SLO LIFE Magazine Feb/Mar 2017

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Few people know our Central Coast whales better than VINCENT SHAY, who captures one in full flight.

Q&A

Newly elected mayor HEIDI HARMON shares her views and background.

Music

After years of performing, local singer and songwriter CYNTHIA FORD is gearing up to release an album.

Dwelling

After years of working in building supplies, the CHOLEWAS used their industry insight to constuct their forever home.

Health

Keeping up with the latest fads in health isn’t for the faint of heart. Here we take a look at some of the latest and greatest crazes worth trying.

Storytellers’ Corner

New York Times bestselling author FRANZ WISNER explains the power of a good story, and why it works to influence people’s decisions.

On the Rise

Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School senior JENNIFER LAIRD applies intensity on and off the court to achieve her goals.

Insight

W ith simple, back-of-the-envelope-calculations, TOM FRANCISKOVICH explores supply and demand in San Luis Obispo’s housing market.

Taste

Wrapped in an oversized, soft flour tortilla, burritos get deconstructed—and their history explained—by food writer JAIME LEWIS

Kitchen

Whether preparing a meal for two or twenty, CHEF JESSIE RIVAS’ tri-tip shish kabob recipe is sure to please.

Architecture

In partnership with the American Institute of Architects, we present two top-ranking projects along the Central Coast designed by local architects.

Real Estate

We share the year-to-date statistics of home sales for both the city and the county of San Luis Obispo.

Explore

Before the season has passed, PADEN HUGHES makes her way out to the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Brew

With the Central Coast micro-brew scene officially experiencing a boom, BRANT MYERS reveals all there is to know and taste locally.

Happenings

Looking for something to do? We’ve got you covered. Check out the calendar to discover the best events around the Central Coast in February and March.

Bahraini Chicken

Right now, it is eerily quiet in my office. I came in early so I could get some thinking done. Aside from my old chair that objects with creaks and moans every time I shift my weight, the only sound I can hear is the peck-peck-peck of my keyboard.

My mind drifts off to my family’s failed experiment in urban farming from a few years back. Our free-range chickens lived much more freely and ranged more widely than other free-range chickens, and it was not uncommon for one of them to wander its way into our house. One day, I came home to find that the back door was left wide open—another not-so-uncommon occurrence with three kids constantly coming and going—and, after closing it, I wheeled around to see Buffy, the kids’ favorite, a Buff Orpington, standing on the keyboard of my laptop, which I had left on the coffee table.

Rather than run after the bird to shoo it off my Mac as my instincts dictated, I paused for a minute to ponder a sobering realization: a chicken can do my job. Buffy noted my presence with a sideways glance then continued her work: peck-peck-peck. The keyboard keys depressed and rebounded quickly as she found a rhythm. I let this go on for another minute or two before my ego stepped in to intervene—there was no way I was going to be outsourced like this! I grabbed the bird, tossed it outside, slammed the door, closed the laptop, and tried to forget that the whole thing happened. Except, I couldn’t.

That afternoon ushered in an existential crisis, which, I will admit, I have never fully resolved. During the 1928 presidential election at the front end of the Great Depression, the Republican Party, in support of Herbert Hoover, promised a “chicken in every pot.” What the GOP could not have predicted, however, was that those chickens could eventually take over the world. Think about it; the United Nations estimates that there are 19 billion chickens on planet Earth today. If this letter is 893 words long, theoretically, the odds are good that one of those birds would poke around the same keyboard and produce the same result. And, by the way, that chicken is probably living in Bahrain, which has the highest chicken-to-human ratio at 40 to 1. So, according to the math, I could be outsourced by one of those Middle-Eastern birds.

And, a lot of us have reason to worry because we are not actually doing anything. It used to be that working meant doing stuff, like cutting down trees, and pushing rocks around, and skinning bears. Now, “work” constitutes pecking at a keyboard, and maybe nudging a mouse around a bit. Have you actually measured how far a mouse moves? It’s like three or four inches top to bottom, left to right, tops. Plus, of course, there is an occasional click. Have you ever walked through a tech company office? It’s a bunch of people sitting in cubes moving their mice (is that the right way to say it?), pointing and clicking in an otherwise silent room. Nobody is actually doing anything that an able-bodied Rhode Island Red couldn’t handle. At the end of the workday, nothing happened—no shelter was built, no dinner was captured.

That’s right, we’ve gone from hunting and gathering to hunting and pecking in a very short time, evolutionarily speaking. While we are built for fighting and flighting, our days are now mostly consumed with the same physical demands that can be easily handled by something destined to become a nugget. Come to think of it, the hardest thing I’ve done in the last 24 hours was, well, let’s see, it’s a toss-up between walking around Costco and changing the battery in the smoke detector. Not exactly running full-speed over and under boulders along a craggy cliff evading the pursuit of a saber-toothed tiger.

As I sit at my computer, now looking down at my hands as they peck-peck-peck at the keyboard, I remember a story. When George Washington was just starting out, he was a surveyor and was commissioned by a wealthy colonist to mark the lines of his vast holdings in West Virginia. When Washington completed the work he sent an invoice totaling $1,008. The landowner responded with a terse letter challenging the charges. He was beside himself that he was billed so much for a bunch of wooden stakes and requested that he receive a revised invoice itemizing everything in detail. Washington thought for a moment, pulled out his quill and dipped it in a bottle of ink, and in his neatest handwriting composed a simple, two-lined invoice that read: “Wooden stakes - $8; Knowing where to put wooden stakes - $1,000.”

Remembering Washington’s story has made me relax a little bit, although I truly doubt that any bird, no matter how many, could ever figure out how to survey Appalachia. Besides that, my office is too small for 19 billion chickens.

I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone who has had a hand in producing this issue of SLO LIFE Magazine and, most of all, to our advertisers and subscribers—we couldn’t do it without you.

Live the SLO Life!

Tom Franciskovich tom@slolifemagazine.com

SLOLIFE magazine

4251 S. HIGUERA STREET, SUITE 800, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA SLOLIFEMAGAZINE.COM info@slolifemagazine.com (805) 543-8600 • (805) 456-1677 fax

PUBLISHER

Tom

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTIONS

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

info@slolifemagazine.com 4251 S. Higuera Street, Suite 800 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Letters chosen for publication may be edited for clarity and space limitations.

A SNEAK PEEK

BEHIND the scenes

WITH LESLIE O’CONNOR

I met Leslie at SLO High, at the front of the gym. He told me to find him next to his favorite tree, an 80-year-old Eucalyptus. When we met, he pointed over his shoulder and in his distinctive Irish brogue he said, “That’s my tree.” He explained that it was going to probably have to be removed to make way for all of the new construction happening on campus; but he shared some thoughts about getting the students involved to help reuse the wood. Maybe make some benches out of it along the lines of the book “The Giving Tree.”

BY VANESSA PLAKIAS

Leslie said that he decompresses by juggling soccer balls in his office. He’s getting pulled in a lot of different directions, but he said it’s the one thing that can keep him centered. After just a few minutes his mind is cleared and he’s ready to go at it again.

I told him, “I don’t know why, but I have this vision of you sitting at a desk raising your hand.” He was such a good sport during the shoot, and the whole time he kept bringing the conversation back to the kids. He showed me how the seats can swivel, and how you can either stand or sit at the desks, sharing that, “Every student is different.”

He gave me a tour around campus and he kept saying how beautiful it was and how lucky he was to be working there. It was great to see just how much he appreciated and valued everything, while also envisioning ways to improve it.

Take us with you !

Hey, SLO LIFE readers: Send us your photos the next time you’re relaxing in town or traveling far and away with your copy of the magazine. Email us at info@slolifemagazine.com

VANCOUVER, CANADA

SLO LIFE is my three year old daughter, LILY’s favorite magazine. She brings it to her preschool and reads it before nap. We were in Vancouver for holidays. Finally, we got some pictures of her holding the magazine in Grouse Mountain. As a family, we enjoy reading your magazine. Thank you and have a wonderful 2017!

— STERN NEIL

BAVARIA, GERMANY

While

KRUGERSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA

BANGALORE, INDIA

— SUNDAR AND EMILY RAMANATHAN

This photo was taken at the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in Krugersdorp, South Africa this past December.

— CHRYS TRUSSLER

visiting our son in Germany, we explored Neuschwanstein Castle near Fussen, Germany.

— CINDY AND JEFF GATER

SOUTH DAKOTA

Here’s a picture of NIKO ZEN and ALINA REA at Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We could not leave home without bringing SLO LIFE magazine with us on our travels. Hooray!

— THE CIMBUR FAMILY Here we are celebrating our 15 Year Anniversary on the beautiful island of St. Lucia at the beautiful Sandals Grande St. Lucian! — MIKE AND NANCY TEJADA

SAINT LUCIA

MEET AND GREET

What’s on your playlist right now? Angel Olson, Warren G, and podcasts. So many podcasts.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? Little Wing by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Goldberg Variations by Bach, and Billy Jean.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? Stockholm or Bali.

What was your first job? Piano teacher.

Do you have a hobby? I’m a voracious knitter.

What’s your hidden talent? I can make my tongue roll like a wave.

Best advice you’ve ever received? I wasn’t a confident writer going into college, and I lamented to a teacher that I didn’t belong there. He told me college was for learning, not being perfect already. It had a huge impact on me and still does. I hope I’m forever learning.

Your first car? 1983 copper Honda Civic hatchback. What’s the last book you read? Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Highly recommended.

What’s your favorite movie? Amadeus or Inception. What’s your spirit animal? Probably some kind of loud, obnoxious monkey.

If you could have any super power what would it be? To understand where people are coming from.

If there’s one lesson you could share with OTHERS, what would it be? The cure for pain is in the pain. - Rumi

What’s on your playlist right now? 24k Magic by Bruno Mars.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? Soulful Strut by Young-Holt Unlimited, Oceans by Hillsong, and The Lightning Strike by Snow Patrol.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? Thailand.

What was your first job? (Under the table) babysitter at 12, (1st paycheck) swim instructor at 15.

Do you have a hobby? I love golf.

I’ll play hooky to... go see a movie in the new Downtown Cinema reclining seats.

What’s your hidden talent? I win most Settlers of Catan board games.

Do you have a recurring dream? No, but I can lucid dream, which is fun.

What was your most embarrassing moment? Recently, I’ve been reading a ton about what to bring to the hospital to give birth. One of the items was to bring your own pair of “granny panties.” On a trip to Target, I stealthily added a pair to my cart. At the checkout line, my husband, Michael, decided to pull them out and with far too much ceremony, “aired them out” for all to see. I was mortified.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Expectations are predetermined resentments.

Your first car? Ford Aerostar Van named Charlie.

What’s your favorite book? Growing up I loved Gone with the Wind. I read it easily four times before the age of 11.

What’s on your playlist right now? Jaco Pastorius and Joni Mitchell.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? The Amalfi Coast—but I might never return!

What was your first job? Grocery bagger: “Would you like paper or plastic?”

I’ll play hooky to... do just about anything! Life is too short not to play hooky. If I need to be specific, then I’d say I’d play hooky to see a concert. Or, to travel—I’d definitely play hooky to travel.

What’s your hidden talent? I have an amazing capacity for memorizing music lyrics—I don’t know how they’re all stored in there, but they are. Very few people appreciate it when I belt them out, however (that’s not part of the talent).

What’s the last book you read? We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie—it’s amazing the punch she packed into 45 pages. Next up is Assata Shakur’s autobiography.

What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird is up there. So, too, is Eldridge Cleaver’s Soul on Ice, Kerouac’s Tristessa, Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, Patti Smith’s Just Kids, Janine Pommy Vega’s Tracking the Serpent, and Yogananda’s The Autobiography of a Yogi.

