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LOCAL NEWS ... BEACH VIEWS • DECEMBER 2023

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Annual Santa’s Doggie Parade

POINT SAN LUIS

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2 | Avila Beach Life — DECEMBER 2023

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Content Editor Camille DeVaul

Copy editor Michael Chaldu

LAYOUT DEsIGN Anthony Atkins

Ad Design Jen Rodman

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Administrator

Cami Martin office@13starsmedia.com

Contributors Mary Foppiano Betty Hartig Kathy Mastako Rick Cohen John Salisbury Barbie Butz Maria Murrietta

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Making Communities Better Through Print™

Happy Holidays

s we approach the season of Winter Solstice, we are reminded of the profound wisdom contained within the Native American Solstice Blessing: “May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken, and true, brings faith to your soul and well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence, find rest, and may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.” In the midst of the bustling holiday festivities that surround us, it is all too easy to overlook the ancient and sacred traditions of the Winter Solstice. Yet, this celestial event holds a significance that transcends the modern customs of gift-giving and merry-making. It marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, symbolizing the birth of the new solar year, known as Yuletide. — Neil Gaiman Here on the Central Coast, where our winters are mild and inviting, we are blessed with the opportunity to embrace the season’s spirit in the open air. Whether you find solace in a leisurely stroll along the coast, savor the delights of local dining, or partake in all the festivities, this is a time to connect with the natural world around us. All of us here, we hold a deep appreciation for the traditions and rituals associated with each season. My husband’s Swedish heritage has instilled in us a love for the customs that accompany the winter season, and the Winter Solstice holds a special place in our hearts. It is a time when cultures worldwide come together to celebrate with fire and light on the darkest day of the year. Throughout history, many cultures have observed the Winter Solstice in various ways, leaving their mark on the modern holidays we cherish today. From the decorating of evergreen trees to the exchange of heartfelt gifts, these age-old traditions continue to shape our holiday celebrations.

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As Winter Solstice approaches on Thursday, December 21, we invite you to embrace the magic of this season. Let us remember that beyond the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this month holds a wealth of significance. It is a time to spread love and warmth, to connect with family and friends, and to extend acts of kindness to those around us. May the Yuletide season bring you joy, hope, and a sense of renewal as we journey into the new year. Let us honor the traditions of old and find solace in the promise of brighter days ahead. Wishing you a blessed Winter Solstice and a joyful holiday season. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Avila Beach Life.

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Making Communities Better Through Print™

Foundation News and Views

Rick Cohen

avila beach foundation

reetings, fellow Avilones. Well, here we are, on the threshold of another Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve. Let the chaos begin! If you have driven by, or to, Costco, Target, Walmart, etc., it feels like holiday gift shopping has already switched into high gear. Traffic is heavy, parking lots are filled, and checkout lines are long. I keep reading about the dire economy, but that sure doesn’t seem to be the case here in SLO County. I’m already feeling the pressure that comes with selecting the right presents for family and friends. Maybe I’ll just take a very long December nap and wake up in January when things have calmed down (haha). You may recall some of my past columns where I shared with you the good deeds of organizations supported by the Avila Beach Community Foundation through our grant-making initiatives. One of those organizations is Operation

Surf, with its mission of empowering wounded veterans and active-duty military personnel through the healing power of the ocean, surfing, and community here in Avila Beach. Operation Surf has touched many lives, and often hears back from clients who have benefited from their services. I recently received from Operation Surf Executive Director Amanda Curaza the copy of a letter of gratitude from a veteran participant of theirs, which I would like to share with you. “Anonymous” wrote, “I got out of the Navy 14 years ago with a dark stain of trauma. Since then, I have been hiding and maneuvering to be invisible, due to the painful effects of PTSD and its compulsion to avoid being seen or noticed. The resulting isolation and shame ultimately seduces the mind to think suicide seems to be the only solution. So, finally, to be seen in a true way amongst the ‘OpSurfers’ and now accepted as I am is freeing.This witnessing allowed me to release the burden of the dark thoughts of isolation. Operation Surf created an environment where I felt that I mattered, and I came to know it. The gift of 14 years of trauma being washed away by this experience is truly priceless!” For me, the most fulfilling part of my job is knowing that the financial support we provide the community does indeed make a huge difference. Operation Surf is just one example. If you want to view for yourself the range of grants we’ve awarded in the past, check out the foundation’s website at avilabeachfounda-

