Winners of our annual contest tell tiny tales of marriage, mayhem, madness, and more [8]
YOUR SONG. YOUR STAGE. YOUR SHOT. [27]
or
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12 Letters .............................................. 12 Modern World 12
Shredder 13
events calendar Hot Dates 14
art
Artifacts 22
Split Screen...............................24
music
Strictly Starkey 26 the rest
Classifieds 31
Brezsny’s Astrology ........ 39
Editor’s note
Our judges pored over the 55 Fiction entries, which flowed into our office throughout the year from near and far. We laughed. We cried. We scratched our heads. And in the end, we deemed this crop of 24 the best of the best. Enjoy these tiny stories, written for you with just 55 words each [8]
In addition, read about the newest candidates in Grover Beach’s City Council race [4]; A Boomer’s Reflection follow-up book [22]; and SLO County’s first kava apothecary and lounge [30]
New Times membership enables readers like you to support local journalism. We’ve had this program since 2020, we want to keep growing, and we’d love for you to join!
Andrea Rooks associate editor
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Grover Beach residents on either end of building heights measure run for City Council
Fresh faces may appear on the Grover Beach City Council if, as candidates claim, 1st District City Councilmember Robert Robert is not planning to run for reelection.
The candidate nomination period ends Aug. 7, and if the current council member doesn’t pull papers for his seat before then, the deadline extends to Aug. 12. Robert didn’t respond to New Times’ requests for comment.
Kelvin Coveduck, a vocal supporter of the controversial building heights measure on the November ballot, hopes to see his own name on that ballot too.
The 65-year-old retired radiographer filed his candidate intention statement on July 16 after learning about Robert’s decision to step away from reelection.
“He was on Facebook, and decided to run, and then he pulled all his information off Facebook, and so I wanted to clarify that position because I had told him a couple months ago that I would not run against him as an incumbent,” Coveduck said. “We have our disagreements, but I felt he was a good City Council member.”
If all candidates qualify, Coveduck will face off against PG&E Principal Program Manager Shilo Terek for the 1st District seat. A third candidate, Rebecca Larsen, filed a candidate intention statement, but she told New Times she won’t be running because of a medical issue.
Larsen, a registered Democrat, said she’d back Coveduck and Grover Beach mayoral candidate and Planning Commissioner David Swift.
“Even though politically we’re [Larsen and Coveduck] not on the same party, I do believe parties need to be put aside for city issues,” she said.
Terek reportedly has support from existing City Council members. She told New Times that some of the council members encouraged her to run for the 1st District seat after she unsuccessfully attempted to become a planning commissioner this year.
“They were also under the impression that Robert did not intend to run,” she said.
Terek, 42, said she would disclose the names of her endorsers as her campaign progresses. Her campaign website features the grand opening of Monarch Grove Winery, which she celebrated with 2nd District City Councilmember Jules Tuggle.
Tuggle has also filed papers to run for reelection and could run against Allen Thompson, if he qualifies, for the 2nd District seat. Thompson was involved in a settlement with the city for not paying
Morro Bay hazardous waste facility to relocate
The Morro Bay Household Hazardous Waste Facility will permanently close at its current location on July 25 as the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) works to relocate the service to a new North Coast site.
The facility, located at Morro Bay’s former wastewater treatment plant, must move because the property is slated for demolition. Residential dropoff services will continue through July 25 before operations cease at the site.
Since announcing the closure in June, the company has completed what IWMA Management Analyst Sasha Del Giorgio described as “an extensive review of more than a dozen potential sites in Cayucos, Morro Bay, and Los Osos.”
“This thorough process has led to the
transient occupancy taxes for two years while he ran a vacation rental.
Terek and Coveduck are on opposite sides in terms of support for Measures A-26 and F-26— resolutions requiring the city clerk position to be elected rather than appointed and limiting building heights while setting aside space in a mixed-use development for commercial use, respectively.
While Coveduck and the Save Grover citizens group championed the measures, Terek is against them.
Her platform advocates for protecting and maintaining the city’s water infrastructure and improving investment in roads, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, and the overall traffic flow.
“One of the things that’s been a mantra of mine for a long time is: Be kind, be curious, and be brave,” Terek said. “Those are phrases that don’t only just sound catchy, but I truly try to live my life, personally and professionally, focused on those things. I believe that authenticity really matters and that our residents deserve leaders who are genuine, transparent, and true to their values.”
Coveduck also has issues on his mind beyond the building heights measure—though he admitted he wouldn’t have run for City Council were it not for concerns about the changing Grover Beach skyline. If he wins the seat, he wants to find a replacement building site for the Grover Beach Police Department and improve transparency in water bills.
She pointed to the city’s risk of being out of compliance with state housing laws if the building heights measure passes.
“My concern is that the initiative creates permanent citywide restrictions that reduce flexibility for future officials and residents,” she said of F-26. “State housing requirements continue to evolve, and I believe that Grover Beach needs the ability to evaluate projects on their individual merits rather than being constrained by a blanket statement or any kind of limitations that aren’t easily adjusted.”
Terek is also opposed to the measure about the city clerk’s position. She believes the clerk should be hired as an employee after a thorough application and interview process.
identification of a promising new location that appears well-suited to support continued safe, convenient HHW [household hazardous waste] services for the community,” Del Giorgio told New Times in an email. “Negotiations are currently underway, and additional details will be shared once agreements are finalized and approved.”
Although a new location has been identified, residents will need to rely on other household hazardous waste facilities while the replacement site is developed. County residents can continue disposing of household hazardous waste free of charge at facilities in San Luis Obispo, Templeton, Paso Robles, and Nipomo, with a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds per visit.
Del Giorgio noted that residents should not throw hazardous materials into curbside trash or recycling bins during the transition.
“Even during the transition period, it is important to remember that HHW should always be kept
“For example, if someone has a water bill that’s $30 to use the piping to the street, they’re charged $60,” he said. “It doesn’t differentiate that if you have two dwellings.”
Coveduck has also vowed not to accept donations from builders and developers, adding that his campaign will be self-funded and free from political donations.
“I attended probably 90 percent of the Planning Commission meetings and the City Council meetings for the last year,” he said. “I feel that although I don’t have any official political experience, I have real-time experience. … I think it’s important that people who are ordinary citizens get involved.” ∆
out of curbside trash and recycling bins,” she said. “Items such as batteries, paint, pesticides, cleaners, sharps, and fluorescent bulbs require special handling to ensure safety and protect recycling systems.”
The agency is also encouraging residents to use retailer take-back programs for products such as household batteries, fluorescent bulbs, sharps, latex paint, and motor oil.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to take any of the items listed in our press release back to any local stores that sell those items, since that is a convenient and free option for residents to use,” Del Giorgio said, adding that the IWMA is also working with retailers to expand collection opportunities. For residents who cannot immediately dispose of hazardous waste, Del Giorgio said many materials can be safely stored at home.
While permitting, environmental review, and site
—Bulbul Rajagopal
NEW FACES Retiree Kelvin Coveduck, 65, (left) could face PG&E employee Shilo Terek, 42, (right) in the race to be Grover Beach’s next 1st District representative if they both qualify as candidates.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KELVIN COVEDUCK, COURTESY PHOTO BY KELSEY KAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Longest-running ‘A’
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improvements will still be required before the new facility can open, Del Giorgio said the agency has already assembled “a highly qualified team” that can begin work once the site is acquired.
She said that preparation “will help ensure a smooth and timely transition to the new facility.”
In the meantime, the IWMA is also planning one-time hazardous waste collection events for the North Coast and surrounding communities while work on the permanent site continues.
—Chloë Hodge
Point-in-Time Count shows drop in SLO County’s overall homelessness
San Luis Obispo County’s total number of homeless individuals decreased by 5 percent since 2024, according to the finalized 2026 Point-in-Time Count.
Required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Point-in-Time Count is a snapshot of
Bourne is referring to the 3 percent increase in the number of sheltered homeless people compared to 2025. Data from the Homeless Services Division showed the proportion of sheltered homeless individuals has been increasing since 2022, going from 20 percent that year to 40 percent in 2026.
The number of unsheltered people, on the other hand, has been declining since 2022, dropping from 80 percent that year to 60 percent in 2026.
“This convergence of the two lines indicates progress in the system that is working as intended,” Bourne said.
Unsheltered means a state of living in anything that isn’t an indoor space meant for human habitation.
This year, the county was able to validate trends against other community data like the Homeless Management Information System quarterly dashboard that collects information on housing and services provided to the homeless and those at risk of being unhoused across the county.
homelessness over a single day that takes place every other year. The 2026 survey occurred on Jan. 26, recording 1,118 people experiencing homelessness that day.
“Considering the decrease in overall homelessness, it is also important to note that we saw an increase in the count of sheltered individuals locally,” Kate Bourne with the county’s Department of Social Services told the SLO City Council at its
Countywide, veteran homelessness decreased by 47 percent, but the rate of homeless youth ages between 18 and 24 slightly increased.
Homelessness fluctuated in the city of SLO. While total homelessness went down from 512 in 2024 to 503 in 2026, the sheltered count rose from 202 to 230 people. The unsheltered count dropped from 310 to 273 people.
Forty-five percent of tallied homeless people resided in SLO, while 34 percent, 18 percent, and 3 percent of counted homeless people living across North County, South County, and the coastal region, respectively.
SLO Homelessness Response Manager Daisy Wiberg told council members that the Welcome Home Village and the Beacon Studios project could lead to a decrease in the number of unsheltered people.
“Welcome Home Village is set to open soon, which will house people on the Bob
Jones bike trail,” Wiberg said. “The Beacon Studios project is scheduled to open next summer or fall, and that’ll be 79 new units.”
The city is also trying to improve encampment response that ensures staff offer services to the homeless first and coordinate with the specialized Community Action Team (CAT) and the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU).
According to the city’s July 22 press release, SLO plans on reinforced coordination with county Behavioral Health and embed clinicians with the CAT and MCU teams in response to high levels of serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and domestic violence reflected in the Point-in-Time Count.
SLO Tenants Union member Barry Price told city officials at the meeting that the county’s presentation of the count failed to explore why many people are unhoused, adding that there’s a “disturbing increase” in the number of working people, families, young adults, and children experiencing homelessness.
“We’d like to know how many of these people were formerly housed and lost their homes due to eviction or inability to pay rent,” Price said. “I’ll just remind council that prevention is the most cost-effective and human-centered solution. We can help keep people in their existing homes and off the streets by enacting no-fault eviction protections.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Two seats open as Templeton CSD election approaches
Two candidates entered the race for the Templeton Community Services District board of directors, with two seats up for election in the Nov. 3 general election.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Elections Division’s unofficial candidate list, incumbent Eric Mortensen and newcomer William Nowinski have filed nomination papers to run for the two available seats.
The seats are currently held by Mortensen and Wayne Petersen, whose term expires in December. New Times reached out to Petersen to ask whether he plans to seek reelection, but he did not respond before publication.
The filing period remains open through Aug. 7. If an eligible incumbent does not file by the deadline, the nomination period for that seat will be extended through Aug. 12
for non-incumbent candidates.
The Templeton Community Services District is governed by a five-member elected board that oversees water, wastewater, fire and emergency services, parks and recreation, solid waste, drainage, and street lighting for roughly 8,000 residents.
Mortensen, who moved to Templeton in 2019 after living in San Luis Obispo, was appointed to the board after serving on district committees, including the administration and finance committee. This marks the first time he’ll appear on the ballot.
“I figured I would want to remain on the board and continue the work I’m doing up in Templeton,” Mortensen told New Times
He currently serves as a backup representative to the North Coast Advisory Council, participates in the district’s fire committee, and serves on its water and wastewater advisory committee.
Mortensen said one of Templeton’s greatest strengths is its close-knit atmosphere.
“We go to the parks a lot; we go to the concerts in the park, the farmers market on Saturdays,” he said. “The walkability of being in downtown Templeton is absolutely amazing.”
Nowinski, a retired Caltrans transportation engineer who has lived in Templeton for about eight years, said his decision to run grew out of years of attending district meetings and serving on citizen committees, including the Measure A oversight committee and the district’s former sports and recreation committee.
“I’d like to be more involved,” Nowinski said. “It’s something that I can do now that I’m retired.”
He said he also hopes contested elections encourage greater public participation.
“I thought I’ll put my name in just to give people a chance to know there’s other people out there,” he said. “If there’s three names and you vote for two, at least people have a choice.”
Nowinski said preserving Templeton’s small-town character is one of the reasons he wants to serve.
“It looks really beautiful when you drive down Main Street,” he said. “I have no problem with additional businesses moving in, but I want them to maintain that same feel when you drive through Templeton.” ∆ —Chloë Hodge
TEAMWORK More than 260 volunteers surveyed homeless individuals across SLO County on Jan. 26 during the Point-in-Time Count. Their findings helped identify trends over the years; most recently overall homelessness has dropped in the county by 5 percent.
I Met an Old Lady from Wheeling …
A pleasantly plump 65-plus widow, a connoisseur of limericks, spotted an ad for short stories. Pure whimsy.
There once was a 55 contest. With rules not subject to protest. The stronger her courage, the shorter the verbiage. With great trepidation, she damned hesitation. Not word too absurd and becoming perturbed. She pushed the send button.
Karen Underhill Flagstaff, Arizona
Childhood Friend
After school I walk home with my best friend. I’ve been in love with him since we were 7, but he only sees me as a friend.
“I have a crush on someone,” he says. “Oh.” I look down. It hurts too much to hear. “I’m thinking of telling them soon.” “When?”
“Right about now.”
Douglas Perkins Ayase, Japan
Married Life at Middle Age
Honey—
Have you seen the here it is. I can’t find the I found it. What did you do with the never mind. Can you help me with got it. Where did you put the there it is. Can you I’ll do it. I can’t I did it.
Where did I put the whatever.
