The program helps children to build and develop a set of skills that they will carry with them into adolescence. Throughout the Bitty Soccer program parents have the opportunity to teach and assist their child. The immediate gain is spending quality time together, but long term gains are even more significant. Not only will children build a solid foundation for the sport, but the parent-child relationship is strengthened.

Bitty Soccer begins October 1 and continues through November 1st. The YMCA will provide balls, goals, and a program T-Shirt. Practice days are Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 6:15 pm and games are Saturdays from Noon to 1:00 pm at Johnson Park, adjacent to the YMCA in San Luis Obispo off Laurel Lane.

Registration can be done by mail, fax, or in person at the Y. The cost is $65 per child before September 24th, and $70 there after. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA and no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance is available to families who qualify.

Other Bitty Sports programs offered throughout the year include T-Ball and Basketball. Please visit the YMCA website at: www.sloymca.org, or for more information contact Gilbert Almendarez, galmendarez@sloymca.org at the YMCA at 543-8235 ext. 118.

Loving-kindness comes in many forms. This 3 session series of workshops is for everyone and anyone who loves and appreciates our elders. It is designed to provide education, support and resources for people currently or anticipating supporting elderly loved ones near-by or at a distance.

Workshops:

Oct. 1: Planning Ahead-Education & Resources

Oct. 8: Listening From the Heart – Understanding your loved ones goals for the future

Oct. 15: Maintaining the Balance - Self-care practices for caregivers

Cost: $75 for workshop series. Pre-registration required.

To be held at AWAKENING Community Room, 1130 Napa Ave., Morro Bay.

Call 595.9463 for more information and advance tickets.

A preview exhibition of the Open Studios Art Tour opens at ARTS space Obispo with a reception during Art After Dark on Friday, October 3 and runs through October 24. Digital images of work from participating artists will be projected in ARTS space Obispo during the exhibition.

Arts are in the spotlight during October in San Luis Obispo County, particularly over the three weekends of ARTS Obispo’s 10th annual Open Studios Art Tour, San Luis Obispo County’s largest visual arts event. A record number of artists (300-plus) will participant, nearly 20 more than last year and 80 more than the year before.

From 10 am – 5 pm, October 11 & 12 and 18 & 19, the Central Coast’s most talented artists will display and sell their work directly from their studios and a variety of settings throughout the region. This year, ARTS Obispo offers an optional encore weekend October 25 & 26 during the same hours, adding even more excitement to the Open Studios experience.

Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the self-guided Open Studios Art Tour begins with the purchase of a full-color catalog that serves as a ticket to both weekends of the event. The $25 catalog provides a complete listing of the artists’ studios, including images, addresses and detailed maps. Guests are invited to attend as many studios as they choose from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends of the tour.

The show takes place in the 1960's and tells the story of a Hippie Tribe living in New York City's Central Park. One of the members of the tribe, Claude Hooper Bukowski, has been drafted into the army to fight in the Vietnam War. During his last few days as a civilian Claude and the tribe make sure to leave nothing undone. HAIR was an extremely powerful and ground-breaking production when it opened on Broadway in 1968. The similarities between the realities of our world then and the realities of our world now are shockingly similar. This show is completely relevant to the social, political and economic challenges we all face in our lives today. Plus it's full of amazing acting, music and choreography, and to top it off wine/beer and hors d'oeuvres are included in the price of a ticket.

Tickets are on sale now and seats are gong fast, reserve your table ASAP. For reservations call 473-0377. Tickets range from $15-$35. The show will run September 12th - October 5th with 8 PM performances Fridays & Saturdays and 7 PM performances Sundays. All performances will be held at the Studio Players Theatre located at 116 W. Branch St. in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Due to the content of the show no one under 18 will be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.

Invited by the Santa Barbara based non-profit Everyday Gandhis ( www.everydaygandhis.org), Warren Brush traveled to Liberia to teach workshops in Permaculture as a part of a peace building process, with vocational training for many former child-soldiers from a brutal 15 year civil war the country had endured. After the long civil war, the land was injured, but so were its children, now grown to young adults. Caught in the nightmare of a war they didn t create, but had been conscripted into, many were reluctant to return to their homes after the terrible atrocities of war. Could Permaculture help heal the land and its people?

Quail Springs is a 450-acre working farm and wilderness center focused on modeling and teaching the concepts and practices of sustainability. Located in the Cuyama Valley north of Ojai, CA, Quail Springs ( www.quailsprings.org) has been incorporating Permaculture into all of its land practices on their farm and demonstration site since it's inception. Permaculture teachers from around the world have taught at Quail Springs, and most recently, students from Liberia have attended advanced training courses there. The hope is to share ecological design techniques and strategies with both the local communities of California and the world. Currently Quail Springs is involved in a capital campaign to help build a Core Mentoring Center to accommodate this work, and join a network of Permaculture Training Centers around the globe.

Santa Barbara Public Library, Faulkner Gallery, 40 East Anapamu St, in downtown Santa Barbara, on Saturday, October 4, 7-9pm, 2008. No reservations are required, fundraiser donation for Quail Springs work $10. (805) 962-2671 www.sbpermaculture.org

*Come early for best selection, plants sell out quickly.

