Solstice Summer 2025 Issue by Solstice Green

We’re celebrating 16 amazing years of farm-to-table goodness, June 15th, 2025, and it’s all thanks to YOU. We offer seasonal produce boxes sourced from nearby farms, supporting local economy and sustainable agriculture. The convenience of home delivery makes healthy eating easy, with each box curated for a mix of staples and unique finds. SLO Veg also provides information about farmers, offering connection and transparency. We are beyond grateful for each and every one of our loyal subscribers, our hardworking local farmers and food artisans, and our wonderful partners who make every harvest box possible. Your support means the world, and it’s helped build something truly special, a thriving community rooted in fresh, local food and connection. And if you love what we do, help us keep growing! Refer a friend and we’ll gift you something fresh as a thank-you. More subscribers mean more support for our local growers, and more deliciousness for everyone. Thank you for 16 incredible years.

With love and gratitude, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Rachael and the SLO Veg Team

Rachael Hill & Amanda Aldrich

Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.

~ Thérèse of Lisieux

it really Does Matter...

The big question I have been asking myself lately is: How can I stay calm to what is going on in the local news and globally, while still keeping an open loving heart? When I hear myself lose my temper, swear and complain following the news, I think and catch myself. Who ever promised us the world would be perfect? I need to set a different course by reminding myself that mankind has always been flawed, has always committed atrocities at home and abroad and love and light have always continued to exist. The news should simply inspire me to be extra loving. It should remind me to do what I can to sway the scales towards love instead of backsliding into anger, apathy, despair and fear. The media can make it easy to forget the good created by the millions of loving gentle souls who do exist. Clearly good news doesn’t get much press. I resolve today to balance every dose of darkness with an equal, if not greater, dose of light. I’ll focus on the beauty of nature, a kind deed done, and inspiring videos and music. I resolve to check the balance daily, and give myself the silence I need to maintain it, because I truly believe that it really does matter what energy we put out into the world.

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

Solstice Green Directory Mission: To provide information on environmental issues and ways to address concerns of residents on the Central Coast. To help educate consumers so that they can make better choices locally by providing visibility of green and healthy products and services. To develop and provide business networking opportunities to encourage relationships that will support a more sustainable community.

The Green Team: John Karp, Diane Vonglis Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, and Monte Allen

Photo

Jenny Malott

Madeline

Tech

Jenny

Bookkeeping

Diane Vonglis Parnell

Solstice Publishing, LLC

4251 South Higuera Street, Suite 800 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 473-5064 www.slosolstice.com info@slosolstice.com facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

to non-organic potatoes! Say No

by Zoe Allen

Just about everyone loves potatoes, right? But potatoes, the nation’s most popular vegetable are treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. If that's not enough, they are treated yet again, after they’re dug up to prevent them from sprouting. That's a lot of extra toxins you don't want. Test it for yourself. If you buy conventional potatoes, they won’t sprout. Buying organic potatoes is healthier and, only about $1 to $2 a pound more expensive than conventional spuds, that have been sprayed with chemicals, which are absorbed into the potato skin, and simply doesn't wash off.

to Seed Oil or not to Seed Oil?

by Katy Budge

Throughout most of our lives, “vegetable oils” were the go-to for cooking, in part because of their high smoke point and neutral taste. The most common are corn, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, and canola (made from rapeseed). But in recent years, these oils have been rebranded as “seed oils” and pilloried as terrible health choices. The complaint is that they allegedly cause inflammation, which is indeed a threat to health if left chronically unchecked. Millions have gotten on the anti-seed oil bandwagon, with some restaurants going so far as to switch to frying in ingredients such as beef tallow (yes, even those beloved French fries might now be off limits for vegetarians and vegans). Though there really hasn’t been much research to prove that seed oils are the culprit, the purposed healthier alternative is to use oils such as olive, avocado, peanut, palm, and coconut. However, the last two are high in saturated fat, have been linked to higher “bad cholesterol” levels, and their production often leads

