Cover Story
55 Fiction: The world’s shortest stories, with a twist
A hallmark of the 55 Fiction stories submitted to our annual short story contest is the “surprise” at the end that ties the preceding sentences together. They show up in stories about murders, love, food, animals, cars—really, you can craft a tiny twist into any tall tale. We’re here to publish the best ones annually. We…
BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
The heat is on … again. In this fourth entry into the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Detroit Det. Alex Foley (Eddie Murphy) returns to Beverly Hills after the life of his semi-estranged daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), is threatened. As he investigates, he finds himself working with his old buddies John Taggart (John Aston), now the…
Badge wearers and bandits of the Wild West face off with gusto in Gunsmokin’
Where there’s smoke … Gunsmokin’ premiered on July 12 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 7 at the Great American Melodrama, located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call (805) 489-2499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets or more info. Tickets to performances of Gunsmokin’ can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office,…
Bill Greenough hits dual milestones with his 80th birthday and 50th anniversary of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard
Living history The Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room, located at 3080 Biddle Ranch Road in San Luis Obispo, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Futures Barrel Tasting & Picnic at the winery’s historic Arroyo Grande vineyard on Aug. 3, visit saucelitocanyon.com . Follow the…
Entry period for New Times Music Awards closes Aug. 5
Local musicians are invited to compete in the 2024 New Times Music Awards before the contest’s entry period closes on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. Participants can enter their songs online at newtimesslo.com. All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or northern Santa Barbara County. This year marks the 16th year…
The Amigos sets the tone at Nipomo gala with live jazz and swing
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center’s 2024 Gala will include live music from local jazz and swing act The Amigos, dinner from Cool Hand Luke’s of Santa Maria, a no-host bar, poker games, and more festivities for guests to look forward to. The 1920s-themed event will take place at the Edwards Barn, located at 1095 Pomeroy Road,…
We’re mid-stream in the presidential election, but Biden dropping out is good for America
In late May 1864, a convention of Republicans met in Cleveland to determine who should be the standard-bearer for their relatively new party. Clearly it was not incumbent President Abraham Lincoln, who had so badly bungled the Union cause in the Civil War. Already that month, the Army of the Potomac had suffered more than…
Housing insecurity in SLO is a community crisis
My life has been marked by seasons of triumph and challenge. I faced homelessness in my early teens and again in my late teens, sleeping in my car or couch surfing. These early experiences taught me the harsh realities of housing insecurity. Today I am working toward a master’s degree in political science. Despite my…
Art Center Morro Bay is offering summer art classes for kids 6 to 12
Art Center Morro Bay is offering kids the opportunity to dig deeper and explore their creative side this summer with art classes. “Every year we have a specific theme, but this year we’re going to leave it open-ended so that kids can learn the particular process of painting,” Art Center Morro Bay President Kathleen Heil…
Ridiculous ridicule
I’m not sure what’s more obnoxious: the fact that Paso Robles hasn’t allowed dogs in city parks for the last four decades or the concern that City Councilmember Chris Bausch brought up about preventing dogs from peeing in the parks that they can now be in. “How do we clean that up?” Bausch asked Paso…
Dogs allowed in Paso Robles parks after 40 years
The Paso Robles City Council overturned a longtime ordinance restricting dogs from all city parks, a rule historically and regularly broken by dog owners. The ordinance change was first discussed at the City Council meeting on June 4 and was brought back at the July 16 meeting. Paso Robles Police Cmdr. Ricky Lehr told the…
Council member recall headed for the ballot in Grover Beach
Facing a recall during the Nov. 5 election, Grover Beach City Councilmember Daniel Rushing received support from some community members during the July 22 meeting. “Daniel Rushing has served on City Council since being appointed in 2021 and then ran for reelection in 2022. He has been a 20-year involved resident, parent, and husband, and…
SLO County’s Master Plan on Aging gains steam with first round of community input
SLO County’s year-old effort to spot local hurdles for its senior citizen population recently received its first set of survey responses from residents. While survey lead and national consulting firm Health Management Associates needed to review responses collected from July 17 to 19 during town halls, Associate Principal Michael Butler told New Times that community…
Americana singer-songwriter Azere Wilson releases her debut album
On her debut album, local Americana and roots singer-songwriter Azere Wilson looks to the past for inspiration. The 10-song collection feels timeless, opening with “Reach Out,” a spiritual she recorded on her cellphone in the moment. It sets the tone for a record inspired by the Black community—a community Wilson has been desperate to connect…
Ironman cancels next year’s race in Morro Bay
Organizers of the Ironman triathlon canceled the 2025 Morro Bay event after swimming conditions during this year’s race prevented more than 300 competitors from finishing. According to the city of Morro Bay, the city signed a contract with the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) Ironman, to host the race from 2023 to 2025; however, WTC ended…
Twisters spins an engaging yarn
What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Bay, Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10 Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) directs this action-adventure about Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist who’s persuaded by Tyler (Glen Powell), a reckless tornado-chasing hotdog, to return to…
County Supervisors Paulding, Gibson to form ad hoc committee over illegal fireworks
Illegal fireworks are an increasing annoyance for residents around SLO County, prompting elected officials to form a committee to increase enforcement and prevention. With increasing fire danger from fireworks—such as the 3.65-acre burn in Paso Robles over Fourth of July weekend—2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson and 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding are in the process…
A FAMILY AFFAIR
What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Zara (Joey King) is desperate to be taken seriously by her boss, superstar actor Chris Cole (Zac Efron), but he still treats her like an assistant, despite his promises to help her become a film producer. Zara lives with her mom, Brooke (Nicole Kidman), a…
