Cover Art by Benjamin Lawless
Meet Our Marketing Team!
Top row, left to right: Shaba Mohseni, Michele Kirk, Ben Lawless. Bottom, left to right, Jacky Lopez, Carol Dawn, Maria Foster.
The Women’s Press is a valuable commu-
nity resource, a publication of the Women’s
Community Center of SLO County, which
serves as a referral, counseling, support, and
educational center for women. The Press lets the
community know about the Center’s activities,
as well as those of other nonprofits that serve
women. It prints the voices, views, and visions
of women in our county.
Now, with the help of our new marketing
team, the Women’s Press is also a valuable resource
to help build local businesses. Creative graphic
Volume XXI, Number 7
Holidays - December 2006
from all of us at the Women’s Press
design, marketing, copywriting, and photogra-
phy are now available. Everything you need to
put together an effective advertising program Put your business profile in our
and reach over 10,000 loyal readers in the San January-February issue.
Luis Obispo area and generate new customers.
We can design a program to fit any budget.
Reaching 10,000 loyal readers, it’s a
Business profiles are also available.  sure-fire way to get your business in
Call 805-544-9313 to find out how we can front of a fantastic community.
help support your business while you support
your community. Call 544-9313 for more information.
Email: ads@womenspress.-slo.org
 Women’sPress Women’s Press | December 2006 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

NEEDED
Distribution Manager for the

Dear Readers,
You are holding in your hands a special
advertising issue of the Women’s Press.
The issue gives us the opportunity to intro-
Women’s Press Reach 10,000
loyal readers!
What you will do: Coordinate with volunteers
to get the paper circulated to all distribution
points, seek out additional locations, and keep
the database files accurate as to distribution loca-

Let Us Help
duce you to a new offering we give to local busi-
ness persons to promote their goods or services: a tions.
business profile. Read over the ones in this issue
and notice how they give you the opportunity to What we will pay you: $15/hr plus mileage
explain in some detail who you are and what you
do. At the same time they put your logo and/or Average time spent per issue: 3-5 hours Build Your Business!
photo in front of our readers.
And you can see from the photo and article Interested? E-mail editors@womenspress-slo.org
on the front page that we have a competent team or call 544-9313.
of sales persons and graphic designers to ensure
that your profile appears the way you want it
when you need it. I hope you will take advantage
of this new method of advertising your business.
Call 544-9313
And all of us who volunteer to bring you the
Women’s Press take this opportunity to wish all of Ask us about buying a
you a safe and enjoyable holiday season. It takes
the work of many committed volunteers to pre- business profile for $149.
pare the paper and I am grateful to them all for Call 544-9313.
what they offer you, our readers.
Peace,

Make New Friends,

Meet New People...
Volunter With The
Women’s Community Center Board Women’s Press!
Angie King, President Call 544-9313.
Kathleen Deragon
Susan Howe
Jan Potter
Robin Werderits

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6000 free copies distributed in SLO County. Subscriptions by mail & by e-mail available.
December 2006 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
CodePink Charity
Action for 2006:
Sleeping Bag Drive.
‘Tis the season of giving...what?
by Margaret Hennessy
Have you ever had someone give you some-
thing unconditionally? Something just for you,
with no strings attached? If you have received
such a gift, then you understand the meaning
of “big hearted” and can be truly grateful for the
experience. Big-hearted people give up some-
thing of themselves to make room for other peo-
ple in their lives. They are willing to face down
their own selfishness and put their own concerns
second to others.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you want
a good time, give something away?” To give of
yourself is one of the most valuable gifts. How
does this translate into action and operate on a
practical level? Here are some ways in which lov-
ing people can give of themselves to others:
Our Understanding. This is a rare
gift because it takes us beyond pay-
ing attention. Through it we make an effort to
enter the world of another person and compre-
hend it with appreciation and compassion.
Our Concern. There is a big difference in
claiming to be interested in others and then
proving it in a practical manner. When we give
our attention to others, we make ourselves “pres-
ent” to them in an unmistakable way.
Our Time. Time for ourselves is hard to
come by. When we give it away to others there
The Heart of Christmas
By Laura Hyde
Blessed is the season which
engages the whole world in a
conspiracy of love.
