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BOOKS
Looking back on it now, there is no doubt—I was born into wealth. No, not the kind of wealth everyone talks about. I watched my mom, an English teacher, dream up all sorts of creative ways to stretch our very modest family budget. But whatever balance remained on her credit card, it didn’t matter—she always saw to it that we were maxed out on our library cards.
For my sisters and me, it was an abundance of riches. Dividends rained down on us from both sides of the family tree. Our dad always had a book in hand, still does, usually some obscure novel written in Croatian. And I’ve heard him mutter to himself with genuine concern, “I sure hope there’s a library in heaven.” His cousin, Uncle Dave, used to mail my wife and me a check each November—money for us to buy Christmas presents for our kids—in the memo line, he’d scribble, “Books, books, books!”
There is no greater gift. In his memoir, “On Writing,” Stephen King called books “a uniquely portable magic.” It’s true, there’s something transformative happening when we read—almost like a deep, meditative conversation with the author. Where else can you “talk” to someone who is the tip-top expert in something, or who lived through an event, or a particular time, like King—whether Stephen, or Martin Luther, or Billie Jean?
That’s why, when the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, I immediately thought of books. He referenced studies showing that half of Americans are experiencing feelings of isolation. And, while I’ve certainly had my own bouts of loneliness, books have always been the antidote. Whether it was moving to a new town or school, the remedy was always there, sitting on my shelf—an old paperback just waiting to transport me somewhere else. As C.S. Lewis observed, “We read to know we are not alone.” It’s striking to think that in any given year, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, half of Americans do not read a single book. I cannot help but wonder if those two “half of Americans”—the one cited by the surgeon general and the other by the NEA—are actually the same half.
But isn’t that the promise of the digital age? Aren’t we all supposedly connected now? It’s tempting to rail against all things online here, but I’m not going to do that. I see too much good coming from the internet. Overall, it’s a net positive. Plus, I’ve discovered some of my favorite books via social media recommendations. But, as the wise Swiss doctor Paracelsus wrote, “It’s the dose that makes the poison.” Right now, the average teenager has clearly O.D.’ed with nine hours of screen time per day. Yes, it’s a staggering statistic, but can we blame them? This is not a problem confined to our youth. I have seen plenty of adults lost to the vortex of endless, time-wasting videos.
Still, I have faith in the power of books. J.K. Rowling was right when she said, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” I know this is true because I have seen it happen. And once it does, the dam breaks and there is no turning back.
For years, I have tried to get my twenty-one-year-old daughter to fall in love with reading. Then, about a year ago, I picked up a memoir called “In Order to Live,” written by Yeonmi Park. It’s the story of a young woman’s escape from North Korea—of growing up illiterate and impoverished, and later fleeing the hermit kingdom, risking everything. As I was there with Park, slipping across the ice-cold Yalu River in the dead of night praying the machine gun-wielding soldiers in the guard tower did not hear the splash, I thought of my daughter. Geneva would love this book.
Within days, the magic happened. Geneva, who I believed at one point had been lost forever to Snapchat, was transformed. She became a reader. Now, every Sunday, as we gather for our family dinner, she returns whatever book I handed off to her seven days prior before scanning the titles on our shelves as she asks, “Hey, Dad, what should I read next?
Thank you to everyone who 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
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Letters chosen for publication
SLO LIFE TRAVELS
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
JENNY and STEVE MATHIS
ABBY, KRISTIN, ZIYA, and CHARLIE HOWLAND
MAUI, HAWAII
CINDY and RICK JONES
GRACE, BRADY, AMELIA and BOBBIE
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
AMBLESIDE, ENGLAND
LISA HANCE and ALLIE RUDNEY
PAULA and TOM PATTERSON with IRENE and TERRY ROSELLI MAUI, HAWAII
WAYNE and LOIS PETERSON
KINGS BEACH
DIANE and BOB ANDERSON
VINCE and ARLENE MALONEY with BRAD and EILEEN HILL
NICHOLAS CASSUN
DANIEL, MILES, VANESSA, and CREW PARSONS
PALM DESERT
LIZ FROST and CATHY LUCKETT
KRUGER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
SOPHIA GARCIA, SHADRACK ICHOZA, ANOUK VAN DOREN, and PACHY DOVER
WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN
BILL and BARBARA CHADWICK
EL BORN, BARCELONA, SPAIN
ANTARES, EIR, NICK, and TREVOR
THE DISHER FAMILY
PALM SPRINGS
OSLO OPERA HOUSE, NORWAY
CHRIS SEREQUE and MARIA CIAMAICHELO
NICK and ANGELENA AGALOS
ADVENTURE ABROAD
VINH TRAN
CLAUDIA TURNER
LISA SIMON
TOM PAYNE with CAROLINE
1. CHARLOTTE ALEXANDER is an award-winning writer and editor with more than twenty years experience in nonprofit organizations, higher education, and media.
2. ROSA CLARK is a family photographer based in San Luis Obispo. You can see her work at rosaclarkphotography.com.
3. PAULINA DAVIE is a yoga teacher, writer, and astrologer specializing in AstroCartoGraphy, which can show you the best places to visit or move to. Learn more at paulinadavie.com.
4. EMILY DESJARDINS is an editorial photographer based out of her home town in San Luis Obispo County. Follow her on Instagram @emanatemoments.
5. San Luis Obispo local GENEVA FRANCISKOVICH has a passion for art and music and can usually be found surfing and sunbathing at the beach, hiking Central Coast trails, or enjoying a concert.
6. DAN FREDMAN is a SLO native immersed in the wine realm. He prefers LPs to streaming, Mac to PC, Fender over Gibson, and has nothing against screwcaps.
7. PETER HEIRENDT is a marketing creative producer and the founder of Shadowlight photography. You can follow him on instagram @shadowlightfoto.
8. PADEN HUGHES is an author, professional coach and co-founder of Gymnazo and enjoys exploring the Central Coast.
9. A Cal Poly alumnus with a background in Architectural and Product Design, DAVID LALUSH works as an architectural and real estate photographer on the Central Coast.
10. DANA LOSSING is an interior designer at SLO based Ten Over Studio with a passion for dancing, yoga-ing, thrift-shopping, and adventuring with her family locally and beyond.
11. JAIME LEWIS writes about food, drink, and the good life from her home in San Luis Obispo. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @jaimeclewis.
12. BRANT MYERS is a the founder at slobiiig.com, a hospitality consulting firm, and Toddler Timber, where he makes wooden children’s toys.
13. MARK NAKAMURA is a wedding, event, family, architectural, commercial, and landscape photographer. Find him @nakamuraphoto and @marknakamuraphoto.
14. BRIAN SCHWARTZ is a publishing consultant and advocate for local authors. He can be reached at brian@selfpublish.org.
15. MARIAH VANDENBERG has a background in neuroscience and is an active photographer, artist, musician, and outdoor enthusiast.
16. TILLY WRIGHT is a San Diego State University alumna, Central Coast blogger and techie who is taming the wild west of the internet, one word and one ticket at a time. Find her @sanluisobispomom on Instagram.
Tracy
M:
Tracy.Ronca@compass.com
Stephanie
REALTOR®
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LOCAL
november 30
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announces the official birthday of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, America’s seventeenth national marine sanctuary, the sixth off the West Coast, and one of the largest in the National Marine Sanctuary System. Encompassing 4,543 square miles of Central California’s beautiful coastal and ocean waters, it provides protection to nationally significant natural, cultural, and historical resources while bringing new opportunities for research, community engagement, education, and outreach activities.
december 3
The SLO County Clerk-Recorder’s Office releases the final results of the November 5th General Election. A total of 153,432 ballots were received, making the eighty-four percent voter turnout second only to the record-breaking eighty-eight percent turnout for the 2020 General Election. More than ninety-two percent of the total ballots received were mailed in, with just eight percent of voters heading to the polls on election day. All three school bonds on the ballot—in the Lucia Mar, Atascadero, and Templeton school districts—were approved.
december 10
The Members of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors present a resolution celebrating ten years of the CalWORKs Housing Support Program, a unique partnership between the County of SLO and Family Care Network. Since 2014, the program has created positive change, helping more than 1,400 families and nearly 2,500 children achieve housing stability and access critical support services through case management. Among those served, more than 100 families have avoided eviction and 800 families have successfully transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing.
also
december 10
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials announce a decision to add monarch butterflies to the threatened species list by the end of 2025 after years of warnings from environmentalists that populations are shrinking and the pollinators may not survive climate change. The proposed listing would prohibit anyone from killing or transporting the butterfly within certain guidelines. The proposal also would designate 4,395 acres in seven coastal California counties including San Luis Obispo—where monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains migrate for winter—as critical habitat for the butterfly.
december 11
With the final approval of the Los Osos Community Plan, over a decade in the making, the California Coastal Commission lifts a thirty-five-year-old building moratorium that had blocked residential development in the community because of limited water supply, insufficient wastewater treatment infrastructure, and environmental protections. The approval, cemented by the adoption of the Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan by the County Board of Supervisors just the day before, means that hundreds of people on the waitlist to build homes in Los Osos may receive the go-ahead in 2025.
december 12
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office hosts its thirty-fifth annual bicycle giveaway where more than 200 kids from all over the county received a free bike just in time for the holidays. Along with refurbished wheels, each child is fitted for a helmet. With help from local organizations, inmates at the Sheriff’s Honor Farm learn how to rebuild bikes and fix them up throughout the year, then come out to help distribute the bikes.
