The Natural Alternative: 2022 Reset

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Sue Gibson, CSA, MBA

(415) 656-6869 sue@slgseniorcare.com www.SLGSeniorCare.com

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With the start of a new year and the cold weather settling in, our bodies seem to be a little more sluggish, we’re more prone to colds and flu, and reaching your weight loss goals is becoming more difficult. What can you do to “jump start” your body into health and wellness (and weight loss) for the New Year?

There’s no better way to jumpstart your way to a healthier new you than with a whole-body cleanse. From Thanksgiving through the New Year festivities, we tend to indulge in sugary foods and drinks, leaving us feeling bloated, cranky, and maybe a few pounds heavier!

Why Cleanse? Your liver, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal-tract, and skin all work to eliminate toxins that you take in from the environment as well as toxins made internally. Toxins can come from many sources: foods that have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hormones injected into livestock and poultry; chemicals and synthetic fragrances used in common household cleaners and personal care products; air pollution caused by burning of fossil fuels in cars and power plants; and treated wastewater that Dlows into rivers, lakes, and streams that contain unwanted pollutants. How many foods consisting of white flour, sugar, and bleached oils do you consume weekly? Just about everything boxed or packaged, including fast food, falls into this category. Think about it— doesn’t it make sense that your liver can become tired, and your intestinal tract can become toxic over time? This can lead to constipation, fatigue, skin problems, headaches, sleep problems, digestive difficulties... and the list goes on!

After the New Year I was feeling fatigued and sluggish, had horrible sugar cravings, and suffering from skin hives. The 21 Day Cleanse sounded like just what I needed. I was NOT hungry, my energy returned, and my hives cleared up in a week! I have lost a total of 27 lbs.! Thank you! ~RW

Successful Weight Loss: If you feel a need for a structured detox and weight loss program, ask about our 10, 21, and 28-Day Standard Process Detox & Weight Loss Programs, with a proven track record of weight loss, improved mental clarity, deeper sleep, clearer skin, and better energy! These programs receive rave reviews and are truly the best way to jump-start a healthy lifestyle. Call Bobbi or ask a friendly team member for more information!

Wishing a happy, healthy new year to all our special customers!

Bobbi Conner, CNC, ACN, MH @ Natural Alternative

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

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A Look Back & A Vision Forward for2022

By Heather Moreno, Mayor of Atascadero

When asked about my vision as we move into 2022, I inevitably reflect on what’s brought us to where we are today. I met a gentleman recently who moved here 18 months ago for his job. When I asked what he liked most about Atascadero, he spoke about the friendliness of everyone he meets. Then he said, “I really like the Sunken Gardens and City Hall.”

What made both of those possible were Councils willing to take risks. City Hall was, in essence, mothballed for seven years before the 2009/2010 Council committed to a $30+ million renovation. Sunken Gardens was aging and uninviting before the 2005/2006 Council decided to restore it as a centerpiece of our downtown.

Last year I received rave reviews from residents and folks Countywide about how much improvement they’ve seen in Atascadero the past two years. But think about it. How can so much enthusiasm be felt when for 22 of those 24 months, we dealt with COVID? It’s because this momentum was in the works for over a decade.

The Council in 2009 guaranteed a loan to get Galaxy Theatre, and Colony Square started. I’m pleased to have served the last nine years with Councils that moved forward with selling and incentivizing use of the Creekside building (now with Wild Fields Brewhouse, BridgeWorks Co-working, and more), building the Centennial Plaza, approving La Plaza, and constructing the adjacent public square, building the Zoo Garden Event Center, and bringing signature and community events to our downtown.

It took work and investment, over many years, by the City, private individuals, and developers, and small business owners for Atascadero to look on the outside how we envisioned it long ago. And while we’ve made substantial progress, there’s always more that can and needs to be done.

In 2021, through a process of numerous community-wide virtual meetings, discovery, collaboration, and taking all the input into account, our City Council and Staff developed our 2021-2022 Strategic and Action Plans, identifying strategic priorities and goals.

