Landscaping Project On Mission Street Has Begun

announced Wednesday that crews have begun a landscaping project along Highway 1 on Mission Street in , between Town Terrace and .

Crews will be working Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. installing in the and the medians. Alternate lanes will be closed with at least one lane open in each direction at all times. Expect delays of up to . The project is expected to be complete by the end of July.

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Friday, June 20th, 2008

Landscaping No Comments

Tourism this week in Latin America - Feb.20, 2008

By travelatlatinamerica.com | Feb 20, 2008

ARGENTINA

The world’s most famous rally will be run in this country

The traditional off-road competition Dakar Rally will run from January 3rd to 18th, 2009, between Argentina and Chile, with start and finish in Buenos Aires.

Creation of Ice Museum will contribute to the tourist offer

It will be located in El Calafate and will cover an area of 2,000m2. There are only two museums of this category in the world, but, according to its creator, “it won’t be a copy of either one.” The President Cristina Kirchner has already given her approval.

This year 124 cruise ships will arrive in Buenos Aires

This year, 124 cruise ships will arrive in Buenos Aires (25 more than in 2007); especially large ships, which mostly come from the Caribbean.

New luxury hotel in Puerto Madero

With an investment of US$ 52 million, the project which will have 160 rooms and suites. This hotel will form part of the Starwood Hotels chain, owner of the Sheraton. It will be the third five-star hotel that is being constructed in the area.

Lan increases its virtual Check-In registry

The Check-In Web service in LAN.com increased by 300 percent last year. During 2007, there were more than 300,000 passengers registered in Argentina who carried out their Check-In by Internet.

Ten Rivers %26 Ten Lakes incorporate hotel in the Patagonia

The chain of Boutique Hotels and Lodges Ten Rivers %26 Ten Lakes incorporated its eleventh establishment in the Argentinean Patagonia: El Puma Hosteria – Lodge, situated in el Chalten, Province.

BRAZIL

Gol reconsiders operations in South America

The company will exclusively suspend the direct flights from Sao Paulo to Lima and vice-versa as of February 11th and to Santiago as of March 1st.

Net income of Gol increased by 42.5 percent in the fourth quarter

Gol totaled 1.4 million reales in net income in the fourth quarter of 2007, with an increase of 42.5 percent in relation to the same period of the previous year.

JetBlue Airways wishes to form a new airline in Brazil

The founder of JetBlue Airways wishes to form a new airline in Brazil and is negotiating with Embraer for the purchase of 36 medium-range passenger aircraft. The president of JetBlue may have obtained US$ 200 million for the new company. In addition, he may have already purchased a small Brazilian airline called Cheta, with the government’s authorization to operate in the country.

CHILE

Lan is the best airline of Latin America

Lan was chosen as the best airline in the region, according to the Lo Mejor de America Latina 2008 ranking from the Latin Trade magazine. The company obtained the highest score among a total of 12 airlines.

BOLIVIA

Tam incorporates two Chinese aircraft

Last week, two Chinese aircraft destined to strengthen the fleet of aircraft of the Transporte Aereo Militar (TAM) arrived. The capacity of these aircraft was planned – initially – for 60 people; however, it was decided to make a configuration for 52 passengers.

American registered an increase in the route to Miami in 2007

American Airlines registered an increase from 25 to 30 percent in the demand of its destination to Miami in 2007.

PERU

Arrivals of foreigners grew by 21.4 percent in January

During January, the arrivals of foreigners to the country increased by 21.4 percent in comparison to the same period last year. In January this year, 87,508 passengers arrived at the Jorge Chavez international airport, compared to 72,072 last year.

Continental’s operative permit is renewed and modified

The Ministry of Transport and Communication (MTC) granted Continental Airlines the renewal and modification of the operative permit of the international regular air transport service of passengers, cargo and mail, for a period of four years, as of January 22nd, 2008. The MTC authorized the airline to carry out flights between New Jersey and Lima in seven weekly frequencies, the same as between Houston and Lima.

qp Hotels inaugurates first boutique hotel

The qp Hotels and Resorts Worldwide chain inaugurated its first boutique hotel under a new concept of “An All Suites Boutique Hotel”. The qp Hotels “A quality place to stay” became a reality with an investment of USA$ 3 million. It has 33 suites.

Inkaterra inaugurates boutique hotel in April

In April, the Peruvian group Inkaterra will inaugurate a boutique hotel in the Plaza Las Nazarenas in the city center of Cusco. The project required an investment exceeding US$ 2 million. This boutique hotel consists of the renovation of a colonial-style home constructed in 1585. It has been up-dated, maintaining its but adding unconventional features.

COOMBIA

Airports concession on stand-by

The concession of the Bucaramanga, Cucuta, Valledupar and Barrancabermeja airports has not yet begun and is threatening to fail. The deficit which the country’s four main east air terminals register annually is making the director of Civil Aviation delay in making his decision. He foresees little interest on behalf of the private sector in this bid.

VENEZUELA

will fly twice a week to Madrid

As of June, the official airline of Venezuela will begin flights to Spain, beginning with two weekly flights.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Campaign to attract European tourism begins

Coral reefs, beaches, volcanoes, lakes, colonial architecture and gastronomic richness are some of the Central American touristic attractions which will be promoted with the aim of drawing European tourism.

MEXICO

Government creates National Investment Fund

The Secretary of Tourism informed that the federal government created a National Investment Fund, through which it will allocate 270 billion pesos in the next years.

