Cover Story
Passion to give: We wouldn’t have history or art without the work of those who volunteer for a cause
Welcome to 2020! It’s always at the beginning of the year that New Times shows its appreciation to the volunteers who give their time working for something they are passionate about. In this year’s Volunteers Issue, Assistant Editor Peter Johnson talks to the folks who dreamed up the SLO Railroad Museum and brought history to…
Anam Cre’ Studio celebrates two decades of sharing the art of pottery making with the SLO community
Book a class Pottery classes at Anam Cre’ can be booked through the studio’s website at anamcre.com/schedule. The studio is located 1243 Monterey St., No. 100, SLO. Call (805) 896-6197 for more information. Situated in the “MoJo District”—where Monterey and Johnson Street intersect—Anam Cre’ Pottery Studio is a SLO Town staple. I walk into the…
Petrale sole almondine
Locals already know about Spoon Trade. Some Grover Beachlings may even call it the most wonderful restaurant on the planet. Chef Jacob Town is legend, especially among his culinary peers. He sources ingredients locally and seasonally, changes the menu often, and makes fresh pasta every day. And good news has arrived: Spoon Trade is now…
Volunteers 2020
Welcome to 2020! It’s always at the beginning of the year that New Times shows its appreciation to the volunteers who give their time working for something they are passionate about. In this year’s Volunteers Issue, Assistant Editor Peter Johnson talks to the folks who dreamed up the SLO Railroad Museum and brought history to…
Wine History Project screens prohibition documentary
A commemorative screening of America’s Wine: The Legacy of Prohibition takes place at the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum on Friday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. An additional showing is also scheduled at the Monday Club in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events are hosted by…
Bombshell depicts Fox News’ toxic misogynistic culture
BOMBSHELL What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10 Jay Roach (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Meet the Parents) directs semi-fictionalized drama based on the true story of several women—including Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron)—at…
Cunningham bill would ‘close loophole’ on police officer investigatory records
A new bill introduced by Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) would make public the personnel records of police officers who are accused of sexual assault—even in cases where the officer resigns before an internal investigation is completed. Last year’s landmark police transparency legislation in Sacramento—Senate Bill 1421—made these officer investigatory records accessible to the…
From rags to stitches: SLO Seamstress tackles mends big and small
Need a mend? “SLO Seamstress” Rachael Hansen can be reached at sloseamstress@gmail.com or (805) 709-1836. For some people, it takes decades of painstaking trial and error to find a true passion in life. Some never find one. Rachael Hansen found hers before she finished elementary school. Hansen was just 10 years old when she joined…
Hatewatch: The Witcher
When? 2019 What’s it rated? TV-MA Where? Netflix The Witcher may not be Game of Thrones, but it can learn some lessons from that show. There are some key differences: The Witcher does not have nearly as many primary characters—the hero, Geralt, played by Henry Cavill, is established from the jump. And, perhaps more significantly,…
We want your questions: 3rd District supervisor candidates square off
San Luis Obispo County 3rd District supervisor candidates will square off in a Jan. 15 forum hosted by New Times from 6 to 8 p.m. in the SLO County Board of Supervisors Chambers. Incumbent Adam Hill and challenger Stacy Korsgaden will answer questions on county issues that night and we want your input. We want…
By the Sea Productions presents The Odd Couple
By the Sea Productions’ iteration of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple opens on Friday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. The show is directed by Lisa Woske and is scheduled to run through Sunday, Feb. 16, with performances every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and every Sunday at 3 p.m. General admission is…
Film Listings, 1/9/20 – 1/16/20
All theater listings are as of Friday, Jan. 10. BOMBSHELL What’s it rated? R Where’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10 See Split Screen. FROZEN II What’s it rated? PG What’s it worth? Full price Where’s it showing? Stadium 10, Sunset Drive-In Pick Co-directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee (Frozen) return to helm this…
Cass Winery hosts Hitched and Knotted convention
Cass Winery hosts a wedding planning convention, Hitched and Knotted, on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. The winery’s Barrel Room will transform into a display of various Central Coast-based wedding professionals, including florists, photographers, and dessert artists. Featured businesses include Ashley Rae Photography, Cameron Ingalls Photography, Just Baked Cake Studio, and Zest…
Extreme politics have no place in local government
In the aftermath of the discovery of SLO County Planning Commissioner Jim Harrison’s incendiary and snark-witted Facebook posts, we should not mistake them as just another example of “free speech” gone awry, but rather as part of a cancer of white nationalist and anti-Constitutional bigotry spreading under the Trump presidency. As a former Republican who…
People at their best
Somebody left a copy of the Dec. 19 New Times issue in the company bathroom with the cover story “Cash Only.” I thought, “Really? People actually pay six bucks for a bottle of beer? Unbelievable!” The next day, someone had the paper open to the page with the Russell Hodin cartoon of the presidential seal…
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers play the SLO Vets’ Hall on Jan. 11
If you’re looking for a rollicking good time, look no further than Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a ripping blues, soul, and rock act that will make its annual stop at the SLO Blues Society at the SLO Vets’ Hall, this Saturday, Jan. 11 (doors at 7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $25 at Boo Boo Records, my805tix.com,…
Like-minded people stick together
