There’s something magical about watching a sky full of colorful kites dancing in the ocean breeze—and there’s no better place to experience that magic than at the Morro Bay Kite Festival!
From Friday, April 25th through Sunday, April 27th, locals and visitors alike are invited to gather on the beach just north of the iconic Morro Rock for one of the most joyful and family-friendly events on the Central Coast.
The Morro Bay Kite Festival is a FREE annual celebration that welcomes kite enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or just looking to soak in the sights, you’ll find kites of every size, shape, and color soaring overhead, creating a stunning spectacle against the coastal sky. The event kicks off with a breathtaking Friday night flight after
sunset at 7:45 p.m.—a must-see experience as illuminated kites light up the twilight. The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant displays, connect with fellow kite lovers, and make lasting memories.
To help keep this a sustainable, ‘green event,’ organizers encourage attendees to carpool, park in town, and bike or walk along the scenic Embarcadero. Free parking closest to the festival can be found at the Rock parking lot, the lot north of the Coast Guard Station, and the lot near the Maritime Museum. All other Embarcadero parking is free as well, making access easy and convenient for all.
More than just a weekend of kite-flying, this event is a celebration of community, creativity, and connection with nature. It’s a time when
families come together, friends reunite, and visitors fall in love with the charm of Morro Bay. Whether you’re chasing a kite down the beach with your child or simply gazing skyward in wonder, the Morro Bay Kite Festival reminds us of the simple joys that lift us up.
So pack your kite, bring your loved ones, and join us for a weekend where the sky’s the limit. Let your heart rise with every gust of wind— and leave inspired by the beauty of flight, friendship, and fun.
Hayley Mattson
making communities better
Through Print
Morro Bay continues with short-term rental program
City refines oversight of vacation rentals, enforces compliance, and seeks tax revenue from booming market
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
The City of Morro Bay’s efforts to wrangle the growing trend of homes being used as mini motels or vacation rentals continue to be refined, according to a recent report from the planning department to the City Council.
Vacation rentals or “short-term rentals” (STRs) come in two main varieties — full home rentals and home-share rentals — the main difference being with true STRs, the owner is not present, but with home-shares, the owner is on-site.
According to the report from Community Development Director Airlin Singewald, there are currently some 173 “full-home” rentals; nine “commercial” VRs; and 11 home-share rentals, with a total of 193 permits. But those numbers could be off base. Singewald said, “the city does not have reliable data on the number and type of permitted STRs in the city,” but he added they are not approving any new permit applications right now.
“The city has not approved any new STR permits, business licenses, or TOT accounts for short-term rentals in the past year,” Singewald said. So the numbers for STRs currently in use date back to January 2024, he explained.
“The actual numbers today, are likely lower, since it’s likely some properties have sold (STR permits do not transfer upon sale) and since some permits may have expired,” Singewald said. “This information will be determined over the next year as the department continues to implement the STR Permit Implementation Program.” One thing they do know is that there are currently 186 properties on a waiting list the city established with the ordinance. They also don’t know for sure how many people are renting out their homes on the sly, without benefit of a permit.
“The City contracted with HdL to utilize a service by Deckard Technologies to identify all properties in the city that are advertising STRs on online hosting platforms,” Singewald said. “The department is able to compare these results to the city’s STR permit records, to identify illegally operating STRs.”
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the initial searches for cheaters didn’t find any. “Working with Deckard Technologies, the City ran a search of online STR hosting platforms in September and November 2024,” Singewald said. “These searches did not identify any illegally operating STRs.”
The city plans to terminate its contract with Deckard Tech/HdL, which also runs the city’s business license and transient occupancy tax (TOT) programs, both of which permitted STRs must also obtain, in addition to the specific STR permit. Dropping HdL/ Deckard will also end the pro-active enforcement on the STRs,
Singewald said, so the City Council, if it wants to continue the STR crackdown, needs to hire another vendor, of which there are several auditing companies, or they could contract directly with Deckard and cut out HdL.
The proactive enforcement might work OK for permitting, but the STR Ordinance also has several provisions dealing with behavior and locations, among others. Those rules are complaint-driven, so if readers have a rowdy STR in their neighborhood, complaints to the city are available.
