Best Shoe Store
Charles Shoes
867 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

A customer walks through the door and the sales clerk greets them by name. They ask how the other is doing and discuss their families and friends. Then the conversation flows into how past shoes sold and perhaps past difficulties with feet the customer has had. The salesperson sits down and measures the dimensions of the customer’s foot, asks how they will be using the shoes they will be buying and then goes and gets the perfect shoe.

This is what happens to many locals who buy their shoes at Charles Shoes. This dedication to customer service is why these locals keep coming back and why Charles Shoes always gets voted as the best shoe store.

"The reason I think people like us is our customer service," store manager Heather Ashley says. "We care about feet and each special, individual foot’s needs."

Charles Shoes is currently run by three generations of a family that Ashley is part of.

"People really like that we are a family business," Ashley said. "It is fun for clientele to keep up with the family and a lot of times people will just stop by to visit."

Charles Shoes carries a large variety of sizes that are normally hard to find. They have a range of very large sizes to extremely small sizes in all different widths for both men and women.

It’s not just the service or the shoes that distinguishes Charles Shoes, though. The atmosphere is very different from most shoe places. Modern shoe stores all seem to have the same type of lights and the shoes are displayed the same way. At Charles, the store looks like something out of an old movie.

"People like the intimate atmosphere, too," Ashley says. "The feel of Charles Shoes is unique."

While many San Luis locals are used to the exceptional quality of Charles Shoes, visitors are often surprised.

"I have helped many a college student who just wanders in off the street and when I go to take their shoes off they actually flinch," Ashley says. "These kids just aren’t used to full-service shoes where they actually measure your feet."

If you have never had your feet measured, maybe you should, because the dimensions of a foot seem pretty important when buying shoes. Charles Shoes knows this, so come wander in off the street and see why so many locals swear by Charles Shoes.

2nd: Takken’s Shoes and Boots
3rd: Payless Shoe Source

Best Bike Shop
Art’s Cyclery
San Luis Obispo • Los Osos

Art has done it again. No one is better at running a bike shop than Art. That’s why his stores have won all these years.

Art has several different stores and some very good store managers, but he still comes in and works. That the owner and employees of successful bike shops loves his work so much that he is regularly around makes the customers feel confident that they are getting the best service. This also gives the shops a hometown feel.

Most people like the hometown feel of Art’s bike shops, but it’s the customer service that usually gets the vote. That’s why Art’s new shop, Baywood Cyclery, is so popular. And Baywood Cyclery is smaller than its SLO counterpart, providing its customers more of that hometown goodness.

"Baywood is successful because it is a one-man show," manager Mark Torcaso says. "We give the best service in town--our bike shop is all about service."

Even though Baywood is small, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have a good selection of bikes and accessories. If they don’t have it, they are happy to get it, and chances are that Art’s SLO Cyclery will have it. Art’s SLO Cyclery usually has 300 to 400 bikes to choose from at any given time.

"Art’s tries hard to treat the customers the best and have the best selection," Art’s SLO Cyclery manager Eric Benson said. "And we have the best, best prices."

Art’s bike shops have been around for 20 years, and they are still owned by Art. People from all over the county, even neighboring counties, come for expert advice and service from Art’s bike shops.

"We try hard to give the best customer and mechanical service," Benson said. "We also try hard to keep the community happy."

2nd: Ira’s Bike Shop
3rd: Foothill Cyclery

Best Supermarket
Vons
San Luis Obispo • Morro Bay • Grover Beach • Atascadero • Los Osos • Nipomo • Paso Robles

Imagine yourself as a semi-professional supermarket connoisseur, which if you do any sort of cooking at all you just might be, given that cooking inevitably requires forgetting at least two ingredients per shopping trip.

Of course being the demanding customer that you are, you choose the store you know will have the items that you want in stock, in an environment that is not reminiscent of a Central American street flea market or inner city warehouse. You walk in the always operational automatic doors and notice the gleaming surface of clean, polished linoleum. Your senses are immediately filled with the aroma of fresh sourdough bread and freshly cut flowers, and, in some cases, an island Starbuck’s café.

You glide effortlessly down each aisle, reveling in the vast quantities of brand names you recognize and perishable foods that have more than a day until expiration. Soft music drifts through the air. The deli is stocked with every fresh meat imaginable, and the employees are friendly and eager to help.

The winged cherubs are willing to a break from their harp serenades to guide you to–all right, despite having bestowed upon it the coveted Best of SLO County best supermarket award, Vons is still just a grocery store. But among grocery stores, it doesn’t get any better than this. The selection is not disappointing, and most of the carts have wheels that actually work. The locations in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach feature a Starbuck’s café; locations in Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, and Grover Beach feature both pharmacies and photo processing; and the Grover Beach location offers a natural foods section.

The Vons house brand, Safeway Select, features over 1,200 items, some of which that are arguably better tasting than their brand-name counterparts and only available at Vons and Safeway stores. In fact, many Safeway Select items have beaten name brands in various years of the Taster’s Choice Panel awards. Safeway Select ice cream outscored Breyer’s and Dreyer’s and the ketchup beats Heinz, Springfield, Hunt's, and Trader Joe's. Vons is a higher-end grocery store–the BMW of food retailers–therefore a special emphasis is placed on service and selection. For all your grocery needs, remember Vons: The store where the drinks are cold, the produce is fresh, and all of the employees are above average.

2nd: Albertson’s
3rd: Scolari’s

Best Place to Buy Wine
Trader Joe’s
Arroyo Grande • San Luis Obispo

You’ve got to love a place that has amazing selection from around the world and much of the time, it’s only $4 a bottle! Sometimes even $2! These guys are just spectacular. But wine isn’t their only claim to fame. Check out their kudos for Best Place to Stock Up On Booze in category No. 90.

2nd: The WineGuy
3rd: Morro Bay Wine Sellers

Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
894 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo

Ever since opening in 1996, Barnes & Noble has taken top honors in the Best Bookstore category, and why not? It’s the biggest darn bookstore SLO County has ever seen. With two floors, thousands of titles, comfy chairs, tables, and in-house Starbucks, and the only working escalator in the county, B&N can’t be beat for selection or comfort. It’s the kind of bookstore that lets you grab a title off the shelf, nestle into an upholstered chair, and settle in for a little perusal.

B&N also hosts book signings by local and national authors, children’s programming such as story hours, and special talks, readings, and seminars for people of all ages.

You can get 30 percent off on newly released hardcover books, and the sales section is crazy inexpensive! Looking for a gift? B&N offers free wrapping. Can’t find the title you need? Ask one of the knowledgeable staff members who will track it down for you and order it into the store.

From psychology and self-help to travel guides and maps to computer and business books to novels and poetry to nonfiction and reference books to foreign language guides and test preps and Cliffs Notes to history and true crime to children’s and adolescents to sheet music and art books … Barnes & Noble has it all!

2nd: Novel Experience
3rd: Leon’s

Best Place to Buy Seafood
Avila Bay Pier

Ode to the Avila Bay Pier

On quiet, clear-skyed mornings

Before the sun touches the east

The darkness lies still

With a swish and a swirl

The whisper of boats gets louder

Slapping, crashing and yelling breaks the silence

The smell of fresh-caught fish

Awakens the sealions from their slumber

Toss a fish over here, one over there

Weigh him, clean him, get him off the boat

As the sun begins to rise,

The sounds quiet down again

The boats head back to sea

And all around, the pier looks like it did before

2nd: Giovanni’s Fish Market

3rd: Albertson’s Food & Drug

Best Used-Book Store
Leon’s
659 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

New books are nice, but there’s something special about the well-worn pages of a used book, one that’s been read over and over, its ideas magically revealed first to one reader, then another. You can almost feel the history, the importance and the special connection that’s been shared between author and reader.

