary Jo DeSio and Kathie Lenski. The meeting is open to the public.

••• The Morro Bay Art Association will present it’s Annual, “For the Birds” art exhibit in conjunction with the Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, which runs Jan. 13-16. This exhibit, which will be at the Art Center Morro Bay Gallery, 835 Main St., “is a collection of fine art paintings and photography depicting Morro Bay’s vast array of indigenous species of birds, as well as birds seen around the world and all things bird-related.”

An opening reception is set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at the gallery.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 6. Admission is free to the gallery, which is open daily noon-4 p.m. and the artworks are for sale. See: www. artcentermorrobay.org for more on the gallery.

•••

followed by open mic readings. Free.

•••

online at: artsobispo.org/ingridreti-literary-award, click on the “Documents & Links” button, or by emailing Lori Lerian at: programs@ artsobispo.org, or call (805) 544-9251.

Applications are also available at ARTS Obispo Office, 1123 Mill St. SLO. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 20 and the winner(s) will be announced in March.

••• St. Benedict’s Church and The Hollister Institute are hosting a new 4-week study group meeting Thursdays at 10 a.m. Jan. 12-Feb. 2. All points of view are welcome in this interactive discussion of the book, “God of Becoming and Relationship,” by Rabbi Bradley Artson. Explore the dynamic nature of process theology from a Jewish perspective. Email Rev. Donna Ross at: donnaross@charter.net to register and for more information. St. Benedict’s Church is located at 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., at the corner of Los Osos Valley and Clark Valley roads in Los Osos.

••• Los Osos Library is hosting several free public events in January at the library, 2075 Palisades Ave., and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Call 528-1862 for more information.

An adult book reading and discussion group is held from 6:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of the month (Jan. 19).

Family Movie Night is held every third Saturday of the month (Jan. 21) at 2 p.m. They supply free popcorn and a G or PG-rated movie. Call 528-1862 for title.

At 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 join educators from California State Parks, Oceano Dunes District, to learn about the monarch butterfly’s life cycle and

Gallery at Marina Square will celebrate its first show of 2017 with an artist’s reception set for 5-8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at the gallery, 601 Embarcadero, Ste. 10 in Morro Bay. Free and open to the public. Featured artists are watercolorist and mixed media artist Virginia Mack and mixed media and mixed technique, AP artist, Aris Zavitsanos. The reception is in conjunction with the monthly Friday Art Walk and the show will hang through Jan. 29. The Gallery at Marina Square is a “fine art and crafts gallery, run by a community of professional artists who are winners of awards, grants, fellowships and juried shows living and working on the Central Coast and dedicated to enriching the world with their artwork.” See the website at: www.galleryatmarinasquare.com.

•••

The Estero Bay Republican Women’s Federated, whose members encompass Los Osos, Morro Bay and Cayucos, will have its next monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Morro Bay Golf Course Clubhouse. For reservations call Gayle at 772-2841.

Speaker is Tal Edelstein, chairman and campus liaison for Mustangs United for Israel. Lunch is $22. The Republican Women’s Club promotes a Republican political platform. For membership information call Joanne Tobias at 7723874 or e-mail to: joannetbs@gmail. com.

•••

Local authors from SLO NightWriters will sign and read from their new compilation book, “New Year’s Resolution: Local Authors from SLO NightWriters” from 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15 at Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. Featured authors will be Anne R. Allen, Paul Fahey, Elizabeth Roderick, Eldonna Edwards and Judythe Guarnera •••

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photographer in the Marines during WWII and a member of the legendary Photo League. His work portrays the lives of ordinary Americans in the urban environment. SLOMA is at 1010 Broad St., on the west end of Mission Plaza. Free admission, donations are appreciated. For more information, see: SLOMA.org.

Nominations are being taken now for the Ingrid Reti Literary Award, this year for essay writing.

Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, and the Reti Family, and the contest is open to all SLO County residents 18-older.

There is $1,000 in prize money available to the top finishers. Information and guidelines for applying are posted

migration. Free At 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, learn about whales and other sea life with short educational videos presented by Alan Godley. Free.

Poetry Night is set for 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 in the library. Theme is “Beyond,” with featured poets Alma McPhee and Christopher Buckley

Twenty members of the San Luis Obispo community have made trips to North Dakota to deliver supplies and support the Water Protectors of Standing Rock. Stand with them from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 15 at the Guild Hall in San Luis Obispo for a community mixer to hear their stories, experiences and wisdom

Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017 Fund the awards celebrate Women’s History Month in March and recognize contributions women have made in the volunteering in the community, their professions and in philanthropy.

The four award categories are: Progress for Women Award; Community and Public Service Award — Professional and Volunteer; and the Grace N. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards ceremony is set for Thursday, March 23 at Cuesta’s Hwy 1 Campus. The deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 31. For more information, see: www. wlfslo.org.

•••

Twenty members of the SLO community have made trips to Standing Rock, North Dakota. Hear their stroies from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 15 at the Guild Hall in San Luis Obispo for a community mixer.

gleaned from the movement. Speakers include Mayor Heidi Harmon, Violet Cavanugh from Northern Chumash and over 20 community members, some which were arrested, who went to Standing Rock. The evening will also include fine art by Erin Inglish and photography prints by Brittany App, which will be available to bid on during a silent auction. Suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will go to purchasing bulk items and supplies for Standing Rock protesters.

SLO. • Hope’s Village of SLO needs volunteers to assist with outreach and publicity, administrative tasks, graphic and web design, proposal and grant writing and fundraising.

•••

• Access Support Network is looking for one or two volunteers to work 3-4 hours one day per week for 1-3 month doing weekly grocery shopping and light housekeeping, including a litter box. Preferred days are Tuesday or Thursday and this client is located in San Luis Obispo.

The Cayucos Library will host a presentation by Pamela McDonald, international speaker and author of “The Perfect Gene Diet,” from 3-5 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27. Free and open to the public, no reservations needed. The library is located at 310 B St.

• Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles is looking for outgoing, personable docents to give tours for visitors and clerk in the gift shop. Open Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 3-hour shifts at each position daily.

•••

Alzheimer’s Association/California Central Chapter is looking for volunteers to facilitate support groups for families affected by dementia.

Cal Poly’s University Art Gallery will present a retrospective of work

by Michael Miller, a former Cal Poly faculty member in the Art and Design Department from Thursday, Jan. 12 through Friday, Feb. 10. An opening reception and celebration of life is set for 5 p.m. Jan. 12 in the University Art Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Dexter Building (No. 34, next to the Kennedy Library). Miller died in 2014 of cancer and the show features never-before-seen artworks he did while battling the disease. The University Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays-Saturdays. It is located in Rm. 171 in the Dexter Building.

••• RSVP Senior Volunteer Program has several volunteer activities available for folks 50-older.

Call 544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities: • SLO Food Bank is looking for new volunteers to for a 2 hour shift Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Saturdays 10-noon at the new distribution center on Kendall Road in

Morro Bay Friends of the Library will hold a Used Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28 at the Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St. A “members only” sale will open early from 9-10 a.m. with memberships and renewals available at the door.

And back by popular demand, the $3 a bag sale will be from noon to 1 p.m.

You’ll find good quality books, DVDs, CDs and magazines at ridiculously low prices in a myriad of subjects including popular novels, mysteries, non-fiction and lots of children’s books. The Friends’ Book Store is also open inside the Library during regular hours and welcomes donations of gently-used books, magazines and other media.

••• The Maritime Museum of Morro Bay is offering public tours of three historic vessels and present an update on plans to build its first interpretative center in 2017 at 1210 Embarcadero, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. The Museum is asking for a $5 donation for adults with kids 12-under free when accompanied with an adult. The ticket gets a tour inside the submarine Avalon and a chance to board the Coast Guard Rollover Boat.

The tugboat Alma is also on display and special, “Hug-a-Tug” T-shirts with images of the Alma and Avalon will

21

be for sale too. Money raised will go to support the Museum’s operations after the installation of the interpretive center, a 20-foot by 20-foot structure in the midst of the boat display. Rain cancels. More information on the Museum, and plans for what promises to be a great 2017, are available online at: www.morrobaymaritime.org.

•••

Coalesce Bookstore invites you to a January 21 book-signing: by Author, Jenifer K. Rescola, will sign her new book, “Idiot Out Wandering Around,” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Coalesce Bookstore Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. “Idiot Out Wandering Around,” is an endearing expression that some Iowans use to playfully, selfdescribe their journey through life, and its trials and triumphs. In a simpler era, one Iowa boy, Terry Rescola, began his life as the son of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant living a typical, all-American life, doing normal kid stuff until tragedy strikes and dramatically alters his contented life course forever. Rescola was born in Hollywood and spent most of her life living on the Central Coast, working bookkeeping jobs and later as a psychiatric technician at a state mental hospital. After marrying Terry, whose life stories inspired this book, she took up life-long dream of writing.

•••

The City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department is offering needle art classes.

Classes are instructed by Betty Fryer, who has published numerous patterns and two books. In the More Stitches class, students will enhance their understanding and execution of knit patters and charts by practicing textured patterns. The class meets Fridays from January 20 to March 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration fee is $50. Class will meet at St John’s Lutheran Church in Arroyo Grande.

For more information or to register, visit www.arroyogrande.org.

• The Morro Bay Art Association is looking for docent volunteers to work in their gallery. Available shifts are 4 hours, from noon-4 p.m. Must be available to work 2-days a month and attend a new exhibit orientation about every 6 weeks.

• Friends of the Arroyo Grande Library need of two or three ablebodied volunteers who can assist by putting away flats of sorted books from the library workroom into storage sheds outside the building. This would take between 30 minutes to an hour a week and you must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

••• Nominations are being accepted now for the 40th Annual Women of Distinction Awards, with the deadline for nominations set for Jan. 31.

Sponsored by Cuesta College and the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Women’s Legacy

•

The City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department is offering needle art classes.

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•

January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

USC Plants a Knife, While Kiffen Gets Cut Out Sports Shorts

Kern County Superintendent of Schools is hiring for: Kern Environmental Education Program (KEEP) Located in Los Osos & Cambria, CA 2 Experienced Lead Cooks Los Osos & Cambria $15.19 - $19.19/hr; 40 hrs/wk M-F; 10 mo/yr Benefits. PERS retirement.

Plan, lead, participate in cooking. Develop food preparation & work schedules. School menu planning. Inventory & requisition food/supplies.

Budget, maintain records, written reports.

Maintain clean, safe, & orderly kitchen.