Among the most pressing issues for a city that’s always looking at tight budgets are the TOT taxes, which are the second highest revenue source for the city’s General Fund behind only property taxes. Singewald reported that in Fiscal Year 2022-23 TOT revenues was over $4.25 million, with STRs taking in $757,000 or about 18% of the total.
The next year, (FY 2023-24) TOT overall fell a bit to $4.4 million and STRs accounted for $707,000 or about 16%. Morro Bay’s TOT rate is 10% of the cost of a room night, but local motels, hotels, STRs, and B&Bs also pay into the local Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) with an added 3%, and also pay a countywide BID tax of 1.5%. These BID taxes are used to promote the lodging industry in Morro Bay and SLO County as a whole. With TOT dropping in recent years, possibly a lingering downturn caused by the COVID pandemic, the effectiveness of these efforts could be waning. Under Morro Bay’s STR Ordinance, permitted rentals must pay a minimum of $500 in TOT, more if their actual receipts are higher. According to a report from HdL completed last September, “out of 194 permitted STRs, only 119 (61%) had paid the minimum $500 in TOT. As part of the STR Permit Implementation Program described above, the city will ensure that all STRs pay the required minimum TOT to keep their permit active,” Singewald said. The city has yet to conduct a TOT audit of the STRs. When it’s done this in past years with motels, hotels, and B&Bs, the shortfalls have been nominal. Such audits cost a lot of money to conduct, but despite not finding a lot of unpaid taxes, their value is also to keep lodging operators honest.
“The city could also assess back-owed TOT on illegally operating STRs,” Singewald said. “However, the goal of the city’s code enforcement efforts, including fines and citations, is to achieve compliance; not generate revenue.”
The city first passed its STR ordinance in October 2020, adopting it into the Municipal Codes (Sec. 17.30.220). As a new law in the Coastal Zone, the Coastal Commission had to approve it. While numerous coastal cities have adopted such ordinances, most with the intention to limit them, the Coastal Commission has been against too strict of ordinances and has refused any law that’s an outright
Iwant to spend a little time talking about an incident which seldom happens in our county. But just because it so rarely happens, doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of a conversation. The incident which occurred happened to be a deputy-involved shooting, sometimes referred to as an officer-involved shooting or OIS for short. It is a serious incident, affecting not only the involved
ban. That’s because the Coastal Commission considers STRs, especially when the whole home is rented, to be “affordable” vacation accommodations. It took the Coastal Commission nearly a year before they approved the ordinance (September 2021). The ordinance was included in an update to the city’s Local Coastal Program.
The city now has something called a “STR Permit Implementation Plan,” with two main parts — requiring all permitted STRs to obtain an STR permit that effectively renews their existing permit; and, once all these are completed, the city plans to process new STR permits off the extensive waiting list.
As for enforcement, the city plans to continue with its current efforts, focusing on “cap” and “buffer” issues, which Singewald said are the most common complaints they get.
Cap refers to the maximum number (175) of permitted STRS in residential neighborhoods. It should be noted that the city doesn’t even count home-stay rentals, which the owners are home; nor does the city count STRs located in commercially zoned areas in town. There must also be a minimum of 175 feet of buffer space between STRs in residential zones.
Also included in the ordinance is the requirement to buy an STR permit (license), a business license and a TOT payment account. The STR permit must be renewed annually and owners and managers must apply for one at least 60 days before it expires. They must also pass an inspection every four years to make sure they are in good condition and satisfy the requirements in the ordinance. The current crackdown on what used to be a wide-open market should allow the city to get a handle on this still-growing industry.
night in January. On that evening, deputies responded to a report of shots heard in the 1200 block of South Main Street, near Templeton High School. Upon arrival, the first patrol unit came under immediate gunfire. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the vehicle, striking it several times. Fortunately, neither of the deputies inside was injured.
A second patrol unit arrived just moments later. One of the deputies in that unit engaged the suspect. The suspect was struck by gunfire. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid before he was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. Again, no deputies were injured during this exchange.
Per standard protocol, the four deputies involved were placed on administrative leave and underwent mandatory crisis counseling. These measures are in place to ensure the well-being of our personnel, as any use-offorce incident has a profound impact not only on those involved but on the entire department and community.
I want to assure you that, based on our investigation, this was an isolated incident. There was no connection to Templeton High School, and there was no further threat to public safety.
