Cover Story
Season of love: New Times’ annual Weddings issue has stories about a historically busy industry, dresses without stress, becoming a minister, and the rise of the mini ceremony
After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Times’ annual wedding issue is back—and the wedding industry almost didn’t skip a beat. Although some wedding celebrations were put on temporary hold and then had to make adjustments in 2020 and 2021, 2022 is moving full speed ahead for tying the knot. This…
A letter to recognize public outreach
This open letter is meant to honor CAPSLO (Community Action Partnership of SLO) employees who’ve graciously helped me in numerous ways since June 2016. When I was released from a care facility to continue healing from a broken leg, I was given the phone number to call CAPSLO, a nonprofit organization, and instructed to call…
Central Coast wedding professionals support one another as they ride the highs and lows of COVID-19
After a tumultuous 2020 that was upended by COVID-19, local wedding photographer Leana Myra decided she would take most of 2021 off—focusing her time instead on raising kids at home during a pandemic. When she finally reactivated her wedding website this past December, the 13-year industry veteran quickly saw “the wedding boom” that her peers…
Boycotting corporations
I applaud Russel Hodin for making the connection between economic activity and the disinformation campaigns plaguing our country—and hinting at how an economic boycott could be effective. His latest drawing (Feb. 3) alludes to Neil Young refusing to sell his music through Spotify because Joe Rogan’s podcast spews COVID-19 disinformation. I would be happy to…
Epiphany Bridal Boutique fulfills wedding dress dreams with honesty and personal communication through the pandemic
Book your slot Go to epiphany-boutique.com/make-an-appointment-choose-your-location to schedule an appointment for wedding dress shopping and fittings. For same-day appointments, depending on availability, call (805) 439-1218. San Luis Obispo resident Audrey Lariz knew she hit the jackpot when she tried on the first wedding dress suggested by a local bridal store. True to its name, Epiphany…
The problem with stakeholders
Former Morro Bay Mayor Janice Peters got it wrong in her suggestions for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (“Modified proposal,” Jan. 27). The process most certainly does not need a stakeholders group. During the creation of marine protected areas along the California coast, I was proud to have played a small role, during…
Become a minister in five minutes and perform marriage services
Get ordained Visit getordained.org to become an officially licensed minister with the Universal Life Church. In five minutes, you, too, can marry your friends. What does your dream wedding officiate look like? Are you thinking dignified, temperate, and stately? Maybe clad in traditional vestments or a clerical collar or chasubles? For me, it was one…
Big energy fights solar
The Santa Barbara Planning Commission recently voted to deny ExxonMobil’s proposal to restart offshore drilling and truck oil to Kern County on the dangerous and windy Route 166. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will make a final decision in March. Meanwhile, we face another threat to California’s goal of 100 percent clean energy…
COVID-19 or cost stopping you from wedding planning? SLO Pop-up Weddings might have the minimony for you
An intimate ‘I do’ SLO Pop-up Wedding offers all-in-one wedding packages for couples planning small elopements and ceremonies across the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara up to Paso Robles. Check out their offerings at slopopupwedding.com. Jaime and Alec Buxton had their dream wedding planned for 2020: a traditional ceremony with close to 100 of their…
Conservatorship
The colorful antics of dysfunctional Hollywood celebrities are always a great source of voyeuristic entertainment and occasionally shadenfreude, but they can possibly lead to real problems for the rest of us. The Britney Spears melodrama may be one such case, as our craven, vote-hungry politicians react and pander. For the few of you who weren’t…
Moonfall is a total disaster
MOONFALL What’s it rated? PG-14 What’s it worth, Anna? Don’t bother What’s it worth, Glen? Don’t botherWhere’s it showing? Downtown Centre, Galaxy, Park, Stadium 10 Co-writer/director Roland Emmerich helms this disaster flick about Earth’s moon falling out of its orbit and threatening to destroy our planet. Conspiracy theorist and amateur “megastructurist” K.C. Houseman (John Bradley)…
Ethics schmethics
What does it take for a school district to save $2 million and not abide by the language laid out in a bond measure that voters passed to update campuses and facilities? Musical chairs, but with hundreds of students, teachers, parents, and all of the equipment, books, and accessories that come with them. Fun! It’s…
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2022 Where’s it showing? Netflix Kristen Bell gives it her best deadpan humor in this first season of Netflix’s new series. We soon learn that Anna’s life is far from perfect. Her husband is now an ex,w and her daughter died at the age of 9 following a tragic encounter…
Georgia Brown to stay open, eventually switch campuses with Glen Speck
After more than a year of uncertainty over the future of two Paso Robles elementary schools, a narrow vote finally set the fate of more than 1,000 students. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District’s Board of Trustees voted 4-3 on Feb. 8 to move Glen Speck Elementary School to the new campus being built on…