During his 36-year career as a Naval Officer, Don Eaton devoted much of his free time to photography as he traveled worldwide. He originally pursued black and white photography with the intent of creating black and white ink drawings, but his fascination with the photos themselves took hold and he never looked back. Three years ago he converted to digital capture and processing. He currently uses all Nikon equipment including a D2X and a D3. He processes his work on a Macintosh G-5 Quad with a 30-inch HD monitor using Photoshop CS3. All prints are on Epson archival paper and printed on an Epson R2400 or Epson Pro 3800. Don was a Navy flyer and as an A6 Intruder Bombardier/Navigator he flew 66 combat missions in Viet Nam. He was shot down on his tenth mission - after evasion and rescue, he flew 56 more. As his Naval career progressed his free time became more limited, but he managed to enter and win prizes in photo contests and art shows. He 's also had his images published in Naval Institute Proceedings and has done limited commercial work. Don retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral when he was Assistant Commander for Logistics and Fleet Support at the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C. He currently resides with his family in Paso Robles, California.

B-W Gallery, featuring the award winning images of ten Central Coast fine art photographers, is located at 9315 Santa Clara Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. Please call 805-674-0337 or visit our web site (www.b-wgallery.com) for directions and a schedule of events.

For information, call Sheila Wynne at 438-5855.

Local volunteers fill a wide-range of roles--they teach First Aid and CPR classes, respond to small local disasters such as single family fires, provide administrative support in the chapter office, present disaster preparedness information to community groups, and reach out to military families. Volunteers can also train to respond to large national disasters such as Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Please call 805-543-0696 x 17 to let us know you would like to attend. You can learn more about the San Luis Obispo County Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.slo-redcross.org.

WHO: Central Coast families Transitions-Mental Health Association Family Advocacy Program

WHAT: Public screening of The Shaken Tree: Families Living with Mental Illness. See the film trailer at www.t-mha.org.

WHERE: Community Room at the City/County Library 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo

WHEN: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7 p.m.

WHY: The Shaken Tree is a project funded by Behavior Services of San Luis Obispo County through the Mental Health Services Act to provide information to family members and to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

The Shaken Tree is a documentary that illuminates, through a collection of stories, the journey families experience when one of its members has chronic, persistent mental illness. The film presents an in-depth and sensitive look into the lives of these families, as they have struggled with issues such as grief, despair and stigma. Love, frustration and unrelenting hope are common themes as family and partners attempt to seek help for their loved ones in a society that mostly wants to “look the other way.”

ABOUT THE FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM
The Family Advocacy program at Transitions-Mental Health Association is a free service offering confidential assistance and support, with dignity and respect, to family members of those with a mental illness. Compassionate family advocates guide families through the mental health and judicial systems and connect them to other service providers. Family members are empowered to better understand and cope with the problems and realities of severe and persistent mental illness.

For more information about the presentation of "The Shaken Tree: Families Living with Mental Illness," contact John Klimala, at 805.550.3889 or email jklimala@t-mha.org.

At this event attendees will learn
-Seven mind traps we do that keep us from getting ahead!
-Twelve social sins not to Make while networking!
-Learn how to develop a client base of people who you enjoy working with.

The guest speaker will be Margaret Hennessy, Margaret Hennessy has been involved in advertising and public relations for over 35 years. She started her own advertising and public relations firm in Fort Lauderdale, and ran it for 11 years. In 1992 she founded the Mountain Connection, a community newspaper in Evergreen Colorado, and served as editor and publisher for 10 years. The Central Coast Women's Network was developed to provide a forum for women to get inspired, connected, promoted and empowered in business. Membership benefits include promotion in the online Business Directory, opportunities to attend special training seminars and workshops at discounted rates, and an invitation to the Network's exclusive Entrepreneur Program. For more information or to RSVP for this event, please call Jacky Lopez at 805-439-1013, by email at: events@ccwnetwork.com, or book online at the website: www.ccwnetwork.com

Thursday, October 9, 2008
Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center (Wheelchair accessible)
1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara 7 to 9 PM

"Outside the Box" will be a silent auction of boxes, beautifully decorated by local artists - your chance to get a unique Christmas gift. Piano selections played by the talented John Douglas will delight you as you view the boxes and make your bids. There will be light refreshments served. Admission is free - suggested donations, $10 or more. Entrance donations and proceeds of the auction will go to the HCA-CA Education Fund and thus are tax deductible. To RSVP for the event, email outsidethebox@ymail.com Please indicate how many will be in your group. Or visit www.outsidethebox2008.wordpress.com to download and mail your RSVP form.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please make your check out to:
"HCA - CA Education Fund" and mail to
Shannon Miller
116 West Mission Street
Santa Barbara CA 93101
805-636-5011

Regular ticket range: $42-$48 depending on seating.

In a celebration of revered Brazilian composer Hector Villa-Lobos, Grammy Award- winning Jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins Maestro Gil Jardim and the renowned Philarmonia Brasileira in an innovative new project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vila-Lobos' death. The Orchestra is known for its remarkable work with the composer's oeuvre, which is uniquely suited to Marsalis' mastery of jazz and classical music. The collaboration promises to be a truly musically-sumptuous evening.

Open daily from 11 – 5, except Tuesdays.

You are invited to the opening reception, October, 12, 3 – 5 pm. Free admission.

October 10 - Coalesce, 7:00pm - $15 ~ Tickets: (805) 772-2880
October 11 - Castoro Cellars, 7:30pm - $15 ~ Tickets: (805) 238-0725

Sonnie Brown will interview them at 3PM on The Minstrel Song Show ~Saturdays 2-4PM KCBX.90.1FM ~

The Chicago based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repertoire they describe as "celtic to cowboy" Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition has made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine said, "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit."

"These folks are wonderful; fun, energetic, and great musicians. They're two of my favorite performers." Bill Staines, Singer/songwriter

SMALL POTATOES is Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso. This Chicago-based duo has been touring on the folk circuit since 1993. They’ve traveled a million miles, becoming sought-after regulars at many clubs, coffeehouses and house concerts across the U.S. They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals, including the KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL, the WALNUT VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL and PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL. They were one of the “most requested” acts at the 1999 FALCON RIDGE NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE. Jacquie is also a winner of the 1998 KERRVILLE NEW FOLK SONGWRITING CONTEST.

