Cover Story
Poor but sexy
You can hear Grace Miller walking down the street for a clear mile. As general manager of the three Poor But Sexy Inc. locations in downtown San Luis Obispo, she has a lot of keys on her chain: 27, to be exact. The effect is a constant energetic jingle in her step. It’s fitting of…
SLO High teacher pleads not guilty to ‘postal’ threat charges
A veteran San Luis Obispo High School math instructor is in county jail on a $1 million bond after allegedly sending threatening e-mails to SLO Teachers Association staff, including one in which he mentioned “going postal.” Brian Miller, a teacher for 27 years with the district, has been out of the classroom on paid voluntary…
What will body modification be like in 50 years?
Blaine Leal pizza delivery driver “Just more extreme, compared to what it is like these days. I can see it being a lot more frequent.” Shiloh Ferreira landscaper “I can see tattoos getting more elaborate and intricate. I want to see tattoos with hidden images that pop like a 3D picture.” Allie Sesser student “That’s…
One-two punch!
Back in 2009, during the inaugural New Times Music Awards, Red Eye Junction entered a song called “Home Ain’t So Sweet,” a classic-sounding country tune penned and sung by then-band-member Jon Clarke. It won the first ever NTMA “Best Song.” Shortly thereafter, Clarke left the band to do his own thing. He’s been keeping a…
Workin’ at the car wash, yeah!
Paul McCartney or John Lennon? Po-tay-tow or po-tah-tow? For here or to go? Life is full of choices, and when it comes to watering holes in SLO Town, one of the classic choices is Bull’s or McCarthy’s. The bars—both owned by Ash Management—have a long history of friendly competition, but during the last month or…
Artistry meets accountability
Artists—let’s extend that to writers, too—are pretty lazy folk sometimes. There’s always something keeping creative people from being creative, despite all their intentions. However, a new artist’s workshop, called “Seasons of Creativity,” aims to put a stop to those procrastinating ways. Guided by seasoned artist Michael Ackerman and taking place at the San Luis Obispo…
The cult of Rocky
There are plenty of people more qualified than me to write about The Rocky Horror Show Live. In fact, anyone else in attendance at the opening night of this Kelrik production of a 1975 cult classic—especially those sitting in the front row; you know who you are!—could probably provide a far more informed assessment of…
The universal village
To Lisa Deyo, there is no sound that cannot be music, no movement that isn’t a dance. The choreographer, whose annual Deyo Dances showcase hits the Spanos Theatre on Friday, April 13, frequently employs found sounds and a highly eclectic musical lineup in her pieces. This year’s show alone features Catalan folksongs, a looped conversation,…
Clubs 4/5/12
Goin’ South … BRANCH ST. DELI: 203 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, 489-9099. Live music Fri. from 5:30-8:30 p.m. THE CLIFFS RESORT: 2757 Shell Beach Road, 773-5000 or cliffsresort.com. F. MCLINTOCKS SALOON: Two locations: 750 Mattie Road in Pismo Beach and 133 Bridge St. in Arroyo Grande. 773-1892 or mclintocks.com. Live music at the…
Sodas that pop
If it hasn’t happened already, a day will come when you stare into the fridge and realize you’re in a rut. Your usual can of Coke or Pepsi will be staring back at you, but the spark will be gone. Soon, you’ll find yourself reaching for water with tragic defeat. The good news is this…
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Artemis
Talk about value! This noteworthy wine is fairly priced considering the high cost of premium Napa Valley Cabs, which usually retail for over $100. Although young, it’s so beautifully balanced you’ll have a hard time staying away from this glass of wine. It’s classic Napa Valley with currant and blackberry aromas and flavors, nuanced with…
De Loach 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
I’m a huge fan of Pinots from this special region in Sonoma County wine country, and De Loach has always been a destination for wine connoisseurs. This intense, ripe wine offers brilliant black fruit flavors with black cherry and blueberry notes. The rich fruit is nicely contrasted by notes of herbs, spice, leather, and earth…
Luis–a modern wine bar
While searching for Luis Wine Bar I drove right past it on my first attempt to visit; its small, hanging sign was hidden by the trees and the large front windows blocked by big trucks parked in front. Once I parked and found it I was terribly disappointed to discover it was closed—the only day…
Listen to what others have accomplished
My team and I are in outreach on the streets and are deeply concerned about the number of homeless people, including families, entering into our parks, city dwellings, hospitals, and beaches. More new faces, who were formerly housed but now cannot afford local rents, have also poured into their cars and our parks. We are…
Are we Spain? Greece? Or are we America?
