Cover Story
Today’s inmate is tomorrow’s neighbor
Christopher Sheehan walked into a head shop in Huntington Beach with his partner in crime, armed, and ready to rob the joint. While the two were instructing employees to hand over money, one employee activated a silent alarm. That prompted a nearby police officer patrolling the area to respond to the call. The officer ordered…
Dip into the dip this Sept. 9 at Morro Bay’s most epic AvoMarg Fest yet
Let’s guac about it The AvoMarg Festival kicks off from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 714 Embarcadero St. in Morro Bay Saturday, Sept. 9. A Taste of the Grove dinner will be held at The Packing Shed in Morro Bay on Sept. 8. For more information, tickets, and a detailed schedule of festival events,…
The Big Sick
What’s it rated? R What’s it worth? Full Price Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, The Palm Pick Director Michael Showalter (Hello, My Name is Doris) directs this semi-autographical screenplay by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani about a Pakistani stand-up comic named Kumail (Nanjiani) who falls for a white woman named Emily (Zoe Kazan) who…
Spider-Man: Homecoming
What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Full Price Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy Pick This new Spider-Man film picks up a few months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, which chronicled the rift between Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). This time around, Tony Stark (AKA…
Bull rider, prison guard, and now country star Cody Johnson rides into the Fremont Theater
Texas-born singer-songwriter Cody Johnson started performing in his church, formed his first band as a freshman in high school (it included his dad), was a competitive bull rider, and worked as a prison guard in Huntsville, and he’s only 30 years old. If that ain’t some authentic country singer bona fides, I don’t know what…
Bring on the beer (before the books)!
Get your kicks before back to school kicks your butt. Head over to Tap It Brewing Co. for a swath of new brews ranging from spicy to juicy to insanely fruity. Slurp up the SLO craft brewery’s new Mango Tiger (unfiltered imperial IPA with fresh mango puree) or B. Weisse (a German tart wheat beer…
Brigsby Bear
What’s it rated? PG-13 Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Galaxy New Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children’s TV show produced for an audience of one: James (Kyle Mooney). When the show abruptly ends, James’ life changes forever. He sets out to finish the story himself and must learn to cope with the realities of a…
Step
What’s it rated? PG-13 Where’s it showing? The Palm New Step documents the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner city Baltimore. As each one tries to become the first in their families to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success against the backdrop…
Mathematical conundrum
For some time now I have been standing up for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, despite the fact that the environmental community (and apparently most of our community) is against it. Therefore, severely outnumbered, I have to face the fact that I must be wrong and I apologize for the error of my ways.…
Top honors
Well done: Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles was just named No. 2 on the Daily Meal’s list of 101 Best Wineries in America 2017! The list is put together each year through a survey of wine writers, sommeliers, chefs, and restaurateurs, and there were quite a few picks from Paso Robles and the Central…
City Of Ghosts
What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? The Palm New This documentary from Matthew Heineman goes behind enemy lines in Syria to follow a citizen journalist collective, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, as they attempt to expose the human rights violations by ISIS and fight the terrorist group’s misinformation campaigns in their home country. (90…
Wind River
What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre New Wind River is a chilling thriller that follows a rookie FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) who teams up with a local game tracker with deep community ties and a haunted past (Jeremy Renner) to investigate the murder of a local girl on a remote Native American…
We’re still in a drought emergency, people
The recent lifting of our “drought emergency” designation by the California state government was alarmingly pre-mature and reckless. We’ve had one sort of decent rainy season after many years of almost nothing and all of a sudden we’re in the clear?! Seriously? Big Agriculture and powerful developers must have really put the screws to California…
News nibs
Lunch on! Paso’s longstanding dinner fave Artisan is now open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can get those sustainable fish tacos or bacon tator tots before happy hour (see more at artisanpasorobles.com) … On Aug. 26, Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria will welcome Reverend Tall Tree with SLOcal openers Próxima…
The Dark Tower
What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Matinee Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy Pick Danish writer-director Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair) helms this adventure-fantasy based on Stephen King’s novel series about the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Irdris Elba), who in an alternate dimension is locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim (Matthew…
With no water to save Dairy Creek Golf Course, El Chorro Regional Park is in for major changes
The water crisis at Dairy Creek Golf Course in El Chorro Regional Park is so dire right now, only its greens can afford to be green. Everything else is dry and brown, blending in almost seamlessly with the surrounding Chorro Valley. Three months have passed since the county-owned course received its last allocation of water…
Tackle hospital deaths after the issues at the jail
While I share Shredder’s outrage over prison abuses, his/her minimizing of hospital deaths is sorely disappointing. The fact is, according to the British Medical Journal, medical error is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The very thing that is supposed to heal us and keep us healthy is actually killing us, in…
Fresh finds
Market boom: Did you know that last week marked National Farmers’ Market Week? Celebrate and appreciate our local farmers by visiting one of SLO’s 20 weekly farmers’ markets from Templeton to Baywood (and don’t forget to bring those canvas bags). P.S. BarrelHouse Brewing Co. just joined the SLO Downtown Farmer’s Market with fresh bottles of…
