SLO Life Apr/May 2017

LIFE 

SLOmagazine 

BEHIND THE 

SCENES 

MODERN 

FARMHOUS 

BY THE 

NUMBER 

BUSINESS 

INSIG 

LO 

ON THE 

RISE 

NOW 

HEAR 

THIS 

WINE 

NOTES 

TASTE 

ND 

DS 

slolifemagazine.com 

APR/MAY 2017 

MEET 

SARA PETERSON 

PURSUING A VISION 

& BREWING SUCCESS 

APR/MAY 2017 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | 1

2 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | APR/MAY 2017



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SLO LIFE 

magazine 

CONTENTS 

Volume 

8 

Number 2 

Apr/May 2017 

40 

SARA PETERSON 

We met up with the award-winning 

barista to discuss family, passion, 

and of course, hard work. 

14 

16 

18 

20 

Publisher’s Message 

Info 

On the Cover 

In Box 

10 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | APR/MAY 2017 

32 

34 

Timeline 

We look back at the most recent newsworthy events from 

around the Central Coast over the past two months. 

View 

Local photographer ASHALA TYLOR captured the magic 

of our landscape in full bloom.


| CONTENTS 

36 

38 

54 

56 

Q&A 

The newest member of the San Luis Obispo 

Board of Supervisors, JOHN PESCHONG, 

stops in for a visit. 

Music 

With a solo album already under her belt, 

songwriter REESE GALIDO talks about 

what influenced her unique brand of music. 

On the Rise 

San Luis Obispo High School senior 

KANNAN FREYALDENHOVEN performs in 

the classroom, on the court, and in concert. 

Dwelling 

Four couples unite to breathe new life and 

purpose into this ranch-style home. 

72 

78 

80 

82 

Health 

Always on the trail of what’s hot and what’s not, we’ve 

chased down the latest and greatest in health trends. 

Storytellers’ Corner 

New York Times bestselling author FRANZ WISNER 

explores the magic behind a successful business. 

Insight 

After analyzing the numbers behind Cal Poly’s demand 

for San Luis Obispo’s off-campus rentals, many 

readers were left wondering: What about Cuesta? 

Taste 

Resident foodie JAIME LEWIS discovers the many 

diverse and delicious ways to prepare and devour the 

most unassuming veggie—cauliflower. 

62 

66 

70 

Architecture 

In partnership with the American Institute 

of Architects, we present two top-ranking 

projects along the Central Coast designed 

by local architects. 

Real Estate 

We share the year-to-date statistics of 

home sales for both the city and the county 

of San Luis Obispo. 

Explore 

Out and about, PADEN HUGHES enjoys a 

taste of local flavor. 

90 

92 

94 

96 

Kitchen 

Spring is in the air and nothing says Easter like deviled 

eggs. CHEF JESSIE RIVAS turns tradition on its head 

with his fresh, unique recipes. 

Wine Notes 

With our local vineyards recently flooded by rainstorms, 

JEANETTE TROMPETER wonders how the wine grapes 

are faring. Check out this new feature for the scoop. 

Brew 

Beer enthusiast BRANT MYERS tours the newly 

expanded SLO Brew facilities and shares his thoughts. 

Happenings 

Looking for something to do? We’ve got you covered. 

Check out the calendar to discover the best events 

around the Central Coast in April and May. 


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| PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 

Ammu 

Recently, I was asked to give the toast at my grandmother’s 95th birthday party. It was an honor, but, to be 

honest, also quite humbling. 

My mind wandered. What was I going to say? My grandma—my cousins and I call her Ammu—has 

achieved rock star status in our family, so the pressure was on. I started off by Googling her birthday: March 

10, 1922. Wow, I thought to myself, it was the day Mahatma Gandhi was thrown into prison for sedition. 

That’s heavy stuff. But not as heavy as all the other stuff she lived through, and personally experienced. The 

family farm went bust during The Great Depression. She lost her little brother during World War II. Yet, 

despite the setbacks, and there were many, she always kept moving forward. As part of my preparation, I 

talked to family members who have known her the longest. Even though I had heard all of the stories before, 

for some reason I thought about them differently this time, especially when viewed through the period of 

history that I have lived so far. 

To contrast with Ammu, who is part of The Greatest Generation—a remarkable group of Americans who 

selflessly banded together to save the world from tyranny—I am from Generation X, also known as the 

“slacker/loser” generation. And, I am a card-carrying member. Right now, as I ponder my thoughts and type 

this letter, I’ve got a Nirvana album playing in the background, and Kurt Cobain is singing “Dumb”: I’m not like them, but I can pretend/The day is done 

and I’m having fun/I think I’m dumb/Maybe just happy. Like my taste in music, my sense of style veers toward the early 90’s, too. “Grunge” is my preferred 

look; give me a flannel, some ratty jeans, a pair of Sambas, and I’m good. And similar to many of my fellow Gen Xers, I’m pretty much skeptical of 

everything and reluctant to join anything. 

It has been said that people are shaped by the times in which they have lived. Ammu grew up with her family huddled around the radio listening 

to F.D.R. talk about “fear itself,” sometimes wondering when the next meal would come. My friends and I, on the other hand, were sprawled on the 

couch watching “Thriller” on M.T.V. Ammu could tell you all about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and where she was when it happened. I can tell you 

about Darth Vader walking down the hallway of a rebel ship in the opening scene of Star Wars. The list goes on and on. There is just no comparing The 

Greatest Generation to Generation X, or Baby Boomers, for that matter. Millennials? Please. 

For as long as I can remember, Ammu had this little placard on her desk inscribed with these words: “Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down 

or polishes you up, depends on what you are made of.” And, I think that’s just it. Our trials, our setbacks—the grindstone—make us who we eventually 

become. For Ammu, she spent a lot of time with that grindstone, which is why her light shines so bright now. For me, and my generation, not so much. 

Maybe we’ve had it too easy. Most of our wounds, it seems to me, have been self-inflicted. We have not had to endure a worldwide calamity, didn’t face 

any real challenges to our liberty or to our existence as a people. Of course, many of us, individually, face untold hardship on a daily basis, but that is not 

what I am talking about here. I’m talking about the type of adversity that defines a period of history. Wars, famine, plagues—not Apple eliminating the 

headphone jack on the iPhone 7, although that did suck. 

At the end of my toast, I thanked Ammu for her example and for showing us the way. And, I meant it. So many of us have lost our way, I believe, and 

have forgotten what matters. Especially in this day and age where being a Republican or being a Democrat has somehow become more important than 

being an American. Maybe it has been too long since we have had to slog through tough times together. My grandma’s legacy is that example, and it’s a 

gift to all of us, a reminder of what is best about our country and its people, especially when we are tested. Even though I’m just a lowly Gen Xer, I know 

that I can rise to the occasion, and I have faith that my brothers and sisters from sea to shining sea can, too. 

Speaking of “seas,” I spent the week at the Catalina Island Marine Institute a month or so ago with my son Donovan and his sixth grade class as 

a chaperone. It was a fascinating experience, not because of the curriculum—the only thing I remember from the oceanography program is that a 

Garibaldi is orange, oh yeah, and it’s our state fish—but the fascination came from watching the kids interact with one another. The boys were hilarious, 

just like I remember being when I was with my buddies at that age, and all the fart jokes are just as funny to me now as they were back then. But, what 

is different, I think, is how naturally they come together to collaborate on just about everything, working out problems as a team. I don’t know if that is 

something that is learned, or innate. Nature or nurture? Or, maybe this stuff can skip a few generations. Whatever it is and wherever it comes from, I’m 

feeling optimistic about this group of kids and whatever they decide to call themselves—except slacker/loser, that’s already taken. 

I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone who has had a hand in producing this issue of SLO LIFE Magazine and, most of all, 

to our advertisers and subscribers—we couldn’t do it without you. 

Live the SLO Life! 

Tom Franciskovich 

tom@slolifemagazine.com 


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CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Sheryl Disher 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Paden Hughes 

Dawn Janke 

Jaime Lewis 

Brant Myers 

Jessie Rivas 

Jeanette Trompeter 

Franz Wisner 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Blake Andrews 

Becky Clair 

Vanessa Plakias 

Ashala Tylor 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Have some comments or feedback about something you’ve read here? 

Or, do you have something on your mind that you think everyone should 

know about? Submit your story ideas, events, recipes and announcements 

by visiting us online at slolifemagazine.com and click “Share Your Story” or 

email us at info@slolifemagazine.com. Be sure to include your full name and 

city for verification purposes. Contributions chosen for publication may be 

edited for clarity and space limitations. 

ADVERTISING 

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NOTE 

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 


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Letters chosen for publication may be edited for clarity and space limitations.

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| ON THE COVER 

A SNEAK PEEK 

BEHIND the scenes 

WITH SARA PETERSON 

BY VANESSA PLAKIAS 

I asked Sara to meet me at the Foothill Scout location, the only 

thing is that it was open for business. When I arrived it was 

completely packed, line out the door. Every seat was filled. I 

thought, “Wow, this is going to be a really interesting shoot— 

we’ve got to figure out a way to work around this.” So we had to 

do our thing while everyone was there drinking coffee, which was 

actually a lot of fun. 

There’s a big sign inside, 

it’s hand-painted and it 

says, “Drink it in.” There’s 

a story behind that. When 

she was a little girl, Sara’s 

dad was all about road 

trips to museums or going 

to see the Liberty Bell. 

Anyway, Sara said that she 

would be beyond bored 

in the car and her dad 

would say, “Look out the 

window and drink it in.” 

You know, take it in, take 

in your views, take in your 

experiences. I thought 

it was so cool, such an 

important part of life. 

Especially now, with all of 

our electronic devices, it’s a 

good reminder. 


Sara and her husband Jon were very 

sweet. They’ve known each other forever. 

You could see that they were definitely 

best friends, very comfortable, and also a 

true, solid team. They’re also, and I found 

this so interesting because I feel it makes 

for a great leader, they’re so down-toearth 

and inviting and welcoming, but 

professional and rigid enough where you 

knew there were certain lines they would 

never cross, certain rules you always 

follow, and a certain way to behave. We 

were at the counter and I said just for 

Sara said her favorite plant is a Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, 

fun, “Why don’t you give each other a 

which is really on trend. I’ve noticed more people using it 

kiss.” They sort of giggled and said, “We for decorating. She says she always carries little pruning 

don’t allow our employees to do that.” I shears in her purse, which I thought was so cute, and if 

said, “Aw, come on.” And they decided to she’s walking around town with her girls and sees some 

bend the rules a bit and sneak in a quick, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, she clips some pieces and puts 

little smooch. It was so adorable. them in the shop. SLO LIFE


| IN BOX 

You said it... 

SLOm a g a z i n e 

REAL ESTATE 

BY THE NUMB 

BEHIND 

THE SCENES- 

NOW 

HEAR 

THIS 

slolifemagazine.com 

FEB/MAR 2 017 

CENTRAL 

COAST 

EVENTS 

LIFE 

CONNECTING 

WITH STORY 

HEATING UP 

KITCHEN 

LOCAL 

TASTE 

ON THE 

RISE 

2017 

HEALTH 

TRENDS 

MEET 

LESLIE O’CONNOR 

LEADING THE FUTURE 

& INSPIRING SUCCESS 

Many thanks for your continued attention to 

the factors affecting our quality of life in SLO 

in your article CAP AND GOWN. As long-time 

residents of the city, we are among those 

who sadly left our wonderful home near 

campus. We agree it’s time for city leaders 

to forcefully address with Cal Poly the issue 

of increasing admissions without adequate 

student housing on campus. 

— ELLEN HARPER AND MARTIN LUSCHEI 

You captured the heart and soul of Leslie O’Connor in the 

well-written article MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR. Being Irish, I have 

toured the country, with the exception of Northern Ireland. This 

interview really enlightened me to the realities of living there at 

that specific time. 

— PATRICK MCCANN 

In the article CAP AND GOWN, you said it, and based upon 

the numbers that neighborhood activists have been collecting 

and citing to the city council, you got it right. Another factor to 

consider: the parents of Cal Poly students are the wealthiest in the 

CSU system and they can afford to buy up the supply of single 

family homes for their student and four or more friends to live 

close to campus. The trend started years ago, before Cal Poly 

made any commitments to building on-campus housing or capping 

enrollment, but now it is part of a “tradition” to live off-campus 

if you are a sophomore or higher. What student in her right mind 

wouldn’t prefer to live off campus? More freedom. 

We have a great town. Cal Poly is a great university. I belong to 

both; both are an important part of my life. I love the fact that I 

can lobby the city with my issues, including occasionally giving 

the city a “way to go!” Ditto for our staff, and ditto for Cal Poly 

administration. But, as your article points out, we have our craggy 

edges. Our new mayor recognizes it, too, as do the other council 

members. So, we all just need to keep working at this Town 

and Gown matter so we who live here, whether permanently or 

temporarily, can continue to value what we bring to the whole. 

— SHARON WHITNEY 

Thank you so much for keeping a light on our major 

problem in SLO: the lack of housing due to the pressure 

of a student population that has become too large for our 

small city. In the article CAP AND GOWN, your numbers 

are correct, but reality is even bleaker when you add 

7,000 students from Cuesta College to the 13,000 Cal 

Poly students who live in the city, plus the 800 Cal Poly 

graduate students not listed in the general enrollment. 

Furthermore, students who vote in SLO are included in the 

census, thus inflating the general population of the city. 

Consequently, we can safely conclude that almost as many 

students as permanent residents live in the city. We have 

become the old woman in the shoe, with so many children 

we don’t know what to do, but if we try to do something, 

we are soon branded as “anti-student.” 

This may be why, for decades, various city councils did 

nothing to solve this problem. And now the new “build 

baby build” policy is worsening the crisis because the 

city is building dorms in the north part of the city instead 

of housing for families. Places like ICON on Taft rent for 

$1,000 a month per bed. The city also wants to build 

similar dorms in the middle of a family neighborhood on 

Palomar, and at the unsafe corner of Foothill and Chorro, 

a commercial area, and the city council has the arrogance 

to call these dorms “workforce housing” or “affordable 

housing.” Obviously, Cal Poly will not build student 

housing on their land if the city does it for them, nor will 

they consider capping the number of students. We need 

a forceful council that listens to the residents and acts 

with them, not against them. Next time you vote, instead 

of following the Tribune’s choice or listening to the usual 

promises of the candidates, please go online, look at the 

candidates’ past actions, and ask yourself: Who has done 

the most for the residents? Who has spoken time and 

again on their behalf? Presently, we are pretty much on 

our own, and it is up to each one of you to decide whether 

you want to join the growing list of residents who have 

decided to fight back. 

