PHOTO BY NEIL FARRELL
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."
- Helen Keller
Through Print
This month, our message takes on a different tone from our usual letters that reflect the past month’s events, our community, and our family. Prompted by recent national events, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads.
At the end of July, our nation witnessed two profound events: an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. These significant incidents highlight the deep divisions within our country, reminding us of the fragility of our national discourse and the urgent need for thoughtful reflection and unity.
As we navigate the coming months, my message to you all is to remember the human side of our debates and disagreements. Our community is a rich tapestry of diverse beliefs and backgrounds, each thread adding strength and texture. In these complex times, let us prioritize kindness over conflict and understanding over division. By choosing actions that enrich and elevate our community, we commit to fostering an environment of cohesion. Together, we can strive to bridge our divides and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a nation.
As publishers of Morro Bay Life and other newspapers, we take immense pride in bringing you up-to-date information that pertains to our vibrant communities. Each issue of Morro Bay Life is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of our community. From stories of local heroes to features on upcoming events, we aim to highlight the people and moments that make our town special. As we move forward, let us keep in mind that our actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger tapestry of our community. Every act of kindness, every gesture of understanding, helps to strengthen the bonds that hold us together. In these times of uncertainty, let us be beacons of hope and unity.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, let's continue to build a stronger, more informed, and more connected community.
Hayley & Nic Mattson
Putting a Spotlight on Businesses
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses! Spotlight Businesses are nominated and selected by fellow business owners in Morro Bay as a standout business with exceptional ownership.
If you know of a business or non-profit that deserves a spotlight, please send your nomination to our Ambassador’s Committee for review by emailing Lynsey Hansen at lynsey@morrochamber.org.
Business spotlights recognize Chamber member businesses that provide a consistent, positive customer experience, are actively engaged in the community and demonstrate resilience during challenging times.
Find your shopping ideas by following us on Facebook, Instagram or morrochamber.org
For more information contact Lynsey Hansen
Membership Director at lynsey@morrochamber.org
LifeisbetterontheBeach!
Please help us CONGRATULATE these businesses on their spotlight award by visiting their establishments, purchasing their products or services, and leaving good reviews online.
The 2024 Election season upon us
Morro Bay might have the busiest local ballot as the mayor and two council seats are up for election
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Local registered voters can potentially see some familiar names, as well as newcomers, on their November Presidential Election ballots, as the official nomination period is well underway.
County Clerk Elaina Cano, announced on July 10 that the nomination period for local races would open July 15, with the deadline to return nomination papers Friday, Aug. 9. And if an incumbent office holder for a particular race — be it school board, city council, or community services district — does not file to run for reelection, the deadline extends for five days to Aug. 14.
"Contests on the November ballot include the top-2 Federal and State candidates from the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary; open seats on 15 local school boards; 14 community service districts; and five special districts; and, city offices throughout the County," reads a news release from the County Elections Office.
Morro Bay will have perhaps the busiest local ballot as the mayor and two council seats are up for election, and it doesn't look like the two incumbent councilwomen plan to run again.
If that happens, it will be the first time two Morro Bay Council seats were wide open in at least the past 30 years.
Mayor Carla Wixom told Morro Bay Life (MBL) over a month ago that she intends to run. MBL's deadline for the August issue came at the start of the nomination period, so it remains unconfirmed, but no matter what the mayor or any other officer holder might say, until they turn in nomination papers, they won't be on the ballot.
Incumbent City Councilmembers Laurel Barton and Jen Ford have reportedly said that they do not plan to run again, and two local businessmen have told MBL they do plan on running.
Former House of Jerky store owner Jeff Eckles, and Bill Luffee, both of whom have spent considerable time on the Harbor Advisory Board, have said they will be running for City Council.
As of July 15, no others had stepped up, but as the city clerk said, nothing matters until they turn in their nominating petitions and signatures are verified.
Petition signers must be registered voters living in Morro Bay.
Luffee turned in his Form 501 last January and Eckles on May 30. That, in essence, announced their intentions to run and allowed them to begin accepting campaign donations.
Depending on whom else throws in, it could be the end of Morro Bay's historic, all-woman City Council, which has been the case for the past two years.
Morro Bay City Clerk Dana Swanson said she would post updates on the election nominations on the city website at morrobayca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19410/Nomination-Up
attorney, clerk-recorder, treasurer/tax collector and assessor — are not up for election.
County supervisor seats contested in 2024 were all decided at the March Primary Election, and the other office holders are in midterm.
District 1 Supervisor John Peschong, and District 3's Dawn Ortiz-Legg both ran unopposed in March; however, Ortiz-Legg did face a weak, write-in opponent.
She ran for the second time since being appointed to the seat by Gov. Gavin Newsom after the 2020 suicide death of Adam Hill, who died just months after winning a third term but before taking the oath of office.
Ortiz-Legg, under State Election Law, had to face voters at the first available election, which was in 2022. She won that contest (primary and general elections) and remained in the seat.
District 3 was up for a full term in 2024 and Ortiz-Legg won her first four-year term.
District 5 was also open after two-term Supervisor Debbie Arnold decided to retire. Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno won on March in a two-person race against another A-Town councilwoman, Susan Funk. Supervisor-Elect Moreno will be sworn in after the November Election is certified, until then, Arnold continues to serve out her term.
Three Superior Court judges were also unopposed last March, as Judges Crystal Tindell Seiler, Catherine J. Swysen, and Michael C. Kelley won in walkovers.
In 2026, all of the elected officers, plus District 2 and 4 supervisors will be up for election again.
California has a top-two primary election, so an election is almost never decided in the primary (unless one runs unopposed). Under the state's system, the top two vote-getters in the primary run again in November to settle the matter. This applies to state and federal offices. So the races for U.S. Senate, Congress, State Senate, and State Legislature, will be on the ballot in November.
Hollywood Congressman Adam Schiff and former Major League Baseball All-Star Steve Garvey (of Dodgers and Padres fame), will face off in two Senate contests.
One will be for just a few weeks to finish out the late Sen. Diane Feinstein's remaining term. The other contest is for a full six-year term, which could make for some awkwardness in the Capitol.
these terms, one of which would be perhaps the shortest serving Senator ever, at just a few weeks.
Incumbent Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), will run against challenger Thomas Cole. Carbajal is looking to win his fourth term.
District 17 State Sen. John Laird, who won in March by some 25 percent, will face challenger Tony Virrueta.
In the race for State Senate's District 21, Elijah Mack will go against incumbent S. Monique Limón. The two were separated by a 3 percent margin last March.
Local State Assemblywoman Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) will run against Dalila Epperson. Addis won the District 30 race by over 9 percent last March. District 30 includes most of SLO County, plus Coastal Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Also on the ballot in Morro Bay is Measure A-24, a citizen's initiative aimed at a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project being planned for the old power plant property.
A-24 would reaffirm the current zoning on the west side of the Embarcadero from Beach Street out to Morro Rock.