tion.org. Click on the tab “Grant Info,” then” Past grantees.” One of the historically cherished landmarks in Avila Beach is the famed Avila Pier, which has been closed for several years following damage to the pilings and structure during repeated storms of recent years. Repair work is underway, and the Port San Luis Harbor District and its fundraising arm, Friends of Avila Pier continue to seek funds to complete the job. I am pleased to report that our foundation trustees recently voted to approve a $5,000 contribution towards this effort. If you are interested in donating to the cause, visit AvilaPier.org and click on the “donate” tab. Speaking of the Avila Pier, I am also pleased to report that we are working with the Harbor District to replace the current drinking foundation at the restrooms near the foot of the pier with a more environmentally sensitive alternative. Thanks to the generosity of one of our foundation’s donor-advised funds, the Richard and Kathleen Zacky Family Fund, a new hydration system that includes a water bottle refilling station will soon be installed. Hopefully, this wi3 ll result in fewer disposable water bottles making their way into the trash heap. Many folks in our community like to stay abreast of what’s happening with the Diablo Canyon Power Plant operational exten-

sion plans. We recently received the following update from Eric Daniels, from PG&E Public Policy and External Affairs for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties: “In September of last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 846 (Dodd) into law, which directed PG&E to pursue the extended operations of the clean energy facility that generates 2,200 megawatts of baseline electricity, providing approximately 17 percent of California’s zero-carbon electricity supply and 8.6 percent of the state’s total electricity supply. Lawmakers took this step to ensure statewide electrical reliability and to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The NRC will now determine whether our application is sufficient. If the NRC staff finds the LRA acceptable, we would be approved to continue operating past our current operating licenses while the NRC reviews the application. The federal review of our license renewal application is a multi-year review process with opportunities for public involvement.” Well, the time has come for a final farewell. My 15-year tenure as the Avila Beach Community Foundation executive director ends on Dec. 31, and this is my last column. So, I leave you with my usual closing, “that’s it for now, fellow Avilones, see you at the beach.” I know you will welcome my able successor, Rick Rowe, as he leads the foundation towards the future.

Stress Free Investing = Happy Holidays! Lots of things cause a bit of stress in our lives— heavy traffic, trying to get to the airport on time, not doing something one’s wife wants one to do, etc. Two things in life that may cause heavy stress are debt and risk. Generally, I assume most of you who are reading this don’t have a lot of debt beyond a mortgage. So that leaves the stress of investing. From the end of the Great Recession until the last year or so, it has been impossible to invest in a low risk way and make a decent return. US Govt and corporate bonds were paying 0.25% - 3%. CDs paid less than 0.5%, One had to load up on stocks or junk bonds to make money. One’s picture of retiring with a no risk income from one’s investments was a dream gone bad. That nightmare has ended. A while back I read an article about “stress-free” investing. It got me to thinking about my clients’ and my own investments. If one is stressing over one’s money, then one should make adjustments. Stress-free investing means allocating funds such that you can sleep easily at night, while still earning, or having the potential to earn, solid returns that may even beat the regular stock markets. In my experience, most retirees don’t care if they make 15 or 20%. Earning 6% or a potential 7-8% (or more) with few worries makes a happy stress-less retirement. Rising interest rates have now made risk free (or low risk) “Structured Outcome”* investments that link gains to the major stock market indexes the “greatest thing since sliced bread.” These investments have the potential to earn as much as 11%-16%/year with no or reduced** stock market risk.^ Fixed accounts now pay as much as 6.6% yearly simple interest guaranteed for up to 5 years.^ For each of these, 100% of one’s dollars go into the investment to earn interest. It couldn’t be simpler to derisk your investments, make reasonable returns, and not pay your money manager any more fees. I believe the next 5-7 years are going to be challenging in the stock and bond markets due to the excesses of the past few years. We all know “there’s no free lunch” and, eventually, the bill is paid. Give yourself a Christmas present and destress your investments so your “bill” is covered. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all. *https://tacticaladvisoryservices.com/structured-outcomes; ^Rates may change at any time. Based on the claims paying ability of the insuring company. **Buffered accounts may provide up to 20% protection from index declines while also allowing for 100% participation in the index chosen. Please refer to a product prospectus for specific information on costs, crediting methods, current rates, limitations, and buffer protections.