— ODILE AYRAL 


| INSIGHT 

CAP 

AND 

GOWN 

BY TOM FRANCISKOVICH 

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Let their experienced Certified Senior 

more housing has, in itself, a significant effect on visitor boards spend their days looking at ways to bring even more people into the city. Most 

demand. Imagine for a moment whole that cycle we snap repeats our itself at the of those end of visitors, Advisors the summer of course, take will you 14,000 not on require students a tour permanent in to its find residential housing, the neighborhoods. but some small percentage— 

For a town the size of San Luis Obispo, at 

fingers and thousands of homes when magically a entirely appear new crop of commonly students arrives the wealthy in the ones of 45,000 retirement or so, age—will that is equal decide to a to whopping relocate to 33% San of Luis the Obispo. permanent population. Did you catch 

Retirement Home or Community that 

along with thousands of new residents, neighborhood. and every The one thing that does work is that? Cal Poly’s off-campus population is one-third the size of the city itself. Some of the 

having someone from SLOPD Another show mechanism up fits to write your a in demand 

loved ones students, creation 

Medical, of is course, budding 

Financial live outside technology of town, industry. but the Businesses vast majority such 

person who wants a home in San Luis Obispo gets 

live in apartments and singlefamily 

fast as homes the people near campus. they can Let’s hire. And imagine those for people a moment, need just a place 

big, fat ticket. And double fines as MindBody are doubly can effective. only grow as 

one. What would happen then? Naturally, traffic 

as we did with our supply-side 

Counterintuitively, this approach to live. also Additionally, has and the Social effect if you of needs, dig discussion, still at a little NO that deeper, Cost we to snapped you you. find our that fingers demand and also every exists single a one multigenerational 

the neighborhood way: permanent residents campus instead. with children Go ahead, who close go off your to college eyes next and and picture few return years, all to 14,000 and plant despite trying to soften the declaration at times, has never really made his 

would increase. There would be less open space. 

of those students was housed on 

maintaining relationships within Water would become more scarce. And the squishy, 

of those students suddenly 

roots; or, those permanent residents who have parents from out of the area intentions who move clear. to the So, taking his word at face value we’re talking 25,000, which is 3,700 more 

Recently, the City of San hard-to-quantify Luis Obispo uniqueness invited that lands its San residents Luis to comment on the proposed Avila 

city to be closer to their grandchildren. Since the population has remained students relatively than stable are enrolled over now. Let’s look forward in time from there, and understand that if 

Ranch development, a Obispo 720-home on all of those neighborhood “best of ” lists would that certainly would the be years, built it would on the seem south this phenomenon end of does town. not move The demand in any the significant university way, continues but it 

decline. As a result, fewer people 

with the same annual 4 to 5% growth rate that it has had in recent 

Any would want attempt to 

Planning Commission to solve it by increasing supply will be an exercise in futility until there is 

live was here interested because, well, it’s in just hearing like any other from city. the In community is another factor on which matters should be such taken as into traffic account. flow 

years, it would take just another two or three years to then have arrive at 6,100 additional 

and water supply and other quality words, of while life—but the idea of are “build a cap those more on houses” the Cal right Poly’s 

students, which would mean that we are right back to exactly where we started in terms of 

Neighborhood questions? enrollment wellness, also that known is as quality coupled of life, is with another a factor mandate of demand, for although on-campus housing 

will offer an increased supply at a reduced price, over 

available housing, and people who need somewhere to live. 

it is rarely considered as such. While city has been cracking down on aberrant behavior in 

the long term it will also decrease ratios. demand as To the attempt recent a years, solution the new council any has other already significantly way is, at softened best, its approach. intellectually So, In how a recent can we city expect dishonest. to make any meaningful plans going forward if we do not know what 

character and the charm of the city erodes under the council meeting, SLOPD Chief Deanna Cantrell asked the councilmembers to expect to extend in terms the of demand from Cal Poly? The answer is that we can’t. And we won’t until 

Local policymakers weight of its are increased population First supply, and because, overburdened frankly, it’s easier period to of tackle. double The fines City early of San into Luis March. Obispo She has cited longembraced 

much a policy better than of slow attempting growth. under Over to manage the many weight years the of city Cal leaders Poly students hanging have remained during out, tossing vigilant a drunken Frisbees early in morning front of one party expressed 

among her reasons the a roof cap coupled that collapsed with an on-campus housing mandate is instituted. The university has recently 

constant infrastructure. hand-wringing 

of on the March many 

a desire 

brand 7th, to house 

new village-style 

65% of its students 

communities 

on campus. But, what does that mean? Is that 

mode over what they in their situation protection individually, and preservation because two of the years open dispatch ago. space, After calls which rebuffing has come across the at chief the Cal ’s expense Poly’s request, sprawling of the council campus. then Now, adopted imagine 

a firm a new commitment? 

all “party of those empty 

And, 

houses 

how soon? 

left behind 

Are we 

in 

talking 10 years from now? 20 years? 30 years? 

lament 

Now, 

as a “lack 

what are 

of 

the other 

development. 

inputs are for anonymous the 

As 

demand 

a result, and side 

the no one housing registration gets singled stock—or program” out. supply—has The whereby remained your those neighborhood, wishing relatively to constant. host some a party of them within blighted a neighborhood from lack of upkeep and repair. Okay, keep your 

And, equally can important: notify What will be the size of the student body? Will it be 25,000? 30,000? 

affordable 

of our 

housing.” 

equation? 

The 

When Oprah 

Fundamentally, city’s decreed decision from 

there to her 

is essentially one way, and the endorse city one of way neighborhood their only, intentions to affect the and, eyes supply thereby, closed, curve: sidestep and build think the more fines about that all the commonly people you know: your mail carrier who lives in Grover 

35,000? go along 40,000? with It is time to stop looking through this issue in terms of good or bad. At the 

problem, 

couch 

however, 

back in 

is 

2011 

that 

that 

houses. 

San Luis parties Within 

Obispo will the certainly was 

category 

the have of “build a disrupting detrimental more houses,” the effect peace on there and are quiet. several Beach It is different not because a leap approaches: she to realize can’t find that a rental the very for existence her family in San Luis Obispo, your kids’ teacher who 

heart of of it, a “party most residents understand that Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo are inextricably 

no one 

“Happiest 

has taken 

City 

a hard, 

in America,” 

massive, 

it neighborhood did 

sprawling 

to the city 

suburban wellness, what 

neighborhoods as Chief registry” Cantrell, is tantamount such who as Avila has to Ranch inviting lives and students in the Atascadero 500-home to have and San parties. hates Imagine the commute, this conversation the police officer who moved to A.G. because he’s 

linked—our success between 

she does to every product she raves is their success, and vice versa. It is time to set aside our emotions for a 

sober, emotionless look Luis Ranch quickly about: 

development developed it sold a out. 

proposed reputation two for for college the her old communityminded 

downtown 

kids: Dalidio “Hey, Property; dude, did tired or, you you of know dealing can that go for with you density can parties sign by up when with he’s the off city duty. Now, picture all of those people moving into 

From a purely economical standpoint, moment to have a and party abandon now— our vision for how things should be, or used to be, or could have been, in 

at the numbers in the encouraging 

the approach demand to high-rise policing, and construction; understands. they won’t or, ticket And, you you can anymore?... change those the Whoa, suddenly zoning seriously, Nicole within vacated Pazdan, we’ve existing homes. never CSA, How had a would party your neighborhood be different? How would your 

curve shot through the roof. And, favor before of because a dispassionate we look at the math—because numbers don’t lie. 

same way a cold-blooded neighborhoods over putting time, to the a allow spotlight deterioration for detached totally of the granny didn’t quality flats; want of or, life to ordinances pay that stupid city could be fine. be different? Now put in we’re place gonna to sign up for sure and have one here, too!” 

on the city had a ripple effect, within and soon our every neighborhoods other 

CEO studies a balance sheet. In will erode demand for our 

There is no denying that San Luis Obispo has been an exceptional host to Cal Poly—there’s 

media 

the middle 

outlet was 

of permit residents to put “tiny homes” in their backyards. Within the city limits, those are the 

publishing headlines Clearly, the numbers tell us that the San Luis Obispo housing crisis is due to demand, not 

product, with the City articles of San Luis My Obispo, family has itself. lived At least, in a neighborhood on the north end of town, two-and-a-half a reason that miles 

the histrionics is a simple supply-demand high school seniors are not clamoring to get into CSU Dominguez Hills—and 

that read, “Must 

curve. options. They are the only options. 

visit…” or “Top supply. Any attempt to solve it by increasing supply will be an exercise in futility until there is a 

on place the north to live…” end of The town. from Cal Poly, going on nine years now. I can tell you, unequivocally, that the there city is has one gained thing, 

The inputs that drive both the supply side and the 

so much from the university. But, like any good relationship, there has to 

secret of San Luis Obispo’s charm had been leaking and only one thing, that deters cap this on sort Cal of Poly’s behavior enrollment from our that students. is coupled Fines. with a mandate for on-campus housing ratios. To 

be an We equitable have tried 

demand side are not difficult to grasp. Let’s have a So that covers supply. But, before we can move on to demand, we have to revisit supply for a 

give and take. Sometimes things get out of balance. Right now things are out 

out for years, of course, but Oprah Let’s threw return gasoline to the numbers. everything: The single bringing greatest them cookies attempt when a solution they move any in, other stopping way is, by at with best, intellectually dishonest. Still doubt the numbers? 

of an balance. occasional And box we of 

look at each of them. 

moment to consider an interesting phenomenon that may not be quite so obvious. Building >> 

are all paying for it in the form of a citywide housing crisis. It is well past 

on the fire. With demand already driving high force and with of housing a demand donuts, in attending San Luis block parties, Let’s exchanging do some phone simple numbers back-of-the-envelope (including those calculations together. Assume for a moment that 

time of for their Cal parents), Poly to do its part to both rein in the demand curve and allow our policymakers 

76 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | FEB/MAR fantastic 2017 product to sell, local organizations Obispo—second such place as is not talking even close—comes with them when from there both is a problem, Avila Ranch even and having San a Luis few of Ranch them are over built. That would result in somewhere around 1,220 

Cal Poly students living off-campus. Currently, the new homes. Assume again that every remaining 

to create for dinner. 

family 

meaningful None 

on the north 

plans 

end 

for 

of 

its 

town 

permanent 

packed 

residents. 

up 

It is well past time—either voluntarily 

the Chamber of Commerce and various tourism and 

it works. On those rare occasions when it does, it’s a momentary reprieve, 

university enrolls about 21,300 students and houses, and moved into one of those new homes, freeing 

through 

and then 

up 

collaboration 

the >> 

an equal number 

in the 

of 

form 

rental 

of 

homes 

some type 

that 

of “housing summit,” or involuntarily through 

give or take, around 7,300 of them on campus. 

litigation, or perhaps both—for Cal Poly to cap its enrollment and establish on-campus 

78 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | FEB/MAR 2017 

Contact This us today for will FREE house placement five students assistance. each. Five times 1,220 is 6,100. Anyone paying attention knows that 

means that the city is burdened with housing some Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong has an 

housing 

intention 

mandates, 

to grow 

so 

enrollment 

that San Luis 

to 25,000 

Obispo 

over 

does 

the 

not 

>> 

become a city consisting solely of Cal 

Poly students and wealthy retirees who like to watch Oprah. SLO LIFE 


(805) 546-8777 

elderplacementprofessionals.com 


Want to share your Thoughts? Email us at: 


FEB/MAR 2017 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | 76 




Tom Franciskovich’s article, CAP AND GOWN, raises absolutely the right 

questions about the SLO housing “crisis.” To discover what will happen to SLO, 

should we agree to Avila Ranch or San Luis Ranch or similar developments? All 

that is necessary is to travel south to the San Gabriel Valley, Orange County, or 

other areas of southern California to see startlingly congested areas. In just the 

last 30 years, thousands of new apartments and townhouses have been built in 

those formerly uncluttered areas. With an average of two cars per apartment 

(in some cases, maybe three) there are essentially no parking spaces left on 

many residential streets, very little in the business districts, and the traffic 

on the major freeways (de facto “parking lots”) even in off hours, is worse 

than burdensome. Parking is already problematic in downtown SLO with the 

downtown parking structures often posted “Full” during working hours. More 

housing will only exacerbate the problem. Is it too much to ask that we do not 

destroy our city and continue to maintain SLO as the delightful town that it is? 

Tom’s suggestions about a cap on Cal Poly enrollment and additional campus 

housing is the only thing that makes any sense if we wish to keep some of 

the charm that makes SLO an excellent place to live and continue to be an 

attractive place for visitors. 

— D.D. TRENT 

Thank you for the well-written article titled CAP AND GOWN in the last issue of 

SLO Life Magazine. A cold look at the numbers is sobering and I couldn’t agree 

more that it is now time for Cal Poly to make tough choices and hold up its 

end of the housing bargain. However, I fear there is a big gap in the numbers 

presented in the article due to the omission of Cuesta students. In times past, 

the community college was just that—a junior college that was attended by 

local residents. Many lived with their parents while preparing to enter a CSU 

or UC system school. I suspect, but do not have any hard data, that this is 

no longer the case. It is well known that out of area students move to SLO 

to attend Cuesta because it is perceived as a feeder school for admission to 

Cal Poly. According to an online source enrollment at Cuesta in about 11,000 

students (with about 5,000 at full-time). With this sizable population and the 

stark reality that Cuesta provides no on-campus housing it is possible that 

Tom Franciskovich’s “back of the envelope calculation” has the potential to 

significantly underestimate the overall demand for off-campus housing. 

— J.F. MARLIER 


| IN BOX 

We hear you... 

I have lived here in San Luis Obispo since 1982. I 

was very impressed with the thoughts and logical 

presentation of Mr. Franciskovich regarding the 

lack of affordable housing in this city. I agree with 

his summary of the supply side of the housing 

argument in the article CAP AND GOWN. There 

are no other supply side options besides those 

he brought forth—either sprawling developments 

with housing that is priced for the current median 

housing needs or the high density housing 

alternate for in-town apartments, which will not 

be very suitable for families. The option to change 

the zoning within the city to allow for detached 

dwellings would not solve the crisis either as 

this would not provide the number of units of 

housing needed. As Mr. Franciskovich points out 

the higher demand for housing is the revolving 

number of students attending Cal Poly and some 

from Cuesta College. There are geographic 

confining parameters that need to be factored 

into the expectation of Cal Poly President Jeffery 

Armstrong to increase enrollment from 21,300 

to over 25,000 in the next few years. There is 

simply not much in the way of land available for 

city housing in the vicinity of the university. The 

hills have been a confining physical barrier over 

the years hindering the development of the city. 

Without the university planning for a significant 

increase in on-campus housing there will be even 

more of a student demand for in-city or nearby 

housing. The approach our neighborhood (near 

Laguna Lake) has taken over the years is one of 

inclusion of any students who may move into our 

area. This has maintained a good neighborhood 

relationship. It is with some concern that I read 

about the new party registration program with its 

“if you register we won’t ticket you,” mentality. 

I believe, along with Mr. Franciskovich, that in 

order to maintain the order and attractiveness of 

this city to ALL visitors we need to appropriately 

control the overt expressions of loud gatherings 

in our neighborhoods. I also agree with his 

summary suggesting the need for a “housing 

summit” to mutually factor in the needs of the 

city and those of the university with regards 

to housing and population for planning for the 

future well-being of both the city residents and 

the Cal Poly students. 

— PETER RYNNING 

Nice article, CAP AND GOWN, from the last issue. I thought it was 

a cogent presentation of the factors driving all these projects. 

My sister and I, along with several neighbors living on Davenport, 

Buckley, Hidden Springs, and Evans roads attended a meeting 

downtown recently to protest the size of the developments and 

the environmental impacts they seem destined to ignore. Some of 

these are in violation of state pollution and land use rules. We don’t 

think this is going to be affordable housing, but that it will be sold 

to the highest bidder. We also do not believe there is any way to 

prevent it from becoming another neighborhood where eventually 

it will not be families, but large numbers of college students. 

The traffic infrastructure will not change in any appreciable way, 

ludicrous descriptions of “turn pockets” and a couple of bike lane 

changes on two very dangerous streets for cyclists; Buckley and 

Tank Farm roads. No widening of Tank Farm or Buckley. Although 

they say it will add 6,500 more car trips a day on Buckley alone, I 

don’t think that even comes close. Already the traffic gridlock in 

Edna Valley is evident on 227, Buckley, South Higuera, and Tank 

Farm, to say nothing about LOVR. All of these roads now have 

about three or more rush hours a day. It’s not just 4 p.m. And that’s 

right now, without all this build-out. 

I do believe if you follow the money, getting the green light on 

these projects has a lot more to do with funding city pension 

coffers than pressure from the state to grow our city to the point it 

will lose the charm that brought us all here. It’s already happening. 

Also, I agree that Cal Poly is the boon and bane of SLO’s existence, 

and they have not done enough to provide on-campus housing 

including attractive accommodations for older students who want 

to live outside the dorms. 

Thanks for illuminating the issues further and breaking them down 

into cause and effect using real math. Before anything gets built I 

think the developers and the city/county should have to provide 

the traffic infrastructure to handle the huge increase in traffic and 

pollution that these projects will cause. There are few of us who 

actually believe residents of these developments are going to walk 

to work, take buses, or all ride bikes. 

— DR. KAREN J. KRAHL, D.C. 

Editor’s note: We received a lot of feedback from readers on 

the “Cap and Gown” feature including, regretfully, more letters 

than we had the space to publish. Many of you also expressed 

concern that data regarding Cuesta College students should have 

been included in order for the article to be a truly comprehensive 

analysis. We take a deep dive into this subject in this issue. Please 

turn to page 80 “The Cuesta Question” for more. 