That includes the old power plant property, which was re-zoned "commercial/visitor-serving" when the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance were updated a few years ago, and before plant owner Vistra Energy submitted the BESS application.
A-24 requires the city to seek voter approval in order to change the zoning in that specific area. While not directly targeting the BESS Project, the clear intent is to turn the decision-making over to voters, who would in theory vote it down.
That BESS Project, which is currently under environmental review by the City Planning Department, who must re-zone the property to "industrial" to have the BESS Project approved.
The Cayucos Sanitary District has three seats up for election. Board President Robert Enns is up for election for another term on a board he's been serving on since 1991.
Other directors up for reelection are Hannah Miller and Michael Shopshear.
on farmland located up Toro Creek Road, about a mile off Highway 1.
Two seats are open in the Cayucos Elementary School District Board of Trustees and once again they must come from specific areas in town.
The school district has Trustee Areas 4 and 5 on the county list of races.
The current Area 4 trustee is Susan Brownell and Area 5 is Val Wright. As with the LOCSD, anyone wishing to run for these offices must go through the County Clerk's Office.
The Coast Union School District has three seats up for election in November, including the trustee who represents Cayucos, Samuel Shalhoub.
The Coast Union School District is a vast taxing area that raises money to support Coast Union High School in Cambria. Coast Union is the high school that Cayucos' elementary and secondary school kids used to have to attend, but several years ago, the CUSD and San Luis Coastal School Districts signed an agreement that allows Cayucos' teens to attend Morro Bay High, bringing their property tax dollars with them. Both Coast Union and San Luis Coastal are basic-aid districts, meaning their main source of revenues comes from local property taxes, and not the State General Fund.
The Area 5 trustee 's district starts in Cambria and runs down the coast to include Harmony and all of Downtown Cayucos.
The San Luis Coastal Unified School District has three trustee seats up for election, each representing a specific area of the district. SLCUSD district includes Morro Bay, Los Osos, SLO, Avila Beach, and the areas in between.
Chris Ungar, the trustee for Area 3 is up for reelection. Area 6's Eve Hinton and Area 7's Brian Clausen are also up for reelection. Ungar's district includes parts of Los Osos and rural Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.
Candidates for all CSDs, school districts, and special districts must get nomination papers at the County Government Center.
California could have two different people fill
The Sanitary District collects and treats the town's wastewater, and nothing else. It is responsible for building Cayucos' new, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and water recycling facility
According to the Elections Office, "The Elections Division of the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, located at 1055 Monterey St., Ste. D-120, San Luis Obispo, urges interested candidates to call our office at (805) 781-5228 to make an appointment and obtain the Declaration of Candidacy."
See the September issue of Morro Bay Life for an update on the Nov. 5 election.
Supervisors vote to halt cannabis tax increase
In addition, Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Study will move forward
By Camille DeVaul and Christianna Marks
In a significant decision affecting the local cannabis industry, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted to halt a proposed tax increase on cannabis businesses during a special meeting on June 24. The board unanimously decided to maintain the cannabis business tax at 6 percent rather than increasing it to 8 percent, as originally scheduled to take effect on July 1.
Cannabis Tax Decision
The Cannabis Business Tax, designed to incrementally increase by 2 percent annually for businesses in unincorporated areas of the county, faced opposition from local cannabis entrepreneurs. Shawn Bean, owner of The Source, a cannabis delivery service, voiced his concerns during the public comment period, emphasizing that a higher tax would strain his business operations.
“A lower tax rate allows entrepreneurs like myself to hire more people, do more business, invest back into the company,” said Bean.
Local business owner Steven Herring said, “It’s no secret that the cannabis market has been devastated and the sales prices have been cut in half since 2018 ... going to 8 percent will definitely tax multiple businesses out of existance, especially the farms.”
Herring said that he is the only processing facility in SLO County and has spoken to many farms
MORRO BAY
who echoed his concerns and say they will look to move to a different county if the tax increases.
Justin Cooley, deputy director of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office, noted that maintaining the current tax rate would give the struggling industry more time to develop.
“The industry has developed more slowly than expected, so maintaining the current tax rate was intended to give them additional time,” Cooley explained.
Revenue from the business tax contributes to the county’s general fund, with the proposed increase potentially adding an extra $250,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. Supervisor Dawn OrtizLegg (D-3) expressed her support for keeping the tax at 6 percent.
“I want these guys to continue to be able to grow their business and flourish here,” Ortiz-Legg said.
“I also want some of the revenue to eventually go to education.”
Ortiz-Legg’s motion to maintain the tax rate was approved unanimously with a 3-0 vote. Supervisors Debbie Arnold (D-5) and Jimmy Paulding (D-4) were absent from the meeting. The tax rate is projected to rise again next year unless the board votes otherwise.
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Study
In another critical decision, the Board of Supervisors addressed the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin (PRGB) during their meeting on July 16. The board revisited item 29 from the July 9 meeting, which required a 4/5 vote but initially lacked enough support to pass.
Supervisor Debbie Arnold pulled the item from the consent agenda for a separate vote, expressing
concerns about the costs and redundancy of the proposed study.
Supervisor Bruce Gibson supported the item, which authorized a professional consultant services contract with Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group. The contract, not exceeding $297,990, aimed to conduct a feasibility and engineering study for a supplemental water supply project for the PRGB, to be completed by February 28, 2025.
“This is an item that’s been thoroughly discussed at PBCC (Paso Basin Coordinating Committee),” Gibson said. “It’s a matter of bringing supply into the basin, possibly. Really, this is a study of feasibility.”
Arnold opposed the expenditure, arguing that many similar studies had already been conducted over the past 12 years, costing substantial amounts of money without concrete results.
“A lot of studies that contain the same information that we are planning on voting on spending another almost $300,000 today kind of duplicate studies,” Arnold stated. “Especially at a time like this when monies get short and tight, I question that.”
Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg emphasized the importance of addressing California’s long-term groundwater management issues and expressed her support for moving forward with the study.
“Trying to fix 150, 170 years of California’s management of groundwater doesn’t happen overnight,” Ortiz-Legg said.
The item passed with Arnold voting no and Gibson, Ortiz-Legg, and Supervisor Jimmy Paulding voting yes. Supervisor John Peschong was absent from the meeting and the vote.
The next San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for August 13 at 9 a.m.
San Luis Obispo County News Briefs
City of Morro Bay is accepting applications for various Advisory Body Positions
The City of Morro Bay is seeking volunteers for the Citizens Finance Advisory Committee (CFAC) and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC). Application and eligibility information is available on the City Clerk's webpage. The application deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 30, by 5 p.m. Completed applications can be emailed, mailed, or returned at the drop box located at City Hall.