A New Paradigm. A New Way of Investing.

Thomas B. Paine Paine Financial Services

www.PaineFinancialServices.com 6627-A Bay Laurel Place (Avila Village) Avila Beach, CA 93424 (805) 473-6679

Rules Based Investing for all stock market conditions Advisory Services and Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc. member FINRA and SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and registered investment advisor. Paine Financial Services, Jackson National Life, and Centaurus Financial Inc. are not affiliated. Supervisory branch office: 1186 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420; (805) 473-6670

Join Us For a Roundtable Dinner Please join me and a special guest at our next event in January for an excellent dinner and beverage on us while we discuss current stock/bond/ real estate markets and avoiding taxes. Questions and comments welcome.

Some possible topics:

• The new paradigm of high interest rates. • Structured accounts and how they eliminate stock market risk. • Critical questions to ask one’s advisor. • Ideas to reduce taxes and avoid taxation when selling rentals. • How I invest my and my clients’ money now.

Reservations are Required. Will be a conversation, not a seminar. Private event exclusive to 8 guests. Investing not allowed at this event. For those with investable assets over $250,000. Certain Investments require one to be an accredited investor.

4 | Avila Beach Life — DECEMBER 2023

Making Communities Better Through Print™

A View From the Beach

Mary Foppiano

Avila Beach Civic Association

Hi All:

It really does take a village to take care of all of us. After never spending any time in a hospital since I had my son, Chris, I just spent four days at French Hospital last week. The staff was great, but I thought I would bounce back immediately … oops, not so much. My neighbors made chicken soups, picked up my mail, ran errands, did all the grocery shopping, visited me every day, and picked me up when I was discharged after waiting three hours later. It has been a tough couple

of weeks, but I am more fortunate than many because my husband Jimmy and my two puppies Rudy and Bugz take such good care of me and I have health insurance and good doctors and I was able to recruit four dogs for Santa’s Doggie Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, I just never stop talking about our little furry friends, even while in the hospital. To walk in Santa’s Doggie Parade, all dogs must be registered and checked in in front of the Old Custom House. Registration and check in is 10 to 11 a.m. and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. All participants will be judged for Best Costume, Best Dog/Owner LookAlike, Best Holiday Theme, Funniest, and Best in Show. Each participant will receive a doggie treat bag from Petco Arroyo Grande and will entertain all who come to watch. Bill Ziegler will again play holiday music and hopefully “How Much is that Doggie in the Window.” Please contact me at (805) 627-1997 or avilabeachcc@gmail.com with any questions and to get involved or check out our website avilabeachcc.

By MARY FOPPIANO

oey is a 2-1/2-year-old Miniature Schnauzer who lives with her family, Matt and Cheryl Matter, in San Luis Bay Estates. Zoey loves living in Avila! She can often be seen walking down Front Street or on the Bob Jones Trail, where she loves meeting up with her doggie friends like Buddy, Cali, and many others. Her favorite Avila activities are running on the beach, chasing after a ball, and enjoying the unique smells the ocean offers. No visit to Avila is complete without dropping by Matt and Cheryl’s son’s apartment in town for some treats. Be sure to say “hi” if you see Zoey around town!

NEXT MONTH’S PET OF THE MONTH

Please send your pictures and a short paragraph about your pet to avilabeachcc@gmail.com Thanks, and introduce us to your furry friend next month!

