MAY & JUNE 2005

Women’S PRESS
Educate • Enlighten • Empower VOLUME XX, NUMBER 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER • SAN LUIS OBISPO • CALIFORNIA

Inside:
Women’s Community
Center
… page 3

… pages 4 – 5

A Garden, a poem
… page 6

Redefining the
abortion debate
… page 7

Relationships
… pages 8 – 10

Your love #s
… page 10

Local, pesticide-free
produce
… page 11

Workshops
… page 13
PHOTO COURTESY BARRY GOYETTE

Community
Bulletin Board
… page 14

Community
Resources
… page 15

Back Talk
BELLADONNA (BEAUTIFUL WOMAN) QUILT, BY TERESA PERRY … page 16

Planning is underway for August’s Day With Creative Women, the

Women’s Community Center’s annual fundraiser. Participate with a The 31st Annual
booth, a demonstration, a performance, or as the member of one of the Day With Creative
planning committees ... See page 3
Women
Giving a workshop of interest to women? List it in the Women’s Press
... See page 13
Saturday, August 13
Become a courtwatcher and make a difference in another woman’s life
... See page 3 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kathleen’s
Quill
KATHLEEN DERAGON
MANAGING EDITOR, WOMEN’S PRESS
MANAGING-EDITOR@WOMENSPRESS-SLO.ORG
Dear Readers,
It’s spring and our fields are full of bounty. Also,
it will soon be June, the month of marriage. We
used these two facts to plan some of the content
for this issue, which has several pages focusing on
Relationships and of matters related to Food. Read
about couples who have beaten the odds and made
a relationship last for a lifetime, about women’s
sexuality, numerology for relationships. Read about
Slow Food, cooking with a wok, and harvest boxes
offered by local farms. Enjoy!
And now, readers and supporters, we need your help
if the Women’s Press is to continue improving in
quality and become more widely distributed in the
county. Those of us who have volunteered to put out
the paper for the last two years need more hands to
assist us in production and distribution, as well as
advertising. It’s too much work for the few of us who
have been developing this unique publication that
aspires to give a place where women’s voices can be
heard and where you can find a woman’s focus on
issues relating to politics, health and wellness, and
lifestyle. The better it gets, the more time it takes.
So how can you help?
Production – be responsible for finding, planning,
gathering, and editing content for a section of the
paper
Advertising – contact local woman-owned
businesses or those women frequent and ask them to
advertise with us; if you are a business person, take
out an ad
Distribution – deliver the paper to local
distribution points once every two months and then
check back periodically to restock. No reason to
work on the paper if no one can find it to read it!
Layout – lay out a section of the paper. We currently
use InDesign, but Quark will work. We have to
deliver files electronically to the printer.
Fundraising – plan events or make contacts with
possible local benefactors so we have a regular source
of funds.
The staff meets on the third Thursday of the month
at the Women’s Community Center, 880 Industrial
Way to talk about all those issues as well as eat in
good company.
If you want to assist us in any of the ways above, give
me a call: 474-6444.
— Kathleen
Hope to hear from you,
MAILING ADDRESS:
WOMEN’S PRESS
WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
880 INDUSTRIAL WAY
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401
805.544.9313
MANAGING EDITOR: KATHLEEN DERAGON
MANAGING-EDITOR@WOMENSPRESS-SLO.ORG
LAYOUT & DESIGN: REBECCA BROWN
REBECCA@WOMENSPRESS-SLO.ORG
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
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ADS: ADS@WOMENSPRESS-SLO.ORG
PROOFREADER: NATA KAHLOU
EDITORIAL STAFF:
KAREN BROOKS COE
YVONNE DURAN CHRISTINE HILL
LAURA HYDE JILL IVIE
LISA JANSEN KACEY KRALICEK
MEGAN MCGREEN DOROTHY SEGOVIA
RENEE SANPEI MEG MEDONIS
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2500 FREE COPIES DISTRIBUTED IN SLO COUNTY. SUBSCRIPTIONS BY MAIL & BY EMAIL AVAILABLE. PLEASE SEE THE BACK PAGE FOR DETAILS.
Page 2 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Your Opinion
editors@womenspress-slo.org
Make your wishes known
The recent tragic conflict with Terri Schiavo’s wishes
underlines the importance of having an Advance
Health Care Directive or Living Will.
Still another decision you can make now is how
you want your remains to be disposed when death
occurs. The best and least expensive way to do this in
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties is to call
the Central Coast Memorial Society (805) 543-6133.
That simple call could save your family or
Executor a lot of grief, perhaps save your estate many
thousands of dollars, and above all, make certain that
your wishes will be followed.
Doug Buckmaster
Past President, CCMS
Power versus rule of law
I watched Terri Schiavo’s case closely and I am
frightened -- frightened that the executive and
legislative branches of our government demonstrated
such little respect for the Constitution, state’s rights,
and marriage as a legal union. These powerful men
attempted to look like heroes while completely
disregarding the rule of law. All civil societies are based
upon the respect of law, and even though we may not
all agree with the laws, in our country there are legal
ways to change the law. And civilized people need to
respect the law, not take it into their own hands.
As for me, I have had a conversation with my
husband of 18 years, telling him that I do not want
to live in a persistent vegetative state. Can I feel
confident that my wishes will be fulfilled? Or will
some politician trying to hold on to his power make
my private suffering into a national conversation?
What hypocrites we have in Washington. On the one
hand they want to sanctify the institution of marriage
with their defense of marriage rantings, and yet on
the other hand, the private and personal agreements
between a husband and a wife are questioned at the
national level.
We should all be frightened when our deepest,
WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD
Angie King, President
Dawn Williams, Secretary
Kathleen Deragon
Susan Howe
Kacey Kralicek
Sue McMeans
Andy McMeans
Jan Potter
Renee Sanpei
Robin Werderits
Karol Vogt
The mission of the Women’s Press is: to educate, enlighten and
empower women of all ages in San Luis Obispo County; to
show women that they can be the change they want to see in
the world; to strive to provide a quality newspaper that builds
awareness of women’s strengths in all areas of life; to remind us
that we are not alone in our joys and our struggles and that we
are constantly growing, changing, and making a difference.
SUBMISSIONS WELCOMED!
Articles, essays, opinion pieces, letters, artwork, poetry
wanted & appreciated. The Women’s Press reserves the
right to edit all submissions for content, clarity & length.
Contact managing-editor@womenspress-slo.org or call
805.544.9313.
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE WOMEN’S PRESS ARE THOSE OF THE
AUTHORS & DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE
WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER. THE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED
IN THE WOMEN’S PRESS.
most personal wishes to define the quality of our
own lives, and freely decide when we do not want
heroic measures taken on our behalf are debated
in Congress, and manipulated as sound bites for
the President giving a green light to vigilante
behavior outside a hospice. This case is much
more then a right to life debate, it is about our
entire system of checks and balances, and who
holds the power.
Kathy Marcove
`Forty Wonderful´ services
The articles by Melody Pickell in your January/
February and March/April editions were
excellent.
I would like to share with your readers a
program that EOC Health Services provides
for peri-menopausal, menopausal and post-
menopausal women. This program is called Forty
Wonderful and provides an array of services at
no to low cost. Services offered are: Pap smears,
clinical breast exams, testing and treatment for
sexually transmitted infections, referrals for free
mammograms and blood work. We also offer
tests for colorectal cancer, hormone replacement
therapy, evaluation and treatment of peri-
menopausal symptoms, evaluation and referral for
gynecological concerns and education on specific
health issues for women forty and older.
This program is designed for a woman to
work with her medical provider to develop a
health management plan. EOC Health Services
has clinics in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo
Grande. We also provide free reproductive health
care services for teens, men and women up to
age 64. For further information or to schedule
an appointment please call 544-2478 for San Luis
Obispo and 489-4026 for Arroyo Grande.
Raye Fleming
Director of Health Services, EOC
Your Opinion
Wanted
Send your letters to :
Women’s Press–Your Opinion
Women’s Community Center
880 Industrial Way
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Send eMail to :
managing-editor@womenspress-slo.org
( “Your Opinion” in subject line)
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Women’s Press May/June 2005
 Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo
880 INDUSTRIAL WAY • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401 • 805.544.9313

Cover image - Belladonna Quilt

This free form artistic quilt has been donated by its
creator, Teresa Perry, to the San Luis Obispo Botanical
FAMILY LAW ACTION COMMITTEE
Garden to raise funds for their children’s education Dealing With Divorce
program. It will be on display at DWCW. Raffle 3rd Wednesday of each month – 7 PM
tickets will be available at the display of Friends of the Upcoming: May 18, May 18, June 15
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and also by order Talk with other women who have been there, done that in a
OUR MISSION IS: supportive, non-judgmental environment. $5 donation
from their website at www.slobg.org.
• TO maintain an accessible center to collect and
A quote from the Belladonna Quilt – Samuel exchange information of interest and concern to
Self-Represented Litigants’ Clinic
Hahnemann, the founder of the medical system called 4th Tuesday of each month – 5:30 PM
women
Upcoming: May 24,. June 28
homeopathy treated scarlet fever with small doses of
• TO organize and facilitate workshops, clinics, Get family law advice from local attorneys and/or paralegals.
belladonna. The therapeutic dose of the plant is very seminars, classes and support groups on subjects of Reservations required $25 donation
close to the toxic amount. interest and need Call the WCC- for more information: 805.544.9313
• TO engage in and facilitate interaction
among local, state and national agencies and

Courtwatching organizations working to benefit women

BY RENEE SANPEI,
WCC BOARD MEMBER
Concerned citizens,
Volunteer courtwatchers from
the Women’s Community Cen-
ter (WCC) have been observ-
ing some grievous treatment
of mothers and children in the
Family Courts, matters you
don’t hear about unless you are
involved personally. The court-
watching began because there is
no method of accountability for
the judicial system.
We observe cases, sometimes
randomly, sometimes upon re-
quest, during the mornings at
the County Courthouse in San
Luis Obispo. We document how
these cases are handled and dis-
cuss them at the WCC’s Family
Our presence makes a difference
Law Action Committee meet-
ings. We have found that many
litigants are going into custody
and divorce matters unrepre-
sented, which can be a very trau-
matic, adversarial experience:
• There is no accountability
for lawyers who misrepresent
evidence.
• There is no respect given to
the needs of the children.
• There are no supports in
place that truly advocate for a
child’s best interest.
• There are biases when it
comes to economic status.
• There is preferential treat-
ment for those in the “good ol’
boys club”.
We are seeing a pattern oc-
cur when a mother asks for
child support: she is embroiled
in a custody battle. She often
loses custody, even when she
has been a good mother, with
no grounds for such a decision.
In many cases, the reason for
divorce has been domestic vio-
lence. The mothers are fragile
and vulnerable and re-victim-
ized in court.
There are laws in place to protect
these inequities and miscarriages of
justice. Our challenge is to get the
judges and lawyers to enforce and
honor them.
Courtwatching can accom-
plish several things. It can be
a moral support for someone
in pro per (self-represented). It
helps us to document cases and
build a rapport with the courts
by which we can advocate for
change. One goal in the family
courts is to shift the adversarial
nature to one of doing what’s
best for the children and keep-
ing the family intact as much
as possible. There is a lot of
education and consciousness-
raising that needs to happen in
this area.
Personally, I have found that
being a witness to what goes on
in this arena can have an effect
on the outcome of the case. I
have noted that judges will be more
judicious if they know they are be-
ing observed.
This is an opportunity to
promote the accountability and
transparency that is needed
in our judicial system, which
profoundly affects the lives of
many families.
If you would like to partici-
pate, call the Women’s Com-
munity Center, 544-9313, or
e-mail us at wccslo@slonet.
org. If we had a larger number
of courtwatchers, we might be
able to assure that women and
children are treated fairly in
the courts.

