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Behind the Badge: The Smart investigation

I've been in the law enforcement profession for more than 35 years. That’s a long time by any standard. And during the course of my career, there has been only one case that has generated local, statewide, national and international attention. And that, of course, is...

Living a life of food and family in Pismo Beach: The Doug and Shannon MacMillan story

Longtime Pismo Beach chef and restauranteur Doug MacMillan didn’t choose cooking as his life’s work. He was born into it. His wife, Shannon, on the other hand, married into the restaurant industry when she and MacMillan said, ‘I do.’ And for the past two-plus decades,...

The Coffee Club

For many, a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning is akin to the elixir of life. As the aroma and warmth of the ancient—near-mythical—beverage (best without the various pollutants of other liquids) permeates the senses, there is hope that, indeed, life will...

Cayucos Collective: Art and culture beach town style

In 1964, Bob Dylan recorded the anthem of a generation, "The Times They Are A-Changin'," which, in addition to being possibly the understatement of the century, has held for over five decades of increasingly rapid development and cultural shift. One of the few...

Playing With Plays: Brendan P. Kelso brings the classics to the classroom

Don't get him wrong, Brendan P. Kelso, materials engineer, understands very well the value of STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) in schools. But Kelso is one of those rare individuals who is not just that “math kid” who aced all those classes; he’s...

Tarren Collins: Dedicating her life to advocacy and protecting the environment

San Luis Obispo native Tarren Collins was born to be an advocate, standing up for what she believes is right and just, even if it means bucking the status quo. “I have always had an aversion to bullies,” Collins said. “I want the playing field to be level and fair. So...

Casey Biggs: To Boldly Go … Wherever Life Takes Him

Actor and Paso Robles resident Casey Patrick Biggs says he “got bit” by the showbiz bug as a young man and never looked back. “I loved being on the stage and connecting with an audience,” he said. “The artist’s job is to hold a mirror up to nature; it’s a huge...

Kate White: The Woman Behind Scissor Clothing

Scissor Clothing owner Kate White started sewing when she was 10 years old. Her mom got her a sewing machine when she wanted to do a project. “By the time I was a senior in high school, I was selling my clothing,” said White, who now owns a clothing store in downtown...

Steve Williams’ Concrete Kindness Changed My Life

This month, many of us will celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing our devotion and commitment to the one we love. In the spirit of this shared love, my mind began to consider what would happen if humans extended love’s essential qualities to others? These qualities...

Angela Nelson: Musical Director, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School Theater Experience

On February 22, after a year of planning and four months of rehearsals, between eighty and ninety Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School students will take the stage at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande for two performances of the musical, Beauty and the Beast. For most of...

Read this month’s cover story

Living a life of food and family in Pismo Beach: The Doug and Shannon MacMillan story

Casey Biggs: To Boldly Go … Wherever Life Takes Him

Lemos Feed & Pet Supply: Putting pets and their people first for nearly half a century

Dr. Markel Quarles, Director: Center for Career Education and Community Engagement, California State University, Bakersfield