No event can be put on without our terrific volunteers, and we are very fortunate that ours are so loyal! With the increase in COVID, I want to remind you that the San Luis Obispo Public Health Department gave us 100 COVID-19 test kits for distribution to members of our community. If you are interested in picking up any of these test kits, please let me know so you can pick them up in our office. Lastly, I am recommending that you pick up People Magazine’s Nov. 20 Sexiest Man Alive issue. Besides, there are a number of interesting articles; the best is “A Wave of Healing — Surfing for Veterans with PTSD.” Former pro server Van Curaza began sharing his talents with veterans in 2008 and now works with his wife Amanda, running Operation Surf in Avila Beach. Over the years, Van has helped over 2,000 veterans whose physical and psychological injuries have upended their lives. He said in the article, “The ocean is the place we go to help bring people together, to build a community, to heal and to develop new tools for living.”

Community Spotlight

FURRY SPOTLIGHT

Pet of the Month

com. See you with Santa on Dec. 9! The Avila Beach Civic Association Board is hosting its annual meeting and potluck at the Community Center on Friday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. At our October Spaghetti Dinner/ Bingo Night, we had many volunteers who made our event a big success. Our wonderful volunteers consisted of: Madison Fenske, Mary Janowicz, Andrea Brown, Jocelyn Williams, Jeri LaMarca, Board Vice-President Raul Cavazos, Board President Robin WeedBrown, Board Member John Janowicz, Richard Dodder, Jimmy Foppiano, Local Entertainer Bill Ziegler, Mary Chie, Noah Searcy, Elliott O’Neal, Sandy Keller, Deborah Keller, Board Member Mary Matakovich, Mandi George, Joey Geroge, Jasper George, Cheryl Stepaniak, Board Treasurer Jim LaMarca, and Board Secretary Tom Sparks. In addition, Bimbo Bakery, Trader Joe’s SLO, and Costco continue to donate to our event. Pismo Coast Village gave us a two-night stay gift certificate, which was won by Cheryl Matter, Zoey’s pet mommy (see below).

By MARIA MURRIETTA Program Education Specialist UC Cooperative Extension San Luis Obispo County

he UC Master gardner Program of San Luis Obispo County offers research-based information on home gardening practices to local residents. The mission of this statewide program is to extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California. Locally, the program has 114 trained and certified volunteers who live throughout SLO County. These active volunteers have logged more than 8,000 volunteer hours and over 1,300 continuing education hours in 2023. Volunteer hours are focused on community outreach. Outreach activities include free monthly workshops, a garden helpline, YouTube videos, newspaper articles and information tables at farmers markets and other events. Volunteers also manage a demonstration garden in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo and a Victory Garden in Oceano. These gardens provide hands-on opportunities for the volunteers to learn and teach the public a variety of skills needed to successfully manage home landscapes and grow their own food. Only proven sustainable methods that protect wildlife and natural resources, such as water and soil, are demonstrated. Community partnerships play a key role in helping the program diversify its reach and impact in the county. Collaborations with local veterans’ organizations have led to vegetable garden workshops for military veterans. Most recently, a new collaboration with Restorative Partners involves four volunteers beginning garden mentorships at the Juvenile Services Center in San Luis Obispo. Other collaborations include workshops for seniors through the Parks and Recreation department, service projects with 4H youth, and Pots to Plates, a local group of young individuals who create and sell succulent arrangements to raise money for the SLO County Food Bank. UC Master Gardener volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and bring

A member of the Master Gardeners wheels out some products from the garden. Contributed Photo

unique skills, knowledge, and experiences to the program. Volunteers include working parents and grandparents; retired teachers, attorneys, engineers, and school administrators; nurses; military veterans; landscape designers; and small business owners. Continuing education ensures the program stays up-to-date on topics most pressing in the county and California. Volunteers take what they learn and share the information with the public through various outreach efforts. Continuing education comes in many forms, including presentations from subject matter experts from Cal Fire, Cal Poly, and the University of California. On a recent field trip, volunteers met with Battalion Chief Paul

Lee, who explained the elements of what makes a landscape fire-wise. Volunteers also receive timely alerts and educational materials on invasive pests, such as the Asian citrus psyllid and the recent fruit fly quarantines, from the SLO County Agriculture Department and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Volunteers are lifelong learners who provide a valuable service to San Luis Obispo County residents. To learn more about the UC Master Gardener Program, visit ucanr.edu/sites/ mgslo/. You can subscribe to their blog and YouTube Channel or join the email list to receive monthly updates about program activities and upcoming events.

