New San Luis Obispo County Arts Council leader takes reins

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• Arts Obispo to move offices

  Arts Obispo to move offices

  The SLO County Arts Council, also known as Arts Obispo, is moving into a space owned by the city of San Luis Obispo as a way to reduce overhead and increase programming in the face of diminished funding. It will lose its gallery but will collaborate with other organizations and venues to maintain a full roster of events.

  The San Luis Obispo City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a one-year lease agreement for a 600-square-foot office at the Ludwick Community Center at 1123 Mill St. The rent is $1,294 per year, which is the estimated annual cost of utilities for the office.

  The nonprofit council, with a budget of $226,000 for 2011-12, has been paying $1,900 per month for rent at its approximately 1,300-square-foot office and gallery space at the Creamery in downtown San Luis Obispo.

• Tribune announces Top 20 Under 40 award winners

  Tribune announces Top 20 Under 40 award winners

  A group of San Luis Obispo County’s best and brightest leaders have been selected as this year’s Top 20 Under 40 award winners.

  Now in its seventh year, The Tribune’s competition honors the accomplishments and achievements of young women and men under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their professions and commitment to community service. To be eligible, nominees must have lived and worked in San Luis Obispo County year-round.

  More than 100 entries were submitted online at www.sanluisobispo.com, and a review panel from the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation selected the winners at The Tribune’s request.

• Grace Mitchell, former Cuesta College president, dies at 78

  Grace Mitchell, former Cuesta College president, dies at 78

  Grace N. Mitchell, Cuesta College’s president from 1989 to 1999, died March 19 after a period of failing health. She was 78.

  Known for her sharp academic mind, results-driven organizational skills, a warm smile and sense of humor, Mitchell succeeded Frank Martinez as the college’s third president-superintendent.

  During her tenure, she oversaw growth in Cuesta College’s enrollment from about 7,500 to more than 9,100, a staffing increase from 260 to 400 and a rise in the college’s annual budget from $20 million to about $35 million.

• Wine with art? It’s a perfect pairing at ‘First Saturdays’ in Paso

  Wine with art? It’s a perfect pairing at ‘First Saturdays’ in Paso

  A prominent county arts organization is reaching out to North County art lovers. On Jan. 7, Arts Obispo launches “First Saturdays: Wine and the Arts,” a monthly art walk featuring stops at a handful of Paso Robles galleries and wineries. The program builds on previous wine-and-arts events organized by Studios on the Park and other businesses.

  “We’re so thrilled to be extending our reach north of The Grade,” said Jenna Hartzell, program director for Arts Obispo, or, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council.

  According to Sasha Irving, programs director at Studios on the Park, Paso Robles tasting rooms have been hosting arts events for a few years. Her organization became involved in November 2010.

• Cuesta honors 4 accomplished alums

  Cuesta honors 4 accomplished alums

  Cuesta College will focus special attention Friday on its 2012 honored alumni at the spring semester’s opening day ceremony.

  The alumni awards, established in 1989, are meant to recognize former Cuesta students who have significant professional achievements or contributions to the community.

  Here’s a look at this year’s recipients: