Avila Beach Life • July 2020

LOCAL NEWS ... BEACH VIEWS • JULY 2020

AVILABEACHLIFENEWS.COM

Photo By Nicholas Mattson

PRESSING THROUGH

SEE PAGE 3

PETS OF THE MONTH: BUSTER, CHARLIE, AND JACKSON SEE PAGE 4

LEARNING FROM THE PAST TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE SEE PAGE 7

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THINGS ARE HEATING UP IN OUR BEACH COMMUNITY

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2 | Avila Beach Life - July 2020

Through Print

Hayley & Nicholas Mattson Co-Publishers

making communities better

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hen we started this fantastic journey into journalism and media more than 10 years ago, we never dreamed we would be here now.

We discussed a dream of creating print publications that celebrated the greatness that fills our wonderful communities. We tucked that idea in our pocket and began working toward the dream.

It’s been an interesting ride that has been anything but a straight line. In fact, the journey has been complete with such inconceivable twists that in hindsight, we are settled with no other answer than it was meant to be — but it was no accident on our part.

What we didn’t realize we were signing up for is the year 2020, as it is currently

being drafted. Of all things, watching the world battle a pandemic and the United States — including our quiet corner of the world — splinter apart along sharp lines.

No matter what a person’s political or social views, the ability and willingness to negotiate and discuss solutions across divides is the height of human genius. Beyond science and engineering, the art of bringing people together is the apex. Not just bringing a group together under a flag, but in bringing opposite sides and multiple flags together under a common goal, despite differences.

And not only in the public forum as performance art but in silent darkness where nothing is seen but the product of sacrifice and compromise.

We dreamed of bringing the community

together by presenting the glory of itself in its entirety. Over the 10 years, we worked countless hours with nonprofits, meeting people who helped people who needed help. The cross-section of human beings we encountered ran the spectrum, end to end, and each one inspired us.

Each one is part of our community. Each one is why we publish all our publications, including Avila Beach Life, that is mailed to every mailbox in the area. Each one is why we continue to fight for our dream through the emotional and financial challenges that 2020 has brought to us.

From step to step in this journey, we have been confronted with uncertainty. For us, faith is not an absence of fear, but a journey forward despite all fears. Our journey is a walk-in faith in something that is greater

than that which stands in our way. It is not even such that we know where we are going, but more an understanding that we know what we are supposed to do along the way.

Our declared purpose is to make communities better through print. It is that purpose that drives us to put pen to paper and publish our content.

We continue to do so in this time of massive angst. We do so in faith that despite our human failings, we are fulfilling our commitment to that which was given to us.

Our time and age is unlike anything ever seen, and we are blessed with the challenge of documenting this time for history to look back on — not as prisoners of the moment, but as agents of independence.

We wish you all a safe and healthy Fourth of July.

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Avila Beach Life - July 2020 | 3 FOUNDATION NEWS AND VIEWS

Things Are Heating Up

Rick Cohen Avila Beach Foundation

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reetings, fellow Avilones. It’s July and things are heating up — not just the temperature here in Avila but also the social climate in our country and abroad. As our temporarily sleepy beach town has been emerging from a four-month hibernation due to the pandemic, the world is changing all around us. Early last month, the conversation diverged from talk of the health crisis and economic shutdown to societal unrest that has reached every corner of our nation and many parts of western civilization. While it’s been difficult for me to focus on Avila Beach during the “shelterin-place” period, followed by the ensuing nationwide protests about police brutality, I’ve recently attempted to keep my eyes on the local prize by maintaining a one-week diary, which I now share part of with you.

Dear Diary. Today is June 8, and started with an ordinary trip to my office to gather some materials to take back home in preparation for tonight’s Avila Valley Advisory Council “Zoom” meeting. Dang, I hate this kind of impersonal gathering and fear the day when more group meeting time is spent online than in-person. “Zoom” did not work out too well for me tonight, as it took me five attempts to join in, making me 20 minutes late. When I was finally in, and it was my turn to speak, my audio didn’t work even though my laptop mic was

engaged. Plus, my screen froze up several times — both audio and visual — making the entire experience a bummer.

Dear Diary. Today is June 9, and Avila wakes up to yet another heatwave.

This is the third or fourth one this year already, with more likely to come. Am I mistaken, or does this feel like an acceleration of global warming?