A Lost Boy
Misery, Minecraft, mayhem, and more
Since 1987, New Times has insisted that you, too, can become a published writer. In our annual 55 Fiction contest, we ask would-be authors to send us their tiny stories and cross their fingers. In 55 words or fewer, weave a tale full of emotion, description, and surprise. Give us characters and a story arc. It’s tough to do, but some folks have a real knack for it. Others, … not so much. What started as a local contest has grown into one that receives stories from all over the world. This year’s entries are cheeky, absurd, mysterious, and dangerous. They tell us about life, love, rage, sadness, fantasy, and more. With six judges, we did our darndest to pick the best of the best.
—Camillia Lanham
The Sun Called in Sick
Morro Bay in July. The sun stumbled in around 2. Late. Hungover. Took one look, decided it wasn’t worth it. Left the mess untouched.
The fog clocked in early. Didn’t speak. Didn’t blink. Covered everything. Like it always does. Knows the routine. Hides the evidence. Never asks for thanks.
Knows you don’t mean it.
This is a True Story
I knew a strange man
He had a tattoo on his private part
He used it to win bets in bars
When he met a new girl
He would say I’ll be damned
Robert Pavlik San Luis Obispo
I work for the skies. I retrieve lost things from the human world and display them as constellations, in hopes that when you look up, you will remember. Today, on my first month at work, a small you appeared in my arms. Beaten, stitched, frail, and bony. Gently, I place you on the Orion Belt.
Kohei Kawada Yokohama, Japan
His viper corpse dropped, lifeless where he lies. I didn’t weep, I didn’t cry. I simply smiled and dropped the knife. Buried his body in packs of ice.
Me and Danny, Danny and I.
Jayden Hawkins Glendale Heights, Illinois
Torture
Jim Lowe Morro Bay
I have Your Name tattooed on my private part
It didn’t matter what their names were
He would always win the bet
Conscious
Donna Staub Ojai
They taught us memory’s proof of one’s self, so I trusted mine completely. I remembered my childhood home, my mother’s voice, the dog we adopted in third grade. Then the doctor showed me the file: implanted history, assigned upbringing, fabricated records. “We test identity stability,” they said. I asked who “we” were. They didn’t answer.
Joshua Andrade Mundelein, Illinois
Minecraft
I went to the store, bought Minecraft, and headed home.
I stole some money from an old man and ran into a pack of wolves. I killed a few sheep that got in my way. I burned a village and smiled as smoke drifted into the sky. Eventually I got home. And installed Minecraft
Douglas Perkins Ayase, Japan
Death to Danny
Me and Danny, Danny and I. Comrade in Canada, until his demise. Stabbed in the heart and slashed in the eyes.
I was bound and tied to the icy chamber. Pummeled by the wrath of Poseidon, I struggled to break free.
I yelled and cried, but all they did was laugh at me.
Mocked me for my distress, feeding off my pain. I looked up with pleading eyes.
“It’s just a bath, Max,” my owner said.
Eduardo Mendez Vernon Hills, Illinois
All the Better to Eat You With
The girl didn’t look up as she set her basket down. “I saw a wolf today!” Granny smiled as the girl continued. “And I’ve been reading about predators. Did you know there’s a spider that eats its mother after it’s born? Well, I followed its example, but I’m still hungry. That’s why I came here.”
Tommy Millard Prairie Village, Kansas
Drifting
Ray’s wife was resting peacefully in bed.
She had Neptune-blue eyes, calm waves through a storm. She was his lifeline.
But it was getting late, so he let go of her hand. He watched the waves still on the monitor. White coats murmured as she drifted away forever. And the ocean filled his eyes.
Kaima Akpuokwe Aurora, Illinois
In the Beginning
I was walking Brad, my pit bull, when I saw God in the park.
Lanky with straggly gray hair.
“I’m God,” He yelled.
Nearby, a teenage girl in tree pose locked eyes with Him and smiled.
“God conquers all,” He shouted.
Brad bared his teeth, growling.
God was no dummy: He turned and sprinted away. Jon Slotnick Atascadero
Oro
They came from everywhere to see it shine in the light, glistening with a golden-yellow hue that shone with endless possibility. One by one, we each got to hold it, raising it up to the sky and imagining the life we could build with it. Just think of how sweet the tamales would be. Elote.
Aaron Izek Burbank
Status Quo
The day after seemed like a normal one until … Coffee made him sleep, Food made him hungry, Sun made him cold and pale, Air made him gasp, Work made him happy, Music made him frown, and sex made him sad. Then she made him cry, and he sighed in relief.
Colin Jones SLO
Generations
“I saw you steal those cigarettes,” the old lady said to the young thief blowing smoke rings outside the 7-Eleven.
“Yeah, well thanks for not snitching on me.”
“I still might,” she said.
“Go ahead, but you’d better do it fast ’cause those Butterfinger bars you shoved up your sleeves are melting fast.”
Catherine Gardner Arch Cape, Oregon
Shock Till you Drop
Bound to his chair, Teddy awaited the moment that they flipped the lever and stopped his heart. Trembling hands. Shallow breaths. Over the machine’s clicking and whirring, he screamed, “Please, I don’t want to die!”
As he strained in his seat, a bellowing voice said, “Please keep your hands and feet inside at all times!”
Ethan Lozada League City, Texas
The Antagonistic Antics of Giant Militants
My home was crumbling. Cries filled the city as buildings tumbled.
Evacuations had begun, soldiers guiding the stampede. We scurried to gather anything we could carry before the monsters returned.
We flooded out to human laughter and blinding daylight. Looking back, I watched giant children’s shoes deal the final blow, dooming any ants still inside.
Isabella Pearce League City, Texas
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
My sister Evangeline and I hold hands on the porch. Nuclear flames rain down on our neighborhood. Evangeline is silent, adrift in her autism. The only word she has ever said is, “Tomorrow.”
The Stygian blaze consumes Daddy’s Honda. We are alone.
Death is flicking at us.
“Today,” Evangeline says, finally speaking her second word.
PR Lee Columbia, Maryland
Husbandry
She cried for days after the men took away the child they had forced her to bear. She thrashed against the cold metal bars, which had imprisoned her from the moment her body was able to produce babies, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Later, men attached cups to her underside, sucking milk from her teats.
T.S.
Cummins Shanghai, China
‘Mondays’
“Mondays, amirite?” he asks, sitting down at his workstation.
“Mondays,” she replies.
“Think we’ll see a change today?”
“Not likely.”
“In that case, I’m taking my break.”
He floats to the aft section of their workspace, pulls a lever, and disappears out the air lock.
“Mondays,” she sighs, unbuckling her safety harness and letting go.
Nick Coughlin
A Pretty Penny
“Honey, the funds are running out quickly.”
He hummed distractedly. “I know, Viv, it’ll be fine.”
She frowned, her eye twitching, then sighed. Her arms came to hug his neck. “I wish you would have taken this seriously.”
He paused. “Would have?”
Her arms tightened, sweetly. “Your heart will sell for a pretty penny, Honey.”
Zoë Jester Mundelein, Illinois
A Healthy, Organic Diet
For three decades, Bennett weathered total isolation. He swallowed filtered rainwater, coaxed bruised vegetables from barren dirt, and avoided human touch. All to outlast the flesh-rotting global plague. Safe inside his sanctuary, he grinned, sinking his teeth into a succulent, homegrown tomato.
It lodged deep.
Refrigerator
Art Tells All
Recently divorced, empty nester, untethered. Andie surveyed her sterile refrigerator. The old one captured her life: kids’ art, vacation magnets, myriad photos, emergency numbers. Unlike social media, a refrigerator reveals the owner’s true essence. Andie’s Betty Ford roommate shared an affirmation card: Positivity Radiates from Me like F***ing Sunshine. New fridge. It’s a start.
Calling all cyclists
Bike San Luis Obispo County underscores the local passion for cycling through a safety program geared toward parents and kids.
Since 2009, Kidical Mass—a parade of locals of all ages—has taken to the streets of SLO on bikes of all kinds. There are seasoned BMX riders able to perform tricks, younger ones on balance bikes, and even toddlers secured onto their parents’ bikes.
“It’s a family-friendly group bike ride that teaches safe cycling skills to parents and children with the goal of empowering them to be cyclists in their communities,” Bike SLO County Education Coordinator Julia Valentine said.
The wheels for Kidical Mass first turned in Eugene, Oregon, in 2008. Families put the event together to celebrate Ted White—the creator of the 1992 bike culture documentary Return of the Scorcher—coming to town.
The documentary captured pedicab designer George Bliss calling a backlog of cyclists at traffic intersections “critical mass.” The name caught on to describe a group of cyclists pedaling together down any given route.
Riffing on that phrase, Kidical Mass has since spread across the country, often morphing into “bike buses” where people organize rides to keep kids safe while biking to and from school.
Valentine has witnessed toddlers who participated in some of SLO’s first Kidical Mass trips grow into teenagers and young adults who ride their bikes together around the city.
“You build some confidence in young children, they’re going to take that with them into their older years and older school years,” she said. “What’s more joyful than being a 10-year-old on your bike riding to school? Hardly anything.”
SLO’s Kidical Mass usually takes place on the third Thursday of every month from April through October. Diminishing attendance made organizers wonder if the program should be retired for a while, but the May gathering in Los Osos drew 100 people. That success compelled Kidical Mass to return to Los Osos in July.
The next ride will kick off at 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at SLO’s Mitchell Park. Sign-ups aren’t required. Interested participants can track upcoming dates on Instagram @bikeslocounty and show up for scheduled trips.
Kidical Mass bike rides
are short and sweet, averaging between 15 minutes and half an hour. Valentine gives a brief safety talk to attendees explaining the route and expectations for the ride. Following helmet fittings, she sometimes gives away extra gear like lights. Then she heads to the front of the pack and leads the ride.
“We set off on our journey together, and I have a speaker and a flag,” she said. “We rock it out, and we ride through the streets having a good time representing safe cycling for families.”
Education is as important as safety. Valentine stressed that bicycling is an activity that’s accessible to most people. She believes cycling boils down to a way for people to get around their community, and not just be perceived as a hobby or a workout.
“Oftentimes, when Americans think about cycling, they think about road cyclists that are riding together in their fancy outfits on their $10,000 bikes,” she said. “Our mandate is we want to embed cycling as an alternative mode of transportation into our local community. Cyclists and drivers alike.”
Kidical Mass doesn’t have a minimum age requirement but asks parents to sign a waiver if they’re bringing kids along. All levels of bicycles are welcome too. Valentine just asks all attendees to arrive with a good attitude.
“Some Kidical Mass in other parts of the country, I’ve heard that kids with training wheels or balance bikes are discouraged from coming, but we’re kind of an equal-opportunity Kidical Mass group,” she said with a laugh. “If you got some wheels under you, we say, ‘Come on down, we’re ready to host.’”
Fast fact
• Kick off back-to-school fun at the SLO County Public Libraries Extravaganza event on Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cuesta College. Sponsored by the county Library Foundation and Friends of the Library, the celebration includes carnival games, a treasure hunt, and meet-ups with characters like the storybook dragon from Dragons Love Tacos. A scheduled music event and a magic show will also be held at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center. Visit slolibrary.org for the complete calendar. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.
Innovation meets the field
When people bring home a carton of California strawberries, they probably aren’t thinking about plant diseases, soil health, or the students spending long days collecting samples in a field.
As a plant pathologist, I do.
Because behind every strawberry is years of research, countless hours of fieldwork, and a shared commitment to finding better ways to grow food. Every improvement we make today helps ensure that future generations can continue enjoying fresh, healthy strawberries while responsibly caring for our natural resources.
That is why the work happening at Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center matters.
The Strawberry Center is unlike most research programs. It is where science meets the realities of farming. Students, faculty, engineers, and California strawberry growers work side by side to tackle the challenges that will shape the future of agriculture—from emerging plant diseases and water efficiency to soil health, automation, and new strawberry varieties that can thrive under changing conditions.
Was Dwight Eisenhower a communist? As a Republican president in 1956, he ran on a platform of expansion of Social Security; federal assistance for construction of hospitals; increased federal aid for medical care of the needy; and the creation of a Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. And an immigration policy that provided a haven for oppressed peoples, based on equality of treatment and free from “discrimination between racial, nationality, and religious groups.”
For at least 45 years, though, the Republican Party’s main policy has been cutting taxes for the wealthy, getting rid of regulations that corporations don’t like, and telling us all that this will result in prosperity for everyone. It was marketed and sold to America by none other than Ronald Reagan himself. Instead, we have the greatest wealth inequality in the history of the country, billionaires prancing around onstage with chainsaws bragging about cutting “waste, fraud, and abuse,” and the top 0.1 percent—roughly 340,000 people—holding nearly $23 trillion of the nation’s wealth. Republicans in Congress are now telling Americans that we can no longer afford Medicare and Social Security. Ordinary people across the country are saying, “enough,” and running for office, calling for an end to corruption, making the rich pay their fair share, and making housing and health care affordable. Republicans call them communists.
If you want an America that works for everyone, find a few of these candidates and support them. Write some postcards, do some calling, or make a small donation. You can call them communists or call them democratic socialists, progressives,
What makes this work so valuable is that it doesn’t stop in the laboratory.
Ideas are tested where they matter most: in commercial strawberry fields, under real growing conditions, alongside the growers who understand these challenges firsthand. Research only creates value when it leads to practical solutions farmers can confidently adopt.
That partnership is what makes the Strawberry Center so unique.
For decades, California strawberry growers, through the California Strawberry Commission, have invested in research because they know farming requires constant innovation. Their commitment has created an environment where scientists and growers learn from one another, where Cal Poly students gain learn-by-doing experience solving real-world problems, and where discoveries move quickly from research plots into commercial fields.
As researchers, we investigate questions
independents, prairie populists, or Democrats. Maybe even call them 1956 Republicans. Let’s call them members of Congress.