Looking at all the ways women are creative Women’s Community Center
880 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Day with Creative Women (805) 544-9313

broadens its focus The 31st Annual Day With Creative Women
This year’s annual fundraiser • Women in Business Saturday, August 13, 2005 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
for the Women’s Community – Local women business owners
Center—the Day With Creative in a trade show setting DAY WITH CREATIVE WOMEN: an August day full of camaraderie, music, arts, and
Women to be held August 13 on • Health and Wellness handcrafted work by women, children’s activities, food and fun at the Mission Plaza in San Luis
Mission Plaza from 10-5—will – Providers of bodyworks and Obispo. This fundraising event helps to support the Women’s Community Center.
explore not just the creativity wellness services demonstrating Include with this application: Photos (3) of your work and (1) of your booth display.
women exhibit in the arts and their techniques and explaining Check for $75 made out to Women’s Community Center and a SASE. Non-profit women’s
crafts, its primary focus, but their services organizations are invited to apply at a reduced fee of $50. Women in Business may participate
also the creativity they use in • Mother’s Circle – Mothers at $75 per business owner, to display promotional materials. No selling of business products or
other aspects of their lives, like sharing creative “survival” services is permitted at this event. Women in Health and Wellness may apply to be part of a
mothering, gardening, strategies for both special section at $50 per booth.
music making, working and stay-at-
and making a home moms NAME PHONE
living. This year’s • In the Home
theme, “Ignite – In the Garden ADDRESS
Your Creativity,” –Cuttings from
encourages creative local private gardens CITY STATE ZIP
women in all areas for sale with proceeds
of life to participate Ignite Your going to the Women’s EMAIL MEDIA
in the event. Creativity Community Center;
The Women’s local chefs and DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS
Community Center sees how caterers
Please check one:
challenged women are to find And on smaller stages in
Open ____ or closed ____ booth. Electricity required? yes ___ no____
role models to show us how to the exhibit area, you will find
balance personal, professional, a schedule of demonstrations Booth Sizes are 8 X 8. The grassy area of the plaza is restricted to ‘closed front’ booths, with a
and family responsibilities. It ranging from gardening to counter or other barrier to public access. Booths on the pavement may be open, so that patrons
knows those role models can be decorating to mosaic making. may enter into the space. Please let us know if you require electricity, as that will determine
found right here in our county. And, of course, you will where your booth is assigned.
Local creative women in all areas still find on the main stage the CALIFORNIA BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PERMIT # ______________________________
of activity are figuring out what talents of many performers. (You must have a current permit to be accepted)
they want to do and then how If you would like to
to do it. They are consciously I certify that the accompanying photographs are representatives of my own work. I agree that
contribute your own creative
designing their own lives. Come the Women’s Community Center and their representatives will not be responsible for damage or
ideas to the planning of
meet many of them on August 13. this event, join one of the loss to any property during the course of the work
This broadened focus for committees now. Signed______________________________________Date____________________________
the event will add the following
sections in addition to the Call 544-9313 to volunteer or The city of San Luis Obispo requires that 10% of your gross sales be remitted to the City as a
booths displaying the usual contact Chairman Karol Vogt Plaza user’s fee. This will be collected at the end of the event. Please pay by check.
splendid array of arts and crafts: at vogt805@charter.net.

Page 3 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Women’s Press May/June 2005

 Coordinator’s
Corner
BY ANGIE KING
In this “relationship” issue of the
WP, I will talk about relationships
between old white men on their way
out and younger women on their way
up, the proverbial glass ceiling. April
19 was Pay Equity Day, the day this
year when US women overall finally
earned for 2004 as much as men had
by last December. Women are not
yet in any kind of parity, and there is
still downright sexism rampant in the
workplace. Take this tale, direct from
San Francisco early in April this year.
The Chronicle reported on a
heated SF city building inspection
commission meeting to approve the
promotion of a 6-year department
employee to become acting director
of the department. Her opponents
included the long-time head of the
Residential Builders’ Association.
Instead of concentrating on her
ability, or lack thereof, to handle
the duties of the proposed position,
he chose to focus on the fact that
she was female and, at this time,
pregnant, and therefore, ipso facto,
unqualified. “…a person who is not
even going to go up a ladder with her
dress down.” There was apparently
an orchestrated chorus of ad
feminem attacks on Amy Lee, who
could not believe when reviewing
the videotape of the proceeding
that it had really happened. They
called her impaired because of her
“pregnancy brain.” Joe O’Donoghue,
the instigator of the personal attacks,
denied he had intended any such
thing. “For a woman, it is a joy and
a blessing to be pregnant because
it means the birth of life…We (the
Association) have always defended
women. And we still honor women.”
However, the author of the article
says, Joe “insulted all women by
attacking Amy Lee in the manner he
did.” Read it yourself at sfgov.org.
Not only does Joe not “get
it,” he doesn’t even admit there’s
anything “to get.’ How can we hope
to break the glass ceiling if people
like Joe are stomping on our fingers
as we reach upward?
And, finally, my current rant on
the abortion issue: I feel that the
Democrats in general, and Hillary
in particular, in reaching out to the
“moderate” Republicans to build
party strength and look for common
ground, are ceding the core belief
in women’s constitutional rights
to full reproductive health care
services, including abortion. I think
it is a mistake. Hillary can agree
that abortions should be rare. The
question then becomes how to make
them rare, and I can see the debate
becoming how to get rid of abortions
altogether. The debate should be,
rather, on how to provide women
comprehensive education and full
access to services to make informed
choices, with the constitutional
right to implement those choices.
I hope that women will not let
Congress or the courts take away
their constitutional right to privacy.
It would be like agreeing that blacks
should have only limited access to
schools or jobs, because they have
no constitutional right otherwise.
Coordinator - see next column
Page 4 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
NOWNews
EVERY WOMAN DOESN’T HAVE TO JOIN NOW, JUST THE 125 MILLION WHO ARE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST!
Just in time for Mother’s Day –
An administration attack on stay-at-home moms
Situation:
Republican lawmakers were asked in an
Easter recess briefing paper to look at
the Social Security benefits earned by
married women who work in the paid
labor force versus married women who
stay at home, including those who raise
children and care for elderly parents.
Social Security benefits now
As a gender-neutral program, Social
Security benefi
NOW ts Care based
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individual’s BOX 1306, SLO,
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is higher. Not surprisingly, most married
women receive higher benefits based on
their husband’s earnings history than
on their own—because of time out of
the workforce for family caregiving
and because of lower lifetime earnings
due to continued disparities between
the wages of men and women. Spousal
benefits are designed to compensate
women for their time spent raising
children and caring for other family
members.
Republicans say working women
are short-changed
The Republican-issued document
suggests that working women are short-
changed by Social Security’s spousal
benefits since full-time caregivers are
also eligible to receive it. It argues
that working women would do better
under Bush’s privatization proposal
because women would be able to divert
a portion of their own Social Security
taxes into individual private accounts.
Reproductive Rights Update
Right to reproductive health care
reaffirmed by the UN: The draft plan
created at the Beijing Women’s Confer-
ence in 1995 laid out a specific set of
plans to achieve women’s equality world-
wide. This plan, submitted to the UN
Commission on the Status of Women,
has been developed over the past 10
years. The final section on national
strategies was just approved, after con-
siderable opposition from the US, which
objected, arguing that the goal in the
plan of improved reproductive health
care for women implied a guaranteed
right to abortion. Facing overwhelming
opposition from member nations, US
residents, and women’s groups all over
the world, the US backed down and
voted for the Declaration without any
exclusions. Member nations pledge to
undertake further action to ensure full
and accelerated implementation of the
Beijing Plan. For more information, visit
www.un.org/womenwatch/.
Coordinator continued
Or that people with disabilities have
no constitutional right of access to
public buildings to transact business.
To win the fight to keep our rights,
women must make common cause with
other groups who rely on the same
Constitution to protect their rights.
That’s the common ground we should
be looking for. ❖
What their divide-and-conquer
approach is missing
Privatizers seem to be omitting
an important fact: under the current
system, spousal benefits combined
with the program’s progressive benefit
formula protect caregivers and those
‘How dare the Republicans claim
women are getting ‘extra’ benefits en
in reality they’ve sacrificed their own
onomic well-being by caring for their
famili? The hypocrisy of the party that
suosedly stands for family valu is
stunning.’
This attack on the spousal benefits
under Social Surity is a telling
example of how little privatizers value
the unpaid caregiving work that
millions of women provide for this
sociy,’
– NOW Prident Kim Gandy
with low and moderate earnings. Private
accounts on the other hand, would leave
women at risk of poverty in old age,
dependent on their own work and salary
histories (all too often less than their
male counterparts). In particular, private
accounts will hurt caregiving parents
who will not be making contributions
early in their careers and will not have
as many years for their investments to
grow. This lack will later be made worse
by severe cuts in the guaranteed portion
Kansas AG seeks abortion in-
formation from clinics: The Kansas
Attorney General, a known right-wing
zealot against abortion, has filed a child
abuse criminal investigation. He says
medical providers have broken state
law by providing abortions to minors
without parental consent, and this is
criminal. Under the Patriot Act, he
has subpoenaed all patients’ medical
records. The doctors are under court
order not to tell anyone, even their
patients, so this information has been
gathered in secret and given his history,
what uses might he put it to? He will
have the entire medical file for every
patient at those clinics, even those who
traveled from out of state. NOW Presi-
dent Kim Gandy said “These women
are being treated like terrorists instead
of women exercising their constitution-
al rights. This climate of fear, harass-
ment and secrecy must end now.”
Pharmacists Must Fill Pre-
scriptions for Contraceptives: In
Illinois, at least, women can relax about
being turned away at the drugstore.
Under emergency regulations, if an in-
dividual pharmacist has a conscientious
objection to dispensing the medication,
there must be another pharmacist on
duty who will dispense them. This in-
cludes Wal-Mart, which has a policy of
not filling such prescriptions.
Rep Barbara Lee introduces
of their benefits. It is also worth
noting that working women receive an
important benefit not available to full-
time homemakers: disability insurance
coverage for themselves and their
families.
Their view of stay-at-home moms
The document characterizes stay-at-
home moms as freeloaders who are
“granted 50% extra” in the form of
spousal benefits. Since raising children
is necessary for society to survive, and
since it is women who do the major
share of the work of raising children,
women, not men, receive the major
share of spousal benefits.
The problem is not Social Security
Many working women aren’t getting a
fair deal. However, the problem is not
Social Security. Addressing the issues of
unequal pay, the lack of family-friendly
workplace policies, and the shortage of
high-quality, affordable child care would
be a good start to ensuring working
women get what they’ve earned.
Improving—not replacing—Social
Security benefits would also go a long
way toward ensuring economic security
for women.
From a statement from the National Council
of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), the
oldest and largest coalition of the nation’s 200
major women’s groups, which represents over
10 million women (NOW is a member). 1050
17th Street, NW, Suite 250, Washington,
D.C. 20036, TEL: (202) 293-4505 | FAX:
(202) 293-4507.
REAL (H.R 768): The Responsible
Education About Life Act would
require the government to match the
money given in grants for abstinence-
only sex education with grants for con-
traception information. Rep. Capps is a
co-sponsor. The companion bill in the
Senate is S.368. No hearings are sched-
uled on either bill.
Lockyer Challenges Weldon
Amendment: Attorney General Bill
Lockyer and Superintendent of Pub-
lic Instruction Jack O’Connell filed a
complaint in U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California to block
the “Weldon Amendment,” a federal
spending restriction that could deny
$49 billion in federal funds to California
if the state enforces women’s constitu-
tional right to emergency abortion care.
“The Weldon Amendment tramples
on women’s constitutional rights, state
sovereignty, and the interests of Cali-
fornia taxpayers,” said Lockyer. Said
O’Connell: “The Weldon Amendment
threatens to hold funding for schools
and other important government ser-
vices hostage in an effort to force states
to restrict women’s reproductive health
options. This unfair provision of fed-
eral law must not be allowed to stand.
California law rightly protects women’s
reproductive freedom. Our schools and
our students should not be penalized
because of it. ❖
Women’s Press May/June 2005
 W
C
rite
National Organization for Women News from
You can

all &
THE PURPOSE OF NOW IS TO BRING WOMEN INTO FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE MAINSTREAM OF AMERICAN SOCIETY NOW! NOW

Support Universal Single Payer

Action the use of intermittent leave (leave judicial nominations. In response,
do it!