As I drove to my office at the community center, I watched my vehicle’s outside temperature gauge reach 95 degrees.

It’s only mid-morning and parked cars are already lining both sides of Avila Beach Drive far along the golf course.

I turn left onto San Miguel Street and see each side of the street packed with cars, as is the public parking lot — not a spot to be found. A song recorded by Joni Mitchell in 1970 popped into my mind, titled “Big Yellow Taxi.”

I imagine many of you readers remember a portion of the lyrics that go – “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone - they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Of course, there is more to Avila Beach than a parking lot, but all the vehicles and new construction throughout dot the landscape and sometimes overshadow the beautiful ocean. Yep, “the times they are changin’,” lyrics penned by another legendary singer, Bob Dylan.

Dear Diary. Today is June 10, and the heatwave is still here — 93 degrees as I round the bend into town.

Fewer cars along the road, and still some open spots in the parking lot at noon.

Could it be that all the beachgoers were sunburned to a crisp yesterday and had to stay home applying aloe? I go about some business — first to renew our computer files cloud back-up subscription. I ran into some difficulties with the online process, so I attempted to reach the company’s customer service via telephone. No luck there — just an apologetic voice message explaining that all customer service employees are working at home and presently providing only

Rick Cohen, of the Avila Beach Foundation, shares some of his diary entries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Hayley Mattson online help. Argh!

After resolving the issue on my own — yay for me — I stepped away from my computer to stretch my legs outside at 3 p.m. Forget what I said earlier about fewer beachgoers today — the streets and parking lot are again congested, but still slightly less than yesterday. On the plus side, a nice breeze has arrived at the waterfront, cooling things down a bit. On the worrisome side, of the myriad people gathering around the Promenade and shops open for business, hardly any physical distancing or wearing of masks are to be seen. It’s as if the pandemic never existed.

Dear Diary. Today is June 11. The heatwave is gone and the beach parking lot is only about two thirds full at 1 p.m.

I received some good news this morning that the Avila Bay Athletic Club is reopening tomorrow. Most Club activities and services will resume, but many with restrictions and preventive measures in place. Members are being asked to participate in health and cleanliness efforts like never before, but it sure beats the previous lockdown. More announcements about

reopening local businesses and activities are expected in the coming days. I spoke with Julie Andrews-Scott, the organizer of Avila’s Friday Night Farmers’ Market, and was told by her that she and her vendors are ready to go once given the thumbs up from the powers that be.

OK, this diary stuff is getting old.

I never before maintained one but found some inspiration this week to do so. We are all experiencing unusual challenges and exploring emotions on matters out of the ordinary. How we emerge from these times and the lessons we learn will likely have long-lasting implications. For those of us old enough to have lived through the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement, what’s happening today is not new. Still, the reactions and discussions are taking place on a much greater magnitude, mainly due to social media and the internet.

As for the younger generations, the torch is now being passed, and it is up to them to keep our country moving forward, much as we oldtimers did in decades past, and in some cases still do so today. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bob Jones Trail Information Project

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By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

he Bob Jones Pathway is an Avila treasure with much to discover. A leisurely stroll along the path can be an opportunity to learn about the surrounding environment without a designated time frame.

Perhaps you may have noticed trail users with their heads slightly bent inquisitively looking at informational markers adjacent to the trail. There are 23 interpretive plaques on the 2.5-mile path. The signs begin a few yards from the pathway entrance on Ontario Road and end where the trail runs parallel to Avila Beach Drive. These signs were the brainchild of Avila Beach residents Saul and Carol Goldberg.

The Goldbergs have used the trail since it originated in the early 90s. They are avid outdoor exercise enthusiasts who have walked, jogged, or biked weekly on the Bob Jones Pathway asphalt. Saul and Carol had seen many signs on trails throughout their travels and decided informational type signage would be a nice addition to the Avila path and a great way to inform users of the interesting environment. The two set a course for bringing their idea to reality.

Initially, the proposal was referred to as the Trail Information Project (TIP). The origi-

Carol and Saul Goldberg are outdoor exercise enthusiats who have used the trail since the 90s. Contributed Photo nal signs were placed on the trail during the summer of 2013. The couple worked with San Luis Obispo County Parks Superintendent Ken Klis to determine the location and logistics of the signs as well as applying for project permission. Countless hours were spent researching the information for every sign. The Goldbergs patiently pursued their plan.