Application Deadline January 25, 2017 Applications accepted via EDJOIN only: www.kern.org/hr/

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Discounts cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, promotion or special. Not valid with group play, leagues and/or tournaments except as specifically designated by management. Tee times subject to availability as determined by Blacklake Golf Resort. Membership benefits and/or green, or cart, or range fees are subject to change without notice. Members must show membership card to receive benefits. Membership card and benefits are non-transferable and have no cash value. Members must abide by all golf course and program rules. Membership is valid 12 months from the date of purchase.

Blacklake Golf Resort reserves the right to revoke, revise or modify membership programs at anytime without prior notice. In the event of a revocation of the membership, a pro rata refund will be available upon the request of the customer. This is an annual program and members have no guarantee of renewal on the same terms and conditions.

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By Michael Elliott

E

s sí, SC — If I was paying attention to my high school Spanish teacher Mrs. Whitecloud, then I’m correct in stating “It is yes, Southern California” (as per the bold-typed intro) in case there are those out there who still can’t quite believe the dramatic conclusion to perhaps the most exciting college football bowl game ever played. And if I wasn’t paying attention, then “lo siento” to all.

Red-shirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold ripped the hearts out of the Penn State faithful as he spearheaded a dramatic 17-point, fourth quarter for USC and the Trojans nipped the Nittany Lions, 52-49 on Matt Boermeester’s 46yard field goal just as the game clock showed zeros.

USC had forged a 13-point lead early on but the Lions roared back to take two, 14-point leads in the game and had mucho momentum on their side.

But Darnold showed poise beyond his years. The unflappable one engineered comeback drive after comeback drive and ended up throwing five touchdown passes, as the highest-scoring Rose Bowl ever was contested in front of a crowd that seemed almost evenly split between USC and PSU supporters.

This “Granddaddy Of Them All” was the grandest of all time, to date.

Hey neighbor Walt, “Fight On” my brother!

Left Lane- Lane left. Or was he fired? Who knows? Who cares?

Guess I do because I’m writing about it. Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffen, will not be coaching the Tide’s offense during the National Championship game, which will have been played prior to the printing of this column.

Several weeks back, Kiffen accepted a job as head honcho at Florida Atlantic University, his first foray back into the head coaching cauldron since he was embarrassingly given the pink slip as USC’s head coach a few years ago — literally on the airport tarmac — after the Trojans were defeated by Arizona State.

Kiffen has always been a polarizing sort; a young and cocky Oakland Raiders head coach who held the same position at the University of Tennessee, but bolted Tennessee seemingly overnight for the USC job.

That really irritated the Volunteer

State’s fandom, and rightfully so. After the Southern Cal firing, Alabama’s Nick Saban hired Kiffen to run his offense a ‘Bama. Results were terrific, as they won last year’s National Championship.

But the mixture of water with oil was always present, as Saban scolded Kiffen numerous times on the sidelines during games, and it was apparent that Kiffen didn’t care for the stepchild treatment Saban was doling out.

‘Bama’s offense sputtered during its semi-final match-up against Washington. Saban probably believed that Kiffen’s mind was already at FAU and didn’t want to chance that perceived lack of concentration in the championship game versus Clemson, with so much at stake. So Lane left.

Or was he fired?

You know, the left lane is the passing lane in the United States.

Perhaps Lane decided to pass on the upcoming game and left. Or maybe Saban just pulled him over to the side and yanked his offensive coordinator’s license. Not knowing the real reason that Lane Kiffen will no longer coach at Alabama leaves us all in the middle of the road. But, then again, who cares? I don’t anymore.

Diggin’ In — NFL fans best start getting entrenched in your respective fox holes, as the push towards Super Bowl LI (51) is now beginning. Results of the first round will be in as you read this, but the excitement will remain.

Sorry Raiders’ fan about all of the injuries. The Falcons are highestflying offense but never count out the Giants. The injury bug may stifle the Seahawks as well. Chiefs’ first-round bye is huge and the Lions will rue blowing their chance at the divisional title.

The Cowboys are ponied up for a big ride and the Steelers’ offense is the most diverse of the bunch.

The Texans’ defense may be the stoutest but the Patriots are loaded on both sides of the ball. The Packers’ Aaron Rodgers is the hottest player going into the playoffs but the Dolphins are the surprise team with a rookie head coach. Good luck...and good night now!

Michael Elliott feels that picking sports winners is akin to picking one’s nose, as you never know what you will get going in. Send him your NFL picks at: sportsshorts8@gmail. com.

Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017

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Surf’s Up!

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January 12 - 25, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Central Coast Life

Challenges In the New Year Family Matters

Family MattersBy Susan K. Boyd, MS, MFT

2017

is here!

Is there a project you want to do but are stuck because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to start? Three steps, can help you with the challenge you want to undertake this next year?

The first step to taking on a challenge is to have a concept of what you want it to look like on completion.

For instance, building a house, a company, or a better body, all take vision. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. Most success stories began with a picture in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head.

The next step to drive the dream is to make a list of what it will take to get the goal accomplished. Back to the earlier examples, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s begin with building a home. You need a budget, CAD home design program for your computer, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;House appâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or something similar, architect, builder, lot, building permits, loan, etc. To build a business, you will need everything from a start-up budget to business cards, good location, website and a product or list of services you will supply. For your fitness program choose a gym or exercise classes, healthy foods you will buy and other daily, physical, activities (like walking or bicycling) you can do and like, long term.

The third step to changing a challenge into an accomplishment may have a lot to do with relationships.

People need each other. For the home building project: asking people who they used and liked for a contractor

or sub contractors, and names of helpful members of the planning commission, ensures a smoother, better product at the end. The new business ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best contacts: the Small Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce, a professional association that fits your business interest, and colleagues or mentors that have had success over time in your field.

For the new fitness program: enlist an exercise buddy or personal trainer.

New challenges can be exciting once you are moving in the direction of the idea in your imagination! But be realistic to be happy. You can build a beautiful home once you are content not to have a mansion that is not in your budget. Before starting a business, be honest with yourself about the time and resource commitment you are willing to make. A business is like another family member, requiring daily care and attention. If you want to build a fit body make sure you are doing activities you can enjoy, not what you think you â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; do. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep doing what you dread.

This is your year! Take your challenge to the next step and see where it leads. You may just surprise yourself.

Susan K. Boyd is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in SLO. She can be reached for counseling at (805) 7829800 or by email sbcare@aol.com.

Also see www.susankboydmft.com.

Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017

•

25

The Treatment Didn’t Work!

Healthy Living

Ring in the new year with a smile!

By Michele S Jang, PT

S

ometimes I get this comment upon evaluating a new patient who has sought therapy elsewhere earlier. I also hear this during a course of care in physical therapy.

I’ll address both.

There are many wonderfully skilled practitioners in this area. Some of whom I collaborate with in the care of patients, others I see as a patient myself. The list of practitioner types can include physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, body workers, naturopaths, doctors, and fitness trainers.

There is a cumulative affect when a client seeks care from a healthcare practitioner. A client may have multiple issues affecting their body; only when they have addressed those concerns to a certain level, for example 60%, will they begin to see any signs of relief or improvement in functional ability. Prior to coming to me, they may have seen many practitioners.

One practitioner was able to get them 20% better; another 39% better for a total of 59% correction.

Lucky me! I may be the practitioner who does one technique that gets them 1% better and because they are to 60% of correction, the patient starts seeing results!

I truly feel that if a practitioner works from the heart and practices with integrity, then they are helping the patient …even if the patient does

not see or feel results. To some degree they help bring this client back into balance.

The same can be said during the process following a plan of care on a patient. For example, we recommend 8 treatment sessions. After 1 or 2 visits, a patient may say they feel the treatment is not working. But the adage says, “Rome was not built in a day”; neither was your body nor how you sustained the injuries. Even if you suffered a car accident, your response to therapy is in part based on your health and physical history prior to the accident. Treatment may first need to address the major hurdles involved contributing to your area of concern. The ultimate goal is for the treatment to chip away at the hurdles towards getting a client’s body to the point where they experience relief and functional gain.

In addition, our bodies are dynamic, not static. We constantly adapt to our environment. We hope that our constitution is strong enough to recover on our own a certain percent towards health and healing. Factors contributing to healing and balance include: adequate sleep, a healthy diet, adequate and appropriate exercise, proper sitting habits, proper shoes, adequate water consumption and much more!

Finally, I want you to remember that, despite seeing many practitioners, you are the key player! Working on the factors above will help you greatly. If you seek additional insight into your concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We want to be part of your team!

Michele S Jang, PT is a physical therapist who likes to look outside the box. A physical therapist for over 22 years, she has extensive training in manual therapy or the use of hands to help rehabilitate the body. She has taught in the United States and abroad. Her clinic, Spirit Winds, offers Free Consults on Tuesday afternoons.

Spirit Winds is staffed by a team of therapists who offer an array of expertise on exercise, fall prevention, foot assessment, body mechanics and proper breathing technique. Call 805 543-5100 or go to info@spiritwindstherapy.com.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

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EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE

Ryan M. Ross, DDS | Michael Roberts, DDS 11545 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SUITE A, SAN LUIS OBISPO

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•

January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

Bell Tower is Part of School House Repairs Framed

Photo and Words by Vivian Krug

S

ignificant repairs are being done to the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse in the Village of Arroyo Grande. In late October, Robertson Builders started repairs to the damage to the wooden structure caused by local woodpeckers.

Built in 1901, the schoolhouse originally resided in the Arroyo Grande Valley where the Lopez Dam now exists.

The structure served to educate the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley children until 1957 and remained there until Lopez Lake was formed in 1969.

The South County Historical Society took over the school in 1975 and the building was moved two more times and, finally, in 1999, it was relocated to its present location on Short Street where it was restored to its original condition including chairs, chalkboards, maps, books, etc. Today the schoolhouse is a living piece of history, toured by hundreds of school children and visitors each year.

The repair work began with removal of thousands of acorns placed in holes by woodpeckers throughout the upper portions of the building. Then, methodical replacement and patching of the siding and trim was completed.

The roof is being replaced and the building is receiving a new paint job.

During the project, workers

determined the bell tower was damaged to a state of disrepair. It has been removed from the building and is being rebuilt using materials that will deter woodpecker invasion and dry rot. Additionally, the bell tower will be

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structurally reinforced.

Donations for the almost $35,000 repair costs are gladly accepted and can be made through Freefunder at http:// www.freefunder.com/campaign/ Santa-Manuela-Schoolhouse

For more information visit www.