Pres. G.W. Bush

Health Care: State Sen. Sheila Kuehl
has re-introduced her universal single
payer health care bill in the new
sessions. S.B. 840 establishes coverage
for any resident of California, paid for
by government monies now received
and the money we pay to private
insurers, minus the nearly 50% of that
cost that goes for administering our
claims. Much of that administration
cost is insurance and pharmaceutical
company profits. Kuehl’s office
estimates savings of about $20 billion
the first year of operations. While the
devil is in the details of what procedures
are covered and restrictions on access
and choice of doctor, it is still a
worthwhile effort to bring the issue out
in the open and think out of the box.
Take action NOW! Write
Maldonado to support Kuehl’s bill:
Please send a copy of your letter of
support to Sen. Kuehl’s office. For more
info, just Google her name.
Don’t Let the Bush
Administration Roll Back Family
Leave! The Department of Labor
(DOL) may propose changes to
the Family and Medical Leave Act
(FMLA) that could roll back many
of the protections the law provides
to the country’s workers. Opponents
of FMLA are reportedly pressuring
the Bush administration to weaken
the law by eliminating some of the
circumstances in which employees may
take unpaid leave and by restricting
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
taken in small amounts, e.g. for Senate Democrats have warned that, Washington, DC 20500
(202) 456-1111
ongoing chemotherapy). The FMLA if Republicans follow through that
president@whitehouse.gov
guarantees eligible employees up to threat, the Dems will use every available
12 weeks of unpaid job-protected procedure to shut down Senate business: Sen. Barbara Boxer
leave for a serious illness, to care All bipartisan cooperation would cease, (202) 224-3553
112 Hart Sen. Office Bldg.
for a seriously ill family member, there would be no unanimous consent, Washington, DC 20510
or to care for a newborn or newly all bills must be completely read out (202) 224-3553
adopted child. Since 1993, more than loud on the floor into the record, and senator@boxer.senate.gov
50 million people have taken job- Senate business would come to a halt.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein
protected leave, and, as a result, fewer Take Action NOW! Write or
331 Hart Sen. Ofc Bldg.
people have had to choose between email Boxer and Feinstein to remain Washington, DC 20510
job and family. strong in their support of the filibuster. (202) 224-3841
NOW and other progressive senator@feinstein.senate.gov
organizations have vowed to wage Here’s a sample letter:
Rep. Lois Capps
a large, organized public fight if the As an advocate of women’s rights, 1411 Marsh St., #205
Bush administration proceeds with I am writing to urge the Department of San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
any changes that would weaken the Labor not to make any changes to the (805) 546-8348
law. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (202) 225-3601
www.house.gov/writerep
“It’s anti-family,” said NOW regulations. Many of this country’s
President Kim Gandy. “At a time workers rely on FMLA when they have Ass. Sam Blakeslee
when more families than ever are a newborn or newly adopted child at State Capitol Bldg., #4015
caring for young children or elderly home, a seriously ill family member or Sacramento, CA 95814
parents or both, we urge the Bush are ill themselves. The proposed roll- (805) 549-3381
administration not to undermine backs to FMLA availability would put (916) 319-2033
basic protections.” many employees in the unfortunate sblakeslee@samblakeslee.org
Take Action NOW! Write or position of having to choose between State Sen. Abel Maldonado
call Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. job and family. Dismantling FMLA State Capitol, #4081
Preserve the Filibuster is not the way to make this country Sacramento, CA 95814
(805) 549-3784
to Protect the Rights of All strong. The protections provided in (916) 445-5843
Minorities: NOW leaders call this law help families thrive -- in fact, senator.maldonado@sen.ca.gov
the filibuster a crucial tool in the more than 50 million people have taken
Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger
preservation of minority rights and job-protected leave since FMLA was
State Capitol
urge all Senators who are committed enacted. Sacramento, CA 95814
to a fair judiciary to hold strong in Once again, I strongly urge you to (906) 445-2841
their determination to filibuster. retain the integrity of the Family and www.governor.ca.gov
Senate Republicans are threatening Medical Leave Act and help protect State Sen. Sheila Kuehl
to call filibusters out of order for millions of families. c/o Sara Rogers
State Capitol Bldg., #5108
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sec’y of Labor Elaine Chao

Get involved—Join NOW 200 Constitution Ave., NW

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2005 General Meetings NOW Chapter # CA 565

11573 Los Osos Valley Rd, #B, SLO
3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm PO Box 1306, SLO, CA 93406
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May 17 September 20
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July
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August 16 December 20 MAY IS ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
May 1: International Worker’s Day. Support our union sisters.
2005 Goals Boycott Wal-mart.
• Work to eliminate ALL violence against women • Support reproductive choice •
May 10: Birthday of Ella Grasso, first woman to be governor (CT)
• Fight against sexual harassment • Encourage tolerance and diversity •
without first having been a governor’s widow, 1919
• Promote feminist issues • Roe v Wade (Jan 22) • Women’s Equality Day (Aug 26) •
• Participate in Farmer’s Market • Support feminist political candidates • May 10: Victoria Woodhull announces presidency candidacy, 1870
May 15: Birthday of Florence Nightingale, 1858
May 17: NOW regular meeting, 6 PM
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Women’s Press May/June 2005 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Page 5

 Health and Spirituality

Stopped Relationships:
in my tracks Be what you want
BY LAURA HYDE
BY LISA JANSEN
Perhaps the most powerful way that bothers them, don’t
Coming around the corner near my home the A Garden
we can transform and achieve divert onto something that
other day, I practically ran right into a yoga for Eto Park and all the Etos
positive relationships is to is bothering you. Wait until
student I’d had in class a few years back. BE exactly what we WANT. you’ve addressed their concerns
My mind had been buzzing … the usual Since like attracts like we can before mentioning what
what’s next on this busy plate of mine way of A garden calls us
only benefit from thinking bothers you.
being. Thankfully she stopped me in my tracks As it called our ancestors,
and behaving in ways that 4) Stick with the issue at hand.
by waving at me. I came off my incessant wheel As it calls our children
match what we most desire. If there is something that needs
of motion for the moment and rolled down my And their children
Thus being a role model for to be discussed, remain with
window to say hello. Yet unborn.
others — being the change — is a that particular issue. Refrain
There was obviously something more than potent way to uplift and evolve
just a simple hello she had to share with me. from dragging the past into it
our relationships. So, right and bringing up other issues
Before I could ask her how she was she replied, We all, past, present, future
now, take a moment to think that are not relevant.
“My best friend died today.” Tears rolled down Long for Eden,
about some of the qualities
her eyes, and they begun to well up in mine. Paradise beyond blame, 5) Keep it in the present. As
you want to experience in your
I didn’t know her that well, and yet she Sacred Perfection, with ground rule number
relationships.
opened to me in that moment, allowing her grief Lion lying with lamb, four, avoid mentioning the
Some questions to ask
to pass through: we were completely connected. Roots tangled in soul, past. Focus on the present
yourself might include, “What
I came home and felt drawn to sinking in, A tap root to Eternity. circumstances only.
kind of relationships do I
breathing deeper, intent on staying more want and what is keeping 6) Avoid “you” statements. This
connected to each moment as it passed. me from having them?” “Do
We seek the morning star leads to blame and accusation.
I had to ask myself: why does it take I feel deserving of having
Lifting the treetops, Use “I” as much as possible.
something like a death or a birth, a sunset or relationships that support me
sunrise, a wedding or a funeral, to push the Pale dawn, 7) Take responsibility. Be
and my highest good?” “Am I
button that works on auto-drive into direct A finger touching earth. accountable for your role,
willing to let go of patterns that
experience? Why have we allowed ourselves to We seek the great Awakening. actions, and reactions.
are keeping me from being the
move so quickly away from the moment, missing best I can be?” 8) Leave your ego at the door.
the Essence of Life? Through the years of Often, we prefer to be “right,”
I don’t have the answers. There are plenty Our long journey requires
relationship counseling I’ve are offended easily, and tend to
of texts, a surplus of spiritual teachers, and The solace of Gethsemane;
done, I have seen that what take things personally. Being
multiple paths to enlightenment. Each one has Knee bent to rock,
often keeps us from having kind versus “right” is always
its own foundation and principles to follow Long solitary hours under trees,
healthy and loving relationships the most loving and healthy
offering a faint hope of “moving towards the prayer for strength,
is a lack of “tools” or “ground approach to take.
light.” As a student of yoga I direct myself prayer for will,
rules.” Ground rules are 9) Learn to apologize. Some-
through my practice to grow and reach towards prayer for purpose fulfilled.
powerful because they provide times, saying, “I’m sorry,” with
the light. Yet I still catch myself speeding around us with a foundation from sincerity is all that’s needed.
those corners! which to operate which
Thankfully, I drove by a friend today. She Our hearts seek a garden;
minimizes unnecessary
stopped me. We looked into each other’s eyes; I Ground for the seeds
confusion and conflict. Laura V. Hyde, M.A.,
felt her sadness. For a moment she cried and I We receive in cupped hands:
is Founder of Infinite
did, too. I reached for her arm, placed my hand Seeds of forgiveness, The following are nine Wisdom and has her own
over hers, and said, “I’ll be thinking of you.” She of love, ground rules that I have taught private practice providing
said, ‘Thank you.” It slowed me down. of peace, clients over the years. When counseling and life purpose
When Spirit grabs me like that I rejoice! Yah! of trust. put it into practice, they can coaching. A national author
I’ve moved into direct experience, for now. I ask help you create supportive, and speaker, Laura offers
Spirit for more of that. Now, of course, I don’t get open, honest, and healthy workshops for awakening
off on having other people experience grief in my Our hearts seek a garden. relationships: the heart and spirit. Laura
presence. But I do get off in catching myself con- This garden. This.
1) Listen with full attention. is the author of the books
necting intimately in a way I hadn’t planned. I ask Gifts of the Soul and The
This means not interrupting
myself, can this become more of common experi- Intimate Soul, a syndicated
another, not reacting and not
ence rather than an uncommon one? columnist, a student of A
-Karen Nagano thinking about what you’re
It’s my intention to be guided by the flow of Course in Miracles and a
going to say.
events rather than driven by my own agenda. Life visionary speaker. Laura
is here, and then it’s gone. 2) Avoid using the words
is the host of “Relationship
She said, “My best friend died today.” In “always” and “never.” Nothing
Wisdom” on Public
short this story has a message for all of us: ‘Life is ever black and white and
Television (channel 2) and a
moves pretty fast, you better slow down long using these words exaggerates
frequently requested keynote
enough to catch it.” – Ferris Bueller. (and aggravates) the situation.
speaker. Please visit Laura
Lisa Jansen owns and teaches at Central 3) Stop the spin. When another at: www.laurahyde.com or e-
Coast Yoga and also offers Thai massage. person is sharing something mail: laura@laurahyde.com

The fantastical ravings of a sleep-deprived mother

Relationship
Dear Friends, Family, and Loved of uninterrupted sleep she had had in
Ones... I felt compelled to share the months. Mother and infant are now

Wisdom following information with you. It is

with great pleasure and amazement
that I announce that Odessa Yvonne
Laurie, daughter of Luke Laurie and
The TV show that inspires Yvonne Duran, achieved the highest
awareness & growth accomplishment of any seven-month-old
through relationship. or otherwise-aged-infant on the night
of Monday, March 21, 2005, when she
SLO Public Access, Ch 2 slept for a continuous duration of 7 and
Hosted by national author, 1/2 hours to the great astonishment of
speaker & counselor her wonderful and loving, but beyond-
sleep-deprived mother. Although her
Laura V. Hyde mother did not enter a slumberous state
herself until 1:30 a.m., she remained
Mon-3:30PM • Wed-7PM so until approximately 6:30 a.m. when
Sat-4PM Odessa’s ravenous hunger woke her
from the deepest, most fulfilling 5 hours
enjoying a morning of heightened brain
activity and sheer contentment. This
remarkable event is a testament to the
fact that all things are temporary and
that life will provide you with what
you most need when you are most
desperate. Therefore, take heart when
adversity strikes, gather yourself up my
the shoulders and stand tall, and think
on the tale of Odessa and her mother.
I therefore proclaim today a national
holiday in the land of Mommyhood. Let
it be hence known that today is a day of
joy and celebration, a day of gratitude
and remembrance, and a time to do a
little dance, make a little love, get down
tonight!!!

Page 6 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Women’s Press May/June 2005


Females
are a
separate
human
genome!
Study reveals women are more
genetically complex than men
Research published in March
in the journal Nature reveals
that women are genetically
more complex than scientists
ever imagined. Scientists have
found an unexpectedly large
variation on the X chromosome
among women, which means
they can differ from each
other almost as much as they
can from males. Men and
women may differ by as much
as 2 percent of their entire
genetic inheritance, a degree
of difference greater than
the hereditary gap between
humankind and its closest
relative – the chimpanzee.
“Alas,” said one of the
authors of the study, the
Duke University genome
expert Huntington Willard,
“genetically speaking, if you’ve
met one man, you’ve met them
all. We are, I hate to say it,
predictable. You can’t say that
about women. Men and women
are farther apart than we ever
knew. It’s not Mars or Venus.
It’s Mars or Venus, Pluto,
Jupiter and who knows what
other planets.” “In essence, he
went on to say, “there is not one
human genome, but two – male
and female.”
Dr. Willard and his co-
author, Laura Carrel, a
molecular biologist at the
Pennsylvania State University
College of Medicine, think
that their discovery may help
explain why the behavior and
traits of men and women are
so different; they may be hard-
wired in the brain, in addition
to being hormonal or cultural.
The newly discovered genetic
variation might help account
for differing gender reactions
to prescription drugs and the
heightened vulnerability of
women to some diseases.
David Page, a molecular
biologist and expert on sex
evolution at the Whitehead
Institute for Biomedical
Research in Cambridge,
Mass., calls himself “the
defender of the rotting Y
chromosome.” He’s referring
to studies showing that the Y
chromosome has been shedding
genes willy-nilly for millions
of years and is now a fraction
of the size of its partner, the X
chromosome.
Size matters, so some experts
have suggested that in 10
million years or even much
sooner - 100,000 years - men
could disappear.
Page 7 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Women’s Lives
It’s not about choice or life
Redefining the Abortion Debate–Part 2
The following information is
part two of a summary of an
restrictive laws. Extensive
international data also confirms
with, “If your concern is the
safety of women, you must
kernel of truth that is taken
out of context while large
article by Lisa Littman of the
Rockridge Institute. You can find
that the legal status of abortion
is correlated with safety. When
make sure that abortion
remains safe and legal.”
amounts of compelling and
valid evidence are ignored.
the article in its entirety at: www. women experience unwanted We value responsibility. It Recognize the statements they
rockridgeinstitute.org/projects/ pregnancies, they will turn to is responsible for a woman make that are based on myths,
reprod – Editor abortion whether it is legal to delay having children until point them out, explain the
How the conservatives sell
the punishment approach
or not. The consequence of
the illegality is that far more
she feels she can provide
adequately for her children. It is
trick they are using, and show
the real data.
Numerous punishment women die from the procedure responsible to delay or space out • Ask the real question:
and maternal mortality is pregnancies to maximize one’s
groups are spreading falsehoods prevention or punishment?
like: contraception is dangerous greatly increased. ability to be a good parent. The abortion debate is not
and increases abortions; sex • Know the facts and have about who chooses or when
education promotes sexual How To Win The Debate them handy: life begins. The true abortion
activity; abstinence-only • Frame the debate in terms The facts are that in societ- debate question comes down to
programs are effective. These of our values: Responsibility, ies where the fertility rates are the following:
myths are blatantly and Empathy, Honesty. stable, as contraception use Would you rather reduce
verifiably false, but they are • Hold the Conservatives goes up, abortions go down. unintended pregnancies,
repeated frequently enough to and pro-punishment Comprehensive sex education reduce abortions, and reduce
have won over a large segment supporters accountable for does not cause people to be- sexually transmitted diseases
of the U.S. population. their actions: come sexually active at earlier while protecting the health
Punishment and prevention At any mention of the ages or increase sexual activity of women and men, or do you
policies: what happens “wrongness” of abortion or rates. Contraception and legal want to deliberately increase
Contrary to what proponents the “value of life,” we need to abortion are significantly safer unintended pregnancies,
of the punishment approach respond with, “Then you must than continuing a pregnancy. increase abortions, increase
use as justification for making help us reduce the number • Reveal the tricks the sexually transmitted diseases,
abortion illegal, international of abortions and unintended punishment proponents use to and harm the health of women
experience shows that countries pregnancies by supporting defend their myths. and men in order to punish
with the lowest abortion rates the measures that are most Often these tricks by the them for having sex?
have the most liberal abortion effective in doing so.” punishment proponents to That’s the real debate.
laws while countries with At any mention of the word distort the science in order to Every discussion on abortion
the highest rates often have “safety,” we need to respond defend myths include a tiny needs to be about this question.
Some thoughts on Yin and Yang
BY ANNE DUNBAR
Dear Friend:
During the years I have studied these images and seek the true
I recently joined with other Senators in introducing the feminine and masculine feminine forces.
Women’s Health Office Act of 2005. This bill seeks to aspects of living through the Through careful and
improve the quality of women’s healthcare through the various cultural and religious patient study the feminine
establishment of multiple offices of women’s health teachings available to all of reveals itself as so much more.
within the Department of Health and Human Services. us. My favorite symbol is the Moreover, this female force
Yin/Yang symbol, which speaks is vital to the male force in all
Although some women’s health-oriented offices of the balance of the polarities. manifestation. The Yin/Yang
currently exist under the Department of Health In this symbol Yin can be seen is a living, breathing flow of
and Human Services, these offices do not yet have as feminine. It is in perfect energy in all things. Conversely,
permanent authorization, leaving them susceptible balance to Yang, which can the male force would also be
to poor funding, poor staffing, or even outright be seen as masculine. Each is vital to the feminine. This is
elimination. The Women’s Health Office Act would represented with just a little bit marriage in its purest form
permanently authorize these offices along with funding of the other within it. To me represented in all life.
for them for the coming years. this teaches that all feminine So, polarities or opposites
forces exist with just a little of reveal some of the path to
The Food and Drug Administration, the Centers the masculine force and vice better understanding about
for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for versa. I have been exposed to such things. Light and dark,
Healthcare Research and Quality, the Health Resources the idea that I must manifest sun and moon, dry and moist
and Services Administration, and the Department of primarily female force or I will are some of nature’s polarities.
Health and Human Services conduct many critical wither away and eventually die. These are images we know,
programs and services aimed at improving health I sense truth in this idea and not really foreign to us. More
of women throughout the nation. The work these search for a clear definition of polarities are apparent in
agencies do for women’s health should be elevated and the feminine. foods; fresh and cooked, hot
funded so that they may better carry out their mission. I reject the notion that and cold, bitter and sweet.
I must forward myself in this Others are revealed in motion
We have a long way to go in the effort to better society and in my marriage as or sound; inflow and outward
understand why certain diseases affect men and women a man would. I choose to be flow, projection and reception,
differently. We also need to improve our knowledge female, not just in the physical action and rest or sound and
of disorders and conditions such as depression, but in all aspects of my life. quiet. In truth male and female
breast cancer, migraines, osteoporosis, and various Fine! But what exactly does are polarities also. We are not
autoimmune diseases such as lupus, which seem to be that mean? Is the feminine the same. We are so different
more prevalent in women than in men. force manifest through nail that we often misunderstand
polish and makeup? Does each other completely, cannot
To help make women’s health a priority, we should it mean weak and whining communicate, and give up on
also secure women’ s health offices and positions or helpless and fearful? I love.
throughout the Department of Health and Human don’t think so. These are the
Services. If you have any questions regarding this or images fed to me through my
any other matter, I hope you will contact me. growing up and my family
was matriarchal! I saw these
Sincerely, images in television, advertising
Barbara Boxer everywhere and in societal
United States Senator norms taught in my family
and my world. I’ve rejected
Women’s Press May/June 2005

June & Gary:
Joy for life and each other
AN INTERVIEW BY JILL TURNBOW
If you know me, or have even met me, you know I’m
the last person to discuss long-term relationships. I
have no experience in
the matter whatsoever.
Though I did try
marriage years ago,
I gave it up before
the ink had dried on
the thank you notes.
But I’m not entirely
cynical on the subject.
My parents stayed
together just short of
fifty years and only in
death did they part.
So I know it CAN be
done. But how?
I once asked my
mother “what’s the
secret?” And in her
practical manner she
simply replied, “separate bathrooms.” That made
sense to me, so I let it go.
Then I met June and Gary. Forty-seven years
together. (I think they married at 12. They do NOT
look their age!) But they insist they met in college.
“On our first date,” says Gary, “I thought she was a
bad Bridge player.” June just laughs, “I thought he was
an asshole.” Then she adds, “But then he kissed me
and I knew.”
Forty-seven years later and June still blushes at
BY ANNE DUNBAR
Two Marriages That Work
Joan & Joe:
Respect, hard work,
and acceptance
Joe and Joan Dunbar have been married for 54 years.
Joe’s draft notice for duty in Korea came in while they
were on their honeymoon. He left for boot camp
shortly there after and six weeks later Joan took a
train to California to see him off. The ride was three
days long from Buffalo to California. Joan carried
two sandwiches to eat and no money on the ride.
She and Joe wept in a hotel in Oceanside, California,
the night before he left for the war overseas.
Just last week Joe and Joan slept in the same
hotel 54 years later. This time there were no tears.
Instead there was a feeling of closure on a very
bleak chapter in their marriage and in their lives.
Joe fought in the tanks in Korea for two years. After
his discharge, San Diego looked awfully good to the
boy from the cold country, but he had a wife and
daughter waiting for him back home.
During the next several decades three more
children arrived, a small home was purchased and
loads of coupons were saved and spent. Joe worked
in a barrel factory for just a few dollars a day from
early morning until nightfall. Joan kept the house,
did the accounting, helped the children with their
homework, and did laundry. She also made fabulous
home-cooked meals, which Joe dreamed about while
working. Every week Joe brought his paycheck
home and gave it to Joan. Somehow Joan made ends
meet and Joe never asked questions. He respected her
decisions regarding money.
There were difficult times from the beginning
for these two lovers, but quitting was not considered
an option. If the idea of leaving Joe ever crossed Joan’s
mind it was dismissed immediately. She believes that
adapting to change is very important in a marriage.
Between these two, anger was seldom carried to the
next morning. It was best forgotten. “Joe has enough
courage to apologize when necessary and admit when
he has been wrong.” He also would never fight in
front of the children. “Don’t carry a grudge. Speak
your mind and then let it go.” says Joan.
Page 8 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Relationships
Mary & Bob:
Commitment
the memory. I felt silly asking the question, “What’s
Counts
the secret?” because it was obvious there was no AN INTERVIEW BY KRISTINA BENNETT
secret. They’re just Mary and Bob (not their real names) have lived in San
still crazy about each Luis Obispo since 1980. They met one another when
other. Gary still cuts she was 17 and he was 18 and got married two years
roses from the garden later. This June they will have been married for 27
for June. June still years
thinks he’s the sexiest
man on earth. Q: Why do you think your relationship has been
They each support successful?
the other’s passions Bob: Our individual relationship with God, prayer,
and always have. In reading the Bible, fellowship with other like-minded
college, June saved for people. A willingness to put the other person first and
months, two dollars respect their point of view. Forgiving and forgetting
at a time, to have an each other’s shortcomings and spending time talking,
onyx ring made for listening, and doing things we both enjoy.
Gary. He still wears it
Mary: The commitment. The idea that you stick it
today. And best of all,
out. We’ve both had that attitude from the beginning.
they laugh. Every day.
I never had that feeling of “What a mistake!” We
June’s eyes tear up
were always stronger – our love was stronger – than
when she tells me,
the challenges. People now get divorced over small
“We’ve had a charmed life.” And I find myself getting
things. Prayer is one of the main ingredients of our
a little misty, too, when I realize I’ve been looking
relationship. We pray for each other, the relationship,
at this whole relationship business from the wrong
and other people. It’s part of our daily life together.
angle. It’s not two people, but two hearts that make
it work. And it’s more than finding love; it’s finding Q: What do you most enjoy about your relationship?
joy … for life and for each other. June and Gary have Bob: Having someone who loves you and is there for
found it. Their exuberance for each other’s presence you and having someone to love and take care of. And
in their lives is infectious. family and children.
So the fairy tale does exist. Remarkable. But I
still think separate bathrooms are a damn fine idea. See Mary & Bob on page 10
Joe says, “It takes two to make it work. Both
people must be willing to go for it again and again.
cloud the real issues if there isn’t complete honesty
in a relationship. This promise between us has given
The man ought to give the wife money for her own us something to stand on, a firm foundation in our
daily lives.
independence, not criticize her, and care for her
needs as if they were his own.” We never go to bed angry. I suppose we inherited
Here is a marriage where there is respect, hard this rule from Will’s parents. This means simply let go
work, and acceptance. of the bad feelings to the best of your ability before
sleep. Sometimes, it simply means the touch of a toe,
saying, “goodnight” or “sweet dreams”. Often things
seem so small the next day. I’ve been surprised many
times.
When an argument does happen, we take it out
for a walk. Somehow, the walking outdoors diffuses
the anger, which seems to grow when trapped
indoors. Surrender during a fight doesn’t always
mean giving in to the other person, often it can
mean choosing to give in to the marriage, so that the
relationship can flourish and survive. The issue being
argued must be weighed in importance, and choices
be made regarding the effect upon the partnership
involved.
Many relationships break up over money. We
started out keeping all our money in one place with
Will handling it. That worked fine for many years.
I enjoyed the freedom from financial worry and
responsibility. At some point I felt the need to have
my own money, so I do. Money doesn’t define or
rule our marriage. We flow with financial changes, as
needed. As time has passed, we seem to be rubbing
off on each other. I’m thriftier and Will is a little less
so these days. It is quite amusing!
Finally, we have realized that our marriage has
Anne & Will: a life of its own, which we want to nourish as if it
were our child. We consciously choose to let our
Take arguments out love rise in importance in the light of our individual
for a walk differences. I may never completely understand my
husband but I do accept him. We married for the
My name is Anne Dunbar. I have married the son of second time a few years ago. This time it was with our
Joe and Joannie Dunbar. My husband’s name is Will eyes wide open, no stars in our eyes, just love.
and we have been together for 26 years now. I watch my mother-and father-in-law and I see
Will and I have our own ideas about how our balance. Perhaps that is the secret! They balance each
marriage has worked. In the early days, we promised other in respect, in strength, and in humor. They
each other complete honesty. We wanted to know honor the balance of the forces present in their bond
all of the truth that is between us, no matter how of love. They are a living Yin/Yang symbol in human
difficult or painful it might be. Imagination and fear relationship! Hey, I want to do that, too!
Women’s Press May/June 2005

