Cover Story
Last-Minute Gift Guide: Give the presents that will last a lifetime—experiences
The Central Coast has no shortage of things to do. Hiking, biking, beach walking, and more are right outside your front door. And there’s also no shortage of all of those “specialty,” “artisan” tchotchkes that so often get thrown into a drawer somewhere after the gift-giving season is over. This year for the New Times’…
Ballet Theatre SLO presents A Christmas Carol
Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo presents its production of A Christmas Carol at the Spanos Theatre on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Choreographed by Gilbert Reed, this family-friendly, full-length ballet was first performed on the Central Coast in 1994. The show follows the…
SLO saves the world
Thank you to the SLO County caped climate crusaders! Where would the world be without you? An educated guess is that we would pretty much be in the same place. Yes, we/us, as Americans, have done quite a bit to curb pollution. But at what cost? And are you so arrogant to think we will…
Creative Me Time offers project workshops for the crafter in your life
Work with your hands To learn more about Creative Me Time workshops, prices, and locations, visit creativemetime.com. Workshop prices vary from project, but range between $35 to $75. Joan Martin Fee has been a craft enthusiast her whole life, and she credits her passion to her upbringing. “I lived in the middle of absolutely nowhere;…
Grover Beach resident holds Arts and Crafts Pop-up Market
Barbara Shrum hosts her Arts and Crafts Pop-up Market in Grover Beach on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event takes place at 1901 Mentone Ave., Grover Beach. Guests of the market can browse or shop for jewelry, crocheted items, paintings, soap, and other potential holiday gifts created by local artists…
Amazing funky jazz trio Amendolo Vs. Blades Vs. Parker play 4 Cats Café on Dec. 14
It takes a certain level of audacity (or a healthy sense of humor) to name your first album Greatest Hits, but that’s exactly what funky duo Amendola Vs. Blades did in 2016. Now the drummer and organist have released Everybody Wins, and instead of doing all the heavy lifting themselves, they added in a few…
Dave Hughes skydiving business caters to the stars, and anyone else
Free falling Skydive Santa Barbara is located at 1801 North H St., suite G, in Lompoc. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Call at (805) 740-9099 or email jump@skydivesantabarbara.com, for more information. If your loved one craves the gift of free fall, Skydive Santa Barbara offers one…
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea visits Santa Cruz to discuss evocative new memoir
There’s a particular Red Hot Chili Peppers song lyric that has always stuck in my mind as the perfect encapsulation of the story and spirit of maybe the rock band of my lifetime (and my favorite growing up). And no, it’s not “suck my kiss,” or “give it away,” or “under the bridge downtown.” It’s…
Mountainbrook Church investigates its lead pastor; parishioners want more transparency during the process
On Sunday, Dec. 8, Mountainbrook Church’s nearly full auditorium was buzzing. The church had called a congregational meeting to address Lead Pastor Thom O’Leary’s leave of absence and the “credible allegations” against him of inappropriate behavior. Tina Swithin, a 10-year Mountainbrook member and author, nervously sat in her seat next to her husband. Swithin wrote…
Enabling a crisis, part II
I would like to thank Garland Miller (“Stop blaming the victims,” Nov. 21) for taking the time to respond to my letter (“Enabling a crisis,” Nov. 14). Its introduction of the causes and effects of capitalist macrocosm economics and its direct connection to homelessness is far beyond the scope of my core thesis: enabling or…
The wisdom of Debbie D: Chef’s classes take the intimidation out of cooking for the holidays and every day
Learn by cooking Debbie Duggan’s Central Coast Culinary and Catering will be holding three cooking classes in honor of the holidays this December: an annual tenderloin of beef class on Dec. 15; a Trader Joe’s Christmas Spectacular class on Dec. 17; and a kids holiday cooking class (sold out) on Dec. 21. Attendees bring their…
SLO-Vets2Work program offers job search resources to at-risk veterans
The 2019 homeless count in San Luis Obispo County turned up the highest number of homeless veterans in the region since 2013. Surveyors encountered nearly 150 veterans in all—a 78 percent increase over 2017—with 97 percent of them unsheltered. The Community Action Partnership of SLO (CAPSLO) is hoping to put a dent in that number…
Dear Adam Schiff and all Democrats
Sir, on more than one occasion you stated you had proof the president had colluded with the Russians to win the 2016 election. Either you have the proof or you lied. Which is it? Show us the proof. You shift with the wind looking for any case you might manufacture against him. What have you…
Eat and learn
