slo life magazine october november 2011

slo life magazine | 11 | slo life magazine

SLOLIFEm agazine

Meet Kevin HarrisOct/NOV 2011

directing, new orleans and the little theatre

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Ash again hit “play” and as the tunes began pouring out of his phone, the guys started singing (technically they were “rapping”) the new song… “We’re livin’ the SLO Life, the weather is so nice, the people are so kind, they say ‘hello’ and smile at you…”

I love being around people who are truly “in the zone” or “in a flow,” whether it be a couple of musicians writing a song, a ball player on a hot streak, or someone so fully absorbed in a project that they are not aware of anything else… it can be just about anyone doing anything they are truly passionate about, really. It’s powerful and inspiring.

My new friends hit it out of the park. I liked what they came up with so much that we adapted it into a television commercial - if you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it on our website (go to slolifemagazine.com and click on “See Our Commercials” at the top of the page). They captured so much of the essence of the “SLO Life” and did it in such a fun, positive, and creative way that I know you will love it and relate to it as much as I do.

Like all good things, everything starts with a simple idea. But, it seems to me, that simple ideas turn into something great with the help of others who share the vision and the passion. I’d like to think the same is true with this magazine, which is the result of so many people putting in so much effort to create something really special. To everyone who plays a role in that process, including our advertisers who allow us to mail each issue directly to your home, I’d like to say “thank you”… I cannot imagine anywhere I’d rather be than right here “in the flow” with you.

Live the SLO Life!

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LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER/EDITOR: 4251 S. Higuera Street, Suite 800San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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

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Trent ThibodeauxCasey Miller

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| publisher’s message

I continue to be amazed at how much talent we have here locally.

Recently, I had an opportunity to meet a couple of enormously talented local hip hop artists who perform under the stage name D&A. I was so impressed with Dylan Harris and Ashley (“Ash”) Hendershott and their positive energy and passion for their music that I asked them if they might be interested in working with me to develop something for the magazine.

As we continued the conversation, Ash whipped out his cell phone to play some music he had just written and performed with a local guitarist in his recording studio. I was completely blown away. It was incredible. He asked, “Would something like this work for the background music?” To that I said, “Yes, absolutely!”

We talked further and the guys quizzed me on what exactly I was trying to capture in the song. They took notes in a makeshift brainstorming session. We bounced ideas off one another, and then, what happened next was truly remarkable… (left to right) Ashley Hendershott, Tom Franciskovich, and Dylan Harris


8 | Q&A

10 | Notes

12 | Updates

14 | Places

24 | Real Estate

26 | Real Estate Panel

28 | SLO LIFE Deals

30 | No Place Like Home

34 | To Your Health

36 | Music

40 | Travel

42 | Business

44 | Local Food by Local People

46 | Community Calendar

SLOLIFEm agazine

16Meet Your Neighbor:Kevin Harris

The Way We Live:The Siverson Home20

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If you would, Gil, take us back to that cold October night.The fog was very heavy and we sat on the plane for quite a while because there was some concern about whether we were going to take off or not. Finally our coach came on the plane and announced to the team, “Yep, we’re ready to go… the pilot is going to give it the old college try!” And many of the guys shouted out, “Yeah, let’s get out of here!” We were ready to go home, but there were some guys on the team that were really concerned, really afraid. One of the guys was a student pilot and he was more aware of the poor weather conditions.

What do you remember about the crash?I remember the sensation of the plane starting to drop and sort of scooting down in my seat. That was it. I must have blacked out after that. I woke up and realized that I was lying on the runway. My back hurt, my legs hurt. I could see the flickering lights of fire through the fog. I rubbed my tongue across my teeth and found that some of them were broken, and it’s funny what you think of, but the first conscious thought I had was, “My mom’s going to kill me!” She had always been concerned about my playing football, thinking I was going to get my teeth knocked out. Then I remember someone running up to me and yelling out, “There’s another one over here!”

How did you deal with the aftermath?It was really confusing. It didn’t make sense and I had a lot of anger. I couldn’t figure out why some people died and some people lived. It tested my faith. There were instances where guys switched places on the plane,

somebody would want to play cards and the other guy didn’t and they’d trade spots. In some cases someone’s life had been spared while the other’s was lost, which led to a lot of emotional conflict and wondering, “Why am I here, but he’s not?” And a lot of guilt for us that survived, thinking “Gosh, if I had not switched spots with him, he would have lived instead of me.” Really heavy things to grapple with.

You had some major injuries that you still deal with today, but what was it that finally allowed you to heal emotionally?Six years after the crash my first child was born. Going through that whole experience and witnessing the miracle of life, the birth of a child - it really made me realize that life is truly a gift. And that there are a lot of things that we don’t have any control over in life. The best thing we can do is to respond to it, take advantage of

this opportunity and try to make adifference. It shifted me from thinking about why it happened to what was the significance of it. And it created a question, which was, “Ok, what’s the purpose of my life now?”

How did you answer that question?It created a sense of focus on now, the importance of what happens today. The importance of relationships because I learned you can’t guarantee that tomorrow will come the way that you want it to come. It shaped my public service career and why I’ve chosen to be involved in community and service activities, where it’s about people serving people, because that’s really important to me.

And the miracle of a new life clearly had a great effect on you and your wife, as you went on to have five children…We actually had three young

children already when we became foster parents to two little girls who were sisters; one of them was four months old and the other was 15 months old at the time. We took them in when we learned that their previous foster parents were leaving the area. The girls had already bounced around a few times and we were told that they would be split up and sent to two different foster homes if they were moved again, which we felt would have been criminal. So, we had a lot of discussions as a family and we decided to adopt.

And how did the adoption go?We went to court to finalize the adoption and the judge brought our other three kids in to be a part of the proceedings. It was really cool - truly an amazing thing for all of us to go through together, and we learned so much about ourselves.

Before we leave, how about sharing one little pearl of wisdom you’ve gained during your 44 years at Cuesta?Academic progress and academic success are influenced by so many factors, and it’s usually not intellect, it’s usually life condition. It was really important to me, all through my administrative career, to continue to teach – I always taught one class each year in the math department because I wanted to stay in touch with students and really understand what sort of things they were going through, what they were thinking, what issues they had because it made my administrative work more meaningful.

| Q & A

His name is synonymous with Cuesta College, where he has been a teacher, administrator, and coach over the last 44 years. An infectiously optimistic leader, he currently serves as its president at a time when the college, like so many other public institutions, faces significant challenges. As a member of the 1960 Cal Poly football team, he was aboard that fateful charter flight out of a small, fog-shrouded airport in Toledo, Ohio. The plane crash and its aftermath sent him on a difficult path to recovery where he ultimately decided that the purpose of his life was to serve others. And, as the thousands of local students and athletes whose lives he has touched would attest, one person certainly can make a difference…

Gil Stork

SLO LIFE


URBAN FARMERS UNITEDear SLO LIFE,Just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to reach out to our community through SLO LIFE Magazine. I have had such a great response from folks on the idea of urban farming - from almost complete strangers to people I’ve known for years. I’ve had several folks approach me about their own stories and farming adventures, as well as folks asking about how they can get their own going. It’s been extremely rewarding and a great experience. Thanks for putting together such a great article that is something so dear to our family’s heart. Jennifer MoonjianSan Luis Obispo

And thank you, Jennifer, to you and your family for graciously inviting our readers into your beautiful backyard.