Stefani & Tim
Feast in the Field
AN INTERVIEW BY RENEE SANPEI
Last summer, I had the pleasure
of working with Stefani Bollé and
her husband, Tim, chefs who were
catering a fundraiser for the Buy
Fresh Buy Local campaign at the
Huasna Valley Farm. This was
their first Feast in the Field event.
It was a unique opportunity
to wander the fields with the
owners, who gave us meaningful
insights into
what is involved
in community-
supported-
agriculture
(CSA) and
growing organic
produce. The
afternoon was
spent tasting
various wines
and hors
d’oeuvres while
walking among
a variety of
crops. There
was a splendid
dinner. Tables were set amidst
sunflowers and rows of corn while
we were served one course after
another until well after sunset.
A beautiful joy permeated the
air as the sky turned an array of
blazing colors. It inspired some
to break into song while others
sat quietly in awe. It was a lovely
combination of hard work done
by conscientious souls, the
warmth of community, and the
magic of nature.
How did the idea for the Feasts
evolve?
We feel passionate about
preserving the family farm. I
contacted the Buy Fresh Buy
Local group and offered to do a
benefit for them. I was gratified
by the exposure to artisan cheese
makers, vintage beef, organic
vintners, and the things Tim and
I wanted to use in
our own business
How did you
decide to go
into this line of
work?
After having our
daughter in 2001,
we realized it
was a good time
to rethink our
lives, integrate
our personal
and professional
lives. A camping
retreat to Big
Sur gave us the chance to gain
some clarity about our values
and priorities. Our decision to
start an organic catering business
has been a roller coaster ride.
It’s hard supporting yourself
in the world and in this county
sometimes.
Tim and I complement
each other in that I have the
inspiration and am the dreamer,
while he tends to think in terms
of the bottom line. He talks to
Relationships
the bankers and decides this is
what we need to do “:in order to
carry out their ideas.”
What has helped you through
this process?
Doing a lot of inner work.
Looking at my fears and
processing them. Asking why
isn’t this working? I meditate.
What is it in me that might be
mirrored in this situation? There’s
a lot of purpose, intention, and
cleaning up.
What have been the gifts of
making this change in your
life?
I feel more integrated and real.
My personal and business lives are
the same. My husband and I are
partners, equal in every way. I’ve
broken free from the conventional
mold. Connecting with the com-
munity has been great.
Cornflake Crusted Salmon
with Chile Cilantro Aioli
RECIPE BY TIM AND STEFANI BOLLÉ
Serving Size: 4
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Aioli:
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 poblano chile, roasted, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove roasted and mashed
2 lime wedges squeezed
Fish:
1 cup milk
1 large egg white lightly beaten
2 cups cornflakes finely crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 salmon fillets (6-ounce)
Lime wedges
To prepare aioli, combine first 5 ingredients, stirring well.
To prepare fish, combine milk and egg white in a shallow
dish, stirring well with a whisk. Combine cornflakes, flour,
salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high
heat. Dip fish in milk mixture; dredge in cornflake mixture.
Add fish to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until fish
flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Serve with mayonnaise mixture and lime wedges.
Stefani and Tim Bollé have created Affaire L’Amour, an
organic catering and personal chef business, “organic
food cooked with love.” They’ll be doing several Feasts
this summer and fall.
Reach them at 805-473-3389 • www.affairelamour.com
• affairelamour@charter.net

Peace & Love

Best Laid Plans of Mice and Bride
Kelly & Justine: BY ROSALEE KAY CALVILLO

Relationship Nearing 70, I look with

fondness and humor at the
AN INTERVIEW courtship stage of marriage.
BY BAILEY DRECHSLER Courtship may be
remembered fondly even if the
Length of your relationship? resulting marriage ends. My
Armenian bread, ice cream
and a calorically incorrect rich
dessert. Our stomachs hurt but
we avoided hurting feelings!
We learned to plan family visits
more carefully. We married,
patterned pantyhose, heavy
make-up, false eyelashes and
long red hair. My sweetheart is
from a Mexican family and I
assumed a sixties style divorcee
with a child was the last thing

We met about seven years ago, and first husband and I performed had a wonderful daughter. The they would want for their tall,
have been solely committed to the Meet the Parents ritual marriage ended. I still enjoy dark, and handsome treasure. I
one another for five years come May. one evening, starting with my Armenian food! toned down my clothes, put on
parents. My Mother fed us Early in our courtship, my a demure face and headed for
Favorite romantic outing? her best Midwest farm menu: present husband had to be Los Angeles. I found his family

We love to kayak, and enjoy going

to the ocean together (walking,
watching sunset), followed by Chinese
roast beef, mashed potatoes,
her famous wonderful gravy
and all the trimmings. With
food at our favorite restaurant in SLO bellies full, we next visited my
(Mandarin Gourmet). We love movies and future in-laws. These good folk
the outdoors. were old country Armenians,
which meant an unexpected
Your acquired wisdom for creating and
full Armenian meal. Upon
maintaining a successful relationship?
arrival, we were ushered into
evaluated by my friends and
family. The first hurdle was my
ten-year-old daughter, who had
given previous suitors a cold
shoulder, an often justified
behavior. My child was a great
judge of character! But when
she met her future stepfather,
she turned on the charm. My
included divorcee-mothers
with flashy clothes, long dyed
hair, and lots of make-up. They
probably thought me a little dull
but were warm and welcoming.
I took back my sixties look!
After 35 years of marriage, our
engagement photograph is
a major source of humor for

One thing for sure: learn how to

communicate early in the
relationship (some things don’t always
the dining room. I intended
to serve myself small portions,
spreading them around my
come naturally), and never assume what plate to make them look
your partner is thinking and/or feeling generous, a trick from my
(Justine’s favorite piece of wisdom). Justine childhood when detested liver,
said, “don’t take life so seriously!” We have oyster, and scrambled brains
learned over the years that it is okay to dinners were served. The best
ask for space – we are very supportive of laid plans of mice and bride
each other in every endeavor we take on, crumbled as the father of the
be it as a team or individually. house served us huge portions.
Our previous meal was topped
off with lamb-stuffed grape
leaves, shish kabob, rice pilaf,
parents were friendly to him.
After all, he might pull me out
of the shame of a divorced
state! My friends were difficult,
expecting another in a long
line of frogs in my search for a
prince. My female friends had
plans to beat him up. But he
passed muster and became a
part of our circle. I was very
apprehensive before the first
visit to his side of the family.
I was a sixties gal with very
short skirts, crazy colored and
young folks. The snickers and
giggles don’t bother us. We
appreciate the young, slender,
unwrinkled sixties couple in
that photo! Marriage has been
good to them. I wonder if our
delightful grandchildren have
seen our daughter and son-in-
law’s early photos! I think I’ll go
get the album!
Rosalee Kay Calvillo –
Wife, Mother, Grandmother,
Feminist, Peace Advocate,
Tutor, Actress, Writer

Women’s Press May/June 2005 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Page 9


Your Love #’s
BY ANNE WARNER-HOWE
Let’s use #’s to look at
relationships? The # of vowels
in the full birth names and/
or the names you and your
special someone currently
use hold one of many keys to
your compatibility. Do keep
in mind that the #’s you come
up with are but a facet of what
goes into assessing your overall
relationship potential.
Let’s begin by counting
the # of A’s in each name and
multiplying them by 1. Multiply
the # of E’s by 5, the I’s by
9, the O’s by 6, and the U’s
by 3. For example: Eugenia
Ouberfemme has 1-A x1=1, 5-
E’s x5=25, 1-I x9=9, 1-O x6=6
and 2-U’s x3=6. Upon reducing
the vowel value of this name
(1+25++9+6+6=47) to its single
digit (4+7=11; 1+1=2), we find
Eugenia to have a relationship-
oriented heart.
O NE, individualistic and
self-contained can have
its most rewarding interaction
with a seven. Due to the joy of
intellectual pursuit they share,
cuddly intimacy may not be a
priority unless a three or five
heart comes along to create
sparks. Idealism and a need
for serenity can lead this heart
to periods of time without
romantic interests.
T WO can do well and
be companionable with
all other heart #s. It has a
natural tendency to pairing
and getting along with others
plays an important role in
understanding and nurturing
it’s partners and friends. This
supportive soul, once past its
phase of indecision can commit
and be doggedly loyal.
T HREE’s free, creative
expression exposes it
to myriad opportunities for
romance. Usually seeking
and finding that very special
someone in a three, five, six,
seven or nine hearted partner
with whom to flourish, this
emotional progressive can be
one of the hardest to hold
onto. A sense of adventure and
exploration are valuable assets
F OUR, more solid and
steadfast than most,
tends toward fidelity. Unless
otherwise afflicted, they hold
on through thick and thin once
they’ve met their match. With
a one, two, four, six, eight or
nine, this heart can contribute
to and gain with their can-do
attitude and determination.
This is a heart to build with.
F IVE, alive, the curious,
sometimes fickle, hard to
catch and hard to hold heart
Page 10
may try and try again to settle
down. With a two, three, five,
(sometimes) eight or nine,
enjoyable relating is possible.
Love –over and over again- is
probable. Commitment is
possible when the partner
understands the elevated
and expansive quality of this
creative mind and heart.
S IX loves to love. While this
heart may be more at ease
with other extroverted hearts,
it can and will put its energies
into relating with introverts
of gentle, appreciative nature.
Persuasive, soothing and
supportive, this heart is one
that generally finds a welcome
awaiting it. In love with loving,
this heart can opt easily out of
gender specific romance.
S EVEN is in heaven as the
perfectionist. This one
may be so sensitive to touch
that it avoids certain forms
of intimacy at times or all
together. This heart seeks the
purest love possible and offers
the purest it possibly can.
Occasionally, brought out of
itself by the three, five, six or
nine hearted partner, another
seven may understand and
progress with it best of all.
E IGHT is great with even
#’s when they are both
eager to learn and grow in
well being and comprehensive
wealth. This heart has much to
learn to balance itself. It can
often find itself pulled between
opposite positions. While there
is a desire love, the love may,
sometimes be based upon what
can be gained more readily than
what can be given.
N Do an Attitude Check –
INE is fine - most of
the time - with any of
the other heart #s. It has
a depth of appreciation for
what all the other #’s entail.
Its appreciation for life and
relating can lean toward
gluttony if not paid attention
to. Other than with the one,
seven and eight, the nine heart
easily enjoys relating with a
finesse and grace that feeds all.
Anne Warner-Howe will be
available to consult with you for
personal insight and development,
relationships, baby naming,
relocation and timing for personal
and business success.
Anne will be available for Mini-
Readings during the mid-May
Practitioners Fair at the Avila
Bay Club. Registration for HOW
IN THE WORLD TO USE
#’s (August 2005) and private
appointments can be made at (805)
481-9597.
eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Relationships
Celebrating Women’s Sexuality—Feminist Style
BY BAILEY DRECHSLER
Have I stirred your
interest? Perhaps a twinge
of hopefulness or pleasant
wonder has floated to the
surface. Given the diverse
reality of women’s experiences,
I’m certain some of you
are thinking, Isn’t celebrating
sexuality an oxymoron? Let’s face
it, keeping our sexuality from
becoming inert is something
most adults will have to face
at one time or another—even
in the best of relationships, no
matter your sexual orientation.
So, what’s to celebrate? Plenty!
Is there a feminist way to
celebrate women’s sexuality?
Read on to find out…
First Things First
Let’s begin by looking at some
fundamental feminist notions
about female sexuality rights*:
• Women have the right to
sexual freedom, excluding
all forms of sexual coercion,
exploitation and abuse
• Women have the right to
sexual autonomy and safety of
the sexual body
• Women have the right to
sexual pleasure, a source of
physical, psychological, intel-
lectual and spiritual well-being
Starting here, you could
say that celebrating women’s
sexuality is every women’s
right. And given the feminist
presupposition that sexuality is
both “personal” and “political,”
celebrating women’s sexuality is
also our responsibility. We have
to fight for our reproductive
choices, accessible and
affordable reproductive health
services, comprehensive and
scientifically accurate sexuality
education. It doesn’t require
much analysis to see how the
personal and the political
impact one another, and how
the celebration of women’s
sexuality is inextricably linked
to politics.
Mary & Bob continued from page 8
Mary: Fellowship together,
going to church and reading
the Bible together, talking
about the Lord. I feel that
God was always there in this
relationship. We enjoy the
simple things and have a pretty
frugal lifestyle.
Q: What do you find
challenging?
Bob: Putting the other person
first, even when I really want it
my way. For example, big and
small decisions about activities
and finances.
Mary: Financially - you have
to wait and have patience, see if
it’s meant to happen.
Q: How has your relationship
changed over the years?
Bob: I’ve learned to be more
understanding and patient,
changing from a “what have
The Social Construction
of Sexuality
Aside from politics, socio-
cultural attitudes are another
force impacting our sexuality.
When Freud was writing about
women’s sexuality in the 1900s,
he referred to the vulva as “the
dark continent,” theorized
that clitoral stimulation and
orgasms were “unfeminine,”
and argued (among other
things) that women suffered
from “penis envy.” We can
laugh now at such ludicrous
claims, and acknowledge we’ve
come a long way, but have
we? Negative attitudes and
distorted information about
women’s sexuality and beauty
still abound. The result: A
significant number of women
feel shame towards their
genitals, suffer from eating
disorders, are uncomfortable
advocating for their own sexual
pleasuring—you get the idea.
Broadening Our Definition
of Sex
When it comes to having a
fulfilling and satisfying sex
life, feminists believe that
broadening the definition of
sex is critical. Popular culture
presents a narrow, phallocentric
and heterosexist view of sex:
sex = intercourse; hot sex
happens naturally and, for
women who are sexual with
men, orgasms occur easily
through intercourse. No
wonder so many women fake it!
The reality is that sex/sexuality
is complex and (if you’re lucky!)
squishy. Translation: creating
and maintaining a fulfilling
sex life does not always (if
ever) present itself as a magic
recipe. Here are some things to
consider:
Take some time out to assess
your belief system regarding
your sexuality. An excellent
you done for me lately” to
“how can I serve and love you
more.”
Mary: We made mistakes
and learned from a young
relationship. Sometimes I
wanted to do things I thought
I missed out on, the freedom,
travel. Now, we always use
“We” and “Us.”
Making a life for a child
(changed our relationship).
You have one chance to plant
a seed when they’re young.
Having wisdom, knowing
in your heart what decision
should be made – how we
make decisions has changed.
Q: What romantic things do
you still do together?
Bob: Talking and listening,
cooking for each other,
flowers, walks, thoughtful gifts.
book to help you with this is
Lonnie Barbach’s For Yourself.
Get to Know your Body –
This may sound so cliché
but it’s a number one
recommendation given by most
sex therapists. Knowing what
feels good is a first step toward
sharing sexual intimacy with
your lover. Again, Barbach’s
book is a good resource.
Go Beyond the Orgasm –
Sexuality embodies
sensuality, and there is pleasure
to be had in fully embracing
our sensorial experiences.
Feminist sex therapists and
educators promote a whole
body/mind/spiritual sexuality,
one that incorporates all the
senses, divine connectedness,
intimacy, and self-appreciation.
Planning & Spontaneity –
You’ve heard it before: put
some time aside for yourself
and/or yourself and your partner
to engage in erotic delights.
Planning, itself, can heat up
libido. As for spontaneity, reality
tells us that we have busy lives.
But if a spontaneous encounter
arises you just might walk away
from it with a smile on your face.
Remember: “If love heats up in
the kitchen, let the dinner burn!”
There are many ways to
celebrate sexuality: go dancing
(alone or with a partner), take
a skinny dip, practice Tantric
yoga, enjoy nature.
*Excerpt from “Declaration of
Sexual Rights,” (1999) at the World
Association of Sexology conference
held in Hong Kong.
Bailey Drechsler is a professor
in the Human Development
Department at Cuesta College.
She teaches courses in human
sexuality and is a Certified
Sexuality Educator. She may
be reached at bdrechsl@cuesta.
edu
Mary: Just being together,
going on small trips, walking.
He was out once working
late and he picked a big
bouquet of wildflowers for me,
for our anniversary.
One time, he got me a card
that said, “You hold my heart in
your hands. Handle with care.”
It was so perfect, beautiful.
That’s part of the learning,
how to hold the other person’s
heart with care, being care
“full” versus thoughtless and
careless.
Women’s Press May/June 2005
 Local Perspective