For the last eight years running Leon’s has been your favorite place to score used books. Lord knows this bookseller’s got enough of them! Leon’s got so filled at its downtown location it had to open at annex on High Street to hold all the paperbacks!

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, chances are Leon’s will have something to fit your tastes. Its windows are always a kaleidoscope of colorful covers and interesting ideas, but even with the dozens of books facing streetward, the window display only hints at the giant selection within. Walk inside and you’re immediately consumed by the old book smell, a musty reverence that wafts from books and into your brain, promising fantasy, history, art, worlds of wonder and mystery.

Of course, the icing on the cake of used books is their price. And if you want to pass on the joy of readings, you can sell or trade books you’ve already read. Reading may be its own reward, but Leon’s deserves a medal of honor helping books do what they do best: open one mind after another.

2nd: Phoenix Books
3rd: Nan’s Pre-Owned Books

Best Record Store
Boo Boo Records
978 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo
1800 W. Grand St., Grover Beach

The heyday of the independent record store may have passed, replaced with mega stores such as Virgin or Tower, but here in San Luis Obispo locals still know the value of a mom-and-pop outfit. For the last eight years in a row, you’ve picked Boo Boo Records as the best.

What makes Boo Boo’s so great? For one thing, its deep catalogue. When you go to the Tom Waits section, you won’t find his last one or two releases, you’ll find everything he ever recorded, plus a few live concert import CDs. That’s what makes a record store great–it’s not about the newest flash-in-the-pan one-hit-wonder (though Boo Boo’s has that stuff too). It’s an aficionado’s store, a place where you can find what you need when you need it. Suddenly have a hankering for some early Hank Williams? They’ve got it. Need a little 1960s-radical-feminist-civil-rights-jazz à la Nina Simone? It’s there. Can’t live without the new Britney Spears single? They’ve got six! OK, sometimes something’s sold out, but that’s when the expert staff does their computer magic and gets you what you need in your hands–usually within a couple days.

Folk, jazz, soundtracks, country, soul, R&B, hip-hop, classic, rock, oldies, pop, movies, vinyl records, memorabilia, posters, T-shirts, blank tapes and CDs, CD cases and racks, music industry ‘zines, and much, much more–Boo Boo’s has it all.

The record store also hosts free in-store concerts, such as the recent Jack Johnson show. They sell concert tickets through the VALLITIX system. They’ll buy your used CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records. Ask the staff, and they’ll steer you in the direction of some cool sounds they’ve discovered, and they’ll give you a chance to check it out at one of their listening stations. Boo Boo’s, YOU ROCK!

2nd: Cheap Thrills
3rd: Wherehouse

Best Place to Browse Through
Barnes & Noble
894 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo

Is it the huge selection of books, the smell of the cafe’s fresh-baked pastries, an overstuffed arm chair in a sunny corner or the friendly, knowledgeable staff that makes Barnes & Noble both the best bookstore and the best place to browse through in the New Times Best of SLO County Readers Poll?

General Manager Mike Beals thinks it’s all that and more. "When book lovers see our 175,000 titles it’s like chocaholics walking into a See’s Candy store," he says. The SLO store bucks the "big-box-bookseller" stereotype by offering an eclectic mix of titles that better reflects the community each year, Beals says. "Actually a small percentage of our titles are best sellers. We concentrate on small presses."

It’s also one of the only businesses to employ a fulltime community manager, Kathy White, solely to think up creative ways to inspire book lovers. She’s responsible for the popular book signings by celebrity and local authors, poetry readings and book clubs. Besides its general monthly book club, Barnes & Noble offers clubs for history buffs, mystery addicts and will soon introduce one for cookbook lovers.

A self-described "voracious reader," Beals finds book selling more personally rewarding than other types of retail. "Then, I just sold ‘things.’ Being involved here makes you feel you are making a great contribution to people’s lives."

He looks for similar passion when hiring staff. Each "bookseller" at Barnes & Noble has a unique specialty, such as computer books, or children’s tales. Even if they haven’t read it, staff members are eager to help customers find a title, so they learn about it at the same time. "Sometimes people are shy about interrupting staff. But that’s what we’re here for. We’d much rather talk to people about books than stock shelves," he says.

If books were all customers were looking for, most would be satisfied with going to the library. But Barnes & Noble offers something more, which is why New Times readers also selected it as the best place to browse through. It’s store policy to encourage browsing and there’s no obligation to buy.

What could be better than taking respite from shopping with a steamy cup of coffee in the cafe or settling into a easy chair overlooking one of San Luis Obispo’s busiest streets and opening a great, new book?

2nd: Hands Gallery
3rd: Ross Dress for Less

Best Bank
Mid-State Bank & Trust
Arroyo Grande • Atascadero • Cambria • Cayucos • Grover Beach • Los Osos • Morro Bay • Nipomo • Paso Robles • Pismo Beach • San Luis Obispo • Templeton

Kindness flows into and out of Mid-State Bank & Trust. Whenever the collective heart of San Luis Obispo residents becomes moved by tragedy, a fund for the victims gets started at Mid-State Bank and Trust. With branches in every town it’s a convenient place for neighbors to donate, but there’s more. The community trusts Mid-State Bank & Trust, an independent community bank, which first opened its doors in 1961. It is now the largest bank headquartered in San Luis Obispo County and the only bank with leasing and trust services departments based in this county.

The bank builds on its reputation for kindness each year by continually expanding its role of community service. It makes its meeting rooms available to community organizations when they aren’t being used, and gives employees time off to participate in chambers of commerce, service clubs and charitable organizations. As a result, many Mid-state Bank & Trust employees hold leadership positions in almost every one of these organizations.

In 2001, it created the Mid-State Bank & Trust Foundation to promote and provide for the betterment of youth, education, the arts and other charitable organizations. The Foundation donated over $200,000 to local charities that year. Following the tragedy of Sept. 11, Mid-State Bank and Trust employees raised $90,000 for the American Red Cross.

The Bank frequently hosts blood drives, and is willing to be a drop-off and collection point for Toys for Tots or coats and jackets for the needy, food for the hungry, and eyeglasses for the uninsured. Every spring, it opens its doors to volunteer tax preparers who help low and medium income seniors with their income taxes.

The Bank sponsors youth sporting teams, fairs, rodeos, museum exhibits, community festivals, theater and musical productions. Bank employees even clean up two miles of Highway 101 for the Adopt-A-Highway program.

With $1.85 billion in assets, Mid-State Bank & Trust isn’t a small player, yet its focus remains local. Its lending decisions are made locally, and every cent deposited in the bank is invested back into the community in the over $1 billion it provides annually in loans to local individuals and businesses.

It’s easy to see why SLO County residents like Mid-State Bank & Trust so much. Every thing they do indicates that they care about us.

2nd: First Bank of San Luis Obispo
3rd: Washington Mutual

Best Travel Agency
Gulliver’s Travel of San Luis Obispo
605 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo

Gazing at the stars in Bora Bora, chugging beer in a cafe in Prague, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, hunting giraffes with your camera in Zimbabwe or trying to find the best tortilla down in South America. If these are places you’ve always wanted to visit, or you have some other fantastic dream of a vacation, Gulliver’s Travels will help you.

Gulliver’s Travels is the oldest travel agency in San Luis Obispo under the same ownership. They have been around since 1980, and have gained a lot of experience getting customers their dream vacation.

"We are thrilled that we have won best travel agency," managing partner Mary Vickers said. "We are happy to continue to serve San Luis Obispo."

This enthusiasm to help travelers is one of the reasons Gulliver’s is so popular. They realize that for most people, a lot of saving and planning goes into taking a vacation, and that people often only have a few chances to take that vacation. The happiness of a successful vacation or working with people who are excited about traveling are the benefits of being a travel agent.

Other benefits include knowing where to stay, things to do and how to get there at the best prices. Gulliver’s Travels prides itself on getting the lowest prices for its customers.