— Hamilton Wright Mabi
The holidays--with all of the fanfare, feasts
and festivals--is a time, they say, for sharing and
celebration. Yet for many, it’s a time when much
of the love and joy is hidden underneath bulg-
ing bundles and the pressure of meeting fam-
ily obligations. A radical shift in our thinking
is needed so that we might move away from
the love of things, toward the love of people, in
both our close circles and the communities in
which we live. As we affirm the love of people,
we recapture the spirit of what the holidays are
truly about: compassionate and consistent ways
of caring.
I remember one Christmas, several years ago,
when our daughter, Alexis, was about eleven
years old. A couple of days before Christmas, I
excitedly announced that we would be celebrat-
ing Christmas “differently” this year. And by dif-
ferently, I meant we would be sharing our energy
and love at a local soup kitchen, which at that
time, was in Flint, Michigan. “Alexis was both
unsure and curious about spending Christmas
this way, but she went and helped out as though
LocalPerspectives 
New or gently used sleeping bags is what every-
one at the homeless shelter wants. If you would
like to donate, you could do one of the follow-
ing: drop off at Prado Day Center, attn: Dee
Torres or send a check to SLOCodePink at P.O. BOOKS! The perfect
Box 72, Arroyo Grande, Ca. 93421 and make a
note “sleeping bags for Prado.” We will take care
gift for everyone!
of the rest. Prado has a Christmas Eve Day party We carry all kinds, for all ages
and this is the big win - a sleeping bag. and books make great stocking stuffers, too!
• Hundreds of Calendars in Stock
• Gift Certificates
• Wrapping & Mailing
• Fast Special Orders
is no way to retrieve it. That is why it is such a
profound way of giving ourselves to others. Big- 779 Higuera Street • SLO
544-0150
hearted people are the only ones who do it.
Our Feelings. We can be with others and
seem to be interested in them, while in reality,
we are concerned with only our emotions. In
order to become “fully alive” for others, we must
yield our own feelings for ourselves. This is one
of the most demanding and valuable ways of giv-
ing ourselves away.
Our Spirit. The word “magnanimous” comes
from the Latin word meaning great-spirited.
We can give this gift without taking anything
away from us. We give it and don’t even know it.
It means that the availability of our inner selves
to others can be passed on and shared.
There is an abundance of big-hearted people.
They keep the world going even when the evi-
dence of selfishness is piled high. As we approach
the holiday season, those near and dear to us will
be bestowed with gifts to show our love. What if
some of the “gifts” listed above were included? I
wouldn’t mind adding some of them to my wish
list. What about you? Happy holidays!
Margaret Hennessy is a community volunteer
and can be reached at mtnhen@yahoo.com
she had been serving food to the homeless all her
life. It may not be her favorite Christmas mem-
ory, but it planted a seed that fostered a very
compassionate and giving young woman.
The holidays are a wonderful time to renew
our emphasis on community rejuvenation.
Everywhere we turn, we are presented with
opportunities to turn our attention to the home-
less, the incarcerated, the less fortunate, and
give them a Christmas every day of their lives.
For Christmas is not merely a date, but a state of
mind. A beautiful quote that embodies the truth
of Christmas was once penned by George Mat-
Business
Profiles
thew Adams, “Let us remember that the Christ-
mas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that
thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus
stands as the most significant event in all history,
are now
because it has meant the pouring into a sick world
of the healing medicine of love which has trans-
formed all manner of hearts for almost two thou-
sand years...Underneath all the bulging bundles is
this beating Christmas heart.”
Gifts are fine if they are an expression of
authentic celebration, of real care and joy, but if
AVAILABLE!
Only $149
there is merely an automatic exchange, it is con-
tradictory to the spirit of Christmas. This holiday
season let us be reminded of the true meaning
of Christmas -- to leave an indelible mark of
compassion on our community throughout the
entire year. Because after all, Christmas is not an
external event at all, but a piece of one’s home
that one carries in one’s heart. Call 544-9313
 BusinessProfiles Women’s Press | December 2006 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

Discover the Chef In You Woman-Centered Birth

Meet Cindy Langford, an Executive Director
with The Pampered Chef. The company tag line
is “discover the chef in you” and that is what
Cindy has been doing since April 1993.
