Solstice Green - Winter 2018 Edition

Free

Winter 2018-2019

The Ozone Layer is Healing…page 15 City of SLO Takes on Climate Change…page 29 Fresh Orange Juice...Good for You...page 42

The Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Health & Fitness

Expo MARCH 23 & 24 10AM - 4PM

ALEX MADONNA EXPO CENTER

• Free To Attend • Free Parking • Fitness & Wellness Experts • Health Screenings • Seminars & Workshops • Senior Resources & Info

5K

FUN RUN SATURDAY MARCH 23

Benefitting

inspiredexpos.com

(805) 772-4600

What if our religion was each other.

If our practice was our life. If prayer, our words. What if the temple was the Earth. If forests were our church.

If holy water, the rivers, lakes, and ocean. What if meditation was our relationships. If the teacher was life.

If wisdom was self-knowledge. If love was the center of our being. ~ Ganga White

Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe...

What do "elitist" refusals of windmills (due to impeding water views) and indigenous complaints about water re-routing have in common? They are actually the same argument, packaged differently. They are examples of local-ism facing regionalism, the "tribe" facing the "globe." The term "tribe" traditionally refers to people associated in both geography and genealogy. Let's face it. Fossil fuels aren't going anywhere soon. Clearly, they are not here to stay, but solar and wind cannot make the transition overnight. So, this begs the question: How can we all compromise, and still be accountable to the planet we call home? Maybe by rearranging our priorities and changing the way we think, even if we can't change our circumstances, may be a good way to start. In reality we are all part of the same global tribe, aren't we?

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

Diane Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, Monte Allen

Stacy Morse

Nathan Doherty

Judes Kingsbury

Kathleen Stout

Nicky Bailey

Jackie Turner

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.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution

Monte Allen and Anthony Calandra

Graphic Designer Jenny Malott

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski Stacy Morse Nathan Doherty Jackie Turner Nicky Bailey Kathleen Stout Carol Rains

Tech Support and Graphic Design Chris Maloney

Bookkeeping/Copy Editor Diane Parnell

Community Outreach Carolyn Biedinger Judes Kingsbury

Reuse and Recycle Special Contributor Monte Allen

Solstice Publishing, LLC

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

Contents The Solstice Green Directory Fall 2018

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES Imagine 14 Ozone Layer is Healing!

15 The Winter Cranberry 16 Blue Skies For a Healthy Community 18 Sunshine Health Foods 20 Keep Skin Moisturized This Winter 21 The 5 Elements and the Winter Season 22 Think Value-Added Ag For Gift Giving 24 City of SLO Takes on Climate Change 29 Staying Healthy 30 The Magical Crock-Pot 32 8-Hoop House 36 Complementary Health Going Mainstream 40 Why is Fresh Orange Juice Good for You? 42 Life in the Blue Zones 43 Reasons to Avoid Canola Oil 45 What is Your Environmentalist Score?

46 How Fashion Almost Destroyed the Egret 48 For Cat Lovers!

49 When is a Nut Not a Nut? A Pine Nut!

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This publication is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

Solstice Green Directory provides an advertising service. We cannot warrant or guarantee any of the products or services advertised. All feedback is most welcome and will help us provide a better service for you. Solstice Green Directory reserves the right to accept or reject advertisers.

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Directory

ACCESSORIES & GIFTS Bambu Batu • (805) 316-1233 The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle Please see display ad on page 27

Active Chick We focus on sustainability,comfort, quality, self-expression, safety, style and FUN...come outside and play!

ActiveChick.com / 805-541-2445 ACUPUNCTURE Branches of Wellness (805) 481-1035 South County Office 113 North Mason St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 North County Office 8575 Morro Rd. Ste. B and C Atascadero, CA 93422

www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com Please see display ad on page 23 4

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

ANTIQUES & VINTAGE Pismo Pickers Antiques & Vintage (805) 773-3777 Antiques • Collectibles • Vintage • Eclectic • 20+ Vendors New Arrivals Daily • 537 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach Please see display ad on page 35

ASTROLOGY SLO Astrologers Contact at SLOAstrologers@aol.com On-going classes at the Gala Center, Palm St., SLO Please see display ad on page 12

BARTER BUSINESS GROUP Cal Coast Trade • Call Gregg (805) 975-5334 A sustainable way to do business!

Save your cash and increase your business! www.calcoasttrade.com Please see display ad on page 7

Please see display ad on page 27

Please see display ad on page 52

BUILDING – ENERGY CONSULTANTS Carstairs Energy (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 28

BUILDING MATERIALS & RESOURCES Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 17

CAFÉ SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 20

CAREGIVERS Julie Belmonte (805) 215-3153 Caring for seniors at home or in a home.

Compassionate, Dependable, Affordable Now serving San Luis Obispo and South County References Available

CEREAL Sean’s Organic Muesli Munch Premium Organic Breakfast Cereals Not Too Sweet & Nutrient Dense www.mueslimunch.com

SLO Green Build (805) 286-0072 Non-profit green building education & support www.slogreenbuild.org

Please see display ad on page 27

BUSINESS TRADING Cal Coast Trade • Call Gregg (805) 975-5334 A sustainable way to do business!

Save your cash and increase your business! www.calcoasttrade.com Please see display ad on page 7

BUS SERVICE Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228 RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week!

Talk Green. Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org

DIRECTORY

BATH & BODY Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Super hydrating/anti-aging facial & massage cremes, made with all certified organic ingredients

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT R. Barkley & Associates (800) 211-5677 Professional Business Services Taxes, Bookkeeping, Home Loans, Investment Planning www.rbarkley.com Please see display ad on page 13

www.slosolstice.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

CLEAN AIR AGENCIES SLO County Air Pollution Control District (805) 781-5912 Protecting Blue Skies for a Healthy Community www.SLOCleanAir.org Find us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE Go! Computer Services www.go-cc.com (805) 704-0833 More Than a Tech. More Than a Tutor.

On-Site Help for Your Computer!

Repair, Refurbish, Recycle, and More!

Please see display ad on page 9

Please see display ad on page 19

CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St. #140 San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 25

CLOTHING & BAMBOO Bambu Batu • (805) 316-1233 The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle Please see display ad on page 27

COLLECTIBLES Pismo Pickers Antiques & Vintage (805) 773-3777 Antiques • Collectibles • Vintage • Eclectic • 20+ Vendors New Arrivals Daily • 537 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach Please see display ad on page 35

e le. se. r cyc u e r ce. redu 6

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

COOKING CLASSES CookWell (805) 547-9073 Classes • Nutritional Therapy • Personal Chef www.cookwell.org courtney@cookwell.org Please see display ad on page 34

CREDIT UNIONS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816 A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school on the Central Coast.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back cover

Please see display ad on page 24

CULINARY Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Local, organic sauces that add a healthy, spicy zest to pastas, grains, soups, & more; marinara, tomatillo, & marmalade. Plus, tea blends Please see display ad on page 27

DENTAL Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 31

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586 Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner, Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com Please see display ad on page 28

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Carstairs Energy (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 28

DIRECTORY

CUISINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine

ENERGY WORK / ENERGY MEDICINE The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Shaman, Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page xx Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586 Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner, Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com Please see display ad on page 28

EVENTS California Western Monarch Day February 2, 2019 Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, Open from 10-4 the month of February with docent talks at 11 and 2 daily. www.monarchbutterfly.org

Save Your Cash, Increase Business An innovative way to do business sustainably

Call Gregg now (805) 975-5334

www.calcoasttrade.com

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

EVENTS CONTINUED Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tours (800) 444-4445 November 23 – December 30th Tickets available at: www.hearstcastle.org Inspired Health & Fitness Expo (805) 772-4600 March 23 & 24, 2019 • 10 – 4pm Free Admission and Parking Alex Madonna Expo Center San Luis Obispo www.inspiredexpos.com

Please see display ad on inside front cover

Morro Bay Art Association “For the Birds” Annual Exhibit January 10 – February 18th Meet the Artists January 18th 2-4 p.m.