Passenger traffic grew by 12.5 percent in January

The Mexican airport operator GAP informed that the passenger traffic in its terminals increased by 12.5 percent in January, compared to the same month in 2007, boosted by the increase in local travelers and a rebound in international travelers.

Continental Airlines will fly from Terminal 2 of Mexico City

As of the 19th of this month, Continental Airlines will operate its flights from Terminal 2 of the International Airport of Mexico City.

NH will open hotel in Mexico City’s airport

A five-star hotel is being constructed in Terminal 2 of the International Airport of Mexico City; NH Hotels will be in charge of its administration. Its opening is foreseen for the end of this year.

DOMINICAN REPUBLC

Expected growth of tourism this year to be of 3 percent

The Secretary of Tourism said that although there is a slightly negative outlook, due to the economic recession of the United States, they calculate an increase of between 3 and 4 percent in touristic activity in the Dominican Republic in 2008. Last year, the tourism increase in the country was of 1.7 percent.

Government will speed up works on routes which link touristic destinations

The pesident of the Dominican Republic verified for himself the poor conditions of the routes that link touristic destinations in the country and is willing to speed up the existing works and build new ones.

JAMAICA

increases by 17.1 percent with arrival of visitors

The arrival of tourists to Jamaica in the first week of February underwent an increase of 17.1 percent, this being the largest registered in the last years in this period, according to the information gathered from official statistics, which consider this increase as promising for the sector.

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Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

Music A NIGHT OF GUITARS

I tsironic that a poet would become a musician who writes songs without words.

But Brian Gore insists his instrumental guitar compositions are inspired by literature. Besides, they have lyrics when he first writes them.

%26#8220;I write the words to kind of get a sense of the personal meaning of a song to me,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;And I write the words so I can sing the melody lines to make sure its being rendered in a vocal way rather than a strictly guitaristic way.%26#8221;

In a culture where guitar is often associated with electrified rock music, Gore set out to get more recognition to acoustic guitarists whose music seldom features vocals. So he established International Guitar Night, featuring a changing group of guitarists who travel the world.

%26#8220;Some of them are well known, some of them are not well known at all,%26#8221; Gore said by phone from a tour stop in Vienna, Va. %26#8220;But thats part of what we want with IGN%26#8212;to get some of the people who are deserving to be better known.%26#8221;

The IGN will stop at Cal Poly on Wednesday. Joining Gore will be Miguel de la Bastide, a flamenco guitarist born in Trinidad, Clive Carroll, a Brit who plays Celtic styles, and DGary, a guitarist and vocalist from Madagascar who is influenced by African music.

In the first half of the show, each guitarist will play separately and in duets. For the remainder of the show they will appear together, performing original songs throughout.

%26#8220;In the second half especially theres a lot of improvisation,%26#8221; de la Bastide said. %26#8220;So every night can be a little different.%26#8221;

While the first half showcases solo work, the second comes with a bit of mystery.

%26#8220;The collaborations are what make people want to come back again and again,%26#8221; Gore said. %26#8220;Because the first set you see these different styles, and youre asking yourself the question: %26#8216;How can these styles come together? And that question is answered in the second half.%26#8221;

As a high schooler in Davis, Gore was more into writing poetry than songs. But then he became a singer in a garage band (one of his band mates became a violinist for alt-rockers Camper Van Beethoven). And slowly he began learning about guitar.

Eventually he was drawn to American fingerpicking style.

He learned from mentors, but never actually studied music. His degree from UC , is in philosophy and language studies.

While working in the publishing business (hes also a part-time field publisher for McGraw-Hill), Gore launched IGN, which was initially just in the Bay Area.

%26#8220;Then pretty soon, we got some interest out of town,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;And it kept growing and growing.%26#8221;

Today the show travels throughout the United States, to Canada and the United Kingdom. Each tour features Gore and three other musicians. This tour, like the last, has inspired a live CD, %26#8220;International Guitar Night II.%26#8221;

When recruiting the musicians, Gore said, one thing stands out: %26#8220;Almost all the people are highly regarded among aficionados%26#8212;and theyre great technically,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;But the main criteria are their songwriting. They need to be able to make some good statements with their songwriting.%26#8221;

While the show is billed as the most successful mobile guitar festival, few acoustic guitar shows are widely known.

When de la Bastide was contacted, he wasnt sure how to react.

%26#8220;I had never heard of these guys before,%26#8221; said de la Bastide, the musical director of the Compa%26#241;ia Carmen Romero dance troupe in Toronto, where he now lives. %26#8220;I did some research and found out these guys were all more famous than I was. And I said to myself, %26#8216;This is a really good learning experience. %26#8221;

Reach Patrick S. Pemberton at 781-7903.

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Friday, February 1st, 2008

Landscaping Stone No Comments

Surfers get lost in the middle

If youre into surfing, you probably know a handful of professional surfers by name%26#8212;because most surfers watch surf movies, and most surf movies feature the same guys (and occasionally gals) in the same exotic locations.

%26#8220;Thats what most of the audience wants to see,%26#8221; said filmmaker Trevor Povah, %26#8220;the best of the best, surfing the best waves.%26#8221;

While surfers will always pay to see Kelly Slater and Rob Machado on film, Povah figured there was a really good local surf flick yet to be made.