Farmhouse Corner Market, 1025 Farmhouse Lane, SLO, is cooking up a storm of classes, so you might want to follow their Facebook page. On Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., resident cheesemonger Mariah (formerly of Fromagerie Sophie) will teach a holiday cheese and charcuterie board making class. Cheese selection and wine pairing are on…
Don’t go into the tunnel
Last month, at the urging of the SLO County State Water Subcontractors Advisory Committee, the three largest state water subcontractors in the county—Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and the Oceano CSD—voted to “participate in preliminary efforts associated with the Delta Conveyance Project,” aka the Delta Tunnel. Votes of support by local jurisdictions bring the project one…
Raise a glass
The Wine History Project launched a new exhibit featuring Gary Eberle and 40 years of winemaking at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. Gary Eberle has played a major role in helping shape the history of the Paso Robles wine-growing region and is considered a visionary within the industry. The exhibit is now open at the…
Cal Poly offers gender-affirming care as basic medical service
When Cal Poly student Autumn Ford came out as transgender and decided she was ready to start hormone replacement therapy in early 2018, she quickly discovered that gender-affirming services weren’t available on campus. A campus therapist referred Ford to the only physician in San Luis Obispo County known at the time to provide gender-affirming care—noninvasive…
Boomer knows best
The best part of being a young adult is I know absolutely everything and I’m going to live forever … oh, and old people are idiots who don’t know anything! They’re always trying to give me stupid advice, but hey, take a look around at the state of the world with all these old losers…
Sweet potato fries and finals
Recently my folks and I talked about the food we ate when we were poor, sexy, and in college. My dad ate a dozen donuts (which he said cost less than 50 cents) a day at Cornell. My mom ate cheap baby food to get her tummy through nursing school. And me? My dormmates and…
Cannabis growers worry as enforcement grace period nears end
Local cannabis cultivators still stuck in San Luis Obispo County’s much-criticized land-use permitting process will be forced to halt current farming operations come the new year. An enforcement “abeyance”—which has enabled county cannabis applicants to continue growing on their properties while they await approvals—expires on Dec. 31. The SLO County Board of Supervisors declined to…
Sound off
New Times readers took to Facebook to share their thoughts on our Dec. 5 news story, “New concerts and festivals at former Santa Maria Raceway stir controversy among neighboring residents.”
Dark Waters tells the true story of the lawyer who uncovered DuPont’s malfeasance
DARK WATERS What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Galaxy, The Palm, Park, Stadium 10 Todd Haynes (Velvet Goldmine, I’m Not There) directs this historical legal thriller about corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) who takes on an environmental lawsuit against DuPont,…
New restrictions on food stamp program will affect 900 local recipients
At the direction of the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced tighter work requirements for some food stamp recipients on Dec. 4 that will likely affect San Luis Obispo County recipients. During public comment at the Dec. 10 SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting, SLO Food Bank CEO Kevin Drabinski urged the board…
Blast from the Past: Robocop
When? 1987 What’s it rated? R Where’s it available? HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime He shoots rapists in the groin with super-computer targeting, hurls burglars into egg cartons, and walks through gas stations engulfed in flames. He’s RoboCop, your friendly neighborhood metaphor cautioning against the corporatization of government. RoboCop is also one of the coolest films…
Proposed campground near Oso Flaco still on the table
California State Parks is looking for more feedback on several projects proposed for Pismo State Beach and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, and despite minor changes to the initial proposals, one idea remains controversial: a campground near Oso Flaco Lake. At a public meeting in Arroyo Grande on Dec. 10, State Parks presented…
Film Listings, 12/12/19 – 12/19/19
All theater listings are as of Friday, Dec. 13. THE AERONAUTS What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Full price Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre Pick Tom Harper (Wild Rose) directs this loosely based biopic action adventure about pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) and scientist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne), who in 1862 take flight in…
Supervisor candidates Peschong and Shakofsky spar over radio ad
The fledging battle for San Luis Obispo County District 1 supervisor is already off to a hot start. A spree of local radio ads paid for by incumbent Supervisor John Peschong paints his new opponent, Stephanie Shakofsky, as a “San Francisco liberal” attempting “a left-wing takeover” of the Board of Supervisors, according to a Dec.…
Who’s in charge?