Learn more by visiting morrobayca.gov/268/ Boards-Committees-Commissions
Temporary Coastal Access Walkway closure
Due to safety concerns, approximately 110 feet of the Coastal Access Walkway behind Stax Wine Bar (1099 Embarcadero) will be closed until repairs are completed. This property is privately owned, and the property owner will be making the repairs.
City of Morro Bay appoints Airlin Singewald as new community development director
The City of Morro Bay is delighted to announce the appointment of Airlin Singewald as its next Community Development Director, effective June 24. Airlin brings 20 years of land use and environmental planning experience to the position. Currently, he is the Planning Division Manager and Environmental Coordinator for the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department, where he has worked since 2007. He has held various leadership roles since 2017, leading a team of 20 planners serving the county's unincorporated communities and vast agricultural, rural, and open space lands.
Airlin's notable accomplishments include leading the processing of the Dana Reserve Specific Plan in Nipomo, the largest housing project approved in the unincorporated county. He also oversaw the adoption of the County's 2020-2028 Housing Element, Los Osos Community Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan, and several ordinances. From 2007 to 2019, he was the County's liaison to the North Coast Advisory Council,
working closely with communities to protect sensitive coastal resources and fostering a passion for community engagement.
Before joining the County, Airlin was a private consultant managing affordable housing programs across multiple cities and counties in California. He also served on the Planning Commission for the City of San Luis Obispo in the early 2000s.
A Central Coast native, Airlin moved to San Luis Obispo County from Santa Cruz to attend Cal Poly, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in City and Regional Planning.
Airlin has a deep connection to Morro Bay, often enjoying walks along the Embarcadero and admiring the harbor. He expressed his honor in becoming a steward of Morro Bay’s environment and looks forward to collaborating with the community and city leadership to implement the newly adopted General Plan and Local Coastal Plan. Outside of work, Airlin enjoys learning new languages, dancing, and working on classic cars.
City Manager Kimball welcomed Airlin, acknowledging the pivotal moment for Morro Bay and expressing gratitude to Interim Director Michael Codron for his exceptional leadership. The Community Development Department is located at 955 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Recruiting elephant seal docents
Hearst San Simeon State Park is recruiting new docents (volunteers) to help share the fascinating life history of the northern elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas rookery in San Simeon. California State Parks, in collaboration with Friends of the Elephant Seal, will be offering a fall 2024 training class to prepare new docents to meet the public as informal educators and wildlife interpreters. The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 2. Visit bttr.im/mfapo to apply.
Piedras Blancas is the largest mainland rookery for these amazing animals. Elephant seals visit the beach twice annually: once to give birth and breed and again to molt and grow a new coat. The rest of the year they migrate long distances, diving deep to avoid predators and find food.
Volunteering as an elephant seal docent is one of the Central Coast’s best opportunities for outdoor public service. Docents are crucial to enhancing the visitor’s experience at one of the most highly visited sites in Hearst San Simeon State Park. The best reward is the opportunity to meet curious visitors from around the world, provide meaningful and memorable interpretations, and help people gain an appreciation of this unique species and its critical ocean habitat.
Professional-quality training, reference materials, and mentoring are provided, allowing docents to get started with confidence. The four-week training program includes independent study assignments and virtual online training sessions that begin in October. Three in-person, outdoor mentoring sessions will be scheduled individually between Oct. 7 and Oct. 25. The final training session is scheduled for Oct. 26 in Morro Bay.
Docents must be able to volunteer three or four three-hour shifts a month, either in the morning or afternoon. If you would like to welcome visitors to their state parks and unlock the wonders of the amazing wildlife and habitat along the Central Coast, please apply to become a docent by the Sept. 2 deadline. An online application is available at bttr.im/mfapo. For more details about training dates, please visit elephantseal.org/become-a-docent. Call State Park Interpreter Monica Rutherford at (805) 460-8762 with questions. Applicants must be 18 or older and available to volunteer in San Simeon.
Sheriff's Office warns of computer/phone scam
The Sheriff’s Office has recently had numerous reports of sophisticated scams occurring within San Luis Obispo County. One scam in particular is targeting our older residents and has generated several calls to the Sheriff’s Office.
It works this way. Individuals report they are getting pop-ups on their computers advising their computer has been compromised. The pop-up will advise them to call a phone number immediately in order to prevent any loss. Once the number is called, the suspects on the phone will be professional and attempt to be helpful by transferring them to their bank’s fraud department when actu-
ally they are just transferring the victim to another scammer.
The suspects will speak to the victim over multiple days, provide detailed information, and eventually arrange a meet-up to collect the cash the victim has withdrawn at the victim’s house. The suspects will arrange with the victim to only give the money to someone who has a security code. This is to “prove” that they are legitimate.
Victims have lost large amounts of money with one person losing more than $60,000 and another losing over $120,000.
If you receive something suspicious like a pop-up on your computer saying you have been hacked or a phone call demanding money, contact the Sheriff’s Office to speak with law enforcement about these circumstances so we can hopefully prevent any loss.
Please inform your family and friends about this scam so they can be prepared in the event this happens to them.
SLO County Airport to resume daily direct flights to Las Vegas
The SLO County Airport (SBP) is thrilled to announce the recommencement of daily direct air service to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) serving the Las Vegas Valley in partnership with Alaska Airlines. This exciting air service will commence on Saturday, Oct. 26, and will be available for a limited duration, concluding on April 21, 2025.
The reinstatement of this route comes in response to the strong demand from both leisure and business travelers in the region. The daily direct flights will provide convenient and efficient access to one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, known for its entertainment, dining, and business opportunities.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alaska Airlines to bring back this much-anticipated service to Las Vegas,” said Courtney M. Johnson, director of airports. “This route is a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our community and enhancing connectivity for our passengers. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this limited-time service.”
SLO County Board of Supervisors are shown at a meeting on June 24 when they voted to halt the cannabis tax increase. Photo by SLO County Supervisors
“We’re excited to offer nonstop service between the beautiful Central Coast and the vibrant city of Las Vegas, offering guests seamless connectivity and convenience,” said Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California at Alaska Airlines. “We’re thankful for SLO County Airport’s collaboration and look forward to welcoming guests onboard this October.”
Tickets for the direct flights to Las Vegas are now available for purchase on the Alaska Airlines website and through their customer service channels. Travelers are encouraged to book early to secure their seats and take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.
For more information about the flight schedule, ticket prices, and travel guidelines, please visit Alaska Airlines at alaskaair.com.
Allan Hancock College encourages students to enroll in fall classes
Allan Hancock College is reminding students that there is still time to register for fall classes, which start on Aug. 19 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.
Hancock offers credit and non-credit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment.
“Now is the time for students to register for fall classes,” said Hancock Superintendent and President Kevin G. Walthers. “Our faculty and staff are ready to support and help them achieve their educational goals.”
High school seniors graduating from within the college’s service area can take advantage of the expansion of the Hancock Promise, which now provides two years of tuition and fees free. Financial aid is also available for non-Promise students.