They call themselves eclecto-maniacs. They describe their music as “Celtic to Cowboy” and say it has taken them “years of careful indecision” to come up with a mix of music that ranges from country, blues, and swing to Irish, with songwriting that touches on all of those styles and more. Their four recordings, “ALIVE!”, “WALTZ OF THE WALLFLOWERS”, “TIME FLIES”, and “RAW” cover all these styles. They both sing, they both play guitars and an array of other instruments. They even yodel.

Arts are in the spotlight during October in San Luis Obispo County, particularly over the three weekends of ARTS Obispo’s 10th annual Open Studios Art Tour. 285 Central Coast artists will display and sell their work directly from their studios and a variety of settings throughout the region during San Luis Obispo County’s largest visual arts event.

The North County Tour takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the weekend of October 11 & 12, while the South County Tour follows on October 18 & 19. This year ARTS Obispo offers an additional encore weekend October 25 & 26 adding even more excitement to the Open Studios experience.

The North County Tour includes Atascadero, Baywood Park, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Margarita, Templeton, and surrounding areas.

Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the self-guided Open Studios Art Tour begins with the purchase of a full-color catalog that serves as a ticket to all 3 weekends of the event. The $25 catalog provides a complete listing of the artists’ studios, including images, addresses and detailed maps. Guests are invited to attend as many studios as they choose from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends of the tour.

Following the champagne reception and silent auction is a gourmet dinner paired with fine wine in the Grand Ballroom. Entertainment includes performances by PCPA students and resident artists along with a live auction. Another highlight of the evening will be the drawing for the 100 Bottles of Wine Raffle, with the winner walking away with an instant collection of Central Coast wines. Raffle tickets are on sale for $100, and only 100 will be sold. The winner does not need to be present at the event to win.

Tickets for “Puttin’ on the Ritz” are $150 per person, with proceeds benefiting PCPA Foundation and PCPA Theaterfest. To purchase tickets or for more information, call PCPA Foundation at 349-9135 or email gandrews@pcpa.org.

There will be no admission charge but a free will offering will be taken to assist the choir with the expenses of their tour. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Please invite family and friends to join you for this evening of beautiful music and fellowship The concert will be held at the United Methodist Church in Atascadero, 11605 El Camino Real, Atascadero. This event is co-hosted by St. Luke's Episcopal Parish and Atascadero United Methodist Church.

Call 446-0379 or 466-2566 or check http://www.atascaderoumc.org for more information.

The Ins and Outs of Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring a Lawyer Robin Unander, Attorney-at-Law

Robin Unander will discuss when to hire a lawyer, what to consider when meeting with lawyers, when to bring a problem to small claims court, and when the best course is not to take action. She will also speak on general issues and concerns related to legal work. Hosted by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library Lecture Series. Free of charge.

Any STUDENT RUSH seats still available one hour prior to curtain may be purchased at the door for only $10 (includes $3 facility fee); one ticket per student I.D.

With a wide- ranging repertoire, California's premier "organ plus" ensemble presents a unique concert experience featuring brass and percussion accompaniment to the Forbes Pipe Organ. The afternoon will feature Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky and new works by Bay Area composer/organist John Karl Hirten, including a set of four Irish tunes entitled Ceathair and a premiere performance of The Pinot Suite. Michael Barone, host of America Public Media's PIPEDREAMS radio/internet program will host a pre-concert conversation.

We hope you come out and welcome to the Central Coast the Golden Ticket. This acoustic duo out of Nashville, TN play their own take on Americana/Folk sound. Joshua Irwin, singer/songwriter, hails from Texas originally, and he is accompanied by Lyndsay Pruett, a free spirited fiddle player. Together they collaborate with artists of many styles, such as blues, folk, bluegrass, trip hop, classical and gypsy jazz. Their music blends a sultry kind of folk that is down to earth and soulful. Please join them as they leave Nashville for their American Odyssey tour. "For comforting the disturbed & disturbing the comfortable"

Watershed Resource Center, 2981 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara at Arroyo Burro County Beach Park.

RSVP to 568-3546.

WE ARE HAVING A BENEFIT FUNDRAISER ON OCTOBER 16, 2008 AT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO LITTLE THEATRE. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT OUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE PEOPLE AGE 55 AND OLDER WITH MEANINGFUL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR HOME COMMUNITIES.

THREE PROGRAMS WE SUPPORT DIRECTLY ARE:

RSVP (RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM) WHERE WE RECRUIT AND PLACE SENIORS IN SERVICE WITH OTHER NON-PROFIT AND/OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ASSIGNMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO MATCH THE SENIORS PERSONAL INTERESTS AND MAKE USE OF THEIR SKILLS AND LIFELONG EXPERIENCES.

PROJECT LIFESAVER – A PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES A MOBILE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR THOSE WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES SUCH AS ALZHEIMERS, DEMENTIA AND AUTISM AS WELL AS DOWN SYNDROME OR SIGNIFICANT HEAD TRAUMA. THIS PROGRAM IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH SAN LUIS OBISPO LIONS CLUB AND THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.

AND FRIENDLY RIDES4SENIORS – PASO ROBLES – A PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES REASONABLY PRICED, DOOR TO DOOR, RIDES FOR FRAIL AND OTHERWISE CHALLENGED SENIORS TO GET TO MEDICAL AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS. THIS PROGRAM OPERATES OUT OF THE PASO ROBLES SENIOR CENTER.