HAPPY CAMPERSDear SLO LIFE,It was very helpful when you sat down with me to collaborate on our new ad design. There were some things there that I hadn’t considered and your insight and suggestions made a big difference. Also, I thought you would be interested to know that we have had great results so far. On the day that the magazine was mailed out our website registered more than three times the normal traffic! Thanks again for all your help. Keep up the good work!Mark ShafferCEO, FunRide

Dear SLO LIFE,We ran an ad for the first time in the last issue of your magazine and so far we have picked up 6 new clients and the phone has been ringing with inquiries from prospective members! We track our marketing very closely by surveying new members, and we’ve run ads elsewhere but have never experienced this level of response. I believe that your direct-mail form of distribution along with the high level of quality have a lot to do with it, overall I’m ecstatic with the results.Travis BobbittOwner, The Yoga Centre

ARBITRATE THIS

After reading our Voter Guide, which dissected the pros and cons of Measures A & B, we received a call from Allan Mayer, who, as a former arbitrator, wanted to make what he felt was an important point. Mr. Mayer correctly stated that arbitrators do not necessarily have to side with one party or another, but can often help resolve disputes by finding a middle ground or compromise. Mr. Mayer explained that the San Luis Obispo City Charter had been written in such a way that the arbitrator was forced to name one side or the other as the winner with no ability to help the two parties meet in the middle. Although Measures A and B are now the law of the land, it would have been interesting to see what the long-term effect would have been had the arbitrator been given the authority to work out a compromise. Thank you, Mr. Mayer, and to those of you who added valuable feedback after reading the Voter Guide.

JOB WELL DONEDear SLO LIFE,It’s easy to get lost in our fast-paced world and to forget the pure pleasure of reading a topnotch magazine. I would like to thank SLO LIFE Magazine and contributing writer, Demitria Castanon, for putting the brakes on my “busyness” and parking me in a chair with a good read. Castanon is my neighbor—young, enthusiastic, and on her first assignment with SLO LIFE Magazine. Questions to determine, meetings to schedule, photos to take, drafts to write, and edits to be finalized - two intense weeks to produce three pages that captured “A Day in the Life of SLO Veg.” Knowing Demitria prompted me to sit down, but the content and quality of the magazine led me to read it cover-to-cover. Motivated, I searched the house for previous publications. In each issue I found wonderful introductions to this community where I have resided for ten years. Thank you SLO LIFE Magazine for the quality that makes me eagerly await the next issue. Thank you Demitria for a great article on SLO Veg and the opportunity to try their business, and thank you SLO LIFE Magazine for getting it just right, as always.Anna Unkovich Arroyo Grande

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Letters may be edited for content and clarity. To be considered for publication your letter must include your name, city, state, phone number or email address (for confirmation purposes).

We, too, are quite impressed with your neighbor, Anna. For those of you who don’t know Demetria, she’s a student at Mission Prep High School who called and emailed us probably 30 times repeating how much she loved SLO LIFE Magazine and that she “would do anything… sweep floors, make coffee, or whatever to be a part of it over the summer.” Although our floors are pretty clean, we finally told her to come on by one day, and after getting to know her a bit, we said, “Forget the sweeping, kid – let’s see what you can do with an article.” Judging by the level of feedback we received so far, the feature she developed almost entirely on her own, “A Day in the Life of SLO Veg,” has been one of our most popular pieces to-date. We were so pleased with her professionalism and enthusiasm that we invited her back to write another feature (see “To Your Health” on page 34), although she is headlong into the new school year. And, just a note to college admissions officers who may be reading this… if you have the good fortune to find Demitria’s application on your desk, do yourself a favor and put it on the top of the pile!

SHOP LOCALDear SLO LIFE,I get your magazine and love the insight into what makes our local SLO life so wonderful! I am a small business owner and was wondering if you would be interested in writing about my unique small eco-friendly business called “Fairyscape.” It’s the very first Eco-friendly florist & gift shop that uses all locally grown and handmade raw materials as well as recycled and reused materials. I create succulent wreaths, fairy gardens, succulent arrangements & organically grown native bouquets. My shop also carries a variety of

locally handmade artisan creations. I am one of many small businesses that is working hard to keep our local economy together and knows how important it is to keep the money flowing locally. Pamela NewmanLos Osos

Thanks for reaching out to us, Pamela. One of the really difficult things for us is determining what stories to pursue and finding how they all fit together in a given issue. We receive so many story leads, more than we have the ability to print. But, as small business people ourselves, we respect and admire all that you do to make our community a great place to live. Your products sound quite enticing, and we look forward to stopping by your shop soon to check it out. In the meantime, keep plugging away knowing that we salute your efforts.

ATTABOYTom, I’ve met you a few times at random places, and I just want to reiterate how much I appreciate your publication. It’s by far the best in town, phenomenal quality, and refreshing take on whoever is interviewed. Well done! Great articles, all of them! And beautiful layout! Keep it up. Thanks to you and your staff.Becca SciocchettiSan Luis Obispo

Thank you, Becca! Your little note was like a puff of wind in our sails this afternoon. It’s readers like you who make all the hard work and impossible deadlines worthwhile.

SLO LIFE

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| Updates

SLO LIFE

A few weeks after the last issue arrived in local mailboxes, eRMINa KaRIM (Meet Your Neighbor, Aug/Sep 2011) was surprised by the number of readers who commented on her story. She confided, “Honestly, I cannot believe how many people have come up to me after this came out… I’m truly blown away, I had no idea.” Karim continues to thrive at The Chamber and has transitioned smoothly into her new role there.

paUl BolgeR (Places, Aug/Sep 2011) inspired imagination with his incredible “Starry Night” photograph. We recieved an abundance of inquires from readers wondering if the photo had been altered. The answer is “No.” In order to capture the ambient light just over the hillside, he set his camera shutter to a 45-second exposure.

We received many comments about the busy day at SLO Veg featuring daN MeltoN and RaCHael HIll (A Day in the Life, Aug/Sep 2011). It’s amazing what happens daily behind the scenes of our local small businesses. Our favorite comment: “Who would guess there was so much going on with a box of veggies!”

JoHN lINdsey (Q&A, Aug/Sep 2011) continues to make “just talking about the weather” a fascinating conversation. We asked him what we can expect the local weather to be like over the coming months. According to Lindsey, we’re heading into a La Niña pattern and will see below normal rain fall this year.