REVIEW
january 1
Two family-friendly annual celebrations of nature, fitness, and the new year give thousands of brave individuals and teams a chance to take the plunge into the chilly Pacific Ocean on New Year’s Day. The forty-fifth annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip at Cayucos State Beach and the thirteenth annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sixty-degree weather of packed Central Coast beaches on the first day of the new year.
january 8
Local fire agencies send equipment and personnel to help battle wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area. Fire departments from Morro Bay, Atascadero, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, as well as Cal Fire SLO units, provide crews heading to Southern California to help provide fire suppression and aid in evacuations. Fire officials emphasize that SLO County remains covered, even while the area is not yet out of fire season.
january 14
Changes to Welcome Home Village, a project providing housing and services to San Luis Obispo’s homeless population, are announced by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. Slated to be located off of Bishop Street and Johnson Avenue, the project, which was originally approved in May 2024, is being scaled back due to budget constraints. Margaret Shepard-Moore, Welcome Home Village project manager, explains, “[It] was a combination of different factors that played into the reduction in site scope, but I think it’s going to be amazing. Once it’s built, it’ll be smaller, but it’ll be more manageable.”
january 15
Friends of the Earth drops the lawsuit it filed last April against the U.S. Department of Energy claiming that the agency did not conduct an appropriate environmental review in awarding more than one billion dollars in federal funding to Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. The money is slated to repay a state loan that supports the plant’s continued operations, but the environmental group learned PG&E can afford to continue operating the plant with or without the federal grant, so even if the lawsuit proved successful, it wouldn’t shut down operations.
january 17
San Luis Coastal Unified School District announces their intention to preserve the district-wide Transitional Kindergarten program. Due to the loss of pandemic-era funding, less money coming in from Diablo Canyon, and the fact that the T.K. program is not state funded, the district faces an $8.6 million budget deficit. “We will continue to pursue state and local funding while working proactively with our elected leaders,” Superintendent Dr. Eric Prater shares. “I have been in communication with Assemblymember Dawn Addis, who has committed to working with us, along with other basic aid districts in California, to find an innovative solution to current policy.”
1,560
It takes more than 1,500 docent volunteer hours every year to keep the History Center San Luis Obispo County museum open in downtown SLO. A treasure trove of the community’s past, the museum plays a crucial role in educating future generations and promoting cultural understanding.
CARE Court
Homeless SLO County residents living with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders now have a new resource. The goal of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court is to help those with severe mental illness— and their families—find pathways to support and care.
PIP
The SLO Council of Governments has approved the 2024 Public Involvement Plan, a public outreach program to support the 2027 Regional Transportation Plan, designed to successfully balance future regional housing, jobs, land use, transportation, health, and environmental sustainability needs.
$301,000
The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded the City of SLO two grants to help reduce traffic-related deaths. The Fire Department received $136,000 to purchase new extrication equipment, and the Police Department received $165,000 to support ongoing enforcement and education programs.
The City of SLO’s new centralized resident engagement platform—available online or as an app—is designed to quickly connect community members with city services and information. Report an issue, ask a question, or request a service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, right from home.
2+2
Cuesta College and Cal Poly have partnered to create this innovative liberal studies program to address California’s demand for credentialed teachers. Students complete two years at Cuesta then transition to Cal Poly to finish upper-division coursework, all while staying on the Cuesta campus.
$8 Million
As part of a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act funding deal reached in December by Congress, Los Osos will receive federal funding for the Los Osos Water Pipeline Project to connect the community to the State Water Project that runs to Morro Bay. Construction begins in 2025.
40
The San Luis Obispo Master Chorale celebrates its 40-year anniversary with a special concert series to be held throughout the year, including in April when the group performs Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem” at the Performing Arts Center. Remarkably, Thomas Davies, musical director and conductor, has led the organization since 1984.
“Together, we have built something incredibly special—a true community in every sense of the word.”
Prior to her retirement in January, Community Foundation SLO County CEO Heidi McPherson reflected on the strength and value of the Foundation’s commitment to the community and how its work showcases what citizens can accomplish when they work together.
25%
For the first time, the Latino student enrollment at Cal Poly has reached a quarter of the student population, a milestone on the path for the university to become an officially-recognized Hispanic Serving Institution. Latino enrollment has increased eighty-seven percent since 2014.
CAPTURING A MOMENT
BY MARK NAKAMURA
Sometimes everything comes together for a perfect photograph: the weather, the tide, the light, the timing, the composition, and the people.
That’s how I felt when I captured this photograph taken at Sand Dollar Beach, located along California’s iconic Highway 1 in Big Sur.
My friends Reza and his wife Asieh were first-time campers at Plaskett Creek Campground, a site nestled in the rugged wilderness of Big Sur, just north of San Luis Obispo. Early one morning, we hiked the short distance—about one-tenth of a mile—from the campground to Sand Dollar Beach. This beach is one of Big Sur’s few sandy stretches, and it’s renowned for its dramatic scenery and natural beauty.
The coastline here is a dynamic landscape, shaped over centuries by the constant erosion of the cliffs and the relentless force of the Pacific Ocean. Big Sur’s rugged cliffs and hidden coves, like Sand Dollar Beach, offer a glimpse into the earth’s geological history—one that includes the gradual carving of sea caves by waves and wind.
As we arrived, I began photographing the pools of water left behind by the retreating tide. Meanwhile, Asieh and Reza wandered around a corner, exploring the beach’s hidden nooks. They soon returned with exciting news: a sea cave had been exposed by the low tide.
The Sea Cave at Sand Dollar Beach is one of Big Sur’s natural wonders, typically submerged beneath the ocean but revealed during certain low tides. Formed over centuries, this cave is part of the area’s larger geological story—an ongoing process of erosion that shapes the coastline in ways both subtle and dramatic. Only accessible during low tide, the cave is a rare sight for those lucky enough to be there at the right moment.
Asieh and Reza showed me the location of the cave, and I immediately saw the potential for a compelling composition. Entering the cave and turning back toward the sea, I began framing the shot, ensuring the cave’s arch would beautifully frame the expansive view of the beach and ocean. But something was still missing. I turned to Asieh and asked if she would stand in the entrance, adding a human element to the scene.
At that moment, everything seemed to align: the morning light, the composition, the atmosphere. Sometimes, you get “lucky,” but more often than not, success depends on being at the right place at the right time.
For me, the best light is almost always in the morning—often an hour or more before sunrise. That’s when the magic happens: the light is soft, the world is still, and the possibilities seem endless.
SLO LIFE
whitney mcdonald
Last March, WHITNEY MCDONALD was named San Luis Obispo’s Interim City Manager. It only took a few months for council members to drop the “Interim” portion of her title. We sat down with the city’s top administrator for a wide-ranging get-to-know-you conversation one recent afternoon. Here is some of what she had to say . . .
Okay, Whitney, where are you from originally?
I’m an Oregonian, actually. I was born in Grants Pass. My parents are from Southern California, but they decided to move to Oregon to give farming a try. My mom worked for the county and my dad worked for the local dairy, and farmed alfalfa, and steer, and sheep. My parents decided to move us back down to Southern California when I was six. Some things had changed with their jobs, and they were wanting to get us into a different school system. We went from living on a thirty-acre farm, where our nearest neighbor was about a mile away, to living in an 800-square-foot house in Arcadia.
What did your mom do for the county?
She was an accounting manager and the county clerk. Later, she became a city manager, so I grew up watching her work; that was the talk around our dinner table. She has always been a real supporter and advocate for our system of government. She talked about how city hall is ground zero for our democracy. It’s our most accessible place for our representatives; it’s how things work or don’t work, and people have the greatest ability to access it, to see it, and to make actual change happen very directly in their communities through local government. I loved my government class in high school and was drawn to advocacy, so I decided that I wanted to become an attorney.
What sort of legal work did you do?
I got a job with a law firm in downtown L.A. that specialized in municipal law, working with cities and public agencies around the state with a lot of contract city attorney work. I did that for a few years until I had an opportunity to work in the county counsel’s office up here in San Luis Obispo County as a deputy county counsel. We took the chance to relocate out of L.A. because
we wanted to raise our kids in a different environment. This was about fifteen years ago now. We had spent some time in the area and loved it. I did some other things along the way, including opening a law office here, before moving to the Arroyo Grande where
deliberating on something and they’ll have a conversation back and forth on the merits of making a change. And one person might turn to another and say, “Well, I’ve changed my mind based on what I’ve heard from my colleague, and here’s what I think we should do,” and then they come to a resolution. I have to restrain myself from jumping up out of my chair and clapping and yelling, “Aw, yeah—yes, yes, yes!” It’s just the best experience because I feel like that’s exactly the way the system should be running. And it can be messy. It usually is. But there is
We struggle with the same things that every other city is struggling with: We have to balance our finances with the desire to serve the community; we have to be self-sufficient; we have to make sure we have enough water; we have to make sure all of our systems are running smoothly. And, homelessness. But we have an amazing leadership team, and
positions is incredible. Our city council is the same way. They’re the hardest working group of elected people I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I think we’re in a really good place to be able to keep chipping away at problems, but also to continue to set us up for the future.
The Bogeys
BY GENEVA FRANCISKOVICH PHOTGRAPHY BY XANDER BISSELL
Since planting their roots in 2016, The Bogeys have become one of the most influential bands in the Central Coast’s music scene. Over the past eight years, they have consistently brought fresh talent and unforgettable performances to the area.
