Volume 27

HOME & GARDEN



Issue 43



February 19 - March 4, 2015

gourmet

{ pages 21-28 }

expo

guide

YOUR COMMUNITY IN YOUR HANDS

LOS OSOS

MORRO BAY

CAYUCOS

CAMBRIA

Kyle Shaffer of Estero Bay Surf Club cuts back during Saturday’s 25th Annual Big, Bad & Ugly Surf Contest at Morro Rock. Results, more photos on Page 8. Photo by Neil Farrell

New Proposal for Cayucos School

Flushed Over Sewer Plant Listen Up!

By Neil Farrell

By Neil Farrell

C

ayucos Elementary School’s 8th graders might some day get to pick which public high school they want to attend, if a proposal arising now is ultimately approved by the town’s voters. Cayucos Elementary School District Superintendent, Anne Hubbard, who also serves as the one-school district’s principal, is proposing a new scenario that would clear the way for her 8th graders to go to Morro Bay High School, or whatever public school they want It’s an issue that has been simmering for years and the last two attempts to come up with a solution fell short. It was also dumped into her lap on her first

day on the job. In essence, this new plan would change Cayucos Elementary School District into a K-12th instead of K-8th as it is now and cut ties with the Coast Unified School District. Under the current set up, which has been in effect since the 1920s, every property in Cayucos’ zip code is included in the Coast Union district, so the portion of the town’s property taxes designated for secondary education (high school) gets sent up to Cambria. The problem is that very few of the Cayucos kids actually goes to Coast Union, she said.

Page 9

50 Shades of Lousy Page 35

See Proposal, page 4

tolosapress.com

Bridge Job Breaks Ground

I

’ve been covering the Los Osos sewer since 1992, and have probably written a thousand stories about it over the past 23 years. But to be honest, I really had no concept of the shear enormity of this project until last week, when I tagged along with a Cal Poly construction management class for a tour of the sewer treatment plant, located on farmland behind the Los Osos Cemetery. The enormity of this project left me a little flushed, if you’ll forgive the pun. Seeing the job while it’s still being built, has led to a greater appreciation for why it took so long to get built and why folks fought so hard to move the

plant out of town. Now granted, the project being built — with oxidation ditches and clarifiers — is not what was proposed for the middle of town back in the early years of this century, so it’s comparing oranges to tangerines, still, moving the plant sure seems smarter to me now, despite the increased costs. It had rained hard over the weekend so that Monday (Feb. 9) the place was a muddy mess and no one was working despite the morning being warm and sunny. We slipped and slid our way across the job site, which covers See Sewer, page 10

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News Bret Colhouer publisher [email protected] Neil Farrell managing editor The Bay News [email protected] Theresa-Marie Wilson managing editor The Coast News [email protected]

Table of

Contents

Police Arrest Flasher ......................................3

City-State to Burn Brush ............................... 37

Two Arrested in Alleged Car Thefts ................3

Board Seats Filled, Almost ........................... 37

Police Blotter ............................................. 6-7

Old Fire Truck is Gone, New One Coming....38

25th Big, Bad and Ugly .................................8

Suspected Drug Lab Explodes......................38

Bridge Job Hits Troubled Waters ....................9

Senior Apartment Complex Breaks Ground ..39

Gareth Kelly business / lifestyle reporter [email protected]

Osos Chamber Hands Out Awards .............. 10

Sports Shorts ..............................................40

Michelle Johnson art director

UCSB Wins Regatta .................................... 11

State Lets Transportation Monies ..................41

Christy Serpa editorial design

Letters To The Editor .................................... 12

Business Matters .................................... 42-45

Kathrene Tiffin copy editor

Central Coast Life .................................. 13-36

Biz Briefs ............................................... 46-47

Camas Frank section editor SLO City News [email protected] Michael Elliot sports reporter [email protected]

Jessica Padilla marketing coordinator [email protected] ADVERTISING Jessica Micklus sales manager [email protected] Dana McGraw senior advertising executive [email protected] Zorina Ricci coast news advertising executive [email protected] Carrie Vickerman bay news advertising executive [email protected] Wiley Poole slo advertising executive Dave Diaz internet, text & loyalty marketing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Teri Bayus Michael Gunther King Harris Vivian Krug Evanne Mingori Betsey Nash SLO Nightwriters Ray Ambler Ruth Anne Angus Amy Joseph Carrie Jaymes Erin O’Donnell Paul Winninghoff This is a publication of Tolosa Press, Inc., Copyright 2007–2013 all rights reserved. One free copy per person. Additional copies can be obtained at our offices 615 Clarion Court, #2, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. Tolosa Press makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of its contents. Please notify us if information is incorrect.

phone (805) 543-6397 fax (805) 543-3698 615 Clarion Ct., #2, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

www.tolosapress.com

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Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015

News Police Arrest Alleged Flasher

M

orro Bay police have arrested a local transient man after he allegedly exposed himself in a city park. According to Cmdr. Bryan Millard, at about 2:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 police responded to Del Mar Park, in North Morro Bay, for a report of a man “exposing his genitals to children in the park.” Arriving police reportedly watched the suspect “actively exposing himself with several children in the nearby area,” Millard said.

When officers tried to arrest the suspect, he reportedly struggled with them but no one was injured, according to Millard. Police arrested William Kirk Tallman, 46 a local transient, on suspicion of indecent exposure and resisting arrest. Police are asking anyone with questions or concerns about the case or who might have additional information about the suspect, to call them at 772-6225.

Cayucos Election March 10

T

he Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council Election is set for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at the Cayucos Vet’s Hall. CCAC reviews projects and policy changes on the County level, advising the County supervisors on the community’s wishes. Any Cayucos registered voters can pop in and vote. Candidates are: Precinct 1: Carol Baptiste vs. John Carsel; Precinct 2:

Paul Choucalas, Bill Shea, and Marie Jaqua; Precinct 3: David Dabritz; Precinct 4: Roland Hutchinson vs. Francie Farinet; Precinct 5: Steven Beightler vs. Steve Geil; Precinct 6: DeAnne Harland vs. Carol Chubb; Precinct 7: Greg Bettencourt; Precinct 8: Larry Fishman vs. Gil Igleheart. Two members and one alternate can be elected per precinct.



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Two Arrested in Alleged Car Thefts

T

wo women were arrested and a stash of stolen property recovered by Morro Bay Police after they allegedly broke into numerous cars in Morro Bay. Sometime overnight Feb. 1-2, there were 11 reported thefts from vehicles in the northwest side of the City, according to a new release from the MBPD. Also, a dry cleaner shop in Downtown was also burglarized. “The losses from these thefts,” said Cmdr. Bryan Millard, “included several small electronic items, power tools, cash money, and blank business checks totaling several hundred dollars in value.” A police investigation led to the arrest of a 32-year-old woman and subsequently arrested an 18-year-old woman in connection with the cases. Following up on more leads, Millard said, police recovered more suspected stolen property at a home in the south side of town and “contacted two adult male subjects in the early morning hours of Feb. 5,” Millard said, “who admitted taking property from more than 30 vehicles that morning, and had numerous

property items in their possession.” Those items, are being held by police until the owners can be located. There may be as many as 51 car thefts, Millard said, as the two men reportedly admitted to “30-40” thefts. More suspects have reportedly been identified, “but no other arrests have been made, pending the completion of this investigation,” he added. Thus far, police arrested Heather Hair, 32 of Morro Bay on suspicion of possession of stolen property, criminal conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A second suspect, Ariel Martine Adams, 18 of Morro Bay, after she allegedly tried to cash a suspected forged check that police say was “identified as a stolen in one of the associated thefts.” Adams was charged with suspicion of possession of stolen property, forgery, and conspiracy. Both women were cited for misdemeanors and released, Millard said. Police are asking any citizens with information about recent thefts, or are missing property out of their vehicles, to call them at 772-6225.

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News

Proposal, from page 1

Out of the 32, 8th graders who graduated from Cayucos last year, 24 are attending MBHS, according to information Hubbard put together. Four went to Coast Union and four others went elsewhere — some to Mission Prep or other private schools. Some 17 Cayucos kids from 2013 went to Morro Bay, 21 in 2012 and 15 in 2011 (77 total), she said. Over the past four years, her research shows, a total of 21 have gone to Coast. Last year’s class of 32 was actually big for little Cayucos. “We have 23 this year,” said Hubbard.

News

The main issue with this is that the tax dollars for educating Cayucos’ kids are not going to the school district that is actually doing the educating. The State’s formula for paying school districts — based on Average Daily Attendance — is about $10,500 per pupil per year, she explained, meaning the San Luis Coastal School District, which has MBHS, is not getting about $250,000 in reimbursement for educating just Cayucos’ freshmen. For all of the current students, “I’d estimate it at about a half million,” said Hubbard. “It is a significant amount of money.” And in an informal poll of current Cayucos 8th graders, she said, not one of them said they wanted to go

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to Coast Union but many said Morro Bay. San Luis, Cayucos, Cambria Elementary and Coast Union districts are all basic aid districts, meaning they get their monies directly from property taxes not from State funding, so these numbers are only estimates. And in little Cayucos, property tax revenues are substantial. Cayucos’ K-8 school has a $2.8 million budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year. An additional amount, Hubbard is unsure how much, goes to the Coast Union district for secondary education. To remedy the situation, Hubbard said, they want to be able to collect those “high school” taxes and have the money follow the students. So if a kid wants to go to Templeton because of its music program, she said, they could do it, or Morro Bay for its STEAM program or San Luis High for its athletics. The situation would apply to any public school district that signs a memorandum of understanding that would also be developed, she explained. Private schools would be excluded, “because they charge tuition.” “Cayucos citizens would get their choice of high schools,” Hubbard said, “and the taxes generated will follow the students. The money targeted for high school students all go to Coast Union but they’re only educating a small percentage of our students.” Essentially, Cayucos would become a K-12 district without a high school, and direct monies to where the students go to school. But like any other major change, this one has a long road ahead of it.

First step is a town meeting set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the new school gym. This is an informational meeting only and a way for the district to answer questions, allay fears and dispel incorrect rumors that have been going around, she said. What they need are three people to form a committee, write the petition and launch a signature drive, she explained. This “unification” petition will be lengthy, she said, noting that such petitions done elsewhere in California ran eight-20 pages. Some 25% of the 2,032 registered voters (according to the County Clerk’s records) must sign, but Hubbard said they hope to get a lot more than the 508 or so needed. The County Office of Education, whose new superintendent is Jim Brescia, Cayucos’ former superintendent/ principal, must verify them. Then the petition goes up to Sacramento and the State Department of Education for its approval. It would then go back to the County to set an election date. They don’t have a target date for an election in mind right now, she said, as there is a long ways to go. However, she explained, the State Board of Education could approve the change without an election being held. “They have the authority to do that,” Hubbard said, “if an overwhelming number of voters wanted it.” Indeed, she explained, the only reason they are doing this at all is because Cayucos residents have asked for it.

Thank You… To every one to who participated in, sponsored and/or supported our SOLD OUT

“TEAL MAGNOLIA” Fashion/Luncheon Show, in Oceano CA on Saturday January 17, 2015. Our signature “Teal Magnolia” bubbly drink was a huge success. The goal of our fashion and luncheons are directed at empowering women with the necessary tools and information on ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is considered to be a silent killer, we don’t agree as there are many signs that are misdiagnosed. We feel that once a woman understands the signs to look for she is then able to be her own advocate in her healthcare and insist that necessary tests be taken. Sharon Leigh President of the Sharon Leigh Ovarian Cancer Foundation spoke on the BRCA gene and its relationship to ovarian cancer. Cristina Martins-Sinco Vice President, of the Sharon Leigh Ovarian Cancer Foundation spoke on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Our deepest thank you to the Elks Lodge, Tony and Margaret were wonderful to work with. Sharla Cannon owner of Le Papillion from the village in Arroyo Grande, partnered with our foundation with her beautiful line of clothes for our radiant models. Our Models: Judy Hearn, Blanche Hollingsead-Fuguate, Jeannie, and Cindy Miranda, graced the runway. The fantastic committee of women who came together and created a beautiful setting for our guests, Kathy Fissori, Kim Jeffers, Sylvia Dodd, Linda Fielder, Debra Jackson. Hair and make-up: Susie Almaquer, Alexandria Silveira Goncalves and Cassandra Sigala. Our sponsors: SLOCO Data, Sierra Auto of Grover Beach, PGE Graphics by Michelle Kossuth

Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Morro Bay • Feb. 2: Police took several reports of some larcenous scoundrels getting into parked cars overnight. Reports were in the 2200 block of Emerald Cr. (four), 2200 Coral, 100 Andros, 165 Hatteras, 100 Damar, and 200 Gilbert. Thankfully, through some good police work, officers arrested two women in connection with these cases and then discovered two men who reportedly confessed to untold more car thefts. Police estimate the case could involve more than 40 and have a pile of suspected stolen property they want to return to its owners. There were also several vandalism to vehicles cases, as the gang that couldn’t’ shoot straight apparently couldn’t get past the door locks. • Feb. 3: Some sinner vandalized the window of a business in the 1000 block of Kennedy Way. And in another chicken-sh*t crime, someone stole a check from a mailbox in the 100 block of Easter St., and then cashed it in SLO. • Feb. 3: Police responded at 5:51 p.m. to Rite Aid where they’d caught a suspected shoplifter. Logs indicated a 20-year-old, stickyfingered woman was cited and released with a no doubt crossyour-heart promise to appear. They caught another one Feb. 6, that time it was a 27-year-old thief-ette, whom logs said made the long ride to the pokey. • Feb. 3: A woman in the 300

• Feb. 5: A woman in the 300 block of Avalon said someone stole a $1,000 laptop out of her vehicle.

• Feb. 3: Police responded at 3:35 p.m. to the 700 block of Pacific where a building jumped in front of a vehicle. There were no injuries though the building might disagree. The following day, they went to Del Mar Elementary on Sequoia where the janitor said a planter box got into someone’s way. • Feb. 4: Police took a report of someone doing a Carrie Underwood to a parked car at the high school.

on Costa Brava. He was taken to an area hospital to have his head examined.

doing construction and had hit his head.

