The San Luis Obispo International Film Fest isn’t like the others. With a community focus and the goal of giving a leg up to homegrown talent, it sometimes helps locals get their start. Two brothers from Cambria debuting their first feature-length film at the upcoming festival are evidence of that. The festival also gives SLO County residents a chance to rub elbows with filmmakers. This year, former child star Haley Joel Osment is stopping in to talk about his creative journey and his latest film, How to Date Again, primarily shot locally. Arts Editor Glen Starkey speaks with the brothers and Osment [24]. In addition, read about the pushback over a proposal to cut one rural school down to one teacher [4]; the best acoustic guitarist in the world and Surfer Girl [28]; and wine tasting priced right for college students [34]
Camillia Lanham editor
cover courtesy photo by Lilliana Montero cover design by Alex Zuniga
BEHIND THE SCENES (Left to right) Co-director Kyle Plummer, Director of Photography Alex Raban, and co-director Carlos Plummer watch the monitors during the filming of The Strawberry, shot with an
crew in Cambria and screening April 27 in the Palm Theatre.
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Parents urge Atascadero school district to keep two teachers at Carrisa Plains
Parents and educators from one of San Luis Obispo’s most remote communities told the Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) board on April 21 that a proposed teacher cut at Carrisa Plains Elementary would deepen inequalities for rural students already facing long commutes and limited resources.
During public comment at the board meeting, speaker after speaker pointed to the same concern: One teacher cannot effectively serve six grade levels.
“What we’d like to do is keep two staff,” said instructional aide Debbie Twisselman, who has worked in the district for more than 30 years. “We’d like to keep two teachers at the district at Carrisa Plains School because as we know with six grades, it’s hard for one teacher to teach that.”
Twisselman described what a single-teacher model would look like in practice.
“If you have one teacher teaching six grades, that’s 10 minutes per subject per grade,” she said. “If you can learn in 10 minutes, you don’t need a teacher.”
Currently, Carrisa Plains splits students into two classrooms—typically kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth—allowing for more focused instruction. Parents said that structure is finally working after years of inconsistency.
“Our K-2 students, including my own daughter, need structure and real instruction and now they finally have it,” parent Adriane Twisselman said. “At the same time, our 3-5 teacher is also excelling. Both classrooms are working. If we lose this second teacher, you’re asking one person to teach six grade levels. That’s not sustainable and it doesn’t serve our students.”
The proposed cut would return the school to a model that educators said has repeatedly failed.
“Over the past 15 years, five separate teachers have been hired to teach the entire core curriculum for all grades,” current Carrisa Plains teacher Lisa Fegley said. “All five … reported … that being the sole educator for all six grades is too demanding of a job for one person.”
Each of those teachers left the position after a year, she said.
“AUSD has attempted running Carrisa Plains with just a single
educator,” Fegley said. “Five times, the feedback … has consistently been, ‘It’s an impossible feat.’”
She told the board that the challenge is not class size, but the scope of instruction.
“The issue is the number of standards that one teacher must cover for each grade level,” she said. Expecting one teacher to divide time evenly across six grades means “each grade only receives one-sixth of the teacher’s attention each day,” she added. “This expectation does not align with our mission, vision, or core values, which states, ‘We are dedicated and committed to excellence, and we aim to produce the top students of the nation who are college, career, and citizenship ready.’”
Parents also pointed to the strain placed on teachers. Without a second instructor, educators have previously worked “12 to 16 hours daily teaching and preparing curriculum,” Adriane said, calling the model “not sustainable.”
Carrisa Plains Elementary sits about 50 miles from Atascadero, requiring long daily commutes along Highway 58. One teacher, Adriane said, “has shown incredible dedication, driving nearly 100 miles a day when provided housing was not yet livable, still showing up for our kids every day. That
commitment matters, and it’s making a difference.”
Recently, the commute turned dangerous.
“Mrs. Fegley was recently involved in a car accident on Highway 58 while traveling to teach at Carrisa Plains Elementary,” former Carrisa Plains student Gregory Nelson told New Times in an email. “Parents have long raised concerns about transportation safety—both on the road and on the bus. Despite multiple requests to the board and superintendent to agendize these concerns in open session, the issue has not yet been taken up.”
In August, Nelson filed a lawsuit against AUSD, requesting an injunction that would force Atascadero Unified to reopen Carrisa Plains school to junior high students. Nelson graduated from Carrisa Plains in 1988 and Atascadero High School in 1992.
As of April 21, the board had not taken action on the staffing proposal, and it remains unclear when the issue will come forward for a vote.
“Our students deserve equal access to quality education regardless of geography,” Adriane said. “We’re not asking for more. We’re asking for what’s fair.” ∆
—Chloë Hodge
Beach voters could decide on four-year terms for mayor
Future mayors of Pismo Beach might receive respite from the stress of frequent reelection campaigns. But that decision ultimately rests with voters.
On April 21, the Pismo Beach City Council voted 3-2 directing staff to return with an agenda item proposing a ballot measure aiming to extend the mayoral term from two years to four. The proposed measure would appear on the November ballot. If voters approve, the change would begin in 2028.
“I think that does bring stability in our
leadership,” Councilmember Mary Ann Reiss said. “It gives the community the opportunity to actually vote on this again rather than us making that decision.”
Reiss was Pismo Beach’s first elected mayor—an appointed position until 2004. She floated the idea of increasing the duration of the mayor’s two-year term at a Feb. 6 special City Council meeting, adding that mayors have only a year to carry out their duties before they must gear up for reelection campaigns.
Currently, Paso Robles is the only city in San Luis Obispo County to have four-year terms for mayor.
Mayor Ed Waage and Councilmember Scott Newton mirrored Reiss’ comments. Newton, who’s
running to be the next Pismo Beach mayor, told council members that an increasing number of cities across the country are switching to four-year mayoral terms.
“Unfortunately, government is not what it was 20 years ago,” Newton said. “If you had a goal 20 years ago, you might see it come to fruition in two years, but government pace is not what it was. Look at how long we talked about CCB [Central Coast Blue water project], how long we talked about the new public safety center.”
Waage, who’s been mayor for 10 years, told New Times he’s achieved all his objectives and is retiring. “We have new police and fire stations, … we have
STAFFING STRAIN Parents and educators from Carrisa Plains, a rural community roughly 40 miles east of Santa Margarita, urged the Atascadero Unified School District board to keep a second teacher, saying cutting the position would leave one teacher to cover six grade levels and further strain students and staff already facing long commutes and limited resources. After fifth grade, students take a bus or commute to Atascadero Middle School (pictured).
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY NELSON
Life’s waiting.
fixed up the downtown with a new pier and pier plaza along with other amenities, we have fixed up numerous parks, our roads are much improved, and we have plans to continue fixing up the city and add additional amenities,” he said. “Finally, this is a time in my life where I would like to have more time for myself and my family. I have really enjoyed my service as mayor, but I am ready to move on.”
Former Mayor Shelly Higginbotham told council members during the public comment period that she supports the term extension. Adding years to the mayor’s term could boost accountability and give the top city official more time to build relationships with staff and the community, according to Higginbotham.
But to Councilmember Marcia Guthrie, Higginbotham’s time as mayor became a reason to not increase term duration.
She referenced an incident in 2014 involving Higginbotham’s husband where he stood up during a City Council meeting and “in the middle of a heated battle over a large track of land, thousand homes, 325 acres, hotel, golf course,” said he not only supported the project, but he also wanted to buy a home there.
“It’s completely inappropriate,” Guthrie said. “That mayor almost lost by 2 votes, and I think everyone was grateful she didn’t run again. So, I understand that running every two years is a challenge but every other city that I can think of in this county has a twoyear term and there’s a reason for that.”
Fellow dissenting Councilmember Stacy Inman also reminded the City Council about Higginbotham’s 2014 win by two votes against opponent Kevin Kreowski.
“It’s in our history and I think it’s important to look at when we make this decision,” she said.
Inman also said it’s “interesting” that only mayors have brought up the possibility of increasing the term duration, while “90 percent” of the 100 community members she spoke to prefer the current two-year system.
“What if there’s an ineffectual leader or someone they don’t think is running the city well?” she said. “That’s their biggest concern.”
—Bulbul Rajagopal
Paso City Council upholds approval for Ravine pool project
A proposed expansion at the Ravine Water Park in Paso Robles cleared a key regulatory step April 7 after the City Council
unanimously denied an appeal and upheld the Planning Commission’s approval, allowing a “no splash” pool and hot tub addition to move forward.
The decision followed a lengthy hearing that focused less on the size of the new amenities and more on whether the project would trigger broader environmental review, traffic studies, or infrastructure upgrades tied to the long-running water park.
At issue is an amendment to the park’s original 2004 conditional use permit and planned development approvals. The approved application would allow construction of a 1,879-square-foot “no splash” pool and a 153-square-foot hot tub, with surrounding deck and seating, located within an already-developed portion of the site near Airport Road and State Route 46 East.
City staff and the applicant described the project as a modest upgrade to existing facilities rather than an expansion of the water park.
“The proposed project represents an adaptive reuse of these existing amenities to serve visitors already utilizing the water park and it does not expand its overall capacity,” said Community Development Director Warren Frace. He added that under building code calculations, “the project will result in a reduction in capacity as the pool accommodates fewer people than the existing lawn and concrete active use areas.”
Because of that, staff concluded no new traffic study or off-site improvements were required. An April 7 staff report stated that “no evidence has been provided demonstrating that the project would increase the water park’s capacity.”
The appeal, filed by Ranch and Coast Properties, raised eight separate concerns, including drainage impacts, traffic, airport compatibility, and whether earlier approvals and existing conditions at the park were being properly considered. The appellant also questioned parking access along Paso Robles Boulevard and erosion issues near Airport Road.
City staff responded that most of the concerns were related to existing conditions or earlier permits rather than the proposed pool addition.
“The majority of the issues raised by the appellant pertain to existing site conditions and ongoing maintenance matters, rather than impacts directly attributable to the proposed project,” the staff analysis stated.
On environmental review, City Attorney Elizabeth Hull said the project is covered by prior analysis and multiple
categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
“We are comfortable that it meets that exemption,” she said. “We do have substantial evidence to support approval of the project under any of the three, and we don’t have any substantial evidence suggesting that we couldn’t use them.”
The council also heard from Ravine Water Park operator Brett Butterfield, who has overseen the facility since its early development and described it as both a community anchor and an evolving business that has repeatedly adapted to growth.
He told the council the park has become deeply woven into the region’s identity.
“Hundreds of people every season say, ‘Thank you for bringing this to Paso. Thank you for the jobs that you bring,’” Butterfield said.
He added that operational challenges such as parking demand and traffic on nearby roads have been ongoing since the park opened in 2007.
During council deliberations, members acknowledged neighborhood concerns but emphasized that the current proposal was limited in scope.
The council also discussed possible future aesthetic improvements along Airport Road, including landscaping or screening between the roadway and parking areas—such ideas would be considered separately from the current approval.
—Chloë Hodge
SLO County prepares for regional study to better deliver jail medical services
San Luis Obispo County is set to join a regional feasibility study to explore long-term options for improved jail medical services and delivery.
At the April 21 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding with the Golden State Finance Authority to provide cost reimbursement for participating in the study.
Staff told supervisors that rising costs, ongoing staff shortages, increasing contractual costs, and growing regulatory requirements are challenging counties across California. Rural and mid-sized counties like SLO County are also weighed down by limited qualified medical providers.
“Participation in the feasibility study is simply about being proactive to see if there
are viable cost sharing/saving options with acknowledgement that jail medical costs have increased over time statewide,” County Assistant Chief Executive Officer Robert Reyes told New Times. “Participation was not the result of a need in medical services. The jail provides a broad range of medical services.”
The regional study involves SLO, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, and would cost a little over $509,000. Based on population size, the three counties would split that cost with SLO County paying almost $92,000, Santa Barbara County paying a little more than $146,000, and Ventura County paying almost $272,000.
“One of the reasons why we have selected these three counties to be part of this tri-county group is because of the uniqueness that we have here—hard to attract hospital services [and] doctors to the area, and the high cost of living,” SLO County CEO Matt Pontes said at the meeting.
The supervisors authorized moving almost $92,000 from the general fund contingencies for the study. Reyes told New Times that the Golden State Finance Authority would bill the county’s proportionate amount of cost for the study.
The study is the result of intervention from the Rural County Representatives of California and risk management joint powers authority PRISM.
According to SLO County staff, the latter group noticed recent cases around California involving in-custody deaths and medical care claims that led to multimillion-dollar settlement demands and escalating county costs.
The two groups convened five regional task forces in 2025 made up of county executive and administrative officers around the state. SLO, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties decided to band together to potentially share service models.
Sarah Hader with the SLO County Executive Office told supervisors that the feasibility study could take up to two years if all counties in the Central Coast region confirm participation.
“The expected outcomes of this study would be to identify sustainable, costeffective models for jail medical care,” Hader said. “It would aim to improve health care quality in jail settings, enhance compliance with legal and clinical standards, and evaluate the benefits of regional collaboration.” ∆
—Bulbul Rajagopal
FIESTA FridAY! MAY 1st 5-9Pm
featuring a SneAk PeAk with ALL
Over 20 Tamale Vendors!
Famous Dancing Horses! Ranchero Artist Manuel Enrique
Ballet Folklórico Flor de Luna Dancers & Paso A Posito Folkloric Dance Group
Mariachi Azteca de Oro
Lo Mejor de Jalisco Mariachi Band
Famous Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest!
Best Tamale & Tamale Eating Contest!
Over 100 Vendors!
Brass Mash Band!
Bubble Fun 101 Games, Waffles the Miniature Donkey & More!
BY KATY CLARK
Planting community
Members of a local church recently turned a vacant lot on their Los Osos property into a community garden, which they unveiled on April 18.
“Once we got the garden going, people just kind of showed up and said, ‘Oh you know, we want to be involved, or I want a garden bed,’” Trinity Educational Community Garden manager Scott Danielson said.
The church saw a need for a community garden after a similar plot in Baywood closed. Appointed pastor Les Lungren said the church sat with the property empty for more than 20 years.
“The church came to the agreement that it would be good to use half of that piece as good stewards,” Lungren said.
The garden has 30 beds that people can rent for $100 a year. Father and son Eric and Nate Everitt also donated two greenhouses to the garden that are in the process of being constructed.
Other features include a memorial orchard, where people can purchase a fruit tree in honor of a loved one; a compost and earthworm area; and a garden shed. A memorial seating and educational area is also planned.
Everyone who attended the grand opening received a ticket for the chance to win access to a free gardening bed for one year.
Connecting to the residents of Los Osos and beyond is important to the church, Lungren said, something the garden will help with.
“It’s more than just a community garden,” Lungren said. “It’s a place of learning, it’s a place of community, it’s a place of sharing, and it’s a place where people can just come and enjoy gardening.”
During the grand opening, Master Gardener Ann Newland conducted an herb presentation. In the future, Danielson wants to do a talk on how to use earthworms to provide nutrients to the soil.
Danielson went to Cal Poly and graduated in 1984 with a degree in ornamental horticulture. He worked in nurseries and landscaping for several years and went back to Cal Poly to get his teaching credentials. He then worked as an elementary school teacher for 22 years.
After retiring, he was interested in having a community garden space—gardening’s been a hobby of his throughout his life—and he got involved with the Estero Bay Community Garden in Morro Bay. When people at the local church became
interested in a community garden, it was his opportunity to hone his passion for gardening. He’s been a member of the church for more than 30 years and was asked to be the manager of the garden.
Danielson said that those who bought a bed are a mix of members and nonmembers of the church.
“That’s a big goal of our church to be a resource to the community beyond just a Sunday service,” Danielson said. “We didn’t just want it to be just a church thing. We really did not want that.”
The garden was built with the community’s help, including the Morro Bay High School Key Club. Club members volunteered to build the beds, which came in a kit, and Danielson said the high schoolers were lots of help.