SouthCountyHistory.org or follow them on Facebook www.facebook. com/SouthCountyHistoricalSociety

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Med Plus Health Center Pismo Beach, CA 805.474.8450 – Lawrence Newman, M.D. – Michael Velarde, M.D. – Karen Goodman, M.D. – Shauna Lynch, M.D. – Teresa Cordeiro, NP

Medical Clinic at Casa San Luis Obispo, CA 805.242.0614 – Grace Crittenden, M.D. – Sowmya Oza, M.D. – Linda Galanos, NP

Medical Clinic at Ella San Luis Obispo, CA 805.597.6715 – Margaret Greenough, M.D. – Armando Siqueiros, M.D. – Jessica Rogers, PA

Medical Clinic at Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 805.541.3200 – Steven Goodman, M.D. – Steve Barbere, NP – Coleen Wolfe, NP

Medical Clinic at Peach San Luis Obispo, CA 805.543.4043 – Scott Negri, M.D. – Phillip Zinni, M.D. – Marya Bolyanatz, NP – Mary Cryer, NP – Matt Gravett, PA

Medical Clinic at Bayview Los Osos, CA 805.534.1305 – Richard Day, M.D. – Christine Burg, NP

Medical Clinic at Entrada Atascadero, CA 805.466.0676 – Anna Talarico, M.D. – Colleen Lipanovich, NP

Medical Clinic at Posada Templeton, CA 805.434.0900 – Matthew Talarico, M.D. – Charles Sturgeon, M.D. – Marcia TylerEvans, NP – Nancy Greenman, NP

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Directions In a small bowl ix the arugula with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Distribute the greens on two large salad plates.

Top the arugula with tomato, egg, avocado, feta cheese and basil leaves. Season with flake salt and freshly ground pepper. If using, squeeze a bit of balsamic glaze over the salad.

Kathleen Snyder is a food caterer, educator and blogger currently partnering with Talley Farms Fresh Harvest CSA providing recipes showcasing their produce.

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Trauma is recognized as having a significant impact on mental health. Join us to learn more about how we can all be a part of healing our community.

Gabriella Grant Director of the California Center of Excellence for Trauma Informed Care

Trauma Informed Care Concept of Trauma: Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

Trauma-Informed Approach: A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

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Central Coast Life â&#x20AC;˘ January 12 - 25, 2017

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29

Journey of Hope Forum to Focus on Trauma Informed Care

T

he eighth annual Journey of Hope event will feature keynote speaker Gabriella Grant and the impact of trauma in our community.

Journey of Hope, an inspiring and educational mental wellness forum, will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, at New Life Church in Pismo Beach. This is a free event, open to the public and reservations are not required.

Grant is the director of the California Center of Excellence for Trauma Informed Care, overseeing the Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research, program, and professional development as well as policy analysis activities.

Grant, an innovative reformer of publicly provided services, will present Trauma-Informed Transformation: Strengthening the Fragile Vagal Brake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This presentation will provide an overview of how trauma, especially when intergeneration and in childhood, affects the development of the social engagement system via the ventral vagus nerve,â&#x20AC;? said Grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By understanding the science of safety, people can better understand themselves and others; build safety

to improve social connections; and discover the natural healing processes inherent in the body.â&#x20AC;?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as â&#x20AC;&#x153;an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s function and physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.â&#x20AC;?

The Journey of Hope forum will include an information fair featuring local resources and mental health services. Attendees seeking services and/or information for themselves or someone else have the opportunity to visit with representatives from over 30 local agencies and county departments.

Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered through the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department.

Journey of Hope is hosted by TransitionsMental Health Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peer Advisory & Advocacy Team and Family Services.

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Entertainment 30

•

January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

The Seventh Annual San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival will be on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15. It will feature award winning narrative and documentary films along with intimate conversations with the filmmakers. Movies screened will include Rosenwald, The Last Blintz, Life & Hummas, The Miracle at Midnight, The Pickle Recipe, Edge and Septembers of Shiraz. Each screening will be followed with a Q&A. On Monday, January 16 the Jewish Community Center will be sponsoring a free screening of From Swastika to Jim Crow. For tickets and more information, visit www. jccslo.com.

The Clark Center in Arroyo Grande presents DRUMLine Live!

The performance incorporates original compositions and soul-stirring interpretations of top 40 hits, along with colorful, choreographed routines with vibrant costumes and heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences.

Musical highlights include hiphop, American soul, gospel, jazz and other music genres. The performance will be Monday, January 16 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The Clark Center. Reserved seating is $75 for Platinum, $58 for Gold, $50 for Silver and $45 for Bronze.

For tickets and more information, visit www.clarkcenter.org.

Come on Down!!! You could be the next contestant on The Price is Right! The popular, long-running TV Game show will come to the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. Tickets range from $35.20 to $59 and are available at the PAC Box Office, Mondays–Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.

Call (805) 756-4849 or order online at: www.calpolyarts.org. The Price Is Right Live! is an interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to play the show’s classic games and win cash, appliances, vacations and maybe even a new car. To register for a chance to be a contestant, see: www.calpolyarts.

exhibitions

joseph schwartz: latino diaspora leslie love stone: california’s national parks lisa occhipinti: identity and the written word flo bartell: bloodlines education adult workshops & youth after school art classes events

leslie love stone

day trip 2/28 to lacma’s “picasso & rivera” $130 members $145 general film night 1/17, 7 pm

Free Admission. Open 11–5, closed Tuesdays 1010 Broad Street west end of the Mission Plaza P: 805.543.8562 E: info@sloma.org

sloma.org

The Clark Center in Arroyo Grande presents DRUMLine Live!

org and click on the Price is right icon or call the PAC Box Office at 756-4849. This performance will not be televised.

The Red Barn Community Music Series presents Moonsville Collective in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 in Los Osos. Cost is a voluntary donation at the door and the night starts at 5 p.m. with a potluck supper and potluck band. Bring a dish to share,

place settings and BYOB. Moonsville Collective is an award winning Americana string band playing old time, folk, country and rhythm and blues. See: www. moonsvillecollective.com for more on the band. This show is made possible through the generous support and assistance of the entire Red Barn Community (aka Children of the Barn) and with support from KCBX Public Radio and Live Oak Music Festival.

Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017

The SLO County Jazz Federation is bringing 3-time Grammy Award winner, Oscar Hernandez Quintet, to the Unity Concert Hall, 1130 Orcutt Rd., SLO at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for Jazz Fed members and $15 students.

Advance tickets available through BrownPaperTickets. com and at Boo Boos in Downtown SLO. Pianist Hernandez is leader of the acclaimed, Spanish Harlem Orchestra. The Quintet is his all-star group with Jimmy Branly on drums, Justo Almario on sax and flute, Eddie Resto on bass, and Christian Moraga on percussion. See: www. slojazz.org, www. oscarhernandezmusic. com or call 546-3733 for more information.

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WHERE THE PARTY NEVER ENDS!

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TUE 7:30PM LIVE MUSIC 1/17 -11:30 The popular, long-running TV Game show will come to the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20

Live. She also had a Comedy Central special, “Here Comes Trouble.”

Connolly has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, VH-1, and Comics Unleashed. Produced by Mizelle’s Big Laugh Live.

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Tickets are on sale now for, Stand-up for Pups, a benefit comedy and music show set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion.

Tickets are $35 a person (plus $2.50 fee) and available online at: www.biglaughlive.com. The night features music by Rewind and comics, Kira Soltanovich and James P. Connolly, with emcee, comedienne, Lizette Mizelle. The show is a benefit for the Second Chance at Love Humane Society.

Enjoy beer, wine and champagne, a silent auction, red carpet pictures, appetizers and desserts available by Crush Catering.

Soltanovich was the voice of Jay Leno’s “Photo Booth” and has had numerous appearances on the Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel

Irish music super group, RUNA, will play two local shows for SLO Folks in Morro Bay and Templeton on Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 21-22. The shows are set for 7:30 p.m. the 21st at Castoro Cellars Winery, 1315 N Bethel Rd.; and at 7 p.m. the 22nd at Coalesce Bookstore Chapel, 845 Main St. Morro Bay. Tickets for each show are $20 a person and available for the Coalesce show by calling 7722880 or in person; and by calling (805) 238.0725 or (888) 326.3463, or online at www.castorocellars. com. Boo Boo Records in SLO also has tickets for the Castoro Cellars show.

RUNA formed in 2008 and recently released its fourth album, a live concert recording. RUNA interweaves the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with lush harmonies and rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues. See: www.runamusic. com/wordpress, for more on the band.

continued, page 32

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32

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

Irish music super group, RUNA, will play two local shows for SLO Folks in Morro Bay and Templeton on Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 21-22

continued, from page 31

Toro Creek Event Center at Last Stage West is presenting a buffet and concert featuring The Cody Blackbird Band at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Advanced tickets are $45 a person or $55 at the door. Call

(805) 792-0505, or (805) 461-1393 for tickets. Blackbird merges Native American flute with powerful vocals into contemporary blues rock sound. The next show at LSW will be a buffet dinner and concert featuring award-winning bluegrass band, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, from Nashville, on Jan. 25.

Last Stage West is located at See: http://torocreekeventcenter.com

and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $20 to $27, with discounts for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. Season passes also available. For tickets call the Box Office, at (805) 489-2499, or see: www.americanmelodrama.com.

The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano, 3 miles south of Pismo Beach. The Foreigner features shy Englishman, Charlie Baker (played by Billy Breed), who just needs to get away from it all and finds himself in a rural Georgia fishing lodge run by Betty Meeks (Suzy Newman), and occupied by the local pastor (Jeff Salsbury), his fiancé (Eleise Moore), and her brother (Toby Tropper).

Soon everyone comes to believe that Charlie can’t speak English.

Soon Charlie overhears some deep secrets and diabolical plans, and that’s when the hilarity begins.

Following the show is the Library Vaudeville Review.

for more info on upcoming shows.

The Great American Melodrama will bring back the hilarious comedy, The Foreigner, Jan. 19 through March 5 with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays,

Hawaiian slack key guitarist, Led Kaapana returns to the Central Coast at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad, St. Tickets are $25 a person at the door.

See www.santamariahula.org. A Hoapili Productions show, Kaapana

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Central Coast Life • January 12 - 25, 2017

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33

EMOTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

by Vivian Krug Cotton Toro Creek Event Center at Last Stage West is presenting a buffet and concert featuring The Cody Blackbird Band

is one of Hawaii’s most influential musicians and one of the best slack key players in the world. Kaapana has been charming audiences for over four decades, winning accolades from the Hanohano Awards and Grammy Award nominations. Seating is limited and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Clark Center presents The Peking Acrobats! Come watch Chinese acrobatics like you’ve never seen them before.

They will perform daring manevours on chairs, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics while displaying contortion, flexibility and control.