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| Places

The stacksMorro Bay

At the California Photo Festival last year, Bob Canepa, along with the rest of the participating photographers, had been focusing intently on the sunset over the water when he turned around to find that “nature and the modern world had collided” behind him. After a lone surfer wandered into the landscape, Canepa figured he had the perfect shot. But, he needed him to stop for a moment. Says Canepa, “I was a teacher for 31 years in Atascadero, and I learned how to whistle… it’s the only way you can get the kids’ attention on the playground.” So, he whistled as loud as he could, raised both arms and pointed to his camera. The surfer politely stopped and offered a smile. Canepa, like many local residents, admits to not being particularly fond of the Morro Bay smokestacks. “The Stacks” offer a lesson he has learned in photography, which may also be true in life: “… those subjects that we find obnoxious or distasteful, sometimes just require some different light, and a different perspective.”

slo life magazine | 1515 | slo life magazineDo you have an amazing photo to share? Email it to [email protected]

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| Meet your neighbor

In this installment of our “Meet Your Neighbor” series, SLO LIFE Magazine sits down with Kevin Harris. He is Ivy League educated with extensive theatrical experience, remains “life-long friends” with his ex-wife, Khara, and has two young kids, Ella and Dominick, in local schools. He has a penchant for sweater vests and Converse “Chuck Taylors.” He commutes by skateboard to The SLO Little Theatre where he is the Managing Artistic Director. Here is his story…

Meet Kevin harris

okay, Kevin, we’d like to hear your story. take it from the top and spare no details…I grew up here. I lived in Arroyo Grande from when I was two until about high school. I went to A.G. High School. Studied drama under Billy Houck and also really got into Speech there, and knew I wanted to be an actor.

how did that go?My mom drove me around to all the auditions. It was really difficult for her because I was her youngest by about 9 years. Both of my brothers stayed local, one went to Poly. The idea of sending her youngest off somewhere outside of the area - I didn’t even apply to any schools in California - you know, because I really wanted to leave this terrible, terrible place [laughter].

Where did you go?I got a full scholarship to NYU. My dad flew me out there one week before classes began. And I had never really been anywhere besides Missouri up until that point. I remember just being in my dorm room, I was 17 at the time. My dad was there and he woke up at like 4:30am to go off to JFK and fly out. I remember him walking out of the door and thinking, “Holy [cow], I can do anything.” But, honestly, I was totally terrified and alone.

What came next?So, after I finished, I immediately moved back here, as people do when they graduate from undergrad, especially actors. I started doing work at the Centerpoint Theatre. They started in 1991 over at the old Greyhound Bus station in the space where Mario’s Cafeteria used to be.

how were things going at Centerpoint?It had been there for 10 years. I started right after we had spent the last several months on this major fund raising campaign where we raised nearly $70,000 to completely renovate the theatre, which we did. It was beautiful but we were still leasing from Greyhound and it was a very tumultuous relationship from the beginning. Right before our 10-year anniversary season opened, we received a letter from Greyhound Corporate saying we had to move out in 30 days.

Did Centerpoint go out of business?No, we looked for somewhere to relocate. We needed a place to set up shop. And we had always had our eye on New Orleans. We had a couple of friends who were living there. They didn’t seem to have a lot of theatres considering its size. We got in touch with the city and they were very supportive of us moving out there because in New Orleans there is no shortage of empty city-owned buildings. So they were willing to subsidize us by allowing us to go rent-free in one of their buildings.

What a great opportunity…So it seemed. We moved out there and about a month-and-a-half after we got there, this was back in 2003, not sure if you remember this, but there was a huge shakeup in the Mayor’s Office, where just about everybody it seemed, was found to be involved in some major corruption over the past 20 years and it had all just come to the surface. Of course, our contact at the city office was one of the people that was fired and the new person who took his place said, “Are you kidding me? No - we aren’t going to subsidize a theatre.”

And, how far into the development of the new theatre company had you been at that point?We had moved about three quarters of the Centerpoint stuff out there, just ready to go. All the seats, all the lighting equipment ready to go. And now we had no place to put it. But I said to myself, “Alright we are going to make the best of it,” and I got a job at the Contemporary Arts Center as their theatre manager there. It was a new arts complex and I started producing theatre through them which was a great experience.

What was life like in the big easy?We were living in the Garden District, my wife, Khara, was pregnant with our daughter, Ella. We lived right off Saint Charles Avenue, about two-and-a-half miles from the French Quarter. It’s a great neighborhood. It’s

continued on page 18


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where you find so many of those beautiful mansions. But, like anything in New Orleans, which is why it’s one of the most culturally diverse and interesting cities on Earth, there are no good areas of town. It goes street by street. You can have mansions on one street and then the very next street you can have shacks, and then mansions again. It’s just completely interspersed like that. We lived in an old plantation-style house that had been converted into a duplex. We had families living around us and a big front yard and a big backyard. It was great.

Sounds perfect, why did you leave?Well, it all started one night after this huge gala at the Contemporary Arts Center. I had been dressed up in a tux and I got home around 1am. Khara came home shortly before I did. I remember getting into bed with her and almost falling asleep but then hearing commotion from the next room that sounded like people yelling. And we figured that it was just our roommate watching a movie way too loud and we thought, “What is that? That’s pretty rude.” Khara got up and she opened the door and there was this guy standing there with a gun. He walked into our bedroom and said, “Give me all your money. Give me everything you got.”

Wow – that’s intense.I remember Khara called me Kevin at one point and then the guy started calling me Kevin. And I will always remember that. He was like, “Kevin get your stuff. I’m gonna really hurt Kevin, better make sure he gets his stuff.”

how long did this go on?You know the whole thing probably lasted like 45 seconds, but it just seemed like forever. And I was buck-naked because I was wearing the tux before and I was so tired that I just stripped it off and got into bed, so I remember feeling doubly vulnerable. And it was pitch black and I was looking for stuff and I couldn’t find it. I remember feeling around on the floor and finding this plastic level - we were putting in a shelf earlier in the day – and then I picked it up and looked over at this guy’s silhouette, this big guy, and thinking for just a split second that I could maybe knock him out with it. And then I thought to myself, “Man, you are stupid. It’s a plastic level from the Dollar Store.” So I put it down and ended up not being able to find my wallet. I finally said to him, “I’m so sorry but I can’t find my stuff… if I can turn on the lights I could find it. I’m not trying to b.s. you, I just can’t find it.” And then he said, “Alright get in the corner,” and he had Khara and I get in the corner and put our hands behind our backs and we thought for sure he was just going to kill us.

Maybe the plastic level counterattack wasn’t such a bad idea after all... What happened next?There was silence, and we heard him go down the stairs. And then we got up and looked out the window and he was just walking down the street, not even running, just kind of walking. So the next hour or so everyone was in shock, but we didn’t know it. Everyone was just all business. No one was really talking about what just happened. Everyone was just very efficient. We need to do this, cancel these credit cards, call the cops, do this, do that. Khara got on the computer trying to log onto the credit card company website to file a report, and I remember looking at the computer screen - it was just completely fuzzy - that is when I realized I

was totally in shock. I felt alright and I felt like everything was fine, but I couldn’t see the screen because my adrenaline was just so crazy that I was unable to focus on the computer.

how do you feel about the experience now?Oh, it just feels like a Bruce Willis movie now. But, honestly, it just ruined it. It ruined the whole town for us. We were out of there about two months later, as soon as we could get out. Actually, it took about a week for us to be able to bring up that option because we really wanted to make roots down there and make it happen. And we really loved the city, but all of the most magical, romantic parts of New Orleans, like all the dark streets and the fog, and burnt out street lamps and everything, all the stuff that two weeks ago we loved, that made it seem like Disneyland, were now just ominous and terrifying. The whole experience, even though outwardly I felt fine, it had really shaken me up.

how did you regroup?We decided to do what you do when you don’t know what you are going to do, which is that we decided to move back home. All our family is here and I decided that would be the perfect time to go to grad school since I really didn’t want to start another theatre company from the ground up. Even at Centerpoint, which was a great experience in learning how to run a theatre company, I was always worrying about the bottom line.