The Kiwanis Club of Bay Osos also made donations to the project.
Los Osos resident Joe Asire, along with Bruce Powers, set up the drip irrigation system, which collects water from the roofs of the church buildings to water the plants.
Appointed pastor Lungren provided the vision for the garden.
“That’s actually what a lot of pastors in charge of Methodist churches [do],” Lungren said. “We look at what’s going on in churches; we look at their vision; we look at their ministry. And this church has been so community-minded for so long.”
Fast facts
• Dream Makers SLO is launching the Dream Dog of SLO fundraising contest with There Does Not Exist Brewery. People can submit pictures of their dog for a chance to have their dog’s likeness put on a label of a limited edition beer based on votes. People can buy votes for $1 each. To enter a photo of a dog, there is a $20 donation required, which includes 20 votes. The proceeds from the competition will go to Dream Makers SLO, a nonprofit that works with terminally ill adults in the county to fulfill their wishes.
The competition runs through May 31.
• Paso Robles High School junior Christian Serna received a $10,000 scholarship to study music at Cuesta College Serna was just one of four recipients and had to audition in a live concert. Serna started playing trombone in his sophomore year and rose to be one of the top high school musicians in the area. ∆
Reach intern Katy Clark at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.
Church
Osos
Help keep Oceano Dunes free of vehicles forever
A federal court recently ruled that the California Department of Parks and Recreation violates the Endangered Species Act by allowing motorized vehicle use that harms shorebirds at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The ruling also restricts that use.
Since Tuesday, April 14, big signs at the Oceano beach vehicle ramp alert beach drivers that they cannot drive farther south than the Arroyo Grande Creek.
This is a unique opportunity for locals to visit and observe the Oceano beach and dunes safely because there are no cars or buggies running you over. Don’t you wish it could stay like this forever?
Here is what you can do to make it happen: Walk on the beach from Pier Avenue to the south to enjoy one of the most spectacular beaches in California.
Take pictures of the creek and its lagoon, the wildlife, sunsets, wildflowers, the crushing waves. Post your beauty photos on social media.
Take friends along and document any plover activity or questionable State Parks activity or violation.
Sign our petition to San Luis Obispo County’s Board of Supervisors urging it to review and change our Local Coastal Plan to ban driving on Oceano beach and dunes. Help us gather signatures.
Patronize local businesses to increase revenues during the closure and prove that vehicles on the beach do not generate income.
Let’s keep Oceano beach and dunes vehicle free forever!
Oceano Beach Community Association Oceano
SLO REP’s new facility will bring joy to future generations
I truly enjoy the magnificent oak at the corner of Palm and Nipomo. However, I
am not an arborist, so I cannot speak to whether the arborist’s report that questions the viability of the tree through and posttheater construction is “malarkey” or not, nor whether “in all likelihood the tree would survive construction just fine” as one person has suggested.
At the time of the original planning application, standard understanding suggested the tree would be fine, and an arborist report was not required; had the project been built then, the tree would have remained (but likely not survived). So here we are, in this unfortunate position.
I lament the loss of the tree and appreciate the planting of three others to mitigate its loss, but to lay responsibility, guilt, or blame at the feet of a “treasured, storied local organization,” as one writer so correctly calls SLO REP, misses the point. I would hazard a guess that neither SLO REP staff nor board members are arborists but know that city policies, current at the time, were followed.
Both Sandi Sigurdson and I look forward to the completion of this long-planned theater project, and the joy it will bring to us and future generations.
Steve McGrath SLO
Pitting fire protection against parks is a false choice for Los Osos
Julie Tacker’s op-ed asks Los Osos voters to reject Measure B-26 to “support fire protection” (“Los Osos residents should fund fire protection, not parks,” April 16). The argument rests on a false choice and ignores the fact that 15,000 residents share a single 6-acre community park, a deficit more severe than in almost any community in California. Fire services are already secured. On April 2, 2026, the Los Osos Community Services District board voted unanimously to extend the Cal Fire agreement through 2029 under the existing staffing model. A potential fire tax increase, referenced by Tacker, would not be on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest.
Sunnyside costs about 50 cents a day per parcel, dropping to 30 cents after 15 years. Our community can afford both. Let the voters decide! Don’t let a manufactured either/or be the reason this muchneeded community park opportunity is lost forever.
Speak up!
Send us your views and opinion to letters@newtimesslo.com.
Measure B-26 is a genuine citizen movement. In 52 days, the Sunnyside Park Citizens Coalition gathered 1,507 signatures. This was not the work of “a handful of residents,” but a broad coalition of three dozen citizens, including five Los Osos Citizens of the Year. The measure was not “instigated” by the Los Osos Community Services District; it was conceived and placed on the ballot by citizens, through more than a year of organized work, with the district kept publicly informed along the way. Having qualified by petition, it now needs only a simple majority to pass.
Julie Tacker and Jeff Edwards are not disinterested parties. As a well-known couple, they have for years expressed an interest in developing Sunnyside into a commercial mixed-use property. That’s a profit-driven goal, not a community-driven one, as Ms. Tacker would have you believe.
This is a one-time opportunity. If Los Osos does not acquire Sunnyside, it will be sold to the highest private bidder.
Deborah Howe Los Osos
SLO REP should take over an empty Rite Aid building
There is a sometimes forgotten little corner in downtown that now has the locals’ attention. It is the site of the long proposed new replacement SLO REP theater on Monterey and Nipomo. It’s also the site of possibly the last remaining grand oak tree in the area. And it is grand.
The long-standing agreement was that the theater would include the untouched tree in the construction design. There could be a direct
link between the inspired inclusion of the tree in the theater design and getting the grant money. Regardless, the decades-long agreement was to include the heritage oak as a centerpiece. Surprise!! The latest City Council vote reaffirmed 4-1 (Jan Marx dissenting) that this fabulous heritage oak was to be cut down. This is an awful, dreadful, unacceptable decision, SLO City Council.
I propose two alternate choices: Return to the original plan (which received the funding) and proceed with extra caution around the tree; or second, look for an alternate location or building and proceed. What comes to mind is one of the two abandoned Rite Aid buildings. Certainly the Rite Aid on Johnson next to Smart and Final has a spacious interior with 25,000 square feet and lots of free parking. That by its very nature is tempting, as SLO REP would be reinvigorating an empty building. Certainly, either option is a huge improvement over the present direction the council has approved.
Hey REACT: What about offshore oil?
Regarding New Times’ April 16 article “REACT Alliance urges federal refund of California offshore wind leases,” I have concerns about REACT. As energized as this nonprofit group is in opposition to offshore wind power, its website has literally nothing to say about offshore oil and gas development. The group casts itself as having a “singular cause,” which is its right. But ask yourself: How is it that this coastal conservation group cannot spare a paragraph to take a position against or in favor of pumping oil out of the seabed off the shore of California and other West Coast states?
Fitzgerald Kelly SLO
Todd Katz SLO
HODIN
Russell Hodin
COMPLETE TESTING & REPAIR
Sticker shock at Diablo
Four years ago, nuclear power enthusiasts were high-fiving each other: They had forced a sudden U-turn in California energy policy by extending the operations of Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The true price of this decision is now rising to the surface.
California’s last nuclear power plant was originally slated to close in 2025. PG&E had crunched the numbers: The continued operation of Diablo Canyon would become an unprofitable hindrance to the state’s renewable energy and climate goals (nuclear energy is not renewable), uncompetitive with increasing local distributed energy generation and community choice aggregation (CCA). Hence, PG&E’s shutdown plan stated:
“PG&E in consultation with the parties has concluded that the most effective and efficient path forward for achieving California’s SB 350 policy goal for deep reductions of [greenhouse gas (GHG)] emissions is to retire Diablo Canyon at the close of its current operating license period and replace it with a portfolio of GHG free resources.”
Barbara’s 2035 Initiative, three climate policy experts analyzed PG&E’s public filings and the Department of Energy’s evaluation of plant costs. They find that PG&E inflated costs when it requested the state loan and is likely to come up $658.6 million short in repaying it, which will be borne by taxpayers unless the Legislature takes action.”
Also, PG&E demanded additional fees that “aren’t necessary for plant operations, and without [the fees] … the authors find, it could save California utility customers an estimated $1.84 billion,” according to the Times. The report hit the press right after many PG&E ratepayers saw their March electric bills skyrocket.
Meanwhile, “PG&E has enjoyed record profits the last three years” equating to several billions of dollars.
Then the nuclear lobby swooped in and persuaded Gov. Gavin Newsom that Diablo should stay open to prevent possible power blackouts during heat waves. (It was the large number of battery storage facilities in California that ended up saving us from an actual blackout in the summer of 2024—and battery storage continues to grow. In the meantime, Diablo Canyon’s output now represents less than 6 percent of the energy California produces). Last December, the San Francisco Chronicle published a detailed history of the role of the nuclear lobby in persuading Newsom to keep Diablo open.
Diablo’s extended operations were part of a last-minute bill (SB 846) introduced three days before the end of the 2022 legislative session and passed at the last minute, in the dead of night, with minimal analysis. The Legislature voted to keep the plant open until 2030 and sweetened the deal with a $1.4 billion interestfree loan, essentially subsidizing PG&E to keep the plant running and nuclear waste accumulating on the Central Coast.
Now PG&E is aiming toward an additional 15-year extension—all the way to 2045.
This month, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 20-year license renewal, but that doesn’t mean Diablo can operate for 20 more years. For that to happen, nuclear advocates would have to change current California law, which states that the plant must close in 2030, and regulators must file ongoing reports to determine whether Diablo’s continued operation is prudent, necessary, and affordable.
Diablo’s affordability remains in question for good reason. The Tribune just asked legislators to “show us the math,” outlining the pointed questions that have remained lingering for far too long, like, “How much will it cost us to keep Diablo Canyon open 20 more years, versus relying on other forms of energy? How reliable are demand projections? How much alternative energy—solar, wind, geothermal, battery power, etc.—is scheduled to come online over the next 10 years?”
Then, on April 7, the LA Times dropped the mic: “PG&E is overcharging Californians to keep the last nuclear power plant open, report alleges.”
“In the new white paper from UC Santa
So PG&E was right 10 years ago: The continued operation of Diablo Canyon was destined to be unprofitable or would have been if California hadn’t put its residents on the hook for a $658 million shortfall—now part of a gaping state budget deficit—and for $1.8 billion in PG&E’s dubious fees. It’s worth noting that extended operations are being proposed against the backdrop of a Trumpified Nuclear Regulatory Commission that is busily relaxing nuclear safety regulations and reducing security measures and safety inspections.
The California Legislature could start coming to grips with the fiscal burden of Diablo by taking a cue from state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), chair of the Senate Energy Committee. He recently told KQED, “If there is a need to keep Diablo online, I want to have real frank conversations about what we’re doing to improve clean energy build-out so that we won’t be so reliant on this money pit that requires subsidies by ratepayers statewide, not just PG&E customers.”
Yes, let’s have that conversation—starting with if there really is a need for Diablo, and minus the ongoing evasions, omissions, and erroneous assertions from the industry and its regulators. And this time, let’s not have that conversation at the last minute, in the dead of night. ∆
Gianna Patchen is chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send a letter for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.
What’s your take on the recent SLO neighborhood parking dispute?
34% I’m glad city staff have been willing to revisit the length of the red curb.
32% It sure seems like the city gave Jan Marx preferential treatment.
22% I would have just painted the curb myself.
12% Would the city have responded as quickly if the pushback wasn’t from a former city official?
Remember the good old days when the worst thing that could happen when setting off fireworks is you’d blow off a finger or lose an eye? Well, in Grover Beach, you could lose your house! Ridiculous, amirite?
In an effort to curtail illegal fireworks, Grover Beach adopted an ordinance to levy fines on those caught setting off, in possession of, or selling unapproved fireworks at a cool $1,000 for each violation. Set off 10 firecrackers and ka-boom and kaching! The city can hit you with a $10,000 fine. Don’t pay it off, and the city can add additional fines “each and every day a violation exists.”
Last year the city adopted a “social host ordinance,” which allows property owners whose tenants set off fireworks to be fined. Crazier still, the city can put a lien on violators’ properties if they don’t pay their fines. You could literally lose your home if you get caught firing off a bottle rocket and can’t pay your $1,000 fine that compounds daily until the city takes your house—wowee! That’s what I call a stiff penalty, amirite? Even the city thinks it’s “draconian.”
Last year, Grover Beach issued 12 illegal fireworks citations. One was dismissed on appeal, three have been paid, five have been partially paid or are on a payment plan, and the final three? They haven’t responded. Collectively, unpaid fireworks fines
totaled $128,000 as of December, when, according to Assistant City Manager Kristin Eriksson, city staff stopped accumulating daily fines because “we weren’t sure if this was really in line with your council’s expectations and intentions upon adopting this ordinance. So, we paused notifications to those who have outstanding fines still to get your direction this evening.”
That feels like a big whoopsie-daisy.
Thankfully, cooler heads are prevailing. It’s not a done deal, but the council has agreed to city staff’s suggestions to revise the fireworks ordinance and make the changes retroactive. Instead of $1,000 per violation, you can set off between one and 10 for a $1,000 fine, 10 to 19 for $3,000, and 20 or more for $5,000. Clearly, the $5,000 fine gives you the most bang for your buck. Logic! Set off 100 and it’s only five bucks a bang! Wheeee!
The council also agreed to rework late fees by removing the mandatory daily fines and seek payment through third-party collections instead of placing liens on properties. Once the new ordinance is approved, some of these scofflaws with outstanding bills will see their bills go down, and “upon the effective date of the updated ordinance, the city will reimburse any payments of base fines in excess of the updated tiered fine structure and any
payments made on daily, accumulated fines for nonpayment,” Eriksson told New Times.
Seems a lot nicer than Councilmember Robert Robert’s idea of arresting and booking people who don’t pay their fines. Lucky for you non-payers out there, that was a no-go.
Still, probably not a great idea to set off illegal fireworks. Stick to the sparklers, kids.
Speaking of brilliant ideas, Pismo Beach City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Mary Ann Reiss said the quiet part out loud when she complained that a two-year mayoral term was too short because after just a year in office, a mayor seeking reelection has to leap into campaign mode—a time-suck and distraction from governing. It’s a reminder that politics stink and that politicians spend too much time trying to keep their jobs and not enough time making citizens’ lives better.
During a Feb. 6 special meeting, Reiss suggested the mayor’s term be extended to four years. Up until 2004, Pismo Beach mayors were appointed, not elected, and Reiss was the very first elected mayor.
In a 3-2 vote on April 21, the Pismo Beach City Council directed staff to come back with an agenda item proposing a ballot measure extending the mayoral term to four years. It would appear on the November ballot, and if voters go for it, the change will begin in 2028.
Current mayor Ed Waage agreed with Reiss’s idea. He’s not running again, but he’s happy with his tenure.
“This is my 10th year as mayor, and I have achieved all of my objectives, so I am not running again. The city is in great shape,” he told New Times before listing all of his accomplishments. Good job, Ed.
This year, City Councilmember Scott Newton plans to run for mayor, and he also supported the term extension, but two other council members—Stacy Inman and Marcia Guthrie—dissented.
Inman noted that it was “interesting that mayors have brought this up” because “90 percent” of community members she says she’s spoken to prefer the two-year term. I’m not sure her “90 percent” has any statistical meaning. Her sample size was “100” out of 8,000 residents. An accurate “survey” of residents, it isn’t.
“What if there’s an ineffectual leader or someone they don’t think is running the city well?” she asked.
