Morro bay life august 2014

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Life Morro

AUGUST 2014

Bay

EVERYTHING MORRO BAY

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National Night Out Redleg Husky @ Otter Legacy Boat The Rock Espresso Bar Crooning & Cruising Let Yourself Shine Dance Morro Bay Candy Store Luminaria Event

Morro Bay Dahlia Daze going bigger and better for the 50th

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

Tradition is a big part of small towns. In the grand tradition of Morro Bay’s Dahlia Daze and to carry on the celebration of the city’s inception, the Morro Bay 50th Committee has partnered with the Dahlia Daze Committee, the Morro Bay Historical Society and the Morro Bay Garden Club to make the dahlia event bigger and better than ever. Slated for Sept. 5 and 6, the new and improved Dahlia Daze event will include a pageant, parade, floral show, horticulture exhibit and vendors.

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Pump, don’t dump

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Seeking dahlias, parade and pageant entries

Shine Cafe Page 8

By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life

The colorful F-100s create a rainbow of trucks. Photo courtesy of Jim Dillinger.

North-South run showcases Ford F-100 Celebrating 3 years in Morro Bay

By Allyson Oken For Morro Bay Life

MORRO BAY — Time to take out the old Ford and give it the proverbial spit shine for the 44th annual Ford F-100 North-South Run, slated for Aug. 15-17. The opening day will kick off with the Mystery Cruise Friday morning. All events are open to any Ford vehicles, built pre-1976.

Jim Dillinger is a member of the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Ford F-100 Elite club as well as treasurer and newsletter editor. He has been a member of this Ford truck group since 2004 and is showing his “baby”, a 1956 Ford F-100 pickup.

“This is my 10th year participating in the North South Run,” said Dillinger. “I have had

my 1956 F-100 for 15 years. In the beginning, I fixed up a few nice looking trucks and then sold them. But this time, I am going to keep this one it’s my baby. I think all F-100 lovers from the six to seven chapters participating in California really put a lot of work into their trucks so they become and old friend.

According to Dillinger, this is the oldest and longest running F-100 event in the world. The event’s inception was the product of the two oldest F-100 groups in the state, the Ford F-100 Elite of Northern California and the Pickups Limited of Southern California, coming together to show and talk about their Fords.

Now celebrating their third year hosting the event in Morro Bay, Dillinger said he could not

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One bundle at a time MORRO BAY — August marks the third annual planting of eelgrass in Morro Bay’s estuaries thanks to the efforts of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. The group’s annual workweek will begin planting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9 through Thursday, Aug. 14.

Eelgrass is an important habitat in Morro Bay and has suffered a significant decline since 2010. The MBNEP has set the goal of Please turn to Page 3

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By Allyson Oken

Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.

MBNEP host annual eelgrass planting week Aug. 9-14

One of the many areas in Morro Bay where eelgrass is thriving thanks to the MBNEP. Photo contributed by the Morro Bay Estuary Program.

It’s a catchy phrase, “pump, don’t dump” and in essence it has one meaning for boat owners, make sure you adhere to clean boating practices.

Morro Bay is a boating paradise and everything from large yachts to tiny kayaks spends time on bay waters. Some of the vessels in the harbor have people living on them and some have temporary vacation folks aboard. It’s a fact of life.

There is going to be some waste crated.

So what do boat owners do with that waste? They make sure it is pumped out at a sewage pump-out station.

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program monitors about eight areas throughout the bay, testing for bacterial levels, and they are happy to report that most of the areas have good water quality. Six of the locations receive a “Good to Very Good” status and two receive a “Fair.” Results like these mean that the boating public values this environment and works to keep it clean.

Morro Bay has two sewage pumpout stations, one at Tidelands Park dock and one at the City South T-pier. There are also four clean boating stations: the Morro Bay City Harbor office, the Central Coast Fuel and Ice Dock, Morro Bay Yacht Club, and the Morro Bay Marina. Boat owners have access for collection of used oil and oil filters, absorbent pads, antifreeze, and bilge

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National Night Out Morro Bay PD and community take back the night

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

The second annual National Night Out in Morro Bay is inspiring locals to take back the night with the Morro Bay Police Department.

The event will take place at Del Mar Park, on the corner of San Jacinto and Ironwood streets, from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Morro Bay Police Chief Amy Christey explained that this event gives community members the chance to get to know their local law enforcement.

“This is sort of a crime prevention neighborhood police together type function,” said Christey. “So this year, we are going to have all of our safety partners — harbor, fire, Red Cross, Coast Guard and police — and we are going to host a barbecue. We hope people will come out. It is going to be a wonderful time for police and community together.”

This is a national event that 3.7 million people in 16,124 communities come together to celebrate every year. Local law enforcement provides safety tips, booths and exhibitions.

At the Morro Bay event, in addition to

the barbecue and Christey invites people to bring a dish to share. There will be a free drawing for kids. The MBPD is partnering with the Morro Bay Neighborhood Watch to host this event.

Christey said, “It is a way of showing community involvement and awareness. If you see someone suspicious, you call the police, you are aware of your surrounding for your fellow community members. The more eyes we have watching out for each other the better. Crime rate is not extremely high in Morro Bay but we do have instances where people steal things off of decks and break into cars and National

Night Out is about keeping that awareness alive in the community. I would like to thank all of our public safety partners and the Morro Bay Neighborhood Watch for making this event happen. They raise all the funds and do a great job. This is a free event for all and we will have educational opportunities. It is just really great to see the community come together.”

To learn more about this event or to make donations to the MBNW to help continue this event, visit www.morro-bay. ca.us.