As a Pampered Chef consultant, Cindy sells
cooking tools at her cooking shows. The cook-
ing show is an opportunity for her clients and
guests to learn how to make simple, delicious
and healthy recipes with very little effort.  People
love watching cooking shows and what makes
The Pampered Chef Cooking Show experience
different is that people have the chance to try
the tools before they purchase them.   
Cindy decided to join The Pampered Chef
because she was looking for a part-time job
that would allow her to stay at home with her
two young children but still add to her family
income. With Pampered Chef, she could decide
when she wanted to work, earn approximately
$20/hour when she did cooking shows, and earn
free tools and points towards incentive vaca-
tions.
HELP WANTED! “I am looking for
friendly, self starters who are motivated to be
their own boss and design a lifestyle that works
for them! In my role as an Executive Director
with The Pampered Chef, I most enjoy recruit-
ing, coaching, and developing the individual
gifts of each coworker with whom I work.”
For more information regarding hosting
your own cooking show or if you’d like to meet
with Cindy to find out if The Pampered Chef is
a good fit for you, call Cindy at (805) 544-1710
or e-mail her at chefcindy@charter.net.
Throughout history and all over the world,  At Holistic Midwifery Care, we offer ser-
women have given birth under their own power vices that center around the woman.  We have
accompanied only by caring attendants. The a California State Medical Board Licensed Mid-
midwifery model of care looks at birth as a wife, a midwife’s assistant, and three apprentice
woman’s rite of passage into motherhood, an midwives.  We provide certified doula care and
empowering event for both mother and child. certified childbirth education.  We offer sensi-
Education, experience, wisdom, and intuition tive and personalized well-woman care, prenatal,
guide the interaction between midwife and cli- birthing, and postpartum care, assistance with
ent throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the breastfeeding: all with enough time during vis-
postpartum period. Physician-attended hospi- its for meaningful discussions.  You have choices
tal birth is a relatively new trend, beginning in in how you want to birth your baby, and Holis-
the last several decades. For those cultures that tic Midwifery Care can help you create the birth
have moved away from the midwifery model, experience you want.
many are now coming back and encouraging  
homebirths and midwifery care as viable and
safe options for women.  Most recently, the Brit-
ish Department of Health has moved to pro-
mote home birth and midwifery care in order
to “demedicalize” the birth process (http://news.
bbc.co.uk  May 15, 2006)  Also, in June of 2005,
the British Medical Journal published a North
American study of over 5000 women praising
the safety of homebirths attended by midwives.  Holistic Midwifery Care
805-462-1100
midwife93465@yahoo.com
Green Goods
Business: Green Goods
Owners: Mikel and Brian Robertson
Retail store located at:
6100 B El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
Phone: 805-462-9900
Store Hours:
9am to 5pm Monday through Friday,
and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays

Bringing together their experiences in con-
struction and sustainable design to address the
common needs and opportunities available to
more conventional building, Mikel and Brian
Roberston, co-owners of Green Goods, were
inspired to open their eco-friendly building sup-
ply store in January of 2005.
Mikel’s experiences in conservation con-
struction and the co-founding of Four Elements
Organic Farm are coupled with Brian’s back-
ground in sustainable communities and renew-
able energy concepts, and an extraordinary talent
in woodworking. This union provides the adept
foundation for Green Goods.
Green Goods is the only eco-friendly build-
ing supply company on the Central Coast pro-
viding consultation, design, and installation
services, using sustainable materials necessary
to help clients build healthy and vibrant living
spaces. The company sells and installs all types
of flooring, countertop materials, paints and
finishes and tiles. They also feature the highest
quality, custom cabinetry and woodswork for its
clients.
Addressing issues of resource deprivation and
toxic environments, Green Goods specializes in
helping design and build living spaces with the
client’s intention and health in mind. They meet
each customer’s unique needs through custom
consultations aimed at simplifying the “green”
decision-making process. As a leader in the
field of green building, they guide their clients
through the process of creating a more energy
efficient and resource-conserving living space
with a healthy indoor air environment.
December 2006 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Meeting Functional Needs
Phyllis L. Borgardt and Louise E. Barcus are
partners in Mobility Therapy, a durable medi-
cal equipment business off Oak Park Blvd. in
Arroyo Grande.
Each of them have been occupational ther-
apists with different experiences for 25+ years.
Louise worked for C.C.S. for 32 years. She has
lots of experience in seating and positioning
of youngsters in wheel chairs. Phyllis’ back-
ground was in rehabilitation and working with
home health needs. Both had their O.T. train-
ing at Washington University but they didn’t
meet there. In 1996, Phyllis was running a
home health agency in Fresno and Louise had
retired; both had been widowed. When they met
through a W.U. alumni, they formed their own
support group, became fast friends, and Louise
came to work with Phyllis.
They had been in the business of durable
medical equipment service for 5 years before
opening their own shop in 2005. These partners
went into this business because they are inter-
ested in people getting their functional needs
met. They tried to keep it small but it has just
grown.
They offer their services from Paso Robles
to Solvang. This is the only business of this type
in the area run by O.T.s. They make free home
evaluations to see what is appropriate; they’re not
Merry Maids
“Today’s modern lifestyles mean that we have a
lot less time than in the past; increasingly we
are working longer hours, leaving less time to fit
in all the other essentials in our lives. More and
more busy people are hiring cleaning services on
a regular basis.
Finding a reliable Housekeeper can be diffi-
cult. Be aware that if you hire an Independent
housecleaner, you are responsible to cover their
taxes, and you are liable if anything should hap-
pen to your home or the person you hire while
they are in your home.
For this reason and many others, we are
noticing a trend in people hiring professional
cleaning services. One such company in our
area is ‘Merry Maids of San Luis Obispo.’ Merry
Maids has been in business for 27 years with an
outstanding reputation and the honor of being
the USA’s #1 cleaning company. Merry Maids
covers all taxes, worker’s compensation and lia-
bility insurance, as well as cleaning equipment.
going to sell anyone anything they don’t need.
In Jan. another O.T. will be joining the staff,
Sharon Ireland Burke, a liaison person for Santa
Barbara Rehab. They also have Victoria, the
office assistant, and Ovid who makes deliveries
and “muscles around” the heavier equipment.
191 S.Oak Park Blvd #5
(behind China Buffet and across from Von’s)
9-5 M-F and 10-3 Sat.
805 489-9335 or toll free 888-215-4326
When the Merry Maids cleaning bug is coming, you can “relax, it’s done”
www.mobilitytherapy.com
Challenges of Aging
Meredith Bates, owner of Bates Care Management
Elder care is the term used to describe the issues
and care concerns for the frail elderly who
make up 5% of the over-65 population. For the
approximately 45 million frail seniors currently
in the U.S., navigating the complex and often
convoluted and disconnected maze of commu-
nity-based services can be a daunting challenge.
It can be difficult to determine what kinds
of help or services could prove most useful to a
particular situation such as home care vs. senior
center-based socialization vs. placement in an
assisted living facility. It can be reassuring to
know that there exists a set of well-trained well-
versed professionals in the aging service commu-
nity who can help consumers through the care
option process.
BusinessProfiles 
You can rely on their word - they have a lot to
lose if they don’t show up on the day your clean-
ing is scheduled. They do background checks on
each employee before hiring and they profes-
sionally train all of their employees to clean in
a detailed, thorough manner so that all cleaning
is consistent.
“The girls do such a wonderful, consistent
job. It’s a relief to know I am coming home to
a beautifully clean home!” says businesswoman
Jane Hind.
“I really appreciate their detailed work and
thoroughness...all the girls are so friendly and
accommodating” says Los Osos resident Ruth
Lusko.
Make an appointment at (805) 542-9400 or
check their web site www.merrymaids.com
Bates Care Management is one of the lead-
ing elder care services that assist seniors in San
Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. The owner, Mer-
edith Bates has more than 20 years of experience
in geriatric care and medical and disability case
management. She also has extensive experience
in providing social services needs assessments
and private vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Cheryl B. Kippen, MS, CMC, certified manager
of care, has 6 years experience working exclu-
sively with geriatric clients and is a University
of Cal Poly graduate, who worked as a therapist
and social worker for 12 years before entering
senior care.
Bates Care Management understands that
each situation is unique and provides individ-
ualized care plans. A broad range of services
includes: In-Home Assessment, Care Planning,
Consultation, Ongoing Monitoring, Liaison
to families living at a distance and Relocation
Assistance.
For more information, visit their user-
friendly web site at www.BatesCare.com or call
(805) 771-9124.
