Cover Story
The naked truth about Pirate’s Cove
A quartet of multi-million dollar homes in vibrant shades of stucco–half hidden in squares of dense tropical green foliage–stick out from pale wheat-colored hills above Pirate’s Cove. The effect is something like a freeway coming through an Amish village. The beach below, however, is quiet and void of any type of development, save a manmade…
All I want for Christmas is a Target store
San Luis Obispo needs a Target. I should ask the mothers in my moms’ groups where they do all their shopping, because I’m willing to bet it’s not in downtown SLO. Kids need stuff that comes from Target. I’m learning that the hard way. I shop for other, non-disposable things in the adorable stores that…
Three numbers make a difference in SLO County
Since the middle of November, callers in San Luis Obispo County who dialed 211 have been directed to a social service hotline that helped connect them to more than 600 local agencies, programs, and support groups that could assist them with solutions to various troubles from tax problems to drug rehabilitation. # On Nov. 14,…
Fire sprinklers required in more homes and businesses
New buildings of more than 1,000 square feet will now be required to install fire sprinklers if they’re built in the unincorporated parts of SLO County. County supervisors on Dec. 4 adopted a new fire code that mandates the sprinklers, and also requires house address numbers to be 6 inches high for greater visibility at…
The most famous musician you’ve never heard of
Who wrote these timeless, culturally significant, and classic tunes: “Over the Rainbow.” “Accentuate the Positive.” “I’ve Got the World on a String.” “That Old Black Magic.” # Berlin? Crosby? Either of the Gershwins? Eminem, perhaps? Guess again. Like many great artists, Harold Arlen was inspired at the oddest of moments and often wrote notes on…
Lesser Cayucos view measure gets final approval
Unswayed by hours of gale-force public testimony, a 3-2 majority of the SLO County Board of Supervisors gave the final approval to a so-called viewshed protection effort for the scenic area north of Cayucos, written by the private landowners’ group Protect Our Property Rights. As with preliminary efforts that preceded the Dec. 4 vote, this…
New owners eliminate staffers at KVEC
Just hours after El Dorado Broadcasters took over ownership of eight former Clear Channel radio stations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, the company cut ties with four popular local radio personalities and an accounts payable manager. Program director Ben Greenaway said that on Nov. 30, the company let go of himself, KVEC (920…
Hot, hot, hot!
# Venue-wise, SLO County is waaay better off than it used to be, and yet local promoters still struggle to find the right fit. Just ask Otter Productions Inc. guy Bruce Howard: “Pepper is so hot right now it really needs a 2,000-plus capacity venue, but one wasn’t available, so Otter Productions Inc. decided to…
Letters
Cue the ominous music Regarding Avila’s beach closure after a shark sighting policy: We all know how this story goes. Roy Scheider tells the city fathers that they need to close the beaches, but the chamber of commerce overrules him. Pretty soon there’s a giant rubber shark snacking on the tourists while Richard Dreyfuss argues…
If it bleeds, it’s probably media
It’s a tough time to be in this industry right now. I’m talking about the news biz. The Media with a capital “M.” The Fourth Estate. The Press. The Ol’ Info Mill. Forget the smoldering tire fire that is the Santa Barbara News-Press these days, the fact that the Santa Barbara Independent’s veteran photog Paul…
Fast facts
In an effort to reduce the amount of people drinking and driving during the holiday season, San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services is working with county-wide law enforcement agencies, bars, and restaurants until Jan. 2 to take part in the “Don’t Wreck the Holidays–Designate When You Celebrate” campaign. In 2006, SLO County law…
Clothe your soul
# Are your sweatpants too constricting for sunrise salutations? Does your shirt ride up while performing downward dog? Can your shorts handle all the perspiration that comes along with the 105-degree heat of Bikram yoga? For everyone tired of experiencing wardrobe malfunctions while practicing the ancient techniques of yoga, there’s finally a store in San…
Diablo infiltrators would face two anti-terrorism vehicles
# The SLO County Sheriff’s Department is planning to buy a new armored vehicle to use to combat potential terrorism at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. Known as a tactical intervention rescue vehicle, it’s designed to be used in situations in which armed suspects capture the facility or people, according to a report by…
Atascadero BMX track is on track
After nearly five years of legal battles, a bicycle motocross park could soon be coming to Atascadero. On Nov. 27, the Atascadero City Council voted 4-0 to support construction of a BMX track. Councilman Jerry Clay refrained from voting because he owns property within 500 feet of the proposed track, which will possibly be located…
Monster swell hits SLO County
The Central Coast shoreline has taken some nasty natural abuse lately as monster waves have descended upon San Luis Obispo County. The huge waves, which reached heights in excess of 20 feet on Dec. 4, kept most wave riders ashore, staring in awe at the beastly swells. Though a couple of New Times staffers braved…
Higher graffiti stats are on the wall
Reports of graffiti have risen more than 80 percent in the city of San Luis Obispo since last year, according to police data. In a report to the City Council on Dec. 4, members of the city’s police and public works departments released the statistic and outlined what should be done to combat the outbreak.…
Good catch
After trying the new WOW Yanagi at Oak Park and James Way in Pismo Beach three times, I’m pleased to say I was impressed every time I dined there. The ambiance was serene, the service was superb, and every dish I tried was excellent in freshness, quality, and portion size. When I recommended it to…
Car-washing culture goes down the drain
A new clean-water ordinance tentatively approved by county # supervisors aims to change the way locals do things around the home, like using leafblowers, taking care of the lawn and, yes, washing the car. The law, due for final approval Jan. 15, would make it illegal to put anything except pure rain water into gutters,…
Mee not feeling so good
Mee Health Systems announced on Dec. 5 that it will close the doors to the Paso Robles Mee Medical Pavilion, including the new Cancer Center that opened less than two months ago. The facility has accepted patients since 2005, and recently expanded to include the 123-bed hospital and cancer center. A spokesperson for the King…