The Morro Bay 2013 National Night Out was a great success and organizers are hoping 2014 Morro Bay’s K-9 unit will be out with Xello and his partner officer Stephanie Pipan. Photo will be too. Photo contributed contributed

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Don’t Dump

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pad exchange, and of course sewage pumpout and bilge pump-out. Old batteries are accepted at Hinson’s Tire Pro in town.

Trash, recycling, and scrap fishing line receptacles are accessible throughout the waterfront.

In 2006 the Morro Bay harbor was certified as a Clean California Marina indicating that the Harbor Department is successful in encouraging boaters, employees, and waterfront facilities owners to use best management practices to help keep the water at Morro Bay clean.

The Harbor Department has a flyer handout available for boat owners listing 10 tips for clean boating. These tips are not only meant for boating at Morro Bay but anywhere in any kind of water.

Here are a few of those tips. Manage sewage waste; never discharge untreated sewage in harbors, marina, or where people swim. It is illegal to dump untreated sewage within the three-mile territorial limit. Use a closed system to change engine oil.

Portable oil change pumps are available at marine supply stores. Make sure to close the Y valve on the toilet facility after a sewage dump-out.

Minimize boat cleaning maintenance while on the water. Do these in a boatyard.

Stow your trash and keep cigarette butts and fishing line out of the water. Use a phosphate-free soap and never use regular soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. Not only is this harmful to the environment, it is illegal.

The Harbor Department manages a program funded by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program for boat owners to use dust-extractor vacuum sanders for boat maintenance. This funding came about from a Community Grant from the NEP to the Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization. Hull scraping, sanding and painting are some of the activities done at the docks since there is no haul out facility located here. The heavy metals of paint are

The Harbor Department manages a program funded by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program for boat owners to use dust-extractor vacuum sanders for boat maintenance. Photo contributed by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program.

toxic to estuary wildlife and do not rapidly disappear from the waters. The vacuum sanders can capture up to 99 percent of the dust produced. These sanders are housed at the Harbor Patrol office and can be borrowed by boat owners.

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program also has some clean boating accessories available for boaters such as oil absorbent socks, stickers for clearly labeling the open/close position of the Y-valve in the restrooms, and clean boating kits that are equipped with an oil absorbent pillow, map of the cleaning facilities in Morro Bay, and other resources such as phone numbers for bay friendly cleaning supplies.

Materials like these are going to be available for boaters at the Zongo Yachting Club Pre-Party on Aug. 14 and at the raceday registration on Aug. 15. Interested boaters can also call the NEP office from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 772-3834 or stop into the office at Marina Square on the second floor.

Morro Bay Life - August 2014 - 3

eelgrass planting planting 8,000 bundles of eelgrass across the bay floor. Kathryn Winfrey, who is the Communications and Development Coordinator for MBNEP, explained that last year they had more than 100 help plant 9,775 bundles of eelgrass. She then described what caused the degradation of this natural plant life.

“The short answer to this question is; the decline in eelgrass cannot be linked to a single factor,” said Winfrey. “A number of water quality and environmental stressors, both human-induced and natural, are likely contributors to the decline. Morro Bay National Estuary Program is working with several partners to implement a communitybased eelgrass recovery program.”

Winfrey went on to explain that the compounding factors that may contribute to the eelgrass decline include water quality issues.

She said,“Factors such as lack of oxygenated water, salinity issues, excess nutrients and consistently warm, calm weather definitely contribute to eelgrass

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decline. If these conditions persist, a pathogen known as labyrinthula thrives and takes advantage of the stressed eelgrass, thus causing plant tissue to rot. Evidence of this pathogen has been observed in Morro Bay. The lifecycle of eelgrass also naturally oscillates over time with changes in extent and distribution linked to changing conditions.”

These strategic plantings in areas that are experiencing more degradation than others are exactly what the MBNEP is focusing on with this community project, but they need volunteers to join the cause for an afternoon or more to help replenish the eelgrass.

According to Winfrey, participants will be involved in transplantation of eelgrass in the areas that need it most to help further the success of the project. She said that the success of these plantings is largely based on the state of the transplant area.

“The success of prior planting efforts in 2012 and 2013 is taken into consideration when determining the specific locations

Transect created during a planting in the Back Bay. Photo contributed by the Morro Bay National Estuary Progam.

for eelgrass transplant plots,” said Winfrey.

“For example, if a particular planting location was not successful in 2012, then it was not replanted in 2013 since it was unlikely to support eelgrass. Each planting effort aims to maximize success within areas that previously supported eelgrass.

Monitoring of the restoration plantings occurs one year following the planting effort. The key to successful future restoration is monitoring and analysis of the 2013 planting. This will be completed prior to the volunteer work week in August, and will also help determine the planting strategy for 2014.”

With a stringent scientific method of analysis and data collection, it is probable that this project will be a success. Winfrey also attributes the success of the project to the great community of supporters that come out to volunteer.

“The eelgrass work week receives an inspiring amount of support from people throughout the watershed and really throughout the county,” she said. “Last year,

family members across three generations participated. They shared stories about growing up by the bay and remembered the vast acreage of eelgrass that once covered the bay floor. In addition to the widerange of support of this planting effort, the Eelgrass Recovery Program brings together local and regional partners and experts that share a common goal of achieving eelgrass recovery through a scientifically robust and adaptive monitoring and restoration approach. Without such support, eelgrass recovery in Morro Bay would not be successful.”

Volunteers for this project are needed both in the water and on the shore. Volunteer information is available online at www. mbnep.org — click volunteer or call 7723834. Certified scuba divers are needed to help with harvesting eelgrass and planting bundles as well. For those working on the shore, they will be bundling and processing eelgrass harvested from the divers.

Last year volunteers managed to plant 9,775 bundles of eelgrass. All of them working hard and having fun doing it. Photo contributed by the Morro Bay National Estuary Progam.

