Cover Story
What’s a home for? As tourism booms in SLO County, residents and officials wrestle with vacation rentals
Last month, SLO Cal, the tourism marketing arm of San Luis Obispo County, announced that in 2017, visitors spent a record $1.75 billion in the area. The dollar value of all the money spent on accommodations, food, retail, arts, entertainment, and recreation by tourists is up 21 percent from just five years ago. To some…
SIP celebrates 10 years of certifying sustainable vineyards and the addition of a winery program
Standing between grapevines at the base of a hill, Chamisal Vineyards Winemaker Fintan du Fresne kneels down to pick up some top soil. “It’s dark and if you go down a bit, it becomes hard and you can squish it,” he says. This bloc of vines used to be contiguous, across the depression in the…
Don’t be shy
Over the last three decades, as environmental science and law have evolved, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has remained chronically out of compliance with the environmental protection requirements of its Coastal Development Permit for the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). At this point, it’s clear that State Parks can’t continue to…
Libertine Brewing Company rides wild wave into Avila
Beer, beach, booyah! Libertine Brewing Company is located at 90 San Miguel St. in Avila Beach and open Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. plus Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. For more information on this and the other two locations in Morro Bay…
Cost of jail reform remains murky in SLO County budget
As San Luis Obispo County prepares to pass a multi-million dollar budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, the exact cost of reforms to medical and mental health services at the county’s jail remains unclear. During hearings on the county’s proposed budget, 3rd District Supervisor Adam Hill and 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson both raised concerns…
Take a chance
What if the super contentious election for San Luis Obispo County’s 4th District Board of Supervisors’ seat came down to the flip of a coin? Believe it or not, that could actually happen if there’s a tie. It’s written into the election code. And there could actually be a tie. The pendulum swing of the…
Frosé all day
“Rosé all day” is a cute phrase to throw on a bumper sticker, but how does one actually achieve this very real Millennial goal? I’ll tell you how! Head down to Seeds on Garden Street in downtown SLO where—gasp—you can find healthy-ish frozen wine drinks mixed with local rosé wine, fresh pressed juices, bubbly, and,…
Cambria Health District tax to go on November ballot
The Cambria Community Healthcare District (CCHD) unanimously approved putting a parcel tax measure on the Nov. 6 ballot at a June 13 special meeting. The estimated tax per parcel would be $35.04, which will be used for capital assets, ambulances, buildings, and equipment. If the measure is approved by a two-thirds vote in November, the…
Social media sound off
New Times readers took to Facebook to share their thoughts about Kirk Waddell’s June 7 commentary, “Unhappy SLO: SLO County residents need to take off their blinders and see this place for what it really is.”
RISE now provides shelter for domestic violence victims’ pets
Individuals looking to escape domestic abuse in SLO County will now have a safe place to bring their pets, thanks to a grant from a national nonprofit organization. RISE announced that it received a $3,000 grant from the Sacramento-based RedRover organization to provide space for animals at its Atascadero emergency shelter. RISE is a nonprofit…
Central Coast Comedy Theater to open performance space in downtown SLO
For a good time, call … For more information on Central Coast Comedy Theater’s classes, workshops, and performances visit centralcoastcomedytheater.com. The theater group will host a fundraiser show June 20 with comedian Cary Farrow headlining. The venue is still to be determined. Farrow will also teach a workshop at Ignite Movement Studio in Morro Bay.…
Highway 1 to reopen in late July at mudslide site