Local, healthy,
pesticide-free produce Cynic's Corner
BY DOLORES DEL RIO
Supplement your Farmer’s Market visits with a harvest box from local
farms. Share your purchase with a friend or another family.

Cal Poly Organic Farm (SLO)

I came here for the cows!
Two sizes of Harvest Box By the time you read this,
Full ($572) or half shares ($416) available the Marketplace Referendum
3-payment option will be resolved. We will have
Drop-off locations in N. and S. County and MB/LO either voted Yes! to build the
Season: April 18-October 14 (26 weeks) shopping project or No! reject
(805) 756-6139 the proposal, hopefully forever.
ssarrouf@calpoly.edu This article is my opinion only
www.calpoly.edu/~sarc/csa.htm and is so late that no one can
be influenced by it.
Huasna Valley Farm (Arroyo Grande) About five years ago, I left
Harvest Share ($660) Flower Share ($100) my native New York City for
Egg Share ($110) the Central Coast. Although
3-payment option (some workshares available) New York is the ultimate
Drop-off locations in SLO, MB/LO, 5 Cities, Nipomo shopping capital of the world,
Season: April 13-November 16 (32 weeks) I chose San Luis Obispo for
(805) 473-3827 its uniqueness, its exquisite
flavor@huasnavalleyfarm.com scenery, its fabulous weather,
huasnavalleyfarm.com its easy commute, but most of
all … I came here for the cows!
Rutiz Farms (Arroyo Grande) Ride down Los Osos Valley
Harvest Box $10/week No need for season commitment
Road (or most any other road
Stand is on The Pike and Elm in AG
in this town) and you see black,
Supplement your box with produce and flowers from the stand
white and gold cows on the
Stand open Fridays 1-6, Thursdays and Saturdays during season
left, horses on the right, and
rutizfarms@sbcglobal.net
smatterings of beautiful birds
everywhere. These creatures
Clark Valley Farm (Los Osos) look so content and peaceful
Two sizes of Harvest Box
that I find it hard not to feel
Full - $625, half shares - $425 (some workshares available)
awed and calmed by their
3-payment option available for additional cost
presence. Our environment
Pickup at the Farm
feels so untarnished and
Season: April 1 through November
pristine. We are a city of riches
2310 Clark Valley Road, Los Osos
far beyond our imaginations.
(805)528-7395 • ericm@clarkvalleyfarm.com
Now, the city of SLO put
www.clarkvalleyfarm.com
a referendum to its citizenry
regarding the use of land on
LOVR -- to build shopping!
Please understand that I love
shopping … a lot. I grew up
with a shopaholic mother, and
a plethora of enticements on
every corner in Manhattan. My
family’s idea of a well-spent day
was spending money and, of
course, shlepping home bags
of goodies that were probably
returned the next day. We
would do anything to be in a
store (give me Bloomies, Saks
or Tiffany’s any day). However,
in SLO, the proposed stores
are not of the great or ‘unique’
variety; we are not referring to
shops that are one-of-a kind,
boutique-ish, or even fabulous
… no, we are talking Costco!
Target! Old Navy! Can you
believe it? Go a half hour in any
direction in the world and you
can find these mega-box stores.
Go on the web and shop to
your heart’s content for these
places … but please, not in
my back yard! I feel my heart
crying out, “Please, merciless
developers, take your insidious
growth spurt and go away.”
Picture this scenario …
a carload of tourists from the
Central Valley decide to come
to SLO; they hope to enjoy
the scenery, the weather, the
quaintness, the livestock,
the lack of traffic and chaos.
They come to Los Osos Valley
Road, and BOOM, they are
confronted with exactly what
they left behind … traffic,
chaos and big box stores.
Say Goodbye to the pretty
animals, the lack of traffic, the
uniqueness, the peacefulness;
Say Hello to traffic, malls,
humidity, car exhaust, big box
stores (that conform to their
design, not ours), mobs of
people, and of course, chaos.
Do you really think that these
tourists will drive four hours to
visit us again?
I hope that we will
collectively veto this project
and vote NO! NO! NO! Let’s
use our collective power to
defeat this referendum, to
save our environment, and to
maintain the integrity of our
town.
Hopefully, you (like me)
came here for the cows!
Thanks for listening, DDR.

Slow Food comes to San Luis Obispo County

BY CATHERINE FARIS
San Luis Obispo (SLO) Slow
Food, the newest chapter of
the international Slow Food
movement, was formed here
less than a year ago. Born
in Italy in the late 1980s as
a protest to the opening of
a McDonald’s restaurant in
Rome, Slow Food International
now claims over 80,000
members worldwide. Members
belong to small, locally based
convivia (local chapters),
which form the grass roots of
Slow Food, interpreting and
representing the organization’s
philosophy at the local level.
At SLO Slow Food, the
focus is on supporting and
promoting educational
events and public outreach
designed to encourage the
enjoyment of pure foods
that are local, seasonal and
organically/sustainably grown
and produced. Members are
concerned not only with
promoting the sharing of food,
but the sharing of the human
experience with people from
different backgrounds and
food cultures, including both
producers and consumers.
In short, SLO Slow Food
celebrates the notion of a
slower, more harmonious
rhythm of life, “ . . . aiming to
be everything fast food is not
(USA Today).”
Now over 150 members
strong, the fledgling San Luis
Obispo chapter or convivium is
one of 120 convivia that make
up Slow Food USA, a non-
profit educational organization
dedicated to supporting and
celebrating the pleasures of
the table. Members include
local farmers and food artisans,
restauranteurs, food educators,
students, parents and
families—in short, anyone who
is devoted to the preservation
and enjoyment of traditional
and artisanal foods and the
advocacy of sustainability.
SLO Slow Food has been
active—but never rushed—in
its short history. Members
have organized a pickling
and preserving workshop
showcasing the harvest
of several local farms, led
heritage turkey preparation
workshops, and sponsored
a panel discussion on the
future of sustainability in food
systems around the world
featuring local delegates to
Slow Food International’s
ground-breaking world summit,
Terra Madre (Turin 2004). The
panel discussion was followed
by tastings of locally grown
foods presented by the farmer
or food artisan that produced
them. The group also gathers
regularly at “slow” potluck
events, most of which are held
at local farms. Members bring
food to share and are treated
to farm tours and discussions
of farming practices, issues in
sustainable food production,
and ways to integrate “slow”
values into their lives.
SLO Slow Food has
also identified its primary
fundraising project, the
Vineyard Elementary
School Edible Schoolyard
program now in its first year
of operation in Templeton.
Following the Berkeley Edible
Schoolyard model pioneered by
Alice Waters of Chez Panisse
fame, the program integrates
elementary students into the
process of learning where
food comes from and how to
prepare and enjoy it once it is
harvested. To learn more, visit
www.edibleschoolyard.org.
Slow Food USA and Slow
Food International offer ex-
tensive web sites full of infor-
mation about the movement.
Visit www.slowfoodusa.org to
learn more—those interested
in joining the organization
and becoming a part of the lo-
cal SLO Slow Food convivium
can do so online. SLO Slow
Food can be reached online at
sloslowfood@hotmail.com.

CLASSIFIED List your business here: $10 for five lines in one issue, $50 for five lines in six issues (one year).

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and evening shifts, flexible hours, ADS: ADS@WOMENSPRESS-SLO.ORG
MadeSanLuisObispo.com modest pay. Call Renee at 441-0292
EvelynLAdams@hotmail.com

Page 11 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Women’s Press May/June 2005