So, did you stay in San Luis? I just really wanted to spend three years of not having to worry about the financial realities and instead just worry about the arts, so I enrolled at the University of Iowa.

What were your impressions of iowa?There are a lot of similarities between Iowa City and San Luis actually - it’s got the same feel, similar architecture, and it’s a college town. It has a similar vibe and I felt very much at home there. Plus it’s dirt cheap to live there and it’s one of the best directing schools ever. My focus has really been on working with new playwrights and original work. The University of Iowa has a writers’ workshop which is the top playwrights’ school in the country, so I knew if I got in there as a director I would be working with the next generation of the greatest playwrights. And I still have relationships with almost all of them. I was there for three years. I got my masters degree. And, my son, Dominick, was born there. And he still describes himself as “Dom the Iowa boy.” He is very proud of the fact that he was born in Iowa, even though he doesn’t have many memories of it… he’s definitely corn-fed, which is the best way to describe him.

how long were you there?We stayed in Iowa for just about five months after I graduated because I was directing for the Riverside Shakespeare. Then I had another directing gig right after for an original musical in Illinois. So Khara went back to the Central Coast and I stayed out there. And that was when we split, when we officially separated.

How did you cope during that transition?I was just going from theatre to theatre to theatre, you know, and being

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there for six weeks at a time, and then a couple of weeks off. Then the cycle would repeat. And it was really good at the time because I was going through a divorce and it was a very good profession to be able to avoid any kind of introspection at all because you are in a new place every six weeks with a new group of people. And, as a director you are sort of at the top of the ladder, so it really feeds into that God complex, too, while your real life is falling apart. It was great while it lasted but then everyone has to come back to reality after a while. And, I felt that the lifestyle was no longer healthy.

how do you look back on your experience there now?Well, we had kind of planned on setting up shop in Iowa, but as you know plans change. Iowa just seemed great because I was working as a freelance director and I was traveling all around the country working on plays so it was a great central location. It was three hours from O’Hare in Chicago, so I was able to easily fly anywhere in the country very quickly. And, it’s just a great place to live. Iowa rocks, it’s just really cold. Other than that, no complaints.

What brought you back home?Khara had gotten a job out here and we knew we wanted to relocate for no other reason than we didn’t know what else to do. And I wanted to be near my kids and Khara and I still have a great relationship. We knew that we always loved it here and we always wanted to come back here but we never thought that we would have the means to do it. But, sometimes life takes you back where you want to go whether you think you can do it or not, you know? And now, three years later our family is doing great.

So how did you end up at The Little Theatre?We came back and I continued to travel. And then I thought, I need to get a job around here, I need to find a theatre job. But the PCPA (Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts) was undergoing cuts at that time and they weren’t hiring anyone. Poly wasn’t hiring anyone. Cuesta wasn’t

hiring anyone. But, around this same time I happened to go to breakfast with one of my old Speech teachers from A.G. High School because I wanted to get her advice. She had always been a really dear friend to me and I wanted to talk to her about my divorce. I knew she had been divorced before and I told her, “This is what is going on with me. Is it normal?” We were talking and out of the blue she says, “Listen, I’m on the board of The San Luis Little Theatre. We just lost our executive director and we’re looking for a new one. Do you think that is something you would be qualified for?” And it just completely fell into my lap because that was what I was totally qualified for. That is the only job on Earth that I would totally qualify for, and it was just right there. So I interviewed for it and got it and the rest is history.

this December marks the third year of your tenure. how is it going?This has been our best year ever. We are going on fifteen shows in a row where we have exceeded our net goals. It has been nuts. And the Reader’s Theatre has just been off the charts, too. We just had one of our most successful Childrens’ Theatres this summer. So we are looking good.

We hear that The Little Theatre has big ambitions.We plan on making this one of the premiere community theatres in the nation. You know, really get our name up there in the top five quality-wise. And my vision, and the board of directors shares this, is to make The Little Theatre a cornerstone in the artistic community. We are lucky enough to be subsidized by the city and have this amazing history behind us, and now it is our responsibility to bring as much art into this place as possible. I want the name San Luis Obispo Little Theatre to be synonymous with good art that truly represents the community.

It’s been great getting to know you, Kevin, but it’s time for us to exit stage left.I’ve enjoyed it, too – and don’t forget to come back and see a show soon.

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| THE WAY WE LIVE

The Siverson Home


Nels Siverson never expected to become a dairyman. In fact, he began his career as a pilot for the now-defunct Eastern Airlines. But, Nels and his wife, Marilyn, wanted their three kids to “see where food came from,” so they signed them up for 4-H. The Siverson’s fate was sealed one day when the kids brought a baby calf home with them from the program. That cow led to another, then another, and another. This kept up over the years until the family found themselves in the dairy business, running a full-fledged, full-time operation on 450 acres near Ocala, Florida.

When it was time to go away to college, Cal Poly’s Dairy Science program was the natural choice for Tryg Siverson and his parents decided to invest in a home near the college, which is where they figured they would retire. After the home served its purpose through the college years, Nels and Marilyn hired local designer, Bill Isaman, to develop a plan for remodeling the home. Recalls Isaman, “Nels said ‘follow me’ and we climbed up an old ladder to one corner of the roof where he said, ‘this is where I want the kitchen to be.’” After collaborating with general contractor, Greg Moore, it became obvious that tearing down the existing structure and starting fresh was a better option than remodeling. “Fortunately,” adds Isaman, “we were able to design it in such a way that we recycled some of the materials that came out of the teardown.”

Still, the kitchen remained the focal point and served as the hub which the rest of the house was built around. Situated on the second story, the spacious, airy kitchen takes in sweeping views through the abundant window openings. The rounded pitch of the roofline – inspired by the Siverson’s travels in Asia – is supported by custom made trusses, which were manufactured locally in San Luis Obispo. And the “spine wall,” comprised of natural stone acts as the primary support structure and runs the span of the home creating an easy flow and a striking architectural focal point. The second story deck on the back of the home is cantilevered so it would not impede the hillside views form the first level with supporting columns.