This recent event brings to mind another difficult day for our department—the last time a deputy-involved shooting took place. That occurred on September 24, 2020. Interestingly enough, this incident also occurred in Templeton. On that day, deputies attempted to stop a wanted felon in the 3400 block of Theatre Drive. The suspect fled on foot through nearby vine -
yards and ambushed the pursuing deputies, firing multiple rounds and striking one of them in the leg. The deputies returned fire, and the suspect attempted to escape back to his vehicle. Additional deputies intercepted him, and during a second exchange of gunfire, the suspect was fatally shot. The injured deputy was airlifted to a local hospital and thankfully survived. In that case, the suspect was a convicted felon, a known gang member, and had an extensive history of weapons charges.
In both cases, we conduct a thorough investigation. Those findings are then sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review. The district attorney has the responsibility to independently evaluate all officer-involved shootings that occur within San Luis Obispo County.
These incidents are stark reminders of the dangers that our deputies face every day. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office put their lives on the line to protect this community, and their bravery in the face of violence is commendable. We are grateful that no deputies were injured in the most recent incident and that our department remains steadfast in its mission to uphold public safety.
I understand that events like these can be unsettling, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our office remains dedicated to transparency and accountability. San Luis Obispo County is a strong and resilient community, and we stand together in ensuring the safety of our residents. Thank you for your continued support and trust in the Sheriff’s Office.
Short-term rentals (STRs) in Morro Bay are supposed to have special permits and business licenses, pass inspection, and come under contract to collect bed taxes. They must also post signs like this one on Beachcomber Drive, signifying its use as a vacation rental. Photo by Neil Farrell
County Office of Education: Tomorrow’s creative workforce
JAMES BRESCIA, ED.D. SLOCOEDU SUPERINTENDENT
“There is no half-singing in the shower; you are either a rock star or an opera diva.”
— Josh Groban
Coffee shop conversations, community meetings, town halls, school board meetings, state education committees, and federal agencies are discussing the approaches to preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s workforce. In addition to basic education skills, arts education is vital in developing the thinking skills and capacities key to a successful 21st-century workforce. Creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, collaboration, communication skills, leadership capacity, and visual thinking are all benefits of a rich arts education. Research supports arts education integrated into traditional classrooms and Career and Technical Education
(CTE) programs for growing industries such as graphic design, media arts, sound engineering, and multimedia production.
CTE programs are often only associated with trades and vocations such as plumbing, culinary arts, auto repair, welding, and construction. However, CTE is a viable and growing partner with the arts in dance, digital arts, jazz, visual arts, game design, game integration, production, and managerial arts. Today, artists from many fields, such as CTE teachers, visiting artists, and guest instructors, enhance school programs, increase creative potential, and support growing fields. Practitioners of the arts can obtain a CTE teaching credential (license) through practical experience and a school organization that values CTE.
“The CTE credential allows people with 1,000 hours of experience in the field to come into teaching and bring all that experience, that wisdom they’ve got into the classroom.” — Linda Darling-Hammond,
President of the California State Board of Education
San Luis Obispo County is fortunate to have many avenues of arts outreach for our schools that depend upon the support and advocacy of our residents to thrive and grow. If you are in South County, the Clark Center Arts in Education Outreach Program provides programming for the students of the largest school district in our county, Lucia Mar Unified. The Poly Arts for Youth (PAYF) program is Cal Poly Arts’ education enrichment program for students of all ages throughout the county. Studios on the Park in Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center partner with the community to provide arts outreach programs that enrich our community. Multiple arts nonprofits such as Opera San Luis Obispo, Wine Country Theatre, Orchestra Novo, Drum and Perk, local arts associations, local chambers, the San Luis Symphony, Festival Moziac, and San Luis Obispo County Office of Education stoke the embers of San Luis Obispo
County’s creative spirit. Each of the nonprofits dedicates resources for arts education in our schools and community.
San Luis Obispo County arts and arts-related activities enhance our local economy with approximately 27 million in funding and expenditures annually. The arts are among the most popular Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways selected by San Luis Obispo County students. The Central Coast Economic Forecast refers to the arts’ positive impact on our local economy. Our county is growing in cultural and artistic vibrancy because of the dedicated individuals who make the Central Coast their home. It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent. I hope this article will spark discussion among all educational stakeholders about the power of becoming involved in arts outreach as a volunteer, patron, or participant.