Students in Lompoc can take advantage of programs that allow them to obtain degrees in business administration, math and science, social and behavioral sciences, and psychology exclusively at the college’s Lompoc Valley Center.
To help new and returning students complete their registration steps, the college is hosting “Bulldog Express” events every Monday and Tuesday through July 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the college’s Santa Maria campus. At these events, students can apply for admission, complete their financial aid applications and student orientation, register for classes, and more. Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center is hosting a Bulldog Express event from 3 to 6 p.m. on July 30. No appointments needed.
In addition to credit classes, Hancock Community Education is offering dozens of free non-credit fall classes, including English as a second language, citizenship, workplace preparation, GED classes, basic skills courses, classes for older adults, and more.
To register for credit and non-credit fall classes at Hancock, visit hancockcollege.edu/fall.
SLO Railroad Museum’s photo contest deadline is Sept. 15
The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is running its third annual Photo Contest. They are looking for railroad-related photos from the Central Coast area that would inspire interest in the railroading activities of the area, both historical and current, and encourage visitation to the museum to explore more.
Photos are being accepted now and must be submitted by Sept. 15. Winning photos will be displayed at the museum for one year, starting
the weekend of the Central Coast Railroad Festival (CCRRF.com), which runs from Oct. 4-6.
The first-place winner receives $100, the second place receives $50, and the third place receives a one-year museum membership for free. There may be honorable mentions without a cash prize or award. Details are available at SLORRM. com/2024-Photo-Contest.html
New cannabis microbusiness licenses now available
The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector (ACTTC) is pleased to announce the availability of cannabis microbusiness licenses for businesses operating within the unincorporated areas of the county.
This new licensing option allows eligible businesses to combine multiple cannabis activities (at least three activity types) — such as cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail — under a single license, streamlining operations and regulatory compliance.
• Eligibility: To qualify for a county cannabis microbusiness license, businesses must first hold a valid microbusiness license issued by the State of California.
• Activities Covered: A microbusiness license permits the combination of at least three of the following activities: cultivation (less than 10,000 square feet), manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales.
Application Process:
• State License: Secure a microbusiness license from the California Department of Cannabis Control.
• Local Approval: Obtain land use authorization from the County Planning and Building Department.
• County Application: Complete the County Cannabis Business License application through the Sheriff’s Office.
Businesses that currently hold multiple licenses (three or more) may be eligible to convert their licenses to a microbusiness license. For more information on this process, please contact the Tax Collector's office.
Sewage spill into street and storm drain in Pismo Beach
City of Pismo Beach Utilities reported a main line behind a residence broke and released sewage onto the street and into a storm drain. Approximately 120 gallons of sewage was spilled onto the street and into a storm drain that leads to the Pacific Ocean. The City of Pismo Beach Utilities personnel are working on repairs and cleanup.
An ocean water sample was collected at the nearest beach access point at South Beachcomber Drive, Pismo Beach. San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services Division advises that beach goers should avoid contacting the ocean water near this outlet until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.
For more information about beach water quality, please visit the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at SurfSafeSLO. org or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411.
Veteran Resource Fair in Nipomo supports local veterans
The County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office, in collaboration with Pacific Coast Mortgage Group, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 33-11, and VFW Chapter 10978 Nipomo, is proud to announce a Veteran
Resource Fair scheduled for Saturday, July 13. This event will be held at the Nipomo VFW located at 40 S. Thompson Ave., Nipomo.
The Veteran Resource Fair aims to provide essential services and support to veterans in the Nipomo community and surrounding areas. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can connect with various organizations and agencies offering resources such as VA disability and health benefits, financial assistance, home-buying resources, and much more provided by local and national nonprofits.
"We are honored to host this event alongside our community partners to ensure our local veterans have access to the support and resources they deserve, and we hope that doing these veteran resource fairs will bring our veteran community together. Our goal is to reach all veterans where they are at in life," said Kendra Scott, outreach coordinator for the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office.
In addition to the valuable services and information, the fair will feature a tri-tip sandwich lunch provided free of charge to veterans and their families. For other attendees, tri-tip sandwich lunches will cost $10 each. This initiative is part of the event's effort to provide practical support and a sense of community to all participants.
The fair is made possible thanks to Robert Tolan's generous sponsorship. Tolan's commitment to supporting veterans is well-known throughout the region.
In addition to resource booths and refreshments, there will be opportunities to network with fellow veterans and community members. Admission to the fair is free, and all veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are encouraged to attend.
For more information about the Veteran Resource Fair, please get in touch with Kendra Scott at (805) 781-5766 or kescott@co.slo.ca.us.
Supreme Court overturns Chevron doctrine
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has significantly curtailed the power of federal agencies to interpret laws, mandating that courts must now rely on their own interpretations of ambigu-
ous statutes. This decision, which will have broad implications across various sectors, overrules the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council decision that established the Chevron doctrine. The doctrine previously required courts to defer to agencies' reasonable interpretations of ambiguous laws. The court's 6-3 ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, deemed this doctrine "fundamentally misguided."
Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, warning that the ruling would cause significant disruption to the legal system. The original Chevron decision had become a cornerstone of federal administrative law, referenced over 18,000 times by federal courts.
The case arose from challenges to a National Marine Fisheries Service rule requiring the herring industry to bear the costs of onboard observers monitoring catches. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals focusing solely on the Chevron question. Chief Justice Roberts argued that the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires courts to decide legal questions independently, without deferring to agency interpretations.
Concurring opinions by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the Chevron doctrine was inconsistent with both the APA and the constitutional separation of powers. Justice Kagan, in her dissent, argued that agencies, with their technical expertise, are better suited to interpret regulatory laws and that the decision undermines decades of established legal precedent.
The ruling is part of a broader conservative effort to reduce the power of federal agencies, seen also in recent decisions affecting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Securities and Exchange Commission. While some applaud the decision for preserving the separation of powers, others, like the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticize it as a "recipe for chaos," predicting inconsistent interpretations of federal laws by judges lacking agency expertise.
When I first became sheriff, I made a vow to run an open administration. I wanted the public to know what we were doing as well as why we were doing it. That’s why we beefed up our public information unit, issued more press releases, and created the
largest social media presence of any law enforcement agency in the county. I’m proud of what we have accomplished. And now you have another opportunity to get an up-close, firsthand account of what we do here at the Sheriff’s Office. It’s called the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. It happens just once a year and it’s always a popular event.
The academy provides members of the community with an inside look at the Sheriff’s Office. It is a behind-the-scenes look at all the different facets of law enforcement. For instance, you may be surprised to learn we have approximately 450 people at the Sheriff’s Office who work across almost 40 divisions and units. About 170 of those men and women are patrol deputies. And 150 are correctional deputies who work in the County Jail. Hard to believe but when the Sheriff’s Office was created in 1850, we had just one employee.
