Morro Bay Life • January 2024

JANUARY 2024 • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

2024 Happy New Year!

“Cheers to a new year filled with fresh beginnings, endless opportunities, and the promise of brighter days ahead.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PIRATES COMPETE IN STATE | PAGE 6

CAMBRIA

CHRISTMAS MARKET SHINES BRIGHT | PAGE 7

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

DELIVER CHRISTMAS TOYS | PAGE 4

CROSS COUNTRY

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2 • January 2024• Morro Bay Life

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Making Communities Better Through Print™

Welcome 2024!

A

s we embark on this new year, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and anticipation. The start of another year is like turning the page of a book, offering us a blank canvas upon which to paint our hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

It is an opportunity to reset our goals, make positive changes, and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

One of the most valuable investments we can make in the coming year is in our health – not just our physical health, but also our mental and spiritual well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to neglect these aspects of our lives.

However, a healthy mind, body, and spirit are the foundation upon which we can build a fulfilling and meaningful life. Let us resolve to prioritize self-care, practice mindfulness, and nurture our inner selves in the year ahead.

Living on the Central Coast offers a unique and picturesque backdrop for our journey into 2024. The natural beauty that surrounds us — from the rolling hills to the pristine beaches — reminds us of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of serenity amidst our busy lives. Take time to explore the scenic trails, savor the breathtaking sunsets, and revel in the tran-

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“As the new year dawns, may your dreams take flight, your hopes soar high, and your journey be filled with joy, adventure, and endless possibilities.

Happy New Year!”

quility of this remarkable region.

Beyond the stunning landscapes, it is the sense of community that truly defines the Central Coast. We are fortunate to be part of a vibrant and close-knit community that cares for one another. In the coming year, let us continue to foster these connections, support our neighbors, and work together to make our corner of the world an even better place. As we embark on this journey into the unknown, I offer a blessing for the new year. May it bring you joy and laughter, may it provide you with the strength to overcome challenges, and may it be filled with love, kindness, and meaningful connections.

May you find fulfillment in your pursuits, and may your dreams become reality.

So, let us welcome 2024 with open hearts and open minds. May it be a year of

growth, resilience, and discovery. May we find the balance between nurturing our health and nurturing our relationships.

And may the Central Coast continue to be our cherished home, a place of beauty, community, and inspiration.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, filled with boundless opportunities and endless blessings.

Through Print

making communities better

Morro Bay Life •January 2024 • 3

morrobaylifenews.com

congratulations 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.

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

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.

Please help us CONGRATULATE these businesses on their spotlight award by visiting their establishments, purchasing their products or services, and leaving good reviews online.

4 • January 2024• Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Eagles Club delivers Christmas toys

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

S

ome school kids and their families had a little brighter Christmas again this year, after the local Eagles Club donated lots of toys and gift certificates to be handed out to needy families.

Eagles members Michael Murphy, Cindi Cagle and Club President Shary Goulart delivered the new, unwrapped toys on Dec. 4 at Del Mar Elementary in Morro Bay. Principal Michael Wood accepted the gifts on behalf of the school and staff and thanked the Eagles for the annual donations.

Cagle said this is the fourth year the club has used proceeds from their club dinners and raffles to purchase Christmas toys for the Del Mar kids and this year, one local store owner’s retirement helped them buy more and better toys than previously.

Cagle runs the program for the club. “I’m a major shopper,” she told Morro Bay Life, laughing that she very much enjoys the thrill of the hunt — finding bargains on toys and stretching the Eagles’ donations to benefit as many of the school’s roughly 265 students as they can.

This year, she said the waterfront store, Hooray for Hollywood, was holding a going-out-of-business sale, as the owner sailed off into a well-earned retirement and sold off much of his stock of Hollywood-themed collectibles and toys at prices that rose to 70 percent off at the end.

Hooray for Hollywood had been in a storefront at Dutchman’s Landing (Embarcadero at Pacific Street) for several years and while the storefront is closed, he planned to continue to sell online.

She also shopped at Target and Walmart, Cagle said, and the selection of toys she and her volunteers picked out for the kids was impressive, with Barbie dolls and action figures — Superman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America; plus, there were some Disney items — Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls — among many others.

Cagle said the situation with Hooray for Hollywood allowed the Eagles to get better quality toys this year, and 20 families will also be getting $50 gift certificates to Spencer’s Market.

Goulart said because the money for the gifts came through the club’s regular dinners and raffles, “All the members contributed.”

A reporter remarked that there wasn’t a single cellphone or electronic gizmo among the Eagles’ toys, and Goulart whispered that they are too expensive and you have to keep paying for the service, so they don’t buy them. It seems that with these traditional or perhaps old-fashioned toys, the kids will have to use some imagination.