A website was developed during this process with the help of their son, Paul. To compensate for the limited-sign space, a QR code was placed on the signs to allow for photos and further information. Scanning

the code with your phone gave trail users access to the website. When the final products were ready, an eager crew strategically worked together helping Saul and Carol achieve their goal.

Home Depot volunteers, County Parks employees, friends, and neighbors all installed the posts and signs. It was a laborious but enjoyable task.

Now, Bob Jones Trail visitors and users from all over the country can read and learn about the area. The project would have never occurred without the Avila Beach Foundation’s sponsorship, San Luis Obispo County Parks, Home Depot and Joan Sargent. Not surprisingly, Saul and Carol also provided financial support.

Over the years, the signs have been replaced three times due to normal wear and tear and unfortunately, vandalism. The latest sign updates bring a little bit of New York to Avila.

They were manufactured and shipped from a company in Brooklyn. The newest edition of the plaques is slightly larger, more weather resistant and adorned with a classy heron logo. The QR code has been eliminated and replaced with more inscription directly printed onto the plates.

Various icons that represent nature have been included on the markers to help iden-

tify vegetation and wildlife. All in all, the signage has improved with each replacement, but Mr. Goldberg is hoping this will be the last.

The impressive Goldberg’s confidently expressed that the signs have been well worth the effort.

It gives them great pleasure to see people reading the signs. Next time you are on the pathway, pause to read the sign. You will be glad you took the time to discover an educational trail gem.

Trail user taking a moment to read a sign. Contributed Photo

4 | Avila Beach Life - July 2020 FUR BABIES

Pets of the Month

By MARY FOPPIANO

Charlie & Jackson

Buster Jack and Teresa Jenkins adopted Buster 8 years ago. Most Boston terriers are black and white, but, as you can see, Buster has a red coat, which is one of my favorite colors.

Because of his coloring, Buster has been mistaken for a Miniature Boxer or even a Miniature Frenchie. Buster’s favorite things are going on daily walks or rides in his pet parents’ golf cart. If you see Buster around the neighborhood, be sure to say, “Hi” because he is so sweet!

Kathleen Wilson and Mike Terry rescued Charlie and Jackson from homes in Ojai 3 and a half years and 10 years ago, respectively. They are playful and energetic seniors and do not show their 11 years of age. They love to snuggle, play ball, and bark at other dogs. These boys are enjoying their best lives while being spoiled in Avila Beach…like so many of our furry friends!

NEXT MONTH’S ‘PET OF THE MONTH’

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

AGRICULTURE

Supporting Local Farmers During COVID-19

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By HAYLEY MATTSON of Avila Beach Life

hroughout the Central Coast, most of the local farmer’s markets have remained open each week, all year round, even during COVID-19. As with any other small business during this unprecedented time, it has not been without its challenges.

The North County Farmers Market Association Market Manager Robyn Gable has worked extremely hard over the last few months along with her assistant Aisha Hernandez, to ensure that all four of their markets were able to stay open.

“It has been more difficult than you would know to keep the markets open during these times,” Gable said. “We take all precautions to be sure that our farmers and the shoppers are safe. It is important to have a place that the farmers can sell their produce, so we have done whatever it takes to keep it going.”

Over the last few months, they have implemented policies and procedures to ensure the markets are as safe as possible, and with it being outdoors, it is one of the best places to shop for your produce.

“It is important to support all our Farm-

er’s markets,” Gable shared, “it allows for the community to support the farmers and our local economy, and it is usually more nutritious.”

Most shoppers would agree when you’re able to chat with the farmer growing your food; it creates a deeper appreciation of that product as well as a sense of community. Farmers grow crops to support themselves and their families, but also to nourish and support you.

“We have loyal farmers and shoppers and want to do what is best for everyone, we follow state guidelines as outlined by the San Luis County Health Officer,” Robyn told us, “we will adjust and mold to what comes next to keep the markets going.”

Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when shopping at your local market to keep yourself and others safe while supporting our local growers and vendors.

1. Health and Safety: At this time, due to state orders, it is required to wear a face mask. Be sure not to visit the local markets if you are not feeling well. Bring hand sanitizer and your own cloth bag to place items in.