This long-running band has seen many changes in both its lineup and musical direction. The Bogeys made their debut in the San Luis Obispo music scene with a KCPR radio open mic at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center Pavilion in October 2016. The band’s sole remaining original member, AJ Asby, reflects on the early days of the group. Asby, who has served as the band’s guitarist and vocalist since its inception, recalls that the original lineup was a ragtag mix of Whole Foods employees and Cal Poly students. At that time, the band played reverb-heavy surf rock—an homage to the Central Coast’s landscape—quite different from the psychedelic rock sound they’re known for today.
Asby offers insight into his journey and how it shaped his commitment to The Bogeys. Raised in Los Angeles, he began playing guitar at age seven and quickly expanded his love for music into theater. Attending a private Christian high school focused on the arts, Asby immersed himself in both theater and baseball, describing his high school years as “a cross between West Side Story and Godspell.” However, when he didn’t land the lead role in his senior production, Asby decided to take a different route. In defiance of the theater program, he joined a local L.A. band. At just seventeen, he performed at iconic venues like the Troubadour. It was during this time that Asby discovered his true passion: performing with a band.
Soon after, Asby moved to San Luis Obispo to study business and entrepreneurship, all while founding the first iteration of The Bogeys and launching SubSession, a local music and arts production company. SubSession currently hosts events at venues like the Fremont Theater and SLO’s newest music venue, The Aviary. Early on, The Bogeys were taken under the wing of Ragged Jubilee, a prominent Central Coast band whose music has been featured on programs like Shameless and Ozark. The seasoned band members graciously showed the newcomers the ropes of the local music scene. Additionally, they were fortunate to have a free music consultant in their neighbor, local legend and former Music Motive owner, Steve Hilestein.
Thanks to the support of the community, The Bogeys were able to establish a strong foundation that has allowed them to evolve over the years. As their reputation grew, the band forged lasting
relationships with local venues, which helped attract the current lineup: Scott Kolofer (guitar), Nathan Najera (bass), Cameron Pizarro (keys), and Daniel Thompson (drums).
Reflecting on all the band’s iterations, Asby admits that the current lineup is his favorite. He is continually impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail each member brings to the group. With most members playing multiple instruments and each coming from a diverse musical background, jam sessions are always a creative thrill. “We always tailor our performances to the audience,” says Kolofer, underscoring the band’s commitment to delivering a unique experience every time they take the stage. The group also prides itself on its technical precision, ensuring that even the science of sound wave travel is carefully considered to enhance their performances.
The first show played by this lineup was on Saint Patrick’s Day, at SLO Brew, alongside their early inspiration, Ragged Jubilee. Since then, they’ve performed at nearly every notable venue in San Luis Obispo, with only Vina Robles left on their list. Some of their most memorable performances include the Shabang Music Festival—a favorite among SLO’s music lovers—and, more recently, the SLO Film Festival at the historic Fremont Theater. Each member’s creative fingerprint is evident in their live shows, which come together as something truly magical.
Beyond music, the members of The Bogeys have also established entrepreneurial ventures. Kolofer runs a private chiropractic practice in downtown SLO, while Thompson operates a massage therapy practice next door. Pizarro’s creativity extended to his former ownership of Bliss Cafe, a beloved vegan eatery in SLO before it closed. Najera, not one to be limited, continues his musical exploration by writing his own “dream pop” music and plays in four other traveling bands, including Vinyl Williams.
The members of The Bogeys have a deep love for the Central Coast, and they’re excited to continue sharing their music with the community. With new music already in the works, fans can look forward to more performances and releases in the near future. SLO LIFE
To stay up to date on upcoming shows and new music, follow them on Instagram @thebogeyz and stream their tracks on Spotify.
pro file
Forty years ago, a young, freshly minted physician was making his rounds within the pediatric ward at the Stanford Medical Center. Then, the phone rang, someone calling from San Luis Obispo, a place he remembered from his honeymoon. The sleepy little town needed a pediatrician. Now, it is not uncommon for DR. RENÉ BRAVO to treat the kids of those first patients, while at the same time serving as president of the 60,000-member California Medical Association—the first one ever to be elected to that office from SLO County during the organization’s 168-year history. Here is his story . . .
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY DESJARDINS
OOkay, Dr. Bravo, let’s talk about where you were born and raised. I was born in Miami, Florida, and was raised there for a few years when my parents made the migration with so many other people in the late fifties and sixties out to Los Angeles. We were in Bell, which was, and still is, a working-class town. In the late 1950s, California was a land of great opportunity. My parents were immigrants—my dad from Ecuador and my mom from Cuba—and they met in Florida, got married, started a family, and decided to come out here because this is where the jobs were.
What were you like as a kid? I didn’t always make life easy for my parents. They worked several jobs and were often away from home. They really were the embodiment of the American Dream. But, I remember running away from school when I was in kindergarten because I was frustrated and didn’t understand what the teacher was saying to me because, up to that point, I only really spoke Spanish. I didn’t understand why everyone didn’t speak Spanish. So, after that, my parents said, “From now on, English is going to be the official language of our household—no more Spanish.” I know it wasn’t easy for them, but they were prescient, they always told us—I have a younger brother and sister—“In order to succeed in this country, you need to master this language because it’s the language of commerce, and education, and the professions.”
Let’s hear another story about your childhood. Oh, boy, another story? Well, I guess, not too long after running away, I do remember one day when my mom, rest in peace, she somehow caught wind of a casting call. I think she thought, “Hey, we’re in L.A. now and this would be kind of a cool thing to do.” So, she signed me up for the children’s show “Romper Room,” which they produced at KTLA, Channel 5. I did that for maybe a year. I was one of the kids on the show. You would hang out with the host, Miss Mary Ann, and she would teach the audience these little moral lessons, things to show kids how to behave, to learn right from wrong. They had “Do Bees” and “Don’t Bees.” I was a Do Bee. Since my name is René, which was pretty unusual and nobody could understand me when I said it, they asked me to choose a different name. I chose Rick.
into Boy Scouts. We were into scouting. And playing instruments. I was a percussionist, and my brother was a trumpet player. That’s mostly what we did. Scouting was our physical outlet. We did Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; we both became Eagle Scouts later on. A lot of backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, that sort of thing. We were very much outdoors kids. And I give a lot of credit to the guys there, the Scout Masters who were just dads themselves, who took a bunch of kids from the inner city into the wilderness and taught us so much.
Did the gangs cause you any trouble? No, not really, but I was very aware of them, especially in seventh or eighth grade when they were always trying to come up and influence us. And the thing is, I feared my parents more than I feared the gangs. There were a few interactions, and certainly, back then you had to be physically tough around these kids, but I give my parents so much credit. We had a strong family, a faith-based family. Church was very important to us. I was raised within the church, which was such a gift, and, to this day, my faith is something that gives me the value system and the construct in which to live my life, so that I’m able to help and serve others. It’s given my life meaning, and it helps me to understand that there are bigger things than me in this universe. And it has given me a sense of service.
When did you first become aware of the desire to serve? I’d say it was when I was thirteen. We had the Sylmar earthquake, which killed dozens of people in L.A. I remember that morning, the whole house was shaking; it was early, about six o’clock. I got up and ran out the front door, fell down the stairs, and hurt my leg. I was one of the thousands of people who were injured, and my mom took me to the emergency room. During the examination, the doctor found a bump in my groin. It was a big lymph node. They ran some tests, and it turned out to be cancer. And, so, because of the earthquake, they discovered the cancer. I went through surgery and radiation therapy and ended up missing my eighth-grade year. But from that experience, being a cancer kid and being a cancer survivor, came my desire to serve through medicine.
What about sports? We weren’t encouraged to do sports because of the part of Los Angeles that we were growing up in, the southeast. My parents were worried about the gang bangers hanging around the parks, so they got us >>
So, where did you end up going to college? I went to a small Christian school, Point Loma Nazarene University. That’s where I met my wife. We have five grown sons, five daughters-in-law, and eight grandkids. So, Debbie, my wife, was a piano performance major. One day I was on campus walking down the hallway and heard someone playing the piano. I peeked through the window and saw her and our eyes met. She doesn’t remember that, but I do. Then, later on, one evening during finals week, we were introduced by a mutual friend. We went together to the library, and we talked for five hours, then made popcorn. Afterward, I went back to my apartment and told my roommate, “I think I met the girl I’m going to marry.” It was intense. We were married a year later. Those were important, formative years—my faith grew, became much stronger. That’s where I really formulated it and decided how I wanted to serve. I was being called to medicine.
Which meant there was a lot more schooling in your future. Yes, that’s right. I went to UCSF in San Francisco, a great medical school. Four years later, I went to Stanford as a pediatric resident. I thought about staying there, but I was recruited by a clinic in San Luis Obispo, which my wife and I had visited for the first time on our honeymoon. There was just something about it. We talked it over and she said, “I think we need to come here.” That was 1986 and there weren’t all the chain stores and big box stores back then. That first year was a bit of a struggle for me because it was so quiet. I was a big city kid—Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, with major newspapers, professional sports teams, the Dodgers, the Giants— all the hustle and bustle. But, here, nothing much was happening, nothing was open after five o’clock, and everything was closed on Sunday. I think the biggest thing going for shopping was the K-Mart in Arroyo Grande.