Ode to a kitchen tool
Woks work in
today’s kitchens
BY SUSAN STEWART
The humble wok has recently
proved so indispensable for
so many of my cooking tasks
that I wonder why on earth I
had relegated it to a high and
remote place in my garage,
where I retrieved when
my brother returned from
Thailand in love with Asian
cuisine.
The answer lies in my
erstwhile ignorance of its
uses, and in the cumbersome
size of most woks, making
them difficult to store in the
typical Western kitchen. The
Chinese who invented the
wok didn’t have that problem.
They designed the wok, with
its conical shape, rounded
bottom and sloping sides,
to fit securely into the open
holes on the flat cooking
surface of their wood-burning
stoves.
Because the wok reaches a
very high temperature rapidly,
and distributes the heat
evenly, you can cook virtually
anything very quickly.
While the earliest woks
were made of heavy cast iron,
today’s woks are made from
a variety of metals, including
hand-pounded spun steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, and
Teflon-coated metals. The
Westernized modifications
defeat the whole purpose of
the original. A simple ring
which stabilizes the wok
on any modern range is all
that’s needed for use in our
kitchens.
No Chinese cook would
ever trade a well-seasoned
wok for a brand new one. The
process of seasoning involves
cleaning, oiling and heating
the new wok in a repetitious
method that renders the shiny
silver surface a dull dark color.
This color will continue to
darken with age and use and
should never be scrubbed
Page 12
Health and Spirituality
clean. “The blacker it gets,
the better it cooks. The time
it takes to prepare the surface
of a new wok is well worth the
effort, and once done, makes
clean-up a cinch.
Particularly successful for
stir-frying, which requires the
rapid turning of meats and
vegetables, the wok evenly
coats all the ingredients with
oil and whatever other sauces
and spices you decide to use.
However, as I was soon to
discover, the wok comes in
handy for a whole lot more
than just snow peas and water
chestnuts. Its smooth sides
make it perfect for scrambling
eggs or making omelettes. With
its snugly fitted domed lid, the
wok can also be used to cook a
whole fish, simmer a fabulous
soup, steam a pot of savory
rice, roast a chicken to golden
perfection, or even deep-fry
that all-American favorite,
potatoes.
What makes the wok so
ideal for these foods is the fact
that their nutrients, colors,
textures, and flavors can be
served at their peak because of
the short cooking time. Even
better, is the sparse amount
of oil required … often a
light drizzle will do. You can
even cook with no fat at all,
now that flavorful chicken,
vegetable, fish, and beef stocks
are available.
No matter what your
culinary preferences are, the
wok is a surprisingly versatile
vessel, and might just become
the most well-used item
in your kitchen. While my
brother merrily woks away
at perfecting Thai dishes, my
wok is enjoying new status in
my kitchen. The deep, dark
color it has turned in just a
few short weeks give it even
greater value and ensures it a
permanent place on my stove.
eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Circling the Square
BY DOROTHY SEGOVIA
Here’s the thing that
amazes me. I’m a feminist,
activist, expressive arts
facilitator, producer of the
Mulukuku CD Project, and I
still discount the feminine.
According to Marianne
Woodman, the feminine means
much more than female/male
dichotomy. She states that
feminine consciousness is spirit
(male principle) married to
matter (female principle).
Our body is our container
for ideas/spirit. Ways of
grounding our spirits to our
selves are movement, art,
poetry, meditation practices,
gardening, and cooking.
Grounding our energy into
ourselves is a daily practice. It’s
the joy and art of taking care
of and accepting our bodies.
Devaluing the feminine means
denying feelings and the needs
of the body.
Have you ever heard
someone brag that they haven’t
had a vacation in years? Why
do we believe that working is
better than being? Think of
being as being in your body.
(Raise your hand if you ever
held your pee in order to get
one more thing done.) As
women reared in a patriarchal
culture, putting our bodies
Mary Kay – women helping women
BY CAROL DANIELS
Unknown to me as I was start-
ing 9th grade, a woman four
states to the East was investing
her life savings, $5000, to start
a company that would change
my life and the lives of millions
of other women. I am speaking
of Mary Kay Ash, entrepreneur,
and founder of the multimillion
dollar corporation, Mary Kay
Cosmetics. When she started
her company, she had a purpose
bigger than just selling cosmet-
ics. Mary Kay’s mission was to
enrich women’s lives and give
them the opportunity she per-
sonally had not experienced in
other direct selling companies.
Her dream company provides
quality products to consumers,
financial opportunities to the
sales force, and fulfilling careers
to employees, but wait, there’s
more!
I have been associated with
Mary Kay cosmetics for 19
and feelings first is
hard to do: we’ve
been trained by
the media that our
bodies are good for
selling cars and for
being victimized
and the sexual
property of men.
When the
memory of being
date raped by my
friend 14 years ago recently
came out of my head and into
my body, I was able to finally
understand this concept of
conscious feminine. I had
glimpses of this memory
before, but the trauma was
overwhelming. As a result,
I buried the memory via
addiction, debt, creativity, and
anger.
Creativity? Yes. I
processed the pain through
my art but left my body by the
wayside.
Songs, poems, and
workshops are the wedding
of spirit and matter. But it’s
only the first step for someone
who wants to be a successful
writer/artist. I was so high on
creating that I disregarded the
grounding principle of “butt in
the chair-finish the book.”
The process of bringing
years, a director for over 17 of
those years. That means I have
the privilege of helping women
build successful businesses out of
their own home. However, as I
think back, I was a very unlikely
candidate. With an MA degree
in Physical Education, a super
jock, and teaching PE, I was
hardly the make-up type. In fact,
I didn’t wear any make-up! My
husband thought it was a great
idea because of the tax benefits,
so I agreed.
Over the years, I have stayed
with Mary Kay because of the
personal support and life-long
friends I have made. I have
grown to love these special
women, as we’ve gone through
life together. They were there for
me when my brother died and
my husband was in Iraq for 14
months. I look forward to many
more years of sharing with my
Mary Kay family as we continue
to be there for each other.
my trauma out of my head and
through my body via collage
is gently opening eyes to my
own tricks. I understand that
honoring a writing practice
honors my creativity. But I have
to also honor my body: I still
have to eat, take a walk, and go
pee.
Dorothy Segovia creates
individual and group
workshops through her
business Write Inside: Move
Right Through Life’s Little
Obstacles. She can be reached
at writeinside@kcbx.net.
If you have been a victim
of sexual abuse – even if
it was years ago – and are
still suffering from trauma,
please contact SARP:
Sexual Assault Recovery &
Prevention Center of SLO
at 545-8888 or visit their
website: www.sarpslo.org.
Without any doubt in my
mind, Mary Kay it is the most
self-esteem building company
in the world. I am who I am
today because of the mentors
who have loved me. Women
helping women, in a nutshell,
is what it is all about. I am sure
proud to be associated with the
company that birthed Mary
Kay’s Charitable Foundation,
with its commitments to cancer
research and ending domestic
violence, and which received
the 2004 Torch of Conscience
award, presented annually
to men and women whose
qualities of moral courage, love
of liberty and service, have
contributed significantly to the
betterment of our community
and nation.
Visit my website to see the latest
products, a new look, the per-
fect gift, or career opportunity!
Carol Daniels, Sales Director:
www.marykay.com/cdaniels�
We are the
hero of our
own story.
– Mary McCarthy
Women’s Press May/June 2005

Workshops • Workshops • Workshops
First Saturday
Divorce workshops held each
month at Cuesta College
Half day course covers the legal,
emotional, and financial aspects
of divorce, from a woman’s
perspective
Explains the four methods of
getting divorced in California.
The program frequently has
guest speakers who specialize
in divorce therapy, financial
planning related to divorce, or
legal issues.
The course is presented by
attorney Robert Macfarlane,
who has lectured at the same
program in San Diego for 10
years and brings 30 years of
Mirror Image:
Using the
Goddess to
Transform
Your Self-
Image
This workshop is facilitated by
Dorothy Segovia, a graduate
of *”Creative Journaling
Expressive Arts” and will use
movement and journaling to
help you access the image of
the Self you want to realize.
Refreshments provided.
You may bring a favorite jour-
Activities in the Garden
Spend time as a family having
fun and learning about plants,
nature, gardening and your
environment.
May 14. 10 a.m. -to noon
Family Ethnobotany –
Plants of the world’s people
See how people around the
world and throughout time have
utilized plants for their survival.
June 11, 10 a.m. -to noon
Family Ecosystems – Plant
communities and human
communities
Learn how everything is
connected to everything else.
Each session meets at the
Amphitheater of the San Luis
Obispo Botanical Garden.
Sessions include a variety of
activities that connect families
to plants as well as to each
other. Please bring your own
snacks and water bottle.
$25/per family ($20 SLOBG
members)
Workshops
If you have a
would like it to appear in the Womens Press, call 805-544-9313
Page 13
Community Bulletin Board
experience as a divorce litigator
and divorce mediator. He shows
how the divorcing process can
be simpler, less expensive, and
less painful than most realize.
Walk-ins accepted 8-8:30 am
Cuesta College $45
(can be attended a second
time for $25)
Find the course listed as First
Saturday under Community
Programs on the Cuesta
website:
http://www.
communityprograms.net/ or
call 805-546-3132
• Build Your •
nal. Wear comfortable clothes
and a sweater – sometimes the
Chapel can be chilly.
Wednesday, May 4th
6pm-8pm
Coalesce Bookstore &
Garden Wedding Chapel
845 Main Street, Morro Bay
$20
To register contact Dorothy
at 805 259-5727
*Creative Journaling is the method
developed by Lucia Capacchione
Ph.D., A.R.T., R.E.A.T. & author
of 13 books including Living With
Feeling. For more information on
Creative Journaling, visit www.
luciac.com
Learn straw bale construction
techniques at the May 7
Straw Bale Workshop
co-sponsored by the Garden
and the San Luis Obispo
Sustainability Group with
Scott Clark instructing. Pre-
register to take this all-day
class that gives you a hands-
on overview. The workshop
runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and
includes a catered luncheon
made by a cadre of the
Botanical Garden’s best cooks.
Cost is $60 (students $40).
The San Luis Obispo
Botanical Garden is located
approximately 4.5 miles
north of San Luis Obispo off
of Highway 1 in El Chorro
Regional Park, across from
Cuesta College.
For more information,
please call 546-35o1
or vist their website
www.slobg.org
listing and
eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
Super Mommy
Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy and Lactation
Cathe Olson, local author • Tips for saving time and etarian Mother’s Cookbook.
of The Vegetarian Mother’s minimizing work in the
Olson will also be doing the
Cookbook and Simply Natural kitchen
following booksignings in May,
Baby Food, writes books • Strategies for cooking
where she will give samples of
designed to show busy moms healthy meals no matter
recipes from her books.
how they can prepare fresh, how busy you are
nutritious meals with a Windmill Farms, 1275 N.
minimum of time and fuss. At • A list of “Super Mommy Thompson Ave., Arroyo
her FREE workshop you will Foods” Grande, on Saturday, May
receive: May 3, 7-8 p.m. 14, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Up-to-date nutritional Lassens Natural Foods Information: 805-489-
information and and Vitamins, 1790 S. 1000
recommended dietary Broadway, Santa Maria Birth and Baby Fair,
intakes Mission Plaza, SLO.
• Ideas for sneaking extra Plus Cathe will demonstrate Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.
protein and nutrients into one of the recipes from her to 3 p.m. Information: 805-
meals and snacks newly released book, The Veg- 546-3755
Self Money Mindfuln
Functional earth arts
Understanding workshops for women
how to get Wild Arts
Coupl Workshop a healthier Open Studio
Home of Brave New Wares
Together relationship
• Explore natural and recycled
For Life with money materials to make original
Led by Rev. Anne Welker Money Basics: Financial accents.
and Bob Welker Literacy 101 • Create mirrors, lamps, wall
365 Quintana Road, Spending plans, investing hangings, and more
basics, the loan process,
Morro Bay • Learn collage, mosaic,
choosing a bank, and more
May 20 – 21 papermaking, and wild
Fri 7-9 p.m. & To get on a list, call Carmela crafting.
Sat 9am - 4:30 p.m. at the Consumer Credit
Los Osos
Counseling Service at 805-383-
For more information, Dates to be decided
call 805-772-0306 7700 Ext. 359 or the WCC at
Call 805-815-8700 and ask
805-544-9313
for Evelyn
Decorate
I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.
like the pros – Louisa May Alcott
Learn the trade secrets
from the nation’s top
magazines’ stylists and
designers. Use simple tips
and tricks to brighten
your home with items like a good neighbor,
you already have or are state farm is there. ®
inexpensive to purchase.
Decorating workshops
we live where you live. ™
in your home, where
auto home life health
the host receives a
free product from our
catalog, and I am paid a
commission on any sales.
Also FREE workshops
to groups at their
locations in a non-sales
environment as a public
service.
Terri Jacques, For your insurance and financial needs,
see State Farm Agent:
Independent Design
Consultant – Susan Rodriguez, Agent
Lic.# 0D30697
Southern Living 1317 Broad Street Suite A
at Home San Luis Obispo, CA
805-783-7050
805-545-8621
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.®
P026038
statefarm.com®
State Farm® • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 04/02
Women’s Press May/June 2005