Free event in celebration of the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SLO County Air Pollution Control District (805) 781-5912 Protecting Blue Skies for a Healthy Community www.SLOCleanAir.org Find us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Please see display ad on page 19

GREEN FLOORING Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 17

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

working for Smart Energy Solutions...

Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club P.O. Box 15755 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805)543-8717 sierraclub8@gmail.com www.sierraclub.santalucia.org

GREEN-REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

Please see display ad on page 17

HEALTH / DETOX EMF Inspect (408) 621-9162 Safeguard health and vitality. Identify and reduce exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields. www.EMFInspect.com Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com

Please see display ad on page 31

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available Please see display ad on page 43

HEALTH FOOD STORES Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay

The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center (805) 237-8290 Friendly Staff • Nutritional Supplements • Personal Care 1213 Pine St. Paso Robles www.naturalalternativenc.com

HEALTHY HOMES EMF Inspect • (408) 621-9162 Safeguard health and vitality. Identify and reduce exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields. www.EMFInspect.com

Please see display ad on page 39

Please see display ad on page 41

HEALTH / FITNESS Active Chick We focus on sustainability,comfort, quality, self-expression, safety, style and FUN...come outside and play!

ActiveChick.com / 805-541-2445

Please see display ad on page 20

DIRECTORY

ReGenesis 360 (805) 202-2077 Your Beacon of Hope on the Central Coast!

2 James Way, Suite 212, Pismo Beach www.ReGenesis360.com

HERBALISTS / HERBAL REMEDIES Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Local, organic sauces that add a healthy, spicy zest to pastas, grains, soups, & more; marinara, tomatillo, & marmalade. Plus, tea blends Please see display ad on page 27

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (805) 595-7600 Tropical paradise, tennis, ozone pools, classes incl. yoga, cafe & catering, conf. rooms, special events avilabayclub.com Please see display ad on page 27

Inspired Health & Fitness Expo (805) 772-4600 March 23 & 24, 2019 • 10 – 4pm Free Admission and Parking Alex Madonna Expo Center San Luis Obispo www.inspiredexpos.com

Please see display ad on inside front cover

ReGenesis 360 (805) 202-2077 Your Beacon of Hope on the Central Coast!

2 James Way, Suite 212, Pismo Beach www.ReGenesis360.com Please see display ad on page 39

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM TESTING Carstairs Energy (805) 904-9048 HERS I & II Ratings title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com

Please see display ad on page 28

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Branches of Wellness (805) 481-1035 South County Office 113 North Mason St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 North County Office 8575 Morro Rd. Ste. B and C Atascadero, CA 93422

www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com Please see display ad on page 23

JANITORIAL Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St. #140 San Luis Obispo

Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 20

LANDSCAPING Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com

Please see display ad on page 37

LOANS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816 A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school on the Central Coast.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back cover

Please see display ad on page 25

JUICE BAR California Fresh Coffee, Organic Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 Hours: 6:00am – 12:00am 555 Five Cities Dr. Pismo Beach, CA/ (805) 295-7162 Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm Please see display ad on page 26

MASSAGE Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too!

1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 27

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter (805) 543-8717 547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo santalucia.sierraclub.org Please see display ad on page 8

Please see display ad on page 34

The Healing Works Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Holistic Nutritionist, Shaman, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org

Please see display ad on page 43

The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center (805) 237-8290 Friendly Staff • Nutritional Supplements • Personal Care 1213 Pine St. Paso Robles www.naturalalternativenc.com Please see display ad on page 41

ORGANIC CAFE SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 20

SLO Green Build • (805) 286-0072 Non-profit green bldg education & support www.slogreenbuild.org NUTRITION CookWell (805) 547-9073 Classes • Nutritional Therapy • Personal Chef www.cookwell.org courtney@cookwell.org

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available

DIRECTORY

NON-PROFIT Central Coast State Parks Association • (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks.

1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org Gay and Lesbian Alliance (805) 541-4252 1060 Palm Street, SLO Through education, support, recreation, advocacy, and partnerships, we promote the well-being of our LGBT community. www.GALACC..org

ORGANIC CEREAL Sean’s Organic Muesli Munch Premium Organic Breakfast Cereals Not Too Sweet & Nutrient Dense www.mueslimunch.com Please see display ad on page 27

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

Please see display ad on page 41

Please see display ad on page 41 Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

PARKS & RECREATION Central Coast State Parks Association (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks.

1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org

r e u s e , r e i n v e n t , re s t e or

PERMACULTURE Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com

Please see display ad on page 37

PHYSICIAN Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

Please see display ad on page 41

RADIO BROADCASTING AGM California, Inc • (805) 781-2750 The Central Coast’s leading radio group: 98.1 KJUG, 93.3 KZOZ, COAST 104.5, The KRUSH 92.5 & 920 AM KVEC

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years serving this community with pride.

Please see display ad on inside back cover

REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

Please see display ad on page 17

REFLEXOLOGY Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too!

1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 27

SENIOR CARE Julie Belmonte • (805) 215-3153 Caring for seniors at home or in a home.

Compassionate • Dependable • Affordable

Now serving San Luis Obispo and South County • References Available

Learn Astrology...

Meeting Every 1st Wednesday of the Month 6:00-7:30pm GALA Center, located at 1060 Palm St., San Luis Obispo

Newcomers Welcomed! sloastrologers@aol.com

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & WINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 24

Join The Green Team

Please see display ad on page 41

SPA SERVICES Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (805) 595-7600 ex.0 Use of club included on day of service!

Full service spa including massage, mani & pedi, organic facials, and more!

6699 Bay Laurel Plc, Avila Beach avilabayclub.com Please see display ad on page 27

SUPERMARKET/ORGANIC FOODS California Fresh Coffee, Organic Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 Hours: 6:00am – 12:00am 555 Five Cities Dr. Pismo Beach, CA/ (805) 295-7162 Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm Please see display ad on page 26

DIRECTORY

SHAMANISM The Healing Works Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Shaman, Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org

Looking to increase sales staff!

Part-time. Generous commission.

Sales experience preferred.

Offices in San Luis Obispo.

Immediate availability.

Sales Support & training. solstice222@aol.com 805.473.5064

TILE Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 17

TRANSPORTATION Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228 RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week! Talk Green.

Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org Please see display ad on page 52

R. Barkley & Associates

Business Back Office Accounting & Taxes IRS & Government Representation Financial Services Home Mortgages

Robert C. Barkley Certified Public Accountant

Bring More Green into Your Life Ph: 800.211.5677 / 805.929.0070 eM: rbarkley@rbarkley.com www.rbarkley.com P.O. Box 1590, Nipomo, CA 93444-1590

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Imagine...

by Diane Parnell While pondering what message I wanted to send out as we move into the New Year, I kept coming back to this song. And so, in the spirit of this season of giving and being thankful and being hopeful, I decided to just step aside, trusting that the words of the late, great John Lennon will fill your soul throughout the Winter Season.

You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one

Imagine

Imagine all the people sharing all the world You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one.

Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too.

Imagine all the people living life in peace

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Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man

Songwriter: John Winston Lennon Imagine lyrics Š Downtown Music Publishing

good news... the

Ozone Layer is Healing!

Thanks to mankind’s efforts to reduce the amount of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) being introduced into the Earth’s atmosphere, scientific organizations from around the world are reporting a turning point in the fight against ozone depletion.

A recent UN-backed report shows that the concentration of ozone-depleting substances continues to decrease, leading to an improvement in the layer since the previous assessment carried out in 2014. Ozone in parts of the stratosphere has recovered at a rate of 1-3 percent since 2000 and, at projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone is scheduled to heal completely by the 2030's, followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050's and polar regions by 2060. The findings of the study, “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2018” are being hailed as a demonstration of what global agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, which coordinate responses to the destruction of the ozone layer, can achieve. Erik Solheim, Head of UN Environment said: “The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful multilateral agreements in history for a reason.” The findings also serve as an inspiration for more ambitious climate action to halt a catastrophic rise in world temperatures. The findings provide a ray of hope, less than a month after the IPCC, or Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released a watershed report which described the devastating effects of a 2°C temperature rise compared to pre-industrial levels, described by UN chief António Guterres as an “ear-splitting wake-up call.” The writers of the report found that if the Kigali Amendment, which aims to forbid the use of those products harming the ozone layer is fully implemented, the world can avoid up to 0.4 percent of global warming this century, meaning that it will play a major role in keeping the global temperature rise below 2°C. Further information: https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1024842

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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the winter

Cranberry

According to the USDA, cranberries offer one of the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other fruits. Studies have also found they reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, maintain urinary tract health, and possibly even positively affect teeth and gums. Fresh cranberries are available September through December. Whole cranberries are prized for their medicinal value. Research suggests that cranberry sauce is just as healing. In fact, it may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 14 percent and boost HDL (good) cholesterol by 10 percent. Another reason to enjoy cranberry sauce: Its malic acid flushes energy sapping toxins out of the body. Select cranberries that are plump, shiny and intensely colored. Before using, discard any berries that are shriveled, soft or brown. Cranberries will keep for up to two months in the refrigerator if they're tightly covered or in their original packaging. Frozen berries can last up to a year. Fresh Cranberry Relish: 2 cups cranberries /1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped / 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled cored and cut into wedges /1 cut up orange, seeds and skin removed. In a food processor, combine cranberries, pineapple, apples and oranges. Blend into small chunks, add sugar if needed. Chill and serve.

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easy

French Onion soup

Recipe: 6 large yellow onions, diced / 3 cloves garlic, minced / 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce / 2 tbsp sesame oil / 8 cups vegetable stock / croutons / 2 cups swiss or gruyere cheese, grated (or dairy free cheese). In a large soup pot, briefly saute the onions & garlic in the sesame oil. Add teriyaki sauce & vegetable stock. Bring to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring slowly. Pour soup into oven-safe bowls & top with croutons and grated cheese. Broil in the oven for five minutes, or until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

805-543-7600 mattclarktile.com

Carmen Green Broker

171 N. 13th St. Suite A, Grover Beach, CA 93433

cgreenrealestate.com • 805.481.7700

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Blue Skies

for a healthy community

by Meghan Field The average person can breathe 8 million cubic feet of air throughout a lifetime enough to fill over 40 giant blimps! Although we may not regularly think about it, our lungs are one of the body’s primary points of contact with the outside world. As such, the quality of the air we breathe is extremely important to our overall health. San Luis Obispo (SLO) County skies are typically clear and blue with little of the characteristic brown haze associated with poor air quality, yet we still have air pollution problems in specific regions.

Ozone: Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that affects all of us. It’s formed when emissions from cars, industry, or other air pollution sources combine and “cook” in heat and sunlight. In the eastern portion of SLO County during hot, summer months, the APCD has historically seen several violations of health-based ozone standard.

Particulate Matter: Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles that may contain a number of harmful components, including acids, organic chemicals, metals and soil or dust particles. In addition to reducing visibility, particulate matter can lodge in the lungs, transport directly into our bloodstream and cause serious, long-term respiratory illness and other health problems.

Be aware of local air quality conditions: Keep watch on your local air quality conditions to determine the best time of day to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Visit us online at SLOCleanAir.org to see sixday air quality forecasts, sign up for AirAware text alerts and more! Help us protect our blue skies for a healthy community!

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Air Quality and your health

by Meghan Field For 2018, the SLO County Air Pollution Control District and the SLO County Public Health Department are partnering again to expand and refresh our initial 2012 educational campaign to highlight the connection between air quality and health, with special emphasis on cardiac health, asthma, and outdoor exercise. While particulate exposure for Nipomo Mesa residents has received significant attention in the last decade, the information in the updated brochures has universal applicability for your health. They provide guidance on how to protect your health when we are experiencing impacts from not only dust, but also from wildfire smoke which has been quite common in recent years.

You can help by doing your part to protect our blue skies. Want to know what the air quality is like in your neighborhood? Or be the first to know when we issue a Voluntary Don’t Light Tonight Advisory? Sign up for our AirAware text notification system on our website at SLOCleanAir.org/air-quality-alerts.

SIGN UP TO GET THE FOLLOWING TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE!

Early Alert for Blowing Dust on the Nipomo Mesa All APCD Press Releases Air Quality Index is “Unhealthy” Smoke Impacts Voluntary Don’t Light Tonight Advisories AirAware en Español!

805-781-5912

SLOCleanAir.org

Want to reduce your air quality impacts? Click the Grants button on our webpage to apply for funding to change your wood burning device to a clean burning device. Limited funding countywide with special funding in Nipomo and Paso Robles!

19

Sunshine Health Foods...

Growing and Thriving

by Madeline Palaszewski Since opening its doors in 1973, Sunshine Health Foods has been a beacon of healthy alternatives for residents and visitors of the Central Coast. A full service natural foods market, Sunshine Health Foods offers a variety of natural and organic food from the local area and specialty items from around the world. Sunshine’s produce is purchased from local farmers’ markets three days a week. Additional produce is supplied by a certified organic distributor. Sunshine Health Foods has grown over the years adding a complete vitamin and supplements department.

Knowledgeable staff stay informed on the latest health trends and provide high quality service and education. Shine Café debuted in 1998 and is located next to Sunshine Health Foods. The popular café offers fresh vegan cuisine with local and organic ingredients for its loyal customers.

The extensive vegan menu features breakfast items, entrees, soups, salads, smoothies and a full juice bar. Gluten and soy free options are also available. Enjoy indoor and dog friendly outdoor seating in beautiful Morro Bay.

Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Sun 10-4

Fresh local produce, bulk foods, vegetarian café, natural remedies

415 Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay 20

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Keep Skin Moisturized this winter

By Kathleen Stout, M.A. Winter is here and dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Luckily, nature provides us with an abundance of ingredients that work as natural emollients. These plants, nuts, and herbs work by allowing the skin to retain its own moisture, similar to a nourishing wax or oil upon wood, these emollients provide a protective barrier that shield the skin against the elements. Utilize these natural products in your own home and experiment with what works best for you. According to Stephanie Barnes, L.E., oily skin does need to be moisturized. “Dry oils like Clary sage, borage, and grapeseed provide essential nutrients to the skin without leaving you feeling oily. Easily absorbed they will balance your own oil production.” Honey: naturally anti-bacterial, use it as a mask to treat acne, unclog pores, and give your skin an overall healthy glow.

Borage: can be beneficial for hair and skin conditions; hair loss, eczema, and acne. Grapeseed: improves skin moisture, elasticity, and softness. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Frankincense: an astringent that is ideal for acne, fine lines and wrinkles, supports cellular function, reduces inflammation, relaxing. Bee Pollen: antiaging, acne, wounds, gives skin a ‘glow,’ hair, nails, overall skin appearance Avocados: rich in fatty-acids, an excellent moisturizer for the skin, beneficial for hair as well, contains many anti-oxidants. Coconut Oil: an ideal skin oil, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, moisturizing, hand moisturizer, cuticles, shaving crème,make-up remover, breath freshener, body moisturizer.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

21

The 5 Elements

by Jenny Dull-Frost L.Ac. The winter season is the best time to conserve energy, boost nutrition and stay warm, meditate, and refine your listening skills in your spiritual depth.

Go to bed earlier; rise later to boost energy for Spring (nature’s rebirth). Stay active enough to preserve flexibility in the body/mind/heart. Out of balance Water can be aggravated in Winter: depression, lack of motivation, arthritis, low energy, urinary dysfunction, feeling lackluster, “feeling cold to the bone.”

Foods In the Winter, eat fewer cold, raw, foods—such as salads, raw veggies: switch to warm hearty soups, whole grains, roasted nuts, dried foods, dark beans, seaweeds, wintergreens, and partake in warm, cooked, sautéed, steamed, roasted, baked whole foods.

Salty and bitter flavors balance our Kidneys in the Winter cold season.

Remember that moderation is

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

important! Proper diagnosis can target imbalances and tailor your body to balancing food and herbs—energetic nutrition for body-mind. Avoid: cooling foods and fruits, raw foods, excessive salt. Eat in season, organic!

Factors which Deplete Jing (Kidney Qi, Yin, Yang, Essence): 1. Stress, fear, insecurity, overwork 2. Toxins: alcohol, drugs, coffee, tobacco, heavy metals 3. Excessive sweet-flavored food 4.

Too much dietary protein 5. Too much semen loss, particularly in “old age” 6.

Too many childbirths without rebuilding energy after each one

Winter Season...

and the

Herbs Since Winter is the time to replenish our energy, adrenals, Qi, partake in kidney yang-qi tonics. These herbs have an adaptagenic effect, meaning that they strengthen our kidney immunity and boost adrenals. These herbs are the ginsengs, cordyceps, astragalus, rhodiola, ashwagandha, to name a few. Usually by blending a few of these herbs with herbs that are slightly warming (like cinnamon bark), plus a sprinkle of invigorating/ strengthening blood, a beautiful synergistic formula is created! Herbs are so wonderful, in that, they are specific for you and what you need.

Here are warm and nourishing foods and herbs to add to your winter diet: 1. Bitter goes to the Heart: Lettuce, watercress, endive, turnip, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, carrot top, rye, oats, quinoa, amaranth, citrus peel, chicory root, burdock root, horsetail, chaparral

(Dandy Blend) 2. Salty goes to the Kidneys: Miso, soy sauce, seaweeds, sea salt, millet, barley, Braggs amino acids 3. Warming Yang-Qi: Cloves, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, anise seeds, black peppercorn, ginger, cinnamon bark, walnuts, black beans, onion family, quinoa, chicken, lamb, trout, salmon 4. Jing Tonics: Micro-Algae, wheat grass, almonds, milk, ghee, nettles, royal jelly, bee pollen, chicken, mussels, fish, liver, kidneys, marrow from bone (RNA/DNA, rich in B12, Vit.A, collagen, L-Glutamine, minerals, etc.)

Omega-3s (good quality cold water fish oil) EPA/DHA 2,000-4,000 mg/day Black sesame seeds, black soybeans, chestnuts, raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, black or dark colors in food go to kidneys, black beans, kidney beans, adzuki beans, winter squash, potato with skins, parsley, sweet rice, rose hips, schissandra fruit, goji berries

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

23

think about

Value-Added Ag for gift giving

by Katy Budge When making up your gift lists, don’t forget about tasty presents from local farmers markets. No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuffing a head of lettuce in someone’s stocking or trying to figure out how to wrap a stalk of Brussels sprouts. It means you can look to what are known as “value-added products” for your gift ideas. One of the official USDA definitions of such a product is: “A change in the physical state or form of the product (such as milling wheat into flour or making strawberries into jam.” Well, just right there is a festive holiday morning for someone on your holiday list, and/or yourself! “Value-added” is a simple, straightforward concept that helps food producers get more bang for their labor. While fresh ingredients have a limited shelf-life, value-added products extend it. For example, dried peppers are turned into a wreath, grassfed beef is dehydrated into jerky, olives are pressed into liquid gold, plump cucumbers become a jar of pickles, acres of grapes are aged into wine … you get the idea.

Whether you give individual items or a brimming basket, yummy treats always make great holiday gifts -especially when they represent the rich bounty of the Central Coast and support our wonderful local food producers!

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Pumpkin Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Recipe: 1 cup spelt flour (or your choice) /½ cup old fashioned oats/1 teaspoon ground cinnamon/½ teaspoon baking soda/½ teaspoon sea salt/pinch of ground nutmeg/¾ cup pumpkin puree / ½ cup sucanat or other raw, natural sugar/¼ cup/ extra virgin coconut oil/½ tablespoon ground flaxseed/1 teaspoon pure vanilla/¼ cup vegan chocolate chips or carob chips. Mix the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, sea salt and nutmeg in a small bowl. In a separate bowl mix the pumpkin, sugar, coconut oil, flaxseed and vanilla. Combine both mixtures along with the chocolate or carob chips. Transfer the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 to 16 minutes. Allow to cool before enjoying! More #recipes: www.slosolstice.com

Commercial Professional Office Post Construction Residential COASTLINE CLEANING CO.

HIPAA Compliant

Always Eco-Conscious

Deanna M. Onozuka 805.400.5433 PO Box 13508,

SLO 93406

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

25

Hyper Fresh Hyper Local!

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. California Fresh Market in SLO has designed the store for maximum shopper efficiency, wellness, and savings. Their mission to serve up “hyperfresh and hyperlocal” products has thrilled a new wave of shoppers to their San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach locations. In addition to a sushi bar, deli, and full service butcher shop featuring USDA prime and choice meats as well as fresh, wild caught seafood, the store incorporated an organic juice bar to accommodate customers in need of quick nutrition during their shopping trips. Featuring freshly squeezed organic juices, wheatgrass shots and smoothies,

the bar provides a hearty supplement for the hungry shopper. With a streamlined design the store negates the annoyance of searching aisle after aisle for products, and with a fresh smoothie in hand, grocery shopping becomes something to look forward to. With eight aisles packed with affordable nutritious products, an overflowing produce section and bulk bins, California Fresh has seen a surge in business that is proving the store’s model a success. In addition to these features, the store accepts the AppleApp which makes your shopping experience even more streamlined.