Ha! Take a poll and find out how many Pismo residents think their leaders could do better. I’ve got news for you. Most Americans hate politics and think politicians are selfserving do-nothings who aren’t looking out for their constituents’ interests. Not watching their mayor campaign every two years might be a good thing. ∆
The Shredder can’t be recalled. Express your lamentation at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
Michael V. Messina, 2025
Jim Je rey, 2025
Tim Bennet 2025 Wyatt Stapp, 2025
Petra Stevenson, 2025
Danna Joy Dykstra-Coy, 2025
Hot Dates
GARDEN GOODS
An array of edible plants from Growing Grounds Farm and goods from artisan vendors will be available for purchase during the Tomato Fandango at Tiber Canyon Ranch in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found on the ranch’s website at tibercanyon.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY
Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
MAY FEATURED ARTIST HEMA
SUKUMAR, FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS FROM THE COAST TO THE HILLS From shorelines to mountaintops, Hema Sukumar catches California and beyond in acrylic with warmth and a sharp eye for color. April 29 - May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
MAY FEATURED ARTIST JARI DE HAM, EXHIBITING SCULPTURES AND SMALL WORKS From Chinese brush painting to stone sculptures, Jari de Ham’s work finds the Central Coast in an ancient artistic tradition. April 30 - May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
MAY FEATURED ARTIST NATHAN TOOLE, WHERE COLOR FINDS ITS OWN
ORDER Find color and form that feel right before you know why. Nathan Toole exhibits his acrylic abstract paintings. April 30 - May 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
MOSAIC TILE WATERING CAN WORKSHOP Get creative and add a touch of artistry to your garden at Cambria Nursery’s Mosaic Tile Watering Can workshop. April 25 , 11 a.m.-noon $65. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
NEIL SIMON’S CALIFORNIA SUITE By the Sea Productions is celebrating its 10th year of live theater in Morro Bay with a director’s workshop production of Neil Simon’s “California Suite.” April 24 7 p.m., April 25 7 p.m., April 26 , 3 p.m., May 1 7 p.m., May 2 7 p.m. and May 3 , 3 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
STAINED GLASS DEMONSTRATION WITH LARA FIELDS Lara Fields will work live on a new piece while talking through the decisions that shape it. April 26 , 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
AND THE WINNER IS Tyler Johnes is finally nominated for an Oscar, then dies the night before the awards. Will a heavenly gatekeeper let him attend anyway? Fridays-Sundays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. through April 26 $15-$30. (805) 712-1224. winecountrytheatre.org. Encore Center, 1030 Railroad, Paso Robles.
AWAKENED WORD POETRY COURSE
Learn the ancient technique of question
and answer to receive Divine poetry from your Supreme Self. Think Rumi. Commune with your inner source of love. Only four spots are available. To join, call or email. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon through May 23 Free. (805) 704-4246. Private residence, Address revealed to ticket holders, Atascadero.
CHAKRA BALANCING & FUSED
GLASS MOBILE WORKSHOP Join the Chakra Balancing and Fused Glass Mobile Workshop with Annette Jones, a local intuitive reader and healer. Get a personal reading, custom blended oils and a glass mobile. April 25 12-2:30 p.m. $250. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio. com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
DAILY POTTERY Walk in, pick your pottery project, and paint away. Something for all ages. Prices vary depending on what you choose and includes; paint, glaze, firing, and studio time. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Varies. (805) 400-9107. artsocial805. com. ArtSocial 805 Creative Campus, 631 Spring St., Paso Robles.
FIGURE DRAWING - SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS AT FIELDWORK Join us for figure drawing every Saturday and Wednesday for ages 18 and over. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own materials. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. $20 + model’s tip. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.
INK WORKS ‘26 Check out what the Central Coast Printmakers have been up to in this diverse collection of original prints by local artists! May 2-June 28 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
PASO ROBLES JAZZ FEST LIBRETTO presents the inaugural Paso Robles Jazz Fest, offering world-class jazz, intimate limited-seating concerts, and a stunning Sensorio grand finale with an exclusive VIP opening. April 24, 2-8 p.m., April 25, 2-8 p.m. and April 26 2-8 p.m. $300. (805) 3692144. pasoroblesjazzfest.com/. Libretto Jazz Club, 1242 Park Street, Paso Robles.
PAW-CASSO SUNDAY Join for a familyfriendly painting event where you can create a custom portrait of your beloved pet! Inspired by our furry friends and the joy they bring, Paw-casso and Pour is part of the Wine 4 Paws Weekend, supporting Woods Humane Society — the place where two of our own MCV pups found their forever homes. April 26 2:30 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. MCV Wines, 3773 Ruth Way, suite A, Paso Robles, (805) 712-4647.
SILVERSMITH WORKSHOP: STONE SETTING Join this three-hour workshop on bezel setting. Pick your stone, bezel and band to make your own unique, ooak ring. No experience is necessary. April 26 4-7 p.m. $140. (805) 464-2564. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero.
SILVERSMITH WORKSHOPS WITH AMY BEAMS Join the Silver Stackers workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p. m., then the Stone Setting workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. All tools are provided, and no experience is needed. April 26 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 4-7 p.m. $130-$140. (805) 464-2564. fieldworkart.org. Fieldwork, 5880 Entrada Ave, Atascadero.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
17TH ANNUAL CUESTA COLLEGE BOOK OF THE YEAR Susan Straight, acclaimed California writer, will be speaking about her most recent novel Sacrament.
followed by a book signing. April 28 , 5 p.m. $20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
2026 SLO FILM FEST! Join the 32nd annual 2026 SLO Film Festival, featuring more than 100 independent films, red carpets, Q&As, panels, workshops, free events, tickets, and passes available. April 23 12-9 p.m., April 24 , April 25 , April 26 April 27 and April 28 $5$350. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest.org. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
BEGINNING JUNK JOURNALING
WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Part scrapbooking, part journaling, and a whole lot of fun, this workshop is sure to get you hooked on this popular craft, junk journaling. May 2 2-5:30 p.m. $135. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.
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.
BRUSHSTROKES & BURROS: PAINT, SIP, AND SUPPORT RESCUED
DONKEYS AND MULES Moms, mimosas, and masterpieces; enjoy a creative afternoon at the sanctuary. All proceeds fund the rescue and rehabilitation of our beloved donkeys and mules.
May 2 , 1-4 p.m. $125. (805) 710-8445. ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org.
Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 4855 Righetti Road, San Luis Obispo.
BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build a one-of-a-kind JunkBot using vintage and found objects like gears, keys, and metal bits.
Assemble, customize and name your robot. April 25 , 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand
building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CREATIVE KIDS: AFTER SCHOOL The Creative Kids series is designed to ignite your child’s imagination and inspire creativity with each workshop focusing on a different medium! Wednesdays. through June 3 $150 for all 8 classes; $25 drop in. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. GELLI PLATE PRINTING WITH CAROLINA LUNA Experience a beginnerfriendly method of printmaking as Carolina guides you through different ways you can make prints with gel plates and mixed media! April 25 , 1-3 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.
for a
of
and
at Improv Extravaganza — the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! April 23 , 6-8 p.m. $10-$15. (805) 858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART
Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257.
Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
MAGICANS CLUB This is a non-profit club where magicians from the local areas meet, exchange, share magic ideas, and showoff. Last Monday of every month, 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.
MOVIES AT THE MARKET Join at the Market for a family-friendly movie night. Grab a blanket or chair and join us on the patio for The Lorax. April 24 , 8-9:30 p.m. Free. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE!
Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.
php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy
pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL
COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).
Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM
FESTIVAL The SLO Film Festival is a six-day annual event, showcasing creative, diverse, and impactful works from filmmakers from around the world. April 23, April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 and April 28 $22. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest2026.eventive. org. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age.
Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance. Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT When a fresh out-of-Harvard fact-checker is assigned to a talented writer’s essay, they come head-to-head in a hilarious yet gripping battle over facts vs. truth. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through May 17 $28$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/ the-lifespan-of-a-fact/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors.
To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND
JR. Coastal Christian School Presents:
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. May 2 , 2-3 & 7-8 p.m. and May 3 2-3 p.m. $22. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
PAGKAMULAT: PILIPINO CULTURAL NIGHT 37 Cal Poly’s Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) is a student-run cultural production that celebrates PilipinoAmerican heritage through dance, drama, and music. April 24 7-9:30 p.m. and April 25 7-9:30 p.m. $8. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2026 CRUISIN’ MORRO BAY CAR SHOW April 30 5-8 p.m., May 1 , 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 2 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $95. my805tix. com. Downtown Morro Bay, Inquire for address, Morro Bay.
CAYUCOS ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE
Join us at the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Antique Street Faire. May 3 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 751-3737. Cayucos Antique Street Faire, 10 N. Ocean Ave, Cayucos, cayucoschamber. com/antique-faire.
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, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on 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, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18
WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM
AUGUST
Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
LOS OSOS SUNDAY MEDITATION CLASS Sitting with a supportive group strengthens one’s meditation practice. Join us for a weekly talk on topics related to meditation and consciousness plus silent and guided meditation. Facilitated by Devin Wallace. Beginners welcome. Email devinwalla@ gmail.com for more information. Sundays, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. By donation. (805) 709-2227. inner-workings.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos. MORRO BAY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Disciplines include advanced athletic performance fitness training, Thai kickboxing, and more. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Day and evening classes offered. Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more info. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Morro Bay Martial Arts, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
OPEN FLOW: DANCE AND MOVEMENT A community of movers and shakers who come together to express themselves through dance and movement. Inspired by a variety of conscious movement modalities, Open Flow is led by Silvia Suarez and Matt Garrity, embodiment teachers who share a passion for integration through movement exploration. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $10 (general), $5 (ages 55 and older). SilviaAthaSomatics.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a comprehensive system for improving physical, mental and emotional health. Its roots date back thousands of years in China. Learn with certified instructor Devin Wallace. Call first. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. (805) 709-2227. Hardie Park, Ash Ave. and B St., Cayucos. Qi gong offers great anti-aging benefits, providing a 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) 7092227. inner-workings.com. Los Osos, Townwide, Los Osos. TAI CHI BASICS Visit site for more details on this ongoing, weekly Tai Chi program. Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $10-$12. (805) 772-7486. fitnessworksmb.com. FitnessWorks, 500 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
YOGA PLUS A hybrid of yoga and “stretching” techniques that yield a body that moves and feels amazing. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per session. (415) 516-5214. Bayside Martial Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.
ZEN IN MOTION Learn the Shaolin Water Style and other deep breathing and moving meditation techniques with the 2019 Taijiquan Instructor of the Year. Beginners Welcome.Instructor Certification Courses available. Mondays, Wednesdays Call for details. (805) 701-7397. charvetmartialarts.com. Grateful Body, 850 Shasta, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mind-body connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
BOOK BUDDIES - NORTH COUNTY Bookworms, assemble! Woods is welcoming animal lovers ages 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, woodshumane.org.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 221-5755. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Tuesdays, noon-1 a.m. Free. (760) 846-1443. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
FARMER’S MARKETPLACE “SIP & SHOP” Joining forces with FARMstead ED SLO County Farm Trail, we are celebrating Earth Day with a good ol’ fashioned farmer’s market featuring local growers. April 26 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles. FRANCS
Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.
FRANCS AND FUR-IENDS: WINE4PAWS
EVENT The ultimate “Treat and Sip” experience for you and your four-legged fur-iend! Wrap up Wine4Paws weekend with a special treat for your furbaby. April 27, 6-7 p.m. $20. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.
GODDESS GROUP Please join Oracle Owner/Intuitive Medium, Tiffany Klemz, for this twice monthly, Goddess Group. The intention of this group is to curate connection, inspiration, unity, and empowerment. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. $11. (805) 464-2838. oracleatascaderoca.com. Oracle, 6280 Palma Ave., Atascadero.
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.
HIIT 45 WITH SARA JORGENSEN A dynamic and fun way to improve strength and cardiovascular conditioning using weights, resistance bands, and body weight. Bring a yoga mat and water. Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Mondays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. $15 for members; $25 for guests. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/fitnessclasses/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
NAR-ANON: FRIDAY MEETINGS
A meeting for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction of a loved one. Fridays, 12-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4412164. North County Connection, 8600 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero.
PET TALES Get ready for the cutest, coziest, and cuddliest hour in your week!
Pet Tales welcomes young children and their grownups for a pet-themed story time. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon $5. (805) 5439316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms/. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.
RELIVE THE 90S SCHOLASTIC BOOK
FAIR WITH WINE Enjoy books, vendors, live music, food, and wine. All ages and pets are welcome. April 26 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers. com. Enjoy books, wine, live music, local vendors, and wagging tails, while supporting animal rescue on Wine4Paws
SALE Head to this town-wide yard sale. May 2 , 8 a.m.-noon Free. Santa Margarita Beautiful, El Camino Teal, Santa Margarita, (805) 400-1400.
TAI CHI This course’s instructor has won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $65. (805) 237-3988. Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles.
THREE SPECKLED HENS VINTAGE
MARKET Located in the famous Paso Robles Event Center, the Three Speckled Hens Vintage Market and Antique Show is a biannual event that specializes in selling one-of-a-kind antique and vintage items. Over 75 vendors will participate in the show, selling everything from antiques and vintage items to repurposed treasures. April 24 -25 $12.56. my805tix.com. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.
TOPS SUPPORT GROUP: WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE A self-help support group focusing on weight loss and maintenance. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. (805) 242-2421. tops.org. Santa Margarita Senior Center, 2210 H St., Santa Margarita.
TOPS TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Join for affordable and effective weight-loss support. Sundays, 10-11 a.m. through Oct. 31 First visit is free. (805) 234-1026. Rancho Del Bordo Clubhouse, 10025 El Camino Real, Atascadero, tops.org.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT TEMPLETON
MERCANTILE Join every Tuesday night for all-ages trivia. Prizes are awarded to top teams. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. Templeton Mercantile, 508 S Main St, Templeton.
VINYASA YOGA FLOW The class prioritizes increasing mental acuity and improving body and muscle flexibility. A restorative and gentle yoga focusing on breathing and targeting specific areas of the body. Please call to register in advance. Sundays, 12-1 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis. com/yoga. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.
WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND Every purchase made at our tasting room or online that weekend will send 10% to Woods Humane Society and 5% to North
VOICES OF HISTORY
Naomi Shibata, author, docent, and contributing editor for the National Japanese American Historical Society of San Francisco, will discuss the 20th century Japanese American experience during a talk in the San Luis Obispo Library Community Room on Saturday, May 2, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hear as Shibata reflects on the impact certain historical events had on the Central Coast community. Members of the Japanese American community can also bring artifacts and personal photos to display and present. Additional details can be found at sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com.
County Paws Cause. April 25 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 26 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. exploretock.com/mcpricemyers. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
YANG STYLE TAI CHI The course’s instructor won many Tai Chi and other internal martial arts tournaments. Both experienced martial artists and new learners are welcome to the class. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. $62. (805) 470-3360. Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero.
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.
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
MINI FESTIVAL Come enjoy and learn more about Arab culture! Join us for food, music, dabke (folk dancing), henna designs, children’s activities, backgammon, poetry reading, and more! April 25 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.
BOOK DRIVE FOR RAISING A READER
Head to this book drive to collect new and gently loved English, Spanish, and Bilingual books for infants and toddlers through 3rd grade readers. April 27, 2-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 712-1224. themondayclubslo.org/event-6541299. The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo.
BRAVER ANGELS COURAGESOUS CONVERSATION: LEARN TO LAPPC
Join the Braver Angels Courageous Conversations workshop and gain skills and confidence to have conversations across difference. Learn to LAPPC and turn arguments into discussions. April
25 , 9:30 a.m.-noon Free. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO
COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
CHASING SURVIVAL: CHEETAHS, COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION
Global conservation leader Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, will explore sustainable innovation in the effort to protect wildlife. April 23 4:10-5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-1477. international.calpoly. edu. Cal Poly (Keck Lab), Building 007, Room 02, 1, Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY Join the Comic Book Day and grab up to 12 free comics. Those in costumes earn more. There is free parking behind the Captain Nemo Comics store. May 2 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/ events/2161380934716526/. Captain Nemo Games, 563 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC THE GATHERING
Friday Night Magic is where legends rise! Bring your deck, meet fellow Planeswalkers, and battle it out in epic MTG duels. Fun, prizes, glory! Fridays. through May 2 Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/even ts/592253119822089/592256636488404.
Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE AMERICANS AND THE AMERICAN DREAM Author Naomi Shibata will highlight the 20th century Japanese American experience and
reflect on the impact historical events had on the Central Coast community. May 2 10:30 a.m.-noon Free.. (805) 7814187. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. PLANT AND PULL AT CITY FARM SLO
Volunteers will help plant Coast Live Oak and other native species while removing invasive Cape ivy along Prefumo Creek to support steelhead habitat. April 25 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (503) 975-9259. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, centralcoastgrown.org.
SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER Attendees can “Sip & Saunter” their way through downtown’s beautiful tree-lined streets, sampling some of the Central Coast’s finest food and drinks. May 3 12-4 p.m. downtownslo. com/events/sip-n-saunter. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. THE FIRST TEASE: A FIVE-WEEK BEGINNER BURLESQUE SERIES Only 10 spots are available for this beginner-friendly burlesque series, led by performer Miss Belle Voilé. Learn burlesque fundamentals, build confidence, and perform! May 1 6:308:30 p.m. $299. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
TOMATO FANDANGO Join at Tiber Canyon Olive Ranch where Growing Grounds Farm’s edible plants meet artisan vendors in a beautiful location! April 25 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 26 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 801-8158. Tiber Canyon Olive Ranch, 280 West Ormonde, San Luis Obispo, tibercanyon.com/. TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20
Just as young noble Jane is ready to
2pm to 7pm witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: her bridal gown for a swashbuckling riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens! 1863 HWY 1
www.AmericanMelodrama.com
Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted
the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!
Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's
Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after
Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!
treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAOMI SHIBATA
18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY Sip wine and save lives. Enjoy Wine 4 Paws Weekend, where more than 75 SLO County wineries will donate 10% of sales to Woods Humane Society. April 25 and April 26 (805) 801-6589. wine4paws.com/. Participating wineries, County-wide, SLO County.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Attendees will learn about Arbor Day, help plant a tree, and take home a tree seedling of their own. April 24, 3-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. https:/ arroyogrande.org/rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
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.
BOAT AMERICA CLASS The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, non-profit organization. April 25 , 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $30. (805) 225-7930. Robert William Smirl, 2680 Studio Dr, Cayucos.
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.
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, 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: WIZARD OF OZ Follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz a timeless adventure full of heart and memorable characters in The Secret Garden. April 24 6:30 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 dropin; $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.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach. org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 4404561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
SCIENCE AFTER DARK APRIL Science
After Dark is a lecture series at the Central Coast Aquarium, for those 18 and older. April 28 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280.
WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS
Facility advertised as open and safe. Give
LULU THE TROLL
The California Nature Art Museum in Solvang is hosting a birthday party for Lulu Hyggelig, Troll No. 154, the giant troll installation created by artist Thomas Dambo, on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a live DJ, along with raffle prizes, free crafts, appetizers, birthday cake, drinks, and opportunities to take photos with the famous troll. Tickets for children under 18 years old are $25, and $75 for adults. They can be purchased at calnatureartmuseum.org. —A.S.
the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
DEMONSTRATION DAYS AT LA
PURISIMA MISSION
Explore the mission and learn about California’s mission history with State Park staff and volunteers, and hands-on demonstrations. Activities include corn grinding, candle making, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, leather production, gardening, as well as a new Chumash life station that offers visitors a chance to explore Chumash culture today. April 25 11 a.m.-2 p.m. explorelompoc. com. La Purísima Mission, 2295 Purisima Mission, Lompoc.
FOOD & DRINK
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEAT. J. DUSI WINES AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us in welcoming J. Dusi Wines to Cambria Pines Lodge for an intimate five-course wine dinner in our outdoor Pavillion Garden. April 26 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (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.
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.
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.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
PLANT-BASED TACO NIGHT IN ARROYO GRANDE Humdinger Brewing in AG Village is hosting the Central Coast Meatless Meetup, with a special Taco Night menu: no animal products, dairy-free, and gluten-free too! April 28, 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. facebook.com/events/1725164348468542. Humdinger Brewing, 116 W Branch St., Arroyo Grande. ∆
IMAGE COURTESY OF CALNAM
Join our Team!
Do you love San Luis Obispo? Do you want to help local businesses succeed? So do we! New Times Media Group is a family owned business that has been part of the community since 1986. Our mission is to publish great newspapers, which are successful and enduring, create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow and to have a positive impact on our communities and make them a better place to live. If you want to make a difference and do something that matters then keep reading. We are looking for an individual who cares about building relationships and partnering with local businesses. If you have the heart, we have the tools to train you to be a successful Ad Consultant. You must be self-motivated, ambitious and an independent person who wants to be part of a great team. Successful reps will have a sincere desire to help our clients assess their needs and work together to create marketing campaigns that increase their business. s
TALENTS:
• A curiosity about how different types of businesses work
• An interest in learning consultative sales skills
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work within deadlines
• The ability to be social and enjoy talking with people
• The ability to learn how to develop solutions to marketing problems
• A strong work ethic
• Superior customer service skills
Compensation includes a base salary, or commission and bonus; excellent benefits package including medical, dental, paid time off and 401(k).
New Times is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Please submit your resume and a cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in business, customer service or related field
• College degree preferred
• Vehicle, license and insurance required
TO APPLY:
If this sounds like you, please let us know by emailing your resume. When you submit your resume please answer the following questions in your e-mail:
1) Why are you interested in working for New Times Media Group? 2) Why should we hire you? 3) Tell us something about yourself that we can’t learn from your resume.
Avila
Leticia’s First Class Cleaning, Inc.
Lumina Alliance
Mama Ganache
Artisan Chocolates
Meals That Connect
Medspa SLO
Megan’s Organic Market SLO
MGP Coatings
Miller Event Management, Inc.
Mountaineer IT, Inc.
Murphy Bank NAMI SLO
Enjoy over 100 movies, special events, Q&A’s, and panel discussions in-person at the Fremont Theater, Palm Theatre, Masonic Lodge, and Downtown Center Cinemas. Festival Passes, Special Event tickets, individual screening tickets, and our full Festival Guide are available online at slofilmfest.org. Printed program guides are also available for pickup at locations around the county or at the Festival Box Office at the Palm Theatre.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
OPENING NIGHT - OPENING NIGHT - OPENING NIGHT - GIVE ME THE BALL! GIVE ME THE BALL! GIVE ME THE BALL!
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
SURF NITE IN SLO: THE BLIND SEA
5:00PM to 6:30PM | RECEPTION
7:00PM | FILM SCREENING FREMONT THEATER
Join us for our Opening Night Celebration as we take over the Fremont Theater with food, mingling, and a special film: GIVE ME THE BALL! This year’s film is centered around a celebration of an incredible and legendary figure in the world of sports and women’s rights — Billie Jean King. This film’s message of hope and determination is poignant and uplifting.
Film Only: $25 General / $22 Student + Palmie Members
Film + Reception: $40 General / $37 Student + Palmie Members
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 SATURDAY, APRIL 25 SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Since its inception in 2006, Surf Nite in SLO has continued to serve as one of those rare events fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd that attends each year. Forthe 20th anniversary of Surf Nite, we will be returning to the Fremont Theater to celebrate surfing on the big screen. With drinks in the lobby, live music from RIFF TIDE, and mingling with other local surfers, don’t miss this special evening!
5:30PM |DOORS & MUSIC
7 PM | FILM
FREMONT THEATER
$25 General / $22 Student + Palmie Member
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: HALEY JOEL OSMENT
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: HALEY JOEL OSMENT
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: HALEY JOEL OSMENT
We’re thrilled to welcome actor Haley Joel Osment to the festival as a recipient of this year’s Spotlight Presentation: Craft in Focus Award. His latest film, How to Date Again, makes its world premiere here in SLO. Join us for our new spotlight presentations, which celebrate standout talent in our festival program through in-depth conversations exploring their past and current work, creative journeys, and perspectives on filmmaking.
4:30PM | DOORS
5:00PM to 6:00PM | CONVERSATION AND PRESENTATION
MASONIC LODGE
$25 General / $22 Student + Palmie Member
For the sixth year in a row, music videos have a home at our festival. We are elated to once again experience and celebrate the eclectic mix of creative music videos in person at one of our most unique venues to date! Enjoy a set by local band Evening Gowns and many of the filmmakers in attendance to talk about their films.
After the screening, stay for our juried Music Video Awards along with a conversation with all of our attending Music Video Filmmakers!
7:00PM | DOORS
7:30PM | LIVE MUSIC from EVENING GOWNS
8:00PM | MUSIC VIDEOS
$15 General / $12 Student + Palmie Members
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
COMMUNITY OF SKATE: N-MEN: THE UNTOLD STORY
COMMUNITY OF SKATE: N-MEN: THE UNTOLD STORY
This year, join us at the historic Bay Theatre for a showcase of custom skateboard designs and live-screen printing by the SLO High School Advanced Graphic Design class. Stay after the screening for a discussion moderated by Dan Parks of Unearthed Skateboarding and Loose Bearings Artwork with filmmakers James Sweigert and Chris Deford and featured skaters.
4:30PM | DOORS OPEN + SCREENPRINTING
5:30PM | INTRO AND FILMS
BAY THEATRE
$15 General / $12 Student + Palmie Member
5:30PM | DOORS OPEN
6:00PM | AWARD & CONVERSATION
7:00PM | SCREENING OF SENDER
We're excited to have Emmy-winning actor, artist, and filmmaker Britt Lower as a recipient of the festival’s Spotlight Presentation: Craft in Focus Award as well as a screening of her new film Sender.
8:30PM | Q&A WITH BRITT LOWER AND DIRECTOR RUSSELL GOLDMAN
MASONIC LODGE
$25 General / $22 Student + Palmie Member
MONDAY, APRIL 27 MONDAY, APRIL 27
MONDAY, APRIL 27
CENTRAL COAST FILMMAKER SHOWCASE CENTRAL COAST FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
CENTRAL COAST FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
COMMUNITY OF SKATE: N-MEN: THE UNTOLD STORY CAL POLY SHORT CUTS CAL POLY SHORT CUTS CAL POLY SHORT CUTS
On a Monday of the festival, we will be showcasing filmmakers from the Central Coast! Don't miss incredible local talent, and in the evening, join us for the Cal Poly Short Cuts at the Fremont Theatre.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
CLOSING NIGHT - POWER BALLAD
SHORT CUTS features 6 short films created by Cal Poly students under the mentorship of Randi Barros, filmmaker and ISLA Lecturer, and James Werner, artist and Professor of Art & Design. Engage with emotionally charged stories exploring love, loss, discovery, and unexpected moments of connection. See tomorrow’s filmmakers at work today.
7PM | FILMS START
FREMONT THEATER
$12 General / $5 Student
Our 2026 Festival will wrap up with an award ceremony for both our juried awards and audience award voted on throughout the festival, alongside a showing of the California Premiere of John Carney's (Sing Street,Once) newest Film, Power Ballad.
6PM | AWARDS + FILM
FREMONT THEATER
$25 General/$22 Student+Palmie Member
Arts
California dreamin’
There’s something quintessentially Californian about Holly Beals’ mixed media paintings. In Dive In Everyone a row of longboards is lined up along a beach boardwalk. Their bottoms are made of text and advertisements from magazine clippings.
Beals is a resident artist at Studios on the Park, and her work is currently featured in the gallery’s front window through April 27.
The artist lives on the Central Coast with her husband and two boys. She graduated from Chico State with a BA in communications, worked as a graphic designer for six years, then moved to Tibet to teach conversational English to college students.
“One day, in her tiny teacher’s apartment, Holly grabbed some scrap paper, acrylic paint, and magazine clippings, then went to work,” her bio explained. “An afternoon spent creating was the perfect soul therapy in the midst of a challenging time. So began Holly’s love for mixed media painting.”
She’s in the process of writing her first book, and “some things Holly will never stop believing: Life has meaning, each person is significant, and the One who made all things is beautiful beyond comprehension.”
Studios on the Park is located at 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles. Contact the gallery by emailing info@studiosonthepark.org or calling (805) 238-9800. The gallery is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Visit its webpage at studiosonthepark.org.
Triptastic
Gazing at acrylic painter Laura Murphy’s Hendrix is as close to a psychedelic acid trip as you’re likely to get from a painted surface. Vivid colors swirl and blend, suggesting movement. Murphy’s abstract paintings are on display through April in Gallery at Marina Square’s Upper Gallery II.
“Laura Murphy’s art gives color and shape formed only by imagination,” the gallery announced. “In her San Luis Obispo studio, she coaxes acrylics onto canvases where the dance between light and form seems to breathe and move. Each painting is to be observed slowly, like memory emerging from a fog. When you look at her work, you don’t see a scene; you’re stepping into another world. Her paintings invite you to look closer, to wander through each brushstroke or wave of pigment, discovering hitherto unknown shapes. Laura’s artistic endeavors seek to create a more vivid, personal language that feels like someone speaking naturally about art and creativity.” Gallery at Marina Square is located at 601 Embarcadero, suite 10, Morro Bay. Contact the gallery by emailing greg@ galleryatmarinasquare.com or calling (805) 772-1068. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit its webpage at galleryatmarinasquare.com. Δ Glen Starkey
BY GLEN STARKEY
Storytellers
SLO International Film Fest nurtures and celebrates talent
Our local film festival is a treasure for movie lovers, offering a slate of curated independent film, special events, and the chance to rub shoulders with filmmakers. Below, read about Cambria-based filmmaker brothers and their first feature film, and hear from a former child star about sustaining his decades-long career.
The Brothers Plummer
Once upon a time, there were two young kids from Cambria with a love of film. Many years later, those two kids are young men poised to screen their debut feature length film, The Strawberry, at this year’s San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF).
The Plummer brothers, Kyle, 29, and Carlos, 25, got their start in filmmaking thanks to our local film fest, and over the years as they’ve developed their technical skills, SLOIFF has nurtured their impressive artistic talents. They now run their own production company, SuperImage Ltd.
“I was part of the very first youth program that the SLO Film Fest put on in 2008,” Kyle explained. “That was right around the time that they were launching their Filmmakers of Tomorrow showcase. They were really trying to branch out towards educational opportunities, getting the local youth involved.”
That first youth seminar “kick-started” the Plummer brothers.
“We decided we were going to actually make a short film instead of just taking our camera in the backyard and messing around,” Kyle continued. “We were going to take it seriously and write something and actually do the whole rigmarole.”
It feels preordained that they would eventually evolve into full-fledged filmmakers.
“We live in one of the houses from [the 1990 film] Arachnophobia,” Carlos explained. “We moved in quite a bit later after the film was finished, but our dad was in the industry for a bit working mainly in TV, and our mom works as a corporate paralegal for a lot of people in
The box office is open!
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival runs this year from Thursday, April 23, through Tuesday, April 28, in various locations. You can see the festival schedule, learn about special events and programing, and buy tickets at slofilmfest.org.
Highlights include:
• A screening of locally filmed The Strawberry on Monday, April 27, at the Palm Theater at 5:45 p.m.
• A Q-and-A with Craft in Focus Award winner Haley Joel Osment on Saturday, April 25, at the SLO Masonic Lodge, from 5 to 6 p.m.
• The world premiere of How to Date Again filmed in part at the Madonna Inn, will screen on April 25 at the Palm at 7:15 p.m., and April 26 at 10:45 a.m. and April 27 at 5 p.m. at Downtown Centre.
entertainment in LA, so when they moved up, it was kind of like happenstance.”
Their parents had no idea the house was famous until they heard people talking and noticed passersby stopping to take photos.