• Feb. 7: A guy used the restroom for an “extended” period of time at the Five Cities Drive Shell Station. The clerk told him to leave but A naked guy out with a pit bull later found him coming was reportedly out for a stroll on out of the back area. The West Point. The caller had also caller believed the guy had a knife, but police come across a car with the engine could not locate him. running that had a shotgun

• Feb. 11: Some guy wearing tan

Pismo Beach • Feb. 12: Police were unable to locate a car that had driven through the area on Narlene Way several times, which didn’t used to be against the law. • Feb. 12: A guest at the Ocean Palms Hotel reported that his fiance was hitting him with a pillow. Not exactly 50 Shades of Grey, but the two were separated for the night. • Feb. 12: Several people on a kayak in the ocean reportedly looked distressed. Cal Fire determined that all was OK. • Feb. 12: Security at the Outlet Center reported that two employees were having a spat behind the building. • Feb. 12: A caller on the 200 block of Dolliver reported that a guy she had a restraining order against and who had been threatening to killer her via text, was now in her backyard. Reportedly the guy had also taken the caller’s car and kept it for two days. Police could not locate the rejected Romeo Lecter. • Feb. 12: A suspicious car of unknown color was reported across from the construction trailer by McLintocks. It turned out to be a woman watching the sunset, which is something the caller might try doing.

“A guest at the Ocean Palms Hotel reported that his fiance was hitting him with a pillow. Not exactly 50 Shades of Grey, but the two were separated for the night.”

block of Rennel said two unknown battleaxes assaulted her.

Police Blotter

• Feb. 11: Three guys chowed down on $46 worth of grub at Denny’s, and when it was time to pay, their card was denied. One guy said that he would return the next day and pay the bill.

• Feb. 11: A naked guy out with a pit bull was reportedly out for a stroll on West Point. The caller had also come across a car with the engine running that had a shotgun and drugs inside, presumably belonging to the slow-speed streaker. He was reported again standing behind McLintoks. Another caller reported that he had bumped into the guy who responded by saying, “I should kill you.” Officers taxed the guy, which didn’t have to much of an impact. They did manage to catch Mr. Full Monty inside a home

and drugs inside, presumably belonging to the slow-speed streaker. He was reported again standing behind McLintoks. Another caller reported that he had bumped into the guy who responded by saying, “I should kill you.” Officers taxed the guy, which didnʼt have to much of an impact. They did manage to catch Mr. Full Monty inside a home on Costa Brava. He was taken to an area hospital to have his head examined. pants and carrying an umbrella was reportedly walking on the Boardwalk yelling obscenities. Police caught up with the guy who said that he was merely singing to himself. “Under the Boardwalk, we’ll be having some fu-un…” Everybody sing along. • Feb. 11: Cal Fire responded to a report of a man down by Harry’s on Cypress. The guy fell off the wagon and off the curb. • Feb. 11: A house on the 100 block of Florin was being tented for fumigation and some termite wanted police to check out the workers. Everything was okay. • Feb. 11: A guy who liked to sleep under the stairs at a residence on the 100 block of Ocean View. He was arrested and hopefully got to sleep with a roof over his head. • Feb. 10: A woman entered the station to report that her exboyfriend has been breaking into her house and backyard to steal her dog. • Feb. 10: A man claiming to work for Charter entered Orchard Hardware Supply on official business. The caller got in touch with Charter who said that they hadn’t sent anyone out. • Feb. 10: A caller reported a guy yelling on Price Street. The lug was

• Feb. 7: A loud party was reported in the hot tub area at Pismo Shore Estates. An officer was sent to break up the partying prunes. • Feb. 6: A caller on the 100 block of Narlene Way reported a guy that wasn’t supposed to be at a home had jumped the fence and was “creeping around” the corner of the house.

• Feb. 6: A caller reported a man on the sidewalk on 4th street wearing camouflage clothing and using a machete chopping at the trees. As it turns out, he was doing landscaping.

San Luis Obispo • Feb. 13: Police responded at 12:14 a.m. to the Buffalo Bar in the 700 block of Higuera where a cocker spaniel had been tied outside to a pole for two hours. Logs indicated the dog was OK and police would check back through the night, until the mutt owner comes back for it. • Feb. 13: Someone at Amtrak called at 1 a.m. to report a transient woman was trying to hop a freight. • Feb. 13: A silent teller hold-up alarm went off at Heritage Oaks Bank on Froom Ranch Rd., clearly a false alarm as it was 1:34 a.m. • Feb. 13: A woman in the 1100 block of Seaward called police at 2:31 a.m. after finding a strange man inside her house. The 21-yearold boozeheimer was arrested. Feb. 12: The Grocery Outlet on Madonna Road called at 8 a.m. after they caught two 12-yearold girls with sticky fingers. The uncooperative hooliganettes were being detained. • Feb. 12: Police responded to

Police Blotter County Mental Health on Johnson where one of the patients assaulted a staff member. The 27-year-old berserker was arrested for suspicion of battery and of course probation violation. • Feb. 12: Someone reported five homeless men pushing a disabled motor home out of a parking at Morro and Pacific, a case of manpower taking over for horsepower.

• Feb. 12: A citizen called at 4:10 p.m. from Madonna and El Mercado and said a homeless woman on the corner has a sign that says she needs help and has a lot of luggage,

“A citizen in the 1100 block of Laurel called to report some college kids were moving out and they left their couch, and it smells like college students.”

• Feb. 12: Someone reported at 9:55 a.m. that some donut hole was sleeping in the doorway next to House of Bagels in the 100 block of Higuera. • Feb. 12: A citizen in the 2400 block of Sendero called at 10:27 a.m. to report two baby cows running through the cul-de-sac. • Feb. 12: A citizen in the 1100 block of Laurel called to report some college kids were moving out and they left their couch, and it smells like college students. • Feb. 12: Someone called police at 1:52 p.m. from JB Dewars on Prado Road to report some homeless man was chopping a tree down. Ol’ Paul Dumbyon said he didn’t like the trees. • Feb. 12: A citizen in the area of Drake and Oceanaire reported that a POS travel trailer up on blocks for months, now has a “For Sale” sign in the window. • Feb. 12: Some thief no doubt got a charge out of stealing a Honda generator from Arsenal Equipment Rentals in the 3500 block of Higuera. • Feb. 12: Someone in the 1700 block of Beach St., complained about a car parked outside Sandercock Transfer Co. It was an old Ford Taurus painted white with grass, butterflies and ladybugs, so yeah, tow that thing outta here. • Feb. 12: Police and firefighters responded at 3:30 p.m. to the Hwy 101-LOVR construction zone for a “bulldozer vs. traffic signal” collision with live wires down, as you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. • Feb. 12: At 3:44 p.m. a woman called police and said her apparently troubled daughter just left and she believes the girl is over-medicated, ya think?

or might that be baggage? • Feb. 12: Someone at Bishop’s Peak School on Jaycee needed help in the perhaps poorly named, Sun & Fun Room. • Feb. 12: A man became dizzy and needed medical attention at Toyota of San Luis Obispo, no doubt suffering sticker shock. • Feb. 12: Someone at Fire Station 1 at Santa Barbara and Broad reported a woman in the parking lot was being chased by a transient man and woman. • Feb. 11: Someone called at 7:24 a.m. because some Hoss left the barn door open at Cowboy Cookie.

Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015

arrived with the rope. • Feb. 11: A citizen in the 600 block of Monterey at the Leitcher Apartments discovered the secret hiding spot of a transient man, who shimmied through a hole in the back fence and grabbed a sleeping bag and other assorted stuff. • Feb. 11: Someone was in the police station lobby from the Be Happy Wellness Café on Foothill, upset and just sick about something. • Feb. 11: Someone called at 2 p.m. from the YMCA parking lot to report two dudes in a Ford sedan rolling a joint and smoking the evil weed. Police didn’t cite anyone as the evidence no doubt all went up in smoke. • Feb. 11: Police responded to the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity in the 1200 block of Foothill as apparently some frat boy’s car got repossessed, and when that happens there’s only one thing to do — To-ga! To-ga! • Feb. 11: At 6:11 p.m. someone at the Marsh Street Post Office thought a man suspicious looking because he

“Some guy wearing tan pants and carrying an umbrella was reportedly walking on the Boardwalk yelling obscenities. Police caught up with the guy who said that he was merely singing to himself. “Under the Boardwalk, weʼll be having some fu-un…” Everybody sing along.”

• Feb. 11: Someone asked police to check the welfare of a person at 7:30 a.m. in the Marsh Street parking garage. Logs indicated officers should drive up the ramp to the second level and just look to the right.

• Feb. 11: Someone called at 8 a.m. from Meadow Park to report a transient man sleeping in affordable housing — a cardboard refrigerator box — and taking up space on the grass. At 8:23, someone at House of Bagels on Higuera reported another freeloader has been sleeping and living in their trash bin and is starting to make himself at home. And at 9:06 another transient man was discovered sleeping on the front porch at San Luis Financial, and since he’s not there for a loan, it was hasta la bye-bye time. • Feb. 11: At 9 a.m. someone called from the 600 block of Higuera at West End Espresso Bar to report that some degenerate smoker was fouling his or her air. The smoke apparently cleared before officers

was walking two bicycles down the sidewalk. • Feb. 11: Police responded at 8:30 p.m. to LOVR and Oceanaire for a 3-car meet n’ greet, as a tan Camry said hello to a blue Altima, which was then introduced to a silver Kia and they were blocking the roadway.



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• Feb. 11: Someone called at 8:36 p.m. from Higuera and Bianchi to report an angry transient man loudly cussing and swearing for the “past few hours,” shoot more likely the past few years. • Feb. 12: Police were called at 5 a.m. after a citizen found two transients sleeping outside the SLO Symphony’s Office on Higuera, and ol’ Beethoven had already told them — “Get-out-of-heeer!” “Get-out-ofheeer!”

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News

Sports

Sunny Skies, Good Waves at 25th Big-Ugly Photos by Neil Farrell

Hayley Cameron

Tom Kellerman and Dana Pitman

T

he 25th Annual Big, Bad & Ugly Surf and Turf contest saw some of the best waves in years Saturday, as surfers from some eight surf clubs, representing from San Onofre to Pedro Point converged at Morro Rock. With overhead sets and 80-degree weather, the Big Ugly this year drew hundreds of fans. Surf Clubs that took part were: San Onofre Surf Club, Malibu Boardriders, Estero Bay Surf Club, Ventura Surf Club, Santa Barbara County Surf Club, Pedro Point Surf Club, Santa Cruz Longboard Union, Big stick Surfing Association. Estero Bay took the team title, Santa Cruz Longboarders was second and the Big sticks were third.

Danny Johnson

Ray Savoie

Division winners were: Grommets 10-under — 1st Otis Kelly, 2nd Ginger Russell, 3rd Ryker Robson. Grommets 11-16 — 1st Fisher Baxter, 2nd Levi Krull, 3rd Shane Naime. Junior Men 13-19 — 1st Riley Proano, 2nd Julien Putnam, 3rd Dean Moye.

David Girard

Men 20-34 — 1st Keary Kennedy, 2nd Garret Swanson, 3rd Kyle Schaffer Masters Men 35-49 — 1st Ryan Devine, 2nd Dave Morgan 3rd Charlie Howland. Men’s Grand Masters 50-59 — 1st Tom Kellerman, 2nd Kevin Swanson, 3rd Paul Hughes. Legends 60+ — 1st Bob Matchett, 2nd Phil Rovai, 3rd Joel Baldwin. Senior Women 35+ — 1st Hayley Cameron, 2nd Tee Hardy, 3rd Jane McKenzie. StandUp Paddle Open — 1st Rusty Birchell, 2nd Jason Mussallem. Men’s Shortboard — 1st Danny Hart, 2nd London O’Regan, 3rd Kevin Swanson.

Tee Hardy Women’s Shortboard — 1st Hayley Cameron, 2nd Tee Hardy, 3rd Amy Christy. Dog Meat Heat — 1st Keary Kennedy, 2nd Danny Hart, 3rd Dave Morgan Golf (at Sea Pines Sunday) — 1st Jerry Myers, 37, 2nd Dave Carter, 42, 3rd John B. 43.3.

Evan Savoie

Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015

News



9

Bridge Job Breaks Ground, Hits Troubled Waters By Neil Farrell

B

uilding the Morro Creek Bridge has started out in somewhat troubled waters, after work began without first getting an OK from Native American archaeological monitors. But despite that initial glitch, City, State and County officials joined with about 50 residents for a ground-breaking ceremony last Wednesday and the city manager vowed to have the bridge open by July. And while the ceremony brought out a lot of laughs and smiles that the project, some 20-plus years in the making, was finally getting built, it wasn’t a jovial occasion when work began the week before. CalPortland, the contractor hired to build the $1.7 million Morro Creek Bridge and Harborwalk extension in Morro Bay, came to a halt Feb. 4 after representatives of the local Chumash pointed out that they’d not been consulted before work began. The job got underway that Monday with CalPortland removing a pole-wire fence that ran along the west side of the dirt roadway, fencing put in years ago as part of the first Harborwalk project. Some minor grading was done along that stretch where the walking and bike lanes will go, and orange, plastic fencing was strung along Morro Creek

where the bridge will be to protect the creek. A crewman said they’d also discovered some protected plants while removing ice plant from the job area. Those were dug up and replanted further into the dunes, he said. But rare plants being found paled in comparison to the brooha-ha that erupted when the Native Americans arrived on scene. Public Works Director, Rob Livick, said there was a “communication breakdown” with the Native Americans and the City temporarily stopped the job. The consultant, SWCA Environmental Consultants with an office in SLO, was supposed to prepare an archaeological

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monitoring plan and circulate it to the Native Americans for review and approval before work started. T h e consultant gave the go-ahead to start work before that was done, Livick said. After a closed door meeting with the Chumash reps, Livick said they fired SWCA for that portion of the contract and are bringing in Rincon Consultants, also with an office in SLO, to handle the archaeological part. Rincon produced the environmental impact report for the project and SWCA will still be the environmental consultants on everything else, he added. A request for comment to the SLO office of SWCA was not returned. At this time, Livick said, there hasn’t been any work done that would require a monitor on site. He wasn’t sure when the archaeological monitoring would be needed. The bridge abutments

call for drilling down into the earth, forming circular, rebar cages and filling with concrete. That drilling work will produce tailings that will be monitored, he said. Livick said they don’t expect to find much in the tailings, as that area was topped with fill back in the 1940s when the Army Corps of Engineers dug the current creek channel moving it away from its original course through what is now the power plant property dumping into the bay near today’s Coleman Beach. Moving the creek allowed the ACOE to drain the old creek delta and fill it for a short-lived Navy training base. At the groundbreaking ceremony, City Manager David Buckingham said the bridge will allow residents to ride bikes or walk safely out to Morro Rock or the Embarcadero and the RVers in the area will be able to walk across the street to the new Morro Bay High School swimming pool, or over to the harbor and Embarcadero. He called the project a bridge between “the past and the future of Morro Bay.” He also promised those in attendance that the project would be completed by July 3.