Last movie you watched? Lion —a must see.

What’s your favorite movie? Rocky. What’s your spirit animal? The phoenix.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? The longest songs possible, which goes back to my classic rock basics but they’re also great songs: ELPs Karn Evil 9 1st Impression, Part 2; Led Zeppelin’s In My Time of Dying; Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick.

What was your first job? I worked in Parks and Rec in Thousand Oaks for many years doing everything from special event coordination to teaching sports. It was a great first job and I got to play basketball during slow nights, so I guess my first job was technically a professional athlete. Technically.

What’s your hidden talent? I can blow smoke out my eye. It’s won me a few bucks at bars and if you want to see it, be prepared to buy me a drink.

Do you have a recurring dream? Yes, and luckily it’s a good one. Ever since I started diving I’ve been having dreams where I can fly through the water and discover all sorts of mysterious creatures. More vivid than real life, no need to breath, and every once in a while I get to breach like a dolphin before diving back down. Hippies equate flying in dreams to feeling good in real life, so I have that going for me, which is nice.

What’s the last book you read? The John Carter of Mars Trilogy by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It’s really fun to read 100 year old sci-fi to see what they got right, but by page 800 you start to question what you’re doing with your life.

If you could have any super power what would it be? You’re in luck, I’ve thought about this one for years. Invisibility. I come from a strong cultural anthropology background and I’m fascinated by watching people, but your presence changes the dynamic, so I could be a figurative fly on the wall. Also, shenanigans like robbing banks and stowing away on flights.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? Fade Into You by Mazzy Star, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and Trouble in Mind by Nina Simone... and a few Beatles albums!

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation where would you go? Bali, New Zealand, and Mexico

What was your first job? Receptionist at a hair salon at 16 years old and hair model.

Do you have a hobby? Lots! Music, art, gardening, mountain biking, hiking, camping, yoga, sewing, knitting, writing, and dance.

I’ll play hooky to... go to a good concert. What’s your hidden talent? Running. Your first car? A gold Dodge Colt (my older sister’s first car). Meanwhile, my neighbor’s

16 year old daughter got a brand new BMW with a matching leather jacket, and so did my good friend, Nicole. A little bit 90210 where I grew up.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Always be a beneficial presence (my dad) and always live with good intentions (my mom).

What’s the last book you read? Anna Quindlen’s Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake.

What is your favorite book? As a child, Where the Red Fern Grows (still have my 4th grade copy and 1st book to make me cry). As an adult, Great Expectations and Celestine Prophecy.

What’s your favorite movie? Vacation with Chevy Chase.

What’s your spirit animal? A butterfly, but sometimes a wolf.

What’s on your playlist right now? GnR - Patience; Little Mermaid - Part of this World; Shane StonemanDrinking Real Good.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? Bone Thugs n Harmony - Mo Murder, Otis ReddingSitting on the Dock of the Bay, Beastie Boys - any song.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? Tavarua, Fiji.

What was your first job? I worked at a gas station.

Do you have a hobby? Surfing.

What was your most embarrassing moment? I’m sure this will happen soon with my daughter.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t forget to breathe.

Your first car? 1986 Volvo 240.

Do you have a pet peeve? Slow drivers in the fast lane.

What’s the last book you read? Duck, Duck, Moose.

Last movie you watched? Bad Moms.

If there’s one lesson you could share with others, what would it be? Wubbanub’s have incredible power.

What are your favorite pair of kicks? Sandals

If you could have any super power what would it be? Flying and breathing underwater.

What’s on your playlist right now? Neil Young

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had three songs, what would they be? A Little Bit of Everything - Dawe; Any Moonshiner Collective song; Back to Birth - Jackie Green.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? Spain.

What was your first job? Coaching junior high sports.

I’ll play hooky to… go to the beach.

What’s your hidden talent? Reading people's minds.

Do you have a recurring dream? Yes, falling off a cliff.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Never give up.

First car? Chevy El Camino.

What’s the last book you read? Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan.

What is your favorite book? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Last movie you watched? Hell or High Water with my son.

What’s your favorite movie? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

What’s your spirit animal? A sea turtle.

What’s on your playlist right now? Ryan Adams, Louis Armstrong, the War on Drugs, Dawes (great show at the Fremont recently!), David Bowie, Billie Holiday, The National, Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, the Smiths.

If you could take an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go? Safari. Botswana. With my wife and boys. I am dying to take them to Africa.

What was your first job? Swimming instructor for the City of Davis. Still one of my favorite jobs.

Do you have a hobby? Travel, though that’s more of an addiction.

What’s your hidden talent? I can make a damn fine dinner any time my kids and wife say, “There is no food in the house.”

What was your most embarrassing moment? I tried to ask a woman out one time and forgot my own phone number. Oh, and I got dumped at the altar.

First car? A used Audi 5000. My first…and worst. $5,000 in repairs the first year I owned it. More than the car was worth!

What’s the last book you read? Nine Lives by Dan Baum, a fascinating look at New Orleans pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina though the eyes of a diverse group of city residents.

What’s your favorite book? Confederacy of Dunces for the humor; The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt for the research; and Lolita for the writing.

What’s your spirit animal? I’d say the elephant (my favorite animal), but the Internet just told me I’m a donkey.

Around the County DECEMBER ‘16

12/6

San Luis Coastal Unified School District and the County Board of Supervisors approved of an $85 million settlement offered by PG&E as compensation for closing its Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in 2025. The amount is expected to defray the loss of property tax revenue for a period during the transition; however, the county remains concerned over the loss of its top employer and the head-of-household jobs it provides, currently around 1,500 with an average salary of $157,000. The overall countywide economic impact is forecasted to be approximately $1 billion per year.

12/10

Cal Poly College Republicans stir up controversy when they announce that they had invited Milo Yiannopoulos, a Breitbart News editor and a leader of the “alt-right,” to speak at the university. He was banned from Twitter last year for likening Leslie Jones, an African-American actress, to an ape. A petition circulated objecting to the invitation recalls 2009 when writer Michael Pollan, a UC Berkeley professor and frequent critic of agribusiness, was scheduled to speak, but was instead inserted into a panel discussion under pressure from David Wood, chairman of Harris Beef Ranch Co., who threatened to withhold funding to the college if Pollan were allowed to speak solo.

12/8

Three former San Luis Obispo High School students—Michael Benadiba, 18, Cameron Bratcher, 18, and Jacob Ruth, 19—were arrested on arson, burglary, and vandalism charges after a neighbor reported seeing them hop the fence and later return to their car after apparently setting fire to the computer lab in order to “get back at a former teacher.” The lab, which also housed the robotics club, was completely gutted and the estimated damages exceeded $1.8 million. Days after their arrest and subsequent release on bail, the trio were arrested again and booked on more arson charges for additional damage caused on campus earlier that week.

12/17

David Fear, 64, and his neighbor, Betty Long, 85, were attacked in front of Long’s Grover Beach home by a two-year-old Belgian Malinois. Hailed as a hero by neighbors who witnessed the incident, Fear lost his life coming to the aid of Long, who had been struggling unsuccessfully to fend off the dog. It was later determined that “Neo,” which was euthanized following the mauling, was trained as a police dog by its owner Alex Geiger, 25, a Grover Beach Police Officer who joined the department in September. It remains unclear if charges will be filed against Geiger. Meanwhile, Long remains in a rehabilitation facility where she is recovering from a broken pelvis and shoulder.

12/29

Evan LaLanne, 18, sustained serious injuries after falling an estimated 30 feet during a night hike at Bishop Peak. Following a helicopter rescue, the Arroyo Grande High School graduate and Cal Poly student was transferred to Stanford and then to a spinal rehabilitation center where it remains unclear whether his paralysis, currently from the waistdown, will become permanent. The community has rallied around the former volleyball standout player and a GoFundMe account, a donation website, set up to help cover medical expenses is currently two-thirds of the way toward funding its goal.

JANUARY ‘17

1/10

Despite the long-standing tradition that dictates the equitable rotation of chairmanship among the SLO County Board of Supervisors, the new conservative majority consisting of Debbie Arnold, Lynn Compton, and John Peschong, instead voted to elect new North County Supervisor Peschong as its chairman which signaled heightened divisions falling along party lines. Bruce Gibson, District 2 Supervisor, shared at the meeting following the vote that he was “oscillating between deeply saddened and highly outraged.”

1/18

Recalling the March 7, 2015 roof collapse, SLO Police Chief Deanna Cantrell was rebuffed by the city council in her request to extend the period when party-related fines are doubled leading up to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Instead, the council by a 4-1 vote, with Carlyn Christianson dissenting, went the opposite direction by relaxing neighborhood wellness regulations with its creation of a party registration program, whereby homes hosting parties can sidestep fines for noisy and unruly gatherings. Over the objection of the many permanent residents at the meeting, Mayor Heidi Harmon defended the decision stating, “We cannot fine and ordinance our way out of the challenges we face.” [see page 76 for more on this issue]

1/13

In one of the final acts of his administration, President Obama adds Piedras Blancas to the California Coastal National Monument, effectively protecting the land from future development and bringing resources for public enjoyment of the area early that Spanish explorers called “White Rocks.” The action was the culmination of a years-long effort coordinated by local conservationists, who lobbied Washington politicians for the protected status. Recently, busloads of Central Coast residents descended on the site to implore Obama to make the order before leaving office.

1/21

The day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as president, somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 people marched through downtown San Luis Obispo in support of a variety of issues such as rights for minorities and women who felt threatened by the new administration. The march was organized in conjunction with the peaceful Washington, D.C. protest called the Women’s March. Millions of people from around the country gathered together in city centers as a show of unity.

SEA CHANGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT SHAY

Growing up on the Central Coast, Vincent Shay was an active kid. He was constantly getting into things, curious about the world around him. When he was 17, his brother gave him a camera, a Nikon FA, and he headed out to Montaña de Oro to find out what taking pictures was all about. As he loaded the roll of film into the back of the camera, he noted something dashing across the dunes in the distance. He tracked the object, which came to a stop. Shay then looked through the viewfinder, twisted the lens to find its focus, and pressed the button. The unmistakable sound of the shutter triggering was intoxicating, and the picture of the squirrel—his very first photo ever—is one that he keeps close by to this day. It was not long after that Shay was dreaming of becoming a photographer for National Geographic and was doing everything that could be possibly done with a camera on the Central Coast, from shooting weddings to entering contests, to hone his craft.

With an unshakeable combination of enthusiasm and positivity, Shay reflects that, “To capture one little moment in life is pretty cool,” and has made it his mission to string together a remarkable series of moments. He counts his stint in Vietnam working on a documentary film as a high point in his photography career, but admits that it is the small, everyday occurrences that he finds most compelling now. And, as the owner of Avila Beach Paddle Sports not a day goes by that he is not on the water in one of his kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals snapping shots of local sea otters, or seals, or, when they are around, whales.

Last year alone, Shay logged over 200 hours photographing the humpback whales that make their annual pilgrimage to San Luis Bay. He explains the phenomenon, describing how he patiently sits in his kayak, scanning the horizon, when he sees the water go still and the fish scatter beneath him. It always becomes strangely quiet just before a 60,000-pound torpedo launches skyward. Shay, who has worked as a sports photographer, reveals that capturing that particular moment is much more difficult, and so much faster than shooting athletes running at each other full-speed. He admits that, “I sometimes get lucky, and when I do it is a pretty magical experience.”