The club also gives Christmas gifts and care packages to the folks at the Senior Center, patients at Bayside Assisted Living Center in town, and to local military veterans.

The school staff, which knows the kids better than anyone else, will select the children. Those children’s parents will be invited to come to the principal’s office and select a toy for their child, Goulart explained.

The gesture by the Eagles is but one example of local service clubs that raise money to benefit the community. And while one might think Morro Bay is a fairly wealthy community, you couldn’t tell by its schoolchildren.

Del Mar has long had a majority of its students qualify for free lunch programs, which is one measure of the wealth of a school community’s families. Nevertheless, Del Mar once earned a Distinguished School Award from the State Department of Education.

Most readers would agree that times are tough these days, with prices for everything rising continuously including holiday traditions, like grand family dinners, and presents under the tree, so it is good and right to celebrate the generosity of community groups and caring citizens.

Goulart said all of the Eagles members are generous people, for example, they have a basket by the door to the clubhouse — called the Aerie — and members donate scarves and gloves to be given away along with baskets of donated everyday items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and more.

“The Eagles wish everybody a Merry Christmas,” Goulart said, beaming a wide smile.

The Morro Bay Eagles Aerie clubhouse is located at 2988 Main St.

Members of the Morro Bay Eagles Club delivered their fourth annual cache of Christmas toys and gift certificates for needy children and their families at Del Mar Elementary School in Morro Bay. Pictured from left are Eagles members Michael Murphy and Cindi Cagle, Eagles President Shary Goulart, and Del Mar Principal Michael Wood. Photo by Neil Farrell

Some of the toys the Eagles donated to needy kids at Del Mar Elementary are displayed. Many of those toys were bought locally from Hooray for Hollywood, a memorabilia and collectibles shop that recently closed.

After weather setback, The Rock radio is back

The staff of 97.3 FM The Rock community radio station is shown during happier times. The nonprofit community radio station was knocked off the air Nov. 15 when a city-owned radio tower that the station’s antenna was installed on blew down in high winds. After a month off the air, The Rock is now back up and broadcasting. Contributed Photo

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

M

other Nature dealt a mighty blow and Morro Bay’s only commercial-free, community radio station got knocked off the air in the midst of strong winds.

But she may have been knocked down, but she wasn’t out, as KBEF 97.3 FM The Rock, after a month, was able to re-establish its broadcast capabilities and resume filling the Estero Bay airwaves with music, spun by a variety of volunteer DJs. “The Rock,” announced Hal Abrams, the founder and leader of station, “is back up on the air at our temporary location, high atop the 60-foot tower at Morro Bay Police Department.”

It was a long odyssey for the little station tucked deep inside the city-owned office building at 695 Harbor St. A strong wind and rainstorm swept through Morro Bay on Nov. 15, knocking down an old city radio tower installed at the Corporation Yard

on Atascadero Road. That tower used to hold the city’s wireless communications and radio equipment for dispatching maintenance crews to issues with the roads, the water and sewer systems.

But the tower has long been out of use by the city and when it fell, there were no plans to resurrect it. The radio station had used it for 10 years.

Abrams said the radio tower blew down while they were live on the air, too, and the local signal was lost. They had to shut down the station and it stayed off the air for a whole month, while they searched for a new site for their antenna.

“The next day,” Abrams said, “a city crew took the tower down.”

The radio station’s antenna wasn’t damaged when the wind blew the tower down, and they tried to install it at the station on Harbor Street, which is also home of the Morro Bay Resources Center, the TBID, and Chamber of Commerce.

But the building just isn’t tall enough to be able to broadcast throughout the area.

Abrams appealed to the community and the

city for help finding a new location, and while several local residents volunteered to allow it to be raised at their homes, Abrams said they wanted a more permanent location, because living situations change, and homes get sold.

And unlike a commercial radio station, this little nonprofit one doesn’t have a lot of money to spend.

“We run on a skeleton budget, with over 40 volunteers, all great neighbors and community members,” Abrams said. “This is a very unexpected and unfortunate turn of events. Finding a new tower in the Morro Bay city limits is not an easy task.”

But thanks to another old, little used tower at the police department, the station that Abrams dreamed up is back.

Abrams is a radio veteran and host of “Animal Radio,” a syndicated talk show about animals and the people who love them that runs on stations across the nation.

The police department long ago switched its

radio communications from the downtown station to a new location on Black Hill, where the city has water storage tanks. Ideally, that’s where the radio station’s antenna ought to be, or maybe on property at the top of the ridge above North Morro Bay. From there, they could reach much farther along the North Coast.