to deforestation in tropical areas. In contrast, the seed oil known as canola oil in particular is low in saturated fat, and contains pretty good levels of essential omega-3 fats. So why the bad rap for seed oils if scientific trials haven’t uncovered anything? It’s unclear, but some have suggested that it may be guilt by association because they’re often used to make not-sohealthy stuff such as highly processed foods and those yummy French fries. Also, a lot of non-organic vegetable oils are genetically modified, especially canola and corn. So what’s the solution? Well, here’s an idea: let’s buy local, and support all of our wonderful Central Coast olive oil producers!

how to get Miles to the Gallon

by Sean Murphy

With the rising price of gas, getting better mileage is all the more important. There are many different ways to get good mileage, but here are a few of the important ones:

1) The faster you go, the poorer your fuel efficiency. Any speed above 60 and your efficiency begins to drop drastically due to air resistance. 2) Avoid unnecessary acceleration and breaking, drive passively and use cruse

control at all feasible opportunities. When accelerating, do so slowly. Most of your car’s fuel consumption happens when you accelerate 3) Take care of your car. Change the oil, check tire pressure, and replace the spark plugs when needed. A well-tuned car will always have better gas mileage. And remember, better fuel efficiency is not just good for your wallet; it’s a step toward being more sustainable, too... and that's a good thing!

Riding the Waves of Wellness surfing the central coast!

by Margaret De Stefano

The Central Coast of California, specifically along San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, offers a unique surfing experience with diverse breaks for all skill levels. Beyond the thrill of riding the Pacific's energy, surfing here provides numerous health benefits. Physically, paddling out strengthens the cardiovascular system and builds upper body strength in the shoulders and back. It also engages core and leg muscles for balance and control on the board, improving coordination and proprioception. The California sunshine boosts Vitamin D levels, crucial for bone health and immune function.

Mentally, the rhythmic sound of the waves and the vastness of the ocean can be incredibly therapeutic, reducing stress and anxiety. The focus required to ride a wave promotes mindfulness, drawing surfers into the present moment. The sense of accomplishment after catching a good wave boosts mood and self-confidence. Surfing also offers a connection with nature and a sense of community, enhancing overall well-being. So, grab your board and experience the invigorating blend of surf and health on the beautiful Central Coast.

Foraging on the Central Coast in the summer

You can find many wild foods in our region. After all, the Native Americans did it for centuries before the rest of us arrived here. Early summer on the Central Coast brings an opportunity to find greens. Mustard greens are readily identifiable with their yellow flowers. Garnish your salads with the flowers. When the leaves are boiled for only a minute, they are as tasty as spinach. If you bring gloves and scissors, you can also collect nettle leaves, which will not sting you after they are boiled, and are very nutritious. They make a good tea. Wild fennel plants grow plentifully on the Central Coast, and are easily recognized by their fern-like appearance and distinctive smell. The stalks can be cooked, and the leaves used in salads. Dandelions are everywhere in the

by Allen Pritzlaff

spring and early summer. The whole plant is edible, but I find the leaves and flowers to be most useful. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked. Don’t forget seaweed. All seaweed is edible, but some varieties are more tasty than others. For example, find some giant kelp leaves that have freshly washed up on the shore. Cut off the float on the stem end, wash them in fresh water and boil for a short time. Then cut them up into small pieces and add to sandwiches, soups or salads. Other seaweed can be cut off of the rocks at low tide. But cut only a little from each location, so that you do not harm the population. Mushrooms are also available locally, but first go out with someone who can teach you what the edible ones look like in the wild, and distinguish them from poisonous ones. Happy foraging!

