Cover Story
Trauma, revisited: As the Central Coast’s doctors and nurses face another COVID-19 surge, they’re still grappling with the last one’s impacts
Health care workers are no strangers to witnessing suffering and death. But COVID-19 was different. The professionals not only treated their patients, they also offered company in the absence of family and friends. French Hospital telemetry nurse Tamara Astorga said it was hard to see her patients be so secluded. “In order to support people,…
You have the power
Pandemic stress is hitting us all. Maybe a mental health counselor can help? Well, they’re all full. I’ve had 19 requests this week for new clients. No problem—my first opening is in January 2022. The last year and a half has been the busiest of my 25-year career in the mental health field as a…
Be safe; be smart
A dear friend lost his father to COVID prior to the vaccine becoming available. His dad was old and his health was compromised, but he was loved and is missed by his family. My friend’s young daughter, who is an anti-vaxxer, recently contracted the disease and has been in and out of the hospital since.…
A curious phenomena
Have you ever noticed that conservatives tend to be much more reserved and guarded in sharing their political views than liberals? I have observed that, with the obvious exception of moi and a few others, trying to get a conservative to discuss politics is like pulling teeth. Typically, a conservative’s opinions are likely to be…
Dumb and dumber?
Five more SLO County residents have died of COVID-19, bringing the total to 279, and 55 more are currently hospitalized, including 16 in the ICU. The county added 460 new confirmed cases since Aug. 20. Thanks to the Delta variant, local cases are surging again. Man, this sucks. Are you part of the 60 percent…
SLO city moves forward on mobile crisis unit
San Luis Obispo’s new pilot program to address homelessness and mental health issues is a direct response to community concerns, Mayor Heidi Harmon said during the Aug. 24 City Council meeting. “There’s been so many policies we’ve made that we’ve incorporated the community’s voices on, and this is one,” Harmon said. “This is so exciting;…
Edna Valley farmers, residents, and water companies collaborate on plan to stabilize groundwater basin
Make a comment Visit slowaterbasin.com to find a draft of the San Luis Obispo Valley Groundwater Basin sustainability plan, make a comment, and find out more information about the process. Water wells in the Edna Valley used to be shallow: “You could put a well to 30 or 40 feet. Well that’s just kind of…
Arroyo Grande urges conservation after county passes plan to cut reservoir deliveries
San Luis Obispo County is officially in a state of “extreme drought,” prompting authorities to urge water conservation across the region and try to keep more water in local reservoirs. The county Board of Supervisors declared a local drought emergency in June 2021, two months before the U.S. Drought Monitor slapped the “extreme” tag on…
SLO County develops tools to sell, transfer, and exchange state water
Fifth District SLO County Supervisor Debbie Arnold’s concerns about groundwater banking persist as the county takes steps to enable more flexibility for its unused State Water Project water. “I’ve been pretty clear all along, I don’t want to ever see our basins here in the county be used for groundwater banks at all, especially with…
Wildling Museum in Solvang showcases Central Coast artists during its Summer Open House
Online lineup The Wildling Museum’s next virtual artist talk, featuring SLO-based artist Sommer Roman and Santa Barbara-based artist Maria Rendón, will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. The museum also hosts its Summer Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. Call (805) 688-1082…
Grover Beach wants more funding to fix its streets
Grover Beach may allow its Public Works Department to spend another $10 million to rehabilitate city streets even though current street renovation projects are incomplete. Public Works Director and City Engineer Gregory Ray presented his department’s case at the Aug. 23 City Council meeting for the city to release funds that exist as Measure K-14…
Spooner Ranch House hosts new traveling exhibition, We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California
The Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro State Park is the current home of a new traveling exhibition, We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California, which will remain on display at the venue through Oct. 10. This exhibit highlights stories of Black farmers, ranchers, and rural residents throughout California’s history;…
Central Coast Vet Services expands amid surge in demand for curbside pet care
Dr. Raffy Dorian thought he was going to have to shut down his practice. Five years ago, Dorian opened Central Coast Veterinary Services, one of the first mobile vet practices in San Luis Obispo. It quickly became a hit in the community. “I think it’s really the low stress, the convenience, and the communication,” said…
Gallery at Marina Square holds new trio show and two solo exhibits
Starting on Sept. 1, three new exhibitions will be showcased at the Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, including one trio show and two solo exhibits. All three exhibits are scheduled to remain on display at the gallery through Sept. 29. The three featured artists in the trio show are oil painter Mary Summers…
SLO vegan restaurant Ziggy’s expands to upcoming Paso Robles location
Going green Ziggy’s vegan takeout is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To place an order, visit the eatery at 594 California Blvd. or online at eatziggys.com. Follow the company on Facebook and Instagram @eatziggys. Ziggy is a nickname for Zigmund, meaning “victorious protector.” And this local restaurant is passionate about its associated…
Pig examines the effects of loss
PIG What’s it rated? R When? 2021 Where’s it showing? Palm Theatre of SLO What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Co-writer Michael Sarnoski directs this dramatic thriller about Rob (Nicholas Cage), a truffle hunter living a solitary existence in the Oregon wilderness, whose beloved foraging pig is kidnapped, forcing…
Coda
What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2021 Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus Writer-director Sian Heder helms this American version of French and Spanish language film La famille Belier. It’s a touching family tale that has all the trappings of a cheesy, saccharin-filled flick, but Coda quickly rises above that status and is a wonderful, joy-filled…
3 Doors Down comes to Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Aug. 29
Escatawpa, Mississippi, population (as of the last official census count) 3,722, seems like an unlikely place from which a major rock band might emerge, and yet that’s exactly where 3 Doors Down hails from. Formed in 1996, the post-grunge rock band got their big break with the release of The Better Life (2000), their debut…
Sweet Girl
What’s it rated? R When? 2021 Where’s it showing? Netflix Brian Andrew Mendoza directs this action thriller about Ray Cooper (Jason Momoa), whose wife, Amanda (Adria Arjona), dies from cancer because a lifesaving generic version of an expensive treatment is pulled from the market. In a moment of pique, Ray promises to kill the greedy…