Coffee and Organic Juice Bar, Deli and Bakery Department, and Full Service Butcher Shop plus Fresh Wild Caught Seafood

555 Five Cities Dr • Pismo Beach, CA • (805) 295-7162 771 E. Foothill Blvd • San Luis Obispo, CA • (805) 250-1425 26

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Family Membership

850 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach CA (805) 489-4747

Succulents house plants & unique home accessories www. ronsingroverbeach.com

Makes a Great Gift!

Club use included w/ spa service Relax by one of our pools, Or take a fitness class!

(805) 595-7600 • AvilaBayClub.com

6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, CA

Eco-Friendly

GIFTS Local Sustainable Handcrafted Herbal Products

Made with certified organic ingredients

M-Sat. 10-6 Sun. 11-5

handcrafted tinctures • herbal healing salves soy candles • spicy spritzers • air fresheners basta bug balm • aromatherapy roll-ons supreme cremes • savory sauces • bath salts and maternity products Ruth Madocks 805-481-9205 RuthsHerbalRemedies.com • ruth@ruthsherbalremedies.com

1023 Broad Street • SLO www.bambubatu.com

Carol Dawn RN, CMT.

Nat Cert. Reflexologist 26 yrs in business locally specializing in aromatherapy

(805) 546-8660 No Sugar Added • Cold or Hot Cereals 4 Nuts & Seeds • Fruits & Raw Grains

www.mueslimunch.com

Enlivening & rebalancing our community, one foot at a time! www.caroldawnsreflexology.com 27

goods deeds in SLO...

Volunteer!

It doesn’t have to be a lifetime commitment.

Many churches, shelters and nonprofit organizations need help serving meals and cleaning up after holiday events. Or, volunteer to read or write a letter for a senior who may not have great eyesight, or help with yardwork, grocery shopping or home repairs.If you do want to make a longerterm commitment, www.volunteerslo.org lists many opportunities.

EFT consists of fingertip tapping on meridian end-points. Research shows EFT influences positive Neuroplasticity and supports the healing of PTSD, anxiety, stress, fear, phobias and depression, Emotional Freedom Techniques and reduces cortisol levels. EFT balances Mia Simmons the activity of the parasympathetic and Cert-1, ADV, Level 3 • Certified EFT Practitioner sympathetic regions of the brain, making Practice Established 2006 • mia@miasimmons.com 805.528.7586 • www.miasimmons.com EFT a powerful healing tool.

A local full service energy consulting firm with over a decade of experience specializing in:

Carstairs Energy

(805) 904-9048 2238 Bayview Heights Drive Suite E LOS OSOS, CA 93402 title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com 28

• • • • •

HERS I Ratings (Diagnostic Testing) HERS II Ratings ( Whole-House Energy Audits) Title 24 Energy Compliance Documentation ACCA Manual J, D, and S Reports & HVAC Design PV Solar Consulting (NSHP Program)

the city of San Luis Obispo takes on

Climate Change

by Madeline Palaszewski The City of San Luis Obispo is marching to the forefront of sustainability. In fact, the city hired its first Sustainability Manager, Chris Read, in the spring of 2018.

The city has implemented many programs to help achieve environmental goals, including regulations on plastic and Styrofoam usage. Emphasis on climate change and ways the city can reduce effects of it will take center stage in 2019. According to Chris Read, in 2019 the city will focus on updating its climate action plan to include the carbon neutral by 2035 target. Carbon neutrality, or net-zero energy, is a state in which the net amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere is reduced to zero because it is balanced by actions to reduce or offset these emissions. Read says these efforts will include numerous opportunities for engagement by the public, including community workshops and a five part lecture series. The city will continue implementing gas reduction measures including onsite solar, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle charger infrastructure.

For more information on the city’s plans and ways you can get involved visit slocity.org/sustainability.

29

Staying Healthy

by Hepsharat Amadi, MD This season is meant to be a happy time of celebration, but often it can become The Perfect Storm of high stress, too much rich food, family feuds, lack of exercise, weight gain and overspending. Here are some tips that can help you to minimize stress, and maximize peace and joy: • Take at least a 30 min. time out for exercise each day. Just a walk around the neighborhood can help boost your metabolism and mood.

• Don't talk politics at the dinner table with people who do not agree with your point of view: arguments and disagreements are bad for the digestion!

• Chew your food thoroughly and slowly and enjoy each morsel: enough is as good as a feast!

• Don't eat late in the day. The same amount of food will have more of a tendency to cause weight gain if eaten later, rather than earlier, in the day.

• Exercise moderation in sugar and alcohol intake (and allergenic foods like gluten and dairy): a little bit goes a long way and too much will make you feel bad later.

• Don't get yourself deep in debt with holiday shopping. Consider making gifts or doing services for people that you know they would appreciate. A gift certificate for a nice massage or scented candle or aromatherapy oil makes a nice present—and so does home baked cookies or hand made ornaments.

Perhaps most important of all, remember to be thankful for all of your blessings and for the people in your life.

30

avocado, cilantro and dill

Dressing

Recipe: 3 avocados, 1 bunch of cilantro, 1/2 cup of dill, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup coconut milk, juice of 1 squeezed lime, 1/8 tsp. sea salt, garlic and onion powder. Blend on high. Store in a mason jar in the fridge. Enjoy!

More recipes: www.slosolstice.com

Smile

It’s More Than Just a Beautiful Proud to be

Mercury Free & Safe!

The Central Coast’s Best Biological Dentist!

Providing better dentistry, in a less toxic, more individualized, and environmentally friendly way.

Walk Ins and Emergencies Welcome Services We Offer: Dental Cleanings • Tooth Colored Fillings 805-929-6814 Extractions. Bridges • Crowns • Dentures 530 W. Tefft Street Root Canal Therapy and Alternatives • TMJ Splints

Nipomo, CA 93444 Ask About Our Implants, PRF, & Ozone Treatments

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

31

The Magical Crock-Pot...

Many of us have a very efficient and time saving appliance sitting on a kitchen shelf. What is it? The crock-pot! There are so many good reasons to use one. For example: Crock pot meals are lower in fat, due to the fact that the foods cook in their own juices. Foods cooked in crock pots retain much more of their vitamins and minerals than do foods that are fried or boiled. This is because of the fact that they are cooked for such a long time at such a low temperature. There is also less chance of scorching or burning your food because of the low temperatures that a crock pot uses to cook. Using a crock pot frees up your oven and stove top for other types of cooking or baking that you might like to do. This can be especially useful during the holidays, when you are cooking for a crowd and every bit of extra cooking space helps. You can leave the house while the food cooks. If your mornings are too hectic to actually get the ingredients for dinner into the slow cooker, try the nightbefore technique. Toss everything into the pot before you go to bed, and then turn the appliance on.