What caused you to embrace it? My patients. I began interacting with them and their families and very quickly realized this place was really something wonderful. It was a different type of America than I had experienced up to that point. People smiled at you, they laughed, they were open. And the weird thing, everybody knew everybody. It took me a while to figure that out, but I always felt very welcomed. And same was true with the medical community. The other physicians were wonderful people. But the type of medicine I was practicing was different, which I learned very early on, the first week I was on call. I had a little girl with a near-fatal abscess in her throat, and we did it, she survived, but I thought to myself, “Man, wow. Is that what life is like here all the time?” It was very different because I had been in an insulated environment at the university, at Stanford, where I was surrounded by all sorts of people who would provide you backup. But, out here, you’re the cowboy—you’ve got to make your calls. You learn very quickly. >>
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- Quinn & Vanessa Callaway, San Luis Obispo, CA
805.459.1865 | Lic. #01873454 graham @ ccreslo.com
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What was the state of our local healthcare when you arrived here? One of the reasons I was recruited to be here was that Sierra Vista was looking to augment and improve its neonatal intensive care. So, we worked on developing a Level Two neonatal intensive care unit. I had been trained really well in this area at Stanford and had a lot of experience in critical care transport. I would fly in and take premature babies back to Palo Alto from all over northern California. And so, when I got here, that was one of the areas that I focused on. I spent several years leaving my office, going to deliveries trying to save premature babies. And there were many that made it. And so, I am humbly saying that because that stands out in my mind during those years. Later, the Level Three NICU was built about eight or nine years after I had arrived here. That was the goal, and it was achieved. So, I have always felt really, really good about that.
How about now? We’re facing more shortages of pediatricians now. In SLO County, I think that’s a big and looming issue. Hospitals, we’ve got a lot of hospitals, but not a lot of emphasis on children’s areas of medicine, sadly. I am hopeful that it will change in the future, but it is a different community now in that regard. When you look more broadly at the trends nationally, I think that we here in San Luis Obispo are better at problem-solving than most communities of its size. I do think there’s a lot more dialogue [about this issue] here than in other places. And we do have more resources now, more facilities, but the deficits are in terms of people. Physicians have gone to the bigger cities to do the more sophisticated things and offer more specialization. So that has caused a problem. But, again, I’m hopeful that it will swing the other direction because the thing we do have here is the same thing I discovered so many years ago: this place, our community, and a certain quality of life. >>
What have you learned from your patients over the years? I think you would be surprised how similar people can be across all socioeconomic strata. When they come into the office, especially with their children, everything is stripped away, especially if they’re worried, or if their child is sick, or if they’re facing some unknown. And for me, as the physician, it may be routine, something I see every day, but it’s not for them. And so, you need to maintain that sensitivity and that empathy at every interaction. I’ve learned that all people really want is to be listened to, to be cared about, and most importantly, to help find a solution for the problems that are in front of them. I’ve learned that if you don’t know the answer, then you need to find somebody who will help them with the answer. That’s what they want, that’s what they need. I mean, people ultimately just want help for their kids. They’re not looking for miracles. They’re looking for help. Someone to care.
Once you understand that, you can help them.
So, what advice would you give to a new physician starting up here?
Number one, be nice to everyone because everyone knows everyone here and they’re connected by two or three levels. Number two, don’t think you know more than everybody else. Come here, be humble, serve people, be honest, and remember where you’re at. If you treat people well and with respect, they will treat you in return that way. The third thing is be patient. After a year or two, you’re going to find everything you want here, but you need to be here long enough to know where to find it. Also, don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way, enjoy your family, and create your boundaries. But also remember that being a physician is a calling. It’s more than just a job. It should be a calling to you—because the profession of medicine is a sacred calling. SLO LIFE
OPEN HOUSE
Co-sponsored
Carol Nelson-Selby and Alison Stuart
505 words with Sara Dixon Alarcio
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER HEIRENDT
I had a very sweet, ideal childhood. I grew up in Torrance. It’s about fifteen minutes away from the South Bay beach cities in Southern California and about thirty minutes from downtown L.A., without traffic. A lot of what I remember is playing outside with my dad, sister, and neighborhood friends. I loved reading, going to 22nd Street in Hermosa Beach, and climbing the giant sweetgum tree in our front yard. My mom is creative, too, and always allowed us into her craft supplies. I loved the endless ways to create little things while she made beautiful cards.
My first memory of realizing I loved art was in second grade. Our teacher was playing classical music and showing us paintings from Mary Cassatt, Van Gogh, and Monet on an overhead projector, as they used to do. It had a huge effect on me.
I went to college at Chico State and absolutely fell in love with the small town, close-knit community, and all the trees. It’s a huge reason I wanted to move to SLO, because it has a very similar vibe. I began studying interior design, but I realized after taking color theory and a few other courses I really enjoyed
the hands-on aspect. I switched to Studio Arts and focused on painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
During college, I fell in love with the work of Darren Waterston— his layering and ethereal feeling of each piece just spoke to my soul, and I have followed that slow layering process in many of my pieces since then. I am also in love with the works from Hilma af Klint and her artwork that relates to the natural and cosmic world. Her method of connecting with a spiritual entity to produce her art is incredibly fascinating and I love that she knew to trust in that element of herself over one hundred years ago. Looking at her work, you can just feel the magic within, and that is something I try to bring through in my pieces.
I try to create a sense of peace through my artwork. As we know, the world can be a very dark place, but I have always been one to look toward the light and let that be the place to find my sense of self. I want my paintings to be a space where their collectors can have a moment of solitude and introspection. It’s hard to come by that now, with screens and distractions all around. Our minds need rest so that our thoughts can wander as they want to, and are meant to. If an artwork speaks to you, it will teach you something new every time you give it time.
I will be showing at Sculpterra Winery in February and March and I currently have artwork at Lazy Goods in Morro Bay and at MakingSLO downtown. I also have jewelry at some of my favorite shops up and down the Central Coast, like Forage Florals in Santa Ynez and at Black Sheep Finds in Atascadero.
Captain George Dom
A Legacy of Leadership, Trust, and Service
BY BRIAN SCHWARTZ
George Dom’s journey began with a simple yet powerful sense of duty—to honor his father’s wish that one of his three sons would follow in his military footsteps. However, what began as an obligation soon blossomed into a profound passion. During a summer NROTC program, Midshipman Dom had the opportunity to fly in a TA-4 Skyhawk jet. From that moment, he was hooked. His evolution from a young officer to the leader of one of the world’s most elite flying squadrons is a testament to the transformative power of purpose, commitment, and continuous improvement.
Dom dedicated twenty-six years of his life to the United States Navy, embodying the core virtues of honor, courage, and commitment. Over the course of his distinguished career, he flew more than 100 combat missions, logged over 1,000 aircraft carrier landings (including 400 at night), and served as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN. He later commanded an FA-18C Strike Fighter Squadron, and eventually became the flight leader and commanding officer of the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. His final operational assignment was as air wing commander, overseeing nine squadrons aboard the aircraft carriers Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
In each of these high-performance roles, Dom was not only required to demonstrate exceptional piloting skills but also to foster unwavering trust and teamwork. For Dom, earning and maintaining unconditional trust is the cornerstone of elite leadership.
To inspire leaders across all sectors, Dom distilled the essence of trust-building into what he calls the “Five Pillars of Trust,” which he outlines in his book “High-Trust Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams.” These five pillars are: character, commitment, competence, connection, and communication.
In today’s fast-paced world, Dom believes the greatest challenge to fostering trust is creating a genuine connection among team members. Effective leaders, he argues, must invest in relationships and ensure their team members feel heard and understood. As he puts it, “You can be efficient with things but can’t be efficient with people.”
Dom’s experiences have also shaped his belief in the transformative power of training and preparation. “You don’t rise to the occasion; you fall to your training,” he often says. This mantra, “Train Hard, Fight Easy,” is a cornerstone of U.S. military excellence—and holds true for improving productivity, agility, innovation, and resilience in any organization.
At the heart of Dom’s life philosophy is service—a value instilled in him by his father, who served in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters during World War II. “I never wanted anybody to be able to say I didn’t do my part,” his father once said. This same sense of duty was ingrained in Dom from a young age. His father’s determination to serve in the Navy, despite numerous setbacks, conveyed a powerful message: It is each citizen’s responsibility to answer the call to protect and defend democracy.
The Blue Angels end their flight debriefs with the phrase, “I’m glad to be here.” This simple expression is a reminder that service is a privilege. Captain George Dom’s life serves as a testament to the idea that each of us has the ability— and the obligation—to contribute to something greater than ourselves.
To learn more about the author, visit his website at georgedom.com.
Captain
SLO LIFE
Ben Jackson STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
As a National Merit Semifinalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and Student Body President at San Luis Obispo Classical Academy, this high school senior is headed toward a successful future.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in? I am the Web Coordinator for Hanging Lantern Review, which is a student-run and published literary journal at SLOCA High School. I also work part-time as a music instructor at Village Creative, a small studio in Arroyo Grande, where I teach piano, guitar, and drums.
What is going on with you now? Right now, I’m enjoying a film photography elective class. I’ve been interested in digital photography in the past, but trying out black-and-white film photography is such an awesome experience because of the increased restrictions and creativity. Aside from school, I’m also having fun programming games, visualizations, and cool computer graphics on my own time.