I pray that I am not alone. That out there are hundreds, thousands, no millions who are fed up with Washington and the dysfunction the politicians find themselves in. When a non-elected private person can control virtually 95 percent of the Right and probably a like number on the Left to prohibit any complementary increase…
Threatened state parks could help solve a problem
Since we have so many homeless people in our state who need a place to live and sleep, why not open to them the state parks that are due to be shut down? It’s a huge shame to close these parks and watch them decay, when they would be such a blessing to so many…
What did we learn? We can’t trust the nuclear industry
It took a month for authorities to release the information that large doses of radiation had spewed from the Fukushima plant. Why? Said Seiji Shiroya, a commissioner of Japan’s Nuclear Safety Commission, “Some foreigners fled the country even when there appeared to be little risk. If we immediately decided to label the situation as Level…
Contraception for women is about individual health, not public morality
The League of Women Voters of the United States was born more than 90 years ago after the long fight to secure the right to vote for women. Since 1992, when League members across the nation studied health-care policy, we have worked to ensure access to quality care for all. The League also has a…
Don’t give Capps another term
I read your letter to the editor titled “‘Capps for Congress’ doesn’t like questioning” (March 29) with interest, and it could also have been titled “‘Capps for Congress’ won’t answer questions.” As a former Republican strongly against her first opponent, a very radical right winger who didn’t tolerate opposing views, I helped Lois by working…
The congresswoman welcomes input–and boy, does she get it
Regarding Robert Scott’s recent letter about communicating with Congresswoman Lois Capps (“‘Capps for Congress’ doesn’t like questioning,” March 29): The congresswoman communicates with and receives regular feedback from her constituents through a variety of means. This includes—but is not limited to—numerous public events, regular telephone town halls and e-newsletters, personal meetings with her or her…
Use your words to better the world, New Times!
I rarely voice my opinion in such forums, but your Street Talk question in your March 22 issue really surprised and appalled me: “Which historical figure would you most like to punch in the mouth, besides Hitler?” Really? I judge this question to be counter productive and very negative! I offer trying some humanity, compassion,…
Questions For: Brian Lawler
NEW TIMES How long have you been involved with the Shakespeare Press Museum? BRIAN LAWLER I’ve been the adviser for just a few years, but I have been involved since 1969, on and off. I was the second student curator ever. Then, over the years I have volunteered, helped out, and have been involved with…
Tin Man walking
In keeping with the European belief that a year or two spent traveling the world is more enriching than a freshman psychology course and steady stream of weekend keggers at Kappa Kappa Dumbass, I took a year off between high school and clown college. My parents objected, of course. “Glen,” they said, “life is like…
Politics pays
Tupac said it best: California knows how to party. We’ve got beaches, wineries, ski resorts, and all sorts of delicious fruit. Our movies have the biggest stars and the loudest explosions. We live large, so it’s no wonder our state legislators are the highest paid in the nation, according to a recent report in The…
Runners take SLO
For the first time in 26 years, on April 22 San Luis Obispo will be host to a 26.2 mile race that will give both residents and visitors a chance to take in the local scenery, challenge themselves physically, and possibly take home a gold medal. Contestants have the opportunity to choose between a 26.2-mile…
Cougars and Mustangs
In the wonderful world of overly-extended Easter metaphor, Cuesta is the good child who gave up eating Spring Breaks for Lent and then woke up that jolly Easter morning to a fresh one in a pretty little basket filled with a hemorrhage of plastic grass. I’m not entirely sure what that makes Cal Poly, but…
Dolla bills, ya’ll
Despite the impression you might have had from the presidential campaigns, not everyone is drowning in money. Some candidates, like the ones vying for three seats on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, are merely wading in money—and a few of them are financially drier than their counterparts. Exactly two months after this…
Prescription addiction
Heroin and cocaine don’t come with a doctor’s note. Instead, shady dealers sell powder packed in little plastic bags from street corners and run-down apartments. The danger and illegality of the drugs is obvious. By comparison, following a doctor’s advice to acquire prescription drugs through an insurance company, a licensed pharmacy, and a smiling clerk…
County rolls out new online digs
San Luis Obispo County unveiled a new online agenda system it hopes will save about 235,000 pieces of paper each year, as well as $20,000 annually in printing costs. County officials launched the new system about two weeks ago and are working to bring it completely online. Implementing the new system, which replaces the county’s…
Shandon plan approved
San Luis Obispo County supervisors unanimously approved a new community plan for the small community of Shandon. The motion was tentative, meaning it’s not official just yet, but supervisors had few qualms giving their nod to a plan that’s been in the works for about 10 years. “As a community, we’re really happy with what…
New prosecutor appointed in SLO firefighter case
Just as the felony assault trial against a San Luis Obispo city firefighter is about to begin, the County District Attorney’s Office caused a last-minute shakeup by replacing a veteran prosecutor assigned to the case. John Ryan Mason is set to go to trial on April 23 for an alleged late-night assault on a former…
Compact Gallery shuts its doors
After 18 art shows and nearly two years at its most recent location, Compact Gallery has closed its doors. Owned and operated by artist, Cal Poly lecturer, and furniture-maker Jeff Jamieson, Compact first opened in The Creamery in San Luis Obispo in 2003, operating for several years before relocating to 1166 Higuera St. in the…
Fighting-cock facility raids net four suspects
Four San Luis Obispo County residents were arrested after detectives from the Sheriff’s Department busted two allegedly related cockfighting facilities in rural Morro Bay and Los Osos. According to Cmdr. Aaron Nix, the men were arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals and raising fowls for fighting. He said more than 210 birds were recovered…
Atascadero’s accused of milking FEMA funds
The city of Atascadero could be on the hook to return approximately $8 million in federal disaster funds after an audit found discrepancies in the way it used money received after the 2003 San Simeon earthquake. On April 2, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General released a report that found the city…