2005-06 Theatre Season Announced live for many reasons, especially
San Luis Obispo Little Theatre
President Mike Kee
announces the theatre’s 2005-
06 season:
West Side Story, directed by
Rachel Youngman, 9/9-10/9
Inherit the Wind, directed by winning Three Tall Women
Michael Siebrass, 10/28-11/27
You Can’t Take it With You,
directed by Judith Jesness, 1/6-2/5
Legends Series, directed by
Mary Meserve 2/24-3/25
Cripple of Innishmann,
directed by Bill McLaughlin,
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
in YOUR AREA
Hospice Partners of the
Central Coast is looking for
individuals to be Hospice in-
home volunteers in your area.
The 32-hour volunteer training
program begins on Monday,
May 2, 2005 and continues
on seven Monday afternoons
from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The
training will be held at the
Hospice Partner’s office in San
Luis Obispo. Hospice in-home
volunteers provide support and
companionship for Hospice
patients and their families.
Volunteers are also needed for
office assistance, mailings and
fundraising events - minimal
training necessary.
AWAKENING
Interfaith Spiritual
Community
Classes & events with Reverend
Ballinger
Yoga Sutra (HMC)
Mondays, June 6 - July 18
7 - 9 p.m., (No class July 4th)
For more information call
805-772-0306 or see www.
awakeninginterfaith.org
Spialists in women’s
health for all ag
–
L ow-cost/no-cost
reproductive health servic
for women, men and teens
–
M inor urgent care
San Luis Obispo 542-0900
Pismo Beach 773-4500
Atascadero 610-8865
Page 14
Community Bulletin Board
4/14-5/7
The Pajama Game, directed
by Bea Morrow, 5/26-6/25
The Little Theatre is currently
in its 58th season, showing
Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize
(opening April 15), and ending
with the warm-hearted family
comedy Over the River and
Through the Woods (Opening
May 27)
Ticket and other information livelihood, which translates to
is available at 786-2440 and
at www.slolittletheatre.org.
Hospice Partners of the Central non-profit, but we are serving
Coast offers a comprehensive
in-home Hospice program
to terminally ill individuals
and their families. The goal
is to provide all the things
that terminally ill patients
and their families need most:
freedom from pain, emotional
and spiritual support, and the
ability to control the direction
of their own care.
To sign-up or for more
information, please
call Marney Briggs or
Carly Davis, Volunteer
Coordinators, 782-8617
ext.152 or 782-8608.
Health,
Environmental,
and Lifestyle
Benefits of a
Plant-based Diet
Join in a monthly
open-forum discussion
with scheduled
presentations and cooking
demonstrations throughout
the year.
Blakeslee & Blakeslee-299
Madonna Rd., San Luis
Obispo
5:30-7pm on the following
Tuesdays: May 10, June 7,
July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 13, Oct.
11, Nov. 8, Dec. 6
Contact Debbie Bennett
with questions, etc. 550-
2487 debbie@blakeslee-
blakeslee.com
eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org
New Clinic Offers Affordable Healthcare
BY UMA BINGHAM
California is a great place to
right now with the green hills
and outrageous wildflowers.
By the time you read this,
Mother Earth’s orgy of color
will be over, but you and I
will still be around – and we
may be looking for affordable
health care, which is almost as
hard to come by these days as
affordable housing.
I’m a nurse practitioner
specializing in women’s health.
And I’m one of those crazy
people who believe in right
preferring to work in non-profit
settings which provide services
to the people who fall through
the proverbial cracks. Right
now, for the first time in my
14 years as a practitioner, I’m
working at a clinic which isn’t
the women and men who don’t
have insurance and can’t afford
to pay full price.
HealthWorks of the Central
Coast is owned by two women,
HopeDance Media
All films, talks, and slide
presentations at the SLO
Library (Osos and Palm)
cosponsored by Code
Pink, Information Press,
Sierra Club, Green Party
and other progressive
organizations.
All films start at 7 p.m. and
are by donation.
For more details, call
544-9663 or go to www.
hopedance.org
Friday, May 13
Peaceable Kingdom
Breaking generations of silence
in the farm community, former
farmers tell their personal
struggles against an out-of-
control industrial agriculture
system. While emphasizing
the importance of having
compassion for animals, the
film also explores the great
social movements of our times,
from human rights to peace to
environmental protection.
Local sanctuary activist
Diane, founder of Kind Planet,
a Humane Education program,
will facilitate a lively discussion
after the film.
an MD and an NP, who want
to provide this type of service.
And the State of California
helps us help you by offering
funding for certain health
screenings and treatments.
The CDP program offers
cancer detection screenings
for breast and cervical cancer.
That means if you are a woman
who has no insurance, or an
insurance that doesn’t cover
mammograms or Paps – and
if you income qualify, you will
get these services free. If your
mammogram is abnormal and
you need further testing, for
example with an ultrasound or
biopsy, the program pays for
that. If a woman is diagnosed
through this program with
either breast or cervical cancer,
there is another state program
that helps her get treatment.
The FPACT program
offers family planning services
and screenings for sexually
transmitted diseases. It also
covers Paps for qualifying
women, treatment of urinary
tract and vaginal infections
and even screening for breast
Friday, June 3
The Corporation
In this complex and highly en-
tertaining documentary, Mark
Achbar, Jennifer Abbott and
writer Joel Bakan examine the
far-reaching repercussions of
the corporation’s increasing
preeminence. This dynamite
film is a timely, critical inquiry
that invites CEOs, whistle-
blowers, brokers, gurus, spies,
players, pawns and pundits on
a graphic and engaging quest to
reveal the corporation’s inner
workings, curious history, con-
troversial impacts and possible
futures.
Best Feature Documentary 2004
Friday, June 10
A Biodiesel Evening
Short films: “French Fries to
Go,” “Veggie Van Voyage“ and
the trailer to the soon-to-be-
released “Fields of Fuel” ... Plus
local biodiesel enthusiasts: Jason
Hoar (agrifuels); Ryan LaPorte
and Mikel Robertson. They will
answer all our questions about
local production and distribu-
tion of biodiesel fuel.
Tuesday, June 21
An Evening With Cartoon-
cancer. FPACT also covers
men who need STD screening,
vasectomies, or maybe just
some more condoms.
The program covers
screening and treatment for
every sexually transmitted
bacteria and virus out there,
including herpes, HIV,
genital warts, Chlamydia
and gonorrhea, syphilis and
trichomoniasis.
If you do have insurance and
can’t qualify for the state plans,
you can still access the services
at rates lower than you will
find in a private doctor’s office.
Also offered are physicals and
general practice health care.
Pay cash or submit your bill to
your insurance company.
If you need our services you
can find us in two locations:
SLO – next door to New
Frontiers Market, 896 E.
Foothill Suite B. Pismo
Beach – in the old Mission
Medical building, 855 4th St.
Call us at 542-0900 (SLO) or
773-4500 (Pismo) or 610-8865
(Atascadero)
ist and Alternative Trans-
portation Activist Andy
Singer Slide talk and book sign-
ing on “Transportation Politics”.
It examines the environmen-
tal, social and political history
of motor vehicles and highway
agencies. It will incorporate
Andy’s cartoons, historical pho-
tographs and some examples
of good and bad urban design.
Discussion afterwards.
Friday, June 24
An Evening About Mexi-
cans... With Pedro Arroyo
Short documentary called The
Sixth Section, a groundbreaking
documentary that blends digital
animation, home video, cinema
verité, and interview footage to
depict the transnational organiz-
ing of a community of Mexican
immigrants in New York, who
form an organization called
‘Grupo Unión,’ which is devoted
to raising money in the United
States to rebuild the Mexican
town that they’ve left behind.
Also a short film about the
production of the film as well
as a trailer of the Film “A Day
Without a Mexican,” followed
by a lively discussion with writ-
er Pedro Inzunza Arroyo.
Women’s Press May/June 2005
 RESOURCES
ABUSE
ADULTS MOLESTED AS CHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP (AMAC) TRANSFORMATIONS COUNSELING CENTER PLANNED PARENTHOOD
545.8888 Free monthly workshops 541.7908 SLO 549.9446
CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
781.6406 FINANCE/BUSINESS 471.8102 (SLO); 239.9634 (PR)
NORTH COUNTY WOMEN’S SHELTER & RESOURCE CENTER, CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICES WOMEN’S SUPPORT/THERAPY V (GENERAL)
(inc. domestic violence support groups) 800.540.2227 534.1101
461.1338 MISSION COMMUNITY SERVICES CORPORATION WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SPECIALISTS
RAPE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP, SLO WOMEN’S BUSINESS PARTNERS 544.4883
545.8888 595.1356 www.mcscorp.org
SARP (SEXUAL ASSAULT RECOVERY & PREVENTION) POLITICAL
545.8888 GAY & LESBIAN COMMISSION ON STATUS OF WOMEN
SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE (GALA) 545.8412; Dawn Williams
545.8888 Chips ‘n’Chat social 1st Friday of month, 7 PM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
WOMEN’S SHELTER PROGRAM OF SLO 474.9405 543.2220
781.6400 www.womensshelterslo.org PFLAG.PARENTS & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS NOW (NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN)
438.3889 542.8242
ADDICTIONS SOL (SINGLE OLDER LESBIANS)
AA MEETING Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405 READERS/WRITERS
541.3211 ADULT LITERACY
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (ACA) HOSPICE 541-4219
595.2695 AIDS BEREAVEMENT GROUP (HOSPICE) NIGHTWRITERS
CAMBRIA CONNECTION (12 STEP SUPPORT) 544.2266 549.9656; contact Shirley Powell
927.1654 HOSPICE OF SLO COUNTY SISTERS IN CRIME
CASA SOLANA 544.2266 and 434.1164 http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com
Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555
COMPULSIVE EATERS ANONYMOUS, H.O.W.CONCEPT JOBS/CAREERS SENIORS
546.1178 AARP 788.2643 ADULT DAY CARE
DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES CAL POLY FOUNDATION 544-4355 ext.531
781.4275 Jobline 756.7107 COMPUTEROOTERS:
NA 800.549.7730 CAL POLY UNIVERSITY Get help with computers.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533 elisehenderson@charter.net
541.3164 CUESTA COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES:
SCA, SLAA & SAA (SEX, LOVE & ROMANCE ADDICTIONS) http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127 In-Home Support to the Elderly/Homemakers
461.6084 THE CREEKSIDE CAREER CENTER help with ADLs 781.1790
TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) www.slocareers.org nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540
929.1789 788.2631 or 788.2690 EQUAL SINGLES 60+ MEET MONTHLY
WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION 489.5481
http://www.womenforsobriety.org 549.3361 dege1@juno.com
215.536.8026 MISSION COMMUNITY SERVICES CORPORATION FOSTER GRANDPARENTS.SENIOR COMPANIONS
WOMEN’S BUSINESS PARTNERS 782.9200
ARTS 595.1356 www.mcscorp.org SENIOR PEER COUNSELING (LIFESPAN)
MOTHERTONGUE FEMINIST THEATER COLLECTIVE PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL (PIC) free, trained in.home counseling for 60+
For info call: 528.6827 www.jobhunt.org 788.2601 549.0150
CHILDREN & FAMILIES LEGAL SPIRITUAL (OR NOT)
CHILDCARE RESOURCE CONNECTION ACLU HELPLINE A COURSE IN MIRACLES
541.2272 or 800.727.2272 544.0142 Mondays, 7 PM, Unity of SLO, 995.1390
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) CORE MEDIATION SERVICES AWAKENING INTERFAITH SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” 544.6334 medeee8@aol.com Sunday service, 10–11 AM; 772.0306
541.6542 DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE – VICTIM WITNESS CENTER CENTRAL COAST JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHILDREN’S SERVICES NETWORK 781.5821 543.9452
781.1847 FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR MEDITATION GROUP
FIRST 5: CHILDREN & FAMILIES COMMISSION 546.3769 Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306
781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs LAWYERS REFERRAL SERVICES/LEGAL AID ALTERNATIVE NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH
HOMESCHOOLING IN SLO COUNTY (HSC) 788.2099 Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB
462.0726; ask for Barbara PRO PER DIVORCE WORKSHOP REIKI IN-SERVICE
LA LECHE LEAGUE 544.9313 528.6996
Moe 541.3471 SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES
MIGRANT CHILDCARE PROGRAM
544.4355 and 466.3444
543.5140 WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS
PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES HOMELESS SHELTER
781-3993
541.8666; ask for Beth ALS SUPPORT GROUP (LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE) HOUSING AUTHORITY
REAL F.A.C.T.S. (FORUM ON ABUSED CHILDREN) 772.5990 543.4478
460.9016 ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT NORTH COUNTY WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER, SHELTER
SOCIAL SERVICES 534.9234 (LO); 481.9364 (SLO); 461.1338
781.1600 226.8669 (Templeton) WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER, SLO
SUPPORT FOR KIDS COPING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Caregivers of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s 544.9313
473.6507 547.3830, 481.9364 (SLO/Los Osos) WOMEN’S SHELTER PROGRAM OF SLO
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business)
EMERGENCY/CRISIS Paso Robles 238.9657 www.womensshelterslo.org
HOTLINE ANOREXIA NERVOSA & BULIMIA SUPPORT GROUP
www.slohotline.org
549.8989 or 800.549.8989
541.9113
ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
SEXUAL & RAPE PREVENTION (SARP) 892.5556 481.1039; Cici Wynn, President
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) CANCER/ BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS HADASSAH.SLO
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER & VICTIM WITNESS 543.1481 ext. 3 for information 543.9452
PROGRAM 781.5821 CAREGIVERS OF AGING PARENTS WOMEN’S NETWORK, SLO
547.3830 (AG); 927.4290 (Cambria); 546.3727 www.womenslo.org
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 239.1313, 226.8669 (PR);
A.D.A.P.T. (AID IN DIVORCE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS TODAY)
543.0388
547.3830 (SLO)
ENDOMETRIOSIS ASSOCIATION
OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS
CENTRAL COAST PEACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
ALZHEIMER/DEMENTIA RESOURCE CENTER www.endometriosisassn.org 544.3399 or 783.2383
434.3061 or 534.9234 or 800.443.1236 EOC HEALTH SERVICES CLINICS COMPASSION & CHOICES (FORMERLY HEMLOCK SOCIETY)
CALL–CONCERNED AGORAPHOBICS LEARNING TO LIVE no or low cost reproductive health services 434.1883 or 489.5481
543.3764 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande) FRIENDS OF OCEANO
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS (CODA) HEALTHWORKS OF THE CENTRAL COAST 474.9094; fax 805.474.9096
542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) no or low cost reproductive health services SLO GREEN PARTY
927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County) 787.0100 (SLO), 773.4500 (PISMO), http://www.slo.greens.org 544.1580
COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER 610.8865 (ATASCADERO)
543.7969 LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN SERVICES OF SLO COUNTY
EATING DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUP 772.3059
546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO LYMPHEDEMA EDUCATION & SUPPORT GROUP
HOSPICE OF SLO COUNTY 2nd Monday, 4:00-5:00 pm
(inc. miscarriage/stillbirth support) 782-9300 for info Please send additions, corrections or deletions to:
544.2266 or 434.1164 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUPS editors@womenspress-slo.org or leave a message
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING (LIFESPAN) 466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton) at the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 4/29/05.
free, trained in-home counseling for 60+ 481.7424, 473.1714 (Arroyo Grande)
549.0150 544.1342 (SLO)

Women’s Press May/June 2005 eMail the editors: editors@womenspress-slo.org Page 15

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Back talk
What can you do to make a relationship last?

MEG MEDONIS
PHOTOS BY
Jessie Clarke, Music Audrey Hensley, married Jim Hensley, married Agnes Sanaguan Duane Stainbrook
Lab Guitar School for 62 years to Jim for 62 years to Audrey Cal Poly sophomore, Cal Poly Staff
Manager “She is always right.” starring as “Kailin”, in “I don’t argue with my
“You give him his way.”
“Forgive a lot.” the movie “Leave It to wife at all. Last time I
hance.” said something, it cost
“Compromise.” me $300.”

Next issue’s question: What ignites your creativity?

Send your thought to : Women’s Press - Back talk, Women’s Community Center • 880 Industrial Way • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
or managing-editor@womenspress-slo.org with “Balk talk” in the subject line.

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