DECEMBER 2023 — Avila Beach Life | 5

Making Communities Better Through Print™

kathy mastako

Board Of Directors Point San Luis Lighthouse Keeper

eeper Henry Young and his wife Mercedes have been hard at work getting the keeper’s cottage ready for the holidays. Young, born in England in 1838, remembers well the drawing published in the Illustrated London News when he was 10, depicting Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children gathered around the Christmas tree. He will continue this tradition with his own family for their first Christmas celebrated at Point San Luis. It’s December 1890, and the cottage is decked, inside and out, with seasonal decorations in the Victorian manner. Keeper Young had long ago left Great Britain and sailed to America, but his relatives back in Manchester occasionally ship him Cassell’s Family Magazine. He saves these magazines, and shares them with his family. The articles about Christmas are particularly instructive: To bring about a general feeling of enjoyment, much depends on the surroundings…it is worth while to bestow some little trouble on the decoration of the rooms. Have plenty of shining holly, and laurel too, and don’t omit the mistletoe… Flowers brighten up a room wonderfully, and should you have enough to spare, I would advocate the American plan of making bells and balls of flowers to hang beneath chandeliers and over doors… See that there is an abundance of Christmas literature about…Be sure that your hearth burns brightly…An abundance of crackers and bon-bons add to the general fun…Everybody likes presents, and presents are inseparably connected with the season… Christmas-trees, which the Prince Consort introduced among us nearly forty years ago, have established their fame…hang the tree itself with beads and glittering balls brilliantly lighted, and set the presents round the table well wrapped up… — Ardern Holt, 1881 edition The Keeper is whittling a ship—a Christmas ship — about two feet long; presents for his four children will be concealed in the hold. He’s skilled at whittling and, having been a mariner before becoming a lighthouse keeper, he has a fondness for all things nautical. For Christmas Day, he may propose a Shakespearian reading in front of the fire in the parlor, encouraging his family to study their parts beforehand and read carefully. Mrs. Young has been fretting, as she always does, about the Christmas dinner. Again, Cassell’s provides some guidance: With regard to plum pudding, I think the chief fault, especially where there are children, is that too great an effort is made to make it as rich as possible. It no more follows that the richest pudding is the best than that you would improve hot ba-

An 1890 Christmas at Point San Luis

caption. Contributed Photo

The table is set for the head keeper’s Christmas feast at Point San Luis. The table will be pulled out from the wall and two chairs added so the whole Young family can dine together. Contributed Photo

con by buttering it… Mince pies are generally made a day or two beforehand, and cooks sometimes forget what a long time they take in getting hot enough. A mince pie to be worth anything must be hot enough to burn your mouth… — A. G. Payne, 1881 edition She will make boiled turkey with oyster sauce for the feast, using not tinned oysters but fresh ones right from the sea. She would like to end the meal with some Stilton cheese and some fresh crisp celery, but it’s not to be had. The Youngs are quite hospitable, and warmly welcome the many visitors who arrive at the light station. The station’s guest book, which Young initiated, records the steady stream of people eager to see this brand-new light station. And the Keeper is quite familiar with the guidance provided by the Lighthouse Establishment: Keepers must be courteous and polite to all visitors…and show them everything of interest about the station at such times as it will not interfere with their lighthouse duties…Keepers must not make any charge, nor receive any fee, for admit-

ting visitors to light-houses… — Instructions to Light-Keepers, July 1881 So, during the Christmas season, Young will dip into the Christmas bowl whenever he’s not tending to the light or fog signal, and offer those who visit a glass of wassail. He makes his wassail using Cassell’s instructions. And since he enjoys oratory, he might recite this verse: Upraise the Christmas bowl to-night And let a health go round; To those we love in every land, To those who ‘neath our roof-tree stand, May Christmas joys abound. To those that love us, joy and peace, Whether afar or near; To old and young, to rich and poor, Be merry Christmas days in store, And hope in the New Year On behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Young — and their children Harry, Frank, Mary, and Joseph — you are warmly welcomed to visit the light station this month. The Youngs will open their home every Wednesday and Saturday, and will be on hand to greet you with a glass from the wassail bowl, some hot tea, and some Christmas cookies as you