Alison Jones Baywood-Los Osos
Who decides what the public gets to hear?
San Luis Obispo County’s July 30 event, Diablo Canyon 2045: Local and Statewide Implications, is being promoted as an informational session. But an informational session should present more than one side of an issue.
The announced speakers include an economist who previously supported extending Diablo Canyon’s operation and PG&E representatives discussing the plant’s safety, seismic monitoring, and operations. Missing are independent experts who question the economic case for keeping Diablo Canyon open through 2045, including analysts from the Environmental Working Group and The Utility Reform Network (TURN), whose research estimates extension costs could reach $20 billion to $45 billion.
that consumers may never think about but that affect every berry they purchase. How can we identify a soilborne pathogen before it damages a crop? How can stronger strawberry varieties naturally withstand disease? How can farmers use water more efficiently? How can new technologies improve precision while supporting the people who grow our food?
These aren’t academic exercises.
They’re questions that influence food security, environmental stewardship, farm productivity, and the long-term sustainability of California agriculture.
Our students are central to this work. Undergraduate and graduate researchers aren’t simply learning science from a textbook— they’re helping generate new knowledge. They work alongside growers, collect field data, evaluate emerging technologies, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to solve tomorrow’s agricultural challenges.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job
Also absent are independent voices on seismic risk, public health, radioactive waste, and environmental impacts.
Perhaps most surprising, San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace—an organization that has monitored Diablo Canyon for more than 50 years through licensing proceedings, environmental reviews, and independent radiation monitoring—was not invited to participate.
The county has also announced a panel of representatives from education, business, labor, and other sectors but has not identified who they are. Taxpayers deserve to know
is watching those students become future leaders and our collaborators.
I’m especially encouraged by the growing number of women pursuing careers in agricultural science. Across the Strawberry Center, women serve as faculty members, graduate researchers, laboratory leaders, and technical specialists who are advancing plant science and sustainable farming. Their leadership strengthens both our research today and the future of agriculture.
Ultimately, the Strawberry Center is about much more than strawberries.
It’s about ensuring that future generations have access to safe, nutritious food grown with care. It’s about preparing the next generation of scientists and agricultural leaders. And it’s about demonstrating what is possible when universities, researchers, and California strawberry growers work together with a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
The next time you enjoy California strawberries, I hope you’ll remember that behind every berry is a community of farmers, students, researchers, and innovators working every day to build a healthier, more sustainable future for the food we all depend on. ∆
Dr. Hewavitharana leads the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s Plant Pathology Program.
who will be speaking before the event takes place.
No one is arguing against holding a public forum. We welcome it. But if the county truly wants to educate rather than persuade, it should broaden the panel to include qualified independent experts representing environmental, consumer, public health, seismic, and economic perspectives.
A public forum should inform—not advocate.
Molly Johnson Templeton
Wasted
Disposing of hazardous wastes is kind of a bitch. You gotta load the hazardous waste into your vehicle without spilling it all over, drive to a facility that accepts it also without spilling, and show an ID as proof of residency. The SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority allows residential addresses to dispose of up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per visit at no cost … except your time and trouble. Sadly, it’s common for households to take the easy—and highly illegal—way out and dump waste down the drain.
According to a study by the nonprofit LR Foundation, “More than 2 in 5 households globally (41 percent) dispose of their waste in an uncontrolled manner.”
Obviously, communities should make it as easy as possible to dispose of hazardous waste, so it seems kind of crazy that Morro Bay is shuttering its current Household Hazardous Waste Facility before securing a new location. The facility has been accepting hazardous waste for 25 years, but it’s located at the former wastewater treatment plant that’s slated for demolition.
Integrated Waste Management plans to eventually open a new location in the area, but when and where remains a mystery. In the meantime, North Coast residents should travel to facilities in San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, Templeton, or Paso Robles to dispose of their waste. Seeing as how 40 percent of households find it too troublesome
to dispose of waste properly now, how’s this suspension of nearby services going to affect coastal residents and their communities?
Glug, glug, glug.
In unrelated news, on July 21, the SLO Fire Department had to respond to a hazardous materials incident at an unnamed business in the 3200 block of Broad Street. Apparently, a customer brought in items to sell including a container he or she thought contained silver, but when opened, silver liquid poured out. The customer and business employee attempted to clean it up before realizing it was toxic, elemental mercury. Whoops! It’s all fun and games until we’ve completely poisoned our environment, eh? At the time of this writing, the building was red tagged as hazmat workers needed to clean up the tiny spill and make sure toxic mercury vapors weren’t present.
been a vocal supporter of the measure to limit building heights. In fact, it’s almost the only reason he’s running. Robert Robert, the current 1st District council member, supposedly isn’t running for reelection, according to Coveduck, though Bob-Bob didn’t respond to New Times’ request for confirmation.
“He was on Facebook and decided to run, and then he pulled all his information off Facebook, and so I wanted to clarify that position because I had told him a couple months ago that I would not run against him as an incumbent,” Coveduck said of Rob-Rob. “We have our disagreements, but I felt he was a good City Council member.”
Playing nice? What’s going on down there, Grover Beach?
However, Coveduck decided to throw his hat into the ring when he realized that if Bert-Bert wasn’t going to run, Shilo Terek would run unopposed. Terek, 42, is a PG&E principal program manager and an opponent of the building heights measure. Build, baby, build!
accept money from businesses and builders. The retired radiographer is also running on more transparency.
“For example, if someone has a water bill that’s $30 to use the piping to the street, they’re charged $60. It doesn’t differentiate that if you have two dwellings,” he noted.
Sounds shady.
Speaking of shadiness and lack of transparency, what’s going on with local real estate kingpin John King of King Ventures and the pending RICO lawsuits against him? These are the kinds of legal travails that make being super rich seem un-fun.
RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law that in the cases against King seek civil financial penalties for acts performed by an ongoing criminal organization. Criminal? Racketeering? Yikes!
Speaking of toxic, the Grover Beach “skyscraper” battle continues, and the next battleground is the upcoming November election where two candidates for the 1st District City Council seat are squaring off over a proposed building height ordinance on the ballot, which if passed would put the city out of compliance with California state law.
Kelvin Coveduck has
Speak
“My concern is that the initiative creates permanent citywide restrictions that reduce flexibility for future officials and residents,” Terek said. “State housing requirements continue to evolve, and I believe that Grover Beach needs the ability to evaluate projects on their individual merits rather than being constrained by a blanket statement or any kind of limitations that aren’t easily adjusted.”
For his part, Coveduck, 65, said his campaign would be self-funded and won’t
The lawsuits were brought by Wolverine Endeavors VIII LLC and Coronitas Holdings LLC, two creditors that claim they’re owed more than $20 million by King and his associates. They’re accusing King and his companies of ongoing fraud designed to protect his family’s assets from being seized by legitimate creditors.
King’s son, JG King; King’s late wife, Carole King; and King’s business partner and fellow developer, Rob Rossi; as well as King’s lawyer, Paul Metchik, are among those named in the suit. They deny any wrongdoing.
Don’t pop your corn quite yet, though. The trial doesn’t start until July 27, 2027. ∆
The Shredder must be disposed of responsibly. Drain its fluids and dismantle at shredder@ newtimesslo.com.
Hot Dates
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
4TH ANNUAL CAMBRIA JADE
FAIRE Divers, carvers, and jewelry designers will be selling Jade and more. Live local musicians will be playing throughout the day. Aug. 1 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 904-4547. jadestudiocambria.com. Jade Studio, 2601 Main St., Cambria.
ALCOHOL INK 101 Complete instructional workshop with all materials supplied, pre registration is required. Leard from award winning artist Judy Maynard in her studio. First Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. through Dec. 2 $95. (805) 286-8380. artwithjudyann.com. Art With Judy Ann Studio Gallery, 2024 Main Street, Cambria.
THE BUTLER DID IT Enjoy this comedy whodunit by Tim Kelly, directed by Samvel Gottlieb. Mystery writers are invited to impersonate their fictional detectives at an event...and then a murder happens. July 24 7 p.m., July 25 , 7 p.m., July 26 , 3 p.m., July 31 7 p.m., Aug. 1 , 7 p.m. and Aug. 2 , 3 p.m. $30. (805) 776-3287. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.
CALL OF THE WILD EXHIBIT
The Call of the Wild exhibt embraces of energy, passion and freedom of the world around us in vivid, dynamic, or whimsical ways. Through Aug. 3, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
CAMBRIA ARTS POP-UP
MARKETPLACE Shop at this local artists pop-up marketplace, with paintings, jewelry, mosaics, ceramics, and more.
July 25 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 4402784. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria, cambriaarts.org.
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
CREATIVES CLUB CAMPS Three-day weekly creative sessions filled with themed art projects, collaborative activities, and skill-building in a nurturing studio setting. The camp is $250 a week or $700 for all three weeks. Through July 23 and Through July 30 $250. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studio & Gallery, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay. DIGITAL ART DEMO WITH FRED VENTURA Fred Ventura will demonstrate how to create vibrant, bold, and highly detailed digital artworks with Procreate. All levels are welcomed. July 26 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay. org/workshops. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever
Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS FINE ART OIL PAINTINGS BY PATRICIA NEWTON Enjoy representational oil paintings of California’s waves, coastline and rolling hills, built up in translucent glazed layers that glow from within.
Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA Morro
Bay photographer Gregory Siragusa transforms dawns, harbors, oceans, cities, mountains, and sunsets into meditations on beauty and existence. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS MIXED MEDIA & PAPER
ARTS BY HOPE MYERS Hand crafted journals, bookmarks, books, paper works, mixed media, watercolors and jewelry are on display in the Gallery’s Craft Atelier Space. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
MORRO BAY COMEDY NIGHT See comedian Chris Cruz give a stellar performance here in SLO County. Chris has been a comedian for 14 years and performs all over the country sharing his Latino upbringing and relationship advice. July 31 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Nauti Anchor Bar, 2940 Main Street, Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert
LAZY LOCALS
Hear the early ’80s band Up in the Air perform on Sunday, July 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Castoro Cellars in Templeton as part of the Lazy Locals series. Enjoy some “dam fine” wine and food by La Parilla while listening to tunes. Reserve a table at castorocellars.com or bring a blanket and chair to sit on the grass for free.
—Angie Stevens
Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
INTERMEDIATE BOOKMAKING : LINK STITCH JOURNALS Create one or two hand-bound journals using the versatile link-stitch binding. Learn optional suminagashi and paste paper decoration techniques. The class is beginner friendly; all experience levels are welcome. July 26 1-5 p.m. $100. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481, fieldworkart.org.
INTERMEDIATE SILVERSMITHING: RETICULATED RING BAND Learn the art of reticulation to make a ring band. Choose all silver or silver with 14k Gold Trim for mixed metal technique. July 25 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $165-$300. (805) 464-2564. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero.
INTERMEDIATE SILVERSMITHING:
WIRE CUFF BRACELET Pick your stone and bezel to make your own, unique OOAK wire cuff bracelet. Experience is required. Participants should first take the Fieldwork Ring Stackers and/or Stone Stetting class first. Aug. 1 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $200. (805) 464-2564. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL Don’t miss Matilda the Musical! at Templeton Performing Arts Center. This awardwinning musical promises an inspiring theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. July 31 7:30-9 p.m., Aug. 1 2-4 p.m. and Aug. 2 , 2-4 p.m. $15 - $40. (805) 712-1224. winecountrytheatre.org/. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
“CRAFT”ERNOON AT ART CENTRAL Art Central would like to open their gallery doors to artists who need workspace! Bring your own supplies and try out some sample supplies too. July 31 4-6 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam
Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART
CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build your own one-of-akind JunkBot using vintage and found objects, then assemble, personalize, name it, and receive a hand-stamped brass tag to complete your creation. Aug. 1 , 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.
CALL FOR ARTISTS SLO Gallery is now organizing small group exhibits for our central viewing area. One of the displayed artists will be a co-op member. The others can be local or visiting artists. Drop by the SLO Gallery to sign up and see which of our artists on display you may be interested in doing a group show with. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, SLOgallery.com.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS: SUMMER BREAK WITH CAROLINA LUNA Creative Kids is continuing through summer! As always, we will be exploring a variety of mediums throughout the series. This session will also introduce cyanotypes! Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. through Aug. 5 $150. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ELEMENTS OF ART FOR TWEENS AND TEENS WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your young artists through the fundamentals of art. Each week will focus on a different element.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTORO CELLARS
Hot Dates
6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 720-1164. SLO Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.
MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 835-
Area, 1100 15th St., Los Osos.
BREATHE AND STRETCH One must be able to get down onto the floor and back up again, with ease, in order to participate in this 55-minute session. It’s specifically designed to enhance mobility and strength. Please bring a mat and some water. Mondays, 9-10 a.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
CENTRAL COAST SLIM DOWN Take control of food without suffering. Learn a step-by-step process to take control of overeating, cravings, and feel peace with food. Build the habits, mindset, and your unique path with results that stick. Hosted byTami Cruz (Certified Health/Life Coach) and Dana Charvet (Coach/Fitness Trainer). ongoing Call for pricing info. (805) 235-7978. gratefulbodyhealthcoaching.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa,
self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS
Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information,
Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the art of axe throwing in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome with an adult. No personal axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. (805) 528-4880. baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos. GRAND OPENING: TEAM MOREIRA MORRO BAY Join as we celebrate the grand opening of Team Moreira Jiu Jitsu’s new Morro Bay location with open mat, signup deals, and more. July 26 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 215-6083. teammoreirabjj. com. Team Moreira Jiu Jitsu Morro Bay, 400 Quintana Road, Morro Bay. MORRO BAY LIONS CLUB MEN’S CLOTHING DONATIONS NEEDED Please
comprehensive system for improving physical and mental health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first for info and exact location. Fridays, 9-10 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED
EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY
FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy.
Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA
WITH SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES Enjoy free entertainment, carnival games, character meet-and-greets, photo booth, food trucks, and other fun activities. Aug. 1 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. sanluisobispo. librarycalendar.com. Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
K-POP PRINCESS DANCE PARTY Get ready for the ultimate dance party experience for kids who love music, magic, adventure, and all things fabulous. Whether your little one dreams of ruling a kingdom, performing on stage, or embarking on an epic quest, this unforgettable event lets them step into the spotlight and shine. July 26 , 2:30-3:30 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
OBON FESTIVAL This cultural event will include hula and taiko drumming presentations, food and soft drinks for purchase, Asian marketplace, a silent auction, and traditional Japanese folk dancing. Aug. 1 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-2625. slobuddhistchurch.org. San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Obon, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo.
PARTY FOR A PURPOSE Hear live music by B & The Hive, and enjoy raffle giveaways, games, information booths, and an Assistance League Thrift Store Pop-Up. July 23 5-7 p.m. Free. Court Street Terrace, 999 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, N/A.
REDEFINING WOMEN’S HEALTH - A COTTAGE VIRTUAL EVENT Physicians will share the vision behind the Cottage Center for Women’s Health and how it unifies primary and specialty care in a coordinated, patient-centered model. July 30 4-5 p.m. Free. cottagehealth.org/ womenshealth. Live Webinar, online, SLO County, (805) 489-1488.
ROCKEROS CONTRA ICE: CENTERPOINT
Rockeros Contra ICE is a benefit concert series that fundraises for Colectivo Mariposa. Colectivo Mariposa is a local mutual aid group based in Santa Maria that serves over 200 families by providing food, diapers, and miscellaneous small items to families who have had a family member kidnapped by ICE. Proceeds from this event go to purchasing these items. For this particular show, we are also conducting a back-to-school drive in which attendees who bring school supplies (i.e. backpacks, binders) will be entered into a raffle to win Colectivo Mariposa merch. July 31 7 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
TERRACE HILL COMMUNITY PICNIC AND CELEBRATION OF 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREENBELT
Gather for a community picnic at scenic Terrace Hill Open Space to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Greenbelt. July 25 6-8:30 p.m. Free. slocity.org. Terrace Hill Open Space, Bishop St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-7302.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2026 C10 SLO DOWN Don’t miss The West Coast Destination Classic GM Truck Show, powered by Choppin’ Block Chassis
BADGE BUDDIES Come to the Discovery Center and meet our Badge Buddies. Grover Beach Police Department is coming to the center to show us their vehicles. July 25 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 698-7351. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
FLYING GOAT WITH FAYE
Join tasting room ambassador Faye Walker (pictured left), a longtime wine club member who joined the Flying Goat Cellars team in 2023, during happy hour at the Lompoc winery on Friday, July 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy laughs with good people and wine for $35 a bottle or $15 a glass. Get additional information at flyinggoatcellars.com.
Products. Enjoy chill tunes all weekend with a live DJ, @lilmansreggae, setting the vibe both days. July 25 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 26 , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-$25. my805tix. com. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway,
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18
OCTOBER 10
WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM
ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: LUCA Between gelato, Vespas, and a hidden life beneath the waves, Luca captures the thrill of a summer you never want to end. Catch it in The Secret Garden this July. July 24 7-9 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social SACRED SOUNDS PORTAL: PISMO BEACH Begin your weekend by diving deep into a sanctuary of restoration for a profound inner exploration a “soul-cation”! Located just blocks from the rhythmic, grounding pulse of the Pacific Ocean and nestled within the vibrant, crystal-infused space of The Portal at Living Energies, Sacred Sounds Portal is a monthly morning retreat designed to realign your mind, body, and spirit. July 25 9-10:30 a.m. $25. my805tix.com. The Portal at Living Energy, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, (805) 433-7685.
SCIENCE AFTER DARK JULY NAUTICAL NIGHT Join us for local wine and heavy appetizers from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. while you tour the aquarium. Coffee, tea, and desserts upstairs to follow with our guest speakers for Scuba Night beginning at 7 p.m. July 28 , 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280. TECH SAVVY SENIOR 2.0 It’s Back! Tech Savvy Senior 2.0Updated for everything that’s changed. Phones, passwords, scams, and even a little AI. A relaxed, no-judgment session where no question is too small. Bring your phone and your questions and let’s figure this out together! July 29, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. my805tix.com. Hilton Garden Inn, 601 James Way, Pismo Beach.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
THE PACIFIC COAST WINE TRAIL PRESENTS: WINE FOR PINES Join the benefit for Greenspace, with eight boutique wineries, musical performances by Jill Knight and Forever Green, local food for purchase, a kids’ zone, eco-vendors, and more! Kids and designated drivers get in for free! Aug. 1 , 1-4 p.m. $45. (805) 927-2866. pacificcoastwinetrail.com/events. Creekside Reserve, 2264 Center St., Cambria.
WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton. CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.
CORKS FOR CANINES Bring in an unopened bag of dog treats or a brand-new dog toy, we’ll donate them and you’ll get a complimentary tasting plus 10% off. Mondays, ThursdaysSundays, 5 p.m. through July 31 Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.
SUMMER CONVERT SERIES Head over to Hubba Wines in Tin City for sun-setting good vibes. Food and Wine available for purchase. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 28 $5 donation. (805) 550-8190. hubbawines.com/events/. Hubba Wines, 2929 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.
TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as
shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
MONDAY MEET UP Come by your local neighborhood park and enjoy great food presented by 805 Food Trucks. Bring the whole family to a different park each Monday! July 27 5-7:30 p.m. Free. slorecactivities.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.
PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA Join us for trivia every Thursday evening, hosted by Bottlecraft! Enjoy prizes, beer, wine, and food from the Market Hall! Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
2026 JAPANESE OBON FESTIVAL The street festival includes Obon dances, martial arts demonstrations, Bonsai instruction, and taiko drumming. Food includes chicken teriyaki dinners, Udon noodles, Kushiyaki, Sushi, Strawberry Shortcake. There will be a raffle and silent auction. July 26 12-6 p.m. Free. (805) 343-1053. guadalupebuddhistchurch.org/obon-festival. Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria.
BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. org. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
FLY INTO FRIDAY WITH FAYE Ambassador Faye Walker is hosting July Happy Hour at the Flying Goat Tasting Room. Enjoy some laughs and a bottle of wine with her! July 24 , 4-6 p.m. $35/bottle and $15/glass. flyinggoatcellars.com. Flying Goat Cellars, 1520 Chestnut Court, Lompoc, (805) 757-6649.
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc. ∆
You’ve only got a few more days to see Brushstrokes and Off the Wall at Art Center Morro Bay.
The juried exhibitions, presented by The Painters Group of San Luis Obispo and Central Coast Sculptors, come down on Monday, Aug. 3.
Entry was open to all California artists and, all told, 46 paintings and 39 sculptures were selected.
Jurors included Ruta Saliklis for paintings and Marcia Harvey for sculpture. Saliklis, a Cuesta College art instructor, was recently selected as a 2026-2027 Fulbright Scholar. Harvey is also a Cuesta art instructor.
“Both have wide experience in the arts field and are esteemed educators,” the Art Center added.
“Brushstrokes represents a wide range of artistic expression in painting mediums, including acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, encaustic, digital, and collage.
Sculptural mediums range from stone, metal, and glass to ceramic, paper, and mixed media,” the Center continued.
“All works in the exhibitions are originals, from the hand and eye of artists working to express their vision. Both groups emphasize a melding of aesthetics and technical excellence, along with an untrammeled creative spirit.”
Art Center Morro Bay is located at 835 Main Street. Call (805) 7722504 or visit artcentermorrobay. org for more information.
Glen Starkey
Tunesmith
Hear original pieces and old Broadway tunes from singer Gale McNeeley on his four-stop August tour called My Life in Song. He’ll be joined by pianist and Pacific Conservatory Theatre musical director Paul Marszalkowski.
McNeeley will sing originals and renditions of selections from his Broadway days. He toured with Marszalkowski last fall and said it was fun to share the stage with such an accomplished pianist.
“My greatest joy is singing to an audience that loves music and loves the type of music that I love,” McNeeley told New Times
The duo will play at the Unitarian Universalists church in SLO (2201 Lawton Ave.) on Aug. 9 at 3 p.m.; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Santa Maria (402 S. Lincoln St.) on Aug. 16 at 3 p.m.; Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara (1535 Santa Barbara St.) on Aug. 23 at 3 p.m.; and the Ojai Art Center (113 S. Montgomery St.) on Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.
At each intimate venue, McNeeley said he’s excited to see audience members’ reactions.
The first 45-minute act will be followed by intermission refreshments and a 30-minute second act.
A $15 donation is suggested at the door. No assigned seating. McNeeley said there’s room for everyone. ∆ Madison White
BY GLEN STARKEY
One man’s thoughts
Author Cliff Branch does his civic duty
By any unbiased measure, Cliff Branch is an astute observer of American politics and culture. He’s also an entertaining and lucid writer who scored a hit with 2015’s American Made: A Boomer’s Reflection—something of an oddball mashup of writing genres that inexplicably coalesces into a soul-bearing examination of a life well lived, missteps and all.
In it, he chronicles his Leave it to Beaver 1950s upbringing where the irascible kid is somewhere between the Beaver and Eddie Haskell. The memoir continues into the ’60s and ’70s and his early entrepreneurial endeavors including a head shop, hot tubs, and home stereos.
It’s also worth mentioning that Branch’s first book, written under the pen name David Britt, was The All-American Cocaine Story, about his early drug addiction and how he overcame it. He attended Cal Poly at risk of being drafted into Vietnam, he experienced the counterculture protests and the free love era, and he came out the other side a successful businessman, real estate tycoon, and developer.
Now he’s followed up with American Made: 2016-2026 A National in Turmoil, in which he examines the last decade’s changes to American culture, from the advent of smartphones, social media, AI, the 24/7 new cycle, two Trump presidencies, and other events, people, and trends that have reshaped the U.S.
“I just wrote this is a response to seeing the change,” he explained during a recent interview in his downtown SLO office. “I was just motivated. I was raised to speak up, and I think that if anyone looks at the book, they can tell I’m not exactly thrilled with the current situation.”
trends, he’s studied Trump for decades.
“I followed him closely from his days with Fred, his father, and through the Central Park Five. He was always in the business news, whether it was Fortune or Forbes or The Wall Street Journal because he was so controversial as a developer,” Branch noted. “I just never imagined he’d be president of the United States after decades of watching him, and particularly after the Hollywood video and the troubles he’s had with the women in the lawsuits against him.
Buy the bundle
You can get a copy of author Cliff Branch’s two books—2015’s American Made: A Boomer’s Reflection and 2026’s American Made: 2016-2026 A Nation in Turmoil shipped direct to your door for just $19, at americanmadestory.com. Both books feature cover paintings by SLO artist Gene Francis and dozens of images.
That said, Branch is not a partisan or ideologue. He and his writing come across as reasonable and measured. His hope is that the new book will cover a “greatest hits” of impactful moments over the past decade.
“There’s enough divisiveness out there already,” he said. “I didn’t see any reason to call names. I refer to him as ‘President Trump,’ but it’s not all about Trump. There’s a lot in there about my reflections on how fast our society has changed. I am bothered that we have a leader that is so meanspirited and so divisive and is on the news every day, essentially saying things that further divide our nation into two camps.
“I’m not really in either camp, particularly. I voted for both Republicans and Democrats. But I just try and vote for somebody that I think will do the best job.”
Branch’s business success has been largely due to his marketing acumen, and as a keen observer of business
“I don’t know anybody that I can think of who’s been involved in literally 4,000 lawsuits, a lot of which he pursued himself. I was just motivated to sit down and write. If nothing else, it was a bit of therapy, but it’s also just about growing older and feeling like the world’s passed me by a bit.”
Branch will turn 77 near the end of the year, and to read A Boomer’s Reflection, you get the idea that he’s lived many different lives over his nearly eight decades. The end of that book digs into observations of politics, but A Nation in Turmoil digs deeper. He forecast the power of Rupert Murdoch, Roger Ailes, and Fox News before many other observers.
AMERICAN MADE: A NATION IN TURMOIL Branch’s newest, written in just 120 days at the beginning of 2026, looks back at the last decade and the changes wrought by social media, AI, two Trump presidencies, and growing divisiveness.
MADE:
Cliff
“When I saw Rupert Murdoch and what he’d done with tabloids, I understood what an unbelievably good marketer he was,” Branch explained. “He came to the United States, looked at the market, and said, ‘Oh, you’ve got ABC, NBC, CBS, you’ve got them all fighting over 22 percent of the market.’ He sensed that there was 30 percent of the nation, 35 percent maybe, but a huge segment, that he could just devote himself to. And then he’d have the largest part of the market.
“I said, ‘This is going to change our culture. It’s going to change how we get our news. It’s going to have a huge impact on politics,’” Branch continued. “At that time, people were thinking I was overzealous in my assessment, but I just saw this thing coming.”
Branch’s prediction was spot-on, and, of course, the problem is many viewers take Fox News as factual.
“Fox News is an entertainment channel,” Branch said. “They have no semblance to traditional journalism. They claim they do, but they just don’t. So, I just figured I’d encourage whoever wanted to listen—I’m probably just howling at the moon—but to involve themselves in politics. If anybody reads this book, hopefully they’ll vote or become a little more involved in the facts. Maybe the pendulum will shift.” Branch doesn’t care who people vote for, but he hopes they’ll be guided by reason, care for fellow citizens, basic human rights, and factual evidence—not disinformation, alternative “facts,” and spin. He actually likes some of Trump’s policies and believes Democrats went too far with Biden’s open border policy and became too “woke” with the trans issue and some DEI policies
“My Democratic friends, they’re livid. They think Trump is a crook and a con man and they’re just angry. They just can’t stomach the guy,” Branch explained. “Those who’ve read the book were like, ‘Cliff, you’re being too mild here.’ My Republican friends were, ‘Wow, Cliff, you’re just a bit naive. You don’t understand. He’s a man’s man and he’s doing what no other president has done.’