 LocalPerspectives
New collaborative ownership opens ART Works,
Gallery & Eco-Design Center of SLO
By Evelyn Adams
This month a new artisan collaborative is launch-
ing a gallery of contemporary art, with fine
eco-craft goods made in SLO, to benefit local
children and women’s nonprofits.
Brave New Wares Development Group
(BNWDG), in collaboration with CARRIED
AWAY ART, has opened an expansive artisan
gallery, with an additional 2,000 square foot
OPEN Studio PLAYshoppe at 1200 East Grand
Avenue in Arroyo Grande. The new artisan col-
laborative, formerly ARTaCulture Center, is
now ART Works, Gallery & Eco-Design Cen-
ter of SLO. Its two principals are Evelyn (Eve)
Adams, BNWDG, and Shawn Collins, CAR-
RIED AWAY ART.
BNWDG develops eco-designs with high
recycle and natural content products. These
“goods that do good” are licensed for produc-
tion only to nonprofit work-to-learn centers and
by their BNWDG-sponsored, All Women’s Cre-
ative Cooperatives (AWCC). The new 5-Cities
AWCC craft cooperative will provide creative
work options for all women, including women
at risk. Brave New Wares’ innovative functional
art products, designed by area artisans; will be
taught, made, and marketed in San Luis Obispo
this winter at the ART Works Gallery, on their
SHOW UP! for HOLLY NEAR Holiday stress reduction
35 Years of Social Change Music
Mark your calendars now, and SHOW UP!
for HOLLY NEAR. Let’s gather together
once again to welcome Holly Near to the
Clark Center stage on March 9, 2007, at
8 PM. Tickets are available now at the Clark
Center box office, www.clarkcenter.org or
through the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
544-1669. $25 General Admission/$22 Seniors/
Students.
Holly’s last concert at the Clark Center was
in Spring, 2003. The war in Iraq had just begun.
The audience was made up of people from many
different constituencies: peacemakers, women,
gays and lesbians, environmentalists, and lovers
of song—all waiting anxiously for Holly Near to
sing to our hearts! Holly and her pianist of 21
years, John Bucchino, took the stage, and what
a concert it was!
Today, Holly says, “Now more than ever, the
peace-loving people of the United States would
be wise to put forth an alternate perspective to
war, revenge, and fear-based home security. We
can gather together to remember our highest
selves and find the courage to stand up for peace
and justice. Our country has been a leading
model of social change movements in the past.
We can do it again. Create events and oppor-
tunities for community—to think, feel, debate,
organize, get to know each other, dance, and
sing.”
Want to help the Women’s Community
Center and Cal Poly Women’s Center put
on a women’s film event on March 10?
Call 474-6444
website, MADEinSanLuisObispo.com (to
launch sometime in December) , and at other
retail outlets.
The collaborative plans to host a HOLIDAY
KIDS ARTS KAMP from December 18 -January
5 for children ages 8 years old and above, from
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.—Monday through Friday.
The eco-crafts-based fun will include puppetry,
mosaic, fashion design, and mixed-media art
classes, using recycled products.
The artisan collaborative also offers area non-
profits opportunities to consign their donors’
fine rummage for renewal in Brave New Wares
FOUND Treasure PLAYshoppe, which is also
open to the public. Children and women’s ser-
vice organizations will receive from 15-35% of
resale proceeds, dependent on their nonprofit’s
participation levels.
ART Works, Gallery and Eco-Design Cen-
ter seeks area artisans, nonprofit marketing part-
ners, and production partners to participate in
the development of our community enterprise,
as we make Brave New Wares--- for brave new
options.
For more information call Evelyn Adams at
805-815-8700.
Don’t miss this chance to see Holly, and hear
the songs and the stories she will share. Holly
Near, singer/songwriter, entertainer and sto-
ryteller: March 9, 2007, Clark Center, Arroyo
Grande. Let’s make it a sell out this time!
A fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of SLO County
232 Foothill Blvd., SLO 93405
(805) 544-1669
Call Gina Whitaker for more info: 481-0788
Women’s Press | December 2006 | editors@womenspress-slo.org
In Rhythm With Winter
By Margaret Hennessy
December 21st is the winter solstice, the short-
est day of the year. During the winter, as the
days get shorter and our exposure to strong light
gets less, our internal “body clock” can get out
of rhythm. Some scientists believe the winter’s
lower levels of strong light -- sunlight -- may
cause the body to produce an increased amount
of melatonin, a mood-controlling hormone the
brain produces during periods of darkness.