So, what can you expect at the academy? First things first, the academy is free and open to the public. That’s right, it’s free. It doesn’t cost you
anything. It’s an 11-week course that’s held every Wednesday night from 6 to 9 p.m. and it starts at the end of this month.
OK, now on to the good stuff. Every Wednesday night we will have a presentation on topics like investigations, patrol procedures, drug and gang enforcement, and crime prevention. Some of the highlights include live demonstrations from our Special Enforcement Detail (which is our version of SWAT) and from the Bomb Task Force. You’ll also get the chance to see a demonstration by our K9’s and their handlers. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to do a ride-along with one of our deputies as well as a sit-along with one of our dispatchers. And you’ll get to experience our state-of-the-art force options simulator that puts you right in the middle of the action making those same split-second decisions that all deputies must make.
Besides showing you all whiz-bang elements of the job, the mission of the academy is to high-
light the human factor. All those men and women behind the badge. Because these folks are ultimately what make up the Sheriff’s Office. To get to know them because they are your friends and neighbors who want the same thing you and I do … safe, secure neighborhoods and communities. That’s what the Sheriff’s Office is all about. The same goes for the Citizen Academy. To hopefully give you some insight into what we call our profession but also just happens to be our passion. That’s why we live here in the first place. To enjoy all the amazing benefits of living on the Central Coast with the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are here to protect you, your family, and your community. I hope you can join us.
We would love to have you at this year’s Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. An application can be found online at slosheriff.org. On our homepage, just look for community resources and click on community programs in the drop-down menu. For more information, contact our Crime Prevention Office at (805) 781-4578.
Local arts outreach enriches Central Coast
The entire Central Coast of California is rich with the arts and often serves as a refuge or haven for artists from both the Bay Area and Southern California. Tourists and locals enjoy this beautiful slice of California located three hours between these northern and south-
ern metropolitan communities. Our county stretches over 70 miles down the 101 along the Pacific Coast and inland through desert and mountains to Kern County, covering 3,616 square miles, with just over 284,000 in population. Agriculture, tourism, building and design construction, knowledge and innovation, advanced manufacturing, health services, and energy are some of our major economic drivers. What does each of these economic drivers have in common? "Arts-Based Leadership.” According to the Oxford Academic Community Development Journal, the arts are often considered to be at the periphery of the community development process and only a minor player in regenerating areas. Despite increasing globalization, communities are beginning to recognize their own identity, culture, traditional art forms, and the value of working together at
the local level. Across San Luis Obispo County are examples of local art often created by the youth in partnership with local community groups, nonprofits, schools, and professional artists. Academics and business leaders understand that arts-based instruction is an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Multiple community and arts organizations with a focus on the arts are strengthening pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship arts partnerships for local students. Wine County Theatre, a local nonprofit theater company is dedicated to building a community of artists and audiences. Wine Country Theatre’s mission of building community through practice, participation, and pre-apprenticeship is one of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education’s Arts Partnerships.
Local arts organizations continue
to partner with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education to support arts outreach. Our partnerships provide opportunities for students to experience and participate in the arts with local artists. Wine County Theatre’s August production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella" will open at the Park Ballroom in downtown Paso Robles. The musical features a cast and crew of nearly 50 consisting of 25 students working alongside community and professional artists. Visit WineCountryTheatre.org for additional information.
According to the most recent Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey, San Luis Obispo County's arts and arts-related activities enhance our local economy by over $30 million in funding and expenditures. Art is one of the most popular Career and Technical Education (CTE) path-
ways selected by San Luis Obispo County students. The most recent Central Coast Economic Forecast refers to the positive impact the arts have on our local economy. Our county thrives in cultural and artistic vibrancy because of the dedicated individuals who make the Central Coast their home. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reports that scientists, humanists, and art lovers value art because of its social importance, communicative power, the capacity to increase self-knowledge, the ability to challenge preconceptions, and the beauty in art. We invite any interested arts organizations to partner with our local schools in building up our community. It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent, and I hope that this article will spark discussion about the power of becoming involved in arts outreach as a volunteer, patron, or participant.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL), officially announced the appointment of Cathy Cartier as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately. During the VSC Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, June 27, Cartier was unanimously appointed to the position following her successful tenure as interim president and CEO. Cartier joined the organization in 2021 as chief marketing officer, bringing more than two decades of leadership in the tourism
marketing industry.
“I am honored to step into this new role,” Cartier said. “SLO CAL is a dynamic and vibrant region and I look forward to continuing to promote the destination alongside the talented staff of Visit SLO CAL. Under my leadership, Visit SLO CAL will steadfastly collaborate with our investors, partners and stakeholders to drive exponential growth in the tourism economy and enhance community engagement.”
Cartier has brought extensive experience to Visit SLO CAL, possessing extensive experience in brand building, audience engagement, crisis communication, and marketing strategy.
“We are delighted to announce Cathy Cartier as the new president and CEO of Visit SLO CAL,” said Board Chairman Mark Eads.
“Under Cathy’s leadership, Visit SLO CAL aims to further establish itself as the premier travel and tourism organization for the region,
driving economic prosperity through innovative initiatives and striving to embody the SLO CAL lifestyle of ‘people, place and pace.’”
Prior to joining Visit SLO CAL, Cartier served as president of Cartier Global Strategies, an international marketing firm associated with global companies. She also held the position of chief marketing officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.
In 2023, tourism in SLO CAL generated a significant $60.1 million in transient occupancy tax revenue and contributed $110 million in local tax revenue. Without the tax revenue generated by tourism, each local household would need to pay an additional $21,415 to create the same economic benefit for the community. Furthermore, each household would need to spend an additional $1,914 in taxes to create the same economic impact for local businesses.
Cathy Cartier was unanimously appointed president and CEO of Visit SLO CAL, following her successful tenure as interim president and CEO. Photo by Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL
What began as a small project is now becoming first opera company to produce a Disney musical at grand scale
By BLAKE ASHLEY FRINO-GERL for Morro Bay Life
In 1985, Opera San Luis Obispo (OSLO) began as a fun project started by soprano Dr. Jill Anderson and her friends to provide an outlet for performing opera music. Leading the company until 2008, Anderson, now the co-artistic director of Canzona Women's Chorus, and her friends started with informal recitals at Linneas' Cafe in SLO, developing more than 35 operas in 23 years.
Upon Anderson’s retirement, Robert Ashens stepped in as artistic director until 2011, when Dr. Brian Asher Alhadeff took over as general and artistic director, where he manages day-today activities, serving as the music director and principal conductor of all content.
Alhadeff’s favorite part of OSLO are the grand productions.
“In my own mind, I've got the best job on the planet,” he says. “It’s been nothing less than heaven growing Opera San Luis Obispo into one of only four ‘grand opera producing companies’ in the state of California.”