When you wake up, transfer that perfectly cooked meal into a plastic container, let it cool to room temperature while you shower, then refrigerate it. The flavors will intensify so it'll taste 32

minimal effort, maximum taste! even better when you reheat it that evening.

Also, one-pot means fewer dishes to wash.

Many of the foods that are so ideal for slow-cooking also happen to be the most inexpensive. Here are a few ideas: Zesty Black Bean Soup: Drizzle olive oil on bottom of the crock pot and add 2 cans of drained and rinsed black beans. Next, toss in a handful of fresh chopped cilantro, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, and 2 medium diced red onions. Add 8 cloves of minced garlic, 2 1/2 tablespoons of dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons ground cumin. Then, add about 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth. Cook on low for about 8 hours in crock pot. (Tip: Crock pots work best when 2/3 to 3/4 full) Potato and Root Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil on the bottom of crock pot and add one small clove of minced garlic. Fill crock pot with peeled potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces, chopped carrots, halved Brussels sprouts, and large cubes of yellow squash.

Toss in a couple whole bay leaves. Add small chunks of ham (optional), and a couple of cups of vegetable broth, depending on the size of your crock pot. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. You may also use frozen vegetables for this dish; just add less liquid to the crock pot.

Yes, a Crock Pot Cake: Coat crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Make your favorite cake recipe, then pour batter into crock pot and cook on low for about 2 hours. Cake is ready when it pulls away from the sides and there are no wet spots on top. No peeking! If you open the lid of your crock pot, add 20 minutes to the cook time.

Vegetarian Crock Pot Chili: 1 large onion, chopped /1 green pepper, chopped /1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper /3 garlic cloves, minced /ž ounce ground cumin seed (or 2 tablespoons cumin powder) /1 ounce plain chili powder /2 tablespoons dijon style mustard /1 tablespoon sea salt /1 tablespoon dried basil /1 tablespoon dried oregano /2 tablespoons red wine/2 tablespoons lemon juice/1 6 ounce can tomato paste /2 28 ounce cans chopped tomatoes (or 8 large fresh plum tomatoes, chopped) 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups that you've cooked) /1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed /1 cup texturized vegetable protein (soy crumbles) /water as needed. Combine everything in crock pot and cook on high for about 3 hours then reduce to low for about 4 hours.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

33

Butternut Kale soup

by Courtney Coleman

Recipe: 4 lbs winter squash (butternut, acorn, delecata, or sugar pumpkin) / 1 yellow onion, diced / 4-5 stalks celery (about 1/2 a bunch, diced) / 1 bunch any kind of kale, chopped / 6 cups (or so) vegetable or chicken or bone broth / 1 tbsp dried marjoram, and 1 tsp each dried sage and dill / 4 tbsp ghee or virgin coconut oil / 1.5 tsp fine ground sea salt (Real Salt, Celtic, Himalayan or Portuguese) / optional: 2 tsp yellow curry powder, OR 1tsp each ground: turmeric, coriander and ginger / optional: lemon juice for each serving. Bake 4 lbs whole winter squash in an uncovered pan or dish at 350 degrees for 60-75 min. When squash is soft, remove from oven to cool for 20 minutes. Saute diced onion in ghee/coconut oil on medium heat for 6 minutes (stir every 2 minutes). Add diced celery and 1 cup filtered water (and ground spices if desired), and saute for 4 more minutes on medium-low heat (stirring every 30 seconds). Next, add 2 cups chopped kale (or any leafy greens), and sea salt. Cover to steam for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle in marjoram, sage and dill, stir and turn off heat. Scoop out the seeds, discard the skin, and mash the meat of your cooling squash with a fork. Add the winter squash (minus the skin and seeds) and the chicken or vegetable stock to the veggie mixture and stir.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

Pismo Pickers a central coast treasure trove

by Stacy Morse When you step into Pismo Pickers Antiques & Vintage you enter into a realm of nostalgia and comfort. With over 20 vendors bringing in unique styles daily, they have an abundant collection of antiques and modern items to peruse. Whether you’re shopping for vintage holiday decor, jewelry, vinyl, glassware, furniture or just treasure hunting, here you’ll find a plethora of items that will have you reminiscing while you take a walk down memory lane. For over 7 years, our vendors have been bringing in their new and antique items from around the world. Pismo Pickers Antiques & Vintage, now under the ownership of Rhonda O’Dell, is one of Pismo’s greatest treasure troves. Their friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Stop by this holiday season for some vintage decor or gift ideas. You never know what kind of treasures you may find.

e

g a t n i V &

35

8-Hoop House

by Blaze Elation

If you have read Solstice Green Directory, you may have noticed that we are all about recycling and repurposing material, growing food, gardening, and ecological alternatives. Here is a fun project I am working on that brings all these themes together. My husband and I are converting an abandoned house foundation into a hoop house garden. The foundation is essentially a 2-foot-tall rectangular concrete wall that creates a large rectangular area 14 feet wide by 48 feet long. Instead of tearing it out and wasting all the concrete, we are using it as the base for a season extension garden structure called a hoop house. The name is in reference to the roof, which is made using several 20 ft long pieces of PVC pipe or metal pipe that are arched to create a tunnel of hoops and then covered with a thick, UV rated plastic. Hoop houses can be small to cover a single row of vegetables in the garden anchored in the ground with rebar or they can be very large to cover acres of berries or other commercial fruits, vegetables, or flowers. We are going to use our hoop house to grow frost sensitive vegetables for a longer or extended season. We will also use it to get a head start on our summer garden by germinating seeds in the hoop house in early spring before it is warm enough to plant directly into the outdoor garden. And lastly, I am going to use the hoop house to propagate native plants for my sustainable landscape business.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

My name is Blaze Elation... a Central Coast

native with a passion for all things botanical that contribute to the complex beauty of our ecosystem. My company is Elationscapes. Permaculture and sustainable land management are one side of what we do. We design and install livingscapes, food forests, and gardens for homeowners or businesses. On some days you may find us tending to bee boxes, installing owl boxes, or restoring riparian areas, and on other days creating designs that provide a comfortable place to consider and admire the beauty of our surroundings. We do not accept the notion that we are separate from the environment; rather, we embrace the fact that we are a very important part with huge potential to either degrade or improve. At Elationscapes, we choose to improve! We work with local property owners, vineyards and businesses to create a symbiotic relationship with their ecosystem. We strive to build soils, increase water retention and infiltration, create habitat for beneficial insects, and generally boost the health of the ecosystem. We support local business and strive toward a sustainable future for SLO County. This is all made possible by my talented and artistic co-designer Kelsey Day Karol and my wonderful crew of masons, master gardeners, and landscapers. And of course, my clients that want to have a relationship with their land or want to create that experience for their customers. Contact us at www.elationscapes.com.

build a relationship with your land specializing in

ecological landscaping + permaculture design

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

37

the lack of the

Right Type of Exercise

can be detrimental to your health

by Coach Chris Cucchiara Strength training is scientifically proven to promote overall whole health and longevity, it also reverses the aging process! 80% of adults are not engaging in enough physical activity to reach prescribed guidelines.