Dawson City: Frozen Time
What’s it rated? NR Where’s it showing? The Palm Dawson City: Frozen Time pieces together the bizarre true history of a long-lost collection of 533 nitrate film prints dating from the early 1900s. Discovered buried under a hockey rink in a former Klondike Gold Rush town, their story reveals the links between the movie business…
SLO County works with Airbnb to ensure local vacation rental hosts are paying their fair share
In order to collect unpaid taxes from vacation rental scofflaws, SLO County is turning to one of the biggest online rental services in the country for help. After a year of negotiations, the county entered into an agreement with the San Francisco-based Airbnb to allow the online rental company to collect transient occupancy taxes and…
The Constitution is overdue for a progressive re-write
Every day there are discussions/disputes in the news about what powers the president of the United States has or doesn’t have, and should or shouldn’t have, to issue orders, make pardons (even possibly of himself!), hire or fire cabinet secretaries and heads of bureaus, agencies—and even declare war or take military action. The U.S. Constitution…
Tubby Wubby sewing kits take off in SLO and beyond
Get crafty Get your very own TubbyWubby at local retail locations like Whiz Kids in SLO or Sew Fun Fabrics in Atascadero. Stitchers of all ages can also join TubbyWubby’s monthly subscription club, where a kit with the two newest critters will be snail mailed to you. Visit tubbywubby.com for more information. Crafters wanting a…
Dunkirk
What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Full Price Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy Pick Writer-director Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar) helms this historical drama about the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk, when allied forces from Belgium, the British Empire,…
The Pilates Mama focuses on postpartum healing in Grover Beach
Going into motherhood, it’s important to nurture your health and well-being. Natalie Garay, The Pilates Mama of Grover Beach is here to support that, with her Pilates sessions and flower essence therapy. Garay is a master-certified Pilates instructor and flower essence therapist. Her practice focuses on pelvic-floor health and c-section rehabilitation. She’s taught Pilates since…
A polite, firm request for Medicare for all
Representative John Conyers (D-Michigan) has introduced bill HR 676, which would create a national Medicare-for-all comprehensive health care system in the United States, as the rest of the modern nations have and have had for decades. Establishing a comprehensive, national health care system was a demand in the terms of surrender by the allies against…
inclusIVitY play tells the story of activist Ivy Bottini
Inspirational inclusIVitY – The Ivy Bottini Story will show at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles from Aug. 20 to 24 and again from Aug. 27 to 29. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the opening night show on Aug. 20 will include a post-performance reception with Bottini and hors d’oeuvres for $45 per…
The Emoji Movie
What’s it rated? PG Where’s it showing? Park This animated comedy takes place in Textopolis, a world inside a smartphone that’s inhabited by various emojis. There, an emoji named Gene (voiced by T.J. Miller) is ashamed that he has multiple facial expressions while his colleagues only have one each, and he embarks on a quest…
Find a new writer, New Times
I am a San Luis Obispo resident and read your paper every week. I very much respect your coverage of local issues, and will continue to read in the future. But I just cannot understand why you keep publishing Al Fonzi’s opinion pieces in your paper? What he says is absolutely untrue, provably untrue, and…
Just dance
Tighten up those toe shoes; it’s audition time. The SLO Movement Arts Center recently launched a nonprofit group, the Movement Arts Collective, which is forming a youth ballet company for dancers ages 12 and up. Auditions will be held Aug. 19 at noon at the SLO Movement Arts Center. Dancers should have at least two…
Girls Trip
What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? Stadium 10 When four lifelong friends (Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish) travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. (102 min.)…
Divided in the face of the enemy
There are many issues that evoke concern among Americans and this past week turned up the thermometer on several. There are pressing issues to worry about, like impending war in Asia and a nation becoming increasingly divided by political extremists. Let me address the issue of impending war in Korea: I don’t believe we will…
Calling all actors
Step into the spotlight of SLO County’s community theater scene by auditioning for By The Sea Productions’ upcoming play, The Member of the Wedding, on Aug. 21. Auditions will be by appointment beginning at 6 p.m. at St. Peter’s By the Sea Episcopal Church in Morro Bay. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the…
The Glass Castle
What’s it rated? PG-13 Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Fair Oaks, Bay, Park, Galaxy New Chronicling the adventures of an eccentric, resilient and tight-knit family, The Glass Castle is a remarkable story of unconditional love. Oscar winner Brie Larson brings Jeannette Walls’ best-selling memoir to life as a young woman who, influenced by the joyfully…
Don’t fight fascism with fascism
I saw a really great meme on Facebook this morning. It had a banner headline that read, “Trump supporters be like:” Under that were three images—ex-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the National Anthem, a gathering of pink-cat-hatted Women’s March protestors, and a trio of Starbucks’ so-called “war on Christmas” red holiday cups—with…
Local agencies approve governance structure for Paso groundwater basin
An interagency agreement that sets a governance model for how the over-pumped Paso Robles Groundwater Basin will be managed has now been signed by every participating party except the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, which will vote on it Aug. 22. The Memorandum of Agreement stipulates how at least five North County agencies…
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy New The world’s top protection agent (Ryan Reynolds) is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hit men (Samuel L. Jackson). The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end…
What do you look for in an Airbnb?