"We strive for the very best prices," Vickers said. "We also have agents who can handle students."

Everyone needs to see the world–it’s an exciting place, plus what better way to take a vacation from your normal day. The world outside of San Luis Obispo is anything but a normal day, though, and can be hard to navigate sometimes. Most people don’t know the best plane to take to Bora Bora, which cafe in Prague has the best beer or where to find the giraffes in Zimbabwe.

Call Gulliver’s Travels, they can handle it.

2nd: Traveltime-American Express
3rd: Casablanca Travel

Best Men’s Clothing Store
Patrick James/Structure
641 Higuera St./899 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Late one night at Bubblegum Alley, Patrick James and Joe Structure meet to decide who really is the Best Men’s Clothing Store. The tension is as thick as the stench of stale gum.

"Hey, Joe," says Patrick.

"What do you think of us tying for first place?" asks Joe. "Kinda funny."

"Yeah, well, things were always close between us."

"Too close, if you ask me."

"Not any more. We’re settling this right now." Patrick jostles the knot of his silk tie and removes it. He rolls up the sleeves of his red 100 percent cotton dress shirt. Raising his clenched fists he says, "C’mon."

At the other end of the alley, Joe runs a comb through his hair then tugs at the belt holding up his denim pants. He, too, raises his fists. "All right."

They approach each other from opposite ends of the alley and meet in the middle. Moments pass as they just stare, waiting for the first move. They imperceptibly rock back and forth, from foot to foot, ready to move quickly should the need arise. In the distance, a dog howls.

Joe strikes first. He pistons his left at Patrick’s head. Patrick tries to dodge, but just a little too late. Joe’s fist lands a direct hit on his ear.

Patrick rocks back clutching the stinging cartilage. He looks wildly at Joe. Joe is frozen for a moment. Patrick looses a bestial scream and tackles Joe, knocking him to the pavement.

They struggle on the ground, clawing at appendages, throwing random punches at nothing, barking and yelling. As they grapple, they both regain their feet.

Joe pushes Patrick up against a wall. "Wait!" cries Patrick. "My shirt. You’re getting gum on my shirt." He shoves Joe hard against the opposite wall.

"Hey!" yells Joe. "There’s gum in my finely coifed hair."

The fight stops as both men do their best to remove the sticky wads. They look at each other.

Patrick says, "Maybe we can both be the best."

"We both offer great men’s fashions at great prices," agrees Joe. He extends his hand to shake. Patrick reaches out and takes Joe’s hand. They shake.

They both smile and part ways. Neither says good-bye as they know they will see each other soon. Very soon.

In the distance, the dog howls again.

2nd Place: Gottschalks
3rd Place: The Gap

Best Women’s Clothing Store
Ann’s
895 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo

Appearance is one thing that is very, very important to females. However, all the time spent plucking, trimming, waxing, blushing, filing, tanning, tucking, brushing and accessorizing means nothing if that one essential ingredient is missing. Clothing! The alpha and omega of what makes a woman appear dazzling!

Of course, it would be wonderful if every woman in the world could spend some time on the runways of New York each season, picking out a wardrobe that most reflects her individual flair and inner sparkle. As this is entirely impractical and would actually be a pain in the arse, the women of San Luis Obispo County have the next best thing in Ann’s.

Nestled in a corner of one of the busiest parts of downtown SLO lies a clothing boutique that carries such a flattering and inspiring array of women’s apparel and accessories as to please even the fussiest female. Entering this boutique is both soothing and stirring. One of your new favorite songs will be playing overhead as you take in the sleek lines of the décor and the calming effects of the perfectly matched displays.

The fabrics all around you will make touching inanimate objects more fun than touching should be. The colors upon these fabulously touchable textiles range from the most brilliant red to the calmest blue. All arranged next to perfectly becoming neighbors.

Women of every size and shape will find fetching garb inside Ann’s. Because it is not a chain retail store, you will be able to find unique attire in this sophisticated boutique. And once you’ve found the clothes that you definitely cannot live another day without, you can venture over to the ever-fascinating shoe section!

Inside Ann’s you will find all forms of finishing touches. A jewelry case holds some of the most distinctive and creative adornments in the region. Scarves and belts and hats and, well, whatever is needed to make a woman feel fabu can be found inside Ann’s.

2nd: Express
3rd: The Gap

Best Vintage Clothing Store
Decades
785 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

People like cool stuff! Take a walk into Decades and that’s all you’ll see. Cool shoes, cool hats, cool shirts, cool jackets, cool pants, cool dresses, cool knickknacks, cool everything!

Want some Doc Martens with flames on ‘em? You got ‘em. Need a bowling shirt and a fedora with the rim turned up? They’re here. Need a sassy sundress? No problem. Gotta have a cool cocktail shaker for that martini party? Come on in and check out the selection!

It’s as if Decades walked back in time and stripped off the best duds from the coolest cats around (mental picture: Fonzie naked). Leather jackets and well-worn jeans are awaiting the greasers. Hawaiian shirts and jams are awaiting the beach bums. There’s geek-wear, hipster-wear, rockabilly-gear, whatever-you-need-gear.

Is it any wonder Decades has scored Best Vintage Clothing for the second year in a row?

2nd: Second Time Around
3rd: Goodwill

Best Place to Buy Outdoor Apparel
Copeland’s Sport Fitness Superstore
1144 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo

Copeland’s Sport Fitness Superstore is all that and a bag of golf balls. Everything connected with sports and fitness can be found in the super big store.

"We are just the best sports store in town," manager Charlene Williams said. "Mainly because we are really big and we really try to give customers personal attention."

Copeland’s really does pay attention to the customers. If you are even thinking about buying a golf club, they will analyze your swing, measure your arms and pick out the best one for you.

"The community is the reason we are here, so thank you for voting for us again," sales manager Alex Littlewood said. "We plan to continue our great customer service."

The store is also just fun to go into. The employees will let you play with the soccer and basketballs. They will let you snuggle in the sleeping bags or pretend to camp in the tents. You can try every exercise bike, swing every baseball bat and inspect every brand of golf ball. Although they probably do not appreciate it, they will even let you carry small children around in the big hiking backpacks.

"Everyone is welcome to come in anytime," Littlewood said. "Copeland’s is like a toy store."

For those who are not as fascinated with sport equipment and perhaps are more enamored with shoes and clothes, Copeland’s has this stuff too. Any shoe fetishist will be in heaven at Copeland’s, especially if they have a penchant for tennis shoes. The work out shoes range from trendy to basic to outlandish.

Copeland’s also has a wide variety of fitness clothes, and you can find some really stylish jackets there.

Copeland’s really does have everything--even foosball tables. So next time you need some sports or fitness equipment, or you just have some time to kill before a movie, go play around in Copeland’s.

2nd: Mountain Air Sports
3rd: Big 5 Sporting Goods

Best Audio Equipment Store
Audio Ecstasy
786 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Allow me to illustrate an all-too-familiar situation: During an afternoon of running errands, your wife remembers she needs to

pick out an age-appropriate toy for your little nephew Wally’s fourth birthday. You stop at the nearest strip mall and, rather than wait several hours in the car while she pits the merits of wooden blocks against an educational rubber octopus, you wander into the electronic superstore that seems to be located in every strip mall in the western hemisphere. Wishing only to kill time and maybe catch a little of the game on the big screen TV while pretending to browse, you are suddenly accosted by an employee who seems determined either to force you to buy a non-refundable 6,000-CD changer or slit his wrists. Wishing not to be tagged with involuntary manslaughter, you buy the non-refundable 6,000-CD changer. Three months later you are divorced.