Annually, three major events are produced by OSLO: a May "Mother's Day Weekend" grand production of a classical musical, an October grand production of an opera, and in December the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra has a "Nutcracker Tour" accompanying the
Business Spotlight: Opera San Luis Obispo
productions of Ventura County Ballet at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo at Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, and State Street Ballet at Santa Barbara's Granada Theater. They also have a mobile "Best of Broadway and Opera" show that tours with a 17-piece orchestra and up to 10 singers throughout the county. Every other year, they also produce a New Year's Eve Gala at Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo.
OSLO is the largest employer of orchestral musicians and singers in SLO County. It is also the county's largest provider of educational outreach — partnering year-round with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education in providing educational outreach videos and performances, including “Peter and the Wolf.” The outreach programs are possible in part with their "Mobile Opera House" — one of only four in the country - which has a 16x12 foot stage that unfolds from their 26-foot box truck, bringing educational programs to underserved schools throughout the county.
OSLO operates a large set building, storage shop, and a costume shop, allowing them to trade and work with other local nonprofits throughout the season.
“OSLO just made history as the first opera company to produce a Disney musical at grand scale!!” Alhadeff exclaimed. Last May, their production of "Beauty and the Beast" sold out two shows and became their best-selling show in the company's 39 years.
On Oct. 19 and 20, they will be producing “the most famous opera of all time” — "Carmen" by Georges Bizet at PACSLO. Tickets are on sale now at operaslo.org and pacslo.org or by calling (805) 756-4849.
(Top) Opera San Luis Obispo performs "Beauty and the Beast" earlier this year. Photo by Luis Escobar. (Bottom left) Members of Opera San Luis Obispo perform for students at Shell Beach Beach Elementary School in 2023. (Bottom right) Opera San Luis Obispo performs "La Boheme" in 2016. Photo by Luis Escobar
Over 200 creative displays to enchant Cambria this October
Cambria Scarecrow Festival will feature a new 'Fun and Games' display
CAMBRIA — From Oct. 1 through 31, over 200 creative and animated scarecrows will take over the coastal towns of Cambria and San Simeon for the yearly Cambria Scarecrow Festival. These handcrafted and whimsical figures will be found along the streets and in vacant areas, offering a delightful sight for both residents and tourists to enjoy at their own pace during the entire month.
While many newly created scarecrows will be out in 2024, past year’s creations and displays will also be reimagined and repurposed to keep it new and exciting.
“This year’s festival will feature a new 'Fun and Games' display, showcasing scarecrows playing popular games in an environment perfect for fun and photo ops. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a large area in town devoted to more traditional scarecrows,” said Patty Wallace Rixman, Cambria Scarecrow Festival president. “But they won’t just
be standing there in a field ... these scarecrows will be lively and full of personality.”
“Watch for a lot of new scarecrows,” she added. But she assures that “favorites like the CambrAliens, El Encanto and the Cambria Scarecrow Academy — with a new twist — will be coming back. So if you missed them last year, make sure to check them out this October.”
All of these unique works of art are made by a group of talented and dedicated community members.
In 2009, the scarecrow festival made its debut with 30 scarecrows and has since grown from a weekend event at the Cambria Historical Museum to a month-long celebration.
“The festival was created in response to a slow October for businesses in Cambria,” Festival Vice
President Stephanie Vassigh explained. “Now, they are enjoying a nice increase in tourists during this time.”
Rixman, also in charge of the Friends of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival program, added, “Last year, we almost doubled our business participation. Donations of $100 or more include a free scarecrow for your business. Give over $300 and business donors will get a special shoutout during the
'Colors of
Local artists and the land conservancy team up to showcase and preserve the Central Coast’s natural beauty
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and SLOPE (San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment) announce “Colors of Conservation,” an annual exhibit of original landscape paintings of our precious open spaces, historic ranch lands, waterways, and coastal areas.
The event is open to the public and will be held in the Milking Parlor at the iconic San Luis Obispo landmark, the Octagon Barn Center on Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Original paintings and prints will be available for sale. A portion of art sales will benefit The Land Conservancy. Live artist painting demonstrations on Saturday, Aug. 10. One will be a watercolor demonstration with Jan French at 10:30 a.m. (janfrench.com), another will be an oil painting demonstration with Joe McFadden at 1 p.m. (fromreallife.com).
The event is a unique opportunity to support local artists as well as local conservancy efforts to preserve our county's open spaces. Participating SLOPE artists are Dennis Curry, Jan French, Hilda Freyre, Dotty Hawthorne, Sandi Heller, Daniel Jones, Joe McFadden, Laurel Sherrie, and Jim Tyler. Emeritus artists include Bruce Everett, Anne Laddon, Tracy Paz, Denise Schryver, Rozanne Seitz, and Karen Foster Wells.
festival on our social media pages. This presents a great opportunity for increased foot traffic during the festival.”
The grand finale of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival is a culinary extravaganza at Cambria Nursery and Florist on Oct. 26. Known as “The Salute to Scarecrows! A Starlit Celebration of Cambria,” this event will showcase delicious dishes and wines from a select group of Cambria’s restaurants and wineries.
“Not only does this celebration support the Cambria Scarecrow Festival, a charitable organization, but it is also a highly popular event that sells out quickly,” stated Vassigh.
The Festival has garnered attention from various media outlets including Woman’s Day, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, ABCNews.com, and Huffington Post. The Travel Channel even recognized it as one of the top 10 scarecrow festivals in the U.S. and Canada and USAToday proclaimed it to be one of the top fall festivals in the U.S. worth traveling to.
“We are thrilled about this year’s festival in scarecrow-land,” exclaimed Rixman. “It truly embodies the artistic spirit of our community.”
For more information, go to CambriaScarecrows.com
Conservation'
art exhibit set for August in San Luis Obispo
For details go to slope-painters.com or call (805) 544-9096.
About SLOPE and The Land Conservancy Art Collaboration:
The talented plein air painters of SLOPE collaborate with The Land Conservancy to preserve our precious open spaces, historic ranch lands, waterways, and coastal areas. SLOPE artists create paintings by visiting and working at these treasured sites to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the Central Coast. Members support the Land Conservancy by contrib-
uting a portion of art sales to the conservancy. “Colors of Conservation 2024” celebrates the diverse beauty of Central Coast areas protected by The Land Conservancy. Learn more about SLOPE, slope-painters.com.
Those who love and value the Central Coast of California for its beauty, wild open spaces, productive family farms, clean water, and stunning landscapes have an opportunity to support the Land Conservancy with a purchase of original artwork by SLOPE artists.
About the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a community-supported local nonprofit land trust working to protect and restore local landscapes for the benefit of people and wildlife. The land trust helps to protect drinking water sources, prevent poorly planned development, restore wildlife habitat, and promote family farmlands and ranches in our region. The Land Conservancy leads collaborative efforts, which have resulted in the permanent protection of over 67,000 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County. For a complete list of projects and properties go to lcslo. org, (805) 544-9096.