“The one thing about Trump, I think nobody could argue, is he doesn’t tell the truth. He’s not attached to facts.”
Branch has already gotten a good response, mailing out hundreds of copies on his own dime. He’s only charging $19 for both books to cover shipping and handling. He simply hopes people will read and make their own assessment.
“I don’t know if it’ll get any attention or not, and if it does, fine, and if it doesn’t, you know, I did my job.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
A MAN WITH A MESSAGE: VOTE! Local developer and real estate tycoon Cliff Branch of Cal Coast Commercial penned a follow-up to his 2015 book, American Made: A Boomer’s Reflection, with American Made: A Nation in Turmoil
AMERICAN
A BOOMER’S REFLECTION Published in 2015,
Branch’s first book was part memoir, part business success story, and part political observation as he chronicled his personal ethical development alongside an evolving America.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFF BRANCH
IMAGES COURTESY OF CLIFF BRANCH
The return
hristopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Interstellar, Inception, Batman Begins) wrote and directed this action fantasy based on Homer’s epic poem about Odysseus (Matt Damon), king of Ithaca, who after the Trojan War faces a dangerous voyage home to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway). During the perilous journey, he encounters creatures such as the cyclops Polyphemus (Bill Irwin), the Sirens, and the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron). (172 min.)
THE ODYSSEY
What’s it rated? R
Glen I’m shocked at the number of critics and online commenters who are panning The Odyssey. Maybe they went in with certain expectations that weren’t met. Were they expecting something akin to Troy (2004), Clash of the Titans (1981, 2010), or Jason and the Argonauts? Nolan took liberties with the more than 12,000-line poem, leaving out parts and embellishing others, which for didactic classicists might be an affront. However, if you go in openminded, you’ll find an epic story about immigration, military aggression, and the importance of civility, aka Zeus’ Law— essentially the Golden Rule to do unto others as you would have done unto you. Odysseus is a man wracked with guilt who believes his Trojan Horse trickery has been an affront to the gods, leading to his trials and tribulations. The Bronze Age is imploding and corruption reigns. Leave it to Nolan to take a 3,000-year-old poem and make it a reflection of today.
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Bay, Colony, Downtown Center, Fair Oaks, Palm, Park, Stadium 10
Anna I’ve heard a lot of “it’s good, but it isn’t Oppenheimer ” in critiques of The Odyssey, and I say to those who live life in comparison mode: “Good, it isn’t Oppenheimer!” Nolan is an incredible writer-director, one who deserves to give us movies that are not carbon copies of each other, and when you look at the themes, I dare say you may find two very similar men as the titular characters of both films. Brilliance begets
BIG MISTAKES
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Nicky (Dan Levy) is a put-upon pastor whose mother, Linda (Laurie Metcalf); troublemaking sister, Morgan (Taylor Ortega); and suck-up sister, Natalie (Abby Quinn), keep him irritatingly busy alongside his congregation—a congregation happy to have a gay pastor as long as he is “non-practicing.”
Morgan’s reckless (yet, to be quite honest, so relatable) behavior put herself and Nicky into a sticky situation with some unsavory characters, so the two are forced to fulfill promises to Ivan (Mark Ivanir) after Morgan shoplifts a necklace
destruction quite often, and Odysseus is a man we find in the wake of that realization. He’s struggling to remember not just what he has done but who he is—why exactly he yearns to find home so deeply. At Ithaca, Penelope holds an ardent love for her husband, last seen more than 20 years ago. Her grown son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), has been raised in the turbulence of a kingdom without a king, and his need to know of his father’s fate soon sends him on his own perilous journey. Antinous (Robert Pattinson) is a loathsome but cunning suitor, ready to upend the crown. It’s Homer’s sweeping tale brought to us with true Hollywood flare. I loved it.
Glen The film sometimes breezes over story elements, like The Siren section, which is great but not fully developed, but it handles other elements in interesting and surprising ways. The scene with Samantha Morton as Circe, the witch goddess who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs, is amazing,
that turns out to be worth much more than the $79 price tag.
Metcalf, as always, is amazing as Linda—and, boy, am I glad she isn’t my mom. Blustering and hardassed, she gives her kids a run for their money. Nicky is just trying to keep his life from imploding. But doing so while trying to balance the women in his family, his secret boyfriend, and the weight of his faith all at the same time is exasperating.
Levy is always a gem, and while it can’t (and shouldn’t) be compared to Schitt’s Creek Big Mistakes is another bingeable gold nugget from him. Warm, funny, and absurd adjacent. (eight 31-to-37-min. episodes).
—Anna
UNFORCED ERROR Morgan (Taylor Ortega) and her openly gay pastor brother, Nicky (Dan Levy), find themselves blackmailed into crime after Morgan takes something she shouldn’t have, in Big Mistakes, streaming on Netflix.
RIDE OR DIE
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Prime
Cand Morton delivers an intensely thrilling performance. Likewise, the interaction with the cyclops is so layered with meaning, and Bill Irwin, the actor and clown, is perfect for the role. Instead of our classic idea of a cyclops, his face is twisted and deformed, and his character becomes one of sympathy, not horror. If I ever get a chance to see this in IMAX, I’d gladly watch it again. It’s a stunning achievement.
Anna Irwin’s performance and the digital design of the character made him so sympathetic. I remember in reading the poem feeling as if the urgency was to flee a terrible beast, but in the film, I saw little more than a wounded animal, a simple sheep farmer tending to his flock. I found the film moving, and, while epic in length at three hours, well worth it. Nothing but praise from me. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
years. Can you say “betrayal”? Meanwhile, David is up to some shady business, sending Debbie into a tailspin just as she and Judith are falling out.
reated by Tessa Coates ( Massive Dad ), this new miniseries set in the U.K. and other parts of Europe follows besties
Debbie (Octavia Spencer) and Judith (Hannah Waddingham) as they go on the run from a mysterious enemy.
Debbie is married to David (Jamie Parker), a member of Parliament who has his sights set on becoming Britain’s next prime minister. Judith, it turns out, is a highly trained assassin who’s hidden her identity from Debbie for 25
It’s a rough road for Debbie! What do you do when you find out your closest friend, your confidant, your “ride or die” trusted ally isn’t who she says she is? In Judith’s mind, she was protecting her friend, so how can she fix it? When they’re not dodging bullets and evading high-speed pursuits, they’re left to work through their trust issues and discover what was real in their relationship. The leads are great together, creating a warm chemistry that frays but is still present. The miniseries also features an always welcome Bill Nighy as The Director, Judith’s ruthless boss. Fun throughout! (eight 48-to-55-min. episodes). ∆ —Glen
GETTING TO KNOW YOU Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer star in the mismatched buddy crime dramedy Ride or Die, streaming on Prime.
THE LONG WAY HOME Odysseus (Matt Damon, center) faces one challenge after another as he voyages home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife and son, in The Odyssey, screening in local theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON MGM STUDIOS AND PRIME VIDEO
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
BY GLEN STARKEY
Rock ’n’ roll renaissance
Rock Lord revives MTV’s ’80s rock heyday Music
Iwas more into the new wave and punk sounds of the ’80s, but over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate the spectacle that is spandex-clad, big-haired ’80s rock ’n’ roll, and if it’s your jam, there’s a new band in town that you’re going to want to meet.
“I started a new band called Rock Lord. Nothing pretentious with that name of course,” quipped drummer Ray Rocha, who’s perhaps best known as drummer of the AC/ DC tribute act High Voltage. “We’re playing rock hits and anthems relating to big hair, spandex, and MTV’s glory years. I’m talking Whitesnake, Ozzy, Def Leppard, Dokken, Ratt, Bon Jovi, and the like.”
True to the era, Rock Lord is loud and proud.
“It’s a five-piece, two-guitar attack,” Rocha continued. “This is a celebration. Traveling heavy, and true to the period, I am bringing a 10-piece drum set! So fun.”
Sounds very Tommy Lee and Mötley Crüe of Rocha. Lee and Rocha both play DW drums, so it makes sense. Rocha’s been drumming since he was a kid. His pops, Ernest Rocha, was an accomplished pianist and arranger in LA, so he comes from a musical background.
“Rock Lord is a high-energy rock band
dedicated to bringing the thunderous sound and unforgettable spirit of ’80s arena rock back to the stage,” their website said. “Rock Lord encourages the audience to come dressed to impress with outfits of the era. Aqua Net is a thing!”
Rock Lord hits the stage at The Pour House on Saturday, Aug. 1 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; tickets starting at $12.56 at my805tix.com).
Real brothers and metaphorical brothers
Whether we’re talking the actual brothers of Los Lonely Boys (Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza) or the metaphorical brothers of Los Lobos (David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin), both acts embrace their Chicano heritage— cultural pride and a devotion to social justice and political consciousness.
Nederlander Concerts presents both bands at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Saturday, Aug. 1 (doors at 6:30, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $47 to $172 at ticketmaster.com).
Los Lobos are the elders, a legendary band that formed more than 50 years ago in East LA and grew into a global phenomenon. Over the years, they’ve expanded far beyond
Live Music
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
BRASS MASH AT NIFFY’S
MERRIMAKER Brass Mash is coming to Baywood Park! Join us for an evening of mashups, dancing and community! July 25 , 6-9 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Niffy’s Merrimaker, 1301 2nd St, Los Osos, (805) 534-1007.
LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary,
and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.
MUSIC AT THE ROCK The White Caps Community Band presents pops, jazz, and family favorites with guest vocalist Mitch Latting, led by conductor Brenda Hascall. Aug. 1 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay White Caps Community Band, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883.
their rock early days and debut 1978 album, Just Another Band from East L.A., stretching into Tex-Mex, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, boleros, and norteños. With 17 studio albums to their credit, they have a deep catalog from which to draw. My personal favorite remains 1992’s Kiko, which I’m happy to listen to again and again.
Compared to Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys are relative newcomers, having formed in San Angelo, Texas, in 1996 and playing actively until 2019, when they took a hiatus to focus on their families before returning to the road in 2022. They call their bluesy sound “Texican rock ’n’ roll,” but you’ll also hear elements of soul and roots music.
These two bands deliver.
experience the highs and lows of human existence. A place where big dreams and broken hearts live, where people arrive without ever knowing how they got there. It’s where individuals find themselves at a crossroads in life,” their bio reads.
Sage Motel is the title of their 2022 concept album, their sixth studio album, that weaves the fictional tale of a motel and the travelers it welcomes.
Sound out!
Send music and club information to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Welcome to the Sage Motel
Good Medicine and Numbskull present Monophonics at The Siren on Sunday, July 26 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $30.08 at goodmedicinepresents.com), and the band’s not shy about singing its own praises.
“The world’s premier psychedelic soul band, Monophonics, cordially invites you to attend the grand re-opening of the once thriving, once vibrant establishment, the legendary Sage Motel. A place where folks
“What started as a quaint motor lodge and a common pit stop for travelers and truckers in the 1940s morphed into a Bohemian’s hang by the 1960s and 1970s. Artists, musicians, and vagabonds of all types would stop there as seedy ownership pumped obnoxious amounts of money into high-end renovations, eventually attracting some of the most prominent acts of the era. But when the money ran out, The Sage Motel devolved into a place where you rent by the hour,” their bio continued.
Come on in and meet your fellow travelers. Kendra Morris opens.
Local dance-off
Get ready to shake your moneymaker, your groove thang, your on-duty booty on The Siren dance floor when Funk Junket and Loving Mosh share the bill on Saturday,
schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.
PLAYHOUSE AT SEA Join us for approximately three hours on a one-ofa-kind improv musical experience that combines beats, live instrumentation, and featured vocalists. July 25 , 7-10 p.m. $49.74. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Whale Watching, 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. SEA SHANTIES AT THE DOCKSIDE The Morro Bay Shanty Project will perform historical (and hysterical) songs of the sea. Enjoy lunch and sing along. Tips benefit the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. Aug. 2 3 p.m. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay, (805) 772-8100.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
ANNIVERSARY PARTY: LIVE MUSIC WITH DAMON CASTILLO BAND
Celebrate our Anniversary evening with
special wines, delicious bbq, and live music with the amazing Damon Castillo Band! Aug. 1 , 6-9 p.m. $70. (805) 2864028. parrishfamilyvineyard.com. Parrish Family Vineyard, 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles.
BRASS MASH AT CASTORO CELLARS
Get ready for one of the most wildly fun evenings in the vineyard — Brass Mash is coming to Castoro Cellars, and nothing will ever sound the same again. Aug. 1 6-9 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, (805) 238-0725.
DARK STAR HAPPY HOUR, OPEN MIC AND KARAOKE NIGHT Chill out at Dark Star’s happy hour, and enjoy burgers, karaoke, and open mic nigh. Wine by the glass will be available for $8. Fridays, 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars. com/. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.
FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink, and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES Join us weekly for the Friday Night Music Series, complete with rotating food trucks! Wine and food will be available for purchase. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free. (805) 238-6300. derbywineestates. com/events/. Derby Wine Estates, 525 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles.
KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
LIVE AT DARK STAR BRIAN BLACK Brian returns to the always lovely, chill vibe that is Dark Star Cellars. Come and enjoy the top-shelf wines and all of Brian’s acoustic fireworks. Aug. 1 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. LIVE MUSIC WITH JOEY BOONE DUO We’ll be welcoming the Joey Boone Duo, known for their country, folk, and blues tunes. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows, though reservations are encouraged. July 25 , 4-7 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/events. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. PUNK IN PASO WITH DIVISION 13, OUT OF THE RING, LATEST REGRET AND FIRE DRILL! It’s another edition of PuNk iN pAsO with four great bands including Divison 13, Latest Regret, Fire Drill, and LIVE MUSIC continued page 28
ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF Rock Lord hits the stage at The Pour House on Aug. 1 , to play spandex-clad hair-band hits from MTV’s glory days. PHOTO
CHICANO POWER Nederlander Concerts presents Los Lobos (top) and Los Lonely Boys (bottom) at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Aug. 1
STARKEY continued page 28
July 25 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $8.44 at tixr. com). Both these local acts bring danceable grooves to people ready to move.
“Funk Junket formed in 2023 to celebrate the timeless grooves of African funk, Latin jazz, and world beat musicians such as Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Willie Colón, and Art Blakey,” their bio explains. “Our funk set features unique interpretations of global beats alongside our original music, highlighting the power of music to unify, inspire, and elevate.”
“The Loving Mosh Band emerged from the chaos of the pandemic, the looming threat of global conflict, and the deep divisions within our communities,” their bio reads. “TLM seeks to create a space for reflection and healing through music. TLM’s music encourages us to embrace our imperfections, see the humor in our struggles, and connect on a deeper level. TLM is a uniting force in the community.”
Also this week at The Siren, Glowing Off the Rails: A Drag & Burlesque Experience comes on Friday, July 24 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; $23.77 at tixr.com). “Step into the neon haze and let yourself glow off the rails—a high-energy, blacklight-fueled night of drag, burlesque, and unapologetic self-expression,” organizers announced.
Bridges Band plays on Saturday, July 25
(7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). Expect blues, R&B, jazz, and rock.
Lefty Gunplay brings his “Bona fide Grammy-winning hardcore hip-hop” on Wednesday, July 29 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $35.41 at tixr.com). The LA rapper was born Franklin Holladay; he came onto the scene in 2023 and has been very prolific since.
Frankie & The Pool Boys plays on Thursday, July 30 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $18.47 at tixr.com). The Siren said to expect an evening of funky surf and rockabilly tunes. They play originals instrumentals in the first wave SoCal beach music style. Instrumental garage surf rock act Trabants opens.
Psyche out
SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock has just one show lined up this week: Meatbodies on Sunday, July 26 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb.com).
“Formed in Los Angeles by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Chad Ubovich, Meatbodies have become one of the defining acts in the modern West Coast psych-garage underground,” their bio explains. “Blending fuzzed-out riffs, heavy psych, punk energy, and sprawling neo-psychedelic textures, the band channels influences ranging from classic garage rock and proto-metal to noise rock and cosmic psychedelia.”
Local favs Pancho & The Wizards opens.
Hip-hop and chillwave
Good Vibes has two very cool but very different shows
at the Fremont Theater this week starting with rapper Chris Travis on Friday, July 24 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $54.56 or $127.69 VIP at prekindle.com).
Hailing from Memphis, the rapper and producer began his career in 2012 and then joined the hip-hop collective Raider Klan in 2013. He’s also a former member of Seshollowaterboyz, a collective with fellow rappers Bones, Xavier Wulf, and Eddy Baker.
Toro y Moi, aka Chaz Bear, plays on Thursday, July 30 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $42.40 at prekindle.com). This highly versatile, impossible to pigeonhole artist began his career in the early 2010s as a chillwave pioneer but has since released indie pop, psyche pop, synth funk, alt-R&B, dance music, and more. CASI opens.
On a Mission
This Friday, July 24, Concerts in the Plaza continues with opening singer-songwriter Jineanne Coderre at 5 p.m. followed by headliner Resination at 6. Coderre has a lovely voice and blends R&B, pop, and jazz. Go online and find her video for “Cool.” Local reggae heroes Resination keep the street party going with their socially conscious sounds. These concerts are always a blast.
Trumpet’s call
Former The Tonight Show Band member Kye Palmer plays the next Famous Jazz Artist Series at the Woodlands Concert Hall (715 Main St., Cambria) on Sunday, July 26 (5 p.m.; $35
Out Of The Ring! July 25 6:30 p.m. $10.41. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
ROCK LORD AT THE POUR HOUSE! Some of the best musicians on the central coast have come together to bring you a rock and roll experience like no otherwe are proud to introduce to you, Rock Lord! The band is back by extremely popular demand! Aug. 1 7:30 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
TED Z & THE WRANGLERS LIVE Ted Z and The Wranglers deliver road-tested Americana rock that moves crowds and fills rooms. With gritty guitar riffs, soaring hooks, and a dynamic live presence, they’ve earned spots on major festival lineups and toured across the U.S. and Europe. Aug. 1 8 p.m. $10.41. my805tix. com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.
UP IN THE AIR AT CASTORO CELLARS
LAZY LOCALS
Up in the Air plays it’s unique blend of upbeat originals along with familiar favorites at Castoro. July 26 , 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 238-0725. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, castorocellars.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THE ART OF JAZZ Come out and enjoy the visual beauty of the gallery and the sounds of jazz and R&B! July 30, 6:45-9 p.m. $39.34. my805tix.com. EDNA Contemporary, 967 Osos St, San Luis
Obispo, (805) 459-1711.
ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: CRITICAL MASS Aug. 2 , 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: SUMMER
RENEGADES July 26 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY BRASSCALS AND FULL SWING | BASIN STREET REGULARS JAZZ CONCERT
The Brasscals from Santa Barbara bring an explosion of acoustic joy to the hall as our feature band. This lively, multigenerational fifteen-plus piece powerhouse packs woodwinds, brass, a banjo, a washboard, and a bullhorn to smash the barrier between performer and audience, promising an energetic mix of funk, jazz, Balkan, Latin, and pop with plenty of crowd participation. Opening the show is Full Swing, a stellar quartet
tickets, reservations at (805) 935-9007 or charlie@talsanmuic.com). He’ll be joined by Dylan Johnson (bass) and Darrell Voss (drums) as well as series producers Charlie and Sandi Shoemake (vines and vocals respectively).
Go big!
The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents Brasscals! at the Pismo Beach Vets Hall on Sunday, July 26 (11 a.m. jam; concert at 12:30 p.m.; all ages; $15 at my805tix.com). They call themselves “Santa Barbara’s one-and-only street brass band.”
“Our unique sound gets any crowd moving with an explosion of acoustic joy that spans a variety of genres, from funk and jazz to klezmer, Balkan, pop, Latin, and even some originals.”
The group boasts 15 or more members ages 25 to 89. Expect woodwinds, brass, a banjo, a washboard, and one bull horn. Full Swing from Los Osos opens the show after the open jam. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
of seasoned professionals from Los Osos on a mission to deliver premium listening and dancing pleasure. Their massive repertoire features swung standards, Great American Songbook classics, blues, funk, and vibrant Latin rhythms like mambo, tango, and samba. Free for members! July 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community fun. July 25 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm. activecommunities.com/santamaria/ activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_ select_param=2&activity_category_ ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt. HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Hear live jazz featuring swing guitarist Edwin Hite. July 25 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 6235129, stellerscellar.com. MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
229
E,
Roscoe’s Kitchen,
Town Center
Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. ∆
LIVE MUSIC from page 26
PSYCHEDELIC SOUL Good Medicine and Numbskull present Monophonics at The Siren on July 26
COURTESY PHOTO BY JOHN LILL PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCALS RULE The Siren presents two local powerhouse acts, Loving Mosh (pictured) and Funk Junket, at The Siren on July 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOVING MOSH
PSYCHE GARAGE UNDERGROUND SLO Brew Live presents Meatbodies at Rod & Hammer Rock on Sunday, July 26.
COURTESY PHOTO BY SHERIDAN LEE
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRASSCALS!
BRASSY The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents Brasscals! at the Pismo Beach Vets Hall plays on July 26
Flavor
BY SAM FICKETT
Sip and relax
Lumin Earth Apothecary opens SLO County’s first kava bar
Lumin Earth Apothecary doesn’t sell alcohol, but on a Friday night, patrons will catch owner Sierra Mace mixing drinks and making small talk at the bar. Mace, a trained herbalist, launched a traditional kava bar on May 8 as an extension of the tea bar and holistic wellness shop she runs with her mother, Summer Birchell.
Kava root, a plant native to the South Pacific, produces a calming, relaxing, and mildly euphoric effect on the brain, without impairing cognitive function. It has been used for thousands of years in social, ceremonial, and medicinal settings, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Using the root, Mace is busy crafting what she calls “herbal elixirs”—vibrant, botanical drinks designed to relax people and promote a different kind of social connection than one found through alcoholic beverages.
“I’ve been manifesting having this as a hot spot of community and the energy in here just being buzzy and electric,” she said.
For Mace, the journey to opening the first consistent kava space in San Luis Obispo County was deeply personal. Now, nearly two
and a half years into her own recovery, she recognized a lack of sober gathering spaces for young entrepreneurs and community members who want to socialize after dark.
“I run really tense, and I’m really busy; anxiety, depression, it all kind of wraps up inside of me,” Mace said. “Kava as a plant ally has helped me so much personally.”
Unlike store-brand dried kava root, which is processed in water, Mace sources her root directly from small farms in Vanuatu. The country protects the plant’s quality and value under its Kava Act of 2002. These farms use kava nectar, a process in which the fresh root is juiced and then powdered, resulting in a cleaner, more potent effect than traditional dried preparations.
“It’s just amazing. It’s clean,” Mace said. “I really wanted to make sure that wherever I’m sourcing this isn’t just some big company that’s not paying the farmers.”
Because kava can have an earthy, bitter taste, Mace spent months experimenting with recipes to make the plant more approachable to newcomers. The resulting menu features three distinct varieties tailored to a customer’s needs: Classic (stimulating and social), Balance (uplifting and centered) and Relax (a body-focused feeling that Mace describes as a “cozy weighted blanket”).
“It’s like having a Granny Smith apple versus a Gala apple,” Mace said.
customers choose the kava elixirs. These are crafted with house-made syrups and fruits native to the Pacific Islands, such as the Passion Fire, which is currently the most popular item on the menu. Other favorites include the floral Lychee Rose and the sweet Guava Calm. Every drink is prepared in front of the customer, often topped with fresh flowers, which Mace changes out weekly.
The kava plant’s active compounds are called kavalactones, which work on the brain’s GABA pathways, causing the first sip to produce a slight tingling or numbing sensation on the tongue.
“A girl asked me, ‘Am I allergic?’” Mace laughed, noting that education is a big part of her business.
Newcomers are also introduced to the “reverse tolerance effect,” a phenomenon where the body becomes more sensitive to kava’s relaxing properties the more frequently it’s consumed.
While customers can order a kava shell—the drink is traditionally served in a coconut shell— kneaded with water and served straight, most
“I wanted to create a drink that is going to introduce the community to kava and not mask the flavor but enhance it,” she said. “I make all of my own herbal syrups, so it’s a fun type of thing to come enjoy, do, and hang out.”
Sober
Saturday nights.
Plans are already underway for game nights, workshops, and educational events featuring members of the Pacific Islander community to discuss the cultural significance of kava root. Mace said she aspires to open more locations throughout the county.
social Lumin Earth Apothecary is located at 875 Main St., suite C, in Morro Bay. Kava nights are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow on Instagram @luminearth.apothecary.
While Mace is a seasoned herbalist, she said stepping behind a bar required a whole new set of skills. Without a background in traditional hospitality, Mace turned to the internet to master what she calls a “sober pour.”
“I had to really teach myself how to bartend and make drinks,” Mace said. “I had to watch a lot of YouTube videos on how to shake your cocktail shaker. The male bartenders on YouTube, man, they are very literal.”
Beyond the physical technique, she spent months tweaking recipes to ensure that kava remained the central ingredient while making it palatable for an unfamiliar audience. Due to its strong flavor, Mace said she initially struggled with finding the right flavors to complement the plant.
The physical space of the apothecary is designed to keep people lingering. A bar lines the side of the main room, supplemented by couches and a private lounge in the back for larger parties or those who want a quieter environment.
Mace said she even takes part in the social aspect of her work, often joining her regulars for a shell at the end of her shift.
“My mom and I, we’re a huge part of this business,” Mace said. “People always want to come and connect and chat it up.”
Lumin Earth Apothecary has been in the community for five years as a tea bar and herbal shop, but the kava extension has brought what Mace calls a “melting pot” of people through the doors. She sees the bar’s future expanding beyond just Friday and
“I want to make sure that people understand where this comes from and the people that have been doing this,” she said. Mace attributes some of the rise in the kava bar’s success to a single Instagram reel posted on the Lumin Earth Apothecary account, which racked up more than 111,000 views and thousands of likes. Mace said the social media response brought in many people, including some of her now regular customers.
“I see the future just getting brighter and busier,” Mace said. “I’m passionate. I’m driven. I’m here for it all.” ∆
Reach editorial intern Sam Fickett at intern@ newtimesslo.com.
KAVA CRAFT Sierra Mace, a trained herbalist and owner of Lumin Earth Apothecary, prepares the Passion Fire drink, made from passion fruit, blood orange, coconut water, ginger, cayenne, and Classic kava.
PHOTOS BY SAM FICKETT
BOTANICAL BREWS Before launching the kava extension on May 8, Lumin Earth Apothecary operated as a full tea bar serving herbal lattes, smoothies, and ceremonial-grade matcha. Customers can still enjoy these traditional tea offerings alongside the new kava menu on the weekend.
HIBISCUS MAGIC Sierra Mace pours the Lychee Rose drink, one of the many artisanal options available during the kava bar’s evening weekend hours. Each drink is crafted using ionized Kangen water to ensure purity and consistency.
SPICY SIP The Passion Fire is a fan favorite at the kava bar, known for being one of the most popular drinks on the menu. Lumin Earth’s Classic kava root is designed to be more stimulating and social, utilizing kavalactones to induce relaxation and euphoria.