All of this could have been avoided had you convinced your wife to do her toy shopping in downtown San Luis Obispo. Your penchant for electronics store wanderlust would have taken you to Audio Ecstasy, where the staff does not work on

commission. Jon Anderson from "Yes" shopped there. Cal Poly students shop there. Musicians shop there. This should be sufficient evidence that if you have not been doing your audio equipment shopping at Audio Ecstasy, you’re truly missing out. Audio Ecstasy has anything you could ever dream of wanting in regards to audio equipment, whether it’s a license-plate-rattling amplifier for your Ford Windstar, or some sort of high-tech looking cable for an instrument. It’s the best place to go if you find yourself in need of a speaker system, cable, a receiver, an amp, a CD player or changer, a surround sound system, a cassette deck, or anything having to do with audio supplies. They have three demonstration rooms and in-house service, and if all this wasn’t enough, they even do custom home and commercial installations of stereo systems, working with an architect and cabinet designer. Friends don’t let friends shop for audio electronics at strip malls. Go to Audio Ecstasy.

2nd: Audio-Video City
3rd: Lombard’s Autosounds

Best computer store
Mac Superstore, Inc.
75 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Getting down to the facts, one can safely say that Mac Superstore, Inc. staff knows their stuff when it comes to Macs. In

addition to carrying Macintosh-compatible printers, scanners, software, peripherals, help books, paper supplies, printer cartridges, digital adapters, and stereo speakers, Mac Superstore, Inc. offers tune-ups, in-store service, on-site service, Internet setup, program installs, OS upgrades, and data transfers. If you own a Macintosh computer and you live in San Luis Obispo County, to not shop at Mac Superstore, Inc. would be like taking your car to be smogged by orangutans at the Santa Barbara zoo. The people who run Mac Superstore, Inc. have been dealing with Macs since the computer stone age. For example, owner and native San Luis Obispo County resident Shane Williams has over 16 years of Mac experience. Manager Eric Shade has 13. They were probably taking apart and rebuilding Apple IIe’s before most of us even knew a computer could be built under four stories tall. Mac Superstore, Inc. also offers weekly presentation seminars with topics such as Introduction to Mac OS X, video editing with i-Movie, web authoring, and CD publishing. Also available are one-on-one tutoring sessions. While it is quite amazing for a store devoted only to Macs would win the Best Computer Store category three years in a row in a world that seems dominated by PCs, the Apple company is more pervasive than one might think. Notorious anti-Microsoft Internet crusader Kristian Idol reports that Bill Gates’ own house was designed on Macintosh computers, and that a 14-year veteran of the New York City trash collection system has never seen a Macintosh computer thrown out. According to statistics gathered by the Apple Company itself, over 57 percent of web sites use Apple QuickTime to deliver content.

Perhaps the attitude of the many fiercely loyal Mac Superstore, Inc. customers can be summed up in an old adage used by Idol himself: "In a world without walls or fences, what use do we have for Windows or Gates?"

2nd: Gateway Computers
3rd: Staples

Best Antique Shop
Palm Street Antiques
863 Palm, San Luis Obispo

The magic of Palm Street Antiques is all about hunting for treasures, surrounded by retro scenery. Possibly checking the buttons nestled up against long gone lover’s post cards, and then accidentally catching a glimpse of your grandmother’s quilt in the serviette collection.

The joy of Palm Street comes partially from the mystery of what you may find each time you explore their collections and the exquisite nostalgia you can dive into when you find it. The dealers in this antique shop buy "new" objects from the public almost every day, and they travel the country scouring for gems from their personal favorite eras. Their eclectic collection has loads of Americana–everything from old Georgia farm tools to coins to costume jewelry.

As part of the appeal of antiques is their role in history, the dealers can tell you about each items past adventures–who toiled over the mahogany chair, who prized the Franciscan tea set above all else, or maybe about the comfortable hearth upon which the coffee grinder once sat. Or you can just make up your own stories behind the antiques. The pieces generally have enough quality craftsmanship and character to contain any legend you attach to them!

Speaking of quality craftsmanship, a visit to Palm Street Antiques will make you wonder why anyone ever bought an "assembly instructions included" desk from Wal-Mart! The mounds of furniture in this store are made of dense, hearty wood and are less expensive than many a blue light special.

Palm Street Antiques is overflowing with enchanting, pretty and functional objects that are as fun to buy as they are to own. Not only are you are saving the antiques from oblivion in a landfill, but some of that stained glass, wrought iron, or sheet music may be worth millions someday. Meanwhile, its ability to remind you of the glory days will make it priceless today.

2nd: Old Edna
3rd: Rich Man Poor Man Antique Mall

Best auto dealership- new
Sunset Honda Sales
12250 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo

Although this is clearly debatable, it is safe to assume that most Americans do not find buying a new car at a dealership to be

fun. Although they may be temporary confused by the balloons, bright colors, and various inflatable mascots, it only takes a short time to come to the realization that a momentous and expensive decision is about to be made. Some may visit car lots on rainy days, hoping that the pushy salespeople will have enough sense to stay put inside their dry offices. Some may immediately become belligerent upon entering the lot, their blood pressure rising as they formulate a militaristic verbal attack strategy to keep the sticker price low. Others may refuse to play the game at all, accepting that going into massive debt to cover a standard interest rate is worth avoiding a confrontation.

All of this, and the car has not even been driven yet. The car could be riddled with electrical problems, causing the horn to become stuck in rush hour traffic or the variable climate controls to deteriorate from "room temperature" to either Antarctic tundra or rotisserie oven. The fuel economy could rival that of a two-ton tank, and the special paint you paid for that looked so nice inside the showroom could look just like ostrich excrement once it is outside. These are just a few of the problems associated with buying a new car, prompting the need to raise the stakes significantly when it comes to finding the right dealership. It is important to find a dealership that you can trust, and what better barometer of community trust can be found than a win in the New Times’ Best Of. Readers have chosen Sunset Honda as the best new car dealership in San Luis Obispo County, a fact that should be seriously considered by anyone who is afraid to buy a new car. If being rated best car dealership isn’t incentive enough for you entrust them with your decision, remember that Sunset Honda just happens to sell Hondas, which have been proven to be some of the most long-lasting, reliable, and fuel-efficient cars on the road. Sunset Honda has been in the same location for 23 years. Bought a Honda elsewhere before reading this article? Stop by Sunset Honda’s parts and maintenance department for the same great service.

2nd: Rancho Grande Motors, Inc.
3rd: Perry Ford

Best Auto Dealership/Used
McCarthy Wholesale
43 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Perhaps you’re an avid fan of host Michael Beardsley on the Car Buying Network, or you’ve just driven past the sign with the neon palm trees on your way to Trader Joe’s or Food 4 Less. Maybe you see "Best Buy" license plate holders everywhere you go, or you’ve participated in McCarthy’s sober driver high school grad night program. In any case, it is difficult to ignore McCarthy Wholesale’s involvement in San Luis Obispo County. In business since 1979, this is their second win in a row for Best Of’s Best Auto Dealership/Used category, proving that they are not only well known in the county, but well-loved and respected.

McCarthy’s offers used cars for all price ranges, from Porsche 911s to Geo Metros, and each car on the lot has been smog certified, thoroughly inspected, and detailed. McCarthy’s also features a museum-like, 1950s-style showroom, complete with a soda fountain and various automobile-related antiques. Financing and extended service contracts are available as well, although each vehicle sold at McCarthy’s automatically comes with a 30-day, 1,000-mile warranty. To eliminate the hassle of a trip to the DMV, McCarthy’s provides full-time DMV staff. Customers can also choose to sell their car through McCarthy’s on consignment or trade-in. If a customer does not find a car on the lot or in the showroom that he or she is interested in, McCarthy’s Car Buying Service will track it down, if it is 1997 or newer, for the lowest price possible. McCarthy Wholesale is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, and the Independent Automobile Dealers Association of America. Cars are available to view on the McCarthy Wholesale web site (www.McCarthyWholesale.com) and on the Car Buying Network that regularly airs on Charter Communications channel 6. Both lots are open 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

2nd: Rancho Grande Motors
3rd: Sunset Honda

Best Auto Repair
Villa Automotive
1234 Broad St., 750 Francis St., and 34 South St., San Luis Obispo

Runner-up this year in the category of most dreaded words: "Looks like all’s you need’s a new ascending collateral rear differential alignment bushing. This one’s just plumb worn-out, see, ya got that acidic hydrocarbon fuel stains from the tranny fluid all over it, not to mention the fuel-injected carburetor inverter-diverter modulator’s burned straight through the beige fringe in your interior. Now of course, that’s all outta stock, so we’ll have to order it from the manufacturer. Can you wait a week? It’ll only run ya about $1,200."