“Opera is for a lifetime, not just a minute.” —
Kiri Te Kanawa
‘Dark Shadows’ star highlight of Oscar viewing party
ABy NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
San Luis Obispo church recently hosted an Academy Awards viewing party and fundraiser to help out a sister church that got destroyed in the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
On Sunday, March 2, as the stars turned out in Hollywood to walk the red carpet, folks dressed to the nines descended on the United Church of Christ in SLO for the Oscars party, organized by Sabin Gray, who loves show business and previously had the Hooray for Hollywood collectibles shop on Morro Bay’s Embarcadero. The event was supported by numerous local businesses who donated door prizes for the party.
SLO UCC held the event to raise
funds for the UCC Church in Altadena, that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire along with much of that suburb of Pasadena.
Among the attendees was actor David Selby, who first gained fame playing the werewolf Quentin Collins on TV’s “Dark Shadows,” a daytime soap opera/gothic horror story that ran from 1966-71, and then on “Falcon Crest,” a prime-time drama that ran from 1981-90. Selby, 84, now lives in Los Osos.
Over 50 church members attended the party, which featured a fancy dinner prepared by Chef Bryan Gerber, plus scrumptious desserts. The UCC Church’s Choir performed the Oscar-nominated songs during the commercial breaks.
Among the silent auction celebrity items was a photo from “Law & Order:
SVU” signed by series star Mariska Hargitay and a vintage werewolf model kit signed in person by Selby. There were also overnight hotel stays, dinners for two, a Hearst Castle trip, and an impressive array of gift certificates.
Donating local businesses were: Babylonian Soap Company, Bay Cruisers, Bay Theatre, Beads By The Bay, Buttercup Bakery, Cal Coast Adventures, Carla’s Country Kitchen & Gifts, Carousel Taffy, Deep, Dorn’s Restaurant, Embarcadero Inn, Energy In Motion, Fanny Wrappers, Fitness Works, Frankie & Lola’s Restaurant, Galaxy Groovin’ Designs, Grandma’s Mercantile On Main, Grocery Outlet (SLO), Harvest Moon Boutique, Hofbrau Restaurant, Hooray For Hollywood, Laguna Grill Restaurant, La
Katrina Restaurant, Lost Isle Adventures, Mike’s Barber Shop, Morro Bay Hat Company, Nautical Bean, NBC, Palm Theater, Paula Radke Art Glass, Poppy’s, Ree’s Resale Shop, Rowe Clayworks, Sammy’s Irish Pub, Seaside Treasures, Seven Sisters Gallery, Smoobage, Subsea Tours, Sun N’ Buns Bakery, The Garden Gallery, Ugly Mug Ceramics, Under The Sea Gallery and Windows On The Water Restaurant.
UCC SLO Pastor Jason Sisk-Provencio told KSBY News, “In times of disasters and difficulties, always look for the helpers. So I encourage everyone to be a helper in your neighborhood and community. Find someone to help, invite people to participate and make a difference.”
According to Gray, the event was a
United
big hit and raised some $5,000 “to help the UCC Church in Altadena to rise from the ashes.”
Church of Christ SLO Pastor, Jason Sisk-Provencio (right) presents the “Fan Favorite Award” to “Dark Shadows” and “Falcon Crest” actor David Selby. Photo Neil Farrell
San Luis Obispo County News Briefs
MORRO BAY
Free watercolor demonstration by artist Jan French at Art Center Morro Bay
Art Center Morro Bay is holding a free Watercolor Painting Demonstration with artist Jan French on Saturday, April 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.
French was destined to paint since childhood and has been painting since her twenties. Her father, an artist himself, often invited artists such as Millard Sheets, Milford Zornes, and Phil Paradise into their home when she was young. French later became a professional freelance illustrator and graphics designer. She soon grew to appreciate the true meaning of artist Winslow Homer’s words: “Paint what you see.” Meet the artist and enjoy a free afternoon watercolor painting demonstration with Jan French on Saturday, April 5, starting at 3 p.m. at Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main Street.
Prescribed burning of brush piles and broadcast burning
Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 11, California State Parks will be conducting prescribed burning of brush piles and broadcast burning. Today’s controlled burn is visible from Highway 1 in the Black Hill area, near Quintana Road and South Bay Boulevard.