Local artists and the land conservancy team up to showcase and preserve the Central Coast’s natural beauty
A Wednesday Addams scarecrow is displayed at a previous Cambria Scarecrow Festival. Photo provided by Cambria Scarecrow Festival
Local agriculture leaders honored at Cattlemen and Farmers Day at the California Mid-State Fair
Aaron Lazanoff, Vicki Janssen, and Brian Talley receive top awards at annual California Mid-State Fair event
By MAYLIA BAIRD for Morro Bay Life
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The annual Cattlemen & Farmers Award Day is an important day in the community dedicated to recognizing our local cattlemen, cattlewomen, and agriculturalist winners. At this annual event, there was a delicious barbecue steak dinner with the option of complementing your meal with a glass of wine or beer while the Cattleman, Cattlewoman, and Agriculturalist of the Year were announced. The event was hosted at the California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) in the Paso Pavillion on Thursday, July 18.
Farm Bureau Executive Director Paul Clark told Morro Bay Life, “To the agricultural community, it’s this opportunity for everyone to get together one time a year and meet and re-establish friendships ... It’s just so much fun, and every year it feels like it’s the same group, but it’s really not; there are a lot of new faces too.”
The San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association was proud to announce Aaron Lazanoff as its 2024 Cattleman of the Year. Lazanoff is a member of the board of directors of the San Luis Obispo Cattlemen’s Association. He has chaired every committee and served as president for two years. He has also served on many California Cattlemen’s Association committees and is passionate about getting the next generation of cattlemen involved in the local and state association. He is the current advisor to the Cal Poly Young Cattlemen’s group and played a big part in getting 41 students to attend the 2023 CCA Convention in Nevada. He is co-leader of the Edna 4-H beef group and has served as president of the West Coast Junior Rodeo Association.
Lazanoff is also an event director for the California High School Rodeo Association, District 7. In addition to all this, he has also been the Cal Poly ranch manager since 2008 and oversees all cattle operations and manages 5,000 acres of school property. He manages the Cal Poly Bull Test program that originally started in 1956. Students in this program are responsible for raising bulls, measuring bull health, and judging bull performance. Bulls that exceed the test results are sold at the Cal Poly bull sale to cattlemen from around the county. Lazanoff is also responsible for managing student housing, and assists in managing the feed mill, dairy unit, and equine unit at Cal Poly.
“It’s neat to be a part of an organization that is so progressive and gets so much done compared to a lot of other places," said Lazanoff upon receiv-
ing his award. "This organization has a group of great people and they get a lot done for not only the Cattlemen’s Association but for business in general.”
San Luis Obispo County Cattlewomen were excited to announce their choice of Vicki Janssen as the Cattlewoman of the Year. Janssen has done everything from manufacturing fishing poles, working as a county legislative assistant for many of our local supervisors, being the first manager of the agriculture task force, and the first woman captain of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Posse. She joined the Cattlewomen’s association 31 years ago and has been a valuable member serving many committees. She served in multiple roles including the Historian-Scrapbook chair, Highway Clean Up chair, Casino Night Fundraiser committee member, Merchandise chair, and currently serves as second vice president.
Janssen has a passion for agriculture and law enforcement which keeps her involved in many community organizations. She is a 22-year member of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Posse, serving as the first woman captain in 2007, and again as captain in 2023 and 2024. She was a member of the Santa Maria Chapter of California Women For Agriculture from 2010 until 2017. She also serves on the board for many nonprofit organizations, including the San Luis Obispo Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation and the James W. Brabeck Youth Legacy Fund, which supports youth in agriculture. Janssen even served as a Legislative Assistant for candidate Katcho Achadjian in 2010 and again for John
Peschong in 2017. She has assisted constituents with many county issues.
“I would just like to say how humbled I am by this award," Janssen said. "I never would’ve expected it. This is a group of amazing women who promote sustainable agriculture, they promote the beef industry and they promote education and agriculture. They give scholarships to our young ones and really advance our youth and agriculture.”
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau was happy to award Brian Talley as the 2024 Agriculturalist of the Year. He is president of Talley Farms and Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande. The Talley family began farming in San Luis Obispo County when Brian’s grandfather, Oliver Talley, started growing vegetables in 1948. Oliver and his sons then bought property in Arroyo Grande Valley in 1966. Brian and his family have followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and uncle to continue to build and grow Talley Farms into the multifaceted and successful farming business that it is today. They are well known in the community for their farm box program. They have over 7,000 customers and deliver weekly two sizes of boxes full of seasonal produce to over 70 pick-up locations — some of which they even deliver straight to buyers’ homes throughout Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
Talley, was selected by the Farm Bureau as their Agriculturalist of the Year. Because John had prior commitments he had Brian accept the award in his honor so this is the second time Brian has received this award, only this time in his own name. For four generations, the Talley family has continued to grow and maintain a successful farming and wine business. The Talleys are proof that family farms are not a thing of the past because they continue to maintain the exceptional standards and quality that come with having a devoted family-led farm.
“What I do and the success that I enjoyed is really about the confluence of two really fundamental and special things about San Luis Obispo County: our very special climate," Brian said. "I am blessed to farm in the San Luis Obispo Coast region which is one of the greatest places in the world to do what we do, which has produced about 30 different kinds of vegetables, avocados, chardonnay, and all kinds of wonderful stuff.
"The other thing that has been critical to my success is people. Starting with the people that show up to work in our operation every day, which are farm workers. We try to celebrate them and if it weren’t for those folks we all wouldn’t be here because they are really the underpinning of our industry. Beyond that I am blessed to get to work with my family.”
(From left) Assemblymember Dawn Addis's District Director Andrea Chmelik, JoAnne Switzer, Senator John Laird's District Representative Clint Weirick, SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Brian Talley, Vicki Janssen, Aaron Lazanoff, SLO County Supervisor Debbie Arnold, Diane Zannotti for Representative Jimmy Panetta, and Pete Clark are shown on Cattlemen & Farmers Award Day at the California Mid-State Fair. Photos by Brittany App
AParade and Sand Sculpture Contest bring in enthusiastic crowds
n estimated 22,000 people turned out on the 4th of July for the Annual Lions Club Independence Day Parade. And while the day dawned beautiful and sunny, the normal fog rolled in to cool things off a bit. Cool off, that is, except for the fish mobile entry by the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council, which had a rock 'n' roll band with Billy Foppiano playing surf music until the custom-built boat that looks like an albacore tuna caught fire and was disabled. Volunteers from the crowd jumped to the rescue and pushed the car along the parade route until the fire chief hooked up a tow strap and towed the car like a [giant] fish out of water. Among the entries was Miss California Teen USA Paige Gonor, who sang the national anthem for the crowd when she reached the judge's stand.
Sand sculpture contest a big hit
The Annual Sand Sculpture Contest in Cayucos was a big hit, with throngs of visitors on the 4th of July. Among the sculptures were a man in a bubble bath, tributes to the Paris Olympics, the Roman Coliseum, a pair of lounging Minions, the Statue of Liberty, several true sand castles, and more. The free event started at dawn on the beach north of the Pier and for the most part, washed away with the tide.