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Redleg Husky plays at Otter Rock Aug. 17

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

From left to right members of the band Redleg Husky, Tim McWilliams on guitar, David Funderburk on the saw and Misa Giroux on guitar and vocals, play at a café in North Carolina.

Music inspired by the rich landscape of the Carolinas that gets the heart pumping and feet stomping is coming to the Morro Bay’s Otter Rock Cafe on Sunday, Aug. 17, in the form of Redleg Husky.

The show is from 7 to 10 p.m. This North Carolina band has worked to capture a style of music that has been virtually buried by years of dominant mainstream popular music — Appalachian bluegrass.

Bringing those subtle and sultry vocals to the mix strapped into her guitar and mandolin is Misa Giroux, along with her partner in rhythmic twang Tim McWilliams providing deep vocal tones. He also plays the guitar and banjo. This duo has also been known to bring in a friend to play occasionally, David Funderburk, who was part of their latest album. He sings, can play a variety of percussive instruments and the musical saw.

Now Giroux and McWilliams are setting out on their own for a national tour from June through October of 2014.

McWilliams said that meeting Giroux was

a happy coincidence.

“We started back in 2012 in the fall,” said Tim. “We met each other at a grad student potluck, kind of a get-together to meet people because we both came down to Boon, N.C., to study appellation studies and music. We were introduced to each other and both realized we played music and were in the same really small program studying appellation music. So we ended up playing music until 3 in the morning

and then just kept going from there.”

Both McWilliams and Giroux are selftaught musicians that found one another as kindred spirits seeking to preserve the Appalachian bluegrass.

“I was first influenced by blues guitar,” McWilliams said. “Then hearing Doc Watson was what made me want to come study Appalachia music. We are definitely Please turn to Page 6

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F-100 Event

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Brick House BBQ will be cooking for the visitors. Photo by Jim Dillinger.

picture the event happening anywhere else.

“We are very fortunate to have found a home for our North South Run in Morro Bay,” said Dillinger. “The city of Morro Bay has been nothing but supportive of

Dahlias

our event. I would also like to thank Ken Besterfelt who is a reserve officer that helps us in any way he can every year. It is a really great weekend and offers the F-100 fanatics an opportunity to talk Fords

and show off their rides. All three days are meant to be family friendly events, so bring the entire family out to enjoy three days of fun.”

The F-100 North-South Run begins Friday morning with the Mystery Cruise, followed by the Friday night Embarcadero Cruise and Ice Cream Social and continues with the Show ‘N’ Shine from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tidelands Park, 300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, on Saturday, Aug. 16. They will also choose the winners of the show and present them with trophies. There will be a raffle and the Brick House BB will be cooking for the visitors.

For more information, contact the North Chairperson Earl Pecka at 209-835-7626, South Chairperson Rosie Blanco at 562692-8663 or e-mail jmd.ca@comcast.net.

Open registration is Friday morning, Aug. 15.

The Ford F-100 North-South Run Show ‘N’ Shine of 2013 provided a great deal of fun and beautiful F-100 to drool over and organizers expect this year’s event will be more of the same. Photo by Jim Dillinger.

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Two of the key organizers, Joan Solu of the Morro Bay 50th Committee and Nance Johnson of the Dahlia Daze Committee and Morro Bay Garden Club, described the history behind the event and what visitors and locals can expect.

“The Dahlia was chosen as the Morro Bay city flower by Max Anders in the mid1960s,” Johnson said. “When the Dahlia festival began in 1967, over 12,000 people from all over the United States came to display their flowers and view the exhibits.

It was a really big event. Then in the 1980s, the event started to lose momentum and the Dahlia Daze event disappeared into history. Then about four years ago, Grace Melton took up the cause and brought Dahlia Daze back. The small celebration was held on the library patio and it was cute. The event has grown over the last few years and now it will be larger than ever before. We have partnered with the Morro Bay 50th Committee and the Garden Club to make this the biggest event yet. We are still seeking entries for those that want to show dahlias or just bring a nice plant for the horticulture exhibit. We also would like to invite food vendors out and local restaurants out to provide lunch. ” Solu went on to describe some of the new additions to the event. She said a parade is

being organized by both the Morro Bay 50th and Historical Society. Staging will be from 9 to 9:30 a.m. with the parade kicking off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Staging will begin at Morro Bay City Park and the parade will run from Morro Bay Boulevard at Harbor Street where the booths will be set up.

“The parade is going to be the largest ever in Morro Bay,” said Solu. “We already have floats entered, have a 1964 cherry red convertible for the emcee to ride in as well as many other interested parties. Anyone is welcome to join in if you want to get 50 kindergarteners to walk down the street carrying 50 flags that would be great. If you want to bake a giant cookie and walk down the street your in. If you have a thrift shop and want to dress 50 people in garb One of many Dahlias planted specially for Dahlia Daze along the parade rout. By August, from the 1960s that would be awesome. If Morro Bay Boulevard will be lined with Dahlias of all shapes, sizes and colors. Photo by you have a goat and want to put it on the Allyson Oken. back of your truck wearing a Morro Bay One King and one Queen from grades 50th flag come on down. This is going to 9-12, will be judged, and then crowned. dropped off in person at the Chamber’s be a great day and we want all of Morro Crowning will take place on Friday, Sept. office, or mailed to: Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, 695 Harbor St., Morro Bay, Bay to get involved.”

5 at approximately 7 p.m. and all winners CA 93442.

The pageant is 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. will receive a $50 cash prize.