The Siversons remained “hands-on” during the entire process and put their personal stamp on the completion of the project. Much of the finish work, including the deck railings and the kitchen table were a result of Nels’ handywork in the woodshop. And Marilyn took on the design of the landscape, again drawing inspiration from Asian-style gardens while incorporating many native plants. Today, the couple who have “always loved cooking together” find themselves spending most of their time in the kitchen, just as Nels had envisioned.


| THE WAY WE LIVE

SupporTEd dETAIL The “spine wall,” a signature design feature for Isaman, functions as the main structural support, as well as a unifying element in the home. The custom made trusses also serve the dual purpose of providing support and complementing the overall design.

rooM WITH A VIEWClean lines and modern styling combine with warm colors and an indulgent area rug for an inviting space. Top it off with spectacular views of the surrounding hillside through the oversized windows, and a relaxing oasis results.


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THE HubThe kitchen served as the inspiration for the entire project and remains the focal point. The Siversons, who love to cook together, spend most of their time in this elegant space.

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That means, to own an average three bedroom family home in San Luis Obispo, which currently sells for about $410,000 - assuming a market rate 30-year fixed mortgage, a 20% down payment, standard taxes and utility costs - the owners would need an annual gross household income of about $100,000. So, how do we arrive at that number? (See chart at left).

And, there you have it. To truly afford an average, three bedroom home right now in San Luis Obispo, you should have a gross annual household income of at least $100,000. Now, that can mean that a single income earner is providing that amount, or it may be the case that it is a dual income family, with a husband and wife, for example, each earning $50,000 per year. Whatever the case, the number has to add up to at least $100,000 to be considered “affordable.”

Of course, the affordability index changes when you adjust the variables. For example, say you only need a two bedroom home. Or, the yard will be planted with Central Coast native grasses and plants which require less water, and, therefore, lower the monthly utility costs making it more affordable. Perhaps, you have a big family and need five bedrooms. The mortgage costs will increase with the higher cost of the home, as will the property taxes and other variables, as well. You get the idea.

It is not uncommon to hear that the Central Coast, and San Luis Obispo in particular, is “an expensive place to live.” But, is it? And how is that determined? We decided to ask around and here is what we found…

Most measures of housing affordability are based on a percentage of the income of the home owner. Depending on who you ask, the optimal percentage of household income that should be allocated for housing costs ranges somewhere between 28% and 40%. But, that requires some clarification… for example: Do housing costs include utilities? Are we basing the percentage on gross or net income? What about property taxes? And, does it matter if the mortgage payments are fixed or variable?

Although there is not a consensus here, it does appear that 30% of gross income, which includes all regular monthly housing related costs (mortgage, taxes, and utilities) is a good benchmark for affordability. [For tips on how to buy your home, turn to “Ask the Experts” on page 26].

the numbers at a glanceComparing the last four months to the same period last year (05/01/10 - 08/31/10 vs. 05/01/11 - 08/31/11)

SOURCE: San Luis Obispo Association of RealtoRs

| real estate

Housing Affordability

SLO LIFE

•

•

•

•

•

1. Total Homes Sold

2. Average Asking Price

3. Average Selling Price

4. Sales Price as a % of Asking Price

5. Average # of Days on the Market

Home Price$100,000 - $500,000

2010 2011 +/-

38 51 34.21%

$444,280 $430,946 - 3.01%

$427,183 $412,211 - 2.61%

96.15% 95.65% - 0.50%

69 69 0.00%

Home Price$500,001 - $1,000,000

2010 2011 +/-

64 57 - 10.94%

$681,405 $663,294 - 2.73%

$654,019 $637,422 - 8.41%

95.98% 96.10% 0.12%

87 85 - 2.29%

Home Price$1,000,001+

2010 2011 +/-

5 8 60.00%

$2,096,240 $1,486,113 - 29.11%

$1,836,800 $1,231,586 - 32.95%

87.62% 82.87% - 4.75%

144 342 137.50%

®

Determing if the price is right

30-year Fixed Rate Mortgage at current market rates(assuming a 20% down payment and good credit) total $1,614 / month

Property Taxes = $410,000 x 1.1% = $4,510 / 12 months total $376 / month

Home Owners Insurance (estimated)total $150 / month

Utilities = $200 water + $100 electricity + $50 gas + $25 garbagetotal $375 / month

Add them all up and you get a grand total of $2,515 / month

Then divide by 30% to figure out the gross income needed, $2,515/30%total $8,383 /month Gross Income

Multiply by x 12 months to find out the annual number, $8,383 x 12 total $100,600 annual Gross Income


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There are things you can do with your qualified investment plan when buying your first home. The government allows a first-time home buyer to borrow up to $10,000 from an IRA for a down payment on a home without incurring a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. If you have an employer sponsored plan, such as a 401K, you can take an additional loan of up to $50,000, and with the stock market swooning, the rate of return on your loan could be better than that of your investment portfolio. Of course, any premature withdrawal, will be taxable income, unless you borrow from a tax exempt plan such as a Roth IRA or Roth 401K. Also, if you’re ready to purchase a home, then you should consider establishing an estate plan to ensure the orderly administration and disposition of your assets. For instance, it’s important to consider how you would like to hold the title of the home at the time of purchase. There are some real benefits to holding the title in a trust, for example, and it’s easier and more cost-effective than you may realize, especially considering the time and money that could be potentially lost down the road if adequate planning is not done. There are other ways to hold title, such as joint tenancy, in the case where two people are buying the home together. Holding the title in this way may prevent the home from going into probate in the event that one of the parties passes away during the period of ownership. And, if you have a trust already, don’t forget to transfer ownership to your existing trust. If you have questions about the foregoing, or any other estate and tax planning issues, consult a qualified tax and estate planning professional before proceeding.

Jed hazeltineLL.M. TaxationAttorney at LawCentral Coast Estate Planning

dave nilsenPresident & Chief Financial Advisor

Obispo Wealth Management

It’s actually a great time to buy a house, but there are some things that are going to make it challenging for most people. Coming up with the down payment will be the first obstacle because the banks are going to want at least 20% down. In many ways we are going back a couple of generations where we have to spend 5 or 10 years really committing to a savings plan to come up with those funds. I do not recommend borrowing the down payment from family and friends unless you have a high income and can comfortably afford to pay it down each month along with your mortgage. The other thing that you will need to work on is your credit because banks are looking for borrowers with really strong credit. That means paying off those credit cards, cutting back on meals out, entertainment, and shopping. Another thing to consider is setting up an automatic savings plan with your bank so the money comes out of your account on its own. You can also look into alternatives to savings accounts, some fixed income investments are currently yielding anywhere from 3% to 5%.

| real estate

What are some tips for first time home buyers?Ask The Experts

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By Jeanette trompeter, KSBy newS

| No Place like home

cayucos abalone Farm

we are lucky on the Central Coast to have access to some of the freshest seafood options around. One shellfish people love, can no longer be harvested locally. there is, however, still a lot of it growing on the north coast. It’s just not growing in the ocean. or, not exactly.

In the waters off the picturesque Cayucos coastline, abalone were once abundant. Divers brought back large hauls of the tasty regional delicacy. That’s no longer the case today. “In 1997 they closed down all the commercial diving for wild abalone,” explains Brad Buckley of the Cayucos Abalone Farm. “The only place you can still dive for wild abalone is Northern California from the Bay area to the oregon border.”