2. Maintain a social distancing: To care for others and yourself, it is recommended to keep six feet distance while shopping or

waiting in line.

3. Sanitizing regularly is highly recommended: Please bring your own; however, each vendor may have sanitizer at their booth, and it is recommended to sanitize your hands between every transaction.

4. Be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of others: Everyone is feeling stress right now, but we are all in this together. Following these recommendations will not last forever, but they will help you get fresh local produce safely and efficiently while protecting your safety and others.

5. Thank your essential local farmers and vendors. During this incredibly challenging time, our local farmers’ markets have been able to continue to bring our community local, sustainable food. They work the frontlines to keep our community fed.

Small farms and businesses matter now more than ever. Being able to invest and strengthen our local economy during this time of crisis is imperative. Please be safe, be well, and be kind.

For other local market hours, locations, and more information, visit

slocountyfarmers.org.

Editors Note: At this time, we understand that the Friday evening Farmer’s Market in Avila has been closed. We hope at the time of this publishing, the local market has been able to re-open. You can find updated information at avilabeach.com.

Farmers markets have been open in most Central Coast communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Some that closed are expected to reopen soon.

Contributed Photo

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Hayley Mattson avila@13starsmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR

Brian Williams editor@13starsmedia.com

Nicholas Mattson avila@13starsmedia.com LAYOUT DESIGN EDITOR Mike Michaud mike@13starsmedia.com

Ad Consultant

Dana McGraw dana@13starsmedia.com

Ad Design

Jen Rodman graphics@13starsmedia.com

Administrator

Cami Martin office@13starsmedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS Betty Hartig Contact Us 805.466.2585

John Salisbury

Kathy Mastako Visit our website! avilabeachlifenews.com

Mary Foppiano

Rick Cohen

family of publications 13starsmedia.com

avil a beach life is published monthly. all rights reserved , material may not be reprinted without writ ten consent from the publisher . avil a beach life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication , but assumes no responsibilit y for errors , changes or omissions . avil a beach life is a product of

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Avila Beach Life - July 2020 | 5 POINT SAN LUIS LIGHT STATION

News from Point San Luis

Kathy Mastako For Avila Beach Life

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ou would think not much would be happening at Point San Luis during this pandemic. But it seems, on the contrary, that we’re busier than ever. Programs manager Jack San Filippo, who used to write this column for

Avila Beach Life, has moved on to another job. So, board members and volunteers have jumped in to do what they can to assist Deb Foughty, our non-profit’s Executive Director.

To help celebrate the light station’s 130th anniversary this year, we have several special events coming up: • Aug. 11 — Yoga on the Lighthouse Beach • Aug. 23 — Pecho Coast Plant Walk • Sept. 11 — Sunset Photo Shoot • Oct. 25 — Cruise of San Luis Bay • Nov. 7 — Paint ‘n’ Sip To learn more and to buy tickets, go to my805tix.com.

We’re also offering raffle tickets: a week’s stay at Indian Palms Country Club and Resort in Indio; a weekend stay at Pine Garden Retreat in Pacific Grove; two tick-

ets for the 2021 lighthouse summer concert series; a private dinner for six at the lighthouse; and a lighthouse quilt handmade by local artist Jeanne Bradbury. Raffle tickets are a $10 donation each or $40 for five.

Tickets are limited — call 805-540-5771, to purchase them.

We’ve reinvigorated our Facebook page, which readers can access from our website pointsanluislighthouse.org. Facebook postings happen nearly every day, including photographs, history lessons, what’s happening at the lighthouse and its surrounding community, and more. Wildflower Wednesday and Throwback Thursday are just some of the weekly themes.

And our gift shop has gone virtual, accessible from our website and Facebook page.

Lighthouse fans can purchase T-shirts, hoodies, caps, books, jewelry, patches, pins,

note cards, postcards, and what all – including lighthouse memberships.

We are especially proud to roll out our new video about the Coast Guard era at Point San Luis, “Keeping the Beacon — Stories from the Coast Guard Years, 19391974.” The video features three members of the Coast Guard who served at Point San Luis at various times during this era — Sherm Acord, George Homenko, and Robert “Lucky” Jackson — sharing their memories and insights about what it was like to live and work at this station. Readers can view the video by going to our website.