San Luis Obispo County 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton—who appointed “Citizen Of The Year” Jim Harrison to his (like her own) non-partisan post on the Planning Commission—knew exactly who Jim was. The reason that she appointed him had nothing whatsoever to do with qualifications for the job, but rather it was simply that he is…
Jim Harrison resigns from Planning Commission amid controversy
After facing intense scrutiny over several controversial Facebook posts comparing Democrats to Nazis and calling for Islam to be banned, Nipomo resident Jim Harrison resigned from his post as a SLO County Planning Commissioner and declined a “citizen of the year” award. In a Jan. 2 press release, the South County Chambers of Commerce announced…
Sea otter tax check-off
Many people who live on or visit California’s Central Coast have been delighted by the sight of wild sea otters. The California sea otter is an iconic species and critically important to coastal ecosystems and healthy marine habitats. Yet, despite their importance, sea otters are still in trouble. The sea otter population has increased in…
Paso discusses potentially reverting back to at-large elections
Paso Robles was the first of several cities in San Luis Obispo County threatened with litigation over its policy for electing city council members, and it could also be the first to reverse its decision of changing to a by-district election. However, the Paso City Council was hesitant to move forward with any action to…
An oath to tell the truth
It is fitting that Al Fonzi’s latest screed is titled “More distorted facts” (Jan. 2). His depiction of the Trump impeachment is, of course, informed by his support of Trump regardless of Trump’s actions, but twisting the facts to support Fonzi’s biased view does not change reality. Fonzi claims, “Republicans were denied access to witnesses”…
Two other Los Osos residents protest high water bills
More Los Osos residents are appealing their higher than normal water bills to the Los Osos Community Services District (CSD)—the second wave of such protests in just a few months. Disputed bills of $864 and $571—for residents living on Baywood Way and 9th Street, respectively—are up for protest hearings on Jan. 9 in front of…
Reflections from a week-long trip to a sparsely-populated Caribbean paradise
Growing up in California, my family vacations usually entailed destinations close to home. We often made weekend trips up to San Francisco, as well as the occasional East Coast venture to visit extended family members. As far as the archetypal “tropical getaway,” I was fortunate to visit Hawaii with my family. But for my East…
Templeton will begin searching for a full-time fire chief
After the successful passage of Measure A in August 2019, the Templeton Community Services District will continue its effort to provide comprehensive emergency response by starting to look for a new fire chief. “This really is the plan that Measure A was built upon,” Community Services District (CSD) General Manager Jeff Briltz said. Measure A…
March for change
Join us as we march to demand justice in San Luis Obispo County on Jan. 14. Join our cry for justice, truth, and transparency. Our March for Justice is focused on seven cases of injustice propagated by law enforcement, social workers, prosecutors, and/or local judges. Government employees regularly fight to withhold evidence that will show…
Survey shows support for sales tax increase in Grover Beach
Grover Beach recently completed its second-ever community survey, and the results are in: Roughly 65 percent of 452 residents surveyed said they’d likely support a half-cent sales tax increase in November 2020. At a Jan. 6 Grover Beach City Council meeting, city staff reviewed the results of the 2019 community survey, data the city says…
What is environmental justice?
Environmental justice is one of those things most readily understood, and keenly felt, in its absence. As we all embark on the first year of what may be a pivotal decade in human history, this seems like a good time to have a conversation about environmental justice. The Sierra Club will be hosting one such…
Atascadero’s Wild Fields Brewhouse is open until 11 p.m. on the weekends, folks … so grab a bite and a beer after the flick
Crafted for A-Town Wild Fields Brewhouse is located just off El Camino Real and Highway 41, across from the Galaxy Theater: 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more on Wild Fields, visit Facebook, Instagram, or…
tRump’s America
Back in 2016 when Donald J. Trump was running for the presidency, he said that after he was elected, “We’re gonna win so much you may even get tired of winning and you’ll say please, please Mr. president, it’s too much winning!” At the time I thought, “That’s crazy talk!” I have to admit, however,…
Wine time
Are you familiar with gewurztraminer? Gruner veltliner? How about zwiegelt? Then you must enter the Austrian grape varieties zeitgeist with the Goddess of Wine, Denise Lowe for a Tasting Austria in Atascadero wine tasting with snacks on Jan. 13, at Fossil Wine Bar, 5992 Entrada Ave., Atascadero, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets, $40 ($35…
Paso’s LXV Wine Lounge displays the quintessentially Southern California work of Carrie Graber
Wine and art Carrie Graber’s art pieces will be on display at LXV’s Library Room until March 31. LXV Wine is located at 1306-B Pine St., Paso Robles. Visit lxvwine.com or carriegraber.com for more info. Located on the historic Pine Street in downtown Paso Robles, the LXV Wine Lounge has a simple and unassuming exterior…
Eat and learn
Local food legend, Farmhouse Corner Market Executive Chef Will Torres, is teaching a meat sous vide class for us mortals! Sous vide is a cooking technique that utilizes precise temperature control to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results. This technique recently became popular for home cooks. The class—Jan. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Farmhouse Corner…
Sound off
New Times readers took to Facebook to share their thoughts on our Jan. 2 news story, “Nipomo ‘Citizen of the Year’ facing scrutiny over offensive Facebook posts.”
Misc. nibbles
Caliwala Food Market & Deli, 2200 El Camino, Santa Margarita, is having its grand opening celebration on Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. Come see what chef Kyle Hunsicker has been adding to the grab and go: grass-fed beef and vegan empanadas, house-made mac ‘n’ cheese, and fresh, vegan soba noodles with veggies. Δ Flavor writer…