AS WELL, WE SERVE MORE THAN 300 NON-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN SAN LUIS OBISPO AND NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT WAY TO SAY “THANKS” TO OUR MORE THAN 1500 VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED CLOSE TO 170,000 HOURS DURING THE PAST YEAR.

DOORS OPEN AT 7, PROGRAM BEGINS AT 8. THIS IS THE FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SHORT PLAYS AND THE COST IS AN AFFORDABLE $25 PER PERSON. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE EVENT PLEASE CALL 544-8740. HURRY THOUGH, BECAUSE THE TICKETS ARE GOING FAST AND WE DON’T WANT YOU TO BE DISAPPOINTED.

GREAT RAFFLE & DOOR PRIZES!

Next weekend the Viper Six will be performing for all you swingers at the Pismo Jazz Fest - Jubilee by the Sea, playing four gala sets as follows:

Friday Oct 24th at 12:15 and again at 4pm at the Addie Street Pavillion
Saturday Oct 25th at the Addie Street Pavillion
Sunday Oct 26th at the Pismo Vets' Hall

The Addie Stree Pavillion isat the beach at the end of Addie Street which is the last street on the south end of old Pismo, a right turn off Hwy 1 just before the creek. Badges for the fest are available at all of the five jazz feat venues (there are a gazillion old time jazz bands playing all weekend) and are priced as follows: Friday $25, Saturday, $35, Sunday, $20 or all three days $80. Student passes are half price. For more info, call 481-7840.

GET ENGAGED WITH GREAT CHAMBER MUSIC IN A UNIQUE WAY

Engage with great chamber music throughout the year with Festival Mozaic’s WinterMezzo Series. This year, Bloodlines and Bandits brings you two unique programs showcasing both musical flattery and out-right thievery in some of the world’s greatest chamber music pieces.

Each musical program includes two events to choose from;
• An evening Notable Encounter, where wine country, culinary craftsmanship and the festival’s virtuoso musicians converge in a casual café-style musical tasting menu. You’ll enjoy an intimate buffet dinner and wine with the guest artists and fellow music lovers before sitting down for a one-hour ‘insider’s perspective’, as the musicians play, talk and engage with you on this season’s great chamber music.

• The full Concert delivers the dynamic force of these great works performed in their in their entirety by the festival’s nationally-acclaimed guest artists.

Enjoy one or both events to satisfy your winter musical cravings.

PROGRAM I
Friday October 17, 2008 - NOTABLE ENCOUNTER
End of the Line Cafe, San Luis Obispo, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2008 - CONCERT
Bloodlines
Musical genealogy comes alive in these pieces celebrating the genius of each composer’s musical ancestor.

Ludwig v. Beethoven - Serenade in D, op. 25
Curtis Pendleton, flute
Scott Yoo, violin
Paul Severtson, viola
Although the musical forces are compact in an enchanting combination of flute, violin and viola, this charming serenade hearkens directly back to the great serenades by Mozart.

Johannes Brahms - String Quartet No. 1 in c Minor, op. 51/1
Scott Yoo, Caroline Campbell; violins
Samuel Formicola, viola
Trevor Handy, cello
So overwhelmed by the staggering quartet output of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven and Schubert, it took Brahms thirteen years to complete this quartet, destroying over twenty versi

Local band Each Passing Day will host a triple-bill concert on Friday, Oct. 17, at Shepherd's Table in Grover Beach. Julie Christensen (formerly of Leonard Cohen's touring band) leads her trio in the opening set, followed by Bay Area singer-songwriter Amy Meyers, with Each Passing Day rounding out the event. Show begins at 7pm; a $10 donation is suggested. All ages are welcome. For info, call 805-204-6821.

Along with fellow Cohen backup singer Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen was a featured member of the The "Came So Far for Beauty" concerts (on which the documentary film Leonard Cohen "I'm Your Man" was partly based). In Dublin, Ireland, and Santa Barbara last year, she dueted with Lou Reed on Cohen's "Joan of Arc". Julie has also sung with Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, John Doe, and Exene Cervenka.

Amy Meyers has been playing in the Bay Area since 1991, releasing six CDs of original music and one children’s CD. A Dallas native, Amy's song "Good" was recorded by fellow Texan Sara Hickman on her "Motherlode" CD.

Each Passing Day is a trio of longtime friends with widely varied musical influences. Front man Loren Radis' songs are inspired by his musical heroes, such as Damien Rice, Iron & Wine, Paul Simon and The Beatles. His song "Homesick" won a Best Song of 2008 award in the West Coast Songwriters Competitions.

To sample music from these artists:
Julie Christensen, http://www.stonecupid.com
Amy Meyers, http://www.amymeyersmusic.com
Each Passing Day, http://www.eachpassingday.com

Vocalist and trombonist Elizabeth! is one of the most in-demand bandleaders and side musicians in New York. Her working band performs her sultry arrangements of jazz standards as well as her catchy original tunes, and this new recording, "hot & silver," shows off her beautiful phrasing and sensitivity. Elizabeth!'s musicianship and enthusiasm (and dance moves!) have made her a popular choice for tours and recordings with artists in genres ranging from country to indie rock to hip-hop.

Professional highlights include: * leading her quintet for a week of shows at Jazz @ Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club * appearances at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and Lincoln Center, and on Good Morning America with the Metro Mass Gospel Choir * playing the Conan O'Brien Show with Patrick Wolf

* touring the US and South America as trombonist and back-up vocalist with Michael Bolton * touring with St. Vincent opening for The Arcade Fire * performing at the Willisau Jazz Festival in Switzerland with Kenny Wollesen * performing with Jill Sobule and Cyndi Lauper in a tribute to Bob Dylan at Lincoln Center

* becoming an official Swayette with the Matt Wilson Quartet * singing backup in the 16-piece disco group Escort * shows with the Rebirth and Dirty Dozen Brass Bands at the Blue Note, Wetlands, B.B. King's, and the Knitting Factory

* playing trombone on stilts (!) with the Shinbone Alley Stilt Band

* radio commercial work and recording with countless artists, including The Mooney Suzuki, Chris Potter, and Money Mark of the Beastie Boys.