Thank God for Villa Automotive, where you’ll never feel like you’re getting screwed. For the 11th straight year, this comfy little vehicular Emergency Room has been making car repairs as painless as possible for SLO County drivers. It’s nice to know that for all you auto-phobes out there tired of getting swindled into unnecessary mystery parts like pan gaskets and serpentine belts, there’s a group of reliable, honest mechanics ready to help you right here in SLO town. They can diagnose your car’s problems as easily, economically, and honestly as they can fix them–and they do it in plain English, too.

"We’re a small, family-run business, and that helps," says service manager Eric Augusta. "But we still have enough mechanics to get your car in the next day." And God forbid, in the unlikely event there’s a problem with your service, you can always deal directly with owner John Villa.

The Villa family has been a business fixture in SLO since 1947, and their main shop on Broad Street has been around for almost 15 years. Judging from their continued popularity, they’ll be around for a long time to come, too. That’s a good thing for car owners here in San Luis Obispo county–especially those who don’t know their carburetor from their car stereo.

2nd: College Auto Clinic
3rd: Rizzoli’s Automotive Inc.

Best Furniture Store
Davidson’s Furniture and Interiors
669 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Looking for the perfect periwinkle velvet couch to outfit your swanky bachelor pad? OK, how about an oversized dining room with drop-down wings when your family of 15 comes in town for the holidays? 1970s fringe? Venetian blinds? Corduroy curtains? 1990s chic, ‘80s retro, or in fitting with this year’s theme, ‘50s black-and-white checkerboard print? Since 1931, Davidson’s Furniture has offered it all. And of course that includes a huge selection of sofas, tables, couches, chairs, desks, and beds in the regular ol’ up-to-date style in all the top brands including Lexington, Thomasville, Drexel-Heritage, and Henredor. This is a place offering the full line, in other words.

The store has long been noted for its vast selection and superior customer service. You’ll never get a snooty glance or disapproving sneer here–after all, there’s a reason they’ve been a SLO County favorite for over 70 years. Current owners Wanda and Clay Davidson are the latest representatives in a long line of Davidson family owners.

But great selection and helpful, laid-back service aren’t everything that Davidson’s has to offer: "We have a full-service custom design shop," says general manager Dan Salas. "It’s very popular with customers, and we send lots of orders out every week." Through this tailored-to-your-needs service, customers tell the store exactly what they want–right down to color, fabric, dimensions, and style.

Davidson’s is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.. Stop by today, deck out your home, and see why this place has been the top choice for SLO County homeowners for years.

2nd: A & R Furniture and Interiors
3rd: Habitat Home & Garden

Best Hardware Store
Miner’s Ace Hardware
Arroyo Grande • Grover Beach • Los Osos • Morro Bay

Ah, the hardware store. What better place to relive childhood’s grandiose illusions of masculinity? There’s just something about the collection of nuts, bolts, plywood, paint, garden hoses, and what-not that brings back idyllic (and more than a little sugar-coated) images of your own father doing his best impersonation of Ward Cleaver on the one day of the week he escaped from work, the golf course, or the local bar.

Or maybe that’s being a bit cynical. Still, there’s something wonderfully ambitious about the idea of doing-it-yourself, something nostalgic and comforting in the air, like the smell of sawdust and readily available PVC. And for the first time, SLO County’s hardworking armchair craftsmen have chosen Miner’s Ace Hardware as the best place for that memory-laden Home Improvement buzz.

And why not? With the best selection in town, some of the cheapest prices, and a triumvirate of locations dotting the county like a constellation of quarter-inch hex bolts, it just makes sense. The chain has been around for 46 years (the first location opened in Grover Beach in 1956), and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. On the contrary, recent additions include a Los Osos location that’s been seeing plants, picnic tables, and plywood selling like bona-fide hotcakes. Not to mention there’s free popcorn in the front of the store–what could be better than free food to provision yourself for an expedition down memory lane?

"Every month gets busier and busier," says Los Osos manager Ron Collett. "We get a lot of good word-of-mouth around here." Indeed.

Despite being a local franchise, each Miners is individually owned and operated by Mike Miner, who insists on maintaining a consistent style of mom-n-pop customer service, indispensable know-how, and that fuzzy paternal touch only the finest hardware stores can provide. Just don’t let word of this get around to Home Depot–all that jealousy could leave the impersonal mega-store treating you like something of a redheaded stepchild.

2nd: Pacific Home Do-It Center
3rd: Quaglino’s True Value Hardware

Best Nursery/Garden Store
Ron’s Nursery
1207 S. 13th St., Grover Beach

There’s something about a good nursery that just makes people happy–the smells, the bright flowers, the feeling of eternal spring. Ron Carlock, owner of Ron’s Nursery in Grover Beach, couldn’t agree more. In fact, his love of plants is what got him into the business almost 20 years ago in the first place, and his huge facility is now the local standard for residents seeking expert service and healthy, beautiful plants at reasonable prices.

Last year, a fire causing $750,000 in damage couldn’t stop Ron’s Nursery from winning the votes of New Times readers. This year, Carlock’s new 9,000-square-feet-plus-one-acre Grover Beach facility was a virtual shoo-in for readers in SLO County. Ron’s new joint has a greenhouse, nursery, and gift shop, and all the service and quality that made the original such a hit, plus beautiful plants in abundance.

"I started working in a nursery in high school," says Carlock, who’s been running his nursery for 19 years. "I immediately liked it, and found it very relaxing. I want this nursery to be a place where people can relax, enjoy themselves, and find something that reflects their own garden. And maybe we can give them some ideas for their own places, too."

Most of the staff at Ron’s Nursery hold Bachelor’s degrees in ornamental horticulture and, to put it bluntly, are flat-out obsessed with what they do. With a wide and healthy selection of exotic and domestic plants for indoors and outdoors, pottery and statueware, and a friendly and very knowledgeable staff, Ron’s Nursery is perhaps the most comfortable and beautiful nursery facility in SLO County. It’s no wonder this place has won the hearts of New Times readers four years running.

2nd: Pacific Home Do-It Center
3rd: Daylight Gardens

Best Flower Shop
Open Air Flowers
1001 Higuera St. and 1330 Madonna Rd., Laguna Center, San Luis Obispo

If you’ve just had a big fight with your shmoopie over thermostat settings or lost a pet to a rare case of enchilada poisoning, you are most definitely in need of some flowers. And you’re in luck, because California is utopia for a host of flowering plants, and the state is blessed with some of the finest botanical beauty the country has to offer. Making amends with your irate lover couldn’t possibly be easier–especially this time of year.

So for fresh, beautiful flowers offered by friendly employees, look no further than Open Air Flowers, at two convenient spots right here in SLO town. With a wide selection of beautiful flowers both familiar and unusual, two wonderful cozy locations, and the friendliest staff in the Western Hemisphere, it’s no surprise that Open Air is the top choice for readers again–bringing their tally up to five years and counting.