The shot you see here was taken last year, about six miles north of Avila Beach, off the shores of Diablo Canyon. He was on a zodiac and the wind was blowing in gusts of 40 miles per hour. Shay, an ardent conservationist, who has personally observed that “there’s some weird stuff going on with the ocean,” describes the relationship he develops with his massive subjects and the unique individuality he finds in each one of the graceful swimmers. And, he explains further that researchers have been unable to definitively explain why whales breach, or launch themselves into the air, the way they do. It does appear, however, to be a form of communication—we just don’t know what they are trying to say.

SLO LIFE

Maternal Instincts

In a nail-biter of an election, HEIDI HARMON became San Luis Obispo’s new mayor by a margin of just 47 votes. She stopped by the office the other day car (a Nissan Leaf) so that we could get to know her…

Tell us a little about yourself, Heidi. Okay, sure. I’m from Pasadena originally, born and raised there. I think I’m about an eighth generation Californian on my mom’s side. When I was still a teenager, 18, after high school, I came up here to go to Cuesta. I graduated from Cuesta with a degree in early childhood education, was preschool teaching early on and graduated from Cal Poly. I met my husband here, no, my former husband; but had my two kids here and raised them here and mostly homeschooled them. They both went off to College. Actually my son, Jack, just graduated from UC Santa Cruz and my daughter, Zoie, graduated from UCLA getting close to four years ago.

You mentioned a former husband… That’s right, I raised my kids mostly as a single mom and I was a house cleaner for a big chunk of that time, probably ten years. So even, you know with the Cal Poly degree and all of that, I felt like that was the job that I could do that would allow me to spend the most amount of time with my kids. So I could bring them with me, and once they got a little bit older I could leave them for a few hours and go clean a house and come back; that kind of thing. So that’s the job that I saw as the best fit for being able to still homeschool them, generate the income we needed, and spend as much time with them as possible. How did you get into that line of work? I mean, I knew how to clean a house. I cleaned my own house. I started out in the Arbors thinking that it was probably a good neighborhood for that type of service, so I just made up a little flyer and passed it out. So, you get one house and you do a good job, then they refer you to their friends, and it goes from there. I really appreciated the work. It really gave me a lot of flexibility. You know, it’s hard to find good-paying jobs here and actually cleaning houses is a pretty well-paid job. You have to accept that maybe there’s a social cost to it. People maybe have some judgment about a job like that, but actually I was probably making more money, certainly per hour, than a lot of folks might have been making; but, it definitely has sort of a social stigma to it. But, I’m glad I did it. When my kids were really little I’d bring them with me and they would sit there and read while I worked. I think that doing that work allowed me to prioritize what was important during that time, which was raising my kids.

Somewhere along the way you found a passion for environmentalism. Yes, and again, it was my kids. I mean, all of it really is an extension of my maternal instincts, my maternal responsibility. So, as my kids grew older my understanding around climate change started to become more clear. And once it really hit me that their future, and potentially their lives were

really at stake with that issue, I just felt like nothing else seemed right for me to spend the majority of my time doing. I just did not feel comfortable not trying to do something about it. So, I started trying to figure out how I could make a difference, who I was going to be. I started joining groups that were working for climate change. Then I went to Chicago to do Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership training. I tried to learn as much as I could. Then I started giving talks on climate change, trying to encourage people that, A, it was really happening and that, B, we needed to do something about it.

The environment plays a big role now locally as it pertains to San Luis Obispo’s top issue: housing. How do you see the city’s role as it relates to Cal Poly? student community, and I love them, and I think they’re amazing; I really value them. I’m definitely not in the anti-student camp at all. But, I do think that the role of mayor, in particular, is to advocate for the city’s permanent residents. I do recognize that. And, I think that there is a strong consensus that Cal Poly really needs to hold up more of what the community perceives as a responsibility in terms of providing more on-campus housing. It is my understanding that the university is planning a lot more public-private partnerships to develop housing on campus. So those projects are theoretically coming down the line, but my question to Cal Poly is, “When? And, what exactly can the community count on?” And then also at some point, too, “What is the limit on enrollment?” Even if every single student were to be housed on campus there’s still only so much capacity that the city can handle in terms of infrastructure and traffic and water.

That’s a lot to think about. How can you sleep at night?

I do. I sleep with a unicorn Pillow Pet. [laughter] I used to sleep with it every once in a while. Now, I just don’t care—I sleep with it every night. I remember when the Pillow Pet store first opened on Higuera. I thought, “Are you serious? How can that be a sustainable business? I mean, an entire store of Pillow Pets?” Later on, I bought the unicorn at a garage sale for one of my kids. I picked it up and said, “Wow, it’s so soft.” Now I just curl up in a ball and sleep with my unicorn. My partner—I call him my “husbandy guy” because we’ve been engaged for ten years, we’re not technically married, but we might as well be—anyway, I think at first my “husbandy guy” thought that the unicorn was not cool. Sometimes I’ll roll over with it in the middle of the night and the horn thing will poke him in the back and he’ll wake up saying, “Whoa, what was that?!” It’s just my unicorn. [laughter]

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY VANESSA PLAKIAS

Growing up on the hardscrabble streets of Northern Ireland during its bloody conflict known as The Troubles, LESLIE O’CONNOR dreamed of a better life. Through a combination of hitting the books and nurturing his passion for soccer, his unlikely journey led to him to where he is now, principal of San Luis Obispo High School. Along the way he has developed a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense style, which is borne out of a piercing intensity that he channels into his oft-repeated philosophy: “It’s all about the kids.” Here is his story…

Let’s take it from the top, Leslie. Where are you from exactly? I grew up in a small village called Greysteel in Northern Ireland; it’s outside of Derry. The distance from one end to the other is probably less than three quarters of a mile. Population was about 2,000 people. It had one store and three pubs. I’m one of nine kids—five brothers and three sisters. I’m the third oldest, basically a middle child. Growing up in a big family was very competitive; very competitive for athletics, very competitive for school, very competitive for attention. Everything was pretty intense. You had plenty of fights, you had plenty of laughs, plenty of sorrow; but it was just the way it was. My dad was a carpenter, my mom was a housewife, but then she took a part-time job helping bring a preschool to the village. She ended up teaching there, as well.

Now, that was a pretty unsettled time in Northern Ireland, right? Yes, it was. It was during that time, during the 1980’s when we had The Troubles, so I always knew I was going to leave home. I always knew I was going to come to America, or South Africa, or Australia; that was kind of a predetermined thing. I was always told that I had to go to university because I’m left-handed. My uncles and my dad are carpenters, builders, and cobblers, and all right-handed. But, if you’re left-handed then you’re kind of awkward and you don’t learn those trades, instead you go off to school. My parents sent us to a mixed school four miles away in a neighboring village. When I say, “mixed,” I don’t mean boys and girls—I mean Catholics and Protestants. I played football and always wanted to be a footballer. You know, every kid wants

to be a footballer. It’s like in America where everyone wants to be a basketball player, or baseball player.

Tell us about Greysteel. The British army didn’t go where I lived; it was too dangerous. As kids you’d be playing football in the street, and you’d hear army vehicles passing through. You could hear them a good half-mile away because they made a certain noise. And then someone would yell, “The Brits are coming! The Brits are coming!” And, so us kids, we’d break rocks and we would wait for them and then throw our rocks at them when they drove by. Sometimes they would stop, and they’d get out with their guns and they’d be running and we’d take off. If they got hold of you, they’d give you a beating. But if they didn’t get hold of you, you just kept running. Pretty much every day we were throwing rocks, trust me. It was just part of the culture. So, you grow up in that kind of environment where you’d be stopped at checkpoints all the time; you’d be stopped anywhere you went. Cars would be stopped, but you could also be stopped on the street. So

you’ve got like an 18-year-old holding a gun, and you’d be 15, and he would stop you and search you.

How exactly did it come to that? So, the history goes that in 1922 after you had World War I, Northern Ireland got set up as an entity that stayed with Britain. There are 32 counties in Ireland and the six northern counties stayed with England and the other 26 got to form their own independent country. At the time Britain said that the six counties would determine their own fate that they would go with the 26. But most of the Protestants or loyalists were concentrated in those six northern counties, so there was a disproportionate population that was sympathetic with England; so in the other 26 counties the majority of them are Catholic, but in the six, the majority are Protestant with the minority being Catholic. So, of course, the majority said they’re going to stay with Britain. And because we lived in Northern Ireland, we lived right near the border; there was a lot of violence and a lot of tension and soldiers and police and stuff there, but you had to navigate all of it.

Was all the violence really over minor differences between Christian sects? No, not completely. The fundamental part is how they see the development of the church because it goes back to Reformation of the Presbyterian Church, but essentially what it came down to is economic equality and civil rights. So, you had a stratified system of poor Protestants who were always above poor Catholics. If you were a poor Protestant you always knew that there was a group below you and they were Catholic. And so when you went for a job, if you were a Protestant person or a Catholic person going for the same job, the Protestant was going to get the job regardless of their skill set, or education. So, it was more of a civil rights struggle when you look back on it now, but it quickly morphed into religion and really morphed into nationalism and stuff like that.

So, opportunity was limited if you were Catholic? Where I grew up there was absolute poverty; there was a lot of dysfunction. I knew very few people who had a job. Nobody had a job. So the only way was the welfare check; go to the pub, drink, go to the bookmakers, bet on horses. I remember when I was around nine years old I started to go to my granny’s house on Friday nights—she’s 90 years old and she’s in ill health right now—and we’d pick the horses from the newspaper. And, then we’d spend Saturdays placing bets on horses with the bookie and then watching the races from the television in the pub. You would see a lot of people who were unemployed gambling away their welfare checks on horses. I tell my students that I’ll be wearing a shirt and tie my whole life to school. They always look at me like that’s kind of weird. But, early on, you just know that if you get a good education that’s your way to get out. Dressing like that was sort of advertising that you have a chance at a job; you have a chance at a life. I saw the same cycle over and over growing up in that kind of an environment, so it was inspiration to make something of myself. I remember as a kid the whole family would gather in the living room on Wednesday nights to watch the show “Dallas” on T.V. I said to myself, “Oh my God, look at that; you can have a swimming pool, a big house, the weather is perfect, and you can have a sports car.” [laughter] You know, the allure of America. And I think it’s still the same for a lot of kids around the world.

But, your reality living in Northern Ireland was much different. It was common to know people that had got shot, to have been bombed. You’d ride to school on the bus and you’d see shops that were blown up the night before. You’d see pubs that were blown up. You’d have friends that were blown up; you knew people that were blown up. A friend of mine who was the same age as me, John, his dad was found to be connected to the IRA, which is the Irish Republican Army. When we were seven or eight years old, John’s dad was shot and killed on the front doorstep of their home. Later, when John eventually got to be around 17, I think he was 17 at the time, he carried a bomb into a pub. He tried to blow it up, but he got caught and did something like 20 years in prison. So going >>

back to football, all teams were either Catholic or Protestant, right? And in Northern Ireland green, white, and gold is the color of Catholics. And red, white, and blue is the color of Protestants. But, when a Catholic team played a Protestant team it was really just an excuse for a fight. But, you stayed focused and found a way out. I did. I had really good grades in high school and got an opportunity to go to university and went in Liverpool. My dad wanted me to become an accountant. I remember the first week I was sitting in the accounting classes and thinking, “Oh, this is awful. This is not for me.” So, I thought I’d give law a try instead. I applied and got into the program. Then a woman at the university’s administration told me that there was a mandatory lecture for all first-year law students on Wednesday afternoon. I said, “Wednesday afternoon? I can’t come on Wednesday afternoon.” She said, “Why not?” I said, “I play football on the university team, so I can’t do law.” She looked at me like I was mental. And that was it. Somewhere around that time a guy saw me playing soccer and asked me for my telephone number. A few months later another guy called and said, “Hey, I’m calling you from California. A friend of mine saw you play. Would you be interested in coming to the States to play football?” I said, “Sure.” I went home, packed my bags, and landed in L.A. on the 8th of July, 1988.

