Cover Story
Life after rape: New Times investigates local sexual assault cases from report to prosecution, and the lack thereof
SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES: Think we treat sexual assault the same as other crime? Read “The Rape of Mr. Smith,” originally posted in the American Bar Association Journal (.pdf file). When we say that Jane was sexually assaulted, we get to take a pass. We don’t have to think about the next morning when she woke…
The scent of healing: Poppy Jane Candle Co. offers a fragrant release
A scent can be magical. Mystics and healers have been harnessing the power of aroma for centuries, and it’s this aromatic potential that Erin Lundeen shares with the world through her unique candles. “I’ve been interested in aromatherapy probably for about 10 years now,” said the creator of Poppy Jane Candle Co. “I grew up…
Pismo DUI case ends in dismissal
After more than a year and a half of convoluted hearings, motions, and appeals, the outcome of a Pismo Beach DUI case was decided by faulty arithmetic. By setting a trial court date more than 30 days after Robert Scott Sproston’s DUI case was readmitted to San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Judge Dodie Harman…
What are your plans for the summer?
Porshe Rawlings chef “I’m hoping to go to Yosemite, doing a lot of hiking and possibly doing half dome.” Robert McCormick real estate broker “I am going to Africa, specifically Morocco, and Spain and Portugal.” Erin Silva student “I’ll probably just spend time with family and work.” Sara Day student “I plan on getting a…
Two Gallants prove big sounds can come from a duo, May 9 at SLO Brew
In James Joyce’s ironically titled “Two Gallants” from his 1914 collection Dubliners, two friends take a stroll one evening, and one, Corley, brags to his friend Lenehan about a woman he seduced. Clearly scornful of his conquest, Corley notes that she pays his tram fare after their trysts and brings him stolen cigars from her…
Clubs 5/1/148
Goin’ South … THE CLIFFS RESORT: 2757 Shell Beach Road, 773-5000 or cliffsresort.com. CUVEE BISTRO AND CHAMPAGNE BAR: 550 1st St., Avila Beach, 595-2245. Live music Thurs. and Sat. 6-9pm. F. MCLINTOCKS SALOON: Two locations: 750 Mattie Road in Pismo Beach and 133 Bridge St. in Arroyo Grande. 773-1892 or mclintocks.com. Live music at the…
Cal Poly’s Theatre and Dance Department struts its stuff in the ‘Black Cat Cabaret’
When Assistant Professor of Dance Christy McNeil was asked to put together a production combining the triple threats of Cal Poly’s Theatre and Dance Department, she could have chosen simply to stage a preexisting book musical. That would have been the easy way out. Instead, she opted to create an original variety show in the…
Freak the funk: Pharcyde and Slum Village pay tribute to J-Dilla
If you’ve listened to hip-hop, you’ve listened to J-Dilla. Sunday, May 11, hip-hop legends pay homage to one of the most influential producers of our time through Welcome to Dillaville, a show featuring The Pharcyde’s Bizarre Ride and Slum Village, which makes its way to San Luis Obispo. Twenty-one years after Bizarre Ride II was…
Women under the influence: Lena Rushing curates a dynamic group of artists at Linnaea’s
“Feminist: Look it up.” This is the imperative that advertises Powerful Women, on view now at Linnaea’s Café—the tagline that greets the viewer on posters and on the buttons available in a little basket on the refreshments table at the artist reception during Art After Dark. Actually, this decidedly snarky quip belies the show’s incredible…
Saving the best for last: SLO Symphony’s final concert of the season
Saturday night at the Cohan Center, Michael Nowak celebrated his 30th straight year as SLO Symphony conductor by doing what he does so well: presenting smart programs and working with star soloists. The blend of Stravinsky’s cinematic, percussive Petrushka (1947), Beethoven’s Romantic landmark violin concerto, and the astonishing artistry of guest soloist Jennifer Frautschi created…
Breezeway Deli and Wine Bar: Crushed Grape transforms with a breeze
If you’ve looked for the signature grapes-on-a-vine logo recently—the one that’s been in the same spot since 1986—and found yourself in a panic because it’s no longer the same, don’t shed a tear just yet. Sure, that tipsy scroll of the Crushed Grape has transformed into a new, Jimmy Buffetesque, palm tree-adorned sign that reads…
Beckmen Vineyards 2013 Grenache Rose and Gloria Ferrer NV (nonvintage) Blanc de Noirs
Beckmen Vineyards 2013 Grenache Rose Always a winner, this pretty cranberry-hued rose tastes of ripe fruit but it’s dry. It offers delicious aromas and flavors of zingy red fruit, from bright raspberries to strawberries and cranberries nicely balanced with citrus highlights. It’s a great choice for sipping, or enjoying at the dinner table. It’s…
Baker & Brain: Sustainable from the vines to the bottles
Starting out in the wine industry in 1989, I learned the old adage (old even then) that if a wine is labeled organic don’t expect much in quality. Any green wine was generally scoffed at, and it was often true of early attempts that resulted in rustic, funky tasting wines. Today, that prejudiced outlook couldn’t…