Owners Leslie and Vance Weber are always looking for freshness in the unique flowers they choose. Right now, for instance, their huge selection of spring orchids are definitely worth a look, and there’s a great variety of spring flowers including tulips and irises. There’s also the unusual blooms of the Protea plant if you’re looking for something more exotic.

"We attribute a lot of our success to our wonderful employees," says Leslie Weber. "They’re very friendly and definitely add ambiance to the store. Our work is very consistent, and we sell a lot of mixed bouquets. Every day of working here is a different experience."

The Vances have owned Open Air since the beginning, over 20 years ago, and they’ve been true to their original business principles the whole time. But integrity is just the tip of the iceberg–there’s a whole world of exotic and domestic plants beyond that, including a big selection of green foliages. And at Open Air, you get the friendliest staff in town to back it all up. Stop by and de-, I mean, be-flower yourself today.

2nd: Morro Bay Flowers and Gifts
3rd: Arroyo Grande Flower & Garden Shop

Best Hair Salon
Elements
672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Ahem. Now for a little snippet of haircut poetry, if you’ll pardon the pun:

If cutting hair is like floating on air

then trimming the bangs of SLO town

is best done at Elements

where the stylists do care

if you come out with a smile or a wince.

The staff is plain friendly,

they cut all day long, trimming

our ‘dos till they’re right.

So just hang out downtown,

with your hairs on the ground

and wait till their swept up at night!

What else can you say? Elements’ stylists craft chic, modern looks with none of the L.A. sneer. But it still offers all the pizzazz of big city styling right here in SLO town–and lucky for us, at a fraction of the cost. Any regular at Elements would agree–this is the place for stylish haircuts, a clean, happening downtown spot to see and be seen, but still with the friendly, laid-back touch that makes San Luis Obispo County so livable in the first place. This is a great pick for number one and a great place to update your style (or lack thereof). And one word of warning, Elements is more than a bit chic–so don’t get caught reciting any goofball poetry while you’re waiting to get your mop trimmed.

2nd: Blade Runner Day Spa
3rd: Faces & A La Mode

Best Jewelry Store
Serengeti West
951 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo

When it comes to buying jewelry, there’s no reason to skimp or go anywhere but the absolute best. In terms of jewel-hocking here in SLO Town, New Times readers once again agree that there’s no better place to chart a safari than Serengeti West.

What makes Serengeti the best? Three things, really: highly skilled craftsmen, a huge selection of diverse accessories, and location, location, location. After all, if you’re gonna plop down some serious cash on a big shiny rock, why not do it in a highly visible downtown location?

Native Idahoan Kathleen Dente has owned the shop in its original location for 16 years, and according to her, the store’s doing better than ever. She prides herself on hiring the absolute best craftspeople for her store, including a highly trained bench jeweler, an expert gemologist, and custom designer Craig A. Boifvert, who’s known throughout the Central Coast as one of the area’s top jewelry makers.

Of course, you’ll also want the best selection SLO has to offer, too. Serengeti West offers all of these things without the annoyance of pushy, over-the-top salespeople. Their wide range of exquisite offerings includes earrings, necklaces, broaches, anklets, you name it–there’s even a vast selection of watches for those so inclined to keep track of silly things like time.

"We’re very customer service-oriented," says sales manager and gemologist Janet Lumpkin. "We offer unique pieces and great service–nothing too outlandish, just really high quality jewelry." Indeed, and what better way to sum up readers’ top pick for SLO County jewels for three years running?

2nd: The Gold Concept
3rd: Kevin Main Jewelry Design Studio

Best Real-Estate Office
Century 21
Cambria • Arroyo Grande • Cayucos • Los Osos • Paso Robles • Pismo Beach • San Luis Obispo
www.century21.com

While the Best Real-Estate Office category may not send chills of unbridled excitement down your spine, the thought of having to buy or sell your home with unprofessional or even no assistance should send chills of panic. And if it doesn’t, run out right now and rent "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. Like Hanks’ character in the movie, your bad real-estate decision could leave you covered in paint, sitting under a fountain rendition of manneken pis.

Sinking life savings into a building or section of dirt, trees, and grass is one of the most important investment decisions a person can make. Real estate offices employ people who have dedicated their careers and professional lives to helping people make what turns out to be, in most cases, the most important investment decisions of their lives. To arrive at the actual point of this article, real-estate offices are essential, and in San Luis Obispo County, Century 21 is the best. This is their second consecutive win in Best Of’s Real-Estate Office category. Nothing says dedication like being open seven days a week, just to fit your schedule. They employ certified brokers, relocation specialists, residential specialists, and property managers to help guide customers through the real-estate process. They have many offices throughout the county, many of which have won awards for quality service. Several of the offices even offer agents who speak German.

If you are planning on purchasing property, or are just curious, Century 21 can provide information on schools, crime, and community life in the town you are interested in. Their current listings are listed on their Web site as well as in their local offices. Century 21 knows you would probably rather spend your weekends cleaning public toilets rather than go through the seemingly endless hassle of showing your house to clients or wading through stacks of paperwork and listings. Making the decision is work enough, leave the hard stuff to the experts.

2nd: Cornerstone Realty
3rd: Remax

Best Place To Pamper Your Pets
Tails
790 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

Woof woof! Can I get a meow?

Fat cats and decadent doggies listen up– or the second year, the little downtown shop known as Tails has been voted SLO county’s best spot to pamper your pet. With a vast selection of everything from stylish collars, bowls, cookie jars, beds, stuffed animals, bungee leashes, six-foot custom cat trees, scratching polls, velvety doggie beds, sweaters, life jackets, backpacks for doggie (and people) food and water, premium pet food of all kinds, organic catnip, and specialty dog treats good enough for you to eat, it’s no mystery as to why. Plus, anything else your dog or cat might possibly desire, Tails can most definitely special order.

Owner Terry Treves opened this pet paradise just over three years ago, and she and right-hand-man Garth Porterfield travel any and everywhere to bring back novel, useful products for your little poochie’s wildest desires. What their own lucky animals like makes it into the store. So far, it’s been a great formula for success. There’s also a highly successful Adopt-A-Pet program, which finds loving homes for stray kitties for a nominal fee of $15, including spaying and neutering. All proceeds benefit the Animal Services Division at the County Sheriff’s Office.

As for what makes their store so special, manager Cecilia Fontes doesn’t hesitate for a moment: "Dogs love us!" she exclaims. "They regularly drag their owners into the store, they like our treats so much. And our six-foot cat trees–more like a piece of furniture–has people coming from outside the county to buy one."

In addition, Tails offers their trademark huge selection of specialty dog treats, unique toys, and collars customized for patriotic fervor and almost every holiday of the year. "That way, people can always dress your pet appropriately for the holidays," says Fontes. That sort of promise, along with all those mouthwatering treats driving your doggie to complete distraction, more than justify a stop into this SLO County treasure trove. Stop by and see if Fido and Morris agree–pets are just as welcome as people. "Woof!" indeed.

2nd: The Golden Paw
3rd: The Pet Department

Best Kids’ Store
Tom’s Toys
682 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo

If you were born in the 1950s, then Tom’s Toys could be the perfect escape from boredom you’re looking for. OK, so maybe staging tea time with dolls or building model airplanes from World War I isn’t that cool anymore, but it sure as heck was back when you were growing up. And for the widest, coolest selection of everything from Legos to Tinker Toys to Slinky’s to Frisbees to the most stuffed animals you’ve ever seen in one place, Tom’s Toys is the place in San Luis Obispo County. Not to mention a super-helpful staff who has as much fun at work as you do at play.

Once again, readers have picked Tom’s Toys as SLO County’s top spot to indulge your inner–and outer–child. This is a place offering vast world of entertaining playthings, the local equivalent of the "big time" in a toy story, like New York’s FAO Schwarz. With just four stores throughout California, Tom’s is the perfect combination of the expertise and customer service of a small shop and the low prices of a big national franchise.