Where did you end up? The guy who brought me over was an English guy from London, who coached at Cal State Bakersfield. He told me that Bakersfield was really close to the beach and really close to everything. [laughter] It didn’t really matter to me. I was in California and it was the perfect opportunity. But, on the fourth day there I broke my leg. I had never been injured up to that point. I was in a cast from my toe to my thigh for three months. It took me out for the season. The guy that brought me out was a good guy. He had pooled together a lot of money and resources to be able pay for all my tuition and scholarship and stuff. So, I said I’d stay a second year. We ended up doing pretty well. They hadn’t won a game in nine years, the team. And during my first year playing we won the conference, and were playing the national playoffs. After college, I started coaching and said, “Why not teach?” I got my credential and started teaching at Bakersfield High School. I met my wife in Bakersfield. She came there from Chicago. The district was offering a moving incentive and bonus to relocate there. We were married in 2004 and Riley was born in 2007 and later Owen, who is 7. They both go to Pacheco. I continued coaching and then got into administration. In 2011, I heard that they were looking for a new principal at San Luis Obispo High School. I applied and was fortunate enough to be selected. >>

What is your philosophy at SLO High? Overall philosophy? You can narrow it down and you could say it’s about excellence. To be honest, it’s about having high expectations; it’s about being accountable; holding the kids accountable, but holding yourself accountable. It’s really centered around the kids. I mean, you have to treat every kid as an individual. It’s so easy in this day and age to create policy that is sweeping in a certain direction, but every kid is different and it’s not about having a common or universal theme, but it’s understanding that kids come with different levels of sophistication, kids come with baggage, kids come with different expectations, and different pressures. They all have a different frame of reference and sometimes people’s frame of reference is greater in size rather than greater in depth, and so you have to understand that their frame may be just what they know, but maybe it’s not fulfilling all their expectations. And so philosophy-wise, it’s like let’s try to make decisions that are in the best interests of kids 100% of the time. It’s really easy when he or she gets admitted to Stanford, right? But, it’s really problematic when the kid gets arrested for something.

And, what about the former students who recently torched the computer lab? Well, they’re all our kids. So you’ve got to take the good with the not-so-good and say, “Okay, what can we learn from that? And how can we get better?” The computer lab situation is really sad. I mean it’s really sad in that there are teachers that work with kids every single day

building those relationships and you think to yourself, gosh, think about where you live, your house, but when you’re a teacher, you’re in the same classroom environment maybe 10 to 12 hours a day. It is your house and you come there every day. To lose everything, lose literally the refrigerator with your lunch in it, and lose all of the computer program pieces you’ve built up, but it’s also that, I use the term “sanctuary,” it’s also that safe place for kids to come and work. So, yeah, that’s tough to process. It’s painful, but, again, like I said, you have to accept all kids all the time. You never want to say that kids make mistakes, but the mistakes can be so grave. That’s part of what we have and we have to accept that, and we have to kind of come together and say that we can learn from that a little bit, too. Can we figure out if there is a figuring out? Is there something that we could have done differently or better?

So, how do you answer those questions? If you think back on your life, you probably had some sort of role model; it might have been a parent or maybe a teacher, who inspired us to go on and do something because they made it seem cool. And so, for us, how I translate that for high school, how I answer those questions, is to look to hire teachers that are game changers in the way that they have relationships with kids. We’re obviously going to get people who are smart, right? When you look at a very basic level, they’ve got a degree and they can read books and they can do all that. We can teach them or improve upon their skillset for how they teach>>

kids, the pedagogy, for want of a better term. But what you can’t change is their personality, or craft their personality. So you’re always trying to look for those individuals that can connect with kids, and there’s some that have that quality. I mean, in just about every field you find people that are really good at their jobs because they connect with people. You go into a restaurant and you watch waiters and waitresses and can see waiters that are really good at what they do without appearing like they are doing too much. It’s just a knack. I think that relationship piece is of paramount importance in education.

Quickly, what is the status of Measure D construction on campus? We’re going to retrofit the existing facility where the main admin building is now. We will gut that whole center space and clear it out to make it the library, career center, the food court, coffee shop, everything; and make it a big open, living, breathing space much like you see on a college campus. Because I think one of the things we realized and learned through our measure D approach was to not re-invent the wheel, just go and see what other people are doing successfully. We traveled around to do that and, more importantly, we talked to the kids about what they need. I would say everything will be pretty much complete within the next five to seven

years. You know, we’re rebuilding. Classroom building will start in July. We’re hoping to break ground on the pool in January, so less than a year away, but it takes another year to build. We’re talking about a new student support building and performing arts space that will probably begin about this time next year. Again, it usually takes about a year, a year and a half to build, but we’re going to see that much faster progression now in the next 12 to 18 months where large buildings are starting to be built.

Okay, let’s close by asking a question we like to ask everyone: What would we be surprised to know about you? That’ll be too easy. To be honest I think it would be the intensity for the way I like to do things; but, I don’t think that would surprise anyone that knows me. That’s a tough question. I guess, I would be honest and say that I rarely sleep through the night. There are a variety of things racing through my mind. School, work, and when I say, “Work,” I mean the complexity of it. That’s not to say that everybody doesn’t work hard and it’s not to say everybody doesn’t have pressures with their job, but, for me, it’s the complexity of the job and trying to constantly sort through all of the challenges and answer all of the questions. And, sadly, I’ve got very decent memory—the problem with very decent memory is that it keeps you up at night.

CALIFORNIA COUNTRY

Local singer songwriter Cynthia Ford has a mission: “Music is what I can offer the world, and I want something more to come of what I create—I want there to be another benefit.”

BY DAWN JANKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER OLSON

Growing up surrounded by creative talents, Ford cannot remember a time when she didn’t sing. Her grandfather was famous radio and television performer Ira Davis, a Filipino-American who worked for the Manila Broadcasting Company. Ford says, “He was a pioneer who played every instrument, and

whenever he would come to visit we would do what he called ‘Next Number of the Program,’ and I would sing ‘I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover.’”

At the same time, famous bluesman John Lee Hooker lived across the street from her family’s Gilroy home. Ford says, “Mr. Hooker was my neighbor—we went to his barbecues. He had people like Bonnie Raitt and other various artists come to visit him, and that also spiked my interest in music.” She continues, “One year, my older brother and I got guitars for Christmas, and we took them over to Mr. Hooker, who tuned them for us and played them to prove that they worked. He was amazing, and he made music very accessible.”

Ford explains that because of Hooker and her grandfather, music was always a part of what she did. “We had the first karaoke machine in our neighborhood, and we weren’t afraid to use it, and everybody wanted to come to our house because there was always some sort of chaos and creativity happening.”

In school, Ford performed in her brother’s garage bands as the tambourine girl and backup singer. She sang at church and high school dances and did a lot of theatre; “thirty shows in five years to be exact,” she says. All of that served as a training ground, and while she always wrote songs, Ford adds, “At the time I didn’t think of songwriting as a craft. It was just what I did.”

After graduation, Ford shuttled from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to New York and back to Los Angeles in the name of music. Upon her return to L.A., she was introduced to its underground country music scene and started doing demos for other people. “I then began to demo my own songs,” she says, “and I went to Nashville and did some recording there.” Music kept Ford going, and she used her talent to help others keep going, too: “For a while, I was part of a group called Voices in Harmony that mentored underprivileged kids in the L.A. area, and we’d work with them weekly and then host a performance.”

Then, while living in a beach bungalow near the Santa Monica pier, Ford got the break about which other musicians only dream. Her neighbor, well known acting coach Larry Moss, invited her to be the feature performer at a live show for the Edgemar Center for the Arts: An Intimate Evening with Cynthia Ford. She describes the event. “It sold out in three days. I had costume changes, a backup band, and it was the first time anyone ran lights for me. It was an amazing experience.” Ford also played regularly at Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Magazine published an article about her, referring to her as the California Country Girl. It was a long time coming, and Ford felt like she was getting some traction as a musician.

Just as quickly as things seemed to be moving forward for Ford, movement halted. “My father died the day after Thanksgiving, and the following February my husband left me with our one-year-old. Then, almost a year later, I got laid off.” She goes on, “my mother once told me that you can’t know the light until you know the darkness, and I was pretty sure at that moment I knew the darkness.”

Ford describes her daughter as the light of her life and says, “During that time, my daughter and I connected on such a deep level and came to know what really matters to us; it’s about being together.” She also says that the terror of being a single mother without a job was probably her most creative period. “We came up with adventures and did whatever we could do to survive.” She adds, “I was lucky if I slept through the night, and I’d write songs when I couldn’t sleep.”

Ford is no longer a single, struggling mother—she and her family now live on a tiny farm in Arroyo Grande—but that time in her life remains her inspiration. About three years ago, with the help of her songwriting coach, John Keller, Ford wrote and recorded eight songs that really pulled her out of that period. “My songs are about mothers, and relationships, and hope,” she says. And, along with her manager, Chris Christensen of CCAD Entertainment, Ford is planning a fundraiser for the local women’s shelter. “If there’s any way I can help others through what I do, if I can provide a space for someone to sing and let go, isn’t that my whole point in life?”

In addition to planning a fundraiser for the women’s shelter, Ford continues to work

on her album. “Right now, I am co-writing a song with a wonderful songwriter out of Texas, Susan Giacona. The song is called ‘Still a Hero’ and proceeds will benefit the Wheelchairs for Warriors organization,” says Ford. A man at Ford’s church inspired the song. She explains, “He is in a wheelchair, and he is not broken spiritually from it. Every day he fights the good fight.”

Every day, Ford also fights the good fight, and she is grateful to those who have afforded her kindness along the way. She stresses that as a musician and mother she has experienced again and again “huge generosity that came out of nowhere and changed my life.” Through her music, Cynthia Ford’s generosity may just change yours, too.

DAWN JANKE, Director, University Writing & Rhetoric Center Cal Poly, keeps her pulse on the Central Coast music scene.

FOREVER HOME

Careers in the building supply industry provide a unique perspective for imagining and then constructing an Edna Valley Mediterranean classic.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR POVAH

Thirty-six years ago, Jill Cholewa strode confidently onto a volleyball court in Sheridan, Wyoming. Her tall, athletic frame was made for the sport. And, having grown up on a farm in North Dakota, she knew it was her ticket to a bigger world beyond her seven-person hometown.

Life was not easy on the windswept plain. Her family home did not have running water, so daily chores included early morning trips to the cistern with a bucket. There was no washer and dryer, which meant that their clothes went through a wringer, cranked by hand. And, when nature called, it required a trip to the outhouse, even in the subzero temperatures of winter. Although the farm provided plenty of

sustenance—chickens, pigs, and cows—dinner often consisted of wild game hunted in the nearby woods.

As a member of the college volleyball team, Cholewa sometimes thought back to how far she had come from the one-room schoolhouse that she had grown up attending. It looked as if it were from “Little House on the Prairie,” and came complete with a tiny potbelly stove that thawed out the few students in attendance after recess. This day was different, however. It was a perfect summer day, June 4th to be exact, when another player, from the men’s team across the court, had caught her attention. From that moment forward, Steve

and Jill Cholewa have been inseparable.

The couple went to California in search of pro beach volleyball glory, but soon found themselves in the San Joaquin Valley where Steve was employed at a lumberyard in Madera. He had done the job off and on for years and knew the business backward and forward. Jill, who had gone on to earn her MBA started teaching business classes at Fresno City Community College, while also coaching a variety of kids’ volleyball teams. One day, a local businessman contacted the couple with a proposition. He started out praising the couple for their work ethics and observed that they would be the perfect team to run

a business together. He offered a $1 million credit line to start a new, competitive lumber yard, and the business which is known now as S & J Lumber—as in “Steve & Jill”—was formed.