Please send your photos and comments to info@slolifemagazine.com 

Follow SLO LIFE on Facebook: Visit facebook.com/slolifemagazine 

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Letters may be edited for content and clarity. To be considered for publication your letter should 

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| IN BOX 

Take us with you! 

Hey, SLO LIFE readers: Send us your photos the next time you’re relaxing in town or traveling 

far and away with your copy of the magazine. Email us at info@slolifemagazine.com 

TULUM, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO 

EASTER ISLAND 

At the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. 

SLO LIFE, don’t leave home without it... 

— STEVE PRATT 

TASMANIA 

Definitely a trip of a lifetime to Easter Island! Even 

the rain could not drench our enthusiasm for the 

Moai statues and SLO Life Magazine. 

— CAROL MEES AND DIANE CLAUSEN 

KA’ANAPALI, MAUI 

Here I am on my yearly trip to see my family of 

Tasmanian Devils with my great nephews at “Edge 

of the World” in Western Tasmania. 

— LUCINDA BORCHARD, PELLE & MAX EASTMAN 

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| IN BOX 

ANTARCTICA 

STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST 

My granddaughter Meryl and I went on the 

Quixote Expedition to Antarctica. Amazing 

scenery… icebergs, ice floes, snow covered 

mountains, volcano, penguins, seals, whales, 

and much more. There was a scientist on board 

studying whales... can they smell? 

— DONNA MEHLSCHAU 

We’re enjoying SLO Life Magazine while riding the 

chair lift to the summit at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort 

in Stanislaus National Forest. Retirement from 

public office has allowed me time to enjoy my 

favorite winter sport of snow skiing. 

— DAN CARPENTER 

SITKA, ALASKA 

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

MARIA SOLES 

Here we are on an extended celebration of our 60th 

Anniversary, at the fascinating Sitka Sound Science 

Center, in charming little Sitka, Alaska. 

— CHUCK AND LIZ CLARKE 


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| IN BOX 

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO 

NEW ZEALAND 

Here we are with our SLO Life Magazine on a bike 

trip in New Zealand! 

— ROAR BERG-JOHANSEN AND BONNIE BRUERD 

Next to SLO... one of our favorite places in the world 

... “Ocho Cascadas” in Puerto Vallarta! 

— BRAD AND GRETCHEN WILDE 

ROME, ITALY 

BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA 

We love the SLO Life! 

— ED AND BARBARA DAWSON 

Coastal Christian High School European Trip. 

Enjoying the Colosseum. 

— CARLEE SANTANA, DANIELLE SHOCK, 

ELEANOR AYERVES, BRENNAN AND 

LINDSAY BUTIER 


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| IN BOX 

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AVILA BEACH 

Here’s a photo of 

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Please send your photos and comments to info@slolifemagazine.com 

Follow SLO LIFE on Facebook: Visit facebook.com/slolifemagazine 

Visit us online at slolifemagazine.com 

Letters may be edited for content and clarity. To be considered for publication your letter should 

include your name, city, state, phone number or email address (for authentication purposes).

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| TIMELINE 

Around the County 

FEBRUARY ‘17 

2/10 

In a surprise move, Walmart announced that it had cancelled its plan to 

build a store in Atascadero, which derailed a decade of planning and debate 

within the community. In the wake of the news, city officials scrambled to 

find a replacement for the long-awaited 123,000-square-foot project that was 

expected to generate approximately $580,000 per year in sales tax revenue. 

Although Mayor Tom O’Malley initially expressed disappointment, he later 

showed optimism for an alternative plan. “This property is already assembled, 

the plans are approved, the zoning is right,” he said. “It’s a lot of potential and 

there’s a lot of folks looking [at it].” 

2/7 

After more than four hours of deliberation, the SLO 

County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to send a formal 

statement to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration) in opposition to the creation of the proposed 

Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, which would 

have effectively banned offshore oil drilling on the Central 

Coast. After hearing comments from some 100 attendees 

at the meeting who spoke in favor of the sanctuary by a 2-1 

margin, the board split along ideological lines: conservatives 

Debbie Arnold, Lynn Compton, and John Peschong opposed 

the sanctuary, while progressives Adam Hill and Bruce Gibson 

supported it. 

2/13 

At least two personnel complaints were filed with the City of SLO after a 

six-minute video aired at the SLO Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner. The 

video, produced by Fire Chief Garret Olson, who emceed the event, shows various 

chamber employees, volunteers, and City Manager Katie Lichtig playing roles in 

the short film, which the firefighters’ union characterized as “a highly offensive 

sexual objectification video of city firefighters.” In response, the city authorized 

$50,000 for a Santa Ana law firm to investigate the matter, which alleged 11 

violations of city workforce-related policy against Olson and Lichtig, including 

sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming of city officials. As of this writing, 

the investigation remains ongoing, but city staff has requested another $20,000 

allocation from city council after already using the initially allocated $50,000. 

2/17 

SLO City Council voted unanimously to suspend the 

controversial Rental Inspection Program as it moves toward a 

full repeal. The program, which was adopted in 2015, sought to 

inspect rental properties for health and safety code violations 

had so far reviewed 915 homes finding 763 needed remediation; 

422 of those had been corrected with 341 outstanding and 116 

requiring significant repairs. Some permanent residents at the 

meeting called on councilmembers to ask Cal Poly to foot the 

bill for the eventual replacement program, reasoning that most 

of the city’s renters are students. Councilman Dan Rivoire 

demurred, “That’s not to say we shouldn’t reach out, but Cal 

Poly wouldn’t bear the entire cost burden.” 

2/21 

The ongoing division within the SLO County Board of Supervisors was 

exposed again during a debate over parks in Nipomo. In an impassioned appeal, 

South County 4th District Supervisor and Nipomo resident Lynn Compton 

proposed priority funding for Jim O. Miller Memorial Park, Jack Ready 

Imagination Park, an expansion of Nipomo Community Park, and new facilities 

at the historic Dana Adobe. At the heart of the debate was a discussion as 

to whether or not fees generated in a specific geographic area should also be 

spent in the same place. After a heated discussion over countywide spending 

priorities, the board eventually voted unanimously to add the four Nipomo 

parks’ construction projects to a five-year plan for capital improvements. 


MARCH ‘17 

3/7 

In a move that many described as “stealthy” and “underhanded” and which some 

legal experts suggest was a violation of the Brown Act, the SLO County Board 

of Supervisors made major policy changes without properly notifying the public. 

By a 3-2 vote, with the conservative bloc comprised of John Peschong, Debbie 

Arnold, and Lynn Compton in favor, and progressives Adam Hill and Bruce 

Gibson against, a multi-million dollar revision to county policy was made to the 

meeting’s inconspicuous agenda item: “Receive an update on the implementation 

of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Strategy. All 

Districts.” Arnold began the discussion offering that she had “just a couple of 

changes.” She then presented a pre-prepared revision of the current policy, which 

would shift the burden for payment for studies of overdrafted groundwater 

basins from the private landowners, including corporate-owned wineries, to 

the county, which was estimated to cost $2.2 million per year. The Brown Act 

mandates transparency by requiring all major expenditures be announced to the 

public and fully disclosed so that taxpayers can weigh in on the matter before 

any legislative action can be taken. 

3/14 

Following a two-day hearing where approximately 200 

citizens expressed their opposition, the SLO County Board 

of Supervisors denied the Phillips 66 proposal to build a 

rail spur for its Nipomo Mesa refinery, effectively ending 

the oil conglomerate’s appeal of the planning department’s 

permit denial. With John Peschong recusing himself from 

the vote—his consulting firm had worked with the company 

in the past—the lone dissenting vote came from Debbie 

Arnold, who expressed concerns about the potential for gas 

prices rising if crude oil was not allowed to travel through 

the county by rail to the refinery. Although the action settles 

the matter for now, Phillips 66 could still appeal to the 

12-member Coastal Commission as well as continue to fight 

the county’s decision in court. 

3/21 

Thirty-year-old Matthew Frank, who was better known 

3/16 

as the “SLO Stringer,” was killed in a single car accident 

The current and former co-owners of the local news blog, Cal Coast News, 

when his vehicle left the road on Highway 101 North 

Karen Velie and Dan Blackburn respectively were ordered to pay $1.1 million 

near the Santa Margarita exit. Frank was reportedly on 

in damages after a jury found the pair guilty of libel. Arroyo Grande-based 

his way to Atascadero at around 3:50 a.m. to cover a 

businessman Charles Tenborg had filed charges against the pair after the website house fire for his blog. Frank’s alias was derived from a 

alleged incorrectly that he had received a no-bid contract with the Integrated 

newspaper term—a stringer is a correspondent, usually 

Waste Management Authority (IWMA), was fired from his previous position, a freelance reporter, who is not a permanent staff 

and was encouraging his clients to break state law. Testimony at the trial from 

member. He was noted for often being the first on the 

the website’s current editor, Bill Loving, a Cal Poly journalism professor, was 

scene to provide raw, unedited information to the public 

countered by a journalism professor at San Francisco State University, Venise 

ranging from updates concerning the Chimney Fire to 

Wagner, who found that the blog had relied on “hearsay” from a group of 

drunk driving arrests, and did so on a purely volunteer, 

anonymous sources and characterized the article as “all innuendo.” community service basis. SLO LIFE 


| VIEW 

MOUNTAIN 

OF GOLD 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHALA TYLOR 

When she was six, or maybe seven years old, Ashala Tylor fumbled 

around with an old Kodak Brownie camera, slowly rolling it back 

and forth in her hands, then peering through the viewfinder. The 

cheap, not-much-more-than-a-cardboard-box was interesting and 

oddly familiar, comforting. It was not long after that she began 

capturing images, mostly landscapes and nature scenes. The camera 

allowed her to see the world differently. 

Originally from the Bay Area, life led her to Hawaii where she 

raised her family as the years ticked by. There was so much to 

shoot on the islands, which fed her passion that by then had 

transformed into art. The mainland beckoned in the mid-80’s 

and she found the Central Coast, a place she calls “a true 

photographer’s paradise.” Now settled in Paso Robles, Tylor 

supplements her photography work as a freelance court reporter. 

Because she is able to pick and choose her hours, she can plan 

extended excursions with her camera. Recently, she returned 

from Spain where she hiked the Camino de Santiago. Before 

that it was China. All the way along pointing and clicking. 

“Photography is best when it is combined with travel,” she 

reasons. “But, when I’m home, my favorite spot is Montaña 

de Oro.” It was a spring day a few years back when she was 

walking the ocean bluff, hand-in-hand with her favorite 

hiking partner: a Canon 5D Mark II. The sun was dropping 

quickly, taking its warm embrace along with it for the night, 

but she was in the perfect spot. Before her unfurled a carpet of 

wildflowers marching like lemmings off the cliff into the ocean 

below. The name, Montaña de Oro, was given to the 8,000 

acres south of Los Osos that is now a State Park, by visiting 

Spaniards who, after spying the same hillside from their ship 

bobbing offshore, declared that they had discovered 

a “mountain of gold.” SLO LIFE 



| Q&A 

Tie Breaker 

Newly elected to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors but no stranger 

to Central Coast politics, JOHN PESCHONG, of Templeton, is widely expected 

to push the county in a more conservative direction as he breaks an increasingly 

contentious ideological impasse formed between the progressive faction, made 

up of Adam Hill and Bruce Gibson, and conservatives Debbie Arnold and Lynn 

Compton. We spent some time getting to know him… 

Tell us about yourself, John. I’m from Los 

Angeles originally; third generation Californian. 

Born in Santa Monica. My dad is from the 

Palisades. I actually grew up in Tarzana over 

in the San Fernando Valley. I went to Loyola 

Marymount University. My dad and mom moved 

up here, retired up here in the late 80’s. My wife 

and I moved here with our two kids. We’re in 

Templeton. Been here nearly 20 years now. I own 

a small business that I’ve owned since about 2005, 

or maybe 2004. I have two partners in Sacramento, 

but I have my office in Templeton. I told them 

I wasn’t leaving. If we were going to set up a 

company together I had to stay here. My daughter 

is a freshman at Templeton High School. My son 

is a fifth grader at Vineyard Elementary School. 

He plays baseball, she plays softball. She’s in 4H. 

It’s a great life. It’s a wonderful place. 

And what is the status of your business now? I still 

own it. It’s called Meridian Pacific. I don’t do work 

in San Luis Obispo County anymore. For example, 

I’ve recused myself from the Phillips 66 vote because 

we have done some work for them over the years. 

The company specializes in public affairs work, a lot 

of public relations work for different corporations 

and candidates, conservative causes. It’s not a secret 

that local campaigns such as Lynn Compton’s 

and Debbie Arnold’s, Meridian-Pacific ran those 

campaigns. The same with Dan Dow, and so on. 

Why did you run for office? You know, I ran on 

a platform of smaller, more efficient government, 

lower taxes, and more personal freedom. But, I got 

into the race in the first place because my nephew 

was a Cuesta College student. Good kid. Went to a 

Christian high school. He got addicted to opiates, 

got addicted to heroin. Died of a heroin overdose at 

the age of 21. We have a problem in our community. 

We’ve got an opiate epidemic. And when opiates are 

hard to find, people move on to things like heroin. 

So, how do we deal with that? There has to be, I 

believe, two ways to deal with it. There has to be the 

enforcement side, which means getting the sheriff 

additional resources for the drug task force. But, also 

getting more access for people to get into programs 

so they can kick the drug habit. You know, rehab 

is expensive, but rehab works. I know a number of 

people who have quit using pretty heavy narcotics, 

but they’ve only done it because they’ve worked a 

rehab program that they actually bought into. So, 

I started talking about this issue on the campaign 

trail and I was amazed at the stories I heard from 

people who were also affected by drugs in their 

family. If none of the families in our county have 

to go through what our family went through 

when my nephew died then I will be very happy 

about that, because it is devastating. And there 

are repercussions that go on forever. 

Why conservatism? A lot of the political 

discussions around the dinner table when you 

grow up depend on the direction that your 

family took. You would pick these things up, 

listen to and talk about them. My family is 

conservative. Members of my family voted 

for John C. Fremont in 1856. He was the 

first Republican nominee for president and a 

Californian. I picked a lot of it up from my 

family and ran with it. I will tell you that in 

my formative years I volunteered for the Reagan 

campaign in ’80 and worked in the White House 

after I graduated in ’84. Just listening to President 

Reagan talk, the way he dealt with problems, the 

way he understood people, it really solidified things 

for me. I will tell you that the conservatism that 

I have, I believe, is very empathetic toward what 

people go through on a daily basis. 

Elaborate on that idea, if you would. A lot of 

times, from an empathy standpoint, government 

doesn’t feel the same way that you and I would 

feel about somebody’s plight. So, we need to find a 

way to make things better for people. That is what 

drove me toward it, because I think there is a way 

to do it, also, where it costs the taxpayer a lot less. 

So, the official conservative elements are there, 

but I want to be able to say that after four or eight 

years as a supervisor that we made a difference in 

peoples’ lives. That empathy toward individuals 

in our community is what drives me toward 

conservatism. I’ve been accused many times of not 

having a heart, or having a really small heart, but in 

reality I do and it’s through the shared experiences 

with my community, my family. I live in what would 

be considered a workforce housing neighborhood. 

Next door to me, the gentleman there is a prison 

guard. There’s another neighbor, a gentleman who is 

a police officer here in San Luis Obispo. Across the 

street is a fireman. There are CHP officers. Nurses. 

These are people who work for a living. I came here 

to represent those people, so that I can help improve 

their lives and the lives of their families. To me, 

that’s what it’s all about. SLO LIFE 


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| NOW HEAR THIS 

PLAYING WITH INTENTION 

Before local singer songwriter REESE GALIDO could speak English, she learned 

phonetically how to sing songs. “Filipino culture is full of songs. At every holiday, you eat 

and sing and eat and sing some more. And I have an aunt and uncle who were on the 

Hollywood jazz circuit, so I learned jazz standards at a young age.” 