“They were like, ‘Oh, wait a minute.’ They’re like, ‘Oh yeah, it was like in the movie.’ When they watched it, it was pretty prominent,” Carlos continued. “When the mortician eats the popcorn watching Wheel of Fortune, that’s our living room, our kitchen, all that. It’s pretty cool.”
The Strawberry was written by Cambria resident and clinical psychologist Steve Brody, who also wrote Hidden Creek (2025), another film shot in Cambria that played in last year’s festival. It also screened at the Los Angeles Film Awards, where it won Best Indie Feature, Best First-Time Director(s) of a Feature for Cambria residents Darien Jewel and Julian Mercado—who are producers on The Strawberry—and Best Actor for star John Henry Richardson.
For The Strawberry, they managed to land an even better-known lead actor, Mike Farrell, who had a long run as Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt on M*A*S*H from 1975 to 1983. Brody and Farrell already knew each other.
“We met, years ago,” explained Farrell during a recent phone call. “Our children were both at the same nursery school. It was an experimental school in that it was a nursery school staffed by men. These guys intentionally set out to be male prototypes for these kids. I was very impressed with the school experience, and Steve was as well.”
The pair collaborated on a project that never got made, but they kept in touch, so Brody reached out with The Strawberry script, which is about Herb Kaplan, an 80-year-old with late-stage cancer contemplating using physician-assisted suicide to end his life.
“I thought the subject was terrifically interesting, and I thought it would be kind of a challenge,” Farrell explained. “I thought it was really interesting to attack this subject from the point of view of the family. It makes you wonder how you would feel and what you would do under those circumstances. I know a lot of people today are faced with that and have to consider different possibilities. It’s really nicely written. It’s thoughtful. It’s caring. And the producers and directors seemed really dedicated to doing a project that was small, low budget, but doing it carefully and as sensitively as they could, so I thought, why not? Why not give it a shot?”
Farrell, of course, has been in the business for literally decades. His first foray into TV was in 1963. But even at 87 years old, he’s still willing to take chances and work with young filmmakers.
DYNAMIC DUO Cambria filmmakers Kyle and Carlos Plummer grew up in the SLO Film Fest, having presented several short films over the years. They’re now screening their debut feature length film.
COURTESY PHOTO BY SEAN HURD
PERSONAL CHOICE Veteran actor Mike Farrell stars in the locally shot feature, The Strawberry, a deeply moving meditation on death with dignity, screening at the Palm Theatre during the local film fest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLABTOWN STUDIOS/SUPERIMAGE LTD.
“I’d met none of [the crew] up until that time, and I thought, ‘Yes, they’re young, but what the hell? I’m not anymore. Why not give them an opportunity?’ I have to say that the cast and crew, everybody associated with it, got along.”
Years ago, Farrell had a dear friend in Oregon who chose to use medical assistance to end his life, so he has firsthand experience with it.
“He said he was going to do it, and he wanted me to know, and I said, ‘Do you want me to be there?’ And he said, ‘Yes, if you would.’ So I was, and what I have to say is, it was a very, very solemn and grounding experience. I have come to understand that it may not be for everybody, but it certainly was right for my friend, and therefore it’s right for whoever makes that choice.”
The Strawberry also features Doug Jones as Dr. Johnson. Jones is a favorite of Guillermo del Toro, having played creatures in Hellboy (2004), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), and The Shape of Water (2017).
“There’s definitely been some interest in the film because of Doug Jones’ attachment,” Kyle noted. “He has a very brief role in the film, but it’s very significant, and it’s definitely part of his career move. Part of us getting Doug Jones was he wants more roles where you see his actual face instead of the monster makeup from his del Toro roles.”
The Plummer brothers are also very proud of the fact that they used an all-local crew. They’ve created a well-oiled machine that even impressed Farrell.
“Everybody knew we were tinkering with a subject that is dynamite on some levels, but a very subtle kind of dynamite— psychologically dynamite,” Farrell noted. “Let me just say, I went into it with high hopes, and I was never disappointed.”
The Plummer brothers are a perfect example of why SLOIFF is so vital to the arts in SLO County.
“We’re a little biased,” Carlos admitted. “We’re near and dear to it, and we live in the area, so it’s very special to us. We’ve been attending not only as filmmakers but as attendees, so having grown up with the festival, we’ve seen it grow, develop, change, and year after year, just continuously get better and better.”
SLOIFF Executive Director Skye McLennon said that it’s been exciting to see the brothers grow and continue to love the medium as much as they did in the Filmmakers of Tomorrow program.
“We have a very small filmmaking community here, and it’s been exciting to see the collaboration that happens and the way that people connect and make these things come to life. I’m just impressed by that,” she said. “I just want to remind people that this is a world-class festival that you have here in SLO, and I think people that live here don’t always realize that,” McLennon added. “A lot of the filmmakers are coming, and they want to be here and talk to people, and what sets us apart and what I want to lean into is how we’re different than a lot of film festivals. We always get compared to Santa Barbara or these other bigger festivals and their glitz and glam, but that’s not SLO. We’re down earth, and I think we provide real audiences, and I think filmmakers appreciate that.”
And the award goes to …
At just 38-years-old, Haley Joel Osment is a Hollywood veteran with more than 100 acting credits to his name, and amazingly, it all started at a Burbank mall.
‘I feel incredibly lucky to have had the experiences that I’ve had and to still be working, and most of all that it’s something I just love doing, whether it’s shooting something on a [sound] stage in LA or going out on location.’
—Haley Joel Osment, recipient of SLOIFF’s Craft in Focus Award
“My journey into [acting] was completely by chance,” he explained during a recent phone call. “It’s kind of funny to think of now. There was a table set up outside the Ikea in Burbank, where I went shopping with my mom one day, with two casting assistants who were taking Polaroids of kids for a Pizza Hut commercial, and they took my Polaroid, and my photo got picked off a pile later and I ended up doing this pizza commercial in 1992, which was then seen by the casting director for Forrest Gump and that led basically to everything beyond that. So, a pretty random series of events that led to everything that came after.”
Some of what “came later” included a role in the Nora Ephron-directed Steve Martin vehicle Mixed Nuts (1994). Osment became a household name after M. Night Shyamalan cast him opposite Bruce Willis in the blockbuster hit The Sixth Sense (1999).
He found himself at the center of a social movement when he starred in director Mimi Leder’s Pay It Forward (2000), based on the book by Cambria author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
“That’s another thing that amazes me, and it makes me really happy that people still come up to me and talk about how the concept of paying it forward means so much to them,” Osment said. “It’s just a really powerful, simple idea. It’s one of those things that you’re glad takes hold with people because it’s led to a lot of really generous and profound things that people have done.”
Osment continued to cement his reputation as a bankable child actor when he starred in Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), a Stanley Kubrick passion project that Kubrick started developing in the early ’70s before he turned it over to Spielberg in 1995.
“I learned things on that shoot that I think about all the time, and it was a really unique conceptual project to be involved in, not just because it was a Spielberg production, but because he had this relationship with Stanley Kubrick and the film had been developed in such a fascinating way over many years.”
Osment has worked consistently his entire career, and now the SLO Film Fest is honoring him with its new Spotlight Presentation: Craft in Focus Award that celebrates his standout talent with an in-depth conversation exploring his creative journey on April 25.
Osment’s new film, How to Date Again, primarily shot in SLO County, will see its world premiere that same day at the Palm Theatre. It screens twice more during the festival at Downtown Centre.
The rom-com directed by Matt Flanders follows Michael (Rob Mor), a heartbroken animator, whose friends, Xander (Johnno Wilson) and Kai (Amanda Payton), push him to get back into the dating scene. It does not go well until he meets Leigh (Natasha Loring) and embarks on an incredible first date that takes them up the coast to San Luis
and Morro Bay. Osment plays Hugh, an
Obispo
oddly
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION Craft in Focus Award winner
Haley Joel Osment, who has more than 100 acting credits to his name, will offer a Q-and-A on Saturday, April 25, at the SLO Masonic Lodge.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HALEY JOEL OSMENT
ROM-COM WITH A TWIST Michael (Rob Mor) is checked into the Madonna Inn by desk clerk Hugh (Haley Joel Osment) in How to Date Again, which will screen three times during the SLO International Film Festival.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
intense desk clerk at the Madonna Inn.
“It was a very fun character to play, [and I] got the honor of getting to wear the official employees’ uniform of the Madonna Inn, which is a shirt I still have,” he laughed. “We all felt really fortunate that they were cool with us [filming] there because, particularly in my scene, we really show off the atmosphere in that big dining room. But, yeah, Hugh’s a quirky guy, and getting to play around with Rob in all those scenes, and then Johnno and Amanda, was really fun.”
The film is charming and has some twists you won’t see coming. It’s based in part on the reallife experiences of leading man Rob Mor, who shares writing credit with the director.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have had the experiences that I’ve had and to still be working, and most of all that it’s something I just love doing, whether it’s shooting something on a [sound] stage in LA or going out on location,” Osment continued. “This project was particularly cool, and one of the things that happens as you work longer and longer in this industry is certain relationships loop back around because I’ve known Natasha for a really long time. Rob and I actually went to NYU together at the same time, so I’ve known him for like 20 years now. And Johnno and I have been friends and played a lot of golf together the last couple years.”
Osment also managed to avoid what’s
happened to many child stars: crash and burn. More importantly, he’s made a successful transition from child to adult roles.
“I really lucked out at having parents who were very cautious, even suspicious of all the Hollywood aspects of the job. As a kid, most of the films I did were done during the summer, so I could go to regular school. You wouldn’t have known that I was acting because everything else was so normal and all my friends were outside the industry. As I’ve gotten older, it can be a tough business, but it all comes down to me really loving the work on set and always feeling like I want to be able to try something new and play different characters. For that to be my main focus really helps me get through all the uncertainty and the ups and downs that can happen in the industry.”
Instead of worrying that audiences always see him as a child star, Osment thinks of his transition into adulthood as an opportunity to “disappear into characters more, to be showing up in a way that people might not always expect.
“I really like my job because you’re always learning, you’re always trying something new, and whatever has changed with technology and distribution, and the economics of everything, at the end of the day, it just comes down to me reading scripts.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
May 1- 17
Family secrets
Shih-Ching Tsou (Take Out) directs this script co-written with her longtime creative partner Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Anora) about single mother Shu-Fen (Janel Tsai) and her two daughters, rebellious high school dropout I-Ann (Shoh-Yuan Ma) and precocious 5-year-old I-Jing (Nina Ye), who open a noodle stand at a bustling Taipei night market as they struggle to hold the family together. I-Jing’s superstitious grandfather, Wen-Xong Chen (Akio Chen), forbids her from using her left hand because it’s “the devil’s hand,” and tensions rise as family secrets are revealed. Director Shih-Ching Tsou will attend the screening and engage in a Q-and-A. (109 min.)
LEFT-HANDED GIRL
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., at the Palm Theatre; tickets at slofilmfest.org. The film is also available on Netflix.
Glen The first thing you notice about this film is its immediacy and intimacy. It feels fluid and organic in a way other films don’t because it was shot entirely on four iPhone 13 Pro Max cellphones with Beastgrip accessories on location in a crowded Taipei market. This cinéma vérité style creates an authenticity in the story. As the viewer, you feel like you’re there in the moment as the story unfolds. At its center is I-Jing, an adorable little girl who’s left-handed and doesn’t think anything about it until her grandfather brings up the stigma against left-handedness. Meanwhile, I-Ann is trying to have her own life and make her own money, leading to a lot of cringey mistakes and dangerous behavior. Shu-Fen has money problems made worse when she discovers
VALENTINA
What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Friday, April 24, 7:45 p.m., at the Palm Theatre; and Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m., and Monday, April 27, at 1:15 p.m., at Downtown Centre. Tickets at slofilmfest.org.
Mejia), a young woman living on the El Paso-Juarez border whose life is a shambles. She’s broke, has unpaid parking tickets, and is caught in the OmniBase program—a failure to appear/failure to pay system that allows parking fees to compound,
Mejia
film
a
the
a
her ex-husband is hospitalized and she feels responsible for his bills. It’s an engaging story that despite its bleakness manages to find moments of humor and warmth.
Anna I would have never guessed that this was all filmed on iPhones—it looks great and you’re right, it’s stylized in a way that’s immersive and evocative. I-Jing is absolutely adorable, round cheeked and all eyes. You can’t help but be protective of and a little scared for her as she navigates the bustling streets of Taipei. She’s asked to be grown beyond her years in many ways, but she can’t help but be a kid in many other ways, making kid mistakes, viewing the world with the lens of someone experiencing things for the first time. When her grandfather tells her that her left hand is the devil’s hand, he doesn’t realize the power he’s accidentally bestowing upon his young granddaughter. If that isn’t her hand, she can’t be held responsible for
potentially leading to arrest and jail. We follow her over 48 hours as she tries to sort out her financial mess, deals with a jerky tow truck driver, and does odd jobs all around town while also meeting family obligations and petitioning the El Paso City Council on behalf of impoverished people caught in OmniBase.
What makes the film so unusual is Mejia is the only professional actor—all other people who appear are El Paso residents, and their interactions are almost entirely unscripted. The handheld camerawork and wandering feel makes Valentina seem like documentary with real and unrehearsed interactions. You really gain an understanding of what life is like in this bustling border town.
Despite grinding poverty and a repressive system, Valentina and the real-life people she meets find joy and meaning in life. The film demonstrates the potency of independent filmmaking. (in English and Spanish; 82 min.)
BIRDS OF WAR
What’s it rated? R When? 2026
the things it does. Meanwhile I-Ann is making her own desperate mistakes, and their mother is just trying to hold it all together.
Glen Taipei is a character unto itself. It’s big and loud and neon-drenched but also made to feel interconnected, intimate, and energetic. The family has moved there for a fresh start, but it proves difficult, and they’re immersed with other people on the fringes struggling to survive. It’s an impressive directorial debut from Tsou.
Anna Life is a grind, and that’s certainly so for this family, but they soldier on. What Shu-Fen most desires from her kids is a good moral compass—not always the easiest thing to access when every day is a battle. It’s got tons of heart and is made with a very interesting view from the filmmakers. ∆
Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Where’s it showing? Friday, April 24, 4 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Centre; and Monday, April 27, 4:30 p.m. at the Palm Theatre. Tickets at slofilmfest.org.
Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak co-direct this script they co-wrote with story consultant Katie Bryer about their 13-year love story. She was a London-based BBC journalist from Lebanon, and he was a Syrian activist-turnedcameraman; the two connected during the Syrian civil war. The story is told through their
exchange of increasingly intimate text messages, voice notes, and footage from Aleppo.
It’s inherently deeply moving because war is, indeed, hell, and through Habak’s camera, we get an up close and personal view of the damage inflicted on Syria and its people. Much of it is heartbreaking. In one scene, we’re in an underground neonatal hospital as bombs shake the walls. It’s a reminder that life goes on even as people die and their homes are lost. What a horror. War is such a waste. When Habak is attempting to flee Aleppo as the army pushes forward, he says, “My archive must survive as proof of what I gave and what was taken from me.”
It also depicts human resilience. Witnessing Boulos and Habak’s professional collaboration grow into a bond of love is beautiful, despite the backdrop of war and political upheaval. This one will both break and warm your heart. (in English and Arabic; 85 min.)
LITTLE BIRDS Janay
Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak helm this documentary about their love story as they cover the Syrian civil war, in Birds of War, having its West Coast premiere at the SLO Film Fest on April 24.
T
atti Ribeiro directs this tale of Valentina (Keyla Monterroso
SISTERS Nina Ye stars as I-Jing (front), and Shih-Yuan Ma as I-Ann, in Left-Handed Girl, screening as part of the SLO Film Fest on April 26, at the Palm Theatre. Director Shih-Ching Tsou will attend and engage in a Q-and-A.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEFT-HANDED GIRL FILM PRODUCTION CO LTD
PHOTO COURTESY OF HABAK FILMS REAL FEELS
Keyla Monterroso
(center) stars as
titular character in Valentina,
cinéma vérité style
with
single professional actor interacting with real people, screening as part of the SLO Film Fest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Music
BY GLEN STARKEY
String wizard
Fingerstyle guitarist
Tommy
Emmanuel plays the Fremont
Considering his technical virtuosity, one would be forgiven for thinking Australian acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel was thoroughly schooled in music theory.
