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Police in San Luis Obispo County are hoping the public can help them identify those responsible for shooting two Arabian horses at the Varian Arabians horse ranch in Arroyo Grande, Calif., last Wednesday night.

Ranch staff discovered the two wounded mares in their pasture early Thursday. Both animals sustained gunshot wounds, said San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Rob Bryn. One mare was euthanized at the scene. The other is undergoing treatment at a nearby equine medical center.

The shootings appear to be deliberate, Bryn said. He declined to disclose further details.If caught, those responsible could face felony animal cruelty charges and penalties including significant jail time.

Anyone with information about the incident should visit the San Luis Obispo County CrimeStoppers Web site or call CrimeStopers at 805/549-STOP (7867). All tips are confidential.- TheHorse.com

Nationally known sustainable food expert Michael Pollan will now be part of a panel discussion at Cal Poly on Oct. 15 rather than giving his planned one-hour lecture. The recently announced format change comes on the heels of a letter to Cal Poly President Warren Baker from Harris Ranch Beef Company Chairman David E. Wood, threatening to withdraw a pledged $500,000 donation for a new meat processing facility on the campus. - New Times SLO

The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is a collaboration of over 100 purveyors of award-winning foods and wines plus exhibitors highlighting innovative products and services. Local chefs and farmers will be serving delicious one-of-a-kind dishes based on locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, olive oils, and more.

This event provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy unlimited samples of local cuisine, while meeting the growers who grow great wines and foods and nurture a healthy environment.

Complimenting the great food, wine, and exhibits will be live entertainment and dancing, a silent auction, a commemorative wine glass, and a tote filled with earth-friendly products.

Come and enjoy a unique and intimate celebration held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Ticket sales are limited to 500 and advance
reservations are highly recommended.

The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is a benefit event to support farmworker outreach and sustainable ag research conducted by the Central Coast Vineyard Team.

The Art Café has had a constant buzz around it ever since Oprah Winfrey called the shop’s curried chicken sandwich the best sandwich she had ever tasted in 2004.

Owners Donna and Jayme Nozzi say they continue to get daily visitors from around the world who are curious about the quirky San Luis Obispo eatery and its signature menu items. The Arroyo Grande couple purchased the cafe from original owner Margaux Sky, who has since released her own cookbook and continues to pursue other culinary ventures.

...Today’s menu pays tribute to its Oprah fame by now calling the curried chicken sandwich the "O." Tribune staffer Sally Buffalo opted for the "O" ($8.95) to see if it is worth the hype.

Served on grilled white pepper Jack bread, it’s filled with curried chicken, sliced almonds, shredded carrots, diced tomatoes and spring greens. The delectable sandwich was overstuffed, forcing Sally to use a fork and knife — something she didn’t anticipate when I told her we were visiting a sandwich shop. - SanLuisObispo.com