Cougars & Mustangs
I imagine that Mother’s Day can sometimes be one of the more depressing days for those families with members inflicted with college. For the college students, it often falls at a time in the school year in which it is highly unwise to travel home. For the mothers, the beautiful, living incarnations of their title…
San Luis Obispo tables marijuana discussions amid public outcry
On a chilly Monday morning, Forest Cross walked out of his front door clutching a small black Yorkshire-poodle mix in his arms. “This is Java,” he said with a sardonic smirk. “This is our pit bull.” Thrust into the center of a medical marijuana debate in San Luis Obispo, Forest and his mother, Erin, seem…
A council challenged: The Latino Outreach Council faces allegations of mismanagement and misconduct
Andrea Naemi-Vergne remembers when she first noticed that the Latino Outreach Council was delinquent with the California Department of Justice. Naemi-Vergne—a council board member at the time—said that, in early 2013, she was horrified to learn that the nonprofit had failed to file necessary charity registration papers with the department since 2004. She brought the…
Wine money’s in the pipeline
As the foundational pieces of a proposed water district for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin work their way through Sacramento, financial contributions from stakeholders over the basin are seeping into the campaign coffers of the bill’s key sponsor. Katcho Achadjian, the state Assemblyman representing San Luis Obispo County, has sponsored AB 2453, which would create…
Measure Y inches forward
The decision could have been controversial, and it should have been controversial, but in the end the San Luis Obispo City Council was able to agree on Measure Y—with a few caveats. Leading up to the City Council’s May 6 meeting, locals anticipated that councilmembers might disagree on whether to move forward with a Measure…
I just can’t even
Apparently, Farmer Bob is at it again, cropdusting his fields with stupid gas, and given the record-level turnout of NIMBY, melodramatic, and just plain small-minded boobs over the course of the last week, there must have been one hell of a prevailing wind. Unfortunately, due to the sheer quantity of petty provincials, I can’t give…
My vote is for Caren Ray
Caren Ray is the best candidate for 4th District San Luis Obispo County supervisor. She has the background and experience this critical office requires. She does her homework and shows up prepared for the challenges of the office. She is an effective leader for SLO County. Caren has two degrees, including a master’s degree from…
My vote is for Mike Byrd
Those embarrassed by the bad behavior of elected county officials we have seen too often should vote for Mike Byrd for District 4 supervisor. He will set an example of respect for the position he serves in, and the people he works for: us! I’ve known Mike for some time. He has been a longtime…
Basin needs proper vision
Sue Luft and Jerry Reaugh are scrambling to justify their 18th century-style water district scheme, which would hand majority control of North County water to those with the most acreage (aka vineyard owners). Arguing their plan is similar to an irrigation district, and those who pay the most for water should have the greatest say…
Don’t elect officials with poor judgment
I recently got Morro Bay campaign literature from Carla Wixom and Nancy Johnson. Both candidates spoke about the need for controlling sewer costs, and Carla accused our elected officials abandoning the most cost-effective solution to the sewer. I would point out that their most cost-effective solution was to build the new plant on the existing…
Ted Nugent deserves no listeners
I must admit I was a bit surprised when I heard the news that obnoxious loudmouth Ted Nugent was coming to play at the Vina Robles concert venue up there in Paso Robles. Have the powers that be forgotten so quickly about the public relations disaster that followed Nugent’s gutless, hateful appearance at the Mid-State…
Keep the change
May shame be upon the City Council of San Luis Obispo for erecting these worthlessly flamboyant meter donation stations as some sort of preventative measure against homeless people asking for change (“Common cents,” May 1). Wasn’t that what Obama wanted? What’s the big deal? Tell homeless people “no” if you don’t want to give them…
Prohibition is over
Madam Mayor and Mr. Vice-President, Prohibition ended more than 80 years ago. The mayor, along with Cal Poly’s vice president of student affairs, has asked bars to stop opening early on commencement day. This is the mayor’s request, not the city’s—and certainly not mine. Our “leaders” should stop interfering with personal choice in the consumption…
I believe in one person, one vote
My husband and I are an older couple in our 70s and 80s living on a fixed income. We have owned our home here in Creston since 1974. We have weathered all the droughts since then, but now, due to the drought combined with the unlimited groundwater pumping by the vineyards, our well is in…