As a way to honor the memory of a loved one in a special way, Point San Luis is now offering dedication benches. Only a limited number will be available. For information and pricing, contact SanLuisLighthouse@ gmail.com or call 805-540-5771.

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I’ve had an outstanding experience with Hal & his team! Hal has an unparalleled knowledge of the SLO real estate market (check out his Youtube videos). For those of us who have lived here for many years (30+ for me), there’s no substitute for a realtor who understands the local market, neighborhoods, schools, etc., whether you’re a buyer or seller. There’s a good reason why most of the quality listings in this area choose Hal as their agent.

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6 | Avila Beach Life - July 2020 A VIEW FROM THE BEACH

Working for Change and Moving Forward that the dogs are that excited, but I know the owners are when they receive their first-place ribbons and their peers’ acknowledgment for a great dog in a creative costume!

Mary Foppiano Avila Beach Civic Association

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i all, I honestly do not know where to begin writing my column that is due today, June 15. I am sure we will all remember this date standing on the street talking to our neighbors as we watched the Avila Fire burn up the hillside toward Pismo Beach. It was scary to see the flames, but so far, we are very fortunate that our protectors were so well prepared.

No lives or homes were lost, and the winds calmed down at sundown. Our firefighters are still mopping up flames overnight, but I am hoping that this over!

For the past few weeks, we have seen protests across our nation with people chanting “Black Lives Matter.” Racism has stained our country for far too long, and it must end.

We cannot be sidetracked by the looting and destructive greed of a few that have been spotlighted by the media instead of the real reasons behind the protests. This is an issue that we, as a collective nation, cannot solve overnight. It will take time, effort, and a lot of work by all of us to create meaningful, lasting change.

As for the pandemic, our businesses have been opening slowly with many, but not all, people wearing masks and social distancing. At this time, community centers have not been approved to open. When that time comes, which should be shortly, there will be many changes that have to be made. We are working to fully understand and implement those changes and let you all know how we can move forward to welcome back all of you who have depended on the Center for your meetings, classes, and events.

I am sorry to say that our 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade have been canceled. Below are a few pictures of past parades that remind us of better days and the fun of watching our pups prance to the applause of spectators. I am not sure

will be $3/bottle, and we will play at least ested, please call me at 805-627-1997. Thank 15 games. For more information regarding you for your support. purchasing tickets when available or getting involved with this event, please contact me Healing Garden Commemorative Engraved Paver Program — The Civic Association continues to accept orders for engraved bricks through our Commemorative Engraved Paver Program. We have installed 145 bricks that honor and remember many members of our community currently living in or visiting the greater Avila Beach area as well as loved ones who have left us. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, please contact me.

Avila Beach Community Center Rentals - The Avila Beach Community Center is available for rental for your parties and other special events. We have a large Multi-Purpose Room that can accommodate meetings, reunions, wedding receptions, or any gathering. Our Healing Garden, with its plants and the arbor, makes a beautiful backdrop for your wedding or special occasion when you rent the Community Center. Non-profit organizations, who are members, receive 10% off our rental rate. For more information, availability, and rates, please contact me.

Get Involved — The Avila Beach Civic Association is always in need of people who want to become involved.

As you have read above, we have a variety of opportunities. If you have a few hours to Here’s some photos from past 4th of July Doggie Parades. The event is a staple spare and would like to work in our garden, for Avila Beach but was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. on our website, in our office, or at our events, Photos courtesy of Mary Foppiano please contact me.

Garden Party Bingo — We are still hoping to host a bingo fundraiser in our Community Center Healing Garden with appropriate social distancing and everyone wearing masks in August. We will announce the date and time when we have more details. Tickets will be $5/person, which includes your first disposable bingo card (or three cards if you are a member).

Wine will be available for $5/glass and beer

at 805-627-1997 or avilabeachcc@gmail. com.com.

ASK Campaign — The ASK Campaign is a significant method for raising funds to enable the Avila Beach Civic Association to maintain and operate the Community Center. We are fortunate that one of our members has offered to match new funds raised through this program. If you are inter-

ABCA 2020 MEMBERSHIP FORM We are very grateful for all of you who have renewed your 2020 memberships and to any of you who will be renewing or becoming new members this year to support the programs and operations of the Avila Beach Community Center. The Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa is continuing to offer discounts to all our ABCA members and, as a special bonus, all members will be given a one-week pass with new or renewal memberships for 2020. Please join us today and let us know if you are interested in getting more involved with your community.