For more information, contact Nancy 5 for children ages 5 to 18. This event will All pageant contestants need to send Johnson at 801-8112 for dahlia and plant be hosted at the Morro Bay Community entrance/permission forms to the Morro Center, 1001 Kennedy Way in Morro Bay. Bay Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. entries, Victoria Berry at 772-9443 for The group will be seeking one Prince and on Wednesday, Aug. 27. These can be pageant entries and Joan Solu at 459-3274 for parade entries. one Princess from grades K-4 and 5-8.

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Landmark and Legacy boat Morro Bay 50th project complete

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

After four months of planning, seeking an artist and procuring a boat, the Morro Bay 50th Committee community art project is complete. Joan Solu, volunteer extraordinaire and committee chair, said the group decided to have multiple artists work on the project instead of just one.

“It was really interesting the way this project came together,” said Solu.

“Originally we were seeking one artist to compete the project. Taking the boat on as a blank canvas and creating a design with the theme Landmark and Legacy in mind.

We had zero response at first and then at the beginning of June the artists came out of the woodwork and we ended up have multiple artists interested in taking on the project. So we let them run with it and work on it together. It is now complete and it was debuted at the Morro Bay Founders Day picnic and we plan to have it in the Dahlia Daze parade as well. It turned out beautifully and really captures the heart of

our once little fishing village. I could not be happier with how it turned out.”

The artists that worked on the project are-------. They worked diligently for about a month and the boat was well received at the Founder Day Picnic. It was mounted to a blue stand for stability and easy maneuverability. The artists’ interpretation of the theme was spot on said Solu. It has windows with historical fishermen depicted in each with seagulls a top of the white and blue fishing boat.

They christened it Legacy because the point of its creation was to mark the 50th anniversary of the city and have a physical icon for years to come.

Joan said, “We want our kids to remember our 50th year when the 100th anniversary comes around. This project is part of the legacy we are trying to create and keep the small-town identity and events alive for future generations.”

The celebrations are not over this year and there will be many more chances to see this community art project on display.

The Morro Bay 50th Committee plans to

The Legacy went on its maiden voyage to the Founders Day Celebration. Photo by Allyson Oken.

have this work of art as a traveling fixture at events. To learn more about this project and to make donations to procure more

model fishing boats for decoration around town, visit the Morro Bay 50th web page at http://morrobay50th.com.

The Rock Espresso Bar

By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life

Do you know the difference between latte, mocha and cappuccino? If not you need to visit The Rock Espresso Bar and find out. This long-time Morro Bay coffee house has been brewing coffee beans and serving the tasty brew in a variety of ways. Current owners Amanda and Jason Birdsong bought the place in 2009 and have worked to improve upon an already good thing.

Running a coffee house was not

Redleg Husky more improvisational. It is really figuring it out ourselves and learning from others that we meet that we are impressed by or inspired by that has made us what we are today.”

Giroux said she started playing with string instruments at first.

“I messed around with the guitar for a long time and I listened to a lot of music growing up then I picked up the mandolin,”

something on this couple’s radar at first.

They were living in the Central Valley and Jason worked in mortgage banking.

Amanda had quit working to stay home with their first child. “I really didn’t have a career,” she said, “I did clerical and retail.” When the economic slump came along, Jason’s job was threatened and the couple began to think about a change to see if there was something they could do together. “We went online and searched and found that the coffee Please turn to Page 7

Jason and Amanda Birdsong Owners the Rock Espresso Bar. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

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said Giroux. “As far as actually studying it that never really crossed my mind. I just kind of kept playing. Then I came down here to learn about the history of the kind of music I am interested in. I was actually able to play with people that shared my tastes and I learned a lot from them. As far as reading music that is not really my skill.”

The band recently released an album

called “Carolina.” They play original tunes from the album at every show.

“So Tim and I started writing a bunch of songs and then we play with our friend David sometimes and he had a bunch of songs that he had been hanging on to,” said Giroux. “We realized there was a main theme to it all that we had all found home in Carolina. We were playing them out live for a while and then in January we

recorded 12 tracks at Wild Chorus Studios in Knoxville, Tenn., with Scott Minor.

It came out in March and we are really excited about it.”

This will be McWilliams and Giroux’s first trip to California. To learn more about the band the venue and to hear the album, visit www.redleghusky.com. The Otter Rock Cafe is located at 885 Embarcadero in Morro Bay.

Morro Bay Life - August 2014 - 7

Espresso Bar house here was for sale,” she said. By this time their son was 4 years old and had not started school yet, so if they were going to move, the time was right. A visit over Thanksgiving weekend in 2008 found them seriously looking at the business and in January 2009 they finalized the sale.

“We probably didn’t know what we were getting into,” Amanda commented, “but we saw that the business was making money and it seemed to be at the point where it could grow.” After getting some financial advice, the Birdsongs plunged ahead.

The Rock Espresso Bar has a loyal local following. “We don’t really get that many tourists,” Amanda explained, “it’s mostly local people who have been coming here all along.”

One of the great improvements the couple made was the addition of food.

In 2011 they shut down for 12 days to remodel and rework the kitchen. “We knew this was the right time to do this,” Amanda said, “if we wanted to survive.”

The couple wisely decided to have simple foods, nothing too elaborate, using fresh, quality ingredients. Because their shop is small they can’t order from the large food suppliers but manage with smaller outlets.

“Sometimes we even get produce from the Cookie Crock since their produce is farm fresh,” Amanda explained.

A breakfast or lunch stop here gives you a selection of a burrito or bagel sandwich with a choice of bacon or sausage, three eggs, cream cheese, Tillamook cheddar, avocado, green onion, cilantro and salsa. Or you can have something a bit smaller with the Plain Jane Burrito with three eggs, Tillamook cheddar, bacon or sausage. Vegetarians are not forgotten where you can get everything mentioned above, minus the meat. “We can also

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Computers and WiFi at the Rock Espresso Bar. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

accommodate vegans,” Amanda said, “we will make whatever someone needs to order.”