stroll through the cottage and admire their decorating work. To get directions and more information, visit my805tix.com. Recipe for Wassail Heat in a saucepan a pint of Burton ale, with half a pound of sugar, a grated nutmeg, and half an ounce of grated ginger; after it has just boiled up add a quart more ale, four glasses of golden sherry, and a couple of ounces of lump sugar that has been rubbed over the outside of a lemon. Add also a few thin slices of lemon. Make the whole mixture hot without boiling it, and add half a dozen roasted apples that have had the cores stamped out, but that have not been peeled. Of course this must be placed in a bowl, which must be treated, as we said, with hot water. The sort of ale that must be used for the wassail-bowl is evidently strong old ale, like Burton or Edinburgh, and I should think the more sweet and oily the ale, the better the wassail. Mild ale or bitter ale would not answer, especially the latter. — A. G. Payne, 1877 edition, Cassell’s Family Magazine

6 | Avila Beach Life — DECEMBER 2023

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Wintertime in Avila Beach WILDLIFE

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

ecember! The holiday season is in the air, time for “Jingle Bells” and snowmen. But wait a minute, there is no snowfall at Avila Beach. Winter months along the Central Coast are generally pleasant compared to other California locations or, for that matter, anywhere in the United States except for Hawaii and perhaps Florida. In San Luis Obispo County, snowfall is a rarity. The mild winter climate eliminates sleigh rides, snowball fights, and toboggan adventures, although a truck load of snow is brought in occasionally for unique events. Last year’s abundant rainfall did bring snow to the tops of nearby mountains. We may not have white winter scenery, but we have miles and miles of tan sandy beaches to build castles, lay out beach towels, watch mesmerizing waves, read, relax, or roll up pant legs and place toes in the brisk ocean water. Biking, hiking, and kayaking are viable options too. How fortunate to have the ability to be outdoors on December days without being brr cold. Beach towns, such as Avila, are quiet and slower-paced in the winter, creating a perfect time to hike the multitude of trails in our own backyard. A fun December activity is singing Christmas carols while wandering through trail paths, or joyfully calling out the names of the nine reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh. Adding new names to the famed reindeer list

A wintertime activity in Avila Beach can be exploring the tide pools during low tide to search for the sea life. Contributed Photo

can be quite amusing. A sensory hike is another fine option. Simply listen to sounds and smells, and notice textures and sights all around as you walk down a path, like the Bob Jones Trail. Bring along a magnifying glass to examine everything from bark on trees to insects. Mistletoe, which is associated with Christmas and the customary kiss, will not be found on the oaks that line the Bob Jones Pathway, which is good. Mistletoe is an unwanted parasite that grows on trees. For the most part, our coastal oaks are quite healthy. A nature scavenger hunt can be an absorbing outdoor option while trekking a path. Look for acorns, berries, seeds, and small animals such as bunnies

and squirrels, or perhaps identify types of trees or shrubs. Toyon, an evergreen native California plant also known as California holly or Christmas berry, is a festive sight with its vibrant red berries. Keep in mind those berries are toxic to humans, but splendid to view. The list of items to notice is endless! Just be sure not to collect anything. Nature has much to offer — take time to notice, but leave it unscathed. A stroll on the beach is delightful any time of the year but especially rewarding during the winter season. Stop and check out the isolated pockets of seawater found in the ocean’s intertidal zone. Tidepools are best explored at low tide. A

tide table is helpful for selecting a good day to go tide pooling. The table shows the high and low tides throughout the year. There are animals to observe in the shallow pools of ocean water, such as sea urchins that display vibrant colors, like turquoise blue, or anemones with a beautiful shade of green. Sometimes starfish, crabs, snails, and little fish are present. Observe the sea life where they are and avoid picking up or moving objects. Preserve the area by stepping lightly and carefully. Many fascinations await when looking closely and watching uninterruptedly. The little sea life is entertaining. Personal safety requires constant monitoring of the waves and the tide changes. Avoid being surprised by a surge of water. If you are feeling more adventurous, head for the San Luis Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a gem, and the tour is not only informative, but fun. During the holiday season, the lighthouse is adorned with traditional decor. Hiking the trail to the lighthouse adds adventure and a grand reward. However, a moderate climb awaits. Trolly rides are an available alternative. The views from the lighthouse are fabulous. Of course, there is the Avila Beach Park playground, which has enjoyable activities for little ones all year long. Tykes can board a pirate ship and pretend to sail out to sea. Ahoy mate! Step outdoors and enjoy Avila Beach during the month of December! You will be glad you did.