%26#8220;Theres kind of like this gap between Southern California and Northern California,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;You have your Southern California industry with everything south of Santa Barbara and Ventura %26#8212;San Clemente, San Diego and that whole surf scene. And then you kind of have the same thing going on in the area, with a bunch of pros coming out of there and a bunch of film that has been produced.%26#8221;

Povahs idea: make a quality film featuring not only local surfers, but also local waves and music.

It was a fairly novel idea. But first he had to convince a group of surfers to let an outsider into their inner circle.

%26#8220;It was hard for me to put myself out there and be like, %26#8216;Hey, Im doing this local video, %26#8221; said Povah, originally from Santa Barbara. %26#8220; %26#8216;Im not from here, and Im a Cal Poly kook%26#8230;Would you do it? %26#8221;

While San Luis Obispo County isnt known for extreme localism, surfers here do tend to be low-key about favorite spots, fearing any exposure will draw huge, Southern California-type crowds to the lineups.

Not to worry, Povah says. His short film, %26#8220;Lost in the Middle,%26#8221; shouldnt mess with the uncongested stoke. %26#8220;Im only printing a thousand copies, and Im only distributing countywide through surf shops,%26#8221; Povah said.

The films best exposure then will probably come Sunday, when it is screened at the Downtown Brewing Co. The film marks the start of a monthly sports movie feature at the San Luis Obispo nightclub.

Povah, who now lives in San Luis Obispo, earned his degree in recreation from Cal Poly. For his senior project, he developed a business plan for a video production business, called Red Potion Productions, which specializes in shooting outdoor sports.

He graduated in 2004. But he began working on his surf film before then.

His first task was to get to know some of the areas best surfers. While few locals are household names in the surf industry, that doesnt mean there arent really good surfers in the area; theyre just not always aggressive about self-promotion.

%26#8220;There isnt really a big need to get on the radar,%26#8221; said Shane Stoneman, a Cayucos surfer and board shaper who appears in the movie. %26#8220;I have a wife and a kid. And its like, %26#8216;Shoot, I just need to pay my bills and go surfing when I can. %26#8221;

For a lot of local standouts, the goal is simply that. And being on the Central Coast, out of the focus of most surf media, keeps them under that radar.

But if someone wants to film them, thats fine, said Pismo Beach surfer Eric Soderquist.

%26#8220;Its kind of cool when someone steps up and actually tries to document something,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;Because, you know, I sure as hell dont want to be videotaping when the waves are going off.%26#8221;

Not that local surfers havent had any attention. The surfers in Povahs movie include sponsored world travelers who have garnered their share of publicity.

Chad Jackson has gained a as a formidable big-wave surfer. Killian Garland is a promising shredder, and Nate Tyler is probably the best-known local surfer, having scored magazine covers and high-profile advertisements. Other local surfers in the movie include Walt Cerny, Hughy Soderquist and Ryan Blackburn.

Povahs video spotlights well-known local spots in places like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and Cayucos. (No secret spots can be identified, he assures.) And there are scenes of wildlife, board shaping and painting. But mostly its a film that showcases surfers on waves.

%26#8220;I would say there are two ways to make a surf film,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;Films that are targeted at the general audience and films that are targeted to surfers. And this is more targeted to surfers.%26#8221;

There are no interviews, so viewers wont walk away knowing any more about the surfers than they did beforehand. But Povah didnt intend it to be a documentary.

%26#8220;Its more like a back-in-the-day surf film, where you put it in before you go out surfing and get all amped up,%26#8221; he said.

It also focuses on short-boarders, leaving longboard enthusiasts to be explored later.

%26#8220;Down at Cayucos pier today, theres a whole section of classic longboarders that obviously arent in the movie,%26#8221; Stoneman said. %26#8220;So theres a bunch of things that arent being represented, and thats fine too.%26#8221;

Without interviews, securing music became a crucial part of the film. Wanting to stay consistent on the local theme, Povah contacted local bands about using their music for the soundtrack. About 80 percent, he said, were receptive to the idea.

%26#8220;Some of them were like, %26#8216;Are you gonna pay us? %26#8221; he said.

His response? %26#8220;Yeah, right,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;Im losing money as it is.%26#8221;

Others, like roots reggae group Resination, were all for it.

%26#8220;Its good exposure for us,%26#8221; said lead singer Vance Fahie. %26#8220;And we like supporting local projects.%26#8221;

This will be the third surf project that includes a Resination song. The surf vibe, Fahie said, matches Resinations mellow approach. And several Resination members surf themselves.

%26#8220;The rest of us just paddle around in shallow water,%26#8221; he said.

Povah spent much time matching music to the surfers. Stonemans segment, for example, includes a song he wrote and recorded. And Eric Soderquist suggested a song from the Santa Barbara-based Cadillac Angels because the bands bass player is the one who got him into surfing. Local bands contributing to the soundtrack include laid-back groovers Still Time, jazz band MD 2020 and indie rockers Siko.

After spending four years making a 30-minute film, Povah, who is also an on-call emergency medical technician with San Luis Ambulance, is focusing on still photos for a while. Still photography, he said, is simply less time consuming.

%26#8220;Im really a perfectionist, and I dont know when to stop,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;And thats why it took so long.%26#8221;

A surfer himself, filming the movie kept Povah off his shortboards as he worked to capture the perfect wave.