BY DAWN JANKE 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY CLAIR 


UPCOMING SHOWS 

April 19 . The Kicks . Sandbar Santa Barbara 

May 19 . The Kicks . Frog and Peach Pub 

June 15 . The Tipsy Gypsies . Live Oak Music Festival 

June 23 . The Tipsy Gypsies . Concerts in the Plaza 

July 14 . The Kicks . Concerts in the Plaza 

August 24 . The Reese Galido Trio . Robins Cambria 

alido’s 2015 solo album, 

“Unraveled,” is filled with 

love songs that echo jazz 

classics, and she is planning 

another project with jazz 

favorites in dedication to her 

Gmom, who recently passed 

away. She explains, “I want to sing what I know; I want to 

get back to my jazz roots.” 

Like other female vocalists who can “sing beautifully and rip 

at the same time,” as she puts it, Galido has modeled her voice 

after Sarah Vaughan. She says, “Technically, I am an alto, so I 

love the basement notes that Vaughan can kick the crap out of; 

I listen to her a lot.” Galido also listens to Nina Simone and 

loves more contemporary artists like Melody Gardot “with her 

super low voice and amazing chord progressions and Becca 

Stevens—a mandolin virtuoso with a great voice.” 

Growing up among accomplished musicians, Galido’s youth 

was also filled with sports. A master tennis player, she came 

to San Luis Obispo in 1999 to attend Cal Poly on an athletic 

scholarship and led the team to a Big West Conference 

Tournament win in 2003 during her final season. “As soon as 

I graduated, I chucked my racket,” she says. “I started a reggae 

band and never looked back.” 

Galido has served as the front woman for reggae band The 

Kicks for the past 13 years. “The band has been a great gift 

because it gave me some of my best friends,” she says. The Kicks 

pay homage to old rock steady and roots reggae bands and 

try to keep it fresh by injecting jazz and blues into the music. 

Reggae is a genre that has always spoken to Galido. “The way 

the beats are organized,” she says, “I just love it.” 

Coming off of The Kicks’ first full-length album in 2011, 

which was produced with every single drumbeat scrutinized 

by Jim Fox, Galido’s 2015 solo album was an entirely different 

experience. Local guitarist Charles Duncan took Galido under 

his wing and produced the album. “I hadn’t even been thinking 

about doing an album at that time, but Charles is awesome and 

has a good feel for the music. He and I did this thing where I 

just performed and he recorded,” explains Galido. 

As Galido describes it, her solo work is a passion project. 

“Everything that I took from my aunt and uncle since I was six, 

all the jazz standards, and all the Elvis I listened to with my dad, all the musicals I 

know by heart, all the love songs and angsty acoustic Lilith Fair lady rock I raged 

to—that is my solo project.” 

Galido also performs as a backup vocalist with local jazz quintet The Tipsy Gypsies. 

“Their music is so good, and I’m really fortunate because [lead singer] Hilary 

[Langdon] and I are such close friends and we have a very compatible singing 

style.” The Tipsy Gypsies are currently recording an album at Laurel Lane studio 

with local musician Damon Castillo. 

Galido met Castillo and his band back in 1999. “At that time, I felt so lucky to be 

their friend,” she says, and recalls watching them play to thousands of people at 

Concerts in the Plaza. Both The Tipsy Gypsies and The Kicks will perform in the 

plaza this summer, and Galido couldn’t be more excited. “Concerts in the Plaza is 

so quintessentially San Luis Obispo, playing in front of the Mission, in front of the 

whole town. I feel honored.” 

Galido is also grateful for the queer activist work she performs with her wife. The 

two are part of SLO Progressives, the local chapter of NAACP, and Queer Crowd, 

whose mission is to “encourage a more consistently confident, colorful, egalitarian 

and engaged community.” She reflects, “one of the reasons I like San Luis Obispo is 

because it’s a network of support—we’re all very close and help each other out.” 

United We Rise: A Concert for Change, which followed the Women’s March 

earlier this year, is a particular event that fed into Galido’s commitment to activism. 

“It was such a labor of love in one of the most truly collaborative environments I’ve 

ever worked,” she recalls. For the unique event, concert co-organizer Shawna Marie 

assigned each artist to perform with others with whom they don’t regularly play. 

Galido’s group included Erin Inglish, Inga Swearingen, Hilary Langdon, and Talia 

Phillips-Ortega. 

In just two weeks, group members presented their 

songs, split up and learned the parts, had three 

practices, and performed live. “Each of us brought such 

different flavors to the group, so the songs we wrote, 

and expected to hear in a certain way, got something 

entirely new,” says Galido, which sounds like a nice 

message on the value of diversity and inclusion. 

The United We Rise collaborative experience is akin 

to what Galido loves most about San Luis Obispo. 

She shares, “What I especially liked about the show 

was that it inspired in each of us an affinity for one 

another.” She continues, “In everything there’s a level 

of intentionality we’re called upon to subscribe to, and 

right now that intentionality is most important.” 


DAWN JANKE, Director, 

University Writing & Rhetoric 

Center Cal Poly, keeps her 

pulse on the Central Coast 

music scene. 


| MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR 


RISE & SHINE 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VANESSA PLAKIAS 

A little more than three years ago, SARA PETERSON and her husband, along with their 

one-year-old daughter, rolled into town on a stormy San Luis Obispo night. The baby was 

crying, everyone was hungry and tired from the long drive. Getting out of the car halfway 

through the trip would be good, they reasoned. It was an open parking spot on Garden Street 

that changed everything. Recently, the couple unveiled the second location of their popular 

coffee shop known as Scout Coffee Co. on Foothill Boulevard. We sat down for a wide-ranging 

conversation with Sara about everything from California dreaming to motherhood to 

entrepreneurship to interior design, and just about everything in between. Here is her story… 


Alright, Sara, let’s take it from the top. Where 

are you from? Well, I was born in Grand Rapids, 

Michigan; and then my family moved to Ohio for 

my high school years, so I was around 13. I had a 

fine childhood, but I just remember being so bored 

in my backyard. I would pretend that I was in “Little House on the Prairie.” I had 

three brothers, so nobody would play with me. I was Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’d take 

my little red fire wagon and flip it over. I remember picking really tall stalks of grass 

then running them through the wheels like I was milling flour, so that I could make 

bread. I created this whole little pioneer life that I lived in my backyard. I’d pick all 

the moss off the tree and make a carpet and decorate my little pretend house that I 

lived in by myself. 

So, how’d you end up on the West Coast? I left Ohio when I was 18, and I 

remember all of my friends saying, “Wow, California.” And, I’d tell them, “Anybody 

can go. They’re letting people in. You can go, too.” I come from a really conservative 

background and my parents told me that they would help pay for school if I went 

to a Christian college. I had a scholarship in track, I ran the 400, to go to Azusa 

Pacific, but I visited Los Angeles and it just wasn’t for me. I made a last-minute 

decision to go to a small Christian college called Simpson University in Redding. 

It’s funny that I ended up in Redding; it’s way up north by the Oregon border. It 

wasn’t exactly what I had pictured when I dreamed of moving to California during 

my teenage years, but it was a start. During the first day of freshman orientation I 

met my husband, Jon. 

Tell us about that. We were good friends. He actually dated my 

roommate. We were just good buddies for a long time. Then, 

at some point, we dated. It was sort of on and off, and then we 

went our separate ways. I moved to the East Coast after college. 

I worked at a coffee shop all day long then at Applebee’s until 2 

a.m. It paid $2.13 per hour, which is the minimum wage there if 

you get tips. It wasn’t for me, so I set my mind to save for a car. It 

took me something like four or five months. As soon as I got it I 

drove straight to California. It took me only three days because 

I hardly stopped along the way. I went to San Diego where Jon 

was at the time. We got engaged, got married; I think we were 

about 24. We moved to the Central Valley, which is where he is 

from, and started working at a camp for obese adolescents. Jon 

was a fitness guy back in the day, and was hired on to do the 

physical education program there. I taught nutrition and did 

student activities to make it fun for the kids. We were there for a 

year or so when we could see that it was time to move on. 

What happened next? So, we got this book that was about all 

of the campgrounds in California. We drove around the state 

and we would camp in different places to try to find our place 

in the world, and try to figure out what to do next. We would 

fly fish, we would camp, we would swim; we’d just kind of figure 

out jobs for ourselves. We ended up in Santa Cruz because Jon 


had worked at a camp there when he was in high school. We connected 

with one of his old friends who was the H.R. director at Mount 

Hermon, and we both ended up applying for jobs there because you get 

free housing. We were like, “Hell yeah! We can work at camp; we love 

camp!” I grew up going to camp in Michigan and loved it, so I was like, 

“We can do camp life—that sounds great!” 

How long did that go on? We did that for a couple of years, but burned 

out pretty quickly. We said, “Man, it’s time to get off the mountain.” I 

started working with this coffee shop in Santa Cruz that was actually 

in a church, of all places, and they wanted to open up to the public. I 

had worked at Starbucks in college and at an independent shop in New 

Jersey, and I had all of this experience in food service at the camp, so I 

said, “Why not?” It was this super weird, funky church coffee shop with 

all kinds of creative people hanging around; they did concerts there, art 

shows. I told myself I’d do it just for a little while. There was this woman 

at the church, Marilyn. She was very French, very fancy; she was a 

pastry chef and made her own chocolates. She was so cool. One day she 

gave me a whole bunch of back issues of Barista Magazine. I had never 

heard of the magazine. I spent that entire weekend reading them; it was 

like a whole new world opened up to me. I read about these companies 

like Stumptown in Portland, and Blue Bottle, and Intelligentsia, and 

the other pioneers of the third wave coffee movement. I was just blown 

away that all this existed. I saw an ad in one of the issues for a barista 

competition in Berkeley, so I drove myself there to check it out. There 

were all of these people there going crazy for a team from Barefoot 

Coffee Roasters. 

Were they the hometown favorite, or something? Actually, no, I found 

out they were based in San Jose, so Jon and I went over to check them 

out. At the time we were roasting our own coffee at home with a little 

popcorn popperette in our kitchen. It was just a hobby of ours, but I was 

thinking more and more about making coffee my path. So, we asked 

the barista there what we should order—this was like 10 or 12 years 

ago—and she said, “Cappuccinos.” Everyone has their life-changing 

coffee experience, and that was ours. We were like, “Man, I didn’t know 

that coffee could be this good.” It was just so sweet all on its own. We 

were pretty broke at that point, but we’d buy one bag at a time, take it 

home and portion it out to make it last. It was a big treat for us. Around 

that time, actually, Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz opened their 

first shop on 41st Avenue. We went there to have a look and there were 

no customers. The owners there were so nice. About a week later I called 

them and said, “I met you guys last week. I’m actually helping a church 

open a coffee shop here in town. Do you guys sell coffee?” 

So, they were wholesalers, too? Well, I didn’t find out until later that 

they didn’t sell coffee wholesale, but they very confidently said, “Yes, 

we do!” when I asked. It was a great lesson. We were their very first 

wholesale customer. So, we got the Abbey—the church coffee shop was 

called the Abbey Coffee, Art & Music Lounge—set up to sell Verve 

Coffee. It was bonkers; just a crazy experience working with the church. 

It wasn’t the best fit for me. So, just about every week I would talk to 

one of the owners at Verve, just to pick his brain and ask questions. One 

day we went out to lunch and he offered me a job, but I didn’t know it 

at the time. He said it in a really weird sort of way, something about the 

universe this or that. I told Jon about the conversation later and he said, 

“He just offered you a job!” I ended up going over to manage his store, 

which wasn’t doing very well at the time. I had to fire some people and 

some others quit, and we sort of started over. Then, two years later, this 

was 2009, Jon got laid off and we lost our housing and had to move. We 

found this tiny, little granny unit. We were still on our savings plan. We 

shopped at Goodwill; we’d split a burrito. I kept working at Verve and 

Jon started getting really depressed because this was the middle of the 

recession and no one was hiring. No one was even interviewing. >> 

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So, what did he do? The guys at Verve asked him if he would be interested 

in driving the delivery van. He said, “Yes, absolutely!” It was like $8 an 

hour, but it gave him so much opportunity. There’s this quote that we both 

like, it’s by Thomas Edison, I think. It goes something like, “Opportunity 

is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like 

work.” Anyway, he would rotate the coffee bags at Whole Foods, and 

change out the coffee at New Leaf, and build relationships with vendors. 

After a while, stuff at Verve kept popping up and Jon would figure out 

how to help. They’d say, “Hey, can you do this? Can you do that?” And, Jon 

would always say, “Yes,” even if he didn’t know how to do it yet. One day 

they asked him if he could build their online store, and it now brings in all 

kinds of sales for them. Eventually, he became the marketing director and 

I was the retail director. Then, I found out I was pregnant. I kept working, 

and we now had three cafés. After a couple of months off with our new 

baby, I was back at work. And Jon’s schedule didn’t have any flexibility, so 

we were paying for childcare and just trying to navigate being new parents. 

We thought, “Well, this is dumb.” We started talking about opening our 

own shop. We sort of figured that it was now or never. Sunday afternoons 

were our only time together, so we’d drive around different Bay Area 

towns to see if there was a good spot for a new shop. We’d walk around 

and get a feel for it, and ask ourselves if we would want to live there. 

Could we raise a family there? We looked into a few locations, but then 

things would always seem to fall through. 

Tell us then, how did you find San Luis? So, our daughter, Lilly, turned 

one and Jon’s parents wanted to take her to Disneyland. We were like, 

“Okay, we’ll drive down to Disneyland for the day.” It was a long trip, 

and as we drove back home, we needed a break. We saw a sign for San 

Luis Obispo, so we pulled off the highway. It was like seven o’clock 

at night, the witching hour; Lilly is screaming. It’s raining and we’re 

looking all over for parking. So, we turn down this little side street, 

Garden, and find a place to park there. We get out of the car and right 

in front of us is this huge “For Lease” sign. I said, “Wow, that building 

is cute.” We’re both leaning against the glass looking into the space and 

I said, “Oh my gosh, Jon, this is it! I found it. Done. This is our store.” 

We talked about it the rest of the way home and called the landlord 

the next morning. He told us he could meet us there in 10 minutes 

and since we were 2 hours and 40 minutes away, Jon said, “How about 

three hours?” On our way to see the space Jon said, “Just be casual, play 

it cool.” I said, “Okay, got it. Play it cool.” After walking around I told 

Alex, the landlord, “Please don’t lease this space to anyone else!” And, 

Jon shoots me this look, like, “Calm down!” Alex said, “Don’t worry, >> 


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nobody’s interested. It’s been empty for four years.” 

Wow, so what came next? We went back to Santa Cruz, back to our fulltime 

jobs at Verve. Now we’re working on our business plan and trying to 

get financing. It was just getting rejection after rejection, one bank after 

another. We’d tell them, “It’s going to be clean; it’s going to be different; 

it’s going to be really good coffee!” We’d have our baby with us and they’d 

just kind of look at you, and then look down at your application and say, 

“Uh, huh.” After, I think it was the tenth rejection, we finally got a “Yes.” 

It was a small business loan that required us to put all of our money into 

the build-out before they would fund the loan. We took our entire life 

savings and got to work on building out the store. As crazy as it was, I 

just felt so at peace with everything. It took a lot of creativity since we 

did not have a lot of money to work with, but we traded with an architect 

in Santa Cruz. Jon designed some brochures for him and updated his 

website in exchange for the building plans. And, Alex, our landlord, had 

a friend named Roger, who was this old school San Luis good ol’ boy, 

a hunter/fisherman sort of guy. He was this surly old guy when we first 

met him. We were all enthusiastic and we’d tell him, “We’re going to do 

this! We’re going to do that!” He’d just stand back, kind of looking at you 

sideways, and almost under his breath, he’d say, “Right.” Okay, I get that 

you’re grumpy, but we’re going to do it. So, Jon would have Roger show 

him how to do stuff and the next morning he’d come back and all of the 

plumbing would be laid out how he demonstrated. I just remember feeling 

so helpless because I had a one-year-old and it wasn’t a kid-friendly zone, 

but I’d make sandwiches and do Home Depot runs. And I’d walk in and 

say, “No, this is a half-inch off here. This is all wrong. And this needs to be 

moved over there.” 

Crazy… This went on for about six months, and we were out of money. 