State officials are moving up the expected reopening date for Highway 1 at the site of a massive landslide that occurred more than a year ago. Construction on the quarter-mile stretch of roadway north of Ragged Point should be ready for travelers by the end of July—two months sooner than originally scheduled, Caltrans announced in…
SLO Rep brings classic musical ‘Annie!’ to the stage
Only a day away Only a day away SLO Repertory Theatre’s production of Annie! the musical will show through July 1. Tickets range from $20 to $38. Visit slorep.org for more information. For those in need of a dose of optimism and good vibes, take your bottom dollar and head to the San Luis Obispo…
Grand jury says Oceano Dunes dust is a risk to ‘thousands’
The SLO County grand jury weighed in on one of the most controversial issues in South SLO County with a new report stating that dust kicked up from off-highway vehicles at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) was a health risk to “thousands of residents” living on the Nipomo Mesa and in surrounding…
Nocturnal nibbles: SLO has a late-night feast for your taste buds—alcohol not required
Dive into deliciousness with New Times’ annual Food and Drink issue! Nocturnal nibbles: SLO has a late-night feast for your taste buds—alcohol not required Good to the bone: New Times searches for the best wings in SLO Shaken? Stirred? There’s no wrong way to enjoy a martini! Meal prep 101: What I learned after a…
Cayucos woman uses medical resources to help Moroccan mother in need
In 2015, Seneca Jacobson joined a Facebook group for parents with children who suffer from seizures. She’s a service coordinator for Tri-Counties Regional Center in San Luis Obispo, working with families with special needs. At the time, her son suffered from seizures. Living in Cayucos, Jacobson said, she attended groups and spoke with other parents…
Get bubbly with soap and cider at Gopher Glen Organic Apple Farm
Learn to make your own natural and pure soaps in small personal batches at the Gopher Glen Organic Apple Farm on June 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Students will learn how to follow soap recipes and how different ingredients can affect soaps, and can take their own bar of soap home with them. The…
Awaken the spirit within with an intuitive reading at Halcyon Store
Every fourth Friday of the month, intuitive artist Rachel Hurd hosts an artistic reading at the Halcyon Store post office. Intuitive artists channel angels, spirit guides, or just energies or feelings from the client, themselves, or elsewhere, into art, specifically for the client. Hurd will take clients through the process of meditating and setting intentions…
Legendary gospel, R&B, and blues singer Mavis Staples closes out the Live Oak Music Festival, June 15-17
“Oh mmm I know a place/ Ain’t nobody cryin’/ Ain’t no body worried,” Mavis Staples sings on “I’ll Take You There.” She might as well be singing about the Live Oak Music Festival—the place to be to usher in summer and relax with fellow music lovers near Lake Cachuma this Friday, June 15, though Sunday,…
Experience the magical history of the Dana Adobe Cultural Center
From 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday through the end of July, enjoy free, guided tours of the Dana Adobe. The Dana Adobe is the oldest home in San Luis Obispo County. The tour will provide guests with an educational experience and will explore the culture, history, and ecology of early 19th century America, specifically…
Guns aren’t the problem, society is
In a recent edition, Kathy Riedman (“It’s up to you,” May 31) purported that German Lopez’s article in Vox, “I’ve covered gun violence for years. The solutions aren’t a big mystery,” proves gun violence is caused by guns and America’s love of them. One of his first contentions is that America has a much higher…
In the courtroom: On jury duty and our criminal justice system
Civic duty For more information about serving jury duty in California, visit courts.ca.gov. Most of my experience in courtrooms has been that of an observer rather than a participant. I’ve lost count of the number of trials I’ve covered in my career as a reporter, and save for the odd traffic ticket or two, I’ve…
Trumpflation!