Nail Polish go green! Health News

Nail polishes today tend to be synthetic chemical cocktails often comprising of the "toxic trio", formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate. With over 50% of women using nail polish worldwide, that means a lot of toxic waste not only placed in direct contact with humans but the waste is also of concern to the environment. It is recommended to NOT recycle nail polish jars (even though they are glass) because of the toxic contamination. In fact, it is advised not to throw your used jars into your

by Margaret De Stefano

general waste but instead to dispose of them at a hazardous waste facility! Surely this gives us a hint as to its contents. Instead, look for 'green' nail polish products that are often waterbased or plant based and contain no petroleum products. Or how about natural manicured nails, they look great too and will save you money on the toxic option. Ditching the nail polish altogether for some people may be an easy greening step.

by Zoe Allen

Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal by targeting individual hair follicles with a tiny probe that delivers an electrical current. This process destroys the hair follicle's growth center, preventing future hair growth. Unlike other methods such as waxing or shaving, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. It is effective on all skin and hair types, and can be used on most areas of the body, including the face, legs, and bikini line. One major benefit of electrolysis is its precision. Each hair is treated individually, ensuring that only the targeted follicle is affected, leaving surrounding skin unharmed. This makes it ideal for small, delicate areas or shaping eyebrows. Over time, as treatments continue, the number of hairs diminishes, leading to smooth, hair-free skin. It also eliminates issues like ingrown hairs often associated with other hair removal methods. While it may require multiple sessions, the results are longlasting, providing a permanent solution to unwanted hair.

Grilled Fennel and citrus salad

by Jennifer Bennett /SLO Veg recipe creator instagram @bennettpartyoffour

Ingredients:

2 heads of fennel, washed, trimmed and cut into quarters (only the bulb part, you can save the green stalks or discard them) / 2 grapefruit, skin cut off and cut into ½ inch rounds / 2-3 oranges, skin cut off and cut into ½ inch rounds (I used Cara Cara oranges) / ½ of one red onion, sliced into very thin half moons / fresh dill for garnish / salt, pepper / olive oil / balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (I used a little of both)

Directions:

Prep the veggies as stated in ingredient list. Over medium heat, grill the fennel until nicely charred and fork tender, set aside to cool. To plate, start by layering the orange and grapefruit slices, top with sliced red onion and grilled fennel. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the top and garnish with fresh dill. We had this as a side with some grilled chicken and it was so refreshing! The perfect flavorful summer side dish! Enjoy!

Coconut summer treat...sugar free ice cream!

Recipe: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract/dash of cinnamon / pinch of sea salt / 2 cans of organic full-fat coconut milk / 4 large dates, pitted. Chill cans of coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Add ingredients to high-speed blender. Blend until very smooth. Place mixture in large bowl and freeze for 4 hours or until firm (taking out every hour to stir with fork)

Optional: sprinkle with shredded coconut before serving. This recipe is vegan.

Coconut Fact:

Coconut oils contain medium chain triglycerides that are easy to digest. The oil is a source of energy and has an accelerating effect on the metabolism.

stay Positive!

by Margaret De Stefano

Let's face it, the past year has not been easy for many of us. However, being pessimistic, and always assuming the worst, can have major negative consequences on your life. Seeing only the negative aspects of any situation can cause you to miss opportunities, neglect problems, and fail to take action that would otherwise improve your life. In fact, studies show that pessimists are more likely to develop chronic illnesses later in life than optimists. Here are some good tips on avoiding negativity:

1) Stop assuming the world is against you: It is an assumption that has no basis in reason or science. The sooner you can attribute your pessimism to a unique set of circumstances rather than the state of the world itself, the easier it'll be to change your perspective.

2) Understand that the past does not equal the future: Do not let a bad start turn into a self fulfilling prophecy for a bad ending. 3) See yourself as a cause, not an effect: You don't have to be a product or a victim of your circumstances. Stop thinking about what is happening to you and start thinking about what you can make happen. 4) Use positive affirmations: Write down short statements that remind you of what you're trying to change about the way you see the world. Put them in places where you'll see them every day. Some are: a) "Anything is possible." b) "I always have a choice." c) "I choose to live my positive side of life." 5) Remember that life is short: Pessimism breeds indecision. It's a waste of time, and time is a limited resource that you can't afford to take for granted. 6) Be a balanced optimist: Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. The former makes you sensible, and the latter makes you an optimist.