You can top your meal off with one of the many varieties of coffee drinks or try the assorted teas. There is soy, rice or almond milk for those who can’t tolerate dairy. They even have oatmeal. And then there are locally made snacks and treats as well as freshly baked cookies to enjoy.

The Rock is brewing Joebella coffee and some of the interesting coffee drinks available are flavored latte, white mocha, chai latte, iced latte and mocha and

Crooning and cruising Papagallo II presents Art Emr

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

Art Emr’s amazing voice will ring out over Morro Bay on Friday, Aug. 22 during a three-hour tour of the bay on the Papagallo II. This is a great chance to hear “Semi-Old Blue Eyes” croon, take a romantic cruise and be wined and dined.

Midge Gentieu and her hubby Leonard are owners of Onboard Nautical Events.

They will bring up the anchor at 6 p.m. and

take people out for a magical night on the water. According to Midge, this will be the first time Emr has preformed on the ship.

“This will be his first time on the boat,” said Gentieu. “He is a crooner and he sounds a lot like Frank Sinatra. We heard him sing at Otter Rock and he is amazing.

So he called us after we expressed interest in having him play on one of our cruises and since we like him so much we put together a special cruise. Usually we only have one Please turn to Page 7

Jennifer the Barista at the Rock Espresso Bar. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

smoothies.

OK, so what is the difference between latte, mocha and cappuccino? Latte is espresso with steamed milk and a little bit of foam on top. Cappuccino is similar to latte with espresso combined with steamed milk. The difference is in the amount of steamed milk as latte has more of it.

A mocha is espresso with steamed milk and steamed chocolate milk and whipped cream on top.

What is espresso? It is a blend of roasted coffees which sounds ordinary, however, the espresso machine brews it with pressure and that makes all the difference.

Amanda said she must have been meant to own a coffee house because one of her first jobs was working for a drive-through coffee place in Visalia. “The owner made sure the help really learned all about the different drinks,” she said. “It was good training that I found I could draw on here.”

The Rock Espresso Bar, 275 Morro Bay Blvd., is a relaxing place to be for your coffee and meal. You can sit outside in front or in the back garden as well as inside where there are computers for use with free WiFi. The Birdsongs just had the outside of the shop painted and a brand new sign is in place.

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Let yourself Shine

By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life

What does a vegan individual or someone with gluten intolerance do when traveling?

Well, if they come to Morro Bay they can enjoy fresh vegan cuisine at the Shine Café on Morro Bay Boulevard. This small eatery located next door to the Sunshine Health Food store has been serving fine vegetarian meals for five years now and has a loyal local following.

Owner Greg Barnard bought both businesses eight years ago and along with his wife Sarah they have been offering a wide range of health products and foods.

The health food store opened first in 1973 and carries natural products and farm fresh local produce some of which is organically grown. “We get our produce at the local farmers’ markets on Monday, Thursday and Saturday,” Barnard commented, “none of it comes from commercial producers.”

The health food store has everything you can think of — dietary supplements, vitamins, body care products and face cream and lotions that are free of chemicals or additives and are scented with natural oils. There is a bulk food section where customers can purchase items by the pound. There are shelves from floor to ceiling packed with beans, nuts, dried fruits and chocolates. Non-vegans who desire good meat will find certified organic

chickens from Mary’s Chickens, and grass fed beef, sausages and more from Old Creek Ranch.

The Shine Café that started in 2009 is a special place where no animal products are found. “Our staff makes all the dressings fresh every day,” Barnard said. This is a popular lunch spot where on a nice sunny day customers can sit outside at tables placed along the boulevard sidewalk in front of the café and store. Displayed on the windows are flyers and notices of events, and meetings of clubs, organizations, churches and other community items of interest. “We like to have this place where people can gather and also find out about local events,” Barnard said.

This is a special type of family business.

Barnard’s brother Tanner is general manager and his wife Sarah and mother-inlaw Gayle work in both the café and store.

“There are also three different couples working here,” Barnard said with a smile, “we have them separated, some in the store and some in the café.”

Entrees at the café include Tempeh tacos, black bean tacos and tostadas, hummus wrap, vegetable spring roll, and a Tempeh reuben, spinach, kale, and tempeh salads, all served with their house-made dressings of creamy cilantro, spicy chipotle, balsamic, lemon and roasted garlic, sesame ginger, and tamarind citrus. An interesting variety of soups are combined with these.

Group eating outside at Shine Cafe. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

Cruising event a month, but we liked him so much that we decided to add a cruise just for him.”

Emr has had an amazing career having worked with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

They became fast friends in 1976 and were “Saddle Pals” for 25 years. Once he even had a singing lesson gifted to him by

Along with these menu selections there is a daily special offering something different prepared with seasonal local produce.

Drinks include a variety of berry smoothies. “We are in the permitting stages of putting in a juice bar,” Barnard commented. When this is finalized the juice bar will take up some space in his now-existing storage room and office but will open into the café.

The café also serves breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon offering vanilla bean oatmeal, tofu scramble, bagel with tofutti “cream cheese” and fruit, and buckwheat pancakes with your choice of fruit toppings.

“As a vegan I am so happy to have a great place like Shine Café available,” commented Trina Dougherty, local EcoRotary president. “Their food is fresh and healthy for you,” she said, “and they use compostable take-out containers!”