People are worried that President Donald Trump’s economic policies could overheat the economy. When he was elected, the stock market exploded. Now, many economists fear runaway inflation could harm our economy. Gas prices are on the rise, groceries will be next. The real danger is we’ll find inflated numbers everywhere. Tucson could become Threecson, and…
‘Hereditary’ is an effective slow burning supernatural horror thriller
HEREDITARY What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Galaxy, Park, Stadium 10 Writer-director Ari Aster, in his feature-length debut, helms this supernatural horror story about Annie Graham (Toni Collette), who after her mother, Ellen, dies begins noticing strange goings on while…
Want to talk about climate? Just ask
In a June 7 letter “Water vapor, greenhouse gases, and global warming” Peter Byrne complains about the “attack on fossil fuels,” citing opposition to fracking because of groundwater contamination. He further argues that since water vapor accounts for 90 percent of the greenhouse effect “which we can do nothing about” we should therefore make no…
Bingeable: John Adams
When? 2008 What’s it rated? TV-14 Where’s it available? Amazon Prime, YouTube, and iTunes For those like myself who discovered the series way too late, it came as a surprise that the incredibly potent biopic miniseries John Adams—starring Paul Giamatti, about early America, presidential power, and the personal cost of politics—came out all the way…
Life’s still swell for Mr. President
I had to laugh—no, guffaw—at Gary Wechter’s claim (“500 days of joy and gratitude,” June 7) that Donald Trump has “given up the best years of his later life” for us, foregoing “jet-setting across the world, living in luxury, spending time with the ‘swells.'” Perhaps Mr. Wechter believes that U.S. presidents are served prison rations,…
Film Listings, 6/14/18 – 6/21/18
ADRIFT What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth? Rental Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, Park Baltasar Kormákur (Contraband, 2 Guns, Everest) directs this true story of survival about Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Sam Clafin), two free-spirited lovers and avid sailors who set off to cross an ocean only to encounter a catastrophic…
Are you kidding me, Al?
I’ve been reading the smooth manipulations of Lt. Col. Fonzi for these past few years and have allowed a lot of his military intelligence to slip past, but it’s time to call him out on his slathered-up diatribe about civility. Al warms us up by throwing a bone about Roseanne and how she might have…
Wine on time
Dune delights: Trilogy at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo will host an educational Vintner Festival this June 16, and participating wineries will include Center of Effort, Herman Story, Halter Ranch, Kenneth Volk, Mattina Fiore, Opolo, and Sans-Liege. From 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of nibbles and wine in temperate Nipomo (learn more by calling…
Supervisor Compton takes county clerk-recorder to court
Update: June 15, 12:35 p.m. Attorneys for Supervisor Lynn Compton filed a lawsuit this morning against Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong in SLO County Superior Court, asking the court to bar Gong from processing ballots for 4th District Supervisor with voter signatures that did not match records and were not reconciled by the voter before 5 p.m.…
Right on, for once
I rarely agree with Al Fonzi, simply because he’s so often on the (wrong) side of the 1 percent. However, I do agree with Fonzi in regard to Samantha Bee (“An obscene personal attack,” June 7). Just like Roseanne Barr, Bee substituted vulgarity/racism for humor and thought her job title allowed her to get away…
Savor summer
Ice cream on nitro? Yes, you heard correctly. Nite Creamery is open at the SLO Creamery, so you could say summer has officially begun! This unique, nitro-crafted ice cream is frozen with nitrogen for a smooth, creamy scoop that’s fun to watch being made. Try a cone or a scoop of Saturday Cereal (Captain Crunch…
Conflict between city and state rules leaves Arroyo Grande without a medical cannabis delivery service
Cynthia Gonzales said she did everything right. When she and her business partner decided to start a medical marijuana delivery business in Arroyo Grande, they wanted to make sure everything was done by the book, including seeking a license to operate under commercial marijuana regulations passed by the City Council in June of 2016. One…
Give us a break
In his opinion piece, “An obscene personal attack” (June 7), Al Fonzi makes excuses for Roseanne Barr’s extremely racists tweet: It was late at night; she was drug-induced. Sorry, but most people, including the makers of Ambien, do not accept those excuses. He also shockingly writes that Roseanne touched upon the “third rail of politics”…
News nibbles
No student should go hungry: Cuesta College has opened a food pantry, and it’s already seen more than 400 visits in the past few weeks. The Cougar Food Pantry, located on the SLO campus, offers a convenient stop for food insecure students (Cuesta College campus is also a Food Bank distribution site). There are a…