The new location on Morro Bay Boulevard works, too, as by Dec. 15, the station was back playing perhaps the most eclectic selection of music genres and stylings you’ll find anywhere, spun by a collection of DJs — some of whom go way back to the old K-OTTER (now KPIG), a legendary station that was based in Cambria.

The Rock is at 97.3 FM on your radio dial in Los Osos, Morro Bay, and Cayucos (on clear days one can get it almost in San Luis Obispo); in Paso Robles at 107.9 FM; and over the Internet.

If readers would like to know more about The Rock and its programming or make a donation to help save the only commercial-free local radio station, see esterobayradio.org.

Morro Bay Life •January 2024 • 5

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6 • January 2024• Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Pirates compete in state cross country meet

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

M

orro Bay High S c h o o l ’s c ro s s countr y season came to a close at the State Meet in Clovis at the end of November, and while the teams had a great season none of the runners took home State medals.

There were, however, some good performances by some of the runners.

Senior Otis Kelly, who was the top Pirates boys runner all season, made the State Meet as an individual when the team’s season ended at the CIF Sectionals.

Kelly finished the Div. 4 race in 26th place and out of the medal hunt. Still, first-year head coach Jennifer Frere said his time of 16:01.8 landed him “fourth on the all-time top-performers list for MBHS.” It’s a distinction that places him in rarified company among the all-time best runners in one of the best prep cross country programs in the state. Isaiah Festa, a threetime state champion, twice in cross country and once in track (3200m), is the Pirates’ No. 1

(Left photo) Six Morro Bay High cross country runners competed in the recent State Meet. They were (from left) Mia Bennett, Noleena Fahy, Astrid Barnett-Davis, Lily Buller, Shelby Taylor, and Otis Kelly.

Photo Courtesy of MBHS Cross Country (Right photo) The Morro Bay High girls’ cross country team finished 19th in the Division 4 State Meet. Shown here after the meet are (from left) Asst. Coach Jackie Wilson, Shelby Taylor, Wendy Wilson, Astrid Barnett-Davis, Noleena Fahy, Coach Jennifer Frere, and Asst. Coach Adam Massini. Photo Courtesy of MBHS Cross Country

all time runner.

In that Div. 4 race, the winner was Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral High, who ran the 3-mile Woodward Park Course in 14:45.5. The Div. 4 boys race had 203 runners and it was St. Francis of La Cañada that won the state championship.

For the MBHS girls, the

team finished 19th and the freshmen reigned supreme.

Ocean League champion Shelby Taylor continued her fantastic run through the CIF posteason, finishing 22nd in the Div. 4 race, which had some 195 runners.

Taylor was, “The fastest MB freshman ever,” Frere said, “and

fourth on the all-time top performers list for MBHS.” The one many consider the best MBHS runner ever is Frere (nee Lacovara), who won the state cross country championship, when she was at Morro Bay High School, on this same Woodward Park course.

Morro Bay senior Mia

Bennett was 108th, clocking 20:55.3; and freshman Lilith Buller was 143rd (21:54.4).

Senior Noleena Fahy was 161st (22:12.4); and sophomore Astrid Barnett-Davis was 182nd (25:42.4).

Junipero Serra Catholic H.S. of San Mateo won the Div. 4 State Championship. There

were 197 runners in the Div. 4 girls’ race.

This year’s state champion was Chiara Dailey of La Jolla High, who clocked 17:09.2 for the 3-mile course.

The girl’s team will lose just two runners to graduation, so break out the shades, the future is bright.

Pirates make All-League teams for fall 2023

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

M

Lady Pirates to an Ocean League championship, and into the CIF playoffs, where MBHS went all the way to the State Meet.

Second Team All-League honors went to freshman Lilith Buller and senior Jane Hotaling.

For the boys’ team, Ocean League Champion Otis Kelly, a senior, and Eli Waldman, a junior, earned First Team All-League honors and freshman Lucas McAlpine was Second Team All-League .

orro Bay High School’s fall 2023 campaigns are over now, and winter sports are one the schedule. But first there’s a little matter of postseason honors to dish out.

The Central Coast Athletic Association or CCAA, the organization of 11 Central Coast high school athletic programs, consisting of the Ocean and Mountain leagues, named its MVPs, First and Second Team All-League Honors, and several Girls Volleyball Morro Bay High Pirates were so In girls’ volleyball, Atascadero honored. was the Ocean League Champion, winning behind MVP Trinity Silva, and under coach Christina Silva.