After many years of 12 to 13 hour days for long stretches without a break, the Cholewas sold the company to their long-time employees. And, to be closer to friends, they chose to put down roots in San Luis Obispo opting to build their “forever home” in the Edna Valley. Since the couple spent their career dealing with construction materials and serving contractors, they had a unique understanding of what they wanted to go into their home. So, they teamed up with one of their favorite customers, Gary Gomes, a Fresno-based designer/builder and

Cal Poly grad, to come up with the plan. Gomes and the Cholewas then collaborated with local builder Mark Sullivan and his wife, Teri, an interior designer, to bring the Mediterranean-style home to life.

Construction began in January 2015 on the 4,600-square-foot structure (1,000 of which is a guest quarters, complete with a separate entrance) and ended a year later when the Cholewas moved in. Along the way, the primary emphasis has been on outdoor living, particularly dining al fresco, where no less than five eating areas can be found outside. Depending on the time of day and wind conditions, there is always a cozy nook for enjoying a meal together and with friends. Fireplaces and water features serve as landmarks around the patio

spaces, but it is the landscaping that brings it to life. The Cholewas credit Ryan Fortini and Matt Cathey of San Luis Obispo-based Fortini Landscapes for both the vision and execution of the home’s many surrounding gardens, including a small grove of trees and berries. Jill, a UC Master Gardener herself, sheepishly admits that she was a “demanding customer,” but that her experience with the duo exceeded her high expectations.

Entering the home, thoughtful detailing and careful craftsmanship abound. The couple, already current on the latest and greatest in the building industry, chose to attend the National Builders Conference in Las Vegas to pick up cutting edge ideas and expand their network of contacts. It was there that they found a company that was manufacturing “groin vault” kits, the distinctively European ceiling pop-up that appears to meet at a point in the center. Later, they found Jan de Luz, a Frenchman in the Carmel Valley who specializes in sourcing reclaimed products from France and Italy. It was de Luz that found the reclaimed tile, much of which now adorns the roof of the Edna Valley home, as well as the fireplace mantle originally built

in 1604. Closer to home, American Barn & Wood of Paso Robles supplied the interior trim wood, which once held up a Midwestern barn. Two other San Luis Obispo companies also played significant roles: Jeff Theis of Theissen Design fabricated the iron entry gate and ProSource supplied the DuChateau hardwood floors (and carpets for

two of the rooms).

Now, a year after moving into their new home in their new hometown, the Cholewas reflect that “the friendliness that people have showed us has been incredible.” Jill continues the thought with laughter, “Especially since we’re from the Valley. But, I’ve never really thought of myself as from the Valley. I’m from a tiny little place where people care about each other and want to see you succeed. It’s the same way here.”

TREVOR POVAH is an architectural photographer here on the Central Coast.

SLO LIFE

Andrea & Ilario de Palo

DESIGN BUILD

In this ongoing feature, SLO LIFE Magazine is proud to partner with the American Institute of Architects California Central Coast to unveil its current project winners and highlight our local design and engineering talent. Each month, the organization reviews submissions and selects the top Central Coast projects. Below are two recent installments to this series.

+February Project Recognition

Madonna Road Apartments, San Luis Obispo

Architect Fraser Seiple Architects

Mechanical Engineer Brummel Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineer Thoma Engineering

Civil Engineer Ground Up Design & Construction

Landscape Landsystems Associates Management

Contractor Precision GSS

Photography Studio 101 West

Owner Vitus Group

Madonna Road Apartments is a 19-building, 120-unit apartment development, built in 1971 on a seven-acre site. The recent, publicly funded renovation and upgrade project was intended to accomplish repairs, refurbishment, and improved energy efficiency. Owners Vitus Group and their design and construction team leveraged that effort into a complete interior replacement and exterior refinishing project, including reorganization of outdoor spaces and features. The work was phased to allow continuous occupancy and the project remains in the Section 8 program. Because of its compliance with city policies for affordable housing, the project accessed streamlined processing and reduced regulatory fees.

Project features include a solar photovoltaic system that produces 100% of the property’s electrical demand, and connection to the city’s recycled water system for non-potable uses. A solar panel awning-mount detail was used to expand

surface area and provide solar shading, and additional shading devices were installed at south elevations. Various new active and passive exterior spaces were developed, including a shade-sail-protected playground and multi-function gathering area. Landscape improvements included removal of overgrown materials and turf, and installation of functional bio-swales. Accessibility improvements were installed throughout and new trash and recycling facilities developed at the site perimeter.

New exterior treatments generally maintain the original design character, replacing plywood and softwood products with cement board siding and plaster, and adding new details, partly to conceal infrastructure items like TV dishes and solar panels. The renovated and upgraded Madonna Road Apartments project starts a new useful life as a large piece of the community’s affordable housing stock, using over 30% less water than previously and no offsite electricity, and at a fraction of the cost of new construction.

About the AIA CCC

The American Institute of Architects has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1957. The local California Central Coast division works in collaboration with SLO Life Magazine to showcase its monthly award winning projects demonstrating notable concepts that have been constructed after being designed by local architects.

March Project Recognition

Giornata Wines is a winery based in Templeton, in the industrial neighborhood of Tin City. The winery prides itself as being more Italian than Californian in its wine and design style. Therefore, it was an easy sell to create a contemporary design for the winery’s tasting room and manufacturing facility.

Giornata Wines is located in an existing metal butler building in an industrial warehouse district. The tenant improvement of the existing building included a new tasting room, an office, storage, and a large manufacturing and barrel storage room. Adjacent to the warehouse is a garden space that was created to provide an outdoor gathering area for wine club members and the owners. Embracing the farm to table mentality, the owners even grow vegetables in the garden to be used during events and at family dinners.

The tasting room boasts of a colorful bamboo ceiling, polished concrete floors, and varying height windows to help guest see into the wine processing facility. Giornata Wines’ design also includes waste water treatment, solar power, recycled materials, and locally produced bar tables all in an effort to be sustainable in practice and construction. Designed by local architect, Andrew Goodwin (while owner of previous company ConsciousBuild, Inc), this design embodies clean, modern, and sustainable design touching even the smallest of projects.

Giornata Wines, Templeton Architect Andrew Goodwin, AIA Energy Consultant In Balance Green Consulting Contractor Mike English

Custom Metalwork Allen Root Photography Jay C Winter Photography Owners Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi

ESTATE BY THE NUMBERS

laguna lake

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 65 $684,743 $668,642 97.65 71

tank farm

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 33 $757,630 $743,660 98.16 59

cal poly area

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 24 $792,083 $754,350 95.24 53

2016 50 $694,740 $687,773 99.00 46

+/-23.08% 1.46% 2.86% 1.35% -35.21%

2016 39 $832,823 $811,201 97.40 40

+/18.18% 9.92% 9.08% -0.76% -32.20%

2016 29 $761,679 $752,336 98.77 28

+/20.83% -3.84% -0.27% 3.53% -47.17%

country club

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 17 $1,120,706 $1,068,965 95.24 48

down town

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 44 $684,741 $678,180 99.04 45

foothill blvd

Total Homes Sold Average Asking Price Average Selling Price Sales Price as a % of Asking Price Average # of Days on the Market

2015 45 $756,144 $742,455 98.19 28

2016 22 $1,299,636 $1,245,023 95.80 83

+/29.41% 15.97% 16.47% 0.56% 72.92%

2016 70 $718,000 $709,925 98.88 36

+/59.09% 4.86% 4.68% -0.16% -20.00%

2016 43 $806,170 $789,730 97.96 42

+/-4.44% 6.62% 6.37% -0.23% 50.00%

2016 58 $810,861 $793,160 97.82 62 johnson ave *Comparing 1/1/15 - 12/31/15 to 1/1/16 - 12/31/16

2015 61 $768,798 $744,094 96.79 43

+/-4.92% 5.47% 6.59% 1.03% 44.19%

SOURCE: San Luis Obispo Association of REALTORS®

2016 635,000 475,000 915,000 569,500 806,250 588,000 511,500 521,000 599,000 579,950 430,000 837,500 447,500 410,000 486,800 490,750 713,102 586,071 550,000 550,000

TAKING SHELTER

Monarch Groves of Pismo Beach

BY PADEN HUGHES

Facts

Monarchs weigh less than one gram.

The Monarch’s distinct orange, black, and white wings send a warning to predators that it is foul-tasting and poisonous.

Wherever there is milkweed there will be Monarch butterflies with southern Ontario, Canada standing as their northern most location. The milkweed they feed on as caterpillars is actually a poisonous toxin and is stored in their bodies. This is what makes the monarch butterfly taste so terrible to predators.

Female Monarchs can lay over 1,000 eggs in their lifetime. However, in the wild they probably lay an average of about 400 to 500 eggs.

Monarchs can travel between 50 - 100 miles a day; it can take up to two months to complete their journey to winter habitats.

Monarchs that live west of the Rocky Mountains will migrate to Southern California for winter while Monarchs that live east of the Rockies will migrate to Mexico.

Butterfly Grove hours are 10 am to 4 pm with docents providing daily talks at 11 am and 2 pm. The grove closes for the season on February 27th.

ur beautiful corner of the world provides a haven for those of us looking to escape the traffic and cutthroat pace of metropolitan hubs. Our majestic rolling hills, wine country by the sea, and charming little downtown provides a sanctuary many of us cherish and protect.

It should be no surprise then that we are not the only creatures to find this locale a safe haven from less desirable elements. Monarch butterflies migrate annually to Pismo Beach where thousands cluster high in the limbs of Eucalyptus trees.

Having lived here for twelve years, I suppose I’d heard that statistic, but had not made an effort to observe it until recently. It was a magical experience. I have always loved butterflies and been fascinated with their metamorphoses from caterpillar to chrysalis then finally to butterfly. I rarely think about butterflies unless one lands near me, which is fleeting at best. Yet, right here on the Central Coast is a place that guarantees the reward of viewing not one, but thousands of butterflies.

Seasonally, from late October to the end of February, the beautiful, vibrant Monarch butterflies make their annual migration to Pismo, where they seek shelter from colder northern weather patterns. The Monarchs ritualistically depart at the end of every February and head back north where milkweed grows in abundance, seeking out the plants to store their eggs and continue the species. But, so far as we know, Pismo is host to one of the largest colonies in the nation, averaging 25,000 butterflies. This year, there are an estimated 20,000 Monarch butterflies, which is lower than historical count records.

When we visited I thought there would be swarms of butterflies in the air, on the ground and maybe one or two roosting on a tree limb, but found that they nestle together creating dense formations of hundreds. If you don’t know to look for them, especially up high in the majestic Eucalyptus branches, you may walk by and miss this incredible sight. Despite their dramatic orange and black markings, these clusters of Monarchs seem to blend in more than you would think. The adult butterflies on cold days fold their wings back, hiding their

bold coloring making them easy to miss.

Driving along Highway 1 in Pismo toward Oceano, you come to a grove of tall Eucalyptus trees and can park along the side of the two-lane road. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located half-a-mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. The grove is open from late October through the month of February and is free to visitors.

The groves of trees have walkways throughout for visitors to peer up at the heavy, hanging clusters of butterflies. Over 15 feet high, it can be difficult to take in the majesty, however, the strategic placement of four telescopes perfectly focused on these clusters afford you the up-close view of what these butterflies look like huddled together. With the light breeze swaying the cluster rhythmically as if it were lulling them to sleep, it was peaceful to watch.

