Life Morro
JUNE 2016
Bay
EVERYTHING MORRO BAY
Inside ... Just People at Otter Rock 2 Dog obedience training 2 BBQ for Project Surf Camp 3 Coalesce Book Store 4
A chicken chimichanga, one of the many authentic Mexican dishes available at new eatery La Vida Roca.
Photos By Allyson Oken/Morro Bay Life
Bicycle riders line up near Morro Rock, ready to begin the fourth leg of the Amgen Tour of California on May 18. BETH BOLYARD
Inside the Morro Bay business walk By BETH BOLYARD For Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — Morro Bay has been a longtime local destination for my family and I since moving to Atascadero in 2006 — one quick jaunt over the hill and we could be immersed in a world of small beach shops, marine life and the smell of the sea. From the unique treasures found at the plethora of local thrift stores, to the opportunity to eat certifiably good seafood at a number of area restaurants, the little town by the Pacific proved to be the perfect destination for a local looking to get away. I now work with Morro Bay Life, the direct mail monthly you are currently so thoroughly enjoying and I get the opportunity
Amgen comes to town Fourth leg of bicycle tour kicks off in Morro Bay By ALLYSON OKEN For Morro Bay Life
C
oleman Park in Morro Bay was alive with cyclists for the inaugural ride as the chosen city for stage four of the Amgen Tour of California race, May 18. Thousands were in attendance that morning to see the internationally-acclaimed cyclists jet off from the beach for a 133.6 mile trek up the coast to Monterey in the longest stage of the race. Morro Bay Mayor Jamie Irons was welcomed on the stage just before the start of the race with his committee of planners and partners in line behind him. “This is really a vision we have had for the city for years and it took a great deal of planning, but to see it all come to fruition is amazing,” he said. There were hundreds of service providers in place at the race to ensure the safety of the riders. Morro Bay Fire Department was flying the colors and providing first responder support, Morro Bay Police Department was providing motorcycle
Morro Bay Mayor Jamie Irons, right, was ecstatic to see the race plans come to fruition.
officers to support riders and each team and some of the riders had their own following cars ready to change tires and provide aid as needed. The event went off without a hitch and according to Amgen Tours they will be hosting in Morro Bay again. Amgen reported that at the end of the trek World Please turn to Page 9
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5th annual Kick-A-Thon raises $2K for Project Surf Camp
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MORRO BAY — Newcomers to Morro Bay, Jim and Sophia Tolle have immersed themselves in the business world of the Embarcadero. Sophia took over the popular store Poppy. Jim thought he would semi-retire from his construction manufacturing business in Fresno but Sophia sent him off to find something new to do to get him out of her hair and the outcome is the creation of the only full authentic Mexican Restaurant on the waterfront. La Vida Roca, Mexican Restaurant and Cantina opened in December 2015 after Tolle convinced owner Jerry Morfin of Marinas Cocina in Atascadero to join with him in this new venture. “Every time I came to the Central Coast I ate at Jerry’s little place in Atascadero,” Tolle said, “it is the best Mexican food I’ve ever had.” When Tolle saw that the space above Rose’s Landing was available he told Sophia and she agreed it would be a great place for him to open an eatery. “We’ll always have a place to meet for lunch,” they said. Tolle realized that although there were a few Mexican restaurants in town, there was no Mexican food available on the Embarcadero. At first Morfin thought Tolle was joking, but he Please turn to Page 11
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Photo courtesy of Katie Finley
Assistant sense Eric breaks boards that are lit on fire for the finale of the American Karate School’s Kick-A-Thon.
MORRO BAY — After a full morning of kicking, punching and board-breaking, American Karate School’s annual Kick-A-Thon came to a close at Coleman Park in Morro Bay, May 14, raising more than $2,000 in support of nonprofit Project Surf Camp. Owner and Sensi Bryan Way said that he was very proud of every student who took the time to participate this
year. “It is really a worth while project for the kids to help them see that giving back can be fun,” he said. “They all really love to be able to help out Project Surf Camp, who help so many kids with special needs find an outlet to learn to surf.” This year the students did rounds of punches, kicks, sit-ups and pushups to
For Morro Bay Life
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Of Morro Bay Life
By RUTH ANN ANGUS
Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.
By ALLYSON OKEN
La Vida Roca: Authentic Mexican on the Embarcadero