 Winter energy affects each person differ-
ently. Symptoms may include irritability, anxi-
ety, weight gain, sleep problems, lack of energy,
depression, daytime drowsiness, a need for more
sleep than during the summer months, increased
PMS in some women, and a craving for carbo-
hydrates.
Winter is a time of moving deep inward.
It is a time of conservation, rest, storage and
quiet replenishment. When winter comes upon
us there is a darkening of skies and a blanket-
ing of growth. The cold drives us to huddle in
our “den” and seek warmth from within. Win-
ter is the time of rest. You may find that you
need more sleep and require more “down time.”
In winter, you may need an earlier bedtime and
a later awakening time. Because of this pull
toward rest, you may also be drawn to medi-
ate, pray, dream, or contemplate more deeply to
restore your spiritual energy.
Because winter temperatures are some-
what colder, your diet will need to produce
more warmth and heat. Warm hearty soups, cas-
seroles, and stews (all water-rich foods) will take
center stage during the winter months. Winter
food plan
By Cindy Maynard, MS, RD
Reprinted from Strive Magazine, November/December 2000
It’s hard to eat smart when you’re under stress,
such as during the holiday season, but that’s the
time your body and brain need it the most.
foods are cooked longer and at lower tempera-
tures than foods during other seasons. Fruits
are less seasonal and therefore are a smaller part
of the winter diet. In contrast, root vegetables
such as yams, turnips, onions, garlic, and pota-
toes make up a bigger portion of a winter diet.
By winter, most plants have shed their seeds or
stored their life forces in their roots. Root veg-
etables are a good choice. Cooked whole grains
such as millet, barley, brown rice, wheat, oats,
and buckwheat are good body heaters. Cooked
with legumes such as black beans, lentils, and
kidney beans, these make a warming and nutri-
tious meal. Onion soup made with fresh garlic,
parsley, kelp seaweed, and red peppers makes a
terrific winter dish, especially served with some
warm French bread.
This winter take the time to cuddle up in a
warm and cozy place. Spend time meditating
and listening to yourself. Dream, reflect, and
store up energy and vitality. Sip strengthening
herbal tonics. Foods such as black tea spiced
with powdered star anise, cardamom, and clove
improve energy. Cinnamon teas are also good.
Ginger tea helps digestion and is also warming.
For every season there is a reason. It is the
earth’s cycle and we are all a part of it. The nat-
ural rhythm of life. Enjoy the quiet and natural
introspection that is part of this winter season.
Margaret Hennessy is an astrologer and com-
munity volunteer. She can be reached at mtnhen@
yahoo.com
December 2006 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
ECOSLO’s 4th Annual
New Year’s Eve
Fundraiser Gala
By Shaba Mohseni
Celebrating a 35-year History of Environmental Advocacy
in San Luis Obispo County
The usual hum down at Environmental Cen-
ter of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) on Nipomo
Street has increased to a buzz as of late. With the
welcoming of new staff members, Morgan Raf-
ferty as Executive Director and Kelly Hayes as
the Center’s Coordinator, many exciting projects
and partnerships are being developed. And with
the holiday season upon us, ECOSLO is also
planning its 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Gala,
its most important community fundraiser of the
year. The event focuses on celebrating its 35th
birthday, which influenced this year’s theme:
“Reflecting Back and Looking Forward: A Toast
to 35.” Embarking on a reflection of years past
has involved the creation of a timeline of ECO-
SLO’s many achievements from its beginning in
1971 to 2006. (See box)
ECOSLO will host its 4th Annual New
Year’s Eve Gala at the Veteran’s Hall in San Luis
Obispo on Sunday December 31st from 7:30 pm
to 12:30 am. A delightful array of fun awaits par-
ticipants. This year’s live musical guest, Cello
Bossa, sets a smooth Brazilian Jazz tone with
their samba, salsa, and bossa nova flare mixed
with rhythm and blues. A delicious spread of
fresh and organic hors d’oeuvres will be offered.
ECOSLO History
ECOSLO was created in 1971 out of a need to
genuinely combat the issue of creek pollution.