The Peking Acrobats will perform Friday, January 20 at 7 p.m.

Reserved seating will be $46 for Gold, $43 for Silver and $36 for Bronze. For tickets and more information, visit www.clarkcenter. org.

art | event | family | pets | photo gifts commercial | real estate | business Cal Poly Arts and Festival Mozaic present renowned pianist and NPR host Christopher O’Riley will be performing at the Spanos Theatre on Sunday, January 29 at 7 p.m. He will be performing Philip Glass’s Metamorphosis Two and JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations. O’Riley is known as the host of NPR’s popular “From the Top” radio show and has been on the air for 15 years. He also has performed as a soloist with virtually all of the major American orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and the National Symphony. Adults and students tickets for performances range from $32 to $65 and may be purchased in advance at the Cal Poly Ticket Office.

For tickets and more information, call 805-756-4849 or visit www. calpolyarts.org.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • Central Coast Life

Top-10 Hidden Treasures Dinner & A Movie

By Teri Bayus

S

ince everyone can’t enjoy fine dining every day and our need to regularly consume fuel, I thought I might share the “Best of the Hidden Treasure” restaurants.

These are the ones you can eat at often and always be impressed and these culinary universes deserve as much accolades as their white tablecloth brothers.

Penny’s All American Café: Restaurants that have become a staple in a town bring a sense of community and connectedness to all who eat there. Penny’s All American Café is one of my favorites for the cooking, the camaraderie and just to listen to Penny laugh (the most infectious sound in the universe).

Penny and her family serve the best breakfast, soups, salads and charbroiled burgers, and do some amazing fundraisers for our community. Penny puts her passion into helping those in need, all the while cooking up paradise chow. Located at 1053 Price St., in Pismo Beach.

Surfside Deli. The sandwiches are an epic example of passion, quality ingredients and a couple of highly trained chefs. All the meats are roasted in-house, the vegetables are from farmers market, and the results are delicious. I love the pork belly Bahn Mi with house brined pork belly, kimchi, chimmichurri, cilantro, jalapeño on a Dutch crunch roll. This mixing of Asian and Western flavors is pure genius.

The Kook burger is made with a half pound of house ground rib eye, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, cheddar cheese, guacamole, and house made aioli.

The food, atmosphere and this heart inspired family run business, win every time. Located at 191 South Oak Park Blvd. Ste. 1 in Grover Beach.

Lil’Bits Café. I always try restaurants that represent the “diner” aspect of the food scene.

Many of these places are so good it’s like walking into grandma’s kitchen.

10.

9.

8.

Lil’Bits Café is open for breakfast and lunch, and they do down home cooking with bigger portions of better food.

From the omelets to the stuffed French toast, to the insanely perfect potatoes with incendiary salsa, everything is exceptional.

Sunday brunch is the highlight of this café. Here you find the best Eggs Benedict. Fresh baked biscuits, with a slice of lean ham, perfectly poached egg and a hollandaise sauce made out of angel wings. Located at 151 North 7th St., in Grover Beach.

7.

Papi’s Grill. I long for those chefs that truly create; take something that is blank and turn it into art.

This taco stand specializes in taco de pescado. Fresh halibut caught daily from local waters that is cut and grilled, served with pico de gallo, cabbage and a special white sauce that like everything else, is made from scratch. The corn salsa that accompanies most dishes was spectacular.

With the traditional Mexican Coke in a bottle and a Model Negro beer, we shared the potato tacos. These crispy little treasures are filled with potato, chorizo and a queso fresco combo, then deep-fried and served with fresh guacamole (also made as ordered).

Located at 1090 Price St., in Pismo Beach.

Puffer’s of Pismo. Puffer’s is a wine bar in Pismo Beach finding its “food legs” while the entertainment and grape juice selection is epic. I love the cheese tray with hand picked cheeses accessorized with salami, house made pickles, carrots, spiced nuts and sliced apples. The delicious crusty bread was a new complement to the otherwise cracker offering. Grab a glass of wine,

6.

listen to the music and check out the food specials.

Located at 781 Price St., in Pismo Beach.

5.

Las Comrades.

The house specialty is Pupusas from El Salvador.

These maze wonders are stuffed with cheese, pork, beans, rice and more. They are fried and served like an extra thick tortilla. You then put a vinegared cabbage, pepper and onion mixture on them, sprinkle the Salvadoran tomato sauce and pick them up and engorge yourself.

The cooks are as authentic looking as the cerveza signs stating beer keeps away sadness. And the bonus is they cost $2.50 each! Located at 202 West Main St., in Santa Maria.

Bunn Thai Bistro. Thai food is my happy place. The flavors and textures are complicated and so satisfying. Bunn Thai uses organic, natural, and local ingredients and some Thailand treats. I love the Thai fried rice with chicken, brown and green onions, eggs, Chinese broccoli, peas, carrots, cilantro and tomato.

I also like Kung Pao chicken with hormone-fee chicken, stir fried onions, bell peppers, dried chilies and peanuts.

They offer a tour of the curries featuring many on the menu and making each currie from scratch daily. Located at 968 west Grand Ave., in Grover Beach.

Fay’s Fusion (formerly Tao). Here you can sample conscious Chinese food with a friendly taste of Pismo, offering fries, boba and slushies with decidedly Asian surfer flair. I inhale their Asian sliders. These are boa buns (a steamed yeasty bun with the texture of clouds). Stuffed with succulent pork, Asian slaw with house made Mandarin sauce. The sauce is lightly spread on the

4.

3.

outside too, with a sprinkling of sesame.

Try the crispy chicken rice plate with sesame chicken, bell peppers and onions added. This is the best Chinese food in two counties. Located at 220 Hinds Ave., in Pismo Beach.

2.

Oki MoMo. The menu includes dishes with Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese influences. I enjoy the teriyaki chicken, Thai chopped salad and a bowl of Pho. I love the Korean BBQ chicken wings — dreamily done crunchy chicken wings tossed in Korean BBQ sauce. You could also choose honey lemon-pepper or soy buffalo sauce. I fell in love with each dish. Located at at 2256 Broad St., Ste. 120 in San Luis Obispo Chipwrecked. This bistro is family run by Sarah and her daughter Larkin, serving the most outstanding and creative meals. The chip concept is achieved by taking large Kenabec potatoes, sliced paper thin and deepfried; then layered with palate busting flavors, and served with dazzling house made dips.

The sandwiches are outstanding, like the Port Astoria sandwich, a tuna salad blend served on delicious poppy seed bread. Inside, the tuna was blended with chopped Granny Smith apples, cucumbers, pine nuts, celery and a bit of mayonnaise. My favorite is the Port Bane, fried plantains with a spicy sauce that is at once comforting and exotic.

Chipwrecked is a wonderful place to have lunch once a week. It is family run with fresh soups and specials. Sarah has an amazing palette and is constantly creating new addictive r e c i p e s .

Located at 246 Pomeroy St., in Pismo Beach.

1.

‘Sing’ Delights and Transcends

By Teri Bayus

“S

ing” is a delight. From the first song that gave me chills, to the final note. it’s an undeniably effervescent movie that thrills both adults and children.

My 4-year-old grand daughter loved it so much she refused to leave the theater after it was over. Huge crocodile tears ran down her cheeks as she hugged the popcorn vendor begging to see it again.

Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, Buster Moon

is a dapper koala that presides over a oncegrand theater that has fallen on hard times.

Buster is an eternal optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it.

Now faced with the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading

jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition.

The voice and signing work is impeccable with over 80 songs from the 1920’s on with a special shout out to our recently deceased stars.

Matthew McConaughey plays

Buster Moon, and the singers are: Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reily, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly and even Jennifer Hudson.

I went into this movie expecting many songs and gags, but I didn’t expect to start caring about the characters and their stories. “Sing” brings together a talented cast and writers for a movie that transcends. The whole family loved it so feel free to bring anyone from 5-years old and up.

News

â&#x20AC;˘

Sales Taxes to Drop

By Neil Farrell

T

J, another .5% sales tax hike specifically for road repairs and maintenance, failed to get two-thirds approval at the November Election, consumers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the sales tax rates jump back up.

Though the local tax rates are the same (.5%), the amounts collected vary from town to town.

For example, Arroyo Grande averages about $500,000 a year from its Measure O; Morro Bay budgeted revenues of more than $1 million from Measure Q (for FY 2016-17); and SLOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Measure Y collects more than $6 million a year.

According to the State Franchise Tax Board, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For retail transactions on or after January 1, 2017, retailers may charge their customers for tax reimbursement at the statewide sales and use tax rate of 7.25 percent, plus any applicable district taxes.

Likewise, purchases that are subject to use tax on or after January 1, 2017, are subject to the 7.25 percent rate plus any applicable district taxes.â&#x20AC;?

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he year 2017 started out with one upside for consumers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sales taxes in California dropped slightly.

Dec. 31, 2016, marked the expiration of the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012,â&#x20AC;? or Proposition 30 that imposed a one-quarterof-one-percent (.25%) temporary statewide sales and use tax.

So the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sales tax rate fell from 7.5% to 7.25%, however, the expiration of Prop. 30 did not affect local tax rates that have been increased through a local voter initiative.

Every City in SLO County â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has passed a .5% local sales tax. Also, SLO County has a .25% local sales tax that applies in the unincorporated towns.

So all Cities in SLO County had been at 8%, but with the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drop would now be down to 7.75%.

And since the countywide, Measure

$

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SLO City News â&#x20AC;˘ January 12 - 25, 2017

Packager Thief Sought

S

NEW CONSTRUCTION

release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Police Department encourages residents to have items delivered to locations where they can be retrieved as soon as possible.â&#x20AC;?

While the holidays see a great increase in package deliveries, such crimes can occur all year round.

Readers are asked if they have information as to the identity of the thief to call them at (805) 781-7312 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549STOP.

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an Luis Obispo police are asking for help in identifying a man suspected of stealing a package off the front porch of a home in the 900 lock of Tarragon St. Police said surveillance cameras at the home captured the images of the man who stole the package off the porch at about 12:23 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29. The victim reported the theft at 7:19 p.m. and had video of the dastardly deed.