No Morro Bay High players were Cross Country In the best performance of the fall named to the First Team All-League sports season, the girls cross coun- list, but two made Second Team All try team won the Ocean League League. title and had two girls with league Alana Shields, a sophomore, and honors.

Elaina Core, a junior were both Freshmen phenoms Taylor Shelby named Second Team All-Ocean and Wendy Wilson were both named League.

First Team All-Ocean League. The Honorable Mention went to two also finished 1-2 in the League Morro Bay sophomore Reese Kelly.

Championship Meet, leading the

Girls’ Water Polo

Due to past successes, Morro Bay’s water polo teams play in the Mountain League along with the larger local schools, and this year’s league title went to Arroyo Grande High School under coach Steve Allen.

AGHS’ Natalia Whitfield was league MVP, and Goalie of Year went to her teammate Bay Burnett.

Morro Bay’s senior center Josephine Davis was named First Team All-League.

Second Team All-League went to Tessa Standridge, a junior who plays attacker. Honorable Mention went to MBHS’s Quinn Wilson, a senior attacker.

On the boys side, the Mountain League champions were San Luis Obispo High and coach Grant East.

Robert Tietge of the Tigers was the MVP and Goalies of Year were Sevedrin Lunceford of SLOHS and Hale Durbiano of Santa Ynez HS. No MBHS players were named First Team All-League, however, junior Ryker Robson was named Second Team All-League and Honorable Mention went to Emory

Wishon, a senior.

Girls Golf

The Lady Pirates girls golf team plays in the Ocean League and one Lady Pirate stood out for the team.

Golf has two All-League distinctions — one based on the league tournament and one on a compilation of scores over the season. In both cases, one Lady Pirate made the cut.

Lucy Fortini was named First Team All-League for both divisions.

Girls Tennis

According to the CCAA’s lists, no Morro Bay High girls tennis players made All-League this year.

Football

Though Morro Bay had a breakeven season, finishing the year 7-6, they still made it it to the semifinals of the CIF Central Section Division 5 playoffs, a title they won just a couple of years ago en route to the state championship game.

The Ocean League champion was Atascadero High School, coached

by Vic Cooper, and the MVP of the league was AHS quarterback Kane Cooks. Offensive MVP was Jace Gomes of San Luis Obispo High; Defensive MVP was Mason Degan of Atascadero; and the All Purpose Player of the Year went to Kohen Sizemore of Templeton.

Morro Bay had one player land on the First Team All-League list: running back, Nami Hoag, a 5-foot9, 200-pound senior.

Morro Bay had three players — all seniors — make the Defensive First Team All-League. Defensive lineman, Nicholas Reid, who stands 5-foot-10 and 245 lbs.; defensive back, Caleb Calhoun, 5-foot-9, 175; and linebacker, Manny Diaz, 5-foot11, 175, were all honored.

Senior, Brody Rust, a defensive lineman who goes 6-foot and 225 lbs., made Second Team All-League on Defense.

Offense Honorable Mention went to senior quarterback Ian Lambright. and Defensive Honorable Mention went to defensive end Jackson McMahon, also a senior.

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Morro Bay Life •January 2024 • 7

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Cambria Christmas Market shines bright with holiday magic on the Central Coast

Annual event illuminates Cambria Pines Lodge and Nursery with over 2 million lights

By BLAKE ASHLEY FRINO-GERL for Morro Bay Life

CAMBRIA — Another year for the Cambria Christmas Market at Cambria Pines Lodge and Cambria Nursery has come again. The classic seasonal event on the Central Coast, created by owner Dirk Winter in 2011, keeps its popularity for locals and travelers alike to see, learn, eat, drink and be merry from the end of November to mid-December.

Based on those original open-air winter Christmas markets dating back to the 1300s, and held in the town square, known in Germany and Austria as “Weihnachtsmarkt” (in German Weinhnacht is “Christmas” and Markt is “market”). Vendors would

sell festive food, drinks and goods, and the town celebrated with traditional song and dance. These types of markets are now held all over the world to celebrate the Christmas season.

With the business’ strong German ties and love for Christmas, they share that enthusiasm year after year. The market sets the scene for those ready to enjoy and be enamored by the holiday season. All event-goers who came to celebrate the fun, whether for the first time or as their annual kick-off to the holidays, were allowed to be enthralled by the fervor of over 2 million twinkling Christmas lights, with many new features such as lighted 2-dimensional Christmas trees near the rainbow-colored tunnel, as well as animated art of literary classic “A Christmas Carol,” and a section of the consistent Golden Gate Bridge adjusted to serve as decor rather than a walk-on bridge.