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January 22 - February 4, 2015 • Bay News

News

Osos Chamber Hands Out Awards; Turns 60

T

he Los Osos/Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce held its 2015 Installation & Awards Dinner, and celebrated its 60th anniversary on Jan. 23rd at Los Osos Memorial Park. The 2015 Board of Directors was installed, and awards for Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year were presented. Over 75 people attended, enjoying a delicious buffet catered by Celia’s Garden Cafe. Bob Wacker was the emcee and CSD Director, Marshall Ochylski, swore in the new board. The new officers are: President Steve Vinson of Central Coast Realty Group, President-elect Gari Cave a California Senior Legislator, Treasurer Cheri

Grimm of Cheri Grimm Bookkeeping, Secretary Shar Gregory of The Mortgage House, and Immediate Past President Jim Stanfill. The new directors are Mike Elliot of Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, Christina Grimm of Knight & Day Publishing, Gene Heyer, Wendy Hill of Chase Bank, Brain Hamilton of Sea Pines Golf Resort, Simon Van Beurden of Bay Osos Brokers, Jonnipat Mobely of the Friends of the Los Osos Library and attorney AJ Fudge. The Business of the Year Award went to Los Osos Rexall, owned by Gary and Judi Tewell. For over 30 years, Los Osos Rexall Pharmacy & Gift Store, a family owned and operated business, has supported both the community and

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the Chamber. Leon Van Beurden of Bay Osos Brokers, who was last year’s winner, presented the award. The Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Joe Asire the 2012 winner, went to Simon Van Beurden of Bay Osos Brokers. Joe talked about how Simon, as a first time board member, jumped right into co-chairing the Membership Committee, chairing the Holiday Parade, helping with the Golf Ball Drop and assisting anywhere he was needed. The Citizen of the Year Award was presented by last year’s winners Bob

and Beth Crizer, owners of Crizer Contruction, to John Lindsey, public information officer and meteorologist at PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and a weather columnist for the Tribune. In addition to the presentation of recognition certificates to the award winners, the Chamber was presented certificates recognizing its 60th anniversary by Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian and Annie Aguiniga of State Senator Bill Monning’s office.

Sewer, from page 1

In Waddell’s last monthly update, dated last December, he said that Auburn already had poured 4,665 cubic yards of concrete and the clarifiers and oxy ditches still need many more yards before they are done. Several buildings — the electrical works, administration and lab, and the primary clarifiers — have only had the foundations poured, no walls had gone up. But I can say in all honesty, this sewer plant will have a million dollar view of Hollister Peak and Los Osos Valley marred only by the high voltage transmission wires and towers that cross the landscape. A couple of things I took away from the tour: The County is holding a town hall meeting to give the residents an update on the project and to start discussing the how and when of everyone hooking up to the system, expected to be sometime in 2016. There will be two sessions — from 4-5 and 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Los Osos Middle School. All are invited to attend. And starting up the plant is another sticky wicket the County and the contractors are sorting out. With some 4,700 properties to be hooked up to the system, project construction manager Steve Mimiaga explained that even if they could do 20 hook ups a day it will still take a full year to complete. And as this is a biological treatment process, they will have to bring in bacteria from an outside source (i.e. sewer sludge) to implant the microbes and grow them in the oxy ditches. They’ve been attempting to calculate the number of hook ups they’ll need in order to get enough wastewater flowing through the plant to start the biological process and sustain the bacteria that eat up all the nasty stuff in sewage. See photos of the plant at: www. tolosapress.com. And one other thing, Morro Bay and Cayucos are leaning towards building this same type of plant, so there is much to be learned here about the size and implications with pursuing this type of plant. If readers want to keep up with the Los Osos plant’s progress, they can see the county’s project website at: www. slocounty.ca.gov/PW/LOWWP.htm.

about 10 acres, plus many acres more in ponds that have been dug behind the plant itself. This old man was worried he’d slip and fall on his arse in front of all those kids, but I managed to stay on my feet, despite a pound or so of sticky, claymud sticking to my shoes. At least this wasn’t the icky Back Bay mud that destroys shoes. No, this was untouched soil that had been dug out of the huge retention pond and an over-flow pond and piled on the plant site, where is was graded and compacted. Interestingly, Auburn Constructors, the contractor for the $48 million plant, dug so far down that it hit clean, primordial and prehistoric beach sand. I can say primordial because John Waddell, the County’s project manager, said they haven’t found any fossils in that sand, even though it was likely once seafloor that was covered over by the volcanic Seven Sisters, which have been extinct for an estimated 20 million years. And since the clarifiers and the oxy ditches are for the most part going to be buried, the sand has proved a God send, as the concrete walls of these massive structures have to have sand for drainage when they are buried, Waddell explained. The discovery of the sand, which is about 40 feet below the surface, was fortunate indeed and will greatly reduce the number of truck trips just to bring sand in. Looking at a site plan in a map, you see the oxy ditches as two small oval shapes that don’t look like much. But up close these massive facilities cover a football field in area and are 25-feet deep. When finished, Waddell said, just the top 4-5 feet of them will be showing. The two secondary clarifiers, cylindrical and about 40-50 yards in diameter are also just as deep. Both structures have foot-plus thick walls supported by 1-inch rebar. Impressive for sure and easy to see why, including design and permitting costs, it’s well north of $50 million.

Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015

Community

UCSB Wins Collegiate Regatta Photos by Neil Farrell

T

hough it wasn’t much of a weekend for sailing, nevertheless nine schools — a total of 24 collegiate sailing teams — converged on Morro Bay Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8, for the Cal Poly Mustang Regatta, a sanctioned collegiate sailing event. Schools were Cal Poly, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, UC San Diego,

4-H Presentation Day Photos by Christopher Gardner CSU Monterey, UC Santa Cruz, the California Maritime Academy and Westmont College. Saturday saw nearly zero wind and lots of rain, as the races were held south of the launch ramp. Weather forecasts had been for high winds and well, nasty conditions. They had been planning to race in the open waters between the two jetties. Instead they got no wind and a strong current, getting in just two races on Saturday. On Sunday, while still rainy and miserable, winds were brisk and topped out at a steady 18 knots and they got in four races. The course was moved to open waters off the South T-pier and made for easy viewing. The winning school was UC Santa Barbara with California Maritime Academy taking second. The regatta was co-sponsored by the Morro Bay Yacht Club, which hosted the teams and served as the race headquarters, and the Cal Poly Sailing Team. The race is part of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association or ICSA that includes schools from across the nation. This weekend’s schools compete in the Pacific Coast Collegiate Sailing Conference. Like at Cal Poly, the majority of the schools in the conference are club sports teams, except there are three teams that are actually varsity sports — Stanford, Hawaii, and USC. See: http://scores.collegesailing.org/ s15/mustang-open for complete

Nicholas York of Huasna Valley 4-H, presented a book report on ‘I survived the Battle of Gettysburg.’

Kayla Hurl of Parkfield 4-H gave a “Got Eggs?” speech.

Michael from Parkfield 4-H was the flag bearer for the event.

Leona Moylan of Los Osos 4-H demonstrates how to make Nutella swirled peanut butter chip blondies.

Reese Demarest of Los Osos 4-H demonstrated encaustic painting.



11

12



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News

Opinion

Parklet Issue Has Gotten Out of Hand By Pat Bietz

As a business owner in Morro Bay, I have always believed in the simple truth that positive growth only comes from change. Braving new territory is always something that simply made sound business sense to me, so when the City of Morro Bay expressed interest in putting a parklet in front of my business (Top Dog Coffee Bar) to help all of the businesses on Main Street (and that was how it was explained to me), I could think of no serious objections. Sure, it took up two parking spaces, but any business that is impacted because of a minor parking deletion has far greater issues than losing two spaces out of an entire block. It was after all, directly in front of my store, so the impact on other businesses would hopefully be minor. And I figured that we should be able to withstand any additional pressure from this liability easier than some of the smaller businesses. I also understood that as a business owner most of my life, I simply do not own the street. In truth any city can do what it wishes with parking spaces. They really did not need to discuss the matter with me, so my agreeing or not is a moot point and of no consequence either way. This is the reality of owning a business. It was also explained to me very clearly that this was a public space, anyone could use it and just because it was in front of

my store, I had no special privileges or rights. Fine. I want my street to do better. Period. I did not expect my neighboring business to start a petition drive. My business has slowed to almost a stop, as rumors circulated about how we controlled and manipulated the parklet. We have sent minimum wage employees home daily without them getting their full hours. These are kids, they depend on their tips, and as a result they have all struggled to make a living. I regularly apologize to them and they are aware of the issues and are disappointed by these unexpected reactions. I was not aware that my neighbors so hated this parklet concept that they were willing to start a petition and name us, a fellow business owner in the header. This is not the Morro Bay I was familiar with. I then realized I had to go in front of the City Council in the hopes that a 3-minute statement would be enough to change the critical negativity that we have faced in social media and the press. I outlined nine points. Here they are: 1. Top Dog did not request the parklet... period. 2. Top Dog did not request in any way, the parklet to be placed where it currently is. 3. Top Dog understands that we do not own the street, or anything on it. 4. I do not serve on any board in Morro Bay or anywhere, in any capacity where

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I could have used any perceived power to sway either the implementation or placement of the parklet. 5. In actuality, the parking that was lost was directly in front of Top Dog Coffee Bar. 6. For me, it is empirical evidence that positive growth only comes from change. We should at the very least, in the spirit of a unique business opportunity, be willing to give this a chance. (It is only a six short month trial period) 7. In light of the petition from my neighbor, we have to send employees home daily, due to a lack of business. Of course, after signing a petition with the offending business named in front of the offending parklet, most folks won’t visit. 8. It is my belief that after several conversations with City Manager David Buckingham that neither he nor the Council had any malicious intent or harm directed at Old Town. Rather they understand the steps we should attempt as a business community to remain economically sound. (In other words, they were trying to help us.) 9. Lastly, it saddens me that we can’t work together as a community to look forward to the future together. There is no progress in looking backwards. As a community, we must look forward and as a business owner who has created many jobs here in Morro Bay alone, it is my hope that together we can embrace a positive economic environment for us all.

I understand there are two sides to every argument. I also understand that there are times we must simply agree to disagree. But I do not understand the animosity over this issue, because no one meant any harm. Turning on each other truly is counterproductive to the larger issues we should be focusing on. Sometimes outside pressures on business owners cause them to lose sight of the real goals and focus on non-issues. How will we be able to critically analyze the very short, 6-month test period on this pilot project, if all we do is constantly bring it up in a negative light. We won’t have the understanding to evaluate it properly, either pro or con. During Farmer’s Market, it is packed with people, eating different food from various vendors on Saturday afternoon. It seemed like it worked for those folks. Maybe we should all relax a little and try to have some civilized conversation without the blame and finger pointing. This is why I have decided to invite the community over for a FREE cup of coffee for two weeks to start a community-based dialog about the parklet issues. To my way of thinking, this is truly the type of coalescence our community genuinely needs. Pat Bietz is owner of Top Dog Coffee Bar, 857 Main St., Morro Bay.

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Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015



13

Nightwriters Boys Will Be Boys By Ed Longstreth

I

t’s been thirty years and it’s time to confess. I was in my front yard throwing hard-tipped darts with my buddies Mike and Robert. Robert, a ten-year-old “Italian Stallion” with fully grown armpit hair was hurling them like a catapult, trying to pierce the back side of my dart board. “Mike, get out of the way,” I said. “Robert’s whizzing those stickers pretty hard.” “It’s my turn next,” said Mike. “I’ll show you guys how it’s done.” “Whatever, Mike. Just get out of the way,” I said. Robert leaned back and widened his stance. He swung, throwing like a Spartan heaving a javelin over Olympus. “Raaah.” The dart flew and we heard a thunk, like a sledgehammer hitting a tree. I looked at the target expecting to see his projectile penetrate the dartboard, flights and all. “Where’d it go?” I noticed Mike standing about eight feet from the target with his left hand in a fist against his head. He staggered in the grass doing the noodle-leg Polka. “Nice one, Mike,” I laughed at his antics. Then our eyes met and his face

formed a ghastly demeanor. “Oh my God, oh my God!” cried Robert. “What ‘r we gonna do?” Mike’s eyes turned from fear to terror as Robert freaked, walked in circles, and mumbled. The dart was stuck in Mike’s head like Wiley Coyote after a Roadrunner trap gone bad. “Someone’s got to get that thing out of his head,” I coolly declared as I inspected the wound. “It’s not so bad. . . it’s not even bleeding. Are you dizzy or having trouble seeing stuff?” “No, I don’t think so.” Mike stood there acting like a dart sticking out of his head was normal. “Rob, you’re gonna have to pull it out,” I said. “I’m not doing it. You do it.” “Look Robert, you’re the one who put it in there. If Mike’s mom sees that dart in his head she’s going to sue your parents and your whole family will be on the street. Just pull it out. How hard can it be?” “All right, I’ll do it.” Robert gently placed his hand over the mini-arrow and Mike screamed. Robert quickly let go. “Come on, Rob. Remember your

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family, you know, the streets . . .” Robert sighed and this time grabbed the dart with a determination that left me cringing. Screams bellowed as Robert tugged with all of his might. After what seemed like an eternity, the dart popped out and Mike stood tall with a satisfied look. “There you go. You’re gonna be fine,” Robert proudly announced. As the words left his lips, a six-inch fountain of blood shot from Mike’s head. Robert and I looked at each other and screamed. “Put your finger on it, Mike!” I shouted. His finger went straight to the hole and the bleeding stopped. “You’re all…rr…right,” stuttered Robert. He looked at me and nodded. That was my cue. “Look, no more blood. You’re gonna be fine,” I reaffirmed. Mike smiled and removed his finger from the wound. Blood squirted again. “Jesus Mike, keep your finger on it!” Robert screamed as the blood splashed onto his face. “Look Mike, you can’t tell anyone,” I insisted. “Promise?” “I promise,” Mike agreed as we rinsed

the blood with a garden hose and sent him home. Shortly after our daring dart experience, he moved, never to be heard from again. Wherever you are Michael Levindowsky, let us know. We put a hole in a loyal friends head, but now the gap is growing in our hearts. Ed Longstreth is a member of SLO NightWriters, the premier writing organization on the Central Coast of California. He is the author of The Joy In Wealth, about how to gain and maintain financial security in a debtridden society. He is presently finishing Wild Canyon, a historical teen fiction novel that takes place during the two most exciting times in our American history - the gold rush and prohibition. Photo credit: Dennis Eamon Young.