City of Morro Bay announces upcoming street closures for pavement rehabilitation
The City of Morro Bay is set to begin pavement rehabilitation work on various roads as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. Construction crews will apply cape seal and slurry treatments to extend pavement life and improve road conditions. Work is expected to begin in late April, subject to weather conditions.
Residents and commuters should expect temporary street closures and traffic disruptions during construction hours, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles will not be allowed on streets undergoing treatment, and all cars must be moved in accordance with posted “No Parking” signs. Sidewalks will remain accessible where available, while foot traffic should navigate work zones cautiously on streets without sidewalks.
Cape seal is a chip seal layer applied before slurry to protect and extend pavement life. Slurry consists of a cold-mixed asphalt blend that preserves and enhances road durability. The treatment will dry by the end of the workday, with temporary markings applied post-curing and permanent pavement markings installed later.
Benefits of This Project:
• Enhances pavement durability and protects against erosion
• Provides a cost-effective alternative to major reconstruction
• Reduces the need for frequent, costly repairs
Residents should anticipate noise from construction equipment in active work areas and are encouraged to follow all posted traffic
signs and advisories. For further details, visit mor robayca. gov Fire hazard severity zone map update
Residents are encouraged to review and comment on the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) released on March 10, by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal as part 3 of a phased release. Staff will bring this item to City Council for review and adoption within 120 days as required by state law.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Habitat for Humanity SLO County celebrates Earth Day
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) invites the community to celebrate Earth Day with a special event on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at both ReStore locations in San Luis Obispo (2790 Broad St.) and Paso Robles (844 9th St.). This event will feature incredible deals, a donation drive, and engaging DIY activities for the whole family.
Visitors can shop for great bargains while supporting Habitat SLO’s mission to build and repair affordable housing in the community. Attendees are also encouraged to donate gently used items to give them a second life, promoting sustainability, and reducing waste.
ReStore is Habitat SLO’s nonprofit home improvement store and donation center, offering new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home decor at discounted prices. Proceeds from ReStore sales help fund Habitat’s mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Join Habitat SLO for a day of fun, savings, and community impact this Earth Day! For more information, visit HabitatSLO.org
Sheriff’s Office warns public of ongoing auto scam
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a recurring auto scam that has surfaced multiple times in recent months. A group of Romanian nationals has been perpetrating this scam across California, recently targeting sellers in San Luis Obispo County.
Scammers pose as potential buyers and contact sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, arranging to inspect and test drive a vehicle. Typically, they arrive with two to three accomplices who act as friends or mechanics. During the interaction, one scammer distracts the seller while another discreetly pours oil onto the engine. As the test drive proceeds, the engine begins to smoke, making it appear as though the car has a serious mechanical issue. Exploiting the seller’s concern over costly repairs, the scammers then offer a significantly lower price, hoping the seller will accept out of fear of expen sive fixes.
Recent Incidents:
Jan. 18 — A seller in Atascadero fell victim, selling their car for far below the asking price. Attempts were also made in Los Osos and Nipomo the same day.
• March 10 — A seller in Los Osos was scammed into accepting a low offer.
• March 11 — Another attempted scam was reported in Atascadero.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by this scam to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Arrange meetings in public areas, such as a grocery store parking lot.
2. Bring a friend or family member to the meeting.
3. Never leave potential buyers alone with your vehicle, including during test drives.
4. If a mechanical issue is suspected, do not agree to a drastically reduced price until a trusted mechanic has inspected the vehicle.
5. Be cautious of excessively low offers. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, residents can help protect themselves from falling prey to this deceptive scheme.
City seeks watercraft concessionaire for Atascadero Lake Park
The City of Atascadero is now accepting proposals for a watercraft concessionaire to operate the boat ramp and paddleboat location at Atascadero Lake Park. The selected provider will have exclusive rights to offer recreational watercraft services at the park for a contract period of at least three years, with the option for two additional one-year extensions.
The chosen concessionaire is expected to begin operations by Memorial Day weekend. The city is looking for a provider with experience in the recreational watercraft industry to enhance the lake’s offerings.