Prices at the door: Adult-$25, Student-$10.

Four-concert season tickets are: Family-$110; Adult-$50; Student-$25

The concert will be held at First United Methodist Church, 925 North F Street.

This is a true first at the SLO Down Pub. Manny Maldonado and Shady Parker bring to our stage high-quality stand-up comedy entertainment. Their show utilizes well crafted material, instead of the quick and easy dirty joke. Hosted by local comedian Sal Espana, your sides will ache from your laughter with this trio. Showtime is 9:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 (18 years old and older).

For more info please call: 805-909-2514 or 805-610-0603

Sunday October 19th hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Veterans Hall in Morro Bay, 209 Surf St., 93442. (map)

When: 9AM - 4PM on Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9AM - 3PM on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Cost: $40 for both days or $25 for one day. The cost does not include any payment for the teacher, and each of us will have the opportunity to practice dana (generosity) by making a contribution to help James continue this important work. However, if the cost of this retreat would prevent you from coming, please let us know so other arrangements can be made.

To make a reservation: Send your check to White Heron Sangha, P. O. Box 870, Morro Bay, CA, 93443. Please include your name, address, phone number, and which days you will be attending. You may also register at the door prior to the start of the retreat. Chairs will be provided, but please bring your own mat and cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor. Bring your own lunch. We will provide tea and cookies and water.

If passed, this ballot initiative would put an end to the intensive confinement of egg laying hens in battery cages, breeding pigs in gestation crates and calves in veal crates. These confinement systems are so small that the animals cannot even turn around. Passage of Prop 2 would affect 20 million animals in California.

Walks occur throughout the U.S. and Canada every fall – on or around October 2 – in honor of World Farm Animals Day. Thousands across North America join in these Walks to help raise funds for and awareness about Farm Sanctuary’s vital rescue, education and advocacy efforts for farm animals. Farm Sanctuary operates the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America.

WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 2008; Registration: 8 a.m., Walk: 9 a.m. WHERE: Mitchell Park, Santa Rosa and Pismo Streets, San Luis Obispo.

REGISTRATION: $15 pre-registration; $20 Walk day registration. Participants can register at www.walkforfarmanimals.org, or by calling Erika Hirsch, local Walk coordinator, at 805-748-7733.

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming.

Note: No money collected for the Walk can or will be used for any lobbying purposes, including Prop 2.

Arts are in the spotlight during October in San Luis Obispo County, particularly over the three weekends of ARTS Obispo’s 10th annual Open Studios Art Tour. 285 Central Coast artists will display and sell their work directly from their studios and a variety of settings throughout the region during San Luis Obispo County’s largest visual arts event.

From 10 am – 5 pm, October 18 & 19, Central Coast artists will display and sell their work directly from their studios and a variety of settings throughout South San Luis Obispo County. The South County Tour includes Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Grover Beach, Halcyon, Nipomo, Oceano, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Shell Beach and surrounding areas.

This year there also will be an encore weekend to the Tour on October 25 & 26 that includes a selection of studios in both the north & south parts of SLO County.

Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the self-guided Open Studios Art Tour begins with the purchase of a full-color catalog that serves as a ticket to all 3 weekends of the event. The $25 catalog provides a complete listing of the artists’ studios, including images, addresses and detailed maps. Guests are invited to attend as many studios as they choose from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends of the tour.

Admission is $15 and tickets will be available at the door only.

Open to the public for observation.

Before the rectial, Habib will discuss the compositional design of the song cycle, and Arthur and Davies will give performance demonstrations, followed by the premiere of the entire cycle.

Arthur, who teaches voice at Cal Poly, has appeared as a soloist with the Southwest Chamber Music Ensemble, Santa Barbara Oratorio Society and Pacific Repertory Opera. As a guest artist in Europe, she recorded works for the Austrian Radio.

Davies has performed at the Oregon Bach Festival, Cabrillo Festival, Long Beach Bach Festival and San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival. She has also performed in concerts with the Gachinger Kantorei of Stuttgart, Germany, and the New York Philharmonic. She teaches piano and accompanies at Cal Poly and for the Cuesta Master Chorale. Admission at the door will be $5 for the public and $2 for seniors and students in the Davidson Music Center Room 218. The recital is sponsored by the Cal Poly Music Department and College of Liberal Arts. For more information, call 756-2406.

Presented by the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara: all are welcome, $2 students or $5 general donations appreciated. 2:30pm socializing, 3pm meeting starts in the Patio Room at Vista del Monte, 3775 Modoc Road (Las Positas exit off 101) in Santa Barbara. Website has maps to the meeting location and free parking. Please phone or e-mail to join us and our speaker for dinner: 5pm at Ming Dynasty Chinese Restaurant in Goleta.

Rita’s musical experience began as a child at church, and under the wings of an old time jug band made up of seasoned mountain characters. On an old Gibson guitar her friends bought for her, she began composing songs at age 20. With a bluegrass lilt along with a soulful view of mountain life, Rita paints a picture likely to be understood and appreciated by all of us.

Our friend Joe Craven said of Rita: “From the first time I heard Rita sing, her voice gripped me and did not let go; a voice whose beauty speaks from a deep place of honest and raw and powerful emotion. Rita’s messages are immediate yet patient and her quiet conviction most strong.”