Years ago people smoked everywhere, in bed, driving their cars, at work, in restaurants. Now, not so much. Laws have been passed, and now smoking is prohibited on public transportation, in restaurants, and just about everywhere else there are indoor crowds. Smokers accept this and only smoke in their private places. Laws dictate where you…
Current Cambria employee accuses district of unequal pay
The Cambria Community Services District’s (CCSD) current administration department manager, Monique Madrid, is accusing the district of discriminating against her based on her age and gender, harassing her, and violating the California Equal Pay Act. A complaint filed on Nov. 26 against the CCSD alleges that district employees harassed Madrid and demoted her, without explanation,…
It’s definitely campaign season
I belong to an organization that supports sending packages to the troops at this time of year. It is my way of showing my appreciation for their sacrifice. I also appreciate when our town comes together at the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial to collectively show our respect for the troops. I can tell it…
Caldwell Rally kicks off campaign
Andy Caldwell held his first campaign rally on Dec. 7, under overcast skies, scattered rain showers, and a massive flag whipping in the wind. His path to Salud Carbajal’s 24th Congressional District seat began with a more than 10-to-1 fundraising disadvantage. A Sept. 30 campaign finance report shows he had raised about $67,303 compared to…
Arroyo Grande passes controversial ordinance prohibiting youth possession of tobacco and e-cig products
In less than three months, Arroyo Grande will join a handful of California cities that have made it illegal for young adults and minors to possess tobacco products, and many local and national health and tobacco prevention groups aren’t happy. At a meeting on Nov. 26, Arroyo Grande City Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning…
Local artist’s exhibit at Dune Central Coast evokes familiar SLO County images presented in an abstract, original way
On display Artist Jordan Quintero’s reception for his show at Dune Central Coast (641 Higuera St., entrance on Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo) will take place at Art After Dark on Dec. 13 (note that Art After Dark occurs on the second Friday this month rather than the usual first Friday). Learn more about Quintero’s…
Go live in a red cesspool
Have any of these “liberal California sucks!” letter writers ever lived in a conservative state? Go spend some time in Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri. Rampant poverty and violence. Rape is an epidemic, as are unwanted pregnancies, STDs, illiteracy. Afraid of Big Government? The major employer in many of these areas are prisons. Their economies are powered…
From stick-and-poke sets to sessions with the professionals, tattoos can make great gifts
Ink the halls To find out more about the services offered at True West Tattoo and San Luis Tattoo Company, visit truewesttattoo.com and slotattoo.com, respectively. For more information on home tattoo kits, visit amazon.com. In need of an out-of-the-box gift idea for your edgy friend or spunky aunt? Get the gift that lasts—like, forever. A…
Heart-warming and thought-provoking, SLO Rep’s A Christmas Story returns for its sixth annual show
Triple-dog dare A Christmas Story will run at the SLO Repertory Theatre from Dec. 7 to 22 with shows Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. Visit slorep.org for more information. Back for its sixth year in a row,…
State Parks needs to reduce vehicles on the beach
At the last meeting of the SLO Air Pollution Control District (APCD) hearing board, State Parks committed to close 48 acres of foredunes to reduce dangerous dust emissions from the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area onto the Mesa. However, it is not just about acres, but also about how many vehicles are allowed to…
Take your present prowess to new heights with the gift of climbing
To the top Visit thepadclimbing.squarespace.com to learn more about classes, programs, and rates. The Pad Climbing’s San Luis Obispo gym is located at 888 Ricardo Court. Find hours and more on Facebook @ThePadClimbingSLO. The Pad Climbing comes from humble beginnings. In 2003, Yishai Horowitz and some fellow climbers converted a 400-square-foot self-storage unit in San…
Have a beary good time
The Cambria Library hosts its Stuffed Animal Sleepover event on Friday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children are welcome to drop off their favorite stuffed animals for a make-believe gathering in the library. The kiddos can pick up their animal friends the next day at noon for a story-time event. Participation is…
Reality check
Many have rushed to the defense of the owners of the Paso Robles Grand View Apartments. They suggest that the owners are somehow being unfairly treated and that property rights and capitalism are under assault. On the surface, this may sound true, but the reality is totally different. The slumlord business model as practiced by…
Get creative with glass in Atascadero
Blow it Glasshead Studio is located at 8793 Plata Lane, suite H, in Atascadero. Visit glassheadstudio.com to learn more. Contact Glasshead at (408) 839-6167 or make@glassheadstudio.com. Lisa Renée Falk loves to draw out the inner artist in us all (no matter how hidden it is), and she’s staked out a career doing it. With nearly…