By1972, it opened the first recycling center on
Palm Street, a precursor to the curbside recy-
cling we have today. The organization went on
to become an advocate for the environment in a
myriad of ways, from collaborating with the City
in 1995 to form Natural San Luis, a program that
educates the community about the value of and
access to our City’s open space and its natural
resources, to spearheading the coastline protec-
tion coalition SLO Coast Alliance in 2002.
ECOSLO has grown to serve a unique pur-
pose in our County as a pulse point for envi-
ronmental issues. It responds to community
inquiries about recycling, pesticide education,
water protection, appropriate agency contacts,
and volunteer opportunities.
Free “Offerings” Classes
at Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach
Sunday, December 17th, 12-5 pm
FREE day of classes exploring winter season well-
ness held at the Healing Arts Institute at Sycamore
Mineral Springs Resort.
LocalEvents 
Your
Ad
Could
Be
HERE
New Belgium Brewing Company, famous for
their sustainable business practices and deli-
544-9313
cious ales will be a favorite at the cash bar. SLO
County 5th District Supervisor Jim Patterson
will emcee the event, introducing guest speak-
ers who will take us back through the highlights
of ECOSLO’s esteemed history. And of course,
the hall will be set for a night of dancing, vis-
iting with friends old and new, bidding on the
season’s best auction items, and celebrating the
past, present, and future with a complimentary
champagne toast.
The event is for the whole family, and tick-
ets are available for children and adults online
at www.ecoslo.org, or by calling 544-1777 for
other ticket locations. Tickets are $40 for adults,
$15 for ages 10-16, FREE for children under 10.
(Prices at the door are $50 and $20.)
ECOSLO is excited to share its birthday with
the whole community and to kick off another 35
years of accomplishments and memories as 2007
begins.
Give the Gift of a Donation in
your Name this Holiday Season
Remember someone special by giving the gift of
a donation to the Women’ Community Center
of SLO, publisher of the Women’s Press Your
donation to the Center can be a way to show
Hosting events is another big role that the gratitude for that special occasion or person,
organization assumes, striving to educate partici- while sharing your interest in supporting ser-
pants about the importance of being waste-con- vices and programs for women.
scious. Last year’s New Year’s Eve Gala produced To donate, contact 544-9313 or info@wccslo.
a mere 5 pounds of rubbish, with the rest of org
waste diverted to compost and recycling bins. In
aiming for zero-waste events, ECOSLO portrays
the feasibility of throwing a great party, while
remembering to honor the Earth by reducing
our footprint.
• 12 pm, Tai Chi with Xiaoping — bal-
ance your mind body and spirit to get you
through the winter
• 1 pm, Color Therapy for Winter with
Constance Hart — learn about specific
color energies for optimal health during the
winter season
• 2 pm, Astrology for Health with Marga-
Promote Your Business,
ret Hennessy — gain valuable information
through astrology for your winter health
• 3 pm, Self Massage with Deborah
Support Your Community,
Caldwell — one of Sycamore’s expert mas-
sage therapists will guide you through self
help massage techniques Advertise in the Women’s Press!
• 4 pm, Nutrition for Life with Mark
Kay Stenger — nutrition tips for staying
healthy through out winter season
Call 544-9313
Places to go, Things to see Where to find Women’s Press
All SLO County Libraries and the following exceptionally fine establishments!