Produce at Sunshine Health Foods. Photo by While locals love the place, it is out Ruth Ann Angus. of town visitors that make up most of The Shine Café can do catering for Barnard’s customers. “Vegan travelers private parties and events. They always look us up through apps on their smart phones,” Barnard explained. The staff serve fresh, local and organic ingredients enjoys serving these special tourists and with gluten and soy free options available. often helps them out with suggestions as Lunch hours are Monday through Saturday to the attractions in this area. They are also 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m to 4 knowledgeable as to the health benefits of p.m. Shine Café is at 427 Morro Bay Blvd. the food and supplements and can answer and can be reached by phone at 771-8344. any questions one may have.

Sunshine Health Food Store first opened in 1973. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

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Sinatra.

Currently Emr is a writer, producer, director and baritone singer known as Semi-Old Blue Eyes, a name given to him because he sounds similar to Sinatra.

Midge said anyone who would like to attend should check-in no later than 5:45 p.m. It is also important to make

reservations to join in on the fun, as the space is limited.

“The cost to cruise has gone up slightly at $67 per person to ride,” she explained.

“This includes a three-hour tour, dinner, dessert, tax and gratuity. This will be a great night on the water with Art Emr. I know I am really looking forward to it.”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www. onboardnauticalevents.com or call 7719916.

Semi-Old Blue Eyes will be onboard the Papagallo II on Aug. 22. Photos contributed

by Onboard Nautical Events.

The beautiful Papagallo II is ready and waiting in Morro Bay for a three-hour tour.

Photos contributed by Onboard Nautical Events.

Morro Bay Life - August 2014 - 9

Be a kid in a candy store

By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life

There is a transformation that happens when walking into Sweet Offerings candy store in Morro Bay. If you are having a bad day, this will surely brighten it up. All around you are casements full of candy, candy, candy! And better yet, most of it is chocolate!

Owner Janet Lewis and her father Glen bought the business located in Cambria in 2009 and opened the Morro Bay shop on Aug. 2. So how did a gal with a background in teaching and counseling end up making candy?

“The school district I had been working for had a cut back,” she explained, “and retired me.” At the time she was a school

counselor with a master’s in clinical psychology and one in school counseling.

Prior to this, she taught for 17 years and then counseled domestic violence victims.

“I wasn’t ready for retirement, she said,” I had to find something else to do. I had to reinvent myself.”

Lewis’ father, Glen told her that the candy store in Cambria was for sale, and while she didn’t know anything about making candy, she figured why not try it. The former owner didn’t make candy but bought it from suppliers. Lewis spent Janet Lewis owner Sweet Offerings. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus. about a year learning the business and then found she was bored. and began to teach herself the process. large blocks of raw chocolate into a “I needed to be creative,” she explained, “I read books on the subject and learned tempering machine, then heating it to a “so I decided to make my own chocolates.” from the Internet,” she said. “I had a lot of specific temperature and letting it cool. If She bought one tempering machine, which failures before I got it right.”

Please turn to Page 11 is what is used to make chocolate candy, Chocolate candies are begun by loading

Take out your belly and dance Morro Bay Benat Serat keeping the troop a live

By Allyson Oken Of Morro Bay Life

MORRO BAY — Benat Serat translates to a group of pretty girls. That is exactly what this Morro Bay belly dance troupe is all about, improving the outlook of the dancer finding beauty both in as well as out.

Benat Serat is not just a dance troupe; they also provide an educational experience through the Morro Bay Recreation Department teaching the ancient art of belly dance.

City Recreation Supervisor Heather Salyer-Frith explained that belly dance has been part of the Recreation and Parks Department for well over 25 years. Patti Harsch formed Benat Serat well before the Community Center opened in 1989 and later retired from the troupe in 2013.

Now her last recruit, Genevieve O’Dell, has taken up the cause, continuing in her teacher’s footsteps and keeping the troupe and the classes going.

O’Dell said, “Patty was my teacher and she really taught me a lot, having taught the art of belly dance for 30 years. I started in 1996 when I lived out of the area. I started dancing with Patty in 2010 and joined the troupe in 2011. Then in June 2013, I stepped up and started teaching classes and things are coming together. It is a lot of fun and it is challenging as well. The dance itself is an empowering art form. It improves balance and movement and after doing it for a while there is a noticeable change in the way you carry your body and move around in general.”

O’Dell is focused on creating a supportive, nurturing and trusting environment for her students. She welcomes anyone interested out to enjoy classes for beginners every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. and intermediate classes every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.

The troupe also performs regularly in the community.

Salyer-Frith said that she has seen them perform many times and they are always wonderful.

“I have seen them perform in various locations throughout San Luis Obispo County — in parades, festivals or at special performances,” she said. “It is always rhythmically graceful, you can see how much each performer enjoys belly dance, the beautiful costuming and the routines, which look effortless and natural. The

performers always range in age and style — I probably love that most about this group. It shows that the art of belly dance is truly for any size, any age, any experience and skill level —it’s for anyone.”

It is Salyer-Frith’s belief that the Estero Bay community takes pride in the belly dance troupe. Many people come out and enjoy the color and culture of Benat Serat’s performances, she said.

“The community always comes out to see them perform,” said Salyer-Frith. “The troupe typically holds performances in the summer at Centennial Parkway on the Giant Chessboard, which are always well attended. When newcomers or visitors learn we have a local troupe that offers classes, I always here compliments.”

Salyer-Frith said that one of the best parts about having this unique collaboration with Benat Serat is that the troupe offers recreational belly dance classes to the community.

“Genevieve O’Dell offers classes to beginners and intermediates,” said Salyer-Frith. “She’s a great teacher that all the students enjoy. She also offers the opportunity to join the troupe and perform. I love this class because it’s unique. Recreational classes are vital to the community; everyone knows that when you have a recreational hobby you are healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally and happier, which leads to a better lifestyle and community. So, I say “why not belly dance?” It’s fun, it’s unique, it is truly for anyone.”