Joining Rita at Música Del Río will be Sean Feder on banjo, bass and vocals. Since the 1980's he has performed and recorded with many world, folk, and jazz groups. In addition to the time he spends with Rita (and their children), Sean performs with Joe Craven’s Do-it-Yourselfers, the Irish band Driving with Fergus, and the Mad Cow String Band.

We are delighted Rita and Sean are joining us this October at Música Del Río.

GET ENGAGED WITH GREAT CHAMBER MUSIC IN A UNIQUE WAY

Engage with great chamber music throughout the year with Festival Mozaic’s WinterMezzo Series. This year, Bloodlines and Bandits brings you two unique programs showcasing both musical flattery and out-right thievery in some of the world’s greatest chamber music pieces.

CONCERT PROGRAM I
Sunday, October 19, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
Grace Church, 1350 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo

Bloodlines
Musical genealogy comes alive in these pieces celebrating the genius of each composer’s musical ancestor.

Ludwig v. Beethoven - Serenade in D, op. 25
Curtis Pendleton, flute
Scott Yoo, violin
Paul Severtson, viola
Although the musical forces are compact in an enchanting combination of flute, violin and viola, this charming serenade hearkens directly back to the great serenades by Mozart.

Johannes Brahms - String Quartet No. 1 in c Minor, op. 51/1
Scott Yoo, Caroline Campbell; violins
Samuel Formicola, viola
Trevor Handy, cello
So overwhelmed by the staggering quartet output of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven and Schubert, it took Brahms thirteen years to complete this quartet, destroying over twenty versions in the process before arriving at this masterpiece. Influenced by Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in its key, depth and concision, this is a profound work of genius.

Antonin Dvorák – String Sextet in A, op. 48
Caroline Campbell, Scott Yoo; violins
Samuel Formicola, Paul Severtson; violas
Trevor Handy, Christina Soule; cellos
Brahms was a champion of the young Dvorak and here, Dvorak pays him tribute in this lush sextet that blends the rollicking folk idioms of Dvorak’s Slavonic dances with the Viennese lyricism brought to its pinnacle by Brahms.

What happens when a “Holy Roller” meets the “Holy Road?” Audiences will discover it for themselves when renowned environmentalist, author and co-founder of Code Pink, Diane Wilson makes an appearances in San Luis Obispo to read from her latest book, Holy Roller on Sunday, October 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Chumash Auditorium on the Cal Poly Campus. Joining Diane for a rollicking evening will be progressive performing artists Lizzie West and Baba Buffalo, and their Holy Road musical tour cabaret.

In her new memoir, Diane Wilson—a Texas Gulf Coast shrimper and the author of the highly acclaimed An Unreasonable Woman—takes readers back to her childhood in rural Texas. Wilson gets religion from Brother Dynamite, an ex-con who finds Jesus in a baloney sandwich and handles masses of squirming poisonous snakes under the protection of the Holy Ghost. Holy Roller is the prequel to Wilson’s first book, telling the story of a fierce little girl who will grow up to become An Unreasonable Woman, willing to take on Big Industry and Big Polluters. In the process, Diane becomes a keynote speaker at the Bioneers conferences, winner of the Blue Planet Award, and an outspoken defender of the earth.

Lizzie & Baba are progressive performance artists and social activists. Their 2008 release, The Tumbleweed Cabaret is an interactive peace revival that is transforming audiences and bringing hope to people across America. Their hit, "19 Miles to Baghdad" has been heard frequently on "Democracy Now." Come and join them for an inspiring evening of story and song. Books and CDs will be available. This event is sponsored by the Cal Poly Progressive Student Alliance (PSA).

Doors open at 7:00 PM. Event held at Chumash Auditorium, McPhee Student Union,(located at the corner of Grand and Perimeter Roads) Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. PSA, club members and Students with I.D. admitted free; others--suggested donation $20

Hundreds of our young people struggle to comprehend the printed word, reading the same paragraph over and over-- and they just don't get it. There is a solution! Come hear about Learning Through Listening from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic provides audio educational materials nationwide to those who cannot access standard print due to visual impairment, learning disability, or other physical disability.

This free event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, 212 Alexa Court in Paso Robles.

Hundreds of our young people struggle to comprehend the printed word, reading the same paragraph over and over-- and they just don't get it. There is a solution! Come hear about Learning Through Listening from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic provides audio educational materials nationwide to those who cannot access standard print due to visual impairment, learning disability, or other physical disability.

This free event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh St in Luis Obispo.

This overview provides a foundation for understanding the issues underlying material selection and planning in a sustainable building.

6:00 pm - Presentation and Interior Materials Tour
MINDBODY ONLINE
4015 Broad Street, Suite 220
San Luis Obispo, CA

7:00 pm -Social Mixer and Interior Materials Tour
SLO EYE
685 Tank Farm Road, Suite 100
San Luis Obispo, CA

People’s Self-Help Housing is hosting a “First-Time Home Buyer Education Seminar” on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Los Adobes de Maria, 1148 W. Boone Street, Santa Maria. The free seminar will present different alternatives and loan options for first time home buyers. It is facilitated by Brian Kerrigan, Housing Counselor for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH). A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Kerrigan holds a degree in business administration/finance and most recently worked as a loan officer for Chase Bank. Kerrigan is multi-lingual and is fluent in Spanish. PSHH is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income families, seniors, and other special needs groups on California’s Central Coast. Since its establishment in 1970, PSHH has assisted over 1,000 individuals or families build their own self-help home.

To reserve your space call People’s at (805) 781-3088 x440. For a complete schedule of First Time Home Buyers Seminars or Home Foreclosure Prevention Seminars in Central Coast communities, visit www.pshhc.org.