Proposals are due by Friday, April 4, at 4 p.m. at City Hall. For more information and to view proposal documents, visit atascadero.org
Local artisan soap maker launches fundraiser to support adaptive sports program in SLO County
Trevor Dealy, the founder of Trev’s Trades, an artisan soap company, is giving back to the community with a new fundraiser aimed at supporting the North County Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program (NCASARP). A portion of the proceeds from Trev’s Trades’ sales will go toward providing athletes with custom Bulldog hats and uniforms.
Founded in 2011, NCASARP offers yearround athletic and social activities for individuals with developmental disabilities in North San Luis Obispo County. The program promotes social connections, self-confidence, and personal growth through activities like basketball, bocce ball, line dancing, and regional events such as Project Surf Camp in Morro Bay.
How to get involved:
• Purchase from the Easter Soap Collection: A portion of sales will sup -
port the fundraiser.
• Sponsor a Bulldog for $17: Directly fund a custom hat for an athlete.
• Spread the Word: Share the fundraiser on social media or with friends and family.
Trev’s Trades is a small-batch artisan soap company founded by Dealy, a young entrepreneur with disabilities. Trevor was born a micro-preemie and has overcome numerous challenges, including autism, Crohn’s disease, and sensory processing difficulties. Through his soap-making business, Trevor channels his creativity into crafting high-quality, all-natural soaps while gaining independence and purpose. Each soap is made by hand, with Trevor managing the entire process from ideation to packaging. The company’s charitable efforts have supported various organizations, including children’s hospitals and orphanages, and now NCASARP.
To purchase soaps or sponsor an athlete, visit trevstrades.com
CAPSLO announces new board member and president
The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Grover Beach City Councilmember Clint Weirick as a new board member, and Lan George as the new board president.
“We are so excited to have Clint Weirick on the CAPSLO board representing the public sector in South County and to have Lan George elected as our new board president. CAPSLO has a unique tripartite board with elected public officials, private individuals and representatives from the low-income community we serve, “said Biz Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO. George shared, “Serving on the CAPSLO board has been a rewarding experience, and I am honored to take this next step as board president. I look forward to leading with purpose and amplifying the positive impact we have made in our community. In my tenure, I have seen the difference we make in the lives of individuals and families through our housing programs, Head Start services, health initiatives, and support for veterans and adults. I am committed to guiding our organization toward continued success in empowering those we serve.”
Weirick, a lifelong resident of Grover Beach, added, “Being born and raised in Grover Beach, I have known many good people who have and continue to struggle to make it here who love San Luis Obispo County as much as I do. I’m honored to be on the CAPSLO Board during its 60th Anniversary year, which means continuing to support theirmission to empower local low-income people to achieve self-sufficiency and address the causes of poverty through their vital programs and community-based collaborations. As affordability challenges grow, CAPSLO’s work becomes even more critical, and I look forward to working together to make a tangible difference in the lives of our localresidents.”
CAPSLO also thanked SLO County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding and City of Pismo Beach Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Ann Reiss for their service as board members this year. For more information, visit capslo.org
APRIL
APRIL 2
ATASCADERO
FARMERS MARKET 8TH
ANNIVERSARY
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero
3-5:30pm
Get fresh and locally grown produce every Wednesday at the Atascadero’s Farmers Market in the beautiful Sunken Gardens.
APRIL 4-13
TINY BEAUTIFUL
THINGS
Fridays & Saturday 7:30pm
Sundays 2pm matinees
Plymouth Congregational Fellowship Hall
1301 Oak Street, Paso Robles
Presented by the Wine Country Theatre and based on Cheryl Strayed’s book, this heartfelt play explores her time as the ‘Dear Sugar’ columnist, offering wisdom, humor, and humanity.
Calendar of Events
APRIL 5
TRINITY LUTHERAN
SCHOOL ANNUAL
GALA AND AUCTION
Paso Robles Inn Ballroom
1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles 5-10pm
For Details and Tickets visit: Auctria.events/ casinoroyale2025
APRIL 10
ECHO EMPTY BOWLS
ATASCADERO
9315 Pismo Ave. Atascadero 11am-1pm
Enjoy delectable soups, artisan breads and take home a handmade ceramic bowl as your souvenir. Enjoy music while you visit with community members and supporters of ECHO. Celebrity servers will reprise their role to serve you. Take home an artisan ceramic bowl.