“This generation thinks that I went to a place like Berklee [College of Music] or that I was taught by some brilliant teachers, and nothing could be further from the truth,” Emmanuel said during a recent Zoom call from his home of 23 years in Nashville.
Instead, at age 4, his mother showed him how to play chords and “how to understand how a song works.” After that, he and his brothers—who went on to have a family band together when they were quite young—were largely self-taught.
“We really learned how to play music through emulating the sound that we heard on the radio and the sounds that we heard on records,” he explained. “We just tried to make that sound, so we just kept looking for it until we found it. It was trial and error. Of course, every now and again, we would run into someone who was better than us at it, and we would ask them a million questions, and they’d show me, ‘Oh, you can play this chord like this, and you can also play it up here like this,’ you know? It was really, really great.”
He and his brothers all admired an English instrumental band called The Shadows, who were on the radio at the time.
“Their records were just instantly recognizable, and so that was my first big influence, apart from Jimmy Rogers and Hank Williams and Jim Reeves and Marty Robbins. That’s the kind of American country music that we listen to. And then along came Chet Atkins, and it changed my whole world, you know? I was 7 when I heard Chet, and I didn’t have a clue what he was doing, but I knew that that’s what I have to do. Whatever that is, that’s the sound I wanna make, so I just pursued it. I tried everything I could, and I worked out how to do it with a straight pick, playing the bass part with the pick, and then the other parts with my fingers. Then, a couple of years later, I saw one of his albums
Live Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
LOOM MUSIC PERFORMANCE:
PHOEBE VLASSIS Phoebe Vlassis invites audiences into a live woven journey of song, story, humor, and heart, where ancient textile traditions reveal a completed cloth and participation. April 26 4 p.m. $15. (805) 771-5007. esterobayartandcraft.com. Estero Bay Art and Craft, 523 Harbor St, Morro Bay. THE MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND SPRING
and I bought it, and he had a thumb pick, and I said, ‘Oh, that’s it!’ So I kind of got close to it already, but once I got the thumb pick, I was off and running.”
At 70 years old, has Emmanuel peaked as a guitar player?
“No,” he was quick to answer. “No, I haven’t, although I’m led to live a rigorous, honest life, so if I saw or heard myself playing, like, 20 years ago, I could tell that I had much more technical ability back then. I don’t have as much technical ability as I did then, but I like what I’m doing, and I like what I’m writing, and even though I can’t do some of the things that I used to, I can do other things.”
His music is imbued with deep emotion, and he takes listeners on a journey. That comes not from technical ability but from soulful execution.
“It’s about being the storyteller. It’s all about finding the right songs and piecing it together. I’m a songwriter, but I don’t write lyrics, but I do tell stories with my songs somehow. It’s hard to explain that to people.”
If you ask people who know music, ‘Who’s the best acoustic guitar player in the world?’
Many would say Emmanuel. How’s that for pressure?
PERFORMANCE Under the baton of Conductor Brenda Hascall, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a variety of jazz, pop, and classical music. May 2 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Rd., 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. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. SEA SHANTIES AT THE DOCKSIDE The Morro Bay Shanty Project are set to perform historical (and hysterical) songs of the sea. Enjoy a lunch and sing along. Tips benefit the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. April 24 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay, (805) 772-8100.
“My answer is, ‘What the hell would they know?’” he laughed. “I don’t think anyone’s the best. I think we’re all different. I’ve never once had an argument with somebody about who was the best about anything. The truth is, I don’t sit around only listening to guitar music and only listening to guitar players. I could care less. I’m interested in good songs. If I got in my car now and drove away, what you would hear would be Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly album because I’m revisiting it for about the 10th time this week. That’s a songwriting production masterpiece. And you need to hear something that good. And then sometimes I’ll play Gordon Lightfoot’s Don Quixote album or Sundown. Or maybe I’ll listen to [Don McLean’s] American Pie again. What an incredible album. And that’s what interests me.”
Good Vibez presents Tommy Emmanuel at the Fremont Theater on Sunday, April 26 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $50.96 to $180.48 at prekindle.com), in support of his new album, Living in the Light
“I have a young man named Jack Schneider who’s opening,” he added. “He’s a great singer-songwriter, plays guitar real well, and him and I were sitting running through
stuff yesterday, and we just both know all the same songs. I’m 70 and he’s 23 or something, but he’s grown up [listening to] the same people I listen to: Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard, James Taylor, Carole King.”
Also this week at the Fremont, #IMOMSOHARD: The Flashback Tour was rescheduled from Thursday, Feb. 19, to Thursday, April 30 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $26.24 to $71.04 at prekindle. com). What began as a web series by real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley has become a comedy cottage industry with their videos garnering nearly 300 million views as they discuss “hemorrhoids, nipple hair, sex after marriage, mom bods, Spanx, wedding dresses, and swimsuits,” their bio explains.
Surf’s up
When I caught up with Surfer Girl frontman Carter Reeves (Schultz), he was “just sitting in a parking lot in Houston, Texas.”
“We’re shaking the rust off,” he said via phone. “We had our first show of the tour last night, so we’re just kind of getting warmed up. The tour’s only three weeks. I think you
NORTH SLO COUNTY
ACROSS AMERICA, OUR COUNTRY IN MUSIC Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A. through music with the Atascadero Community Band! Enjoy a free concert and refreshments. All donations will benefit SLO Street Outreach. May 3, 3-5 p.m. Free. atascaderoband.org. Atascadero Bible Church, 6225 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, 805) 466-2051.
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS: “PIANO
PALOOZA!” The Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present a concert featuring Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with pianists Susan Davies and Ryan Hartzell. May 3, 3 p.m. $22. (805) 546-3198. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton. 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.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes. It is music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. April 30 5-7 p.m. Primal House, 3330 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, (805) 202-4700.
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.
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: GRATEFUL TO THE CORE BAND Join for wine tasting and live music with Grateful To The Core, a high-energy Grateful Dead tribute band. May 2 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.
LIVE AT DARK STAR: TAPROOTS BAND SUPPORTING WINE FOR PAWS Join in supporting Wine for Paws with wine tasting and live music by The Taproots, a popular San Luis Obispo-based band, active since 2016. April 25 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.
LIVE MUSIC WITH DAVE TATE Sometimes high and soaring, sometimes hushed and inviting, Dave Tate’s powerful voice weaves poetic lyrics through soundscapes of finger-style guitar and acoustic rhythms. May 3 , 3-6 p.m. $25. (805) 237-1245. McPrice Myers Wine
LIVE MUSIC WITH ROWDY YATES AT SCULPTERRA WINERY April 24 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Sculpterra Winery, 5015 Linne Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 226-8881.
LIVE MUSIC WITH THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON LIVE BAND WITH ADAM LEVINE Paso Robles–based guitarist Adam Levine leads the Saturday Afternoon Live Band at Sculpterra Winery, bringing polished musicianship and easygoing wine-country vibes to every performance. A long-time Central Coast resident and versatile guitarist, Adam is known for blending jazz, pop, and classic favorites with style and soul. April 25 12:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Sculpterra Winery, 5015 Linne Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 226-8881. MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS: THE SONGBOOK OF HUEHUETENANGO Enjoy
LIVE MUSIC continued page 30
FLEET FINGERS Good Vibez presents Tommy Emmanuel at the Fremont Theater on April 26 .
COURTESY PHOTO BY SIMONE CECCHETTI
SUMMER VIBES Good Vibez presents Surfer Girl with frontman Carter Reeves at Rod & Hammer Rock on May 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF SURFER GIRL
DAVID PITTEL trumpet
HAROLD J. MOSSI CPAC AT CUESTA COLLEGE EXPRESSIONS OF LIGHT MAY 30, 2026, 3PM
Don’t miss David Pittel, a premier trumpet player lighting up LA’s music scene! From the LA Philharmonic’s grandeur to Hollywood soundtracks, vibrant big bands, and intimate jazz clubs, David’s electrifying talent shines through on trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet. Experience this musical powerhouse live! His exceptional artistry, including Haydn’s “Concerto for Trumpet,” in the captivating “Expressions of Light” concert, a dazzling fusion of light and sound.
Photo by Robin Frenette
guys are the second to last show.”
Good Vibez presents Surfer Girl at Rod & Hammer Rock on Friday, May 1 (doors at 8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $29.27 at ticketweb.com).
The band’s home base is currently LA, but Carter is from Boston, there’s “some New Yorkers, a guy from Detroit, and a kid from up in the Bay Area,” he explained.
His previous band, Aer, was more of a hip-hop pop thing. Surfer Girl is more of a reggae and beach vibe thing, and his youthful musical tastes informed the band name.
“First and foremost, I grew up in a household of Beach Boys lovers. I grew up on the East Coast, and we listened to the Beach Boys a lot, and I think that molded my affinity for the retro nostalgic golden era 1960s Malibu surf culture. I kind of always idolized it and it was always something I used as an escape from the bitter cold of the East Coast.”
When he met his wife, her favorite song growing up was “Surfer Girl,” and “it didn’t hurt that she herself is a quintessential LA blond surfer girl,” he laughed.
The project started during the pandemic, when the couple were “holed up” with Carter’s family back in Boston.
“I really wanted to return to my musical roots and return to the things that just made me happy regardless of expectations, regardless of what was cool or hip or trending,” he said. “I just wanted to do what I liked, which was this American reggae, modern reggae fusion thing, which is where my heart resides.”
As he and his wife listened to his new band’s first demos, and after going through “stupid silly names” and spinning the Beach Boys Surfer Girl album nearly to death, “she looked at me and said, ‘What about Surfer Girl?’ We toyed around with it, soon it was time to release the music, and Surfer Girl stuck. It’s a nod to the Beach Boys but also a nod to my beautiful wife.”
Aer shared some of Carter’s interest in reggae, but he sees his earlier work as coming from a “beautifully ignorant time.”
“Aer was just a full exploration of sound, of style. I was a part of Aer when I was 18 through 25, so I had zero expectations for myself as an artist, had zero preconceived notions, or even experience, honestly. I think Aer has this youthful spirit and kind of this free flowing, no effs given vibe about it, because we didn’t know what the heck we were doing. We didn’t know who we were yet. We didn’t know what sound really resonated with ourselves as artists.”
music from the 16th century at the historic grounds of Mission San Miguel, featuring tenor Jonatan Alvarado and Vihuelista Ariel Abramovich. April 28 7 p.m. $25. https://oldmissionsanmiguel.org/concerts. oldmissionsanmiguel.org. Mission San Miguel Arcángel, 775 Mission St., San Miguel.
NATALIE GELMAN LIVE AT DARK STAR
Natalie Gelman is an American folk-pop singer and songwriter. Gelman is mainly known for her strong vocals, and has released four albums. April 24 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 237-2389. darkstarcellars.com. Dark Star Cellars, 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles.
PASO ROBLES JAZZ FEST Libretto presents the Paso Robles Jazz Fest, featuring three-day world-class intimate performances and a Sensorio finale, plus a VIP exclusive bonus show on April 23. April 24 April 25 and April 26 $300 -$795. pasoroblesjazzfest.com/. Libretto Jazz Club, 1242 Park Street, Paso Robles, (805) 781-3009.
SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
It wasn’t until four years after Aer disbanded that he started Surfer Girl at age 29. He thinks the band pulled together all the “different hats and styles and sounds” he’d been playing with as a solo artist to create a style that “felt most like myself.”
Now, Carter feels like his music is more refined, focused, and authentic.
“I’m a married 33-year-old guy with a dog and a wife, looking to start a family at some point. There’s a little more depth to it now.”
If you’re a fan of the recordings, don’t go to his show expecting to hear slavish recreations.
“I leave a lot of room to grow on the records. Our records sound really great, but our live show just has more of an added element, especially with an added guitarist. We switch up the rhythm, we switch up the parts, sometimes we play faster, sometimes slower, sometimes we jam for a while. So, I think if you’re used to the studio versions, the live show feels like an interesting evolution. If you expect to just see a mellow, chill reggae show, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how hyped up and high energy it is.”
Doublecamp and Dylan Cotrone open.
Also this week at Rod & Hammer Rock, see Boot Juice on Friday, April 24 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb.com).
The Davis-based septet “defies the typical assumption that a big band with horns is sticking to the well-worn path of funk and jazz,” their bio explains. “They certainly infuse those genres into the mix. More than anything though, this is an unabashed cosmic rock band intent on taking audiences into an alternate dimension of pure freedom and dance euphoria where the outside world ceases to exist.”
Stax Johnson and Company open.
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.
SOLEFFECT AT CALIFORNIA COAST BEER
Kick off your weekend with an afternoon of great beer and live music with Sōleffect at California Coast Beer Company. May 1 6-9 p.m. California Coast Beer Company, 1346 Railroad St., Paso Robles, calcoastbeer.com/.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARGENTINE TANGO WEEKEND WITH EDUARDO SAUCEDO International tango master Eduardo Saucedo is coming to Nexus. April 25 12:30-5:30 p.m. and April 26 12:30-5:30 p.m. $35. nexusslo.com.
Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: CARPORT & ULTRA VIOLETS April 26, 6-9:45 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
COUNTRY NIGHTS There will be a country two-step lesson with two levels, held simultaneously. Get ready for a night full of country swing, two-step, and more. April 24 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com.
Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
CUESTA CHOIRS CONCERT: “THE ROAD HOME” Join for an unforgettable evening as the Cuesta Chamber Singers and Voce explore the powerful connection between music, memory, and the places we belong. May 1 , 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
MICHAEL: A NIGHT OF TRIBUTE
FEATURING IMVA Experience an unforgettable evening at the Michael Night of Tribute. A live performance from IMVA will bring the King of Pop’s
Country and/or hard rock?
Good Medicine and Numbskull will absolutely crush Club Car Bar with two killer shows this week, and if you like both country and classic hard rock, you should see both. Country singer-songwriter Sunny Sweeney is at Club Car Bar on Friday, April 24 (7:30 p.m.; 18-and-older; $26.99 at goodmedicinepresents.com). I love the story behind her song “Poet’s Prayer,” a song praying that performers get home safe from their gigs. After it was written a few years ago, she didn’t play it at a gig, and they got into a car accident on the way home. Then it happened again. Now, she never plays a show without including it in her set list.
“I really do love country music,” she said in press materials. “For me, it’s the stories and hooks.”
Local AC/DC tribute band High Voltage plays Club Car Bar on Saturday, April 25 (8 p.m.; all ages; $19.78 at goodmedicinepresents.com). These guys freakin’ rip, and they clearly revere the music. “Hells Bells,” “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “You Shook Me All Night Long”—you’ll rock out to the hits.
The Siren coming in hot!
Morro Bay’s hottest (and only?) night club starts its weekend with Brass Mash playing “A Big Ass Brass Party Bash” on Friday, April 24 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $15 presale at tixr. com or $20 day of show). Voted Best Band in 2024 in New Times’ Best Of SLO County poll, this powerhouse horn band mashes up hits from the 1960s through today.
On Saturday, April 25, catch a free matinee show with Santa Cruz’s Gary Blackburn Band playing high energy roots rock, country,
legendary songs to life. April 24 8 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
MIKE ANNUZZI: SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC CAREER Annuzzi will talk about sustainable practices for a successful music career. He’s worked in a variety of roles, including artist, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. April 23 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS MYSTIQUE & WONDER Pianist Ilya Yakushev returns with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, along with Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade and Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture. May 2 3 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony. org/calendar-2025-2026. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. SLOX SLOx is a three-day-long celebration
and blues (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older), and later that night, Modern Love—the David Bowie Tribute celebrates the music of the Thin White Duke (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $2430 at tixr.com). Expect a journey through Bowie’s eclectic catalog, with songs like “Ziggy Stardust,” “Suffragette City,” “Let’s Dance,” “Starman,” “Rebel Rebel,” and more. You can kick off Morro Bay Car Show weekend on Thursday, April 30, with a free show by ethereal folkgaze act Kettle of Hawks (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older).