14



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Coastal Culture From Kazakhstan to Oceano Story by Gareth Kelly Photos courtesy of Zhanna Stinson

W

hen some people think of Kazakhstan, they of think of either the ridiculous Borat movie or some place near Russia behind the iron curtain. In truth Kazakhstan is a modern vibrant mineral rich nation and host to many foreign companies and investment. Fifteen years ago while working for one of those companies Kazak native Zhanna Stinson’s life was about to change forever. “At 30 and still single I was considered something of an old maid,” said Stinson. “Many friends and family had tried to set me up with men, but I told them I wanted to wait for the right one, my prince. One day I was walking down the hallway at work and I saw the back of a man. A shiver went through me, my body tingled and I knew I had found him.” That man was Arroyo Grande native James Stinson. The pair did indeed fall in love and Zhanna returned to the United States with her husband where they have made their home, along with their son Justin, in Oceano. “The first four years were hard,” said Stinson. “I didn’t know anyone, I spoke pretty good English but it took me some time to get used to life here. I grew up in a village of about 20 people. We had more animals than people, and they were my friends. I gave them all names and would talk to them.” Luckily the adjustment to her new life became easier as Zhanna met more people and made more friends and, with the help of her mother-inlaw, others from Kazakhstan and its neighbor Russia. Working as a caregiver, Stinson was happy with her life but wasn’t feeling quite fulfilled and felt she could do more. Through friends and the Internet she found out about the annual Miss

Asia, and its married counterpart, Mrs. Asia pageantry competition hosted in Los Angeles. After fundraising efforts and the support of local businesses and her friends she decided to enter the contest now in its 26th year. “I’d never done anything like this

before and at age 44 I did have some reservations but I wanted to do this for my son,” said Stinson. “We have a photo book and I wanted to add some photos we could look back on years from now.” With 30 ladies competing from countries all over Asia, Bahrain, China, Russia and Kazakhstan to name just a few, Stinson had to go through an intensive interview process, attend events where the ladies got lessons in etiquette and politics as well as preparing them for answering a whole host of current affairs questions, some of them controversial such as their thoughts on gay marriage and the lives of other Asian women.

Wearing her national costume and an evening gown (the Mrs. contestants are excused the swimsuit s e c t i o n ) answering questions in the Q and A, Stinson finished second runner up. “I got this really beautiful crown and I have to go back to LA and attend various events of social and cultural significance,” said Stinson. “I made so many great friends and loved the entire experience. The owners of the pageantry really want to empower the ladies and give us many opportunities. I have a fundraiser with the Red Cross in Santa Barbara coming up soon. I would also like to reach out to other minorities in this area to try and spread some cultural diversity and tell their stories. My home is here in the US and I’m a US citizen now but I think it’s important to keep our ethnic culture and traditions alive.” Stinson is hoping to write stories about her life in Kazakhstan and still visits at least once a year. This intelligent and engaging beautiful lady would love to hear from people of all backgrounds that are interested in having her come to talk to various groups about her life and experiences. You can email her at [email protected] The nights are getting longer and the days warmer. What will you be springing into this spring? Send Gareth an email to [email protected] and maybe he’ll ramble about them.

              

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Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015



15

On Assignment Showcasing Music Promoter By Judy Salamacha

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here words fail, music speaks,” author Hans Christian Andersen said. But who speaks for the artists? How many musicians would fail to find an audience to hear their music if it weren’t for the music promoter? The Central Coast is fortunate to have exceptional talent living or on tour in our county. Meet Steve Key, one of several passionate, music aficionados, who introduces us to songwriters and musicians we might never discover without a promoter’s efforts to bring us the music. Recently, Key and wife Bonnie Nelson celebrated their fifth year of producing the “Songwriters at Play” concert series. Key has spent a lifetime discovering he’s a songwriter and musician who enjoys promoting fellow acoustic musicians. The “showcase” is his preferred musical production. A showcase will have three or four talented artists playing several sets of original works or covers with the support of a decent sound system, at a venue where the audience is there

the Central Coast, his musical journey took him to Northern California, Portland, Ore., Greenwich Village, N.Y., Nashville and beyond. In San Francisco, his day job was writing for community newspapers. At night he’d play his guitar and sing original songs and covers at various nightclubs. In Portland he discovered a comfortable network of musicians but he found his muse in the Big Apple. He discovered folk music was still alive in Greenwich Village and wrote, played and toured from Maine to the Carolinas. Someone in his Pictured from left are: Cliff Stepp, Steve Key and Greenwich Village Bonnie Nelson at Sculpterra Winery celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Songwriters at Play. Photo network was first to record one of his songs. by Judy Salamacha Kathy Mattea picked up another, which triggered a move to Nashville specifically to listen to the music. It where his writing style became “a little often teams emerging local talent with bit country.” He was honored to play fan-followed veterans. several times at the famed, Blue Bird Many Songwriters at Play Café, which invites songwriters and upperformances are free, but, Key said and-coming country stars to jam. with a smile, “I’m aggressive with the In Nashville he re-discovered the tip jar.” The musicians get the tips and difference between an open mic sell their CDs. Key’s lifetime career experience amateur and the musician. The taught him to book talent with loyal amateur shows up and wins the chance followers. As producer, Key markets the to sing by putting their name in a show, MCs, controls sound and website hat. The musician is asked back and podcasting. And he’ll often work in rewarded with an invitation to play a set of his own music. Marketing the Speakeasy Musicians Cooperative. includes a 5-year history of hosting and Recognized talent is invited to play one interviewing musicians on “Showcase set or maybe three. And once you pass Highlights” produced by Cliff Stepp that talent test, you become a Showcase and aired Mondays and Fridays on featured artist, he said, especially if you can bring your own audience. KRUSH 92.5 FM. “I wrote a lot of songs, got a lot of Music is in Key’s DNA. Before contracts but never made it to the next following his sister and parents to

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level scoring hits,” said Key. Eight years ago he decided to join his family on the Central Coast and started putting shows together. He met and m a r r i e d Bonnie and re-invented his own career playing his music and showcasing local talent. “I broke into the music market here [San Luis Obispo] booking music at Linnaea’s Café,” Key said. “I wanted to branch out and produce showcase and tribute shows so created Songwriters at Play. My goal is to give respect to local acoustic artists and find appreciative audiences for touring artists.” His schedule is as lively as his live music presentations at venues all around SLO County and Santa Barbara. In Paso Robles, Sunday afternoons mean concerts at Sculpterra Winery and he’s at D’Anbino Cellars the second Friday of the month. Monday evenings the shows are at Bang the Drum Brewery in San Luis Obispo. Thursdays belong to Pismo Beach’s Shell Café. His next show in Santa Barbara is a tribute show to Townes Van Zandt at SOhO on March 24. U2 front man, Bono said, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” Many thanks to all the SLO music promoters. Our world needs the music!

Former Bay News publisher, Judy Salamacha, is an author, freelance writer and was the 2013 Citizen of the Year. She and husband Bob live in Morro Bay. Her Then & Now column appears regularly in Tolosa Press.

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Community Calendar The Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) at St. Patrick’s Church in Arroyo Grande will host five Fish Fries during Lent. Mark your calendar and join us for a delicious fish and chips and coleslaw dinner. Fish fries will be held on the following Fridays: February 20, February 27, March 6, March 20 and March 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Prices range from $6 for a 1-piece fish dinner up to $12 for a 4-piece fish dinner. Takeouts will be available. Beer, wine, soda and bottled water will be available for purchase and desserts will be available for a donation. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call (805) 4892680.

vigil campaign from Feb. 18-March 29 at 743 Pismo St., SLO. See: https://40daysforlife.com/localcampaigns/san-luis-obispo for more information. •••

••• Don’t miss the Wine Country Runs Half Marathon Run/Walk, a fundraiser for local non-profits on Sunday, March15, at River Oaks Hot Springs, 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles. Winery neighbors help cheer you on and provide their own style of aid station. Walk start time is 7:15 a.m. and run start time is 8 a.m. Cost is $75 through Feb. 28 and $85 March 1 through race day. There is a 5K Individual with a start time of 8:15 a.m. with a cost of $40 through Feb. 28 and $45 March1 through race day. A Kids Wine Stomp starts at 9:15 a.m. There is a ½-mile fun run just for kids at a cost of $20. For more information, visit http://www.winecountryruns.com. ••• Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop in Los Osos is hosting its 12th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. The Cal Poly Lion Dance Team will again perform a ceremonial dance with drum and cymbals and a blessing ritual dating back centuries. Free. We are ending the year of the horse in the Chinese Zodiac and entering the year of the sheep or ram. Traditionally, the year of the sheep is highly creative and people may express their artistic natures and find greater pleasure in simply following their heart’s desires, while allowing others the freedom to do the same. It can be a year when world conflicts and upheavals are less likely, or let’s at least hope so. Volumes of Pleasure is located at 1015 Los Osos Valley Rd., corner of 10th Street in the Vons Shopping Center. ••• Author, D. Williams, will sign his new book, “There Are Times When… A new day a new adventure, live it!” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has several special events coming up in March including an earth oven workshop series. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. The book is a collection of incidents, choices and non-choices that are routinely a part of people’s lives. Williams has spent most of his life in schools, teaching and attending mainly in California. Born and raised in Arkansas working the fields; school and all work thereafter seemed incredibly easy. He attended Pepperdine, Sonoma state and UC Merced, earning a Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD (respectively) plus a law degree from New College of California School of Law. His first book, “The Killing of Mr. Floyd & Other Stories,” touches on many aspects of that former Arkansas life. ••• The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has several special events coming up in March. The Garden is located in El Chorro Regional Park, across Hwy 1 form Cuesta College. • Edible and Medicinal Plants of SLO County Lecture, 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. Discover the historic and modern uses of some of the many useful plants of SLO County. Cost is $5 for garden members and $10 nonmembers. No reservations required. More info at: slobg.org/useful-plants. • Herbal Workshop I — SLO County Bioregional Field Exploration 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Spend the day hiking through a number of different plant habitats, identifying and discussing many of the useful plants with herbalist, Tellur Fenner. Limited space available. Cost is $45 garden members and $55 public. See: slobg. org/useful-plants. • Herbal Workshop II: Wildcrafting and Plant Preparation Methods 10-4 Sunday, March 8. Spend a day learning the principles of plant harvesting,

processing, and botanical pharmacy work. Limited space available. Cost is $45 garden members and $55 public. See: slobg.org/useful-plants. • Container Garden Workshop 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Create your own nature haven with a container garden. Landscaper, Pat Thomas, teaches about containers for ornamental plants and vegetables. After a demonstration, plant your own containers to bring home. Participants should bring a planting container approximately 18” diameter by 18” deep or larger to the program. Some plants will be provided and others will be for sale, or bring your own. Soil, trowels and gloves are provided. Followed at 3PM by a free docent led tour of the Garden. Limited space available. Cost is $10 garden members and $15 public. For information and supplies list, see: slobg.org/container. • Spring Plant Sale fundraiser 10-1 Saturday, March 28. Garden volunteers have worked all year cultivating beautiful Mediterranean-climate plants for your garden that will also save money on water bills. Proceeds benefit the Garden’s mission to honor and preserve our connection with nature. See: slobg.org/sale. • Earth oven workshop series. Saturdays-Sundays, March 7- 8, 1415, and 21-22. Learn how to make an earthen oven and earth-bag structures for an outdoor kitchen. Earth oven masters from N’credible Edibles will lead the process of designing, building, and cooking in an outdoor kitchen. Cost is $30 a day or sign-up early for a discount. More info and registration at: slobg.org/earthoven. ••• Anti-abortion activists will be holding a “40 Days for Life” prayer

The Lightshare Center in Santa Margarita is holding a grand opening and fundraiser at its new location, 22701 El Camino Real, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. There’ll be an array of artisan offerings, healing services gift cards, a metaphysical book sale and free refreshments by Vert Foods. An evening concert of sacred songs and guided meditation with soprano, Marissa Bloom, starts at 6 p.m. Concert admission is $20 at the door. Proceeds will help Lightshare finish construction on the new center. Also, Lightshare is hosting free energy balancing sessions on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sierra Vista Hospital, 1010 Murray St., in SLO. Sessions are 25 minutes, appropriate for all ages and no appointment necessary. All are welcome. See: www.lightshare. us for more information about their services. ••• Artist, Barbara Rosenthal of Los Osos is showing her work through May 1 at Deanna Richards’ Edward Jones Office, 1236 Los Osos Valley Rd., Ste. J. An artist reception is set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. On sale will be Rosenthal’s mixed art works, paintings and etchings. Also for sale will be T-shirts and mugs of the Elfin Forest mural, benefiting SWAP. ••• The Eco Rotary Club of Morro Bay is bringing in Kyle Wiens, founder of iFixit, for its next monthly meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Free, and guests are welcome. Wiens will discuss his goals to reduce electronic waste by teaching people to repair their own gear and offering tools, parts, and a forum to discuss repairs. ••• Morro Bay residents interested in taking part in the 12th Annual Citywide Yard Sale in April and sponsored by Morro Bay Beautiful, should see the MBB website at: morrobaybeautiful. org, download an application, fill it out and send it in. The event is set for Friday-Sunday, April 10-12, with Friday the 10th a “preview day” and a chance to get an early look at the offerings. The deadline to sign up and get your address on the official yard sale map,

Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015



17

World Class Dentistry in Los Osos Come experience what we have to offer, printed in the Bay News, is the end of March. Brenda Sue’s Consignment on Morro Bay Blvd., at Morro Ave., will be the event headquarters. Event posters were slated to go up all over town this week. ••• The Central Coast Watercolor Society will host a free program by teacher, painter, and printmaker, Tricia Reichert set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., in SLO. Reichert will demonstrate mixed media with watercolor. For more information see: www.ccwsart.com. ••• Work on the remodeling the Morro Bay Library is now completed and the library is moving back in from its temporary home a block away. And March 1, people will have a chance to tour the building at an open house, set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Guy Budd and Inga Swearingen will perform. Friends of the Library will have refreshments and they’ll give away commemorative bookmarks. The library will open for good Tuesday, March 3 (they’ll still be closed Mondays) at 9 a.m. They are changing their hours too, staying open until 6 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays open from 10-5 Thursdays-Saturdays. ••• The Gallery at the Network in SLO will present “Hands on Wood,” showcasing the woodworking of Jim Amberg, Roger Combs, Barry Lundgren, Ernest Miller, Pete Skarda and Dave Vradenberg March 1-31. On display will be cutting boards, sushi trays, fine furniture, turned bowls, vases and lidded jars. There’s a free artists’ reception set for 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 6, during the monthly Art After Dark. Live music

with Terry Sanville and refreshments will be served. The Gallery is located at 778 Higuera St., Ste. B. See: www. thegalleryatthenetwork.com. •••

The non-profit, Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast is offering five new classes in March for its members. They include: “Edwin Gardner Lewis and Atascadero” on March 3; “Understanding Memory Loss” on March 11; “A Day with Bernstein, Copeland and Saint-Saens” on March 14; “Medicare: How is it Really Funded” on March 17; and an “Escorted, Wild, Walk-Around Tour of the Atascadero Zoo” on March 25. Courses are open to the general public and cost very little. For more information see: www. lifelearnerscc.org and The Gallery at the Network in SLO will register for classes or present “Hands on Wood” become a member. Membership is $25 a executive officer of the Local Agency year. Formation Commission or LAFCo.; and Michael LeBrun, GM of the Nipomo ••• Community Services District. Space is Central Coast Youth Football & Cheer limited and reservations are required. League opens registration soon, with RSVP to Ann Havlik at (805) 781-9624 practices beginning in late July for or email: mailto:[email protected]. the season next August. Registration ••• is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14, and attending elementary or middle Pickleball players will have a new school. Local chapters will be offering registration dates in March. For place to play when the Los Osos additional information see: www. Community Center opens a court on eteamz.com/CCYFLSLO or call our PR the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, starting Tuesday, Feb. 24 from director Pam Peca, at (805) 434-8918. 4-6 p.m. No equipment necessary, wear comfortable athletic shoes. ••• No fees either. For information call The League of Women Voters of Stanley Stern at 528-6557 or email to: San Luis Obispo County is hosting a [email protected].

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Tax Advice Coming Soon: ABLE Accounts

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t has been a real struggle for families to set up a savings safety net for their loved ones who are disabled. If a disabled person’s savings are too high, they are at risk for losing benefits such as Social Security, Medicaid or housing. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) will change that and families will feel more secure that their loved one will have access to emergency funds even after they are gone. The ABLE Act was passed this last December as part of the Federal Extender Act. It goes into effect this year--not going back to last year. The ABLE act allows states to set up tax-exempt savings accounts for the disabled to be used for qualified expenses related to their disability. This includes but not limited to health care expenses, education, assistive technology, transportation, employment training, and personal support. It covers a lot of expenses and the list will become clearer as these accounts are set up. The accounts will be similar to the 529 college savings vehicles. Funds going in will not be deductible from the givers tax return but all earnings will be tax-exempt. To qualify, the

beneficiary must have become severely disabled or blind before the age of 26. The maximum annual contribution cannot be more than the annual gift tax exclusion amount which is $14,000 for 2015. The account can reach $100,000 before any means-tested benefits are impacted. Now, what happens if the funds are withdrawn to use for something that are not a qualified expense? There is a 10% penalty on the funds withdrawn and the earnings on the funds that are withdrawn do become taxable. ABLE accounts can be rolled over into another ABLE account for the same person or for a sibling who is also disabled. This is just an overview of what is coming. More information shall become available as states set up these accounts.

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Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015

Affordable Care?



19

5K

Michele S Jang, PT

T

his is just my personal perspective of the healthcare industry. I do not speak for any other physical therapy owner. My goal here is to let the public know how the changes in healthcare have affected my business. First the good news; we saw 306 more patients in 2014 compared to 2013. I wish there was more good news to report, but there’s not. Yes, I am glad to have served an increased numbers of patients. Now for the bad news; despite seeing an increase in the number of patients, we made about $6,500 less than we did the previous year! How can that be? Our reimbursement rates were slashed. W e were

f o r c e d into contracts to accept smaller payments for our services. Simultaneously, we had an increase in demand for documentation with higher regulations & restrictions surrounding people being seen for physical therapy. Last year, in the same month I received a couple of letters. One letter expressed that if I was to participate in seeing subsidized health plans I had to agree to a non-negotiable cut in reimbursement rates by approximately 30%. I also received a letter from my health insurance saying that my personal healthcare premiums were going up, as they typically do every year, and that there will be other increases in my premium in order to offset cost of providing subsidized plans. There was the promise of seeing a plethora of patients who would now have insurance and be able to utilize my services. We have not found that to be completely true. A number of these plans have very high deductibles so many are unwilling to come in for treatment.

Yes I am glad that more people have health insurance. However, it does not seem to be “affordable”. For my business to be viable, I have to treat more clients, which means hiring more help to treat clients. Taking on more employees e n t a i l s inheriting additional cost such as increases in liability insurance, t a x e s , administrative cost, marketing, etc. This is a dilemma I face. I don’t have an answer on how to “fix” the healthcare system. I went into this profession to try to help people. I am an

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optimist at heart and I will hold onto the fact that we truly help to change people’s lives for the better no matter “what the cost” is. Michele S Jang, PT is a physical therapist who likes to look outside the box. She has been a physical therapist for over 20 years and has extensive training in manual therapy or the use of hands to help rehabilitate the body. Michele has been an instructor both in the United States and abroad. She offers Free Consults on Tuesday afternoons. Michele also has a team of therapists at Spirit Winds who offer an array of expertise on exercise, fall prevention, foot and shoe assessments, body mechanics and proper breathing technique to increase awareness and healing. Michele can be reached at 805 543-5100 or info@spiritwindstherapy. com.

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20



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Good to be King Gaga Over Franco Good to be King By King Harris

W

hen he was a young lad living in Carpinteria, Nick Franco, spent many a day cavorting nearby on the world’s safest beach, and by the time he was 17, he was hooked on the status of the State Park folks who were responsible for keeping up the scenic area. So he became a park aide, and has been involved with parks ever since. As of February of this year, Franco left the State Park System and is now the man responsible for all the parks in San Luis Obispo County. “I love this county,” Franco said, “so I wanted to stay here, and I get to keep working with parks.” Franco has been all over the state as a ranger and a superintendent — from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Oceano Dunes to the Big Basin Redwoods, San Juan Batista, even Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay.

“One of the highlights of my working for the State Parks System was my experience on that remote but spectacular island,” he recalled. “There were no more than 20 employees living there in buildings once used by the military. There is so much history there. “For example, in the 1970s, they were going to demolish a lot of the old mothballed structures, when one ranger discovered there were a huge amount of carved Chinese poetry on the inside walls. The poetry was written by Chinese detainees who weren’t allowed to immigrate because of the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late 1880s, the first of its kind to be based on race. “If the walls could talk, there would be stories of what it’s like to

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be excluded. Those are powerful statements and say a lot about our history, and I love passing that on to travelers who visit the island. Needless to say, the structures remained so all can see the heartfelt writings.” Franco left Angel Island to come to San Luis County, where he has been district supervisor for nearly 12 years. “It’s the longest I’ve been anywhere in my life.” I asked him how state parks will be different from county parks? “I think the County is in better financial shape,” he said. “One of my biggest disappointments while with State Parks was the proposed closure of all the parks due to budget concerns. That riled a lot of people, so the State kept them open, but not without a fight. Parks are very popular, especially when there’s an economic downturn or recession. Not only that, they are very important for the economies of the state and our county. Tourism is a huge business here, and without travelers coming to our parks, local businesses would suffer greatly. Other than that, the politics and methods may be different between the County and State, but it’s all about maintaining and modifying the parks for those who visit.” Franco will be in charge of the large parks like Lake Lopez and Lake Santa Margarita, to the smallest trails that wind through our hills. Perhaps Franco’s biggest claim to fame was the notoriety created by Lady Gaga coming to Hearst Castle. “People still ask me about that

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experience almost every day,” he said. “I’m simply amazed that you can Google ‘Nick Franco Lady Gaga’ and have us both come up on the same page. I never thought that would happen in a million years.” During negotiations between Lady Gaga, the parks system, and Hearst Castle, Franco was put on administrative leave for a while, incommunicado. The way I’ve heard it, the entire bru-ha-ha began when Lady Gaga, who is into the art scene, approached Ann Hearst, who is also an avid art lover, and asked if she could use San Simeon as avenue to record music and a video. The Hearst people liked the idea because she would reach out to those younger folks who otherwise wouldn’t know about the legacy of William Randolph Hearst. One of the wrinkles in the project came about when she wanted to fill the outdoor Neptune Pool at the castle while we were in the middle of a drought. Eventually deals were made to satisfy everybody, including State Parks. “My mom and dad were worried at the time,” Franco said, “but I told them everything was fine and I’ll be OK. I wasn’t disciplined or anything like that. And it’s funny to think that younger visitors did start appearing after Lady Gaga’s video. So everything worked out. But I will miss the castle. It was always a delight to see the amazement in people’s eyes when they first glanced upon the castle.” Franco’s tenure with the County may not be as glamorous and celebrated as his work with the State, but our local parks will be better for it.

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Paso Robles Event Center > Feb 21 & 22 Sat 10 am - 5 pm | Sun 10 am - 4 pm

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22



Februay 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press Special Publication

closet solutions designed around you

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Tortellini Al Forno with Dream Dinners

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Find out how to make this restaurant quality, healthy and stress free meal...This delicious oven baked tortellini dish is paired with creamy alfredo and diced tomatoes. Just a touch of a special spice blend and cheese make it an instant favorite for the whole family. Only 570 calories and It can be baked from frozen too!

12:45pm - Workshop with Barbara Bullock from Farm Supply Commpany

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1:30pm - Cooking Demonstration with Andrea Chavez, Kathleen Snyder, and Ingrid Hilton from Talley Farms Come enjoy this three-part cooking demonstration and produce information session! Manager of Talley Farms Fresh Harvest will first walk you through Talley’s CSA program. Next, local chef and food blogger Kathleen Snyder will provide a cooking demonstration on cooking with fresh and local produce. Ingrid Hilton, Master Food Perserver, will discuss UC Cooperative Extension’s new program to teach the local public how to can and preserve their fruits & vegetables. 2:45pm - Workshop with Jim Magill from Farm Supply Company

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Tolosa Press Special Publication •

Februay 19 - March 4, 2015 •

23

sunday events 11:30am -

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Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015



29

805 Sound Lady Swings the Blues: Linda Martin and Back Bay Betty The Goddess of Groove By Mad Royal

T

he music business, in this area, at least, is about ninety percent men. Why that is, I don’t know; musical talent certainly isn’t gender-specific. I do know that it takes a lot of perseverance, patience, and a bit of a thick skin to make it in this business, especially if you’re female. Linda Martin of Back Bay Betty laughingly defines herself as a “good girl gone bad”. To some narrow-minded people, that might be true, but the fact is that you’d be hard pressed to find a kinder, more generous person than Linda. When she walks in a room, people light up. When she starts to sing, well, that’s something really special. Linda grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition in Los Osos. Her family went to church three days a week. She sang in the choir and played the piano and organ. When she was eight, she sang alto in a gospel group with her siblings called Sisters Four. Impressed with her musical talent, the folks at her church gave her a scholarship to Azusa Pacific University, where she majored in Nursing and minored in Music and played piano (her “day job” is still nursing). After her first year, she came home and “lived in sin” with her boyfriend. Eventually she married and had children. When they were old enough to attend church, she took them to the Nazarene church, and was the pianist there. She was involved with the children’s drama and music programs. Around 2004, Linda stepped out of church and into the bar scene

musically, joining the Bluz Dogz, playing keyboards and singing with the group. Other members were Dr. Hal Seagal, Buddy McCabe, and Mike Brown. Eventually, Linda brought in her boyfriend, Johnny Johnson, to play blues harp and sing. Johnny Johnson grew up in Ventura in a musical family, listening to big band, and jazz. His mother sang in the church choir. Johnny played trombone in fourth grade through junior high, when his interest moved to surfing. Like many young people of that time, he listened to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys. When he was 14, he heard Chicago blues for the first time in the music of Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters, and it struck a chord in him. He mostly lived vicariously through his musical friends, and didn’t pursue his own musicality until he was in his forties, when he started picking at the guitar, mostly jazz. When he turned 50, he picked up the harmonica. Eight years ago, Johnny moved to Morro Bay after his marriage ended. As long as he was making big changes in his life, he decided to move to the place he’d always considered ideal. He spent about six months freelancing as a graphic artist before he landed a job

at Arabian Horse World in Templeton, one of the most prestigious horse publications on the planet. In 2009, he met Linda outside of music. One day, he took her out back to the garage, and opened the door to show her his “cute vintage amp” and harmonicas. Linda was very happy after she heard him play, and she convinced him to join the Bluz Dogz, which was his first ensemble experience. Two and a half years ago, Linda decided she wanted more of a central role, and she and Johnny left the Bluz Dogz to form Back Bay Betty. The group became popular very quickly, due to in part to lots of dedication to promoting and visiting prospective venues. Linda has a tremendous voice and personality which lights up the stage. Johnny has a warm singing voice and plays the blues harp with skill. He also has a warm presence which can be felt by audience members. Other members are Casey Rodgers on lead guitar and vocals. Casey is the chief song writer in the group, and is responsible for much of

its rock influence. Carl Dybowski, who hails from Chicago, is their drummer, and also sings. He loves jazz and is very intuitive, and Linda and Johnny say he is easy-going and pleasant to be around. Linda also says he gets the award for “most improved” drummer. The newest member of Back Bay Betty is bassist Mark Notzka, who also plays in Rasdanny. In fact, he’s brand new to the band, and only officially joined in January. Bud McCabe occasionally fills in on bass if needed. Back Bay Betty’s music is designed for dancing. Their motto is “Funky Blues for Your Dancing Shoes.” If you’re not dancing, they’re not happy, and they’re always happy! The music is a blend of blues, jazz, and rock’n’roll. Although they do perform in bars and cafes, their main focus is to perform at the local wineries and summer concert series. They are very much a hometown band, and have no aspirations for the “bigtime”. The band practices at Linda’s home after she cooks them dinner, largely with produce from her organic garden. They are very much a family. Back Bay Betty’s playlist has moved more and more to original tunes, in attempt to keep things creative, new and fresh, so that each Back Bay Betty show is a little different. When you hear them, they like to hear from audience members that the music was “funky and tight”, that their feet are sore from dancing, and that their faces are sore from smiling. Check them out. I think you’ll find that Back Bay Betty delivers on all counts. Your next opportunity to hear and see Back Bay Betty perform is on Saturday, February 21 at the Shell Café in Pismo Beach, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Check out their very fun website at www.backbaybetty.com for more information. Remember to wear your dancing shoes!