But along a tiny stretch of the coast of Cayucos, Red Abalone are still plentiful. They are not growing in the waters off the coast, but in ocean water just above the shoreline. In fact, approximately one million abalone are harvested from these waters each year. Welcome to the Cayucos Abalone Farm. “We are the largest producer of red abalone in the U.S,” says Buckley.

the farm has been around since 1968. Back then most of the shell fish was being exported, primarily to Asia. “Think about it,” says Buckley, “that was the time of convenience foods, and Swanson Dinners and instant this and instant that.”

while many people on the west Coast appreciated the delicacy of abalone, it never really caught on nationwide. But like the chefs who tour the farm today, more and more people are getting turned on to the taste and tuned into the history of this creature. “Yeah, and people are really interested in regional food items from other parts of the country. So now most of our abalone is staying here in the United States,” observes Buckley.

the abalone live and grow in a series of pools at the farm. they mature in open air pools not far from waters where they once used to thrive. Kelp from the Pacific is harvested for the pools.

“Then they get the benefit of the natural algae and seaweeds that grow in the tank with them. Fresh seawater is pumped in 24/7,” Buckley shares.

Abalone is not a quick cash crop. They are spawned like fish. Fertilization happens in the water. For the first week they are in swimming larval stage. then they go to a metamorphosis stage and they settle. That’s when they go to the hatchery building at the farm, and in about three months, go from a microscopic speck to something not much bigger than the head of pen. It takes about a year before you can see how they’re coming along and can start separating them according to size. They are a little bigger than the size of a quarter after about two-and-a-half years.

They won’t get harvested until they are big enough to make a small steak to eat. they will only grow to about five-and-a-half inches at the farm, and it takes them about six years to get there. at that point, their growth spurt slows, and keeping them to grow into their “Golden Years” doesn’t make economic sense.

most of the abalone is sold wholesale, in the shells, but you can buy the small steaks cleaned and ready for cooking. “Abalone prepared simply is the best. If you add too many other ingredients, you’re going to hide the true flavor of abalone,” says Buckley as he cooks up a batch. “My favorite is the classic, egg wash and breading, pan fried in a cast iron skillet with a lemon caper butter sauce to go along on the side.”

It should be fork tender when prepared properly. And when it is, it’s a tasty reminder, that There’s No Place Like Home.

Jeanette Trompeter, KSBY News anchor and reporter, hosts the “No Place Like Home” series every Thursday evening at 6pm.

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| OutdOOrs

Written by Paden Followwill | Photos by Amy Joseph

Choose Your Adventure

Of all my travels, so far to five continents, this wine-country-by-the-sea satisfies all of my desires for outdoor adventure and variety. I embrace most weekends as a “staycation” which few can boast. I surf, kayak, rock climb, bike, cliff jump and thrive on exploration. I do this not because I’m a talented athlete, but because I am a sensation seeker to the core. I’m a local on a mission to create work-life balance and make my days off count. The Central Coast has afforded me and countless others many great adventures. You do not have to be an expert surfer or be in top physical condition to experience the area’s outdoor activities. Here are two of my favorites...

You know you live in a highly coveted corner of the world when state parks are less than a 20 minute drive from your home. One of my favorite escapes from my daily haunts lies in what indigenous peoples coined “Mountains of Gold.” Named for its crown of poppies and fields of mustard, Montana de Oro is home to a number of hikes and mountain biking trails that scallop the wind swept cliffs of Los Osos.

Originally part of the Spooner Ranch at the turn of the century, Montana de Oro is a diamond in the rough, seemingly tucked away from civilization. Rumor has it that this quality made it an ideal landing spot during the Spanish era for contraband trades and even moonshiners during the Prohibition.

The beauty of Montana de Oro is that each trail has unique highlights. You can veer off any trail and find new secret alcoves, bluffs, or caves deep in jagged rock. These Mountains of Gold are filled with rock arches, tunnels, pebbled beaches, offshore reefs, teeming tide pools, explosive surf, and occasionally seals and otters.

Of all the trails in Montana de Oro the quintessential 4 mile trek known as Bluff Trail is the perfect gateway to experience this state park. This trail slithers down the coastline, along the contours of the sandstone bluffs providing the hiker with vast panoramic views of the Pacific and clear views of Morro Rock.

Once you spot the dunes from the trail, you can make your way into this labyrinth of sand and escape entirely. The best kept secret of the dunes are the naturally occurring hard-packed diving boards of sandstone, five to seven feet above the cascading slopes of sand. It is every child’s dream to launch from this place and practice flips, and host competitions to see who can jump the farthest or highest into the inviting sand slip and slide below. Los Osos provides a density of dunes comparable to a Redwood forest and are not to be overlooked or underexplored.

Los Osos Mountains of Gold

To get there take Los Osos Valley Road west from US 101. Follow this road 12 miles as it leaves town through farmlands and the seaside town of Los Osos. Eventually Los Osos Valley Road turns south and becomes Pecho Valley Road with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. As you weave around bends, keep your eyes peeled for signs announcing trail heads and locations of interest.


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From 101 North you exit Wadsworth, turn west on Wadsworth then south on Highway 1 and head west on any street toward the ocean. From 101 South simply exit Highway 1, follow Highway 1 and turn west on any street towards the ocean. It’s that easy. Park by the pier, watch for the break you want to surf and join the low key group of surfers already maximizing their day.

Pismo Beach Sunset Surfing

Surfing in autumn sunsets is magic. The winds dies down, the water is smooth, the swells grow peaceful and the sky lights up like the heavens are bursting forth colors they saved all day to share with you. Orange, pink and purple. Warm, passionate and mesmerizing. It pulls your soul up with it. In moments like these, time does stand still. You feel like you blend into the scene.

Growing up I always stereotyped surfers as living each day for the moment, barely making it and counter-cultural in their pursuits. Surfers were spaced out spiritual people to me, as far-fetched as their lingo. But out on the surging, glassy waters of Pismo Beach at sunset, once you’ve paddled past the break and have the time to take in the backdrop - you realize that surfing is spiritual. You’re so small, so insignificant in the natural majesty of powerful sets. The rhythmic beat of the ocean pulls you away from your stresses, and makes you realize how truly small your worries are. You are engulfed in splendor all around. And it is enough.

On the Central Coast we are blessed with a variety of breaks and currents that provide different experiences. If you have always wanted to surf, but do not know where to begin, I recommend Pismo Beach. The waves are milder than other spots in the area. The sand bar is as gentle in slope as the beach which stretches for miles, affording you the choice to join the pier crowd or find a solo peak. It is a great place to learn and easy to find.


It’s an age-old debate, and most routine doctor visits end with those familiar parting words: “Get more exercise, and eat better.” Geez… thanks, Doc! But, really, if you do hope to shed a few pounds, where should we focus our efforts, diet or exercise?

The immediate answer appears to be “both,” although the explanation may be more complicated (and interesting!) than it appears on the surface. While we understand the many benefits of a regular exercise program, as well as the importance of a healthy diet, researchers continue to gain a better understanding of how the two work together.