Spinach a favorite again...

sorry, kale!

Spinach is making a comeback as people want a healthy leafy green that’s easy to prepare and tastes great. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, important for maintaining bone health, as well as an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and folic acid. It’s also a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, and vitamins B2 and B6. A one-cup serving has only about 30 calories and 4 grams of fiber. And it’s known to restore energy and increase vitality. If you buy spinach in a bag, make sure it’s a sealed plastic bag and store it in the fridge. It will keep for about 4 days this way. Do not wash spinach before storing. Choose bright, vibrantlooking leaves, not ones that have yellowed. Research shows that bright green spinach leaves have higher concentrations of Vitamin C than pale ones. Do not store cooked spinach as it will not keep very well. It’s best to cook and eat it right away.

summer Camping!

by Margaret DeStefano

In addition to great healthy fun and experiencing wild life, camping is an economical way to take mini trips with your family and friends. Here are some tips for your next camping trip:

1) Leave no trace. Don't litter or destroy natural terrain in any way. Soft soled shoes should be worn around the campsite to minimize damage to the ground. 2) Buy bulk organic foods and cook them on the greenest stove that meets your needs. 3) Choose your camp stove wisely for backpacking, Sustainable Travel International recommends the Sierra stove, a

lightweight, super-efficient model that can burn pine cones, wood chips, tree bark, charcoal or any other solid fuel.

4) Pack biodegradable shampoo or soap for cleaning up. Dispose of them well away from water sources. 5) Use a large collapsible bottle so that you don't need to make repeated trips to the waterhole. Waste water should be directed or emptied onto dry ground or vegetation, not into a stream or river. 6) Don't camp near old, sickly, or decaying trees, and choose a level, well-drained spot so that the areas won't mark so easily. 7) In order to keep the ground intact, try not to level the ground on which your campsite sits. Place cloths under your sleeping mat to make it level.

A I... some helpful tips

by Mike Stairs

Artificial Intelligence, AI, is capable of creating photos, video, and chat responses that seem real, but at what price? In resources and energy, Amazon alone is planning to invest $100 billion toward AI infrastructure in 2025, and data centers use half as much power as the country of Japan. AI Overview on Google search automatically feeds the top returned results into an AI chat bot to be summarized into a brief paragraph, sometimes helpful, needed, or correct, which is then displayed above the actual search

results. This summary uses ten times more electricity per search. For Generative AI, a five second video at low resolution uses the equivalent of running a microwave oven for an hour! To sidestep the summary, add ‘ -ai’ to the end of your search. Search engines like DuckDuckGo allow you to switch it off with a toggle. You can save a few pennies of electricity!

Be Resilient

Each summer there are opportunities to be resilient –that is, to be strong and flexible in the face of potential physical adversity. In our region, two of these opportunities take the form of heat and a shortage of water.

One way to deal with heat is to avoid adding heat to the inside of your home. First, make sure that all the light bulbs in your house are LED, rather than incandescent or florescent. LED’s are much more efficient, and will keep your home cooler. A second way is to cook outside on your patio, deck or balcony. If you are cooking something for a midday meal, you can use a solar cooker. There are a number of types you can buy, and there are instructions on the internet for making one out of a cardboard box and some

tin foil. Use a barbecue to cook outside. West-facing windows can add a lot of heat to your home in the late afternoon. Close the drapes or blinds in those windows, and the thicker they are, the better. Install a whole-house fan. This takes the hot air near the ceiling and blows it up and out through your attic at night. A whole-house fan is much cheaper to run than an air conditioner. For older houses, consider replacing single pane windows with new double panes. Invest in shower heads using 2 gallons per minute, and in low water use toilets. Plant only drought-tolerant plants, and use a drip system, soaker hose, or wicking containers for your garden. When you replace your washer, get a front-loader using 10–15 gallons per load. Typical top-loaders use 30-40 gallons.