Health Trends

that everyone is talking about

No. 1

INFLAMMATION-FIGHTING FOODS ARE ALL THE RAGE

Fighting inflammation with food is quickly becoming a major health priority— and for good reason, considering inflammation is linked to everything from bloating and acne to life-threatening illnesses, say physicians and researchers.

“We expect to see the market for inflammation-fighting foods to grow seven percent by 2020 and expect 2017 to be a big year in terms of new product announcements and continued research and development,” says Deborah Barrington, a senior editor at Industry Dive

It’s no coincidence that many healthy food trends—from the zoodle (zucchini noodle) and cauliflower rice to nut milks and vegan cheese—are substitutes for inflammatory ingredients like gluten, grains, and dairy.

Expect to see food brands capitalizing on the buzz. Take Starbucks, which just planted its flag with a new anti-inflammatory drink made with cayenne called the Chile Mocha.

No. 2

FITNESS TAKES FLIGHT

Wellness travel has always been a thing, but now curated experiences developed by leading wellness insiders and top-tier fitness instructors are trending—and retreats are getting more sophisticated as a result.

“Women don’t want to go on a vacation that takes them away from their healthy approach to life,” says Kyle Miller, co-founder of Love Yoga, a bicoastal studio with its own travel program. “Retreats are the answer—and you get to experience a new culture.”

It’s not just doing yoga for 60 minutes every morning and calling that wellness travel. Instead, you can join your yoga teacher in Cuba, or spend a week of clean eating, custom workouts, daily massage in an up-and-coming destination like Botswana on Escape to Shape.

Recently, retailer Free People got into travel with FP Escapes,encompassing nutrition, yoga, and natural beauty treatments. It’s about shoppers “sharing their lifestyles with each other,” says Free People’s director of brand marketing Abby Morgan.

No. 3 PLANT PROTEIN BLOSSOMS

Gone is the idea that protein has to come from an animal. Pea and hemp proteins are popping up everywhere, in increasingly delicious powders for smoothies, in nutrition bars, in potato chips, and trendy restaurants.

Beyond Burger CEO Ethan Brown says plants are the future of protein. “Our sole mission is creating plant-based meats that allow people to eat more of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. We see 2017 as a time where the meat case is going to be called the protein case, and consumers will be able to buy plant-based and animal protein side-by-side.” Tyson’s recent investment in Beyond Meat is a big sign that meat manufacturers see it this way, too.

“Millennials are growing this market. They want what’s good for them—but also what’s good for the people and the environment,” says Brendan Brazier, founder of Vega, a supplements company. In the smoothie powder aisle alone, he adds, plant protein is growing 2.5 times faster than whey, and will soon outpace it.

Plant protein is no longer a niche market for vegans or athletes, confirms Vega’s Kim McDevitt. Their research shows that 80 percent of households have meatless Mondays.

No. 4 No. 5

ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS GOES

MAINSTREAM

When you can fill your shopping cart at Target with Crystal Light as well as crystals, you know something’s seriously changed. But for a generation raised on yoga, meditation, and green juice, formerly fringe wellness concepts are becoming downright mainstream.

Crystals are increasingly celebrated as life-enhancing, whether as jewelry or in home designs. Acceptance for things like cupping continues to grow, too: Just a few years ago, people gasped when Gwyneth Paltrow revealed bruises from a cupping session. And this summer, everyone simply nodded when Olympian Michael Phelps shared his cupping recovery session.

Even reiki, one of the spa menu’s most mysterious items, is becoming an in-demand service. Millana Snow, co-founder of online wellness resource SereneBook, confirms, “More people— and brands—are eager to explore things like energy healing and even shamanic journeying.”

RECOVERY RULES

High intensity workouts continue to be one of the hottest and fastest growing (according the ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends) and they aren’t going anywhere. However, people are beginning to focus more on good habits and recovery classes to offset their physical toll. “I think we’re finally getting some balance back, which is why we’re seeing a resurgence in restorative techniques—the popularity of foam rolling is a great example,” says Lauren Roxburgh an alignment expert and author of Taller, Slimmer Younger: 21 Days to a Foam Roller Physique, whose clients include athletes like LeBron James and Gabby Reece.

Forget sugary, vitamin-dusted waters—whether you’re in need of an energy boost, focusing your thoughts, or quality shut-eye, there’s a drink for that—no specialty store required. Rebbl’s organic blends are available at supermarkets for $3.99, Torii Lab’s Awake tonic is stocked in cool hotel mini-bars, and you can order a case of Dirty Lemon’s ultrastylish range by text message.

Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s collagen? For a growing number of people, the fibrous protein is the secret to glowing skin—not to mention shiny hair, strong nails, and healthy digestion.“The majority of the body is collagen—our skin, our bones,” explains Kurt Seidensticker, founder of collagen powder brand Vital Proteins. Cue the bone broth boom—and its new grab-and-go versions (via brands like Epic and Bonafide Provisions), and a nascent category of the amino-acid-packed nutrition bars (from Bulletproof and Primal Kitchen).

CONNECTION

In this ongoing feature, New York Times Best Selling author FRANZ WISNER teams up with SLO LIFE Magazine to explore the magic of an age-old tradition: storytelling.

BY FRANZ WISNER

Scientist Paul Zak gathered a group of people in a room and had them listen to a father tell a heartbreaking story about his two-year old son with terminal cancer. Zak measured participants’ oxytocin levels before and after the story, then gave them an opportunity to contribute to a charity fighting pediatric cancer. Not only did their oxytocin levels increase significantly, those with the highest levels contributed the most to the cause.

country road trip. My 11-year-old son Oscar remained silent for most of the conversation before chiming in.

“Dad, when you were a boy, you spent your summers in Davis,” he said. “You told us you had fun swimming and playing with all your friends. Well, Calvin (his 16-year-old brother) and I want that same thing. So, let’s spend the whole summer at home in Cayucos.”

My wife and I looked at each other. What could we say? He had a good point. Damn it. Visions of a Mediterranean summer vanished in my head.

Oscar was smart. Instead of trying to argue the merits of travel, he simply told us his story and combined it with mine. You see, I’m a sucker for a good story. We all are.

We see the world as a giant sea of stories, often casting ourselves in the lead. We’ve done so from day one and every day since. In fact, it’s nearly impossible for us not to see the events around us as stories.

Part of this is nurture. Our parents sat us down on a bed and told us, “Once upon a time.” They used story to encourage us to behave a certain way. Be nice because Santa is making his list. Get good grades, so that you will have better options in the workplace. Say your prayers, do unto others, eat your vegetables. We grew up comforted by the happy endings sure to follow.

But, our obsession with story goes even deeper than that. When we hear a story that begins

My wife and I were discussing summer travel plans the other day, daydreaming about a house swap in Europe or a leisurely, crosswith stress or conflict, our brains release cortisol to help us focus. This could be triggered by anything from a child crying on a plane to a high-speed chase in a blockbuster movie. It doesn’t matter if we experience the conflict in person or through media. Either way, our brains become engaged and those increased heart rates and sweaty palms are real.

When you hear an escalating argument in, say, a restaurant or a supermarket line, how do you react? If you’re like me, you probably pause what you are doing and listen in. That’s not because we’re nosy (well, maybe a little bit nosy). It’s because our brains are telling us, pay attention here. You may need to step in and help resolve this story’s ending.

Our brains also kick into gear when we hear or experience highly emotional moments, releasing oxytocin which can make us more empathetic and likely to act. Scientists call oxytocin the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.”

In stories with a happy or satisfying ending, our brains release dopamine, giving us a brief, gratifying high. We are conditioned to anticipate this pleasure, having been told countless stories in which good triumphs over evil. Harry Potter defeats “He-who-shall-notbe-named,” Dorthy douses the Wicked Witch of the West, and each time we a breathe a collective sigh of relief. Mission accomplished.

This one-two punch of brain chemistry and lifelong storytelling is a potent combination. It makes us shape the chaos of the world into story frameworks we understand. It makes us constantly seek stories out, especially ones with strong conflict and tension. We are not gluttons for misery; we just crave a good resolution.

The natural and nurtural pull of stories also makes them stick in our brains more frequently and a lot longer than simple facts and data. I could tell you a Stanford researcher found that people remember narrative information more than 22 times as much as facts alone. Or, I could tell you many indigenous Australians are able to carry around a detailed mental map of the entire country based solely on story songs they learned as child. Most people will soon forget the “22 times” fact but remember the Australian songlines.

In his book “The Storytelling Animal,” author

Jonathan Gottschall argues storytelling is one of the chief ways in which we differ from all other species. Humans, he writes, use story to prepare and guide us through life’s challenging situations the same way a pilot trains on a flight simulator. Story is frequently the base of our decisions and our institutions.

Capitalism, our education and court systems, religion, marriage and family structures—they are all supported and maintained by stories. Other species operate in the present. We are entranced by the anticipated story endings ahead.

Gottschall is right. Story is a big part of what makes us human. Data and logic resonate in our brains. Stories can penetrate our hearts.

We’ll see you this summer in Cayucos.

FRANZ WISNER is a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of The Bestsellers Group, a storytelling agency.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Laird

This Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School senior’s hard work is beginning to pay off as she readies herself for college.

What sort of extracurricular activities are you involved in? I play three sports: volleyball, basketball, and track. I am a part of the 805 Elite Club Volleyball team. I participate in several clubs at school including Interact, Future Physicians of America, and Royal Ambassadors. I also work every morning before school as an administrative assistant for San Luis Pension Consultants.

What recognition have you received? I have been on the President’s Honor Roll since Freshman year and I recently received a full-ride athletic scholarship to St. Mary’s to play volleyball.

What is your favorite memory? This is a very difficult question because there are just so many. However, a really great memory I have happened this past summer. I went on a trip to Croatia with my two best friends Ani and Maddie. We stayed on a small island with their grandma who lives there and we went snorkeling, kayaking, and even swimming in waterfalls! It was an experience I’ll always remember.

What career do you see yourself in someday? I see myself in the medical field, particularly nursing. I come from a family with a strong medical background, so it has influenced me greatly. I love the fact that I will have the opportunity to serve and help others, which I find very rewarding. That’s why I really want to take a year between college and nursing school to participate in a beneficial organization like Doctors without Borders.

What is important to you outside of school? Spending time with my friends and family. Since I am the youngest of six kids, I enjoy taking the time to visit my older siblings, so even though we live far apart, I can still maintain a close relationship with them.

What do you dislike the most? I’m very competitive, so I don’t like to lose. And, I really don’t like it when the Wi-Fi goes out and I can’t watch Netflix.

If you could go back in history and meet anyone, who would it be? I would travel back to the mid-15th to early 16th century to meet Leonardo da Vinci. He did so many things and he was successful at all of them. He excelled in painting (considered one of the most famous artists of all time), sculpting, science, math, literature, anatomy, astronomy, botany, writing, cartography, and so much more. He is considered the most diverse and “Renaissance” man to ever live. I think it would be cool to meet someone of such immense talent and knowledge.

What are you looking forward to most? I look forward to my next journey in life, which is playing for the St. Mary’s Volleyball team. The culture of the program, especially the girls and the coach, is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I am also looking forward to the independence and responsibility that college will bring and I am very excited about being able to take classes that interest me and are specific to my career.

Know a student On the Rise?

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CAP AND GOWN

BY TOM FRANCISKOVICH

Recently, the City of San Luis Obispo invited its residents to comment on the proposed Avila Ranch development, a 720-home neighborhood that would be built on the south end of town. The Planning Commission was interested in hearing from the community on matters such as traffic flow and water supply and quality of life—but are those the right questions?