Electrical Senior Project Engineer
(San Luis Obispo, CA):
Designing power systems for industrial/public/commercial apps using Switchboards/ Motor control centers/ switchgear/relays/transformers/ powercables/terminations/ insulators etc., UPS sizing, electrical panel heat calculations/ lightning calculations. Program/ troubleshoot PLC/ladder logic/ function block/structured text routines/HMI/ SCADA systems. $149,344.00/yr/benefits
Reqs. Bach’s deg in electrical/electronics engrg/ closely reltd/(foreign equiv) 5 yrs relev exp. 1 yr exp in Schneider Electric M580 PLC system/Unity Pro/EcoStrucxure/Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLC/ Studio 500 Logix Designer/SCADA.
Resume to Cannon Corp, Attn: HR 1050 Southwood Dr. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Services PO Box 8119 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Juvenile Court CASE NAME: Starla Rose Johnson CASE NUMBER: 26JD00044-001
1. To: Jacqueline Chere Chambers and anyone claiming to be a parent of Starla Rose Johnson born on 03/10/2026 at home birth, Paso Robles, California
2. A hearing will be held on August 27, 2026 at 1:15pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.
CITATION FOR PUBLICATION UNDER WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTION 294
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY Department of Social Services PO Box 8119 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Juvenile Court CASE NAME: Starla Rose Johnson CASE NUMBER: 26JD00044-001
1. To: Michael Gray Johnson and anyone claiming to be a parent of Starla Rose Johnson born on 03/10/2026 at home birth, Paso Robles, California
2. A hearing will be held on August 27, 2026, at 1:15pm in Dept. 12 located at Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
3. At the hearing the court will consider the recommendations of the social worker or probation officer.
4. The social worker or probation officer will recommend that your child be freed from your legal custody so that the child may be adopted. If the court follows the recommendation, all of your parental rights to the child will be terminated.
5. You have the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
6. If the court terminates your parental rights, the order may be final.
7. The court will proceed with this hearing whether or not you are present.
Date: June 22, 2026 /s/ Marisa Salazar, Deputy Clerk July 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-1171 (05/21/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as WALGREENS #21633, 740 Quintana Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. Walgreen Co. (P.O. Box 901, Deerfield, IL 60015). This business is conducted by A IL Corporation / Walgreen Co., Richard Gates, SR VP, Chief Pharmacy Officer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05-29-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 0529-2031. June 25, July 2, 9, 16, & 23,
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NUMBER: 26CV0377
To all interested persons: Peti tioner: Kaleena Kashima Ruskin filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as fol lows: PRESENT NAME: Kaleena Kashima Ruskin to PROPOSED
NAME: Kaleena Kashima
Santa Maria, offer including newer stucco and interior with a stone fireplace and large windows, allowing in all warmth and coziness. Features mostly hard surface flooring are 3 bedrooms and a hall bathroom that is tastefully updated vanity. The main bedroom has a stunning bathroom with a sink vanity. The kitchen has granite counter tops, and stainless enough–the family room allows for emphasis on entertaining stove, and a bathroom with a shower. Exiting through slider impressed– from the concrete patio to the fruit trees and raised endless. Also walking distance to schools! (388CR) 01703042, 805-310-8180
THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date:
NEW LISTING: 3886 Crestmont, Santa Maria, CA 93455
DATE: Monday, August 3, 2026
For Sale Employment Marketplace
PLACE: City of Atascadero Room 104 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
922-0660 BRE #01275631
the District, or the delinquency otherwise collected as provided by law.
July 23, 2026
Telephone Road, Santa Maria
HELP WANTED
www.WhyUSAProperties.net
August 12, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. 4, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey St., Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 22, 2026
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court July 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV0459
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Raymond Michael Anthony Garza filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT
NAME: Raymond Michael Anthony Garza to PROPOSED NAME: Raymond Michael Page THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: August 27, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. D2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1050 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times
Date: July 1, 2026
/s/: Craig B. Van Rooyen, Judge of the Superior Court
July 23, 30, August 6, & 13, 2026
that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 19, 2026, Time: 9:30 am, Dept. P2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 6, 2026 /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court July 16, 23, 30, & August 6, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26LCP0602
Beautifully updated home has so much to offer including newer stucco and interior paint. As you enter the front door to the inviting living room with a stone fireplace and large windows, allowing in all the natural light, immediately you feel warmth and coziness. Features mostly hard surface flooring including real hardwood and tile. There are 3 bedrooms and a hall bathroom that is tastefully updated with tile shower/tub and an amazing vanity. The main bedroom has a stunning bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower and double sink vanity. The kitchen has granite counter tops, and stainless steel cook top and sink. As if that wasn’t enough–the family room allows for emphasis on entertaining guests, offering a wet bar, wood burning stove, and a bathroom with a shower. Exiting through slider to the sizable backyard, you will be impressed– from the concrete patio to the fruit trees and raised garden beds, the opportunities are endless. Also walking distance to schools! (388CR) $687,990
and oversized accessory structure at 9950 Old Morro Road East (APN 056-451-010) (USE26-0039). The proposed project qualifies for a Class 3 categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, “New Construction of Small Structures. (USE26-0039)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the City of Atascadero will hold a an Administrative Use Permit for a non-commercial mural at 6040 El Camino Real (APN 030-191-001). The project qualifies for a Class 11 exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) Section 15311, because it meets all required conditions to be considered an accessory structure. (USE26-0040)
Wantednewspaper is expanding New Times Media in SLO. The Sun is community contributing coverage for northern energetic and self-motivated sales. As part of The industry, enjoy a small environment and be a part of a community. These are full driver’s license and reliCompetitive compenhealth benefits crucker@newtimesslo.comincluded. for more work! (805)369-4308
STATEMENT OF ABAN -
DONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2026-1484
OLD FILE NO. 2026-0831
LITTLE ROOM CO., 2027 Rachel Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 04/16/2026. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Kristine T Macaulay (2027 Rachel Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401), David Tetrault (23 Bertram Street, Beverly, MA 01915). This business was conducted by A General Partnership /s/ Kristine Macaulay. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 07/09/2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By A. Schultz, Deputy Clerk. July 16, 23, 30, & August 6, 2026
Listing Agent - Regina Cosma, Lic. 01703042, 805-310-8180
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Dawn Jackson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Bonnie Isabelle Tucker to PROPOSED NAME: Bonnie Isabelle Jackson THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 26, 2026, Time: 9:30 am, Dept. P2, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: New Times Date: June 26, 2026 /s/: Michael C. Kelley, Judge of the Superior Court July 16, 23, 30, & August 6, 2026
Advertising Sales Pro Wanted The Sun, Santa Maria’s premier community newspaper is expanding its sales department. The Sun is owned by the New Times Media Group which includes its sister paper New Times in SLO. The Sun is a proud, active member of the Santa Maria community contributing comprehensive local news, and entertainment coverage for northern Santa Barbara County. We are seeking energetic and self-motivated individuals looking for a career in advertising sales. As part of The Sun team, you can build a career in an exciting industry, enjoy a small office atmosphere, a wonderful work environment and be a part of a company that makes a difference in our community. These are full time positions. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable automobile. Sales experience preferred. Competitive compensation base on your sales experience and health benefits included. Please send cover letter and resume to crucker@newtimesslo.com
JOBS WANTED Reyes Gardening is looking for more work! 30 years experience. Call Julio (805)369-4308
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate in person. To provide written public comment, please email comments to aup-comments@atascadero.org by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will NOT be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If a challenge to the above application/s is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Hearing Officer. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services at 805470-3402 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at http://www. atascadero.org/agendas.
BY ORDER OF THE HEARING OFFICER
DATED: 7/21/26
S/K Gleason, Planning Manager July 23, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of Grover Beach will conduct a Public Hearing on 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach for the following:
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS person. To provide written public comment, please email comments to aup-comments@atascadero.org by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will NOT be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If a challenge to the above application/s is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Hearing Officer. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services at 805470-3402 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at http://www.
BY
Public Notice
Paso Robles Towing LIEN SALE: 16-BMW License: 5QYO947 / CA Vin: WBA8A9C52GK618671 LIEN SALE: 12-FORD License: 93549T2 / CA Vin: 1FTFW1ET4CKD97416 to be sold at 10:00 am on 8/5/2026 @ 2485 Theatre Drive Paso Robles, Ca
July 23, 2026
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2026-1140
OLD FILE NO. 2025-0228
The Main Foundation, 790 Main Street, Templeton, CA 93465. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 01/29/2025. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Partners for Nutrition & National Permanent Prescription Drug Detox, Incorporated (790 Main Street, Templeton, CA 93465). This business was conducted by A Corporation /s/ Deborah L Fransen, Treasurer, Partners for Nutrition & National Permanent Prescription Drug Detox, Incorporated. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 05/27/2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By A. Trujillo, Deputy Clerk. July 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2026
readers weekly throughout San Luis Obispo County
HELP
WANTED
Advertising Sales Pro Wanted
Project No.: Development Application DA-25-0009
Address: 201-295 West Grand Avenue
Applicant: Coastal Community Builders, Inc.
Description: A request by Coastal Community Builders for a Coastal Development Permit, Use Permit, and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (Tract 3248) to construct a new four-story mixed-use building consisting of 39 residential condominiums, 4,100 square-feet of commercial/outdoor patio space, and a private residential rooftop terrace. The project includes a request for a 20% density bonus pursuant to State Density Bonus Law and a request for a waiver to allow two residential units along the ground floor. The project will result in the demolition of an existing commercial structure and development of the entire lot with associated on- and off-site improvements, and utilities. The project site is located within the Coastal Zone and is not appealable to the Coastal Commission. (APN: 060-205-018).
The Sun, Santa Maria’s premier community newspaper is expanding its sales department. The Sun is owned by the New Times Media Group which includes its sister paper New Times in SLO. The Sun is a proud, active member of the Santa Maria community contributing comprehensive local news, and entertainment coverage for northern Santa Barbara County. We are seeking energetic and self-motivated individuals looking for a career in advertising sales. As part of The Sun team, you can build a career in an exciting industry, enjoy a small office atmosphere, a wonderful work environment and be a part of a company that makes a difference in our community. These are full time positions. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable automobile. Sales experience preferred. Competitive compensation base on your sales experience and health benefits included. Please send cover letter and resume to crucker@newtimesslo.com
Environmental Determination:
ORDER OF THE HEARING OFFICER
FIREWOOD Seasoned Red Oak Firewood Some deliveries available. Call for price. (805)610-6294
Exempt (Class 32, Section 15332: Infill Development Projects) from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000 et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000 et seq.). The project consists of the development of a four-story mixed-use building on an infill lot and is consistent with applicable policies and development standards within the CVS zone. The site is less than five acres, has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species, and is located within City limits with full access to existing utilities and public services. Technical analyses prepared for the project, including the Soils Report, Infiltration Testing Report, Traffic Study, and the City’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Analysis, did not identify any potentially significant impacts or conditions that would preclude use of the Class 32 exemption. Based on the site characteristics, project scale, and results of these studies, the project would not result in significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality. Where You Come In:
Any member of the public may appear at the meeting and be heard on the item described in this notice or submit written comments prior to the meeting by personal delivery or mail to: Community Development Department, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 or by email to comdev@groverbeach.org. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (805) 473-4567.
For More Information: If you have questions or would like more information regarding the item(s) described in this notice, please contact the Community Development Department by telephone at (805) 473-4520 or send an e-mail to comdev@groverbeach.org.
The Planning Commission may also discuss other items of business at this meeting. The complete meeting agenda and staff report(s) on the item(s) will be posted on the City’s website at www.groverbeach.org. Live broadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on cable television Channel 20, as well as over the Internet at www.groverbeach. org/160/Agendas-Staff-Reports-Minutes (click on the link “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Live”).
If you challenge the
at the time and place indicated above to consider an Administrative Use Permit for a painted commercial wall sign at 6405 El Camino Real (APN 029-344-009). The project qualifies for a Class 11 exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) Section 15311, (Accessory Structures) which includes on premise signs. (USE26-0050)
www.santamariasun.com
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate in person. To provide written public comment, please email comments to aup-comments@atascadero.org by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. Comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator and made part of the administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record of the meeting. Please note, email comments will NOT be read into the record. Information regarding the hearing is filed in the Community Development Department. If a challenge to the above application/s is made in court, persons may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Hearing Officer. If you have any questions, please call Planning Services at 805470-3402 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All documents related to the project will be available for review on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the public hearing at http://www. atascadero.org/agendas.
BY ORDER OF THE HEARING OFFICER
DATED: 7/21/26
S/K Gleason, Planning Manager July 23, 2026
CITY OF PISMO BEACH
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on August 27, 2026 for performing work as follows:
FINANCIAL AUDITORS—CITY OF PISMO BEACH
The City of Pismo Beach (“City”) requests proposals from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants to provide independent auditing services for the City’s financial statements. The initial contract term will be three (3) fiscal years, with the City’s option to extend the agreement for up to (2) additional one-year periods. Auditing services will commence with the audit of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids
Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have registered and downloaded this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal, PlanetBids.
Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED
July 16 & 23, 2026
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on August 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
• Review of a commercial development consisting of a 4,682 square foot office building; a 3,774 square foot building; a sign program; removal of and compensatory planting for one street tree; and associated site improvements such as parking, access, and landscaping for two neighboring vacant properties in the Airport Area. The project is exempt from environmental review (CEQA); Project Addresses: 4185 and 4195 Earthwood Lane; Case #: ARCH-0034-2026; Zone: M-SP; 4195 Earthwood, LLC and Cody and Jacqueline Gambril, owners/applicants.