this Summer!

by Allen Pritzlaff

Next, be water resilient by developing alternate sources. Install rain barrels for each downspout from your roof. This can save you hundreds of gallons of water for your garden and other uses. In a drought, use it for flushing your toilet. In a disaster, this is your emergency water supply. Use a backpacker’s water filter, and you have enough water for drinking and cooking to last for weeks. Then route the drain hose of your washing machine to your garden, or into a large bucket. If you use biodegradable soap, it will not harm your plants. Use this water to flush toilets in a drought. Along our coast there are cool nights with fog. “Fog catchers” are vertical plastic nets with a trough and container underneath to collect condensation. You can collect many gallons of water nightly from one sheet ten feet square.

These are being used now in Peru, Morocco and the Canary Islands. They require no energy or human attention, and can be made cheaply. Atmospheric water generators are the size of an office water cooler, and take water out of the air through refrigeration. These units produce 5 liters per day when the humidity is 50%, and more than 10 liters per day if the humidity is 80%. They are expensive to buy and to run, but if this is your only way to obtain fresh water, it might be for you. Every region of the country has difficulties or dangers that can be overcome with preparation. Let us be prepared and resilient in our region!

To learn more about resiliency on the Central Coast, read Alan's book Resilience. See page 13.

how to Keep Cool During Summer...

by Lori Waters

As temperatures rise, staying cool without cranking the air conditioner is both eco-friendly and wallet-wise. Start by maximizing natural ventilation—open windows during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, and use fans to create airflow. For an extra chill, place a bucket of ice water in front of your fan to create a cooling mist effect. Blackout curtains or reflective window films can block sunlight, reducing indoor heat buildup. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and keep hydrated with water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and berries. Outdoors, plant trees or shrubs for shade, or install awnings and pergolas. Finally, limit heat-generating activities like cooking or laundry during peak heat hours. With these small, sustainable choices, you can keep cool without overloading the power grid—or your budget. It’s a win for your comfort, your wallet, and the planet.

manage Stress...

by Hepsharat Amadi, MD

Many of us are experiencing high stress levels due to political, governmental and environmental changes. What can we do to manage that stress and preserve our mental and physical health? One thing that will help would be to mainly focus on things that you can change. So often we stress and worry about things that are beyond our control, which can cause our health to deteriorate. If we focused on the things that we can do we would feel more empowered and could notice the good results of our actions. What kinds of things could we do?

Work locally. Locally is where the grassroots power is and has the capacity to change things from the ground up. Summer is a great time for gardening and for enjoying being outdoors! Make sure to get out in Nature on a regular basis (hopefully daily) so that you can appreciate your day and your life more. Nature is very healing and even listening to bird song has good effects on our physiology, lowering our blood pressure and heart rate and relaxing our nervous

systems. Another thing that can be very stress reducing is getting together with friends and family. While texts and phone calls are nice, and sometimes the only practical way to communicate with people who are at a distance from us, actually being in each other's presence can affect our bodies physically. Of course, you want to associate as much as possible with only positive people who uplift you, not negative people who make you feel more anxious, depressed or drained. Lastly, do not go down the rabbit hole of "what ifs" in terms of negative scenarios to expect. It's tempting, as human beings, to try to see into the future and to be able to predict exactly what will happen and when. But this is an illusion. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and sometimes good things happen that we did not expect, but if we are constantly expecting the worst, that will have a very negative effect on our health. Take one day at a time, do what you can with it and enjoy it to the fullest. The only constant is change.

www.dramadi.com

Safe Drives save lives!