%26#8220;I surfed a lot more before I started to make this,%26#8221; he said. %26#8220;I always think: If I surfed every day that I shot film, how much better would I be? %26#8221;

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Friday, January 25th, 2008

Landscaping Stone No Comments

Calendar for week of Jan. 10

THISWEEK

TODAY

Snow Night. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Children 12 and younger can play in 16 tons of snow. Dress warmly with gloves, jacket and hat. Farmers Market, Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo. Free. 781-7300.

Linnaeas Cafe. Thurs: Fed Jazz

Jam, 8 p.m. Fri: Deborah Crooks and

Vanessa VanSpall, 8 p.m. Sat: Andrew

Heringer, 8 p.m. Sun: The Bowmans, 8 p.m. 1110 Garden St. All ages, no dancing. 541-5888.

FRIDAY

Jack McNeal. Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. %26#8220;Meanderings.%26#8221; Photography. Through January. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero, No. 10, Morro Bay. 772-1068.

Morro Bay Embarcadero Art Walk. 5 to 8 p.m. Many galleries have food, wine and artists in attendance. Various galleries, Embarcadero, Morro Bay. 772-1068.

JoJo Shaiken, Barbara and Rosey Rosenthal and Molly Wilson. Reception: 7 to 9 p.m. %26#8220;Illuminated Night.%26#8221; Variety of media. Friday, through Feb. 18. Art is For Everyone, 1254 Second St., Los Osos. 528-2141.

Elephant Seal Presentation. 7 p.m. %26#8220;An Elephant Seals Life%26#8221; with Burney Le Boeuf. Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St., Cambria. $5. 927-0254.

SLOFolks Concert: Robert Earl Longley. 7:30 p.m. Classic guitarist and symphonic composer. Castoro Cellars Winery, 1315 N. Bethel Road, Templeton. $20. 238-0725 or www.slofolks.org.

Harry James Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Cohan Center, Cal Poly. $35. 756-2787.

Benefit Concert. 8 p.m. Pianist W. Terrence Spiller performs works by Robert Schumann, Francis Poulenc and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Proceeds benefit the Cal Poly Music Department Scholarship Fund. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly. $6 to $10. 756-2787.

The Porch. Fri: Michael Barrish, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita. 438-3376.

Its a Grind Coffee Shop. Fri: The Pat Cormick Group, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 1506 Froom Ranch, San Luis Obispo. 269-0230.

The Carlton Hotel. Bar and Lounge, 8 to 11 p.m. Fri: Bob /Steve Mazzetta Duo. Sat: Viper Duo. 6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 461-5100.

Harrys Night Club and Beach Bar. Fri: %26#8216;70s Rollercoaster, $5, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sat: Mean Gene and the Portable Jons, 3 to 8 p.m.; %26#8216;70s Rollercoaster, $5, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sun: Legends, 3 to 8 p.m.; Double Shot, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach. No cover unless noted. 773-1010.

SATURDAY

Lopez Lake Outdoor Discoveries: Explore the Blackberry Springs/Turkey Ridge Loop Trail. 9 a.m. to noon. Join the ranger and get familiar with the trails at Lopez Lake. Meet at the Wittenberg Arm kiosk. Lopez Lake Nature Center, Arroyo Grande. $7 parking. 788-2381.

Natural San Luis: Cerro San Luis Trail Workday. 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trailhead San Luis Obispo. Details, 544-1777.

Adventures With Nature. 772-2694 or www.morrobaymuseum.org. Rain or bad weather cancels outdoor activities.

%26#8226; Those Gorgeous Grays at Monta%26#241;a de Oro. 10 a.m. Search for gray whales and learn about these creatures and their incredibly long migration. Meet at Coon Creek parking area at the end of Pecho Road. 1 mile, 2 hours.

%26#8226; Living History at the Spooner Ranch House. 11 a.m. Learn about the history of the Pecho Ranch and its inhabitants. Visit with women dressed in Victorian-era clothing in the parlor at Spooner Ranch House in Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park. 2 hours.

%26#8226; Living Near Plate Boundaries. 1:30 p.m. Most of the worlds destructive quakes have occurred near plate boundaries. Examples of these will be examined and potential hazards in California will be emphasized. Meet at the natural history museum auditorium in Morro Bay State Park. 2 hours.

%26#8226; Spring in the Elfin Forest. 2 p.m. A short walk to see the first flowers of the new year and learn about their habitats. Meet at the north end of 15th Street in Los Osos, cross street Santa Ysabel Avenue. 0.75 mile, 1.5 hours.

Richard Gilewitz in Concert. 7 p.m. Finger-style guitarist, humorist and storyteller performs. Workshop at 1 p.m. Sunday. Matts Music Stage and School, 617 12th St., Paso Robles. $15 concert; $30 workshop. Reservations, 237-0054.

Elephant Seal Presentation. 7 p.m. %26#8220;An Elephant Seals Life%26#8221; with Burney Le Boeuf. Avila Beach Marine Institute, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach. $5. 927-0254.

Music at the Mission. 8 p.m. The San Luis Obispo Symphony performs chamber music with guest violinist Kathleen Lenski. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm St., San Luis Obispo. $25. 543-3533.

Painted Sky Concert Series. 8 p.m. Featuring acoustic music by Lizzie West and Friends. Fundraiser in association with CodePink. Painted Sky Recording Studios, 4111 Bridge St., Cambria. $20. 927-8330.

SUNDAY

Lopez Lake Outdoor Discoveries: Beginning Birding Guided Walk. 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Join the ranger and learn about the birds that inhabit the park. Meet at the Wittenberg Arm kiosk. Lopez Lake Nature Center, Arroyo Grande. $7 parking. 788-2381.