We almost went out of business before we opened our doors. I was 

looking into waitressing jobs. It’s very humbling when you are in your 

thirties and your mother-in-law is putting gas in your car and groceries 

in the fridge. We just had to get some income going, so we opened for 

business in January. It was just Jon and I behind the counter. That first day 

was really busy; so exciting. Then, the next day was totally quiet and we 

were freaking out thinking we were going out of business. We kept at it 

and things started to pick up, and we hired some help. But, it took Jon and 

I a long time, at least a month after bringing them on, before we would 

let them make coffee. We didn’t want people to come in and have just 

an okay latte. I don’t know how we made it through those first couple of 

months, the first year. It’s all a blur, really. I was pregnant during that time 

and I would sometimes throw up in the parking lot at five o’clock in the 

morning and then go do the bake shift. I was trying to hold it all together, 

but it was a relief to finally acknowledge that there were days when I 

would have rather been eaten alive than go back into work again.>> 


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How did you make it through? I’d just put on the concealer, the bronzer, 

and be like, “Good morning!” It was funny, or maybe sad, because it got 

to the point where customers would ask, “What are you doing today?” 

And, I’d always just say, “Working.” They’d be off to hike Bishop Peak, or 

paddleboard, or something cool. I still haven’t hiked Bishop. You know, I 

feel like I haven’t really gotten to live the SLO Life yet. After a while, I 

started to feel so lame for always working that I’d just make stuff up. I heard 

things about Terrace Hill, so I’d say, “Terrace Hill. Picnic.” It was around 

this time, I learned later, that Jon had been approached about building a 

second location at the new shopping center on Foothill. He kept putting off 

the developer, who kept asking about it. Finally, one day he brought up the 

idea with me. I said, “What?! Are you crazy?! We’ve got a newborn! A new 

business! No! No! No!” At some point we were in the car together and we 

drove past the location and all I could see was the Domino’s Pizza sign. I 

was like, “No way. Never. It’s a strip mall. It’s got no soul.” 

Well, something must have changed your mind. Jon kept getting calls 

and kept putting them off. He told them the timing was terrible, and it 

just wasn’t in the cards. Somewhere along the line they convinced us to 

take a look at the space, just walk around. I don’t know why, but we did. I 

had a crying baby, this time it was Everly, and it’s raining again; water is 

literally pouring through the ceiling. There’s dirt and rubble everywhere, 

so ugly inside; fluorescent green walls. But, for some reason, I don’t know 

why, it felt so peaceful. Out of nowhere I said, “Okay, this could be cute. 

This could work.” We could start to see a vision for the place, but then 

we went home and came to our senses. We said, “No” again and probably 

another six times after that. Life was just too crazy. I couldn’t even make 

dinner. We’d been eating quesadillas for like a year now, and I would cry 

in the kitchen because I couldn’t figure out how to get to the grocery 

store. I’m very focused on the present and really can’t think beyond what’s 

for dinner, and Jon is very big picture always thinking about where we’re 

going, where we’re headed, what we’re doing. Sometimes we have a hard 

time meeting in the middle. I’m always like, “Welcome to the present,” 

and he’s like, “Welcome to the future.” Over time, the deal started getting 

better and making more sense until we finally decided to do it. 

How long did this one take? It was another six-month build-out, actually, 

and we did all of the designs ourselves again. It needed a lot of work; it 

needed soul. The space on Garden already had that with the brick from 

1911, but this was a fresh slate, and it was really big. It was a challenge, 

but that was when I realized that we were on the right track. The first 

time we did this downtown we put signs up in the windows saying, “Scout 

Coffee—coming soon.” I remember being in the building late at night 

doing grout work and hearing random pedestrians walk by and say stuff 

like, “Geez, another coffee shop? We don’t need another coffee shop.” I’d 

be traumatized by that. This time around I couldn’t take it, so we didn’t 

put up any signage, but when we were inside working we’d hear people 

walk by and say stuff like, “Somebody told me Scout Coffee was going in 

here—I can’t wait!” Now, and I know this may sound weird, but sometimes 

I have these moments, almost like an out-of-body experience. I’ll be 

behind the counter and then all of a sudden, the doors are rolled open and 

the sun is shining in, and the music’s playing, and there’s a line out the 

door, and all the tables are full, and I just want to cry. I’m like, “They’re 

here! Thank you!” It’s fun, it really is. I honestly don’t know if you told me 

three years ago how hard this would have been if I would have done it— 

but now I’m so glad we did. SLO LIFE 






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| ON THE RISE 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 

Kannan Freyaldenhoven 

After much success at San Luis Obispo 

High School, this eighteen-year-old senior is 

readying himself for college. 

What sort of extracurricular activities are you involved in? I’m involved with 

Youth and Government (a model legislature and Court Program) as the 

delegation president, the Associated Student Body at SLOHS as executive 

council secretary, National Honor Society as secretary, as well as volunteering at 

Marian Hospital. I also enjoy playing Varsity Tennis here at SLO High School 

where I’m the Varsity co-captain. 

What recognition have you received? At San Luis Obispo High School I have 

been in the Top Ten since freshman year. I was also selected to be the California 

Boys State Delegate. I earned the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, was first 

place in the Lions Club Speech Contest for San Luis Obispo, and I am an AP 

Scholar with Distinction. Additionally, I earned second place in the Paderewski 

Youth Piano Competition, Senior Division, and was selected for the Piano 

Exchange Program to Poland. 

What is going on with you now? I have finished applying for colleges and 

scholarships and am enjoying my last trimester of high school. Tennis has recently 

started up, and that has been keeping me pretty busy. I’m making the most of my 

last couple months here in town by doing the things I love to do with those that 

matter to me most. 

What is important to you outside of high school? Playing the piano is something 

very important to me. I have been playing since I was six years old and now I’m 

proud to say that music has become a passion of mine, as I enter competitions and 

perform in concerts throughout the year. The Youth and Government Program 

is another thing that means a lot to me, as it has made me a more educated and 

confident individual while allowing me to make lifelong bonds with delegates from 

around California. 

Who has influenced you the most? I have been most influenced by my father. 

From my basic values and determination to achieve, to my dry sense of humor, my 

dad has helped create a large part of my character. I admire his work ethic as well as 

his ability to help others as a doctor, and I hope to one day become a man like him. 

What do you want people to know about you? I want people to know that I think 

kindness is one of the most important traits in a person. I strive to be kind and 

helpful and aspire to impact people’s lives. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself either in a medical career 

or training for one. I hope to be continuing with the pursuit of my passions and 

interests while helping others along the way. 

What schools are you considering for college? I am considering the University of 

Chicago, Columbia, Williams College, and Harvard—among others. Now it’s just 

a matter of waiting and hoping for the best! SLO LIFE 

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| DWELLING 

SECOND ACT 

Fifty years ago, Led Fortini popped the question at the Madonna Inn. Having grown 

up in Paso Robles, it was a blonde bombshell from Los Angeles that caught his eye 

one day on campus at Cal Poly. It was not long before the pair were busy raising 

their two young children, remodeling homes, and running a business. Always 

together, working toward shaping a better space, a better environment, whatever 

form that took at the time. As life unpredictably unfolds, sometimes hindsight 

reveals a series of sequential chapters, each one making the next one possible. 

For the Fortinis, the page opened to a new scene in a most unexpected way. 



new clients were a perfect fit. For Anne Fortini, an interior designer, 

the assignment was right in her wheelhouse. A beautiful new home was 

being designed for the Las Ventanas neighborhood in Arroyo Grande, 

and Mark and Patty Woolpert needed someone who could guide them 

through the process from the very beginning. Over the three years that 

spanned conception to move-in, the professional engagement morphed 

into a friendship. When putting the finishing touches on the home, which 

Anne determined needed rugs, she suggested a trip to San Francisco where 

every possible style was available. “I told Led,” Anne shares, “you have 

to come with me to keep Mark company because he’s going to get really 

bored, really fast.” Over the weekend, small talk became bigger talk, when 

someone wondered aloud, “Led, what are you going to do when you retire 

after your business is sold?” 

It was a question Led had been pondering, as well. His Paso Robles-based 

company was on the market, so it was only a matter of time. “There’s this 

little vineyard off Broad Street that’s for sale,” he revealed. Coming from 

a family of winemakers, it felt like a natural second act. Mark replied 

58 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | APR/MAY 2017The

excitedly that he knew exactly what vineyard he was referring to, and that 

he drove past it every day. Led then talked about his love for bocce, how 

it connects people, and how he saw it as an integral part of the winery he 

imagined at the corner of Broad and Biddle Ranch at the edge of Edna 

Valley just south of San Luis Obispo. The more Led shared his vision, the 

more Mark leaned in to listen. Rugs began losing their appeal, and the 

trip was rerouted to a bocce club in Los Gatos. After playing a round, the 

couples settled in for lunch. Mark picked up the phone, called his realtor, 

and made arrangements to visit the vineyard on the way back home. 

The property needed TLC. You could tell that it had been loved, but the 

owners were ready to move on. For a long time it sat on the market—they 

were asking for the moon, yet property values were just beginning to 

recover from the Great Recession. Though many had inquired, the firm 

asking price scared them away. Things were different now. The owners had 

bought another place and the listing went from being a “want to sell” to a 

“need to sell” and three days later Team Fortini-Woolpert was in contract 

on the 23 acres. “Oh my gosh, it all happened so fast,” Anne recalls in 

astonishment. “We needed investors, though. We couldn’t do this on our 

own.” With heads still spinning the two couples came up with a plan: each 

one of them was to bring in one of their friends, another couple, so the 

deal could be split four ways. Those numbers would work. So, Anne made 

a call: “Linda, do you want to own a winery?” After going over the details, 

it made sense. Linda and Roy Rawlings were in. The Woolperts brought in 

John and Tracy Ronca. The four couples, now equal partners, all bringing 

complementary skills to the table, were set. And Bocce Court Cellars LLC 

was formed. 

The first order of business: what to do about the old ranch house that 

looked as if it had been swallowed by a thicket of overgrown, yet diseased 

plants off in the corner. Originally, built in the late 40’s or early 50’s, near 

downtown San Luis Obispo, the house was then lifted off its foundation 

in the early 70’s, moved a few miles south, and set down where it rests 

today. Over the years, as the family that occupied the home grew, so too 

did the floor plan, which added more square footage (currently around 

3,500 square feet ), but also a meandering Winchester Mystery House->> 


type vibe. For many years, a hair salon had been operated out of one 

of the rooms, as well. With all the changes over time, the wiring and 

plumbing were no longer up to code. So, the new owners got to work on 

what was to become a year-long remodel. Each did what they do best. 

Anne began sketching plans for the interiors, her son Ryan, owner of 

Fortini Landscapes, went to town on the vegetation around the building, 

tearing out the old stuff and planting fresh olive and fig trees, citrus, 

and rosemary. Mark, owner of Compass Health, which also operates a 

handful of Central Coast restaurants, started reimagining the space. John, 

a lawyer, drafted the documents and crossed the “t’s” and dotted the “i’s” 

so that the property could one day become a VRBO. Linda prepared the 

space for events. Everyone had a hand in the project, one way or another, 

whether wielding a paint brush, or a pen, or a phone. It was a group 

effort, and by all accounts, “So much fun.” 

Opening walls is always an adventure, and this case was no different. 

Surprises were found around every corner, but along the way things 

were corrected. Leaky pipes repaired, wayward wiring secured, 

insulation updated, windows replaced, floors ripped up. Once empty, 

the team redesigned the flow to modernize the house. The big score 

came when they sourced a treasure trove of reclaimed wood from 

Alex Trebek’s ranch in Creston. The host of Jeopardy, as it turns out, 

had a whole lot of horse fencing left over after updating it. Now, the 

old horse-gnawed trim adorns just about every corner of the home, 

as well as encasing all of the windows and doors. Wide plank rough 

sawn European white oak makes up the floors, giving it a unique 

unfinished feel under bare feet. The kitchen was brought into the 

twenty-first century and the bathrooms, particularly the master, 

Linda and Roy Rawlings, John and Tracy Ronca, Mark and Patty Woolpert, Led and Anne Fortini 

received extra attention with extensive tile work. The only thing 

remaining from the old house was a piece of art that Anne bought 

from the seller’s yard sale they had prior to moving out. 

The VRBO at Bocce Court Cellars, now called Biddle Ranch Vineyard, 

opened for business a little more than two years ago. Of all people, the 

owner of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team was the first customer. 

He and his wife, he said, had thrown a dart on a map to decide where to 

go on vacation and it landed slightly below San Luis Obispo. They spent 

a long weekend and reported that it was one of their favorite vacations 

they had ever taken. And others, including weddings attended by 200 

or more guests in the side yard, have also created memories in the new 

space, as have the non-profits who hosted fundraising events under the 

pergola built from discarded scaffolding platforms. But, there was one 

guest that stood out from the rest. As part of the property purchase, the 

new owners agreed to host the family that had lived in the old ranch 

house, and loved it and cared for it as their home for forty years. The 

beauty salon had long since closed, and the kids have all grown up and 

moved away, but dad was turning 75 and they all returned to stay for 

the weekend in the restyled country home, and to toast to the times that 

were, and to the times that will be. SLO LIFE 


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| ARCHITECTURE 

DESIGN 

+ 

BUILD 

In this ongoing feature, SLO LIFE Magazine is proud to partner with the American 

Institute of Architects California Central Coast to unveil its current project winners and highlight 

our local design and engineering talent. Each month, the organization reviews submissions 

and selects the top Central Coast projects. Below are two recent installments to this series. 

April Project Recognition 

Indio Drive Beach House, Shell Beach 

Architect Studio 2G Architects 

Landscape Architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith 

Structural Engineer Smith Structural Group 

Contractor Mountain Pacific Builders 

The small neighborhood on Indio Drive in Shell Beach 

is home to a recent remodel that transitions an existing 

tract home spec design into a bohemian Californian beach 

house. The new design, better suited for this Shell Beach 

neighborhood, was completed by the design team at Studio 

2G Architect. Previously, the interior led you through a 

series of rooms that had no flow and little daylight. The 

remodel opened up the floor plan inviting natural light in 

while also giving the interior spaces more volume. 

Walking through the remodeled interior feels as if you were 

in a completely different house. For example, the upper 

floor master suite was completely revamped. The existing 

ceiling was opened up to expose the pre-fab trusses, which 

were sand-blasted and stained, giving volume to the space. 

The staircase to the master bedroom was moved, allowing 

dramatic changes to the second floor by leading guests to a 

new roof deck, and a newly installed barn door allows the 

master suite privacy. 

The first floor also feels more inviting with larger open 

spaces that dialogue between each other through the new 

use of daylight and rich, natural materials. The upper 

floor balcony, as well as the first floor, also engage the 

landscape beyond. Jeffrey Gordon Smith added to the team 

of designers by completing a wonderful Mediterranean 

landscape that could be seen and interacted with through 

the new open floor plan. 


CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL 

ARCHITECT. 

AIA CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST. 

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May Project Recognition 

Airstream, San Luis Obispo 

Architect garcia architecture + design 

When a newly launched catering company needed a unique marketing 

and branding strategy, the client turned to their architect for advice and 

direction. Given the client’s multi-user programmatic needs for this 

project, coupled with specific aesthetic and functional requirements, the 

architect looked at an unconventional design approach to accommodate 

the request for a multi-functional space that would also be portable and 

mobile at a moment’s notice. 

Unfazed by this challenge, the design team took an unorthodox approach 

to develop a truly unique solution. Leveraging the client’s penchant for 

classic-vintage design, the concept of a “resto-mod-ular” began to emerge. 

The architect pitched the idea of locating, repurposing, and renovating a 

vintage mid-century travel-trailer. This portable solution could not only 

be easily relocated by the client as needed, but would provide additional 

marketing opportunities for his expanding business model. 

With the full support of the client, the architect was able to locate and 

purchase a suitable, era-appropriate candidate for this unconventional 

rehabilitation and renovation project. The salvaged 1964 Airstream 

GlobeTrotter trailer would not only serve the client’s personal needs, but 

would also be called upon to serve duty as a hospitality center, sales office, 

beverage cart, and even itinerant commissary and kitchen uses. 

While great care was taken to respect and repair the exterior of the 

vintage trailer to its original authentic condition, the interior finishes, 

materials, colors, fixtures, and appliances reflect a more modern 

sensibility. Book matched walnut cabinets live harmoniously with 

Marmoleum flooring, and high-tech LED lighting is complemented with 

vintage reading fixtures and classic tartan upholstery. 

What started as a cost-effective design solution has evolved into a 

108-square-foot renovation project that has become an integral part of 

the catering company’s marketing strategy and brand offering, as well as 

an occasional personal weekend retreat. 

About the AIA CCC 

The American Institute 

of Architects has been 

the leading professional 

membership association 

for licensed architects, 

emerging professionals, 

and allied partners since 

1957. The local California 

Central Coast division 

works in collaboration 

with SLO LIFE Magazine 

to showcase its monthly 

award-winning projects 

demonstrating notable 

concepts that have 

been constructed after 

being designed by local 

architects. SLO LIFE 


“ 

We met Monica King at an open house when we started our search, and she worked 

tirelessly with us for four years, until she found us the perfect place. Her honesty, 

enthusiasm, and professionalism are impressive, and working with her was actually 

fun. The team at San Luis is top notch. 

Dr. Robert Brenman and Lina Kho RN 

” 

The team at SAN LUIS OBISPO REALTY makes dreams come true! 

SAN LUIS OBISPO REALTY 

805-544-9161 

WWW.SANLUISOBISPO-HOMES.COM 

441 MARSH STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO 


| SLO CITY 

REAL ESTATE 

BY THE NUMBERS 

laguna 

lake 

tank 

farm 

cal poly 

area 

country 

club 

down 

town 

foothill 

blvd 

johnson 

ave 

Total Homes Sold 

Average Asking Price 

Average Selling Price 

Sales Price as a % of Asking Price 

Average # of Days on the Market 






2016 

7 

710,257 

694,429 

97.77 

37 

2016 

7 

635,788 

642,796 

101.10 

60 

2016 


2 


699,500 


677,500 

Sales Price as a % of Asking Price 96.85 

Average # of Days on the Market 52 











2016 

3 

1,100,600 

1,049,677 

95.24 

132 

2016 

10 

735,390 

721,775 

98.15 

37 

2016 


4 


748,000 


709,750 

Sales Price as a % of Asking Price 94.89 

Average # of Days on the Market 87 






2016 

8 

718,619 

698,156 

97.15 

105 


10 

588,290 

582,010 

98.93 

23 


2 

774,450 

767,500 

99.10 

36 


3 

722,333 

693,333 

95.99 

103 


3 

956,333 

932,817 

97.54 

83 


13 

785,292 

770,057 

98.06 

68 


8 

871,475 

846,188 

97.10 

53 


13 

719,146 

712,452 

99.07 

54 

+/- 

42.86% 

-17.17% 

-16.19% 

1.16% 

-37.84% 

+/- 

-71.43% 

21.81% 

19.40% 

-2.00% 

-40.00% 

+/- 

50.00% 

3.26% 

2.34% 

-0.86% 

98.08% 

+/- 

0.00% 

-13.11% 

-11.13% 

2.30% 

-37.12% 

+/- 

30.00% 

6.79% 

6.69% 

-0.09% 

83.78% 

+/- 

100.00% 

16.51% 

19.22% 

2.21% 

-39.08% 

+/- 

62.50% 

0.07% 

2.05% 

1.92% 

-48.57% 

*Comparing 01/01/16 - 03/16/16 to 01/01/17 - 03/16/17 

SOURCE: San Luis Obispo Association of REALTORS ® 



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1022 Mill Street, Suite D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 

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| SLO COUNTY 

REAL ESTATE 

REGION 

BY THE NUMBERS 

NUMBER OF 

HOMES SOLD 

2016 


AVERAGE DAYS 

ON MARKET 

2016 


MEDIAN SELLING 

PRICE 

2016 


Arroyo Grande 

49 

70 

52 

70 

617,680 

787,636 

Atascadero 

44 

71 

54 

75 

496,941 

614,189 

Avila Beach 

4 

2 

115 

10 

950,750 

977,500 

Cambria/San Simeon 

22 

21 

161 

79 

662,000 

633,952 

Cayucos 

7 

6 

151 

74 

1,362,071 

1,110,500 

Help when you make the most important 

financial decisions of your life. 

Creston 

Grover Beach 

0 

18 

4 

29 

0 

37 

73 

54 

0 

468,453 

645,750 

514,424 

Los Osos 

38 

22 

73 

42 

632,659 

608,118 

Morro Bay 

19 

25 

105 

53 

722,159 

669,096 

Nipomo 

33 

40 

48 

68 

602,006 

538,285 

Oceano 

9 

7 

46 

97 

447,700 

410,188 

Pismo Beach 

21 

21 

69 

41 

1,038,104 

1,201,303 

Paso (Inside City Limits) 

69 

79 

66 

59 

427,168 

450,248 

Paso (North 46 - East 101) 

2 

10 

80 

62 

353,500 

463,135 

Ben Lerner 

Mortgage Advisor 

NMLS 395723 

805.441.9486 

blerner@opesadvisors.com 

1212 Marsh St., Suite 1 


Paso (North 46 - West 101) 

Paso (South 46 - East 101) 


Santa Margarita 

19 

9 

58 

13 

27 

10 

59 

5 

147 

81 

60 

50 

123 

117 

51 

62 

582,283 

600,711 

688,374 

350,077 

441,287 

1,041,310 

716,832 

469,092 

opesadvisors.com 

Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Department of Business Oversight under the California 

Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4150089, CA Bureau of Real Estate 01458652, 

loans will be made pursuant to the Residential Mortgage Lending Act, CO Registration Regulated 

by the Division of Real Estate, Idaho MBL8530, Montana Mortgage Lender License 

#235584, Oregon ML4902, Washington CL1178435, Wyoming #2667 and NMLS 235584. 

Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with 

the Securities 68 and | Exchange SLO LIFE Commission MAGAZINE (SEC). © 2016 Opes | Advisors, APR/MAY Inc. All rights 2017 reserved. 

Templeton 

Countywide 

17 

431 

20 

507 

*Comparing 01/01/16 - 03/16/16 to 01/01/17 - 03/16/17 

61 85 734,543 704,420 

69 67 606,006 624,899 

SOURCE: San Luis Obispo Association of REALTORS ® 

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| EXPLORE 

TASTING THE DIFFERENCE 

“I’m tasting distinctly grassy notes...” Most of us associate tasting with wine or beer, 

but olive oil is considered liquid gold by foodie aficionados. Add balsamic vinegar 

into the mix and you’re destined for a unique palette pleaser. 

BY PADEN HUGHES 

Mixology 

GRILLED PLUOT COCKTAIL 

2 oz vodka 

1/4 oz aged balsamic 

1/4 oz Meyer lemon juice 

1/2 oz honey syrup (2 : 1, honey to water) 

2 oz sparkling water 

2 small grilled pluots, skin on 

fresh slices of pluot for garnish 

extra honey syrup for grilling 

Slice pluots in half and remove the pit. Brush with honey 

syrup and place flesh-side-down on the grill over a medium 

flame. Cook until pluots soften and start to caramelize 

(5 minutes). Flip to skin-side-down and cook for another 3 

minutes or so. Remove from heat and let cool. 

To assemble the cocktail, place two grilled pluots (four 

grilled pluot halves) into the bottom of a mixing glass. Add 

the honey syrup and muddle, breaking apart the grilled 

pluots. Add the Meyer lemon juice, aged balsamic, vodka, 

and shake for 10 seconds. Double strain over new ice into a 

highball glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a 

few fresh slices of pluot and serve. 


FOOD, DRINKS, AND THE 

BEST DEALS ON ECO- 

FRIENDLY PRODUCTS 

Admittedly, I know relatively little about olive oil. In fact, prior to this 

olive oil tasting, my only real experience with it was looking at a shelf 

in Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s and making my selection based solely 

on label aesthetics. I have been clueless about olive oil for years, but that 

was about to change. 

Along with my husband, I began my olive oil education in downtown San Luis Obispo at 

We Olive, a charming store that showcases local olive oils complemented by an assortment of 

balsamic vinegars. 

Olive oil is comparable to wine in that its flavor profile is determined by the varietal of olive 

trees, as well as the agricultural elements during its growing season. Different from wine, olive 

oil does not need to age, however, it does have a shelf life of around 18 to 22 months. 

We learned there are four major flavor profiles with olive oil: buttery, fruity, peppery, and 

grassy. After tasting different types of pure olive oil matching the four flavor profiles, we 

moved on to taste the flavored olive oil. 

Flavors range from spicy to savory to fruity and are cold-pressed into the oil during the 

pressing process. The flavored olive oils were truly impressive to us, unlocking the creativity 

in the cooking process. The many uses for these oils actually made me want to cook, which is 

a rare occasion. We tried the following flavors: Meyer lemon, blood orange, garlic, basil, and 

jalapeño. Hands down, the Meyer lemon olive oil was our favorite—and the lemon gelato that 

incorporated this oil was to die for. 

At this point, we decided we couldn’t leave without trying some of the balsamic vinegars 

and combinations of oil and vinegar. This was where the magic happened as we broke into 

uncharted flavor territories. 

Like the difference between Champagne and brut, to certify vinegar as balsamic, it must come 

from the Modena region in Italy and be aged at least twelve years in a “batteria” of five or 

more successively smaller aging barrels. Like wine, the type of barrel the vinegar is stored in 

adds complexity to its flavor and color. The vinegar gets thicker and more concentrated as it 

ages, sweetening the end product. 

Our first sample was an eighteen-year balsamic vinegar that instantly redefined for me what 

balsamic vinegar should be. Incidentally, it’s also the most popular product in the entire 

store, and like so many others, we took home a bottle of our own. We also ventured into the 

flavored balsamic vinegars, including: mission fig, blackberry, winter white fruit, pineapple 

white, peach white, and d’anjou pear white. These ranged from tart to candy-like sweetness 

and could instantly take a simple dish, dessert, or salad and enhance it effortlessly. Mixologists 

even replace cocktail syrups with these flavored vinegars to improve on mimosas and other 

signature cocktails. 

To cap off our tasting, we combined flavored olive oil with flavored balsamic vinegars for a 

truly sensory experience. Never underestimate the satisfaction a blend of buttery oil with 

the sweet zing of tartness can provide. Topping the list was a Tahitian lime olive oil with 

pineapple balsamic vinegar. It was refreshing, sweet, and makes the perfect two-ingredient 

salad dressing. And, the distinctly different runner-up combined the 

spicy blend of jalapeño olive oil with Ole’ Mole Balsamic. 

The potential for these individual olive oils and balsamic vinegars 

is one thing, but the power of the combinations takes the tasting 

experience to the next level. We Olive showcases many local olive 

oils and vinegars and serves to provide an informative and fun 

introduction to unlocking their potential. 

Disclaimer: a tasting experience may forever change your view of 

olive oil and balsamic vinegar. After our tasting, my husband turned 

to me and said, “I don’t think I can ever look at olive oil the same 

way. I had no idea how complex and artful it can be.” I can promise 

one thing, we’ll be leaving our Trader Joe’s bottles behind and will 

instead opt for something closer to home. SLO LIFE 

PADEN HUGHES is 

co-owner of Gymnazo 

and enjoys exploring 

the Central Coast. 

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Cellar Design 

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| HEALTH 

New + Now 

health trends worth trying 

The word “trendy” often refers to a fad that has little lasting value, so it can be a turn-off, especially when applied 

to health practices. But trends can also have enduring health benefits—for example, the trend toward making public 

places smoke-free (fun fact: the first place to do that was San Luis Obispo) or adding calorie counts to fast-food 

menus. Take a minute to review the following trends—we promise it will be time well spent. 

No. 1 

MINDFULNESS 

In concept, mindfulness is simple—concentrating on the present 

moment and processing it nonjudgmentally. By focusing on the here 

and now, many people find that they are less likely to get caught up 

in worries about the future or regrets from the past, and are better 

able to form deep connections with others. 

Mindfulness techniques have been shown to help relieve stress, 

anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. “They may 

also be helpful in treating chronic pain, improving sleep, and lowering 

blood pressure,” says Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine 

at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 

No. 2 

ACTIVITY TRACKERS 

Exercise is as close to a “magic bullet” as anything medicine has to offer. Physical 

activity has been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, many cancers, 

osteoporosis, and dementia. “If a pill could have such diverse benefits, everyone would 

be clamoring for it,” says Dr. Manson. “Most of us are well aware that we need the 

equivalent of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days, but many of us 

lack the motivation to get moving.” 

Activity trackers have been marketed as a solution to inertia, and in this case, the 

marketers may be right. A steady stream of research shows that the small devices— 

worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing—actually encourage people to become more 

active. In study after study, people who were given activity trackers to wear not only 

significantly increased the number of steps they took daily and the minutes they spent 

in moderate to vigorous activity, but also expressed an interest in using the trackers 

and increasing their goals after the studies ended. To tap into this trend, expect to pay 

about $100 for a device that logs steps, miles, active minutes, and sleep time. 


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No. 4 

TURMERIC 

Currently one of the most scientifically studied superfoods, 

turmeric tops the list for daily diet intake recommendations. 

Not only has it been proven to help with joint pain and 

even arthritis, it’s been linked to a delayed onset of type 

two diabetes, and may even be helpful in the fight against 

Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re an athlete, an active person with 

a busy schedule, or are just simply looking for a way to lower 

inflammation in your body, turmeric is definitely our pick for 

the most helpful superfood out there. 

No. 3 

FARMERS’ MARKETS 

If you’d like a quick and easy way to incorporate turmeric into 

your diet, we suggest trying it in a smoothie. The immune 

boosting power of this superfood is exponentially increased by 

adding orange (one whole, peeled), yellow squash (chopped), 

pineapple (about 4 ounces), and walnuts (3 Tbsp) to the turmeric 

(1 tsp) along with one cup of water and one cup of ice. Blend, 

enjoy, and start your morning off on the right foot. 

While shopping at farmers’ markets has been part of the Central Coast 

lifestyle for as long as most people can remember, it hasn’t always been so. In 

the last 30 years, farmers’ markets have moved from the sides of rural roads to 

the centers of major cities and everywhere in between. And, it seems people’s 

healthy eating habits have improved as a result. In one recent study conducted 

by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, when people 

began to shop at inner-city farmers’ markets, they also consumed less sugary 

soda and more vegetables than they had previously. 

No. 5 

KOMBUCHA 

Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the 

Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous 

health benefits. It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible 

for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar. After being 

fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, 

enzymes, probiotics, and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic, and 

lactic), which have been linked with the following benefits: improved digestion, 

weight loss, increased energy, immune support, and reduced inflammation. The 

sugar-tea solution is fermented by bacteria and yeast commonly known as a 

“SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Although it’s usually made 

with black tea, kombucha can also be made with green tea, too. You can make 

kombucha yourself or try locally brewed Whalebird Kombucha. 



No. 6 

AVOCADO OIL 

Rich in oleic acid and vitamin E (it is one of the top five foods highest in vitamin E), 

avocado oil helps speed cell regeneration, lowers the risk of heart disease, and is a great 

antioxidant that not only nourishes your skin, but slows its aging process. Loaded with 

chlorophyll, it is a great, natural way to detox your body of harmful toxins. Because of its 

multiple benefits, it can be used in multiple ways. Use it in your skincare (it is especially 

nourishing for dry skin), as a hair mask (it speeds hair growth, strengthens your follicles 

and leaves your hair remarkably shiny), or incorporate it into your cooking (its high 

smoke point makes it a good substitute for olive oil when cooking at high temperatures). 

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No. 7 

AMARANTH 

The tiny seeds of the amaranth plant that was once an Aztec staple is justifiably the 

new supergrain trend. Boasting a significantly higher nutritional content than most of 

its grain counterparts, it has six times the dietary fiber of long-grain rice, ten times its 

iron levels, and twice its protein content. Unlike most grains such as wheat, it contains 

all of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It is also gluten-free and 

a source of key vitamins like calcium and potassium. One of its proven health benefits is 

its ability to lower cholesterol levels. A great breakfast option, we definitely see this grain 

as a health food staple. SLO LIFE

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| STORYTELLERS’ CORNER 

THE BUSINESS 

OF STORYTELLING 

In this ongoing feature, New York Times Best Selling author 

FRANZ WISNER teams up with SLO LIFE Magazine to explore 

the magic of an age-old tradition: storytelling. 