Do you have a career path in mind? I’ve always been interested in engineering— building with Legos, Snap Circuits, or both for as long as I can remember and now with CAD software, a soldering iron, and a 3D printer. I want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, not only to build things that may help other people, like energy-efficient engines or motors, but also simply for the fun of it.
Where do you get your inspiration? In sixth grade, I took Cal Poly’s Engineering Possibilities in College summer camp that introduces students to many fields of engineering with hands-on classes taught by professors. I really enjoyed this program because it introduced me to aerospace, mechanical, and materials engineering (and so much more) that are now my primary interests in STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
What is important to you outside of high school? Outside of school and other commitments, I value friendships and spending time with the people that mean the most to me—whether that means relaxing at the beach or working on projects together. I also really value my relationship with God, and I play in the worship band for my local youth group.
What are your other interests? I really enjoy learning foreign languages. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of language—how we can share ethereal, intangible thoughts and concepts with another living being by means of a very real and physical thing called talking. In high school, I’ve taken three different language classes: Latin, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, though currently I’m only studying Spanish and Mandarin. It’s awesome to learn a language alongside the culture and history associated with it, and I’d love to visit Mexico or China someday.
What schools are you considering for college? My top choices right now are Cal Poly, UC Irvine, UCSD, SDSU, and MIT. SLO LIFE
Hobie
This one-year-old Miniature American Shepherd—formerly known as a Miniature Australian Shepherd until the AKC updated the breed’s name—loves performing aerial acrobatics with frisbees at Toro Creek Beach with his caretaker, Alex Karlin. When he’s not soaring through the air, he can often be found strolling through San Luis Obispo, hanging out at Black Horse, or simply serving as an ambassador of joy, spreading good cheer to residents and visitors alike. SLO LIFE
HAVE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA CLARK
Born &
BY DANA LOSSING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LALUSH
Raised
LLocation, location, location. It’s a phrase every local knows well, but in the case of the Silva Residence, it might be better described as relationships, relationships, relationships. Building a home from the ground up requires not just patience, but trust—trust in the people who help bring a vision to life. In this case, the true foundation of the Silva Residence was laid long before the first stone was set, built upon the relationships formed well before the construction began.
Manny Silva is the kind of person who makes a lasting impression. With an easy smile and a ready laugh, he has a way of seeing the best in people. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Silva attended Cal Poly and eventually took the helm of his family business, Santa Maria Seeds, expanding it alongside his sister, Kelly.
Over the years, Silva has gained experience building and remodeling homes. When his friend John Wilson began selling lots on Via Del Vinedo in San Luis Obispo, Silva was quick to take a look. As they toured the property in Wilson’s Gator, Silva asked which lot stood out the most. Without hesitation, Wilson pointed to one with sweeping views of the Seven Sisters, oak-studded hills, and complete privacy. “That one,” he said. Trusting his friend’s judgment, Silva replied, “Cool, I’ll take it.” That was June 2020.
Shortly thereafter, Silva reached out to his friend and architect, Brian Ridley. Together, they set to work designing >>
a home that would make the most of its stunning views, celebrate natural light, and offer spaces perfect for creating memories with friends and family. Silva played an integral role in shaping the design, influencing key features such as the striking stone-clad entrance and the modern, butterfly-style roof.
After a lengthy sixteen-month permitting process, construction began in September 2022. Silva’s good friend Robert Braunschweig of Braunschweig Construction Inc. took on the role of General Contractor. Despite the risks of working with close friends, Silva trusted Braunschweig, who brought reliable and talented sub-contractors on-site. Silva even became friends with most of the crew during the construction process. He would keep seltzers in the otherwise empty fridge, and many times the working days would turn into evening chats long after the work was done. Not your typical construction site.
This positive energy radiates from the home today. Floating concrete pavers dance through the landscape inviting you to the grand stone entrance. When Silva opened the door to greet me, my eyes were drawn up to the box beams framing the expansive butterfly roof, extending from the living room to the eaves. Wide plank, engineered French oak floors reflect the light pouring in from the windows, creating a fresh, clean palette. The fireplace, clad in a stunning bluegreen, book-matched stone from Pacific Shores in Arroyo Grande, is a showstopper. Silva worked with Cherisse Sweeny of Basalt Interiors to select this unique material. Rather than a traditional center-matched pattern, the stone is matched in a triangular orientation that makes the ceilings feel even taller. A massive twelve-foot picture window at the kitchen sink perfectly frames a view of San Luis Obispo and >>
the surrounding hills. Silva says the city lights at night are truly magical.
The kitchen casework mixes white oak, walnut, matte black, and brass finishes for a modern yet elegant look. Mirrored toe-kicks and integrated LED lighting make the cabinets appear to float. Braunschweig added a custom walnut butcher block top to the island, adding height for bar seating and doubling as a practical work surface.
Small but impactful details like framing the pesky HVAC vents in drywall to match the adjacent wall finish make all the difference throughout the home. The lighting design is another one of those details that doesn’t immediately grab your attention but subtly elevates the home to a whole other level. Tim Garrison from San Luis Electric walked the site early on with Braunschweig, and they came up with custom lighting details to provide indirect, yet functional accent features throughout the home. Some of the most impressive lighting details are the custom LED channels framing the skylight in the primary shower (no can lights needed), an integral handrail LED that casts light onto the basement stairs, and the concealed LED strips that make every piece of cabinetry and shelving glow. Not to mention the amazing “window” into the wine cellar below that Silva dreamt up—a skylight with integral LED lighting that you walk on top of.
The primary bathroom features custom stonework by Charles Anderson of Full Circle Stoneworks, who sourced the stone from San Francisco and fabricated the tiles with chiseled and bullnosed edges. The shower bench is a solid slab of the same stone mounted seamlessly within the tile. Though the gray stone could feel cold, its rugged texture adds warmth and feels like a big hug. The other bathrooms in the home feature >>
stacked Fireclay tile, whimsical wallpaper, and a solid Carrara marble pedestal sink that is the hero of the powder room.
Furnishings are a mix of old and new; some pieces rich with soul while others feel fresh and modern to provide balance. Notable pieces include side tables made of scrap Ernie Ball guitar wood by Silva’s friend David Ball. The intricate wood scraps are collaged into cylinders and shaped into one-of-akind tables. Two sit in the living room, and a taller bistro table graces the wine cellar. Ball doesn’t typically sell these, once again—it was all about the relationship.
Art adds another layer of personality to the home. Silva’s neighbors gifted him a special Mark Maggiori piece as a housewarming present, sparking a new passion for collecting. Colorful landscapes by Ginny Spiers of Santa Barbara also adorn the walls.
Outside, the pool area combines beauty and functionality. Silva made a last-minute decision to add turf around the pool instead of more limestone tile, and it’s proven a great choice. The turf breaks up the hardscape visually and provides a soft, functional surface for lounging. Large umbrellas, cleverly mounted to a retaining wall, offer shade without getting in the way. Braunschweig also pointed out the kiln-dried hemlock siding, which will weather beautifully over time.
This home is a genuine labor of love, shaped by meaningful relationships and inspired by the natural beauty of the Central Coast. When a home is infused with memories even before the first day of living in it, that energy lingers, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who steps inside. That feeling is tangible in the case of the Silva Residence. SLO LIFE
AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT
$542 UP FROM $501 LAST YEAR
ACTIVE LISTINGS
1,373 UP FROM 1,333 LAST YEAR
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
THIRTY
eight UP FROM 33 LAST YEAR
MEDIAN SELLING PRICE
PROPERTIES SOLD
1,784 UP FROM 1,647 LAST YEAR
MEDIAN % OF ASKING PRICE
97.1% EQUAL TO 97.1% LAST YEAR
$830,250 UP FROM $730,750 LAST YEAR
SVP of Mortgage Lending
NMLS: 245945
O 805.335.8743
C 805.235.0463 donna.lewis@rate.com
VP of Mortgage Lending
NMLS: 1461481
O 805.329.4088
C 805.550.9742
dylan.morrow@rate.com
rate.com/teamslo
NMLS: 1772117
O 805.335.8743
C 661.888.5800
mckenlee.bryan@rate.com
1065 Higuera St., Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
If you’ve ever wondered about the hidden toxins in your home or wanted to embrace a more natural, sustainable lifestyle, The Mayan Collective is a great place to start. Founded by Karla Wenger, a Guatemalan immigrant and former healthcare professional, The Mayan Collective combines creativity with wellness to offer healthier alternatives to everyday products. The result is a business that not only supports individual well-being but also has a positive impact on the local community.
Wenger’s journey toward creating The Mayan Collective began with a growing concern about the health risks associated with common household products. As a healthcare professional, she was increasingly aware of the dangers posed by toxins and chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care items. “Most people, if they focus on their health, think about what they eat and drink,” Wenger explained. “But it’s rare anyone thinks about what they are breathing or what’s in their cleaning products.” This realization inspired her to create a space where people could learn to make non-toxic, eco-friendly products for the home.
I had the opportunity to visit The Mayan Collective’s new location at SLO Ranch Farms and experience Wenger’s vision firsthand. The spacious, inviting setting was perfect for a corporate team-building event. When I walked in, I watched as Wenger led a group of thirteen women through a candle-making workshop, guiding them step-by-step in creating custom, non-toxic candles. After the group left, Wenger invited me to join in, and I was eager to try it out.