This community collaboration revealed that we must continue to focus on making Atascadero’s downtown area a thriving city center where community members and visitors want to come. Our vision embraces assisting in the development of new restaurants and investing in infrastructure to increase pedestrian safety, walkability, and access downtown. We must enhance broadband infrastructure throughout town, including continued involvement in regional efforts to improve broadband access to residents and businesses. Through sustained focus, determination, and follow-through, we will achieve a reimagined downtown that is a safe and inviting location for residents and visitors, as well as a welcoming and productive business and work environment.

We continue to place a top priority on ensuring public safety and providing exceptional services to our community. This includes having resources to locate, hire and retain high-quality staffing, which can be accomplished with more competitive staff salaries and benefits. The City also established an Outreach for Underrepresented Residents (OUR) Team and is continuing our successful partnerships with community service organizations such as ECHO, Community LINK, and the School District.

One of the primary attractions of living in our community is quality of life. Atascadero is all about being a small, welcoming community of wonderful, caring individuals. We are Atascadero, where everybody knows your name and is willing to lend a hand. The Council is committed to preserving and enhancing what makes Atascadero so special by embracing our warm, friendly atmosphere and building on our sense of community. We believe this will be achieved by providing attractions, open spaces, outdoor interactions, and a variety of things to do for all.

Lastly, we also need to be a place where people can live and work. Placing attention on maximizing the resources along our business corridor, incentivizing property owners and developers, and attracting quality businesses to Atascadero is a long-term effort that can bring about a cohesive use of our seven-mile stretch to maximize the benefits to both property owners and the public.

Our community is already a place where there is more: more to do, more places to shop, more things to see, and more reasons “to be” in Atascadero. My personal vision is that the days and years to come will truly be the best of times for Atascadero. I firmly believe that the key toward the gains we have made and the successes we will achieve is having a focused vision with everyone working in concert toward achieving our goals. With that, we are unstoppable. 

Across the country on January 9, citizens take the lead on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities and for that we are deeply grateful.

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18 | atascaderomagazine.com

Calendar of Calendar of JANUARY

EVENTS

DUE TO COVID-19 ALL EVENTS ARE TENTATIVE AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL AHEAD OR CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE DETAILS.

JAN. 1

AVILA BEACH POLAR BEAR PLUNGE/DIP

AVILA BEACH PIER & PROMENADE TIME: 12:00 p Dip | 11:30 a Pictures DETAILS: 10th Annual dip into freezing waters of Avila Beach. Join in the fun of fitness, nature, and a new year!

JAN. 15

ATASCADERO’S 6TH ANNUAL TAMALE FESTIVAL

SUNKEN GARDENS, ATASCADERO TIME: 11:00 a - 7:00 p DETAILS: FREE! Over 25 Tamale Vendors will be on site, as well as, a variety of entertainment for all ages!

JAN. 23

ABIGEL KRALIK VIOLIN RECITAL

TEMPLETON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TIME: 2:00 -4:00 p DETAILS: Hungarian-American violinist Abigel Kralik performs live! Visit festivalmozaic.org for tickets.

FEB. 4 - 5

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

PAVILION ON THE LAKE, ATASCADERO TIME: Fri. 6:30 -9:30 p ( Ages 11 and under) | Sat. 7:00 - 10:00 p (12 & up) DETAILS: Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, or anyone with a special girl is invited to spend a semiformal evening full of music, dancing, refreshments & more! Go to visitatascadero.com/events for more details.

Stay up on all the events and happenings in North San Luis Obispo County!

SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS TO: office@13starsmedia.com

JAN. 27

VIRTUAL ART AND CRAFT SERIES

ATASCADERO’S SWEETHEART STROLL

PASO ROBLES LIBRARY TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 p DETAILS: Create January’s cross-stick robin in a winter garden. Register before Jan. 13. Call (805) 237-3870 to register.

FEB. 11

DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 p DETAILS: Stroll with a wine glass, over 15 different tasting spots while enjoying bands, entertainment and more!