The theft was part of a marked increase in such crimes of opportunity across the city when delivery drivers left packages on front porches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thieves take advantage of the increased number of packages being delivered during the holiday season,â&#x20AC;? police said in a news

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

Community

New Balance RISE-es to the Occasion

A

local nonprofit received a donation to help with its mission of assisting and protecting victims of domestic violence. RISE received $5,000 in merchandise from New Balance Athletics, Inc., for shelter and case management clients, providing much-needed apparel for the winter season, RISE said in a news release. RISE was selected by Ally Carda, the assistant softball coach at Cal Poly. Carda plays on the the USA Softball Women’s National Team, and is sponsored by New Balance Athletics. The company asked her to choose a non profit to receive the donation. “I wanted to donate somewhere local, and when I came across RISE, I was drawn to it,” Carda said. “Being a woman in sports, I believe it’s important to be able to be successful, powerful and confident. I am happy I was able to support local women and their families in this way.” RISE used the money to buy New Balance athletic and outdoor wear — shoes and

New Deputy Chief at County Fire

T

he San Luis Obispo County Fire Department has a new deputy chief, choosing to fill a vacant position as the No. 2 man in the department from within.

Former Assistant Chief, Eric Cleveland, was promoted into the Deputy Chief’s position taking over for the retired Deputy Chief, Steve Reeder, who worked for Cal Fire for some 32 years. Cal Fire is under contract with SLO County and acts as the county fire department, as well as managing the Pismo Beach Fire Department and Los Osos’ South Bay Fire.

Cleveland was excited to get the promotion. “I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo County, so it’s exciting to work my way up to Deputy Chief, especially since I started as a volunteer firefighter back in the ‘80s,” he said.

“I look forward to helping shape the

fleece jackets — for 14 shelter and case management families. In the photo, Ally Carda (center in pink) poses with

RISE staffers and some of the donated gear. Submitted photo

First County Baby Born Jan. 1

F

rench Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo was the location of the first baby born in SLO County for 2017, the hospital announced.

Aurora Shanel Lyons, the first child of Macy Cunningham-Rule and James Lyons of Cambria, was born at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 at the Family Birthing Center at French Hospital.

Aurora weighed in at 8 pounds even and 20-inches in length. Mom and baby were reportedly doing well, the hospital said. “What an unexpected and awesome way to start the New Year,” exclaimed Macy. Hospital staff presented mom, dad, and baby with a gift basket filled with goodies, and essentials. Submitted photo

Cuesta Teachers Honored

A

lpha Gamma Sigma, Cuesta College’s academic honor society and service organization for students, recently honored 10 instructors “for going above and beyond expectations and influencing students’ academic success,” at the Sixth Annual 2016 AGS Teacher Appreciation Night ceremony.

With some 122 years of experience at Cuesta, the teachers honored were: Miranda Canestro (biology), 9 years; Tanya Downing (business), 12; Richard Goldsmith (electronics and electrical technology), 9; Steven Hendricks

(biology), 11; Marcy Irving (music), 11; Patrick Len (astronomy), 13; Stephen Leon (English), 18; Amanda Lombard (mathematics), 3; Aaron Rodrigues (political science), 25; and Nabil Zakaria (tutorial services), 11 years.

The mission of AGS is to promote and recognize academic excellence.

The instructors were nominated by AGS members and selected by AGS Executive Cabinet officers. “Cuesta College has many excellent teachers and the goal of these awards is to show faculty how much their hard work is valued by the students,” said AGS

faculty advisor Dr. Christopher Gilbert.

To see a video of the 2016 AGS Teacher Appreciation Night ceremony, see: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tJWVLH2Glnw.

Alpha Gamma Sigma is a statewide community college student honor society whose purpose is the fostering, promoting, maintaining and recognizing scholarship. The AGS chapter at Cuesta College provides members with scholarship opportunities, social activities and leadership-building skills.

department with Chief [Scott] Jalbert, while also protecting and serving the citizens of San Luis Obispo County.”

In his new job, Cleveland will oversee North County operations, including fleet and the airbase in Paso Robles, and will supervise the people overseeing operations in South County, at Cuesta Camp and at Ventura Camp.

Cleveland began his career as a volunteer firefighter in SLO County in the late 1980s, according to Cal Fire, and became a seasonal firefighter in 1989. He was promoted to permanent fire apparatus engineer at the Airport Station in 1997.

He has worked his way up over the past 20 years and was promoted to fire captain at Los Robles Camp in 2001, battalion chief of support services in 2005, and assistant chief for administration in 2012.

Cal Fire maintains 10 “Incident Command Teams” to manage large complex incidents and for eight years, Cleveland served in a variety of roles on Incident Management Team 10.

Those roles included Cost Unit leader, deputy Finance Section chief, and liaison trainee.

Cleveland lives in Atascadero with his wife Shari, and their two children Teagan, 12, and Taj, 9.

- Neil Farrell

SLO City News • January 12 - 25, 2017

News

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37

Winter Bird Fest, Jan. 13-16

By Neil Farrell

T

he Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is Jan. 1316, with sign-ups for birding excursions near and far in full gear now, and the festival is offering some familyfriendly special events, too.

See: www. morrobaybirdfestival.org for complete details on all the hundreds of birding trips ad special events being offered.

Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 is Family Day at the Museum off Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. Cost is $3 adults and free for kids up to 17. Family Day promises “a morning of bird-related activities.”

That same afternoon (Jan. 14), Pacific Wildlife Care will present its 1-hour “Meet the Raptors” show at 1:30 and 3 p.m. at Shoreline Calvary Church (located in the old Morro Bay Elementary School Auditorium), corner of Beach Street and Monterey Avenue. Cost is $2 a person.

The Bird Festival Bazaar at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, is open throughout the

weekend — Friday, Jan. 13, noon to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10-4. Shop for art work, try out binoculars and spotting scopes, browse bird guides and books, and other nature related products for sale.

On Saturday at the Bazaar, an eagle owl will be present with other educational animals at PWC’s booth.

Opening reception for participants is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan.

13 at the community center.

The keynote speakers are husband-wife team, Sheri Williamson and Tom Wood, both talking about their extensive experiences studying hummingbirds.

Williamson, a naturalist, ornithologist, conservationist, writer, speaker, artist, and author of “A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America,” in the Peterson Field Guide Series, will speak on “Hummingbirds: Small Wonders” from 7-8:30 p.m.

at the Morro Bay High School auditorium.

Wood’s show, “The Hummer with a Silver Bracelet — Examining 25 Years of Hummingbird Banding,” is from 7-8:30 Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Vet’s Hall, 209 Surf St. Wood managed the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve — perhaps the world’s most famous place to watch hummingbirds — before founding the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory in 1996.

Wood’s program recounts more than 20 years of studying hummingbirds in Southeastern Arizona in one of the longest-running banding projects of its type. He’ll discuss the evolution of banding techniques, what has been learned during the project, what questions remain and the future of banding.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

Community Sheriff’s Bike Giveaway

n a total that Santa himself might envy, the SLO County Sheriff’s Annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway handed out more than 180 refurbished bicycles to disadvantaged children from throughout SLO County, the Sheriff’s office announced.

The donated bikes were refurbished by inmates at the

I

County Honor Farm and this year the inmates put out an impressive 600 bicycles. Rain the day of the giveaway forced the event to be moved inside the Honor Farm, according to Sheriff’s spokesman, Tony Cipolla.

The program has been going on now for more than 25 years, first being instituted during former

Sheriff Ed Williams’ tenure.

“The program instills in the inmates a positive work ethic, self-respect and a sense of worth to the community,” Cipolla said.

“The smile of a child who has just received a bicycle makes it all worth the effort.”

Cipolla thanked the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation for its

support, and the non-profit, Rita’s Rainbows, for donating a helmet for each bike.

And, “Thanks to Bicycle Program Coordinator, Correctional Sgt. Stephanie Landgraf and everyone who made this event a great success,” Cipolla added. Submitted photos.

Plastic, from page 1

You can still go into a store. You could still go to Costco and buy a 24-pack of bottles, that’s not our business.”

The direction given to staff to develop language that restricts the use of city funds to purchase plastic water and soda bottles both, as well as to increase the number of water bottle filling stations available came after study found that soda and juice consumption increased in places where language only applied to water bottle sales.

With that in mind, Johnson said, they’re loosely modeling work on San Francisco’s bottle ban and the ordinance likely won’t be ready till Summer 2017. Among the changes required would be amendments to the city’s building codes mandating bottle filling stations in buildings where drinking fountains are already necessitated.

Those are the type of requirements that will be addressed in planned public outreach meetings in the months to come.

Doubtless both the bottled water industry, represented locally by the Crystal Springs Water bottled water supplier, as well as local developers will want to weigh in.

According to estimates obtained by the city from CalRecycle. more than 13 million bottles were purchased by the local public in fiscal year 2015-16 and only 41 percent were recycled.

When, and if, the regulations do go into effect, they’ll join the list of other SLO bans that have changed the way citizens live, from public smoking (of any kind) to plastic bags at stores, Styrofoam containers at restaurants or being able to rest in a car at night.

The case against the bottle: Energy consumption – the production of single use bottles causes an enormous amount of waste water in and of it’s self at the manufacturing plant. In addition to being made from petrochemicals, materials are used in production as well as burned to run machinery

and transport materials.

Harmful chemicals – Many single use bottles leach bisphenol-A (BPA) into the water, soda too. The effect persists and worsens over time, which is why they’re single use, despite their durability tempting users to refill. BPA has effects on the endocrine system and mimics hormones inside the human body, as well as being a source of pollution damaging other organisms in the wild.

Lack of recycling capacity – Yes, it’s true that the bottles can be recycled, but, back to the energy and transportation issue. Also, most aren’t even in the local estimate, less than half sold were recovered. As well, at events and other functions that the City of SLO is looking into, adequate recycling receptacles are not always available. Passers-by may not use them either, preferring the convenience of the nearest trashcan, or simple litter.

However, in their third meeting since having three new members elected to the posts, the Council opted, “to move forward with regulations for the sale and distribution of all single-use plastic bottles on city property and at permitted special events,” as described in a press statement from the City Assistant Manager Derrick Johnson.

He later added that community outreach would dictate the specifics of what they come up with, but the basic instructions from the Council - after hearing the staff research on various larger municipalities was to look into banning the sale of single use plastic bottles on City streets, during municipal events, and in parks.

“That means no use of our funds to buy them,” Johnson said, “And vendors on City property during events won’t be able to sell them.

SLO City News • January 12 - 25, 2017

Community

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39

Warming Center Setting Records

T

he rains have come and gone and come again on the Central Coast. And for area homeless, that means wet and cold nights with only limited relief in sight.

As of Jan. 5, C o m m u n i t y Action Partnership SLO (CAPSLO)’s emergency warming shelter had already been open for 14 nights since CAPSLO Central Admin staff member, Rodolfo November.

Soriano and CEO Biz Steinberg, serve breakfast at By comparison, in the 2015/16 season the recent Prado Day Center Annual Holiday Party. the emergency shelter Photo courtesy Katie Ferber was open a total of 18 nights.

As of press time the those needing shelter can arrive at any program has an immediate need for time during the night. donations and volunteers to cope with a Pets are allowed too, with a dry place lengthened winter season in previously to sleep and a hot meal provided. drought stricken California.

“While we are always grateful to Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 3, the receive much needed rain and for being Warming Center, which is located at able to provide a warm, dry place for the Prado Day Center had already been people to stay, opening the Warming open 14 days, said Grace McIntosh, Center requires the mobilization of CAPSLO’s deputy director. “Last year, staff and volunteers, and making sure we were open a total of 18 days between we have new sleeping bags and other November and April.” needed supplies,” CAPLSO CEO Biz The Warming Center is staged Steinberg said. seasonally at 43 Prado Rd., the normal The short list includes: sleeping bags address for CAPSLO’s day center and large backpacks; disposable plates, operated for the homeless. During cold bowls, cups and utensils; coffee, tea, or rainy conditions the operation opens creamer, and sugar; new socks and as an emergency overnight shelter. warm gloves; and of course rain gear, Check-in starts at 4:45 p.m., however, ponchos and umbrellas.

Changes at School Board

T

he San Luis Coastal Unified School District Board of Education had its “changing of the guard” ceremonies Dec. 13, seating the three members who got re-elected and choosing new board officers.

Taking the oath of office for another term were: Dr. Kathryn Eisendrath-Rogers, Walt Millar, and Chris Ungar, who will serve until 2020.

Others on the board are: Mark Buchman, Jim Quesenberry, Ellen Sheffer and Rodger, whose terms all expire in 2018.

Dr. Eisendrath-Rogers will serve as board president for 2017, the

district announced and Ungar will serve as clerk.

Rodger’s year of service as president was acknowledged with a small memento, and books will be placed in the libraries at each of the coastal schools in her honor.

The Board also voted to move the monthly Measure D study session meetings from Fridays to Thursdays in 2017. Meeting times of the sessions was also changed and will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., “with possible variations to allow for an afternoon meeting schedule occasionally,” the district announced.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • SLO City News

News

Polys’ Parade Entry Prettiest Around

T

he two Cal Poly universities, SLO and Pomona, had their collaboration named the, “most beautiful float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization,” at the 128th Annual Rose Parade held Jan. 2 in Pasadena.

A Cal Poly SLO press statement following the event explained that the float named, “A New Leaf,” featured, “an animated family of chameleons exploring the wonders of a vibrantly colorful world around them,” and that it received the Founders’ Trophy for the most beautiful.

It was designed and built by teams of students from the two schools to celebrate the 2017 parade theme, “Echoes of Success.” The theme emphasizes character development, “through the selfless contributions of others and celebrates their inspirational gifts.”

“It’s a perfect fantasy world of wonder and amazement,” design chair, Zach Cooperband, was quoted as saying. “These chameleons are some of the biggest characters we’ve made in recent history. This is also the first time in Cal Poly history that we’ve done a tiered float.”

The float was decorated during a week-long event that draws “legacy volunteers” and community members.

They had 9,500 roses and 4,200 Gerbera daisies along with other flowers to work with. Altogether the chameleons were covered in about 32,500 button mums, according to decorations chair, Belen Castillo.

In addition to the Founder’s Award, it is also the sixth consecutive year the collaborative float has earned the “California Grown” designation from the California Cut Flower Commission, which “recognizes an entry decorated with at least 85 percent of cut flowers and plant materials from the Golden State.”

While the parade is watched in person annually by 700,000 people in Pasadena, and by an international TV audience estimated at more than 100 million followers, there was an interesting deviation in schedule for 2017.

Both the Rose Parade and College Football Rose Bowl took place Jan. 2, not New Year’s Day as usual. It was an enactment of a little-known tradition of “Never on a Sunday,” for either the parade or the game.

According to event organizers, the Rose Parade faced a dilemma in 1893, as New Year’s Day fell on a Sunday. The problem related to church attendance

but wasn’t necessarily religious. Parade organizers were afraid that the parade would spook horses tied outside of churches along the route during the Sunday services.

While cars and other modern conveniences don’t share that issue, the tradition stuck.

It was the 15th time the exception has passed, the last in 2012. Photos Submitted

Simply Clear Marketing & Media • January 12 - 25, 2017

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Bottom Line

Why Assessments Don’t Work

By Michael Gunther

I

f you talk with any leader or human resources professional, you will likely hear of the various assessments that they believe in or have implemented within their organizations.

There are assessments for personality styles, stress, employee engagement, and the like. Despite the data and feedback received from assessments, I think employers are reaching a tipping point where employees are tired of providing feedback in hopes of a change within the organization.

Don’t get me wrong — I do believe assessments have a place within the managerial arena. But I think leaders need to shift their focus to actually act on the information received from the assessments.

I recently heard of a company that had its top, up-and-coming managers perform an assessment on their work environment last June, but the leaders have not yet shared or discussed the results.

I’m sure the managers are wondering what happened to the information?

The leaders seem to be oblivious to the fact that this inaction led to a broken trust.

I know many leaders actually do

want to receive feedback on what is and isn’t working within their work environment. In response, the availability of assessments in the marketplace has exploded, even aiming to identify nuances like adversity, emotional quotient, and happiness.

There is no lack of tools or opportunities to gain insight to what employees are thinking.

Don’t let simple curiosity drive the quest for employee assessments; action based on the results must happen.

Managers can’t ignore or discard the assessment feedback. I know of instances where managers own the feedback and issues presented, but never make changes based on the issues uncovered. This could be why the employee engagement needle hasn’t really moved over the past few years, even though the number of feedback attempts has increased.

The heart of the issue is the conversation you have with your employees once the assessments results are obtained. Lead a discussion to review the results, clarify feedback, and clearly identify specific actions to improve the situation.

This part of the process seems to be where most leaders fail. They either

struggle with leading an open and authentic conversation and/or simply do not create any specific changes that will happen to improve the challenges.

I personally find value in assessments because we teach our clients how to share the information and create a collaborative conversation with their team. In addition, we work with leaders to engage their team in creating solutions together, as well as developing an action plan with due dates for change.

We also encourage the leaders to provide continuous feedback on the progress of the changes in order to keep the leader accountable. Not surprisingly, when the assessment process is done correctly, employees will continue to provide honest and valuable feedback, because they see that the information gathered will improve their work environment.

Bottom Line If you are going to implement employee assessments within your organization, be sure to create a clear

communication cycle for the assessment process. The conversation and action plan are the aspects of the process that will create a strong foundation for future assessment.

Employees are willing to provide feedback throughout the year, as long as you are willing to complete the whole feedback cycle loop.

This is another article in a series on Michael Gunther’s entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family and his belief in creating a growth company with a work-to-live mentality has influenced his career. To read the previous articles in this series, visit his blog at: www.Collaborationllc.com.

Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration, LLC, a team of highly-skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education and consulting services. Learn more at www.Collaboration-llc.com. Bottom Line is a regular feature of Simply Clear Marketing & Media.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 • Simply Clear Marketing & Media

Biz Briefs

Big Donations Made, Honors for French and Mission Compiled by Mark Diaz

SLO Wine Country raised $21,000 for Big Brothers and Sisters of San Luis Obispo Bear Metal Kustoms, Inc., a full service hot rod, custom cars, and restoration shop in Morro Bay recently purchased Auto Body Builders, located at 340 Jamaica St., Morro Bay. Auto Body Builders has been in business at for over 35 years. They offer free estimates and work with all Insurance companies. For more information, call Rochelle Pall at 772-3620 or email to: Rochelle@BearMetalKustoms.com.

SLO Brew has begun distributing its locally crafted beer in 12-ounce cans in retail stores throughout the Central Coast. “We are very excited about bringing our core beers to market and hope to expand distribution substantially beyond the Central Coast in the New Year,” said Rodney Cegelski, co-owner of SLO Brew. To honor one of its original investors, SLO Brew will donate a percentage of every can of SLO Brew Original Ale sold to the Tom Adamski Foundation, which provides design and technology scholarships that empower individuals to leverage digital media to amplify brands and their connections with people.

Jack’s Helping Hand received donations totaling $18,305 from local businesses. The local nonprofit organization assists families of children with cancer and special needs. The organization received $5,500 from the Three Speckled Hens antique show that took place Oct. 1-2 at the Paso Robles Event Center. Jack’s also received a $5,000 donation from Paso Robles Horse Park, an equestrian showground that opened in May 2015.

In November, they also received a $2,000 donation from Central Coast Surrogacy, an $805 donation from

Ted Hamm Insurance, and received a $5,000 JUSTIN Community Grant to support families in the community. For more information, call (805) 547-1914 or see: www.jackshelpinghand.org.

On Dec. 26, The Gallery at the Network in Downtown SLO closed its door after 17 years in business. CoOwner, Rosanne Seitz, will continue her painting career but has decided to retire from gallery ownership. Coowner, Julie Dunn, will partner with Peggy Turk to open a new gallery in SLO or Paso Robles, the exact location TBA.

French Hospital Medical Center, a Dignity Health Central Coast hospital, was recently given two, “Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems” or HCAHPS Awards for “Best Performer and Exceeding Expectations” by Press Ganey, formerly Avatar Solutions. The HCAHPS survey is a formal public reporting initiative that rates a patient’s experience regarding their inpatient stay. Press Ganey recognizes facilities with the highest top box rating for each HCAHPS composite, in each bed size category. All hospitals that have administered the HCAHPS survey for 12 consecutive months of the prior year are eligible for recognition. The ratings are shared with the public and enable patients and their families to check a hospital’s reputation and standing within the community it serves. For more information about Press Ganey, see: www.pressganey.com/about.

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors honored

The SLO Chamber celebrated member, Giuseppe Cucina Rustica’s new restaurant with a ribbon cutting ceremony Mission Community Services Corporation with a Proclamation recognizing its 10-year anniversary of bringing empowerment and success to new and existing small businesses.

Mission is in its 10th continuous year of hosting the Small Business Administration’s Woman’s Business Center, and was recognized by the SBA District as the “Women’s Business Center of the Year” in May 2016.

Overall, Mission has assisted more than 165 new, small business startups, helped create more than 500 new jobs, helped retain 130 existing jobs, and is responsible for bringing more than $26.5 million in capital investment to the Central California region. Mission’s primary target is low-to-moderate income women and men, minorities and veterans. “There is a great opportunity for small business right now and especially for women owned businesses, which are opening at the rate of 1.5 times more than male owned businesses,” said Mission’s Director, Chuck Jehle.