October 23, 24, 25 & 30 @ 7pm
October 29 @ 5pm (Buy 1 ticket, get 1 free, today only)
November 1 @ 3pm & 7pm

See one or both plays for only $5!!
SLO HS Theater, English Building 125
Festival Seating

Please call (805) 540-0184 for further information.

Please join us in our official "Ribbon Cutting" and 1-Year Anniversary Celebration. Meet and Mingle with those that have and those that are starting to become green, the Solstice Team and others from the community. Enjoy the live locally grown music, vegan food, chai tea, and much much more.

Information: (805) 543-8717.

Free admission.

100% proceeds* go to non-profit Hotline which serves San Luis Obispo County as a free, confidential, 24/7 crisis intervention, support, and information and referral line.

Saturday, October 25 from 9am-2pm
117 Seacliff Drive
Shell Beach, CA 93449

We would LOVE to have your help!

Ways to help:

1)Donate items** by dropping them off. Call Jennifer at 540-3808 to arrange drop off.

2) Come to sale and BUY, BUY, BUY! Find anything and everything!

There is also going to be a raffle to win cool prizes!

Please contact Jennifer at 540-3803 with any questions.

*unless otherwise designated
**those contributing larger items who want to limit the contribution to Hotline must be present at the sale of the item

We will meet at 9:30 at the entrance to Santa Margarita Lake, where Park Rangers will give us a brief introduction to the lake and ferry us over to the recently opened Falcon Trail on the north shore. We will then hike 50 yards from the shore up to the work sites where we will use McLeods and other equipment to:

- Install a new trailhead sign
- Install mileage markers
- Clean out rolling dips
- Remove new vegetation growth at trailhead
- Add rolling dips as needed

At noon, we will ferry back over to the White Oak group area where the Park Rangers will serve everyone a BBQ lunch (for both veges and carnivores)! Please RSVP to 781-4790 so we know how many tools & how much food to have. Be sure to bring a water bottle, gloves and sunscreen. Dress in layers for changing weather.

Arts are in the spotlight during October in San Luis Obispo County, particularly over the three weekends of ARTS Obispo’s 10th annual Open Studios Art Tour. 285 Central Coast artists will display and sell their work directly from their studios and a variety of settings throughout the region during San Luis Obispo County’s largest visual arts event.

This is the first year of the countywide Open Studios Art Tour Encore Weekend that will take place October 25 & 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The encore weekend includes a selection of Open Studios Art Tour artists throughout both the north and south parts of San Luis Obispo County.

Sponsored by ARTS Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the self-guided Open Studios Art Tour begins with the purchase of a full-color catalog that serves as a ticket to all 3 weekends of the event. The $25 catalog provides a complete listing of the artists’ studios, including images, addresses and detailed maps. Guests are invited to attend as many studios as they choose from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends of the tour.

Outstanding new talent additions to The Pat Cormick Group featuring Adam Levine (guitar), Bill Winfield (bass), Karl Welz (sax).

Seating is limited. ** Call early! 896-1859 or go to www.animalrescueteam.net **

Working under permits by the California Department of Fish & Game, the ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and abused wild and domestic animals and birds. Although the Animal Rescue Team operates out of the Santa Ynez Valley, it's work covers the Tri-Counties area. The Animal Rescue Team exists solely through the support of donations and fundraising events.

The Animal Rescue Team benefit is on Saturday, October 25th at Grappolo's which is located at 3687 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for children and are available at the door or by calling 805 704-3356.

This is a fundraising concert for Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice, a coalition of people of faith in San Luis Obispo County, California, who believe in promoting compassion, generosity, non-violence, and respect for diversity. CCCLJ seeks to influence public discourse and to enhance the quality of life through on-going education and strategic advocacy. See www.ccc4justice.org for more information.

The evening will conclude with the combined choirs performing “America the Beautiful” with Paul Woodring accompanying on the Forbes Pipe Organ.

Cal Poly Music Professor Thomas Davies will conduct the 47-member PolyPhonics and the 75-members of The University Singers. Pianists Susan Azaret Davies and Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs.

In addition, the Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble and the a capella ensemble Take It SLO will perform.

Tickets are $13 and $15 general, $12 and $14 seniors and $8 students, and can be bought at the Performing Arts Ticket Office 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by phone, call SLO-ARTS (756-2787). Discounts are given to patrons who buy tickets to four or more Music Department events for 2008-2009.

The concert is sponsored by Cal Poly's Music Department, College of Liberal Arts, and Instructionally Related Activities program.

For further information call Sunnyside PT at 528-2590

The word "bustan" refers to a fruit-yielding orchard in both Hebrew and Arabic and symbolizes the work of Bustan (www.bustan.org). It is a partnership of Jewish and Arab eco-builders, architects, academics, and farmers promoting social and environmental justice in Israel/Palestine with a focus on the Bedouin villages of the Negev Desert. BUSTAN utilizes the principles of permaculture and non-violent direct action across ethnic divides.

Founded in 1999, Bustan's first project was a two day festival in the "unrecognized" village of Dreijatt, bringing together hundreds of Bedouin and Jewish Israelis, celebrating cultural diversity, mutual education on history and environmental issues, and collecting signatures for a petition to recognize the village with legal status. Two months later the village was formerly recognized. In 2003 Bustan organized five hundred Jewish and Bedouin volunteers to build an entirely sustainable medical clinic in the village of Wadi el Na'am. This strawbale solar powered structure is featured in the book, "Build Like You Give A Damn", and was nominated for the Aga Khan Award, one of the most prestigious architecture prizes in the world. At another village a school dump was transformed into a water conserving orchard, while teaching children about local ecology In 2007 Bustan moved to Beersheva and opened the Green Center and began teaching ongoing permaculture workshops and trainings. Bustan views sustainability in both political and environmental terms and works for common Jewish and Bedouin interests.