RECIPE

Deck the Halls with Deliciousness: December Cookie Extravaganza!

Barbie Butz Columnist

f all the months in a year, December seems to be our biggest month for baking. We bake pies, cakes, tarts, bread-puddings, and other decadent goodies. However, I would guess that the most popular treats for sharing would have to be cookies. We organize cookie parties for adults to share their master pieces and share recipes, and we plan traditional cookie parties for our kids and grandkids. We even box them up and send them as gifts to friends and family out of the area. And who hasn’t taken a few festive cookies to a neighbor just to say “Merry Christmas.” Of course, you can’t forget a plate of cookies for that jolly old fella who comes down the chimney with all those gifts, and a ho, ho, ho! Many years ago, I found this recipe in a magazine, for a versatile buttery sugar cookie dough that can be whipped up in minutes, and flavored, shaped, topped, or filled in multiple ways. I’ve included the variations to help make your cookies even more special. After you prepare the dough, let your own creative juices flow! Basic Cookie Dough Ingredients: • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder Directions: Beat butter, sugar, and salt with a heavy-duty stand mixer on medium-high or with a hand mixer on high, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat on medium until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of bowl as needed. With the mixer running on low, add flour and baking powder to butter mixture, beating until just incorporated. Shape dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill until firm, at least 2 hours. Dough will keep in refrigerator tightly wrapped for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 3 months. Variations Chocolate Cookie Dough: Substitute 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder for the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour in the basic recipe. Orange-or-Lemon-Scented Cookie Dough: Whisk 1 tablespoon grated lemon or orange zest (or a combination) into flour before adding it to the butter mixture in the basic recipe. Cinnamon or Spice Cookie Dough: Whisk 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or pump-

kin pie spice into flour before adding it to butter mixture in basic recipe. Gingerbread Cookie Dough: Substitute 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses for the 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar in the basic recipe. Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger into flour before adding it to the butter mixture in the basic recipe. Caramel Cookie Cups Ingredients: • Orange-Scented or Spiced Basic Cookie Dough • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 tablespoons jarred caramel sauce or topping, plus more for drizzling • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling • 40 toasted pecan halves Directions: Prepare an Orange-scented or Spiced variation of Basic Cookie Dough. Divide dough into 40 (1 tablespoon) balls

(about 1/2 ounce each). Place 1 ball in each cup of 2 (24-cup) lightly greased miniature muffin pans. (You will fill only 40 cups). Using a teaspoon measure, press dough into bottom and up sides of muffin cups. Chill for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake in a preheated oven until cookies are dry to the touch and shape is set, about 10 minutes. Immediately press the cookies again with the teaspoon. Cool cookie cups in pans on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Transfer cookie cups to wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, beat butter, cream cheese, and caramel sauce in the bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer on medium or using a hand mixer on high, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low with mixer running, gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract and flaky salt. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, and evenly pipe into cooled cookie cups. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon caramel sauce on each filled cookie cup. Sprinkle each cookie with desired amount of flaky sea salt, and to each with a toasted pecan half. Happy Holidays! Cheers!