• NORTH COUNTY: Atascadero – The Coffee House and Deli, Starbuck’s at
Von’s Plaza, Carlene’s Café, Green Goods, Player’s Pizza, Harvest Health Food
Store, North County Connection, Senior Center, Women’s Resource Center/Shel-
Craft Art Market Best Christmas Pageant Ever ter Office; Paso Robles – Café Vio, Chelsea Bookshop/Café Novella, Curves, Old
Broad at Monterey at the Mission Plaza Staged Reading Mission Coffee House, Wilmot Market, DK Donuts, Panolivo French Cafe, NCI
Downtown SLO By Houselights Theatre Village Thrift Shop, Paso Robles Health Foods; Templeton –  Magic Windows
11 – 5 daily through December 31 At Pewter Plough Playhouse, Cambria Coffee Café, Twin Cities Hospital, Templeton Market & Deli; Santa Margarita–
FREE Sunday, December 10, 7:30 PM Santa Margarita Mercantile
Tickets $10 • NORTHERN COAST: Baywood – Coffee & Things; Cambria – Cambria Con-
Holiday Extravaganza 771-9394 nection, Cambria Pines Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Gym One, La Crema, 7
Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville Sisters, Azevedo Chiropractic, Lilly’s, Alloco’s; Cayucos – Cayucos Super Market,
Highway 1, Oceano Arroyo Grande Community Chorus Kelley’s Espresso & Dessert, Lily’s Coffee House, Ocean Front Pizza, Chevron
Through December 31, Times Vary Arroyo Grande United Methodist Church Station, Chamber of Commerce; Los Osos – Starbuck’s, Baywood Laundry, Cad’s,
Tickets $17-19 Tuesday, December 12, 7 PM Carlock’s Bakery, Chamber of Commerce, Copa de Oro, Garden Café, Los Osos
489-2499 Free, 489-1814 Deli, Valley Liquor, Volumes of Pleasure; Morro Bay – Backstage Salon, Coalesce
Bookstore, Coffee Pot Restaurant, The Rock, Southern Port Traders, Sunshine
Irving Berlin’s Music Box Irish Tenors Christmas Health Foods, Two Dogs Coffee
Pewter Plough Playhouse, Cambria Cohan Center, SLO • SAN LUIS OBISPO: Art Café, Booboo Records, Creekside Center, GALA,
7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays Tuesday, December 12, 8 PM Marigold Nails, Palm Theatre, Susan Polk Insurance, Susan Rodriquez Insurance,
3:00 pm, December 10 and 17 Tickets $46-58
Utopia Bakery, Unity Church, Zoe Wells, Naturopath, Cal Poly Library, Center
Through December 31 756-2787
for Alternatives to Violence, Chamber of Commerce, Cuesta College Library, EOC
Tickets $23-25 Health Services Clinic, Garden St. Essentials, HealthWorks, Healing Alternatives,
927-3877 The Nutcracker
Jamaca You, Karen Hale Chiropractic, Laguna Laundry, Linnaea’s, Monterey
Clark Center, Arroyo Grande
Express, Natural Foods Coop, New Frontiers, Nautical Bean, Outspoken Beverage
Friday and Saturday, December 15 and 16
Concerts Tickets $12-18
Bistro, Phoenix Books, Planned Parenthood, Rudolph’s Coffee & Tea, San Luis
489-9444
Obispo Housing Authority Office, SARP, The Secret Garden, SLO Perk Coffee,
North County Chorus Spirit Winds Therapy, The Studio Fitness for Women, Two Dogs Coffee, Uptown
and Wind Ensemble Cafe, Yoga Centre, Ahshe Hair Salon, Apropos Clothing, Soho Hair Salon, Tom-
Mozart’s Messiah
Sunday, December 10, 7 PM Mel Beauty Center, Hempshack, YMCA, KCBX, Fairchild Salon, Jaffa Café
Cuesta Master Chorale
Paso Robles Inn • SOUTH COUNTY: Arroyo Grande – Natural Balance, Mongo’s, World Gym,
Saturday, December 16
Tickets $7-10
Cohan Center, SLO Act II Boutique, Andreini’s, Central Coast Yoga, CJ’s Restaurant, Country Kitch-
546-3198
Tickets $15-30 en, Curves-AG, Cutting Edge, EOC Health Services Clinic, Family Chiropractic,
Girls Restaurant, Grande Whole Foods, Hunter’s Landing, Kennedy Club Fitness;
Alan Hancock College Jazz Band
Avila Beach– Custom House, Sycamore Hot Springs; Grover Beach – World
Unity Chapel of Light, Orcutt
Gym, Back Door Deli, Cindi’s Wash House, Nan’s Pre-owned Books, Therapeutic
Sunday, December 10, 7 PM
Body Center, 30-minute Fitness; Halcyon – Halcyon Store; Nipomo – Anna’s
Tickets $5-10
922-6966
Creekside Coffee House, Healing Touch Spa, Curves, La Placita Market, Slender
Lady, Brianna Nicole Spa, World Gym; Pismo Beach – HealthWorks, Honeymoon
Café, Pismo Athletic Club, Zadok’s; Shell Beach – De Palo & Sons Deli, Seaside
Cafe, Steaming Bean
• SANTA MARIA: Café Monet, Hunter’s Landing, Library, Marian Medical
Center, Curves on Main and on Broadway, The Bookworm, Lassen’s.
• ORCUTT: Loading Dock, Café Ole