As someone sensitive to overpowering scents—I often get headaches from synthetic fragrance—the chance to make a non-toxic candle for my home was a welcome change. Wenger introduced me to a variety of premium, non-toxic fragrances, and I was able to blend scents of my choice. I went with rose and patchouli, mixing them into a soy wax base. Then, I chose a buttercup yellow reusable candle holder and added a wood wick, which I immediately liked for the gentle, crackling sound it makes. Watching my candle take shape, I appreciated not
only the craft, but also the mission behind Wenger’s business—creating safer living spaces through mindful, hands-on experiences.
Wenger and her husband Spencer, a nurse at French Hospital, founded The Mayan Collective with a clear mission: to help people make healthier, more informed choices about the products they use in their homes. The collective offers a variety of workshops where individuals, families, and groups can craft their own non-toxic cleaning supplies and wellness products. These workshops go beyond just making products—they are designed to educate participants about the hidden chemicals in household items and how to reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances.
The focus is on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to create products that are not only effective but also healthier for the environment and their well-being. From learning how to make natural cleaning supplies to crafting soy-based candles, The Mayan Collective encourages hands-on involvement in the process of creating a safer, toxinfree home.
In addition to candles and cleaning products, The Mayan Collective offers wellness products like room sprays, bath salts, and custom wellness kits, all made from natural, non-toxic ingredients.
A key feature of The Mayan Collective is Wenger’s commitment to supporting local artisans. The store features over thirty-five products from local makers, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work and helping to support the local economy. Wenger also partners with artisans from Guatemala, where she was born, to offer products that reflect the cultural richness of her home country. Profits from The Mayan Collective
support villages in Guatemala that lack access to basic resources, creating sustainable change in communities that need it most.
The Mayan Collective also offers private events for those looking to host creative and educational gatherings. Whether you’re planning a team-building activity, a birthday party, or a wellness retreat, Wenger can customize a workshop or experience to fit your needs. These events allow participants to make their own wellness products, such as candles, room sprays, and bath salts, all while learning more about living a non-toxic lifestyle.
Wenger’s work at The Mayan Collective is a thoughtful example of how a small business can have a big impact. By combining wellness with creativity, she has created a space where people can come together, learn, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Her approach to business is both communityoriented and socially responsible, supporting local artisans and giving back to Guatemala, where her roots lie.
The Mayan Collective is more than just a store—it’s a place where you can create, learn, and grow. Whether you’re interested in hosting a creative event, making non-toxic products, or discovering wellness items to support your health journey, this woman-owned business offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and community growth.
SLO LIFE
Karla Wenger, Owner
Knead TO Know
BY TILLY WRIGHT
A whiff of freshly baked bread straight from the oven enveloped me with warmth and comfort as I stepped through the doors of House of Bread at Farmhouse Lane in San Luis Obispo. I’ve always wanted to evoke that same welcoming aroma when loved ones entered my home. But, lacking the know-how to make bread from scratch, this dream seemed out of reach—until recently. ankfully, House of Bread o ers classes on artisan baking, including ciabatta and French bread. Eager to recreate that enticing scent in my own kitchen, I enrolled in their baking class, con dent that this was the place that would guide me.
As listed on their website, House of Bread now has seven locations across the country, but two are right here in San Luis Obispo, where the bakery’s story began. I arrived early, and a friendly sta member invited me to enjoy a cup of co ee while I waited. When the time came, she assured me that my instructor would come nd me. Settling into a chair, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. e modern, open layout of House of Bread was both inviting and calming, with large windows allowing sunshine to pour in. It was the perfect environment for both those stopping in for a meal and students like me eager to learn.
When the class began, we all washed our hands and donned white aprons—our “badge of honor” for the next two hours. It felt special, like we were part of the team, even if just for the duration of the class. e walk to the baking room was also a treat. We passed behind the bakery counter, through the kitchen, and into a glass-walled room where patrons could watch us kneading and shaping dough. It was a unique opportunity to witness the magic of breadmaking rsthand.
When we returned, Avedisian presented our ciabatta loaves in large, pink boxes. Seeing the results of our hard work was incredibly satisfying, and the bread, golden and crusty, looked as good as it smelled.
The second hour was dedicated to making a new batch of dough. Using yeast, water, flour, and salt, we measured each ingredient carefully and mixed our dough. With our instructor’s guidance, we learned the proper kneading techniques to develop a starter dough that we could take home and shape as we wished. This was a wonderful opportunity to continue experimenting on our own.
Before class ended, Avedisian gave us one last treat: a demonstration on how to shape a variety of breads, including French loaves, dinner rolls, bagels, and even English muffins. We all had the chance to ask questions and see the different techniques in action. By the end of class, I was eager to get home and try out the new skills I had learned.
The class concluded with each of us receiving a pink box filled with freshly baked ciabatta and a bag of starter dough to take home. I left feeling more confident and capable as a home baker, knowing I could now create that comforting, aromatic bread in my own kitchen.
Inspired by what I learned, I shaped my starter dough into French bread, dinner rolls, and a bagel, experimenting with the techniques Avedisian had taught us. The high-quality flour used by House of Bread meant that my family could enjoy these breads guilt-free, as the dough had a low gluten content that was easy on the stomach.
For anyone interested in improving their baking skills, I highly recommend booking a class at House of Bread. With their expertly designed lessons, you’ll feel not only skilled but also inspired to bake regularly at home. Thanks to House of Bread, I can now create my own aromatic haven of freshly baked bread—no longer a dream, but a reality.
House of Bread offers classes at their Farmhouse Lane location in SLO. Learn more at houseofbread.com.
Our instructor, Anthony Avedisian, was not only a skilled baker but also an enthusiastic teacher. He works energetically at the House of Bread and shared that, in preparation for Thanksgiving, he had baked at least 600 dinner rolls by hand, in addition to numerous other loaves. With that kind of experience, I knew I was in good hands. Over the next two hours, Avedisian taught us everything we needed to know about making artisan bread—from the ingredients and measurements to the proper techniques for kneading, shaping, and baking. He also answered every question we had with patience and precision.
In the first hour, we focused on ciabatta bread. Known for its rustic, square-like shape, ciabatta was surprisingly easy to make. We began by cutting the dough into squares, then reshaping it as it proofed. Once it was time to bake, we took turns sliding our dough into the oven, and while it baked, the class took a short break. The aroma of bread filling the air only heightened our anticipation.
SLO LIFE
Anthony Avedisian
Hope Served Fresh
BY JAIME LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH VANDENBERG
At downtown San Luis Obispo’s Bridge Cafe, second chances are always on the menu.
At first glance, The Bridge Cafe looks like any other downtown San Luis Obispo eatery—sunlight streams through large windows into an airy space, the aroma of fresh-brewed Deltina coffee mingles with the scent of house-made pastries, and servers bustle between tables carrying generous plates of colorful food. But spend a few minutes talking with General Manager Jason Hunter, and you’ll discover this restaurant’s true mission extends far beyond its thoughtfully-composed menu.
“I knew what I was doing wasn’t what I wanted to be doing,” Hunter tells me, reflecting on his journey from incarceration and addiction to recovery and leadership. A military veteran who struggled with PTSD, Hunter found his path to healing began in an unexpected place: the kitchen. “Once I got into treatment in San Diego,
>>
General Manager Jason Hunter
Baker Shannon Seagle
I was cooking there too. It just kind of calmed me. I felt peace. I don’t even know how to explain it, but it kind of soothed me, calmed my anxiety.”
That transformative power of culinary work is exactly what Sister Teresa Harpin had in mind when Restorative Partners, the non-profit she founded in 2011, opened The Bridge Cafe in November 2022. As San Luis Obispo County’s first social enterprise, the cafe serves dual purposes: providing quality, affordable breakfast and lunch, while creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Restorative Partners Operations Director Kathy McCorry shares that it costs taxpayers $106,000 annually to keep someone in prison, while her organization spends just $38,000 per person to support their successful reintegration into society. With a ninety-seven percent success rate in preventing recidivism, the organization’s
impact is clear—and The Bridge Cafe represents its newest frontier in changing lives.
“We’re not like other restaurants trying to make a killing,” Hunter explains. “We’re just trying to break even and help people out with jobs. It’s for a cause.” That cause includes comprehensive culinary training through a partnership with Cuesta College, followed by hands-on experience in every aspect of restaurant operations, from baking and line cooking to barista work and customer service. Graduates often move on to internships at established local restaurants like Mama’s Meatballs and Cafe Roma.
The food itself deserves as much attention as the mission. Hunter, who completed culinary training at the San Diego Culinary Institute after discovering his passion for cooking, has developed all of the cafe’s recipes. The menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients—spring mix from Bautista Farms arrives straight from the fields, brioche buns come from Back
Porch Bakery, and bread is sourced from local favorite Edna’s Bakery.
The Bridge Burger has developed a loyal following, served on those toasted brioche buns. The kitchen also turns out hearty breakfast plates, including a standout cinnamon-orange French toast, and vibrant chef salads that showcase the local produce. Everything is made with care and precision, reflecting Hunter’s philosophy that consistency is crucial in both cooking and life.
The cafe’s in-house pastry program, led by baker Shannon Seagle, produces an array of pastries, cookies, and custom cakes that rival any in town. In fact, the giant soft ginger-molasses cookie from the bakery case at The Bridge might just be the best I’ve ever tasted. “I like to remind folks that the bakery takes special orders for celebrations and the like,” says McCorry. “Instead of the usual box of donuts brought into the office, why not bring a box of beautifully-made pastries that help support peoples’ changed lives, too?”