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30



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Clubs & Nightlife Sout h County THE CLIFFS RESORT: 2757 Shell Beach Road, 773-5000 or cliffsresort.com. F. MCLINTOCKS SALOON: Two locations: 750 Mattie Road in Pismo Beach and 133 Bridge St. in Arroyo Grande. 773-1892 or mclintocks.com. Live music at the Pismo Beach location every Fri. and Sat. from 6-9pm. Tennessee Jimmy Harrell and Doc Stoltey play on alternating weekends. HARRY’S NIGHT CLUB AND BEACH BAR: Cypress and Pomeroy, downtown Pismo Beach, 773-1010. Every Thu. Front Row Karaoke. LAETITIA WINERY: 453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive, Arroyo Grande, 805-481-1772. www. laetitiawine. com. Live Music Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm. L I D O RESTAURANT AT DOLPHIN

BAY: 2727 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, 7734300 or thedolphinbay.com. Join Three-Martini Lunch every Thurs. and Fri. from 6-9pm. Live Music Every Tues. from 5:30-6:30 and Thursdays and Fridays 6-9 MANROCK BREWING CO. TASTING ROOM: 1750 El Camino Real ste A, Grover Beach, CA 93433. Tasting room M-Th 4pm-10pm, Fri 3pm12am, Sat noon-12am, Sun noon-7pm MONGO’S SALOON: 359 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, 489-3639. Karaoke Tuesday and Wednesday 9pm. Live Music and dancing every Friday and Saturday at 9pm. MR. RICK’S: 404 Front St., Avila Beach, 805595-7425 www.mrricks.com Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 4-7pm 2/20 Matt Cross and The One Night Band 8pm 2/22 Lenny Blue 1pm 2/27 Legends 8pm 2/28 Soul Sauce 8pm SEA VENTURE: 100 Ocean View, Pismo Beach, 773-4994. www.seaventure.com Live music every Wednesday from 6-9pm in the Fireplace room. Acoustic Sundays from 3-6pm on the Deck.

8 0 5 sound

find your beat

SHELL CAFÉ: 1351 Price St., Pismo Beach, 805-773-8300 www.shellcafepismo.com 2/19 Songwriters at Play 6:30 2/20 CloudShip 7pm 2/21 Louie Ortega 11am Back Bay Betty 7pm TALLEY VINEYARDS: 3031 Lopez Dr., Arroyo Grande,

489-0446, talleyvineyards.com

all day, Live music-TBA

VENTANA GRILL: 2575 Price St. Pismo Beach, 773-0000, or ventanagrill.com. Matt Cross plays on Mon and Wed. evenings.

PAPPY MCGREGOR’S: pappymcgregors.com or 543-KILT (5458), 1865 Monterey St. Live music is Wed./Thurs./Fri. from 6-9pm. Old Time Fiddle & Banjo Show every Wed. from 6-9pm.

VINO VERSATO: 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, 773-6563 or vinoversato.com. Every Tuesday: Side Effects CREATIVE JUICES LOUNGE 874 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe, CA 93434, 805-219-0518 www.creativejuicelounge.com

San Luis Obispo BON TEMPS CREOLE CAFE: 1000 Olive St., 544-2100. Zydeco music, live blues, and jazz on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. CREEKY TIKI: 782 Higuera St., 903-2591. EVERY FRIDAY Live Music Directly Following Concerts in the Plaza FROG & PEACH PUB: 728 Higuera St. (805) 595-3764. Pint Nite EVERY Tuesday THE GRADUATE: 990 Industrial Way, 541-0969 or slograd.com. Every Thu. Is Country Night 8pm 18+, Every Fri “Noche Caliente” or “Hot Latin Nights” 18+, Every Sat “Big Chill” hits from the 70’s 80’s 90’s 21+ & Every Sunday is Minor Madness 8pm-11:45pm LINNAEA’S CAFE: 1110 Garden St., 541-5888 www.linnaes.com LUNA RED: 1023 Chorro St., 540-5243 www. lunaredslo.com Every Thurday $5 Happy Hour

SLO BREWING CO.: 1119 Garden St., 543-1843 or slobrewingco.com Cursive 2/20 Night Riots 2/21 Gregory Alan Isakov 2/22 Ozomatli 2/25 ALO (animal Liberation Orchestra)

North Coast 10TH STREET GRILL: 2011 10th St., Los Osos, 528-2011 or 10thstreetgrill.com. CAMBRIA PINES LODGE: 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, 927-4200 or cambriapineslodge.com. Entertainment every night in the Fireside Lounge. FUEL DOCK SALOON: 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 772-8478 MOZZI’S SALOON: 2262 Main St. in Cambria, 927-4767. Friday Night: Karaoke, Saturday Night: Live Music OLD CAYUCOS TAVERN: 130 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, 995-3209. Fri.-Sat.: Live music. OTTER ROCK CAFE: 885 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 805-772-1420. www.otterrockcafe.com Every Wed.: Karaoke, 8pm. Every Thu.: Thursday Night Spotlight, 8pm. *Closed every Tuesday 2/19 The Nathaniel Johnstone Band 2/22 Mud on the Tire 2/23 Billy Fobbiano 2/25 Karaoke w/ Bobby SantaCruz 2/26 Mud on The Tire 2/27 The Jammies 2/28 Soundhouse

THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE 25TH ANNUAL

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{ MARCH 27-29{ Paso Robles Event Center ARTIST RECEPTION Friday, March 27 (5-9pm)

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Tickets for the reception will be available at the door for $20. The show continues Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-3, no admission charge, open to the public, and features a cattlemen’s BBQ Lunch for $10, from 11:30 am to 1:30pm.

‹AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE FOR ALL AGES CALL (805) 438-3120 OR BOOK WITH US ONLINE AT WWW.MARGARITA-ADVENTURES.COM

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For more information visit cattlemenswesternartshow.com or contact Dee Pellandini 805-423-1319 or Jo Ann Switzer 805-462-2810.

Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015

SKIPPERS RESTAURANT: Cayucos, 995-1122.

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Ocean,

SWEET SPRINGS SALOON: 990 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, 528-3764, sweetspringssaloon. com. Friday and Saturday: Live music from 9pm to 2am. TOGNAZZINI’S DOCKSIDE: 1245 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 772-8100. WINDOWS ON THE WATER: 699 Embarcadero, Suite 7, Morro Bay, 772-0677. Live music every Monday and Friday evening.

Purchase the book locally at Coalesce Bookstore, Morro Bay and Parable Bookstore or online at: Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com

Nor t h County ASUNCION RIDGE: 725 12th St., Paso Robles, 237-1425 Live music Saturdays from 5-8pm AVION & CLAW: 6155 El Camino Real, Atascadero, 461-9463 or avionandclaw.com. Live music Thurs.-Sat. from 7-10pm.

Info on bullies or for counseling contact: Susan K Boyd MS, MFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

BROKEN EARTH WINERY: 5625 Highway 46E, Paso Robles, 239-2562. BRU COFFEEHOUSE: 576 El Camino Real, Atascadero, 464-5007. www.brucoffeehouse. com Live music every Friday from 7-9pm. 2/20 The Simple Parade 2/27 Tylor Bundy

805-782-9800 susankboydmft.com

CAMOZZI’S: 5855 El Camino Real, Atascadero, 466-1880. D’ANBINO VINEYARDS AND CELLARS: 710 Pine St., Paso Robles, 227-6800 or danbino. com. Every Saturday 2-4:30 pm wine and music events. LA BELLASERA HOTEL AND SUITES: 206 Alexa Ct., Paso Robles, 238-2834, www. labellasera.com. Guitar/Vocal duo, Adam Levine and Judy Philbin play every Thurs. from 7-9pm, in the dining room/bar LAST STAGE WEST: Halfway Station on Highway 41 (15050 Morro Road at Toro Creek), 461-1393 or laststagewest.net. Most shows start at 6pm. 2/19 Tanner Scott 2/24 The Banjer Dan Show 2/25 Bluegras Jam Night 2/26 Tanner Scott 2/27 Surtsey & Co. 2/28 Susan Tognazzini Benefit Concert

James A. Forester, DDS

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Healthy smiles, happy kids!

PAPPY MCGREGOR’S: pappymcgregors.com or 238-7070, 1122 Pine St. in Paso Robles. PASO ROBLES INN CATTLEMAN’S LOUNGE: 1103 Spring St., 238-2660. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday at 9:30pm. PINE STREET SALOON: 1234 Pine St., Paso Robles. www.pinestreetsaloon.com 805-2381114. Every Monday Open Mic. 9pm. Every Tuesday/ Friday/ Sunday Marilyn’s Karaoke 9pm. Every Thursday North County Line Up Live Music 9pm. THE PONY CLUB AT HOTEL CHEVAL: 1021 Pine St., Paso Robles. www.hotelcheval.com 805-226-9995. *Most shows 7-10pm unless stated otherwise 2/19 August Ridge Release Party 2/20 Dorian Michael & Kenny Blackwell 2/21 Luke Bryon 2/26 Paiz Sur Terre 2/27 Kenny Taylor 2/28 Lance Robinson

full bar | 12 beers on tap family-friendly menu 200 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande www.roostercreektavern.com 805.489.2509 open daily from 11:30 – 10:00

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Because every child should love going to the dentist!

The Ranch: 1285 Mission St. in San Miguel, www. liveattheranch.com or 467-5047. 11/29 Chris and Nick’s “Rave Circus” 18+ SCULPTERRA WINERY: 5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles, 226-8881. Steve Key presents “Songwriters at Play” Sundays from 1-4pm www. sculpterra.com VINA ROBLES AMPHITHEATRE: 3800 Mill Rd., Paso Robles, 286-3680. Check out Vina Robles Amphitheatre online for tickets, times, and pricing www.vinarobles.com.

$BMJGPSOJB#MWE 4VJUF( 4BO-VJT0CJTQPt(805) 592-2020 XXXDPBTUBMQFEJBUSJDEFOUJTUSZOFU

32



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Framed Story and Photo By www.PhotoByVivian.com

O

n Feb. 12 groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the historic Long-Street Farm - (F. Bonetti) property that sits at the corner of Tank Farm Road and S. Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. Before Tank Farm Road existed, the streets surrounding the land were Pismo Road, Ocean Blvd., Avila Road, Hwy. 101 and now, South Higuera Street. The buildings on the property which are on the city’s list of historic places including a farm house, barn, granary and water tower, will be incorporated into a Marketplace that will have a brewery, restaurant, farm and agricultural store, and various retail stores on a little more than 4 acres. The property was once a sprawling 80- acre farm that grew field crops, sugar beets, barley, flowers, grains and beans. A brass plaque dedicated in 1998 on the property recognizes the agricultural heritage of the farmland and reads, pioneers to these ranchlands include John Harford (think Harford Pier in Avila Beach), Frank McGolphur, Joseph D. Grant, George and Mary Long and the Florino Bonetti Family. Joseph D. Grant of San Francisco purchased the land from John Harford in 1880. City records show George W. Long had leased the property and lived in the farmhouse and then purchased it

in 1908. In 1923 the property was sold to Florino Bonetti. The Bonetti Family sold

The premier performing arts academy on the central coast.

the property in 1978. Up until just about a year ago the farmhouse was a rental and

blackberries grew freely on the property. www.PhotoByVivian.com

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Tolosa Press • DATE, 2015

Los Osos dance band, Back Bay Betty, will debut some new original tunes in a show at the Shell Café in Pismo Beach. The show is set for 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Shell Café, located at 1351 Price St., is quickly becoming a showcase for local live music and offers a great menu at reasonable prices. A short walk to the beach, too. See: www.backbaybetty. com or on Facebook for more on the band.

The San Luis Obispo County High School Jazz Ensemble, with the best high school jazz musicians in SLO County and Santa Maria, will perform its annual concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 for students, seniors, and SLO Jazz Fed members, and $12 general admission. Buy tickets online at: www.cpactickets. cuesta.edu. The Cuesta Jazz Ensemble will also perform. The high school ensemble is put together every year to give the kids advanced training and to perform this annual concert.

The 2nd Annual, 87th Oscar VIP Party Fundraiser is set for Oscars Night, Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Cayucos Vet’s Hall and will honor a legendary celebrity photog to the stars. Charles Poalillo, this year’s honoree, spent nine years as a staff photographer at the Los Angeles Daily News and the L.A. Times before starting a commercial photography studio in Hollywood. Familiar with press agents who came to submit press releases, he hit the ground running, as he would be doing journalism photography, but for commercial clients, many of who were Fortune 500 companies. Poalillo was hired by many of his clients to do photography at The Academy Awards and his first shoot was for a small Latin magazine, followed by various companies. What followed was a 5-year contract to do photography for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences at the Oscars. He photographed the Oscars for 24 years. Poalillo, now a Paso Robles resident, will show slides of his Oscars work including public debuts of vintage celebrity photos that have never been shown before. Profits from the Vet’s Hall show and party benefit the Cayucos Elementary Education Foundation. For more information and tickets call Moree Productions at (805) 900-5282.

Afro-Americana music fusion band, Mamajowali, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 at St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos. Tickets are $20 a person and available online at

Afro-Americana music fusion band, Mamajowali, will perform at St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Mamajowali is Joe Craven, Mamadou Sidibe, and Walter Strauss playing a blend of instruments — kamale ngoni (the hunter’s harp) with six string guitar, percussion, fiddle, mandolin and voice — uncommon and familiar, traditional and innovative all at the same time. The show is co-sponsored by KCBX Public Radio and the Live Oak Music Festival. St. Benedict’s is at 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., Los Osos (across LOVR form the cemetery). Call (707) 678-1351 for more information.