Especially for seniors and for those who are obese. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are extremely dangerous. What are the dangers of being weak? Increased risk of serious adverse health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, cholesterol issues, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, depression, loss of balance, loss of bone density, and death from any cause. Though staying active is important, strength building exercise is essential no matter what your age or current physical condition. There is a misconception that older individuals or those with physical challenges should stay away from any strenuous activity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There have been hundreds of weight training studies with volunteers from ages 5590 that prove it is critical for optimal health and longevity. Studies also suggest the importance of engaging with safe equipment, careful warm-up and cooling down, and a focus on using the correct range of motion. Additional studies conclude utilizing the High Intensity Strength Training (HIT) method is particularly beneficial for seniors.

• 30% strength lost over 12 years in older generations, restored in 1 year of strength training • Strength training revitalizes aging genes and reverses the aging process • Dr. Simon Melov identified 179 Genes Related to Aging. They revert to youthful levels of expression after 26 Weeks of Strength Training 38

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

ReGenesis360 Celebrates First Year!

Coach Chris Cucchiara’s Evidence-based and Highly Individualized Preventive Lifestyle Center, ReGenesis360, celebrates its first year in business this November! Located in Pismo Beach, California, ReGenesis 360 provides you with complete life enhancing elements built on: HOCATT™ Ozone Steam Sauna: World leader in Cellular Enhancement and Detoxification by Infusing 8 Scientifically Proven Modalities in only 30 Minutes. ARX Resistance Training: World’s Safest and Most Effective Exercise System. The ARX two-piece system provides a full body workout in only 20-minutes! Lifestyle Concierge: Personalized Lifestyle Coaching. We help you in designing a lifestyle blueprint that ensures you live your life with balance and simplicity while serving your higher purpose! Grounded in a strong community network of MD’s, Naturopaths, Biological Dentistry, Chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals, the team at ReGenesis360 is already having a lasting impact on the Central Coast!

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

39

complementary

Health

going mainstream

We're all doing our best to stay healthy.

That includes healthier food choices, a visit to the chiropractor, naturopath, vitamin supplements, essential oils, herbal teas, massage, yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates and meditation. In the U.S. the Standard America Diet (SAD) has been off track for so long that it has created a widespread health crisis. It is severely lacking in the recommended amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits and grains.

Herbs and spices are also a possibility for inclusion in the treatment of certain health issues. The list goes on and on.

If you have tried any of these, then you are among the nearly two-thirds of Americans that use complementary or alternative medicine. While these approaches to staying healthy have

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

been around for a long time, it's only been in the past decade or so that they have moved from alternative fringe to mainstream. These trends are becoming popular because of several things: 1) A growing body of credible scientific research supports their effectiveness. 2) There is a growing demand for more natural, non-invasive therapies. 3) Growing recognition by conventional practitioners that healing is best accomplished by holistic treatments that incorporate the mind, body and spirit. Today, you can find a yoga class at almost any YMCA or community college. Prestigious medical schools now have departments of complementary and alternative health.

The U.S. government established the

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in 1992 under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health, to investigate and evaluate promising unconventional medical practices. It is becoming common practice to utilize both conventional and more natural therapies to create optimum health. New research and long term evidence are showing that alternative therapies can effectively work hand-in-hand with conventional treatment resulting in greater health benefits for all. The overall goal is to reduce long term medical bills by applying common sense, and healthy lifestyle practices so serious illness can be prevented in the first place.

Kathryn A. Perry, DO Traditional Osteopathy Rational integration of conventional and alternative healthcare approaches.

777 Pismo Street, Suite B San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

(805) 548-8490 Traditional Osteopathic Practice

Gift Cert. Avail.

Shamanism • Holistic Nutritionist Energy Medicine • Medical Intuitive tel: (805) 478-1223 www.thehealingworks.org

Preventative holistic healthcare taking into account the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

41

why is fresh

Orange Juice

so Good

for you?

There's orange juice and then there's fresh squeezed orange juice. One is processed and full of sugar; the other is the pure juice of an orange and full of good ingredients. 1) Each glass of fresh orange juice provides you with your recommended daily dosage of Vitamin C. 2) There are enough flavonoids in fresh orange juice that can help to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. 3) Along with being high in antioxidants fresh orange juice contains large amounts of dietary

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

fibre, folates and thiamine. 4) Studies carried out have shown that it can protect you against cancer and heart disease and improve the way your immune system responds to attacks.

5) By drinking fresh orange juice you can reduce how much damage free radicals are doing to the cellular structure of your body. 6) The various phyto-nutrients and flavonoids to be found in freshly squeezed orange juice can help to protect you against various degenerative diseases.

life in the

Blue Zones

by Annie Keohane

When longevity expert Dan Buettner conducted a National Geographic-funded study to research the world’s longest-lived cultures, he discovered people who live their older years healthfully and happily, sometimes into their hundreds. Here are some takeaways from his book .

The Blue Zones: Eat a predominantly plant-based diet; mostly fruits and vegetables, some grains, small amounts of nuts and seeds. If you eat meat, eat small amounts no more than 2 or 3 times a week. Beans are a staple of all of these longevity diets, as is some kind of fermented food. Eat fresh and local; the nutrient levels are much higher. And lots of leafy greens. A Tower Garden is a great investment; water and space efficient, it pays for itself quickly and is an easy way

to access fresh-picked greens daily. To drink: water, herbal teas, green tea, coffee in small amounts. Mostly water! Moderate daily exercise, strong social connections (easy on our Central Coast!), and lots of love and laughter are also keystones of these cultures.

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in beautiful Cambria

Day, Weekend or Week- long available Longer term, in-home stays considered

Annie Keohane

805-801-2547 annie.ouray@gmail.com

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spiced

Pumpkin soup...

a delicious winter treat!

Recipe: 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, or 4 cups freshly-baked pumpkin chunks /1 large leek, cleaned, white parts chopped /1 medium onion, chopped /1/2 celery root, peeled and chopped /2 tart apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and chopped /7 cups good-quality vegetable broth/ 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger /1 teaspoon crumbled fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage /1 teaspoon dried thyme /sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste /1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric /dash of nutmeg /1 cup apple cider /1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt (or non dairy) Gently steam the leeks, onion, celery root, and apples in a large Dutch oven or soup pot with 1/2 cup of the broth until soft, about 10 minutes. Add remaining stock and pumpkin. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add ginger, sage, thyme, salt, turmeric, nutmeg, and a few grinds of pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired. Process about half the soup in a blender or with a hand-held blender. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the cider and yogurt. Soup should be slightly chunky. Gently heat, but do not boil. Enjoy!

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here are some reasons to avoid

Canola Oil

By Margaret DeStefano Although marketing campaigns position canola oil as healthy, and it’s popular because of its low price, this is one oil that isn’t doing your body much good.

If you thought it was one of the “good” oils, please think again. Harvard School of Public Health Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. Guy Crosby states that there are lots of reasons to be concerned about canola oil. “Most canola is chemically extracted using a solvent called hexane, and heat is often applied which can affect the stability of the oil’s molecules, turn it rancid, destroy the omega-3s in it, and can even create trans fats,” he said. Trans fats are linked to serious health problems, such as systemic inflammation and a higher risk of developing stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

And don’t forget the weight gain!

Because canola oil comes from genetically modified rapeseeds, it can reduce kidney and liver function and increase cancer risk. On top of that, it can deplete your body’s levels of vitamin E and raise your triglycerides by more than 40 percent. It has been linked to a rise in lung cancers, and it increases membrane rigidity, triggering degenerative diseases. In short, if you care about your health, you’d do well to avoid this oil and stick to natural fats like olive oil.