Somehow, though, Tom’s is more fun than it lets on. It’s homey and relaxed, not stuffy and packed with slack-jawed tourists with video cameras. It’s the perfect place for adults to relive childhood memories–even if they’re not aware of their own desire. Tom’s has everything an overgrown kid-in-sheep’s-clothing could possibly want, and then some. And for the real kids out there, prepare to hide your pocketbook and engage in a healthy rehearsal of the word "no." Taking a kid into Tom’s without loads of money is like driving a surfer up from Baja, Mexico, to Big Sur without a surfboard–so best save your visits for special occasions. And what could be more special than right now?

2nd: Johnsons for Children
3rd: Whiz Kids

A different breed of developer
If SLO County developer Rob Rossi’s original career plans had materialized, today he’d probably be installing new fan belts and brakes at Rossi’s Gas’n’Go Auto Repair & Service Center. But unfortunately for the ailing autos of America, things didn’t turn out that way.

"All I ever wanted to be was an auto mechanic and have a race car," says Rossi, who today drives around SLO County in his white Range Rover and has it serviced by people who’ve become as familiar with its inner workings as Rossi is with SLO County land use and development.

Today on the Central Coast, about the only place you’ll find the word "developer" viewed with positive regard is in a darkroom. To many who’ve come to love the region’s natural wonders nestled here between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the broad Pacific, more development means more people, and more people means less natural wonders. So, naturally, people wonder: Why do we need more development?

As far a Rossi’s concerned, it’s not a question of more development, but of better development. More development is inevitable. The challenge is doing it well or doing it badly–and there are plenty of examples of the latter.

"Look at Ventura," says Rossi. "A few years ago, it had all the potential that San Luis Obispo has. But just look at it today. Things weren’t done properly there. This town doesn’t have to go that way."

That viewpoint is probably the reason New Times readers chose Rossi as SLO County’s best developer. Rob Rossi doesn’t want things to "go that way." He considers himself different from many developers who simply want to buy, build, sell, and move on.

"I try taking a long-term view of things," he says. "And I know that’s not the typical approach to development. But it’s the best way of doing it. We all consider ourselves to be environmentalists–we all want to live in the best environment, one that’s clean and healthy and has a regard for the history of the community, as well as its future."

He says his goal isn’t to buy and sell. He likes buying and reusing.

"Because that’s the best way to make the most of our resources–reusing older buildings for new needs, like the building downtown where Woodstock’s Pizza and Hudson’s Grill are. It used to be an old warehouse."

Even if you look carefully at that familiar building bordered by Higuera and Monterey streets, there’s little evidence to suggest such a lowly former use, other than the few factory-style windows on its Higuera Street side.

The Creamery shopping center down at Higuera and Broad is another reuse example. That’s what it used to be–an old creamery. Today the milking machines have been replaced with shops and restaurants and galleries.

Rossi credits his former business partner, developer John King, as having the foresight to realize such possibilities.

"Locally, he was the first to recognize the different ways older buildings could be remodeled and reused like this," says Rossi, who partnered with King some years back in what was then Rossi-King Enterprises.

Rossi, originally from Ohio, came to San Luis in 1970 to study architecture and planning at Cal Poly. But he almost didn’t.

Rossi wasn’t exactly a model high school student–unless you happened to be looking for a model of what not to do and how to go about doing it. During his senior year, he was flunking so badly that even becoming an auto mechanic seemed about as far removed as San Luis is from Santa Maria.

"Then I took an industrial drawing class," says Rossi, "and the teacher encouraged me to design a house. He actually took the time to take me out to see some houses being built so I’d better understand what I was doing."

And, having learned enough to at least read the handwriting on the wall–which said he’d better get his butt in gear–he finally figured out how to design that house and earned an A in the class.

"And that," says Rossi with evident pride, "took my total grade point average from an F all the way up to a D–which meant I could graduate. Back then, no matter what your grades were, if you graduated from high school you could get into a state college."

After studying architecture and planning at Cal Poly, he and several fellow students started their own architectural firm in a San Luis Obispo living room. Rossi says that one day he had to take over the business end of things–not because he had any business sense (he didn’t), but because nobody else wanted to do it.

Rossi credits both his sense of community and his appreciation for local history to his mother.

"She showed me what real community was. She was active in all kinds of things, starting with the PTA, then got involved in local politics going door-to-door, and became an advisor to the Ohio National Parks Department. Eventually, she ended up as the first woman foreman of the Ohio Grand Jury."

His love and regard for her is evident. So are his feelings toward his father ("He was strong and quiet, and loved his family") who worked as a machinist and quality controller. Both eventually followed him to San Luis, where it doesn’t snow quite as much as Ohio. Today, Rossi lives with his wife and their new baby boy in a quiet San Luis neighborhood.

As for his future plans, Rossi remains philosophical and unperturbed, attitudes no doubt learned as much from his parents as from the precarious nature of a career that requires one to roll with the punches and not take defeat too seriously, or good fortune too cavalierly.

He says he’s glad he purchased the historic Fremont Theater ("That was definitely the right decision"), but admits at least a passing ambivalence over the controversial Santa Margarita Ranch project ("The jury’s still out on that one").

And although Rossi has greater control over the future of SLO County’s development than most of us, he thinks his personal vision is much the same.

"To me," says Rossi, "this is what life should be like everywhere."

2nd: Midland Pacific Building Corp.
3rd: Alex Madonna

Best Mom and Pop Store
High Street Market & Deli
350 High St., San Luis Obispo

Ah, the Mom-n-Pop joint–no town is complete without one. For personalized, comfy ambiance and a true nostalgic feel, it’s hard to get much better than a smallish, locally owned establishment–be it a restaurant, delicatessen, or for the more debauched amongst us, even a liquor store (for the good ol’ locally owned strip club, you’ll just have to head south of SLO town).

This year, readers have chosen High Street Market & Deli as the top stop for homey ambiance, not to mention all the convenient trimmings of a grocery store in a small shop’s garb. The decor alone is worth a stop–originally a meat market and old-fashioned delicatessen, the building has been around since 1926 and is currently packed with the owners’ incredible collection of antiques, which adorn the little deli from wall to wall. Walking into High Street deli is like taking a few steps back in time–to, say, the 1950s–or ‘40s–heck, all the way to 1926–with some mind-alteringly delicious sandwiches to boot. There’s an ever-changing menu of you-name-it and specialty sandwiches, which at last tally was up to 36 choices. Recent additions to the gustatory parade include turkey pesto, ham and brie, Cobb salad, and turkey with cranberry sauce. Check the chalkboard for new additions next time you come in.

"There’s a guy who comes in here every day and tried them all," claims co-owner Mia Coates, who adds that the deli sees many of the same regulars every day–and the employees know everyone by name. Still, this 36-sandwich fellow must be one fat guy, right? "No, actually he’s pretty hot," replies Coates.

So what’s it like running SLO county’s top mom-n-pop joint? Coates responds with her trademark sauciness: "Mom and pop? More like a ‘brother and sister,’ you mean!" she gibes. Coates and brother Doobie took over the Deli 18 months ago based on random whim that came while hiking Bishop’s Peak. The menu has only improved since–no surprise there, as Mia is a graduate of culinary school and a former chef at the acclaimed Grappollo restaurant here in SLO

"You can create your own sandwich, or ask for anything you don’t see on the menu," says Mia. "And I mean anything. I’ve had requests for chocolate truffles, mud pies, cookies, dinner platters, corned beef, you name it. We just want to make the fastest and tastiest food possible. We take our sandwiches very seriously here." Yeah, so if you do too, High Street Deli is the atmosphere-rich, super-duper-extra-friendly family-run business for you.