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce had great results with its membership drive in November, gaining some 25 new, “member investors” and adding to strengthening the voice of business in Morro Bay. The new members are: John Ramos Gallery; A Kayak Shack; South Bay Wild; Watson Chiropractic & Wellness Center; Showalter & Co.; Paula Radke Art Glass; Flooring Discount Center; Cambria Pines Tree Service; Robert Fuller Davis; Dolphin Shirt Co.; Bayfront Inn at the Waterfront; Morro Bay Appliance; Architectural Home Improvements; Smoobage; Finley Electric; The Grateful Body; Kitty’s Kitchen; The Creatives Coach; Ignite

Movement Studio; The Leather Shop; Legends Bar; Yes Cocktail Co.; Hair Naturally; Summer Cottage; and Morro Bay Open Space Alliance. Businesses were eligible for several special benefits if they joined the Chamber in November, and there was a raffle for prizes too. Smoobage, gift shop on the Embarcadero, was the winner of the Grand Prize, a stay-cation package. And John Ramos Gallery won a 1-year free membership to Fitness Works gym. The Gallery sells artworks by world-famous painter, John Ramos, and is located at Morro Bay Boulevard and Monterey Street.

The SLO Chamber celebrated member, Giuseppe Cucina Rustica’s new restaurant with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 849 Monterey St., SLO. Originally started in 1988 as a Cal Poly senior project, Giuseppe’s Cucina in Pismo Beach eventually became Giuseppe DiFronzo. The owner’s own DiFronzo Farms produces the heirloom varietal vegetables and fruits found in Giuseppe’s cuisine — from figs to olives; San Marzano tomatoes, squash, Hachiya persimmons, Meyer lemons and five grape varietals that produce Giuseppe’s own DiFronzo Vineyards brand wines. For more information, see: giuseppesrestaurant.com.

The SLO Chamber recently celebrated member, Letter and Grain, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Located on the in San Luis Obispo, Letter and Grain offers hand-made goods, hand-painted signs, modern and “boho” gifts and accessories. Letter and Grain is an official carrier of Chalk Paint, decorative paint by Annie Sloan and offer workshops for the do-it-

Simply Clear Marketing & Media • January 12 - 25, 2017

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43

Biz Briefs

PG&E employees Johnny Apodaca (second from left) and Dawnyel Isler (second from right), are joined by unidentified Salvation Army SLO Corps staff members after delivering thousands of dollars worth of toys, gift cards and cash for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree gift-giving program for families-in-need yourselfers. They also offer farmhouse tables, bars, custom signs and more for weddings and events. For more information, see: letterandgrain.com.

The Granada Hotel & Bistro and The Station announced Art Bar SLO has moved from its Granada space to a new, permanent home at The Station, a wine bar and wine shop located at 311 Higuera St., in Downtown SLO. The Station will continue as a wine bar and shop, curating San Luis Obispo’s best wine selection and hosting winecentric and art-and-craft inspired events Tuesday through Saturday.

For $40, Art Bar SLO provides its guests with art supplies, guidance, and technical instruction from one of its resident professional artists, along with a glass of seasonal wine selected by The Station’s certified sommelier, Jenna Congdon. Art Bar SLO is held four or five times a week.

SLO Wine Country raised $21,000 for Big Brothers and Sisters of San Luis Obispo with its Fund-A-Need Auction.

“We’re pleased to say that vendor participation and auction results both exceeded last year’s event,” Executive Director of SLO Wine Country, Heather Muran, said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that provides positive adult mentors for children who face difficult life situations.” The Big Brothers Big Sisters board of directors matched the donation, thus doubling the total gift to $42,000. A check was presented by SLO Wine Country to Big Brothers Big Sisters on Dec. 6 at Tolosa Winery in SLO. Now in its 26th year, SLO Wine Country’s harvest celebration included a series of wine and food events.

k The Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County announced

SLO Chamber recently celebrated member, Letter and Grain, with a ribbon cutting ceremony

the appointment of four new members to its board of directors, the election of new officers and the appointment of a new clinical director as part of its plan for growth and continued commitment to support victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and child abuse. New board members include: Courtney Taylor, founding partner with the law firm Simas Taylor; Keith Dunlop, director of compliance with Morris & Garritano insurance company; Martin Moroski, founding partner with the law firm Adamski, Moroski, Madden, Cumberland & Green, LLP; and Joan Wenglikowski, certified financial planner practitioner and partner with the firm Wacker Wealth Partners.

Pacific Gas & Electric donated $50,000 to The Food Bank Coalition to support energy efficiency at the Coalition’s new SLO distribution facility, enabling the addition of energy-efficient cold storage, lighting, insulation and other improvements.

“We are grateful to PG&E for what their donation has allowed us to do,” said Carl Hansen, Food Bank Coalition chief executive officer. “By greatly increasing energy efficiencies across our operations, our facility better meets the needs of the communities we serve, as well as our county-wide network of community partners.” In the last decade, the Food Bank Coalition has tripled its services, distributing 6.2 million pounds of food in 2015 alone.

In Dec., PG&E workers at Diablo Canyon Power Plant delivered donated gifts and cash after “adopting” 200 children in need in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program for SLO County. Individual PG&E workers and several Diablo Canyon departments adopted children by filling holiday gift wishes they listed on Angel Tree

ornaments and tags. Besides providing thousands of dollars’ worth of joy to children who filled out the tags during a 2-week sign-up period in October, workers also contributed more than $800 in additional cash and gifts for the Salvation Army’s emergency toy distribution held in SLO on Dec. 21.

The Angel Tree program is currently in its sixth year.

CARF International announced that Transitions-Mental Health Association was again accredited for a period of three years for Employment Services provided by the Supported Employment Program or SEP. Additionally, the Youth Treatment Program or YTP was also accredited as a Residential Treatment Center.

SEP provides on-going job support services necessary for individuals with mental illnesses acquire employment in environments they prefer and with the level of professional support they desire. The SEP serves approximately 200 individuals per year and partners with a wide variety of businesses and community agencies throughout SLO and Northern Santa Barbara Counties.

YTP is a 9-bed trauma-informed residential treatment program that provides intensive therapeutic services in a restorative environment to adolescents in SLO County.

The Central Coast Medical Association named Mark Soll, MD, 2016 Physician of the Year for San Luis Obispo County. The honor is for a physician who has worked to improve the quality of health care, contributed to the education of other physicians, and engaged in community service and other activities outside of medicine.

Dr. Joe Schwartz presented the award saying, “Dr. Soll stands for the values that have always been the guiding principles for physicians. He brings his skills to those in need with grace, generosity, and tireless compassion. He leads by example and prods us all to try harder and never give up the fight for

the good and right,” said Dr. Schwartz.

Pet Emergency Treatment Services (PETS) Hospital, a 24hour veterinary emergency and urgent care center, opened on Tuesday, Dec. 20 and is the only veterinarian ER in Santa Maria. The PETS Hospital works hand-in-hand with local veterinarians, not competing for their business but providing complimentary services by offering emergency care when veterinarian offices are closed or unable to immediately take new patients. PETS Hospital will not offer general practice services that are outside the categories of specialty medicine, emergencies, or urgent care. Dr. Joel Conn created PETS Hospital with the vision for an emergency center that functions with exceptional customer service, genuine warmth and care for pets and pet owners, and healthy collaboration with the local veterinary community.

Learn more about PETS Hospital at: petsurgentcare.com.

Meathead Movers, the student athlete moving company, announced the launch of its Do Good Boxes. The Do Good Boxes will be delivered to clients, during an initial moving estimate, where they are asked to fill the boxes with any books, pet supplies and/or nonperishable food that they would be otherwise disposing of. On move day, the student athletes will collect the Do Good Boxes and deliver them to a local non-profit partner. In SLO County, Meathead Movers has partnered with The Food Bank Coalition, United Way and Woods Humane Society. For additional information about Meathead Movers and its Do Good Boxes, see: www.meatheadmovers.com.

Send business-related news to: mark@simplyclearmarketing.com for inclusion in Business Briefs and Simply Clear Marketing & Media’s expanded business coverage.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Simply Clear Marketing & Media

Local Magician Congers Up YouTube Golden Play Button

By Mark A. Diaz

M

agician, sleight-of-hand artist and all around prankster, Rich Ferguson, was awarded a â&#x20AC;&#x153;YouTube Gold Play Buttonâ&#x20AC;? for reaching the 1 million subscribers milestone, making him one of roughly just 2,000 people in the whole world have received the award. Ferguson had 1,641,960 subscribers to his â&#x20AC;&#x153;ucmagicâ&#x20AC;? channel when writing this article began (His followers grow daily).

Back in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, there were only a handful of TV channels to pick from. In the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s that number grew into the hundreds with the introduction of cable TV. And the growing source of visual entertainment has grown exponentially with online platforms like YouTube.

The website is much like TV with a vast number of shows to watch.

With dedication and perseverance, Ferguson has become one of the few that has tapped into the outlet making it into a viable source of income.

Originally, Ferguson used the website simply as another place to embed his videos and produce some magic related content. The big change came when he posted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;head falling offâ&#x20AC;? gag he had invented for The Tonight Show.

Unbeknownst to him, the clip went viral, receiving 100 million views in the first week. It also received an award from Google for being one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most searched-for videos for 2012.

Contrary to popular belief, the revenue is not driven by how many people visit your channel, referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;clicks,â&#x20AC;? but rather by the duration of the time spent viewing the video, and advertisements viewed. This is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;monetizing

your channel.â&#x20AC;?

According to YouTubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you submit a video that is eligible for monetization, YouTube will place ads inside or near the video. You will earn a share of the revenue that is generated from ad impressions occurring when these videos are viewed.â&#x20AC;?

About 45% of the advertisement revenues goes to the company, but 100% of the income created by brand endorsements and royalties goes to the poster.

Unfortunately, Ferguson did not originally monetize his channel, and in turn, lost thousands of dollars of potential income. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until some people pointed out to him the money he was losing that Ferguson realized his mistake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I learned my lesson real quick,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, when I did the chair [prank] I had monetized my channel and made several thousand dollars.â&#x20AC;?

The chair prank was created for the Today Show. Ferguson disguises himself with cushions and stands up when people sit on him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding the creativity that I use in magic I apply to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;youtubingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and reached such a bigger audience,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about retention. If I can retain an audience for a certain amount of time, they are not on Facebook, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not on TV, they are looking at YouTube ads.â&#x20AC;?