by Margaret De Stefano

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department has launched its "Safe Drives Save Lives" campaign to promote driver awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists and road safety throughout the county. Recent data show most traffic deaths happen when people are traveling outside of a motor vehicle, with 80% of fatal collisions involving a victim traveling on foot or by bicycle. Data also show that 56% of fatal and severe injury collisions occur on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or higher with prevailing speeds often exceeding the posted limit by 5 to 10 mph. Driver awareness and safe speeds are critical to preventing serious crashes. The first phase of the campaign featured banners in three high-traffic areas where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles frequently

interact: two in downtown San Luis Obispo and one near Laguna Middle School on Los Osos Valley Road, where busy drop-off areas pose particular safety challenges. The banners were displayed for the first two weeks of March in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo. The campaign then expanded to county schools, beginning with Oceano Elementary School. The Public Health Department hosted an educational outreach event for parents and students during afternoon pickup time, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol. Staff provided safety education in both English and Spanish, with free bicycle helmets available for children in need.

To learn more and get involved, visit www.slocounty.gov/roadsafety

ECO SLO events...

Post 4th of July Cleanup @ Cayucos Pier - Get ready to make a difference with ECOSLO at our Post 4th of July cleanup event at Cayucos Pier! Please come dressed in closed-toed shoes and layers to stay comfortable. We’ll have a water jug, cups, and tasty snacks to keep your energy up, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.

20th Annual SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup - ECOSLO, in partnership with Central Coast Partners for Water Quality, presents the 2025 SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup! To join, register for your preferred

cleanup location. Sites are listed from North County to South County! Visit http://ecoslo.org/creeks-to-coast for more info, including site map, waiver, event flyers, and volunteer details.

Post 4th of July Cleanup @ Pirates Cove (18+ Only) - Get ready to make a difference with ECOSLO at our Post 4th of July cleanup event at Pirates Cove! Please come dressed in closed-toed shoes and layers to stay comfortable. We’ll have a water jug, cups, and tasty snacks to keep your energy up, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated!

Ladies... feeling Hot, Hot, Hot?

by Zoe Allen

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 75 percent of American women have hot flashes during menopause. As your hormone levels change during menopause, feeling overheated, flushed, and sweaty are common symptoms. Here is a list of the most common hot flash triggers:

Eating spicy foods. Spicy foods are a known hot flash trigger. Even if you're not menopausal, eating a spicy Mexican meal or hot chicken wings can make you sweat and feel flushed. Drinking a hot beverage. While enjoying a hot cup of tea may relax you, it also increases your body temperature. Caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine is another known trigger for hot flashes, though exactly how it generates sweating isn't understood. Relaxing in a hot bath, hot tub, or sauna. These hot, steamy

environments make your body's core temperature shoot up, which can trigger a hot flash, sweating, and redness. Overheating in hot weather or a hot room. When you're menopausal, an average summer day or a room that’s just slightly overheated can trigger a hot flash. Smoking. To manage hot flashes and also improve your overall health, avoid cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Here's what you can do to manage hot flashes when they do strike:

1) Wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing and sleepwear at night.

2) Grab a cold drink when you first start to overheat. 3) Turn on a fan or go into a cool room. 4) Try to relax with meditation or deep breathing exercises if you feel anxious or nervous. 5) Dress in layers of clothing so that you can take off each layer as you start to feel warm.

10 ways to help a Buddy Beat the Blues!

by Zoe Allen

Beyond conventional treatments for depression like antidepressants and therapy what can you do to help a friend or loved one beat the blues? Research shows that friends and family members can help. Here are 10 simple ways you can support them:

1) When you're with a friend who is down, ask a question and then be quiet. Sometimes just sharing her concerns, with you as a sounding board, will be enough to help her feel better. 2) Taking a walk on a sunny day or basking up rays in the park for a few minutes can make a world of difference. Recent studies have found a direct relationship between the amount of sun in a person’s life and his risk of depression. More sun means less gloominess!