The Cal Poly Ballroom Dance Club will host its eighth annual “Mustang Ball” Ballroom and Latin DanceSport Competition from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the university’s Chumash Auditorium. More than 150 dancers from across California, Arizona and Nevada have registered to compete at the event, one of the largest annual dance competitions in San Luis Obispo County. Amateur dancers of all levels and ages are invited to sign up and compete. Dancers will compete in six levels of competitions — from newcomer to the highest “openlevel” events — in the international and American style ballroom dances. Events also include nightclub dances such as the salsa, hustle, Argentine tango, and lindy hop swing; a formation team competition; collegiate team match; and other special performances. A highlight of the event will be a showcase of five dances by competitors Iaroslav Bieliei and Olga Tsikalyuk, the current U.S. Professional Rising Star Ballroom Champions. Last year’s competition drew more than 500 spectators and a record 1,044 entries from Cal Poly and other universities competing in 106 different events. The event provides the public an opportunity to experience the ballroom dancing firsthand. Admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. There is no cost for Cal Poly students with a valid I.D. For more

information and to buy a ticket, visit http://mustangball.com/ or call 805242-3262. Donations to help support this nonprofit event are appreciated.

Award-winning songwriter Loren Radis will be featured during Songwriters at Play Shell Café on Feb. 26 running from 6:30-9:30 p.m. In 2009 his song ‘If You’ll Be Mine’ was one of the winners at the inaugural New Times Music Awards. He was a winner the next year with ‘Homesick,’ and the next, with ‘(May I) Walk You Home?’ This year his winning track, ‘Young Man’s Song,’ again made the finals. Loren is a Central Coast native who has loved writing and performing music since he first heard the Beatles at age 10. His blend of acoustic/rock music has been compared to artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Iron & Wine, and Damien Rice. Songwriters At Play is held Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm at the Shell Cafe, 1351 Price Street, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-8300. The showcase includes one featured act and others playing 4-song sets. No cover charge, but a tip bucket is passed during the featured artist’s set. Our Thursday showcase is a co-production with Madeline Royal of Love Live Music. For more information, visit www. songwritersatplay.com.

SLOFolks will bring traditional Irish music band, Goitse, for two shows at Coalesce Bookstore Chapel in Morro Bay and Castoro Cellars Winery in Templeton, set for Friday-Saturday Feb. 27-28. Tickets are $20 a person and available at the venues, 845 Main St., for Coalesce, call 772-2880 and 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, call 238-0725 to reserve tickets. Also available at Boo Boo Records, 978 Monterey St., SLO. Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, Goitse is fast becoming one of the most sought-



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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Entertainment after bands among connoisseurs of Irish Traditional music. Led by Aine McGeeney on vocals fiddle, and upand-coming stars, Colm Phelan, Conal O’Kane, James Harvey, and Tadhg O’Meachair. See: www.slofolks.org for information on upcoming shows.

The Basin Street Regulars are hosting a Mardi Gras Party featuring the Mud Skippers Band, set for 3:15-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Pismo Beach Veteran’s Hall, 680 Bello St. Tickets are $5 for Basin Street members and $10 for non members at the door. Enjoy New Orleans jazz, Dixieland, big band swing, Cajun and more. As this is a Mardi Gras party, feel free to come in costume and wear your beads. Call 7733750 for more information.

Collective Project,” ge said, “while we document the events, the people we meet, the trials and challenges of even a small trip, while taking in the lifestyle and wonders of the Coastal Northwest. The scenery couldn’t be any more inspirational.” See: facebook. com/surtseyco or surtsey. bandcamp.com to listen to their music.

Cal Poly alumna and acclaimed soprano, Kathleen Magee “Surtsey & Co” and embarking on a West Querec, returns to Coast Tour following Hwy 1 and will be her alma mater for swinging through San Luis Obispo County the Cal Poly Choirs’ Winter Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7 in the March 11. Tickets run from $60-$90 Performing Arts Center on campus. and there is a free, pre-show lecture Tickets are $12 and $14 for the public with Opera SLO’s Brian Asher Alhadeff and $9 and $12 for senior citizens and in the PAC Pavilion at 6:30. See St. Louis rocker, Ben Martsolf, is students. Cost includes all PAC fees extravagant dance numbers, glittering teaming up with his friend, Joseph and parking. Get tickets at the Cal Poly costumes and an unlikely love story Bassa from Keflavik, Iceland, in a band Box Office between noon and 6 p.m. between a wealthy playboy and a rough called “Surtsey & Co” and embarking Tuesdays-Saturdays. Order by phone and tumble lady bootlegger. The story on a West Coast Tour following Hwy 1 at 756-4849. Titled “Romance and the is set to classic Gershwin hits like “Let’s and will be swinging through San Luis Romantics,” the concert will feature Call the Whole Thing Obispo County at the end of February. works on the theme of love by composers Off,” “Someone to The Cal Poly Symphony’s Winter Concert The duo will perform a free show from the Romantic period of the 19th Watch Over Me” will be at the Performing Arts Center “Fascinating at Last Stage West, located on Hwy Century and the modern era. Groups and 41 half way between Morro Bay and slated to perform are PolyPhonics Rhythm.” Diaz, Troy Hanson, and Wicky Woo. Atascadero. Martsolf said another good with Brahms; the University Singers Vocalists are Leah Ginsky, Shaina friend, film director Nigel Walsh, “will performing Schubert and the combined Levin and Alexis Rubell. All students be creating a short documentary about choirs will join Querec performing are music majors except Woo, who life and culture of the touring musician Mendelssohn and Mozart and close Then at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, is an industrial engineering major. in the United States, stringing together with Strauss. Music department staff “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles,” takes Music Prof. David Arrivée will conduct. a run of shows ranging the entire members Susan Azaret Davies and Paul the stage. Tickets run from $48-$80. Theatre and Dance Department California Coast in a span of two Woodring will accompany. The acclaimed Beatles homage is hailed faculty members Diana Stanton, weeks,” Martsolf said. as clear and above the biggest and best Michelle Walter and Christy McNeil Beatles tribute touring today. Rain is choreographed the dances. a live, multi-media spectacular that Cal Poly Arts will bring two Broadway takes you on a musical journey through A member of St. Louis rock band, musicals to town in March. The the life and times of the world’s most Blackwater ‘64, Martsolfsaid they plan 1920s-era feel-good musical, “Nice celebrated band. See: www.raintribute. Cal Poly’s Winter Band Concert to play small concerts during the tour Work if you can Get It,” will take com for videos and more on the show. featuring the 65-member Wind playing original music as an “Artist the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Tickets are available at the PAC Box Ensemble and 70-piece Wind Office from, noon-6 p.m. TuesdaysOrchestra is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Saturdays. Call 756-4849 or order Feb. 28 at the Performing Arts Center online at: www.calpolyarts.org. at Cal Poly. Tickets are $12 and $14 Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, takes stage in March for the public and $9 and $12 for senior citizens and students. Pricing includes all fees, and parking. Tickets The Cal Poly Symphony’s Winter are sold at the PAC Box Office from Concert is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, March noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 8 at the Performing Arts Center at Cal To order by phone, call 756-4849. The Poly. Tickets are $12 and $14 for the bands will present their biennial “pops public and $9 and $12 for seniors and concert,” featuring entertaining works students. Includes all fees, and parking. from all areas of pop culture written Get tickets at the PAC Box Office from and arranged for the modern concert noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Order band. The concert features guest artist by phone at 756-4849. The Winter and 2012 music alumnus, Jonathan Concert will be a collaborative show Withem, who will perform a work by celebrating the student soloists and composer John Mackey titled, “Strange members of the university’s Orchesis Humors” with the Wind Ensemble on Dance Company. The Student Soloist the djembe, a rope-tuned skin-covered Showcase will include performances by goblet hand drum originally from five instrumentalists and three vocalists West Africa. Cal Poly director of bands who won the Music Department’s Solo Andrew McMahan and Christopher J. Competition. Instrumentalists are Rose Woodruff, associate director of bands, Doylemason, Leah Anderson, Daniel will conduct the concert.

Tolosa Press • February 19 - March 4, 2015



35

Dinner & A Movie Eureka! Comfort Food and Much More By Teri Bayus

“I

n wine there is wisdom, beer there is freedom and water there is bacteria” stated wisely by Benjamin Franklin and used with other bits of wisdom at Eureka Burger in San Luis Obispo. Following their mantra of “Eureka,” used as an exclamation of triumph at a discovery, I agree. I had avoided this place because of the long waits and burger centric meals, but I became a fan on the first night, a convert on the second meal. There is a talent to creating a menu that will sustain and intrigue the college crowd, yet make the locals and the grownups come back again and again. Eureka has accomplished this with full and unique drink items and delectable food staples. Those like me that truly appreciate great food, craft beer and artisan liquor are discovering a better restaurant experience at Eureka in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Our first night there we sat at the bar and received some of the best service I have had at a casual restaurant. The bartender made Mr. Bayus an old fashioned that loosened his retrieve and made him swear to come here a every night. They he presented him with the butterscotch rum pudding that was pronounced “Green Mile” worthy, a first for a dessert, and this one was

topped with homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce and flaky sea salt. He inhaled it and I didn’t get to try even a bite. He has since returned over 10 times for this after-work treat of liquor and pudding. I started with the fried chicken sliders that surprised and delighted me. The perfectly fried chicken was shaped into a small patty then put on a biscuit slathered with tomato jam, a crisp and

delicious housemaid pickles and served with signature hand cut fries. The biscuit/bun had me puzzled, as it was familiar and yet not something you get in a restaurant. When I asked the manager about it, he sneakily whispered that they were Pillsbury biscuits. Brilliant! — comfort food, wrapped in comfort food. Then there were those fries. I am usually not a fan, but these were so good, I ate them all and ordered more for dessert. I chose the buffalo dipping sauce as a fantastic alternative to ketchup. It was our first time there and I had to tell the server about how please and surprised I was. He instantly bought us another dessert, the chocolate espresso soufflé coffee cupcake that was a dark chocolate soufflé with homemade whipped cream and a vanilla bean ice cream. Next we came back for Happy Hour and I was delighted at all the offerings. Shishito peppers were grilled and topped with tobiko (fish eggs) and fresh lemon juice. The Pacific white fish tacos were blackened and sautéed tilapia

with cabbage, avocado aioli, mango salsa, and cilantro and served in two corn tortillas. It was fantastic. The lollipop corn dogs made Gary happy with his rare IPA beer. They consisted of a Polish sausage saturated in a sweet corn batter and fired. They are dipped into spicy porter mustard, homemade ketchup or ranch dressing. He proclaimed it the top “Men Food” as he grunted and watched sports on the big screen TVs. I finished it off with watermelon salad that was crisp and refreshing. It consisted of arugula, kale, lemon vinaigrette, homemade quinoa, watermelon, feta, toasted walnuts and a balsamic glaze. Eureka exudes the benefits of handmade food, locally sourced produce and fresh baked breads found throughout the menu. You’ll find an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience serving a wide selection of all natural beef burgers, signature hand cut fries, gourmet salads, delectable sandwiches and delicious desserts. They strive to treat each guest as an important individual and prepare each plate with the pursuit of perfection in mind. Eureka is located at 1141 Chorro St.; open daily for lunch and dinner.

t

Fifty Shades of Lousy By Teri Bayus

T

his week’s movie is “50 Shades of t Grey” (Yes, I am going there). I d read the book, although everyone d told me it would just make me mad, rwhich it accomplished in spades. With ridiculous grammar pontificating rabout how a man that tells you to eat, gthen ties you up, is the thing best for a young girl. I cringed and yelled through all three books. Many people liked it and eI had hopes for a better movie than the prose, so I thought it would be smart to go with 200 strangers to watch a sex show in the dark (I did bring wine). t I went with an open mind, but when tthe last elevator door closed after what felt like four hours and the guy behind yme blurted out, “Please let this be the end,” I laughed at the great cosmic joke Universal Pictures had just played on d all of us. Don’t’ get me wrong, the sex is neat, but a total disservice to true erotica and bondage. It was as if it was a 2-hour commercial telling you what not to do in order to have a healthy relationship.

I cannot believe this was only an R rating. The sex scenes are intense and very personal. There’s only so much you can put into a movie especially if the source material is as sordid and insipid as this, but Sam Taylor-Johnson doesn’t disappoint when showing you the savage sexual nature of the infamous Christian Grey. These sex scenes push the boundaries of its R rating and fans of the book will be happy to hear that they can finally visualize some of the titillating details E.L. James seems to love to describe in her books. But that is all. The screenplay for this is a muddled piece of writing that lazily skates through its near 2-hour runtime with long ridiculous looks from Grey to Ana and no real dialog that is clever or

well done. The sets and art direction are excellent and create the perfect ambiance. The music excelled in terms of theme and pacing. This was the first time I have ever seen “BDSM consultant” in credits, who gets that job? If you are young, this will confuse you as to what erotic love can be and if you are well seasoned like me, it is just drivel. I really do not see any reason to see this movie. even remotely interesting. The chemistry with the leads was powerful, but you spend that much time naked with another person and it will always be persuasive. Jamie Dorman (Christian Grey) and Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steel) definitely took their jobs seriously here both physically and mentally. Dakota is the daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, so she has acting chops, too bad she spent most of the film naked and tied up. The lightening and score were

Teri Bayus can be reached at: [email protected] or follow her writings and ramblings at: www. teribayus.com. Teri is also the host of Taste Buds, a moving picture rendition of her reviews shown on Charter Cable Ch. 10. Editor’s note: In the review of American Sniper in the Feb. 5 issue, the wrong actress was given as playing the wife of Chris Kyle. Sienna Miller and not Elise Robertson played that role.