However, if too many people stop watching the video before the end or before an ad pops up, it can have a negative effect on the overall channelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standing and cost the

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poster the most precious broadcast resource, momentum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes I do a video that I think this is going to be gold and I put it up there and no one is watching it long enough,â&#x20AC;? Ferguson said â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has only been one instance where I deleted it. It would have had such a negative result it would have had a domino effect on my channel.â&#x20AC;?

Ferguson spends a lot of his time trying to spot leaks, points where viewers opt out, in his postings and learning from them.

Descriptions and tags are a vital way of grabbing the audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention and one letter can make a big difference. According to Google

trends, people search the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;prankâ&#x20AC;? more often than â&#x20AC;&#x153;pranksâ&#x20AC;? and the amount â&#x20AC;&#x153;VRâ&#x20AC;? is used greatly exceeds the use of â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtual reality.â&#x20AC;?

Better descriptions equates to more viewings.

Google also helps those who help themselves. The company will give channels that are getting traction better ads, push videos to the top of searches to encourage viewership, and once you reach a certain number of subscribers, the company will give you a dedicated, creative support person.

And, by the time this article was finished, Ferguson had 1,648,479 subscribers.

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Simply Clear Marketing & Media • January 12 - 25, 2017

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45

Financial Focus

Estate Planning Tips for Blended Families

M

ost of us need to do some type of estate planning, but it’s especially important if you are part of a “blended” family.

And the best time to start is now – before these plans need to be implemented.

Estate planning can be complex, so you will need help from a qualified legal professional. But here are a few general suggestions that can be suitable for blended families: • Update beneficiary designations – and think about multiple beneficiaries.

Update the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts and insurance policies to reflect the reality of your blended family. These designations can supersede the instructions you provided in your will. So if your will states that your current spouse should inherit your assets, but you had named your former spouse, or a child, as the primary beneficiary of an IRA, then your former spouse or your child – not your presentday spouse – will indeed receive the

IRA. To ensure that “everyone gets something,” you could name your current spouse as primary beneficiary and your children from a previous marriage as equal contingent beneficiaries. But the primary beneficiary will receive all the assets and is free to do whatever he or she wants with the money. To enact your wishes, you can name multiple primary beneficiaries and designate the percentage of the asset each beneficiary will receive.

• Create a living trust – and consider a professional trustee.

A living trust can help you avoid the time-consuming and costly process of probate, while giving you great freedom to determine how, and when, you want your assets distributed. After you pass away, the trust, if structured properly, can provide your surviving spouse with income for life; then, after your spouse dies, your children from an earlier marriage would receive the remainder of the trust.

So far, so good. However, issues

can arise if you name your surviving spouse or one of your children as the “successor trustee” who will take charge of the trust upon your passing. Your spouse, acting as successor trustee, could choose to invest only in bonds for income, but if he or she lives another 20 or so years, the value of the investments within the trust will probably have diminished considerably – leaving your children with very little.

Conversely, if you name one of your children as trustee, the child could invest strictly in growth-oriented investments, leaving your surviving spouse with greatly reduced income. To be fair to everyone, you may want to engage a professional third-party trustee. This individual, or company, is not a beneficiary of the trust, is not entitled to share in the assets of the trust, and, ideally, should have no “rooting interest” in how proceeds of the trust are distributed.

• Consider a prenuptial agreement.

When it’s time to settle an estate, a prenuptial agreement can help

avoid disputes among members of a blended family. If you and your new spouse have agreed to keep your assets separate so that each of you can pass an inheritance to your own children, you need to spell out that separation in your “prenup,” your will, your living trust and any other relevant estate-planning arrangements.

Above all else, share your estateplanning intentions with members of your blended family. You may not be able to satisfy everyone, but through open communications, you can help prevent bad feelings – and unpleasant surprises.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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January 12 - 25, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Simply Clear Marketing & Media

Featured Folks

Baxter Moerman Filling in Garden St. Space

By Camas Frank

B

axter Moerman Jewelry, a boutique manufacturer of fine jewelry located on Morro Street in SLO for the last seven years, is headed a few blocks down Marsh to the digs recently vacated

by Hamilton Estate Jewelry on Garden Street.

Hamilton was on the same street for 31 years, and in the same building for the last decade.

When Keith Hamilton decided he was ready to retire he chatted with Matthew Baxter and Mathew Moerman about taking a look at the bigger space and put them in touch with the landlord. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely got a lot going for it right now,â&#x20AC;? said Moerman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already been a jewelry store will be good for us and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

near Hotel Serra.â&#x20AC;?

Those are both good factors in foot traffic, something lacking at their current location, although being next to the smaller Granada Hotel has given them a tourist bump in recent years.

Named for the Spanish missionary JunĂ­pero Serra, the hotel project and adjoining Garden Street Terraces development are expected to open sometime this year and with many more rooms than the jewelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; current neighbors.

In short, while Morro has been a nice quiet street for artisans, Garden is ready to bloom. Baxter added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all small business, no corporate chains on Garden.â&#x20AC;?

Matt and Matt plan to pick up the keys to their new space sometime

this week and be open with minimal lag time sometime in February.

The pair has worked together since 2002 and everything on display in their small show room is of their own design and making. Although pieces can range from a $120 trinket to a $25,000 showpiece, their real bread and butter has been in commissioned work.

Far from what Hamilton dealt in with vintage and consignment pieces, Baxter Moermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients look for something a little more modern, bring in stones from older pieces to have placed in new designs or, more often these days, bring in a smart phone with a Pinterest account called up to with their fiancĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engagement ideas.

Doubtless part of the attraction is their commitment to ethical sourcing, emphasized via their support for the Ethical Metalsmiths and Diamond Development

Initiative (DDI), â&#x20AC;&#x153;two organizations who raise awareness and activate real change that leads to responsible mining and supply chain transparency.â&#x20AC;?

Their designs are crafted with recycled 18K gold and platinum, ethically sourced gemstones, and certified conflict-free diamonds.

While thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all going to stay the same, they have taken on a new goldsmith to help meet the workload of the much larger showroom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent, very excited to have him. We just clicked,â&#x20AC;? said Moerman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan these things it just work out. Just like Keith coming to us about the space.

We hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been looking for a new person and triple the space but it all fit.â&#x20AC;?

Until they transition in February, which will take about a week, their work is still on display at 1118 Morro St. Call 801-9117 to learn more about what they do.

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New Law Helps Small Businesses Provide Health Care Coverage

By Mark A. Diaz

A

s a result of a bipartisan effort, Congress recently approved the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small Business Health Care Relief Actâ&#x20AC;? or SBHCRA as part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;21 Century Cures Act.â&#x20AC;?

The SBHCRA will allow businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements or HRAs, when providing health care coverage for their workers.

President Barak Obama signed the bill into law on Dec. 13.

Obama said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hopeful that in the years ahead, Congress keeps working together in a bipartisan fashion to move us forward, rather than backward, in support of the health of our people.â&#x20AC;?

Previously, owners were allowed to use HRAs, an agreement that an employee would provide his own coverage and the employer reimburse a tax-free portion of the cost. Despite repeated affirmations that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would cause little

to no change to the way that small businesses provide insurance for their employees, the IRS determined in 2013 that HRAs would no longer be legal. With the IRSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decree, small businesses using HRAs faced fines of up to $100 a day for each employee according to the U.S. Tax Code.

Owner Bruce Ekmanian of Ekmanian Tax and Accounting in Arroyo Grande explained one of the many challenges that he faces as a small business owner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem is that there are so many different plans and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to find the best one,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ridiculous.â&#x20AC;?

Imagine taking 20 friends to lunch and they all want something different. A simpler option would be to give them some money and they can find a lunch that fits their needs, this is what HRAs do with health coverage.

Also, big businesses generally have an advantage with more buying power for group policies. To

follow the lunch analogy, they can afford to rent a banquet hall and save money on a per person basis.

The new law helps level the playing field for small businesses and aids them in competing for hiring and retention with larger companies.

Beginning Jan. 1, the law will allow owners to use â&#x20AC;&#x153;Qualified Small Employerâ&#x20AC;? HRAs which has just two stipulations to become eligible for this new provision. One is the employer must not offer a group policy and must solely rely on QESHERA. The second requirement is a business may not have more than 50 full time equivalent employees.

To calculate the number of employees take the number of fulltime employees (working at least 30 hours a week) and add the number of hours worked by all the part-time employs, then divided by 30, to get the number of full time employees.

(If this seems daunting, HealthCare. gov offers a calculator, see: www.

healthcare.gov/shop-calculatorsfte/#).

Once utilizing QSEHRAs, an employer must supply the same terms to all employees without salary reduction contributions.

Workers must provide proof of coverage before receiving funds and not receive governmental health care subsidies.

The maximum amount someone can receive is $4,950 a year or $10,000 if the employee has dependents. The worker can use this tax-free money to pay premiums or qualified out-of-pocket expenses.

A recent report by ATTOM Data Solutions put San Luis Obispo as the fifth most unaffordable place to live in the U.S., falling just under New York City. Last year, SLO was rated sixth. In areas where every penny counts, the new law not only has the potential to help small business owners, but employees as well.

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CITY OF MORRO BAY ADVISORY BOARD VACANCIES Applications are currently being accepted to fill current vacancies on the following Commissions and Advisory Boards: Public Works Advisory Board (1), Citizens Oversight & Finance Committee (2), Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Advisory Board (2), and Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (1).

*Terms & conditions may apply. Additional services offered. Expires 1/31/17

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Invited Kevin Owens from Kevin Owens Attorney at Law will be available to answer questions. Lunch will be served.

February 8, 2017 11:00am-1:00pm Cayucos Library 310 B Street We hope you will join us.

Please call 805-772-6188 by February 6

Applications for these positions may be obtained at City Hall, 595 Harbor Street, or on-line at www.morrobayca.gov under the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Governmentâ&#x20AC;? tab. If you have any questions, please call 772-6205 during normal business hours.

The closing date for submitting applications is Friday, January 20, 2017 at 5:00pm. Interviews are tentatively planned to take place the week of January 23, 2017. Applicants should be present at the interviews in order to be considered by the City Council.

595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442

$160 Competitive rates for all types of cleaning, including: ŕ Ž )P ^LLRS` ^LLRS` TVU[OS` JSLHUPUN ŕ Ž 4V]L V\[ TV]L PU ŕ Ž *VTTLYJPHS ZWHJLZ ŕ Ž (M[LY ZWLJPHS L]LU[ JSLHU \W ŕ Ž :WYPUN JSLHUPUN ŕ Ž :WLJPHS L]LU[ WYLWHYH[PVU JSLHUPUN ŕ Ž +LLW JSLHUPUN (UK T\JO T\JO TVYL

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