Get in on the ground floor
Libretto, Paso’s celebrated jazz club, presents the inaugural Paso Jazz Fest from Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26. The multi-day festival culminates in a grand finale concert at Sensorio on Sunday, with pianists Elysia Biro, Gerald Clayton, and Taylor Eigsti performing solo sets. The evening includes a multi-course winemaker dinner. Visit pasoroblesjazzfest.com for a complete listing of events and tickets.
More music …
Local R&B and soul act IMVA presents Michael Jackson: A Night of Tribute at SLO’s Libertine Brewing Co. on Friday, April 24 (doors at 8, show form 9 to 11 p.m.; 21-and-older; $7.20 presale at my805tix.com or $10 at the door). “We’ll be playing Michael Jackson’s iconic songs with a full 10-piece
STARKEY continued page 32
of dance. This Lindy Hop extravaganza features two live bands, social dancing, games, lessons, prizes, and an auction. April 24, 6:45 p.m.-midnight, April 25, 11-midnight and April 26 1-4 p.m. $40-$95. (408) 332-2926. calpolyswingdance.com/ slox-2026. Chumash Auditorium, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SURE SURE LIVE AT LIBERTINE Born of a songwriting partnership cultivated by lead singer and keyboardist Chris Beachy, and guitarist and singer Charlie Glick during their college years, Sure Sure officially formed when the pair moved to Los Angeles to join up with drummer Kevin Farzad and producer and mix engineer Michael Coleman in 2014. Hear them live! April 25, 7 p.m. $17.91-$26.48. my805tix. com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL: SUITES AND DANCES Enjoy dance suites by Johann Sebastian Bach and Béla Bartók, dances by Frédéric Chopin and Maurice
Ravel, and dance-inspired works by Isaac Albéniz. April 24, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ special/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BSR HOT JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS: WEST COAST GUMBO Don’t miss this 50 Years of Swinging Jazz: A New Orleans Sunday Session. April 26 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo. EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes. It is music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. April 25 , 1-4 p.m. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo. KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.
108
925-3500.
Rancho Nipomo BBQ,
Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805)
∆
COUNTRY QUEEN Good Medicine and Numbskull present country singer-songwriter Sunny Sweeney at Club Car Bar on April 24 .
COURTESY PHOTO BY DERREK KUPISH
JUST JAZZ Jazz pianist Elysia Biro plays the closing concert of the inaugural three-day Paso Jazz Fest, April 24 through April 26 , at Sensorio
COURTESY PHOTO BY LIZ ROSA
funk band, spanning from his early years to his platinum record hits,” Caeden O’Neill of IMVA said. “Come dance, shout, and shake your body down to the ground with us while we celebrate the King of Pop!”
The Full Swing Band plays the Central Coast Dance Community’s next event at the Morro Bay Vets Hall on Saturday, April 25 (5:30 to 8 p.m.; $10). A dance lesson with Linda Drake runs from 5:30 to 6:15 to get you warmed up, then dance the night away with fellow dance enthusiasts.
The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents West Coast Gumbo at the Pismo Beach Vets Hall on Sunday, April 26 (jam session starts at 11 a.m. followed by the concert from 12:30 to 4 p.m.; all ages; $5 for jammers, $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers at my805tix.com or at the door).
The Bakersfield headliner is a New Orleans style band playing Mardi Gras favorites like Dr. John, the Meters, and Professor Longhair, with more traditional New Orleans standards and a little bit of funk mixed in. The Tevis Ranger Jazz Ensemble is the Intermission band. Mardi Gras attire is encouraged!
Jazz Vespers Concerts returns to SLO’s First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 26, with Cuesta’s award-winning vocal jazz ensemble Voce (4 p.m.; all ages; free though donations are welcome). Directed by John Knutson for 25 years, this a cappella group creates a lush orchestra of sound and has toured extensively on the West Coast and 11 times in Europe.
The Famous Jazz Artist
Sound out!
Series plays Woodlands Concert Hall (715 Main St., Cambria) on Sunday, April 26, with The Rhythm Section—featuring bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Paul Kreibich performing with Charlie (vibes) and Sandi (vocals) Shoemake. They appeared on many of the Shoemake’s recordings and will re-create that music live (5 to 7 p.m.; $35 with tickets by calling (805) 9359007 or emailing charlie@ talsamusic.com). ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
Flavor
Smart sips
A Paso Robles winery offers a more accessible tasting experience for college students
McPrice Myers’ journey into wine started when he was working at a grocery store as a young adult. He later realized the introduction would save his life from tumbling along a “path for no good.”
“I worked at Trader Joe’s down in LA, and I was lucky enough to be able to taste a little bit of wine,” he told New Times. “It was one of those moments that you taste something and you realize the history.”
Now up in Paso Robles, he believes today’s younger generations aren’t drinking much at all and definitely not consuming much wine. In his experience, adults are introduced to wine in their 30s or 40s as opposed to their 20s. Myers, a winemaker himself, wants to break that barrier.
In March, McPrice Myers Wines announced a program that makes exposure to the industry more attainable for local and visiting students. Tasting without financial pressure helps even the playing field.
“When we first got into wine, you could walk into a place, and most times it was complimentary,” Myers said. “So you could actually taste five wines complimentary and gain some knowledge.”
At his Paso Robles tasting room, all college
Have a taste
McPrice Myers Wines is located at 3525 Adelaida Road in Paso Robles. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop online, book a tasting, and see a list of upcoming events by visiting mcpricemyers.com. Follow on Instagram @mcpricemyerswines.
kids with a valid student ID who are 21 and older only pay $10 instead of the winery’s regular rate of $25. The fee is normally waived with a $75 purchase, but for students the price is lowered to $45.
Plus, all wine and viticulture students receive a complimentary flight.
The winery is hoping to draw students from Cal Poly, Cuesta College, Allan Hancock College, and even visitors from state schools in Fresno and Monterey Bay.
Since many wine drinkers are 45 and older, Myers said he wants to expand the demographics. The winemaker believes when people are introduced early on, it’s easier for them to get comfortable discovering what they like to drink.
“Wine hasn’t been as accessible the last few years—10 years, 15 years—for young people. I think that we’re really seeing that now,” Myers said.
He moved to wine country and established his label in 2002. McPrice Myers Wines grows around 27 acres of estate grapes in the Adelaida District, selling between 6,000 and 7,000 cases annually out of the tasting room. The company also produces around 25,000 cases for wholesale everywhere and distributes internationally.
One big milestone came in June last year when the winery’s tasting room opened. Before it was built, Myers and his team welcomed visitors in their barrel room down the hill, but creating a bigger space was a natural next step.
With the tasting room’s extensive outdoor seating, wine tasters can enjoy their flights with the chirping birds, blooming flowers, and shade from the 150-year-old oak. If an inside experience is preferred, the bar has no shortage of natural lighting, bright from glass doors looking onto the patio.
“We’re not trying to be too fancy and inaccessible,” Myers said.
But he does want the wines to shine because it’s not easy to sustain a label. His brand is about authenticity and hard work, which the winemaker believes young adults appreciate.
So far, they’ve been showing up. Director of Business Operations Liz Gillingham sees the offer’s transactions pop up on the tasting room’s POS system. She’s seen more groups of young people, too.
“We all love that because then it’s like, ‘Tell us about the program that you’re in,’” Gillingham said. “All of us here are really interested in education and learning and talking to new, interesting people.”
After almost a decade with McPrice Myers Wines, it’s safe to say she enjoys her job. The work environment rests on a foundation of mutual respect and care. The group is like chosen family.
“We have a very diverse team here. I mean, I’m the director of a winery with visible tattoos and pink hair, but that doesn’t affect my ability to do anything,” Gillingham said. “Everyone here is welcome to be their authentic self. …
Everyone has a different story of how they came to wine and how they came to be here and what the wine here means to them.”
The model goes back to welcoming all types of wine enthusiasts, from beginners to experts. People walk in and feel the winery’s character right down to who’s working there and how they treat visitors.
On a macro level, she wants to create learning opportunities for students. Wine tasting isn’t about “pounding stuff and getting schmammied,” but instead an experience to discover bits and pieces about how grapes are made into wine.
“Shit’s expensive. We all know that,” Gillingham said. “Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to education in any environment.”
Myers agreed.
“Wine saved my whole everything. It really did. I mean, that interest in something,” he concluded. “I just think that it’s cool, and I love to share it with young people.” ∆
Reach Sun Staff Writer Madison White from New Times’ sister paper at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
UNDER THE OAK The tasting room at McPrice Myers Wines opened last summer atop rolling hills in Paso Robles. In addition to selling wine wholesale, the winery grows 27 acres of estate grapes and sells thousands of cases directly to consumers every year.
CELLAR SQUAD In March, Adrian Perez, associate winemaker at McPrice Myers Wines, was busy racking the juice. He’s been an integral part of the business for 15 years.
BAR’S OPEN Visit McPrice Myers Wines for a flight in the new Paso Robles tasting room. Try a glass of rosé for a spring treat.
KIDS THESE DAYS Founder McPrice Myers (left) and Director of Business Operations Liz Gillingham (right) help keep McPrice Myers Wines running smoothly. They’re encouraging the next generation’s wine enthusiasts with a discounted student tasting fee of $10.
CASE NUMBER: 26CV0235
To all interested persons: Petitioner: Desiree Melinda Kouns filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Desiree Melinda Kouns to PROPOSED NAME: Demi Melinda Kouns 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: May 27, 2026, Time: 9:00 am, Dept. D4, in person or via zoom at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, 1035 Palm St. Rm. 385, 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: April 13, 2026
/s/: Tana L. Coates, Judge of the Superior Court April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2026-0591
OLD FILE NO. 2021-2272
All Star Appliance, 662 Upham Street, Unit C, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 09/16/2021. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Dale Taylor Craig (662 Upham Street, Unit C, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business was conducted by An Individual /s/ Dale Craig. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 03/17/2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk. By M. Maltby, Deputy Clerk. April 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 2026
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2026-0808
OLD FILE NO. 2022-2465
Shell Beach Floral Design, 260 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 10/21/2022. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Amanda Rounds (1710 Little Ct., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420). This business was conducted by An Individual /s/ Amanda Rounds. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04/14/2026. 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.
April 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 2026
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTI -
TIOUS BUSINESS NAME
NEW FILE NO. 2026-0835
OLD FILE NO. 2024-0620
Paso Ridge Vineyard, 7355 Creston Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. San Luis Obispo County. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Luis Obispo County on 03/12/2024. The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Creston Cripple Creek LLC (7355 Creston Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446). This business was conducted by A Limited Liability Company /s/ Creston Cripple Creek LLC, Carol Moore, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 04/16/2026. 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. April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026
T.S. No.: 2025-01941-CA
A.P.N.:009-752-059
Property Address: 1451
STONEY CREEK RD, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE §
2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR. NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED
注：本文件包含一个信息摘要
참고사항: 본 첨부 문서에 정보 요약 서가 있습니다
NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO
TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP
LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY
OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/09/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Trustor: PABLO NUNEZ AND PATRICIA Y. GONZALES, HUSBAND AND WIFE, AS JOINT TENANTS
Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC Deed of Trust Recorded 06/16/2006 as Instrument No. 2006042162 and further modified by that certain Loan Modification Agreement recorded 04/12/2010, as Instrument No. 2010016800 and further modified by that certain Loan Modification Agreement recorded 08/18/2010, as Instrument No. 2010039807 and further modified by that certain Loan Modification Agreement recorded 10/03/2011, as Instrument No. 2011048192 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, California, Date of Sale: 05/19/2026 at 09:00 AM Place of Sale: BREEZEWAY FACING SANTA ROSA STREET, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO GENERAL SERVICES BUILDING, 1087 SANTA ROSA ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 360,234.70
THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE: All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as: More fully described in said Deed of Trust.
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 1451 STONEY CREEK RD, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446
A.P.N.: 009-752-059
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.
The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 360,234.70.
Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt.
If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be re-
corded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.
Please be advised that the trustee may require entity or trust bidders at this trustee’s sale to provide information, documentation and/ or certification of the vesting instructions and the data required to be reported pursuant to FinCEN regulations effective for transfers of residential real property to covered transferees on or after March 1, 2026. The required information must be provided to the trustee before a trustee’s deed upon sale will be issued for covered transfers. Additional information regarding these regulations and the required transferee information and certifications can be found at https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents /2024/08/29/2024-19198/ anti-money-laundering-regulationsfor-residential-real-estate-transfers and https://www.fincen.gov/rrefaqs#d_5
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www. altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2025-01941-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855)-976-3916, or visit this internet website https://tracker.auction. com/sb1079, using the file number assigned to this case 2025-01941CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Date: April 2, 2026 Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003 Sale Information Line: (866) 9608299 https://www.altisource.com/ loginpage.aspx __________
Trustee Sale Assistant **This address must be used for the required delivery by certified or overnight mail of postponement requests as specified pursuant to Civil Code section 2924f(e).
April 16, 23, & 30, 2026
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: ERIK JONES DBA Erik Jones Landscaping; Does 1 to 20, inclusive
Notice! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless
PERSON
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m.
To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
WHAT: Hearing for consideration of an amendment to the Inland Land Use Ordinance (County Code Title 22) to clarify procedures and considerations of existing required Conditional Use Permit findings. (Planning and Building)
County File Number: LRP2026-00005 Assessor Parcel Number: N/A
Supervisorial District: All Districts Date Accepted: N/A
WHERE: The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the hearing all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: You may contact Kip Morais, Project Manager, in the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, 976 Osos Street, Room 200, San Luis Obispo, California 93408, kmorais@co.slo.ca.us (805) 781-5136. The staff report will be available for review the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date on the County’s website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov.
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION: This project is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The County of San Luis Obispo determines that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; the activity is not subject to CEQA. [Reference: State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption].
The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building has reviewed the proposed activity and has identified that it qualifies for an exemption from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the State CEQA Guidelines (Chapter 3 of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations) and has determined that the proposed activity will not have a significant effect on the environment.
The activity consists of an amendment to the Inland Land Use Ordinance (County Code Title 22) to clarify procedures and considerations of existing required Conditional Use Permit findings. The amendment does not modify allowable land uses or development, is limited to clarifying existing administrative procedures and improving process consistency and transparency, and does not authorize, enable, or result in any physical change to the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; and as such, in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the activity is not subject to the CEQA.
The proposed ordinance amendments qualify for a Common-Sense Exemption because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it will have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)), will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (CEQA Guidelines §15060(c)(2).
**If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing** DATED: April 22, 2026 MATTHEW PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK
copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Schultz, Deputy. Exp. 03-11-31. April 23, 30, May 7, & 14, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0700 (03/24/2026)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as MORALES NURSERY LLC, 2770 Tienda Pl, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. San Luis Obispo County. Morales Nursery LLC (638 Riviera Cir., Nipomo, CA 93444). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ Morales Nursery LLC, Juan Luis Ramirez, Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 03-30-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a
FICTITIOUS
(N/A)
that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 04-02-2031. April 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0338 (12/05/2025)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as WANDERING SAGE ACUPUNCTURE, 1335 Broad Street, Suite A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Kristo Kucaric, Jr. (1241 Johnson Avenue, #137, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Kristo Kucaric, Jr. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-13-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 02-132031. March 19, 26, April 2, 9, & 23, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0421 (07/29/1952)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, SAN LUIS OBISPO MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, SLOMA, SLO MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. San Luis Obispo County. Jason Sisk-Provencio (11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405). This business is conducted by An Unincorporated Association Other Than A Partnership /s/ Jason Sisk-Provencio, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-25-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 02-25-2031. April 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0445 (03/23/2021)
New Filing
The following person is doing business as GROW FORWARD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, 2598 Main Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442. San Luis Obispo County. Amy Cresswell (2598 Main Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Amy
NOTICE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 679 OF THE CITY OF
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, at the regular meeting of the City Council held on April 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California, the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, introduced for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 679, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, amending Chapter 14.75 of Title 14 (Buildings and Construction) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code (MBMC) to incorporate the provisions of Senate Bill 1383, which updated the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).”