Elder Bills Outdoor Events: Oceano Dunes Hike. 9:30 a.m. See the levee, creek, dunes, SVRA and secret trail. Kids and dogs OK. Meet at the Melodrama in Oceano. Call 929-3647 or e-mailbdenneen@kcbx.net.

Adventures With Nature. 772-2694 or www.morrobaymuseum.org. Rain or bad weather cancels outdoor activities.

%26#8226; Whites Point Vistas. 11 a.m. A short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world, home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Meet at the Museum of Natural History by the outdoor Chumash garden. 0.5 mile, 0.5 hour.

%26#8226; Sketch Walk (Point Buchon). 1:30 p.m. Explore the new Point Buchon Trail along the bluffs south of Monta%26#241;a de Oro, stopping to draw the rocky shore. Meet in Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park at the end of the Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. 1-2 miles, 2.5 hours.

Natural San Luis: Bishops Peak. 1 p.m. Ranger-led hike. Meet at the Patricia Drive trailhead, San Luis Obispo. Details, 544-1777.

Cocoa and Canines. 1 to 3 p.m. Dogs and owners welcome. Heilmann Dog Park, El Bordo Avenue, Atascadero. Free. 466-5628.

Second Sunday at Seven. 7 p.m. Poetry readings featuring Nixson Borah and Jerry Smith, followed by open reading. Coalesce Bookstore Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. 772-2880.

MONDAY

Paso Robles Art Association General Meeting. 10 a.m. to noon. Fred Ventura demonstrates optical illusion and color theory. Paso Robles Art Center, 2208 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles. 238-5473.

Adventures With Nature. 772-2694 or www.morrobaymuseum.org. Rain or bad weather cancels outdoor activities.

%26#8226; Lunchtime Look-see at the Rookery. 12:30 p.m. Join a docent to view the progressive stages of local heron and cormorant seven-month mating season. See all the stages from singlehood and the first alpha males arrival (January), mating and courtship (February), nesting and egg laying (March/April), hatching (April/May), raising the young (June), fledgling first flights (July), and the display of juveniles into young adulthood. Bring binoculars. Scope provided. 45 minutes.

Morro Bay Art Association Monthly Meeting. 7:15 p.m. David Jonas demonstrates figure paintings. Morro Bay Art Association Gallery, 835 Main St., Morro Bay 772-2504.

Cross Canadian Ragweed in Concert. 8 p.m. With special guests. 18 and over. The Graduate, 990 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo. $16 to $20. 888-825-5484 or www.vallitix.com.

TUESDAY

Lecture. 7 to 9 p.m. %26#8220;I Am Because We Are: Dr. King, Our Generation and the Next Movement%26#8221; by M.K. Asante Jr. Performing Arts Center Pavilion, Cal Poly. Free. 756-1405.

WEDNESDAY

Film Screening. 7 p.m. Biographical film about Charlie Chaplin. Theatre at the Old Grammar School, 1350 Main St., Cambria. $3. 927-8190.

Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary. 8 p.m. Performance of a variety of jazz styles. Cohan Center, Cal Poly. $36 to $48. 756-2787.

ART

ENDING %26#8220;Art Eco%26#8221; Group Exhibition. Various mediums. Through Friday. Frame

Works, 339 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. 542-9000.

Steve Curtis. Black-and-white photography. Through Friday. Peabody %26 Plum Realtors, 6755 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 423-8846.

Barbara Kraus Frank. %26#8220;Around the World in 30 Years: A Retrospective.%26#8221; Through Saturday. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. 544-7930.

%26#8220;Small Works.%26#8221; Works by various artists. Through Saturday. Salisbury Fine Art Gallery, 6985 Ontario Road, Avila Valley. 471-3110.

%26#8220;Designed to be Different.%26#8221; Variety of media. Through Sunday. San Luis Obispo Art Center, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. 543-8562.

ONGOING Tom Shultz. %26#8220;Arteries of the West.%26#8221; Through Jan. 19. Firefly Gallery, 1301 Park St., Paso Robles. 237-9265.

Julie Hughes. %26#8220;Sanguilicious.%26#8221; Through Jan. 22. Cuesta College, , San Luis Obispo. 546-3202.

Arty Party. Handcrafted and original work by a variety of local artists. Through January. The Gallery at the Network, 778 Higuera St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo. 788-0886. Atascadero Art Association Fall All-Member Show. Through January. Atascadero-Martin Polin Library, 6850 Morro Road. 466-1328.

Bob Wilkens Jr. Photography. Through January. Rabobank, 845 Spring St., Paso Robles. 238-7200.

Deborah Kunic. Oil, watercolor and etchings. Through January. First Bank of San Luis, 840 Spring St., Paso Robles. 226-2943.

Duane Dahl. Glass and rock designs. Through January. Seekers Glass Gallery, 4090 Burton Drive, Cambria. 927-8626.

Fall Collection Show. Art by members of the El Camino Art Association. Through January. Gullivers Travels, 605 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

Janet Allenspach. Paintings. Through January. Linnaeas Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo. 927-1660.

Linda Brownson. Photography of Eastern and Western European countries. Through January. Soho Studio, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. 546-0303.

Stephanie Laird. Photography. Through January. Rabobank, 6950 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 466-2325.

Terri Rose. %26#8220;Liberty%26#8221; and companion works. Through January. Rabobank, 706 Golden Hills Road, Paso Robles. 237-1616.