The Shooting
What’s it rated? G When? 1966 Where’s it showing? HBO Max This largely forgotten gem from 1966 recently found its way to HBO Max, and for any serious cinephile, it’s essential viewing—an existentialist Western with a minimalist style filmed in the Utah desert in 1965 by director Monte Hellman at the same time as Ride…
Arroyo Grande delays decision on tiny homes on wheels
The Arroyo Grande City Council tabled an ordinance on Feb. 8 that would have amended accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations and established guidelines for tiny homes on wheels. But the long meeting had an unusual beginning. Four of the five City Council members, including Mayor Caren Ray Russom, recused themselves for having conflicts of interest…
SLO Rep changes new theater plans, asks for money amid rising costs
Skyrocketing construction costs have put the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre’s long-discussed plans for a new downtown performing arts center out of reach. Now, SLO Rep is revising its project design and asking the city of SLO for a $3.94 million boost to help get it to the finish line. “We were determined not to…
Muskie Love is a must-see at the Great American Melodrama
Lakeside seats The Great American Melodrama presents its production of Muskie Love through March 12. Performances take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. Attendees are required to wear face coverings throughout the show, except when actively eating or drinking. The theater is…
North Coast superintendent announces retirement after large pay increase
The superintendent for Cambria and Cayucos school districts secured an unexpected raise earlier this year, despite parent outcry. Just one month later, he announced his retirement. “I want to thank the trustees for their recent vote of confidence and pay increase that they have provided for me,” Cayucos Elementary School District Superintendent Scott Smith said…
Vic’s Cafe keeps comfort food and the classic American diner alive in Paso Robles
Classic comfort Learn more about Vic’s Cafe, which has been serving classic diner dishes and comfort food since 1942, at vicscafepasorobles.com or call (805) 238-3988. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/vicscafepasorobles. The restaurant is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day and is located at 841 13th St., Paso Robles. Mark Schwartz has…
SLOPD seizes $1 million worth of narcotics in trafficking case
San Luis Obispo witnessed one of its largest narcotic seizures in recent city history, not just in total quantity but also in the number of different types of drugs recovered. At approximately 11 a.m. on Feb. 3, the SLO Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) uncovered narcotics totaling more than $1 million in estimated street…
Gallery at Marina Square holds joint reception for February artists
On Saturday, Feb. 12, Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay will hold a joint reception for Jeff Odell, Debbie Gedayloo, and Stevie Chun, as the venue’s featured artists for the month of February. Each of the artists’ respective exhibits will remain on display at the gallery through Sunday, Feb. 27. According to the gallery,…
Attorneys argue over SLO County Patten Map at redistricting hearing
The legal arguments are in from both sides of the San Luis Obispo County redistricting battle. Following a crucial Feb. 9 hearing, presiding SLO County Superior Court Judge Rita Federman promised a prompt ruling that will likely determine which district boundaries are used for the District 2 and District 4 county supervisor races in the…
Clark Center hosts annual fundraiser with the Central Coast Follies
The Central Coast Follies presents its 20th annual fundraiser production, A Whole Lot of Nonsense, at the Clark Center for Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 20, and Sunday, Feb. 27, starting at 3 p.m. both days. Proceeds from the show benefit Parkinson’s disease research. To date, the Central Coast Follies—a local group of volunteer singers…
Discussing death: Hospice SLO hosts Death Cafes via Zoom
Ever since the late East London resident Jon Underwood founded and hosted the first Death Cafe in his home in 2011, such gatherings have cropped up with surprising speed across the world. The Death Cafe world map shows countries speckled with green markers noting the locations of thousands of Death Cafes—currently, there are 13,671 of…
Thee Sacred Souls bring their old school falsetto soul sounds to SLO Brew Rock on Feb. 10
As always, check with venues before you arrive in case a show has to be canceled at the last minute, but there’s some dope-ass shit this week, starting with old-school soul act Thee Sacred Souls, whose Jan. 12 canceled concert was rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 10, at SLO Brew Rock. Presented by (((folkYEAH!))) and SLO…
A near-term disaster
Thank you for publishing a lengthy, well written article regarding climate change and the psychological impact of watching it unfold (“Stressed out about climate change? Experts discuss ‘eco anxiety’ and tools to fight it,” Jan. 27). The author noted the stages of grief that one would go through losing a loved one if compared to…
What we’re doing isn’t working
It is unfortunate and disheartening that Sam Blakeslee and Greg Gillette are not receiving more traction and input on their efforts to look at current apparently ineffective ideas to reduce homelessness in our county. I believe they are running up against a roadblock by our now created Homeless Industrial Complex. Individuals involved with different nonprofits…