Classes are are held at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way in Morro Bay. Cost to participate is $20 a month or $7 per class and for Morro Bay residents there is a $5 discount to the monthly fee. For more information or to sign up, visit https://apm.activecommunities. com/morrobay.

The dance troupe Benat Serat is comprised of four dancers with the leader Genevieve known as Nafeesa when dancing in the red dress, Amy known as Ghana in purple, Brittany known as Pazia in blue and Debbie known as Ahlaam in green. Photo by Allyson Oken.

Belly dancing troup Benat Serat strikes a pose and plays the finger cymbals. Photo by Allyson Oken.

10 - Morro Bay Life - August 2014

Community Calendar Be a part of the the local Morro Bay Comunity Calendar E-Mail aoken@atascaderonews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Papagallo II CRUISIN’ WITH THE JAZZ DUO OF MARY ANNE ANDERSON & DOUG MACDONALD Come enjoy Chef Len’s cuisine and your favorite beverage from our no-host bar Begin boarding at 5:45 p.m. The cruz on board the Papagallo II will launch at 6 and return at 9 p.m. With MaryAnne and Doug entertaining all on board. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 771-9916 or visit www.onboardnauticalevents. com.

Fuel Dock Saloon Mathias & The Cry will bring the soul to the Fuel Dock kicking off at 9 p.m. They play an eclectic mix of California soul and world beat music. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SATURDAY, AUG. 2 Fuel Dock Saloon Pancho & Lefty are taking the stage at the Fuel Dock from 3 to 6 p.m. Then kicking off at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SUNDAY, AUG. 3 Merchants Street Faire Take the family down Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for music, dancing, kiddie entertainment, food and gifts. This event is a good time for everyone, and offers the chance for you to buy that unique item for someone special. Admission is free.

For more information, visit http:// morro-bay.net.

Fuel Dock Saloon Come to the Fuel Dock and enjoy the annual street fair with musicians on the street. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

Ruby Dragon Reiki I Reiki is an ancient healing art using energy by way of laying on of hands.

It was developed and discovered

by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki can be used on people, animals, plants, hands-on and distance healing.

It is different from other healing methods in that is can be learned in a short period of time and be incredibly effective. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the cost of $75. SanDee will be teaching the class and all must be pre-registered for classes. For more information, e-mail rubydragonrocks@aol.com or call 772-1100.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

Fuel Dock Saloon Intrinsic will be rocking the Fuel Dock at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 Ruby Dragon Things That Go Bump In The Night Join Ruby Dragon for an evening of fun and learning about things that go bump in the night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the cost of $20. Are you feeling negative energy from someone else? Are the things that scare you within you? Did something get into your house and decide to stay? Come and talk about your story and learn how to get rid of hobgoblins, ghosts, spirits or fears. If they are not paying rent, it is time for them to leave. Penny will be teaching classes and all must be preregistered. For more information, e-mail rubydragonrocks@aol.com or call 772-1100.

Fuel Dock Saloon Lenny Blue Band will be taking the stage at the Fuel Dock from 3 to 6 p.m. Then kicking off at 9 p.m.

Stellar will playing their classic rock n roll covers. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts.

For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SUNDAY, AUG. 10

Ruby Dragon Crystal Ball Reading Enhance your intuitive skills by learning to read a crystal ball from 1 to 4 p.m. for the cost of $80. This ancient skill is easy to learn and will amaze you with the information you will receive. If you have a crystal ball, please bring it. If you do not have one, several will be available for you to use or purchase. Once you learn to read a crystal ball (an art called scrying), you will be able to read lots of other things such as scrying plates, tea leaves and the living room curtains. Penny will be teaching classes and all must be preregistered. For more information, e-mail rubydragonrocks@aol.com or call 772-1100.

FRIDAY, AUG. 15 Fuel Dock Saloon RF8 will be taking the stage at the Fuel Dock at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts.

For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SATURDAY, AUG. 16 44th Annual F-100 North-South Run Pickups Limited of Southern

California and Ford F-100 Elite of Northern California are taking the 44th Annual F-100 North-South Run to Morro Bay in 2014. Kicking off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., come out to Tidelands Park and enjoy viewing classic F-100 trucks. For more information, call Earl Pecka at 209-835-7626 or Rosie Blanco at 562-692-8663.

Fuel Dock Saloon Tres Gatos or the three cats will be rocking the Fuel Dock from 3 to 6 p.m. Then kicking off at 9 p.m.

Momma Sez will bring soulful and sultry tones. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SUNDAY, AUG. 17 Ruby Dragon Crystal Ball Reading Enhance your intuitive skills by learning to read a crystal ball from 1 to 4 p.m. for the cost of $80. This ancient skill is easy to learn and will amaze you with the information you will receive. If you have a crystal ball, please bring it. If you do not have one, several will be available for you to use or purchase. Once you learn to read a crystal ball (an art called scrying), you will be able to read lots of other things such as scrying plates, tea leaves and the living room curtains. Penny will be teaching classes and all must be preregistered. For more information, e-mail rubydragonrocks@aol.com or call 772-1100.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21 Ruby Dragon Advanced Animal Communication w/Heather Green Animals are great teachers and role models for us. They show us how to let go of our heaviest traumas and issues, and move into success with ease and grace in all life areas.

They often teach us by mirroring our health issues, energy patterns, emotions and relationship dynamics through their body language and behaviors. This class is appropriate for beginners and those who are experienced in animal communication and is hosted from 7 to 9 p.m. for the cost of $35. It is a chance to learn more, practice and refine your skills. All who would like to take classes must be pre-registered.