3) To best beat the blues, pick a 30-minute (or longer) activity that you already know your friend enjoys or that is appropriate to their fitness level. 4) Music is an excellent mood booster, providing distraction to help beat the blues. If you only have a short period of time together, share some of your favorites from your preferred streaming device or sing loudly together while in the car. Surprise your pal with tickets to an outdoor concert or the performance! 5) Laughter can be emotionally healing. Send a funny card, tell a joke, or turn on a light-hearted movie or comedic film. You may get a smile.

6) Nothing brightens someone’s day like an unexpected gift. For example, a gift card to their favorite restaurant can really show you care. 7) Sometimes all a person wants to know is that they are not alone. Just being there may be the best mood booster you can offer.

8) Just getting back into the groove of attending social functions could help improve their emotional health. If they avoiding the social scene altogether or skipping a book club or faith meeting because of depression, offer to go along. 9) Find a way for your friend or loved one to spend time with your animal. Pets have been shown to seriously help mental health issues such as depression. Take your friend pet out for some playtime at the park! 10) Studies show that turning a person’s thoughts to more positive things can help beat the blues. Take out an old family album and spend time sharing their warmest and funniest memories.

Kombucha benefits of

by Kathleen Stout, MA

Kombucha is a tonic that is created from the fermentation of sugared tea and a mix of bacterial and yeast cultures.

Some of the first recorded uses of Kombucha was in China over 2,000 years ago. Kombucha, a fermented drink, was referred to as the ‘Tea of Immortality’ for its many health benefits. Kombucha is made from a culture called a SCOBY, short for a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts. Kombucha contains Glucuronic acid, among other beneficial enzymes, one of Nature’s most powerful antioxidants. Kombucha is also known to have anti-fungal, antibiotic, and antiviral properties, and makes an excellent supplement to your diet. Make your own Kombucha and experiment with different flavors of teas to discover how this ancient drink can benefit your gut microbiome.

1. Purchase a bottle of plain Kombucha

2. Brew up a batch of black or green tea and add 2 tsp. of sugar, let cool.

3. Transfer the tea and Kombucha into a clean glass container, cover with dish towel or coffee filter. Secure with rubber band. 4. Place out of sunlight in a warm area (65-85°) for 7 days.

5. Retain the tea and SCOBY to make your next batch of Kombucha.

Salad

Recipe: 1 pound fresh organic strawberries, halved / 1 sliced banana / 2 large organic peaches, sliced / ¼ cup small fresh basil leaves / 1 cup fresh orange juice / 1 tbsp agave syrup or honey (optional) / 1½ tbsp white wine vinegar / 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil / sea salt to taste. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to about ½ cup. Remove from heat and add oil and salt to pan, stirring with a whisk. Let stand 2 minutes. Combine strawberries and peaches in a serving dish. Pour the dressing over the fruit. Sprinkle with basil. Serve immediately.

don't toss it...

Repair It!

by Zoe Allen

Repair Café Five Cities supports reuse, repair, and waste prevention. Besides saving repairable items from landfill, the Repair Cafe is an amazing community of fixers and volunteers who are generous with their time and talent.

Five Cities Repair Café hosts events several times a year in in various locations. Bring your broken item and work with repair coaches to assess what it would take to repair it. You can work with volunteers to do the repair yourself under their guidance, or have them tackle the job directly. Depending on volunteer talent on the day, they will repair bikes, clothing, toys, small

appliances (blenders, vacuum cleaners, lamps, etc.), electronics, laptops, and phones. Their events' fully/partially fixed rate is about 70%. So it's likely you’ll leave with your item repaired and some curiosity and confidence about how to repair other items. Originally founded in the Netherlands 15 years ago, the Repair Café got its U.S. start in Palo Alto, CA and was established in the Five Cities on California's Central Coast in 2019. Visit them Saturday, August 9th / Oak Park Christian Church, 386 Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach / 1:00 - 4:30 pm

fivecitiesrepaircafe@gmail.com http://repaircafe-groverbeach-5cities.org/

explore Summer Adventures on the central coast!

