Cover Story
Election surprises: SLO County residents tell us how they feel about recent events in the 2024 presidential race
The 2024 presidential election abruptly achieved novel status within weeks, starting with the sluggish presidential debate, flaring with the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, and hitting a crescendo with President Joe Biden vacating his nomination in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. “President Biden could not have pulled this off better in…
Shirley Gibson is misinformed about Ecologistics
I would like to provide a correction to an article that appeared in the July 18 issue of New Times, which contained some misinformation. The article was titled “OCSD receives $25,000 grant for track in Oceano Elementary.” The article contained quotes from OCSD board member Shirley Gibson, who provided inaccurate and false information about Ecologistics…
Morro Bay deserves an apology
The Ironman staff owe the residents of Morro Bay an apology. Bad planning on that organization’s part should not constitute gaslighting Morro Bay. The bay is not a placid duck pond. Due diligence would have revealed a current occurs during the outgoing or incoming tide. Thus, the swim should have been one-way with the tide…
The Democratic Convention
A preordained, carefully scripted coronation, or a food fight at a cannibal’s banquet? To the surprise of no one, Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid following his disastrous debate performance and the failure of subsequent “softball” interviews with pre-cleared questions to reassure the public of his mental soundness. Years of media boosterism and coverups trying…
Weaker sex? Ha!
Mothers, amirite? They can be so tenacious! I mean, when they set their minds to something, they do not relent. Take anti-nuclear group San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace. They are so disappointed in Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which have denied their request to hold a public hearing…
Reggae act Rebelution plays Avila Beach on Aug. 7
Rebelution sure has come a long way from their early days as a college band living in the party-centric college town of Isla Vista. The original five members—Eric Rachmany (vocals, guitar), Matt Velasquez (vocals, guitar), Rory Carey (keyboards), Marley D. Williams (bass), and Wesley Finley (drums)—were all students at UCSB in 2004, and despite their…
The first ever San Luis Obispo Art in the Park will be held at Santa Rosa Park on Aug. 3 and 4
Take a stroll San Luis Obispo Art in the Park will have more than 150 artists displaying everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry at Santa Rosa Park on Aug. 3 and 4. For more information about the event, visit sloartinthepark.com. Morro Bay Art in the Park is coming up Aug. 31 through Sept. 2…
Environmental groups appeal for public hearing about Diablo Canyon safety issues
Contentions about the danger in continuing to run the almost 40-year-old Diablo Canyon Power Plant and extending its lifespan by 20 years renewed with an appeal from environmental groups to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, Friends of the Earth, and Environmental Working Group appealed to the commissioners to…
Nipomo High School hosts Orcutt Mineral Society’s annual Rainbow of Gems Show
Several vendors of jewelry, gems, minerals, and more will sell and display their wares during the 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show at Nipomo High School on Aug. 2, 3, and 4. This Central Coast tradition, organized by the Orcutt Mineral Society, features unique selections of collectible rocks, fossils, and crafted stone merchandise. Admission and…
Ballot measure asks Cambrians to fund a new ambulance station
The Cambria Community Healthcare District recently received a $1 million grant toward its yearslong goal of building a new ambulance station, thanks to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Monterey). A remaining $6 million is needed for the project—which Cambria voters will decide whether to fund on the upcoming November ballot. Cambria’s current ambulance station, located in…
Dirty Cello headlines outdoor festivities in Cambria and Solvang
Known for bending genres and its high-energy, string-driven performances, San Francisco-based ensemble Dirty Cello is heading to the Central Coast for two back-to-back performances. The five-piece band, led by cellist Rebecca Roudman, will be in Solvang on Wednesday, Aug. 7 and in Cambria on Thursday, Aug. 8. As part of Solvang’s Music in the Park…
Arroyo Grande seniors protest proposed cell tower
For months, Sunrise Terrace Mobile Home Park residents in Arroyo Grande have argued against the construction of a 55-foot-tall Verizon Wireless cell tower. In February, the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission heard Verizon’s proposal to install a new “stealth wireless communications facility.” The facility would be concealed within a 55-foot faux water tower, located at 789…
Deadpool & Wolverine is hilarious, action-packed, and full of heart
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE What’s it rated? RWhat’s it worth, Anna? Full priceWhat’s it worth, Glen? Full priceWhere’s it showing? Bay, Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10 Shawn Levy (Cheaper by the Dozen, Night at the Museum, Free Guy) directs this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman)…
Morro Bay Albertsons sale halted until Colorado judge makes ruling
The supermarket mega-merger of Kroger and Albertsons was put on pause in late July, delaying the sale of 63 California supermarkets, including the Albertsons in Morro Bay. The $2.5 billion deal was announced in 2022; however, the merger has faced criticism for creating a “grocery monopoly,” and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit…
Oceano residents will get to weigh in on new fire services contract
Oceano community members will soon be able to tell the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) whether they are for or against SLO County taking over their fire services. OCSD Business and Accounting Manager Carey Casciola said told the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) board that the process would be similar to a Proposition 218 hearing…
Field of Dreams
What’s it rated? PG When? 1989 Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Phil Alden Robinson directs this family fantasy drama about struggling Iowa corn farmer Ray Kinsella, who lives with his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan), and their daughter, Karin (Gaby Hoffman). We learn that Ray is haunted by…
The Fifth Element
What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 1997 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre on Aug. 1 and 2 (7 p.m.) Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Léon: The Professional, Lucy) directs this sci-fi adventure set mostly in the 23rd century, about Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a flying cab driver and former special forces major, who rescues Leeloo…
Local chef Don Carr curates elaborate private dinners across the Central Coast
Intimate inspirations Visit inspireddiningevents.com for more info on Don Carr’s private chef experience services. The unparalleled bliss that comes with enjoying a gourmet meal without lifting a finger or washing a single dish isn’t restricted to those who dine out, thanks to private chefs like longtime local Don Carr. “We’re basically a traveling restaurant,” Carr…
Sea Coast Seniors offers free future-building seminars to senior citizens in SLO and Santa Barbara counties
Backup plans aren’t just for young people. Sea Coast Seniors educational seminars prove that equipping senior citizens with information on effectively managing their twilight years can help them avoid making crisis-driven decisions as they grow older. “They want to stay in their home forever, die in their sleep, and that’s their plan A,” Sea Coast…
Boots and hoses
In response to the July 11 New Times commentary “Negative for Oceano” by former Oceano Community Services District board member Karen White, Ms. White mistakenly claims she is the “immediate past president of the OCSD.” White last served as OCSD board president in November 2022. Board member Linda Austin is the “immediate past president,” having…