Local policymakers are in constant hand-wringing mode over what they lament as a “lack of affordable housing.” The problem, however, is that no one has taken a hard, sober, emotionless look at the numbers in the same way a cold-blooded CEO

studies a balance sheet. In the middle of the histrionics is a simple supply-demand curve. The inputs that drive both the supply side and the demand side are not difficult to grasp. Let’s have a look at each of them.

First supply, because, frankly, it’s easier to tackle. The City of San Luis Obispo has longembraced a policy of slow growth. Over many years city leaders have remained vigilant in their protection and preservation of open space, which has come at the expense of development. As a result, the housing stock—or supply—has remained relatively constant. Fundamentally, there is one way, and one way only, to affect the supply curve: build more houses. Within the category of “build more houses,” there are several different approaches: massive, sprawling suburban neighborhoods such as Avila Ranch and the 500-home San Luis Ranch development proposed for the old Dalidio Property; or, you can go for density by encouraging downtown high-rise construction; or, you can change the zoning within existing neighborhoods to allow for detached granny flats; or, ordinances could be put in place to allow residents to put “tiny homes” in their backyards. Within the city limits, those are the options. They are the only options.

So that covers supply. But, before we can move on to demand, we have to revisit supply for a moment to consider an interesting phenomenon that may not be quite so obvious. Building

HOW DO I RESPOND IN AN EMERGENCY?

• Knowing how to respond should a disaster strike is an important step to keeping yourself and your family safe. Do not dial 9-1-1 unless you are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance. • First identify if you need to take protective actions by tuning to a local radio or TV station for emergency information. Emergency officials will use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to direct protective actions such as evacuations or sheltering in place. It is important to only take action if it is directed. Evacuating when it is not ordered may put you or others in harm’s way. • Only pick up children from school if you are directed to do so. • Evacuation routes and shelters will also be broadcast on the EAS.

• During a large emergency, the county will activate a phone assistance center to answer questions regarding the emergency and actions you should take. • For more information, contact the County Office of Emergency Services at (805) 781-5011, or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov

more housing options has, in itself, a significant effect on demand. Imagine for a moment that we snap our fingers and thousands of homes magically appear along with thousands of new residents, and every person that wants a home in San Luis Obispo gets one. What would happen then? Naturally, traffic would increase. There would be less open space. Water would become more scarce. And the squishy, hard to quantify uniqueness that lands San Luis Obispo on all of those “best of” lists would certainly decline. As a result, fewer people would want to live here because, well, it’s just like any other city. In other words, while the idea of “build more houses” will offer an increased supply at a reduced price, over the long term it will also decrease demand as the character and the charm of the city erodes under the weight of its increased population and overburdened infrastructure.

Now, what are the other inputs for the demand side of our equation? When Oprah decreed from her couch back in 2011 that San Luis Obispo was the “Happiest City in America,” it did to the city what she does to every product she raves about: it sold out. From a purely economical standpoint, the demand curve shot through the roof. And, putting a spotlight on the city had a ripple effect, and soon every other media outlet was publishing headlines with articles that read, “Must visit…” or “Top place to live…” The secret of San Luis Obispo’s charm has been leaking out for years, of course, but Oprah threw gasoline on the fire. With demand already high and with a fantastic product to sell, local

organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and various tourism and visitor boards spend their days looking at ways to bring even more people into the city. Most of those visitors, of course, will not require permanent housing, but some percentage—commonly the wealthy ones of retirement age—will decide to relocate to San Luis Obispo.

Another mechanism in demand creation is our budding technology industry. Businesses such as MindBody can only grow as fast as the people they can hire. And those people need a place to live. Additionally, if you dig still a little deeper, you find that demand also exists in a multi-generational way: permanent residents with children who go off to college and return to plant roots; or, those permanent residents who have parents from out of the area who move to the city to be closer to their grandchildren. Since the population has remained relatively stable over the years, it would seem this phenomenon does not move demand in any significant way, but it is another factor which should be taken into account.

Neighborhood wellness, also known as quality of life, is another factor of demand, although it is rarely considered as such. While the city has been cracking down on aberrant behavior in recent years, the new council has already significantly softened its approach. In a recent city council meeting, SLOPD Chief Deanna Cantrell asked the councilmembers to extend the period of double fines early into March. She cited among her reasons the roof that collapsed under the weight of Cal Poly students during a drunken early morning party on March 7th, two years ago. After rebuffing the chief’s request, the council then adopted a new “party registration program” whereby those wishing to host a party within a neighborhood can notify the city of their intentions and, thereby, sidestep the fines that commonly go along with disrupting the peace and quiet. It is not a leap to realize that the very existence of a “party registry” is tantamount to inviting students to have parties. Imagine this conversation between two college kids: “Hey, dude, did you know that you can sign up with the city to have a party now—and they won’t ticket you anymore?... Whoa, seriously, we’ve never had a party before because we totally didn’t want to pay that stupid fine. Now we’re gonna sign up for sure and have one here, too!”

My family has lived in a neighborhood on the north end of town, two-and-a-half miles from Cal Poly, going on nine years now. I can tell you, unequivocally, that there is one thing, and only one thing, that deters this sort of behavior from our students. Fines. We have

tried everything: bringing them cookies when they move in, stopping by with an occasional box of donuts, attending block parties, exchanging phone numbers (including those of their parents), talking with them when there is a problem, even having one or two of them over for dinner on occasion. None of it works. On those rare occasions when it does, it’s a momentary reprieve, and then the whole cycle repeats itself at the end of the summer when a whole new crop of students arrive in the neighborhood. The one thing that does work is having someone from SLOPD show up to write a big, fat ticket. And double fines are doubly effective. Counterintuitively, this approach also has the effect of maintaining relationships within the neighborhood much better than attempting to manage the situation individually, because the dispatch calls are anonymous and no one gets singled out. The city’s decision to essentially endorse neighborhood parties will certainly have a detrimental effect on neighborhood wellness, as Chief Cantrell, who has quickly developed a reputation for her community-minded approach to policing, understands. And, over time, the deterioration of the quality of life within our neighborhoods will erode demand for our product, the city of San Luis Obispo, itself. At least, on the north end of town.

Let’s return to the numbers. The single greatest driving force of housing demand in San Luis Obispo—second place is not even close—comes from Cal Poly students living off-campus. Currently,

the university enrolls about 21,300 students and houses, give or take, around 7,300 of them on campus. This means that the city is burdened with housing some 14,000 students in its residential neighborhoods. For a town the size of San Luis Obispo, at 45,000 or so, that is equal to a whopping 33% of the permanent population. Did you catch that? Cal Poly’s off-campus population is one-third the size of the city itself. Some of the students, of course, live outside of town, but the vast majority live in apartments and single-family homes near campus. Let’s imagine for a moment, just as we did with our supply-side discussion, that we snapped our fingers and every single one of those students was housed on campus instead. Go ahead, close your eyes and picture all 14,000 of those students suddenly hanging out, tossing Frisbees in front of one of the many brand new village-style communities across its sprawling campus. Now, imagine all of those empty houses left behind in your neighborhood, some of them blighted from lack of upkeep and repair. Okay, keep your eyes closed, and think about all the people you know: your mail carrier who lives in Grover Beach because she can’t find a rental for her family in San Luis Obispo, your kids’ teacher who lives in Atascadero and hates the commute, the police officer who moved to A.G. because he’s tired of dealing with parties when he’s off duty. Now, picture all of those people moving into those suddenly vacated homes. How would your neighborhood be different? How would your city be different?

Clearly, the numbers tell us that the San Luis Obispo housing crisis is due to demand, not supply. Any attempt to solve it by increasing supply will be an exercise in futility until there is a cap on Cal Poly’s enrollment that is coupled with a mandate for on-campus housing ratios. To attempt a solution any other way is, at best, intellectually dishonest. Still doubt the numbers? Let’s do some simple back-of-the-envelope calculations together. Assume for a moment that both Avila Ranch and San Luis Ranch are built. That would result in somewhere around 1,220 new homes. Assume again that every remaining family on the north end of town packed up and moved into one of those new homes, freeing up an equal number of rental homes that will house five students each. Five times 1,220 is 6,100. Anyone paying attention knows that Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong has an intention to grow enrollment to 25,000 over the next few years, and despite trying to soften the declaration at times, has never really made his intentions clear. So, taking his word at face value we’re talking 25,000, which is 3,700 more students than are enrolled now. Let’s look forward in time from there, and understand that if the university continues with the same annual 4 to 5% growth rate that it has had in recent >>

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years, it would take just another two or three years to then have arrive at 6,100 additional students, which would mean that we are right back to exactly where we started in terms of available housing, and people who need somewhere to live.

So, how can we expect to make any meaningful plans going forward if we do not know what to expect in terms of demand from Cal Poly? The answer is that we can’t. And we won’t until a cap coupled with an on-campus housing mandate is instituted. The university has recently expressed a desire to house 65% of its students on campus. But, what does that mean? Is that a firm commitment? And, how soon? Are we talking 10 years from now? 20 years? 30 years? And, equally important: What will be the size of the student body? Will it be 25,000? 30,000? 35,000? 40,000? It is time to stop looking through this issue in terms of good or bad. At the heart of it, most residents understand that Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo are inextricably linked—our success is their success, and vice versa. It is time to set aside our emotions for a moment and abandon our vision for how things should be, or used to be, or could have been, in favor of a dispassionate look at the math—because numbers don’t lie.

There is no denying that San Luis Obispo has been an exceptional host to Cal Poly— there’s a reason that high school seniors are not clamoring to get into CSU Dominguez Hills—and the city has gained so much from the university. But, like any good relationship, there has to be an equitable give and take. Sometimes things get out of balance. Right now things are out of balance. And we are all paying for it in the form of a citywide housing crisis. It is well past time for Cal Poly to do its part to both rein in the demand curve and allow our policymakers to create meaningful plans for its permanent residents. It is well past time—either voluntarily through collaboration in the form of some type of “housing summit,” or involuntarily through litigation, or perhaps both—for Cal Poly to cap its enrollment and establish on-campus housing mandates, so that San Luis Obispo does not become a city consisting solely of Cal Poly students and wealthy retirees who like to watch Oprah.

What are your thoughts? Be part of the conversation by emailing us at info@slolifemagazine.com

Nicole Pazdan, CSA,

BURRITOS:

BY JAIME LEWIS

Let’s get one thing straight right away: the burrito isn’t really Mexican food, just as deep-dish pizza isn’t Italian food, and orange chicken isn’t Chinese food. It is American food. Abandoning the concept of authenticity is important here, because zealots will try to convince you that there is a right and wrong way to burrito. As in most areas of life, there are no right or wrong ways, only different ways. We call these different ways culture; their vast and varied impact on American cuisine is what makes our country—and California, specifically— the best place in the world to eat.

Ask a native which dish defines the laidback, active, pleasure-seeking California lifestyle, and they’ll likely point to the humble burrito, a rolled and foil-wrapped torpedo of deliciousness whose contents vary depending on geographic orientation.

California Comfort

In San Francisco, the Mission burrito typically includes a lot of ingredients: meat, rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and grilled onions and/ or peppers on a giant flour tortilla. A SoCal or San Diego burrito, however, typically includes only meat and maybe onions and peppers or guacamole, never rice. (Did everyone catch that? It doesn’t matter: San Diegans love to hold forth on the subject of rice in their burrito. I should know: I married one.) San Diego is also home to the so-called

California burrito, a spin-off that includes a clutch of French fries and cheese with carne asada and pico de gallo salsa.

What about the Central Coast? To experience the range of burrito styles in SLO County, I enlisted the help of a couple outspoken folks from both the SoCal and Mission burrito camps: San Diego born-and-raised Kendra Williams and Stockton native Anthony Bozzano. When asked to help me find a tasty local burrito, they happily offer their company... and opinions. >>

JAIME LEWIS is a world traveler, and food writer, who lives in San Luis Obispo.