Local nutritionist, Stephanie Nunes of Rock Solid Nutrition, suggests that while “reducing caloric intake is the fastest way to get weight loss started, improving lean muscle mass is a great way to increase metabolism and help keep the weight off in the long term.” And, we did find ample research supporting Nunes’ claims. Very simply, weight loss takes place when we consume fewer calories than we burn. Our diet dictates the calories we take in; and exercise, of course, would be the calories we take out, or “burn.” Compare what you take in to what you take out and you quickly realize if you are gaining or losing weight. Easy as pie… uh… or, carrots or celery, or something like that.

Nunes further encourages small changes to the diet that include portion control and healthier food choices for lasting weight loss while also pairing it with a healthy, active lifestyle, which may include simple activities around the house such as yard work or vacuuming. And, since stopping mid-day for a healthy lunch is often impossible, Nunes emphasizes the importance of meal planning, which means prepping the night before. And, she stresses the importance of carrying water – and don’t just tote around one of those hip looking Klean Kanteen bottles that we all have rolling around in our cars - you need to actually drink your water throughout the day.

But, getting back to exercise… What is it about lean muscle that helps maintain weight? Isn’t aerobic exercise like jogging or swimming better for burning calories? We have found research that estimates that for every pound of muscle between 40 to 50 additional calories per day are consumed. The calorie burning aspect of muscle appears to be greatly expanded during and after the muscle building process. In other words, lifting weights (or

doing some sort of resistance exercise) burns calories during and after workouts.

It turns out the doctor telling us to eat better and exercise more is spot-on. Although, it may be helpful if he were to say “Pump more iron, and prep healthy meals” next time!

We asked Nunes for a cheat sheet to keep us on track:

| To Your HealTH

Diet or exercise?

SLO LIFE

By Demitria Castanon

• Never skip breakfast

• Frontload your day (eat more of your calories earlier in the day vs. at night)

• Find a purpose for improving health: kids, family history, travel, etc.

• Layout exercise clothes the night before you head to the gym

• Set-up a session with a certified personal trainer

• Visit www.mypyramid.gov to get a basic, healthy eating plan started

• Keep food and exercise logs

• Manage your stress

• Drink plenty of water daily

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| Music

Launching local talentFlowbispo

Dylan Harris and Ashley Hendershottfounders of Flowbispo and talent behind D&A


When he was a student at the Cal Poly School of Architecture, Ashley Hendershott could not get the music out of his head. Before long, it was all he could think about. Day and night, he became a slave to the beat. Around the same time, Dylan Harris, who could be found roaming local coffee shops with a notebook in-hand, was dealing with a different, yet equally gripping obsession - for him it was writing poetry.

After a chance meeting last year, the two have been inseparable. Hendershott, who performs under the stage name Ashis Clay, and Harris, together make up the local hip hop group called D&A. Known for their high-energy tempo and upbeat, positive lyrics, their music reflects the clean living culture and style of the Central Coast. But, while the duo loves to perform locally, they do not hesitate to admit to having global ambitions.

Since they began collaborating, Hendershott and Harris have formalized a plan to open a multimedia production facility where their mission is “to promote and showcase local talent to the world.” The name of their new enterprise is Flowbispo, as in creativity flowing from San Luis Obispo. They anticipate casting a wide net at first and expect to take on many varied projects, such as music videos and viral videos optimized for the internet and social media marketing.

Although their background is primarily in hip hop, the pair is looking to record, produce, and collaborate with a wide variety of local artists. Observes Harris, “I’ve got brothers who do Heavy Metal, and I want to do Country Music in the worst way.” Hendershott grew up in both the Bay Area and Southern California rap scenes. He performed with Beat n’ Biscuit Productions where he opened for well-known rappers, including Too Short. He emphasizes that, although their music for the most part is lighthearted and upbeat, it’s important for the art to be pure and true-to-heart, accurately reflecting the reality and perspective of the artist. Says Hendershott, “I love to do positive songs, but I did not come from a positive place. Sometimes my music takes me somewhere else.”

While relatively new to the hip hop genre, Harris, who actually used to poke fun at “the whole hip hop, rap thing” observes that his work with poetry has enabled him to come up with interesting and innovative lyrics to match the music produced by Hendershott. And, Harris, who would remind many of a modern-day beatnik, cites his large personal library as inspiration for much of his wordsmithing. His rhythmic speaking style reflects his writing and is ripe with flowing prose. “SLO is a hopeful metaphor for Earth. There is still suffering and homelessness. And you flip on the news to see horrible things all over the planet. But, what our local musicians often fail to recognize when they are competing with each other is that they are feeding that mentality of separation and conflict and adversity. It always starts on a local level, making those changes that affect the world for the better. We’re taking that perspective of global change starting at home and using it as a foundation for Flowbispo to unite our diverse, local talent.” SLO LIFE

D&Ago to slolifemagazine.com to listen to the full length version of “Livin’ the SLO Life”


| Travel

Guateca

Mike Emrich, founder and president of Solarponics in Atascadero, figures that he has “reached a point in his life where it’s time to give back.” And, while Emrich and his wife, Anna-Louise, a teacher in the Atascadero School District, have found themselves daydreaming about retiring someday and joining the Peace Corps, the couple has found so many other ways to give back today. For example, earlier this year, Emrich had been mentoring a group of Cal Poly students who were preparing to spend the summer in Guatemala to help with the development of San Pablo, which is a small, remote mountain village of approximately 800 people. So, when the faculty leader of the program, Professor Pete Schwartz of the Physics Department, joked with Emrich that “if you want to continue working with us, you’ll have to come to Guatemala.” Emrich leaned back in his chair, thought about it for a few seconds, and said, “Okay, sure.”

The Cal Poly students who are involved in the program are a diverse group, coming from different backgrounds and disciplines. But, the one thing that unites them is that they want to not only help with the development of an impoverished community, they also want to understand what works best. According to Schwartz, who has concentrated most of his research on solar power, “We know that

Paradigm shifting on a remote Guatemalan hillside

continued on page 41

SaN PaBlO the downtown

below eNTHUSIaSM a Cal Poly student shares his optimism


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technology really doesn’t fix anything, we first have to establish relationships.”

And, establish relationships they did. The Cal Poly students became immersed in the community as they looked for opportunities to make the village sustainable and energy efficient. And, the summer school itself, which they call “Guateca” is a veritable mixing bowl of relationship building, learning, and brainstorming as the Cal Poly students sit alongside the Guatemalan students in a one-room classroom setting. The idea that Schwartz stresses is that “we are developing new paradigms where everyone learns something and it’s not just us going down there to ‘help them,’ although that is ultimately the goal, but we also have a lot to learn ourselves. And, most importantly, we see our futures as being intimately linked with theirs.”

