Cover Story
Is there a nurse in the house?
Gone are the days when you could recognize a nurse by her white cap and neatly pleated dress. Today nursing garb runs from colorful scrubs to business suits, and nurses’ roles in modern health care are just as varied, going far past the bedside into the corporate boardroom and beyond. # But whatever their job…
Park proximity may bring dispensary up short
A mere 20 feet could prevent local medical marijuana patients from obtaining their pain-relieving prescription in the county. The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission was expected to give the go ahead for a Templeton-based medical marijuana dispensary at a June 1 hearing, but members of the local advisory group revealed an issue that threw a…
Passions swamp the banks over Atascadero creeks
Forget Wal-Mart. The latest development issue roiling Atascadero is how far back new buildings must be from the city’s creeks and rivers. Opponents of a creek setback ordinance advanced by the City Council in May are hopeful they’ve acquired enough signatures to clear the first hurdle in their attempt to have the decision repealed either…
Music and marketing
Kathy Kelly, founder of the Winery Music Awards, recently took # the time to discuss the competition’s origins and the direction she sees it heading. The awards began in 2005, skipped 2006, and will begin their second year June 9. NEW TIMES How did you come up with the idea for the Winery Music Awards?…
Los Osos looks to new leadership
A probable new community services district general manager faces big tasks With looming sewer system issues, millions of dollars in fines, and a bankruptcy problem hanging over Los Osos, who would want the job of trying to turn things around for the unincorporated township? Steve Wieneke does. Though it’s not official, it’s likely that the…
Small step for man, giant step for humanity
Binta Diakite is a sweet, optimistic woman who speaks just above a whisper. When she talks about Walk for Humanity the nonprofit that she and three other Cuesta students recently set up her words become pointed and forceful. She’s passionate about this. # “I was feeling overwhelmed,” Diakite said in response to global genocide, hunger,…
Letters
Next time, get help from a professional Vaccinations will always be controversial. I find the picture on the front page of the May 31 New Times (“This could sting”) to be disturbing. None of the vaccines that we use are that gacky, murky, snot-colored fluid in that syringe. Vaccines are clear and sterile. If you…
Intrigue develops in Atascadero
The storm of allegations between the new and old guard in Atascadero is gathering still more energy. # Councilmember Mike Brennler a retired police officer and the mayor pro tem is calling on city police to investigate whether a developer broke state and local laws when dozens of people were moved into a senior cottage…
Making lemonade
Concerts in the Plaza has announced its summer line-up, setting the stage for another fun series of Friday shows, but some bands and their fans are scratching their heads at the selections. For instance, why aren’t perennial favorites Sugar Daddy Swing Kings playing? (They turned their application in one day late.) And why haven’t Cadillac…
Fast facts:
After 28 years in SLO, Rudolph’s Coffee & Tea Co. has changed its name to West End Espresso & Tea. Owners Rene Scarnegi and Cathy Bezek said that it was simply time for a change. West End is keeping all of the favorite roasts and pastries, as well as adding a few new items. Look…
Dead cat display could lead to charges
When students and staff returned to San Luis Obispo High School after Memorial Day weekend, they were greeted with a horrific sight dead cats hanging from trees. Whether the incident, discovered May 29, was a tasteless senior prank, a sadistic ritual, an animal rights protest, or a bizarre tree ornament display is yet to be…
In the mood for a love story?
# Picture yourself and your lover picnicking on a vineyard-covered hillside in Tuscany. Your picnic basket is chockablock with ambrosial delights like sausage and peppers, freshly baked bread, ripe figs, and creamy cheese along with biscotti and spiced popcorn for dessert. And it wouldn’t be complete without a special bottle of Chianti (perhaps not that…
Boohoo for Boo Boo’s
“What the fuck?” These three words erupted in my mind and escaped from my mouth quickly yet loud enough for an onlooker to think I was completely nuts to have this sort of reaction to a deserted storefront. # I was returning a DVD to Blockbuster Video when I saw what made my heart sink…
Here, fishy, fishy, fishy
Someone once said that he didn’t know why people eat fish, because it’s only good when it doesn’t taste like what it is. It’s true. The best fish isn’t fishy, and the worst fish is the stuff that stinks like fish. It’s enough to make a guy eat nothing but beef jerky, cheese nips, Jameson…
Local activist fights rising water rates
A local delivery driver is at the helm of an 11th hour effort to stop proposed water rate hikes before the SLO City Council makes them official. A vote is expected June 19. # Terry Mohan said he believes that the council “sidestepped” Proposition 218 which allows voters to approve tax increases and utility rate…