The Avila Beach Civic Association is a non-profit organization (95-6067627). Please make checks payable to ABCA, PO Box 154, Avila Beach, CA 93424. Thank you for your support.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Adoption and Pet Safety with Woods Humane Society

By MARY FOPPIANO for Avila Beach Life

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oods Humane Society is a wonderful organization with many caring staff and volunteers who love our furry friends. When I contacted one of their board members, Mike Terry, regarding my interest in spotlighting Woods, he put me in touch with Emily L’Heureaux, their Donor Engagement Manager. I explained to Emily that I wanted to learn more about adoptions and pet safety tips and she sent me the following. You can reach Emily for more information at 805-540-2396.

DYNAMIC DUO LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME: Scotty and Chester have been spending nearly one year at Woods…and they need their forever home. These two need to stay together, in a home with no other animals, a secure fenced yard, and a lot of patience from one or two humans. Scotty and Chester have come a long way in their care,

but they will need some patience and extra TLC leash, harness, and muzzle for larger dogs to transition to a new home. Both boys are under and a well-ventilated plastic carrier for small 3-years-old, neutered, microchipped, and vaccidogs and cats. Do not forget a carrier for your nated. bird or hamster. Make sure the carrier is in Foster-to-adopt is an available option so good repair and all items have your name and they can offer support as they transition. Please emergency phone number written on them contact Catherine at volunteer@woodshumanein permanent ink. society.org if you would like to meet Scotty and • SUPPLIES — Food-water bowls, cat litter, Chester! litter box (that fits into the carrier) and a threeday supply of pet food and water. Towels, blanPET SAFETY TIPS: ket, newspapers, trash bags, and sanitizer will This challenging time for the world has rightalso come in handy. Bring along a few toys or fully encouraged many of us to prepare our pets comfort items to relieve boredom and have a for an emergency properly. Woods Humane first-aid kit with your pet’s medications ready.

Society’s advice: • INFORMATION — Make copies of medical • IDENTIFICATION — Your pet should and vaccination records and current photoalways wear identification, but it is especially graphs (see Pet of the Month Charlie and important during disasters. Check tags and Jackson with Mike Terry photo) of you and make sure the information is current and your your pets. These items are especially importveterinarian has your current phone number ant if your pet will be staying in a shelter or and address. Now is a good time to microboarding facility. Include contact information chip your pet. for your veterinarian and the name and phone • EQUIPMENT — You should have a sturdy number of a relative or alternate caretaker in

case you are injured and unable to care for your pets. Add an emergency phone number of someone who does not live in your area.

Remember, if you are affected by the disaster, other local people may be affected too.

SUMMER HEAT: As the weather heats up, please factor in your pets’ health and comfort when you are out and about. Before a walk or time on the beach, place your palm on the asphalt or sand for eight seconds. If the surface is too hot for you to touch, it is too hot for your dog’s paws!

PET LOSS: I know that we have all lost a beloved pet, who has been a member of our family. If you are grieving the loss of your pet, you do not have to be alone. Losing a pet is often very difficult and they understand the depth of your feelings. Their good friends at Hospice of SLO County provide a Pet Loss Support Group. You can reach them at 805-544-2266.

Avila Beach Life - July 2020 | 7 AVILA VALLEY GRAPEVINE

Learning From the Past to Protect Our Future Crop science innovations prepare future generations to address emerging global changes

John Salisbury Contributor

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here are many innovations constantly evolving in agriculture, particularly here in California, with its strict environmental laws.

Growers are continually trying to become more sustainable because, as stewards of the land, it makes as much sense to take care of it the same as a builder would want to be sure that the foundation for a house is the best it can be.

The Great Dust Bowl was a great example of farmers not taking care of the land in the 1930s in the southern section of the Great Plains States. What was grassland and used mostly for stock raising until World War I was put to the plow for grain crops.

With over-cultivation and without crop rotation, the exposed soil without anchor water holding roots (foundation) in an area with only 20 inches of rainfall in a good year (less than our 24 inches or so) coupled with a drought that we know so well — simply blew away in the “Spring North Winds.”