Challenges remain, of course. Located in the County Government Center, The Bridge Cafe faces the ongoing impact of hybrid work schedules, with many county employees working remotely. But the team remains focused on their larger mission. Every customer who walks through the door isn’t just getting a meal—they’re supporting an organization that has helped over 1,300 individuals find their path back to successful lives over the past thirteen years.
“I like to give back,” Hunter says of his role mentoring others who are where he once was. “I can share my story with them and show there is a way to recover. There’s another way of life beyond what you’re doing now.”
As I finish my coffee and watch the lunchtime crowd filter in, I’m struck by how The Bridge Cafe embodies its name—connecting people not just to good food, but to second chances, dignity, and hope. In a world that often struggles to see beyond someone’s past, this bright corner of San Luis Obispo offers a different vision: one where every person deserves the opportunity to craft a new future, one nourishing meal at a time.
SLO
Sisterhood
BY BRANT MYERS
PHOTOGRAPY BY SABRINA CHAVEZ
I met the California Whiskey Sisters a few years ago, quite by accident. Cup of IPA in hand, wandering around the lawns outside SLOMA, grooving to a bike-bound DJ, I was enjoying a networking event under the guise of having a good time and chatting with old friends. Near the musician, two larger-than-life personalities worked and danced behind a small folding table. Vivacious and raucous, rocking large brown felt hats, they poured something into tiny plastic cups. I know a good time when I see one, so I sauntered over.
The commotion was entirely caused by Jill Marshall and April Baserga, two women I know and know of from SLO Brew. I was also keenly aware of the relatively new venture out at The Rock with Rod and Hammer’s distilling operation. With no SLO Brew beer to be seen, and tiny cups being doled out, I know this is a great opportunity to give a new release a whirl. It turns out that Marshall and Baserga weren’t there just to offer up the social-sauce but to share a passion project of theirs. I quickly learn that there’s a growing enterprise for women in whiskey and this is the celebration of that effort. I get my taster of a whiskey infused with peach. It hits the spot and I grab their attention for just a moment while the line stacks up behind me. Walking away with a snoot full of peach and a business card, I tell myself to reach out and learn more.
After years of staring at that business card, held in place by a magnet on my office whiteboard, I finally decided to reach out. Baserga was enthusiastic about chatting and brought the whole team into the conversation. Turns out, enthusiasm is just part of who she is. As Director of Events for SLO Brew’s The Rock and Rod and Hammer, she’s got the energy to spare—and it certainly helps in creating something spectacular with the women behind the scenes of the infamous Rodney and Hammish duo.
Along with Marshall and Baserga, I met up with Robin Cegelski, the third member of the California Whiskey Sisters. And while Drue Landy, their chief quality control manager and the one who keeps them all in check, wasn’t there, I got a sense of how much they rely on her to ensure everything is up to snuff.
At Baserga’s suggestion, I found myself sipping a Paper Plane cocktail—not just because it’s her favorite drink, or because we were on Aerovista Lane, but because it highlights their flagship peach whiskey. It had been a while since I’d tried it in a tiny plastic cup, and it was even better when poured by a bartender into a proper glass. The whiskey had a beautiful blend of flavors: the slightly oaky, smoky vanillin from the bourbon, balanced by the sweet, velvety aroma of ripe peach. It came together like fruit pie in a glass, and I was ready to dig into the story behind it. >>
Jill Marshall and Robin Cegelski
Sitting down with Marshall, Baserga, and Cegelski, I asked, “What are the California Whiskey Sisters?” The answers varied slightly, but the core idea remained the same: bring women drinkers out of the shadows and into the spotlight. They shared statistics showing that many women drink whiskey, but the world of brown liquor is still largely dominated by men. For the Sisters, though, it’s about more than whiskey. It’s an educational experience, a social club, a networking group, and—above all—a celebration of the drink itself.
But when I asked what being a member really looks like, their answers became more personal. The women shared knowing glances, smiles, and laughter as they swapped stories about past meetups. Whiskey on Marfarm in Arroyo Grande, whiskey on the beaches of South County—causing mischief, making memories. They shared photos and it looked like an extremely well-organized bachelorette party for a hundred of their closest friends.
One quote summed it up: “We do it for the flair and flavor of it; we’re wild and raucous lady drinkers.” At its heart, it’s a safe space to explore whiskey without judgment or pretense.
Baserga and Marshall explained that there’s nothing else like this for women. Men have plenty of opportunities to connect through sports teams, social clubs, and other organized events. But there’s a gap for women, one the California Whiskey
Sisters are filling. They’ve created an open, welcoming space where women can drink whiskey, get a little rowdy, and not worry about how the social dynamics shift when men are around. Essentially, it’s a place for women to be women and do what they want. Who could argue with that?
If you’re curious and want to dip your toe in, keep an eye out for the Whiskey Wagon—a converted horse trailer that shows up at local events, staffed by “Little Sisters” pouring whiskey for the masses. Ready to dive in? Sign up on their website to learn about meetups at Carissa Downtown or their big private parties around the county.
So, raise a glass with me and say: “May you never lose a stirrup, may you never waste a loop; may your can stay full of syrup, and your gizzard full of whoop. Cheers!” SLO LIFE
!on tap
Rod and Hammer’s Peach Whiskey Clocking in at 70 proof, this whiskey is set to be mellow. The sweetness of the peach aromas exacerbate that veneer, while the addition of black tea brings together all the flavors, creating a well-balanced sipper. Great for winter and summer alike.
April Baserga
From Water To Wine
BY DAN FREDMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY DESJARDINS
Chamisal Vineyards winemaker Brianne Engles has always been drawn to the ocean. “I grew up on Monterey Bay and loved being on the water. My early passion for science and nature led me to winemaking—it felt like the right path at the right time.”
At fifteen, Engles took a part-time job at Passionfish, a pioneering fine dining restaurant in her hometown of Pacific Grove. “Ted and Cindy Walter, the owners, really took me under their wing,” she recalls. “The restaurant’s focus on sustainable, local seafood and produce extended to their wine philosophy. I was introduced to local wines, as well as classics from around the world.”
It was here that Engles began to see wine as a blend of science and artistry. “The Walters’ daughter, Megan, was studying winemaking in Adelaide, Australia, and her experience gave me an academic route into the field. It also felt like an incredibly romantic career, and by seventeen, I was in love with wine and knew I had found my direction.”
Engles went on to graduate from Cal Poly’s Wine & Viticulture program in 2008. That led to an offer from Quintessa in Napa Valley. “Turning down that opportunity would have been foolish,” she says. At Quintessa, she was immersed in the world of Cabernet Sauvignon, working her way up to enologist under renowned winemakers Charles
Thomas and Aaron Pott. She also had the chance to collaborate with some of the best palates in the industry, including Paul Hobbs, Larry Stone, and Michel Rolland. “It was a remarkable education in both sensory and technical aspects of winemaking, alongside organic and biodynamic farming practices.”
After nearly a decade in Napa, Engles was ready to expand beyond Cabernet. She moved to Paso Robles, where she held roles at Adelaida Vineyards and Winc, before joining Tooth & Nail as associate winemaker, working alongside winemaker Jeremy Leffert. “I worked with a wide range of grape varieties from numerous vineyards. It was a fast-paced environment, and I learned how to manage logistics, bottling, and all the other crucial elements that keep the operation running smoothly.”
In 2020, Engles was approached by Chamisal Vineyards in Edna Valley. “Fin DuFresne, their previous winemaker, had spent sixteen years guiding the winery toward organic and biodynamic practices. This aligned perfectly with my background and aspirations—and it brought me closer to the ocean. Chamisal is one of the oldest wineries in Edna Valley, with a strong reputation. The winery’s commitment to sustainable production and the chance to work on an estate property was incredibly appealing. I respect the legacy, and the site itself called to me. Edna Valley’s cooler, coastal climate offers the opportunity to create fresher wines.” >>
Chamisal’s vineyard is certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and farmed biodynamically, though Engles says there are no immediate plans for Demeter certification. “We’re a small team,” she explains, “and Demeter certification requires a huge labor commitment, so we’ve focused on what’s most effective right now. Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) is more aligned with our longterm goals. As part of Crimson Wine Group, we’re a Silver member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) and are committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
Chamisal is one of six wineries under the Crimson Wine Group umbrella, all of which are luxury estates with their own winemaking and vineyard teams. While they share leadership, finance, and marketing resources, each winemaker retains the freedom to craft wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the vintage, variety, and terroir.
Beyond her work at Chamisal, the Pacific Ocean continues to play a major role in Engles’ life. A devoted paddler with the Pali Kai Outrigger Club, she also owns a solo outrigger canoe, which she takes out on the water whenever she has the chance. “The ocean offers a perfect contrast to my work in the winery,” says Engles. “But there are similarities. Patience, perseverance, and strategic thinking are just as essential on the water as they are in the winery.”
*Chamisal Vineyards Tasting Room
7525 Orcutt Road . San Luis Obispo (805) 541-9463 . chamisalvineyards.com
2022 Chamisal SLO Coast Estate Chardonnay
This entry-level Estate Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on three different soil types at Chamisal. It’s a vibrant, approachable style, more vigorous than others in the lineup. The grapes are hand-picked at night, whole-cluster pressed, and aged for nine months in a mix of concrete eggs and neutral oak foudres. Buttery without being overwhelming, it’s mediumbodied with notes of citrus, pear, marzipan, and a touch of salinity holding it all in place.