36



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Tolosa Press

Community

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Falling In Love - Staying In Love By Susan K. Boyd MS, MFT

V

alentines day is over but not the relationship that you were celebrating. You might have received chocolates or flowers or given them to that very special person in your life. I love getting them and giving them! Falling in love is easy but staying in love is not. It takes more than chocolates, flowers, and a card to keep that passionate, flame burning through the years. What is the secret to being in love and staying that way? Researchers tell us that when the initial fantasy and dreaminess goes away other factors predict the likelihood that a couple will stay together. Here are a few. Couples that wait well into their twenties or older to marry have a better chance of staying together. The maturity that comes with age as the more self-centered, teen years fall farther back, puts the statistics in the older couple’s favor. People who are well educated and earn more money appear to handle stresses of marriage, or perhaps, have less stress in marriage than those who are struggling, financially. Those that were raised in a home with parents who stayed together have a higher likelihood of not divorcing. That is especially true if both spouses had parents that stayed together. This may be because they witnessed problem solving and long-term commitment by their parents. Couples that did not live together prior to marriage, statistically fair better in relationship longevity, than those that cohabitated. This may also

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have something to do with perceived commitment levels. Finally, couples that have a religious affiliation, especially the same religious beliefs, are more likely to have a long-term relationship, and are less likely to divorce.

about finding the perfect person. Continuing to keep faith with the one you started out with can deepen love and build trust. Being able to recharge the fun in marriage, well, that was what Valentine’s Day was all about! So let’s keep the

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Having counseled many marriages for over twenty years and having been married for 46 years to the same great guy, I notice certain traits that make people who fall in love, stay in love. They think long term so that the momentary or daily problems do not become reasons to exit the relationship. They experience kindness and open communication in their marriages. And they help each other feel secure and supported. Falling in love is fun but staying in love involves lots of work. It is not

chocolates, flowers and nights on the town coming all year! It might just spice things up at home, and not only help us fall in love, but stay in love. Susan K. Boyd is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in SLO. She can be reached for counseling at (805) 782-9800 or by email: [email protected]. Also see www. susankboydmft.com

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Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015



37

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87th Oscar V.I.P. Party 2nd Annual

City-State to Burn Brush in MB State Park

F

olks in south Morro Bay get ready to hold your breath, State Parks and the City again plan to burn piles of leaf litter and debris in Morro Bay State Park. State Parks in cooperation with the Morro Bay Fire Department and the County Air Pollution Control District, announce plans to conduct prescribed pile burns of diseased, dead and downed Monterey pines in the Black Hill area of Morro Bay State Park. The burns will occur when weather conditions permit between March 3 and April 30. Preparation of the burn piles is taking place now. This burn is part of State Parks’ “Hazard Fuel Reduction and Prescribed Fire Program” for vegetation management, fuel load reduction and structure protection to numerous residences and businesses in Morro Bay, reads a press release from the City. “Monterey pines are experiencing major die-offs due to pine pitch canker disease and prolonged years of drought,” the release reads. “Burn pile operations will be conducted to maintain defensible space on areas adjacent to neighborhoods and park

facilities per Morro Bay Fire Department permit conditions. This treatment will greatly reduce dead, downed and diseased fuels in the wildlandurban interface, decrease potential for wildfires, enhance the health of the native plant communities, encourage increased species composition, restore essential nutrients to the soil, and aid in the control of pine pitch canker.” The burns are always run past the APCD and the state Air Resources Board to try and minimize the impacts from the smoke on nearby residents. The burn is held when weather and air quality conditions are favorable for smoke dispersal but not too windy, lest the embers from the fires get out of hand. If the conditions are not as desired, the burns will be rescheduled. State Parks will issue a Media Advisory 12-24 hours ahead of the actual burn date and the fire department will post updated information on Facebook and Twitter, post flyers in the affected neighborhoods, and place reverse 911 calls to notify nearby residents. And the APCD will monitor the air quality and give alerts on its website, as well. See: www.slocleanair.org or call 781-4390.

Board Seats Filled, Almost

T

he new members of Morro Bay’s boards and commissions have been set, but a few seats on two boards were unable to be filled. Two seats on the Tourism Business Improvement District were unable to be filled, according to the city clerk. The TBID had four seats open and Jack Smith and Taylor Newton filled two member at-large seats. A seat reserved for a motel with 22 or less rooms and a hotelier at large remain empty. Chairwoman Michele Jacquez was reappointed, along with members Joan Solu, and Amit Patel (representing motels of 50-less). The Measure Q Citizens Oversight Committee has two remaining vacancies. Continuing members are Kathryn Thomas, Elaine Giannini and Barbara Spagnola. This committee reviews expenditures of the Measure Q sales tax monies. The Planning Commission finally is whole again with the appointment of Katherine Sorenson. She joins Richard Sadowski and Gerald Luhr who were reappointed to 4-year terms. Michael Lucas and Robert Tefft continue on the commission. In the Harbor Advisory Board, former chairman Jeff Eckles is out, replaced by Neal Maloney representing waterfront leaseholders. Eckles used to have a

sublease for his House of Jerky store, but late last year, he moved the store to a privately owned building on Front Street (by the kite shop). Maloney, who farms oysters in the bay, recently took over the former M&M Refrigeration lease site. Eckles tried to get a reappointment as the boaters’ rep but was turned down. Others on the HAB are Gene Doughty (representing Los Osos), Dana McLish (recreational boaters), Bill Luffee (marine oriented businesses), Ron Reisner and Judith Meissen (at large members), with the commercial fishermen’s seat shared by Tom Hafer, Alan Alward, and Joseph Conchelos. Stewart Skiff and Chris Parker were added to the Public Works Advisory Board joining Marlys McPherson, Stephen Shively, Deborah Owen, Janith Goldman and David Sozinho. No changes were made to the Recreation and Parks Commission. Members are John Bates, Drew Sedaris, Alfonso Romero, Aaron Ochs, Tom Coxwel, Robert Swain and Karen Crowley. And the water reclamation facility citizen advisory committee remains unchanged as well. Members are John Diodati, Paul Donnelly, Ginny Guerra, Valerie Levulett, Sadowski, Shively, Spagnola and Bill Woodson.

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February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News

News

Old Truck is Gone; New One Coming in March By Neil Farrell

T

he Morro Bay Fire Department recently said “Adios,” to its old, broken ladder truck, sending it off to auction for whatever they can get for it. Fire Chief Steve Knuckles said they turned the aged truck over to Ken Porter Auctions of Los Angeles. Since the ladder’s bull pinion gear, which supports the hoisted ladder and allows it to pivot, is broken, it isn’t worth much for an accredited fire agency. “No municipal agency will buy it,” he said. “It’s broken. And it’s a 32-year-old truck. No one will want to spend the $350,000 it would cost to replace the ladder, and that estimate was from five years ago.” To fix it would have required tearing down the truck to the frame, which is the ladder’s support system. With ladder trucks, the framework of the ladder is built first then the truck — engine, cab,

body, chassis, and pumps — are built around it. Chief Knuckles said a likely buyer might be a farmer or private company for the pumps and holding tank to transport water, or “any type

of non-life-safety operations.” He anticipates getting about $30,000 for it. Another reason for it to be sold now is to make room for the department’s new ladder truck that should be here in early March.

“We’ve done the final inspections,” Knuckles said. “If it survives the drive out here, we should get it around March 30.” They will take about 30 days outfitting and equipping the ladder truck and it should be put into service around April 1. Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wis., is building it. The $775,000, 80-foot ladder truck is not costing Morro Bay residents anything. The department was bequeathed $1 million from the estate of Bertha Shultz, a former Morro Bay resident, who last year also left $1 million to the Atascadero Fire Department and gave $100,000 to the Friends of the Morro Bay Library for its remodel project, among other causes that she left money to. The fire department also plans to buy $250,000 worth of self-contained breathing apparatus with the remaining money.

Suspected Drug Lab Explodes

A

suspected clandestine drug lab gave itself away when the home kitchen it was set up in exploded, sending the alleged drug cooker to the hospital suffering from burns and an innocent elderly man who also lives there, went to the hospital with heart troubles. According to the Sheriff’s Department, at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit responded to an apartment at 1351 Los Olivos Ave., Los Osos, for a report of an explosion. “Initial reports said a toaster

caught fire in the kitchen area and then spread to the cabinets,” Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Cipolla said in a news release. “A man inside the apartment used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire and then drove himself to a local hospital with burns to his face and arms.” The man, identified as Matthew David Culver, 32 of Los Osos, was transfered to the Fresno Burn Center for treatment. “However,” Cipolla said, “when investigators arrived on scene, they found evidence of a butane honey oil conversion lab, which converts

marijuana into hash oil or ‘honey oil.’ “The extraction process uses parts of the marijuana plant and converts them to a more concentrated oil using butane gas in the process. This process is highly dangerous and can result in explosions like this one.” Also, an elderly man who leases the apartment was inside when the place blew up. While he was not injured in the explosion, he was taken to the hospital for “heart related issues. He is not considered a suspect in this case,” Cipolla said.

Culver’s troubles are not over. “Once Culver is released from the hospital,” Cipolla said, “investigators plan to charge him with [suspicion of] manufacture of a controlled substance and elder abuse.” Information on the extent of the damage done to the apartment was not available immediately, as questions posed to the Cal Fire Sta. 15 in Los Osos and headquarters in SLO, were directed back at the Sheriff’s Office, which didn’t have the information, yet.

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Bay News • February 19 - March 4, 2015

Community



39

Senior Apartment Complex Breaks Ground By Neil Farrell

I

n a scene many people thought they’d never see, ground was officially broken on a small, senior citizen’s apartment complex in Downtown Morro Bay. Robert Laing, president and executive director of Pacific Southwest Community Development Corp., out of San Diego, explained that the Morro Del Mar Senior Apartments, 555 Main St., will have 20, one and two bedroom units plus a manager’s apartment (total of 21). There will be an outdoor community space, a common room, and a computer lab. The development has taken about 2 years to pull the funding together. “It’s often said the difference with financing is inverse proportionally to the size of the project,” Laing, who hails from Britain, quipped. Four banks, and agencies on the local, county, state and federal levels — 11 funding sources in all — were tapped. “And all represented by a lawyer,” he laughed. He commented that they’ve completed projects with 800, 1,500 units and more, and none compared to the complexity for this little project in Morro Bay. “With the Baby Boom generation

nearing retirement age,” Laing said, “there’s been a huge spike in demand for senior housing, which is what we’re doing here.” Mayor Pro Tem, Noah Smukler, represented the City at the ceremony held Feb. 4. He praised the developers for recognizing a need in Morro Bay for both affordable and senior Councilman Noah Smukler, with shovel, and Robert housing. He also noted Laing, president and executive director of Pacific that this will be the first Southwest Community Development Corp., break fully LEED certified ground Feb. 4 on a new 20-unit senior apartment building in Morro Bay. house in Morro Bay. Photo by Neil Farrell LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” and added that the energy efficiency design represents a movement towards energy is one way to ensure these remain efficiency and environmental-friendly affordable, through lower utility bills. designs, materials and construction Smukler also noted that the City of methods. Morro Bay granted some $600,000 Smukler noted that the last affordable out of its housing in-lieu monies to the housing built in Morro Bay was in the project. When developers are required mid-90s and that forming partnerships to either sell or lease housing units at with companies like Pacific Southwest affordable rates, they can either do so “is how we’re going to get there.” He or pay a fee and that money had built

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over time. The contractor on the project is Carroll Building Co., of San Luis Obispo. Owner Steve Carroll is a Morro Bay native and the family owned company includes wife Rosie and son David. His dad, Robert Carroll was a long-time builder in Morro Bay and is now retired. Laing said the 1-bedroom units would rent for between $398 and $821 a month, and the 2-bedroom units would be $467-$890. He said they’ve done zero advertising and already 11 people have contacted them expressing interest. The apartments are reserved for people 62-over who do not require special care, as no medical assistance will be available through the company. It will however, have social and educational programs, including computer literacy classes, and activities provided by the company. This is for active seniors and not a care facility. According to a sign posted on the site, those interested in leasing a unit should call 1-800-801-8440, Ext. 7102. They are shooting for a completion date sometime in September or October, depending of course on the weather.

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40



February 19 - March 4, 2015 • Bay News

Sports Sports Shorts

Colin Cowherd

Jim Rome

Dan Patrick

By Michael Elliott

AMERICA’S

“Gonna Be A Showdown”- And there was. At Mission Prep. Just as the preceding musical line from the Electric Light Orchestra song states. (Um, dating oneself here but more on that later). MP exacted sweet revenge on Righetti High School by pounding out a 58-52 victory in front of a standing-room-only fervent following. During warmups an independent observer would have sworn that the Royals were going to get their goose cooked as Righetti trotted out one of the most formidable collections of prep basketball height one could imagine! But the eye of this beholder came to envision the beauty with which Mission Prep dispensed of the Warriors. The Royals’ penchant for unselfish play on the night and for buying into Coach Terrance Harris’ team concept was refreshing to observe. As Righetti keyed on Columbia University-bound Quinton Adlesh, his running mate at the guard position, Brandon Jones, enacted his own backup plan and tossed in a gritty, team-best 19 points. A perplexing aspect of the game was that Righetti chose to station their three 6’4” plus front court players up top and out on the wings defensively. Mission was able to break those defensive sets down to their advantage and come away with the important win. Good teams. Good battle. See you both in the playoffs.

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Tark Goes Dark- Jerry Tarkanian, college basketball’s former rebel with a cause, who guided his University of Nevada Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels to the 1990 NCAA Basketball Championship, has entered into the nether world. Tark the Shark had a monumental coaching career which included stints at Long Beach State, UNLV and Fresno State, among others. In order to get an edge on his rivals Tarkanian would recruit junior college malcontents and players of dubious character and mold them into fascinating teams prone to full-court pressure defense and runand-gun offensive flair. They might

not have graduated, but they sure could play ball! Other coaches snubbed his style, and the NCAA infractions committees were always sniffing around Tark’s programs in search of wrongdoing. They were on his case his entire career. He once stated, “They’ve been my tormentors my whole life.” Playing baseball at Long Beach State in the early ‘70’s afforded this columnist the luxury of watching Tarkanian work his on-court magic firsthand. He had a conference record of 40-4 while at The Beach. Our 1970-71 team took UCLA to the brink in the NCAA Western Regional Final before falling by a bucket. His UNLV teams made it to four Final Fours. Rest well coach. The NCAA can’t touch you now. Heaven On Earth- There’s nothing quite like hanging out on the Monterey Peninsula when the weather is accommodating. Placid mornings and pristine afternoons greeted the professional and amateur golfers this past weekend in the Monterey area as the AT&T Pebble Beach National ProAm was contested. The weather was the talk of the tournament as there wasn’t a cloud in sight and nary a rippling of the flags as Brandt Snedeker collected his second AT&T title in three years. One of the really cool aspects of this tournament is the sprinkling of movie, music and sports stars amongst the professional golfers in order to give the tourney a unique flair of its own. Buster Posey, Bill Murray, Wayne Gretzky, Huey Lewis, Ray Romano, Clay Walker and Alex Smith were but a few of the notables who attended. It’s a kick to traverse the links at Pebble Beach, watching the golfers and soaking in the history of the event, as well as the sun. Great getaway. Perplexing- Isn’t it difficult to date oneself? And Finally- Russell: “Pete, why’d ya call a pass play?” Pete: “Why’d ya throw an interception?” Marshawn.

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