Avila Beach: Wellness, Wine, and Waterfront Fun. Avila Beach delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation.. Yoga on the beach, paddleboarding in the bay, or a stroll along the Bob Jones Trail, a shaded path that connects nature lovers to the coast and Fridays, the Avila Beach Farmers Market. For wine lovers, a tasting at Peloton Cellars or Sinor-LaVallee. Pismo Beach: Classic Coast with a Splash of Adventure. Don’t miss the Pismo Beach 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, one of the largest fireworks shows on the Central Coast. Eco-enthusiasts can explore the Monarch Butterfly Grove trails or take a guided kayak tour through Dinosaur Caves and Shell Beach’s sea caves. Grover Beach: Gateway to the Dunes. This summer, the Summer Concert Series at 16th Street Park brings local music and family fun to the heart of Grover Beach every Sunday from July 13 to August 17 from 3pm – 6pm. Arroyo Grande: History, Charm, and Small-Town Summer Vibes. Walk through the historic Village of Arroyo Grande. Explore antique shops, enjoy creekside dining, and watch the resident roosters roam freely. Summer brings lively events like Heritage Square Concerts and outdoor movie nights. Take advantage of the 2025 Buy Local Campaign earn a $20 reward gift card for every $100 spent around The Village of AG. Oceano: Nature’s Edge Meets Coastal Culture. Oceano is your launchpad for outdoor adventure, including hiking the dunes, horseback riding on the beach, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. The Great American Melodrama continues its summer season with family-friendly performances. Nipomo: Ranchlands, Trails, and Cultural Roots. Nipomo blends open space with a rich sense of heritage. Visit the Dana Adobe & Cultural Center, where Rancho-era history comes to life through docent tours, summer workshops, and kids' camps. The nearby Nipomo Native Garden and Blacklake Trails offer shaded paths for walkers, birders, and nature lovers looking to unwind. Get Involved, Stay Sustainable: From farmers markets and eco-friendly lodging to trail cleanups and cultural festivals, South San Luis Obispo County invites you to engage with its communities and landscapes in meaningful ways this summer. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying for the season, you’ll find that sustainability and joy go hand in hand on the Central Coast. To learn more about events, dining, and lodging, visit www.SouthCountyChambers.com

can certain Foods help you Sleep Better?

by Margaret De Stefano

Struggling to sleep? Your diet might be a surprising ally. Certain foods contain compounds that promote relaxation and encourage a restful night.

Tart cherries are rich in melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleepwake cycles. Enjoying a small glass of tart cherry juice before bed can help signal your body it’s time to wind down. Almonds and walnuts are excellent sources of magnesium, a mineral known to soothe the nervous system and relax muscles. They also provide

tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin and then melatonin. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna offer vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which play a role in serotonin regulation. Carbohydrates, especially complex ones like oatmeal or wholewheat toast, can also aid sleep by increasing tryptophan availability to the brain. Lastly, bananas are packed with potassium and magnesium, both muscle relaxants, and a good source of tryptophan. Incorporating these foods into your evening routine may pave the way for sweeter dreams.

Solstice Summer 2025 Issue

it really Does Matter...

Directory

ANIMAL RESCUE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CAFÉ

CBD PRODUCTS

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE

DOULAS

ELECTRIC BIKES

ELECTROLYSIS

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

GREEN-REALTOR

HARVEST BOX DELIVERY

HEALTH / FITNESS

JUICE BAR

NON-PROFIT

PARKS & RECREATION

PILATES

PRODUCE BOXES

RADIO BROADCASTING

REALTOR

SKIN & BODY CARE

SOLAR ENERGY

SPA SERVICES

SUPERMARKET/ORGANIC FOODS

SURFBOARD REPAIR

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & WINE

WOMEN’S HEALTH

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ECO SLO events...

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Kombucha benefits of

Salad

don't toss it...

Repair It!

explore Summer Adventures on the central coast!

can certain Foods help you Sleep Better?