2021 Chamisal Chamise Chardonnay
A step up from the Estate Chardonnay, this wine comes from the highest point of the Chamisal estate, Marito Hill. The shallow, shaley loam soil was once an ancient seabed where fossilized seashells can be found in the furrows between the vineyard rows. The vines are small but produce extremely concentrated juice from really low yields. Hand-harvested at night, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed with extended lees contact for greater aging potential. Initially aged in 60% new French oak, it’s racked to a concrete tank after a year, adding a flinty edge. Complex and refined, this wine benefits from a couple of years in the cellar.
2022 Chamisal Califa Pinot Noir
If you’ve never paired Pinot Noir with fish, this is the wine to try. Grown on the sandy loam soil on the estate’s lower elevation planted in the 1990s, the site’s sandy but rocky outcropping produces grape juice that’ll bring you cherry and berry fruit notes, with a little bit of forest floor underpinnings. It’s complex but not weighty, with a long finish. It’s easy to see why this is Chamisal’s most popular wine.
2021 Chamisal Morito Pinot Noir
This wine comes from the vineyard planted in the early 2000s at the top of the shaley, loamy hill using clones from France and Oregon. It’s a big-boned, grippy, structured Pinot Noir, aged in 50% new French oak barriques. Vintage-sensitive, it’s produced in small batches—only 200-300 cases depending on the season. The 2021 vintage shows berry pie flavors with a slight tartness, great acidity, and the potential to age for more than ten years.
2021 Chamisal Syrah
Blended from two different blocks on the property planted in 2018 and 1999 these ripen relatively late, but given the coolness of the Edna Valley climate, the wine is lithe and quite charming. Black olives and umami underlie a varietally-appropriate gaminess, enhanced by silky tannins and strawberries on the finish. Its delicate acidity makes it well-suited for aging, enhancing its food-pairing potential. SLO LIFE
March
You’re wiser now and ready to let go of an old pattern when it comes to your relationships. Clearing out space allows new ideas and values to take shape.
February
Creative self-expression can actively improve your health and selfimage. Don’t be afraid to use your voice. You might even surprise yourself with your capability.
March
February
Getting a head start on your emotional self-care routine will help you navigate some unexpected expenses that come up mid-month. Take an extra long savasana during class at Harmony House, you got this.
Money matters are on the mend this month. An honest look at your daily habits and subconscious blocks feels uncomfortable at first, but things will ultimately turn for the better.
February
Work is busy and family matters are extra tender. To everyone’s surprise, you’re taking a new approach on balancing the demands of both. It’s a good look for you, lean into it.
March
Freeing yourself from social commitments and focusing your creativity is a form of self-care. Having fun is a form of self-care. Your mental health improves because of this.
February
A freudian slip this month helps you realize just how much your beliefs have changed. Is it time for a new career or work project? Luck is on your side.
February
March
You’re determined to make things happen at work. The pressure is palpable. But is it really there or is it selfimposed? Chatting with a new friend could provide you with an a-ha moment.
A long-forgotten memory comes to the surface. It’s time to be supported the way you support others. Confide in a loved one or schedule that overdue therapy appointment.
March
The thing about money is that it always exists, it just exchanges hands. Taking an innovative leap in your career pays off at a later date. You only need to believe in yourself.
February
Interesting new friends and psychological self-examination is helping you let go of outdated values and create new beliefs around your self-concept.
March
Beliefs inform the way that we speak, the words we use and what we shift our attention to. Discuss news ideas and beliefs with friends. It just might lead to your next opportunity.
February
How’s that New Year resolution coming along? Commitment and consistency can move mountains. But changing your mind and deciding to take a different path is totally okay, too.
March
Is there something holding you back from taking the next steps in your relationship? Perfection is a myth. I dare you to gauge the temp with window shopping at Baxter Moerman.
February
You reign supreme in navigating social intricacies. But lately, unexpected power struggles have you asking if it’s worth the trouble? Shifting your focus to your daily habits will provide relief.
March
Routines are there to make your life easier, not to make it more restrictive. Take a breather if you need to. Improving your relationship with yourself improves your relationships with others.
February
Switching up your health routines, communicating your truth, letting go of old beliefs—this new year looks good on you. You’re inspired to change up your surroundings to match.
March
Non-stop responsibilities at home and work have you rethinking some of your daily habits and brainstorming creative ways to make things easier.
February
Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to take a break from it. Seek out creative inspiration. Try strolling through SLOMA downtown. Later, things will just click.
March
Creative discipline pays out in dividends. Discipline requires focus. And focus requires filtering out the noise and surrounding yourself with like-minded people.
March
February
Your mind is on your money and you’re taking notice of what patterns impact your self-sufficiency. Finding new ways to use your voice helps you create the changes you desire.
February
If you can’t find the right words, try an entirely different form of expression. Taking a Nexus Salsa class might help you sort out your thoughts and beliefs.
Are you stirring the pot? Or are you just saying it like it is this month? Everyone is on their own personal journey. It helps to detach. A shift in your mindset helps you get clear on your values.
March
Are you hurting your own feelings? Psychological self-examination is fun until it is not. Cut yourself some slack and leave it to the professionals.
BY PAULINA
Written in the stars
Culture Events
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
&
CAMBRIA FILM FESTIVAL
This five-day festival showcases some sixty films curated from hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the world. A program of the Cambria Center for the Arts, its organizers are committed to screening innovative and thought-provoking films in a diverse lineup, offering Central Coast audiences the best in independent cinema from feature-length dramas to experimental shorts.
February 5-9 / cambriafilmfestival.com
Four musical legends, one fabulous show. One night, shortly before Christmas 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. SLO REP brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and hit songs like Blue Suede Shoes, Walk the Line, Sixteen Tons, Hound Dog, and Great Balls of Fire. February 7-March 9 / slorep.org
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
In William Shakespeare’s cherished comedy presented by PCPA, love and wit and mischief entwine, and the results are hilarious and heart-aching in this timeless battle of the sexes. Fresh from victory, a prince’s army returns home, stirring the air with romance for Claudio and Hero and an unparalleled battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedick. But laughter gives way to intrigue, as accusations fly and truths emerge in a mischievous game that may lead to heartbreak. Will truth and love win out?
February 13-March 2 / pcpa.org
RHYTHM INDIA: Bollywood & Beyond
Enjoy a journey of dance and celebration from the echoing heartbeats of royal palaces and sacred temples to the swaying voices of the desert villages and modern stages of India. The vibrant costumes, dynamic music, and soulful “ghungroo” dancing bells of the Joya Kazi Unlimited company dancers reflect the South Asian influence of art and culture.
February 23 / clarkcenter.org
MUSHROOM DISCOVERY
The SLO Botanical Garden presents a two-day workshop on the basics, exploration, and identification of mushrooms. Christian Schwarz will help you develop a dynamic sensory awareness via observation, touching, and smelling, and have the opportunity to taste multiple species prepared in a variety of ways by local mushroom enthusiasts. Limited to twenty-two participants.
February 9-10 / slobg.org
SLOMA ARTIST TALK
California native Esteban Cabeza de Baca employs a broad range of techniques in his artwork, entwining layers of graffiti, landscape, and pre-Columbian pictographs in ways that confound Cartesian singlepoint perspective. The artist, of Mexican and Native American heritage, discusses the work he is exhibiting at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. His work has been included in exhibitions from New York to Amsterdam, from Tucson to New Haven, and from Colorado to Cologne. February 22 / sloma.org
CLUE: THE MUSICAL
The Cal Poly Theatre and Dance department presents the internationally popular game as a fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to life in Spanos Theatre on Cal Poly’s campus. Director Karin Hendricks-Bolen and guest choreographer Zach Johnson invite the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon? In the end, the audience helps a hard-nosed detective unravel the merry mayhem with the help of comic antics, witty lyrics, and a beguiling score.
February 27-March 8 / calpoly.edu
SYMPHONIC SPECTACLE
The SLO Wind Orchestra and Cuesta Wind Ensemble take the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theater at Cuesta College to present a spectacular joint concert. A rich and varied musical journey, the afternoon’s highlights include the timeless magnificence of Handel’s Royal Fireworks and the captivating melodies of Gould’s Autumn Walk. March 2 / slowinds.org
IRELAND WITH MICHAEL LIVE
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa presents a multimedia experience combining the music, dance, and stories of Ireland. Featuring the ethereal voice of leading Irish tenor Michael Londra—the “Voice of Riverdance” on Broadway—this benefit for local youth charities is an immersive journey around the Emerald Isle. Accompanied by a talented band and world champion Celtic dancers, Londra brings the magical land across the Atlantic Ocean to the PAC SLO for one evening against a backdrop of spectacular footage filmed for his acclaimed PBS travel series. March 16 / pacslo.org
MARGARET CHO: LIVE & LIVID
Celebrating forty years as a stand-up comedian, Margaret Cho promises she will be “radiating rage about homophobia, sexism, racism, and the fight to stay alive in a culture that is killing us daily” when she takes the stage at the PAC SLO. The five-time Grammy and Emmy nominee is lighting the path for women, performers, and underrepresented groups, having been named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time” and CNN’s “50 People Who Changed American Comedy.”