On a sunny winter afternoon, Anthony, Kendra, and I drive north from SLO to San Miguel’s Dos Hermanos, a tiny Mexican restaurant converted from a renovated gas station. Dos Hermanos bustles with warmth inside, a bright mural of vaquero life painted on its interior walls. I meet owner Maggie Rangel, who suggests a NorCal-style burrito with rice, beans, cilantro, onions, and carnitas—a tidy tortillawrapped package that we split into thirds and devour.

“The flavor’s good,” says Kendra, chewing, “but this is why I don’t like rice and beans in my burrito: they’re all I taste.”

“The rice is flavorful, though,” says Anthony, wiping his mouth. “And the tortilla’s nice and thin.”

Kendra nods, reluctantly, and recalls the burritos of her youth. “What’s known as the ‘California burrito’—the one with tater tots or French fries—is just surfer-filler food that didn’t even exist until the late 90’s. Growing up, a burrito was just carne asada, salsa fresca, and guac, about five inches around, and with all the juices mingling. Those last, juicy bites of a true San Diego burrito were the best.”

Anthony reminisces, too. “Growing up in Stockton and working in agriculture, we had our pick of nearly two-hundred food trucks making the rounds. Some of them were just pickup trucks with an ice chest and two people assembling burritos on the tailgate. The sauce was really spicy, plus they always provided a side of pickled jalapeños. Rice was definitely inside, and the meat was dressed with onion and cilantro, plus a stripe of crema and crumbled cotija cheese...” He trails off, lost in memories.

One burrito in, it’s clear we’re not just searching for a good burrito; we’re attempting to return home. >>

A-Town Torpedo

We pull into the parking lot outside Atascadero’s El Compadre, a ten-year-old taqueria in a small strip mall just north of Traffic Way. After studying the menu, we opt for a California burrito filled with asada, potatoes, rice, cheese, guac, and sour cream. Anthony preps at the fresh salsa bar, bringing little bowls of radishes, limes, and sauces to our table, which is dressed in cheery floral oilcloth. When the burrito arrives, Kendra slices through the blistered tortilla for a money shot of its gooey, gorgeous interior. We each take a bite and moan, happily.

“Imagine you’ve been hiking, surfing, or drinking all night,” says Anthony. “That’s when you really deserve a burrito like this.”

“I like the execution on this one,” says Kendra. “The potatoes are fun.”

I agree, suddenly awakening to the fact that I’m consuming a starch bomb of tortilla, rice, and potatoes, with one more burrito on the horizon. “I can’t imagine putting any more food in my mouth,” I say, abandoning my plate and adjusting my belt. >>

The Burrito Dreams Are Made Of

A long drive on Highway 41 West gives us all time to relax a bit before taking on what will be our favorite burrito of the bunch: carnitas, guacamole and sour cream at Morro Bay’s Tacos de Mexico.

With its huge exterior mural of famous faces and orange molded booths inside, TDM has a sunny, eclectic and laid-back vibe that appeals as much as the excellent cuisine. We order our San Diego-style (aka all-meat) burrito from Gabriele Najera, a young woman with perfectly-applied blue eyeshadow whose parents have owned the place for 25 years.

“This is my burrito,” says Kendra, excitedly. “I can feel it.” When our plate arrives, we slowly unwrap and dig in before looking up at each other: Kendra was right. The flavor of the carnitas—practically naked without the coverage of rice and beans—is rich, kicky, and salty in all the right ways. And the juices? Abundant and addicting. Despite dangerously full bellies, we keep eating because burritos like this don’t come along very often.

Gabriele visits our table one last time with cups for fresh horchata and hibiscus tea in dispensers by the counter. I thank her for a truly delightful experience, and a young hippie sitting nearby smiles at me. As we gather our things to leave, he leans over to say, “These are the burritos dreams are made of.”

SLO LIFE

GRILLING

TRI-TIP SHISH KABOB WITH CUCUMBER CHILI RELISH

BY CHEF JESSIE RIVAS

JESSIE’S TIP:

Consider adding cremini mushrooms to the skewers next to the meat—they add a nice earthy flavor.

TRI-TIP SHISH KABOB

Kabob:

2 ½ - 3 lb tri-tip trimmed and cut into 1” cubes

3 medium sized zuchini cut into 1” cubes

2 red bell peppers seeded, deveined, and cut into 1” squares

1 red onion cut into 1” squares

Note: Keep meat and vegetables in separate bowls and marinate for up to two hours prior to grilling.

Marinade:

½ cup red wine

½ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbs chili powder

2 sprigs of rosemary minced

Mix all ingredients with a whisk and pour over the meat and vegetables.

Using 12” skewers add meat first, then onions, zucchini, bell pepper, then meat and repeat. When building skewers, keep the pieces tight together and uniform in size. Season skewers with salt and pepper just before grilling.

If grilling indoors with a cast iron grill, preheat on medium for 5 minutes before adding the skewers. If grilling outdoors on a barbecue, preheat grill for 10 minutes on high and reduce to medium after adding the skewers. Turn skewers a ¼ turn every 2-3 minutes until fully rotated. The skewers should be done after a full rotation. You may baste the skewers with the marinade left in the vegetable bowl while grilling.

Plate skewers and top with cucumber chili relish. Serve with your favorite rice pilaf or steamed rice.

CUCUMBER CHILI RELISH

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers peeled, seeded, and sliced thin

1 medium red onion cut in half and sliced thin

2 jalapeños or serranos sliced thin

Brine:

½ cup cider or champagne vinegar

1 Tbs brown sugar

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper, coarse pepper works best

optional: fresh or dried oregano

Combine cider, sugar, salt, and pepper in small mixing bowl. Add the cucumber, red onion, and chilis to the brine and let stand at room temperature until meal is served.

JESSIE RIVAS is the owner and chef of The Pairing Knife food truck which serves the Central Coast.

LOCAL SCENE

BY BRANT MYERS

Surpassing the national trend of new craft breweries opening across the country, our little slice of heaven on the Central Coast is on pace to having suds brewing in every neighborhood. Keeping my finger on the pulse of our burgeoning beer scene these days has been no easy task. Rumors swirl, red tape delays, projects go underfunded, and some people just keep their cards close to their chest and you don’t know about it until they’re already pouring pints. Let’s breakdown the brews news and explore the latest happenings in our beer scene.

If you haven’t heard about the new rock star in town, Chuck Silva of Silva Brewing (formerly of San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing) has returned to his home county to bring classic recipes, alongside new ones, to the thirsty locals. Want to get weird? Right now they’re serving up a Walnut Milk Stout called Nut Farm; its earthy, rich flavor combined with the smooth creaminess and light lactose bite makes you wonder if you can drink it for breakfast. Silva’s location is a match made in heaven, separated only by a wall from the iconic Pour House, which started serving California craft beers years ago a stone’s throw from Firestone’s brewery. Now this two-for-one location is walking distance from the heart of downtown Paso, so you can enjoy a meal or a movie before imbibing in great beers. Head on up the grade for live music at the Pour House and bring a Silva Brewing crowler (that’s a one quart can, filled and sealed before your eyes) back home with you to keep the party going.

Sliding in under the radar is a favorite that’s been served at local watering holes and sampled at beer festivals over the past few years, Toro Creek Brewing Company. Starting out with a solid dry-hopped Saison, owner and brewer Brendan Cosgrove utilized his grandfather’s farm in the hills off Highway 41 for hop production and worked with his brother, a commercial brewer out of San Diego County, to create a lineup that includes Session IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Red Ale, and their iconic Saison. I recommend taking a break from your work week and heading over on Tuesdays to sample these unique estate grown, organic beers paired with tacos offered by Heirloom Catering.

Earth and Fire, which opened late last year, is the third brewery in Paso to grace us with a tasting room. Boasting a home-made brew system, they’re running the gamut of styles that span from Chocolate Porters to Double IPAs. Founded by two friends, including a Cal Poly alumnus, that wanted to use their professional experiences and talents to pursue their dream of making beer, they have been popular with locals looking for their neighborhood bar with friendly faces. The best part about visiting nanobreweries is the rare opportunity to sit at the bar, sip a unique beer, and have the likely opportunity to speak to the person who actually made the product you’re enjoying. So don’t sulk in the corner, embrace the approachability and immerse yourself in someone’s craft and passion. It makes the beer taste that much better.

Last, but not least, our San Luis Obispo-based Libertine Brewing has finally completed a long-awaited expansion of their small and funky tasting room into a massive marketplace. The remodeled facility is a force to reckon with offering over seventy taps of California-centric beers and wines, with a spacious restaurant serving locally-sourced fare. If that wasn’t enough, they also have indoor and outdoor dining on a newly built patio directly on Broad Street, and an entirely separate entrance for their coffee shop where you can

get a cold-pressed draft coffee on nitro or just a hot cup of joe before work.

Think those four new tasting rooms are enough to quench our appetite for local craft beer? Not even close. We’re eagerly anticipating the opening of SLO Brew’s The Rock and Central Coast Brewing’s new production facility on Higuera, both slated to open any day now. Still not enough? Don’t fret, there are two new breweries currently being built in San Luis Obispo alone, but I’ll let them tell their story on their own time. While we wait, how about we crack a brew and think about how great it will be to walk back home after sharing some laughs with friends and appreciate this amazing city we live in. Cheers!

BRANT MYERS is owner of Hop On Beer Tours, a concierge service for craft beer enthusiasts along the Central Coast.

THAT’S AMORE

A Valentine’s bouquet of romantic selections round out this year’s That’s Amore by Opera San Luis Obispo in the glorious acoustical setting of San Luis Obispo’s historic Monday Club. This romantic recital will feature wellknown solos and duets from opera to Broadway. February 12 // operaslo.org

FEBRUARY

GUYS & DOLLS

With all the hot gamblers in town, Tony Award winning music and lyrics of Frank Loesser creates the perfect Gala musical celebration for SLO Little Theatre’s 70th Anniversary year. February 17 – March 12 slolittletheatre.org

Presented by Cal Poly Theatre and Dance Department, six precocious sixth-graders compete to become champions, while reflecting on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that led them to the Bee.

February 23 - 25 // March 2 -4 pacslo.org

DARLENE LOVE

Love’s career spans from a backup singer in the ‘60s—when she was part of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound—to induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The iconic artist continues to wow audiences with high-energy, sold-out concerts.

February 18 // pacslo.org

WINTERMEZZO: CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

Join the Festival artists for a wine reception at the Mission San Luis Obispo Parish Hall and hear program highlights and performances.

February 24 // festivalmozaic.com

AFRICAN GUITAR SUMMIT

Indulge in the rhythmic and melodic sounds of Africa as you experience this superb and unique mix of musicians, distinct in cultural backgrounds and languages, sharing their music, stories, and inspiration. March 10 // pacslo.org

CLASSICS CONCERT IV

Working on a theme of great German master composers, the Symphony welcomes Maestro David Handel. Wagner: Overture Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg; Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin with Timothy Chooi;Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 March 11 // slosymphony.org

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE

A staged reading brings to life the wildly imaginative new comedy of an incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café and a stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man—with a lot of loose ends. March 17 - 18 // slolittletheatre.org

SPAGHETTI WESTERN

Enjoy an evening of fun with great food and a family atmosphere. Bring the kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends. March 25 // slorotary.org

IN THE MOOD

Hop aboard the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” to “Tuxedo Junction” and get “In the Mood” to hear a “Moonlight Serenade” performed by a 13-piece Big Band and a half-dozen singer-dancers with some hot boogie woogie. March 26 // pacslo.org