Santa Barbara Public Library, Faulkner Gallery, 40 East Anapamu St, in downtown Santa Barbara, on Tuesday, October 28, 7-9pm, 2008. Fundraiser donation for BUSTAN $10.

Call 543-8562 for details.

For more information:
Email: chris.r.mccann@gmail.com
Website: http://bplan.calpoly.edu/

Prizes: Top winner of Business Plan Competition wins $4,000 cash with the opportunity of continuing to another competition to win $250,000. 1st runner up gets $3,000, and one community winner gets $3,000.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, Noon, UCSB Music Bowl, Free Admission

Dia de los Muertos/ Day of the Dead (November 2) is celebrated widely throughout Northern America and Latin America with community and private remembrances of loved ones that have passed on. Altars are created in their honor that include the deceased's favorite personal articles, food, flowers, and music. Members of Mariachi Integral with special guests will take you on a sonic journey with some of the music heard throughout homes and grave sites during this cultural celebration.

For information, please call (805) 893-7001.

Monteleone's Rock
1331 Venable Circle
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-0109

No host bar and BBQ.

This challenging economy has got us all looking for ways to make our budgets work. This is your opportunity to market your talents and earn some extra money as well. Do you have a passion for digital photography? Have you explored the Central Coast for years and long to encourage others to vacation at home – where they can spend less and still have great memories? Would you like to present an evening or Saturday workshop on wines? Are you inspired to teach an early morning exercise class that will get people moving – and reduce their stress throughout the day? We would like to expand our programming by showcasing new classes that will meet the needs of our community - and we need you to help make it happen!

Come and join us on October 29, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Park in Paso Robles to be inspired, share your ideas, meet other current and potential instructors, and see the tremendous opportunities for teaching in the City of Paso Robles. The meeting will take place in the Live Oak Room located at 600 Nickerson Drive. Please call 237-3988 for directions and to let us know that you will be attending. We are looking forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas. If you would like more information, please call Trine Layman, Recreation Marketing Coordinator, at 237-3994. To learn more about our programming, go online at www.prcity.com/recreation.

The Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, in association with the Sierra Student Coaltion, presents an evening of presentations and discussion on the future of renewable energy in California with distinguished authors and energy experts S. David Freeman and Arjun Makhijani.

The event will be held WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (Pavilion), CAL POLY, SAN LUIS OBISPO This event is free. A private reception with the authors will be held in San Luis Obispo from 3:30-5:30 PM that day, for a $30 contribution. For details and reservations, visit www.a4nr.org or call 805-704-1810

In his new book, “Winning Our Energy Independence: An Energy Insider Shows How,” S. David Freeman’s message is that enough renewable energy is available to us to wean ourselves from foreign oil, coal and nuclear power to create a sustainable future for our planet. Trained as both an engineer and a lawyer, Freeman speaks—with humor and frankness—from half a century of experience working in the energy industry and as a federal energy policymaker, including top positions at the New York Power Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Arjun Makhijani is President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Takoma Park, Maryland. He earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley in 1972, specializing in nuclear fusion. A recognized authority on energy issues, Dr. Makhijani is the author and co-author of numerous reports and books on energy and environment related issues.

Thursday October 30, 2008 12 noon
Pacheco Elementary School lunch area
261 Cuesta Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA

In celebration of School Garden Week, Principal Rick Mayfield will conduct a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our new vermicomposting box. This box will house thousands of worms that will reduce our lunchtime food waste by turning it into compost for our school garden. The box both symbolizes and supports the Pacheco Elementary School communities’ commitment to sustainability education and hands-on learning. Your presence will let our students know how strongly the community at large supports them and their efforts to create a cleaner environment. All attendees will be invited to get their hands dirty and join our students in adding the first 4000 worms to the box!

No RSVP Necessary

Roger Tapping, a member of the Takács Quartet for ten years from 1995, is now on the faculties of the New England Conservatory, the Longy School and The Boston Conservatory and gives classes at other major schools in America.

The Pat Cormick Group featuring vocalist Judy Philbin.

Figaro, the Count's barber and valet, is to marry Susanna, the Countess' handmaid. Tensions mount and intrigues abound: the Count chases after Susanna, the matronly maid Marcellina chases Figaro, and teenage Cherubino chases everything in skirts! Watch mischievous eavesdropping, gossiping, disguising, closet hiding, and window jumping. Mayhem ensues with Mozart's masterful and passionate musical comedy.

Featuring a live orchestra conducted by Tom Davies, the production showcases returning PRO favorite singers: Steve Pence appears as Figaro (performed Baron Douphol in La Traviata), SLO native Sarah Kleeman as Cherubino (featured at Broadway by the Sea), local Karen Dunn as Marcellina (featured at Opera on the Terrace, Figaro and Friends and Flora in La Traviata), John Bishoff as Bartolo (portrayed Captain Zuniga in Carmen), Tim Leon as Basil/Curz (featured as gypsy Remendado in Carmen). Directed by Ross Halper, who directed PRO's Hansel and Gretel in October 2006.

Tickets on sale now! Regular prices are $65, $50, $40, $25, with students and children half price. Purchase online at www.propera.org or by calling the PAC Box office at (805) 756-ARTS or toll free at (888) 233-2787. For more information call the Opera office at (805) 541-5369. ###

*Event lasts until 12:30 a.m.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST- 1ST PRIZE ROUND TRIP TO MAUI Cost: $15