North CouNty Farmer’s markets

TUESDAYS

PASO ROBLES

11TH & SPRING STREET TIME: 9:00 - 11:30 a

WEDNESDAYS

ATASCADERO

SUNKEN GARDENS TIME: 3:00 - 6:00 p

SATURDAYS

TEMPLETON

6TH & CROCKER TIME: 9:00 a - 12:30 p

Clark Guest

LIVING PROOF THAT ADDICTION CAN BE OVERCOME

By Camille DeVaul

For years, Clark Guest struggled with substance abuse. His battle started while in junior college, playing basketball in Fullerton in the early 80s, and didn’t stop until he was thrown into jail for the last time in 1999.

Clark attributes becoming sober to something much bigger than himself, “When I was in jail at that moment, I was able to get on my knees and accept Jesus Christ in my life. On December 1, I have been saved for 22 years, and for 22 years, I have been clean and sober.”

Soon, Clark found his way and was able to put his life back together. For over 18 years, he dedicated his life to helping people manage their substance abuse. Specifically, he worked as the coordinator of the San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services Adult Drug Court Program—a treatment program for nonviolent defendants that allows a second chance rather than incarceration.

In November 2021, Clark retired from SLO County after 15 years and moved to Idaho. Making a move there was something he and his wife had been planning for years. Originally, he planned to move after 20 years with SLO County and retire in Idaho, but earlier this year, they decided why wait.

Although Clark has retired from his position in SLO County, he isn’t done helping people recover. He is currently working as a clinical supervisor for the Lake City Counseling Center based in Hayden, Idaho, and overseas programs in Hayden and Post Falls.

It hasn’t taken Clark much time to adjust to his new life, “I’ve got my sights on being able to develop a juvenile drug court program up here. I’ve already identified some gaps, and my new boss Jennifer is amazing, and her husband, Ben. I’m sort of off and running. Doing many of the same things I was doing down there.”

He continues, “I’m really enjoying it now. The people are wonderful, the clinics are wonderful. I’ve hit the ball rolling.”

In his new position, Clark works on mental health, and substance abuse treatment programs in adults and adolescents, including a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for the Post Falls clinic. Working closely with youth is new for Clark, but he says he’s learning quickly.

While in SLO County, Clark was known for his ability to understand the real struggles of substance abuse and develop effective programs, “When I became supervisor, I was able to develop programs because I definitely had a knowledge of what works for the people that are suffering.”

Clark’s road to recovery is a well-known one, and for a good reason. He isn’t afraid to share his journey, and he is living proof that addiction can be overcome.

For nearly two decades, Clark lived two lives. Half of him was a star athlete with a full-ride scholarship to Cal Poly and then a firefighter for Vandenburg Air Force Base (VAFB) with top-secret clearance. The other half was committing petty theft crimes to keep up with his drug habits.

His addiction took a turn for the worse after a spring break trip in Mexico. After a night of heavy drinking, Clark’s friend died after falling off a steep cliff. Mexican authorities threw Clark and his friends in jail on murder charges. Thanks to a friend’s family member, Clark was let go and sent back to SLO. Later, Clark dropped out of school and then discovered meth while working at VAFB.

Clark didn’t decide to work on his addiction until he was arrested in 1996 for forging a check at a bank in Arroyo Grande. Stolen property was then discovered on his property. He faced felony charges and up to 30 years behind bars—he pleaded guilty and served six months in jail before finding treatment through the Adult Drug Court.

“The struggle for mental illness and substance abuse is real. Be the light in somebody’s darkness— If I didn’t go to prison, I would be dead by now,” says Clark.

When asked which clients stood out to Clark through his years, he says it was “The ones that were severely institutionalized and able to step away and don’t go back to prison or jail and are able to have families. In turn, they get involved with the recovery community and end up helping people that are still struggling.”

Of his time in SLO County, Clark says, “When I was working directly with clients, all the different lives that I was honored to be in touch with and help guide people onto the right track and help step away from the destructive nature of opiates—I was able to leave a legacy behind me with the County, which is really cool.”

Clark fully attributes his recovery to finding religion and looks forward to hopefully sharing that light with others in Idaho, “It [recovery] was hard work but not as hard work as keeping my addiction going, keeping the two different lifestyles going. And that’s one of the first things we tied in up here was a religious group. We’ve been looking to make this move for a while, and everything just fell into place.” 