Terri Rose. %26#8220;Liberty,%26#8221; oils and prints. Through Feb. 2. Cafe Vio, 1111 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles. 237-2722.

Howard Kline. %26#8220;Rouge Wave.%26#8221; Through Feb. 10. Howard Kline Gallery, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria. 927-2917.

Ron Guthrie and Shirley Pittman. %26#8220;Scenic Expressions.%26#8221; Pen-and-ink, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings. Through Feb. 10. Morro Bay Art Association Gallery, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. 772-2504.

Pat Gingell, Philo Wier and Mardi Nils. Paintings and photography. Through Feb. 15. University Center Art Gallery, 3171 Temple St., Halcyon. 489-2822.

Patricia Newton. Oil paintings. Through Feb. 28. Cayucos Community Art Gallery, foot of the Cayucos pier, Cayucos. 992-2049.

Laurel Sherrie. Oil paintings. Through February. Lone Madrone Tasting Room, Highway 46 West, west of Paso Robles. 473-4640.

Paul J. McCloskey. %26#8220;Painting with Light.%26#8221; Photo-paintings on canvas. Through March. The Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Road, Morro Bay.

%26#8220;Ageless Beauty: Faces of Hearst Castle.%26#8221; Art objects. Through 2008. Hearst Castle Visitor Center, San Simeon. 927-2120.

Janet Penn Franks. %26#8220;Central Coast Vineyards.%26#8221; Photography. Ongoing. Corner View Restaurant, 1141 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo. 546-8444.

TALENT CALLS

Call for art for HeARTS Obispo 2. Valentines gifts and works of art are needed. Deliver artwork between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Through Friday. Show and sale from Jan. 22 through Feb. 14. For details, call 544-9251 or e-mail to director@sloartscouncil.org.

The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association is seeking an artist or graphic artist to produce the main image for the 2008 Concerts in the Plaza series. The design must include elements of music, move-

Calendar

ment, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and/or Mission Plaza, color and all-age appropriate. Written proposal due by Jan. 18. Include a concept of the design and examples of recent work. A of $500 is available. An outline of this request for proposal is online at www.downtownslo.com. For complete details, call 541-0286 or e-mail to katie@downtownslo.com.

San Luis Obispo Little Theatre audition for its upcoming performance of %26#8220;My Fair Lady.%26#8221; 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12. Show dates May 23 through June 22. Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo. Details, call 781-2889, ext. 11.

PLANAHEAD

Third Thursday (Poets Night Out). 7 p.m. Jan. 17. Featured poet Dian Sousa, followed by open mike. Ye Olde Book Shoppe, 4303 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 466-0356.

An Evening of Guitar. 8 p.m. Jan. 19. Featuring classical, Spanish and flamenco music and dance by Berto Flamenco, performance by Los Perros and a live auction. Benefits PCPA Theaterfest. Marian Theatre, Alan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. $22 to $35. 922-8313.

Corners of the Mouth Monthly Poetry Reading. 7 p.m. Jan. 20. Featured readers David Starkey and Marguerite Costigan, open reading follows. Linnaeas Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo. Free. 547-1318.

Songwriter . 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 22. Featuring Nashville-based vocalist/composer Rebecca Sayre. The Clubhouse at This Old House, 740 W. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo. Free. 548-8500.

Benefit Concert. 4 p.m. Jan. 26. Performance by Dave Stamey, barbecue and drinks available. Proceeds benefit Ruth Ann Angus. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo. $20. 546-2857.

Mem Shannon in Concert. 8 p.m. Jan. 26. Presented by the San Luis Obispo Blues Society. 21 and over. Veterans Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. $15 to $17. 541-7930.

Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble Concert. 8 p.m. Jan. 26. %26#8220;The Triumphs of Oriana,%26#8221; followed by a lecture. Performing Arts Center Pavilion, Cal Poly. $8 to $10. 756-2787.

Hoot Road Show Concert. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Performance by Scottish singer/songwriter Jim Malcolm. Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. $15. 546-2857 or www.cambriahoot.com.

Adventures With Nature. 772-2694 or www.morrobaymuseum.org. Rain or bad weather cancels outdoor activities.

%26#8226; Discover Magnificent Morro Rock. 1 p.m. Jan. 18. See Morro Rock and learn about its geology and history and the animals that live on and near the Rock. Meet at the restrooms in the parking lot in front of the Rock. 0.5 mile, 1-1.5 hours.

%26#8226; Great Blue Herons of Morro Bay. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Learn about the courtship, nesting habits, anatomy and behavior of the great blue herons, great and snowy egrets, black-crowned nigh herons and the double-crested cormorants. 1 hour.

%26#8226; Bay Birding from the Museum . 10 a.m. Jan. 19. More than 10,000 waterfowl, shorebirds and gulls are visible from this vantage point many months of the year. Use telescopes to identify avian visitors and discover what they are doing. Meet at the Museum on Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. 2 hours.

%26#8226; Beavers at the Oceano Lagoon. 10 a.m. Saturday. 10 a.m. Jan. 19. Learn about the resident rodent of the lagoon, and how its managed to survive here. Meet at the Nature Center at the entrance to the Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach. 1 mile, 1 hour.

%26#8226; Coon Creek Beach Caves. 1 p.m. Jan. 19. Study the erosional impact of the ocean on the Monterey shale cliffs. Ancient caves in Monta%26#241;a de

Calendar

Oro, now uplifted above sea level, will be discussed. Meet in Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park at the south end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. 1.5 miles, 1.5 hours.