Lisa Coons manager “I look at location, reviews, and photos. I want it to have an awesome host, and it must be an instant-book.” Danielle Albertoni Cal Poly student “I’ve never stayed in an Airbnb, so I wouldn’t know what to look for.” Matt Trevino SLO local “I haven’t stayed in an Airbnb, and I…
Sing-along kiddos
If cartoons aren’t cutting it when it comes to your tot’s musical education, have no fear, Hug-A-Bug is here. Fun, silly name aside, the new music school for babies and toddlers is starting classes in September at the Community Baptist Church in SLO. The school is led by Jessica George, a board-certified music therapist and…
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
What’s it rated? PG What’s it worth? Matinee Where’s it showing? The Palm Pick Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk direct this follow-up documentary to the Oscar-wining An Inconvenient Truth (2006), which exposed the threat of global climate change. This time around, the filmmakers document the progress made in tackling climate change over the last decade…
Annabelle: Creation
Annabelle: Creation What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Streaming What’s it worth, Glen? Streaming Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10, Galaxy David F. Sandberg (Lights Out) directs Annabelle (2014), screenwriter Gary Dauberman’s prequel script about a possessed doll. After dollmaker Samuel Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia) and his wife Esther (Miranda Otto) lose…
John Moreland plays BarrelHouse Brewing’s excellent new outdoor grass bowl venue
Good people, good times, great beer BarrelHouse Brewing Co. is located at 3055 Limestone Way, in southeast Paso Robles in the Tin City complex. It features free live music on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring and summer, as well as ticketed events in the new grass bowl venue. A food truck is on site…
Kidnap
What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy A typical afternoon in the park turns into a nightmare for single mom Karla Dyson (Halle Berry) when her son suddenly disappears. Without a cell phone and knowing she has no time to wait for police help, Karla jumps in her own…
Sheriff warns public against confronting illegal marijuana growers
Local do-gooders thinking of taking on illegal marijuana growers should think twice, according to a recent warning from the SLO County Sheriff’s Office. On Aug. 10, the department took to social media to warn residents against confronting suspected criminals involved in illegal marijuana growing operations, indicating that doing so could endanger their safety or even…
Leap!
What’s it rated? PG Where’s it showing? Stadium 10 New In this animated film, 11-year-old orphan, Félicie (Elle Fanning) has one dream—to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend Victor (Nat Wolff), an imaginative but exhausting boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own—to become a famous inventor.…
County to hold independent review of jail in wake of inmate deaths
After agreeing to pay out millions of dollars to the family of a mentally ill man who died in jail earlier this year, SLO County is gearing up for an independent review of the jail and its protocols. Speaking to New Times, SLO County Assistant Administrative Officer Guy Savage said the county had not finalized…
Correction
In the Aug. 10 news brief, “Planning Commission takes on county cannabis regs,” executive director for the SLO chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Jason Kallen’s name was misspelled. Δ
Logan Lucky
What’s it rated? PG-13 Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy New Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. (119 min.) —Fingerprint Releasing/Bleecker Street
Carrizo Plain remains on Zinke’s monument review list
As a deadline looms for U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to submit recommendations about potential changes to the status, boundaries, and protections of 27 national monuments established or expanded since 1996, the future of the Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County remains uncertain. While Zinke’s recommendations following the 120-day review…
Blast from the Past: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
When? 1989 What’s it rated? PG Where’s it available? DVD, Streaming on Amazon Considering Keanu Reeves’ recent trip to the Central Coast to film his upcoming movie, Destination Wedding, now seems like a most excellent time to revisit one of his classics. However, if you prefer his more serious works like The Matrix or John…
Maudie
What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Full Price Where’s it showing? The Palm Pick Aisling Walsh (Joyriders, Song for Raggy Boy, The Daisy Chain) directs this screenplay by Sherry White (The Breadmaker, Down to the Dirt, Crackie) about arthritic Nova Scotia painter Maud Dowley (Sally Hawkins), who after having her family home sold out…
SLO rides another path for Broad Street bicyclists
Setting aside three controversial options to establish a bicycle boulevard on Broad Street, the SLO City Council unanimously directed city staff to come up with some new alternatives. Dan Rivoire, vice mayor of the city, said the consensus of the council at its Aug. 15 meeting was to further explore the idea of removing some…
Atomic Blonde
What’s it rated? R What’s it worth? Matinee Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, Galaxy Pick David Leitch directs Kurt Johnstad’s action spy thriller screenplay based on the graphic novel series The Coldest City by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart, about Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron), a British Cold War-era operative sent to Berlin to investigate a…
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
What’s it rated? PG Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Sunset Drive In, Stadium 10, Park, Galaxy New Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back again in Oakton, where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal…