BY FRANZ WISNER 

It’s as if we speak two different languages. 

At home, we laugh and joke. Sometimes we struggle and sometimes we cry. We try to speak 

from the heart. We get called out when we don’t. We use our emotions to communicate, 

attempting to reach our loved ones on a deeper, more meaningful level. 

But the second we step into our places of work, we often turn off our emotions and start 

reciting lines from an outdated marketing playbook. My mailbox fills daily with “exclusive, 

one-time” offers that are neither exclusive nor one-time. That tri-tip sandwich I ordered for 

lunch was good, but “hand-curated?” “World famous?” C’mon, now. 

“All Natural.” “Game Changing.” “No Obligation.” We consumers see so much of this 

marketing gobbledegook we don’t see it at all. We become anesthetized. None of it registers 

or rings true. 

I’ve never understood this approach. We know we are moved far more by story than by data 

or hyperbole. Just think of all the big decisions you’ve made in your life based largely on a 

gut feeling—choosing a life partner or buying a house, for example. 

So why don’t brands ease up on the ballyhoo and just tell us their story? Thankfully, more are. 

High school dropout Blake Mycoskie was backpacking in Argentina when he met a woman 

who was giving out shoes to the poor. He saw the huge difference a pair of shoes could 

make in the life of a less fortunate child. The encounter inspired him to create TOMS, a 

new type of business, a for-profit company that would give away a pair of shoes for every 

one it sold. My wife heard the story years ago and decided to give the shoes a try. Today our 

closet is full of them, proof of what can happen when a quality 

product and a compelling story come together. 

FRANZ WISNER is the 

founder of The Bestsellers 

Group, which provides 

brands and individuals with 

storytelling assistance from 

bestselling authors. 

Michael Dubin saw his Dollar Shave Club as a corporate 

David itching to fight the industry Goliath, Gillette. For 

$4,500, he made a video and posted it on YouTube. “Do 

you think your razor needs a vibrating handle, a flashlight, a 

backscratcher, and ten blades?” Dubin deadpans in the video. 

“Your handsome ass grandfather had one blade… and polio.” 

The story struck a chord. Sales soared. Last year Unilever 

purchased Dollar Shave Club for $1 billion. Not bad for David. 

The best brand storytellers embrace challenges, needs, emotion, 

and vulnerability. At its core, storytelling is connection. It’s 

embracing those universal themes we share as humans. 

I remember seeing the Meathead Movers trucks when I first 

moved to town. I loved the name. I have a longtime 

affinity with companies that don’t take themselves too 

seriously. Then I heard the story of how Meathead 

Movers began to offer free moving services to any 

woman fleeing domestic violence. They didn’t do it 

to boost sales. They experienced a community need, 

firsthand, and decided to help. 

I also love Chas Smit’s story. He’s the owner of 

Dutch Window Cleaning Artist. Smit grew up in 

The Netherlands, which is “obsessive about cleaning,” 

he explains in a short video on his website. “My 

mom was on my neck about cleaning!” She taught 

him how to clean windows the “Dutch way,” which 

includes cleaning the eaves and walls around the 

windows as well. As a result, Smit isn’t just selling a 

window cleaning service, he’s sharing a story about 

his upbringing and offering clients a different cultural 

approach to a common chore. Proost to that. 

If you have a good story behind your brand, share it 

with us. Most businesses and nonprofits start with a 

dream. Tell us yours. Why did you get into business in 

the first place? What are your current challenges and 

goals? Remember, nobody roots for a brand. We root 

for the people and stories behind the brand. 

Interested in brand storytelling, but don’t know where 

to start? Spend an afternoon swapping anecdotes with 

your colleagues. Talk about your struggles as well as 

your breakthroughs, the humorous moments and the 

times you felt you were making a difference. 

Write down the anecdotes and see what takes shape. 

Stories often have a life of their own. Perhaps you have 

a compelling history to share. Maybe it’s a rags-toriches 

tale, a quest for change, or a greater good story. 

Is your story inspiring, funny, touching, unique? It can 

be any of the above, it just can’t be boring. 

Next, write the stories into a narrative and test it out 

with a small group. See what elements resonate the 

most, then edit and refine. 

Once you have your story down, you should use it to 

help shape all aspects of your operations, everything 

from websites and social media, to customer service 

and hiring, to sales and community relations. Stories 

can help your brand stand apart from the crowd and 

make your employees feel they are on a mission. 

Best of all, stories allow us to cut the b.s. (business 

speak) and get back to being real. SLO LIFE 



| INSIGHT 

THE CUESTA QUESTION 

BY TOM FRANCISKOVICH 

Following a mathematical analysis of supply and demand in last issue’s “Cap and Gown” article, which 

concluded that the solutions for San Luis Obispo’s housing crisis can arise only after Cal Poly’s enrollment is 

capped and on-campus housing ratios mandated, many readers were left wondering: What about Cuesta? 

The Dow Jones seemed to 

be shedding 500 points 

each day. Unemployment 

was skyrocketing. And 

business was booming at 

Cuesta College. The school 

was beyond 100% capacity 

and applicants were being 

turned away. During a 

recession, as a rule of 

thumb, attendance at community colleges increases 

as those newly out-of-work look to retool in order to 

find new jobs. And 2009 was no ordinary recession. 

So, it is natural that it marked the high-water point 

for Cuesta College enrollment: 13,217. 

As “green shoots” began appearing in the recovering 

economy, and students traded backpacks and 

binders for briefcases and tool belts, enrollment, 

as expected, dropped. And, the decline has been 

dramatic for a number of reasons, not all of 

them obvious. At first glance, we find that total 

enrollment went from 13,217 in 2009 to 10,860 in 

2016. But to understand the whole story, you have 

to dig deeper. A couple of years ago, legislation was 

passed making a program called “dual enrollment” 

possible. This is where local high school students are 

able to take classes at community colleges to get a 

jumpstart on their college career. Those classes take 

place mostly on high school campuses around the 

county, for example Paso Robles High School has 

465 kids currently enrolled in the program. In all, 

there are now 2,011 San Luis Obispo County high 

school students participating in dual enrollment at 

Cuesta College. So, in order to scrutinize the data, 

we have to back those numbers out. When we do, 

we actually have 8,849 students in 2016 and 12,590 

in 2009 (this program did not exist in 2009, but 

there were 627 high school students attending for 

various reasons at that time, so we’ll back them out, 

too). And, this program is expected to grow as more 

high schools are added, such as Mission Prep in San 

Luis Obispo, which will come on-line next year. 

So, in real terms, we have gone from 12,590 to 8,849, which amounts to a 30% decrease 

in seven years. But, again, you have to drill down deeper still to understand the forces at 

play. Cuesta College is a community college with a mandate to serve residents in its local 

area. Most of its students do not look like typical four-year college students, because they 

are not. In addition to dual enrollment, Cuesta also educates inmates at the California 

Men’s Colony, provides learning and enrichment for local senior citizens through its 

“Emeritus College” program, and also offers online courses. Those programs respectively 

add up to around 3,000 students, all of which count toward the 8,849 headcount covering 

all three of its campuses in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Arroyo Grande plus the 

dual enrolled high school students. 

It used to be that Cuesta College offered a “back door” of sorts to Cal Poly. That is no 

longer the case, as transfers to the university have tightened substantially and, despite the 

lip service paid by Cal Poly’s President Jeff Armstrong concerning increasing acceptances 

from Cuesta College when he took over in 2011, the number has remained mostly flat. 

Last year, 230 Cuesta College transfers were admitted to Cal Poly. Ten years ago, it was 

different. If you lived out of the area and your grades were not sufficient to get into Cal 

Poly, you could simply put your shoulder to the plow over at Cuesta for a couple of years, 

improve your G.P.A, knock out your prerequisites, then transfer to Cal Poly as a junior. 

To understand how Cuesta College has impacted the San Luis Obispo housing market, 

those are the numbers we have to get our heads around. 

In 2009 there were 640 first-time, freshman, out-of-area students attending Cuesta. 

That number, too, has dropped. Last year, there were 488—a 24% decline. Not quite 

as dramatic as the overall enrollment reduction at 30%, but close. Keep in mind 

that students generally do not go to Cuesta for just one year. The data show that 

approximately two-thirds, let’s call it 70%, stay for Year 2. And of those that make it 

to Year 2, another 70% usually go on to Year 3. Rarely is there a Year 4; by then they 

typically have transferred, burned out, or moved on to a full-time job. So, 488 times 70% 

is 324; and 324 times 70% is 239—are you still with me?—which means that if we add 

488 to 324 and then to 239, right now there around 1,051 out-of-area students attending 

Cuesta College. In other words, the net total for rental housing demand in San Luis 

Obispo coming from Cuesta College is, give or take, around 1,000 students. 

Compare that figure now to Cal Poly’s off-campus rental housing demand at around 

14,000. Expressed together, the total college student demand for San Luis Obispo’s 

housing stock is 15,000 students—7% are from Cuesta College, 93% are from Cal Poly. If 

you consider the fact that Cuesta’s demand is shrinking by 24% per year and Cal Poly’s is 

growing by 4-5% per year, it does not require complicated math to see that in five years’ 

time the ratio will probably look more like this: 255 for Cuesta and 17,868 for Cal Poly 

totaling 18,123 students—1% for Cuesta and 99% for Cal Poly. Those are the numbers. 

And the nice thing about numbers is—if you study them without bias—they tell you the 

story without saying a word. SLO LIFE 


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| TASTE 

Cauliflower: 

Thanks to deft seasoning and inventive preparations, we’re more open than ever to vegetables’ charms, 

but one veg in particular has chefs bowing down to its chameleon-like versatility. Forget frozen florets: 

this is the cauliflower you never knew. 

BY JAIME LEWIS 

Veg of the 

Moment 

I am a sucker for food trends. Take kale: I did my foodie duty—I grew it, 

roasted it into chips, massaged its leathery leaves—until someone informed 

me that kale is often used as horse food. Ever since then? I don’t throw my 

back out for kale. 

I bought a spiralizer, telling my kids their zucchini 

coils would be “just like pasta.” (Lies.) I roasted 

Brussels sprouts, too, a couple times, but never put 

them into heavy rotation. 

One vegetable, however, delivers on hype, in my 

opinion. With its mildly sweet, nutty flavor and 

willingness to play well with other ingredients, 

the humble cauliflower is the rare trending veg 

that continues to surprise and delight. It’s not 

just me: I recently took to the streets of San Luis 

Obispo to taste the many ways this cruciferous 

hero is winning the hearts of local chefs. 

JAIME LEWIS is a world 

traveler, and food writer, who 

lives in San Luis Obispo. 

The Traditional Hit 

Given the fact that Asia accounts for 75 percent of the world’s cauliflower 

production, it’s no wonder that dishes like aloo gobi (curried cauliflower and 

potatoes) and gobi pakora (spiced and fried cauliflower) dominate Indian 

restaurant menus. 

“Aloo gobi is very basic,” says Hina Batool, who owns Shalimar Restaurant 

with her husband, Aasim Sajjad. It doesn’t seem basic at all to me, though, 

as she sets a plate of turmeric-yellow aloo gobi on the table and I take a bite; 

flavors of cardamom, cumin, ginger, and garlic are as bright and bold as a 

bridal sari. 

“Gobi pakora needs a little more attention,” she says, sharing that raw 

cauliflower is battered in a blend of lentil flour and spices before being deep 

fried. I’m relishing the crunch of battered and fried cauliflower. I’m tempted 

to wrap several florets up in a blanket of fluffy naan bread, grab a bottle of 

Cobra and call it a day. >> 


1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo 

SierraVistaRegional.com 


The Vegan Wonder 

When I visit Kreuzberg Coffee Co. on a cold 

afternoon, Executive Chef James Voisinet leads me 

from the café’s eclectic DIY front room—with raw 

plywood surfaces, Edison bulbs, and thrifted sofas— 

to the kitchen, where he demonstrates what goes 

into making his so-called vegan hot “wings” (aka 

deliciously fried spicy cauliflower) with vegan blue 

cheese dipping sauce. 

“Are you vegan?” I ask, as he flips and tosses fried 

cauliflower bits onto a plate for me. He laughs. “No. 

I lean vegetarian, but as a chef, I’m what you’d call an 

occupational carnivore.” Voisinet tells me he’s been 

with Kreuzberg several years, but his background 

includes the California Culinary Academy in San 

Francisco and significant time working in New York 

City kitchens. 

He parks a small jar of the “blue cheese” sauce beside 

the florets and hands the plate over. I take one crispy, 

savory bite and swoon: the florets are silky inside, 

kicky with just the right amount of heat while the 

dip complements with tang. 

“It’s healthy, right?” I say to Voisinet, my mouth full. 

“It’s cauliflower,” he says, “but it’s fried. I wouldn’t 

exactly call it good-for-you.” >> 



The Market Maverick 

“This is a dish I tried out for [a job at] the restaurant 

with,” says Chef Elijah Blackburn of the new Thomas 

Hill Organic Kitchen, where nearly everything gleams, 

from the clean white countertops and mirrors behind 

the bar to the chandeliers overhead. He grins and 

points to the plate of six roasted cauliflower and truffle 

tater tots before me, floating on a little river of lemonherb 

aioli. 

After pushing a tot through the creamy, chive-y aioli, I 

pop it into my mouth; I’m transported to the tater tots 

of my hot lunch days, only these tots are tender and, 

of course, more complex. I especially like the aioli and 

dusting of salt crystals on top. 

I ask Blackburn why cauliflower takes such prominence 

on the Thomas Hill Organics Kitchen menu. (Another 

dish, the woodfired cauliflower, sings with Spanish- 

Moorish flavors of romanesco, golden raisins, capers 

and almonds.) “Well, we try to stay local and seasonal,” 

he says. “Eighty-five percent of our produce comes 

from three local farmers’ markets. The menu just 

reflects what we find there.” >> 



The Showstopper 

The Show Stopper 

I’m seated at a high table inside Foremost Wine Company across from 

Chef Julie Simon, who sips tea from a mason jar. The decor around us is 

just as assertive, hand-wrought, and plant-centric as many of the dishes 

that emerge from the Foremost kitchen. 

Though she was born in France, Simon’s cuisine can’t be pigeon-holed 

as French or American; it would appear, rather, to originate from the far 

corners of the world, melded into a new vibrant style all its own. And 

cauliflower is just the sort of offbeat, malleable ingredient that lets her 

style shine. 

“We’ve used cauliflower in many different ways,” Simon says, “but the 

roasted cauliflower on the menu now is a regular dish we offer with 

different preparations as the seasons change. Right now, it’s very Indian.” 

Billed as an appetizer, the dish Simon places before me demands the 

presence of an entree: a large half-head of roasted, almond-crusted 

cauliflower sits atop pools of raita (Indian yogurt) and sweet mint 

chutney. Flecked with pomegranate seeds, it looks like a big, beautiful, 

bejeweled brain. 

“Here’s a steak knife,” Simon says. I saw off a bite of tender cauliflower 

and crisp almond crust, dipped in raita and chutney. A world of vibrant, 

confident flavors rush at me: fenugreek, roasted garlic, mint. Can this 

really be the same vegetable found in freezer bags with broccoli and 

crinkle-cut carrots? SLO LIFE 


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| KITCHEN 

DEVILED EGGS 

like you’ve never seen them before 

BY CHEF JESSIE RIVAS 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE ANDREWS 


DEVILED EGG FILLING yields 24 halves 

15 hard boiled eggs 

½ cup mayonnaise 

½ cup sour cream 

1 Tbs Dijon mustard 

1 Tbs yellow mustard 

1 Tbs lemon juice 

2 Tbs diced pickle 

2 Tbs minced green onion 

¼ tsp pepper and pinch of salt 

Boil 15 eggs starting from cold water. Bring to a boil and immediately turn off heat 

and cover for 10 minutes. Cool under cold running water. Peel immediately. 

Cut eggs in half lengthwise and separate yolks into a mixing bowl. Place egg whites 

on a sheet pan and set aside. 