2nd: Gus’s Grocery
3rd: Morro Bay Wine Seller

Best Local Internet Provider
Charter Communications
270 Bridge St., San Luis Obispo

It is official, Charter Communications has been named by Central Coast natives as the best Internet Service Provider around. What is it about Charter Communications that sets it apart from the rest of the flock? According to Charter Communications Manager of Advanced Products, Ralph Perez, it is their committment to the service of the customer. Charter Communications offers a strong local presence as well as 24 hour service assistance . So whatever the time of day or night you might have problems with your connection, Charter Communications will be there ready to help.

Charter Communications offers high speed Internet access, which provides a faster and more efficient connection than traditional dial up services. Therefore, as a Charter Communications customer, you will have no busy signals to worry about, and you can always count on being connected. Charter Communications is able to offer such convenience and ease by utilizing your existing coaxial cable instead of your regular phone lines. Internet connection by way of existing coaxial cables is a benefit to customers because it relieves them of the need to install additional phone lines.

Perez states that "the fast and efficient retrieval of information that Charter Communications provides their customers, enhances their ability to be successful. By increasing connectivity speed, Charter Communications helps their clients spend less time waiting, and more time getting their work done."

High Speed Internet Access provides customers with quite a few more options than had previously been available. With Charter Communications you are able to access web sites to watch movies on line, utilize a high speed Internet connection for video conferences, and enables the client to surf the web 35 times faster than existing dial up. Charter Communications can give you all the tools and help necessary to make any of your connectivity dreams come true.

2nd: TCSN
3rd: fix.net

Best Thrift Store
Goodwill
Atascadero • Grover Beach • Paso Robles • San Luis Obispo

No huge surprise here. What better place than Goodwill to buy used furniture that’s in great shape? For hipsters, there’s a wide selection of grandpa’s shoes, ugly undersized sweaters, tweed jackets, and funny-looking pants. And let’s not forget all the Poco, Bob Seger, Kansas, and Hall and Oates cassettes you can get your grubby little hands on.

Remember the days when Goodwill was considered scroungy and lowbrow? Older family members would bow their heads in humiliation when one of their clan would stoop to by using goods. It was considered tacky, cheesy, and God forbid, lower income.

Well, no more. Those days of shame were back in the materialistic 80s, and now they’re long gone. For the seventh year in a row, SLO County’s top stop for quality that quality thrift store experience is Goodwill. They’re located in four convenient spots throughout North and South County. A great combination of community service, non-profit enterprise, and good old-fashioned cheap stuff keeps Goodwill on top year after year. In May, the organization will be celebrating its centennial anniversary.

"We’re glad to be of service to San Luis Obispo County," says operations manager Pete Dunan. "We’re proud to provide employment to those who need it and a big selection of quality products at affordable prices."

Asked what makes Goodwill such a successful nationwide chain, Dunan is quick to respond: "I think we’ve just been in business so long. We’re a non-profit organization that tries to make our stores as appealing as possible, and our prices reasonable as possible, too." Goodwill does all that more, in four clean, well-stocked locations that have been in the area for over 10 years. They also offer free pick-up and, interestingly, an outlet store in SLO that offers all the stuff "not good enough for the stores," in an effort to keep landfills from filling up.

"We get a lot of people in resale and professional garage-salers in there. They’re looking through the trash for the treasure," laughs Dunan. And you thought Goodwill was cheap and gritty enough–nope, these days the new-look joint is downright upscale.

2nd: Old Mission School Thrift Shop
3rd: Achievement House Bargain Store

Best Place to Stock Up on Booze
Trader Joe’s
Arroyo Grande • San Luis Obispo

Those two little words "stock up" should have been a dead giveaway. This is a category for those with the noblest priorities for that day when the Apocalypse comes. Indeed, boozehounds throughout SLO county have spoken once again: Trader Joe’s is the place for your pre-shnookered stop. Maybe this category should be changed to "Best Place to Buy Vast Quantities of Cheap-Ass Hooch"–cheap-ass being the operative word here.

Everyone loves Trader Joe’s. The place is perfect for all the cheapskate gourmands out there. There’s fresh produce, great fish, yummy health food, discount snacks and bulk items–great things for sure, but let’s not forget the booze.

With roughly 400 offerings, Trader Joe’s wine selection rivals any place in the county, and at a fraction of the cost. Ditto on beer and liquor–so cheap, in fact, that this place might be the only stop you need when you’re gettin’ geared up for that white-trash tailgate party in your stepbrother’s yard, the debutante ball you’ve always wanted, or the triple-kegger you and your Omega Fratty Caca brothers have been salivating for all semester.

Or for a little more down-to-earth fun, just pick up an $8-bottle 1996 Pinot Noir, grill up some salmon, and lounge on your back patio and take in a SLO County sunset. After all, at Trader Joe’s prices, you’ve got no excuse not to throw yourself a big party–and OK, a few of your friends can come along, too.

Trader Joe’s SLO location has been in business for over 6 years. Recently, Trader Joe’s has become more of a fun, all-around food store with a nautical theme and less of a straight-up liquor stop. Apparently there’s a general trend toward more wine and less hard liquor, so best get there quick.

According to SLO "First Mate" Heidi Vorwick, the store sees an amazing number of wine-savvy college students come in pretty regularly. "Back when I was in college, it was all Mad Dog and Boone’s Farm," she says. "Now students are learning to pair wine with food at a really young age."

So we know the selection is incredible and the everyday prices are rock bottom. But some of Trader Joe’s sale prices sometimes seem downright ridiculous. Three dollars for a bottle of not-bad Chilean Cabernet? How ‘bout $13 for 750 ml of Jack Daniels? A huge selection of microbrew six-packs for $4.99 from all over the U.S.? How can they possibly do it?

"Our buyers are very tough negotiators," divulges Vorwick. "The companies really want to be in our stores because we sell so much product, and that keeps prices low." That’s for sure–pick up a few ice chests, gather some change, and head down to Trader Joe’s ASAP.

2nd: Costco
3rd: Vons

Best Movers
Meathead Movers
450 Orcutt Rd., San Luis Obispo

Ah, Meathead Movers. Doesn’t the name say it all? If you’ve still got that safe the size of a Buick collecting dust in your garage, these are the guys to call. Moving across town or down the coast? Ditto on that. These guys are big, quick, incredibly courteous, and know exactly what they’re doing–they’re like the All-Pro linebackers of the moving game. Better still, this is the kind of company you can trust–these are pro movers you can leave your house unlocked for, head off to work, and return home later in the day confident the job has been done right and nothing’s been damaged.

Meathead Movers is a great local business started by SLO natives Aaron and Evan Steed five years ago as a way to make money while balancing the demands of school and athletics. The brothers were just 15 and 16 then. Word of their excellent customer service and fastidious care on the job spread quickly, and today the company has two offices in SLO and 65 employees, most of them college athletes, along with 18 members of administrative staff. And not only that–the brothers are already far along in the process of laying plans for a national franchise.

"We only hire a certain kind of employee here," explains Aaron Steed. "All of our guys are positive, energetic, and have a good attitude–it’s crucial they all reflect the image of our company."
Beyond this, Meathead Movers has a rigorous training program for their movers, and the entire company is evaluated every three months–pretty demanding standards in the moving world. Even more impressively, the movers actually jog when they’re not carrying something–thus shaving significant dough off your total bill, which is computed on an hourly basis. And expect a call–from an owner–two days before your move and the day after, just to make sure everything went OK. A housewarming gift of a potted plant is also standard procedure for these guys, perhaps the most thoughtful moving company in the United States.

"We started small," says Aaron, "and everyone in the company has worked hard to make it what it is today. There’s a synergy that we’ve grown from." Indeed, that could be the understatement of the year–since 2001, Meathead Movers has grown 663 percent. Obviously, that level of popularity and customer satisfaction must all be for a damn good reason.

2nd: Sandercock Transfer Co.
3rd: My friends