Event Coordinator Mike Arnold said that their designer works hard each year to create new displays.

“The Christmas Carol light boxes and the Snow Globe photo booth have been two of our most popular

additions this year,”Arnold said.“We are always looking for ways to expand beyond lights and to bring dimension and movement into our displays.”

The Krampas folkloric figure has changed over the years, and many may have seen their favorite representation come and go, but always present at the Market is the mysterious story of him bringing naughty children coal, bringing imagery to the past traditions and fun in the wondrous holiday season.

The artisan vendors — many local — visits from Santa, fun train ride, cozy fire pits, photo-ops, live music, variety of foods and drinks and so much more is what makes this SLO County event special and true to the nature of many European Christmas markets.

German food and warm Gluhwein are staples, as well as shopping at the nursery’s ever-growing Christmas store. The authentic German booth continues to feature handmade imported German Christmas decor, including nutcrackers and smokers, glass-blown ornaments and more.

While strolling through the colorful lights,

people can take a rest at the Biergarten or Amphitheater to listen to music performances. Loren Radis, a Central Coast native, along with several other musicians, were featured at the recent monthlong event.

Those behind the Cambria Christmas Market have made it a mission to support locally. According to their website, over the years they have made significant donations to local nonprofits, including the Homeless Animal Rescue Team and the local school district. In addition, they continue to work with the Cal Poly events and engineering departments to build new, interactive displays. They have also worked with Jack’s Helping Hand to offer a Special Needs night that allows families with disabilities to attend the light display without the crowds so they can enjoy a festive evening without over-stimulation.

The Cambria Christmas Market has evolved into a memorable holiday attraction for many, so much that this year the Yelp website has listed it in the top 5 holiday markets in America.

Submit upcoming events to: office@13starsmedia.com

JANUARY Calendar of Events JANUARY 1

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE AVILA BEACH PIER 12 p.m.

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

POLAR BEAR DIP CAYUCOS PIER

5 p.m.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This exhibit is a collection of fine art paintings and photography depicting Morro Bay’s vast array of indigenous species of birds, birds seen around the world and all things bird-related.

Join talented artists to learn about Nature Journaling. Dissect an Owl Pellet to see what an owl eats. Enjoy Crafts to make and take home. Visit with Live Critters. Stroll through the Vendor Bazaar to fill out your “Passport to Knowledge.”morrobaybirdfestival.org/ community-family-day/

JANUARY 8

TEMPERA BATIK PAINTING DEMO WITH JULIE DUNN

Art Center Morro Bay 835 Main St.

12 p.m.

3-5 p.m.

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

Free and open to the public. Walk-ins encouraged. Visit ArtCenterMorroBay. org or (805) 772-2504

JANUARY 4-7, 10-14, 17-20, 24-27, 31 FOR THE BIRDS EXHIBIT ART CENTER MORRO BAY 835 MAIN STREET

JANUARY 13

MORRO BAY BIRD FESTIVALFREE COMMUNITY FAMILY DAY MORRO BAY COMMUNITY CENTER, 1001 KENNEDY WAY

wildlife ambassador presentations. morrobaybirdfestival.org/bazaar

FEBRUARY EVENTS FEBRUARY 2

FATHER & DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE (AGES 12 & UNDER) COLONY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 5599 TRAFFIC WAY, ATASCADERO

JANUARY 12-JANUARY 14

OVER 12) COLONY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 5599 TRAFFIC WAY, ATASCADERO 7–10 p.m.

Bring your special girl to the FatherDaughter Dance at the Pavilion on the Lake for a semi-formal evening of music, dancing, refreshments, & more!

A professional photographer will be on-site with affordable picture packages.

6:30–9:30 p.m.

MORRO BAY BIRD FESTIVALCOMMUNITY BAZAAR MORRO BAY COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 KENNEDY WAY

Bring your special girl to the FatherDaughter Dance at the Pavilion on the Lake for a semi-formal evening of music, dancing, refreshments, & more!

A professional photographer will be on-site with affordable picture packages.

January 12 (Noon-4:30 p.m.) January 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) January 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Meet talented artists, shop owners and non-profit organizations excited to share their unique wares and missions. From earrings to binoculars, with over 20 booths, there’s something for everyone including

FEBRUARY 3

FATHER & DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE (AGES

FEBRUARY 1-3, 7-10, 14-18

FOR THE BIRDS EXHIBIT ART CENTER MORRO BAY 835 MAIN STREET 5 p.m.

This exhibit is a collection of fine art paintings and photography depicting Morro Bay’s vast array of indigenous species of birds, birds seen around the world and all things bird-related.

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8 • January 2024• Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

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