%26#8226; Black Hill Trail. 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters (or Morros) while learning about their history. Panoramic view of the surrounding geography from atop the hill. Meet at the overlook parking lot above the Morro Bay Golf Course. 0.5 mile, 1-1.5 hours.

%26#8226; Intersection of Nature and Man. 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Learn how the Morros and Morro Bay were formed. Topics include the geological formation of Morro Rock, the coastal erosion and sand drift that formed the sand spit, and how the resulting bay and drainage system nurtured the development of the estuary. Discover why this estuary has become such an important stop on the Pacific Flyway. natural history museum auditorium. 2 hours.

%26#8226; Birds Eye View. 10:15 a.m. Jan. 20. The lives of birds depend on what they see and how they are seen. The behavior of predators and prey are affected by characteristics of their vision and visibility. Plants and animals often display colors and patterns to attract, repel or hide from birds. Meet at the natural history museum auditorium in Morro Bay State Park. Slide show. 1.5 hours.

%26#8226; Great Blue Herons of Morro Bay. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Learn about the courtship, nesting habits, anatomy and behavior of the great blue herons, great and snowy egrets, black-crowned nigh herons and the double-crested cormorants. 1 hour.

%26#8226; Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef. 2 p.m. Jan. 20. Walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine animals. Meet 1.6 miles south of Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park entrance sign. 2 miles, 3 hours.

%26#8226; Lunchtime Look-see at the Rookery. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Join a docent to view the progressive stages of local heron and cormorant seven-month mating season. See all the stages from singlehood and the first alpha males arrival (January), mating and courtship (February), nesting and egg laying (March/April), hatching (April/May), raising the young (June), fledgling first flights (July), and the display of juveniles into young adulthood. Bring binoculars. Scope provided. 45 minutes.

%26#8226; Valencia Peak Hike. 9 a.m. Jan. 23. A vigorous noninterpreted hike to see views of Monta%26#241;a de Oro and Morro Bay from Valencia Peak, and wildflowers, birds, and native vegetation. Meet at bluff parking area 300 feet south of the Ranch House. 3.7 miles, 2 hours.

%26#8226; Quarry Trail to Morro Vistas. 10 a.m. Jan. 26. Hike to the foot of Cerro Cabrillo to view quarry site, learn about the Morros, explore seasonal wildflowers, see vistas of the Chorro Valley and far ridges from Park Ridge Trail and view the web of estuary waters on the return. Meet at quarry trailhead, off South Bay Boulevard, 1.5 miles from Highway 1 or 2.6 miles from Los Osos Valley Road. 3 miles, 2.5 hours.

%26#8226; Living History at the Spooner Ranch House. 11 a.m. Jan. 26. Learn about the history of the Pecho Ranch and its inhabitants. Visit with women dressed in Victorian-era clothing in

the parlor at Spooner Ranch House in Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park. 2 hours.

%26#8226; East Boundary Geology. 9 a.m. Jan. 28. Uplift along the Edna Fault Zone has resulted in the exposure of rocks not seen elsewhere in Monta%26#241;a de Oro. Examine these outcroppings and learn what they tell about our geologic past. Meet one-tenth of a mile south of the entrance to Monta%26#241;a de Oro State Park. 6 miles, 5 hours.

%26#8226; Lunchtime Look-see at the

Rookery. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Join a docent to view the progressive stages of local heron and cormorant seven-month mating season. See all the stages from singlehood and the first alpha males arrival (January), mating and courtship (February), nesting and egg laying (March/April), hatching (April/May), raising the young (June), fledgling first flights (July), and the display of juveniles into young adulthood. Bring binoculars. Scope provided. 45 minutes.

%26#8226; Discover Treasures of Monta%26#241;a de Oro. 1 p.m. Jan. 28. Tour the Spooner Ranch House and Holloway Garden, walk the Bluff Trail and see the plant, bird and marine life, end at Corallina Cove.. Meet in the parking lot of Ranch House. Part 1: 1 hour. Part 2: 1.5 miles, 1.5 hours.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

CONCERTS

Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. 800-585- 3737 or
www.chumashcasino.com.
%26#8226; KC%26theSunshineBand. 8p.m. Jan. 24. $35 to $75.

%26#8226; REO Speedwagon. 8 p.m. Jan. 31. $25 to $85.

%26#8226; Johnny Mathis. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. $65 to $145.

%26#8226; Don Rickles. 8 p.m. March. 13. $25 to $85.

%26#8226; Boz Scaggs. 8 p.m. April 17. $45 to $115.

%26#8226; Kenny Rogers. 8 p.m. April 24. $45 to $115.

Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. 962-7411 or
www.sbbowl.com.
%26#8226; Avril Lavigne. 7 p.m. May. 6. With guest Boys Like Girls. $37.50 to $57.50.

%26#8226; Celtic Woman. 7 p.m. May. 16. $30.50 to $79.50.

%26#8226; The Cure. 6 p.m. May 29. With guest 65 Days of Static. $64.50 to $84.50.

Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara. 963-4408.

%26#8226; Ryan Adams %26 the Cardinals. 8 p.m. Jan. 21. $33 to $43.

%26#8226; Lisa Lampanelli. 8 p.m. Feb. 8. $34.75.