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45

What

is your

If you are like me, there are areas in which you can improve. Let's not get on our high horse and judge others about how well or poorly they are doing. Rather, let us be an example by doing the best we can to follow these standards that support sustainability and a happier Planet Earth. After all, there is NO PLANET B.

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"environmentalist"

Score?

by Judes Kingsbury

Here are ways to see how well you are doing: 1) Meat eating contributes a huge percentage of greenhouse emissions produced by the livestock raised for food. Eating meat causes major contributions to global warming.

Are you a vegetarian including NO dairy (Vegan)? 10 points 2) Municipal Solid waste in the form of paper consumption results in 40% of the landfill contents.

Do you choose electronic online statements and communication in lieu of snail mail and paper print outs (hard copies) whenever possible? Saving paper whenever possible, including towels over paper towels, electronic note taking over paper and notebooks, keeps paper products out of the landfills 10 points 3) Do you carry canvas and other reusable bags, including reusable produce bags, and always use them in lieu of plastic or paper bags? 10 points 4) Do you compost all your organic material in order to keep it out of the trash and eventual landfill, also resulting in nourishing your garden? 10 points 5) Are all your light bulbs compact fluorescent light bulbs rather than standard? Compact Fluorescent light bulbs last 5 times longer than standard

type bulbs and use far less electricity.

10 points 6) Have you replaced paper and plastic products around the home with cloth including sponges, plastic soap dispensers, paper towels? If you use wash cloths in lieu of paper towels, a bar of soap in lieu of liquid soap that comes in a plastic pump bottle, and rags and / or towels rather than disposable cleaning wipes, give yourself 10 points.

7) Do you turn off and/ or unplug all electric appliances and lights whenever you leave a room? 10 points. 8) Do you wash FULL loads of clothes in your washing machine, and always use an outside solar dryer or clothes rack (no gas or electric dryer)? 10 points 9) Do you shop second hand stores, thrift stores, garage sales, ebay, and other stores that sell previously used products? Do you make a point to buy quality items meant to last for many years that do not need to be replaced due to poor design and cheap manufacturing? 10 points. 10) Do you make a point to use reusable coffee cups, utensils, cloth, water bottles, take out containers, produce bags and more rather than getting disposables that are thrown away and end up in our landfills?

10 points.

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how fashion almost destroyed

the Great Egret

by Madeline Palaszewski

The elegant Great Egret is a stunning sight and can be seen in many areas of the Central Coast. Smaller than a Great Blue Heron, the Great Egret is still a large bird with vast wingspans. These birds hunt by standing still or wading through wetlands to capture fish, frogs, worms and insects. The Great Egret is thriving today but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, at the turn of the 20th century, Great Egrets were hunted nearly to extinction for their dazzling feathers. A pure white Great Egret feather atop a hat was quite the fashion statement in those days. According to the book, “Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle,” at the peak of the trade, an ounce of egret plume fetched the modern equivalent of two thousand dollars. Every ounce of breeding plumes represented six dead adults, and each slain pair left behind three to five starving nestlings.

Millions of birds died, and by the turn of the century survived only in the deep Everglades and other remote wetlands. The slaughter inspired conservationists to campaign for protections and restrictions. Several laws were passed including one in New York State that outlawed the sale of all native birds and their feathers. Passage of the Weeks-McLean Act in 1913 and the Migratory Bird Act in 1918 took the protections nationwide. Today, the Great Egret is thriving in North America and in many fresh and salt water areas along the Central Coast.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

For Cat Lovers!

“What greater gift than the love of a cat.” ~ Charles Dickens Unlike our canine friends who leap at the chance to sprint out the front door, chase the tennis ball down the hallway or gobble up the bag of spilled treats off the kitchen floor, cats tend to pick and choose their battles more carefully. They take that extra moment to look, think and ponder from afar before deciding if the current attraction is truly worth their attention. They even move more intentionally as they climb to seemingly impossible heights and then find safe ways to get down. They are thoughtful, strategic and deliberate — all characteristics their owners value and even hope to embody themselves. Studies show that cat purrs can help lower their owner’s stress levels as well as reduce their blood pressure. Additionally, cats can create purr vibrations from 20 to 140 Hertz, a frequency said to be medically helpful for a variety of illnesses, reported Scientific American. As if you needed one more reason to scratch behind your kitty’s ears! Any cat owner will tell you that these creatures are as hilarious as they are cute. From playful mishaps to outright fails, it’s impossible not to laugh (a little at their expense) and subsequently reap the benefits of such outbursts. Last year, researchers at California’s Loma Linda University found that watching just 20 minutes of funny videos reduced subjects’ cortisol levels substantially and assisted the short-term memory of older participants. Other research has linked laughter to a stronger heart and immune system. According to a study from researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute, cat owners are less likely to die from heart attacks. Monitoring nearly 4,500 people (three out of five participants owned a cat) for a 10-year period, the researchers were able to determine that the cat owners experienced a 30 percent reduced risk of death by heart attack than the participants without cats.

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when is a nut not a nut? when it's a

Pine Nut!

Pine nuts are not really nuts but are the edible seeds of about 20 different species of pine cone. They have been eaten as food since the Paleolithic period and today are most commonly eaten as an ingredient in pesto sauce.

Here are some benefits: Weight Loss: Even though they are high in fat, eating pine nuts on a regular basis can boost your weight loss efforts because they contain pinoleic acid, which research has found to be an effective appetite suppressant. Cardiovascular Support: They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked with lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart attack. They are also high in vitamin E, vitamin K, copper,

50

iron, and manganese, all of which help the cardiovascular system. High in Iron: They are a great source of iron, which is a key nutrient for many processes of the body, including circulation and nerve regulation. Anti-Aging: The antioxidants in pine nuts slow down the aging process because they help to remove free radicals from the body. Eye Health: Pine nuts contain lutein, an antioxidant that is crucial to the prevention of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. They also contain vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, another important eye vitamin. Energy Boost: When you are feeling tired or fatigued, pine nuts can give you the boost that you need because they contain protein and magnesium.

Upcoming Events Cambria Christmas Market Nov 23 to Dec 23 Tickets increase by $10 at the door, so purchase in advance at cambriachristmasmarket.com Lighted Boat Parade Sat. Dec 8 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Tickets available at cayucoschamber.com/christmas-in-cayucos Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tours November 23-December 30th Tickets available at www.reservecalifornia.com New Years Eve Sleepover at Monterey Bay Aquarium Ages 5-adult • tickets at www.tickets.montereybayaquarium.org Morro Bay Art Association January 10-February 18th “For the Birds” Annual Exhibit. Meet the Artists January 18th 2-4 p.m.

Free event in celebration of the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival Cambria Art and Wine Festival January 25-27th Downtown Cambria 4rth Annual Tamale Festival January 19th 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunken Gardens Atascadero California Western Monarch Day February 2, 2019 Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, open from 10-4 the month of February with docent talks at 11 and 2 daily www.slocal.com Paso Robles Rhone Ranger Experience February 17th www.rhonerangers.org

Email your next community event to kathleen@slosolstice.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2018-2019

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