Some dust storms even reached the East Coast. Rains finally came in 1939 and the Feds in the 1940s came in and planted windbreaks of trees to halt the erosion, crop rotation, and allow native grasses to replenish and hold the soil.

During the time of the “Black Blizzard” that reached from Texas to Nebraska, the choking dust killed people (7,000) and livestock and crops failed across the whole region. It caused a great migration of over a quarter of a million people, many to our state.

This was a lesson we drew from in our vineyard at the Bassi Ranch back in 2000 when we started planting winegrapes. We had some pretty steep hillside plantings of

winegrapes without a lot of topsoil because it was pretty much all sandstone and, at one time, the quarry for material to build the new Highway 101 at the edge of the property.

So, we had to build our own topsoil, and the way we did it was to work with the local natural grasses. As you know, as soon as we get our first Fall rains, the native grasses start growing. We let them grow and when they began to dry out in the Spring and the seed crop matured, we ran over them with a ring roller pulled by the tractor.

followed with a special chopper with swings that swung out and cut under the vines those grasses we couldn’t get to with the ring roller.

After four years, we started a rotating program where we disked every third row because the mat was getting thick and the ground rough for the tractors. It needed to be smoothed out and incorporate the plant material into the ground building up the topsoil.

Nitrogen-efficient fertilizer research could have a lasting impact on the envi-

Of course, more nitrogen fertilizer exacts a toll on the environment. Crops are very energy-intensive and add to the greenhouse gases. Still, there is a trade-off because plant photosynthesis converts CO2 to nitrogen, cutting down on the amount of the chemical needed if used efficiently. No-till farming is a way that allows the nitrogen to stay in the ground via the plant roots storing it for use in the next round of plantings.

So, the goal is to come up with a way to use less fertilizer by improving nitrogen management efficiency. If nitrogen and phosphorous are not fully taken up in the plants, they can end up in waterways resulting in algae blooms and cutting the oxygen that can kill wildlife and make toxins that can harm people like in water wells in the Central Valley and other parts of the state.

This is a vicious cycle explained in California Ag Network that Jonas Baltrusaitis, a biomolecular engineering professor of chemical at Lehigh University, is trying to break. He was awarded a $435,000 grant for his proposal “Mechanochemical Synthesis Nitrogen Efficient Fertilizer Materials”.

His team has come up with a dry method of making functional fertilizers that greatly slows down urea hydrolysis (water effects in soil and air), reduces ammonia emissions, and increases nitrogen availability to the plant.

The team combines water-soluble urea with different nutrients with low solubility and even industrial waste like drywall gypsum to improve the management of nitrogen efficiency. These materials are much more stable in the environment.

They do not decompose as fast, so the nutrients are going into plants instead of being wasted and affecting the environment.

The project is working on easy, inexWith the global population on the rise, farmers are forced to add more pensive, nitrogen-efficient novel fertilizer nitrogen-rich fertilizers to soil to yield more crops. More nitrogen fertilizer materials that are going into trials with exacts a toll on the environment as it adds to greenhouse gases. File photo Pennsylvania farmers this year. Dr. Baltrusaitis says about this project, “It’s one that This flattened out the grasses creating a ronment because the world population, esti- will help educate the next generation of mat and cover for the seeds to sift through mated to be nine billion in 2050, is growing engineers as they prepare to address emergthe shaft into the ground for future emer- at a historic rapid rate. The amount of arable ing global challenges”. gence, protection from heat and rain, soil land to feed them is not. It is a pretty finite holding protection, plus moisture reten- resource for growing crops.

Tip: If you are looking for the ultimate cheap tion helped by the traffic of the tractors So, farmers have no choice but to add and perfect wine bottle stopper, go to Costco and ATVs. more fertilizers for more crops in the same and buy a bottle of their Kirkland Tequila This practice also broke up the grasses, spot. You cannot grow more crops with- Anejo (a pretty good priced bottle of an exceland eventually, they got worked into the out fertilizers and get the added amount of lent Tequila) — their cork is a perfect fit for ground and created topsoil. Then we production needed to feed all these people. all types of bottles.

These dust storms… Poor farmers spent a lifetime fixin’ his farm and everything, goes out and looks down at it, and it’s above him.

– Will Rogers

Dust storm approaching Stratford, Texas, April 1935. George E. Marsh Album.

8 | Avila Beach Life - July 2020

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