For more information, e-mail rubydragonrocks@aol.com or call 772-1100.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22 Papagallo II Cruisin’ the Bay with Art Emr Come enjoy Chef Len’s cuisine and your favorite beverage from our no-host bar. Begin boarding at 5:45 p.m. The cruis onboard the Papagallo II will launch at 6

ONGOING EVENTS Better Balance and Fall Prevention

Join ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Arthritis Foundation Certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Shannon Sawicki in this ongoing class beginning Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. to improve your balance, learn how to fall-proof your home, increase your confidence, boost your immune system and more all while having fun for a cost of $30 per month or $5 per class. For more information, contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 772-6278.

Farmers Market

The Morro Bay weekly Saturday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 6 p.m. There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.

The Morro Bay Senior Citzens, Inc.

The Morro Bay Senior Citzens, Inc. is looking for a few new volunteers! If you like assisting people, the Morro Bay Senior Center may be the perfect location to volunteer! Volunteers at the Morro Bay Senior Center meet and greet people daily, provide information regarding various senior services within our community, checkout medical equipment, and more! It is a fun and friendly atmosphere, a great place to spend a few hours once a week. Interested volunteers should contact the Senior Center at 772-4421.

and return at 9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 771-9916 or visit www. onboardnauticalevents.com.

Fuel Dock Saloon A.D.D. will be playing rock at the Fuel Dock kicking off at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SATURDAY, AUG. 23 Fuel Dock Saloon Lu Lu & The Cowtippers will take the stage at the Fuel Dock from 3 to 6 p.m, followed by Shameless at 9 p.m. playing classic rock n’ roll covers.You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

SATURDAY, AUG. 30 Labor Day Weekend Art in the Park Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 1 join the Morro Bay Community to celebrate local art and artists. This event is free. Attendees will have the opportunity to see art in action and purchase local art. The event takes place at Morro Bay City Park and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days. To learn more, call 772-7964 or visit www.artcentermorrobay. com Fuel Dock Saloon Jukebox Heroes are going to get wild at the Fuel Dock from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by Vu Doo Lounge, a Rolling Stones cover band. You must be 21 or older to attend these concerts. For more information, stop by the Fuel Dock located at 900 Main St. in Morro Bay or call 772-8478.

Morro Bay Life - August 2014 - 11

Candy Store it is not tempered correctly, the chocolate gets a white fuzzy film on top and doesn’t have a snap.

Currently Lewis has four tempering machines and some fudge making machines in the kitchen at the Morro Bay store. She makes all of the chocolate candy for both stores and also has a thriving wholesale business. She uses Guittard chocolate from France that is available from the Bay area. “A good dark chocolate should have 70 percent cocoa and milk chocolate 54 percent cocoa,” she explained. While Lewis makes the chocolates, she has Erika

Continued from page 9

Mahaney, who also works in the Cambria store, do the fudge. “Erika has 15 years experience making fudge,” Lewis said.

Forty-five flavors are available.

Lewis is a very creative candy maker.

Some of her creations are chocolate-covered real orange peel; chocolate-covered mango and chili; caramel chocolate sea salt bark; pretzel rods with mixed nuts covered with chocolate; pistachio bark; caramels, milk and dark, with sea salt; and white chocolate with orange peel and coconut clusters. The Morro Bay store also exclusively carries Doc Burnstein’s ice cream.

Sweet Offerings exterior. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

Glen, who lives in Tulare, is an important partner in her business. At 82-years-old, he is at the store three to four days a week to help and does all of the running around for supplies.

The store does special orders for parties, showers, weddings and candy buffets, as well as gift baskets. They mail fudge all over the world. “We do custom gift wrapping for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day and for corporate gifts at no charge,” Lewis said. There is a 10 percent discount given to anyone in the military and for firefighters, police and

anyone from Tulare.

“I always loved chocolates,” Lewis said, “I especially love when children come into the store. Their eyes get so big looking around and I usually come around from the counter and hand them their candy at their level. I am excited that people like to eat what I make. They ooh and aah. I get that every day and it is positive feedback.

Everybody that comes in here leaves happy, unlike therapy

Chocolate at Sweet Offerings. Photo by Ruth Ann Angus.

Luminaria event to help fight cancer The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will hold Lights of Hope, Morro Bay on Aug. 23, from 7-9 p.m. on the beach by Morro Rock.

Contributed

For Morro Bay Life

As the skies darken on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 23, the lights on and around Morro Rock Beach will dim, leaving the soft glow of the luminaria lighting the beach’s perimeter. Each luminaria bag will

be decorated to honor a cancer survivor or to remember a loved one lost to cancer or in the midst of fighting the disease.

The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most important parts of Relay For Life.

It allows people to honor their loved ones who are fighting the disease, celebrate those who have survived, and remember

PLACE YOUR AD OR ANNOUNCEMENT HERE • Birth announcement • Engagement announcement • Wedding announcement Call Carmen at (805) 466-2585

the ones they have lost. This is done by decorating white paper bags with the names and pictures of loved ones and lighting a candle inside before the ceremony starts.

“Gather your family and decorate luminaria bags in honor of your loved Please turn to Page 12

Photo contributed.

12 - Morro Bay Life - August 2014

Luminaria event

Continued from page 11

ones, while making an effort in finding a cure for cancer,” organizers said. “This short, but powerful, event is not one you want to miss!”

After the ceremony is over there will be a short walk on the beach in remembrance.

“All of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and it is time we fundraise money to help fight back,”

organizers said.

Each Luminaria bag sold before and during the event will go toward the American Cancer Society’s education, advocacy and research programs.

For more information, contact Natalie Riloquio at 473-1748 or 406-4990 or email natalie.riloquio@cancer.org.