A certified copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance is available for public review at the City Clerk’s office, 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA, and upon request by contacting the City Clerk at (805) 772-6205.
The City Council will consider adoption of Ordinance No. 679 at the regularly scheduled meeting of April 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California.
Dana Swanson
City Clerk
Dated: April 15, 2026
Publish: April 23, 2026
City of Grover Beach REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
On-Call Professional Design Services
The City of Grover Beach (City) submits this RFQ to solicit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) from qualified firms or individuals (herein referred to as “consultants”) to provide Professional Design Services related to the City’s various capital improvement projects. The professional design services may involve all phases of a project including the design, construction, project closeout and dispute resolution phases.
Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, either in person or by mail to the following address: City of Grover Beach Public Works Department Attn: Todd Bartolome, PE, Senior Engineer 154 South 8th Street Grover Beach, CA 93433
Responders shall provide two (2) complete copies of their SOQ and an electronic version on a thumb drive in a sealed envelope or FTP site. Late proposals will not be considered. There will be no formal bid/proposal opening.
Proposers are required to certify non-discrimination in employment practices. Pre-qualification of proposers is not required. All proposers are required to comply with California Laws related to providing consulting services to California Public Agencies and the Grover Beach Municipal Code. The City reserves the right to reject all submittals, cancel all or a part of this request, waive any minor irregularities and to request additional information from consultants. This RFQ does not obligate the City to select a consultant or to award a contract.
April 16 & 23, 2026
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-003
AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING HOUSING ELEMENT
PROGRAMS A.1-2 AND A.10-2 BY AMENDING CHAPTER 16.36 RELATING TO ALLOWED RESIDENTIAL USES AND RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN MIXED USE ZONES
This Ordinance Summary is published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933. On April 14, 2026, the City Council by a 5-0 vote, adopted an Ordinance implementing Housing Element Programs A.1-2 and A.10-2 by amending Chapter 16.36 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) related to allowed residential uses and residential density in mixed-use zones.
Ordinance No. 2026-003 was adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Maraviglia, Secrest, Loe, Guthrie and Mayor Ray Russom NOES: None
ABSENT: None
A certified copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available for review by contacting the City Clerk at 805-473-5400.
/s/ Jessica Matson, City Clerk Publish one time, The New Times, April 23, 2026 Post: City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AVILA BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET
DATE: May 12, 2026
TIME: 1:00 PM
PLACE: District Meeting Room 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, CA 93422
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. The District has prepared a proposed final Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27 which is available for inspection, during regular District business hours, at the District office located at 100 San Luis Street, Avila Beach, California.
2. On May 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the District’s Board of Directors will meet to consider the adoption of the Final Budget.
3. At the time and place specified in this Notice any person may appear to be heard regarding any item in the Budget, including the addition of other items.
4. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time.
If you should have questions, please contact the District Office at avilacsd@gmail.com or (805) 595-2664. April 23, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Atascadero
DATE: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Atascadero Council Chambers 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, CA 93422
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero will hold a PUBLIC HEARING in- person at the time and place indicated above to consider an appeal to the Community Development Director’s determination finding that the previously existing land use at 4990 Traffic Way (APN 028-102-002) (storage yard) is a non-conforming use due to lack of entitlement and that a use permit would be required in order to occupy this site with a storage land use (APL260020).
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of, or opposition to, the above-proposed projects. To provide written public comment, please email comments to pc-comments@atascadero.org by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission 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 you have any questions, please call Planning Services or visit the office at 6500 Palma Ave., by appointment only, Monday through 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 www.atascadero.org/agendas.
DATED: April 22, 2026
S/ P Dunsmore, Community Development Director
PUBLISH: April 23, 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, May 7, 2026 for performing work as follows: PARKING LOT AND STREET SWEEPING IN THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH
Project Plans and Specifications are available online by accessing the electronic bidding platform at www.pismobeach.org/bids. Potential bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers are responsible for reviewing the complete bidding documents, including all addenda, prior to submitting their bid via PlanetBids. 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 April 16 & 23, 2026
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF JUDICIAL 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: $11,828 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Case No. 26CV-0164
Notice is hereby given that on February 12, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near the Loading Chute located at 6350 Webster Road, Creston, San Luis Obispo County, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section(s) 11351 & 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $11,828.00.
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 is 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: April 6, 2026
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
April 9, 16, & 23, 2026
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NON-JUDICIAL 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: $1,787.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on December 24, 2025 the above-described property was seized at 900 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446, by the Paso Robles Police Department, in connection with violations of section 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $1,787.00.
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.
NOTICE: SEIZURE OF PROPERTY AND INITIATION OF NON-JUDICIAL 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: $4,283.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on December 2, 2025, the abovedescribed property was seized at 611 Poquita Lane, San Miguel, CA 93451, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in connection with violations of section 11351 & 11378 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/ appraised value of the property is $4,283.00.
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 is 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: April 6, 2026
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen Deputy District Attorney April 9, 16, & 23, 2026
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:
$12,420.00 IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY
Notice is hereby given that on January 6, 2026, the abovedescribed property was seized at or near 995 Higuera Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA, by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, in connection with, to wit, violations of sections 11378 & 11379 of the California Health and Safety Code. The estimated/appraised value of the property is $12,420.00. 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.
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 Thursday, May 7, 2026 for performing work as follows: JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
The City of Pismo Beach invites qualified vendors to submit bids for the supply and delivery of janitorial products, first aid supplies, and related items for use in city-owned facilities. The purpose of this is to establish a contract with a reliable supplier offering highquality and sustainable products, competitive pricing, efficient delivery and great customer service.
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 RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal. Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach. org/bids.
ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK April 16 & 23, 2026
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 is 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: April 6, 2026
DAN DOW
District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
April 9, 16, & 23, 2026
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: April 20, 2026
DAN DOW District Attorney
Kenneth Jorgensen
Deputy District Attorney
April 23, 30, & May 7, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCES
ADOPTING AND AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 5, 2026, the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing at 9:00 A.M. in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA to consider the following item:
ORDINANCES AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE
On May 5, 2026, the Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing prior to considering adoption of the Ordinances. If adopted, the Ordinances will amend Chapters 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 of County Code.
The Board of Supervisors may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Board of Supervisors at, or prior to, the public hearing. Failure of any person to receive the notice shall not constitute grounds for any court to invalidate the action of the legislative body for which the notice was given.
Summary of Ordinance
This ordinance updates Chapters 2.25, 2.26, 2.40, and 9.01 of the San Luis Obispo County Code to restructure the Health Agency and establish the Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 2026; and create department head positions for each new department. The amendments reflect organizational and administrative changes, including updating references related to the elimination of the Health Agency and position of Health Agency Director, the creation of the Department of Behavioral Health and the position of Director of Behavioral Health, the creation of the Department of Public Health and the position of Director of Public Health, the creation of the County Health Officer, and associated code updates to reflect these applicable and associated changes to the organizational, oversight, appointing, and reporting structure.
Documents Available for Review
For further information, you may contact Sarah Hayter in the County of San Luis Obispo Executive Office at (805) 781-5011. Copies of the full text of the proposed ordinance can be reviewed online at:
WHEN: Tuesday, May 05, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. All items are advertised for 9:00 a.m. To find out placement of this item on the Board of Supervisors Agenda, go to the County’s website at www.slocounty. ca.gov on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing date.
WHAT: Hearing to consider an Ordinance amending Planning and Building Fees in the County Fee Schedule “B” for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Recommended amendments include increases, decreases, new, and deleted fees. Schedule B Fee amendments would become effective July 1, 2026.
WHERE: The hearing will be held in the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey St., Room #D170, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. The Board of Supervisors Chambers are located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. At the hearing all interested persons may express their views for or against, or to change the proposal.
DATED: April 22, 2026
MATTHEW P. PONTES, EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS By: /s/ Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk April 23, 2026
NOTICE
OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Paso Robles City Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following project:
Project Description: Consideration of Zoning Code Amendment to Paso Robles Municipal Code (PRMC) Section 21.69.120 (Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts), Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits), Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations), Section 21.91.070 (“F” Definitions) and Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan (UTCSP) Table 5.3-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permitting Requirements) to modify the Permitting Requirements and Operational Standards consistent with the Food Truck Ad Hoc Committee and Planning Commission recommendations. (RZN25-08/SPA26-02/P25-0070).
Location: Citywide CEQA Determination: The proposed ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. State CEQA Guidelines §15060(c) provides that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if … the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378” and, alternatively, is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment.
Hearing Date: The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on May 5th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Norris Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Recommendation: The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on Tuesday April 14th, 2026 to consider this item. On a 5-0 vote, recommended City Council adopt the zoning code amendment to Paso Robles Municipal Code (PRMC) Section 21.69.120 (Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts), Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits), Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations), Section 21.91.070 (“F” Definitions) and Uptown/ Town Centre Specific Plan (UTCSP) Table 5.3-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permitting Requirements) by adopting Ordinance XXXX based on findings.
The public has the option to attend the meeting in person or to participate remotely. To participate remotely, residents can livestream the meeting at www.prcity.com/youtube, and call (805)865-7276 to provide live public comment via telephone. The phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting.
Written public comments can be submitted via email to cityclerk@prcity.com or US Mail (submit early) to the Community Development, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 provided that the comments are received prior to the time of the public hearing. Comments received prior to 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the agenda. If submitting written comments, please note the agenda item by number or name. Comments on the proposed application must be received prior to the time of the hearing to be considered by the City Council.
Challenge to the application in court will be limited to issues raised at the public hearings or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Copies of the project staff report will be available for review on the City’s website (www.prcity.com/meetings) on the Friday preceding the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 237-3970. April 23, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 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 consider various amendments to the Council Policies and Procedures Manual to implement changes to public meetings and teleconference requirements in accordance with Senate Bill 707 (2025). These changes include a new public participation option through two-way telephonic or two-way audio-visual platform; procedures for the disruption of telephonic or internet services; and updated language for various teleconferencing provisions.
For more information, contact Teresa Purrington, City Clerk of the City’s Administration Department at (805) 7817102 or by email, tpurring@slocity.org
The City Council may also discuss other hearings or business items before or after the items listed above. If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Council Agenda Reports for this meeting will be available for review one week in advance of the meeting date on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayorand-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 for more information.
The City Council meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo.
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk April 23, 2026
SUMMARY
OF ORDINANCE
AMENDING SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CODE TITLE 6 SECTION 6.32 RELATING TO FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT
On April 21, 20256, the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 3590, wherein it amended San Luis Obispo County Code Title 6 relating to fireworks enforcement, by the following roll call to wit:
AYES: Supervisors Heather Moreno, Bruce S. Gibson, John Peschong, Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Chairperson Jimmy Paulding
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
The amendments revise Sections 6.32.086 through 6.32.098. Proposed revisions to the ordinance consist of minor administrative changes including:
1. Expand the definition of “Department” to include the County Fire Department and County Sheriff’s Office.
2. Clarify the notice to include “Notice of Nuisance” and “Notice of Administrative Fine”.
3. Add a time limit establishing that a copy of the notice will be recorded in the Office of the County Recorder with in 45 days of service of the notice.
4. Clarify to which Department the fine shall be paid, and any appeal filed.
5. Errata
Copies of the full text of the above amendments may be purchased at reproduction cost or reviewed without charge by contacting the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at ad_board_clerk@co.slo.ca.us.
Dated: April 22, 2026
Matthew P. Pontes, Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: /s/Niki Martin
Deputy Clerk
April 23, 2026
CITY OF ATASCADERO
Zoo Support Spaces Renovation Project Project No. C2026B01
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT
The City of Atascadero will receive bids for the “Zoo Support Spaces Renovation Project” at the Atascadero City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA until May 21, 2026 at 1:30 P.M., when they will be publicly opened. Proposals received after said time will not be considered. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, bidder’s name, and address.
The Contractor must possess a valid CLASS A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE at the time of award. This project is subject to the payment of Prevailing Wages, therefore the
Contractor shall pay all wages and penalties as required by applicable law. Per
SB 854 (Stat. 2014, Chapter 28), no contractor or subcontractor may work or be listed on a bid proposal unless registered with the DIR. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of Atascadero.
Bid packages will be available by April 17, 2026 to download for a fee of $22.00 on the City website, www.atascadero.org or at www.QuestCDN.com using project number eBid #10168447.
Question may be directed to the City of Atascadero at 805-470-3180 or dprice@atascadero.org
Run Dates: April 23, 2026 and April 30, 2026
City of Grover Beach REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) For Construction Management Services or Geotechnical Engineering Services
The City of Grover Beach (City) submits this RFQ to solicit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) from qualified firms or individuals (herein referred to as “consultants”) to provide Construction Management Services or Geotechnical Engineering Services related to the City’s various capital improvement projects. The Construction Management Services (herein referred to as “CM Services”) may include all phases of a project including the design, construction, project closeout and dispute resolution phases. The Geotechnical Engineering Services (herein referred to as “Geotech Services”) may be required during the pre-design phase, design phase, and/or construction phase of an infrastructure project, all of which likely are as a sub-consultant to a design engineering service provider or a CM Services provider. A CM Services provider cannot be the same firm who provided design engineering services, whereas a Geotechnical Engineering Services provider may participate on both the design engineering services team and CM Services team when those Geotech Services are in a sub-consulting role.
Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 either in person or by mail to the following address:
City of Grover Beach Public Works Department Attn: Erin Wiggin, CIP Manager 154 South 8th Street Grover Beach, CA 93433
Responders shall provide two (2) complete hardcopies of their SOQ and an electronic version on a thumb drive in a sealed envelope. Late proposals will not be considered. There will be no formal bid opening.
Proposers are required to certify non-discrimination in employment practices. Pre-qualification of proposers is not required. All proposers are required to comply with California Laws related to providing consulting services to California Public Agencies and the Grover Beach Municipal Code.
The City reserves the right to reject all submittals, cancel all or a part of this request, waive any minor irregularities and to request additional information from consultants. This RFQ does not obligate the City to select a consultant or to award a contract. April 16 & 23, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL
bidders, for not less than the minimum bid as shown on this notice.
The properties that are the subject of this notice are situated in San Luis Obispo County, California. The following is a list of properties that were approved by the Board of Supervisors for sale at this Sealed Bid Sale.
The right of redemption will cease at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Properties that are redeemed (prior year taxes paid) by May 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. will not be sold. Properties not redeemed by that time will be offered for sale.
If a parcel is not sold at the Sealed Bid Sale, the right of redemption re-instates up until the close of business on the last day prior to the next scheduled sale.
If the properties are sold, parties of interest, as defined in California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any excess proceeds from the sale. Excess proceeds are the amount of the highest bid in excess of $150 after the liens and costs of the sale are paid from the sale price. Notice will be given to parties of interest, pursuant to law, if excess proceeds result from the sale.
Additional information about the Sealed Bid Sale may be obtained by contacting the Redemption Division of the Tax Collector’s Office at 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-290, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93408, or by calling the Redemption Division at (805) 781-5836.
ASSESSMENT NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION
The assessment number refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, or the block on the map (if applicable), and to the individual parcel number on the map page or in the block. The Assessor’s parcel maps and further explanation of the assessment numbering system are available in the Assessor’s Office, 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-360, San Luis Obispo, California.
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California, on April 23, 2026. /s/ James W. Hamilton, CPA, San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector
Published in New Times on April 23, April 30, and May 7, 2026.