• Review of a commercial development consisting of a 4,108 square foot building; a 4,212 square foot building; a sign program; removal of and compensatory planting for one street tree; and associated site improvements such as parking, access, and landscaping for two neighboring vacant properties in the Airport Area. The project is exempt from environmental review (CEQA); Project Addresses: 4165 and 4175 Earthwood Lane; Case #: ARCH-0106-2026; Zone: M-SP; Rick and Teri Gambril and G2 Earthwood, LLC, owners/applicants.
• Review of a commercial development consisting of two 4,161 square foot buildings; a sign program; removal of and compensatory planting for one street tree; and associated site improvements such as parking, access, and landscaping for two neighboring vacant properties in the Airport Area. The project is exempt from environmental review (CEQA); Project Addresses: 4145 and 4155 Earthwood Lane; Case #: ARCH-0107-2026; Zone: M-SP; Pacific Properties CA, LLC, owner/applicant.
• Review of an 18-unit residential development and supporting site improvements such as parking, access, and landscaping. In accordance with State Density Bonus Law, the project includes stacked 50% density bonuses and a waiver to provide parking within the 20-foot front setback, in exchange for dedicating 24% of the base density to low income and 15% to moderate income households. An exception is requested to provide a transformer adjacent to the street frontage, where mechanical and electrical equipment are required to be screened from public review. The project is exempt from environmental review (CEQA); Project Addresses: 380 and 382 Pismo Street; Case #: ARCH-0320-2024; Zone: R-3; Kyle Billingsley, applicant.
The Architectural Review Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. An action of the Architectural Review Commission is typically a recommendation to the City’s Community Development Director, Planning Commission or City Council, and therefore is not final. Please note that any court challenge related to the recommendation on this item may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence received prior to the public hearing.
Report(s) are typically available one week in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www. slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendasand-minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report.
July 23, 2026
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed remotely by joining the Zoom webinar via the details published on the cover of the agenda, on Government Access Channel 20, or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to emailcouncil@slocity.org PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
• The City Council will hold a public hearing to introduce an Ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 13 (Public Services) Section 13.12.040 (Underground Utility District) to establish a new Underground Utility District, District 17, near the intersection of Prado Road and Elks Lane. The City’s Municipal Code Chapter 13 requires passage of an Ordinance to create a new Underground Utility District and notification to affected property owners and utilities 30 days prior to the public hearing. Undergrounding facilities at this location creates a more resilient utility corridor, decreasing the risk of an interruption in services from a vehicular collision and inclement weather. Undergrounding is planned to be completed by the Prado Interchange Project which provides cost and time savings. The Prado Interchange Project will construct a new overcrossing of US 101 connecting Prado Road to Dalidio Drive, reconfigure the northbound freeway ramps, add a northbound auxiliary lane between Prado Road and Madonna Road on US 101, realign Elks Lane, and provide multimodal improvements to improve circulation, connectivity, safety, and congestion relief in southern San Luis Obispo.
For more information, you are invited to contact Matt Horn, Major Projects Manager of the City’s Public Works Department at (805) 423-0200 or mhorn@slocity.org
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https:// www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information. The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo
Teresa Purrington City Clerk July 23, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, the Pismo Beach City Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, for the following purpose:
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA:
Description: Protest hearing and certification of weed abatement charges for forwarding to the County of San Luis Obispo for placement on 2027 property tax rolls.
Details about ways to participate in this hearing will be provided on the agenda posted for the meeting online at pismobeach.org/agenda, and on the bulletin board at City Hall. The agenda will be posted in the afternoon of July 30, 2026.
You have a right to comment on these projects and their effect on our community. Interested persons are invited to participate in the hearing or otherwise express their views and opinions regarding the proposed projects. Emailed comments may be submitted to citycouncil@pismobeach. org; staff cannot guarantee that emailed comments submitted after the start of the meeting will be given full consideration before action is taken. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office at 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, prior to the meeting, or hand-delivered during the meeting no later than the comment period for this item. Oral comment may be provided prior to the meeting by calling 805-773-7005 and leaving a voice message. Please state and spell your name, and identify your item of interest. Oral comment may also be made during the meeting by attending the meeting in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Please refer to the agenda for this meeting for specific instructions for participation
Staff reports, plans and other information related to these projects are available for public review from the City Clerk’s Office, by emailing City Clerk Erica Inderlied at einderlied@ pismobeach.org. The meeting agenda and staff report will be available no later than the Thursday before the meeting and may be obtained upon request by mail or by visiting www.pismobeach.org/agenda. The Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City’s website.
NOTE:
PLEASE
If you challenge the action taken on this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Pismo Beach at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information, please contact Erica Inderlied, City Clerk, at einderlied@pismobeach.org or 805-773-7003.
Erica Inderlied City Clerk July 23, 3036
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NONJUDICIAL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS PER HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 11488.4(J)
TO: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
$1,342.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on July 2, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 900 Park St., Paso Robles CA, 93446 by Paso Robles Police Department, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11351 and 11379.6 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $1,342.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 13, 2026
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney July 16, 23, & 30, 2026
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SEALED BIDS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 20, 2026 for performing work as follows:
PIER AVENUE STORM DRAIN REPAIR PROJECT
Project Plans and Specifications are available online by accessing the electronic bidding platform. In order to download project documents, you must register as a vendor, at no cost, through the City’s e-Procurement Portal. Potential bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are responsible for reviewing the complete bidding documents, including all addenda, prior to submitting their bid via PlanetBids. They are also advised to check the City’s e-Procurement Portal periodically and prior to submitting their bid.
An optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on July 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Please meet promptly at the intersection of Pier Avenue and Ocean Boulevard.
Before submitting bids, Contractors shall be licensed in accordance with the Laws of the State of California. Accordingly, the successful Bidder shall possess a Class A, General Engineering, Contractor’s License at the time this contract is awarded.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this Bid on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.
Bids must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK
July 23 & 30, 2026
AS FOLLOWS:
$2,520.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on June 4, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 1585 Kansas Ave., San Luis Obispo CA , by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11370 & 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $2,520.00.
Pursuant to section 11488.4(j) of the California Health and Safety Code, you must file a verified claim stating your interest in the property with the Superior Court’s Civil Division, Room 385, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408. Claim forms are available from the Clerk of the above court and also online at https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc200.pdf.
Furthermore, an endorsed copy of the verified claim must also be served on the District Attorney, Asset Forfeiture Unit, County Courthouse Annex, 1035 Palm Street, 4th Floor, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, within 30 days of filing the claim with the Superior Court’s Civil Division.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Interested Party filing the claim are entitled to conduct reciprocal requests for discovery in preparation for a hearing. The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to the proceedings unless inconsistent with the provisions or procedures set forth in the Health and Safety Code (Section 11488.5(c)(3)). The Interested Party in entitled to legal representation at a hearing, although not one appointed at public expense, and has the right to present evidence and witnesses, and to cross-examine plaintiff’s witnesses, but there is no right to avoid testifying at a civil hearing.
The failure to timely file and secure a verified claim stating an interest in the property in the Superior Court will result in the property being declared or ordered forfeited to the State of California and distributed pursuant to the provisions of Health and Safety Code section 11489 without further notice or hearing.
DATED: July 13, 2026
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney July 16, 23, & 30, 2026
CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SEALED BIDS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 20, 2026 for performing work as follows: ELDWAYEN PARK POINT WALKWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Project Plans and Specifications are available online by accessing the electronic bidding platform. In order to download project documents, you must register as a vendor, at no cost, through the City’s e-Procurement Portal. Potential bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are responsible for reviewing the complete bidding documents, including all addenda, prior to submitting their bid via PlanetBids. They are also advised to check the City’s e-Procurement Portal periodically and prior to submitting their bid.
Before submitting bids, Contractors shall be licensed in accordance with the Laws of the State of California. Accordingly, the successful Bidder shall possess a C-27 or C-12, Contractor’s License at the time this contract is awarded.
All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this Bid on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.
Bids must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids
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Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Homework: Name an unnecessary taboo and how you would violate it if it didn’t hurt anyone. tinyurl.com/s9s9s9s9
ARIES
(March 21-April 19): Authentic love songs are rare. Much of contemporary music leans toward infatuation, sex, heartbreak, and fury, while few artists seem interested in singing unabashedly about unique expressions of tenderness and enduring devotion. In the months ahead, Aries, your inner life will be gloriously out of step with that trend. Your heart is poised to wake up in sometimes surprising ways. Even if you’re not a trained vocalist, you may feel regular urges to express your passion and adoration in song. If I could give you a gift, it might be a curated playlist packed with the most radiant love songs of the last 60 years, so you’d have a soundtrack worthy of the lush emotions that I suspect will bloom in you.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20): Nobel Prize-winning Taurus physicist Richard Feynman kept a notebook titled “Things I Don’t Know About.” When he came across a question he couldn’t answer, he added it to the collection. I recommend a similar discipline for you now, Taurus, but with a twist. Keep a log of “Beautiful Mysteries I Don’t Really Need to Solve.” Rejoice that not every paradox and puzzle needs resolution. Savor the fun fact that some riddles enrich your life precisely because they remain open-ended. Hooray for not knowing! My theory is that some of your finest qualities will flourish in the presence of productive uncertainty.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): In the early days of radio broadcasting, engineers sometimes spoke of “tuning the receiver.” Even when a station was transmitting clearly, a listener might hear static until their radio dial was adjusted to exactly the right frequency. The message was present and clear; the challenge was homing in on it. There’s a similar phenomenon going on in your life, Gemini. Useful information, fun inspiration, and interesting possibilities may be circulating in your vicinity. But you will need to adjust your attention so you can actually receive it. To bring the signals into focus, listen differently. Or pose alternate questions. Or pay attention to sources you don’t usually notice.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): Neuroscientists have found that remembering the past and imagining the future rely on many of the same brain networks. That overlap helps explain why vivid visualization may influence our emotions and behavior. When we repeatedly simulate alarming scenarios about what could conceivably happen, our brains treat them much like memories. This makes us prone to spotting “threats” in places that may be relatively safe. The good news is that the coming months will be an excellent time to retrain this habit, Cancerian. More than ever, your imagination can be a precision instrument you use to recalibrate yourself away from fear and toward possibility. Fantasize about wonderful possibilities with the same intensity that in the past you have dwelled on scary speculations.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): Oak trees produce far more acorns than could ever grow into trees. Squirrels bury thousands and forget many of them, preparing the way for the next generation of forest. The trees succeed through strategic overproduction. I invite you to adopt their method, Leo. In the coming weeks, overproduce. Make more than you can track. Release more than you can manage. You don’t need to be perfect, just abundant. PS: This expansive capacity is yours to explore with delight and confidence, I guarantee it.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the 19th century, Virgo naturalist Alexander von Humboldt helped launch the modern science of ecology. While exploring South America, he came to a revolutionary conclusion that’s obvious to us now: Nature isn’t a collection of separate objects but an intricate web of relationships. Mountains shape the weather. The plants and pollinators rely on each other. Underground mycelial networks perform many services for the trees. I propose that you channel your inner Humboldt, Virgo. Shift your focus away from isolated
problems and instead observe the larger systems. Solutions may be elusive when you’re bound to a narrow view but strikingly clear when you perceive the wider pattern. If you’d like to take bold action, rely on the spacious perspective.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The coming months will be a favorable time to triple your devotion to the art of rowdy fun. I urge you to attend more revels and celebrations than usual and always be ready to energize social functions with infusions of festive wit and gleeful conviviality. You will also have extra power to inject buoyant amusements into your intimate liaisons. Therefore, dear Libra, I designate you to be the Party Maestro of the Zodiac. I hope you will carry out your role with maximum exuberance, ingenuity, and joy.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What if I told you that your most personal and potent dream can come true—but only through months of persistence, disciplined sacrifice, and stretches of bewildering but fascinating uncertainty? Would you reorder your priorities to chase it with every ounce of creativity you have? Or would you set it aside in favor of a safer and easier possibility? Between now and the end of October, I predict the moment will arrive to choose one path or the other.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): On some occasions, you just don’t have the power to act with impeccable integrity and do the totally right thing. Doing the partially right thing may, however, be a useful and compassionate option. I bet this will soon be helpful advice for you. Blunt truth: There are moments when the “perfect” ethical, emotional, or practical choice simply isn’t available: The timing is off, resources are thin, or someone else’s limits block the ideal outcome. In those situations, waiting around for the flawless solution is a kind of paralysis that keeps you stuck in guilt or indecision. Instead, you can aim for the best available good.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In botany and gardening, there is a practice called “companion planting.” Certain plants thrive when grown near each other because they share nutrients, repel or distract pests, or improve soil and microclimate. Here’s an example: Indigenous peoples of the Americas planted the “Three Sisters” together: Corn gave beans a living trellis, beans added nitrogen to the soil, and squash shaded the ground to hold moisture and deter weeds. This principle may be useful for you to contemplate now, Capricorn. The people, tools, and influences you place near one another will influence your productivity and well-being. By blending complementary energies, your efforts will flourish without strain.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Alain de Botton observed that “the person we marry is always far more remarkable, frightening, and complex than we quite realized when we first declared our love.” Rather than feeling alarmed by this revelation, I invite you to find it thrilling as you apply it to your best allies. The fact that they contain mysteries you haven’t yet plumbed means the relationships aren’t likely to grow stale. There are undiscovered depths in those you may think you know completely. My advice: Approach even your most familiar intimacies as ongoing discoveries.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20): Do you ever fear or distrust your own desires? Are you suspicious of achieving “too much” success? Do you ever feel starved for hope, but belittle yourself for wanting it? Do you go emotionally blank in the face of possibilities that should thrill you? If so, the coming weeks could bring healing and a breakthrough. You will have a chance to perform a rare kind of exorcism—not of garish demons or foolish ghosts, but of the quiet defeatism and lack of faith that dull your brilliance. Seize this moment, dear Pisces! Purge the automatic doubts that the world has trained you to mistake for wisdom. ∆