One of those learn-from-each-other concepts was put to test by the Cal Poly students, who, by getting to know the villagers, came up with a simple idea for conserving and re-using energy. And, both Emrich and Schwartz agree that the best place to start becoming sustainable is by addressing the simple things first. In San Pablo, most of the cooking is done with traditional wood-fired stoves. Seeing this and also recognizing that heating water is a constant challenge, the students began collaborating with some of the locals to develop a rudimentary “chimney heated water system.” Essentially, a set of galvanized water pipes was woven through the chimney to be heated with the same wood-fire energy that was used to cook dinner. The result is that the hot water is created without using any additional energy. Recalls Emrich, “Seeing the students in that moment of discovery is a treat, all that enthusiasm and excitement that comes with the ‘gee whiz’ or ‘aha moment’ makes the whole thing worthwhile.” SLO LIFE

Travel |

Agriculture at 10,000 feet in elevation presents its challanges. In addition to the crops pictured here, rose farming comprises a major part of the local economy.

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We’ve all heard the term “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” but what does it mean in the context of starting a small business? Simply put: to “bootstrap a business” means to start and grow the enterprise with only the profits created by the company. In other words, you do not borrow money from the bank, or family and friends, or find an investor - instead the money to grow the business comes from the business itself.

Bootstrapping is more common these days as the credit markets have tightened up, and banks have become reluctant to lend money to small companies. There are some who would argue that bootstrapping is actually a better way to get started anyway, as having a large sum of cash in a start-up can often lead to a false sense of security. The reality of not having a safety net and the neccesity of generating your income immediately really helps you focus on what is important since you have very little margin for error.

Of course, not all types of businesses are suited for bootstrapping. For example, a retail store would require that you purchase inventory in advance. A restaurant generally requires an expensive investment in appliances and equipment. But, there are many types of businesses that can be started with very little or no cash. Service businesses are often good ones, particularly those that rely on hand labor and very little equipment with no licenses or certifications needed.

A little brainstorming can lead to some interesting business ideas: tutoring, painting, mobile dent/glass repair, gardening, window washing, piano lessons, dog grooming,

bookkeeping, auto detailing, and the list goes on and on. The key requirements seem to be:

If at all possible, keep your day job while bootstrapping your start-up business, at least until you develop enough customers to have it replace the income from your job. If that is not an option, it’s not the end of the road. The nice thing about this approach is that it is entirely possible – if you choose the right niche – to start from Day 1 with a profitable, cash-positive business. The key with this type of business, as well as any type of business, for that matter, is to really understand how the cash flows in and out of the operation. Look at when the cash comes in and when it goes out, and if you find that the business will create positive cash flow, then you are probably on to a winner. With that said, it’s still up to the entrepreneur to make it happen.

| Business

SLO LIFE

1. Little or no cash required to get started

2. Little or no cash required to operate (for example, you aren’t constantly resupplying inventory)

3. Minimal fixed costs (items like rent and insurance are fixed costs)

4. Demand for your services (starting a snow removal business on the Central Coast clearly will not fly!)

5. An ability and willingness to “wear all the hats” at first (forget about hiring help – it’s all on you)

Bootstrapping Your Business


| LocaL food by LocaL peopLe

Family Tradition

My grandmother, Fong Gong, came to the United States from Hong Kong as a young married woman in her twenties. My mother, the oldest of five, was born shortly after my grandparents’ arrival in San Francisco. Connecting with my grandma was difficult because she speaks Cantonese with broken English, and I cannot speak Cantonese. So, Grandma connected with my brother and me through food.

Throughout the years, Grandma would ply us with treats each time we visited. There was the special treat drawer and the pantry was always brimming with various snacks. Now in her nineties, Grandma does not cook and bake as she once did. We may no longer get homemade almond cookies, wonton, or bao, but she will still make sure we don’t leave her home empty-handed. Food continues to be the avenue through which we bond. I am lucky to have this history, and now with her almond cookie recipe, it is my turn to share.

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Have a recipe to share? Go to slolifemagazine.com to tell us about it.SLO LIFE

I am lucky to have this history, and now with her almond cookie recipe, it is my turn to share.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Combine oil, butter and sugar until well mixed. 3. Beat in eggs and almond extract. 4. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. 5. Slowly add flour mixture into the wet ingredients. 6. Roll about a teaspoon of dough into a ball and flatten onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 7. Brush the tops of cookies with beaten egg yolks and press an almond into center of cookie.8. Bake 10 - 12 minutes.

aLmond cookiesFamily Recipe by Fong GongMakes 4 dozenCooking time: 10 - 12 minutes

5 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt2 cups sugar2 eggs1 cup canola oil2 sticks butter2 tablespoons almond extract2 egg yolks, lightly beatenappoximately 48 almonds

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| community calendar

city to the Seaoctober 9th

San luis obispo - Pismo Beachcitytothesea.org

Get out your running shoes and start preparing for the 16th annual City to the Sea point-to-point half marathon, which starts in San Luis Obispo and ends in Pismo Beach. If 13.1 miles is not your preferred distance, try the 5k race (3.1 miles), which takes place in Pismo Beach. And don’t forget to get your kids ready for the Kids’ Fun run (1/4 mile), which takes place at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach!

central coast Bioneers conferenceoctober 14th - 16thSan luis obispo Vets Hallecologistics.org

Bioneers is inspiring a shift to live on Earth in ways that honor the web of life, each other, and future generations. Bioneers has two keystone goals to help make this shift successfully: Connect people with solutions by popularizing breakthrough ideas and practices, and grow social capital by catalyzing, connecting and strengthening strategic networks, including bioregional and community based alliances.

the yeomen of the Guardoctober 22th - 23rd

clark center, arroyo Grandeoperaslo.org

The Yeomen of the Guard is Gilbert and Sullivan’s exciting Shakespearean operetta brimming with intrigue, love triangles, disguises, a struggling jester, and topsy-turvy schemes centered around the escape of a falsely accused prisoner in the foreboding Tower of London during the late 16th Century. In what is considered to be one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest, this thrilling tale is a tapestry of poignant moments, satire, bawdy humor, and delicate romance.

Presenting the bestin professional

entertainment at thePerforming Arts Center!WWW.CALPOLYARTS.ORG


SLO LIFE

rockin’ Harvestnovember 4th - 6thSlo Wine countryslowine.com

Kickoff Friday night with a variety of winemaker socials and dinners. Spend Saturday at The Grand Tasting and Auction where over 60 wineries and restaurants from the San Luis Obispo region are featured in the scenic seaside setting of the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Hit the SLO Wine trail on Sunday and let the party carry on at participating wineries, where they will host with wine, food and entertainment.

modern masterpiecesnovember 12th @ 8:00pmcohan centerpacslo.org

Enjoy a remarkable evening presented by the San Luis Obispo Symphony featuring Roger Wilkie playing Violin. Music to include Beetohven’s Overture to Fidelio, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, and Sibelius’ Symphony No.5 in E-flat Major. Celebrate a night of amazing talent and unforgettable music.

language of the Soulnovember 9th – 20th

San luis obispolanguageofthesoul.org

The 28th Annual San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival begins with four nights at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art with Glenna Luschei and Clayton Eshleman. The other nights are at various venues with Closing Night at Linnaea’s Café. Most evenings feature three poets, a selected reader, and two features.

slosymphony.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO SYMPHONYMICHAEL NOWAK, MUSIC DIRECTOR

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slo life magazine october november 2011

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