Cayucos celebrates Independence Day
Story and Photos by NEIL FARRELL AND HAYLEY MATTSON
Calendar of Events
AUGUST 1-29
AUGUST ART EXHIBITS
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
601 EMBARCADERO, SUITE 10, MORRO BAY
11am-5pm, Daily
Join us for an exciting art exhibition featuring three talented artists: Gay McNeal, showcasing textiles; Virginia Mack, displaying her watercolor masterpieces; and Ardella Swanberg, presenting small works and books. Be sure to attend our 2nd Saturday Reception Atrium Party on August 1h from 3-5pm.
AUGUST 3, 10, & 31
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
ATASCADERO LAKE PARK, 9305 PISMO AVE.
6:30-8:30pm
Bring a blanket or chair while listening to live music on a summer evening.
Aug. 3 - Josh Rosenblum Band, August 10 - Stellar, and August 31 - The JD Project.
AUGUST 3
WILD ABOUT ART
CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO
10am-3pm
Everyone will have an opportunity to watch as the Zoo’s animal residents create their own, unique and artistic pieces. Zoo visitors will also be able to create lots of fun arts and crafts too, with plenty of opportunities for children to color, paint, and much more.
Event
AUGUST 2-3 AND 10-11
HARMONY SUMMER SERIES
HARMONY, CA 11am-4pm
Head to the charming town of Harmony this summer for a series of weekends featuring local makers and food trucks selling their wares within the community.
AUGUST 2, 9, 16, 23, AND 30
CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA
SAN LUIS OBISPO MISSION PLAZA, 989
CHORRO ST.
5-8pm
Free family-friendly summer of live music, dancing, and drinks.
AUGUST 3, 10, & 31
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
ATASCADERO LAKE PARK, 9305 PISMO AVE.
6:30-8:30pm
Bring a blanket or chair while listening to live music on a summer evening. Aug. 3 - Josh Rosenblum Band, August 10Stellar, and August 31 - The JD Project.
AUGUST 4
ART IN THE PARK
DINOSAUR CAVES PARK, SHELL BEACH
10am-4pm
Enjoy this monthly pop-up market of local artisans, music, food and family fun!
AUGUST 6 AND 13
TUESDAYS IN THE PARK
ATASCADERO LAKE PARK
7pm
Tuesdays in the Park free one hour concerts by the Atascadero Community Band. Kiwanis BBQ at 5pm on August 6 before the concert.
AUGUST 10 AND 24
DOCENT WALKS
FISCALINI RANCH, CAMBRIA
10am-noon
Enjoy different docent led walks on Fiscalini Ranch. August 10 will bring education on Sea Jellies, Leather-Back Sea Turtles and Buckwheat, while August 24 will highlight "Forest Bathing" in the Fiscalini Ranch Forest - soak in and mentaly savor your time in the forest.
AUGUST 10 AND 24
SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK
COLONY PARK, 5599 TRAFFIC WAY, ATASCADERO 8-10pm
Have an outdoor evening of family fun and activities before the movie. August 10 - Wonka - and August 24 - Kung Fu Panda 4.
AUGUST 15
KIDICAL MASS 2024
1400 OSOS ST., MITCHEL PARK, SLO Kidical Mass is a venue for parents and
children to learn how to ride safely. Ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages for this themed event called “Fruit Frenzy.”
AUGUST 16-17
CRUISIN’ WEEKEND
DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO
The weekend kicks of with the 31st Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite on Aug. 16 at 6:30pm, and continues with the 33rd Annual mid State Cruisers Car Show from 10am-3pm on August 17 at Atascadero Lake Park, followed by 8th Annual Dancing in the Streets Downtown from 5-10pm. For more information, visit visitatascadero.com/ events/index.php?id=581.
AUGUST 20
SECOND ANNUAL ENSEMBLES CONCERT
ATASCADERO LAKE PARK 7pm
Second annual Ensembles Concert — small groups from the Atascadero Community Band will musically entertain you for an hour! Free, as always.
AUGUST 24
6TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CIDER FESTIVAL PAVILION ON THE LAKE AND ATASCADERO LAKE PARK 4-8pm
Enjoy and evening of cider education and tasting with the Central Coast Cider Association. 21 years and older.
AUGUST 24
KIDS TRADING DAY FLEA MARKET & COMIC BOOK EXPO
CITY PARK, DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES 9am-3pm
Buy, sell, and trade items at this fun event. For information, visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.
AUGUST 25
JACK HOUSE OPEN TOUR
JACK HOUSE, 536 MARSH ST., SLO 1-4pm
Meet the volunteer docents and tour the Historic Jack House & Gardens, earning about some of the most prominent players of Central California’s development. All ages and donations welcome.
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2
ART IN THE PARK
CITY PARK, DOWNTOWN MORRO BAY 10am-5pm
Every year Morro Bay Art Association holds Art in the Park Labor Day weekend as their annual fundraisers, with proceeds from art sold helping fund children’s art classes, provide scholarships and other programs throughout the year.
Hit-Miss Engine Show coming Aug. 3 and 4
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
With an unmistaken hit-miss cadence, antique gas engines from the late 1800s to the early 1990s were a mechanical marvel that did a wide variety of work — from sawing logs, to pumping water and washing clothes, as America moved out of the horseand-buggy days of back-breaking manual labor, fully into the Industrial Age.
And Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4, will mark the 50th Annual Antique Gas Engine Show in Downtown Cayucos.
Started half a century ago (actually, they skipped 2020-21 due to the pandemic) by Hank and Mary Ellen Eisner, the Antique Gas Engine Show brings a group of local enthusiasts and mechanics together to display the versatile engines, each in perfect working order.
The old-time display is put on through the Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, an organization of antique gas engine enthusiasts who put on several shows a year.
The Eisners, who also own the Way Station in Cayucos, will also be celebrating their 50th year of owning the historic Way Station building, which started out as a hotel and general store back in Cayucos' horse-and-buggy days.
The Eisners discovered their love for antique gas engines by accident, as when they purchased
the Way Station, which had fallen into disrepair, they discovered an old engine in storage on the property.
"When we bought the property," Mary Ellen said, "the engine was in the barn. We didn't know a thing about the engine, but we were so thrilled."
That sparked an interest in the niche world of collectors of what was an amazingly useful and versatile tool with a myriad of applications.
It's an interest the Eisners, who are both now in their 90s, dearly love but find they can't get out and enjoy like they used to. However, their personal engine will be on display at the show.
The Antique Gas Engine Show is set for all day Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4 in Downtown Cayucos at the corner of Ocean Avenue and D Street. Admission is free.
Members of the Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association talk shop next to one of the antique gas engines, this one set up to pump water, that will be on display Aug. 3-4 in Downtown Cayucos.