Sings Like Hell. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. $39.50. 963-0761 or visit
www.singslikehell.com.
%26#8226; Jan.19. JTandtheClouds and Anais Mitchell.

%26#8226; Feb. 16. Kelly Willis and Chuck Prophet.

%26#8226; March 22. Jake Armerding and The Stringdusters.

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Monday, January 14th, 2008

Landscaping Stone No Comments

The Grapevine Four winemaking trends to be on the watch for in the new year

The start of a new year is an appropriate time to consider some of the wine trends were likely to see in the coming months. Id like to tell you that there will be a huge shift away from wines that are all about power and alcohol, but I doubt that will be the case. Though I hear more talk about that, Im still not seeing the evidence in the bottle. But here are four trends that I do see on the horizon.

Buying local

1. Domestic wines should look more attractive as prices rise on many imports.

If youve done any traveling lately or watch the financial reports, you know that the dollar is very weak these days. The euro is worth about $1.45; two years ago, it was worth close to $1.20. The dollar is falling against other currencies, too. The Australian and New Zealand dollars have gotten stronger against our dollar, as has the Chilean peso. The main wine-producing country whose currency has gotten weaker is Argentina; maybe well all be drinking more Argentine malbec.

Complicating things in Australia is a tighter grape supply, the result of frost damage to the 2007 vintage and an ongoing drought. There has been a wine glut in the country, resulting in some great bargains, but that glut is expected to dry up this year and next.

Currency fluctuations arent automatically passed on to consumers, of course. Big wine companies, in particular, tend to absorb some of the pain. But some price increases seem inevitable.

I hope California wineries hold the line of prices. They may feel tempted to raise them. Domestic sales of California wine have been on the rise, and the 2007 harvest brought a smaller-than- normal crop, especially in the better growing areas.

Green is in 2. More companies will start touting how%26#8220;green%26#8221; their wines are.

For years, some wineries have labeled their wines as being made from organically grown grapes. More recently, there have been statements about vineyards being certified as biodynamic, a cousin to organic farming that emphasizes the influence of cosmic forces and involves the use of specific %26#8220;preparations%26#8221; in the vineyard.

Now theres also an emphasis on %26#8220;sustainable%26#8221; wines. Sustainability encompasses not only the way the grapes are grown (minimal use of chemicals, though not strictly organic) but also such practices as energy and , recycling and worker safety. Regional certification programs slowly are being set up. The Lodi- Woodbridge area already has one in place and has received federal approval to include the certification on wine labels; the Napa Valley has started a certification process, and the Central Coast Vineyard Team will begin one soon.

Fetzer Vineyards, which has championed organic and sustainable practices for years, last year took its message on a %26#8220;green tour%26#8221; to tout what the company is calling its %26#8220;earth friendly%26#8221; wines and to educate consumers about sustainability. Australias Banrock Station, part of the huge Constellation Brands portfolio, publicizes its commitment to wetland conservation; labels bear the slogan %26#8220;Good Earth Fine Wine.%26#8221;

In light of the trend toward eating locally produced foods, Im wondering when well hear the first pitches about drinking locally produced wines to reduce our carbon footprints.

New grape varietals 3. Well see more wines from ever-more-obscure places.

Not so long ago, most Italian wines sold here were from Tuscany (Chianti, brunello di Montalcino) or Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco), with the occasional bottle of pinot grigio, Valpolicella or Soave thrown in. Spanish wine usually meant Rioja or sparkling wines like Freixenet. Now Italian wines are coming from the top to the toe of the peninsula, and wines from Sicily are one of the hottest trends. In Spain, whites from Galicia and reds from Priorat are all the rage, and lesser- known places like Toro, Bierzo and Murcia are coming on the scene.

Sommeliers are pushing Gr%26#252;ner Veltliner, or Gru-Vee, from Austria, moschofilero from Greece and syrah from South Africa. Eastern European countries such as Croatia, Bulgaria and the former Soviet republic of Georgia are increasing exports, too.

With table wine production on the rise in China, can it be long before wine is among the Chinese-made products at your local Wal-Mart?

Plain talk about wine

4. Some wine producers will become more transparent about their winemaking practices.

OK, maybe this is mostly wishful thinking, since openness and transparency are things Ive been arguing for in recent months. Honesty can come back to haunt winemakers, as was the case in the PBS program %26#8220;Wired Science,%26#8221; in which the use of certain technologies was derided as manipulation and a %26#8220;dirty little secret.%26#8221; But Ive found a number of winemakers to be remarkably open, describing in detail (if asked) some of their practices. A few years ago, one Paso Robles winemaker even replicated for me an experiment that his winery did with adding powdered tannins to wines.

Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon Vineyard in is taking a big step this year in the direction of transparency: He will start listing ingredients on the back labels of his wines. The labels,

which will appear on the

2006 reds and 2007 whites, include all ingredients contained in the wine and used in the production of the wines (even when, in the latter case, none of the substance remains in the wine).

Grahm says hes adopting the new labels to show his commitment to minimalist winemaking practices. He thinks such a move will be good for the industry and hopes it will start a conversation.

%26#8220;I dont really want to tell people how to make their wines, and I dont want to preach,%26#8221; he says, %26#8220;but I just want to set a good example.%26#8230;Its a little provocative, but I think its a good thing.%26#8221;

E-mail Laurie Daniel at

ladaniel@earthlink.net.

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Sunday, January 6th, 2008

Landscaping Stone 1 Comment


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