Add all ingredients for deviled egg filling to yolks in mixing bowl. Mash yolks and 

mix well until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Divide the yolk mixture into three separate bowls. 

CLASSIC DEVILED EGG yields 8 halves 

1/3 recipe of deviled egg filling 

1 tsp paprika for garnish 

a few sprigs of chives for garnish 

½ wedge avocado (optional) 

Place 1/3 of the deviled egg filling in a piping bag and fill the egg whites 

with the filling. Garnish with a sprinkling of paprika and chives. Add slice of 

avocado if desired. 

BACON AND CHEDDAR yields 8 halves 


2 Tbs minced and cooled bacon 

1 strip of bacon cooled and chopped for garnish 

2 Tbs sharp cheddar finely grated 

Using 1/3 of the deviled egg filling, add 2 Tbs minced bacon, and 2 Tbs finely 

grated cheddar. Mix together and use piping bag to 

fill eggs. Garnish with cooked bacon crumbles. 

JESSIE RIVAS is the owner 

and chef of The Pairing Knife 

food truck which serves the 

Central Coast. 

SMOKED FISH yields 8 halves 


1Tbs diced parsley 

1 oz or 3 Tbs smoked albacore tuna 

2 Tbs capers 

Fry 1 Tbs capers in a fry pan over hot heat with a little 

oil for just a few seconds, set aside. Add parsley, 1 Tbs 

minced capers, and 2 Tbs of the fish, minced, to 1/3 

of the deviled egg filling. Use piping bag to fill eggs. 

Garnish with remaining fish and fried capers. SLO LIFE 

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| WINE NOTES 

WINTER IMPACT 

BY JEANETTE TROMPETER 

Iwas on the back roads of Paso 

Robles recently on a day that 

could only be described as 

epic. The sun shone brightly 

as I cruised with the top 

down on my old convertible. 

The hills were green, the 

cherry and almond blossoms 

dotting them with vibrant bursts of pink 

and white. This has been the first spring 

in several years that did not come with a 

sense of dread. This winter was different, 

a rainy season delivered, and as a result it 

created this perfect spring day. I savored 

every moment. 

It took some discipline to not stop at 

every winery along Highway 46 West 

just to blow off the rest of the day and 

hang out for the afternoon, and it got 

me to thinking about our local vintners 

and what this rainy season meant to 

them. We asked for the rain, and we got 

it. So what now? Were our winter rains 

strong enough for our local vintners to 

make up for the lack of foot traffic in 

their tasting rooms during those cold 

and blustery days? Was it too much too 

fast? Certainly, that proved to be the case 

for some of our coastal hillsides and our 

beloved Highway One through Big Sur. 

We feel for our neighbors to the north 

who will be working through storm 

damage for months to come. Overall, 

though, it seems the consistent rains of 

late are giving our local agriculturalists 

just what they needed for a fresh start to 

some great crops come this fall. 

Like any crop, grape vines depend a lot 

on the soil in which they are planted to 

determine how well they produce. And 

while the terrain along our stretch of the 

state is inherently good for growing wine 

grapes, too many dry years can take its 

toll, not just on underground aquifers, 

but on the quality of the soil itself. Every 

plant begins to fight for nourishment, 

and some do better than others. 

“It is too early to tell what the vintage of 

2017 will look like, but we definitely got 

a good start with all the rain we saw over 

the winter months,” says Daniel Daou, co-owner and 

winemaker for Daou Vineyards on Paso Robles’ west 

side. “It creates a bigger, healthier crop, with a bigger 

canopy, which is great.” He says the heavy rains also 

washed a lot of the toxins and salt deposits out of the 

soil and has recharged their underground water source. 

“We had some erosion, but that we can fix. Usually we 

would dry-farm about 80% of the vines, but this year 

we’ll dry farm 100%.” 

Paul Hoover, owner and winemaker at Still Waters 

Vineyards on the east side of Paso Robles, says the 

rains allow vintners to take a breath, and regroup, but 

reckons that California has likely not endured its last 

drought. “Mother Nature helped us this year, and with 

replenished aquifers, we won’t have to turn on the 

pumps. That’s great, but it’s not a magic fix. We still 

need to figure out long-term solutions,” he observes. 

Hoover agrees, though, that all crops will do so much 

better getting the pH levels down. “You have to have 

enough rain to leach salt. When pH levels are higher, 

salts are higher and can affect wine quality. So it’s a 

great thing to see the rain levels we did this year.” 

It’s not just the rains of this past winter that have been 

helpful to growers. The temperatures were beneficial 

from Paso Robles to the Santa Maria Valley. Jason Haas 

is the winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyards and says 

this winter provided a perfect pairing for vines. 

“We got the cold in December to get everything 

dormant, then it was wet in January and February, and 

then cold in March to keep things from sprouting. 

We’re getting some bud-break now that it’s warming up; 

but so far, so good.” He also reports that the ground has 

remained soaked, so it has been difficult for crews to get 

out and prune prior to budbreak, 

but the sunshine over 

the last couple of weeks has 

mostly solved that problem. 

So as the warmer weather 

arrives this spring, we can 

all soak it up. We got what 

we wished for this winter, 

and barring early freezes, 

it appears the factors are in 

place for 2017 to be a very 

good year indeed for Central 

Coast wines. So don’t wait. JEANETTE TROMPETER is 

a San Luis Obispo native 

Clear the calendar and enjoy 

and owner of Ruby Shoes 

the beauty of the Central Wine Club. 

Coast wine country. SLO LIFE 


HOME TO EDNA VALLEY’S MOST 

. 

DRINK IT ALL IN. 

CHAMISALVINEYARDS.COM 

7525 ORCUTT ROAD • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 

805-541-9463 

TASTING ROOM OPEN 10AM-5PM DAILY 

Specializing in 

Spring Scenes 

805.927.0374 

ecotoneslandscapes.com 

LIC # 767033 

EST. 1999 


| BREW 

GRAND 

TOUR 

BY BRANT MYERS 

Before there were dozens of local options, and 

surely before there were beer tours, there was 

one lone brewery in the county, SLO Brewing 

Company. Following their move from the 

two-story brick building on Garden into a 

bespoke three-story edifice on Higuera, they 

began constructing The Rock, their new brewing 

facility, beer garden, and brewpub adjacent to the airport. Their name is a 

clever double-entendre denoting the monolithic rocks on the property, as 

well as their roots as a concert venue. 

Having attended the groundbreaking ceremony in early 2016, it has been 

fun to watch the dirt lot grow into a brewing and entertainment complex. 

I was shown around by John Nguyen, whose excitement was palpable, 

and got to sample their fresh Wave Wrangler session IPA directly from 

the bright tank. For you wine drinkers, this is akin to having a nail pulled 

from the barrel or watching a winemaker dip a pipette into the bung and 

pull up liquid that has never seen the light of day. Great tropical fruit 

bouquet and clean, crisp mouthfeel. I’m looking forward to cracking the 

seal of their blue cans on upcoming sunny days. 

Fresh beer in hand, I’m led around the rest of the facility including the 

impressive walls of empty cans in four distinct colors waiting to be filled 

and consumed. The unseen back half of their tasting room and restaurant 

is full of shiny stainless steel tanks, sloped floors, and a very sexy Criveller 

canning line. Tucked away in corners you can spot some artifacts of 

brewing past, such as a wooden sign sporting the original primarycolored 

logo, something every hipster or beer aficionado would die to 

have hanging in their home, and a mash paddle that is so worn it looks 

like it came off the fireplace mantle of a lake home in Maine. We wind 

through the lab where long-time brewer Steve Courier, who has seen 

SLO Brewing Company move and evolve since 1998, is running quality 

control to ensure classic beer recipes get their unique West Coast twist 

(hint: dank, resinous hops). More stainless steel greets us in the kitchen 

where the air is rife with smoked barbecue aromas emanating from their 

local red oak and apple wood pit smoker, while cooks in white uniforms 

are busily rushing around arranging offerings on a slab of hardwood to be 

served to a lucky customer—me, but more on that later. 

Nguyen sweeps his hand across the outside patio beckoning me to 

imagine the vision they have for an open-air experience for their guests. 

Chairs, tables, fire pits, and yard games will be strategically placed once 

the landscaping goes in over the next week or two. Always a sign of the 

project coming to a close and the enjoyment of hard work beginning. 

We dip into an empty building off the main restaurant and dreams of 

watching a SLO Brew concert begin to twirl in my head. 270-degree windows 

and roll-up doors will be quite a contrast to the first story of the old brick 

building, but with an open floor plan and double the size, it’s easy to imagine 

where they’re going to put the stage. 

Grand tour complete, and many handshakes later, I’m sat down at their center 

table, a long expanse of live-edge center-cut wood, and handed a variety of 

beers. In addition to the eight more taps that they share with the downtown 

location, The Rock will always have the four portfolio brews you’ll find canned 

and distributed. But, the best part about visiting a brewery is that there is 

always an offering you can’t get anywhere else. I’m looking at a rainbow of 

liquid starting with their unfiltered Mosaic IPA. A single hop varietal that 

practically oozes papaya and lemon aromas with a slight haze; it’s a great 

refreshing beer that I hope will stick around the lineup as we get into spring. 

Next up is a classic that always paired well with live music, their Reggae Red. 

A red wheat ale brewed with the sticky, viscous, and downright hard-to-workwith 

hemp seeds. It has a solid malt body and the seeds provide just a touch of 

nuttiness making it almost like a blend of an amber ale and brown ale with the 

mouthfeel of a hefeweizen. A true classic. 

While admiring the setting sun coming through the windows illuminating 

the line-up of beers, I’m roused from my photography by an array of smoking 

barbecue on a plank of wood reminding me that I’m also in a gastropub. Half 

of a maple glazed chicken, which has a skin like candy, and Carolina-style 

pulled pork with that sweet tang so well known to the region, sit surrounded 

by sides of Aussie baked beans, sweet potato, and poblano succotash. The plates 

are adorned with house-made pickles —a beer drinkers side salad—holding just 

enough acidic bite to cut through the hoppy beers, Texas toast to sop up the 

juices as the meat cools, and onions to add crunch to 

your tender meats. I made sure they were going to be 

open for at least another three hours as I dug in. 

BRANT MYERS is owner 

of Hop On Beer Tours, a 

concierge service for craft 

beer enthusiasts along the 

Central Coast. 

Meal complete and to-go boxes exciting me for 

the leftovers to come, I sip on my final beer. A 

Scout Stout, served on nitro for that creamy head, 

it truly is a digestif and great closer to the meal. 

Collaborated with SLO’s own Scout Coffee Co., 

this stout has just enough sweetness to act as 

dessert, roastiness to complement the smoked 

meats, and that melt-in-your-mouth foamy head 

to make you feel like you’re having a cappuccino 

to finish your evening. If this is how they operate 

during a soft-opening, we can expect great things to 

come from SLO Brew in the future. SLO LIFE 


Rockin' Good Beers & Top Notch Food 

736 Higuera Street 738 Higuera Street 855 Aerovista Place 

(805) 543-1843 Learn more at SLOBREW.com Follow Us APR/MAY at #SLOBREW 2017 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | 95

MAR 31 

through 

APR 16 

Thu, Fri, Sat @ 7 pm 

Sat & Sun @ 2 pm 

(805) 786-2440 

SLOLittleTheatre.org 

“The audience almost never stops laughing... 

handkerchiefs wiping away tears of merriment!” -- variety 

Dr. Arnie Horwitz 

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS 

Are you feeling overwhelmed 

and confused? I can help. 

Specializing in 

- Relationship Conflicts - Parenting & Self-Esteem 

- Separation and Divorce - Personal Life Planning 

- Grief and Loss - Career Uncertainty 

Therapy/Counseling/Coaching 

Dr. Arnie Horwitz • 30 yrs. Experience 

805-541-2752 

www.doctorarnie.com 

USE 

STORYTELLING 

TO 

GROW 

YOUR 

BUSINESS 

| HAPPENINGS 

1 

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5 

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EROICA CALIFORNIA 

Eroica California offers a most memorable cycling 

experience—a weekend of cycling entertainment, 

an ocean view ride with various route lengths, and 

a Concourse d’Elegance for vintage bikes. Join 

this two-day festival and experience the ride of 

your life. 

April 8 – 9 // eroicacalifornia.com 

APRIL 

FROZEN 

Angry, humane, and compassionate, Frozen 

is an extraordinary play that entwines the 

lives of a murderer, the mother of one of 

his victims, and his psychologist to explore 

our capacity for forgiveness, remorse, and 

change after an act that would seem to rule 

them out entirely. 

April 21 -22 // slolittletheatre.org 

SHEN YUN 

There was a time when the world 

was full of magic and splendor, and 

all on earth existed in harmony 

with heaven. You could see it in the 

arts, feel it in the air, and hear it in 

the beat of a drum. This was a land 

of heroes and sages, dragons and 

phoenixes, emperors and immortals. 

April 11 – 12 // pacslo.org 

MORRO BAY KITE FESTIVAL 

The Morro Bay Kite Festival is a free 

annual event for kite enthusiasts and 

families. Enjoy a fun family event 

and some of the best kite-flying wind 

in the world. 

April 29 – 30 // morrobaykitefestival.org 

6-part workshop led by 

Franz Wisner starting April 11 th 

REGISTER AT 

Collaboration-LLC.com/events 

(805) 541-9040 


DIRTY CELLO 

From China to Italy, and all over 

the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the 

world a high energy and unique 

spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by 

vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca 

Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like 

you’ve never heard before. 

April 22 // sloma.org

get inspired. get connected. get started. 

EXPO 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 

MAY 6th & 7 th 

alex madonna expo center-SLO 

SAT 10-5 · SUN 10-4 

FREE 

ADMISSION 

& PARKING 

inspiredexpos.com 

MOM 

SATURDAY, MAY 6 @ NOON 

sponsored by 

finals 

805-772-4600 


| HAPPENINGS 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

805.459.8323 | tohaveandtoholdbridalsalon.com 

7 

8 

9 

SENIOR DISCOUNT . Mon & Tues 10 to 2 . $15 

1351 Monterey Street . San Luis Obispo 

(805)783-2887 . clippersbarber.com 

architectural 

photography 

trevorpovahphotography 

architects | interior designers | engineers 

contractors | landscape architects | & more 

www.trevorpovahphotography.com 

WINE RAIL EXCURSION 

Take a round trip to Pomar Junction 

Winery in Paso Robles on Amtrak’s 

Coast Starlight. Enjoy the entertainment 

and wine-tasting included in your fare, 

and buy dinner or bring your own picnic. 

May 5 // slorrm.com 

MAY 

ANTIQUE STREET FAIR 

Downtown Cayucos becomes a pedestrian 

zone while browsers and shoppers can check 

out the many goods being offered by local 

and visiting vendors. 

May 7 // cayucoschamber.com 

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FLAVOR OF SLO 

Enjoy an afternoon at the beautiful 

and historic Jack House and Gardens 

in downtown San Luis Obispo while 

sampling some of the best food, wine, 

and beer the Central Coast has to offer. 

Each year this event raises thousands 

of dollars to benefit United Way of San 

Luis Obispo County. 

May 6 // flavorofslo.com 

OUR TOWN 

Winner of the 1938 Pulitzer Prize for 

Drama, Our Town follows the small 

town of Grover’s Corners. Narrated 

by a stage manager and performed 

with minimal props and sets, this is 

the “must-see” play in the canon of 

American theatre. Don’t miss this 

classic American drama. 

May 12 – 28 // slolittletheatre.org 

MIRACLE MILES FOR KIDS 

Run a 10K from Morro Rock to the 

Cayucos Pier and make a difference in 

the community. The funds earned through 

registration and pledging help to meet 

critical needs of the over 1,400 children, 

youth, and families annually. 

May 13 // mm4k.com 



LUXURIOUS RANCH ESTATE 

www.1190BurntRock.com 


547 MARSH STREET • SAN LUIS OBISPO 

1039 CHORRO STREET • SAN LUIS OBISPO 

805 MAIN STREET • MORRO BAY 

225 S. OCEAN AVENUE • CAYUCOS 

BHGREHAVEN.COM

SLO Life Apr/May 2017

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