APRIL 19
PARTY FOR THE PLANET
Charles Paddock Zoo 10am-3pm
The Annual “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration is a fun way for children of all ages to experience interactive adventures, hands-on activities, exhibits by sustainability-conscious businesses, plus a variety of educational demonstrations. Party for the Planet activities are included with General Admission.
APRIL 24
ECHO EMPTY BOWLS
PASO ROBLES
1130 Pine St. Paso Robles 5pm-7pm
New this year is our Paso Robles Evening Reception hosted by Studios on the Park. Enjoy an evening of soup tastings, curated wine selections, studio art and live music. Take home an artisan ceramic bowl.
APRIL 25-27
MORRO BAY KITE
FESTIVAL
101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay
The Morro Bay Kite Festival is a free family event featuring colorful kites near Morro Rock. Free parking available at designated lots.
APRIL 26
CITYWIDE YARD SALE
Atascadero
8am-2pm
For more information on how you can participate or for shopping information, go to atascaderoyardsale.com
VINTAGE SIDECAR RENDEZVOUS, RECYCLED TREASURES, ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLES & SIDECARS, BRITISH CARS & PR COMIC BOOK EXPO
9am-3pm
For more information or vendor forms, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103.
APRIL 26-27
WINE 4 PAWS
WEEKEND
North County
Support homeless pets by shopping or tasting at 80+ SLO County businesses April 26-27, with 10 percent of sales benefiting Woods Humane Society!
APRIL 27
JR. CEO BUSINESS DAY Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino
Real Atascadero 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Atascadero Chamber Jr. CEOs showcase and sell their entrepreneurial creations, bringing their business ideas to life for the community to enjoy!
‘Pulp
Fiction’ benefit at The Bay
Special fundraising screening of Quentin Tarantino’s signature film set for Monday, April 21
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Morro Bay’s Bay Theater will jump and party with a special fundraising screening of Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” presented by The Rock 97.3/107.9, set for Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 a person and available online, in advance at my805tix.com or TheRockCommunityRadio.org
Remaining tickets will also be available at the door (best to buy ahead, as these events tend to sell out). Previously, The Rock has hosted screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture
Show” and “The Big Lebowski.”
There will be a costume contest for fabulous prizes and a raffle to win an 8-foot Stewart Hydro-Cush Funline Surfboard. Wine and beer are available for those 21 and older only.
Proceeds will support the station “and help keep community radio alive and well on the Central Coast.”
Attendees are in for a night of “outrageous costumes, audience participation, and unforgettable entertainment.”
“Pulp Fiction” is Tarantino’s best film and features an all-star cast, with John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, and Ving Rhames, among a
host of others.
The Rock, 97.3/107.9 FM, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer, organization operated and supported by listeners and residents of SLO County. The Rock connects the Central Coast with “hyper-local, engaging, creative, community-based FM radio and online programming.”
The Rock also provides public safety programming, emer gency preparedness education, and emergency alert announce ments for Paso Robles, Temple ton, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Los Osos, and Cayucos. The Bay Theater is a circa-1940s, single-screen, storefront movie theater located at 464 Morro Bay Blvd., and one of the last of its kind in SLO County.
Downtown Paso Robles
OUR HOMES ARE SANCTUARIES THAT REFLECT OUR LIVES AND WELL-BEING
Let’s extend that peace into our outdoor spaces. Your garden can be a place of tranquility and beauty, nurturing your spirit in ways the indoors can’t. Gardens are more than landscaping—they’re an extension of who we are, connecting us to nature.
Start with a Plan: A beautiful garden begins with intention. Whether you're envisioning vibrant flowers or a fruitful vegetable garden, the key is to plan. Think about how you want your space to feel, and let that guide your choices.
Choose the Right Plants: Select plants and vegetables that thrive in our area’s climate. With the right care, your garden will flourish and enhance your property with color and life.
Create a Color Palette: A well-chosen color palette can turn your garden into a masterpiece. Choose colors that resonate with your style—soft pastels, vibrant hues, or a mix of both—that will create a welcoming and peaceful outdoor retreat.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor: There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your garden grow and flourish—whether it’s the joy of fresh vegetables or the peace that comes with admiring your flowers in bloom.
Design a Low – Maintenance Watering Plan: Make your garden easy to maintain with a thoughtful watering system that works with your lifestyle, leaving you more time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of your outdoor space.