DECEMBER 2023 — Avila Beach Life | 7

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GRAPEVINE

Desiderata: desired things John Salisbury contributor

“GET YOUR RELATIVES SPEAKING TOGETHER BY SENDING A HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS CARD WITH A PICTURE OF YOUR FAMILY — WITH AN EXTRA KID THROWN IN THAT NOBODY KNOWS.” — ANONYMOUS

had planned to retire this annual December theme this year, but I feel the need to trot it out this Christmas season greeting once again, especially because 2023 has to go down as an all-time chaotic mess in so many ways. We have the great divide in our politics, worldwide tensions, and gruesome battles between Israel vs. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, the Middle East in general, Africa, Ukraine, Afghanistan, potentially the Taiwan Strait, and the coming year for a presidential election few people are happy with! We just can’t find a middle place to work things out anymore. Please read and heed this before you go to a happy family or friend’s festive gathering and politics or some other adverse discussion starts to wreck the mood. Just take a sip

or two of your wine, relax, choose your words carefully, and call a time-out — no sense in ruining the family and friends’ celebration. So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, especially this year — if possible, Virgin of Guadalupe, Ashura, and Kwanzaa. It is a great time of year for all faiths that can worship freely, or not, in the U.S., making it such a great country versus what goes on in many other parts of the world. “Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be” (or Her; as a farmer, I am also a big disciple of Mother Nature). My Christmas gift, again, and wish for you is this copy of “Desiderata” (Latin: “desired things”) as written, which was a prose poem copy written in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann. Those of you from my generation should remember it well. It was popular in the early ‘70s when I picked up a promotional copy from my local bank. I had it framed, and it has either been in my home or office, always in plain sight ever since. My copy states the poem was found in Old Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore, dated 1692, and anonymous. This led to great confusion as to when the poem was written. Starting in 1956, the church used the poem as a piece of devotional material with the church’s letterhead, which stated “1692,” which was the year the church was founded, not the date of the poem. It became popular later in Leonard Nimoy’s

“Spock Thoughts” album, where “Be cheerful” was changed to “Be careful,” and also in Les Crane’s very popular spoken word recording of the poem. I have tried to live by the poem most of my life, along with my parent’s and mother-in-law’s loving guidance. I just wish I paid better heed to parts of it. Wouldn’t it be great to buy into this classic worldwide? DESIDERATA: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” — Max Ehrmann, American writer/poet.

DECEMBER Calendar of Events DECEMBER 1

HOLIDAY HARMONY PISMO BEACH PIER PLAZA

Visit Santa in the Mission Plaza every Wednesday through Sunday from 11am7pm and on December 24, 11am-2pm.

5:30-7:30pm

Join the City of Pismo Beach for their annual Holiday Harmony event which will include their tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, 2 snow zones and activities for kids. The first 250 children in the Santa Line will receive goody bags compliments of Pismo Beach Recreation. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and please leave pets at home.

DECEMBER 1-3, 6-10, 13-17 AND 20-24

SANTA’S HOUSE MISSION PLAZA, 989 CHORRO ST., SLO

DECEMBER 1

SLO HOLIDAY PARADE DOWNTOWN SLO 7pm

This year’s 47th annual downtown SLO Holiday Parade theme is “Out of this World” and will have nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers and more marching in the parade for all to enjoy.

11am-Noon

Enjoy the fun of seeing a holiday parade of dogs, or register and check-in to participate between 10-11am to receive a contest identification number for the costume contest in front of Custom House. Parade participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande.

DECEMBER 13

NOCHEBUENA: A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 1 GRAND AVE, SAN LUIS OBISPO 7:30-9pm

DECEMBER 9

SANTA’S DOGGIE PARADE AVILA BEACH PROMENADE

Experience the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s Christmas season with an all-star cast featuring Ballet Forklorico de Los Angeles and Mariachi Garibaldi

de Jaime Cuellar. Immerse yourself in Nochebuena traditions, where captivating music, dance, and festive customs create an unforgettable cultural celebration.

DECEMBER 17-23

A CHRISTMAS STORY SAN LUIS OBISPO REPERTORY THEATRE, 888 MORRO ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO 7-8:30pm

The San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre presents the holiday classic “A CHRISTMAS STORY,” a joyful adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s memoir about young Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. January Events

Submit upcoming events to: office@13starsmedia.com

JANUARY 1

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE AVILA BEACH PIER 12pm

The 12th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, camaraderie, and still having dessert.

JANUARY 1

POLAR BEAR DIP CAYUCOS PIER 12pm

Take the plunge at their 44th Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Join them late morning for festivities that include music, dancing, prizes, and participant certificates.

8 | Avila Beach Life — DECEMBER 2023

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